Living part of my life online presents many challenges.  People will always disappoint, and those disappointments can be painful. Many of those challenges are no different than face-to-face challenges.  Most of them have to do with persons.  The main difference I see is online tends to be more in-your-face; and behind-your-back at the same time.

The in-your-face activity is direct and upfront.  Usually attempts at convincing others that one’s theological position is the ONLY correct one.  This often ends up bringing out the worst in people.  Often, it is not a calm discussion; but one loaded with hurtful words.

The behind-your-back issues are just that, secret and agenda-filled.  Sometimes it takes the form of gossip; sometimes it is a power grab, pushing others out of the way so you can replace them. I’m sure there are others, but those are the ones I have personally experienced.

We are sinners.  Our own selves continue to show us our continued need for dead Jesus on the cross.

Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him;…a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench….. — Isaiah 42: 1, 3

Further reading on the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Thank You, Father, for this needed Word. Regardless of feelings of being forsaken, of times when life just seems long, and when You seem distant, You have not forgotten.

My soul’s enemy stresses my insignificance… You remind me that You remember.

The world cynically snears, and implies in a thousand ways that worth is wrapped up in power and paper… You know eternally better, that to be remembered by You is of infinitely more value than anything creaturely.

Praise to Your holy Name, my gracious Father! Who can truly express adequate gratitude for being remembered kindly by the omnipotent Creator of the universe? And possible only through the salvation given by Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, praise to His Name!

Amen.

“Lazarus, Come out!” It was a command from the sovereign Son of God, and compliance was instantaneous. There in the inky blackness of the sealed tomb, Lazarus’ pulse was restored, his awareness returned, and suddenly light invaded his space as trembling hands loosened his wrappings! As he emerged alive from that place of death, some rejoiced. Some rejected. But no one remained the same. The Lord of life did not leave that option open, and He still doesn’t today.

He either is who He said He is, or He isn’t. His claim to being the one and only avenue of access to the heavenly Father (John 14:6) is either true, or it isn’t. He leaves no room for a third choice, for to not decide is a decision in itself: it is a thinly-disguised rejection, which bears the same consequences as outright denial.

Does it matter? Is it all that important? Many say “no” today. God says, “he who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.” (I John 5:12).

Will we take Him seriously?

Every day the Olympics are on, I am reminded to pray for our persecuted brethren in China; also that the Gospel of Jesus Christ would go forward in China. Please join me in praying for them, particularly during the Olympics..

http://www.christianmonitor.org/

http://www.persecution.com/

1.     What three actions are we told NOT to do if want to be blessed?  (Ps 1:1)

2.    A. Read Ephesians 2:1-3. When we walk according to this world, who are we seeking to please?

B. According to Isaiah 53:6 when we choose not to follow God’s way, whose way are we choosing?

    3.  A. Read Romans 8:5-8.  When we choose to live according to our own sinful nature, what do we have our minds set on fulfilling?

        B. What attitude does the sinful mind have toward God?  (Romans 8:7)

        C. How does God feel about this sinful nature?  (Romans 8:8)

    4.  A. Read Eph 2:4-5.  According to these verses what will God do for us?  Why will He do this?  Add your name as you read these verses aloud.

        B. Read Ephesians 2:8-9.  How does He accomplish this?

    5.  A. Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-18.  When we are in Christ what type of creation are we?  What happens to our old nature?

        B. What happens to our relationship with God?

    6.  Personal:  Read John 3:16.  Is your faith and trust in Jesus Christ to save you from your sins, reconcile you to God, and give you a new nature and eternal life?  If so, write or pray a brief thank you prayer to God.  If you have further questions, you can ask them here, talk to your pastor, or visit www.STIL-Chatting.com .

2) Some people are slaves to fears that overpower them, and the fear of men brings a snare: Thinking to the self, they say, “It is good to be wise, but not run the risk of losing all, or bringing on unnecessary trouble,” so they fall in with the world again.

3) For others there is a stigma that surrounds religion so it is a stumbling block: These people think they are high and mighty, better than churchmen, religion is considered low and common, so they return to their former, worldly ways.

4) Yet another group of individuals does not like to think of guilt and fear, or the possibility of future misery: Once rid of their awakening about the fear and wrath of God, they gladly harden their hearts and choose ways to harden them more and more.

~~Paraphrased from Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress

in deep mud, but He that is mighty came and,

in His mercy, raised me aloft.”

Games will be played on Yahoo! Games, in the Chess Centipede Shack.  If you are a beginner, or need a brush-up, Yahoo! Games has a good tutorial on the game.

How to sign up:  Leave a comment on this blog post with your name and whether you are a beginner or a non-beginner.