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I Sense The Conflict Within You

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I Sense The Conflict Within You

The emotions flow as the Spirit moves within you. The movement of your faith grows by leaps and bounds, a promise to do things the Christ way, but how quickly does that fade? There’s the emotional change that takes place around high intensity services, concerts, etc. There is a pull within each and every one of us. The pull of the light, and the pull of the dark are a battle being waged inside us every day. I have seen the emotional response within people as they get caught in the hype, the excitement and while the ‘Jesus High’ lasts for a while, it slowly fades. I have seen people get enthralled in church and became involved in ministries left and right, and while it seemed the new creation was real and true, the draw of the dark side is strong.

Star Wars is a worldwide phenomenon and there are few households that have not heard of the term Jedi, or the Force. While perhaps the movie itself may not have been watched, there are aspects that just about everyone knows, such as the Jedi Mind Trick, levitation, even lightning. While most people know the Jedi, perhaps more people know Darth Vader. I think as Christians we focus so much on the power of God, we forget that the dark side is strong, and we should never underestimate it. The temptation of Jesus is something I think that’s overlooked because of how easily it seems Christ moved beyond those temptations. When we take a moment to actually consider it, if Satan tempted Jesus, we must understand that you cannot tempt someone unless you have something real to offer. Satan truly has power, and so much so that even Paul calls Satan a god, true a lesser god, but a god nevertheless. While there is God our Father of the Universe, Satan is god over the realm of the earth. This gives him dominion, power, and influence. Sin itself is the dark side and when we consider the fight of good and evil, even though we know who wins, the nature of free will still gives us lowly humans a choice whether to follow the light, or succumb to the darkness. Sadly, I have seen many fall into darkness and have allowed their anger, their hate, their doubts, to fill them up, and as Yoda says, it does lead to suffering. What more can we do though when we see the conflict within someone? In the majority of the last movie of the original Star Wars trilogy we see Luke Skywalker confronting Vader and trying to sway him away from the dark side and back into the light. Instead of being angry that Vader cut off his hand, killed millions, Luke is approaching vader with mercy. Are we moving through our lives with mercy and love, or do we plot revenge on those who wrong us?

How often do we see in movies how well the revenge plot goes for the villain? Law Abiding Citizen doesn’t go so well for our main character played by Gerarld Butler. One of my favorite movies Star Trek: The Wrath Of Khan, a man filled with anger and hatred, sets out to seek revenge on once Captain Kirk, and of course for those who’ve seen it, knows revenge doesn’t go well. Unless you are John Wick, revenge doesn’t go so well for most people, because truly it darkens the heart, and leads to violence and hatred. Yoda it seems was right all along, hate does undoubtedly lead to suffering. So what do we know about hate in the Bible? Satan, also known as Lucifer Morning Star was beloved by God, beautiful and the most beautiful of God’s Angels. Ezekiel 28:11-19Satan would be created in perfection, but became corrupted. While it’s not clear if Satan’s jealousy came because of the creation of man, or something else, but regardless, Satan was cast out of heaven for rebelling against the throne. The fallen angels in which followed Satan also were cast out and now roam the Earth creating havoc and dissention and leaving destruction in their wake. Those who choose to allow their darkness to spread, to be in anger, allows the Devil to feed off of that sin, only empowers the god of darkness to spread more hate upon hate. Do not underestimate the real threat, and the power of the darkness. There is hope however, and while the conflict of the flesh, and the spirit rage on inside each of us, light always wins. Paul describes the war in Ephesians 6:10-20, also in Romans 7:14-25 (NKJV)

“14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.

21 I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!

So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.”

Paul often talks about the battle between the flesh and the spirit and when we see how adamant he was we cannot take his warning lightly. It says in scripture Romans 12:9Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. There is no other reference to anything else we should attack with all hatred and malice except sin nature. Ephesians 4:30-32New King James Version (NKJV) 30 “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

While there is conflict within you, remember that in this season of Christmas we have hope in the baby that was born to free us from the bondage of that sin, to show us the nature of true love, of real joy, and to forever give us the gift of eternal salvation. We have been given a gift but it’s always up to each and every one of us if we use that gift. In the movie Home Alone 2 Kevin tells the old bird lady what good is having a heart if you never use it? What good was the gift of his skates that he never used and he grew out of them. We cannot be afraid of the gift God has given to us, and it’s up to use to take that gift and use it, to share it with others. There will always be conflict within so long as we live because of the sin nature we have, but love and mercy from Christ washes those transgressions away and gives us something to be joyful about. Go forth and love deeply and let go of the hate and malice that fills this fallen world. Fight with all your might against the attacks upon your heart, and never underestimate the power of your enemy. Make no mistake, the Devil is your enemy, and he means to destroy everything you have. He will promise you the world and all of it’s pleasures, it’s toys and bobbles, but that’s all the god of this world can offer you is temporary pleasures, nothing real, nothing that will ever sustain you. There is but one living water that is forever replenished and that’s Jesus Christ. The baby in which we celebrate this Christmas born to give us a blessing beyond all measure, and the light will always cause the darkness to retreat away. 

Just A Few Days

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Just A Few Days

I don’t usually take some time away from posting, but the last few days have been a drain on me. I have struggled with facing the reality that my status at college has changed and I won’t be able to recover. Facing a new normal is never easy when it comes to deep disappointment. I have been struggling with a personal level of motivation and I know that it’s okay to not always be okay. While I can’t pinpoint a specific stressor I know that a combination of things can compound and weigh you down. Sometimes you need to take some time away, recoup, and re-center. The stress from school and everything else forced me to take some time away.

Other then the major disappointment with school, my two favorite events being canceled last week due to snow, there really hasn’t been a lot else to bring stress to my life. If school wasn’t enough to do it of course. This time of the year can be stressful despite the wonderful meaning of this glorious holiday. I have wondered as of late if I could get myself out of my own funk, what would I do for baby Jesus for his birthday if I could.

The song The Little Drummer Boy, a small boy has nothing to give Christ so plays his drum for the baby Emanuel. I have wondered what I could possible give Jesus that would be of any value. What could I give as a gift that would be fit for a King? I feel as if I have nothing of value to offer. I have felt that my life hasn’t produced anything of value to offer. What could a wretch like me offer the King of the Universe?

What does scripture say about having a giving heart? 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NKJV)7 “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”  Do we go into this season with a giving heart or is it one of receiving only? Do we give to the corner Santa, or the Salvation Army in front of the store? Do we give to the desire of our hearts, or do we have a Scrooge heart, or worse a heart of a Grinch? I think we place too much thought on the perfect gift rather then a gift from the heart. 

Matthew 2:10-11“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Those are fancy words, but what do they mean? Gold, we understand, but what is the rest? Frankincense: an aromatic gum resin obtained from an African tree and burned as incense. This would be a very expensive gift for the time. Myrrh: can be used as incense but also as medicine. This too would have been expensive. After the warning to Joseph to not return, and to flee to Egypt, the gifts of the wise men undoubtedly funded their time in Egypt. 

As I think about scripture and what those first few Christmas’s were like, I feel a blessing about my own. While I don’t know what I could possibly offer Christ, I know that God’s purpose for me means I have something to offer those around me. Sometimes I feel like George Bailey and wonder what life would have been like had I not been born, not saying I don’t value my life, but as a way to see my value to others. God places us in the lives of those around us for a reason and that’s so we can shine the light of Christ through us for others to see. If we truly want to give a gift to Christ this year, be as Christ like as possible. Be full of Christmas cheer, and joy. Show love to all around you, and find your own Christmas Spirit. It’s a lot of pressure these days to give gifts, and shop, and the perfect tree, and decorations, and even within our jobs, to have everything done before the end of the year. No matter what stressors you may have, always remember that the sun rises, and the sun sets, and we can only do so much in a day. Be sure to take time each and every day to thank God for what we have, the many countless blessings the Lord gives us that go unappreciated every day. We are so blessed and we often fail to thank our King for the very blessing of life, and another day. This Christmas season, put a little love in your heart, find the CHRIST in CHRISTmas, and love deeply and firmly.

Tis’ The Season

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Tis’ The Season 

As I finish my half a year back in school I find myself feeling tired. I have found my motivation severely lacking. The enjoyment of school seems to be waning as one week after another I get closer to graduating. While it doesn’t make sense to me why my motivation has been so lacking, I find myself going into this CHRISTmas season hopeful of the break, looking forward to rest, and finding things relaxing to occupy my time.

Sadly many of the events this season I look forward too most have been canceled. I don’t generally look forward to very many things so for something to not work out, really gets to me. Thankfully there are still things I’m looking forward to during this break. CHRISTmas is still coming, along with the candlelight service, the annual church breakfast service, and the church cantata. Finally at the end of the Christmas season is my Appalachian Trail hike. While I’m looking forward to the 6-8 day hike, I can’t deny that some concerns over the recent weather have been raised. With the snow that fell concerns were light, but going further into the season it’s been almost nothing but rain. The rain on the hike would be a miserable experience. I am praying earnestly that the weather is either dry, or snow.

Hope and cheer is the key phrase this season, and how much do we have to hope for? 1 Peter 1:3-4 (NKJV)3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,” We have hope for the Lord Jesus Christ, and know that there is nothing else in this world that gives us more hope. Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)31 “But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” 

The days come and everyone experiences a lull in their season, and perhaps after 6 months of non stop work, the stress caught up to me. The joy of the Lord, and knowing that Jesus Christ gives us eternal hope, and that nothing in this world can remove that from life. The Christmas joy is forever and for all those who know and love Jesus Christ have a lifetime of hope. This season the Christmas blues may hit, but remember that a moment of blue doesn’t mean you have to be in a season of blue. It’s okay to have a day or so where you’re feeling the holiday blues. Maybe you miss a loved one, or you miss some old friends, no matter what’s causing the blues just remember it’s Christmas, and it’s all about the baby born to give us the ultimate hope and joy. So Tis’ the season to be Jolly, and find your joy by remembering what’s important this holiday season. It doesn’t matter if it’s snowing, or raining, something in between, or what season you’re in, Christmas is here, and that means there’s lots to be joyful about.

The Devil Prowls

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The Devil Prowls 

I can feel the darkness creeping in towards me. I can feel the shadow close in all around me, the memories in my head, I know the attack looms, bringing the fight to my mind, the fight for my heart. The night is long, and I can feel the grasping gloom over my body. I am trapped in the world unable to run fast enough. Every time I look back he’s there watching me. His eyes burn through me red and piercing through my flesh. I cannot escape the one who is everywhere. Alone I run and everywhere I turn I find a blocked path, but what is it that I see, the reflection of failures, reminding me how retched I am. The demons dancing around every failure, every shortcoming, every mistake taunting me, laughing at me, their howls echo in the night. I run faster now tripping on branches and roots that seem to be trying to grab me. The rain comes in the night, frozen, and sharp against my face. The punch comes across my face before I see where it came from. The blood trickles from my mouth. The blow to my stomach knocks me to my knees. The next to my back, then another to my face, and I stand arms raised and I see no one. The blow to my face knocks me back off my feet and I land on my back. My nose breaks and blood chokes me. I roll to my side and start to stand and feel the kick to my stomach. I hear the hyena laughs from all around me. I stumble to my feel and run through the pain.

I fight the voices, I fight the wolves chasing me, how did I get here so lost in the black away from the light. I cannot run anymore for my legs are tired, I am sinking down as the world tilts under me. I fall and hit one branch after another before I grab hold of a stump. I look down and the shadow is reaching towards me. I feel the pull, the invisible lasso that wraps my legs. I struggle to hold on, but I can’t let go. I cannot give up, and I cannot give in. “You are mine.” I hear the shadow say, the echo pierces my mind. “You’re a failure” I hear in my mind. “You are nothing.”  I struggle, I grit my teeth and I try to pull my self up, but the chains are holding me. The shadow, the one with the red eyes pierces deep into me, and I feel the darkness rush over my whole body. The flashes of everything I’ve lost, friends, family, health, jobs, homes, and then I hear it again, “I will take everything from you.” 

I scream and I begin to lift myself up, “you cannot win” the Devil screams at my resolve. I can feel the cold hands wrap around my throat and I’m flying through the air before landing hard on the ground. I feel the air bounce out of me as I gasp. The Devil holds me above the ground, the eyes stab into my mind searching my fears, my failures, and I feel the freeze cover my flesh.

I finally get the chance to speak, “you’ll never have me.” I am pulled down face to face with the king of the demons, the fire dancing in his eyes, the piercing bright flames I can’t bare to look into. “I’m not afraid of you!” I tell Satan. I laugh at Satan, and feel the spike pierce my side. “You’re going to loose, and He is going to kick your….”

The bright light shines all around me; the cold is replaced with heat, and I can’t see beyond the white all around me. I hear battle cries from all around and I make myself small on the ground. The ground shakes, the earth quakes, and I can hear Satan cry in the light. I smile through the pain, “told you so.”

The Angels came down with Jesus leading them, Michael leading the charge of the demons fleeing in the woods; Jesus comes to me placing his hands on me. “I knew you’d come.” The sweet, soothing voice of Jesus responded, “I’m always with you.” His hand placed over my heart and the warmth, the energy flowed through my broken body and in just an instant I could feel my body healed.

Make no mistake, Satan is powerful and he is dangerous. Many people believe in Christ but doubt the nature of the Devil. Scripture is very clear on this point that not only is Satan real, but as Paul points out in 2 Corinthians 4:4“whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.” Paul is writing to the city of Corinth and is giving warning of worldliness, and the idea of fire insurance. Paul, who was an educated man, respected among the Jews for a time, and Christians, spoke with authority, and always chose his words carefully. Paul uses the word theos, and translates to god, with a little g. Satan is god of the earthly domain, and as it was pointed out to me recently, Satan could not have tempted Jesus without having something legitimate to offer. Satan should not be underestimated, and you should never let your guard down. It’s important for you to stand firm on the word of God, and know that Jesus will never let you go through the darkness alone. No matter if you are walking in the valley, by the streams, or the meadow, Christ is always with you. The fight for your soul is very real, and the Devil attacks daily trying to break through the defenses, but “If you can take it, you can make it.” (Unbroken) 

I have watched so many fall to the temptations of Satan and I have watched as good people made bad choices. I have watched as people I looked up too, to show me Christ in them failed when the going got tough. We all fall short of the Glory Of God, and we all fail, we all Sin. Sin is everywhere around us, and it’s easy for us to make one false step and we fall into the pit. Satan is like the Sarlacc waiting for you to slip in, and once in, unable to escape. The fact is though, Satan may grab hold of you, but that doesn’t mean you are forever in his grasp. Jesus can break through anything. Jesus heals any heart, and is more powerful then we can ever imagine. Satan may be lord over the earth, but Jesus is Lord over Everything. Satan cannot hold you, he cannot break you, he cannot bond you to anything so long as you allow Christ into your heart. Jesus will always win over Satan and we have nothing to fear. Stay firm in your walk, and check your armor daily. Focus on the Lord and you will stand fast when the Devil prowls in the night. 

The Lord Protects Me

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The Lord Protects Me 

Psalm 121:5The Lord is your keeper;

The Lord is your shade at your right hand.

6 The sun shall not strike you by day,

Nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord shall preserve you from all evil;

He shall preserve your soul.

8 The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in

From this time forth, and even forevermore.

The Lord is my Keeper. I am his sheep and as he is my Shepherd I trust my safety in His perfect hands. We are important to God so God has determined to give us His attention. God does not keep score of our past transgressions after we repent and ask for forgiveness. Acts 3:19“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,” If the creator of the Heavens and Earth loves us so much shouldn’t we be able to put our faith in God? 

God will not bend or break to the attacks of the evil that tried to overthrow and destroy the Kingdom. The attacks are never ending and God is ever watchful for the protections of not only the glorious Kingdom of Heaven, which always has been and always will be perfect, but of each and every one of our souls. God will always give us what we need when we need it. It’s not to say we don’t have trials and troubles, but God will give us strength, joy, peace and no matter what we may need to do, God is with us. We struggle in a world that’s tough, but our souls are safe. Psalm 121:7“The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul.”

I have experienced a great number of trials in my life, and in the worst of them, I could feel the presence of God. I recall the ambush in Iraq, feeling at ease despite the chaos all around me. After I took that bullet to the shoulder and lost consciousness and I experienced a near death close call, the voice of God brought me back from the brink. I can say without a doubt if it weren’t for God I wouldn’t be alive today. God has seen fit to protect me, to keep me alive, and is always keeping me on track. God has not always kept me from harm, but God has protected my soul.

Deuteronomy 31:6 (NKJV)6 “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”From my own life I know that this is true, and I have never been left. I trust in my Lord, and I know that no matter what happens to my physical body, my soul is safe. I know that my future is set, and I will do what I can in this life to be pleasing to God, and one day I will finish the race and I will be called home. Forever protected by my King. 

Be Like A Tree

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Be Like A Tree

Are you growing in knowledge of wisdom? Are you growing with God or have you remained stagnant? As you grow have you gained a line in the tree ring of large growth or a tiny insignificant increment? Are you growing in favor of god or have you been walking on your own in the dark?

Are you growing the things Jesus has given you? How are you managing your gifts? Are you growing them or burning them to the ground? We are nothing without God. We can squander what we are given, or as the parable of the talents we can do nothing or use as an opportunity to double. God has given us all something, a talent, a purpose, special gifts, that we all have the choice to use for the purpose of good, or evil.

“Your talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with that ability is your gift to God.” Leo Buscaglia

Are you being your best self? Are you cultivating a life pleasing to God? No matter what it is you do, stocking shelves, cooking burgers, a nurse, lawyer, police, a pastor, a writer, no matter what it is you do, do all for the glory of God. I’m a writer and I’m a Christian man. I was guided by God, through friends to open a door for me to write the word of God. I have grown in the word, grown with the spirit and I have grown in faith. Grow yourself as we are called to always grow.

What have you done with yourself this last year? Have you been a person of action? Have you sat around waiting for God to make you a table, or a canoe, or have you heard God say “I gave you the tree and the talent, have you used it?” God gives you tools to make something great. He expects you to grow cultivating your gifts.

The last few months I’ve watched some pretty significant storms come through. I’ve watched these storms assault trees. The wind would blow and they would sway. The water would saturate the ground and yet the trees would stand tall, and firm.

Jeremiah 17:8 (NKJV)8 “For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not [a]fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.” Are we baring good fruit for the Lord? Have we allowed our roots to dig in deep to hold us firm in the ground? 

Psalm 1:3 (NKJV)3 “He shall be like a tree Planted by the [a]rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.” The rings I have added to my life, I can only hope I am growing stronger and tougher every day. I don’t know how I will be viewed as I get older. I don’t know if I will be viewed as a strong sturdy tree of God, or weak and frail. I don’t know if my roots are deep enough to weather the storms to come, or if I will break and fall under the pressure. All I can do is continue to let my roots grow deep, continue to soak up the eternal water of Christ, and have the Holy Spirit flow through me. 

So Glad I’m Forgiven

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So Glad I’m Forgiven

Even though I’m a sinner forever in this life, Christ, the greatest physician heals this world to give us eternal hope. I am not a perfect man, and I’ve made plenty of mistakes in my life. While I’ve always tried to walk a good path, I haven’t always put my best foot forward. I can never do enough to work to earn my way into Heaven. I cannot work hard enough to make my way into Heaven. It is by grace alone I am saved.

1 John 1:9 (NKJV)9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 

Because of grace which we can see that grace while Christ was on the cross,

Luke 23:32-43 (NKJV)

32 There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. 33 And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. 34 [a]Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”

And they divided His garments and cast lots. 35 And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.”

36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, 37 and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.”

38 And an inscription also was [b]written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew:

THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, [c]“If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.”

40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said [d]to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Even in the final hour, being able to offer nothing to Christ, the criminal on the cross was forgiven and promised Heaven. Forgiveness is a gift, it’s a gift we could never deserve, yet through grace we are given anyway. I know I can never do enough to tip the scales in my favor. Matthew 6:14-15 (NKJV) 14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. We are given a choice how we want to live in this life. Will you live with love and forgiveness in your heart, or will you hold hate and grudges in your heart? We must always be a reflection of Christ in all we do. The love we share must always be the reflection of our Heavenly Father. When we live in the Lord we shall be rewarded in kind. 

I know I’m not perfect, and I know that there is no reason for Jesus to forgive me for the sins that I commit, but He does in fact forgive me every day. I am lost in the darkness without my light, and I have no hope in this life without Jesus Christ. I have seen and known so much pain, and I have lived this life in a constant struggle, but even when I’ve cried in the night, I was set free from my chains by the blood sacrifice of my Lord Jesus Christ. The darkness fades away in the light, and I am not covered in the tar of my sins anymore. The white covers my life, and the darkness tries to slip, slither back in, but Jesus Christ is my shield, the bubble of white I live in protecting me when I walk through the valley of the shadow of Death. 

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Snowed In With No Where To Go

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Snowed In With No Where To Go

I took a quick peek outside this morning to see the world was white, frozen, and not just snow cold, but ice cold. With the around 11 inches of snow that fell yesterday, the night turned to freezing rain, and then proceeded to do so all night. I consider all I have to do in and around the house, especially with my homework, and I quickly decided the snow was not a detriment, but a blessing. The freshness of it as it blankets the ground, and the bouncing light reflecting off of every flake on the ground. A winter wonderland that sparkles in the night, and what a nice remember of the power of God. Isaiah 1:18 (NKJV) 18“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.”

It’s amazing how highly we think of ourselves. We run around every day and somehow we become the center of the universe. The moment bad things happen to use we call for an emergency meeting of the minds to hash out how and why this bad thing happened. The phrase “I’m a good person so why is this happening to me!?” Jesus Christ was a perfect person and look what happened to him. We aren’t good people, and as soon as we understand that the better. We are all deserving of the fiery pits of Hell, simply because we commit cosmic treason on a daily basis. We aren’t good people because in our hearts we sin against God every day. We sin every day, and not always by our actions, but by our hearts. We often forget that sin doesn’t start with an action it starts with a thought. Sin starts in the heart, and the very moment it comes to the surface no matter how quickly we push it back down, the sin is committed. We are stained red and we still think bad things should never come our way.

For many years I was having a long running feud with God. I was sick and tired of so many bad things happening to me all the time. I was tired of the hits, one right after another, and in my own short sightedness I couldn’t see or understand how I might be getting prepared for something further down the road. When God can see the beginning and the end, we get upset over the thing right now, but we miss how important that thing is tomorrow. I look back at my life, and while I can say I don’t love everything I’ve been through, I can understand it. My only major regret is how my actions and sins have been a reflection in the mirror for me to look at.

Thankfully for us, no matter how deeply we sin, or how much that sin hurts God, we are forgiven for it, they are washed away and we are made white as snow again. What a wonderful gift we are given every winter as a reminder of God’s grace and mercy. If you’re snowed in like I am, just take a look around and enjoy the beauty of God’s painting. Remember the blessings you have, and the forgiveness of our sins. 

We’re Gonna Chalk That Up To Bad Life Choices

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We’re Gonna Chalk That Up To Bad Life Choices 

We are often a product of our own making. We want to cry out and blame God for our misfortune, but if we are honest, how many of our troubles spawn because of our own choices? I have watched people choose their path, walk it for a little while without crashing into that brick wall, but that borrowed or rather stolen time eventually runs out. When they hit the wall and wonder what happened, or why bad things happen to them, it’s hard to refrain from giving the honest answer rather than I have to give the sympathetic shoulder and try to navigate a path that’s lit by God. I often think back to the story of Absolom and King David. 2 Samuel 18:14 “Then Joab said, “I cannot linger with you.” And he took three spears in his hand and thrust them through Absalom’s heart, while he was still alive in the midst of the terebinth tree.”Absolom thought it would be a good idea to rise up against his father and in a coup attempt to seize control of the country. While for a short while Absolom did sit on the throne, a politician thinking he had what it took to stand up against one of the, if not the greatest military leader the world had ever seen, well, we’re going to chalk that up to bad life choices. Absolom in his foolishness got caught in the woods by his own hair, riding on an animal he shouldn’t have been on, a donkey, and when found by Joab one of David’s leading military advisors, Joab, well, you read it, a little stabby. 

Absolom was considered in scripture to be beautiful which means he was well above average in appearance. He was prideful of his looks, and overestimated his abilities. He put so much focus on his pride, he honestly believed that’s all he needed. He chose his own path, and he chose the path that did not walk with God, and it led to his downfall. Even though scripture says Absolom was known for his good looks and his amazing head of hair, doesn’t mean we can skate through life thinking the world revolves around us.

Sadly I have watched so many go down dark paths as I was helpless to help or stop the train wreck that would follow. I myself was once on a dark path, my path wasn’t very long, no, it was short, and ended rather badly. A moment of weakness, allowing the Devil to influence my decisions, I was left down on the ground, clinging to life, ready to die if God willed it. I was a slave to my emotions, and I was captive, bound in my chains, and as the blood left my body, I found myself in darkness. I was away from the world, but nowhere at the same time. How the world had pushed me, and grabbed onto me, and I let the voices lie to me causing me to act in that moment of weakness. A choice however, that would forever alter my path, a choice I could never erase or undo. The reminder is with me daily of my mistakes. Thankfully because of the blood of Christ I know that my mistakes do not have to define me. I know that because of Jesus Christ my sins are washed away and made as a new slate as white as a blanket of snow.

We do not ever have to allow our past to define our tomorrow. We don’t ever have to ask ourselves if we are doomed to face a life of no hope because of our choices. We will always have to answer for what we do, and there is a price to pay for it, but Christ forgives us the moment we seek God with a heart of repentance. How blessed are we to not have to endure what Christ did to enter into Heaven? God has chosen every single one of us and we are told we belong despite our faults, despite our foolishness. I realize in my life I am a nobody, as long as I live a life without Christ. With Christ I am royalty, and I wear rags in this life so in the next I will be clothed in perfection. This life is suffering and hardships, but tomorrow will be perfection with my Abba Father. Jesus Christ makes us all someone. Jesus Christ is the one and only way to get beyond our bad life choices and find peace that we aren’t forever defined in them.

If you feel you’ve been walking down a path of nothing but bad life choices know that all you have to do is turn around. You don’t have to continue down your path. Jesus Christ will welcome you with open arms, and His love will heal you. His truth, the truth will open your eyes, and a new life awaits you. If your soul is broken, trust in Christ to mend it. If your life is in shambles allow God to put the pieces back together and use each broken piece for His glory. We all have a purpose in Christ and we all move towards the bridge of light and Jesus is the compass to guide us. WE don’t have to follow through like Absolom and we can choose to turn to God and let go of the anger, the hate, the pride we hold in our hearts. Let the blood make you white as snow, and live in the peace that comes with Christ.

I’m Taking My Ball And Going Home!

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I’m Taking My Ball And Going Home! 

Acts 18:6“But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

When things don’t go your way sometimes you need to pack up your things and go home! Waist no time on those who refuse to listen. Waist not your breath for those whom refuse truth.

Sometimes you need to call it a day. Some people will only ever take and our time is precious and we shouldn’t waist our time. We must be faithful with our testimony and our prayers. We must never close doors but that doesn’t mean we seek out those who aim to drain precious recourses.

Have faith in God and work things out in lives you cannot be apart of by prayer and hope. Paul knew when it was time to go, to move on, and as frustrating as that may have been for Paul, he knew that God’s time is precious and we are but links in a chain. Romans 12:3“For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.”It’s not about who we are, it’s who Christ is within us it’s not about if people hear our message which is not our message at all, but the message of Christ. It’s about getting that message out there and being that link in the chain. We can never talk someone into Jesus because if you can be talked into, someone else can talk you out of Jesus. Paul knew when it was time to go, and when it was time to fight. It’s important to understand how to pick and choose your battles. There are hills to die on, and there are hills to strategically retreat from. In this life there are five hills to die on, and it’s important to keep focused on that. Now you’re wondering what’s so important, what is so big that there are hills to die on? 

Sola Scriptura (“Scripture alone”): The Bible alone is our highest authority.

Sola Fide (“faith alone”): We are saved through faith alone in Jesus Christ.

Sola Gratia (“grace alone”): We are saved by the grace of God alone.

Solus Christus (“Christ alone”): Jesus Christ alone is our Lord, Savior, and King.

Soli Deo Gloria (“to the glory of God alone”): We live for the glory of God alone. 

These are the hills to die on. This is the foundation of Christianity, and everything else is just a distraction. In this day of lightning fast information, worldwide discussions, internet chats, social media, and the list goes on, it’s easy to get swept into the bait of arguments which are not likely to change anyone’s mind, just end in a waist of time and energy. The five solas are the hills to focus on. Only Jesus Christ can change hearts and minds. It’s up to us to know when to be like Paul, knowing when it’s time to pick up your ball and go home. It isn’t about us, or our pride, or knowing we talked someone into it, it’s about the glory of God and maintaining our self-respect, and standing on the truth. It’s about living for the world to see, and being a nobody, telling the world about somebody, Jesus Christ. Everyone has a purpose, and know that God has chosen you for something special.

If you wonder what hills you’d be willing to die on, ask yourself what hill was Christ willing to die on. Christ died on a hill for a purpose and that purpose was you and me. Christ’s love was beyond anything we deserved. We were and are sinners deserving nothing but death in our cosmic treason, but Christ died on that hill for us, and we must choose our own hills. When we look to this life, Scripture, Faith, Grace, Christ, and Glory are the hills we hold our ground, we never back down. Anything outside of those five isn’t worth dying for. Don’t get drug into idol conversation. 2 Timothy 2:16-17“But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their message will spread like cancer.”  We can be wrapped up in foolish nonsense, and we can easily loose sight of what’s important. People will try to bring you into arguments of politics, of faith, or a whole bunch of other idol conversations, but don’t forget, the first, most, and only thing that’s important is stay on point for Christ. When you have too, pick up your ball, and go home.