Last night at Impact we looked at the genealogy of Jesus in Luke's Gospel. We talked about family and what kind of legacy we would leave behind. I read a will that my great-grandfather wrote when he was a young man in a small book. My family found these in a box full of old books and Bibles on New Year's of this year. The words really meant a lot to me in connection with this topic. I also learned a lot about my great great-grandfather who did some amazing things in his life to combat injustice, the KKK, and government corruption, even in the face of death.
These men loved the Lord and passed down some great things through my family. What will you leave behind in your life for those that come after you? Will you live a life for God that makes such a difference that people 100 years from now will be inspired by it? God made a difference in the lives of those who came before me, and God is making a difference in my life today.
Also, this impromtu will left behind by my great-grandfather, A.C. Moore, was very poignant and poetic. It seems that he knew that his time of death would be uncertain, and he was living a life not wanting to leave regrets. It reminds me of what Solomon said in Eccelesiates 9:9-10,
“Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and and in your toil at which your toil under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.”
And Paul also echoes this type of thought in Colossians 3:23-24,
“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”
Solomon and Paul are not saying at all that our lives have no meaning or there is no hope in life after death. However, they are saying that life is precious and meaningful now. Do not waste it.
Here are the words from A.C. Moore:
I, A.C. Moore, being of sound mind, do hereby declare and proclaim this to be my last will and testament. To my dear father I will of the sunshine in the world, because he loves bright things and it is symbolic of his nature and disposition. To my darling mother I bequeath the flowers that are left in the world, because of their purity and their loveliness. To my mother I also leave a smile from the lips of her boy that she may remember me as I am. To my only sister I leave the happiness and good cheer because she is young and has longer to live and enjoy it. Last I leave to all my heirs “love,” that the whole family may have it forever and ever. Signed before God, A.C. Moore (Alamo Clay Moore)
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Jesus and Storms
I have not blogged in awhile, and I need to get back on the horse. Here is some thoughts from today.
Luke 8:22-25
Jesus Stills the Sea
22Now on one of those days Jesus and His disciples got into a boat, and He said to them, "Let us go over to the other side of the lake." So they launched out.
23But as they were sailing along He fell asleep; and a fierce gale of wind descended on the lake, and they began to be swamped and to be in danger.
24They came to Jesus and woke Him up, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" And He got up and rebuked the wind and the surging waves, and they stopped, and it became calm.
25And He said to them, "Where is your faith?" They were fearful and amazed, saying to one another, "Who then is this, that He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him?"
Storms come often in our lives. Living in Oklahoma we now about storms all too well. Just the other day I was in Colorado, and when I told someone I was from Oklahoma, I was asked if I was a tornado chaser. For you who are reading this, I am not sure where you are right now in your life. We all are either in a storm, coming out of one, or in between. Do not we often respond like the disciples did in the midst of storms? Some today can weather such storms, but because they are prepared beforehand. I think a message from Luke’s Gospel is for all of us though, and today you might need it more than ever. Jesus Christ commands the winds and the water. Storms do not shake Him, nor do they take Him by surprise. If you are being tossed around today, let go. Fall into the arms of God and let His peace and power command the storm in your life. The love He has for us is truly indescribable, but during these times we can experience it. The Holy Spirit connects us brings a peace that cannot be explained. Let Jesus be your hero today. Read on through Luke 8 to see more for yourself.
Grace and peace,
Doug – John 15:13
A few bonus vids, always makes me think of Jesus as my hero in storms
Luke 8:22-25
Jesus Stills the Sea
22Now on one of those days Jesus and His disciples got into a boat, and He said to them, "Let us go over to the other side of the lake." So they launched out.
23But as they were sailing along He fell asleep; and a fierce gale of wind descended on the lake, and they began to be swamped and to be in danger.
24They came to Jesus and woke Him up, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" And He got up and rebuked the wind and the surging waves, and they stopped, and it became calm.
25And He said to them, "Where is your faith?" They were fearful and amazed, saying to one another, "Who then is this, that He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him?"
Storms come often in our lives. Living in Oklahoma we now about storms all too well. Just the other day I was in Colorado, and when I told someone I was from Oklahoma, I was asked if I was a tornado chaser. For you who are reading this, I am not sure where you are right now in your life. We all are either in a storm, coming out of one, or in between. Do not we often respond like the disciples did in the midst of storms? Some today can weather such storms, but because they are prepared beforehand. I think a message from Luke’s Gospel is for all of us though, and today you might need it more than ever. Jesus Christ commands the winds and the water. Storms do not shake Him, nor do they take Him by surprise. If you are being tossed around today, let go. Fall into the arms of God and let His peace and power command the storm in your life. The love He has for us is truly indescribable, but during these times we can experience it. The Holy Spirit connects us brings a peace that cannot be explained. Let Jesus be your hero today. Read on through Luke 8 to see more for yourself.
Grace and peace,
Doug – John 15:13
A few bonus vids, always makes me think of Jesus as my hero in storms
Monday, August 31, 2009
Thoughts on the Last Day of August
'Allo everyone,
I hope this message finds you well on this cool Monday, the last day of August. Can you believe the weather? Is it me or does it seem cooler sooner? I never can remember. I know it gets to be really nice in September (my fav month). Anyway, let me know what you think.
I just wanted to send you a message today to share a thought with you guys. It's the beginning of the third week of school, and things should be beginning to get into a routine, or maybe you are just getting into the swing of things.
And I'm not really sure how things are going with each of you, but I know some are doing really good, and some are struggling. There are many things going on, good and bad, in the lives of we students right now. I know this is true because I've talked to some going through that. It's not just others, it's me as well. As great as the past few weeks have been, it has not come without struggles and heartache.
The same is true for our college ministry. We have started the year off strong, and God has done some crazy awesome things. It's about this time when God is moving that life tends to creep in and overtake us unexpectedly. You know what I'm talking about. Things are going great, and you just feel on the top of the world. Then, suddenly, like the Mat Kearney song goes, "She got the call today, one out of the grey, and when the smoke cleared, it took her breath away," and suddenly a reality of life brings us to our knees.
It may not be as sudden as that. Maybe what is troubling you has been going on for awhile. Either way, when God is moving, that moves our enemy to do what he can to stop us. A verse in 1 Peter comes to mind,
1 Peter 5:7-9
7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
Satan has it out for us as believers. He and his demons are always out to bring us down. We have to remember this and always be on guard. Things will fall apart if we are not looking out for the destroyer.
All this being said, I have a couple of thoughts. First, be alert. Find the joy in the greatness of what God is doing, but be watchful for the roaring lion seeking to devour us and our joy. Second, take time, and I mean right now as your reading this, pray for your brothers and sisters around you going through these difficult times. Verse 9 gives us hope that we are not alone in what we are going through. If there is something going on between you and a fellow brother or sister, work it out. It's not worth it to keep a wall up inside the Kingdom.
Hang in there. Be strong. Whatever we are going through, we can overcome through the strength of Jesus Christ. Why? Because He overcame it! Satan does seek to destroy us, but he can never truly win.
Love you all,
Doug
- John 15:13
I hope this message finds you well on this cool Monday, the last day of August. Can you believe the weather? Is it me or does it seem cooler sooner? I never can remember. I know it gets to be really nice in September (my fav month). Anyway, let me know what you think.
I just wanted to send you a message today to share a thought with you guys. It's the beginning of the third week of school, and things should be beginning to get into a routine, or maybe you are just getting into the swing of things.
And I'm not really sure how things are going with each of you, but I know some are doing really good, and some are struggling. There are many things going on, good and bad, in the lives of we students right now. I know this is true because I've talked to some going through that. It's not just others, it's me as well. As great as the past few weeks have been, it has not come without struggles and heartache.
The same is true for our college ministry. We have started the year off strong, and God has done some crazy awesome things. It's about this time when God is moving that life tends to creep in and overtake us unexpectedly. You know what I'm talking about. Things are going great, and you just feel on the top of the world. Then, suddenly, like the Mat Kearney song goes, "She got the call today, one out of the grey, and when the smoke cleared, it took her breath away," and suddenly a reality of life brings us to our knees.
It may not be as sudden as that. Maybe what is troubling you has been going on for awhile. Either way, when God is moving, that moves our enemy to do what he can to stop us. A verse in 1 Peter comes to mind,
1 Peter 5:7-9
7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
Satan has it out for us as believers. He and his demons are always out to bring us down. We have to remember this and always be on guard. Things will fall apart if we are not looking out for the destroyer.
All this being said, I have a couple of thoughts. First, be alert. Find the joy in the greatness of what God is doing, but be watchful for the roaring lion seeking to devour us and our joy. Second, take time, and I mean right now as your reading this, pray for your brothers and sisters around you going through these difficult times. Verse 9 gives us hope that we are not alone in what we are going through. If there is something going on between you and a fellow brother or sister, work it out. It's not worth it to keep a wall up inside the Kingdom.
Hang in there. Be strong. Whatever we are going through, we can overcome through the strength of Jesus Christ. Why? Because He overcame it! Satan does seek to destroy us, but he can never truly win.
Love you all,
Doug
- John 15:13
Monday, August 10, 2009
U2 Vid of the Week - I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
So this week's U2 video is actually two of one song, but one not long ago, and one from the 1980s. Their song "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" is a great tune that gets a bad rap sometimes. Many who object to the bands beliefs like to point at this song and say they have not found their hope in Christ. However, the song clearly does not point to that. It's about how this life has many hopes and many things to bring us joy, but we will never quite find that peace until that day we are truly in the presence of God.
Anyway, here is a live version in Milan on the 2005 tour, and the other video is from U2's Rattle and Hum and features a gospel choir from Harlem, which happens to be my favourite way to hear the song. Enjoy.
Anyway, here is a live version in Milan on the 2005 tour, and the other video is from U2's Rattle and Hum and features a gospel choir from Harlem, which happens to be my favourite way to hear the song. Enjoy.
Monday, July 27, 2009
U2 Video of the Week, Superbowl Halftime Show 2002
In this weeks U2 video of the week, the band is performing in New Orleans for the Superbowl in 2002. This was the Superbowl after the 9/11 attacks. This is the second and third songs of their set, which is a tribute to all those who lost their lives in the attacks. You'll see all their names scrolling behind the stage. Bono does a special tribute right at the end that I think is really awesome. As we get closer to the concerts in the Fall, here is this weeks U2 video. Enjoy.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
U2 Video of the Week - Where the Streets Have No Name
U2 is coming to play in Texas and Oklahoma in October, and I'm really excited about it. I thought I would build up some excitement by posting a live U2 video every week until the shows. So let's start with the best and my favourite song, "Where the Streets Have No Name." This is in 2001 at Shlane Castle in Ireland. Enjoy!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
How's My Heart?
How's My Heart?
Matthew 5:13-16
Disciples and the World
13"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.
14"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;
15nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
16"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
There is not much to say about these verses, because they really speak for themselves. But I do have this thought today that I believe rises up out of these words that Jesus spoke. We are here on this planet with a mission, a purpose. Our mission is to shine for God, to bring light to the darkness. But the struggle I have is living for the purpose, living for the light. For me lately I have been way too concerned with my own life and not with the lives of others.
I cannot live my life with a purpose for others if I am not concerned or burdened with the knowledge that there are people who do not truly know of the love of God. Am I living my life to shine for those that have none? Do I even see them? Do I even care? I have come face to face with these questions.
And I realized that I must care, I must shine, and I must see these people. It’s not that I have to get in everyone’s face I see and bulldog them, my heart just needs to break for them. That leads me to pray for them and ask God to draw them to Him (John 6:44), then when the opportunity is right I will be ready to talk to whom I need to. When our heart breaks for them our actions will be salt for life as well.
I’m not going to elaborate on these words, but I will tell you of the thoughts they spurned in me. How is your heart for the lost? Is it burdened? Do you see? Do you care? Our lives are important, but let us not forget our purpose as we live them.
Grace and peace,
Doug – John 15:13
Matthew 5:13-16
Disciples and the World
13"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.
14"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;
15nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
16"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
There is not much to say about these verses, because they really speak for themselves. But I do have this thought today that I believe rises up out of these words that Jesus spoke. We are here on this planet with a mission, a purpose. Our mission is to shine for God, to bring light to the darkness. But the struggle I have is living for the purpose, living for the light. For me lately I have been way too concerned with my own life and not with the lives of others.
I cannot live my life with a purpose for others if I am not concerned or burdened with the knowledge that there are people who do not truly know of the love of God. Am I living my life to shine for those that have none? Do I even see them? Do I even care? I have come face to face with these questions.
And I realized that I must care, I must shine, and I must see these people. It’s not that I have to get in everyone’s face I see and bulldog them, my heart just needs to break for them. That leads me to pray for them and ask God to draw them to Him (John 6:44), then when the opportunity is right I will be ready to talk to whom I need to. When our heart breaks for them our actions will be salt for life as well.
I’m not going to elaborate on these words, but I will tell you of the thoughts they spurned in me. How is your heart for the lost? Is it burdened? Do you see? Do you care? Our lives are important, but let us not forget our purpose as we live them.
Grace and peace,
Doug – John 15:13
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