The Soul & God’s Will

In Genesis 2:7 says “And the LORD God formed a man’s body from the dust of the ground and breathed into it the breath of life. And the man became a living person.”

Adam did not become a “man” until God breathed life into his body. He did not become a man until God breathed his soul into him.

The transliteration of the word “soul” is psyche.

Each soul God makes is unique. The word soul in the Hebrew is translated in Strong’s concordance as breath, the breath of life, the vital force, which animates the body and shows itself in breathing of animals and in men. Soul is life, that in which there is life, a living being, and living soul. The soul is the seat of feelings, desires, affections, and aversions (our heart, soul etc). The human soul is so far as it is constituted that by the right use of the aids offered it by God it can attain its highest end and secure eternal blessedness. The soul is regarded as the moral being designed for everlasting life. The soul is an essence, which differs from the body and is not dissolved by death. It is distinguished from other parts of the body.)

The soul, given use of the "right" use of “aids” offered by God can help him or her attain the highest results and secure eternal blessedness.

1. An aid would include the Holy Spirit, where a person is “born again.” You can only be born again if you are a believer and follower of Jesus Christ. You truly believe he is the the SON of God and "is" eternal life itself. He laid down his life and had the power to pick it up again. Not some lie silly that spirit of this world has made up. Those in Jesus Christ are no longer influenced as those with the spirit of this world but are filled by the Holy Spirit - who secures their entry into heaven (The Kingdom of God). Jesus Christ gives his Holy Spirit to aid his workers “see” and do what needs to be done. He (the Holy Spirit) shows us what is wrong and right in our lives. He helps us overcome what is wrong in our lives. He does not just leave what is wrong in our lives but helps us overcome the things that are wrong in our lives. John 3:5

2. An aid would include Holy Spirit gifts. 1 Corinthians 12

3. An aid would include the desires, affections, talents, abilities, skills, feelings and even dislikes that are uniquely you.

Please note that the bible is the instruction manual to life and we have a difficult understanding the bible without God's Holy Spirit. Believe me, I tried when I was not a Christian and the words might as well been ink splatters on a white page and what I could read I could not retain.

God has given the soul these things not so we will waste them but to use them to give us a purpose and to further the kingdom of God. it is hard to imagine but God has prepared our souls for success in this life but we have to use the right aids and use them appropriately.

"Our goal in loving other people is that they will see in us the love of Christ. Not all of us do this in the same way. God has equipped each of us individually with gifts and abilities, interests and inclinations, that He will use to make our service to Him exactly what the people around us need." 1 Peter 4:7-11

What do people need? They need God. I need God everyday. I can not do what I do for the service of Christ without God's help. My life would be in tatters if I tried to live this life in my own ways, own understandings and my own strength.

Each of us, each soul, has a choice to serve God or serve the spirit of this world, which is Satan. (I have already given you my account of Satan. He is very real. So I will not go over that experience again.)

Satan can make you what the world calls "successful" in this life. You can tackle the things in this life by the spirit of this world - where you will succeed in the things of this world but the things of this world will continue make you a slave to them -for they are only as good as “mirages” once you possess them and if you possess them for "selfish" reasons. The things of this world will keep you searching and looking for something more to try to satisfy your unquenchable thirst brought on by your own human understandings and lack of respect for God.

You might be what the world considers rich but inside your soul penniless.

Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

The Spirit of God is the only one to satisfy your thirst. He offers true life and eternal life in heaven unlike the spirit of this world, which blinds and tricks you. People who live according to this world have freely allowed these chains to be put on them and if they continue, those chains will drag their soul to hell. God has given us Jesus Christ but if our choice is to serve the spirit of this world and not Jesus, God will turn away from us and let the chains of bondage take us to hell because we did not heed his warnings. Jesus Christ is the key to free you from the chains of hell. He gives the Holy Spirit who gives true life and eternal life in heaven.

Matthew 10:28 Jesus says "Don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Proverbs 9:10 “Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.”

Proverbs 14:27 “Fear of the LORD is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death.”

This may sound harsh to some of you but everything is black and white to the LORD.

Matthew 16:23-27 Jesus turned to Peter and said, "Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God's. Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds.

Why gain the world’s respect? Why do as the world does? Why understand as the world understands? What do you really gain? Why be as the world wants you to be? Why serve the world that will only take your soul and plunge it into the dark pit of hell?

Who are you soul? Who are you serving soul? Have you lost who you are by living the world’s way or are you living by God's Spirit? There are plenty of people who could be used by God but they sit there because they don't trust God, follow the Holy Spirit's leading, and have turned who they are off because the world and themselves didn't appreciate the soul God made.

Just as it was for me… there is still hope if you are still breathing. There is only one who can reach into the deep hole you found yourself in. There is only one who can lead you to and show you your true destiny and that person is Jesus Christ.

Jesus said, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39

How can love yourself if you are living and serving the world and not respecting the soul God breathed into you? How can love your neighbor “ (1 Corinthians 13) the right way if you don’t love yourself the right way. How can you love God if you don’t love yourself the way you are suppose to love yourself? Your hours and days of this life are a waste if you don’t love as God has said. (1 Corinthians 13.)

Who are you soul?

God made each of us special. He has plans for us but its kind of hard to go ahead with God’s plans if we don’t know what we are starting with or have been living a waste of a life.

Ever heard the proverb, “When you dig a well, you may fall in. When you demolish an old wall, you could be bitten by a snake. When you work in a quarry, stones might fall and crush you! When you chop wood, there is danger with each stroke of your ax! Such are the risks of life.”? Proverbs 10:8-9

Such are the risks… when you are on the quest of being the person God created you to be.

Are you being suppressed, oppressed, taunted, abused, tempted, belittled, knocked down, told you're not good enough, pressured to be someone you are not? If so ask yourself: "What is the danger of being me?" Who am I a danger to? Was Jesus Christ being Jesus Christ a problem to others? Facts are there is no need for the devil or anyone else to come after you if you living a life of sin and/or are not living your true identity. The devil wants to keep captive whom he has. He doesn’t like turncoats. You are a danger to him if you want to be the soul God created you to be. Are you willing to live a lie to appease others? You want to serve Satan instead of God?

Who are you?

It’s our choice to embrace those God gifted talents, interests and qualities or not - and even a choice to use them for Him or for our sinful and selfish ways. Our sinful ways will always leave us empty. Living the ways of this world, wanting to appease others and living by others expectations instead of living as the SOUL God intended you to be -cannot just leave you empty but be very dangerous.

Sometimes we try to hang on to life by putting who we are to the side and we do that to try to gain the love and respect of others but in the end we are lost and destroyed. We must not be ashamed of Jesus or the person God made for Jesus.

Colossians 1:15-16 says “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him.”

What lays hidden within you? What did God create in you to serve Jesus?

Sin leads to sin. What is the root of sin?

Do you love yourself? Not talking of a prideful love, which has been seeded and influenced by the spirit of this world.

NOTE-And so people don’t twist my words this has NOTHING to do with a person's right to be homosexual, gay or a lesbian or living immoral lifestyle. The bible is clear - those things are wrong. Children: You being you doesn't mean you have a right to be rude and disrespectful to your parents. Remember everything not done in love of Christ is useless.

Have you allowed the spirit of evil to "seed" things into your life and you are now being awakened to that fact? You have now been able to reached out of the heap of this world and feel freedom with your fingers?

Jesus says in Mark 7:20-23: "It is what comes from inside that defiles you. For from within, out of a person's heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you."

Has there been anything planted in your soul that is being grown and spreading like weed or a curse? Have spoken things into your life and others people's life that is destructive to your soul and their soul. "I can't, I will never, you will never, you are..."

Do you have no room for God who made your soul?

Jesus says in John 8:44-47” For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. So when I tell the truth, you just naturally don't believe me! Which of you can truthfully accuse me of sin? And since I am telling you the truth, why don't you believe me? Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don't listen because you don't belong to God."

Are we truly accepting what Jesus has said or are we believing the world? Who is influencing our decisions?

“Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don't believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don't understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:4

Have we been blinded some way?

Do you love who you are -if you don’t know who you are? Can you love anyone else effectively if you don’t effectively embrace the SOUL God made you to be? Can you love God with all your heart, all your soul and your entire mind if you don’t know whom you are?

Is there any rest or any assurance if you don’t appreciate the SOUL God has made and trust in God who knows why that soul was made- the way it was made? Can you move ahead in the pursuits God has for you?

There is a fine line between living a lie and a sacrifice. Christ never forgot who he was when he was down here on earth. Your guide should be Jesus Christ who can and has set you free from the rules of this world. He has set you free from the spells and curses of individuals. God has put the possible and possibilities in you- in accordance to his will.

With God’s will + your true self, (your soul) in Christ = they are like an eagle and it’s wings.

How can you do what God has asked of you and made you for if you aren’t you? How can you really love God enough to do what he has asked of you if you aren’t living the true you?

You not living who you are is like a person with a medical condition- who doesn’t do anything because of the medical condition. It is like an over weight individual who doesn’t do anything because they are over weight.

Jesus said “I am the true vine, my Father is the Gardener. He cuts off every branch that doesn’t produce fruit and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.” John 15:1-2

The Gardener has planted Jesus Christ in the true Christian heart. He has also planted our soul with his breath so we might serve Jesus with all our heart mind and soul. We might serve him with our entire true self.

God wants to trim and weed out all the stuff that isn’t of you- the stuff that burdens you and doesn’t produce good fruit- the stuff that keeps your mind occupied on matters that oppress and hinder you- the stuff that makes you a victim instead of a victor.

Jesus didn’t lay down his life as a victim but as a victor- to lay down your life without love is pointless.

Your true self- your soul that God made is not useless and to be wasted but again it’s our choice.

Just as ruin starts in the heart so does successful Godly control start in the heart. It’s a choice. God’s ordain destiny cannot take place if you don’t appreciate the SOUL God created. Come to Jesus. Find out why God created you and see how he can use the things he put into you to give you a purpose while furthering the kingdom of God.

Before you started putting away who you were as a child, or a young adult or adult full of circumstances… Before you were trying to live something you were not. Before you became this shell of a person lost and unfulfilled and trying to be something you were never meant to become… who were you?

If you are dating someone and you have to hide who you really are… Ask yourself this question. “When things start to get serious and things lead to marriage -is the person your marrying – marrying you or marrying someone you are pretending to be?

In Narnia “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” there is a girl named Lucy who wants to look and be her older sister Susan so she speaks a spell over her life and not realizing her value and God’s ordained destiny she found she “could” not just actually speak herself out of existence but out of the role God has for her to walk out.

Satan wants to steal God’s work in you. He wants you to forget and make you choose not to be the soul God made you to be.

Don’t doubt your value and run from whom you are.

Walk in the things that God put in your soul. Fear and respect God and follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance which Jesus alone gives to his followers, build on those things as you continue in your relationship with Jesus and you will be a mighty heaven bound vessel of God

Talk

My observations about speaking this week:
"Talk without action is like heavy clouds but no rain." - J.D. JOHNS

(“The wise don't make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their foolishness.” Proverbs 12:23)

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