Tuesday, December 16, 2008
THE BEST ONLINE SHOPPING
This year it’s evident that people are not shopping the stores and filling the register lines as much as they have in the past. Many people are getting their Christmas deals from the web. After all, why fight all the long lines when you can hit one of the millions of sites on the internet and quickly compare their products and prices. As a matter of fact, 77 per cent of shoppers plan to do at least half their gift shopping via the web this year, which is up from 56 per cent in 2007. Well I must admit that yes, we too have succumb to shopping from the couch this year for some of our girl’s gifts. But the best online shopping deal this Christmas isn’t going to be found on ebay, slickdeals, dealnet, or any other of the world wide web stores. The best shopping will come from the giver of all good gifts – Jesus Christ. It’s not only the fastest connect and download speed, but it’s also the best deal every time because everything Jesus has to offer has already been paid for in full. As a matter of fact it says in James 1:17 that “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.” The economy has slowed down some of the shopping this year, but imagine what it would be like if there were no spending limits. There would be a shopping craze if money were no longer and issue. So why don’t we put that same enthusiasm into pursuing the gifts God has for our life? Why don’t we go online with Jesus, connect with him through prayer and intercession, and begin to unwrap the gifts he wants to bestow on us spiritually? After all the Kingdom gifts are the only ones that we can take with us into eternity anyway so shouldn’t they be the ones we value the most now? So what are you waiting for? Get on your knees, go online with Holy Spirit, and start asking Jesus what he has for your life. Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
The Annual Reminder
Well today I woke up to an annual reminder that life is short and I'm another year older - yes it is my Birthday! This week we are traveling to Iowa to spend Thanksgiving with my wifes Family but we stopped in Indy last night to celebrate with my brother Dave, who's birthday is also tomorrow. No my mom didn't take 24 hours to give birth to twins. His B-day is the day after mine but we're also 14 years apart. And now you might be saying to yourself "What was his mom thinking?" But if you think that's bad I also have a sister 17 years older than me and my nearest sibling is 11 years my elder. CRAZY! But I guess it took them all those years to figure out how to get it right with me! HA.....at least that's what I say? Well today may not be your birthday, but we all need to be frequently reminded about the brevity of life. Maybe your hairs not falling out like mine, but the reality is that with every breath we take we're one step closer to seeing Jesus and we all have to be ready. Birthday's are a reminder of the day we were born into this world, but the most important thing is being born again into the Kingdom of God. In the book of John Jesus talked about this and he said, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3). He then told Nicodemus, "Ye MUST be born again" (John 3:7).
So today the most important question isn't whether you'll make it to see another birthday. The most important question is whether you've been "born again" through a relationship with Jesus Christ and will you be ready when your time on earth is done. Whether you die, or if Jesus comes back, either way the time is coming when "Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord." My prayer is that this be a reminder to you that life is short and sweet, so if you haven't given your life to Christ and been born again, do it while you can.
So today the most important question isn't whether you'll make it to see another birthday. The most important question is whether you've been "born again" through a relationship with Jesus Christ and will you be ready when your time on earth is done. Whether you die, or if Jesus comes back, either way the time is coming when "Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord." My prayer is that this be a reminder to you that life is short and sweet, so if you haven't given your life to Christ and been born again, do it while you can.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Worship in Spirit and Truth
Jesus said in John 4:24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” So how can our worship be in truth when we’re putting on a front for the Sunday morning crowd that is inconsistent with our daily walk of worship? I believe the Lord is wanting to take us deeper in our worship experience but let’s be sure that we seek Him and worship as hard on Monday as we do on Sunday. Let’s be the real deal and allow him to be real in us.
It says in John 4:24 “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit & in truth.” What does it mean to “worship in spirit”? Well first of all we must understand that worship is much more spiritual than it is physical. Although the Bible does talk about certain postures, raising hands, clapping hands and even dancing before the Lord, God is concerned more with the posture of the heart than anything. We have to remember that we are a spirit in a body and God birthed his spirit in us the minute we were saved. This is like our connection to the heavenlies and our worship should be spirit led and spirit empowered thru the gifts and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
But Jesus said our worship should not only be "in spirit" but also in "truth." Worship is definitely a spiritual experience. However, Jesus is also the “the way, the truth and the life, and no one comes to the Father but through him.” John 14:6. So while we worship in Spirit, we must also worship in truth coming to the Father by worshipping Jesus, the son. Worshipping in Truth also means we must think about how we worship and make sure it remains Biblical in our expression, and Biblical in our message. For example; when you sing songs of praise think about the message you’re speaking and let it minister to your heart. Just as the words of truth in scripture can edify your soul, the words of truth in the songs we sing should bring glory to God and edify our spirit man.
Finally, let's never forget that worshipping is so much something we do but a worshipper is something we become. That's why we're told to let our lives be a "spiritual act of worship," Romans 12:1. Everything we do and say in our life should be an expression of worship, adoration, and glorification of God. Just as it says in Hebrews that Jesus Chrit was the "radiance of God's glory," we are now the body of Christ and I believe that we too need to radiate His glory. So let's worship Him in spirit and in truth for these are the kind of worshippers he's looking for!
For the King,
Pastor Dan
P.S. check out the youtube video I posted on worship and pass it on. God Bless!
It says in John 4:24 “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit & in truth.” What does it mean to “worship in spirit”? Well first of all we must understand that worship is much more spiritual than it is physical. Although the Bible does talk about certain postures, raising hands, clapping hands and even dancing before the Lord, God is concerned more with the posture of the heart than anything. We have to remember that we are a spirit in a body and God birthed his spirit in us the minute we were saved. This is like our connection to the heavenlies and our worship should be spirit led and spirit empowered thru the gifts and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
But Jesus said our worship should not only be "in spirit" but also in "truth." Worship is definitely a spiritual experience. However, Jesus is also the “the way, the truth and the life, and no one comes to the Father but through him.” John 14:6. So while we worship in Spirit, we must also worship in truth coming to the Father by worshipping Jesus, the son. Worshipping in Truth also means we must think about how we worship and make sure it remains Biblical in our expression, and Biblical in our message. For example; when you sing songs of praise think about the message you’re speaking and let it minister to your heart. Just as the words of truth in scripture can edify your soul, the words of truth in the songs we sing should bring glory to God and edify our spirit man.
Finally, let's never forget that worshipping is so much something we do but a worshipper is something we become. That's why we're told to let our lives be a "spiritual act of worship," Romans 12:1. Everything we do and say in our life should be an expression of worship, adoration, and glorification of God. Just as it says in Hebrews that Jesus Chrit was the "radiance of God's glory," we are now the body of Christ and I believe that we too need to radiate His glory. So let's worship Him in spirit and in truth for these are the kind of worshippers he's looking for!
For the King,
Pastor Dan
P.S. check out the youtube video I posted on worship and pass it on. God Bless!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Blessed to Be You!
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live a day in someone elses shoes. Hollywood has tried to play it out through movies like "Trading Places," etc. and there seems to be something exciting about certain peoples lives. We look at the rich, the famous, the weatlhy or for some, the healthy, and we wish we could live a day in their life. But the reality is that we probably wouldn't want to walk more than a mile in their shoes. Everyone has issues and struggles that become real to them, but you were only created to be you.
I'm not always thrilled about the things I have to deal with in a day, or some of the struggles that come my way, but the bottom line is that I'm blessed to be me and you're blessed to be you. The Psalmist said in 139:14 "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. I know that full well." Maybe you're not happy with some of the things that you face in life, and the truth is we can't change many of the cicumstances that come our way - but it's our choice how we deal with them. Our outlook on life is up to us. Either we can get bitter or better. Why not allow the things that frustrate you the most about your life, become the things that shape you into a stronger person. Listen, you are the wonderful work of a wonderful God and don't ever forget it. You're blessed to be you. Take the bull by the horns, be the best you that you can be and live your life for the glory of God.
For the King,
Pastor Dan
I'm not always thrilled about the things I have to deal with in a day, or some of the struggles that come my way, but the bottom line is that I'm blessed to be me and you're blessed to be you. The Psalmist said in 139:14 "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. I know that full well." Maybe you're not happy with some of the things that you face in life, and the truth is we can't change many of the cicumstances that come our way - but it's our choice how we deal with them. Our outlook on life is up to us. Either we can get bitter or better. Why not allow the things that frustrate you the most about your life, become the things that shape you into a stronger person. Listen, you are the wonderful work of a wonderful God and don't ever forget it. You're blessed to be you. Take the bull by the horns, be the best you that you can be and live your life for the glory of God.
For the King,
Pastor Dan
Friday, November 14, 2008
Let Freedom Ring
* Click on the the title and enjoy the song. (C)Dan Lund
This is a song I wrote several years ago, but in the midst of the recent elections and so much unrest within our great nation, we need constant reminders to turn back to God. It's time for the Freedom and principles our nation was founded upon to Ring Forth from city to city.
(2Chronicles 7:14) says, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." People are clearly, more than ever before, on both sides of the fence and there is much confusion and unrest. Many people feel like they did cry out and yet things possibly did not go the way they felt they should. I can sympathize with those feelings but this is not a time to get bitter. This is a time for us to strive in every way to be better and to let our light shine forth. Let's pray for America. Let's pray for Pres. Elect Barack Obama and the extended leadership. And let's remember that despite it all, God is still in control and He can use all things for the good of His Kingdom, (Romans 8:28).
For the King,
Pastor Dan Lund
This is a song I wrote several years ago, but in the midst of the recent elections and so much unrest within our great nation, we need constant reminders to turn back to God. It's time for the Freedom and principles our nation was founded upon to Ring Forth from city to city.
(2Chronicles 7:14) says, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." People are clearly, more than ever before, on both sides of the fence and there is much confusion and unrest. Many people feel like they did cry out and yet things possibly did not go the way they felt they should. I can sympathize with those feelings but this is not a time to get bitter. This is a time for us to strive in every way to be better and to let our light shine forth. Let's pray for America. Let's pray for Pres. Elect Barack Obama and the extended leadership. And let's remember that despite it all, God is still in control and He can use all things for the good of His Kingdom, (Romans 8:28).
For the King,
Pastor Dan Lund
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Profound Truth
It’s been said that sometimes the deepest and most profound truths are the things which are the simplest. While leading "Camp X" this summer we had one particular student who hardly spoke a word, but during one of our discussions he finally spoke up and you could have heard a pin drop. Why? Because he had gained everyones respect by listening and people sensed what he said was going to be true. It was like one of those old "E.F. Hutton" commercials where everybody stopped and listened because we all sensed it was going to be good. Paul spoke short and to the point, but it was profound.
Well, my thought for the day is nothing new, but it is a very short, simple, and profound truth. So brace yourself, buckle your seat belt, and put on your hard hat because here it comes; God knows you better than you know yourself! It says in, Eph 2:10 that "We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." So here's the thing; no one knows the created more than the creator and God not only knows you but He has an amazing plan for your life as well.
When we put our sweat and blood into making something there's not only a sense of pride in it, but we also have a sense of protection. The artist will guard his painting. The contractor will insure the home. A car builder like Chip Foose is going to pretty ticked off if you key the side of the car he just finished painting. Well it's that way with God as well. He's proud of His handiwork and protective of our lives. However, the Lord gave us a free will and it's our choice whether we're going to make Him proud and receive His protection, or if we'll do our own thing, our own way, and take our lives into our own hands. You see, when you place your life in His hands you never have to fear because He alone knows what you truly need and He is able to meet that need each and every day. As you trust in Him He will guide and provide! Simple and yet profound - Give your life to Jesus and He will do more through it than you could ever do on your own!
For the King - Dan....
Well, my thought for the day is nothing new, but it is a very short, simple, and profound truth. So brace yourself, buckle your seat belt, and put on your hard hat because here it comes; God knows you better than you know yourself! It says in, Eph 2:10 that "We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." So here's the thing; no one knows the created more than the creator and God not only knows you but He has an amazing plan for your life as well.
When we put our sweat and blood into making something there's not only a sense of pride in it, but we also have a sense of protection. The artist will guard his painting. The contractor will insure the home. A car builder like Chip Foose is going to pretty ticked off if you key the side of the car he just finished painting. Well it's that way with God as well. He's proud of His handiwork and protective of our lives. However, the Lord gave us a free will and it's our choice whether we're going to make Him proud and receive His protection, or if we'll do our own thing, our own way, and take our lives into our own hands. You see, when you place your life in His hands you never have to fear because He alone knows what you truly need and He is able to meet that need each and every day. As you trust in Him He will guide and provide! Simple and yet profound - Give your life to Jesus and He will do more through it than you could ever do on your own!
For the King - Dan....
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