Back on Track - Day #3

1 Kings 8:27
"But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!"

Have you ever typed "the universe" into Google? How about "Hubble Telescope", "galaxies" or "NASA"?

Psalm 147:4 Does God know my name? Psalm 108:4 Does God love me? Isaiah 48:13 God put the stars in the palm of his hand and then spread them out in the universe... just how big is this guy?

Jeremiah 32:17, Job 25

Is it too difficult for Christ to restore me? Christ, by the way, is a co-creator (Colossians 1:15-17)

Psalm 8:3-4 - God is HUGE and we are tiny. Romans 12:1-2 says God can take us from the ooze of the mud to the ozone of the universe. Philippians 2:13, the Bible says that God works in me for his purpose. He can. He will. He does. The question is then, do I allow myself to believe that?

Google God. Then Choose God. Again. He is astronomical.

1. From what you know about the solar systems and space, take a few moments to contemplate how big God is. Now try to describe that immensity.
I have studied astronomy in high school and college. I know, or at least have an idea, how big the universe is... which is why I feel so tiny sometimes when I pray. I wonder if God is as big as I think he is, then why would he give my thoughts ANY KIND of consideration. God is bigger than the universe, he could probably wrap his arms around the universe, which makes me the tiniest cell within a cell to a mammoth of a giant.

2. If you could keep a clear view of an astronomical God in the forefront of your mind, how would that affect your faith?
It would make me much more humble. I would even think that it would squish whatever faith I had... why would a God that massive give so much a consideration to me?

3. If you viewed your life from God's perspective, what might you see that you don't now see?
I might have a better understanding of why God loves me.

4. List three things that a huge God could help do in your life and circumstances this year.
1: Get Restored 2: Overcome depression 3: Overcome Fibromyalgia

Back on Track - Day #2

Zechariah 4:6
So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.

This chapter is about the Dragon from The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, one of the Chronicles of Narnia books/movies. Specifically there is a moment where the dragon /boy has to become humble to never be a dragon again. He has to "undragon" himself by allowing Aslan to undress him.

Ephesians 5:18
Be drunk on the Holy Spirit of God verses the unholy spirit of wine. Why? Because whatever you are filled with it will be noticeable to others. What are people noticing about me?

(1 Thessalonians 5:19) Do I quench the Spirit or put out the fire? God gave me a Counselor (John 16:7) because I need to be counseled. God gave me a helper (John 14:26) because I need help. God gave me a comforter (John 14:16) because I need comforting. God told the disciples it would be better for them if they when he left (John 16:7), saying that the Holy Spirit would live within them. Do I believe that?! Would I rather have Jesus next to me or the Holy Spirit in me? Jesus says it is better to have the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2 the Holy Spirit shows up. Acts 4:29-31, it shows up again. The book of Acts is a living testimony to people who were changed not by their own might or power but by the Spirit of our omnipotent God.

Acts 4:13
When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

People realized these men were who they were because of Christ.

Questions at the end of this chapter:

1.What dragon-like characteristics do you naturally exhibit?
I like to think of Galatians 5:19-21 for the dragon-like characteristics. And if that is the case, I find myself struggling with impurity the most, followed by fits of rage.

2. Write down everything you know about the Holy Spirit.
It lives in you. This feels like a test ;) The Holy Spirit is a counselor, God living in me, a helper, a comforter, a guide for my life.

3. How have you seen the Holy Spirit change your life in the past and in the present?
I have seen the Holy Spirit change how I view people. I have also seen my character change some in regards to purity, money, basic values such as friendship, respect, and love for others. I have become more patient in a lot of areas and I continue to grow even now.

4. How can you tap into God's power today and see his strength unleashed in your life?
I think requires a lot of prayer and a lot of studying the Bible.

Back on Track - Day #1

The number forty recurring over and over in the Bible.

Genesis 7:12, Exodus 24:18, Exodus 34:28, Numbers 13:25, Matthew 4:1-2, Acts 1:3

Six areas of Devotion: My God, My Head, My Heart, My Hands, My Feet, and My Lips.

Do all things well (Mark 7:37)

Questions at the end of each chapter:

1. What has been the worst "train wreck" day of your life? Your past month?
I've had a few. All of them that are coming to mind are all based on what has happened wrong in a relationship.  Once a girlfriend went missing. Another time, a friend was unfaithful. Combine all that with drug use, it spells out a mental mess. The past month hasn't the drama as my long-term history. I do have a six year old who knows how to push my anger button. And when he pushes it over and over and over again, a train wreck can ensue for sure.

2. What event has most thrown you off spiritually?
I would say that the issues with pornography throw me off the most. Pornography tends to close me up and I don't share or stay open for very long.

3. What damage or repercussions have you seen in your spiritual life when you have gotten off track?
It has led me to leave God, the Church, and I even considered leaving my wife and suicide.

4. What can you begin to do today to make steps toward getting back on track?
I'm not sure. I have a number of things already in process in getting restored, such as staying open, studying the Bible, etc. and those things have really been helpful.