Secure Your Minds

Dropping off some family at the airport the other day and I could not help but notice a lot of police and unmarked cars along the freeway and at the airport. They even had a helicopter flying around the area. “What is going on?” I wondered. Is there an Amber Alert? Is there a terrorist threat? Is there a wanted fugitive loose? Is there a former president in town? I later got a phone call from the family I had just recently dropped off and they said they were closing the airport down because President Obama was flying into town.

I thought, “That would be cool to actually see Air Force One land.” When I got home I looked up the reason for why Obama was flying into town and found it was for a fundraiser. The fundraiser was charging $35,000 dollars a plate and $50,000 dollars for a couple. That is crazy!!! Who has that kind of money?

I hoped that maybe he was flying into town to see the extent of the damage from the recent fires that wiped out entire neighborhoods and he was reconsidering his stance on offering federal assistance but no he was not here to offer money for the fighting fire effort but here to take money instead. So what is the positive side of all this?

The positive side was how impressed I was with all the visible security along the roadways. “What if our thoughts had that same kind of watchful security force?” I thought. I hadn't done anything wrong but I was very conscious of my driving in the area. This led to another thought- We as Christians seem to have a lack of reverence towards God. We seem to forget he is watching us at all times. And if we had the reverence we are to have towards God maybe we would be more mindful of our actions and words in this life.

Then I thought about those airport-scanning machines…. And how they can see into our luggage and detect “what is” and “maybe a danger”.

You know God can see inside this vessel. He can see the motives of our heart. Where do motives start?

1 Thessalonians 2:4 “For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.”

1 Corinthians 4:5 “So don't make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.”

Statements like those should be at the forefront of our mind and act as a gatekeeper for our thoughts but unfortunately we sometimes give other things in life a backstage pass when all they do is breed sin and lack of faith. Scriptures like those should bring us to repentance and help us to have greater respect for God. It should want us to ask God to be the gatekeeper of our mind and heart everyday.

We have these brown and white scorpions that come out at night. They can get into your house. Their sting is pretty painful if you get stung by one. I know some people that actually hunt them down at night with a black light. A black light makes the scorpions light up like a florescent green glow stick and when this family spots them they go out and stomp on the buggers, which is a good thing because scorpions can have several dozens of babies at one time.

A thought can be a very powerful thing. We have thoughts that can empower us to live a good Christian life or thoughts that can be venomous and painful to ourselves and those around us. Our thoughts can multiply and spread. The thoughts we should watch out for are the ones that breed fear, doubt, anger, pride, discouragement, falsehood and so on...

We live in dark world. I have pretty much stopped watching the news and am very selective to what I listen to on the radio for news -for many things on the airways today are negative, twisted and one sided. I cannot trust in what I see or hear anymore. I must trust God. We must invite God to be our daily security service detail. God is like that black light that reveals all the venomous things in our thoughts. With God’s help, he can bring every thought captive that rises and goes against the knowledge of God. We are not our own but we tend to live as we have some say or leeway in this life. If we want to life fulfilled as a Christian we must have God be our leader in all things in life. God's knows our destiny. He has the plans. He created us for a purpose.

2 Corinthians 10:5 says “casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ”

We have thoughts come at us that exalt themselves against the knowledge God has given us.

We can’t live our lives as if we are asleep. We can’t just go with the flow. We have to be watchful of our thoughts… and if you are a person like me - who thinks a lot about things -we must never let the kite fly too far from the spool. Our thoughts are like a selfish-little child that puts whatever it wants into our grocery cart and if we aren’t paying attention we’ll end up paying for those things in one way or another.

Think about this. Are we letting “everything” come down our conveyer belt of thought -to be placed in our grocery sack to be eaten?

1 Thessalonians 5:6 says “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.”

Proverbs 4:23 “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”

1 Peter 5:8 says “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

Our thoughts should be focused on our hope in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 6:17 “Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

The helmet of our salvation is OUR HOPE in Jesus Christ. A person can not endure without these three things, HOPE, LOVE, and FAITH. A person without Jesus Christ is without hope, does not know what real love is and has religion instead of faith. GOD's word is our defense and our surgeon. It not only protects us but also detects what is wrong with our lives and needs to be fixed by God's Spirit -so we can be well equipped and be all that God called us to be.

How is our appetite for God’s word? Are we getting all we need to walk this Christian path and destiny God has for us? Knowledge and wisdom aren’t found in what society thinks as important. They are found in the word of God and God’s Holy Spirit.

2 Timothy 3:14-17 “But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned [them], and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

1 Corinthians 2:11-16 “For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment: "For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.”

So secure your mind in Christ. Let him who knows you and has gone through all the temptations of life be your mind's gatekeeper and instructor.

Be Anxious For Nothing

“The LORD directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?” Proverbs 20:24

Why try to understand (insert thought here.)

There are examples in God’s word of individuals who didn’t understand where it was they were to go or when their promises would happen but trusted God that they would happen. They probably spent many hours looking and speaking with God about confirming those things to them as they followed the steps in which God told them to go.

Were they ever anxious? I am sure they were. They probably made mistakes because they were anxious. I am sure they got some flack because those who surrounded and lived with them didn’t understand and were anxious themselves about what God was doing in their life.

“Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord [is] at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:5-7

Ever try to figure out your destiny?

If we are seeking God and his purpose in our life our faith will be challenged. Challenges can often bring out the best of us or the worst of us at times.

We don’t always understanding why the tracks of life change. Why at times no one else sees what we see. Why we can see and hear the words and others can’t. Why others seem comfortable with what seems the status quo. Why others are unaware of their actions which sickens your stomach and everything seems to be dried out but no one seems to care.

The human side of us wants to understand why things happen and put a feeling with the things we don’t understand but God is the only one who can see and comprehend what is happening. I guess what really matters… is where we stand with God. How do our actions add up? Are we striving to live by God’s Spirit, grace, wisdom and love and word? Are we in the place God wants us to be?

Life can seem like it is always under construction and in truth it probably is- We are waiting on the Lord. We do the stop and go. We watch the signs and take note. God is always constructing our white gravel road. To not pay attention could be very dangerous. We could become lukewarm Christians and go into the wrong lane out of laziness or the very opposite- become impatience or--------- feel the need to not cause waves BUT that is very dangerous too.

If we look to God, he will always provides the spiritual food (encouragement, understanding, confirmation, supernatural strength) we need to sustain us and do what he has asked of us… as we rest in the popular and in no name towns of life. God has a road especially made for us. We can’t take other people’s roads. We can’t live through someone else’s experiences. God packs a suitcase for just us.

Of course during those times, the bed is a breeding ground of reflection and thought as we try to imagine all the unknown. Our mind can be like a jackhammer working outside our window in the middle of night giving us little or no sleep.

We all have to embark and be obedient to God’s calling. The directions may seem a little short for our comfort zone especially when we take in account of all the personal costs for going in the direction God has asked of us but remember he has prepared the way. He will and is preparing you for that journey and what is to come up in that journey.

So as we go towards our destiny… that seems a little more then hazy…trust God. Take one step in front of the other, breath in and out- and scribble down the “scenery” (reflect on the words and themes that stick out) while letting God fill your footsteps. Then you will not be ashamed in what you leave behind and you will be secure in all your dealings and God’s leading.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he had done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

It is a beautiful day..

IT IS A BEAUTIFUL DAY by Jeff Johnson

The red print bleeds on to this empty page.

The sweet citrus of heaven and base of earth come together into one.

Salted fire births spiritual covenant.

The tongue becomes gracious and effective in every sorrow and every success.

Life’s only a dream for all this will pass away.

But for now it is beautiful day.

It is a beautiful day when the world is falling down

It is a beautiful day when I seem to be the amusement for the clown.

It is a beautiful day when nothing goes right.

It's a beautiful day when you get stuck by the venom of a snake.

It is a beautiful day when the doors are locked and windows are covered up by the disappointment of the here and now.

It is a beautiful day when there no road signs to show me to turn this way or that way.

It’s a beautiful day…..when they forecast sun but its rains on my parade.

It's a beautiful day when the extra company only wants to kick dust my way.

It is a beautiful day…..

You want to know why? You want to know why?

Because I know a friend who never turns away.

A God who is with me and a Savior who saves me.

It is a beautiful day when I can barely stand

It is a beautiful day when there are tears in my eyes.

It is a beautiful day when I grit my teeth.

It is a beautiful day when I am in the great frying pan of life.

You want to know why? You want to know why?

Because I know a friend who never turns away.

A God who is with me and I know a Savior who saves me.

It is a beautiful day when there is no unity.

It is a beautiful day when there are fires all around me.

It is a beautiful day when I got no gas in my tank - four flats and no fix a flat.

It is a beautiful day when I am the biggest loser of the day.

It is a beautiful day when it’s too hot and my ice cream falls to the floor.

You want to know why?

Because I know a friend who never turns away.

A God who is with me and I know a Savior who saves me.

It is a beautiful day when I got no money.

It is a beautiful day when there is a zero on my uniform.

It is a beautiful day….

It is beautiful day when the world has gone mad.

It is beautiful day when I got a broken heart.

It is beautiful day when there is nothing good to say.

It is a beautiful day…

You want to know why? You want to know why?

Because I know a friend who never turns away. A God who is with you and I know a Savior who saves you.

It is a beautiful day…. Oh the light… I pray and I say. Oh the light.

Everything is going to be okay.

Inspired by Exodus 30:25-36, Leviticus 2:13, Matthew 5:2-13, Mark 9:49-50, Colossians 4:6 and U2’s song “It’s a Beautiful Day.”

Celebrating the Resurrection of Christ Jesus

HAPPY EASTER...no bunnies or eggs included. :)

Without Easter there would be no reason for our faith at all but because we know what the word of God says and know God has changed us... we know his resurrection is real.

Oh… It’s Just Life.

A Christian life… Easy?… No way! Whoever said it was easy to live a Christian life would be lyin. Of course I wouldn’t want to go back to my old life but knowing this life is temporary helps. Though I really get tired of getting caught in the middle of the Spirit verse flesh thing. (Galatians 5:17) I wonder if God is slowly dismantling the flesh impulses in us?

I love it when God gives us a sense of humor about the “things” that go wrong in life… We let go of the reins of life and let the wild horses ride. Jesus is taking care of the trail blazing and we are just along for the ride instead of fighting the vacuum that wants to suck us into a cesspool of infuriation.

Instead of feeling like the world is against us, we seem to be able to just shrug our shoulders and smile and say, “Yep what else is new? I guess I'll put that on a list too and see when the Lord can help me get around to it...." We just seem to surf that irritation like a skilled boarder taking on a monster wave when God gives us the right mindset. Of course we have to take the time to allow God to give us the right mind set before we tackle such a wave.

Then there are those tests that just put us over the flame -like a kernel of popcorn in popcorn popper. It’s as if every situation and moment in the day is building to a single moment where we will be challenged to the very core and fiber of our faith. Tests are good because they help us see if our faith in genuine or stuffed with fluff.

And when the test is over God reiterates his truth to us with either the savory buttery flavor or that funky burnt smell. Either way he always seems to get his point across.

I prefer the buttery flavor myself but I have eaten my share of burned popcorn too. Still need Jesus every day.…

Our faith is so dependent on truth. It’s not just remembering the truths we have been taught but allowing God to assist us in that truth.

We all would love to just run through those trying moments in life but when we do we see our treading wasn’t light but we have poured a path of gasoline behind us and lit the match as well. Ever been there? Wonder why the bible says, “We WALK by faith….”

I guess in a way failures helps us see the road well taken is not always the road that needs to be taken.

Why didn’t God just put us on the right path in the first place? I guess some would say, “Who said he didn’t?”

Unplug

Have you ever wondered if we got rid of all the clutter in our life – how much clearer we would see life?

Life for many people has become a juggling act between clutter and the things that matter. Unfortunately the things that matter either get short handed or over looked.

Just think about how much we are informed about things going on in other countries but aren’t aware of the things going on right in our own neighborhood or even our homes.

I believe God puts us in physical places to make a difference in our own community, which in turn often enriches our life but because we are so plugged into other things in life we miss the opportunities God has provided for us.

Think about the things you are plugged into in this life. Facebook, twitter, texting, bebo- not to mention those magazines and gossips columns on Hollywood next to the grocery check out. Hollywood. Is Hollywood your life? Really? How many hours do you spend on Facebook, bebo, twitter, ipad device, video games and texting? Are you ignoring the people in your own home? What are you wrapping your thoughts in and around?

I understand we all needs some down time to VEG but when the down time becomes hours and instead of 60 minutes that is problem.

Sometimes I imagine the white canvas before Jackson Pollock splattered paint all over it. Our life is a white canvas for us to create but we allow the Jackson Pollocks of the media and tech world to take up our white space until there is no place for us to paint.

When this life is over are you going to say to yourself I wish I spent more time watching TV and on twitter? I wish I heard more negatives before that stranger I don’t even know says, “Have a good day or night”… really?

I think there is enough drama in our lives already that we don’t have to look for more to fill our life- Am I right?

Are your hands being helpful hands? Are your feet being helpful feet? Are your thoughts and words constructive and hopeful or do they tear down -both you and the people that surround you?

How would you live your life today if it was your last day on earth?

Defrag the mind. Unplug. Today is a new canvas God has put in front of you for you to paint on.

Psa 118:24 This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.

The War Ain’t Over Yet.

Like most Christians I sometimes I do and sometimes don't know why things "happen" like they do.

It is was pretty clear that these attacks which were constant and heavy were from the devil himself. And from speaking to just the circle of friends I am not the only one who has gotten a fair share of "beatings" in recent weeks.

They too have been tired, worn out and heavy laden lately by these bombardments of evil tactics. I seriously began to wonder if I needed to go away for a while.

Thanks God I am back on the saddle again after this very trying time. The whole meaning of "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" has been given a stronger and deeper meaning.

Here is a poem I wrote to reflect back on this time. I called, "The War Ain't Over Yet."

The War Ain’t Over Yet.

Battered and bruised and punched in the gut.

The war ain’t over yet.

At least he gave me a sense of humor to fill my cup.

I climbed back onto the saddle somehow.

A strong dose of humility fills my veins now.

Gave Christ the reins because they are certainly better then chains and one more ounce of disappointment.

Still finding the third time ain’t the charm - as things get done but under my expectation.

The angels seem to be winning now as I seem to be no longer feeling like a branded cow.

Is this the season or is there another reason?

A chuckle or two relieves the glue.

Thank God for friends like you.

Is it I or is life a mess?

I saw the strings in the tactics he flung and worn out- could do nothin.

Like a kicked dog , it more then stung.

I did more weeping and kneeling as I was in that pancake press.

I was reminded of all your beautiful things but all poured out - nothing more came from the personal spout.

I was told to not lose hope but honestly I was at the end of my rope.

Hanging on as I bled something snapped as I read, holding God accountable to what he said.

To the weary and the weak- will be given new strength.

I closed my eyes for the night and by morning had been given flight. Though the thorns and thistles were still visible I was not standing against a life so invincible.

Pardon me if I don’t seem to be myself yet - my heart seems more protected upon my creator’s shelf. Sometimes it best to have a healthy disconnect.

Battered and bruised and punched in the gut.

The war ain’t over yet.

For when Christ says the word, that worm will pay his debt.

Isaiah 40:29-31 "He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly on the wings of eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."

Confidence that Conquers

Ever feel defeated? Ever feel unqualified? Ever feel not good enough? Do you feel those things right now? What are we affirming in our lives with negative thought? I encourage you to watch this video. In Touch Ministries: "Confidence that Conquers"

The Standard to Live By

How is the leash training going? I am continuing to practice too!

I was thinking today about all the different standards in life… some appreciated and some no so much.

I appreciate building standards, material building standards, food standards, water quality standards, safety standards for automobiles, and most legal standards but the standards I can’t appreciate are the ones we try to live up to, compare ourselves to and we allow to dictate our lives.

Ever notice once a standard gets old or has been accomplished, people try to up the standards in their life but they are never satisfied?

And do standards really change a person for the better?

Standards that we allow to dictate our lives are (when examining them a little closer) are terms. They are ways in which we try to find acceptance with people who may or may not be fulfilled themselves.

Society’s standards seem to be pretty shallow most of the time. Ever been someplace where the standard is to use foul language, drink, smoke, or “out do” the previous person’s story? (I call those big fish stories)

Those standards are “approval” standards. They come from a selfish mindset to “Fit in”.

Compare your life with someone else and you become the loser and the one missing out.

Imagine not living to a standard. What would it be like? Imagine the freedom it would provide your life if you weren’t trying to live up to some standard. The pressure would be off and you have room to be enlightened instead of stuck in some box you were never made for.

Standards that dictate don’t just speak of your want of approval from others but speak of your prejudice against yourself or someone else. You dress like everyone else because you feel like you will be better received that way. You like what he/she is wearing but you don’t want to dress like he/she because they aren’t well received by the group you are in.

Are you allowing the world to define you?

We were designed to be uniquely different from one another. It’s too bad many of us don’t realize that.

The body of Christ has many parts. They don’t all have the same roles or gifts. Not everyone can be a liver, a white or red blood cell, a lung, a hand or one of the many different glands in the body of Christ.

It is only realizing these God given uniqueness’s -can the wheels of the church move smoothly and successfully as they follow the Spirit of God’s lead.

We know by God’s word we all fall short to God’s glorious standard.

Romans 3:23-25 says “For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard.
Yet now God in his gracious kindness declares us not guilty. He has done this through Christ Jesus, who has freed us by taking away our sins. For God sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to satisfy God's anger against us. We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed his blood, sacrificing his life for us...”

The only standard we should live by is the Spirit of God -who had made the simple message of the gospel finally “real” to us. We should live according to our faith that has set us free from the standards of this world.

Living by our faith we aren’t so easily led astray. The enemy of our soul is always looking for a way in… he’s always looking for some sort of foothold or welcome mat. It is not under him to use someone with clout, power, looks, or even sex appeal to try to bend us to some kind of standard.

Isaiah 59:19 So shall they fear The name of the LORD from the west, And His glory from the rising of the sun; When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him.

By living by Spirit of God, we are free of that chain or stumbling block of some meaningless standard.

And if we happen to blindly seek some human standard- we will find it meaningless and unfulfilling and we will have to make a choice to chase other standards (which will be like chasing the wind) or come back to the faith.

Ecclesiastes 2:11 But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless. It was like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere.

I have found that living by some sort of human standard- it actually cuts our effectiveness of a Christian to little or nothing. If you strive to live like everyone else how are you any different? Jesus never lived to some human standard and never seemed to mind to do the very opposite. He took those opportunities to show his followers how they should really live.

Hold firm to the faith. It’s the only thing worth having in this life. It freed you from the standards of this world that only put you in a box and frustrates you to no living end. (Yes it can be very frustrating when others want to push and subject you to their standards and fears and ideals but live in peace with others the best you can while still living in your freedom in Christ Jesus)

If others want to deny themselves of the things that really matter and live according to other people’s standards… have pitty on them but don’t join them.

I have to continue to remind myself if God sent his Son because we couldn’t fulfill his standards and said it is by our faith in Jesus Christ that we are “made right” then I must trust in Him to live by it. I rather be right with God then people -who are here today and gone tomorrow.

I must stay free from pointless thoughts and ideals that don’t even matter in the end and often can lead to sin. Even the things that are deemed “religious in nature” will have little or no affect in changing a person if they are just participating in the activity because everyone else is doing it.

Be free of the world’s standards by living by THE standard above all standards… The FAITH of Jesus Christ.

GOSPEL

Your Invisible Dog

One of my favorite songs I sung as a child was “Germs my Invisible Dog”. And as I thought of that song I started to imagine what it would be like to have a full grown undisciplined invisible dog on my hands.

This dog was strong dominant minded and a headache to take out in public. He would pull and yank on the leash as if I were just along for the ride. He would wrap his leash around sign poles, tip over trashcans, and jerk me through throne bushes. He would trip and knock people over trying to get to whatever had caught its attention. He would steal food from people’s plates. He would whine and beg to play at night when people would try to sleep. He would cause damage to the house when left home alone. (Think Marley from the movie "Marley and Me" and you might get a better jest of what I am talking about.)

Our thoughts can take us to some funny ideas but our thoughts can also be like that undisciplined invisible dog. Our thoughts can take us on a ride of emotions if we allow them. They can wrap our “leash” around poles of human understanding, knock over trashcans of presumption, and drag us through hurtful memories. They can cause us to focus on things we don’t need to focus on such as another person’s insensitive actions instead of all the other positive things throughout the day. They can keep us preoccupied from seeing what is happening in other people’s lives. They can even keep you awake at night with thoughts of anxiety and depression and “what ifs”. They can even cause you to become angry thinking you are isolated and all alone in a situation instead of reminding you that Jesus understands.

A free to roam thought life can cause a lot of havoc in a person’s life but thoughts kept on a short leash don’t so easily get the best of us. Better yet how about keeping those thoughts hooked to Jesus?

When your thoughts want to cause havoc try these suggestions.

1. Don’t let a destructive and/or fictional thoughts take roost. (Philippians 4:8)

2. Trust and focus on God not your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5)

3. Tell God what you need. (Philippians 4:6) (Matthew 11:28-30)

4. Remind yourself of what God has done in your life. (Philippians 4:6)

5. Plan but be flexible knowing God has charge of your day. (Proverbs 16:9)

6. Know God has wonderful plans for you. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Heaven Is Real (News Story)

20 minute radio interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnCuKD0-xyM

Being Constructive.

As I was working yesterday, the live oaks were losing their leaves like a ticker tape parade in the brisk wind. The leaves were then racked in the breeze to all these low areas and ditches where they made these golden mounds which if not taken care of will turn to temporary breeding grounds for blood sucking mosquitoes.

We have to be careful not to dig ditches for ourselves when the concerns of life blow from the trees in our life. We have to make sure they don’t become like cherished gold. We must be constructive in taking care of the leaf litter in life or else it can turn into fear and fear only breeds life sucking mosquitoes. Mosquito bites torment us to scratch -and if we scratch-they cannot just scare us but those around us.

Think about what we do when we fret. Some of us withdraw, some of us become irritable, some of us become sick, some of us become depressed, some of us become angry, some of us become annoyed, some of become disillusioned, unproductive, preoccupied and if we don’t watch what we say and do, we can accidentally scare others. We can’t take back what we have regretfully done. It’s out there and we can apologize but like a nail that is taken out of a piece of wood- it still leaves a mark.

We need to try to see with God’s help that the concerns and testings in life are to build us up in the Lord not tear us down. They are to help us realign and strengthen our focus on God

God is building us into a spiritual house and like building a house there are issues that arise because of the human understanding and mindsets. God has the building plans but because of a lack of focus on Him -the construction project can be held up and can cause more hassles and breed things like moldy doubt and rot of faith.

“We have nothing to fear but fear itself,” Martin Luther King

“The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Psalm 118:6

Fear is the absence of faith.

“So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him,” Hebrews 11:6

We have to ask ourselves when fears want to take roost do we sincerely seek God?

Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light." Matthew 11:28-30

We are pretty useless to do anything positive when we carry heavy burdens- real or ones that have not yet come to light.

To further this thought, God tells us everything not done in love is worthless and even a sin.

“Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong. And everything you do must be done with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13

“Do not fear anything except the LORD Almighty. He alone is the Holy One. If you fear him, you need fear nothing else.” Isaiah 8:13

I find the causes of fear are sometimes unfounded and most often temporary and if we had given them over to God they wouldn’t had caused us grief. The leaves just like issues will fall in our life but we have to decide if we are going to dig ditches for those issues, which will grow into fears or go to the high ground. The choice is ours to make.

May the Lord help and remind us of this fact before we become ditch diggers, in Jesus Name Amen.

A Note to Christians in Japan

Knowing there are readers who read this blog from Japan…. I have been quiet about recent tragedies there. (Besides who needs another voice.) I know you have had more quakes and power outages in recent days that I know it hasn’t been easy especially with the chilly weather. Then add loss, uncertainty and fears of radiation poisoning and what is one to say?

I know there are many Christians in Japan and YOU know what makes a people resilient... you know a people’s faith in God's love helps them endure all things. You know nothing is impossible with God. You remember all God had done in the past and is going to do in the future. You are able to look past all this mess because you see all the small things God is doing behind the scenes. You are reminded like all of us that life even though precious is very temporary and your true home is else where. You remember that even though these are tough times you wouldn’t go back to living your old ways because of all the things God has shown you. You praise God because He brought you to the faith and it has been a ladder to help you climb out of the dark happenings around you. You remember God has prepared you for such a time as this. What a better time to show the love and light of Christ to others then this time of great loss and searching. I hope you’re ministering to each other and being a comforting presence even though few words may be spoken and there is little to go around. I hope you remember God’s empowering grace and you remember Jesus’ loving warning that these things would happen. Mark 13/ Thessalonians 5:1-3

Knowing only little of what is to come anywhere on this earth, may God animate you -for that is the only way it is going to turn out right. May God bring life to your tired daily bones. May he anoint your eyes and put white linens on your nakedness as you walk amongst those who don’t hold your same hope. May he let the inner spring that is constantly being tried and deluged be a magnificent geyser of a volcano of genuine praise. May you feel free to cry out to him knowing he is your strength and refuge. And as one of God’s trees, let Him constantly root you deep in His love. Let His whisper amplify in your spiritual ears, as the wind is made known in the branches of the trees. Let your villa lights never go dim on the nighttime hills and the vines of your lowly and humble vineyard always produce the sweetest fruit. In Jesus Name Amen.

Isaiah 40:31 “But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”

Hillsong United- AfterMath Album Review

Hillsong United has created a varied and textured album in their recent joint effort called "Aftermath". This album is more of a "personal" experience album then an album that reaches an entire Christian audience but in saying that -this album offers a buffet of songs to choose from to download to their favorite listening devices. This patchwork of music styles and messages comes off sounding a little disjointed but just as a body of Christ has different personalities that reflect their musical style so are the seasonal needs of a church incorporated into the music. If you are a Hillsong fan you will definitely find some songs that you will like right away and some that will grow on you after a couple of listens.

If you like the Texas band "Leeland" you will appreciate the Hillsong United songs "Nova" and "Bones" and "Search my Heart" (not the radio version). If you are looking for more of Hillsong's Celtic hymn sounding songs your ear will be attracted to "Like an Avalanche" and "Take Heart." If you liked Hillsong's Faith Hope Love Album you will like "Go" and "Light will Shine." Then you have a song like "Father" which I scratch my head at. It should be a uplifting song but it never seems get lose from it sticky rainy day mood melody.

You can't appreciate them all I guess. Anyway.... Hope this helps... :)

Shining Wisdom

Ever read the first couple of chapters of proverbs and what it says about wisdom? Wisdom is wonderful but it only wonderful with the right heart and mindset.

Satan has Godly wisdom but it is useless because it is not carried out in love. He twists God's wisdom just as he does the principles of God's love. He takes God's wisdom and uses to maim, wickedly condemn, encourage flames of pride, to be "politically correct" and cause division amongst followers in Christ and those in this world. Satan hates to see peace in God's chosen creation and he rather use God's wisdom to steal, kill and destroy.

Wisdom is not presumption or hunch or supposing or take a jab in the dark. It's not unfairly using someone's past against them. Those only do more harm then good.

Godly wisdom is trusting in the Lord with all your heart and not depending on your own understanding. It is seeking his will in all you do and having him direct your path. (Proverbs 3:5-6) God's wisdom provides an opening or portal of light and many sometimes that opening is not just for the person who receives that wisdom but also for the person who gives that word of wisdom. He/she who uses God's wisdom in love sees the precious positive affects it can cultivate. I find many times in teachings I am not just teachings those around me but God is teaching me as well.

Remember Job and his buddies? They presumed the reason for Job's gigantic misfortune was because of some kind of sin Job had not confessed.

Remember Peter asking Jesus if the man was blind because the man's parent's sin or the man's sin? And Jesus replies "He was born blind so the power of God could be seen in him." (John 9) We were born spiritually blind so the power of God could be seen in us after God has touched us.

Remember the Jew's who knew God's word but were blind to their own Savior standing before them? (John 8) Remember where your true insight comes from.

Remember you can speak God's word in not the right mindset and cause more hurt and damage then healing and insight? God's word is a sword. It is sharp. (Hebrews 4:12) You respect a knife when you are using it do you not? Do you love the word of God to use it correctly? Are you listening to the direction of Holy Spirit as he guides you through the spiritual operation of life or are you doing it to prove your own point? Sometimes we don't even need to be proving a point but we ignore God's wisdom because we are focused and wrapped up in other things in life and we see with human eyes instead of Spirit-filled eyes. That is when we stumble. (Proverbs 4:12)

God said everything is useless if not done in love. True useful wisdom goes hand in hand with love. If your are spewing God's words of wisdom because of irritability and religion then you have lost the entire point. What are you trying to prove? God can't prove himself? Guard your heart for it affects everything you do. (Proverbs 4:23) Remember love is patient, kind, not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It doesn't demand it's own way. It is not keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices when the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful and endures through every circumstance. (1 Cor 13:4-7) We can go to church and gain all this great knowledge about God but if we don't embrace it and share it in a loving manner then it is wasted.

I suppose that comes partially with maturity as well..... Oh Lord have mercy. I don't mean you become suddenly boring but you are earnest and humbly passionate about God's powerful ways of grace. True wisdom brings down walls doesn't help put more up.

God's wisdom in God's love is true, honorable, right, pure, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8) God's wisdom gives an individual integrity. It isn't about pleasing the norms of society.

Godly wisdom seat belted into Godly knowledge brings joy. (Proverbs 2:10-11)

True wisdom shines the light of Christ.
"The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day." (Proverbs 4:18)

Elusively Suppressed

EVER had a problem you just couldn’t put your finger on? A bombardment of issues sits in front and all around you but the one that makes them all irritating is an elusive one. It’s vague, obscure, and indescribable yet it entangles you. It causes you to stumble. Normally those other stacks of irritations wouldn’t bother you but lately they have been particularly difficult, vexing and maddening and you have been helpless, powerless and unrestrained to act effectively. You notice the effects particularly in your impatience and out bursts of anger. You feel filthy, incompetent and useless and guilty because a Christian shouldn’t have those types of thoughts or feel or act the way you have been living sporadically. If you didn't know any better you would think you have gone back to living your old ways but your faith in Jesus Christ causes you to hang on, to continue to take that step forward instead of backward.

Seeing the issue as elusive, you don’t put much effort into looking for it because if you did somehow find it you would wonder if you even recognized as the elusive issue. This period of time feels like no valley you have been in before. Your Godly advice to others goes void or silent and you withdraw from anything that might present some kind of conflict or challenge. The bible is hard to even pick up and read but you run your hands over the pages anyway to see what you might find. In appearance it looks like depression but you don’t feel depressed just hardened. The cup of life seems only to have a few drops of water and it clear by the hard water stain where the water used to be. Thirsty? Not you... you feel as though you might as well just lay on your back and look at the sun and circling vultures.

You think about the fruits of the Spirit and the aspects of Godly love and wonder what’s nibbling on your root system in this strange place. It doesn't matter if the things are old or new in your life- just the dust is bothersome enough. You wonder how Holy Spirit can live in you and allow these darkened tinges.

Burdened but burdened by what? Wrestling but wrestling with what? How can you wrestle something you can't even see? It could be anything…. small or big. Some of the smallest things set you off and other things just knock against your soul as if you were standing in a hallow metal chimney-stack.

Sooner or later you will be confronted by those close to you. They will ask things like “Are you okay? or "You don't seem like yourself?" You will have to make a choice of becoming prideful and saying nothing or humbling yourself and admitting something IS bothering you.

I suggest you confide your frustrations, haunts and horrors of war with those Christians you trust. Those whom have noticed this obvious change. Know they are only a sounding board- not the solution. Ask for prayer and realize in order to receive peace and reprieve you have to accept them from God. Realize that having "dismay" in your life is a choice. Continue to submit and call on God’s wonderful mercy and powerful grace. Realize there are tunnels in life that are just dark by nature and God is the best one to carry us through them.

“Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you. Peace to all who place themselves in his hands.” Philippians 4:6-9

Issues will come and go but realize everything good happens in his timing but we just have to allow God to do his job.

God Bless

The Author the Hero

In all once upon a times and love and treasured pages… to old leather bond books to hard canvas covers and flimsy paperbacks a hero emerges for those in need of assistance.

The hero is part of what we can see on the page and part of the one who types out the page. For the one who creates often can’t help but put him or her self into the beloved story they have written.

And God who passed these creative talents to his choice creation is no different. He knew what would cause a character to fall and one to rise to a place of honor. He knew they all had to love even if that love was manipulated and transformed into something hideous by their own minds.

They would either love darkness or love light but what would cause them to choose? What factors would cause them to love darkness or light? What would cause them to turn from darkness to light? How would they manage to stand even if they were seemingly alone?

God would have to call to them and be a part of their lives- of course some would hear his calling and some would not. For God made his chosen creation to have a mind of choice. They were to be masters on earth but would have a choice on who mastered them while they lived on earth. Would it be Satan or God? Of course those who decided to ignore God and continued to walk in stubborn disobedience would not make it to the lasting pages of eternity in heaven.

God knew many would look at his creations, see and read about his historic examples of ruin and success and the lay the bible in front many people’s fingertips. He knew people would betray the itched words inside each example by believing the ignorant wisdom of man and the forked tongue lies of demons. He knew they would pick and choose his qualities like they were some food buffet. He knew they would even foolishly denying his existence in hopes they would not have to answer for the things they had done in this life and allowed to live in their hearts.

His chosen creation have flaws… even the ones who trust in Him- so how would God, a righteous God who weights murder and lies as equals make it so those who stand in the dusty faults of humanity be consider worthy of the only entrance into heaven? Would it be by deed? No. Then how?

Here is where the true hero emerges … God himself would become human. He would put himself deeper within the story. He would be called Jesus, the Son of God. He would endure all the testing and temptations of life and darkness and come out victorious over every one and then he, innocent of any wrongdoing, would lay his life down for all of humanity. He would become a human sacrifice – the atonement/ amends for the sins of humanity.

God himself would reconcile his chosen creation on a wooden cross, for there was no other blood purer then his own blood to cleanse humanity for all their wrong doings. On the third day He would take up his crucified flesh again and rise from the tomb and those who believed in faith of this act would be saved from eternity in hell.

In faith of Jesus Christ and according to God’s will, a person then receives the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit teaches the followers of Jesus the ways of God as they continue to submit their life to Him. Through God’s Spirit ones eyes are opened their heart is softened. They are born again spiritually, they do not practice the ways of sin and they are assured a place in heaven as they continue to live in the faith of Jesus Christ knowing he is God the author and hero who saves them.

The Right Door

Exhausted every avenue in prayer and action then you will see when the right door opens.

Attending Church- Your Important Role

A person, who I love dearly, had conversation with me this week about going to church. She didn’t think it was all that big a deal about not attending church. She figured that as long as she believes Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, she is fine. The problem with that kind of thinking is it based on our own perception of life and as long as we are in our own way of thinking we are never going to be enlightened and see how God can use us as a member of his body.

Ever see a foot or hand all by itself? Some of you may have on a battlefield or a real bad car accident. A hand and foot cannot function without the rest of the body. To be a part of Christ’s body you have to be a participant in Christ’s body. Just as blood flows all throughout the body; a person must be ministered to and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, which flows through the gathering of believers.

I used to spend hours in front of my parents fireplace on cold wet Puget Sound days. In front of the fire I would do homework, eat, and watch television. The logs would become this bright hot orange lava color and occasionally an amber would pop out of the fire and land on the black slate hearth. Where it’s glowing beauty would fade and become as cold and dark as the hearth itself.

If an individual chooses not to gather with their church, they can become like a amber that has popped out of a hot fireplace.

Our own perception of life can make us blind to our Christian calling within the church. Consider the words of Jesus to the Laodicea Church. “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, I will spit you out of my mouth! ‘You say, I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and power and blind and naked. I advice you to buy gold from me- gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. And also buy white garments so you will not be ashamed by your nakedness. And buy ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I am the one who corrects and disciplines everyone I love. Be diligent and turn from your indifference. Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in and we will share a meal as friends. I will invite everyone who is victorious to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne. Anyone who is willing to hear should listen to the Spirit and understand what the Spirit is saying to the churches.” Revelation 3:15-22

Roles are very important in the body of Christ. We may think the church only consists of a Pastor, Sunday school teachers, and a congregation but if you believe that then your robbing yourself of the role God has for you.

The body of Christ is a city on a hill (Matt. 5:14) and just like a city it needs people for God appointed roles to fill so it can be growing and healthy.

Romans 13:4-8 says: “Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with the Christ’s body. We are all parts of one body, and each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others. God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out when you have the faith that God is speaking through you. If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have the a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.”

1 Corinthians 12:28-13 says: “Here is a list of some of the members that God has placed in the body of Christ. First are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who can get other to work together, those who speak in unknown languages. Is everyone an apostle? Of course not. Is everyone a prophet? No. Are all teachers? Does everyone have the power to do miracles? Does everyone have the gift of healing? Of course not. Does God give all of us the ability to speak in unknown languages? No! And in any event, you should desire the most helpful gifts.”

Ephesians: 4:9-13 says: “He is the one who gave these gifts to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ, until we come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature and full grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ.

Abram called out 318 trained men in his household and went in pursuit of those who took his nephew Lot and their possessions - they recovered everything the Kedorlaomer army took from them.

Abraham took trained men, men who knew their individual roles and took them seriously. It takes people filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit to stand against, battle and get back what the enemy has taken from the church family – not just physical but spiritual needs. It takes people disciplined in the faith to stand against what is evil and provide assistance when needed.

Jesus said in Matthew 18:18 “I tell you this: Whatever you prohibit on earth is prohibited in heaven, and whatever you allow on earth is allowed in heaven.”

If man does nothing to stop evil, heaven can do nothing about it. If man stands against what is evil then heaven will bound it but if no man does his role that God intended than the church that supports a community will fall apart. What is your role in your church?

Accountability

I was thinking about the founding fathers of the United States. Why did they set up under the constitution the three branches government (legislative, executive, and judicial branches)? They do so because they saw first hand the tyrannies and power a monarch had over its people. They wanted to ensure no single branch would have supreme reign. They wanted a system of accountability or checks and balances. The next thought was how did they come up with such an idea and after considering many of the founding fathers of the United States held degrees in seminary and Christian theology and published the first bible and required it’s teachings in public school I came down to this conclusion- our accountability to God and our fellow man.

Keeping others accountability has been a problem in the United States. Just make a list for yourselves and you will see the following: government officials, law makers, stock brokers, car and truck manufacturers-dealerships -and mechanics, doctors, lawyers, insurance companies, utility companies, contractors, those in public office all the way down to parents not making their children accountable for their own actions and children blaming their dog or sibling for eating their homework.

We see more finger pointing, shrugged shoulders of “I could care less”, denial, lies, debt, bailouts and people just accepting things as just the way things are then people holding others accountable. I think part of reason of finding it hard to make people accountable is the process of finding ways in which to make people accountable.

I should draw a cartoon of a bank robber holding up the U.S. treasury and a government official telling the bank robber to hold on- they have to warm up printer. It is an embarrassment to a have government that is so ignorant of its own nation’s history and what it “is” founded upon. It’s an embarrassment to have government consider abortion as health care and a way to not hinder one’s successes. Since when were children not considered a blessing of many successes in life? It’s a shame I can’t take a politicians’, lawyers’, or mechanics’ word as truth without checking their information with other sources. It’s a shame I rather buy a Toyota or a Mazda over any new American car/truck such as Ford, Chevy, Jeep, Dodge/ Chrysler product. (I could go on but why… you already know this.)

God makes us accountable for our actions. He has made immoveable laws of nature that no one can move such as: you reap what you sow Gal 6:7, the consequences of sin are disease and death Gal 6:8 , our words and actions are a very powerful Pro 18:4 .

Every person, no matter if they to believe or not, will have to answer to God. They will be held accountable for their actions.

I will be responsible for what kind of fruit I bear and produced while I was on earth. The fruit I produced will be dependent on who I trusted when I spoke or acted. Did I trust God or myself Gal 5:22.

An ignorant soul would tell you there is no God and there is no accountability. An ignorant soul will tell you there is a God but he has a hands off approach to his creation. An ignorant soul does not see the importance of Jesus Christ- why he came from heaven to take our punishment for our sins and raised to life on the third day so all who believe in him and trust in him have eternal life. (That was I once.)

A Christian soul, however, knows he/she will be held accountable for their poor actions just as those who don’t believe but the difference will be this:

Romans 3:22-31 We are made right in God's sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done. For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard. Yet now God in his gracious kindness declares us not guilty. He has done this through Christ Jesus, who has freed us by taking away our sins. For God sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to satisfy God's anger against us. We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed his blood, sacrificing his life for us. God was being entirely fair and just when he did not punish those who sinned in former times. And he is entirely fair and just in this present time when he declares sinners to be right in his sight because they believe in Jesus. Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on our good deeds. It is based on our faith. So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law. After all, God is not the God of the Jews only, is he? Isn't he also the God of the Gentiles? Of course he is. There is only one God, and there is only one way of being accepted by him. He makes people right with himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles. Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law.

A believer in Christ Jesus is accountable in their actions. You know it is cold- you dress in warm clothes. You know Jesus Christ is Lord – you live accordingly to how the Lord would want you to live. We don’t make a practice of sinning but when we do make a mistake we must try to make it right with the person we have hurt or offended and ask God for his forgiveness as well.

God disciplines all he loves so we will turn from our sinful ways and not spend eternity in hell. When no one holds you accountable then there is no maturity and heavenly virtues being instilled in you. When you are not held accountable you act and do as a spoiled uncorrected child does disrupting and affecting others around you. No accountability encourages a problem and does nothing to stop it. Uncorrected problems spread like a flame to straw.

A nation, a church, an individual can burn all way to it’s foundation and if that foundation is God, it can be rebuilt again but if a nation, a church or individual builds on something other then God- that nation is forever cursed and doomed for failure. Think of the nations of history that have come and gone- Be grateful God holds you accountable for a God who keeps you accountable is a real God.

A god that doesn’t keep you accountable is a false god and those who take a liking to them - do so they can continue to live in sin.

Those who want to deny accountability to God and to their peers will only try to cover it up or disguise it as something it is not. They will disguise it and say it is some form of love, freedom, pursuit of happiness, justice, democracy, normalcy, etc so you don’t smell their dark motives. Think how some Americans first perceived the Nazi’s when they were coming to power. Think how a person disguises and covers their sin? Why do they try to cover it up?

Why does the devil disguise himself as an angel of light probably because if you saw his real appearance you would shutter.

Is a half-truth the truth? You buy a cup of coffee only get a half of cup- are you going to settle for that? You ask for a 12-inch sub and only receive a 6-inch sub, are you going to settle for that?

A person who isn’t accountable is a slave to sin.

It is sad you have watch your back, you have to do the research to know what others is saying is actually true, you actually have to say, “That is not right” when it is obvious it is not right.

The world is becoming a very dark place but thank God I don’t have to live in fear because I know who my God is and I am accountable to Him.