A Satisfying Life in Strange Days

The Voice We Hear

You hear that voice?  That voice that either ushers us on in encouragement or ushers us on in negativity.  Sometimes there is even the voice that ushers us on in prideful thoughts and puffs us up.    The voices... the ones that are sometimes echoed in people we know and sometimes heard as if they were are very own thoughts.   Do you remember hearing the voice?  "YOU CAN DO IT!"  or "What is there to lose?" or  "You can't do that!  Are you crazy? People are going to think you' re insane and wierd?" or "This is a waste of time, why are you even trying?"  There maybe even a voice telling you right now -either encouraging you to read on or discouraging you to read any further.  

When your mind isn't in the "game" it effects you physically.  I thought about the Olympians I have seen on television lately and you could almost read on their faces -of what kind of voices they were listening to by their actions.   It was like some of the voices were saying  "YES! ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!"  or  "Yep that was bad but it isn't over YET!"  Then there were others voices saying, "Just be glad you made it to the Olympics because there is no way you can beat them" or "They are considered the best by everyone.  You don't stand a chance" or  "Remember yesterday and how bad you messed up?" "What a disppointment you are."  The voices either chipped away at their mind or made their mind a stronghold for confidence which carried over physically.

Starting Gate
The morning is when I need to pay attention to what voice I am listening to. Start off on the wrong foot is never good but thank God there is always enough grace to begin again.

The devil, the thief, wants to rob you of your positive vibes before your day has even started.  Dreams, conditions, what the day may look like and so.   Sometimes Satan even builds you up with pride, ignorant, presumptious justification thoughts and then enjoys watching you fall and look like a fool.   I personally pray in the morning for Jesus to help me.  I almost always seek the Lord and His word until I get the nourishment I need for the "right" perspective.

I can not help it, my soul cries out and craves spiritual nourishment.   My soul cries out, as it swims up out of the drowning burdens that mount against my soul every morning.  I know if I did not seek God in the morning I would become indifferent, lose my conviction of my faith and hope in Jesus Christ and I would just walk through this day in a numb manner.   God has transformed me I don't run off what everyone in the world runs off of, I have to remember to fuel up with God in the morning and top off throughout the day.   I would lose that conviction, devotion and love for the Lord and it would be my fault for severing that connection because I did not choose to seek His face above all other thoughts, feelings, and voices.

"Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into the fullness of your salvation.  Cry out for this nourishment." (1 Peter 2:2)

Jesus says , "Yes , I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." John 10:9-10

Staying Free Throughout the Day

"Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up." Proverbs 12:25

What scripture stuck out as you were reading this morning?  What scriptures come to mind that help you throughout the day? A free and unburdened mindset is important because it allows us to work in the Spirit. A burden spirit just struggles to get through the day.

Pray about everything. Read Philippians 4:6 

Think about certain verses that remind you that you are not alone.   Jesus and the Father are with you.  Here is a good one, "for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father's hand. The Father and I are one." John 10: 29-30.

God can give us a fresh perspective on his word (bible verses) if we seek him and not our thinking that says, "Yeah I have heard that before."  Then you can reflect on that verse throughout the day.

Trusting in God
If we trust God and trust in what He says we can't help but glorify HIM and see in a brighter way.

There have been times when I have just asked God to see life in a brighter way and the shades of gray have melted and faded away with little positive reminders from him.

When we trust in what we "just" see- experiences can be rough and we even can fall into the trap of negativity and start to mimic the ways of the world.

A Christian will also find themselves in a box rather quickly if they find their faith just as a religion. Religion is just memorized words on a page which aren't very helpful when the struggles come in life. There is no real conviction, devotion or genuine faith in religion.  We need not to just have the words of God in our mind but in our heart where they can help us grow in the maturity of Christian faith which is dependent on the relationship and trust in God.  That way is freeing and is always growing which the opposite and counter cultural all these little cubicals of life that people and this life tries to stuff and conform us into.

Love is our religion. - Not trying to go all Bob Marley on you but it is true.  We focus on God who is love.

"Anyone who loves is born of God and know God. But anyone who does not love does not know God- for God is love." 1 John 4:8

How deep are we willing to go know God? The deeper we understand God's love for us the more it will affect our life and how we present ourselves to others.  We will be able to love in God's love not our little understanding of what love is.

The God Aspect of Life/ Expression through Faith

"What are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?" Psalm 8:4

Jesus says "If you cling to your life, you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will save it." Luke 17:33

You grip onto life with a fist and the delicious juices and nectar of life will be squeezed out.

I am not talking about the material aspect of life or circumstantial aspect of life but living in the Godly spiritual aspect of life.  That is my desire -to live in the Godly spiritual aspect of life.   I can have a wonderful house, a car, a comfortable bed, good food and even a great paying job with benefits and feel those things are still unsatisfactory and because I find life unsatisfactory I begin to wander getting lost in the things of this world- because I am looking at the wrong aspect of life.

Think of life as an essence. It is temporary. It is a passing wind. The only way to experience true life it is fly with it like an eagle gliding over the air currents.

We see life-  but we aren't connected directly to the affairs of life but chose and seek God himself who stands above everything in our life.  We know nothing satisfies but God's love and approval.

Dear friends, I warn you as "temporary residents and foreigners" to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls..."1 Peter 2:11

"Once you were like sheep who wandered away.  But now you have turned to your Shepherd the Guardian of your souls."    1 Peter 2:25

So let us continually keep and turn to our Shepherd.  Let us quiet ourselves down and listen and seek God before we become like a loose leaf on a tree branch and blow away with the next passing breeze.

We as humans hold onto life too tightly where we forget we have no promises for tomorrow.  We hold onto life and we miss the real meaning of life.  You have heard this before but what would happen if you lived life on the principle that you didn't have tomorrow? How would your relationship be with God? How would you treat people and handle everyday situations. Would you smile more? Would we offer more grace instead of resentment? Would we love others more? Would we fear less? Read 1 John 4:7-21

In other words, we have to let go of our firm hand grip on life and let God show us how to see and live life.

To really live is the knowing God holds your life in his hand. The reality of that thought is like standing in the fresh mountain air on a summer's day.  It's the warm sun in your face in the cool refreshing mountain air.

"For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD. They are plans for good not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me. I will be found by you," says the LORD." Jeremiah 29:11

Who would of thought the secret to life was letting go of life and trusting God with your life?

"Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?" Matthew 6:27

"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." Matthew 6:33

Who is the Kingdom of God?

"Realizing how much the man understood, Jesus said to him, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God." And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions."  Mark 12:34

Hope? Assurance?
You ask any Christian who is their hope?  Who is their assurance?  And they will say Jesus Christ.

But we all need to work on this including me.  We may say Jesus is our hope and assurance but do we really show that through our actions?

I know life is a struggle and there are times where we find ourselves in the trenches and in deep prayer - where we find if our faith is weak or strong, genuine or not.   Where we see if we are partners with Jesus or not.  Where our faith is being strengthened and purified.  Life is full of twist and turns but remember they don't have to be that way in your heart.  Make sure that pathway in your heart for God isn't cluttered or blocked.

I remember Jesus always in prayer.   A strong man of faith sincerely seeks God, prays to God and believes in God.

And People.

Can people be an obstacle in your life?  They can sometimes for me especially if I have allowed them into places in my heart where God should only be.

"Do not envy others- it only leads to harm." Psalm 37:8

God is our rock.  He is the one we must stand upon.  When we don't trust Him we go to our human ways of dealing, understanding and unfortunately mirroring the actions of the world- we get hurt which leads to others things like being angry, depressed, fearful, frustrated, etc.  We give into the things in which we see but don't trust God.

How do I say this?  Not saying our feelings don't matter because they do but we somehow make the situation, circumstance, or people hurting us more important then God.   And that is when our feelings build to a point where they are more important then anything else - including letting God work in you during that situation.  We often give people and the situation the power to manipulate and hurt and wound us.  And when put people or a situation on a pedestal higher then God in our heart and mind that is when we can we can look forward to... anguish and hurt and pain.

Sure sticks and stones and words are hurtful but they don't go so deep to wound the soul when you place God high above everyone else in life.  That trust in God takes work and sometimes a lot more work if we like to be the ones in control.

"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.  Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:2

Human praise is highly over rated and worthless next to the praise of God. You look for the praise of people- there is your reward- and it usually blows away with their next whim they may have.

People are fickle. They like you one minute... turn on you or completely forget or disregard anything you have done the next.  They may simplify your efforts into nothing but dust. A pat on the back is rewarded with a list of more things to accomplish to satisfy their appetite.

Oh I am sure we are all guilty of this at some point in our lives. No finger pointing here.

What stinks is when Christians do that to others.   God only knows what happens during these times. Where is their focus? What are they listening to and seeing? Only God knows.

We must find our contentment in the Lord. We find our assurance in Him not people and surely not in the actions of people- we might as well be a wave on the sea being tossed to and from when we do that. Ever been caught between two wave breaks?

We must operate in the present according to the Holy Spirit. Be grateful in the good and bad and move on while diving in or meditating on the Word of God.  Yes, the word became flesh and He knows what we go through.

God is our everlasting hope. He is the one who does not just support, encourage and lift us up but the one we all must answer to in the end.

In this stable mind set we are not only satisfied but glorify God.

Remember we must love our God with all our spirit, heart, soul and all our strength. A person who gives their power, strength and efforts solely to people will find disappointment. But when one puts everything into the Lord or lets God work in and through them, they one cannot help but have more then sufficient love to pour out on others as required and prescribed for that given situation.   (The Spirit will tell you what to say, do and when it is time to move on.)   And again when people aren't given a better position in your heart higher then God- then you can work in accordance to the Spirit of God not the flesh or the conformity to the wishes and desires and norms of the lost and wandering people of this world.

Matthew 6:33 "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."

 Romans 2:7 "He will give life to those who keep doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers."


Childlike Faith"The LORD protects those of childlike faith; I was facing death, and he saved me." Psalm 116:6

When I was a child nothing was impossible. We need to go back there. We need to realize nothing is impossible with God and it is impossible to please God without faith. (Luke 18:27, Hebrews 11:6) Most often we just have to get out of the way so He can do what needs to be done.

For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John 5:4-5

Man on Earth 2

"But the people's minds were hardened, and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ. But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 Corinthians 3:14, 16, 17)

Mental Block
We don't understand because we stay in our own circumstances, experiences, understandings, and our ideals instead of coming to the Lord. We are hardened by what we see on this world not paying much attention of what is being orchestrated for our benefit from up above to wake us up, build us up and set us free. God has a PLAN for our life! That PLAN means changes. Sometimes small changes sometimes major changes.

So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord- who is the Spirit- makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Obviously this is not a thought by man- for man wants to work by the means he is familiar with as if he has some real control and is in-tuned to the very microscopic details of the present but in reality man is doing nothing lasting and spinning his wheels if not following the Spirit.

Most often I have found that those who follow the Spirit, may not even know what God is up to and is going or about to happen but because he/she has followed the Spirit, they were able to be a vessel of God just by following the direction of the Holy Spirit.

Sad but True
In man's ignorance, he acts as if his efforts somehow matter all by their lonesome but it is by the Spirit of God in which a person's actions truly matter and are lasting and where one truly reflects the Lord's glory. I can read God's word to anyone but it is the Spirit which gives its meaning and power. It is the Spirit who picks the scriptures for me to share and puts meaning and power behind them.

Go with the Flow
Again God's word is alive! The Spirit of God needs to direct and instruct a person in what to say and speak and act. That is where there is freedom. Freedom from the weight of holding up to some ideal (good or bad) we have lifted up within ourselves. Freedom from the human "what-if".  Freedom from the ticking minute.  Freedom from the opinions of others and ourselves.

Encouragement in the Spirit
There is also encouragement in both the parties giving and receiving in the Spirit- for God himself is the true encourager.

Men may have a lot to say to bring us up or down but God is the one that truly matters in the end for all men and women will let us down at some point in our lives but God will never let us down.

God makes us feel like our efforts are worthwhile even though no one else may see or hear of them and we are feed spiritually. The person in need receives and the person waiting and listening in the Spirit of God sees and hears fruitful results even if their superiors, equals and those under them see nothing- BUT all will be known in the end. Those qualified by the Spirit of God know it is only God not themselves who can and does "such" things. He (the vessel/ the servant) is content being carried on the Father's shoulders for he knows who should get all the credit and he/she is more then content to have the opportunity for God to work through them as a vessel.

OOPS!
I believe the only time we are NOT content is when we DO NOT work via the Spirit but by some man made means and/or putting too much emphasis on the present.

Again "man made means" are our own understandings, ideals, schedules, fear of man instead of God, and having to do things that don't address the immediate needs of those we are suppose to serve.

Food for Thought
Imagine being a nurse and having a specific treatment that would help your patient heal and get well faster but you were unable to administer that treatment because your supervisor told you to use something else. Imagine being a teacher that had a better learning method in helping students learn to read but you could not use that method because the school district didn't allow you to teach that technique. Imagine being a Spirit filled Sunday school teacher that wanted to address the needs of those in their class but was forced to always stay to a denominational nationwide curriculum which does not address those immediate needs of those attending that church class.

Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

THE WORD OF GOD IS ALIVE! And it is by Him (The Spirit of God) that we reflect the Lord's glory.

INTENTIONS MATTERIf you came to church seeking God to fulfill a need or want (that you know falls within God's plan for your life) and you received nothing at all to answer or fulfill or address that need or matter- would you not feel discouraged? Sure you would! That is why it is important that seekers of God seek God's will for their life and leaders, vessels, and servants of Christ listen to the Spirit.

Those seeking God must keep their eyes, ears and heart (quietly and humbly) open knowing everything is in God's timing. We must not twist God's word to fulfill a need or want in our life but genuinely seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and direction and purpose for our life.

And when God does give you that guidance and direction it may not always be easy for those looking from the outside at your situation but God puts in us the gumption without hesitation to do what he directs. If it isn't in the Spirit of God's love then it isn't of God.

In the Spirit of God's Love
You ask what is the Spirit of God's love?

"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love is does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful and endures through every circumstance." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

The Spirit gives us the assurance that what we are doing is right and is in line with God's love.

The combination of God Spirit direction and God driven assurance gives us the gumption without hesitation, guilt or condemnation. Everything happens for a reason and sometimes we don't understand the reasoning until after the directive.

In God's love and in quiet humble belief- God works in some amazing ways. God may not answer that need or want right away for it may not be the time to answer that need or want but don't you think God will "address" that need in some way-shape-or form? He may say,  "be patient" or "wait on the Lord" or "I hear your case" or "I know more about "that" then you do."  Sure He will answer- if we are actively waiting for Him to answer.

Our Thinking?
Why do you come to church? Is it out of some human rational? It is because that is what you are suppose to do every Sunday? It is to punch some ticket with God or to look good to others? To follow some high philosophy or rational or legalism?  Please DON'T DO THAT!

We must come to church looking to receive from God. We go to praise His name - where we can enter His presence with other believers. We go to learn God's word and to learn to walk in the Spirit and be encouraged and be an encouragement to others as we walk on this earth.  We should go knowing God wants to move and do MORE in our life. (I am not just talking about gifts of the Spirit but moving us out of trappings of life and being tied up in the affairs of this life where we cannot satisfy the ONE who enlisted us into His army.  To not just do good works for sake of doing good works but do good works because we have that love for Jesus.  "That love" we first had when we discovered the reality of Him in our life.)  

We are only endanger of glorifying ourselves, encouraging, building up no one and possibly even doing the devils work if we do things in the flesh not the Spirit of God.

So let us encourage one another to live in the Spirit of God which is more satisfying in the end. Let us pay attention and take heed of what the Spirit of God is telling us. Let us meditate on the words of God that come to mind for they teach, encourage, bring peace and comfort and assurance that God is for us not against us. If you take a step- God will take a step and his step is deeper then we can imagine. In Jesus Name - Amen. Amen. Amen.

Man on the Earth 1

I am going to skip the intro and get right to the morsels of truth.

Now take a look around and deep down.

It is ludicrous and prideful to think we are kings and lords of our life.

Men may disagree but the Spirit knows all good and bad rumors of the heart.

He knows the ways of life. Life.....

So make a causeway- through the wilderness and wasteland of the heart to let the miracles be known.

Make the road straight and smooth.

Fill in the valleys and level the hills.

Straighten the curves and sand down the rough spots.

Then the glory of the LORD will be known….

For who is able to advise the Spirit of the Lord? Who knows enough to be his teacher or be his counselor? Has the Lord ever needed anyone’s help? Could we ever advise him on what is good and best?

Have we never heard or understood? Are we so deaf to the words of God- the words he gave before the world began?

So why, why, why do you listen to people who are like grass. Who are like the flowers in the field? Since when did the words of men ever justify the means to a way? Really?

I am not religious but I am not going to jump off a bridge just because they say it is so or that is the way it has always been done. God does not live in a box nor will I put him in one.

Hey grasshopper, what are you watering? Are you watering anyone who is thirsty and in need? Who is need of the living word of God, the all knowing, all powerful, all present word of God?

Hey drop in the bucket what will you triumphs be in a month, year from now or when you stand before the the Almighty Living God?

Oh hear the voice, voice, voice….

Oh hear the voice, voice, voice. Make a pathway... in your heart and have that assurance and encouragement. Know God holds your life in his hand where there is purpose and confident hope.

Oh the volumes of contradictions we have in our heart. From the useless someday hopes, to traditions and how we think things should be, to grace and mercy, to concerns for today and tomorrow, to confusion, human understanding, circumstances, self-doubt, pride, prejudices, conflicts, goals, loyalties, faithfulness, forgiveness, dreams, achievements, loss, gain, reassessments of life, resentments in life and the list goes on and on.

And we hold these volumes on our shelves like they are some kind of pieces of success or failure or self. We rattle these book shelves with our thoughts certain they will fall on us. We hold these volumes with no simplification in our life. If we stay here we will always be surrounded by a library of records we have kept ourselves instead of seeing the door and the destiny God has for us. I don't just speak to you but I speak to myself as well.

God says clear the pathway! He says "I know your troubles" and "I hear your case". Make a pathway through the messy experience of life so HE can help you address things going on in your life so you can find a way out of all life's circumstances and experiences.

He says clear a pathway in your crowded assumptions and prejudices and "ways it's suppose to be" so HE can use you to touch other people's lives.

For God makes you qualified and capable of walking through this life in a healthy life changing manner.

God not only knows all and wants to help us but he says," He gives power to those who are tried 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 high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:29-31

But He can't do that unless we make a pathway. He cannot do that unless we lay down our to due lists and make time to clear our mind and wait on him.

Reference Scriptures:

“Listen! I hear a voice of someone shouting, “Make a highway for the Lord through the wilderness. Make a straight smooth road through the desert for our God. Fill in the valleys and level the hills. Straighten out the curves and smooth off the rough spots. Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. The LORD has spoken!” Isaiah 40:3-5

“… Shout that people are like the grass that dies away. Their beauty fades as quickly as the beauty of flowers in a field. The grass withers, and the flowers fade beneath the breath of the LORD. And so it with people. The grass withers, and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever” Isaiah 40:6-8

“Who is able to advise the Spirit of the LORD? Who know enough to be his teacher or counselor? Has the LORD ever needed anyone’s advise? Does he need instruction about what is good or what is best? No, for all the nations of the world are nothing in comparison with him. They are but a drop in the bucket, dust on the scales. He picks up the islands as though they hand not weight at all.” Isaiah 40: 13-15

“Have you never heard or understood? Are you deaf to the words of God- the words he gave before the world began? Are you so ignorant?” Isaiah 40: 21

He judges the great people of the world and brings them all to nothing. They hardly get started, barely taking root, when he blows on them and their works withers. The wind carries them off like straw.” Isaiah 40:23-24

“O Israel, how can you say the LORD does not see your troubles? How can you say God refuses to hear your case?” Isaiah 40:27

“We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.” 2 Corinthians 3:4-5

“He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant the Spirit gives life.” 2 Corinthians 3:6

“But when someone turns to the Lord the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord- who is the Spirit- makes us more and like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” 2 Corinthians 3:16-18

A Good, Faithful & Sensible Servant

There is a story in bible told by Jesus that I couldn’t help but see in a medieval context of a movie.

Here is how I saw this passage. The master of a castle in the highlands appoints a servant to manage and be ruler of his household while he has to attend to urgent matters someplace else far away. In confidence, the lord of the castle tells the appointed servant that he doesn’t know when he will be back -hinting it could be many mouths and even years. The lord of the castle leaves and at first the servant does all that he is expected but slowly he starts to abuse his power. He starts oppressing the other servants and starts indulging himself as if he is master of the castle. He barrows and dresses in some of the master’s fur garments and jewelry. He begins to throw parties for him and his pals in the Lord’s magnificent dinning hall. They gorge from the master’s choice pantry and stock of meats. The now kooky indulgent servant sits in the master’s chair and drinks the master’s choice ale in one hand while a woman, open to whatever pleasures of men, sits in his lap. These occurrences become common place until one night the master of the castle returns unannounced and unexpected. Furious, the lord of the castle strips the man of his clothing and orders his armed men to take him to the dungeon where he personally cuts the man in two.

Jesus says “And ²⁵³² shall cut^{1371 0} him ⁸⁴⁶ asunder¹³⁷¹ , and ²⁵³² appoint ⁵⁰⁸⁷ [him] his ⁸⁴⁶ portion ³³¹³ with ³³²⁶ the hypocrites ⁵²⁷³: there ¹⁵⁶³ shall be ²⁰⁷¹ weeping ²⁸⁰⁵ and ²⁵³² gnashing ¹⁰³⁰ of teeth ³⁵⁹⁹” Mat 24:51

Be a good, faithful and sensible servant. You can read this illustration for yourself in Mathew 24:45-51

Another illustration that Jesus speaks of is of three servants who are given five bags of gold to invest for him while he is on a trip. It was divided in proportion to their abilities. Two of servants do well in investing the money but the third servant who hid the money in the ground because he was afraid to lose it - the Master was furious and he has servant thrown into outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. Reference: Matthew 25:14-30

This second passage can be confusing. What is Jesus talking about when he is speaking about gold? A better clarifying question is what has God given you?

God has given you faith. God has given you salvation through Jesus Christ. God has transformed your heart and given you a new Spirit, the Holy Spirit, who gives you power, knowledge, wisdom, encouragement, assurance and direction. He has also given you gifts and talents.

None of which are accidental or happen stance because Jesus created you to have those things.

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11

“But we know that there is only one God, the Father, who created everything, and we live for him. And there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom God made everything and through whom we have been given life.” 1 Corinthians 8:6

Still a bit confusing is this notion that if we don’t use what we are given we won’t only lose what we have but God will consider us unfaithful and throw us into hell (weeping and gnashing of teeth.)

We know we don’t go to heaven because of our good works but by faith yet this scripture makes it sound as if we are expected to do good works and if we don’t do good works we are going to hell.

I said, “Jesus this is confusing to me. You expect a person to do good deeds even if they don’t feel like it? So they grudgingly do the works? Or worse they do works to get human praise or think it saves them? That type of work is pointless because it isn’t based on faith or love. It is either based on puffing ones self up or some strained obligation. These works will burn and are not fruitful.”

This was his reply, “It’s not about the good deeds but the condition of the heart. How much do they love me? “

He then reminded me of two scriptures.

"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45

He then reminded me of what he said to Peter. “What did I ask Peter?”

“Do you love me?” you asked.

“Then what else did I say? “

“Feed my sheep.”

Reference: John 21:15-17

Read Matthew 25:31-46 (Jesus separating the sheep from the goats.)

Interesting. Jesus wants us to have an unapologetic, unreformed love for him, the kind of love that runs over with joy, appreciation, generosity and an enormous amount of trust. Through this trust we can do many things that we didn’t think were possible in our lives for others.

Remember the servant that put gold in the ground because he was afraid to lose it? He was trusting in is his own understanding. He was trusting in what he knew about himself, maybe even in what others had told him in the past. The Master knew his servant was capable of doing more then servant thought of himself. His doubt was causing him to be unfaithful and unwilling to take chances.

“God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God’s generosity can flow through you. Are you called to be a speaker? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Are you called to help others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10-11

Again be a good, faithful & sensible servant.

BE…Living & Building Pt4

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

Believing in the gospel message is living in the gospel message of Jesus Christ.

What we need to ask ourselves is “What are we trying to build up in our lives when we are not living in the gospel of Jesus Christ?

What am I building on the amazing foundation of Jesus Christ that I might disregard the simple powerful truth of the life saving gospel?

Knowing the pressure is off of proving ourselves- seats us in a place where we can live in Spirit and truth- we can have the mind of Christ. We can "do" and humbly and wonderfully receive without feeding our flesh.

Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.” John 4:34

Led by the Spirit, we do the will of God -not “do” to prove ourselves and we receive joy by doing the will of God. The will of God is not just in the big things but everyday small things.

Can you imagine the joy God has everyday doing his work? The creative mind God has …and He created us to share in that joy of his work. The work not just around us but for Him to do His work through us so we might experience the same joy.

That is an amazing thought! Think about what it says in the first book of the bible.

“Then God looked over all he had made and he saw that it was excellent in every way” Genesis 1:31

Excellent in every way…

To live and be free in Christ is to lay down all other devices of justification and worth and see how much Christ matters in our lives. God loves us and in the Holy Spirit “living” grows buds, flowers and fruits of tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Reference: Colossians 3:11)

"If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don't cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God's kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. James 3:13-15

"For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. James 3:16-17

Contentment in what the Lord has done brings temperance in our lives. We aren’t one extreme or the other. We aren’t walking in man made rules and understandings that may seem wise and require strong devotion, humility and server bodily discipline but do nothing when it comes to overcoming the wants and desires of the flesh and for vain glory. In this “living” understanding, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Reference: Colossians 2:23 & 2 Peter 1:8) And you aren’t lukewarm or indifferent either… if you get my drift? (Reference: Revelation 3:15-19)

Of course from time to time we might allow others and circumstances in life to stand in front of the Lord’s love but it doesn't mean it still isn't there. Just because the sun is being blocked out from the dark clouds doesn't mean the sun isn't there, right?

BUILDING

A house has a foundation. It is probably the most unappreciated and unnoticed part of a house even though it is the most important. Everything that is built on a foundation will be effected by that foundation. If the foundation is true and the builder builds with materials that are not true on it, the foundation will show the faultiness of those materials. If the foundation is faulty then the builder will have a difficult time constructing a structure on that foundation and the house will not be able withstand the stresses and pressures that come against it.

“Righteousness and justice [are] the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face.” Psalm 89:14

God has placed us on Jesus Christ as our foundation.

"According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:9-11

“For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, [you are] God's building.
“What does all this mean? Even though the Gentiles were not trying to follow God's standards, they were made right with God. And it was by faith that this took place.
But the people of Israel, who tried so hard to get right with God by keeping the law, never succeeded.
Why not? Because they were trying to get right with God by keeping the law instead of by trusting in him. They stumbled over the great rock in their path.
God warned them of this in the Scriptures when he said, "I am placing a stone in Jerusalem that makes people stumble, a rock that makes them fall. But anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced." Romans 9:30-33

Intentionally or unintentionally be careful of what you build or allow others to build on your foundation. If it isn’t in deeply rooted and getting nourishment from the freeing message of the gospel- do some demolish work and tear it off.

"But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do the things which I say?
"Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: "He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. "But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great." Luke 6:46-49

Everything that isn’t abiding in the saving truth and love of Christ will be destroyed and cause confusion within us.

People mean well but they aren’t God.

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.“ Galatians 5:1

“For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation [with] gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. If anyone's work which he has built on [it] endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. Do you not know that you are the temple of God and [that] the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which [temple] you are. Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their [own] craftiness"; and again, "The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile." Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come--all are yours. And you [are] Christ's, and Christ [is] God's”. 1 Corinthians 3:11-23

He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, [And] established my steps. Psalm 40:2

Be-living and build in the joy and peace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

CONT. W/ Efforts & Proving Ones Self Pt3

The Spirit incited more thought this morning about efforts and proving one’s self as he directed me to Romans 11. It was pretty thought provoking and stirring, as He gave Paul some examples of causes and effects of not emphasizing and trusting Christ but trying to “earn” favor with God by works.

When we trust in our works we are no longer trusting in Christ to save us. Trusting in works only leads to in fleshly perspectives and appetites. It leads and leaves us unsatisfied, religious, judgmental, and our souls to be at unrest.

The good things we do need to be driven by what Christ has done for us. For if we start to put on emphasis on works and outer appearances we will likely stumble and fall into trusting our appearances and works more then the saving grace of Christ Jesus. We will start serving our flesh and things of this world instead of God. Our hearts will become harden or indifferent and we will deceive ourselves and forgot it’s not by works that we are justified/saved but by faith alone. The peace, appreciation and gratitude we find in Christ will disappear if we serve works not God. (That doesn’t even mention what will happen in the church we attend and is already happening.) We will become blind and deaf to the Spirit of God and ensnared by human praise and temporary accolades and stumble over our true everlasting peace and blessing we have in Jesus Christ. We will even forget our fear towards God.

Join me in Romans 11:2-24.

“No, God has not rejected his own people, whom he chose from the very beginning. Do you realize what the Scriptures say about this? Elijah the prophet complained to God about the people of Israel and said, “LORD, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” And do you remember God’s reply? He said, “No, I have 7,000 others who have never bowed down to Baal!” It is the same today, for a few of the people of Israel have remained faithful because of God’s grace- his undeserved kindness in choosing them. And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is- free and undeserved. So this is the situation: Most of the people of Israel have not found the favor of God they are looking for so earnestly. A few have- the ones God has chosen- but the hearts of the rest were hardened. As the Scriptures say, “God has put them into a deep sleep. To this day he has shut their eyes so they do not see, and closed their ears so they do not hear.” Likewise, David said, “Let their bountiful table become a snare, a trap that makes them think all is well. Let their blessing cause them to stumble, and let them get what they deserve. Let their eyes go blind so they cannot see, and let their backs be bent forever.” Did God’s people stumble and fall beyond recovery? Of course not! They were disobedient, so God made salvation available to the Gentiles. But he wanted his own people to become jealous and claim it for themselves. Now if the Gentiles were enriched because the people of Israel turned down God’s offer of salvation, think how much greater a blessing the world will share when they finally accept it. I am saying all this especially for you Gentiles. God has appointed me as the apostle of the Gentiles. I stress this, for I want to somehow to make the people of Israel jealous of what you Gentiles have, so I might save some of them. For since their rejection meant that God offered salvation to the rest of the world, their acceptance will be even more wonderful. It will be life for those who were dead! And since Abraham and other patriarchs were holy, their descendants will also be holy- just as the entire batch of dough is holy because the portion given as an offering is holy. For if the roots of the tree are holy, the branches will be, too. But some of these branches from Abraham’s tree- some of the people of Israel- have been broken off. And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, have been grafted in. So now you also receive the blessing of God has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in the rich nourishment from the root of God’s special olive tree. But you must not brag about being grafted in to replace the branches that were broken off. You are just a branch, not the root. “Well” you may say, “those branches were broken off to make room for me.” Yes, but remember- those branches were broken off because they didn’t believe in Christ, and you are there because you do believe. So don’t think highly of yourself, but fear what could happen. For if God did not spare the original branches, he won’t spare you either. Notice how God is both kind and severe. He is severe toward those who disobeyed, but kind to you if you continue to trust in his kindness. But if you stop trusting, you also will be cut off. And if the people of Israel turn from their unbelief, they will be grafted in again, for God has the power to graft them back into the tree. You, by nature, were a branch cut from a wild olive tree. So if God was willing to do something contrary to nature by grafting you into his cultivated tree, he will be far more eager to graft the original branches back into the tree where they belong. Romans 11:2-24

I hope this is clear for you.

Jesus says "I am the vine, you [are] the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. John 15:5

Efforts & Proving Ones Self Pt3

Jesus says "The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life." John 6:63

Teach and do good acts but not under some kind of religious thinking. Let the peace of Christ seat you in a position to receive from the Spirit of God. There you may be able to teach, help, build up, and answer the cries of God’s people.

Doing things in the flesh is like trying to water a garden blind folded. People come to church not to be just educated but to be encouraged and uplifted and to see God meet their cries and needs. They come for nourishment. They come seeking direction. They come seeking how to apply the word to their life. The word of God is living and breathing but it means nothing if it does not pertain to the needs of His people. God’s word should always be administered in love or it means nothing. If I spout out scripture that doesn't address the needs of God's people, it is just as good as a dry stale cracker because the power of God isn't giving, instructing and directing them.

Examine these scriptures in their contexts in the bible.

“But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere- in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

The Holy Spirit will give you what?

“Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I say are not my own but my Father who lives in me does his work through me.” John 14:10

Who is doing the work through you? You or God?

“For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true.” 1Thessalonians 1:5

What you say by the power of the Holy Spirit will address and give assurance to God’s people.

When a person continually feels they have to prove themselves they are not free. Jesus says” So if the “Son sets you free, you are truly free” (John 8:36) but if we doubt or forget the life giving message of Christ and who we are in Christ then we are a slave to whatever comes.

Christ makes room for his peace in our heart and that peace allows us enter into fellowship with him and minister to the needs of others. Proving yourself and human justification only robs you of that peace. We become only hearers of the word and not genuine doers of the word.

If we are too busy doing and proving ourselves- then we don’t develop a relationship with Christ who allows us to have peace. Proving ourselves is based on us and because we don’t have peace within ourselves we don’t see or hear the needs of others - and even if we do see and hear the needs of others they tend to be pretty shallow in perspective. We may even hear God’s voice but teach and do with no real genuine love for others and their well-being.

When proving ones self to others -even going to church becomes some obligation. we go not to receive a message from God but to uphold some relational that you are a Christian.

If you are in a garage does that make you a boat or car? If you are in a library does that make you a book?

What makes this idea? What makes this idea that if you are in "church" you are a Christian. Further, what makes this idea that if you miss church you are sinning?

I have observed that you don’t go to church for a couple Sundays or Wednesdays, people start forming an opinion that you are slipping and it doesn’t matter what your actions are or not. You could have the most loving actions in the world but because you didn’t come to church you are judged and looked down upon. Hum? A person can be totally faithful to Jesus yet others perceive him/her has a hit and miss folk, church hopper, lazy, loner or hippie. I wonder if Jesus was ever perceived as any of these?

I don’t know if people know they do this or not but when people form prejudices in their mind they are forming a bias and in forming a bias they are making some form of judgment. This judgment makes them feel obligated to carry out some kind of form of punishment or prejudice. Most likely they will withdraw from that person, such as withdrawing fellowship with that person. The people being judged don’t carry out some standard in judger’s mind or in their little group so they disassociate themselves like Peter did with the Gentiles.

I am not going to go all apologetics on you but I want us to really think how much we are embracing the saving gift of the gospel.

The BASICS. Pt2

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“We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who they are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty of our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. The sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he declares sinners to be right in his sight when 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 obeying the law. It is based on faith.” Romans 3:22-27

I cover the basics because I am afraid we all to easily forget the assurance and confidence we only have in Jesus Christ. We will forget about God’s kindness and mercy and we do not do good out of the peace and hope we have in Christ but do out of some kind of human rational of obligation to prove ourselves.   In this type of thinking we go from being moved and directed by Spirit to moved and directed by the flesh.  This is no good!  This is us depending on us.  Can you earn Salvation?  No!  So why don't we just surrender to this fact?  God is to be the author and finisher of our faith not us.  Religion is all we have if we lean and depend on ourselves and our understanding. 

“But when God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teaching are good and beneficial for everyone. Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jew laws. These things are useless and a waste of time.” Titus 3:4-9

Foundation Pt1

How often do you think on or reflect on the foundation of our faith in Jesus Christ? Not pulling a guilt trip or being religious but I believe the frequency in which we think on this gift will determine our mindset, reasoning, goals, intentions, behaviors and/ or the depth of our freedom in Jesus Christ. The greater understanding, we have of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice will help us and others around us avoid entangling religious thinking and reasoning, which we often wrestle while we try to make sense of this life.

“Religious” thinking and reasoning can rob you and I of what Christ has done and is doing for you and I. Religious thinking and action can leave you discontented where you continually seek your next religious thrill while always inches short of living the contented life in Christ.

Religious thinking and reasoning also has a tendency to have others who watch the religious thinker and doer- slip into the same type of thinking and action without any real consideration. Like a herd of bison going over a cliff people follow other people. All they consider is the idea. If it requires a bit of sacrifice and sounds “Christian” - they do it without even deeply considering the reasoning why. IF these acts and deeds are not solidly rooted in Christ Jesus, they can be used to puff one’s self up, bring about attention to one’s self and even grow weeds of comparison and prejudices towards others causing the recipient of such actions to feel pressured into joining such efforts -or not feel like they are measuring up in some way. This not only causes division in the body but these human judgments can cause individuals to withdraw, become resentful, and fall away.

“And the trees, they retreated so deep into themselves that they haven’t been heard from since.” Quote from Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis,

Churches can divide and fall apart with religious thinking.

Religious thinking denies what Jesus has done and thrives and corrupts in the principle of making themselves right or justified with God by works. It is destructive, arrogant, self-deceiving, and denies the Holy Spirit who wants to work in our lives.

Religious thinking brings about hypocrisy.

“Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy. But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before [them] all, "If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews? "We [who are] Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, "knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified. "But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, [is] Christ therefore a minister of sin? Certainly not! "For if I build again those things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. “ "For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the [life] which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. "I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness [comes] through the law, then Christ died in vain." Galatians 2:11-21

Tenth Ave North "Losing"

Tenth Avenue North "Losing"

Are We Living Free in Christ Friend?

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FREE IS RUNNING A RACE? I don't know about you but running a race in faith doesn't sound all the appealing when you feel like you are trying keep up with life itself sometimes.  Life is hectic enough.

WHAT RACE?  Apostle Paul writes "I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.  He continues with "Now this I do for the gospel's sake, that I may be partaker with you.  Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.  And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things.  Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.  Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty.  Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified." 1 Corinthians 9:22-27

THE RACE IS YOURS.  No one obtains the race but you.  You believe Jesus and trust in Him the race is yours.  You obtain it by that "simply humble" understanding.   You are responsible for you as you keep your eyes on Jesus Christ who has the price for you.  

THE ISSUE. The problem is we sometimes get that simple truth mixed up along this walk of life.   We seem to think we score points or lose points on what we do and not do.   How much or long we read our bible.  How long we pray.     (Don't miss understand me, these things are important but quality then quantity is more important.) We even lose track of this satisfying and peaceful truth when we look at other people's life and compare.  We start to think like the world that says "we have to earn our love and salvation from God.  That is when we allow the race to be taken away from us.   There is no longer freedom but bondage to some obligation God never forced upon us.

SIMPLE BELIEVING THE TRUTH. God simply asked us to believe and trust in Jesus Christ who paid for our sins so we may have eternal life in heaven and life more abundantly.   Knowing the grace and goodness of God energizes me in faith of Christ but the philosophy, tradition, logic and doctrine of men steals that mindset of God's goodness and grace away.  When that goodness and grace is stolen from you all you have is "religion."   You may even wonder back and forth from religion and faith but when that happens are you satisfied? You poison the waters with religion and your faith is choking because of some human thinking.

"As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving,  Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to he tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:6&7

Your value is the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and knowing how much he loves you sets you free human mindsets we all have a tendency to fall into.      

OBTAINING THE RACE?  How do we stumble because we race against others or even some desired version of ourselves?  Think the prize has already been won.  We just have to keep our eyes on Christ to receive it.

Too often I find that I race against myself.  I compare, I see my failures, I see how other human beings look upon me, and sometimes I even put too much emphasis on what I do "religiously" instead of what Jesus has done and is currently doing for me.  That can lead to feelings of inadequacy to being puffed up

YOUR COMPETITOR.  Your only competitor is yourself.  Stay away from anything that isn't based on the simple truth of your value in Jesus Christ and what he has done.   I am my worst enemy.  It the thorn in my flesh of feeling inadequate.   Jesus is our partner through the wooded trail of life where he points out the hazards on the pathway and helps us back up when we do fall down.  He encourages us when you feel tired and want to give up.  He is not just your teammate but your trainer.  He isn't concerned on how fast we run or walk- just as long as we stay with him.  Your validation comes from the love of Jesus Christ and this love keeps us from the allure of ideas and actions that lead us astray from the peace and comfort of God's love.

TEMPERATE.  Paul writes "everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things."

Temperate means to be moderate or self-restrained; not extreme in opinion and statement.  It means to moderate in regards in indulgence of appetite or passion and not be excessive in degree as things, qualities, etc.  It is not a false humility that is secretly inflating pride or some other emotion and it's not yelling and spiting on the congregation in front of you either. 

I know when I am being "religious" when I am being extreme or indulging my flesh in someway.  Indulging my flesh is like the initial explosive flame fueled by a puddle of gasoline but slowly goes out.   The initial stimulus was great like a drug to an attic but the results are the same.  The effects wear off and you are looking for the next way to get a high.   The byproduct of religious thinking or motives close me off, make me ridged, prejudiced, boring, indifferent and the world as colorless place.   

LOST AND FOUND. Recently I have started to paint again.  I haven’t painted in sometime because I thought I couldn’t honor God if I wasn’t painting something "religious."

This soon gave me no desire to want to paint or do any other type of artwork.  Religious thought had in essence closed off the doorway to the gift that God had given me.  I lost the joy of doing it.  

Then on a recent trip to my hometown in the Pacific Northwest, God awoke a desire and interest to paint again.  He showed me the clouds, the rain puddles, the waters of the Puget Sound.  The detail and colors of a shake wood roof, the steam rising in the sunlight, the snow capped mountains, the farm land, the mounding forests, the flowering trees, the livestock, the peeling paint on a fence.

The world is full of God's transforming ever changing beauty but I wouldn't not have seen it if God did not free me from "my" religious mindset.  I couldn't enjoy the walk of being an artist and that gift would have still been in the back of the closet in my mind.   

Same if we have a religious mindset towards reading our bible or praying or worship.   The joy would be stripped away and we would wonder away from the joy of walking with the Lord.  The race would be yanked from us by our own mindset.

God is not "Religious".   We can't earn anything that God isn't and hasn't already given us when we came to him and he showed us the saving reality of his Son Jesus Christ.  Religious thought only builds up human understandings of God and old religious systems that were suppose to be torn.   

Religious thought is: instead of opening a door or pulling up the shades or opening a window we grope for the same ordinary light switches.    

How many layers are we going to paint on the perfect good surface before we realize the surface we originally started off suited us best?

How many building blocks are we going to add to a foundation that is perfectly solid and sound?

Is routine…living in a box?  Are we allowing God to take us on spontaneous ventures to touch other peoples lives or have we become stagnant in our thinking and seeing life.  God has given us gifts and abilities but instead of using them we restrict them.  We say this is the way it has always been done.   Everyone else does it this way.   So if everyone is stampeding over a cliff you are going to follow? Really?  There are needs in every church.   Not every church is the same.  Those people who come need those needs met by a God who hears their cries.  So if God has something to say during a service or a Sunday school lesson you are going to stick to your plans instead of His?  Who really is the head of the church?  Last time I checked it was Jesus Christ,  I am I right? 

READ THIS CAREFULLY: When are we really going to except the justice in Christ Jesus and the freedom and forgiveness it has permanently given us? Religious thinking makes us ignorant, blind and deaf to the needs of others.  We don't hurt with them or celebrate with them.   We don't offer them the grace or mercy God gives to us.  We think if we fling a couple scriptures at them or ignore them or act as Job's buddies we have done our job.  What is that proverb about singing a cheerful song to someone hurting?"

Can we earn anything more that the Lord isn’t already given and giving us? No.  So way do we act the way do?

I think we can stand to learn a lot from children.  They are full of faith and sometimes their faith is greater then our own.  Look how they run in the grass.  Look at their curiosity as they search for potato bugs.  Look how they are enjoying the moment.  Look how they can see when someone is hurting and come to see if they can help.  They know Jesus loves them because they believe the simple truth some adult taught them at home or at a church. 

Look what Jesus has done to set us free from our religious thinking.  Let's walk freely with him and obtain the race marked out for us in thanksgiving and joy.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.   And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.  For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.   Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”  Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)