Tag: faith

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. 

What Did It Cost You?

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What Did It Cost You?

“How much does God have to take from you before He has your undivided attention?”Rev. Glen Newsome, Jr M.A.C.S

God deserves our best and we give our last. We curse God when things go badly, but we are often to blame for most of our own hardships. We curse God when life takes a turn, but we miss the signs saying ‘wrong way’ or ‘turn around’. We walk this life thinking we know best, and we have the attitude of “I do what I want.” So I must ask, when you walk this lifestyle what does it cost you? When we consider what sin is, how can we fathom living in this sin lifestyle and do so with no care. Cosmic treason is the crime and the cost can be eternal damnation in hellfire and brimstone. 

Psalm 147

147 Praise[a] the Lord!

For it is good to sing praises to our God;

For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.

2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem;

He gathers together the outcasts of Israel.

3 He heals the brokenhearted

And binds up their [b]wounds.

4 He counts the number of the stars;

He calls them all by name.

5 Great is our Lord, and mighty in power;

His understanding is infinite.

6 The Lord lifts up the humble;

He casts the wicked down to the ground.

7 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;

Sing praises on the harp to our God,

8 Who covers the heavens with clouds,

Who prepares rain for the earth,

Who makes grass to grow on the mountains.

9 He gives to the beast its food,

And to the young ravens that cry.

10 He does not delight in the strength of the horse;

He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.

11 The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him,

In those who hope in His mercy.

12 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem!

Praise your God, O Zion!

13 For He has strengthened the bars of your gates;

He has blessed your children within you.

14 He makes peace in your borders,

And fills you with [c]the finest wheat.

15 He sends out His command to the earth;

His word runs very swiftly.

16 He gives snow like wool;

He scatters the frost like ashes;

17 He casts out His hail like [d]morsels;

Who can stand before His cold?

18 He sends out His word and melts them;

He causes His wind to blow, and the waters flow.

19 He declares His word to Jacob,

His statutes and His judgments to Israel.

20 He has not dealt thus with any nation;

And as for His judgments, they have not known them.

[e]Praise the Lord!

The Lord commands it all, and we must understand the nature of God. When the Lord of Lords lifts everyone, but also casts judgment. When we consider the cost, are we willing to pay it? Are we willing to count the cost of God’s wrath when we walk a path of wickedness? The evil of the world are promised the chance of redemption, but what of those who live in an upright life but watches the wicked with no voice outspoken against the evil? Ezekiel 3:18 “When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand.”Guilty is the charge for those who stand by and do nothing. It’s not just enough to love your neighbor but to love the sinner is to point out that sin. It’s not far enough to just love God because if we don’t love our brothers and sisters enough to be a light for those in darkness, then we are in darkness. 

(Avengers: Infinity War Spoilers Ahead) 

The darkness isn’t always as simple as we would think. What about those who do the unthinkable for the right reasons? Fictional characters such as Thanos who watched his own home planet devised a plan to save the universe. This plan was brazen, but with the power to carry out the plan, with a single snap of his fingers, the infinity gems combined caused half the universe to fade away in dust. It exacted a horrible cost however, and it nearly killed Thanos. When we look at the cost if we do not follow Romans 12:18 “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” We may not like the outcome. 

What do you take with you when you can’t reconcile? We take nothing with us to the life after, but there is a cost, a terrible cost that will come to those who choose to stay in darkness. The Day of Judgment comes to all, and sin is equal at the foot of the cross. The difference is the ones who know Christ will face different justice, while the evil will face wrath. Ezekiel 3:18 (NKJV)18 “When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand.” 

The cost of wickedness is unpleasant. The idea of scared straight is just so simple, yet when one doesn’t believe in Christ the idea of eternal damnation is not a true concern. Our feelings however do not express a true sense of reality. The truth of reality is Job 36:6 (NKJV)6 “He does not preserve the life of the wicked, But gives justice to the oppressed.” We must consider what it costs you to live life with cruelty, hatred, and distain in your life. The wrath of God is not to be tested. God shall not be tempted and we must not gamble with our salvation. Death is the cost, and not just death from this world, but the suffering of the eternal soul as the lakes of fire will consume you. 

There is hope though, and we celebrate that hope this holiday season. Christmas isn’t about the gifts, the lights, the shopping, the food, no, it’s about a little baby who has not been number one in many lives for a long time. That little baby changed the world, and gave us the hope we never had. The baby boy who found himself being turned away from the inn, turned away from his home, and every city right up till his death. The savior of the universe proclaimed the multitudes will persecute in the name of Christ and that still happens regularly. How sad it is to have so much hope in the evidence in abundance and yet the countless turn and walk away from the Lords love and grace. The cost of souls is so very real and yet means so little to so many. We cannot live in this life living it however we want thinking there is no repercussions awaiting us. There is hope that is seen at the end of that babies life, two men on the cross, one even in death found no fear of God, while the other, turned to Jesus and owned responsibility of his actions, and asked for the forgiveness of the Father. He earned nothing, and could never work for his salvation, and yet grace and mercy were in abundance, finding him and in a word, Christ promised Heaven. What does it cost you? Your heart to the Lord is all that’s asked, just to allow Christ to fill your heart, and burn away the old self, and you to become new creation born in the Holy Spirit, as your sins are washed away. Faith in the Lord and trusting that Heaven is the reward for the cost of love. 

Hard Love or Harder Love?

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Hard Love or Harder Love?

Either we aren’t walking with God so we bring them upon ourselves. Someone else isn’t walking with God and we are in the line of Fire. Satan is attacking us trying to pull us away from God. Or God is trying to correct our path.

There’s a war going on and we live our lives mostly oblivious of the truth. We gripe and complain when the hard Knox come around but we miss the point. You are loved by Satan, but don’t be fooled it’s not you he cares about, but your sin, that cosmic treason is what he loves. Do you love your sin so much that you are siding with the Devil?  

We have a saying that you learned something from the school of hard knox, the learning by way of personal, usually negative experiences in life verses a formal education. How much of our life is experience verse being taught. As the song goes 

Hard Love by, NeedToBreathe

“Hold on tight a little longer

What don’t kill ya, makes ya stronger

Get back up, ’cause it’s a hard love

You can’t change without a fallout

It’s gon’ hurt, but don’t you slow down

Get back up, ’cause it’s a hard love” 

We must love the light because it shines down upon us this season, no not Christmas but rather this life, the time between the risen Lord and the second coming of our savior. Are we walking in the light or causing our own turmoil? Jesus comes under the light of a star that shown down as a message to the world that the savior had come. Matthew 1:21“And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

Jesus has given us every tool, everything we’d ever need, and here Christ lived and did so as an example to us. We can relate to Christ, because Christ could relate to us. Jesus lived a hard knox life, a life of sorrow, loss, persecution, and ending his life in torture beyond what any other man could have withstood. Even though our savior suffered so much we still turn our love to Satan. If we are not walking in Christ we are walking with Satan. Satan did not work for the throne of Earth, and he does not respect us so why do we follow? We love the decorations, the lights, the cheer, the food, and we can have peace in any hard knox we come through for the one reason we have all these things, Happy Birthday Jesus. 

If we want it done right do it yourself, so God sent Jesus to become word, the word, the light of the world. Emmanuel came and be I Am, and is everything we’d ever need. The true God of the Universe tells us those who are for Him, that no one would stand against Him. We are called to not worry, to have a soul of courage, that our hearts be filled with joy for the savior has come. It’s a hard love to follow Christ because there will be pain along the way. It’s an even harder love to love sin because the Devil would love your company in the pits of fire that awaits those who deny Christ. A hard love, or a harder love, your choice.

Dark days come and are coming and the wolves try every day to breach the defenses and we must remain strong while Satan tries to break up the party. Satan wants to destroy the hope and the lights that shine brightest for the Lord. Fear not for the wolves don’t like the light in the darkness. Light the fires with the Holy Spirit, and you will fend off all attacks that try to destroy what’s been built in the name of the Lord. It’s a birthday, Christ’s birthday, let us not ruin the festivities with despair.  

Truth Without

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Truth Without

The truth is over the last week or so I’ve felt pretty low. I’ve struggled to sit down at my computer and write up anything. It’s not from a lack of content because I have a few weeks of drafts I could use, it’s been something else. I don’t know if I’ve got a case of the holiday blues, or something else. The fact right now is I need to fall back on scripture and trust in God to see me through whatever is going on in my heart to make me feel disconnected and distant. I know Christ can see into my heart and even when I cannot Christ knows. Jesus has a way of cutting straight through all the fluff and getting straight to the heart of the problem. I have been putting a lot of thought in my spiritual growth this last year, and as we enter into Christmas I consider where I am now verse where I was two years ago. Two years ago I was a broken man. I was sad, and struggled to find any happiness at all in my life. It’s not been almost 3 Christmas’s since my ex wife’s leaving and I can honestly say I am not the same person I was years ago. I look at my life and while I admit I’m not where I would like to be, I know that I’m exactly where the father wants me.

In my time of despair I turn to scripture. 1 Peter 5:7“casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” I turn to Christ in my time of need not knowing what is causing my distress, but knowing that in Christ all things are possible. No matter how low you are, there’s always time to turn to God. No matter what cloud you are floating on do not forget to turn to God and thank Him for both the good and bad times. We endure all things in the name of Christ, and it’s for us to remember who’s in control and who we live for to serve. Christ alone, and no matter how you feel this holiday there is joy and God will ensure you have a way to find it. 

This is a birthday celebration and we must remember how to act. It’s not about the gifts, or the mistletoe, or the food, it’s about a baby born to be the salvation for everyone. Be full of joy and let the worries pass away. I’m not sure what’s going on with me, but I’m sure it will pass.

Be Lonely No More

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Be Lonely No More

Many of us move through life and from time to time that lonely feeling takes hold. The deepness of that lonely feeling is one that leaches on with almost no end in sight for relief.

Psalm 139

O Lord, You have searched me and known me.

2 You know my sitting down and my rising up;

You understand my thought afar off.

3 You comprehend my path and my lying down,

And are acquainted with all my ways.

4 For there is not a word on my tongue,

But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.

5 You have hedged me behind and before,

And laid Your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;

It is high, I cannot attain it.

7 Where can I go from Your Spirit?

Or where can I flee from Your presence?

8 If I ascend into heaven, You are there;

If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.

9 If I take the wings of the morning,

And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

10 Even there Your hand shall lead me,

And Your right hand shall hold me.

11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall on me,”

Even the night shall be light about me;

12 Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You,

But the night shines as the day;

The darkness and the light are both alike to You.

13 For You formed my inward parts;

You covered me in my mother’s womb.

14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

Marvelous are Your works,

And that my soul knows very well.

15 My frame was not hidden from You,

When I was made in secret,

And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.

And in Your book they all were written,

The days fashioned for me,

When as yet there were none of them.

17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!

How great is the sum of them!

18 If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand;

When I awake, I am still with You.

19 Oh, that You would slay the wicked, O God!

Depart from me, therefore, you bloodthirsty men.

20 For they speak against You wickedly;

Your enemies take Your name in vain.

21 Do I not hate them, O Lord, who hate You?

And do I not loathe those who rise up against You?

22 I hate them with perfect hatred;

I count them my enemies.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;

Try me, and know my anxieties;

24 And see if there is any wicked way in me,

And lead me in the way everlasting.

We often feel lonely because we don’t have someone with us. Sometimes we can be in a crowded room and still feel like we are all alone. For two years I felt lonely from a companion standpoint, but somewhere along the line I found comfort in Christ. I wasn’t sure I’d meet anyone but when it came down to it, my biggest problem was my lack of trust in the Lord. When we truly take some time to think about Paul and his journey can you imagine how hard those would have been? Being lonely in your heart is an absence of Jesus. When we take some time to look through the psalm above, we can see David talking about how deeply God knew him, how God knew every part of him and his heart. When we put some thought, real thought in how special we must be to God knowing the creator of the universe also knows us intimately. We don’t have to live alone in this world because we are never alone so long as we allow Jesus to remain in our hearts.

Being patient with the Lord isn’t easy. We know that the Lord doesn’t want us to be alone, but there is a season for everything, and sometimes we are meant to be alone for a while. We don’t always know why, but when we put our faith in the Lord and we know that God has plans for us to prosper not for harm. God may not give us the relationship we want, but He always provides what we need. We need to focus on what we do have, not what we want. Trust in the Father to look out for you and know that He is truly with you while you’re sleeping, while your awake, knows when your naughty, and knows when you’re nice.

     I have spent a long time feeling lonely. I have watched and longed as friends dated, friends married, friends have had kids and even some have had grandkids and I have sinned with envy. I felt lonely of companionship but my brain and my heart were at odds. Knowing my God is with me always. Knowing God knows of all my heart and of my tongue. I cannot hide away from the Lord. If I cannot hide my transgression, then too shall I ever be alone? No, truly Jesus Christ loves me enough to comfort my heart, to bless me daily, and has delivered me from Hell Fire.

I’m not a perfect man, no I’m the farthest thing from. I have so long placed my hope in people to satisfy the lonely heart I had. That’s not to say you won’t desire someone, but be careful how strong you allow the desire to be. Do not allow yourself to place any heartfelt wish above Jesus Christ. If you cannot focus on Jesus, if Christ isn’t your first, you are last. Be open to the Love of God and hold fast to God’s plans. 

The Fog Lifts

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The Fog Lifts

The darkness is thick and heavy. The weight presses down upon you like a boulder. What is this darkness you ask, why can’t I see? The fog that sits, and is so heavy is sin. We cannot hope to remove the sin on our own. We cannot lift the boulder that’s placed on our shoulders like Atlas. The sin in our lives will multiply and divide until we are so buried under it we have no chance to move. Thankfully there’s a cure for this great cancer and the cure is Jesus Christ.

There are other kinds of fog that will set on our lives, but usually it all comes back to a situation that was caused by sin, and leaves behind darkness. For me, even though I didn’t cause my spouses affair I was left in the darkness of trauma, fear, self-loathing, and I couldn’t see my way out. During my trauma something happened and a light shined through the darkness and acted as a lighthouse shining a way for me to travel. One might ask, if God was so great why didn’t He just tell me all the answers, or show me all I needed to know? While those are legitimate questions, the truth is very simple, God wants us to grow on our own, and when we grow in Christ the right way, we learn, we experiences, and God wants us to do this on our own with His guidance. So I was left with a light shining the way, and over the last two years I have found a path that shines brightly. There was one area of my life that was still shrouded in darkness, and that was my love life.

As my love life continued to fail, I often prayed to God asking for answers, or at least a path. As I mentioned in yesterdays post, I wasn’t specific with my prayers, and if you were God of the universe you’d probably have a sense of humor also. God thinks answering prayers in a way we don’t expect is funny. When we aren’t specific and He has a plan, often times we look at them and don’t always take them as blessings, but our tiny feeble little minds cannot possibly understand the big picture as God does.

We must trust in the Lord and not be ridged in our own ways because the moment we think we know more then God, is the moment we will be cast down a dark path. Trust in the Lord for as said in Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” I’d like to take a closer look at this passage and focus on the word hope. As we enter this holiday season we focus a lot on ‘Good Will’, and ‘Cheer’, and ‘Joy’, but were does all this come from? We have joy because we know Christ came and we know that he prepares a room for us in Heaven, but more important then the joy, is the Hope we received knowing that Jesus Christ would overcome death, and without Christ we had no hope, just eternal darkness and fire. Because of that hope we know that our future is bright. No matter what comes our way in this life, no matter how bad things get for us here on Earth, we are not doomed to this life forever. We live in this life to prove ourselves to Christ, to show we carry the love of Christ in our hearts, so we may enter the gates of Heaven.

As my path has changed since God spared my life, I was struggling in one area of my life, and that was companionship. I prayed daily for God to send me someone and while He delivered it wasn’t exactly what I originally had in mind. God’s sense of humor does not escape me, and as I have realized, God often does the exact opposite of what I say I’m going to, or not do. I told God I wasn’t going to go into the ministry, and well….. That didn’t go as I had planned. I told God I would never get into a long distance relationship, and well, again, that went about as well as the first plan of not going into ministry. You’d think I would have learned to stop telling God what I’m not going to do. The path I am on is not easy, and it in fact may turn out to be slightly more complicated then I would have liked, but I often think back to Romans 8:28 (NKJV) “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”  As my new relationship continues to go well and we grow, I see that God’s plan was to have my life connected to the Philippines in some way. This path will both give me the opportunity to go there and to minister while I’m there, but also fulfill the promise to offer me companionship. God saw fit to answer two prayers at once, and I cannot fault Him for his creativity and ingenuity.  God’s funny that way, and whenever I think I have God figured out, and think I know where He has be headed, He throws a curveball and I find I knew very little all along. Though, even though I try not to count the steps now, I see the fog lifting on the last part of my life, and I see light in every corner. God truly does deliver when you are following His path. That’s not to say there won’t be hardships, or hurt, or pain along the way, on the contrary those things are promised. Don’t let the fog set in on your life and drain you of hope. While we may not always see through the fog in every situation, we know that God will guide us through. We have hope knowing that Jesus Christ was born, lived, died on the cross, and on the third day rose again in fulfillment of the scripture. 

God Thinks He’s Funny

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God Thinks He’s Funny

Have you ever told God what you want and without specifics? I have found God has a unique and laughable sense of humor. I had been saying for years I would never be involved in a long distance relationship, but again God laughed and said ‘here watch this.” I know it seems strange but I was certain I had at least figured out the direction, but God has a habit of telling me not to be so sure I know the direction my life will take.

This message is short and sweet. Do not be so quick to think you know the plans God has for you. Don’t be so ridged that you aren’t willing to be flexible to God’s path. Don’t be so close minded that you think whatever you believed you wanted is better for you then what God wants for you. When you trust in the Lord and move accordingly God will always show how truly amazing His plan is, and how wonderful things can be when you are following close like we ought to.

While I thought so many things were certain to happen, now I see God gives us exactly what we need, or in my case, who. 

So that’s the message today, be flexible, and trust in the Lord. 

Do You Feel Outmatched?

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Do You Feel Outmatched? 

I was watching an episode of Batman the animated series and batman was physically outmatched by a robot. Do you ever feel you are outmatched in life? Perhaps you have felt intimidated by someone who’s bullied you? Do you feel that you are physically outmatched by a spouse who chooses violence to keep you subservient? There’s always going to be people out there who use physical strength, emotional attacks, even intellect to make people feel inferior. I have been bullied in my life and I’ve been made to feel low, worthless at times. When I was going through both of my prior divorces I was made to feel at fault, and that I was trash. I felt emotionally outmatched and as the spiritual war was underway I missed some very important cues that would have helped me along the way.

One of the things that makes Batman such a great crime fighter is his ability to plan for contingencies, and learn quickly to adapt to his surroundings and his mistakes. Do we learn from our mistakes? Do we face off against the Devil and his Demons and learn from our mistakes? We face challenges every day, and we face new trials often, but how often do we feel like we just can’t handle the situation. In my own life I have felt like I couldn’t take another step. I have felt outmatched and outgunned by the Devil’s attacks. The way we feel however doesn’t always mirror reality. The reality is, God’s on my side, and always has been. I haven’t always walked close enough with Jesus to realize that, but thankfully, God understands our weakness, and He is the God of many chances, giving us time to learn from our mistakes. We must learn that we will face bullies, and trials, and even sickness in this life, but this life isn’t the one we should be worried about. Our eternal salvation is based on Christ’s love and grace, and we have a choice to make in our lives, whether to live in that love and treat others accordingly, or we can be cruel, and hateful people. When we consider the actions of others, and how they treat people, we can understand the nature of their hearts. Those who walk with Christ, not just those who believe in him, but those who truly show Christ in their heart and allows that to reflect as who they are, will be the light in this life.

Batman walks a line few of us could walk, but one thing we can take away is the intellect to adapt and overcome. There’s always a bigger fish out there, someone who’s stronger, smarter, but if we are guided by love, and the Holy Spirit, we can overcome anything, any adversities we may face.  Romans 8:31“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”  With God on our side we will never be outmatched or outgunned. We will never have to fear, or worry because God is never not with us.  Joshua 1:5“No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you.” 

God is always on our side, so if you feel like you’re facing the world alone, those are feelings, they aren’t reality, so take a step back, pray, clear your mind, and dive into the word. You will find your strength in Jesus Christ.

Happy Thanksgiving

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Happy Thanksgiving 

2 Corinthians 9:11 (NKJV)11 “while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.”

It’s a short and sweet kind of day. We have Jesus Christ and no matter what trials we are going through it’s a blessing because God waists nothing. Every trial, every gift, everything is something to be thankful. Spend this time with your family, and truly enjoy life. We only get one of them, and there’s nothing in this world worth stealing your joy.

Psalm 107:8-9 (NKJV)

8 Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,

And for His wonderful works to the children of men!

9 For He satisfies the longing soul,

And fills the hungry soul with goodness.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and remember to count your blessings. 

Vengeance Is Mine Sayith The Lord

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Vengeance Is Mine Sayith The Lord

You just don’t understand what they did to me! You don’t know how badly they hurt me! It’s easy to ask for revenge, dream or desire that vengeance. Scripture is very clear that we are not to take vengeance into our own hands. We are not wise, and certainly not unbiased.

Psalm 116

I love the Lord, because He has heard

My voice and my supplications.

2 Because He has inclined His ear to me,

Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.

3 The pains of death surrounded me,

And the pangs of Sheol laid hold of me;

I found trouble and sorrow.

4 Then I called upon the name of the Lord:

“O Lord, I implore You, deliver my soul!”

5 Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;

Yes, our God is merciful.

6 The Lord preserves the simple;

I was brought low, and He saved me.

7 Return to your rest, O my soul,

For the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.

8 For You have delivered my soul from death,

My eyes from tears,

And my feet from falling.

9 I will walk before the Lord

In the land of the living.

10 I believed, therefore I spoke,

“I am greatly afflicted.”

11 I said in my haste,

“All men are liars.”

12 What shall I render to the Lord

For all His benefits toward me?

13 I will take up the cup of salvation,

And call upon the name of the Lord.

14 I will pay my vows to the Lord

Now in the presence of all His people.

15 Precious in the sight of the Lord

Is the death of His saints.

16 O Lord, truly I am Your servant;

I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant;

You have loosed my bonds.

17 I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving,

And will call upon the name of the Lord.

18 I will pay my vows to the Lord

Now in the presence of all His people,

19 In the courts of the Lord’s house,

In the midst of you, O Jerusalem. Praise the Lord!

Pay your dews, your response to the Lord for we have so much to be thankful for. Even when we are wronged we shall not take matters into our own hands. We will always get our ‘pay back’ wrong. We will never be able to repay perfect punishment, and it’s the mercy, and grace of God we must put our trust in. God will always deal out the perfect punishment in the perfect timing for each individual, and always equal to each persons transgression. How do we teach a lesson? Who are we to think we know how to reach into someone’s heart to give conviction of a person’s soul? A message must point towards a heart of repentance in order to balance the sin.

Do not think you are God, as we are simpletons compared to the Lord. God will do what is needed to teach us the lessons we need. Are we one to call for vengeance when we are just as disobedient, just as sinful as the next? We ask for God’s blessings but we don’t show our own thanksgiving for the gifts we’ve been blessed with. We often serve ourselves but we don’t want to serve the Lord but we accept the gifts freely. We give so little in return, and in instead of spreading love and mercy, and kindness, we spread fear, anger, hatred and dissention. We spread darkness. Romans 12:19 (NKJV)19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 

Instead of seeking vengeance when you are wronged, repay with kindness. Psalm 97:11 (NKJV)11 Light is sown for the righteous, And gladness for the upright in heart. Do not be so quick to cast stones, for as Jesus said John 8:7 (NKJV)7 “So when they continued asking Him, raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”  Go forth in kindness, and repay wrong with Love. Do not perpetuate hate and anger, but instead light up the darkness.