Saturday, September 11, 2010

Acts 5:27-42

At our church we are doing a Beth Moore study, "To Live is Christ - the Life and Ministry of Paul". Today's lesson had us read Acts 5:27-42. I knew very little of Saul's (Paul's) history, but now, really appreciate not only him, but his teachers as well. Beyond that even, I see the work of God in his life and the amazing events that occurred because of his mentors. I hope you enjoy this scripture as much as I do.
Acts 5:27-42 NRSV
When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man's blood on us." But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him."
When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all people, stood up and ordered the men to be put outside for a short time. Then he said to them, "Fellow Israelites, consider carefully what you propose to do to these men. For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him; but he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and disappeared. After him Judas the Galilean rose up at the time of the census and got people to follow him; he also perished, and all who followed him were scattered. So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them - in that case you may even be found fighting against God!"
They were convinced by him, and when they had called in the apostles, they had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. As they left the council, they rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name. And every day in the temple and at home they did not cease to teach and proclaim Jesus as the Messiah.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

I love Picasa

Thanks to Amanda Perko for helping me add photo bling to my blog. I used the free Picasa program she recommended and now recommend it to you. Wow, so easy, fun and pretty!

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Bills A Blessing??

As I do every month P.D.R (Post Dave Ramsey) I sit down at my computer and set up my bills to pay online and make the budget for the next month at least a week in advance. Today, I decided to turn on my iTunes "worship mix" while doing so. Immediately I was reminded what my friend Mary Lynn Golter told me about when she would send her son off on a date when he was a teenager. She would tell him "Take the Lord with you!" Funny but AWESOME. So, I took the Lord with me to my "budget meeting" and WOW, amazing, liberating, humbling, inspiring, convicting. Who knew all those emotional things would come out of this months budget.
This month we make our first mortgage payment ever. Amazing.
This month we have plenty to pay every bill ON TIME. Liberating.
This month I realized how much we waste on running around and eating out. Humbling.
This month we will give more than any other month EVER. Inspiring.
This month there is money left over... Convicting.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Listen to fitzfamilyfarms Playlist


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wierd day

OK, so today was wierd. Nothing spectacular happened, good or bad. Went to church, the house got picked up, dogs got walked, kids played with friends...but it just seems like something is looming. I feel like God is trying to tell me something, yet I keep myself just distracted enough to not get the hint. What is wrong with me!? This "free will" idea is seeming more and more irritating. Why do I keep God at a distance? Why are my prayers unfinished? Why do I watch nonsense TV instead of reading my Bible? Why do I eat M&M's when I am not hungry? Why do I find excuses to avoid things I need to do tomorrow? I need an attitude adjustment.
In VBS last week, the kids learned the verse "Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus". Clearly God wants me to learn that and live that as well, but how?

Saturday, July 17, 2010

aha!

Do you ever have one of those moments when you have clarity and humbleness about God's love for you - when all the stress of the past weeks disappears and you are filled with wonder of how God could love us so much that he puts up with all our crap, that He gave his only Son for us, that He is jealous for us?
I have just had one of those moments. I have kept myself so busy and distracted in recent weeks (ok, months) that it seems that I had forgotten the simple Truth about His love for me. My priorities, I must admit, are completely messed up. I have been relying on my own strength and wisdom in daily life and relationships.
Its like God smacked me upside the head and said "HELLO!! Remember ME!! Come here. Listen to me. Stop watching TV, listening to the radio, reading a book. Just STOP IT! We need to talk."
OK God, I hear you...I am listening...
God speaks to me through music. My inspiration lately "He Loves Us" and "How Deep The Father's Love For Us"