Just Open The Book

Many times in our Christian walk, we get lost. We may feel like we’re doing the right things, but after some time we realize that somewhere along the way, we missed God’s directions and don’t know how we ended up where we are. And like the proverbial husband, we want to try to figure it out ourselves instead of asking for directions.

USING WHAT YOU'VE GOT

Published 08/12/2010 - 6:57 a.m. CST

Many of us are familiar with the story in the New Testament about Jesus feeding the 5,000. As the story goes, Jesus was on a hillside with a large crowd of 5,000 men plus wives and children following him. As Jesus sat down, his disciples became concerned because there was no food available to feed all the people. Jesus asked his disciples where they could buy bread to feed everyone, but the disciple Phillip complained that it would cost a small fortune to feed all those people. The disciple Andrew found a boy who had 5 loaves of barley bread and two fishes with him. "But what good is that with this huge crowd?" asked Andrew. (John 6:9).

THE LOVE OF GOD

Published 08/10/2010 - 6:13 a.m. CST

LIVE AN AMAZING LIFE

Published 08/02/2010 - 5:12 a.m. CST

This week, I had the great privilege to attend a Bible study taught by Dr. Henry Blackaby, pastor and author of Experiencing God. Dr. Blackaby's book has had an amazing influence on my walk with Christ and has been a key to helping me grow in faith. During his message, Dr. Blackaby emphasized that to grow in faith, one has to believe that God is capable of doing extraordinary things through the lives of ordinary people. If we submit ourselves to God's plans for us, and expect greater things than what we can do on our own, we will see the power of God at work through our lives.

STEPPING OUT IN FAITH

Published 06/10/2010 - 7:04 a.m. CST

One of the keys in developing a deeper relationship with God is taking opportunities tostep out in faith. Throughout the Bible, God blessed his followers who trusted his word and stepped out in confidence that God would do as He said. Abraham took his only son Isaac to sacrifice him for the Lord based on his faith that God had a good plan from this act (Genesis 22:1-18). Moses led his people out of Egypt to be trapped between an approaching army and the Red Sea by having faith that God would deliver them (Exodus 14:13-31). Gideon went to battle with only 300 soldiers against on army of 120,000 with faith that if he obeyed and trusted God, he would be assured of victory (Judges Ch.6-8).

FATHERS ARE IMPORTANT

Published 06/05/2010 - 5:15 a.m. CST

Fathers have the most important role in the life of their children. The blessing of being a father is a great joy and with it comes great responsibility. No single individual will have a bigger impact on his children's life, for good or bad, than the father.

Published 06/04/2010 - 7:23 p.m. CST

David Edmisten

I encourage you to join me in welcoming David Edmisten, the president of JustOpenTheBook.com to The Cypress Times. Beginning tomorrow morning David will be providing artilces from his online ministry to encourage others to develop a closer realtionship with God by opening and studying His word.

THE BEST GIFT YOU CAN EVER GIVE YOUR PARENTS

Published 08/04/2010 - 6:50 a.m. CST

My wife and I recently read the book “The Best Gift You Can Ever Give Your Parents” by Dennis Rainey. This book is for us, a life changing study on the 5th Commandment to honor your father and mother.

DEALING WITH CONFLICT

Published 07/28/2010 - 7:07 a.m. CST

Throughout our lives, we are often caught up in a number of conflicts. Stress, deadlines, differing expectations, financial difficulties, relationships, and the pressure to succeed - all of these things can lead to a conflict. We end up in conflicts with our spouses, children, family members, friends, co-workers. Not many people enjoy conflict, as it unleashes raw emotions and can very quickly escalate to hurt feelings, thoughtless words, fighting, yelling, and damaged egos and relationships.

TRUSTING GOD BEYOND OUR UNDERSTANDING

Published 06/06/2010 - 5:15 a.m. CST

On September 24, 2009 a beautiful little boy, our fourth child, Andrew, was placed into his daddy's arms after being under oxygen and doctor's care for nearly ten minutes. Fortunately, we were at the hospital.

GOD WANTS OUR PRAISE

Published 06/05/2010 - 5:15 a.m. CST

Our God wants a people who will not only pray, but also praise Him. The Bible is full of stories of men who were victorious because they praised the Lord: The walls of Jericho fell when Israel praised God (Joshua 6). Paul and Silas were delivered from prison and won others to Christ because they praised God (Acts 16: 25).

TheCypressTimes , 12320 Barker Cypress Road, #600-297, Cypress, TX, USA 77429 Tel. 832.331.7553