Joshua 1:7-9
Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
There is a repetitive reminder in this chapter to be strong and courageous. Something that is very important for us in our life. We have this strength and courage for three basic reasons.
1) The words to say our in our mouth. They will not leave the tips of our tongue as long as we are meditating in them day and night.
2) We succeed in life because we study the Bible and focus our life around it.
3) We know that always God is with us, and will be by us wherever we go.
Our part is to just stay in His Word, and be strong and courageous in the face of any opposition. Afterall, greater is He that is in you then he that is in the world. That counts for circumstances too...
Looking forward to Preaching Confrence and then May,
Christopher Myers
Friday, March 30, 2007
Monday, March 26, 2007
Christopher
Another person I appreciate a lot is me... So I thought I should just insert a couple of pictures of me just so I can have one to post as my picture in my profile... Seriously though. I have three ideas I'd like to share first...1st... Tomorrow we are going down to Indianapolis to support a bill going through the Indiana State Legislature that will ammend the State's Constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman. (Duh...) For those of you who will be reading this before then and even afterwards, lots of prayer will be needed... Nevermind the picture of FDR and his New Deal quote on the wall... This is not a matter of political preference... It is a matter of letting people spite God and a Christian we should not let them do that... As the song goes... Stand up and shout it if you love my Jesus... I know I will be tomorrow...
2nd... I was doing some thinking about stuff the other day. Hence the very thought provoking look on my face over to the left. Pastor Whitecar preached a very good and applicable message this morning in chapel. I just wanted to share two thoughts. The first is that we should remember not to throw the Bible stories that we know so well, and have heard over and over. We need to remember them and that they were written for our examples. The other idea was that the more we stand for God, the greater those around us, who are not right with God, will hate and spite us. Like those "people" that we will also be rallying down in Indianapolis tommorrow.
Finally, I just re-ordered the debate between Pastor Brandenburg and Mr. Hafley. This time I am getting the debriefing from down in Texas. This should be interesting. I was having a conversation with someone in the dorm about eternal security and I (I will admit it) started to brag about my Pastor and his debate. I only have the CD's of it. So this time I ordered the DVD's. I look forward to either enjoying a sloberknocker, or losing my lunch... I dunno which. But I am sure to get some more ammo for this topic for sure...
Looking Forward to May...Christopher Myers
P.S. These are my friends Melanie, Tabitha and Elizabeth...
P.S.S. The answer is no.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Marlowe
This is just a break from the Good policy verses for just an amusing thought. I did a brief survey about this picture and asked people what was the first thing they noticed about it. The response was more varied then I expected. One of the things people noticed was that Marlowe looked cross-eyed. Others noticed Jesse's mouth is wide opened. Still yet others thought that the writing on the box was doctored in. One person, who will not be named, even noticed that Marlowe was not looking at the camera. For me, the first thing I notice is the irony of the picture. Marlowe would be the first person to share something with you if you were in need.He has been my friend for many years. He is studying to become a Pastor of a church, and knows that is exactly what God would have him to do with the life God's given him. I just wanted to give him some open encouragement for the path he is taking, and give him some long overdue credit for having put up with me for these many years.
So, Marlowe I salute you. And I know Kirk appreciated your concern as well. Just remember that God is with you and that you will always have a friend in me and all of us around you. Keep on keeping on and, as always, Have A Nice Day.
Looking forward to May,
Christopher Myers
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Good Policy Verse #3
Proverbs 27:17
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
I went to the car back in Feburary. It's one of the many big dating activities out here. Coincidently, it was the 13th and there was a big romantic, candle-lit dinner that night as well. But enough of that soap box.
I like this picture because in this picture are three people and myself. These three people I associate my self with on a primary basis. Joseph and Julian quite often, and Stephen, well, he is a good chess player. I spent the day with these guys looking at the expensive pieces of metal and I have to admit. I learned a little something about cars, and maybe even learned to appreciate them a little more. Why? Because it was what dominated the conversation, it was what the environment around us was all about, and they were determined to get me to change my mind.
A friend is a person who is your friend no matter what. I know I cheated and defined a word using the word, but that is poetic liscence and I can do that to add emphasis.
Conversation...
It is easy to control a conversation with someone you do not know, or someone you do not care to know but already do. However, it seems to be more difficult to do so with someone who is your friend. The reason being is that they are your friend and so they should have the right to talk. And it is easy to talk about anything with your friend. So the conversation can have an easy time slipping lower than it would have if you were on guard. That is one of the aspects of a friend is that they tend to be so when your guard is done, because you trust them, otherwise they would not be your friend. We need to remember that our friends help shape our conversation, as well as we help shape their's.
Environment...
Just like a friend shapens our coversations, he also influences your environment. I remember going over to the Lalisan's house when I was younger. If it were not the influences of that family, I probably would not be where I am today. I owe a lot to them. They gave me an example of what a Christian family is, and even made me felt apart of it for many years. It was in this environment that caused me to grow and foster a desire to have a good family in the future. My brother on the other hand, spent his time growing up in many other areas, most/majority of which, were not good for him.
Edification...
A good friend will challenge you in ways to make you better. Stephen keeps me thinking. Julian challenges to make me think about Biblical things left and right. And Joseph, well... he's just a challenge all around. Oh, that would probably be an interesting subject later. The point is that your friends should build you up physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I should be to them also.
Warning...
As much as you can sharpen one and another... You can also dull one and another... So be careful. Be watchful... And chose your friends wisely. That was/is the biggest decision I have had to make this year.
Looking forward to May...
Christopher Myers
Monday, March 19, 2007
Good Policy Verse #2
Psalm 122:1
I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.
Short, sweet, simple, and to the point is the way this verse comes across to me. I appreciate the message that just seems to tell me what I ought to be doing.
If I was the I...
The fact that somebody went out of their way to invite me to the assembling of believers is truly something I should rejoice over. I remember the first time I was invited to go to Bethel. My Pastor's wife and her sister were door knocking in my neighborhood. I had just moved into that house the day before. I had earlier that day received the news that it would be too costly "to run the bus all the way out there" and so I would not be picked up by my old church anymore. I was saddened (sp?). Then later that same afternoon came two ladies, who have had a big impact on my life growing up more than I can ever fully appreciate, came by and invited me into the House of the Lord. I was excited, I was glad. Then the following day my Pastor drove over, picked me up and we went to the building early. By early I mean, we unlocked everything, made sure the bathrooms were clean, started the heat and coffee makers early. But I enjoyed it. As I look back on those times, I realize that I was excited to be there, even if it was early. I should be even more excited to be there now, because I can get there on my own and I have nobody to pick me up and make feel obligated to go. I go because that is where gladness is.
If I was the they...
If your a Christian, and you love God, you better be the they in this verse. We are commanded to love one and another. We are commanded to go and preach the Gospel. Now I am not saying we should be going out into the world and inviting every lost sinner into the congregation. That would be like using the fine china as an oil pan. But we should be telling back-slidding Christians they need to be back in the House of Lord. We should be noticing that fellow church member, old or young, that was missing from the service, so where were you? We missed you. We should be telling that unsaved person that God loves them and preach to them the Gospel so they can have gladness and a desire to go into the House of Lord.
If I was part of the us...
Fellowship is a key part of any church. Afterall, Eating is a Fundamental Baptist doctrine. However, I believe the us also serves a different purpose. It is discipleship. Something as simple as telling someone something that can bring gladness in their life. When you tell someone how to fix their sin, it brings gladness to them, maybe not right away, but it does. That is discipleship. The fact that the two, ot more, people are spending time together outside of the House of the Lord could also be a signal of discipleship. But the point that I think is the most important is that we see someone (they) had compassion upon a fellow member (I/me) to take time to find them and bring them back to the fold.
Application...
This entire thing is application really. But for me personally, I need to remember to always be glad when going into the House of Lord. I should be thankful for those who invited me into the House of the Lord (Thank you Mrs. Pastor and Mrs. B.). I need to work with fellow saints and encourage them to go together to the House of the Lord. I should find that person, whom I can edify, so that they can go and find someone that can be a they and find someone who needs to be brought into the House of the Lord.
I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.
Short, sweet, simple, and to the point is the way this verse comes across to me. I appreciate the message that just seems to tell me what I ought to be doing.
If I was the I...
The fact that somebody went out of their way to invite me to the assembling of believers is truly something I should rejoice over. I remember the first time I was invited to go to Bethel. My Pastor's wife and her sister were door knocking in my neighborhood. I had just moved into that house the day before. I had earlier that day received the news that it would be too costly "to run the bus all the way out there" and so I would not be picked up by my old church anymore. I was saddened (sp?). Then later that same afternoon came two ladies, who have had a big impact on my life growing up more than I can ever fully appreciate, came by and invited me into the House of the Lord. I was excited, I was glad. Then the following day my Pastor drove over, picked me up and we went to the building early. By early I mean, we unlocked everything, made sure the bathrooms were clean, started the heat and coffee makers early. But I enjoyed it. As I look back on those times, I realize that I was excited to be there, even if it was early. I should be even more excited to be there now, because I can get there on my own and I have nobody to pick me up and make feel obligated to go. I go because that is where gladness is.
If I was the they...
If your a Christian, and you love God, you better be the they in this verse. We are commanded to love one and another. We are commanded to go and preach the Gospel. Now I am not saying we should be going out into the world and inviting every lost sinner into the congregation. That would be like using the fine china as an oil pan. But we should be telling back-slidding Christians they need to be back in the House of Lord. We should be noticing that fellow church member, old or young, that was missing from the service, so where were you? We missed you. We should be telling that unsaved person that God loves them and preach to them the Gospel so they can have gladness and a desire to go into the House of Lord.
If I was part of the us...
Fellowship is a key part of any church. Afterall, Eating is a Fundamental Baptist doctrine. However, I believe the us also serves a different purpose. It is discipleship. Something as simple as telling someone something that can bring gladness in their life. When you tell someone how to fix their sin, it brings gladness to them, maybe not right away, but it does. That is discipleship. The fact that the two, ot more, people are spending time together outside of the House of the Lord could also be a signal of discipleship. But the point that I think is the most important is that we see someone (they) had compassion upon a fellow member (I/me) to take time to find them and bring them back to the fold.
Application...
This entire thing is application really. But for me personally, I need to remember to always be glad when going into the House of Lord. I should be thankful for those who invited me into the House of the Lord (Thank you Mrs. Pastor and Mrs. B.). I need to work with fellow saints and encourage them to go together to the House of the Lord. I should find that person, whom I can edify, so that they can go and find someone that can be a they and find someone who needs to be brought into the House of the Lord.
Looking forward to May...
ChrisTopher Myers
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Good Policy Verse #1
2Ki 9:30-35
And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window. And as Jehu entered in at the gate, she said, Had Zimri peace, who slew his master? And he lifted up his face to the window, and said, Who is on my side? who? And there looked out to him two or three eunuchs. And he said, Throw her down. So they threw her down: and some of her blood was sprinkled on the wall, and on the horses: and he trode her under foot. And when he was come in, he did eat and drink, and said, Go, see now this cursed woman, and bury her: for she is a king's daughter. And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands.
So what good policy does this have to do with me? It is sort of the who are you in this passage type of thing. Are you Jehu? Zimri? Jezebel? The eunuchs? Or on-looker?
Jehu...
The man of God fighting the battle of God standing up for God. He stood in the gap when the evil people were in charge and did what was needed (very David-esque). He then totally eradicated the source of the evil and did what was right. Translation: He is the guy who leads others in to battle, leads by example, knows who the enemy is, and did not stop fighting until the battle was done. He could have stopped after Zimri, but he knew Jezebel was the real problem. That is just like sin in our life. It is easy to get rid of the superficial sins, but it is the root problems that need to be erradicated til there is barely anything recognizable left. Second, I need to lead by example and show others the way into the battle and who the enemy is.
Zimri...
He represents the superficial battle against the enemy. These are the dispensible people (even friends) that Satan uses to accomplish his purposes. Translation: I need to be careful not to be used by Satan to damage my friends, and I need to be careful not to try to stop the man of God from doing what he needs to do.
Jezebel...
Besides being a woman in power, there are plenty of other issues with her. The dominate one of course is her explict hatred for the man of God. She was anti-Elijah, anti-anybody who was not with her, and I am sure she would have been anti-Ahab if she politically could have been. She commanded for the death of the man of God, orchastrated great sin in the city, and was ugly (she had to put on make-up after all. Ugliness, in my opinion, is the only reason for make-up.) Translation: I should not be a woman. I should not be anti the things of God. I should not manipulate people for my own pleasures and desires. I should be careful not to be so hard-hearted and vain that I do not even know that the people around me could turn at any moment.
The Eunuchs...
These are the servants that worked for Jezebel and Ahab. The same group that ultimately pushed her out the window. Translation: Even Satan's minions can do right? I do not mean his little devils, I mean the people in this world whom Satan has used to do his will. Just because Satan has used you to accomplish his will does not mean all is lost. The eunuchs stepped up and through Jezebel from the window. I am not saying they got saved that day, but what I am saying is that they recognized that Jehu was the man and they helped him in succeding in his battle. So, in other words, I need to support the man of God when he comes riding into battle at whatever the cost, despite losing my job or other important stuff.
The On-lookers...
Application: Is there such a thing truly as a bystander? Just a simple on-looker that is just watching? I have always been of the persuassion that the answer to that is no. You are either a help or a hindarence to any situation that you are in. Involved or not. You can influence the person taking the action just by standing there. Support by clapping. Discouragment by shaking your head. Or even gasping in amazement at what just took place. It is evident that nobody stopped Jehu (he did run her over till she was dust afterall). Everybody is involved, because they could have saved their 'beloved" queen, but they did not.
So what kind of person are you from this passage? That is the question I direct towards myself and anyone who would like to take this as a good policy verse.
And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window. And as Jehu entered in at the gate, she said, Had Zimri peace, who slew his master? And he lifted up his face to the window, and said, Who is on my side? who? And there looked out to him two or three eunuchs. And he said, Throw her down. So they threw her down: and some of her blood was sprinkled on the wall, and on the horses: and he trode her under foot. And when he was come in, he did eat and drink, and said, Go, see now this cursed woman, and bury her: for she is a king's daughter. And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands.
So what good policy does this have to do with me? It is sort of the who are you in this passage type of thing. Are you Jehu? Zimri? Jezebel? The eunuchs? Or on-looker?
Jehu...
The man of God fighting the battle of God standing up for God. He stood in the gap when the evil people were in charge and did what was needed (very David-esque). He then totally eradicated the source of the evil and did what was right. Translation: He is the guy who leads others in to battle, leads by example, knows who the enemy is, and did not stop fighting until the battle was done. He could have stopped after Zimri, but he knew Jezebel was the real problem. That is just like sin in our life. It is easy to get rid of the superficial sins, but it is the root problems that need to be erradicated til there is barely anything recognizable left. Second, I need to lead by example and show others the way into the battle and who the enemy is.
Zimri...
He represents the superficial battle against the enemy. These are the dispensible people (even friends) that Satan uses to accomplish his purposes. Translation: I need to be careful not to be used by Satan to damage my friends, and I need to be careful not to try to stop the man of God from doing what he needs to do.
Jezebel...
Besides being a woman in power, there are plenty of other issues with her. The dominate one of course is her explict hatred for the man of God. She was anti-Elijah, anti-anybody who was not with her, and I am sure she would have been anti-Ahab if she politically could have been. She commanded for the death of the man of God, orchastrated great sin in the city, and was ugly (she had to put on make-up after all. Ugliness, in my opinion, is the only reason for make-up.) Translation: I should not be a woman. I should not be anti the things of God. I should not manipulate people for my own pleasures and desires. I should be careful not to be so hard-hearted and vain that I do not even know that the people around me could turn at any moment.
The Eunuchs...
These are the servants that worked for Jezebel and Ahab. The same group that ultimately pushed her out the window. Translation: Even Satan's minions can do right? I do not mean his little devils, I mean the people in this world whom Satan has used to do his will. Just because Satan has used you to accomplish his will does not mean all is lost. The eunuchs stepped up and through Jezebel from the window. I am not saying they got saved that day, but what I am saying is that they recognized that Jehu was the man and they helped him in succeding in his battle. So, in other words, I need to support the man of God when he comes riding into battle at whatever the cost, despite losing my job or other important stuff.
The On-lookers...
Application: Is there such a thing truly as a bystander? Just a simple on-looker that is just watching? I have always been of the persuassion that the answer to that is no. You are either a help or a hindarence to any situation that you are in. Involved or not. You can influence the person taking the action just by standing there. Support by clapping. Discouragment by shaking your head. Or even gasping in amazement at what just took place. It is evident that nobody stopped Jehu (he did run her over till she was dust afterall). Everybody is involved, because they could have saved their 'beloved" queen, but they did not.
So what kind of person are you from this passage? That is the question I direct towards myself and anyone who would like to take this as a good policy verse.
Looking forwards to May
Topher Myers
P.S. I realize that this is more than one verse so it technically cannot be a good policy "verse," but I am the author and I get poetic liscence.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Just a scholastic and social update
I am excited that CleanInternet.com has finally approved the right to blog again. It's a good website for anyone interested in a Christian based filtering service (shameless plug). Seriously though, I just wanted to update anyone who happens to know me, care about me, or entertain the wandering stranger who happens across my grossly outdated blog page.
Recent events.
February -- Valentine's Day came and went and I only gave out 5 valentine cards. I went to the Chicago Auto Show and saw a bunch of overpriced, shiny pieces of metal.
March -- Volleyball Marathon is now over with and I am still taking donations (ahem). I played way too many hours, was awake for even more hours (thanks a lot Joseph), and even got two projects finished. The College Wrestle-Off was this past Sunday night and I survived that too. I almost pinned my opponent in the first round, but then I got tired (I'm fat and outta shape if you don't remember) in the second round. Julian made it to the third round before getting pinned. Glenn got violent with his opponent Jim and David went all three rounds with his opponent. Marlowe did not wrestle because he was enjoying the sunny weather back home.
I am looking forward to going back to TruGreen on Wednesday. I am also looking forward to Candy Sale again. It starts next Thursday. Then there is the Preaching Conference in late April at which I am looking forward to the arrival of several people.
School is doing well, I have an A in all my classes, until today, one class just dropped to an A-.
Finally, as a goal (It is this thing I have been setting weekly.) I just want to share my 10 verses for the new year with Blogspace over the next couple of weeks. Just to be a help to you, a help to me, and most importantly, accountability for me.
Recent events.
February -- Valentine's Day came and went and I only gave out 5 valentine cards. I went to the Chicago Auto Show and saw a bunch of overpriced, shiny pieces of metal.
March -- Volleyball Marathon is now over with and I am still taking donations (ahem). I played way too many hours, was awake for even more hours (thanks a lot Joseph), and even got two projects finished. The College Wrestle-Off was this past Sunday night and I survived that too. I almost pinned my opponent in the first round, but then I got tired (I'm fat and outta shape if you don't remember) in the second round. Julian made it to the third round before getting pinned. Glenn got violent with his opponent Jim and David went all three rounds with his opponent. Marlowe did not wrestle because he was enjoying the sunny weather back home.
I am looking forward to going back to TruGreen on Wednesday. I am also looking forward to Candy Sale again. It starts next Thursday. Then there is the Preaching Conference in late April at which I am looking forward to the arrival of several people.
School is doing well, I have an A in all my classes, until today, one class just dropped to an A-.
Finally, as a goal (It is this thing I have been setting weekly.) I just want to share my 10 verses for the new year with Blogspace over the next couple of weeks. Just to be a help to you, a help to me, and most importantly, accountability for me.
Looking forward to May
Topher Myers
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