Tag: faith

I Gotta Do Just One Thing First

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I Gotta Do Just One Thing First

Throughout most of my life I’ve gone to church and in that time I’ve heard many people tell me, they can’t go because they have some things in their life to ‘get right’ first. In my opinion saying you need to work on you, or anything before you step foot into church is like saying you’re going to get better before you go to the hospital. Others have raised concern about going to church and being called a hypocrite. No one sin is greater then another at the foot of the cross. Because of that, we all fall short. There are no such things as a good person before God. There are believers and non-believers. We are all sinners and if our works before God are no better then a menstrual rag (yes that’s what it means in the Hebrew)

Ephesians 2:1-2 “2 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the [a]course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,” Before Jesus we were sinners with no hope of salvation. After Jesus and the sacrifice needed to pay the blood debt to reset the balance, we are still sinners, but we are sinners by Grace we are given the Golden Ticket to Heaven in which the price is our heart. We all must one day stand before Christ at the foot of the cross and understand that it’s not about if we’ve sinned or not, it’s about where our heart and loyalties lie. If we truly believe that we need to be sinless before entering church you don’t have the fist clue who Jesus Christ is. No matter if you’re Christian, Buddhist, Wiccan, Muslim, or any other faith on the planet you are a sinner and thus all are welcome at the table of Christ, and his blood was spilt for everyone.

If you want to be happy in this world it’s important for you to be walking in Christ, and once you submit to that authority of the universe, you will then seek your spiritual gifts in order to pursue your God given talent in ministry for the Lord. It’s in purpose we find fulfillment, and it’s in that purpose we find our happiness. Must like our founding fathers knew that the pursuit of happiness would be one of faith, they also knew that many will seek it, but not all would find it. If you are not walking with the Lord you are walking in the world, and if you’re walking in the world, you’re walking with the demons in this life. You will walk in the lusts of the flesh, and you will only find the thorns never the rose.

God the father loves us, and when we wrong we expect to be disciplined. A fathers love, a true fathers love will never take enjoyment from punishing your children. As a parent disciplining your children is inevitable, but life never prepares you for the difficulty ahead. Our Father set the rules for us to follow, and how to love Him, but when we break the rules, we need that correction. Our Father gains no joy from our punishment. It’s never our works that will earn favor with the Lord. We can never do enough, but when we find ourselves longing for Christ, that’s when our hearts open, when we can submit to the Lord, and stop running from our calling. Ephesians 2:8-10“8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Since works along will never be enough to save us from the dismal fate of Hell, we must seek a higher understanding of what it is the Lord wants of us. It seems so simple an idea, so beautifully crafted, that the only need necessary for the triumph of evil in your own heart, is hate. The difference between life and death lies solely in our own power. We can choose our own fate and yet, so few will know the Lord because of one reason or another. 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 “11 Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

We want to believe we are the masters of our own ships, that no one, not even the ‘cosmic fairy’ from above can make us do something we don’t want to. While it’s true many people will fight the calling from the Lord, and many will be faced with signs that they should be doing something else, the Lord never forces anyone to do anything. Sure, much like a father, suggestions are made, guidance is given, but ultimately we still choose to follow or not. “Ask not what God can do for you, ask what you can do for God.”(Unknown)We are terminally sick, and the only cure is found in love. Strange so few will realize this, but its pride and vanity that will keep people away. When we think what we do is us, which I did something, that’s boasting and that’s like telling God you’re better then Him. In Ephesians 2:10 it talks about how we are created to be workmanship, that God is the potter, we are the clay, and we were made with divine purpose. I don’t know about you, but so many people ask their entire lives what their purpose is, and the answer is right in front of them the whole time. Follow Christ, submit to the Lord, and your purpose will flourish as your works in the Lord grows.

Everyone has a purpose, and when you say you have things to do before going to the Lord that’s your own pride talking. Equally if sin is a disease and you won’t go to the Doctor, you allow that stubborn sensibility get in the way of finding the cure for your sickness. Faith isn’t easy, but look at the Polio vaccine. While it wouldn’t cure Polio it did eventually eradicate it from existence in the 1stworld. People were skeptical of the vaccine and thought it was a trick, or too good to be true. Salvation is much in the same. It’s so easy; we are saved by love and grace. We love the Lord, and we are saved. It’s such a simple and small thing, yet so few will find the cure to the sickness that has engulfed our world. Don’t wait for you to get your life right before coming to Christ because there will always be one more thing, one more issue to deal with, one more problem you’ll face, and you’ll never find peace till you step up and accept Christ in your heart. Don’t waist your life in search of something that’s been right in front of you the whole time. God knew you before you were created. God loved you before you were conceived. God made you in your mothers womb for a purpose only you could fulfill. Stop looking for the meaning in your life in all the wrong places. Find your purpose, the reason for your existing in the only place that matters, at the foot of the cross.

 

 

Sufficient

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Sufficient

The morning sun rises, and never can we know for sure what fate will bring. The pain that can infiltrate our hearts in the blink of an eye is very real. It doesn’t matter how good the day, one thing can change it all. We all have pain, and we all have sorrow, and I know that in my time of need, that when I’m not strong there’s one place I can turn, Jesus Christ. I know that I need his grace because my own is nothing. I know that in my pain and my drop in faith, I know that in my weakness there is strength. I know that I can call on my Father above and I can lean on Him. No matter what problems I have, I know that Christ is sufficient in all of my needs. 2 Corinthians 12:9 “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Weeks such as these, this is the verse I recite in my head. We all have them, and it doesn’t matter how faithful you are, we are human, and the Devil is always on the prowl. All we can do is put our faith in the Lord. We must go to the Lord on bended knee and rise up our sorrows, rise up in our weaknesses, and allow the Lord to make us strong. Live can be hard, and it can be unfair, and heartbreaking, but in each of these the Lord is making something beautiful. We must trust and have faith. No matter how many times we are hurt, or beaten down, no matter how many struggles we face, the great and love of the Lord will always triumph over all things.

We always want more as people. I’m single, but I want more. I don’t have a hiking pack, but I want one. I want a hiking tent, and other toys and gadgets. There’s always just one more thing to add to the shopping cart, or the wish list. What about things that aren’t stuff? When we look to our significant others, people we claim to love, are we wishing for the ‘just one more’ things? Going through two divorces both from affairs, I often asked myself what I was missing. I asked what the other person had that I didn’t have. I blamed myself over and over for their actions. I’m not perfect, and now coming up on two years with no forward momentum in my romantic life, I have found myself asking the question, ‘what’s wrong with me?’ As I have been battling with depression for some time now, it’s a constant battle to stay focused on what’s important. One of the hardest things we as people have to do is be patient. For me, patience on God with a romantic relationship, and a career has been the most difficult. I’m not a personality type that likes being alone, so for me these last two years have been trial by fire.

No matter what your ‘thing’ is that you desire, we must always remember that though we will want things, we must never want them more then the Lord. We must stay away from idol worship which is anything we put as more important than God, and that includes ourselves. In my walk with the Lord I am constantly asking for my path to be made clear in my relationship life, and I’m constantly asking for understanding of the plan ahead of me. It’s not easy being in a situation that causes discomfort, but looking back at the Apostil Paul and everything he endured for the Church, I cannot honestly say my loneliness, or desire to find a new place to live outweighs what he endured. So I pray that God’s grace is sufficient for me, and I continue to explore options for my life as I follow in Christ. Above all the relationship with Jesus Christ always has to come first, even when it’s not easy.

 

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It’s a wonderful thing to be able to share the blessings and teachings of Christ with all of you. For those who read my works in Christ, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Recently I came across an amazing home business based in Travel and Entertainment that’s the real deal. The savings found through this business are amazing. If you shop online, like to go to movies, or travel, this gift card for you can save you up to 50%. Please enjoy your gift as a symbol of my appreciation and gratitude. God Bless.

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Frustrations

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Frustrations,

We cannot walk through life without running into a few challenges. We cannot expect to never face the rain. Someone said to me once, ‘when it rains, some people feel the rain, others just get wet.’ I think one of the hardest things we will do as people is embrace the trials with an open mind and using that big beautiful brain God gave us to focus on the positive things even in the worst situations we find ourselves in. Galatians 6:9  “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Feelings of doubt and frustration are natural and normal to have. We all have our tough days, and I’ve had my fair share lately. What’s important is not that you have them, but that you are able to make your way through as a Christian, and keeping your witness. John 16:33“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” The trials come, and come with a vengeance sometimes. It’s aright to feel frustrated, and even angry sometimes. It’s okay to vent as long as it’s controlled. Most importantly when you’re struggling make sure to take your concerns to the one who can truly do something, God.

As far as everyone else is concerned, when you see your brothers and sisters struggling be sure to help them. Be sure to provide encouragement, and love. It’s not easy going through trials. We all have, and we all hope to have someone to lean on when the going gets tough. Don’t be that friend that casts blame, or rebukes someone for being, ‘negative.’ One of my biggest pet peeves is when someone says you’re being too negative. Discussing trials, and struggles isn’t negative it’s a fact of life. Everyone goes through tough seasons, bad storms, and everyone deserves to have someone to listen, someone who will care, and help them through it. Don’t abandon those in need because if you do, you’re actually the one in sin. Proverbs 27:10“Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend, And do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother far away.” So many people today want only the feel good positives in their lives, and often try to remove anyone who is going through a tough time in fear they may be contaminated by negativity. The truth is, while some people are more prone to being negative and that may not be an undesirable trait, we must look at a person’s situation and ask how we’d feel in their shoes.

For me, I lost a lot of friends after my ex-wife left. I was miserable for a few months and struggled to stand on my own two feet. I was devastated at the loss of my wife, and the incident which put me in the hospital. I had guilt, shame, heartbreak, worry, and a slue of other emotions, and when I wasn’t ‘snapping out of it’ in others perceived time table, I was abandoned by many. My life at that time mirrored the life of Job. Many of my situations were similar, and as I continued to struggle and limp along, many of my pastor friends pointed me to the book of Job, and the trials of Paul. To this day many of my works would involve references of those two men as my inspiration to carry on. Just remember if you struggle as I have, or if you’ve struggled as Job had, and you find yourself alone, forgotten, remember these words. Job 19:14“My relatives have failed, And my intimate friends have forgotten me.” Even when Job was left and forgotten by his closest friends, rebuked, blamed for his misfortunes, he never gave up hope. Job 19:26“26 And after my skin is [a]destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God,” He Trusted the Lord, and knew that God would never leave him. We must all trust in the Lord that in all things blessings can be found in every trial, every storm, every heartbreak, and every thorn.

 

Do you Walk the Walk?

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Do you Walk the Walk?

I’ve been thinking about who I am. I have been thinking about who others think I am. As my path has changed drastically in the last two years, it’s difficult to know if I’m being judged by those around me or not. I have often thought people would not support me on my journey because of one major thing, they know my past. In scripture we see as Jesus is run out of his own home town largely because people knew his background, his parents, and couldn’t believe a man of his background would have any authority to speak on such matters. If the Son of God was judged by his parentage and siblings, it’s no wonder I have often felt my path could and will most likely be attacked in the upcoming years. Being prepared for it, I supposed is better then being blindsided. However, I have hoped for affirmation, and in my journey I have received it. Those whom I consider spiritual counsel have affirmed my decision and encouraged my continued path.

It’s always a good idea to seek counsel before making big life changes. Proverbs 12:15“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” Proverbs 11:14“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Proverbs 15:22 “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.”Proverbs 19:20-21“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Each of these verses talk to the heart of wisdom. We as sinful people can be swayed easily by our own desire, and we can be blinded from seeing truth. This isn’t to say your ideas aren’t good intentions, but that doesn’t mean every good intended idea is good for you. Before I chose to pursue Ordination, I decided to find out if I would be a good fit, and to see if I could do it. I sought my closest advisors and will be following their guidance. I expected my friends to tell me the truth. I expect them to not let me take the car down a one-way street. I expect them to love me enough to be honest. I expect them to be encouraging and uplifting even if the truth isn’t what I want to hear. I expect myself to survive because I don’t make big decisions lightly.

When we are walking as a Christian we are expected by God to act like it. Act is not the right word; we are expected to be like Christ. So many people act like Christians. They walk the isle, they sing the songs, they know the church prayers, but the moment they leave the church their Jesus gets put back on the counter and it’s not picked up till later in the week. How many people have to brush the dust off before Sunday service? When you talk to Christians how many know scripture? When you dissect a Christians life how many have blatant sin in their lives? Now, I’m not here to judge. What people do in their lives is between them and God. I would say though, if you think saying the words, “I believe in Christ.” Is enough to save you from the fire, you’re sorely mistaken. Scripture says many will be wolves in sheep’s clothing. If we worship out of habit and not because we are compelled to do so out of love for the Holy Spirit then perhaps we need to take a good long hard look into our lives. If that’s the case you need to ask where your heart is. If you’re living a life of sex, drugs and rock and roll, you may not be following Christ.

It can be difficult to turn away from temptation and sin. When we are tempted it’s important to keep our witness. It’s important that we fight that temptation and it’s simple, we must pray in the name of Jesus that temptation flees from us. When people hear your name what image comes to mind? We all sin, and we all fall short of Christ, but it’s not about our shortcomings, it’s about our every day walk. People will always be judgmental, but the difference is like this: It’s well known every Thursday you go to the bar and drink till you can’t stand and you need to be taken home by friends. Every Friday night you’re at the strip club. Every other week you have a new sexual partner. If these examples sound like you, maybe you’re not following with Christ as you should. This isn’t to say those people wouldn’t be at church on Wednesday, or Sundays, but it’s not if you’re in church that matters. What truly matters is your own personal walk with Christ. You have to answer for you, and at the foot of the cross you’re on your own. It’s best to wear your faith on your sleeve so other see you as different. It’s best for people to ask you about your faith, your salvation, then to look at you as a disgrace to the name of Christian. Anyone can turn around, and everyone has a story and testimony. I’ve seen people change, and I’ve heard stories of people changing through Christ. If you’re walking the wrong path, it’s never to early to change. Don’t just walk the walk out of habit, be the walk, live the walk, and you might just inspire others to walk with Christ.

 

 

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It’s a wonderful thing to be able to share the blessings and teachings of Christ with all of you. For those who read my works in Christ, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Recently I came across an amazing home business based in Travel and Entertainment that’s the real deal. The savings found through this business are amazing. If you shop online, like to go to movies, or travel, this gift card for you can save you up to 50%. Please enjoy your gift as a symbol of my appreciation and gratitude. God Bless.

Temptations

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Temptations

What do you struggle with? I think everyone suffers with some kind of temptation. Temptations can be difficult to ignore or fight. In scripture we see Jesus tempted by Satan after 40 days in the desert. Those temptations were to appeal to Jesus’s physical pain, his power, and his pride. These are often 3 things we see tempt us every day. The 4this physical satisfaction. Often times we can be tempted by things that on the surface seem to make physical or emotional pain going away, by making our bodies or our minds feel good, but it’s only masking the symptom. Much like modern day pain relievers, you can take an Advil for pain, and while it will help with the pain, once it wears off the pain comes right back. You must find the cause and deal with the cause. We cannot get bit by a spider and put a Band-Aid over it and expect that’s going to make it all better. You can cover it all you want, but left untreated some spider bites can be fatal.

We see in Matthew 4:1-11 the temptation of Jesus. Matthew 4:1-11“4 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. 3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” 4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ” 5 Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ ” 7 Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not [a]tempt the Lord your God.’ ” 8 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, [b]“Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ” 11 Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.”

 In scripture we see Jesus repel Satan each time. Jesus turned to scripture and at each temptation repelled Satan’s advances. When we are tempted do we drop to our knees in prayer? Demons cannot stand before Christ. I have found in my walk when I am tempted if I pray, and I mean really pray, my temptations subside and I’m able to carry on with my day. If temptations such as drug use, alcohol, online pornography, gambling or other addictions plague you, first and foremost seek help. Second, pray and talk to God about finding the piece of your hearts that’s missing that you’re ultimately trying to fill. We all struggle, and we will all fall, but that doesn’t mean you have to allow that temptation to have power over you. We cannot allow ourselves to bend a knee to be controlled by substance, or addiction, or poor decisions. We must learn how to repel these attacks, and focus on our walk with the Lord. When the Apostle Paul wrote to the city of Ephesus he explained the protections from Satan’s fiery attacks would need to be the whole set of Armor. Ephesians 6:10-18 tell us from head to toe we must be covered by the Holy Spirit. We must not allow our minds to be corrupted. We must protect our heart, and never allow our heart to be deceived by sinful matters. We must allow our feet to dig in and never loose ground to the oncoming attacks. We must hold up the word as our shield to repel the flaming arrows. We must poise the buckler and ready ourselves for battle. No matter what the attack is, or where it comes from, we must learn to stand tall as a warrior. We have the power because we know, if we are with God, no one can stand against us. No matter what happens to us in this life, we are promised salvation to all those who believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of the father, that he was crucified and was buried. On the third day he rose again in fulfillment of scripture. He is seated at the right hand of the father. He watches over all of us from Heaven and we are never alone as the Holy Spirit is always with us.

Stand firm against sin and temptation. Don’t fall victim to the lies and never allow your heart to be tempted to harden. Anger and hatred are powerful, and as sin can tempt you to do bad things, you can be tempted to anger just as easily. Fight back with the only true weapon we have, and that’s the Word of God. Rise above the sinful worldview and know that just because the world deems something is okay, doesn’t mean it is. Don’t allow sin to control you, and don’t allow your power to be taken away but it. You have the power of the Holy Spirit inside you, and when you are with God, nothing can truly break you. Find your foundation in the Lord and build your life from there. Always put God first and the rest will fall into place. I’m not saying there won’t be hardships and trials, but you will find your purpose when you walk with the Lord. Temptations will have no power over you.

 

It’s a wonderful thing to be able to share the blessings and teachings of Christ with all of you. For those who read my works in Christ, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Recently I came across an amazing home business based in Travel and Entertainment that’s the real deal. The savings found through this business are amazing. If you shop online, like to go to movies, or travel, this gift card for you can save you up to 50%. Please enjoy your gift as a symbol of my appreciation and gratitude. God Bless.

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http://www.travelrewardsus.com

http://hangout.paid2save.com/

You Think It’s Hot?

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You Think It’s Hot?

It’s been hot here in North Carolina. It’s been in the 90’s and the humidity has been 70% or higher. We complain, or rather, I complain about the heat and humidity here in this state. See, my body doesn’t like humidity. I can step outside, do nothing, sit in the shade, and yet, I will soak through a shirt in just minutes. It’s discouraging and frustrating that I can’t do what I like doing in the summer. I think about how miserable I’ve been but then I think about my salvation, and realize while I may be miserable today, this life is fleeting, and I don’t have to be miserable in the afterlife. We see what Hell will be in the book of Revelation 21:8“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” I know when I think about the suffering I go through now, being in a fiery lake of burning sulfur for eternity just doesn’t sound pleasant.

One thing I have heard so often is, people believe in Christ, and often say they are good people. I have heard people tell me that if they do enough good work, be basically a good person, that they would be able to get into heaven. Those who truly submit to the Lord, to love the Lord are ones who will be allowed to enter the gates of perfection. Matthew 7:21-23 21“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ While the authorship of Matthew is not known, the canonicity of Matthew has never been in question. Jesus would prophesize the coming generations and for many the path doesn’t end well. As Jesus consistently said many would come, few will enter. And when they come and get turned away, their path is expressed in Matthew 25:46“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” So many people say I’m not that bad of a person, I’ve never killed anyone, never stolen anything, etc, but when you look at the first sin, all the way back to Adam and Eve, what sin was committed in the beginning? The first sin was eating of the fruit of good and evil, the tree of knowledge. Eve didn’t have to kick puppies to get there, or break into a max security parameter to get to the tree, instead she could walk straight to the tree, reach up, and grab the fruit. The sin was saying ‘No’ to God. Telling God our way is better, and God can’t control me. The sin in the garden wasn’t inherently ‘bad’ by our standard, but at the foot of the cross all sin is created equal. If that particular action doomed the entire race of man to an eternity of Hell, what do you think your sins will cost you if you don’t submit to Christ?

I’ve been to one of the hottest places on the planet and between Iraq, Kuwait, and Death Valley, I’ve seen hot. The hot we experience on this planet is nothing compared to what an eternity awaits us if we don’t give our hearts to the Lord. I for one would rather not spend that much time in Hell. I’ve seen war, and the statement ‘war is hell’ while perhaps it is hell on this earth, the Hell we are promised if we are turned away from the gates of perfection is beyond our understanding of suffering. Don’t believe the hype that if you are mostly good you’re saved. Jesus is not fire insurance, and is not a ‘get out of jail free’ card. Those who think if they walk a walk, and pray a prayer, then they will be saved, this is absolutely not true. While I am in no position to say if you’re saved or not, that’s between you and God. However, I would urge you to take a long hard talk with Jesus Christ and work on if you’re saved or not. If you come to decide you’re not truly saved, there is no better time then now. Remember John 3:16“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Follow the Lord Jesus Christ, and let God into your heart and fill you with the Holy Spirit. Give yourself to the Lord completely, and submit whole heartedly.

 

Okay I Lied

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Okay I Lied:

When I woke up this morning, slightly groggy, I rubbed my eyes and swung my legs over the bed thinking to myself, ‘okay time to publish today’s post.’ That’s when I realized I didn’t have one, and I didn’t really know what to do with myself. As I went throughout the day, the nagging sensation to write and post stayed with me. I was thinking about a new tattoo I want, and while I was thinking about that I was thinking of peoples moral compass. I’ve seen people justify so many horrible things and somehow felt okay with those decisions. Recently I was asked by someone (mind you I told them my advice would be based on scripture only) out of two men, which do I think she should focus on. One man was married with kids, the other had kids, and both worked with that individual. Obviously scripture tells you not to mess around in someone else’s playground. It truly has astounded me over the years how people justify bad behavior. I knew someone one time who would sleep with married men and never bat an eyelash. The though process was they weren’t the ones cheating, and the married guy was the one making the choice. They truly didn’t feel it was wrong to be an accomplice to cheating. Which way is North on your compass? Which way do you follow along your path? I’ve seen people’s compasses broken and spin every which way, and I’ve seen people’s compasses point almost North, but just a shy bit off. The thing is though, no matter how far off of Jesus you are, if you aren’t right there, then you mine as well not be there at all.

Christians who are cold, or luke warm Christians are not really where they should be. When you look at Christians today and they are in all manner of trouble can we truly call ourselves Christians when we don’t act like, or behave like Christ would have? If our compass doesn’t point North to Christ then we are lost just the same. If you’re in the military and you shoot an azimuth and you’re off by even a degree, it can place you miles off course. In the military we are taught to check and recheck your azimuth every couple hundred meters. We shoot a course and then pick an object within view we can walk to on our path, and then when we get there, shoot again. This is no different then life. We shoot a course of Christ, and when choices come up in our life, we should be checking our Jesus Compass, and making sure we’re still on the right path. This is for decisions big and small. It’s even more so when you’re talking about making a choice that’s in active sin. When we walk with Christ we are ambassadors of Christ, and we need to make sure we live up to the name of Christian. If we expect the world to change and be a world of loving and caring people under the blood of Christ, we must first be the loving and caring church. We must show a good representation of what it is to be Christ like, but we can’t do that if our compass doesn’t point to the Cross.

Check your compass people, and figure out where you stand, because if you’re not walking towards the Lord, you’re walking into Hell. Many will stand before the Lord crying out Lord Lord, and in reply, the Lord will say, ‘I do not know you.’ This isn’t meant to be harsh, but Heaven cannot have imperfection, and those who have chosen to follow their broken compass have chosen to gamble with their final destination. Set your course and check it often. Ask yourself in each decision if that decision still points you to Christ. If you’re compass is broken, I suggest you dive into scripture, talk to a pastor or priest, find Godly counsel amongst your friends, and fix your life. Don’t let the Devil’s temptations lure you off course. Like the sirens in the Odyssey, their sound is beautiful, majestic, magical, enticing, perfect to the ears, but the reality is it lures you off course and you crash into the rocks and join the thousands who’ve perished. Follow the voice of truth, and find your True North. Stand tall on your faith, and trust in Scripture to guide you home. As my days move forward I ask God, “Please God let me write just one more.”

 

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It’s a wonderful thing to be able to share the blessings and teachings of Christ with all of you. For those who read my works in Christ, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Recently I came across an amazing home business based in Travel and Entertainment that’s the real deal. The savings found through this business are amazing. If you shop online, like to go to movies, or travel, this gift card for you can save you up to 50%. Please enjoy your gift as a symbol of my appreciation and gratitude. God Bless.

Seasons of Love

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Seasons of Love:

I’ve been thinking about the past and how I’ve gotten through the storm to sit where I do now. I feel like I’ve been climbing a mountain through storm after storm. I have watched those on the mountain with me have fallen away. I have watched as people with me have tried to cut my ropes. I’ve climbed with people that would climb off without me. In this climb I have found strength I didn’t know I had. I have shed tears of heartbreak, loss, and some in victory. I have watched as close friends have stabbed me in the back. I have watched as close friends have abandoned me with no word. In all the bad, there’s been good too. I have grown in my faith with Jesus Christ. I have found a path that has been laid in front of me by God. A path I have to hold onto and try to remain focused on is my service to God.

In the last 24 hours I was hit with something pretty big and it’s had a sizeable impact on my life. I have climbed this mountain for a long time now, and once in a while I’ve been hit with someone so hard it felt like a punch from the hulk. In times of struggle all we can do is turn to the one who can make a difference Jesus Christ. This message was supposed to be one of hope, and of change, and one of positive direction. Instead I want to talk about the seasons of love we all enter.

In 1 Corinthians 13:4we a couple words that stand out above the rest. “4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,”Charity is the word Agape which is the purest form of Love in ancient Greek. There was no love greater. The next and last word I want to discuss is suffering. To endure completely, to love and not keep track of the transgressions, but to continue in the ways of love because it’s about the spirit of Love, not the benefits of what’s in it for ourselves.

Love won’t be an easy thing as it never has been, and of course it never will be. There will be days that you are fed up, you are tired, and you want to throw in the towel, but I say to you, in your heart is it love you feel? I have loved and lost, and many have asked me how I can say I love someone after all they did to me. My response is always the same, “Love suffers, and it does not keep score.” I usually give a half smile. “Love endures all things.” I always follow up with, “Forgiveness is not a suggestion, it’s a command, thus we must forgive not because they deserve it, or have earned it, but because it restores balance in our hearts with God.” Love takes effort, it takes work, and sadly if it is not cared for, the fire can go out.

As I have walked for many years up that steep mountainside I know one day I will reach the top. One day I will sit with Jesus on the edge of the summit and look out over the world below. I envision beautiful trails, and waterfalls, rainbows, and perfect animals all around for the nature lovers in Heaven. As I close my eyes and I’m taken to a place my heart has longed for, I’m reminded of the raw power I received a glimpse of for only a moment. How great it will be to enter unto Heaven and find myself exploring the perfect forests, the perfect land. I open my eyes and I’m back on the mountain clinging to the side of the rock with a long climb ahead of me. Today the storm came and all I can do is pitch the tent and ride out the storm.

Working in security I found myself doing a job I was good at, but never truly feeling fulfilled. The very rare occasions that came up for me to make a legitimate difference in someone’s life were so fleeting it never sustained the gap between them. Several weeks ago when God closed that door in my life, I realized the seasons were changing. When winter starts to dwindle and spring is coming there’s a time period when the environment is just rough. The snow has melted and the ground is soft and muddy, the clouds are still thick and gray, and nothing has started to bud with new life. Every season has a transition period and as I enter mine, I am reminded of the promise made by the Lord. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 3

1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

2 a time to be born, and a time to die;

a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;

3 a time to kill, and a time to heal;

a time to break down, and a time to build up;

4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;

a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

6 a time to seek, and a time to lose;

a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

7 a time to tear, and a time to sew;

a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

8 a time to love, and a time to hate;

a time for war, and a time for peace.

In this time of change I am going back to school, and moving along this path I have set out on. While I don’t know where this path will lead me, I do know God has laid this in front of me, and I shall not wander away. Much like Dorothy on the yellow brick road I assume there will be dangers along the way. We must learn what things are priorities, and be willing to change those priorities as needed along the way. For over a year I have placed this blog as one of my top priorities in my walk with Christ. I have been faithful in writing and in my ministry and my worship of the Lord in this forum. It’s with a heavy heart I must realize that this season is starting to change. With school on the horizon I realize I won’t be able to put as much time and energy as it’s taken to maintain this blog 7 days a week. It’s with deep sadness I must take some time to reevaluate the frequency in which I am able to post new messages. This has been a major part of my life for over a year now, and walking away is certainly not an easy thing. But as I have learned, just because the winter ends doesn’t mean you get rid of your snow boots. I will keep the blog around, and when I am able I will post new messages. Sadly, this will be the last day of the every day messages.

I want to thank those who’ve read consistently. While the traffic to my blog never reached my desired goals, I cannot deny the impact my blog has had around the world. This post is number 553. I have reached over 100 countries and I have had over 15,000 views and more then 7000 visitors. There’s no doubt in my mind, while I didn’t receive much in the way of feedback, the messages that were published reaching that many people had to make a difference to at least one person. As I continue on with my education in the pursuit of my pastoral counseling degree, I will continue to take note, to stockpile ideas, and when time allows, I will write and post again. The page will remain up and active and the prayer request page will be available. Please feel free to comment at any time on there for prayers, or you can find my email on my contact page. Go forth my brothers and sisters and continue to share the Good News of Jesus Christ to those in your lives. Be hopeful in your walk because this life is just another season, and the next one is perfection. Right now I am hunkered down on the cliff waiting for the cold brutal storm to pass, but I know, I believe, I have faith that in due time the storm will pass, and I will climb once more. God Bless all of you, and I look forward to being able to share updates as my journey continues.

Why God?

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Why God?

I wish I could stand here and tell you I’ve never been on the outs with God. I wish I could tell you I’ve never felt like I was the cosmic punching bag. The truth is, when I felt like I was being punished for something it was me that had the wrong perspective. It’s not easy living life through the trials, the storms, but the thing I get asked most often, “why?” While I don’t always have the answers to why, I want to talk about perspective. We’ve become a society of passing the buck. We blame all manor of things, but more often then not, the things responsible are ignored or underplayed.

Recently I was thinking about my own past. When my ex had her affair I blamed God. I blamed God saying “Why would you do this to me? I’ve been faithful.” Interestingly enough, looking back from where I am now, I think of Luke Skywalker, “Amazing, every word of what you just said, was wrong.” We often find ourselves angry when we are in pain. Pastor Glen Newsom told me an example recently, when we hurt we’re like a bear caught in a trap. We will lash out to anyone or anything that comes near us. When we’re trying to help people we often have to get close enough to that bear to be hit in the face. Sadly when dealing with a bear trap, you might have to tighten it causing more pain, before you can release the bear from the trap. Counseling and aiding those in need is sometimes the same. We are angry and we hurt, and we just want the pain to go away, and we’ll do anything to make it stop. When I was angry I didn’t think twice about the source, I blamed God. In all reality my problem was me. I knew the past of the people I had been in relationships with. I knew there were a few things that seemed morally questionable. When the time came around and I was the one cheated on, instead of blaming them, and Satan, I targeted the wrong entity. I know that God has the power to step in, to change the way things are, but to do so would be to take away the second greatest gift we’d ever be given, Free Will. Of course the first greatest gift is Jesus Christ.

To this day I still don’t have an understanding of why my ex wife left. What I do know is sin and lusts of the flesh are powerful motivators. Sin and free will can be a dangerous combination when we aren’t walking alongside Christ. We cannot place blame on God for the sins of Man. I was thinking about that recently. Blaming God for the things people do, is like blaming the police for not stopping a murderer from killing, or blaming firefighters for the fire because the arsonist burnt the forest down. Blame is our scapegoat. We don’t want to think it’s our loved ones fault. We don’t want to think somehow we are responsible. Instead we want to pass the buck to the easiest place possible. The hard part about responsibility is when we’re told all the blaming we’ve done, all the finger pointing should really be turned inward. No one wants to hear the truth that they are responsible, or their loved one’s at fault. How could someone we love and care about be the cause of so much pain? Of course this falls into play when you talk about the stages of grief. Denial is a powerful stage and if you happen to be the sorry soul to point out truth, be careful, the swings will come, and you’re likely to get punched in the face.

All My Hope, By Crowder “All my hope is in Jesus, thank God my yesterdays gone, all my sins have been forgiven, I’ve been washed by the blood.” When we look to yesterday we are gifted with hindsight which they say is 20/20 vision. Sometimes though even when we look back things are only clear to the ones wearing the glasses. As they say about history it’s written by the victors. Our eyewitness accounts would vary drastically from one person to the next. Deuteronomy 11:26“See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse:” When we’re in the middle of the storm, we can’t see the size, the distance, even the worst to come within that storm but radar can. We are not able to see it because we aren’t God. It’s not a healthy path to start questioning your decisions too much. I’ve always been an advocate of healthy after action reviews to improve upon every major decision made, but we cannot get caught in a loop of the what ifs. We will never have those answers within this life, and so we should not worry ourselves about hypothetical rhetoric. Trusting in the Lord to work out every bad situation to be a learning tool, a blessing, or correction for our own bad behavior will come with faith. God does not control the actions of man because God has blessed man with free will. When most people are asked if they believe in destiny or fate, most will answer with a resounding yes or no. Those who say no often say it because they don’t like the idea they aren’t in control of their own actions. Those who say yes often agree that we are destined to get a certain job, or go through certain things, but when you break it down to the smallest detail, ‘are you destined to have Cheerios one morning, or Fruit Loops?” Their tune changes a bit when you start talking about the true nature of destiny and free will. God does not want slaves, but he wants his Children to love Him. I am not a parent, but I imagine if I were I would not want to force my kids to love me, I would want to know they love me of their own free will, because they want to, not because they have to. We can’t have it both ways, we cannot blame God for the wrongs of every person, and want our own free will. We get the good and the bad when it comes to free will.

When people get sick with a disease, or die in an accident, one of the first questions asked is ‘Why would God let this happen?” There’s no answer myself, nor anyone could ever give that would be right on purpose. We don’t know why a smoker of 50 years dies the ripe old age of 95 never having contracted cancer, and someone who smoked for just a fear years dies in their 40’s of lung cancer long after they’ve quit. We don’t know why babies are taken home to be with the Lord so shortly after coming into this world. We don’t know why God allows the body to have miscarriages, and so many other incidences that plague our lives. Jeremiah 29:11“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” While we often say, ‘I don’t disserve this.’ We don’t disserve life, but we were blessed with the opportunity to ever lasting life through our Savior Jesus Christ. It’s an opportunity because it’s not mandatory for us to enter into Heaven. Heaven is a gift, but one we must accept. It’s a gift with a single stipulation, and that’s to love Jesus Christ with all your heart and soul. We must trust in that love and understand that as Christ suffered trials and persecution we to will undergo trials and persecutions to test our own faith, our own resolve. 1 Thessalonians 5:18“18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” We think ourselves mighty if we believe we don’t deserve the trails and sufferings we encounter in this life. We are no different then those who drove the nails into the hands and feet of an innocent man. We are no different then those who cast lots to divide up the clothing of a man who was blameless. We are no different then the wicked men of our forbears. We believe we are basically good people, but at the foot of the cross we are no better, nor worse then anyone else who’s ever lived before us, or those who will come long after we’re gone. How can you say we don’t deserve the trails that come when all sin is created equal, and the only way for us to be rid of it, is to give ourselves, succumb completely to the Love of Jesus Christ. We are not worthy of that love. Grace however is given to those worthy or not. Love is given to all without cost, without reward, without score, and yet we are short sighted in our ideas of love, forgiveness, mercy and grace. Why does God love us? Why do bad things happen to us? The answers are simple, and yet so simple people have a hard time understanding and or respecting the answer. Bad things happen because Sin entered the world. Bad things happen because people live in the world by the worlds rules rather then living for God. God loves us because He can. God wants to love us, and that’s all the reason He needs. God loves each and every one of His children more then we can wrap our heads around the word Love.

We must keep Proverbs 3:5-6in our hearts and minds always. “5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Faith in the plan from the Lord because we know our God loves us, and wants good things for us, not bad. We are to be tested to be the best we can be. We are to be tried because we learn from our failures, we grow, and we mature in our struggles more so then any other time in our lives. Faith, Hebrews 11:1-3 “11 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.” So ask yourself again, why do bad things happen? Bad things happen because people make sinful decisions. Bad things happen because we make poor choices. Bad things happen because in life we live in a fallen world, and we don’t always get the answers to why. We learn from them, we grow in them, and in all things we are commanded to come to God in our sorrow, our time of need. Crawl into your Abba’s lap and cry, and always ask God to be with you, because He always is. Jesus Christ will never leave you, He will never abandon you, and for every tear you cry, He’s holding them in His hands, and He’s crying along side you. Be of good faith, and know that you will be the sword forged in fire, to be made sharp, and battle ready, tested under combat, and you will prevail, that’s why bad things happen.

The Eye

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The Eye:

I have spent the last few weeks ministering to those whom I meet and it’s no surprise to everyone else, but a total shock to me, that the moment I would devote my life to ministry the door cracked open, the flood of people I would be ministering/counseling would skyrocket. In these few weeks I have found myself finding lost sheep everywhere I turn. I have felt as it Sauron’s great eye were watching me. No I’m not comparing Sauron to God, but I have felt as if I were being watched. The fact is, I have been. Our God is an almighty sovereign of the universe and He can watch every single one of us at the same time. Proverbs 5:21-23“21 For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and he ponders all his paths. 22 The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is held fast in the cords of his sin. 23 He dies for lack of discipline, and because of his great folly he is led astray.” We think we know the right way, we think we know the path, but if we but see through the eyes of the Lord, we would not be so easily led astray, let to ruin, led by the flesh.

I have often found when we start to stray away from God we fall to the flesh, the desires of our sin nature and thus, we fall to the ever watchful eye. We are children and when we need it we are punished and corrected so we may get back onto the path away from Sin. Of course we all sin, we will all always fall short of perfection, but in this life we are always working to be as Christ like as possible. Hebrews 4:13 “And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”  God is so great, and so merciful and gracious, and yet we spit on our blessings, we turn our backs, we scoff at the Lord, it’s no wonder our society and our Nation have fallen so far.

We have allowed the great darkness to rise and spread through the land and like Mordor’s black army being raised, we are Gondor vastly outnumbered, and yet we stand at the ready to face the swarm of darkness. The evil eye of Satan watch and waits for our guard to be down before He strikes and tries to break our spirits, our resolve. If we are being watched by the enemy, why then are we not watching for Him? We are told in scripture to be mindful, to be watchful, and it’s no surprise. 1 Peter 5:8“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” If our enemy doesn’t sleep, what makes us think we can rest in this war? While there is a time for every season that doesn’t mean we become complacent.

When I was in the military and deployed to Iraq there was something I remember above all other signs. “Complacently Kills.” It was a Marine Motto. When you become relaxed on the battlefield that’s when the enemy is able to get the drop on you and kill you. We cannot expect the great deceiver to take a break so why should we? Don’t take your eye off the ball because when you do, we never know when, where, or how the attack will come, but rest assured it will. Remember to pray to the one who can actually do anything for us, the one which whom our strength comes from our Lord Jesus Christ.

Father God, I want to give thanks for the many blessings you have bestowed upon me, and the path you’ve placed me on. I know it’s not always been easy for me, and I know I have not always been the best of servants, and for that and my sins I ask your gracious forgiveness. I thank you for my readers, and that they be blessed as you’ve blessed me. I pray for the vast number of prayer requests that have been made to me this week. There so to many to count, and some potentially life threatening. You are Holy and I know that at any moment you could wave your hand and right the ship, change the course, and make smooth sailing, but to my own feeble understanding I am nothing compared to the picture of the universe within your hands. You have given us so much, and we give so little in comparison, I ask your mercy that I may better serve you, but more importantly I ask for your blessings of those whom I encounter. There are so many crying souls Lord, you hear them all, and I pray for them. Lord I have met so many lost sheep in the last few weeks, I feel overwhelmed with responsibility to spread the word, but to make a change. I realize I am just a link in the chain, so I ask patience and wisdom as to how to manage these emotions I feel.

 Father God I ask your continued blessings upon me, this blog, and my family which supports me so very much. I thank you for the animals you’ve placed in my life, Riley, Cooper, Roo. I want to thank you especially for Riley and her continued service to me. You know how much she aids me in my day to day life, and how much of a blessing she is, and I can never say it enough but thank you for everything she is for me. Father please watch over my church as we continue to preach your word, your truth, and please allow us to continue to repel the Devils attacks as he’s always trying to breach the defenses of the walls we’ve built. Please help us remain vigilant with your wisdom, your eyes, your patience. Please help us keep watch in the cold of the night, and in the longest of storms. We praise your name, and forever the glory to your son Jesus Christ. It’s all this I ask in yours Sons Holy and Precious name Jesus Christ,

Amen

 

 

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http://www.travelrewardsus.com

http://hangout.paid2save.com/

It’s a wonderful thing to be able to share the blessings and teachings of Christ with all of you. For those who read my works in Christ, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Recently I came across an amazing home business based in Travel and Entertainment that’s the real deal. The savings found through this business are amazing. If you shop online, like to go to movies, or travel, this gift card for you can save you up to 50%. Please enjoy your gift as a symbol of my appreciation and gratitude. God Bless.