Sunday, July 12, 2009

JESUS & HUMILITY

PRIDE BUSTERS 

DO YOU WANT TO BE LIKE JESUS?

"Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy be being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind,

Pride is doing things by conceit and selfish ambition.
While the 'mind of Christ' is having the same love, being in one accord, and being lowly in mind by esteeming others better than yourself. 

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowiness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 
Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." Philippians 2:1-4 NKJV

"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God," Philippians 2:5-6 NKJV

Jesus is God the son.

"Who being in the form, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a SERVANT and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He HUMBLED Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross "made Himself of no reputation..."
  
Philippians 2:7-8 NKJV

Jesus emptied himself, becoming a servant, and humbling himself to the point of death on the cross.  "If you HUMBLE yourself, you shall be exalted."

"Therefore God also has HIGHLY EXALTED Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is LORD, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:9-11 NKJV

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and with Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it."
John 1:1-5 NKJV

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."
John 1:14 NKJV

God emptied, humbling himself, becoming a mere man (Jesus), being a servant to the point of death on the cross.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 NKJV

Are you a disciple of Jesus?  
Are you humble?  Are you a servant?

Sunday, July 5, 2009

LUCIFER & PRIDE

PRIDE BUSTERS 

LUCIFER IS LATIN 
FOR MORNING STAR

LUCIFER IS FULL OF PRIDE

"How you have fallen from heaven,
O star of the morning, son of the dawn!
You have been cut down to the earth,
You who have weakened the nations!
But you said in your heart,
'I will ascend to the heaven;
I will raise my throne above the stars of God,
And I will sit on the mount of assembly in the recesses of the north.
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High.'
Nevertheless you will be thrust down to Sheol, to the recesses of the pit.
Those who see you will gaze at you,
They will ponder over you, saying,
'Is this the man who made the earth tremble,
Who shook kingdoms,
Who made the world like a wilderness and overthrew the cities,
Who did not allow his prisoners to go home."
Isaiah 14:12-17 NAS 

 

LUCIFER HAD "I" DISEASE 

1. I WILL ASCEND TO THE HEAVENS
2. I WILL RAISE MY THRONE ABOVE THE STARS OF GOD
3. I WILL SIT ON THE MOUNT OF THE ASSEMBLY...
4. I WILL ASCEND TO THE HEIGHTS OF THE CLOUDS
5. I WILL MAKE MYSELF LIKE THE MOST HIGH 

According to GOD's Word: "If you EXALT yourself, you will be ABASED.  LUCIFER is full of PRIDE.
LUCIFER, the morning star will be cast into the PIT, because he exalted himself as god.

          ARE YOU FULL OF PRIDE TOO?


Wednesday, June 17, 2009

PARABLE OF THE PHARISEE and THE TAX COLLECTOR

PRIDE BUSTERS
Outdoors with Jesus is celebrating our 23rd anniversary. 
One of our favorite Bible studies was the "PRIDE BUSTERS." 
In the world today, the word PRIDE means many different things.  Lion's pride, Pride of the Marines, National Pride, and Football team pride, etc. Biblical pride is a sin, which can eternally separate you from God. 

"Also He spoke this PARABLE to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others:

Jesus said,
'Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector,

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men--extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.'

And the Tax Collector, standing afar off,
would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God be merciful to me a sinner!'

I tell you, this man (tax collector) went down to his house justified rather than the other (pharisee); for everyone who EXALTS himself will be abased, and he who HUMBLES himself will be exalted."  
Luke 18:9-14 NKJV

The PROUD and the HUMBLE

Everyone who exalts himself will be abased or made low; while those who humbles himself will be exalted.

The Pharisee in this story had an "I" problem--he's self-centered. (Circle all the times he said "I.")  
He was boasting, and looking down on others, and even boasting to God about his fasting.

The Tax Collector is humble and broken hearted to God; begging for His mercy.

WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

Are you like the Pharisee when you pray, saying, "God look at all the good things I've done, look at all the money and time I have given in service to you; surely I deserve more than all these other people here." 

Or are you like the Tax Collector, who prays without focusing his eyes on other people, examining himself and begging God for his mercy and forgiveness.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

WHO DO YOU SAY I AM?



OUTDOORS WITH JESUS
2009 Memorial Weekend campout, we enjoyed this Bible study at Singletree Campground.

"Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?"
And they said, "Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets."
He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"

Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
And Jesus said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.
I say also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it." Matthew 16:13-18 NAS

Jesus gave Simon a new name, Peter, the Greek word "Petros" meaning small rock.
He called James and John the "Sons of Thunder," because they prayed for lightning to strike people. One day, God is going to give us all new names.
Here is what Peter wrote about the rock in 1 Peter chpt 2.

"And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
For this is contained in Scripture:
"Behold, I Lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone,
And he who believes in Him will not be disappointed."
This precious value, then, is for you who believe;
but those who disbelieve,
"The stone which the builders rejected,
This became the very corner stone," and,
"A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense";
for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word,
and to this doom they were also appointed.

I Peter 2: 4-8 NAS

Jesus Christ is the Rock, the corner stone.
Peter was the first of the little rocks, because he believed that He was the Messiah. Each believer is a living stone built upon the choice stone--Jesus. That's what we call the church.
For those who do not believe, the Rock is a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.
All throughout scripture, the Rock is a picture of Christ. Do you remember when Moses struck the rock twice and got in trouble with God. The Apostle Paul talks about this rock...


"For I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea; and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea and all ate the same spiritual food; and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ. I Corinthians 10:1-4 NAS

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer."   Psalm 19:14 NAS

WHO DO YOU SAY JESUS IS?
For those who believe in Him and give their life to Him, he will make you a living stone. And you will be built on the chief cornerstone--Jesus the rock.
For those who don't believe, He will be a rock of offense and a stumbling stone.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

SURVIVAL POP QUIZ

OWJ HIKING NEWS


YOUR SITUATION

Imagine, you are in the Uintas at night, your GPS is not working, no cell phone coverage, and it is a new moon and can't see any landmarks or mountains.
You need to wait till daylight to find your way back to the trailhead. You're 10,500' above sea level, and all the ground is soaking wet. You have warm clothing; but need to make a campfire to survive the night. All your kindling and firewood is cold and wet.

POP QUIZ
If you packed only one of these items, which would help you the most to start a fire or keep you warm through the night? (only choose one)
  1. Small box of windproof matches
  2. A new lighter
  3. One burner stove
  4. Flints
  5. Magnifying glass
  6. Can of Sterno
  7. Handwarmer


Several years ago we went backpacking in the Uintas. We hiked to a remote lake and tried to light a fire. We found the a lighter was worthless. Also, we went through two boxes of windproof matches, burning all the dry paper we were carrying. Between the moisture and the higher elevation it seemed next to impossible to light a fire. Determined, I started the one burner stove up. This gave us instant heat to warm our hands. I took the kindling, and roasted one twig at a time until it was charcoal and built a fire that way.
I was on top of a 11,500' peak watching the Sunrise, and tried to keep warm by lighting a can of Sterno. The wind kept blowing it out and very little heat came out. It was worthless.
One Winter I was snowshoeing and wanted to stay warm. I opened up a large handwarmer, and found it worthless. It was old, and the chemicals no longer brought heat.

Utah has a lot of different terrains, from high elevation wilderness, to desert slot canyons. Each situation requires careful planning and different gear. 

It is up to you to KNOW WHAT TO PACK. Don't rely on the "10 Essentials list." It is important that every hiker is responsible for their own well being. Even if a leader give you a list of things to bring, it is up to you to plan for your survival.

Why isn't a one burner stove on the "10 Essentials List?" Who made that list anyway?

Monday, August 11, 2008

CAR CAMPING LIST

OWJ HIKING NEWS


Cooking gear
___Propane grill and utensils,
___Propane or Coleman fluid,
___Coleman stove,
___Pots n pans,
___Utensils,
___Hot pad,
___S'more or hot dog sticks,
___Picnic tablecloth,
___Coleman lantern (gas or electric),
___Matches or lighter,
___Coffee mugs,
___Paper cups, plates, and bowls,
___Paper towels,
___Silverware (knifes, spoons and forks),
___Heavy Aluminum foil,
___Wash bucket, brush and dish soap,
___Garbage bags,
___Critter proof plastic containers to store food.
Not everyone owns cooking gear...please share!

Camping gear
___
Camp chair,
___Tent or Sleep in your vehicle,
___Ground tarp or tent footprint,
___Sleeping bag and Pillows,
___Extra blanket,
___Air mattress, 
___Air pump,
___Ear plugs for sound sleeping,
___Knit Hat, sweater, and wool socks for sleeping,
___Campground Reservation,
___Hammer or hatchet, 

Misc
___
BIBLE and reading glasses,
___Flashlight, Lantern, or head lamp,
___Trail books and maps,
___Toothbrush, paste and floss,
___Shaving kit,
___Soap and towel,
___Baby wipes,
___Toiletries,
___Dirty clothes garbage bag,

Vehicle 
___Ice Chest & Bag of Ice,
___Glass cleaner and Paper Towels,
___Quart Motor oil, 
___Car tools,
___Utah map,
___Garbage sack,
___Check your fluids,
___Check your tire pressure,
___CDs or blue tooth music,

Breakfast (What are you eating for 3 days?)
  1. ___________________________________
  2. ___________________________________
  3. ___________________________________
Lunch (Plan 2 lunches for the trail)
  1. ___________________________________
  2. ___________________________________
Evening barbecue  (What meat or veggie to grill for yourself for 3 dinners?)
  1. ___________________________________
  2. ___________________________________
  3. ___________________________________
Bring one thing to share with group each evening:
(veggies, salad, nuts, fruit, chips n dips, pies, cakes, deserts, marshmallows, cookies, etc.).
  1. ___________________________________
  2. ___________________________________
  3. ___________________________________
Personal Snacks _________________________________

Condiments______________________________
Sugar, brown sugar, salt and pepper, spices, BBQ sauce, salad dressing, olive oil, butter, coffee, and creamer.

Clothing
___Desert clothing for day, (shorts)
___Sandals to wear in water,
___Hiking shoes to wear on the trail,
___Towel to dry off, 
___Warm long clothing for evenings and nights,
___Warm jacket, knit hat for evenings,

Hiking Gear
___Water,
___Electrolytes, 
___Trail snacks,
___Hiking poles,
___Camera, Cell phone,
___Light rain jacket,
___Sunglasses,
___Hat,
___Sunscreen,
___Bug Spray,
___First aid kit, Bandaids, Medicines,
___Toilet paper, zip lock bag, shovel,
___Hand Sanitizer,
___Day Pack,
___Park Passes, 

Pray for God's Blessing
___Safe Travel for all drivers, 
___Good Weather on the trails,
___God's Protection, 

Sunday, August 3, 2008

WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

OWJ HIKING NEWS
What motivates you to go hiking, camping or ride a mountain bike? Just for fun, pick which personality fits you best. Discover why you attend; and what draws you to an activity?



ADVENTURER
This person loves to explore new trails. They are excited over the prospect of going to new parks, campgrounds, and trails.
Motivation: Make sure you tell them it's a new trail. And if you do an old trail, explore new side trails.

CARDIO
This person views hiking and mountain biking, as an outdoor gym.
Motivation: Tell this person that the trail has high mileage, and steep elevation gain. That ought to get their hearts pounding.

CONTROL FREAK
This person believes that every hike or bike ride has been planned...just for me. And they want to make leadership decisions.
Motivations: Let them think you planned this activity just for them.

FELLOWSHIPPER
This person loves to fellowship. They look at every hike or bike ride as a time to socialize. They enjoy jumping from one social event to another and love to keep people informed of the latest happenings.
Motivation: Tell them that the trail is popular.

JESUS FREAK
This person is motivated by Jesus. Each activity is an opportunity to serve like Christ, whether giving food, water, or sharing the good news to a stranger.
Motivation: Inspire this person to be more like Christ. He is not motivated by trail or exercise; but how he can serve others.

LOVER
This person looks at an hike or bike ride as  opportunities to meet someone from the opposite sex. They enjoy collecting phone numbers and email addresses for future dates.
Motivation: Tell them they can make new hiking and biking friends.

LONER
This person enjoys being away from people. They enjoy remote wilderness trails and places without the sound of a human voice.
Motivation: Tell them you are going to the wilderness.

NATURE LOVER
This person hates to be rushed on the trail. They enjoy stopping, taking pictures, looking at rocks, gazing at birds through binoculars, staring at arches and thumbing through wildflower books.
Motivation: Take them to trails where they can see pictographs, and wildflowers.

SALESMAN
This person looks at activities as a sales opportunity. He will spend the entire time on the trail trying to pitch their goods or investment opportunities.
Motivation: Tell this person this is a popular hike or bike ride.

SCOUT
This person climbs a peak, hikes the Grand Canyon, or sleeps in the cold to earn a merit badge. They will boast about how many peaks they have bagged, and enjoy learning and teaching others about outdoor ethics.
Motivation: Inspire them, by taking them to new peaks.

SPIRITUAL
This person enjoy being spiritual. Sometimes they'll want to be left alone to commune with God. Outdoor activities are like worship services or prayer meetings.
Motivation: Give them the freedom of expression they need.

SURVIVALIST
This person knows how to survive avalanches, build igloos, survive storms, and knows first aid. He enjoys drinking water out of streams, and eating edible plants and berries.
Motivation: Take this person to an adventurous place.

ZEALOT
This person attends activities to preach their agenda. Whether religious, or political, they want to covert you to their views.
Motivation: Inspire this person to focus on God and not politics.

FINAL NOTE:
You may have a combination of these personalities, so just laugh. Finally, what motivates you?