Enlightenment as Your Motivation

People appreciate God's truths. Probably because they are instinctive.

Romans 1:19 "For the truth about God is know to them instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts. From the time the worlds was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities- his eternal power and divine nature. So they have not excuse whatsoever for not knowing God."

In fact other religions have been created using God's truths. People put God's truths up in their homes- some as reminders and some as decorations. People collect books of words of enlightenment. They take up life styles of certain movements and religions based on words of enlightenment. And even though their efforts might be good intentioned- they lead no where productive in the end because all enlightenment starts with honoring and respecting the one true God and being given the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ. (This "honor and respect" must be a constant and continual objective in seeking true enlightenment.)

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

"And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him." Hebrews 11:6

Enlightenment and a righteous walk with God only comes through faith. We walk by faith not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

We often depend on our sight more then our faith. Sight does little to guide a person in real enlightenment. I have found sight linked with human understanding and presumptions are the root cause of many problems. Words of enlightenment must not just be words or intellectual phrases but rooted in a relationship with Jesus Christ. There enlightenment produces restraint, humility, grace, understanding, and love.

The spirit of this world (Satan) loves to twist, manipulate and change the truths of God just a little bit so they sound good. They sound so good in fact -we often take the words as entirely true and as FACT but they are not so. That is why is is important to be watchful and diligent and know the word of God for ourselves. If we only know the word of God but don't following it's meaning by God's grace we only deceive ourselves. Satan has created many false teachings using only partial truths of God using humans that don't fear or respect God as his vessels to enact these false teachings.

False versions of Christianity have attracted many because their creators have twisted and used God truths. It is only after a closer examination of these false versions of Christianity- we find their religions have denied the deity of Jesus "Christ" who gives the Holy Spirit who gives life in truth and enlightenment. False faiths say things like Jesus was a created spirit like Lucifer (Satan) who had to earn eternal life but Jesus was with God in the Beginning (John 1:1-3) and could lay down his life and pick it up again (John 10:18). God doesn't have earn eternal life- he is eternal life. God is the one true God and there are no others gods but Him. Satan has twisting truth and saying things like we can become Gods if only we do this and this and this," but there will only be one God who is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

"And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life." 1 John 5:20 Jesus IS eternal life.

False faiths say things such as Jesus is Satan's brother but that is not at all true for Satan is a fallen angel and Jesus is God who sends his angels to watch over us. They also say Jesus was only a prophet.

People who deny the source of enlightenment (Jesus Christ) will never walk in that enlightenment in which they seek or want to achieve and admire.

This is what the Lord says: "Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans and turn their hearts away from the LORD. They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness, on the salty flats where no one lives. But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by the long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they go right on producing delicious fruit." Jeremiah 17:5-8

Of course if it is evil that one wants to achieve - evil one will get but be reminded that the prince of darkness (Satan) is very selective in what he shares and does not share - for his objective is take as many souls with him to the pit of hell.

The one who is enlightenment (Jesus Christ) only gives the Holy Spirit to those who believe and trust in him and through the Holy Spirit one can live "in" enlightenment. Mormons claim to have the Holy Spirit but do they really if they deny Jesus Christ as being eternal life?

Through the Holy Spirit we can live not just in good intentions but live in a purpose and role God has intended and assigned to us. We can have peace, hope, love, gratitude seeing God directing and being instrumental in our lives.

We are enlightened in all occasions that come in this life -both good and bad.

We are no longer slaves to doctrine and religion that does not save our life in the end. We are no longer wishing and hoping and fighting condemnation and trying to appease false ideals and gods but we are living in the will of God.

We have something more valuable then gold or silver and that is the peace of God.

Jesus said: "I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid." John 14:27

People no longer have to be entangled in the sticky entanglements that drown and burden soul but can be encouraged by giving their life to the Lord Jesus Christ and continually to do so everyday to be enlightened and directed.

Colossians 2:3 "In him (Jesus Christ) lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

Through a life filled in the Holy Spirit, the words of God's enlightenment come off the pages, pictures, signs, and frames to live in your heart.

“But whenever 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 the veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord --who is Spirit--makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image." 2 Corinthians 3:16-18

When Jesus Christ comes to live one's heart, he enriches that soul. Jesus uses the talents and giftings God the Father has created in us to bring him glory instead of some false religion- false god and false hope. And while you live in "this" true enlightenment you are given a satisfying life.

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 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 12:1-2

You give your soul to the world - it wasn't meant for the world- you give your soul to the world and you will lose it.

Remember:

Jesus said: “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?" Matthew 16:25-26

Motivation: Jesus Christ= living "in" enlightenment. Without Jesus Christ =there is "no" living in enlightenment.

"And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to live in obedience to him. Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let you lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done. Don't let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high-sounding nonsense that comes from human thinking and from the evil powers of this world and not from Christ. For in Christ the fullness of God lives in the human body and you are complete through your union with Christ....." Colossians 2:6-10

Pride as Your Motivation

I have been thinking about what motivates people. I guess it builds on the last entry about our soul and God’s will. “You don’t want to gain the whole world and lose your soul.”

Let’s use pride as our source of motivation. There are all kinds of things that encourage prideful thinking. Here are a few that come to mind: Understanding, presumption, feeling wronged, hurt, unrecognized, someone is favored over you, someone’s point of view is favored over yours, someone not understanding your perspective, wanting the last word, feeling competitive, compared to, feeling liked, feeling disliked and the list goes on and on.

But pride should not be a motivation factor in our Christian life because it does not come from true self-love.

Self-love does not see a need to compete, outperform or battle against yourself/ your soul or your “neighbor.” It is accepting whom you are in Christ then allowing God to use, which you are. Self –love comes through Christ. It is seeing God created you and made you for a purpose.

I have come to learn that through Christ we have peace with ourselves and God and we aren’t here to battle flesh and blood but the evil prince of this world who is Satan and his demons. Yet as we see and understand this adversary we see we are no match to his tactics when we walk in motivation stirred on by human understandings. He is so tricky and divisive he would use our own human ways to motivate us to go after him in the “flesh.” Heck that is what he uses to keep people from God and to drive people from their Christian faith. And in reality we should avoid him as much as possible like the schoolyard bully. God is going to deal with Satan and his demons so don’t try going after him in some heroic thought. Simply stand your ground.

I sometimes think Satan schools us on occasion. A good beating helps us see we need God on our side.

We are armored vessels that carry God’s light. We as Christians are part base and part acid- one part earth and one part heaven- which makes up salt and without true Godly motives we are only as good as earth. The things of earth no matter how beautiful- will become dust and useless.

God has made many beautiful things on this earth but He reminds us even though beautiful- they all will fade and die away. Fleshly motives such as pride will become meaningless and worthless. Even the things I might enjoy like painting, writing, and photography may only be satisfying like a seasonal garden. The things we might enjoy which may be harmless- will only sustain our individuality for a short time.

Religion without Christ will only last a season as well. Jesus is our day-to-day motivation. He sustains us but if sinful motives come in on the tide watch out that they don’t sweep you out. If they do they will toss you back and forth in the unsettling waves of the sea taking your assurance of your faith even though Jesus has shown himself true to you in so many ways. Jesus will even go after the one being tossed in the sea- hoping they will turn to him- to be hoisted out of the behaviors and customs of the world that swallow the soul and make individuals forget their creator and forget themselves.

What motivates you soul?

Your motives are not to be twisted.

Even instruments and the appointed in the church… they are no more important then those who attend the church. If those appointed, start to act and believe they are more important because of their positions –then they are fooling themselves and taking God’s glory and forgetting the standard they are to live by. They did not come by their learnings, giftings and talents by themselves. We as Christians are of all one body.

And though the moon is lit at night- it doesn’t produce it’s own light. For what happens when the earth sits in front of the moon- denying the sun’s light to hit it?

Earthly motives soon are exposed by lack of light.

Now quiet your being for a moment. Focus on the one who give us Holy Spirit filled motivations.

I first find gratitude/ humble thankfulness. What do you find?

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