Articles by Skye Noe at Heartlight

No Honor Among Friends....

skye@hopeforlife.org (Skye Noe) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500

I love first impressions. It's the only chance you get to show off the person you wish you really were. For that one moment in time you can be any type of person you wish. If you want to be a generous person, you've got one chance to prove it. If you want to be intelligent, you've got one chance to show it. Once the first impression has passed, people will begin to form a perspective of you based on what they see of your life. They will factor in every little piece of information that they learn. So while the first impression may imply one thing, your life may imply something entirely different.

The problem with a first impression is that it's hard to erase. This is not a problem if you are lucky enough to have a good first impression. What about when it doesn't go like you want? Or, what happens when the person you were when you made your first impression is no longer who you are today?

As I have grown, I have made many changes in my life. The greatest of which was the decision to become a Christian. I made the decision that every Christian must make; I chose to live my life for God and to turn away from my old lifestyle.

The challenge with changing your life is that too many people already know you as part of your old life. The first impressions of Skye the non-Christian were firmly grounded in the minds of everyone I knew. Even though my actions and words suggested I was a different person, my first impression was too strong to erase.

Jesus faced a similar struggle when he attempted to teach and heal the sick in his hometown. Many of the people in his hometown had already made their first impression of Jesus. They knew him as the "carpenter's son" and the "son of Mary." They knew his wisdom from the time he was a child, but now Jesus had revealed himself as the Son of God. Because they could not understand his new lifestyle, they were confused and took offense at him. Jesus himself said to his disciples:

"Only in his home town, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor."
Mark 6:4

Jesus understands what it feels like when people will not accept the reality of a changed life. Everyday that we choose to live for God the world will struggle to understand our personal change, but we must make new first impressions and try to change the old ones. If you would like to share your story of change or listen to the story of others who have changed their lives, please visit www.hopeforlife.org or contact me at skye@hopeforlife.org.

(Expressed written consent must be obtained prior to republishing, retransmitting or otherwise reusing the content of this article. Contact us at info@hopeforlife.org)

Skye is Response Coordinator for Herald of Truth and writes for HopeForLife. You can reach him at (866) 814-4673 or (866) 814-HOPE or by writing to skye@hopeforlife.org.

Website: Hope for Life

The Golden Rule

skye@hopeforlife.org (Skye Noe) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0600

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Mathew 7:12).

This phrase of Jesus spoken during the Sermon on the Mount is referred to as the Golden Rule. I am curious how the world would react if the Golden Rule was enforced.

Consider how our lives would be if the way that we treat people determines the way others treat us in return. People would speak more encouragingly to each other and hesitate to raise their voice. Taking a drive in traffic would be easier, no longer being cut off at every angle. Even politicians would find a way to be polite.

How would this effect our Christian lives? How would church be different? Perhaps the visitors would receive special attention and be invited to a place of honor as guest. Christian groups would cease to gossip and slander one another over meaningless traditions.

Jesus warns us about the temptation to judge others and implies that the Golden Rule will also apply to judgment.

"Do not Judge, or you will be judged. For in the same way you judge others you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" (Mathew 7:1-2).

In a world plagued by hatred and envy, Jesus calls us to the principles of forgiveness. Jesus makes clear that we are to love our neighbor in thought and in deed. Treat your neighbor as you would want to be treated and judge him as you would have God judge you.

Let us continue to work toward a loving church and devoted community by committing our lives to a rule of grace. If you would like to learn more about the Grace and community of God please visit our website at www.hopeforlife.org or contact me directly at skye@hopeforlife.org

(Expressed written consent must be obtained prior to republishing, retransmitting or otherwise reusing the content of this article. Contact us at info@hopeforlife.org)

Skye is Response Coordinator for Herald of Truth and writes for HopeForLife. You can reach him at (866) 814-4673 or (866) 814-HOPE or by writing to skye@hopeforlife.org.

Website: Hope for Life

Remember Grace

skye@hopeforlife.org (Skye Noe) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600

I wish I was better at documenting my life. As much as I like to think my memory is strong and full of detail, there is so much that has slipped away. There are many solutions to this problem; some people are journal writers and have years of memorable moments locked away safely in the pages of their diary. Others choose to take lots of pictures and have boxes of old photos that chronicle special events. And still others have turned to blogging as a source of remembrance. These methods are diverse in nature, but the goal is inherently the same. We all strive to tell our story. We long for opportunities to relive the moments of our lives and without a record these moments are lost forever.

Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples which are not recorded in this book (John 20:30).

Ever wonder how many miracles of Jesus are unknown to the world?
How many blind were given sight by His loving touch?
How many of the dead were brought back to life?

The stories of Jesus’ life here on earth are precious to us because, for believers, it gives a glimpse of what is to come. The unconditional love combined with boundless mercy and infinite power set the stage for the most beautiful collection of stories. If only the disciples had a better memory. Perhaps they could have added more stories to the book, but now it’s too late. These stories have fallen into the past.

But wait, look what the next verse says:

But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name (John 20:31).

We will never know the details of every miracle performed by Jesus, but we can still tell our story. The miracles of Jesus are alive and with us today. Everyone that accepts “Jesus is the Christ, the son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name,” has taken part in a miracle.

I’ll continue to lose certain memories over the years, but I will never forget the miracle of God’s grace. The proof is documented in my heart and written in the journal of my mind. God’s miracle of grace is new each day. If you would like to learn how to accept this grace and start your own story, please visit our website at www.hopeforlife.org or contact me at skye@hopeforlife.org.

(Expressed written consent must be obtained prior to republishing, retransmitting or otherwise reusing the content of this article. Contact us at info@hopeforlife.org)

Skye is Response Coordinator for Herald of Truth and writes for HopeForLife. You can reach him at (866) 814-4673 or (866) 814-HOPE or by writing to skye@hopeforlife.org.

Website: Hope for Life

Come As You Are

skye@hopeforlife.org (Skye Noe) — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600

I am a problem solver. I enjoy the challenge involved with identifying a problem and then creating a solution. The process of problem solving is not easy. The most difficult part of solving a problem is creating a solution using only your available resources. If anything were possible, money were no object and everyone one agreed with me, then most problems would be pretty easy to solve. Unfortunately, money is always a factor, only certain things are possible and hardly anyone agrees with me.

This is what constantly amazes me about the efficiency with which God is able to solve our problems. It's not that I have any doubt concerning his power to create solutions; it's just amazing that he completes His plans using us! God is a master at solving problems using the small resources we bring to the table.

One story that shows God’s desire to empower us is when Jesus took five small loaves of bread and two fish to feed a large crowd. As thousands of people gathered near Jesus, he began to question his disciples about how the crowd would eat. One of Jesus' disciples, Philip, answered him explaining that "Eight months' wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!" Then another disciple came forward; Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up, "Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?"

How foolish Andrew must have felt with this suggestion. The problem has been defined; five thousand people need food to eat. Jesus must find a solution and the best idea that comes up is five small loaves and two fish. Jesus could have easily made bread fall from heaven or fish fall from the sky, but instead he empowered the resources around him. He took Andrew’s suggestion and made it work.

Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." There was plenty of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand of them. Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, "Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world" (John 6:10-14).

In the same way, God continues to solve our problems today. We come to the table offering very little, but the power of God solves the greatest problems. We are empowered through the Holy Spirit to accomplish God’s will for our lives.
If you would like to learn more about the awesome power of God and His plan for your life, please visit our website at www.hopeforlife.org.

(Expressed written consent must be obtained prior to republishing, retransmitting or otherwise reusing the content of this article. Contact us at info@hopeforlife.org)

Skye is Response Coordinator for Herald of Truth and writes for HopeForLife. You can reach him at (866) 814-4673 or (866) 814-HOPE or by writing to skye@hopeforlife.org.

Website: Hope for Life

Avoid Sending SPAM!

skye@hopeforlife.org (Skye Noe) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0600

SPAM Messages

I’ve worked on the Internet for years and I’ve seen technology grow in ways I never thought possible. Who could have predicted the world would become so small? The greatest gift of the Internet is the power to erase separation. I can communicate to a friend across town just as quickly as I can a friend on the other side of the world. The joys of the Internet are not without their faults, with great convenience comes great hassle.

The most annoying byproduct of Internet communication has got to be SPAM e-mail. As if normal junk mail wasn’t bad enough, now we live in the age of junk e-mail. There is nothing more frustrating than having the excitement of receiving a new message, only to then find out that the message has nothing to do with you.

I wonder sometimes if God feels the same way about the messages I send. I think about my prayer life and how often I address the message to Him but seem to only talk about me. Does he feel that same excitement when he hears me start to speak, only to be disappointed when I talk only about myself?

This scripture comes to mind:

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

Too often my prayers lack joy and gladness. I think about the ways that God has helped me in the past and, instead of thanking him, I ask for more. There are an infinite number of things that I could thank God for and even though he knows I’m thankful, it’s still good to say it is sometimes.

I encourage you to examine your own prayers and see if there are some ways you could bring the focus back to God. If you have any questions about prayer, please drop me a note at skye@hopeforlife.org.

(Expressed written consent must be obtained prior to republishing, retransmitting or otherwise reusing the content of this article. Contact us at info@hopeforlife.org)

Skye is Response Coordinator for Herald of Truth and writes for HopeForLife. You can reach him at (866) 814-4673 or (866) 814-HOPE or by writing to skye@hopeforlife.org.

Website: Hope for Life

A Day of Thanksgiving!

skye@hopeforlife.org (Skye Noe) — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0600

As the holiday season approaches I get excited! The thrill of families coming together, enjoying great food, cooler weather, long held traditions, and, of course, great food, is the recipe for my perfect time of year. There are so many traditions and rituals taking place during the holidays it can be difficult to tell one year from the next. The same family members eat the same meals, discussing the same issues, around the same table. Only when something changes or a new tradition is born does the year stick out clear in my memory. A year I will never forget was not long ago when a new tradition was started. On Thanksgiving Day as all the family gathered around the dinner table, it was suggested that we each share the things we are thankful for. I had seen other families practice similar traditions, but this was the first time I was asked to share my list of blessings aloud.

As I went to work compiling my list of things to be thankful for, I started to feel a little embarrassed. How is it that all the Thanksgiving Day’s of my past had come and I had forgotten to actually give thanks? Then I realized just how long of a list I was going to have! A scripture came to mind …

Call out with joy to the Lord, all the earth. Be glad as you serve the Lord. Come before Him with songs of joy. Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and not we ourselves. We are His people and the sheep of His field. Go into His gates giving thanks and into His holy place with praise. Give thanks to Him. Honor His name. For the Lord is good. His loving-kindness lasts forever. And He is faithful to all people and to all their children-to-come (Psalm 100).

I’ll never forget the feelings of thankfulness I felt on that day. A great tradition had been born.

It can be difficult at times for us to see God’s blessings; the holidays are not always full of good memories. People are forced to deal with tragedies and struggles even on holidays. In difficult times it’s important to remember that “the Lord is God ... We are His people and the sheep of his field.” We can be assured of God’s love for us and find comfort in his blessing. In hard times or times of blessing, we are never without thankfulness. We all need an occasional reminder to stop and thank God for his goodness. What better time to remember our blessings than on a holiday that was meant for giving thanks.

Please visit our website at www.hopeforlife.org or contact me personally at skye@hopeforlife.org.

(Expressed written consent must be obtained prior to republishing, retransmitting or otherwise reusing the content of this article. Contact us at info@hopeforlife.org)

Skye is Response Coordinator for Herald of Truth and writes for HopeForLife. You can reach him at (866) 814-4673 or (866) 814-HOPE or by writing to skye@hopeforlife.org.

Website: Hope for Life

God's Holy Spirit

skye@hopeforlife.org (Skye Noe) — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Today, October 31st is the holiday known to many as Halloween. A day that draws mixed feelings from all who witness it. Some people embrace the opportunity to dress up in scary costumes and play pranks on friends, while others see it as a children’s holiday with no meaning other than free candy and cute costumes. It’s the dark origination and history of Halloween that draws such mixed feelings from Christians. There are many verses of scripture that speak to a Christian’s association with darkness.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. Ephesians 5:8-14 ERV

Do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God. 3 John 1:11

Many Christians and churches have attempted to find ways of embracing this holiday without actually embracing its dark roots. These attempts include everything from Christian haunted houses that depict a non-believer’s journey to hell, to family oriented Fall Festivals that play host to a variety of games and food.

I can not make the decision for every Christian in reference to their observation of Halloween. That is a decision that each believer must reach on their own through prayer and study of scripture. As believers we are faced with the dilemma of living in this world but not of this world. Though scriptures teach this world is influenced by spirits of good and evil, we can stand boldly for God has revealed to us that ...

The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

No matter what evil spirits are present in this life, we know that God has given us a spirit that is stronger than all others. The message of God to this world is that God’s Holy Spirit is the only spirit worth celebrating, even on Halloween.

If you would like to learn more about the Holy Sprit of God please visit our website at www.hopeforlife.org or contact me personally at skye@hopeforlife.org.

(Expressed written consent must be obtained prior to republishing, retransmitting or otherwise reusing the content of this article. Contact us at info@hopeforlife.org)

Skye is Response Coordinator for Herald of Truth and writes for HopeForLife. You can reach him at (866) 814-4673 or (866) 814-HOPE or by writing to skye@hopeforlife.org.

Website: Hope for Life

It's Not About Me

skye@hopeforlife.org (Skye Noe) — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0500

For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more. To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law ... To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it. (1 Corinthians 9 19-23)

I am a selfish person in recovery. There are some things in life that I want just for me. I want things done my way and I want them done with the people I choose. It’s not that I don’t care about others; it’s that I know my way is best. Having an attitude like this has caused more splits and arguments than I can remember. It’s a good thing God came into my life; I don’t think I would have many friends today otherwise! God has taught me many things, but most of all I have learned to open my heart and see needs greater than my own. I realize that all my choices affect others; my life is not all about me.

As a church we struggle with selfishness too. I’ve visited many churches that like to have things done just for them. They have a set view on neighborhoods, worship, family life, politics, ... and all their decisions are based around promoting those specific goals. Just like me in my younger selfish days, these churches don’t have many friends. Outsiders look at the church and say, “All they care about is getting things the way they want,” and they’re right. As a believer in Christ I am constantly disciplining myself in order to become less concerned with ME. As a church we must learn to do the same.

So how do I open my heart to others without losing what’s important to me? That’s the question that every individual and church must answer for themselves. We must never be willing to sacrifice the things we believe in to gain popularity, but we must find a way to become all things to all men, so that we may by all means save some.

If you would like to talk about becoming less focused on yourself and more concerned with others, please visit our website www.hopeforlife.org or contact me at skye@hopeforlife.org.

Skye is Response Coordinator for Herald of Truth and writes for HopeForLife. You can reach him at (866) 814-4673 or (866) 814-HOPE or by writing to skye@hopeforlife.org.

Website: Hope for Life

Clearing a Path

skye@hopeforlife.org (Skye Noe) — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0500

I've learned there is a certain art to clearing a pathway. I'm an expert at clearing paths through people, storms, bushes, and just about anything else you can think of. I've always been willing to step out and be the first to go into unknown territory. The number one rule in clearing a good path is to always keep moving. There is nothing that will cause panic quicker than getting half way into the unknown and to see your leader get lost and stop. No matter what happens, keep moving forward! Change directions maybe, but always keep moving.

There are so many times in life that the world around me is full of confusing messages. It's hard to know which way to turn and it seems impossible to find my way. The good news is that as a Christian I have someone to clear the path ahead for me. Jesus who came to earth has cleared a path through the snags and traps of this life. He was tempted and tricked in every way possible, but kept moving forward. Jesus has cleared a path through this world that leads straight to God. The example of Jesus' life is the only guide we'll ever need.

Just like the rule I use when clearing a path, Jesus never faltered as he pushed toward his goal. There were times of great trial and confusion, but he remained strong and continued to move forward. After fasting and praying for 40 days, Jesus was tempted by Satan, but he remained strong. While praying in the garden, Jesus knew that his betrayal was only hours away and he pleaded for another direction, but he never quit moving toward the goal of fulfilling God's will. When everyone had abandoned him and his mother stood at the foot of the cross, he never turned from his purpose; Jesus pressed forward and cleared a pathway of righteousness, a path that we could have never found any other way.

You have made known to me the paths of life;

you will fill me with joy in your presence.

Acts 2:28

You may have felt lost in this world like I did, but the good news of Jesus is for us all. I have found the way. I found the man to follow and his name is Jesus. He's shown that he can survive every power of Satan and all we have to do is follow his example. The path to God is narrow and it's easy to get lost, but just remember to follow Jesus and keep moving forward!

If you would like more information about finding the path of Jesus please contact me at skye@hopeforlife.org.

Skye is Response Coordinator for Herald of Truth and writes for HopeForLife. You can reach him at (866) 814-4673 or (866) 814-HOPE or by writing to skye@hopeforlife.org.

Website: Hope for Life

God's Spirit Heals Suffering

skye@hopeforlife.org (Skye Noe) — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0500

For someone my age, (I’m an experienced 26 year old) I have had more accidents leading to injuries than anyone I have ever met. Broken bones, multiple cuts that required stitches, scars, pulled muscles, compression fractures of my vertebra, surgeries, separated ribs, and the list could go on. It seems that my body has been put through the ringer and I'm still relatively young.

Some days when I'm really feeling the pain of my past injuries, I am refreshed when I think of God's Spirit. I'm thankful that he has given within each of us a spirit that doesn’t damage and can’t be broken. God has blessed each of us with the promise that one day these weary bodies will pass away, leaving only the perfect spirit. We can rest in a place where there will be no tears and no pain.

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).

It's also comforting to know that God never intended for us to grow old and die. He never desired for us to feel the pain of age and death, but through our own faults we are the cause of our suffering. This is comforting because it reveals God’s purpose for our life; He desires for us to live with out suffering. God made this possible by sending His son Jesus to take the place of our affliction. By His love and Grace God made it possible for us to shed these earthly bodies and spend eternity with Him.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

We all relate to physical pain differently. There are some people who rarely get sick, never experience broken bones, and live life without a scratch. On the other hand there are people who fight some of the worst diseases and illnesses this world has to offer. They deal with pain daily on a level that I can’t even imagine. The joy found in Christ is that no matter what level of suffering we endure in this life, there is a day when we can live at peace. Christ offers his healing spirit to all who chose to accept it. There are no promises of physical healing, but there is a guarantee of spiritual healing.

If you would like learn more about the healing power of Jesus or would like for me to pray for you, e-mail me at skye@hopeforlife.org.

(Expressed written consent must be obtained prior to republishing, retransmitting or otherwise reusing the content of this article. Contact us at info@hopeforlife.org)

Skye is Response Coordinator for Herald of Truth and writes for HopeForLife. You can reach him at (866) 814-4673 or (866) 814-HOPE or by writing to skye@hopeforlife.org.

Website: Hope for Life