Submission

This is one of my favorite paintings.  It is called the "Return of the Prodigal Son" by Rembrandt.  The painting depicts the prodigal son, who has just returned home after squandering his father's money, kneeling while his father embraces him.  I used this painting to wrap up this past Thursday's discussion on the authority and lordship of our Heavenly Father over our lives. 

Even though our tendency is to rebel like Adam and Eve in the Garden, we are called to submit to the triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) in ever aspect of our lives.  God wants to be lord of all or not lord at all.  So many of us have areas of our lives that we have not turned over completely to God.  This is not always an easy task (for a variety of reasons: fear, pride, apathy, etc.), but Christ has called us to do just that. 

The rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-26 could not submit to Christ's call to sell his possessions, give the money to the poor, and follow Jesus.  He refused to allow Jesus to have lordship over his possessions, money and wealth.  Thus, he went away sad.

This week, I encourage you to get on your knees, in the same position as the prodigal son in the picture above, and ask God to reveal areas of your life in which you need to submit to his lordship.  Then, as he leads you to these areas, repent and ask for his forgiveness as you turn these areas over to him. 

There is an enormous amount of freedom in submitting to Christ's lordship.  He promises us that his yoke is easy and his burden is light!" (Matthew 11:30)

"I'm Just a Nobody"

I ran across this quote the other day and really liked it.  I wanted to share it with you here:

"I'm just a nobody trying to tell everybody,
about somebody, who can save anybody."

I think it is a part of an old Williams Brothers song.

Physical Appearance

Because of our discussion on physical image and appearance this past Thursday, I have posted this popular video. Remember, most images you see in magazines or on billboards have been altered in some way. This video gives you an idea of some of the ways that they accomplish this. Don't forget the following:

1. God does not look at the things man looks at.  Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7)
2. You are beautiful/handsome because you are made in the image of God.  So, stop comparing yourself to others.
3. God made each of us different.  Therefore, rejoice in the differences, and praise God that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made.
4. Stop trying to please men.  Instead, try your best to please your Heavenly Father.

Spotlight - Benjamin

 

Name: Benjamin Ng

School: Emirates International School

How many years have you lived in Dubai? Almost 3 :D

Random fact about yourself? My hair used to be straight. :P

Favorite Bible Verse? Judge not, and you shall not be judged: condemn not, and you shall not be condemned: forgive, and you shall be forgiven - Luke 6:37

Involvement in 180 Degrees? "senior member" haha

What has God been teaching you lately? Patience

Spotlight - Charmaine

Name: Charmaine Soriano Runes

School: The International School of Choueifat

How many years have you lived in Dubai? Three cheers for eight-and-a-half years

Random fact about yourself? I go a little insane if I haven't had green tea ^___________^

Favorite Bible Verse? "He must become greater, and I must become less important." John 3:30

Involvement in 180 Degrees? I've been part of the worship team for Youth & it's really helped me reconnect with God & with who He is. & He blows my mind away

What has God been teaching you lately? That He has plans for me. BIG plans because He's a BIG God. It's amazing how He wants to work through a kid like me but that's the best thing: I do not become great. The world just catches a glimpse of how great HE is & that's what we live for.