Tag: christ

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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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. 

Pearl Harbor

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Pearl Harbor

December 7th1941, a date in which the Empire of Japan deliberately, and maliciously attacked the Pacific Naval Fleet on the island of Pearl Harbor. 77 years ago over 2000 were killed, over another 1000 wounded, and countless ships and aircraft destroyed. We remember today the sacrifice made by the men and women who served and gave everything on this morning 77 years ago. What does it mean to serve? What does it mean to sacrifice? 

Jesus said, John 15:13 (NKJV)13 “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” The end for so many is a scary time. For millions the end of their life whether it’s of old age, or taken by way of an accident is a terrifying ordeal. There are so many people who are lost in the end who never knew the love of Jesus Christ. I think of the over 2000 souls lost 77 years ago and wonder how many of them were saved. I think back of what that morning in Hawaii must have been like. The weather was beautiful and much like any other morning people were at work, and none of them knew it would be their last day, their last chance to know Jesus Christ. I think of those who died in the Arizona as the air slowly faded and the slow time it took to face the truth that it would be their last day. The sad, yet undeniable truth is that we never know when our time is up. The biggest question is what have we done, or what will we do with the time we have left, however long that may be? 

Psalm 90:12“So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.”I remember when I was in the military and I never knew when the last day might come. I went on mission wondering if it would be my last, if my number were up that day. While the experience stuck with me for years, I can remember being both calm and terrified at the same time. I recall feeling at ease because I knew where I was going, but also I found it upsetting all the things I would never be able to do. It seems irrational thinking about all the things yet to experience in this life considered the perfection of Heaven, but the feelings I experienced were very real. I had been a Christian my whole life up till that point 20-21 years, but all things considered I was a baby in my faith. It wasn’t until many years later that I would have a much better and in depth view of what it truly means to be Christian. 

Today the thought of so many people in this world who don’t know Christ and who will never know the eternal life of Heaven breaks my heart. The evidence points to the Gospels being true accounts, the Non-Biblical accounts corroborate many of the Biblical facts. Even with that people choose to think of Jesus as a myth, a crazy man, or just a regular guy who did nice things for people. The facts are fairly plane when you put all the pieces together instead of picking and choosing what to focus on. While it’s true none of us saw what happened that day, the fact remains that there are eyewitness accounts of the acts of Jesus Christ, and the ‘facts’ point to a risen Christ with an empty tomb. The empty tomb shows Christ overcame death and promised we too who follow would also overcome death.

I think it’s important to use events like Pearl, Boston, 9/11, San Bernardino, even events like hurricanes, that we understand the end day is never promised to be after a long life. We must count our days, and to gain a heart of wisdom is to be blessed by God. We are blessed in salvation, but we must accept that salvation. We must place our hope in the Son, and accept the nature of life, and that it’s not told to us when or how the end comes. It’s better to be prepared and to know the savior and be at ease when the moment of death arrives no matter if it’s at a ripe old age, or a sudden accident. We need to count the blessings for each and every day, and understand tomorrow is never promised.

When The People Turn On You

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When The People Turn On You

Without love you say nothing, without love you gain nothing, without love you are nothing. We are so quick to anger, and hate, jealousy and most stems from fear or selfishness. We do not always put our best foot forward and we allow sin to justify our actions toward another human being.

Many years I have watched as people have turned their backs on me, turned and walked away. The day may come when the strength of men may fail, and when we realize strength is not of man, but that of the Lord. It is not of our own strength we achieve anything but that of Christ who lifts us up. What shame when man puts himself on high above God and puts God on a shelf. Fear mongering is a strong attribute of some and how man can raise the stakes for all in anger and hatred. It may only take one person to sway a crowd and turn an assembly into a riot. But, what happens when this happens in life? The life in the personal circles? People may turn their backs on you and while it will hurt, sometimes deeply we must realize man/women will always fall short.

I have both experienced loss and watched as God is put on the shelf. We forget so quickly how to follow God and in the moment we so easily fall to the Devil and we forsake friends and family. How sad it is we forget our father’s commands and the love of our savior.

How can I look at my life and be so filled with anger and frustrations when my savior Jesus Christ was not only rejected by strangers, but people from his very own town. He wasn’t just turned on and rejected he was not welcome in the place where he lived. Luke 4:14 Jesus is rejected in Galilee, and in Luke 4:16, he was rejected in Nazareth. I sit and find myself frustrated and hurt and when I really take a few moments how am I special? I’m not above Christ and how dare I feel sorry for myself all these many years for those who’ve chosen to turn and walk away. I know that in the years ahead I will step on toes, I will see people come and go, and in all things it must be and remain Christ above all else. It doesn’t matter who comes and goes, not friends, not even family, because before the foot of the cross we are all equal. Sin is sin, selfishness is sin, and we are all sinners.

I can’t always see more then just my own pain, and I get swept up in the world knowing that there’s so much darkness from North to South, East and West. How hard it is some days to hear God and to face the hardships ahead. We don’t always understand the purpose and why people do the things they do, but we must try and focus on Christ. The faith it takes to walk in Christ even when the world is falling down isn’t easy. Loosing people, and being betrayed isn’t easy, but when we loose friends, and family, the cut seems deeper and perhaps it is deeper when the loss is so close to the heart. Romans 12:14 “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” 

We must remember to be a light in the darkness, and hold your head high no matter what happens. Jesus Christ was betrayed by someone close to him with a kiss and the same city that welcomed him with praises, song, palms, turned on him and called for him to be crucified. I am not different and I must expect going forward in my life that I need to count the blessings of who I have, who God has given to me. God’s not dead and as long as I keep him in my heart at all times, it doesn’t matter who comes and goes because God never leaves. God’s Not Dead. 

And Test Me Not Into Temptation

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And Test Me Not Into Temptation 

Distraction away from what’s important. The Devil draws you away and wants to sew conflict into your life. The Devil in Matthew 2:1-7“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, [a]wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ” 7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the [b]wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared.” The Devil used Harod in an attempt to end Christmas before it began. The Savior was born and in order to stop from being removed from power, Harod’s increasingly more paranoid state of mind led him to slaughter kids from the ages of newborn to three years old. How awful a stain on the joy of Christmas. Satan stained Harod’s heart with the sin of selfishness, greed of money and power. 

Satan tries to tempt you in this life away from God, or away from God’s blessings. Temptations come in every shape and size. For some temptation comes in alcohol, women, men, drugs, addictions, and so many others. Are we strong enough to withstand and turn away those temptations? Of course we are only human and there will be times in which we do, and sadly times we fall.

Do we respond with hate, or anger when our beliefs are attacked? Recently in the news there have been attacks on Christmas songs, and even the old claymation movie Rudolph. These attacks will come and will tempt us to try and follow the world’s flow, but as it’s said, it’s better stand with God and be judged by man, rather then to stand with man and be judged by God. Don’t loose sight of what’s important.

Matthew 6:13“And do not lead us into temptation,

But deliver us from the evil one.

[a]For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” 

700

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700

I almost missed this milestone, and how sad that would have been. How fitting that last night I watched the video for the first time I taught class in church. The lesson I taught was on the full armor of God. I have been putting thought in my own growth over the last few days. It’s interesting how God works things out, that I had lost track of how many posts I have had, and this gives me the opportunity to see at least how far I’ve come in numbers. I started this ministry on February 23rd 2017, and now 700 posts later, I’m still, by the grace of God, going strong. I’ve tried to step away and slow down, and while I must admit I’ve missed a day or so in the last couple months, I’ve maintained a steady stream of posts. It’s not been an easy road, maintaining full time school, this ministry, and my social events. God has been good to me, blessing me, and watching over me as I have continued to try my best to do good works.

2018 has been a good year for my blog. While of course my numbers aren’t where I’d like them to be, I feel blessed that this year there was an increase then that of 2017. The number of views I’ve had so far this year have been 9,497. The visitors has been 5,901, likes 637, and 112 comments. While some of these numbers are far lower then I’d like, I must confess that if my blog just touches one life and helps strengthen someone’s walk with Christ then I’ve done exactly what God has asked me of. This year my blog has been viewed in 105 different countries. While I’m not able to go out to all the nations, I have been able to reach many, and I thank God for giving me the ability to continue the great commission in my own way.

Matthew 28:16-20Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.18 “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.” 

We all have our own gifts, our own voice, our own special talents, and we must be thankful for what we have because we have been specially chosen for them by God, to live a life with a special purpose. We all our place in this world, and even when someone feels lost, or disconnected, or even alone, fear not, we are never far from God. The wonderful thing about God is we don’t need an appointment to sit down with Him. We don’t need to wait in a crowded hospital emergency room to be seen for our ailments. God is right there waiting for us when we are ready to accept His Son Jesus Christ into our hearts. There’s never a time when Jesus stops loving us. There’s never a time when God forgets us. There’s never a time we are alone on our path. We may be lost in our own way, but the path of God is always lit up. It’s not easy being a Christian today, with so many reasons not too, with so many opinions, and science, and hateful people, but as we understand scripture, the name Christian will become more offensive as we get closer to the end times. We should not be surprised that holiday’s such as Christmas begins to get pushed back in meaning, while the name alone survives. The birth of a baby boy is so far removed from peoples minds, that now it’s about the gifts, the deals, the food, and very little is about the birth of our savior. How wonderful it is to be able to write about God freely without fear of being persecuted by my government, without fear of executions or my family being targeted as enemies of the state. For now I write and I am blessed that God has given such a wonderful gift.

I can only hope and pray that as time moves forward for me, and as I work to a new type of ministry, this has not only allowed me to reach thousands of people in the time since it’s inception, but it’s helped me grow closer to God by diving deeper into His word, and teaching me valuable lessons not only about scripture, but myself also. I wonder how much I’ve grown, and not just in scriptural knowledge, but in a visible way. As I study to be approved, and I continue on a path towards ordination, and finishing my degree, I pray God continues to light my path, remove obstacles unnecessary for my growth, and continues to forge me into a Soldier of Christ. I do not claim to look forward to the trials ahead, but I know and understand, and expect them to come. It’s in trials we learn the most, and show how far we’ve come. God has blessed me with a wonderful lady Argie in my life, wonderful friends, an amazing best friend and brother Glen in Christ, and I could not ask for more blessings. It’s taken me a long time to find contentment in my life, and as I have not always been the most ideal picture of patience, I confess I am glad in some ways that wait is over. Even though there are trials ahead, and challenges in both my walk with Christ, and my relationship with such a wonderful woman of God, I know that God is still in control, and still working out the board for the path to twist and turn exactly where it needs too. I am so grateful for my friends that are always there for me, especially my few close friends in the Philippines. I am truly blessed to have a couple friends from that wonderful country that are so wonderful, and sweet, and loyal.

I am looking forward to m hiking trip in January on the Appalachian trail that I will be focusing on a series I’ll write about the Apostle Paul. I will be on the trail for somewhere around six days maybe longer on a set route. I am blessed to be able to take time away from my busy life and dive into God’s word, and hear the message He lays upon my heart. I expect it to be a challenge physically and mentally as I will face cold, and separation from friends and family. This will be an amazing opportunity for me, and I pray God blesses my trip, and keeps my friends safe while I’m away.

Other then my relationship change, and my continued efforts towards finishing my degree there isn’t a whole lot new in my life. The status quo seems to be a fairly constant and consistent motion for now, and while there have been spiritual attacks along the way, with the guidance and blessings from God, along with God appointed people in my life at the right times, I have been able to weather all the storms and keep pushing forward. It’s hard to believe it’s been another 100 posts but God is good, and as long as God continues to bless me with messages, I will continue to write and post, and pray to inspire others along my own spiritual journey. God bless all of you, and please feel free to share this website with others, maybe we can get a small ember to turn into a flame for God.