First Basics In Victorious Living
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Isaiah 55:1
Great football teams focus on the basics of blocking and tackling, over and over and over. Victorious living focuses on the basics as well. The number one basic discipline for victorious living is regular time alone with God.
The prophet Isaiah says, "Ho, everyone how thirsts. Come to the waters." Ho, meaning whoa or slow down. We tend to be like a bunch of racehorses, charging out of the starting gates, rushing into the day without a though for God. ho! Slow down and thirst for God. Charging out to make money doesn't satisfy; it leaves your soul empty. God is the source of satisfaction and fulfillment.
Do you have a thirst for God? Ask for a thirst to know Him. Ask God to give you a desire and discipline to spend time with Him, talking and listening to Him through prayer and Bible study. This brings renewal and strength. Regular time alone with God is the first basic in victorious living.
-Right From The Heart 1-Minute Devotions
Great football teams focus on the basics of blocking and tackling, over and over and over. Victorious living focuses on the basics as well. The number one basic discipline for victorious living is regular time alone with God.
The prophet Isaiah says, "Ho, everyone how thirsts. Come to the waters." Ho, meaning whoa or slow down. We tend to be like a bunch of racehorses, charging out of the starting gates, rushing into the day without a though for God. ho! Slow down and thirst for God. Charging out to make money doesn't satisfy; it leaves your soul empty. God is the source of satisfaction and fulfillment.
Do you have a thirst for God? Ask for a thirst to know Him. Ask God to give you a desire and discipline to spend time with Him, talking and listening to Him through prayer and Bible study. This brings renewal and strength. Regular time alone with God is the first basic in victorious living.
-Right From The Heart 1-Minute Devotions
Why Prayer Is Dissapointing
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Matthew 26:39
Do you ever feel your prayers are not answered? God's Word gives us the key in James 4:3: "When you ask, you don't receive because you ask with the wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures."
The major reason prayer doesn't seem to work, is we tend to pray with selfish motives. God promises to meet our needs, but needs and wants can be two very different things. So much prayer is focused on how we can use God to get what we want. But the greatest example of prayer is found in Jesus. The night before His crucifixion, He asked His Father to spare Him the agony of the cross, but then added, "yet not My will, but Your will."
Prayer is not a magic tool to get what we want. Prayer is communicating with God--talking and listening so we seek what God wants, asking him for the strength to do it. Jesus did that, and what a difference it made.
-Right From The Heart 1-Minute Devotions
Do you ever feel your prayers are not answered? God's Word gives us the key in James 4:3: "When you ask, you don't receive because you ask with the wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures."
The major reason prayer doesn't seem to work, is we tend to pray with selfish motives. God promises to meet our needs, but needs and wants can be two very different things. So much prayer is focused on how we can use God to get what we want. But the greatest example of prayer is found in Jesus. The night before His crucifixion, He asked His Father to spare Him the agony of the cross, but then added, "yet not My will, but Your will."
Prayer is not a magic tool to get what we want. Prayer is communicating with God--talking and listening so we seek what God wants, asking him for the strength to do it. Jesus did that, and what a difference it made.
-Right From The Heart 1-Minute Devotions
Meeting Death
Friday, July 22, 2011
Psalm 89:48
Peter Marshall used to tell the legend of the merchant of Baghdad who sent his servant to the market in the ancient Middle Eastern City. The servant returned, pale and trembling, and the merchant asked him what was wrong. The servant told him he bumped into someone, looked up, and saw Death in a dark hooded robe pointing at him. He asked the merchant, "Please let me borrow your horse so I can flee to Samaria where he can't find me."
The merchant agreed. later that day, the merchant went to the crowded market and saw Death standing to the side, and he asked, "Why did you frighten my servant?"
Death responded, "I was only shocked to see him in Baghdad, for tonight I havea n appointment with him in Samaria."
We all have a rendezvous with death. For every life, there is death. For every life, there is death. The statistics on death are 100%. But the fear of death is removed by receiving the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. With faith, we can concentrate on living this life to the fullest.
We all have a rendezvous with death. Are you ready?
-Right From The Heart 1-Minute Devotions
Peter Marshall used to tell the legend of the merchant of Baghdad who sent his servant to the market in the ancient Middle Eastern City. The servant returned, pale and trembling, and the merchant asked him what was wrong. The servant told him he bumped into someone, looked up, and saw Death in a dark hooded robe pointing at him. He asked the merchant, "Please let me borrow your horse so I can flee to Samaria where he can't find me."
The merchant agreed. later that day, the merchant went to the crowded market and saw Death standing to the side, and he asked, "Why did you frighten my servant?"
Death responded, "I was only shocked to see him in Baghdad, for tonight I havea n appointment with him in Samaria."
We all have a rendezvous with death. For every life, there is death. For every life, there is death. The statistics on death are 100%. But the fear of death is removed by receiving the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. With faith, we can concentrate on living this life to the fullest.
We all have a rendezvous with death. Are you ready?
-Right From The Heart 1-Minute Devotions
The Creator Revealed
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Romans 1:20
I love the fall--the excitement of football season, the crisp coolness of the morning air, the beauty of the changing leaves. This time of year really invigorates me. It's easy to be enthusiastic about life when the world around us is so colorful.
The changing of the seasons reminds us that God created a universe where there is order. Fall follows summer every year. The seasons come like clockwork. So dependable is the change, that we take it for granted. The Bible tells us that even if we had no other way of knowing that there is a God, nature alone is enough proof of His existence. Creation shows us God's power, and so much of His divine nature.
As you enjoy the change of seasons each year, I hope you'll acknowledge the Creator of such beauty and majesty. He's a God of order in creation and, best of all, His greatest desire is to have a personal relationship with you.
-Right From The Heart 1-Minute Devotions
I love the fall--the excitement of football season, the crisp coolness of the morning air, the beauty of the changing leaves. This time of year really invigorates me. It's easy to be enthusiastic about life when the world around us is so colorful.
The changing of the seasons reminds us that God created a universe where there is order. Fall follows summer every year. The seasons come like clockwork. So dependable is the change, that we take it for granted. The Bible tells us that even if we had no other way of knowing that there is a God, nature alone is enough proof of His existence. Creation shows us God's power, and so much of His divine nature.
As you enjoy the change of seasons each year, I hope you'll acknowledge the Creator of such beauty and majesty. He's a God of order in creation and, best of all, His greatest desire is to have a personal relationship with you.
-Right From The Heart 1-Minute Devotions
Creation Or Evolution
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Hebrews 11:3
There's a lot of discussion today about creation and evolution. It's really very important, for understanding our origin is central to understanding who we are, why we're here, and what we're supposed to do on this planet.
Creation is based on the idea that we're here by intelligent design, and evolution is based on the idea that we're here by chance. Which makes the most sense? If I were to tell you that your personal computer actually evolved by chance from an explosion in a factory that makes radios, you'd laugh in my face. Yet, is the computer more complex than a human mind? It's amazing to me that intelligent people know computers are made by intelligent design, yet when it comes to life and earth's design, they choose to believe "well, it just evolved by chance." I just don't have enough faith to believe that. Science helps us fill in some of the details of creation, but God is the intelligent designer behind it all.
There's a lot of discussion today about creation and evolution. It's really very important, for understanding our origin is central to understanding who we are, why we're here, and what we're supposed to do on this planet.
Creation is based on the idea that we're here by intelligent design, and evolution is based on the idea that we're here by chance. Which makes the most sense? If I were to tell you that your personal computer actually evolved by chance from an explosion in a factory that makes radios, you'd laugh in my face. Yet, is the computer more complex than a human mind? It's amazing to me that intelligent people know computers are made by intelligent design, yet when it comes to life and earth's design, they choose to believe "well, it just evolved by chance." I just don't have enough faith to believe that. Science helps us fill in some of the details of creation, but God is the intelligent designer behind it all.
Rest For The Weary
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Matthew 11:29
The idea that the pace of life seems to continually increase stress and worry is a universal concept. There seems to be no end to the demands on our time and energy. Are you tired of the rat race?
There is a solution: It isn't one that offers escape from the demands of life, but one that guarantees rest in the midst of the rat race and the fast pace of life. Jesus says, "Come to me if you are tired and burdened. I'll make your load lighter, and help you carry your burden." Jesus offers us rest amidst the stress.
Christ doesn't always take us out of life's demanding situations. Instead, He invites us to allow Him to help us handle the demands. He wants to face each day and each challenge with us. Walking with Jesus Christ daily and trusting Him for guidance and wisdom to handle whatever comes, is the way to experience rest in the rat race.
-Right From The Heart 1-Minute Devotions
The idea that the pace of life seems to continually increase stress and worry is a universal concept. There seems to be no end to the demands on our time and energy. Are you tired of the rat race?
There is a solution: It isn't one that offers escape from the demands of life, but one that guarantees rest in the midst of the rat race and the fast pace of life. Jesus says, "Come to me if you are tired and burdened. I'll make your load lighter, and help you carry your burden." Jesus offers us rest amidst the stress.
Christ doesn't always take us out of life's demanding situations. Instead, He invites us to allow Him to help us handle the demands. He wants to face each day and each challenge with us. Walking with Jesus Christ daily and trusting Him for guidance and wisdom to handle whatever comes, is the way to experience rest in the rat race.
-Right From The Heart 1-Minute Devotions
Is Heaven All We Hope For?
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Psalm 19:1
Is heaven all we hope for? Dr. R.G. Lee, a famous preacher of the past, was on his deathbed in a come when suddenly his eyes opened and exclaiming to his daughter, "I see heaven." She said, "Tell me about it." To which Rev. Lee replied, "Oh my sermons never did it justice. I see your mother. I see Jesus. It's so beautiful." One of this century's greatest preachers couldn't do it justice. Human language is simply inadequate to describe it.
I remember standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon and, for a moment, I stood in awe of the grandeur of the sight. I walk on a quite beach and I'm in awe of God's creation. but as magnificent as these are, these are nothing compared to heaven.
Imagine being in the presence of the King of the Universe and all who follow Him. What a sight that will be! It will be greater than we can hope or imagine. So don't miss out. The ticket for getting there is know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord.
-Right From The Heart 1-Minute Devotions
Is heaven all we hope for? Dr. R.G. Lee, a famous preacher of the past, was on his deathbed in a come when suddenly his eyes opened and exclaiming to his daughter, "I see heaven." She said, "Tell me about it." To which Rev. Lee replied, "Oh my sermons never did it justice. I see your mother. I see Jesus. It's so beautiful." One of this century's greatest preachers couldn't do it justice. Human language is simply inadequate to describe it.
I remember standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon and, for a moment, I stood in awe of the grandeur of the sight. I walk on a quite beach and I'm in awe of God's creation. but as magnificent as these are, these are nothing compared to heaven.
Imagine being in the presence of the King of the Universe and all who follow Him. What a sight that will be! It will be greater than we can hope or imagine. So don't miss out. The ticket for getting there is know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord.
-Right From The Heart 1-Minute Devotions
Suffering
Monday, July 11, 2011
John 3:16
Do you feel like God is distant and remote? That He's either unconcerned or doesn't understand your suffering? Many believe that the toughest blow in life is to lose a spouse or a child, and it's hard to argue with that.
Have you ever had a child die? God has -- His only boy. He understands the pain of a parent when a child dies. Have you ever had a child murdered when they were completely innocent and good? God has. He understands that type of hatred and rejection.
Could there be a great evil than to murder an innocent man? No, but this will blow your mind: you are guilty of that evil, and so am I. With our sin, we murdered the Son of God. And, amazingly, God in His grace is willing to forgive, and give us salvation if we'll simply confess our sin and trust Christ to change us from the inside out.
God understands our suffering, and He's given the greatest thing he could to help us through it. It's called grace.
-Right From The Heart 1-Minute Devotions
Do you feel like God is distant and remote? That He's either unconcerned or doesn't understand your suffering? Many believe that the toughest blow in life is to lose a spouse or a child, and it's hard to argue with that.
Have you ever had a child die? God has -- His only boy. He understands the pain of a parent when a child dies. Have you ever had a child murdered when they were completely innocent and good? God has. He understands that type of hatred and rejection.
Could there be a great evil than to murder an innocent man? No, but this will blow your mind: you are guilty of that evil, and so am I. With our sin, we murdered the Son of God. And, amazingly, God in His grace is willing to forgive, and give us salvation if we'll simply confess our sin and trust Christ to change us from the inside out.
God understands our suffering, and He's given the greatest thing he could to help us through it. It's called grace.
-Right From The Heart 1-Minute Devotions
Enemies In The Home
Deuteronomy 29:18
There are enemies within the home seeking to destroy the family. Let me share a few:
Busyness. Everyone is over-committed, mostly through workaholism and activity-itus. This is true for all ages with our over-organized children's activities.
Lack of spiritual and moral leadership by the father. Approximately 34% of all births in the U.S. are to single moms. Even in some families that have a dad, he's often absent or practically non-existent.
Negative influence of media and technology. Kids spend more time with the TV than they do with their parents, and its influence can be overwhelmingly negative. It's a substitute for family communication. Internet pornography is devastating marriages and perverting how some men view women.
Parents, a vibrant relationship with God through Jesus Christ is the best way to battle the may enemies within the home.
-Right From The Heart 1 Minute Devotions
There are enemies within the home seeking to destroy the family. Let me share a few:
Busyness. Everyone is over-committed, mostly through workaholism and activity-itus. This is true for all ages with our over-organized children's activities.
Lack of spiritual and moral leadership by the father. Approximately 34% of all births in the U.S. are to single moms. Even in some families that have a dad, he's often absent or practically non-existent.
Negative influence of media and technology. Kids spend more time with the TV than they do with their parents, and its influence can be overwhelmingly negative. It's a substitute for family communication. Internet pornography is devastating marriages and perverting how some men view women.
Parents, a vibrant relationship with God through Jesus Christ is the best way to battle the may enemies within the home.
-Right From The Heart 1 Minute Devotions
Getting Along With The Boss
Friday, July 8, 2011
Titus 2:9
Most people have a supervisor or a boss. What principles from God's Word can help us to get along with our boss?
Submit to his/her leadership. He or she is the boss. The only time you shouldn't submit is when the boss urges you to do something immoral or dishonest. Then, if you want to please God, you'll do what's right and be will to face the consequences.
Work heartily to please God. If the goal is to please God, any honorable work is meaningful. You work to please God, and usually the boss is pleased. Every boss is looking for honest, hard-working employees.
Recognize it's not your job to change your boss, but you can always change bosses. If the boss is immoral or unreasonable, you can find a new boss, or become your own boss. This takes guts and faith but it's a blessing of a free country. Seek to get along with your boss God's way, and if you can't, find a new one.
-Right From The Heart 1 Minute Devotions
Most people have a supervisor or a boss. What principles from God's Word can help us to get along with our boss?
Submit to his/her leadership. He or she is the boss. The only time you shouldn't submit is when the boss urges you to do something immoral or dishonest. Then, if you want to please God, you'll do what's right and be will to face the consequences.
Work heartily to please God. If the goal is to please God, any honorable work is meaningful. You work to please God, and usually the boss is pleased. Every boss is looking for honest, hard-working employees.
Recognize it's not your job to change your boss, but you can always change bosses. If the boss is immoral or unreasonable, you can find a new boss, or become your own boss. This takes guts and faith but it's a blessing of a free country. Seek to get along with your boss God's way, and if you can't, find a new one.
-Right From The Heart 1 Minute Devotions
Involved Vs. Committed
Thursday, July 7, 2011
2 Corinthians 8:5
I love what Coach Lou Holtz, a former South Carolina football coach, has said about his team at the beginning of many seasons. He says they remind him of the Kamikaze pilot who flew fifty missions--involved, but not committed. He says a lot of players get involved, but time will tell if they're really committed to the cause for the good of the team, and if they're committed to helping the team be a good success.
On a team, in the office or in the church, we have a lot of folks who are involved, but not enough are committed who will get the job done, no matter what it takes. ow about you, when it comes to your life and your responsibilities? Are you just invoolved, or are you committed to do yoru best for the good of the team, the group, and all concerned? Most of all, are you committed to do your best for the glory of God, to please Him before anyone else? That's always the key to ultimate success.
-Right From The Heart 1 Minute Devotions
I love what Coach Lou Holtz, a former South Carolina football coach, has said about his team at the beginning of many seasons. He says they remind him of the Kamikaze pilot who flew fifty missions--involved, but not committed. He says a lot of players get involved, but time will tell if they're really committed to the cause for the good of the team, and if they're committed to helping the team be a good success.
On a team, in the office or in the church, we have a lot of folks who are involved, but not enough are committed who will get the job done, no matter what it takes. ow about you, when it comes to your life and your responsibilities? Are you just invoolved, or are you committed to do yoru best for the good of the team, the group, and all concerned? Most of all, are you committed to do your best for the glory of God, to please Him before anyone else? That's always the key to ultimate success.
-Right From The Heart 1 Minute Devotions
I'm Back!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Me and blogging have such a funkie relationship. I'll start blogging on one site with one topic in mind, switch topics, switch sites and just go through bi-polar moments trying to figure out if I even want to blog or not.
Well, I've decided to come back to it and on Blogspot this time. With Blogspot, it seems easier for me to follow others and get updates of new posts. I'll try to post often for everyone to read.
WARNING: I'm not a traditional blogger. Most of the time my entries may not make sense, have weird topics or all-in-all just not using the traditional format of blogging.
That's it for now. I'll try to post again tonight!
chris
Not Ashamed
Well, I've decided to come back to it and on Blogspot this time. With Blogspot, it seems easier for me to follow others and get updates of new posts. I'll try to post often for everyone to read.
WARNING: I'm not a traditional blogger. Most of the time my entries may not make sense, have weird topics or all-in-all just not using the traditional format of blogging.
That's it for now. I'll try to post again tonight!
chris
Not Ashamed
It's all changing!
Monday, July 26, 2010
i have moved all of my future entries over to Tumbler. So, you can follow me at iamchrisstone.tumblr.com i already have a few entries and several hilarious videos!
Conferences/Events
Thursday, July 1, 2010
With people asking me about upcoming conferences and events, I figured I would post an entry with information on it. Below are the events that I currently know about, and will update as I find out more.
July:
http://www.jesusculture.com/atlanta
July 14 - 16 - Jesus Culture Atlanta
July 24 - Hillsong Live with Reubon Morgan Atlanta
Go to www.PremierProductions.com for all the details including how you can buy tickets before the general public starting May 28th!! Its sure to sell out quick.
INFO:
HILLSONG "LIVE" W/ Reuben Morgan
A Beautiful Exchange Tour
(all the way from Hillsong Church in Australia)
July 24, 2010 at Mount Pisgah North Campus in Alpharetta, GA
Show Time(s): 7:30pm Doors Open: 6:30pm
SPECIAL PRESALE STARTS MAY 28th
http://www.premierproductions.com/event.php?e_id=980
PASSWORD..."HILLSONG" (ends June 3rd-midnight)
TICKETS ON SALE: June 04, 2010 at 10am
TICKET OUTLETS:
Mount Pisgah UMC Bookstore, area Christian Bookstores &
http://www.premierproductions.com/event.php?e_id=980
TICKET PRICES:
Advance - $25.00
Groups (10+) - $22.00
Group Sales: Group tickets must be purchased by calling 1-800-965-9324 or online at www.iTickets.com.
Additional fees may apply.
PHONE SALES: 1-800-965-9324
For More Information Number: 678-336-3148
INFO:
HILLSONG "LIVE" W/ Reuben Morgan
A Beautiful Exchange Tour
(all the way from Hillsong Church in Australia)
July 24, 2010 at Mount Pisgah North Campus in Alpharetta, GA
Show Time(s): 7:30pm Doors Open: 6:30pm
SPECIAL PRESALE STARTS MAY 28th
http://www.premierproductions.com/event.php?e_id=980
PASSWORD..."HILLSONG" (ends June 3rd-midnight)
TICKETS ON SALE: June 04, 2010 at 10am
TICKET OUTLETS:
Mount Pisgah UMC Bookstore, area Christian Bookstores &
http://www.premierproductions.com/event.php?e_id=980
TICKET PRICES:
Advance - $25.00
Groups (10+) - $22.00
Group Sales: Group tickets must be purchased by calling 1-800-965-9324 or online at www.iTickets.com.
Additional fees may apply.
PHONE SALES: 1-800-965-9324
For More Information Number: 678-336-3148
http://www.motiononline.tv/
July 29-31 - Motion Student Conference Birmingham, Alabama
October:
http://www.catalystconference.com/index.php
October 6-8 - Catalyst Conference Atlanta
http://www.c3conference.com/index.php/
October 12 - 14 - C3 Conference East Coast Orlando
In 2010, the Creative Church Conference will make the leap to the East Coast. By gathering an exciting and diverse group of leaders and communicators, C3 will give you the inspiration and information to take your church to new heights. You will experience genuine community with other ministry leaders who are facing similar struggles and challenges.
And we are coming to you, making it easy to bring your entire staff to experience the excitement and motivation of C3! Take advantage of the group discounts, and don't forget that that our C3 Kids Conference kicks off two days prior to the main conference, designed just for your children's ministry staff.
November:
http://www.generationconference.com
November 10, 11, 12 Generation Conference Albany, NY
November 11, 12, 13 Generation Conference Utica, NY
From the land down under,Australia,Planetshakers Band and Russel Evans. From Hillsong New York City, Carl Lentz. From Trinity Church, Miami Florida - Rich Wilkerson Jr. From Koinonia Christian Fellowship, Ontario Canada, Paul Dunk and our GenCon favorites: Pastor Jude Fouquier from the City Church in Seattle and Redeemer/Mt. Zion Pastors: Michael Servello, Mark Schilling and Josh Lange . Via personal GC video Craig Groeschel from LifeChurch.tv. This is going to be a breakthrough year as GenCon will be held at two campuses simultaneously, in Utica as well as Albany New York. Friday and Saturdayschedules will be coordinated so you can hear all the speakers at both campuses.
February 2011
http://www.acquirethefire.com
February 18-19 - Aquire The Fire Atlanta, Georgia
March 2011:
March 28-30, 2011 Drive Conference Alpharetta, GA
A CONFERENCE FOR CHURCH LEADERS WHO AREN'T AFRAID TO . . .
TAKE IT OFF-ROAD
If you're in ministry, your tomorrow will probably be very different from your today. You'll wear countless hats, navigate situations you hadn't anticipated, and juggle the seemingly random responsibilities that a growing church throws at you . . . being stretched, pulled, and tested every step of the way.
In other words, you'll TAKE IT OFF-ROAD.
You've jumped in with both feet. Now, how do you plan for the unplanned? How do you weigh an opportunity against a risk? How do you gain traction and momentum in a culture that seems to change every second? How do you take your church off-road if they want to "do things the way we've always done them"?
April 2011
http://www.acquirethefire.com
April 15-16 - Aquire The Fire Tampa, Florida
Not Ashamed
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Ok, so we have just launched the new website at https://nashamed.com and you can see our blog about all the good details at http://nashamed.blogspot.com/
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