My NFL Week 14 Power Rankings
M.D. Wright
12.2.08
Not much has changed since last week. A couple of the middle of the road teams moved up, a few teams that were ranked high are moving down. The bottom 12 still suck and there's no real movement there.
1. New York Football Giants. This is not going to change anymore this year unless all the overkill in the media about P. Burress somehow screws with their chemistry. I don't see that happening.
2. Tennessee Titans. I will respect them 100% if they finish this season with one loss. I honestly see them losing their last two games. But for now, this is where they belong.
3. Indianapolis Colts. I know the Steelers ran through the Patriots, but I still see question marks with the play of B. Roethlisberger. I DON'T with P. Manning. Plus the Colts' defense is playing better.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers. I put them here for now, but if they finish up without a loss, they will jump to #2.
5. Baltimore Ravens. People are sleeping on them. Maybe it was the blowout losses to the Colts and Giants, but aside from those and the ref-aided loss to TEN and the heartbreaker to MIA, where else have they looked iffy? The only real headscratcher was the Colts game, because the Colts weren't playing particularly well up until that point. However, the Colts HAVE played better and more consistently since then, so even that loss does not look bad.
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I still do not like this team and I wonder how they're even getting it done.
7. Carolina Panthers. They're like the stock market -- especially J. Delhomme in the past 4-5 weeks. However, unlike the Market, they are WINNING.
8. Atlanta Falcons. I don't care what anyone says. "Matty Ice" is getting it done, M. Turner and R. White are having career years -- so is M. Jenkins. Oh, and their defense isn't half bad, either.
9. New York Football Jets. Having watched the Jets up close for so long, I can't say I'm TOTALLY surprised by their loss Sunday, but it did still kind of catch me off guard with the way they had played in the weeks prior. Besides, Denver's offense is still potent -- it's their defense that isn't.
10. Arizona Cardinals. They can't win on the road, but I'm not putting Dallas ahead of them yet.
11. Dallas Cowboys. They won two games that they desperately needed to win (they're not in the playoffs if they began today), but they have PIT and NYG remaining on the docket. That would put them at (at least) 6 losses. You cannot afford that in the NFC this year. We will know what they are made of after playing the Giants at home.
12. Washington Redskins. They're reeling. BADLY.
13. Miami Dolphins. Hard to count them out or take them seriously as contenders right now.
14. Denver Broncos. Great offense. Terrible defense. They're only winning the AFC West this year because the Chargers were dead after Week 2.
15. New England Patriots. EXPOSED.
16. Philadelphia Eagles. The Iggles are like roaches. Have to hand it to them for being resilient.
17. Chicago Bears. Don't know what to make of their defense getting shredded the past few games, but you can't expect Orton to dig you out of the hole when you're spotting your opponent 10 points before your offense gets on the field good.
18. Minnesota Vikings. I would put them even lower, but they are 7-5 right now. They are losing their two starting defensive tackles for the remainder of the regular season. I am not big on Gloom and Doom, but the way it appears, they're going to need to at least split their remaining four games to win the NFC North. Without the Williamses, they won't be able to stop the Giants for the three quarters that the Giants starters will be in the game Week 17. That might be the killer for their season -- and sadly (unless you're a vapid Vikings fan) Brad Childress' job.
19. New Orleans Saints. So much for people who predict games on the premise of "they NEED to win this game, so I think they will". If the Saints EVER needed a win, it was Sunday, against a common opponent that they share with Dallas and Atlanta. They're done.
20. Green Bay Packers. Have teams caught onto what they do with Grant? Is their offensive line, with the shuffling that has been taking place of late, the culprit? Is it Rodgers, even though he's mostly played well, the INTs that he's thrown in their last three losses have directly contributed to their losses. Especially the New Orleans game last week. Good lord.
21. Buffalo Bills. Losing to SF = DONE. Wasted a 134 yard performance from M. Lynch.
22. Houston Texans. Their current motivation: 1) Stay out of the division basement. CHECK. 2) Finish strong and be the Colts' or Titans' doormat for another primetime game next season. PENDING. They have four weeks to "show and prove" as we used to say.
23. San Francisco 49ers. I think they will be a .500 team next year. They've played impressively at times under #50.
24. Cleveland Browns. This team is a disgrace. So much wasted talent and a clueless/puppet coach. I like Romeo Crennel. I just hate to see a team basically quit on their coach. And the injuries? Yikes.
25. San Diego Chargers. I don't think ANYONE saw a 4-8 start (and possibly 5-11/6-10 finish) coming from them -- nor Tomlinson going Shaun Alexander on us BEFORE he turned 30. Toe injury or not. I was one of the first on his bandwagon after that 406 yard rushing game that I watched live on ESPN back in the day -- now the media and fantasy football players are too late jumping off it. He's still my boy, though.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars. Same with them, although not to the same extent. I knew they'd miss Stroud more than they thought. Their free agents and draft picks aren't producing (yet) and their offensive line has been a M*A*S*H* unit all year; including the shooting of Richard Collier.
27. Oakland Raiders. They're feisty!
28. Kansas City Chiefs. So are they!
29. Seattle Seahawks. God bless Mike Holmgren.
30. St. Louis Rams. They keep saying how Haslett should keep his job. Wasn't his tenure in New Orleans just like this?
31. Cincinnati Bengals. I hope ol' Marv and OCHENTA Cinco have their bags packed...
32. Detroit Lions. Good Lord take the shoestrings out of Rod Marinelli's shoes and put him on 24-hr watch.
As politically incorrect as I wanna be.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
ESPN's Week 14 Power Rankings
ESPN's Week 14 Power Rankings
1 (1) Giants 11-1-0 This team seems to welcome adversity. The Giants set aside the Plaxico controversy and easily defeated the Redskins on the road. (MM)
2 (2) Titans 11-1-0 They got the Bears without Kyle Orton; now they get the Browns without Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson. (PK)
3 (4) Steelers 9-3-0 Pittsburgh's defense is definitely Super Bowl-caliber. But is it enough to carry the rest of the team to Tampa? (JW)
4 (5) Buccaneers 9-3-0 The defense was able to shut down Drew Brees. QB Jeff Garcia has played well of late, and that needs to continue in Monday night's showdown at Carolina. (PY)
5 (7) Panthers 9-3-0 The Panthers are coming off an impressive win in Lambeau Field. But the defense will have to play better in a Monday-night showdown with Tampa Bay. (PY)
6 (6) Colts 8-4-0 The Colts found a way to win on an ugly day for the offense. The Colts are going to win at least 11 games. (PK)
7 (3) Jets 8-4-0 The Jets' tumble from prominence happened by 17 points on their own field. (TG)
8 (9) Cowboys 8-4-0 The Cowboys are gaining some momentum, but they're known for December swoons. And a road game in Pittsburgh looms. (MM)
9 (10) Falcons 8-4-0 A huge road win in San Diego keeps the Falcons very much in the playoff hunt. They can clinch a winning season with a victory over New Orleans. (PY)
10 (13) Ravens 8-4-0 If the Ravens get into the postseason, this is the type of physical team no one wants to face in January. (JW)
11 (8) Patriots 7-5-0 This still is a good team, with four games left to prove it belongs in the playoffs. (TG)
12 (11) Cardinals 7-5-0 The schedule eases for the Cardinals as they hit the home stretch. (MS)
13 (12) Redskins 7-5-0 They're giving back all the cushion they earned during a brutal first half of the season. Sunday against Baltimore is a must-win. (MM)
14 (19) Broncos 7-5-0 Can anyone figure out the Broncos? A week after they looked silly against the Raiders, the Broncos shut down the mighty Jets. (BW)
15 (17) Vikings 7-5-0 Will the Vikings lose the Williams Wall just as they take over first place in the NFC North? (KS)
16 (14) Dolphins 7-5-0 Their lackluster victory over the Rams was the only Week 13 triumph among AFC East clubs, putting them one game out of first place. (TG)
17 (21) Eagles 6-5-1 They're back in the picture if they can beat the Giants on the road. Their strong showing against the Cardinals shows that Donovan McNabb still has something left. (MM)
18 (16) Saints 6-6-0 Their playoff hopes are pretty much shot. But the Saints have a chance to play spoiler for the Falcons on Sunday. (PY)
19 (15) Bears 6-6-0 The Bears didn't look too smooth Sunday night, but they need to realize they're only one game out in the division. A lot can still happen. (KS)
20 (20) Packers 5-7-0 If they suffer one more loss, then you can pretty much rule out a second consecutive division title -- if you haven't already. (KS)
21 (18) Bills 6-6-0 If the Bills ever announce a Dick Jauron contract extension, fans might load the Mayflower trucks and wave as they drive across the Peace Bridge. (TG)
22 (23) Texans 5-7-0 Two good defensive efforts in a row are a good sign. Will it translate in Green Bay? (PK)
23 (22) Chargers 4-8-0 If it isn't over in San Diego, the end is very near. (BW)
24 (24) Jaguars 4-8-0 Objective for Chicago game: Have David Garrard drop back without a lineman tripping him up. (PK)
25 (27) 49ers 4-8-0 Against all odds, the Niners are not yet mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. (MS)
26 (25) Browns 4-8-0 The Browns lost QBs Derek Anderson (knee) and Brady Quinn (finger) in one week. Can it get any worse? (JW)
27 (31) Chiefs 2-10-0 There?s nothing like a win in Oakland to cheer up a dreary season for the Chiefs. (BW)
28 (26) Raiders 3-9-0 Memo to Tom Cable: Don't use Sebastian Janikowski as a running back ever again. (BW)
29 (28) Seahawks 2-10-0 Week 15 game at Rams could be difference between 2-14 or 3-13. (MS)
30 (29) Rams 2-10-0 The Rams are giving young players a look after watching veterans flounder long enough. (MS)
31 (30) Bengals 1-10-1 At this point, the Bengals would settle for a tie every week if possible. (JW)
32 (32) Lions 0-12-0 There's always hope: An 0-12 Lions team beat the Vikings at home in 2001. Guess who this week's opponent is? (KS)
1 (1) Giants 11-1-0 This team seems to welcome adversity. The Giants set aside the Plaxico controversy and easily defeated the Redskins on the road. (MM)
2 (2) Titans 11-1-0 They got the Bears without Kyle Orton; now they get the Browns without Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson. (PK)
3 (4) Steelers 9-3-0 Pittsburgh's defense is definitely Super Bowl-caliber. But is it enough to carry the rest of the team to Tampa? (JW)
4 (5) Buccaneers 9-3-0 The defense was able to shut down Drew Brees. QB Jeff Garcia has played well of late, and that needs to continue in Monday night's showdown at Carolina. (PY)
5 (7) Panthers 9-3-0 The Panthers are coming off an impressive win in Lambeau Field. But the defense will have to play better in a Monday-night showdown with Tampa Bay. (PY)
6 (6) Colts 8-4-0 The Colts found a way to win on an ugly day for the offense. The Colts are going to win at least 11 games. (PK)
7 (3) Jets 8-4-0 The Jets' tumble from prominence happened by 17 points on their own field. (TG)
8 (9) Cowboys 8-4-0 The Cowboys are gaining some momentum, but they're known for December swoons. And a road game in Pittsburgh looms. (MM)
9 (10) Falcons 8-4-0 A huge road win in San Diego keeps the Falcons very much in the playoff hunt. They can clinch a winning season with a victory over New Orleans. (PY)
10 (13) Ravens 8-4-0 If the Ravens get into the postseason, this is the type of physical team no one wants to face in January. (JW)
11 (8) Patriots 7-5-0 This still is a good team, with four games left to prove it belongs in the playoffs. (TG)
12 (11) Cardinals 7-5-0 The schedule eases for the Cardinals as they hit the home stretch. (MS)
13 (12) Redskins 7-5-0 They're giving back all the cushion they earned during a brutal first half of the season. Sunday against Baltimore is a must-win. (MM)
14 (19) Broncos 7-5-0 Can anyone figure out the Broncos? A week after they looked silly against the Raiders, the Broncos shut down the mighty Jets. (BW)
15 (17) Vikings 7-5-0 Will the Vikings lose the Williams Wall just as they take over first place in the NFC North? (KS)
16 (14) Dolphins 7-5-0 Their lackluster victory over the Rams was the only Week 13 triumph among AFC East clubs, putting them one game out of first place. (TG)
17 (21) Eagles 6-5-1 They're back in the picture if they can beat the Giants on the road. Their strong showing against the Cardinals shows that Donovan McNabb still has something left. (MM)
18 (16) Saints 6-6-0 Their playoff hopes are pretty much shot. But the Saints have a chance to play spoiler for the Falcons on Sunday. (PY)
19 (15) Bears 6-6-0 The Bears didn't look too smooth Sunday night, but they need to realize they're only one game out in the division. A lot can still happen. (KS)
20 (20) Packers 5-7-0 If they suffer one more loss, then you can pretty much rule out a second consecutive division title -- if you haven't already. (KS)
21 (18) Bills 6-6-0 If the Bills ever announce a Dick Jauron contract extension, fans might load the Mayflower trucks and wave as they drive across the Peace Bridge. (TG)
22 (23) Texans 5-7-0 Two good defensive efforts in a row are a good sign. Will it translate in Green Bay? (PK)
23 (22) Chargers 4-8-0 If it isn't over in San Diego, the end is very near. (BW)
24 (24) Jaguars 4-8-0 Objective for Chicago game: Have David Garrard drop back without a lineman tripping him up. (PK)
25 (27) 49ers 4-8-0 Against all odds, the Niners are not yet mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. (MS)
26 (25) Browns 4-8-0 The Browns lost QBs Derek Anderson (knee) and Brady Quinn (finger) in one week. Can it get any worse? (JW)
27 (31) Chiefs 2-10-0 There?s nothing like a win in Oakland to cheer up a dreary season for the Chiefs. (BW)
28 (26) Raiders 3-9-0 Memo to Tom Cable: Don't use Sebastian Janikowski as a running back ever again. (BW)
29 (28) Seahawks 2-10-0 Week 15 game at Rams could be difference between 2-14 or 3-13. (MS)
30 (29) Rams 2-10-0 The Rams are giving young players a look after watching veterans flounder long enough. (MS)
31 (30) Bengals 1-10-1 At this point, the Bengals would settle for a tie every week if possible. (JW)
32 (32) Lions 0-12-0 There's always hope: An 0-12 Lions team beat the Vikings at home in 2001. Guess who this week's opponent is? (KS)
Obedience To God
Obedience to God
"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14
Not only what we talk about, but what we think about is screened by the Lord. Is it acceptable to the Lord?
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"It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the Lord all night." I Samuel 15:11
Saul's problem is a common one. He thought his "overall performance" was good enough to see him through. All the while, God was placing the emphasis on obedience to specific directives. God has not changed. "to obey is better than sacrifice." (I Samuel 15:22)
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"I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred. Genesis 31:13
God has a running account of our kept and forgotten vows, and so often as the occasion arises, He calls for their fulfillment.
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"And the Lord said unto me, Arise, get thee down quickly from hence; for thy people which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt have corrupted themselves; they are quickly turned aside out of the way which I commanded them; they have made them a molten image." Deuteronomy 9:12
Humanity has not changed. When we lose touch with the true and living God, we start making our own. "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." (Luke 4:8)
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"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come." St. John 16:13
One of our great problems is that we ask God for answers and guidance and then debate Him over His response. "Whatsoever he saith to you, do it." "We ought to obey God."
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"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." I Corinthians 10:31
Here is the argument settler. If you can't do a thing in accordance with His Word and will, don't do it. "Not my will, but thine, be done."
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"...And that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient." Exodus 24:7
God's paths are clear. It is our dull hearing that gets us into trouble. "Obedience is better than sacrifice." "We ought to obey God rather than man."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you." Jeremiah 7:23
Here is a condition and a promise that we cannot afford to ignore if we are to live happy and fruitful lives.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men." St. Mark 1:17
Jesus beckons us to the world's greatest business. Only in eternity will we see just how great. Stop what you are doing and follow Jesus in this, the most rewarding work of all! "He that winneth souls is wise."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." St. Matthew 25:21
Contrary to what we sometimes think, we will be rewarded not for our success but on the basis of our faithfulness. "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."
Copyright © Saint Matthew's Churches.
"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14
Not only what we talk about, but what we think about is screened by the Lord. Is it acceptable to the Lord?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the Lord all night." I Samuel 15:11
Saul's problem is a common one. He thought his "overall performance" was good enough to see him through. All the while, God was placing the emphasis on obedience to specific directives. God has not changed. "to obey is better than sacrifice." (I Samuel 15:22)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred. Genesis 31:13
God has a running account of our kept and forgotten vows, and so often as the occasion arises, He calls for their fulfillment.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"And the Lord said unto me, Arise, get thee down quickly from hence; for thy people which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt have corrupted themselves; they are quickly turned aside out of the way which I commanded them; they have made them a molten image." Deuteronomy 9:12
Humanity has not changed. When we lose touch with the true and living God, we start making our own. "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." (Luke 4:8)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come." St. John 16:13
One of our great problems is that we ask God for answers and guidance and then debate Him over His response. "Whatsoever he saith to you, do it." "We ought to obey God."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." I Corinthians 10:31
Here is the argument settler. If you can't do a thing in accordance with His Word and will, don't do it. "Not my will, but thine, be done."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"...And that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient." Exodus 24:7
God's paths are clear. It is our dull hearing that gets us into trouble. "Obedience is better than sacrifice." "We ought to obey God rather than man."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you." Jeremiah 7:23
Here is a condition and a promise that we cannot afford to ignore if we are to live happy and fruitful lives.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men." St. Mark 1:17
Jesus beckons us to the world's greatest business. Only in eternity will we see just how great. Stop what you are doing and follow Jesus in this, the most rewarding work of all! "He that winneth souls is wise."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." St. Matthew 25:21
Contrary to what we sometimes think, we will be rewarded not for our success but on the basis of our faithfulness. "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."
Copyright © Saint Matthew's Churches.
December 2, 2008 - A Passion For People
December 2, 2008
A Passion For People
READ: 2 Corinthians 5:9-21
He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. —2 Corinthians 5:15
Mark Twain said, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
This quote appears on a Web site intended to help people discover what they are passionate about so they can live with greater significance.
The apostle Paul’s passion in life was largely driven by concern for the eternal destiny of others. In 2 Corinthians 5, he names three things that fueled his passion. First, he recognized that he was accountable to Christ for his service and wanted to give a good accounting at the judgment seat of Christ (vv.9-10). Second, Paul was driven by Christ’s love and a desire that others would know the love that he had experienced. In verse 14 he wrote, “For the love of Christ compels us.” Finally, he understood that a lost and dying world needs the Savior (v.20).
What are you passionate about? Paul’s passion for people was fueled by the love of Christ—and ours should be as well. Let’s apply Twain’s words of challenge to our efforts in outreach: “Sail away from the safe harbor.” Share the love of Christ with someone today. — Bill Crowder
Set us afire, Lord, stir us we pray!
While the world perishes, we go our way
Purposeless, passionless, day after day;
Set us afire, Lord, stir us we pray! —Cushman
Talking to Christ about others helps us to talk to others about Christ.
A Passion For People
READ: 2 Corinthians 5:9-21
He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. —2 Corinthians 5:15
Mark Twain said, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
This quote appears on a Web site intended to help people discover what they are passionate about so they can live with greater significance.
The apostle Paul’s passion in life was largely driven by concern for the eternal destiny of others. In 2 Corinthians 5, he names three things that fueled his passion. First, he recognized that he was accountable to Christ for his service and wanted to give a good accounting at the judgment seat of Christ (vv.9-10). Second, Paul was driven by Christ’s love and a desire that others would know the love that he had experienced. In verse 14 he wrote, “For the love of Christ compels us.” Finally, he understood that a lost and dying world needs the Savior (v.20).
What are you passionate about? Paul’s passion for people was fueled by the love of Christ—and ours should be as well. Let’s apply Twain’s words of challenge to our efforts in outreach: “Sail away from the safe harbor.” Share the love of Christ with someone today. — Bill Crowder
Set us afire, Lord, stir us we pray!
While the world perishes, we go our way
Purposeless, passionless, day after day;
Set us afire, Lord, stir us we pray! —Cushman
Talking to Christ about others helps us to talk to others about Christ.
Monday, December 1, 2008
What Is Faith?
What Is Faith?
In The words THE LAW OF FAITH, are used in Ro 3:27. Thus, faith is an absolute. It is a law, not a theory.
Thus we ask the question: What is faith?
What is this that gives us the victory?
What is this that enables us to overcome the world?
What is this that through it, or as a result of it, we are saved by grace?
What is this in which we are to live by?
What is this that we are to walk by?
What is this that whatsoever is not of faith is sin?
DEFINITION
Faith can be termed as trust.
Faith can be termed as reliance.
Faith can be termed as being fully persuaded.
Faith can be termed as being fully confident.
Faith can be termed as believing so deeply that it causes or forces a person to do something.
True faith will have evidence.
Faith can be termed as being fully persuaded, relying, and trusting in God without hesitation even to the death of the cross.
Faith can be termed as a total, unwavering trust in Jesus, in the truth of all the Bible and its promises; even when every possible circumstance and evidence appears to be contrary to what is written in God’s Word or even when brutally tortured.
Faith can be termed as a comforting hope even when there appears to be no hope, but only darkness or death.
Faith can be termed as being fully persuaded that God works right now.
Faith can be termed as fully believing God’s Word as it is written.
Faith is that which can say with total confidence, "I forsake everything for Jesus."
A person can have a wealth of money and friends, yet be miserable. A person can have faith in Jesus with few friends and possessions, yet have joy.
On his death bed, the man with everything but Jesus can expect to be afraid within himself; no matter how many may try to comfort him.
The man with total confidence in Jesus as his only hope can be on his bed dying, yet have joy.
Faith in Jesus Christ is our anchor that sustains us no matter how great the storm—if we keep our eyes on Jesus and if we hold on to our faith without wavering.
We are told in (Hebrews 11: 1) "NOW FAITH (or trusting) IS THE SUBSTANCE (or assurance, or being confident, or being sure) OF THINGS HOPED FOR, THE EVIDENCE (or the conviction, or being certain, or convinced) OF THINGS NOT SEEN."
Faith is SUBSTANCE. God’s Word tells us, " all things are possible to them that believe. " (Mark 9:23) The Bible shows us that mountains can be moved by faith. ( Matthew 17:20) The next words tell us, FAITH…"THE SUBSTANCE - of what? - OF THINGS HOPED FOR."
And then the verse continues to tell us that, FAITH IS…"THE EVIDENCE OF THINGS NOT SEEN". Faith is substance and evidence.
Faith is a shield. You have a shield as the result of faith.
Faith and love is a breastplate. You have a breastplate as a result of faith and love.
Ephesians 6:16) THE SHIELD OF FAITH, WHEREWITH YE SHALL BE ABLE TO QUENCH ALL THE FIERY DARTS OF THE WICKED.
1 Thes 5:8 tells us, BUT LET US, WHO ARE OF THE DAY, BE SOBER, PUTTING ON THE BREASTPLATE OF FAITH AND LOVE.
In The words THE LAW OF FAITH, are used in Ro 3:27. Thus, faith is an absolute. It is a law, not a theory.
Thus we ask the question: What is faith?
What is this that gives us the victory?
What is this that enables us to overcome the world?
What is this that through it, or as a result of it, we are saved by grace?
What is this in which we are to live by?
What is this that we are to walk by?
What is this that whatsoever is not of faith is sin?
DEFINITION
Faith can be termed as trust.
Faith can be termed as reliance.
Faith can be termed as being fully persuaded.
Faith can be termed as being fully confident.
Faith can be termed as believing so deeply that it causes or forces a person to do something.
True faith will have evidence.
Faith can be termed as being fully persuaded, relying, and trusting in God without hesitation even to the death of the cross.
Faith can be termed as a total, unwavering trust in Jesus, in the truth of all the Bible and its promises; even when every possible circumstance and evidence appears to be contrary to what is written in God’s Word or even when brutally tortured.
Faith can be termed as a comforting hope even when there appears to be no hope, but only darkness or death.
Faith can be termed as being fully persuaded that God works right now.
Faith can be termed as fully believing God’s Word as it is written.
Faith is that which can say with total confidence, "I forsake everything for Jesus."
A person can have a wealth of money and friends, yet be miserable. A person can have faith in Jesus with few friends and possessions, yet have joy.
On his death bed, the man with everything but Jesus can expect to be afraid within himself; no matter how many may try to comfort him.
The man with total confidence in Jesus as his only hope can be on his bed dying, yet have joy.
Faith in Jesus Christ is our anchor that sustains us no matter how great the storm—if we keep our eyes on Jesus and if we hold on to our faith without wavering.
We are told in (Hebrews 11: 1) "NOW FAITH (or trusting) IS THE SUBSTANCE (or assurance, or being confident, or being sure) OF THINGS HOPED FOR, THE EVIDENCE (or the conviction, or being certain, or convinced) OF THINGS NOT SEEN."
Faith is SUBSTANCE. God’s Word tells us, " all things are possible to them that believe. " (Mark 9:23) The Bible shows us that mountains can be moved by faith. ( Matthew 17:20) The next words tell us, FAITH…"THE SUBSTANCE - of what? - OF THINGS HOPED FOR."
And then the verse continues to tell us that, FAITH IS…"THE EVIDENCE OF THINGS NOT SEEN". Faith is substance and evidence.
Faith is a shield. You have a shield as the result of faith.
Faith and love is a breastplate. You have a breastplate as a result of faith and love.
Ephesians 6:16) THE SHIELD OF FAITH, WHEREWITH YE SHALL BE ABLE TO QUENCH ALL THE FIERY DARTS OF THE WICKED.
1 Thes 5:8 tells us, BUT LET US, WHO ARE OF THE DAY, BE SOBER, PUTTING ON THE BREASTPLATE OF FAITH AND LOVE.
Friday, November 28, 2008
2008 Final Update
2008 Final Update
M.D. Wright
11.28.08
OK, I haven't had much free time this semester. Indeed, with six classes, four of which require 40-50 pages of reading per night and 2-3 reports due per week, I don't get much downtime anymore. I have only been able to contemplate my immediate future following graduation. I haven't been able to do hardly any applications for jobs nor grad schools, so nothing is concrete right now. However, my plans ARE written out. I'm just going to lay a few of them out right here so that you all will be apprised of what is taking place.
As of right now, we have one full week of classes remaining in this semester, then four final exams in my six classes (two of the classes only feature a final paper; one of which I will be turning in on Dec. 2). Following final exams, I will hopefully be able to land a job (Apple appears to be a good look, now that they've opened a store near UNCG's campus -- let's hope that works out). I also have to plan to take the GRE and later the LSAT. I've been getting advising from not only my academic advisor, but also those who are professionals in the fields that I will be working in and wise counsel from family and trusted friends. I think the best course of action for carrying out my plans is to do the following (which of course is subject to change; depending upon whether or not it is in line with God's will):
1. Use the fee waiver I have for law school applications and see where I get in. Even if I do not begin until the end of 2010 or early 2011, I may be able to get deferments.
2. Send in packages to prospective employers for post-graduation employment. The package would include resume, educational breakdown (more in-depth), cover letter, personal statement -- basically the same thing as a law school or regular grad school application.
3. Take two classes per semester both summer sessions in Summer 2009, 3 classes in the Fall 2009, Spring 2010 and take two in both summer sessions in Summer 2010 -- I will be done with my Masters (not sure if I am going to get a basic MBA, or have it concentrated in something like Human Resources Management or Finance. Not too keen on statistics and formulae in the mathematical arena -- or I may attempt an MA in Journalism since my writing skills have earned me countless honors since my Brooklyn LIU days). I need more clarity about this. Pray that I receive it from the Lord.
4. Upon completion of the Masters, I will have studied for and retaken the LSAT. If I do not get into the school of my choice with this first round of applications, the waiver is good until November 2010, so I have (virtually) until I complete my Masters to decide from where I want to obtain my Juris Doctorate.
5. I want to begin acquiring property once I get my feet firmly planted in Harlem next summer. The market is good for buyers and by the time I begin law school, I could be sitting on a gold mine if I can ever get my capital lined up. Following this, I plan to come down to North Carolina and carry out some of the long-discussed real estate and business plans that some of my family members and friends have desired to carry out. This way, even if I am in New York 90% of the time, things will be in place and the takeover in North Carolina will be in place hah.
In the middle of all that, I've got a whole assortment of other things that I don't need to talk about right now that will be popping off as well. However, I am not at liberty to discuss them. You will receive invitations if you are on this mailing list, though. Just know that much.
In terms of what will be taking place in the the spring of 2009, I have a few dates circled.
1. I want to go to the Inauguration, but if I am feeling wiped out like I am right now, I'll watch it on CNN and avoid missing the first day of class. Congressman Watt doesn't seem to sure that we will be able to get tickets, from what I could tell from his message.
2. My 30th birthday is March 30, 2009. Just letting the benevolent members of my mailing list know that. Hah. I am cancelling plans for the 90s themed party. I just want my family and friends to share with me. I may indeed choose to take that day as my chance to "host" our family's monthly gathering if everyone else has had their go 'round by then. The 90s Themed party would've been exclusive. I'd rather have my family around as I did yesterday on Thanksgiving. And it will be in an open space or outdoors so we can really get out and do some things. I have to discuss this with the "Powers That Be" though. My friends would still be welcome, since only a few of them are actually in North Carolina or Virginia.
3. I am graduating from UNCG on May 15, 2009. My Sociology Department graduation is the day before, I believe. Do not quote me on this yet. I have to speak to my advisor again once the spring semester begins to confirm. I cannot send invitations until I have applied and cleared for graduation in about February. No one will be forgotten. Keep in touch with me; that is the best way to ensure 100% that I do not forget to mail you an invitation. I don't care if you're in California, Kuwait, New York/New Jersey, Cuba, etc., if I can reach you, you will have an invitation.
4. As far as invitation to a couple of OTHER very important events for me, that stuff will be ironed out by the end of next summer once I am back in New York. I can't give anymore details than that right now
In Peace,
mdw
M.D. Wright
11.28.08
OK, I haven't had much free time this semester. Indeed, with six classes, four of which require 40-50 pages of reading per night and 2-3 reports due per week, I don't get much downtime anymore. I have only been able to contemplate my immediate future following graduation. I haven't been able to do hardly any applications for jobs nor grad schools, so nothing is concrete right now. However, my plans ARE written out. I'm just going to lay a few of them out right here so that you all will be apprised of what is taking place.
As of right now, we have one full week of classes remaining in this semester, then four final exams in my six classes (two of the classes only feature a final paper; one of which I will be turning in on Dec. 2). Following final exams, I will hopefully be able to land a job (Apple appears to be a good look, now that they've opened a store near UNCG's campus -- let's hope that works out). I also have to plan to take the GRE and later the LSAT. I've been getting advising from not only my academic advisor, but also those who are professionals in the fields that I will be working in and wise counsel from family and trusted friends. I think the best course of action for carrying out my plans is to do the following (which of course is subject to change; depending upon whether or not it is in line with God's will):
1. Use the fee waiver I have for law school applications and see where I get in. Even if I do not begin until the end of 2010 or early 2011, I may be able to get deferments.
2. Send in packages to prospective employers for post-graduation employment. The package would include resume, educational breakdown (more in-depth), cover letter, personal statement -- basically the same thing as a law school or regular grad school application.
3. Take two classes per semester both summer sessions in Summer 2009, 3 classes in the Fall 2009, Spring 2010 and take two in both summer sessions in Summer 2010 -- I will be done with my Masters (not sure if I am going to get a basic MBA, or have it concentrated in something like Human Resources Management or Finance. Not too keen on statistics and formulae in the mathematical arena -- or I may attempt an MA in Journalism since my writing skills have earned me countless honors since my Brooklyn LIU days). I need more clarity about this. Pray that I receive it from the Lord.
4. Upon completion of the Masters, I will have studied for and retaken the LSAT. If I do not get into the school of my choice with this first round of applications, the waiver is good until November 2010, so I have (virtually) until I complete my Masters to decide from where I want to obtain my Juris Doctorate.
5. I want to begin acquiring property once I get my feet firmly planted in Harlem next summer. The market is good for buyers and by the time I begin law school, I could be sitting on a gold mine if I can ever get my capital lined up. Following this, I plan to come down to North Carolina and carry out some of the long-discussed real estate and business plans that some of my family members and friends have desired to carry out. This way, even if I am in New York 90% of the time, things will be in place and the takeover in North Carolina will be in place hah.
In the middle of all that, I've got a whole assortment of other things that I don't need to talk about right now that will be popping off as well. However, I am not at liberty to discuss them. You will receive invitations if you are on this mailing list, though. Just know that much.
In terms of what will be taking place in the the spring of 2009, I have a few dates circled.
1. I want to go to the Inauguration, but if I am feeling wiped out like I am right now, I'll watch it on CNN and avoid missing the first day of class. Congressman Watt doesn't seem to sure that we will be able to get tickets, from what I could tell from his message.
2. My 30th birthday is March 30, 2009. Just letting the benevolent members of my mailing list know that. Hah. I am cancelling plans for the 90s themed party. I just want my family and friends to share with me. I may indeed choose to take that day as my chance to "host" our family's monthly gathering if everyone else has had their go 'round by then. The 90s Themed party would've been exclusive. I'd rather have my family around as I did yesterday on Thanksgiving. And it will be in an open space or outdoors so we can really get out and do some things. I have to discuss this with the "Powers That Be" though. My friends would still be welcome, since only a few of them are actually in North Carolina or Virginia.
3. I am graduating from UNCG on May 15, 2009. My Sociology Department graduation is the day before, I believe. Do not quote me on this yet. I have to speak to my advisor again once the spring semester begins to confirm. I cannot send invitations until I have applied and cleared for graduation in about February. No one will be forgotten. Keep in touch with me; that is the best way to ensure 100% that I do not forget to mail you an invitation. I don't care if you're in California, Kuwait, New York/New Jersey, Cuba, etc., if I can reach you, you will have an invitation.
4. As far as invitation to a couple of OTHER very important events for me, that stuff will be ironed out by the end of next summer once I am back in New York. I can't give anymore details than that right now
In Peace,
mdw
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Serious Challenges Call For Serious Prayer
Serious Challenges Call For Serious Prayer
Chuck Colson
BreakPoint
November 5, 2008
Whether you voted for Barack Obama or John McCain, whether you’re recovering from your all-night celebration or drying the tears from your pillow, today’s a good day to remember the words of the apostle Paul: “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1-3).
And the new President will surely need our prayers because he and his administration face huge, serious challenges to the health of our nation and to peace in the world—challenges that, in my opinion, neither he nor any government on earth will have the power to overcome without divine aid.
How has America come to this point? Why is our economy on the brink of disaster? Why is our culture so utterly depraved?
I can only think of what Alexandr Solzhenitsyn said about the catastrophic consequences of the Russian revolution. “I recall,” he said, “hearing a number of older people offer the following explanation for the great disasters that had befallen Russia: Men have forgotten God; that's why all this has happened.”
Solzhenitsyn was right. Indeed, I can’t find any better explanation for why we Americans find ourselves in the state we are in. We have forgotten God.
We have also forgotten that American democracy—indeed Western Civilization itself—is the product of the Judeo-Christian understanding of God and humanity. Without that revelation that man is created in the image of God, our founders never would have recognized the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Indeed, as I and others like Rodney Stark have argued, modern science and education, liberal democracy, capitalism flourished in Western civilization precisely because of the Judeo-Christian worldview.
The attacks on Christianity these days are only going to intensify in the months ahead. But we must press on all the more to make a winsome witness. Those who would banish Christianity from American life are risking the very survival of American society.
Friends have asked me whether this economic crisis is God’s judgment upon us. I don’t know.
As I’ve re-read the Old Testament prophets recently, I couldn’t help but notice the recurring theme: The people of God turned away from Him and worshipped false idols. The result was always disaster.
Is God responsible for credit markets collapsing around the world? No. We’re responsible. Because instead of worshiping God, we’ve worshipped false idols of the marketplace, credit card companies and cheap mortgages. We’ve put our own appetites over our duties to God and neighbor.
So this is no time for Christians to go into the bunkers. No time to wail or moan over our retirement plans. This is a time to repent, to pray more, to give more. It’s a time for Christians to lead, encourage, and minister to a faltering country in a faltering economy.
This is a time for the Church to get serious about Christian discipleship. Enough cheap grace.
So pray for the new President and his administration. But most of all, my brothers and sisters, this is a time to love our neighbors and to hunger for God and His righteousness.
Chuck Colson’s daily BreakPoint commentary airs each weekday on more than one thousand outlets with an estimated listening audience of one million people. BreakPoint provides a Christian perspective on today’s news and trends via radio, interactive media, and print.
Chuck Colson
BreakPoint
November 5, 2008
Whether you voted for Barack Obama or John McCain, whether you’re recovering from your all-night celebration or drying the tears from your pillow, today’s a good day to remember the words of the apostle Paul: “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1-3).
And the new President will surely need our prayers because he and his administration face huge, serious challenges to the health of our nation and to peace in the world—challenges that, in my opinion, neither he nor any government on earth will have the power to overcome without divine aid.
How has America come to this point? Why is our economy on the brink of disaster? Why is our culture so utterly depraved?
I can only think of what Alexandr Solzhenitsyn said about the catastrophic consequences of the Russian revolution. “I recall,” he said, “hearing a number of older people offer the following explanation for the great disasters that had befallen Russia: Men have forgotten God; that's why all this has happened.”
Solzhenitsyn was right. Indeed, I can’t find any better explanation for why we Americans find ourselves in the state we are in. We have forgotten God.
We have also forgotten that American democracy—indeed Western Civilization itself—is the product of the Judeo-Christian understanding of God and humanity. Without that revelation that man is created in the image of God, our founders never would have recognized the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Indeed, as I and others like Rodney Stark have argued, modern science and education, liberal democracy, capitalism flourished in Western civilization precisely because of the Judeo-Christian worldview.
The attacks on Christianity these days are only going to intensify in the months ahead. But we must press on all the more to make a winsome witness. Those who would banish Christianity from American life are risking the very survival of American society.
Friends have asked me whether this economic crisis is God’s judgment upon us. I don’t know.
As I’ve re-read the Old Testament prophets recently, I couldn’t help but notice the recurring theme: The people of God turned away from Him and worshipped false idols. The result was always disaster.
Is God responsible for credit markets collapsing around the world? No. We’re responsible. Because instead of worshiping God, we’ve worshipped false idols of the marketplace, credit card companies and cheap mortgages. We’ve put our own appetites over our duties to God and neighbor.
So this is no time for Christians to go into the bunkers. No time to wail or moan over our retirement plans. This is a time to repent, to pray more, to give more. It’s a time for Christians to lead, encourage, and minister to a faltering country in a faltering economy.
This is a time for the Church to get serious about Christian discipleship. Enough cheap grace.
So pray for the new President and his administration. But most of all, my brothers and sisters, this is a time to love our neighbors and to hunger for God and His righteousness.
Chuck Colson’s daily BreakPoint commentary airs each weekday on more than one thousand outlets with an estimated listening audience of one million people. BreakPoint provides a Christian perspective on today’s news and trends via radio, interactive media, and print.
More Than These
More Than These
Hudson Russell Davis
Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer
I want to know. I have always wanted to know. Everything!!! But in my singleness I wanted most of all to know why love tarried. I was under the impression that given enough information, given the right answers I would be able to cope with my loneliness and rest peacefully in God’s arms.
The truth is I would not understand were He to explain all things to me. I would not grasp the mind of God should He open to me the gates of heaven. And I realized that it was a relationship I craved and not knowledge. What I wanted was for the sadness to end, for love to present herself. Knowing would never keep me warm. Knowing would not end the loneliness.
The desire to know was my way of controlling God. It was my way of harnessing the reckless nature of faith, of taming the mysterious God who causes the wind to blow. I won’t pretend that I don’t want to know why love shows me such disregard but the answer has ceased to be so important because I love Him and He loves me.
Our God loves us and desires to bless us and so we have hope. What we do not yet know is whether He plans to bless us with this particular gift—whether hope will be fulfilled and if so—when. That He desires to bless us, that He has already blessed us in myriad ways is unquestionable “for no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God” (2 Cor. 1:20).
It is simply no comfort to me to find formulas within Scripture that I can use to end this longing. It is no comfort to me to hear people, impressed with me, say, “Surely God will bless you.” Or some will say, “You deserve a wife.” I am aware of what I deserve and it is not a wife. I already have a promise in Christ that I will not get what I deserve. What I await is His gracious kindness.
In all cases and in every way it is God’s provision, God’s work through Christ. Therefore, I love and pursue righteousness because they are worthwhile pursuits and I trust God to bless in His time, in His way. I am not comfortable saying, “I don’t know.” I have been to seminary and, while I learned a great deal, while I am not equipped to answer many questions, I am very comfortable saying that there are things I just do not know.
What I dare not do is sit and wait for the blessing of a wife. What I dare not do is believe that some slick formula or five-step process will work magic for me where God’s grace has not. What I dare not do is begin the process of bargaining or manipulation to make God answer me—as though He were deaf or callous to my needs.
We must pray. We must act. We must prepare. But we dare not lose sight of our place in the family. He is the Father and we are the children and as children—we know the Father would never give us a stone when we ask for bread (Matt. 7:9).
We are not in control of as much as we desire, but that is the issue. Who is in control and why do we desire to master the situation? This is what steals our peace. We are pushed off center by the fear that, for all our prayers and the prayers of those who love us we are no closer to our goal. We are unearthed by the simple fact that all our efforts have not yielded the promised result and we judge God for sleeping on the job.
I realize that He may have called me to Himself for more than a wife and family. I know that I came for more than a wife and family. I have a longing but I realize that He loves me and that, despite what I have and do not have, I love Him. I truly love Him. I have had to answer, far more than three times, the question He posed to Peter:
“Hudson, do you truly love me more than these?”
“You mean more than a wife and more than children? Do you mean more than cuddling and Eskimo kisses? Do you mean more than family campfires and sing-a-longs? Do you mean more than long walks hand in hand with my beloved wife and children? If you mean more than these and porch swing conversations, then yes.”
“Yes, Lord, You know that I love You more than these.”
Adam was told to tend the Garden and I was told, “Trust me.”
He asked again, “Hudson, do you truly love me?”
“You mean, Lord, more than sharing life with someone and learning to love her faults? Do you mean more than the joys of Christmas morning and giving gifts to my children? Lord, if you mean more than tuck-ins and bedside prayers, then yes.”
“Yes, Lord, You know that I love You more than these.”
Adam was told to name the animals and I was told, “Trust me.”
The third time He said to me, “Hudson, do you love me?” I was hurt because He asked me the third time, “Do you love me?”
“Lord, if you mean more than quiet moonlit evenings counting stars with the wife of my youth, then yes. If you mean more than birthdays parties and sleeping-in on Saturdays and breakfast in bed, then yes. If you mean more than making up after foolish words were said, yes. If you mean more than falling asleep in the arms of the woman I love, then yes—a thousand times yes.
“You know all things; You know that I love You.”
He said simply, “Trust me” (John 21:15-17).
No answer is as simple or reprehensible as the one we do not want to hear, the one we already know. It is my desire to master these years of longing that have tempted my sanity. Faith will have none of it. Faith demands my allegiance while much is still in the balance, while much of the puzzle is yet unfinished. Faith demands that I love and follow not because of what I have, hold, or see, but because of the guarantee. Faith calls me to trust and is the currency of the kingdom of God.
Faith is not a force. It is not a tool by which we manipulate God into our own fulfillment. Faith is the confidence that allows us to walk through the valley of the shadow of death with stiff backs, firmly resolved to fear no evil.
There is a God who, even in the midst of our longing, calls us His own and loves us. The only answer that really matters is the question asked by the disciples, asked by Martha, “Lord, don’t you care?” (Mark 4:38, Luke 10:40). He cares.
Look! Even now if you ask Him He will rise, speak, and calm the storm. We are free to mourn to our loss but we must do so in trust. We must show that we love Him by letting faith blossom in hope until hope radiates to a lost and dying world.
Hudson Russell Davis was born on a small Island in the West Indies called Dominica, and this is only one reason he does not like cold weather and loves guava. He is a graduate of James Madison University with a B.A. in Graphic Design and earned a Masters in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. Currently he is a Ph.D. candidate at Saint Louis University studying historical theology. Hudson has worked as a graphic artist and worship leader but expresses himself through poetry, prose, photography, and music. His activities are just about anything outdoors, but tennis is his current passion.
Got feedback? Send your comments and questions to Hudson at hudsondavis@streamsinthewilderness.com. If you don't hear back within a few days' time, please try again. Hudson would like to respond to all reader feedback.
Hudson Russell Davis
Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer
I want to know. I have always wanted to know. Everything!!! But in my singleness I wanted most of all to know why love tarried. I was under the impression that given enough information, given the right answers I would be able to cope with my loneliness and rest peacefully in God’s arms.
The truth is I would not understand were He to explain all things to me. I would not grasp the mind of God should He open to me the gates of heaven. And I realized that it was a relationship I craved and not knowledge. What I wanted was for the sadness to end, for love to present herself. Knowing would never keep me warm. Knowing would not end the loneliness.
The desire to know was my way of controlling God. It was my way of harnessing the reckless nature of faith, of taming the mysterious God who causes the wind to blow. I won’t pretend that I don’t want to know why love shows me such disregard but the answer has ceased to be so important because I love Him and He loves me.
Our God loves us and desires to bless us and so we have hope. What we do not yet know is whether He plans to bless us with this particular gift—whether hope will be fulfilled and if so—when. That He desires to bless us, that He has already blessed us in myriad ways is unquestionable “for no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God” (2 Cor. 1:20).
It is simply no comfort to me to find formulas within Scripture that I can use to end this longing. It is no comfort to me to hear people, impressed with me, say, “Surely God will bless you.” Or some will say, “You deserve a wife.” I am aware of what I deserve and it is not a wife. I already have a promise in Christ that I will not get what I deserve. What I await is His gracious kindness.
In all cases and in every way it is God’s provision, God’s work through Christ. Therefore, I love and pursue righteousness because they are worthwhile pursuits and I trust God to bless in His time, in His way. I am not comfortable saying, “I don’t know.” I have been to seminary and, while I learned a great deal, while I am not equipped to answer many questions, I am very comfortable saying that there are things I just do not know.
What I dare not do is sit and wait for the blessing of a wife. What I dare not do is believe that some slick formula or five-step process will work magic for me where God’s grace has not. What I dare not do is begin the process of bargaining or manipulation to make God answer me—as though He were deaf or callous to my needs.
We must pray. We must act. We must prepare. But we dare not lose sight of our place in the family. He is the Father and we are the children and as children—we know the Father would never give us a stone when we ask for bread (Matt. 7:9).
We are not in control of as much as we desire, but that is the issue. Who is in control and why do we desire to master the situation? This is what steals our peace. We are pushed off center by the fear that, for all our prayers and the prayers of those who love us we are no closer to our goal. We are unearthed by the simple fact that all our efforts have not yielded the promised result and we judge God for sleeping on the job.
I realize that He may have called me to Himself for more than a wife and family. I know that I came for more than a wife and family. I have a longing but I realize that He loves me and that, despite what I have and do not have, I love Him. I truly love Him. I have had to answer, far more than three times, the question He posed to Peter:
“Hudson, do you truly love me more than these?”
“You mean more than a wife and more than children? Do you mean more than cuddling and Eskimo kisses? Do you mean more than family campfires and sing-a-longs? Do you mean more than long walks hand in hand with my beloved wife and children? If you mean more than these and porch swing conversations, then yes.”
“Yes, Lord, You know that I love You more than these.”
Adam was told to tend the Garden and I was told, “Trust me.”
He asked again, “Hudson, do you truly love me?”
“You mean, Lord, more than sharing life with someone and learning to love her faults? Do you mean more than the joys of Christmas morning and giving gifts to my children? Lord, if you mean more than tuck-ins and bedside prayers, then yes.”
“Yes, Lord, You know that I love You more than these.”
Adam was told to name the animals and I was told, “Trust me.”
The third time He said to me, “Hudson, do you love me?” I was hurt because He asked me the third time, “Do you love me?”
“Lord, if you mean more than quiet moonlit evenings counting stars with the wife of my youth, then yes. If you mean more than birthdays parties and sleeping-in on Saturdays and breakfast in bed, then yes. If you mean more than making up after foolish words were said, yes. If you mean more than falling asleep in the arms of the woman I love, then yes—a thousand times yes.
“You know all things; You know that I love You.”
He said simply, “Trust me” (John 21:15-17).
No answer is as simple or reprehensible as the one we do not want to hear, the one we already know. It is my desire to master these years of longing that have tempted my sanity. Faith will have none of it. Faith demands my allegiance while much is still in the balance, while much of the puzzle is yet unfinished. Faith demands that I love and follow not because of what I have, hold, or see, but because of the guarantee. Faith calls me to trust and is the currency of the kingdom of God.
Faith is not a force. It is not a tool by which we manipulate God into our own fulfillment. Faith is the confidence that allows us to walk through the valley of the shadow of death with stiff backs, firmly resolved to fear no evil.
There is a God who, even in the midst of our longing, calls us His own and loves us. The only answer that really matters is the question asked by the disciples, asked by Martha, “Lord, don’t you care?” (Mark 4:38, Luke 10:40). He cares.
Look! Even now if you ask Him He will rise, speak, and calm the storm. We are free to mourn to our loss but we must do so in trust. We must show that we love Him by letting faith blossom in hope until hope radiates to a lost and dying world.
Hudson Russell Davis was born on a small Island in the West Indies called Dominica, and this is only one reason he does not like cold weather and loves guava. He is a graduate of James Madison University with a B.A. in Graphic Design and earned a Masters in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. Currently he is a Ph.D. candidate at Saint Louis University studying historical theology. Hudson has worked as a graphic artist and worship leader but expresses himself through poetry, prose, photography, and music. His activities are just about anything outdoors, but tennis is his current passion.
Got feedback? Send your comments and questions to Hudson at hudsondavis@streamsinthewilderness.com. If you don't hear back within a few days' time, please try again. Hudson would like to respond to all reader feedback.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
NFL Week 13 Picks: SUPER EXPRESS EDITION
NFL Week 13 Picks: SUPER EXPRESS EDITION
M.D. Wright
11.26.08
I've got to get these out in a hurry. Last week was a normal 10-6 week for me. Should have been 14-2, if I hadn't let my hatred of certain teams get in the way. Oh.
I've gotten slack with the explanation for my picks, in case you were hoping that would change this week? Don't bet on it. I've got too much work to do. LOL
Tennessee Titans vs. Detroit Lions
Ford Field
Detroit, Michigan
*Thanksgiving Day*
Please take the Lions off the Thanksgiving sked and replace them with the Giants, good lord. This is going to be ugly. The Titans might not pass the ball 15 times all day -- and why would they when rushing against a team with a defense like a sieve?
Call:
Tennessee 24
Detroit 9
---
Seattle Seahawks vs. Dallas Cowboys
Texas Stadium
Irving, Texas
Another embarrassment to the NFL. Dallas is more viable than Detroit, and many people thought Seattle would be good this year. However, this game won't be a blowout. Just a snoozefest.
Call:
Seattle 17
Dallas 23
---
Arizona Cardinals vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Lincoln Financial Field
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
THIS IS THE GAME THAT SHOULD BE ON TV!!! The friggin' NFL Network is like the KGB. I refuse to comment on it in protest.
Call:
Arizona 34
Philadelphia 23
---
San Francisco 49ers vs. Buffalo Bills
Ralph Wilson Stadium
Orchard Park, New York
The Bills are in dire straits in regards to their playoff chances. The 49ers have settled into their post-honeymoon Mike Singletary slump. Bills win a much needed game.
Call:
San Francisco 13
Buffalo 21
---
Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Paul Brown Stadium
Cincinnati, Ohio
Watching the Bengals play the swarming Ravens is like watching people get tossed to the hungry lions. No, not the DETROIT TOOTHLESS LIONS, either.
Call:
Baltimore 30
Cincinnati 10
---
Indianapolis Colts vs. Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns Stadium
Cleveland, Ohio
The Browns' owner has put the Browns on notice. Not that it matters. The Colts are back and they are going to bludgeon the Browns out of their own stadium. Crennel and Savage and their clown act will end in December.
Call:
Indianapolis 31
Cleveland 14
---
Carolina Panthers vs. Green Bay Packers
Lambeau Field
Green Bay, Wisconsin
OK, a repeat of the 1996 NFC Champeenship game. The Panthers are "better" than the Packers, but neither team looks like more than a one and done in the playoffs. It's a wonder (with Jake Delhomme's play, DESPITE the running game) how they're 8-3. The Packers proved that if they can't get INTs with their secondary, they can't keep up with decent scoring teams. The Panthers DO score very well, ya know...
Call:
Carolina 27
Green Bay 20
---
Miami Dolphins vs. St. Louis Rams
Edward Jones Dome
St. Louis, Missouri
The Rams have mailed in the season and are vying for the #2 pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. The end.
Call:
Miami 28
St. Louis 6
---
New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Raymond James Stadium
Tampa, Florida
The Saints scored a HUGE win Monday night. Will it carry over to this game? It is tough to do much against the Bucs, because they don't give up big plays nor make mistakes. I just find it hard to believe that the Bucs can cover all the guys that Brees passes the ball to. Maybe Bush comes back for this one? Who knows? He won't matter.
Call:
New Orleans 27
Tampa Bay 17
---
New York Football Giants vs. Washington Redskins
FedEx Field
Landover, Maryland
The Giants defeated the 'skins in Week 1 at home, but this is going to be a tougher game. The Redskins are reeling, though. Their defense is playing well, but the offense is falling off badly. If Jason Campbell does not right the ship in this game, they are going to be in trouble. The Giants' pass rush and exceptional back-seven coverage (still not sure where all the nonsense about the Giants' secondary being supposedly "weak" is coming from) is going to get at him and he's going to make mistakes. Clinton Portis MUST have a 100 yard game to give them a chance.
Call:
NY Giants 31
Washington 24
---
Atlanta Falcons vs. San Diego Chargers
Qualcomm Stadium
San Diego, California
Panic time for the Chargers. They usually go on a winning streak during this time of the year. They need it. But Matty Ice will rebound from a couple of mediocre performances to carry the Falcons to a win over the spotty Chargers' defense. Michael Turner and Roddy White continue to wow the casual fan (and help me win fantasy football games). The Chargers can (and will) lose this game and STILL potentially win the AFC West in Week 17.
Call:
Atlanta 28
San Diego 27
---
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New England Patriots
Gillette Stadium
Foxborough, Massachusetts
The Patriots are going to get exposed Sunday. That is all I am going to say. Playing the Steelers are an accurate barometer of who's great and who's just pretending to be contenders this year in the NFL. You will know what the Patriots are made out of after this one.
Call:
Pittsburgh 24
New England 20
---
Denver Broncos vs. New York Football Jets
Giants Stadium
East Rutherford, New Jersey
Goodness sakes the Broncos defense... (pause as I well up with tears). This could be a bloodbath if the Jets remain true to form. No, it WILL BE. The Broncos just got BLOWN OUT BY THE OAKLAND RAIDERS!!!
Call:
Denver 14
NY Jets 27
---
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Oakland Raiders
McAfee Coliseum
Oakland, California
Both teams suck. Both teams suck. Both teams suck. Both teams suck. God bless and good night.
Call:
Kansas City 6
Oakland 3
---
Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings
Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
Minneapolis, Minnesota
*SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL*
The Bears really need to put some distance between themselves and the rest of the division. Winning this game will give them tiebreakers and more confidence down the stretch in the last quarter of the season. I think they will pull it off.
Call:
Chicago 23
Minnesota 17
---
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans
Reliant Stadium
Houston, Texas
Why is this game coming on Monday Night...?
I'm only watching for three insignificant (in the context of the game itself) reasons: 1) The prospect of seeing Sagecopter II 2) Steve Slaton rack up points for me in Fantasy, but at the same time 3) The Jaguars are being benched as my fantasy defense this week in favor of the Browns; who will do no better against Indy. Man fantasy sucks at times.
Call:
Jacksonville 13
Houston 27
---
More later...
M.D. Wright
11.26.08
I've got to get these out in a hurry. Last week was a normal 10-6 week for me. Should have been 14-2, if I hadn't let my hatred of certain teams get in the way. Oh.
I've gotten slack with the explanation for my picks, in case you were hoping that would change this week? Don't bet on it. I've got too much work to do. LOL
Tennessee Titans vs. Detroit Lions
Ford Field
Detroit, Michigan
*Thanksgiving Day*
Please take the Lions off the Thanksgiving sked and replace them with the Giants, good lord. This is going to be ugly. The Titans might not pass the ball 15 times all day -- and why would they when rushing against a team with a defense like a sieve?
Call:
Tennessee 24
Detroit 9
---
Seattle Seahawks vs. Dallas Cowboys
Texas Stadium
Irving, Texas
Another embarrassment to the NFL. Dallas is more viable than Detroit, and many people thought Seattle would be good this year. However, this game won't be a blowout. Just a snoozefest.
Call:
Seattle 17
Dallas 23
---
Arizona Cardinals vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Lincoln Financial Field
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
THIS IS THE GAME THAT SHOULD BE ON TV!!! The friggin' NFL Network is like the KGB. I refuse to comment on it in protest.
Call:
Arizona 34
Philadelphia 23
---
San Francisco 49ers vs. Buffalo Bills
Ralph Wilson Stadium
Orchard Park, New York
The Bills are in dire straits in regards to their playoff chances. The 49ers have settled into their post-honeymoon Mike Singletary slump. Bills win a much needed game.
Call:
San Francisco 13
Buffalo 21
---
Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Paul Brown Stadium
Cincinnati, Ohio
Watching the Bengals play the swarming Ravens is like watching people get tossed to the hungry lions. No, not the DETROIT TOOTHLESS LIONS, either.
Call:
Baltimore 30
Cincinnati 10
---
Indianapolis Colts vs. Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns Stadium
Cleveland, Ohio
The Browns' owner has put the Browns on notice. Not that it matters. The Colts are back and they are going to bludgeon the Browns out of their own stadium. Crennel and Savage and their clown act will end in December.
Call:
Indianapolis 31
Cleveland 14
---
Carolina Panthers vs. Green Bay Packers
Lambeau Field
Green Bay, Wisconsin
OK, a repeat of the 1996 NFC Champeenship game. The Panthers are "better" than the Packers, but neither team looks like more than a one and done in the playoffs. It's a wonder (with Jake Delhomme's play, DESPITE the running game) how they're 8-3. The Packers proved that if they can't get INTs with their secondary, they can't keep up with decent scoring teams. The Panthers DO score very well, ya know...
Call:
Carolina 27
Green Bay 20
---
Miami Dolphins vs. St. Louis Rams
Edward Jones Dome
St. Louis, Missouri
The Rams have mailed in the season and are vying for the #2 pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. The end.
Call:
Miami 28
St. Louis 6
---
New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Raymond James Stadium
Tampa, Florida
The Saints scored a HUGE win Monday night. Will it carry over to this game? It is tough to do much against the Bucs, because they don't give up big plays nor make mistakes. I just find it hard to believe that the Bucs can cover all the guys that Brees passes the ball to. Maybe Bush comes back for this one? Who knows? He won't matter.
Call:
New Orleans 27
Tampa Bay 17
---
New York Football Giants vs. Washington Redskins
FedEx Field
Landover, Maryland
The Giants defeated the 'skins in Week 1 at home, but this is going to be a tougher game. The Redskins are reeling, though. Their defense is playing well, but the offense is falling off badly. If Jason Campbell does not right the ship in this game, they are going to be in trouble. The Giants' pass rush and exceptional back-seven coverage (still not sure where all the nonsense about the Giants' secondary being supposedly "weak" is coming from) is going to get at him and he's going to make mistakes. Clinton Portis MUST have a 100 yard game to give them a chance.
Call:
NY Giants 31
Washington 24
---
Atlanta Falcons vs. San Diego Chargers
Qualcomm Stadium
San Diego, California
Panic time for the Chargers. They usually go on a winning streak during this time of the year. They need it. But Matty Ice will rebound from a couple of mediocre performances to carry the Falcons to a win over the spotty Chargers' defense. Michael Turner and Roddy White continue to wow the casual fan (and help me win fantasy football games). The Chargers can (and will) lose this game and STILL potentially win the AFC West in Week 17.
Call:
Atlanta 28
San Diego 27
---
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New England Patriots
Gillette Stadium
Foxborough, Massachusetts
The Patriots are going to get exposed Sunday. That is all I am going to say. Playing the Steelers are an accurate barometer of who's great and who's just pretending to be contenders this year in the NFL. You will know what the Patriots are made out of after this one.
Call:
Pittsburgh 24
New England 20
---
Denver Broncos vs. New York Football Jets
Giants Stadium
East Rutherford, New Jersey
Goodness sakes the Broncos defense... (pause as I well up with tears). This could be a bloodbath if the Jets remain true to form. No, it WILL BE. The Broncos just got BLOWN OUT BY THE OAKLAND RAIDERS!!!
Call:
Denver 14
NY Jets 27
---
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Oakland Raiders
McAfee Coliseum
Oakland, California
Both teams suck. Both teams suck. Both teams suck. Both teams suck. God bless and good night.
Call:
Kansas City 6
Oakland 3
---
Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings
Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
Minneapolis, Minnesota
*SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL*
The Bears really need to put some distance between themselves and the rest of the division. Winning this game will give them tiebreakers and more confidence down the stretch in the last quarter of the season. I think they will pull it off.
Call:
Chicago 23
Minnesota 17
---
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans
Reliant Stadium
Houston, Texas
Why is this game coming on Monday Night...?
I'm only watching for three insignificant (in the context of the game itself) reasons: 1) The prospect of seeing Sagecopter II 2) Steve Slaton rack up points for me in Fantasy, but at the same time 3) The Jaguars are being benched as my fantasy defense this week in favor of the Browns; who will do no better against Indy. Man fantasy sucks at times.
Call:
Jacksonville 13
Houston 27
---
More later...
My NFL Week 13 Power Rankings
My NFL Week 13 Power Rankings
M.D. Wright
11.26.08
I finally got around to doing these. I've been doing the wash, cooking and making other preparations for the CALVARY that will be at our house for Thanksgiving. Finally, order is restored with the Jints at the top of the heap with NO QUESTIONS ASKED again.
1. New York Football Giants. The best team in the NFL. All-around. No debate allowed.
2. New York Football Jets. Many will argue, especially since the Jets have lost to the Raiders and nearly lost to the Chiefs; but RIGHT NOW they are the best team in the AFC.
3. Tennessee Titans. Titans fans and apologists should take heed from a Giants fan here -- KERRY COLLINS IS YOUR QUARTERBACK. If the Titans are smart, they'd practice some Wildcat Offense and put Vince Young in there during the playoffs.
4. Indianapolis Colts. They're back; which means the AFC should cower. They can win out. YES, seriously.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers. They still appear to be shaky to me. Parker in? Parker out? Roethlisberger in? Roethlisberger out?
6. Carolina Panthers. I have to give them credit, even if Jake Delhomme has looked CRUDDY this month.
7. Atlanta Falcons. They have four losses, but they're still impressive and better than Dallas, Washington and Tampa Bay.
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz... still trying to figure out how they do it. They are the most boring team to watch.
9. Baltimore Ravens. You do not want to play them right now. They could very well finish 11-5 or 12-4 this year.
10. Arizona Cardinals. There's no shame in losing to the best team in the NFL by only 8 points. Kurt is the MVP and they are still impregnable and impetuous on offense.
11. New England Patriots. Get outta here with the Cassel talk. They still aren't impressing me.
12. Washington Redskins. They're reeling, but still a smidge ahead of Dallas.
13. Dallas Cowboys. Sure, Owens had a great game, but they WERE playing hapless SF.
14. Miami Dolphins. WILDCAT!!! WILDCAT!!! WILDCAT!!!
15. New Orleans Saints. HUGE win for them Monday. They're the best of the 6-5 teams in the NFC.
16. Chicago Bears. You never know which team is going to show up each week... appropriately in the middle of the pack.
17. Minnesota Vikings. Gus Frerotte is going to lead them right OUT of the playoffs.
18. Buffalo Bills. They are reeling like Washington, but they got a nice win last week to salvage their slim playoff hopes.
19. Philadelphia Eagles. The Iggles are in DEEP trouble. They have a game coming up against the Giants in New York as well. That game will either bolster to completely kill their slim playoff hopes.
20. Denver Broncos. The Broncos SUCK.
21. Green Bay Packers. The Bi-Polar team of the NFL.
22. San Diego Chargers. Time for the Chargers to man up and go on their patented/annual 5-game win streak. They probably only need to win 8 games (including the tie-breaking win vs. Denver in Week 17) to win the division, but a safer bet for them (and Norv's job) is to win out and ensure they make the playoffs.
23. Houston Texans. They beat Cleveland. Whoopee.
24. Cleveland Browns. The Browns have been put on notice. Will this increase urgency on this talented, but underachieving team?
25. Jacksonville Jaguars. They piss me off with their defensive play. It has cost me two games in Fantasy Football.
26. Oakland Raiders. THE RAIDERS CAN REALISTICALLY WIN THE AFC WEST. That ought to tell you how bad this division is.
27. Kansas City Chiefs. They Chiefs are playing much better, but they still are a few pieces short of a puzzle.
28. San Francisco 49ers. They could've jumped on Dallas early on Sunday and did not take advantage of sluggish early play by the Cowboys. Then the avalanche occurred.
29. Seattle Seahawks. Mike Holmgrem has to throw up in his throat thinking about going out like this.
30. St. Louis Rams. YIKES.
31. Cincinnati Bengals. They need to get rid of Chad Johnson. ASAP.
32. Detroit Lions. Goodness gracious SAKES alive... can they just go 0-16 and draft ANOTHER WR next year?
M.D. Wright
11.26.08
I finally got around to doing these. I've been doing the wash, cooking and making other preparations for the CALVARY that will be at our house for Thanksgiving. Finally, order is restored with the Jints at the top of the heap with NO QUESTIONS ASKED again.
1. New York Football Giants. The best team in the NFL. All-around. No debate allowed.
2. New York Football Jets. Many will argue, especially since the Jets have lost to the Raiders and nearly lost to the Chiefs; but RIGHT NOW they are the best team in the AFC.
3. Tennessee Titans. Titans fans and apologists should take heed from a Giants fan here -- KERRY COLLINS IS YOUR QUARTERBACK. If the Titans are smart, they'd practice some Wildcat Offense and put Vince Young in there during the playoffs.
4. Indianapolis Colts. They're back; which means the AFC should cower. They can win out. YES, seriously.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers. They still appear to be shaky to me. Parker in? Parker out? Roethlisberger in? Roethlisberger out?
6. Carolina Panthers. I have to give them credit, even if Jake Delhomme has looked CRUDDY this month.
7. Atlanta Falcons. They have four losses, but they're still impressive and better than Dallas, Washington and Tampa Bay.
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz... still trying to figure out how they do it. They are the most boring team to watch.
9. Baltimore Ravens. You do not want to play them right now. They could very well finish 11-5 or 12-4 this year.
10. Arizona Cardinals. There's no shame in losing to the best team in the NFL by only 8 points. Kurt is the MVP and they are still impregnable and impetuous on offense.
11. New England Patriots. Get outta here with the Cassel talk. They still aren't impressing me.
12. Washington Redskins. They're reeling, but still a smidge ahead of Dallas.
13. Dallas Cowboys. Sure, Owens had a great game, but they WERE playing hapless SF.
14. Miami Dolphins. WILDCAT!!! WILDCAT!!! WILDCAT!!!
15. New Orleans Saints. HUGE win for them Monday. They're the best of the 6-5 teams in the NFC.
16. Chicago Bears. You never know which team is going to show up each week... appropriately in the middle of the pack.
17. Minnesota Vikings. Gus Frerotte is going to lead them right OUT of the playoffs.
18. Buffalo Bills. They are reeling like Washington, but they got a nice win last week to salvage their slim playoff hopes.
19. Philadelphia Eagles. The Iggles are in DEEP trouble. They have a game coming up against the Giants in New York as well. That game will either bolster to completely kill their slim playoff hopes.
20. Denver Broncos. The Broncos SUCK.
21. Green Bay Packers. The Bi-Polar team of the NFL.
22. San Diego Chargers. Time for the Chargers to man up and go on their patented/annual 5-game win streak. They probably only need to win 8 games (including the tie-breaking win vs. Denver in Week 17) to win the division, but a safer bet for them (and Norv's job) is to win out and ensure they make the playoffs.
23. Houston Texans. They beat Cleveland. Whoopee.
24. Cleveland Browns. The Browns have been put on notice. Will this increase urgency on this talented, but underachieving team?
25. Jacksonville Jaguars. They piss me off with their defensive play. It has cost me two games in Fantasy Football.
26. Oakland Raiders. THE RAIDERS CAN REALISTICALLY WIN THE AFC WEST. That ought to tell you how bad this division is.
27. Kansas City Chiefs. They Chiefs are playing much better, but they still are a few pieces short of a puzzle.
28. San Francisco 49ers. They could've jumped on Dallas early on Sunday and did not take advantage of sluggish early play by the Cowboys. Then the avalanche occurred.
29. Seattle Seahawks. Mike Holmgrem has to throw up in his throat thinking about going out like this.
30. St. Louis Rams. YIKES.
31. Cincinnati Bengals. They need to get rid of Chad Johnson. ASAP.
32. Detroit Lions. Goodness gracious SAKES alive... can they just go 0-16 and draft ANOTHER WR next year?
ESPN's NFL Week 13 Power Rankings
ESPN's NFL Week 13 Power Rankings
ESPN.com
1 (2) Giants 10-1-0 They were pretty impressive in beating the Cardinals without the services of Brandon Jacobs and Plaxico Burress. The G-Men have another tough road test at FedEx Field on Sunday. (MM)
2 (1) Titans 10-1-0 They probably were due for a dud. They need to re-establish the run. Who better to help than Detroit? (PK)
3 (6) Jets 8-3-0 Their victory over the previously unbeaten Titans gave them six wins in a row and made them the team to beat in the AFC. (TG)
4 (4) Steelers 8-3-0 Even on an off night, the Steelers still won by 17 points. That's the mark of a solid team. (JW)
5 (5) Buccaneers 8-3-0 The Bucs took care of business in Detroit by scoring on offense, defense and special teams. They might not be flashy, but they get the job done. (PY)
6 (8) Colts 7-4-0 The Colts have built a nice streak and now look to have easy stretch. (PK)
7 (3) Panthers 8-3-0 A defense that was supposed to be very good fell apart against Atlanta. The remaining schedule is brutal. (PY)
8 (10) Patriots 7-4-0 Matt Cassel has put together the best two weeks of any NFL quarterback. The Patriots are one game behind the Jets after drubbing the Dolphins in Miami. (TG)
9 (11) Cowboys 7-4-0 The Cowboys have a chance to reach 8-4 Thursday, then can sit back and root for the Giants on Sunday. Tony Romo looked like himself again in Week 12, and that's a great sign for the Cowboys. (MM)
10 (14) Falcons 7-4-0 The Falcons are coming off a huge win against Carolina and improving each week. (PY)
11 (7) Cardinals 7-4-0 Don't be surprised if the Cardinals find a way in Philadelphia. (MS)
12 (9) Redskins 7-4-0 They notched a solid road win against a Seahawks team that refuses to quit. This will be an unbelievably emotional week with the one-year anniversary of Sean Taylor's death. (MM)
13 (13) Ravens 7-4-0 After all these years, the Ravens finally feasted on an opposing team with quarterback issues. (JW)
14 (12) Dolphins 6-5-0 Their playoff hopes absorbed a major blow with a 20-point loss to the Patriots and a season-ending injury to leading receiver Greg Camarillo. (TG)
15 (19) Bears 6-5-0 There's nothing like a trip to St. Louis to raise your confidence. (KS)
16 (20) Saints 6-5-0 The Saints finally looked the way they were supposed to all along in the blowout victory over the Packers. (PY)
17 (21) Vikings 6-5-0 There is something to be said for accepting a gift game. Now, if only Adrian Peterson could remember what time that meeting is. (KS)
18 (18) Bills 6-5-0 The BIlls feasted on everybody's favorite slump-buster, the Kansas City Chiefs. (TG)
19 (15) Broncos 6-5-0 The Chiefs and Raiders have combined for four wins. Two have come against the AFC West division leader. Yikes. (BW)
20 (16) Packers 5-6-0 An embarrassing performance on MNF has left the Packers needing help to win the NFC North. (KS)
21 (17) Eagles 5-5-1 This is a team in turmoil. A loss against the Cardinals on Thursday could signal the immediate end of the Donovan McNabb era. (MM)
22 (22) Chargers 4-7-0 Can the Chargers take any more final-minute heartbreak? I think not. (BW)
23 (25) Texans 4-7-0 Not quite the MNF circumstances they expected when the schedule came out. (PK)
24 (23) Jaguars 4-7-0 The popular preseason pick to unseat the Colts is playing to avoid last place in its division. (PK)
25 (24) Browns 4-7-0 It's hard to put a finger on what this team will try to accomplish the rest of the season. (JW)
26 (31) Raiders 3-8-0 Tom Cable just beat Mike Shanahan by 21 points -- in Denver. Al Davis is a very happy man this week. (BW)
27 (26) 49ers 3-8-0 Interim coach Mike Singletary faces an uphill fight, as the 49ers play three of their next four games on the road. (MS)
28 (27) Seahawks 2-9-0 Next season can't arrive soon enough for the Seahawks, who are in transition. (MS)
29 (28) Rams 2-9-0 Steven Jackson could return this week, but the Rams' troubles go deeper. (MS)
30 (29) Bengals 1-9-1 The Chad Ocho Cinco trade watch begins in five weeks. (JW)
31 (30) Chiefs 1-10-0 The Chiefs punctuated their awful season by allowing 54 points, a franchise record. (BW)
32 (32) Lions 0-11-0 Calling all healthy quarterbacks: Can anyone stop the Lions' march to 0-16? (KS)
ESPN.com
1 (2) Giants 10-1-0 They were pretty impressive in beating the Cardinals without the services of Brandon Jacobs and Plaxico Burress. The G-Men have another tough road test at FedEx Field on Sunday. (MM)
2 (1) Titans 10-1-0 They probably were due for a dud. They need to re-establish the run. Who better to help than Detroit? (PK)
3 (6) Jets 8-3-0 Their victory over the previously unbeaten Titans gave them six wins in a row and made them the team to beat in the AFC. (TG)
4 (4) Steelers 8-3-0 Even on an off night, the Steelers still won by 17 points. That's the mark of a solid team. (JW)
5 (5) Buccaneers 8-3-0 The Bucs took care of business in Detroit by scoring on offense, defense and special teams. They might not be flashy, but they get the job done. (PY)
6 (8) Colts 7-4-0 The Colts have built a nice streak and now look to have easy stretch. (PK)
7 (3) Panthers 8-3-0 A defense that was supposed to be very good fell apart against Atlanta. The remaining schedule is brutal. (PY)
8 (10) Patriots 7-4-0 Matt Cassel has put together the best two weeks of any NFL quarterback. The Patriots are one game behind the Jets after drubbing the Dolphins in Miami. (TG)
9 (11) Cowboys 7-4-0 The Cowboys have a chance to reach 8-4 Thursday, then can sit back and root for the Giants on Sunday. Tony Romo looked like himself again in Week 12, and that's a great sign for the Cowboys. (MM)
10 (14) Falcons 7-4-0 The Falcons are coming off a huge win against Carolina and improving each week. (PY)
11 (7) Cardinals 7-4-0 Don't be surprised if the Cardinals find a way in Philadelphia. (MS)
12 (9) Redskins 7-4-0 They notched a solid road win against a Seahawks team that refuses to quit. This will be an unbelievably emotional week with the one-year anniversary of Sean Taylor's death. (MM)
13 (13) Ravens 7-4-0 After all these years, the Ravens finally feasted on an opposing team with quarterback issues. (JW)
14 (12) Dolphins 6-5-0 Their playoff hopes absorbed a major blow with a 20-point loss to the Patriots and a season-ending injury to leading receiver Greg Camarillo. (TG)
15 (19) Bears 6-5-0 There's nothing like a trip to St. Louis to raise your confidence. (KS)
16 (20) Saints 6-5-0 The Saints finally looked the way they were supposed to all along in the blowout victory over the Packers. (PY)
17 (21) Vikings 6-5-0 There is something to be said for accepting a gift game. Now, if only Adrian Peterson could remember what time that meeting is. (KS)
18 (18) Bills 6-5-0 The BIlls feasted on everybody's favorite slump-buster, the Kansas City Chiefs. (TG)
19 (15) Broncos 6-5-0 The Chiefs and Raiders have combined for four wins. Two have come against the AFC West division leader. Yikes. (BW)
20 (16) Packers 5-6-0 An embarrassing performance on MNF has left the Packers needing help to win the NFC North. (KS)
21 (17) Eagles 5-5-1 This is a team in turmoil. A loss against the Cardinals on Thursday could signal the immediate end of the Donovan McNabb era. (MM)
22 (22) Chargers 4-7-0 Can the Chargers take any more final-minute heartbreak? I think not. (BW)
23 (25) Texans 4-7-0 Not quite the MNF circumstances they expected when the schedule came out. (PK)
24 (23) Jaguars 4-7-0 The popular preseason pick to unseat the Colts is playing to avoid last place in its division. (PK)
25 (24) Browns 4-7-0 It's hard to put a finger on what this team will try to accomplish the rest of the season. (JW)
26 (31) Raiders 3-8-0 Tom Cable just beat Mike Shanahan by 21 points -- in Denver. Al Davis is a very happy man this week. (BW)
27 (26) 49ers 3-8-0 Interim coach Mike Singletary faces an uphill fight, as the 49ers play three of their next four games on the road. (MS)
28 (27) Seahawks 2-9-0 Next season can't arrive soon enough for the Seahawks, who are in transition. (MS)
29 (28) Rams 2-9-0 Steven Jackson could return this week, but the Rams' troubles go deeper. (MS)
30 (29) Bengals 1-9-1 The Chad Ocho Cinco trade watch begins in five weeks. (JW)
31 (30) Chiefs 1-10-0 The Chiefs punctuated their awful season by allowing 54 points, a franchise record. (BW)
32 (32) Lions 0-11-0 Calling all healthy quarterbacks: Can anyone stop the Lions' march to 0-16? (KS)
If the People Around Me Would Change
If the People Around Me Would Change
Valorie Burton
Author & Life Coach
Do you find yourself frustrated by the same types of occurrences in your life—over and over again?
Perhaps it is the aggressive people in the traffic you endure daily during your commute. Maybe it is the behavior of someone you deal with regularly who does not behave as you think they should. Or perhaps you do not like where you live, your job, your looks or some other aspect of your daily life. Your happiness does not have to be based on what happens around you or to you. On more than one occasion, I have learned this important lesson:
You won't become happy if someone else changes or if the world around you changes. You become happy when you change.
From a Greek prison cell, the apostle Paul wrote, "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation," (Philippians 4:12). This week, I challenge you to choose happiness despite what happens around you. It is not what happens to you or what goes on around you that ultimately shapes your character and state of being. It is how you choose to respond to it. Things or people around you may be frustrating, but is your response to it making it more stressful or less stressful for you? Here are a few of the ways that you can make frustrating circumstances more stressful:
* Regularly complaining about your circumstances. Some people complain to anyone who will listen. Others complain repeatedly to themselves or the person closest to them. Make a decision to stop complaining. Find a solution or accept the situation as is.
* Always expecting the worst in people. Do you feel like the world is against you? If so, you'll respond to every situation in fear rather than love, thereby escalating the intensity of any potential conflict and its impact on your emotional state of being.
* Taking it personally when strangers are rude or inconsiderate. Have you noticed lately that people in general seem to be stressed and less considerate of others than they used to be? It has nothing to do with you. People have issues. So choose not to respond as though you are being personally attacked. If you do, you'll find yourself in victim mode nearly every time you leave your house!
* Blaming others for your unhappiness. "If only my spouse/kids/boss/friends would change, I would be happy." Do you ever find yourself saying something like this to yourself? Blaming others gives us an excuse not to take responsibility for our own happiness. Don't give your power away to others.
* Feeling sorry for yourself. "Why me? Why am I the one who has to deal with this? Everybody else's life is better." The truth is, everyone has to deal with something. Ask, "What's the lesson here? How can I come out of this a better person?" Choose to allow challenges to strengthen your faith rather than diminish it.
So how can you change when the world around you remains the same? You make a decision to do so. The key is to respond rather than react. A reaction is automatic. It doesn't require thought and is generated by external happenings. A response is inspired, generated internally through thought, contemplation and prayer. It means that despite the external happenings, you choose to answer button-pushing situations in a way that honors your desire for peace and happiness in your life.
Your decision to change does not mean that rude people are right or that frustrating friends or family members are not to be accountable for their words and actions. It simply means that your happiness and peace are not determined by what they do. Don't wait in vain for others to change or the world around you to change. You make the change.
My Challenge to You This Week:
Identify one change you can make that will allow you to experience contentment in a situation that upsets you. Let go of your attachment to the idea that someone or something must change in order for you to be happy. You make a decision to change.
Journaling Assignment:
By insisting something around you needs to change, what have you been able to avoid? (For example, taking responsibility for your own happiness, having a difficult conversation, etc.). How and when will you face the fear that has caused you to avoid what needs to be addressed?
Related Resource:
Are you in the place you'd hoped or expected to be? Is this the best life you could be living? Check out the Listen to Your Life book or DVD for more on how to pay attention to your deepest desires, listen to God's voice, and explore your gifts and talents.
Taken from Rich Minds, Rich Rewards E-Newsletter. Written and distributed by Inspire, Inc. © 2008 Valorie Burton. All rights reserved. Used with permission. www.valorieburton.com.
Valorie Burton, a life coach and speaker, is the author of Listen to Your Life, Rich Minds, Rich Rewards, What's Really Holding You Back?, Why Not You? and her latest, How Did I Get So Busy?.
Valorie Burton
Author & Life Coach
Do you find yourself frustrated by the same types of occurrences in your life—over and over again?
Perhaps it is the aggressive people in the traffic you endure daily during your commute. Maybe it is the behavior of someone you deal with regularly who does not behave as you think they should. Or perhaps you do not like where you live, your job, your looks or some other aspect of your daily life. Your happiness does not have to be based on what happens around you or to you. On more than one occasion, I have learned this important lesson:
You won't become happy if someone else changes or if the world around you changes. You become happy when you change.
From a Greek prison cell, the apostle Paul wrote, "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation," (Philippians 4:12). This week, I challenge you to choose happiness despite what happens around you. It is not what happens to you or what goes on around you that ultimately shapes your character and state of being. It is how you choose to respond to it. Things or people around you may be frustrating, but is your response to it making it more stressful or less stressful for you? Here are a few of the ways that you can make frustrating circumstances more stressful:
* Regularly complaining about your circumstances. Some people complain to anyone who will listen. Others complain repeatedly to themselves or the person closest to them. Make a decision to stop complaining. Find a solution or accept the situation as is.
* Always expecting the worst in people. Do you feel like the world is against you? If so, you'll respond to every situation in fear rather than love, thereby escalating the intensity of any potential conflict and its impact on your emotional state of being.
* Taking it personally when strangers are rude or inconsiderate. Have you noticed lately that people in general seem to be stressed and less considerate of others than they used to be? It has nothing to do with you. People have issues. So choose not to respond as though you are being personally attacked. If you do, you'll find yourself in victim mode nearly every time you leave your house!
* Blaming others for your unhappiness. "If only my spouse/kids/boss/friends would change, I would be happy." Do you ever find yourself saying something like this to yourself? Blaming others gives us an excuse not to take responsibility for our own happiness. Don't give your power away to others.
* Feeling sorry for yourself. "Why me? Why am I the one who has to deal with this? Everybody else's life is better." The truth is, everyone has to deal with something. Ask, "What's the lesson here? How can I come out of this a better person?" Choose to allow challenges to strengthen your faith rather than diminish it.
So how can you change when the world around you remains the same? You make a decision to do so. The key is to respond rather than react. A reaction is automatic. It doesn't require thought and is generated by external happenings. A response is inspired, generated internally through thought, contemplation and prayer. It means that despite the external happenings, you choose to answer button-pushing situations in a way that honors your desire for peace and happiness in your life.
Your decision to change does not mean that rude people are right or that frustrating friends or family members are not to be accountable for their words and actions. It simply means that your happiness and peace are not determined by what they do. Don't wait in vain for others to change or the world around you to change. You make the change.
My Challenge to You This Week:
Identify one change you can make that will allow you to experience contentment in a situation that upsets you. Let go of your attachment to the idea that someone or something must change in order for you to be happy. You make a decision to change.
Journaling Assignment:
By insisting something around you needs to change, what have you been able to avoid? (For example, taking responsibility for your own happiness, having a difficult conversation, etc.). How and when will you face the fear that has caused you to avoid what needs to be addressed?
Related Resource:
Are you in the place you'd hoped or expected to be? Is this the best life you could be living? Check out the Listen to Your Life book or DVD for more on how to pay attention to your deepest desires, listen to God's voice, and explore your gifts and talents.
Taken from Rich Minds, Rich Rewards E-Newsletter. Written and distributed by Inspire, Inc. © 2008 Valorie Burton. All rights reserved. Used with permission. www.valorieburton.com.
Valorie Burton, a life coach and speaker, is the author of Listen to Your Life, Rich Minds, Rich Rewards, What's Really Holding You Back?, Why Not You? and her latest, How Did I Get So Busy?.
Obedience To God
Obedience to God
"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14
Not only what we talk about, but what we think about is screened by the Lord. Is it acceptable to the Lord?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the Lord all night." I Samuel 15:11
Saul's problem is a common one. He thought his "overall performance" was good enough to see him through. All the while, God was placing the emphasis on obedience to specific directives. God has not changed. "to obey is better than sacrifice." (I Samuel 15:22)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred. Genesis 31:13
God has a running account of our kept and forgotten vows, and so often as the occasion arises, He calls for their fulfillment.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"And the Lord said unto me, Arise, get thee down quickly from hence; for thy people which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt have corrupted themselves; they are quickly turned aside out of the way which I commanded them; they have made them a molten image." Deuteronomy 9:12
Humanity has not changed. When we lose touch with the true and living God, we start making our own. "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." (Luke 4:8)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come." St. John 16:13
One of our great problems is that we ask God for answers and guidance and then debate Him over His response. "Whatsoever he saith to you, do it." "We ought to obey God."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." I Corinthians 10:31
Here is the argument settler. If you can't do a thing in accordance with His Word and will, don't do it. "Not my will, but thine, be done."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"...And that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient." Exodus 24:7
God's paths are clear. It is our dull hearing that gets us into trouble. "Obedience is better than sacrifice." "We ought to obey God rather than man."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you." Jeremiah 7:23
Here is a condition and a promise that we cannot afford to ignore if we are to live happy and fruitful lives.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men." St. Mark 1:17
Jesus beckons us to the world's greatest business. Only in eternity will we see just how great. Stop what you are doing and follow Jesus in this, the most rewarding work of all! "He that winneth souls is wise."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." St. Matthew 25:21
Contrary to what we sometimes think, we will be rewarded not for our success but on the basis of our faithfulness. "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."
Copyright © Saint Matthew's Churches.
"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14
Not only what we talk about, but what we think about is screened by the Lord. Is it acceptable to the Lord?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the Lord all night." I Samuel 15:11
Saul's problem is a common one. He thought his "overall performance" was good enough to see him through. All the while, God was placing the emphasis on obedience to specific directives. God has not changed. "to obey is better than sacrifice." (I Samuel 15:22)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred. Genesis 31:13
God has a running account of our kept and forgotten vows, and so often as the occasion arises, He calls for their fulfillment.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"And the Lord said unto me, Arise, get thee down quickly from hence; for thy people which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt have corrupted themselves; they are quickly turned aside out of the way which I commanded them; they have made them a molten image." Deuteronomy 9:12
Humanity has not changed. When we lose touch with the true and living God, we start making our own. "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." (Luke 4:8)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come." St. John 16:13
One of our great problems is that we ask God for answers and guidance and then debate Him over His response. "Whatsoever he saith to you, do it." "We ought to obey God."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." I Corinthians 10:31
Here is the argument settler. If you can't do a thing in accordance with His Word and will, don't do it. "Not my will, but thine, be done."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"...And that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient." Exodus 24:7
God's paths are clear. It is our dull hearing that gets us into trouble. "Obedience is better than sacrifice." "We ought to obey God rather than man."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you." Jeremiah 7:23
Here is a condition and a promise that we cannot afford to ignore if we are to live happy and fruitful lives.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men." St. Mark 1:17
Jesus beckons us to the world's greatest business. Only in eternity will we see just how great. Stop what you are doing and follow Jesus in this, the most rewarding work of all! "He that winneth souls is wise."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." St. Matthew 25:21
Contrary to what we sometimes think, we will be rewarded not for our success but on the basis of our faithfulness. "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."
Copyright © Saint Matthew's Churches.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Walking In Obedience
Walking In Obedience
The main motivating factor to walking in obedience should be our love for Jesus Christ.
Jesus said,
"If anyone loves Me, he will keep my word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him, and make Our abode with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words..." (John 14:23, 24).
Obedience and faithfulness that are motivated by love will glorify God and build up His church.
There is a deep and satisfying communion between the obedient Christian and the Father.
"The one who says, ’I have come to know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected..." (1 John 2:4, 5)
Obedience that is not motivated by love cannot produce the spiritual fruit that God wants from His children. If we obey because of fear ("God may punish me!") or because of greed ("If I obey, God must bless me!"), then we cannot expect that close communion with the Father that Jesus promised to those who keep the Word .
"If you love Me, you will keep My commandments" (John 14:15).
Pray that God will give you a deeper love for Him - obedience will follow.
The Living Word Library © 1996 - 2008
editor@wordlibrary.co.uk
http://www.wordlibrary.co.uk/article.php?id=368
The main motivating factor to walking in obedience should be our love for Jesus Christ.
Jesus said,
"If anyone loves Me, he will keep my word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him, and make Our abode with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words..." (John 14:23, 24).
Obedience and faithfulness that are motivated by love will glorify God and build up His church.
There is a deep and satisfying communion between the obedient Christian and the Father.
"The one who says, ’I have come to know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected..." (1 John 2:4, 5)
Obedience that is not motivated by love cannot produce the spiritual fruit that God wants from His children. If we obey because of fear ("God may punish me!") or because of greed ("If I obey, God must bless me!"), then we cannot expect that close communion with the Father that Jesus promised to those who keep the Word .
"If you love Me, you will keep My commandments" (John 14:15).
Pray that God will give you a deeper love for Him - obedience will follow.
The Living Word Library © 1996 - 2008
editor@wordlibrary.co.uk
http://www.wordlibrary.co.uk/article.php?id=368
Monday, November 24, 2008
Learning Obedience
Learning Obedience
By Dr. Charles Stanley
The life of obedience is a life of following Christ. If we commit ourselves to obeying God, He will train us until obedience becomes a way of life.
I. Obedience involves commitment. We can identify people who are committed to obeying God by two traits:
The truly committed are primarily concerned about grieving the heart of a loving God when they sin.
The truly committed are concerned with how the consequences of their sin will affect them and others.
II. Obedience always brings blessings, while disobedience always brings pain.
The curse of God is a declaration of His intended judgement on unbelievers.
Believers will face only God's loving chastisement, which may be painful, but is for their own good.
III. To learn obedience to God, we must:
Learn to wait upon the Lord in prayer (Isaiah 40:31).
Develop a love for the Word of God (Psalm. 119:23).
Realize that to obey God often means a head-on collision with human reasoning and the world system (Proverb. 1:6-7).
Know that sometimes God will allow us to walk in the dark so that we will learn to trust Him (Proverb. 3:5-6).
Expect some inner struggles (Romans. 7:15).
Learn that there is no substitute for obedience (Deuteronomy. 11:26-28).
Learn to leave all the consequences of our obedience to God (Proverb. 16:3).
As believers, we will face many decisions in life. But our ultimate question when making choices should be: Is this decision in keeping with my commitment to obey God?
Questions for Reflection
In addition to your decision to receive Christ, have you made a commitment to be obedient to God?
Is there an area of your life in which you struggle to be obedient?
What is preventing you from submitting your whole life - your relationships, your future, your job, your health, your children - to the Lordship of Jesus?
Examine the above list of seven steps to obedience. Do you have trouble with one in particular? If so, memorize the corresponding Scripture passage for encouragement.
Prayer
"Lord, help me to be obedient to you. Place within my heart the desire to demonstrate my love for You through obeying Your Word.
By Dr. Charles Stanley
The life of obedience is a life of following Christ. If we commit ourselves to obeying God, He will train us until obedience becomes a way of life.
I. Obedience involves commitment. We can identify people who are committed to obeying God by two traits:
The truly committed are primarily concerned about grieving the heart of a loving God when they sin.
The truly committed are concerned with how the consequences of their sin will affect them and others.
II. Obedience always brings blessings, while disobedience always brings pain.
The curse of God is a declaration of His intended judgement on unbelievers.
Believers will face only God's loving chastisement, which may be painful, but is for their own good.
III. To learn obedience to God, we must:
Learn to wait upon the Lord in prayer (Isaiah 40:31).
Develop a love for the Word of God (Psalm. 119:23).
Realize that to obey God often means a head-on collision with human reasoning and the world system (Proverb. 1:6-7).
Know that sometimes God will allow us to walk in the dark so that we will learn to trust Him (Proverb. 3:5-6).
Expect some inner struggles (Romans. 7:15).
Learn that there is no substitute for obedience (Deuteronomy. 11:26-28).
Learn to leave all the consequences of our obedience to God (Proverb. 16:3).
As believers, we will face many decisions in life. But our ultimate question when making choices should be: Is this decision in keeping with my commitment to obey God?
Questions for Reflection
In addition to your decision to receive Christ, have you made a commitment to be obedient to God?
Is there an area of your life in which you struggle to be obedient?
What is preventing you from submitting your whole life - your relationships, your future, your job, your health, your children - to the Lordship of Jesus?
Examine the above list of seven steps to obedience. Do you have trouble with one in particular? If so, memorize the corresponding Scripture passage for encouragement.
Prayer
"Lord, help me to be obedient to you. Place within my heart the desire to demonstrate my love for You through obeying Your Word.
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