Tuesday, September 11, 2012
On Target
Amazing things happen when you're willing to talk about our creator. Although it may not seem that just mentioning Him, or his Son, or what they mean to you can make much difference; I can attest to you that it does. Several years back I was introduced to someone who is now a good friend but one of the things that fueled our conversations was our faith. Over the years we talked more indepth about our faith. It seemed like providence when he asked me to write a book based off of the things we talked about, which were also things I put in a weekly newsletter. I was excited, and nervous to take on what seemed like an impossible task. Yet with his help our conversations of faith are now available to anyone that has questions about issues of faith.
Last week I had my first book published. It's called On Target: Devotions for Modern Life, a collection of devotionals and thought provoking perspectives on spiritual matters. Checkout the link below to take a look, and I encourage you to consider getting a copy for you and use this as a springboard into deeper bible study.
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/KBenson
http://manyriversharbor.blogspot.com/p/mrh-books-at-online-bookstores.html
http://www.lulu.com/shop/kelley-benson/on-target-devotions-for-modern-life/paperback/product-20377201.html
http://kelleybenson.blogspot.com
Monday, March 5, 2012
the lines of communication
Have you ever considered how hard it would be to not be able to speak? For some reading this, they may. For most of us we can fathom the frustration of not being able to communicate what you want because of a lack of an ability to communicate. If you've ever been to a foreign country you may be able to understand the difficulty better.
Communication is one of the most prized abilities God has given us. To be able to share a dream, to voice a concern, to be able to say "I love you", are all part of communication. We miss it when we lose it.
In scriptures there are several times God's chosen people lost communication with their creator. Not because God turned it off, but because they failed to listen. When we ignore what God is trying to communicate to us we are the one's that suffer.
As you consider the value of communication in your life, be sure to check the lines of communication with God. Are they weak? Are they unused? God is always ready to listen to you, and beleive it or not he's speaking out loud and clear through his powerful, living and active words in the bible.
Start listening to him today.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
The Sign Said "Stop". . . I Didn't
The sign said "Stop" - I didn't...
So I said to the judge:
"I feel everyone has the right to choose their own interpretation of this word.
"My father never stopped. If I were to stop, I would be condemning him."
"My family has always refused to stop. If it was good enough for them, it is good enough for me."
"I don't want to start stopping until I am sure I can keep on stopping from now on."
"My preacher says it is not essential for people to obey that sign."
"What about those people who have never seen that sign."
"When I was young, my parents crammed stopping down my throat, so now that I am grown, I just don't do it anymore."
"I believe that only going is important, stopping is optional."
"How do you know that word really means today what it did when the sign went up."
"I will stop after I get my life straightened out."
"I will stop when my spouse decides to stop; it will mean more if we do it together."
"It is not anybody's business whether I stop or not."
"Judge, I feel that as long as we are sincere, you will accept us no matter what we do."
The scripture said, "Repent, and let each one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38).
The scripture said, "Study to show yourself to God, a workman who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).
I didn't.
So I siad to THE JUDGE...
The world is full of one excuse after another when it comes to religious matters. We cannot read our Bibles today because we woke up late. We cannot attend services today because its too hard to get the kids ready, or its too early, I'm not sure if I want to make my salvation sure today becuase I don't know if I am ready to give up my lifestyle. And the list goes on and on.
Christ gave up the glory of Heaven to live a human life full of heartache and temptation to die an agonizing death on the cross as a blood sacrificce for our sins, yet we are constantly looking for ways to get out of serving Him and one another.
Maybe it is time we stop spending so much time looking for a way out, and simply spend a few minutes dedicated to thanking the graceous, merciful God, who so lovingly gave up everything for us.
So I said to the judge:
"I feel everyone has the right to choose their own interpretation of this word.
"My father never stopped. If I were to stop, I would be condemning him."
"My family has always refused to stop. If it was good enough for them, it is good enough for me."
"I don't want to start stopping until I am sure I can keep on stopping from now on."
"My preacher says it is not essential for people to obey that sign."
"What about those people who have never seen that sign."
"When I was young, my parents crammed stopping down my throat, so now that I am grown, I just don't do it anymore."
"I believe that only going is important, stopping is optional."
"How do you know that word really means today what it did when the sign went up."
"I will stop after I get my life straightened out."
"I will stop when my spouse decides to stop; it will mean more if we do it together."
"It is not anybody's business whether I stop or not."
"Judge, I feel that as long as we are sincere, you will accept us no matter what we do."
The scripture said, "Repent, and let each one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38).
The scripture said, "Study to show yourself to God, a workman who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).
I didn't.
So I siad to THE JUDGE...
The world is full of one excuse after another when it comes to religious matters. We cannot read our Bibles today because we woke up late. We cannot attend services today because its too hard to get the kids ready, or its too early, I'm not sure if I want to make my salvation sure today becuase I don't know if I am ready to give up my lifestyle. And the list goes on and on.
Christ gave up the glory of Heaven to live a human life full of heartache and temptation to die an agonizing death on the cross as a blood sacrificce for our sins, yet we are constantly looking for ways to get out of serving Him and one another.
Maybe it is time we stop spending so much time looking for a way out, and simply spend a few minutes dedicated to thanking the graceous, merciful God, who so lovingly gave up everything for us.
Turn to God
Knowing who to turn to when life throws you some curve balls is priceless. Too many people don't feel they know what to do when a crisis happens therefore they don't do anything, or worse yet they follow bad advice that leads them into a nastier situation.
Peter reminds us that we must "humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt us at the proper time, casting all our anxiety on Him, because He cares for us." God has the power to bear our load.
Ask God for advice. He tells us that "he opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble". Turn to God.
Peter reminds us that we must "humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt us at the proper time, casting all our anxiety on Him, because He cares for us." God has the power to bear our load.
Ask God for advice. He tells us that "he opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble". Turn to God.
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