Our five children lacked the option to pick who they might want to resemble. Our four year old guy, adopted from Guatemala, looks absolutely nothing like me (good for him). He's tall, has a head full of thick dark hair, looks great in everything and has a perfect nose. BUT if you spend some time with him and you will find he has the same weird humor and actions as I have plus the same major interests; tractors and automobiles. People would see him and say, "boy, I can see Frank in so much of his behavior"(maybe not so good for him).
Kids in some ways, are "images" of their parent.
When I read in Genesis (which means the beginnings) in chapter 1 verse 26, it tells us that God created mankind (us) in His image. The question of many has been; what is meant by His image?
Does it refer to physical? How about spiritual? Is it behavioral?
Does God have body parts like us? There are several descriptive passages in the Bible that makes it sound as if God does have some physical attributes of a man.
OK, then its not spiritual. Well the Bible says that God is Spirit (John 4:24)...Confused?
The text used to describe God with human parts was to help the readers comprehend certain things about Him because He is spirit and that is tough to understand. Having a human body would severely limit Him and God is not limited. (Matthew 19:26)
As I learn more about God, and watch parents and kids, I believe it simply comes down to character. God's heart was reflected in the life of His Son Jesus. So as we look at the character of Jesus in part 2 we will discover (if you are truly open and honest) that we do have the image of God in us. it is either obvious or suppressed.
If you have kids, watch them and see how they are made in your image. Come back for part 2!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
The tongue
Ounce for ounce, the tongue is labeled as the strongest muscle in the body. We also know its power goes beyond the physiological. It can be used to comfort the lonely and hurt. It can encourage the weary, bring a smile to the downcast and teach the ignorant. It also has been known to destroy reputations and relationships of all types.
But we can't blame the tongue itself, for the work it does, because it is connected to the brain which is connected to the heart.
"...Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks." Luke 6:45b
In the Bible James compares the power of the tongue to the small rudder on a large ship. Wherever that rudder is turned, (by the captain) the ship goes.
So God, through Luke, is telling us what we already know. That eventually, whatever is in our heart will come out of our mouths. And alot can happen from that.
Sure we can shine others on for a time, but when things get tough we are not able to control our true feelings about a person or situation.
Many times I needed to go back and ask for forgiveness for speaking too quickly or out of turn. It gives the other person the opportunity to forgive and the relationship to continue to move forward.
I admire those who do that (such as my own Chief).
The way to achieve this is to gain knowledge and understanding of God's desire for His people. This in turn will change our thoughts and hearts, thus affecting our speach. This is a necessary step to a more peaceful and honest life.
When I became a Christian at 35, one of the first things to change was my language. It actually wasn't hard to do. Just happened because deep inside of me I didn't want to peak that way for years but didn't have the strength or accountability do to so.
So now I am take additional counsel from God's word to improve me even more ('cause there is lots more)
James gives us one valuable tool to work with. He says;
"...Be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger." James 1:19
This is the origin of "think before you speak". This allows us to quickly assess the affect of our possible responses. It also allows us to consult with the Spirit of God and let Him remind us of what we have learned. We weigh our options then we choose (free will). Upon using this counsel I have found myself saying and regretting less. Replace negative words encouraging ones. It is a great way to maintain peace and also improve relationships. Jesus was a true example and master of this. He did not condemn the guilty but He cared for them enought to encourage them to change. when we do this we change also. It is wonderful.
More peaceable relationships is something you want and need. God's word will give you the ability to do that. He wants that for you too.
Learn more about Him and all His desires for each you.
I have added two help links to the face page of this site. These are to help with searching, reading and understanding the Bible more. If you don't read your Bible please start today. If you have in the past return to it. Now more than ever it is important to know what right and wrong truly are and what abundant life looks like, in any circumstance (really). And most of all who God really is and how much he does love each one of us.
But we can't blame the tongue itself, for the work it does, because it is connected to the brain which is connected to the heart.
"...Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks." Luke 6:45b
In the Bible James compares the power of the tongue to the small rudder on a large ship. Wherever that rudder is turned, (by the captain) the ship goes.
So God, through Luke, is telling us what we already know. That eventually, whatever is in our heart will come out of our mouths. And alot can happen from that.
Sure we can shine others on for a time, but when things get tough we are not able to control our true feelings about a person or situation.
Many times I needed to go back and ask for forgiveness for speaking too quickly or out of turn. It gives the other person the opportunity to forgive and the relationship to continue to move forward.
I admire those who do that (such as my own Chief).
The way to achieve this is to gain knowledge and understanding of God's desire for His people. This in turn will change our thoughts and hearts, thus affecting our speach. This is a necessary step to a more peaceful and honest life.
When I became a Christian at 35, one of the first things to change was my language. It actually wasn't hard to do. Just happened because deep inside of me I didn't want to peak that way for years but didn't have the strength or accountability do to so.
So now I am take additional counsel from God's word to improve me even more ('cause there is lots more)
James gives us one valuable tool to work with. He says;
"...Be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger." James 1:19
This is the origin of "think before you speak". This allows us to quickly assess the affect of our possible responses. It also allows us to consult with the Spirit of God and let Him remind us of what we have learned. We weigh our options then we choose (free will). Upon using this counsel I have found myself saying and regretting less. Replace negative words encouraging ones. It is a great way to maintain peace and also improve relationships. Jesus was a true example and master of this. He did not condemn the guilty but He cared for them enought to encourage them to change. when we do this we change also. It is wonderful.
More peaceable relationships is something you want and need. God's word will give you the ability to do that. He wants that for you too.
Learn more about Him and all His desires for each you.
I have added two help links to the face page of this site. These are to help with searching, reading and understanding the Bible more. If you don't read your Bible please start today. If you have in the past return to it. Now more than ever it is important to know what right and wrong truly are and what abundant life looks like, in any circumstance (really). And most of all who God really is and how much he does love each one of us.
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