30 Tuesday Apr 2013
Posted in Reflection
Today’s Reflection post is a six (6) minute video by John Piper. It is a great reminder that no matter where we are in our life, no matter how close or far we are from God, we never outgrow the need to have the Gospel in our lives. I hope you enjoy the video. Please comment below any thoughts you may have.
If you ever come across anything you’d like me to post on this blog, please feel free to contact me at dino.evangelista@gmail.com.
29 Monday Apr 2013
Posted in Reflection
If the attached video doesn’t make you feel small, then I’m not sure what would. In the immensity of our universe it gives me great comfort in knowing there is a powerful God who loves me and feels I am significant. I hope you enjoy it.
If you ever come across anything you’d like me to post on this blog, please feel free to contact me at dino.evangelista@gmail.com.
28 Sunday Apr 2013
Posted in Daily Reading
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I don’t have a lot to say about today’s reading. The obvious observation is that the Israelites continue to fall away from God and run to Him when things go wrong. Some times they have major breakdowns where a judge blatantly turns from God. But sometimes it is something minor and a small choice that leads them down a wrong path. The lesson here is to not assume it is just the big things that make us turn from God. Most of the time it is a minor decision that leads us down a wrong path. Consistency is the key to leading and maintaining a righteous life.
27 Saturday Apr 2013
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Today is a continuation of the story of Gideon. God literally whittles down the Israelites to almost nothing and still allows them victory. God makes it so there is no question as to whether it is by His power or that of men. Even today, we tend to want to help God along. We feel as though we need to be stronger or more prepared or better equipped. The reality is God doesn’t need our help. He chooses to allow us to participate and take part in the victory, but God only requires us to have faith and to trust in Him that His perfect plan will happen.
26 Friday Apr 2013
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I love the story of Gideon because it reminds me of a couple of things about our relationship with God. First, it is a relationship and it is ok to sometimes question God. We should always do it with respect and reverence, but it is ok. Second, because it is a relationship, God is patient with us and our human nature to doubt. God is not offended by us when we ask question as long as we are obedient to Him in the end. God has made each of us with unique personalities and character traits. Some of us plow ahead when told to do so, while others are more methodical about our approach. But ultimately, God has made us to work together to accomplish His perfect plan with each of us bringing our individual strengths to the table.
25 Thursday Apr 2013
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Sorry for the delay today. I totally lost track of time. Today as we begin the book of Judges, it astonishes me at how quickly the Israelites turn from God. It’s a lot like the way I am at times in my relationship with God. No matter how many times I find myself closer to God, it seems there is an equal number of times where I find myself drifting again. But just like the Israelites, God is always there waiting on me.
24 Wednesday Apr 2013
Posted in Daily Reading
As we finish the book of Matthew today, I love the way Jesus finishes up His instruction to His disciples in Matthew 28:18-20 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” His words were true back then and they are true today. Let us not forget the true reason why we are on this earth.
23 Tuesday Apr 2013
Posted in Daily Reading
As Jesus is preparing to become our savior, He seems to be more direct with everyone around Him. It is very methodical and at times a bit harsh. But that is exactly what God requires of us. He demands boldness and directness. As we get pushed as believers, we tend to shy away from conflict at first. God doesn’t want us to be shy and He does want us to be loving and we can be both. Being direct about our beliefs does not mean we should be jerks, but it also does NOT mean we need to be soft about boldly telling people who we are, what we believe, and what God has done to us through His grace and mercy.
22 Monday Apr 2013
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I love Jesus’ reply in Matthew 22:37-40 when asked what the greatest command is, 37 Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” It is easy to get caught up in a bunch of rules to make us feel like we are keeping God’s commands. But if we boil it all down, Jesus’ words keep it pretty simple and effective.
21 Sunday Apr 2013
Posted in Reflection
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Today, as I was searching for a video to share for our reflection day, I came across this Dove advertisement. It was one of those videos that show up before the one you selected and you have the ability to skip it after a few second. For some reason I decided to watch the whole thing. It was a powerful video about the differences in the way we view ourselves and the way others view us. It immediately made me think about how God views me in comparison to how I view myself, especially in the light of His saving grace. I challenge you to watch this video and think about how God views you. I guarantee He has a more beautiful view of you than you could ever have of yourself. It is even more powerful when you finally accept it even if you don’t fully believe it. I hope you enjoy it.
If you ever come across anything you’d like me to post on this blog, please feel free to contact me at dino.evangelista@gmail.com.
