Walking in Love and Obedience

Some would disbelief that we are living in the last days of what we know as America but I don't think so.

Most Christians can see this by the way our country is turning away from God and His principles we aren't far from that day.

I want you who are not Christians (who haven't given your lives to Christ) to pay attention to this top part.

Jesus says in Matthew 7:21

"Not all people who sound religious are really godly. They may refer to me as 'Lord' but they still won't enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The decisive issue is whether they obey my Father in heaven. On judgment day many will tell me, 'Lord, Lord, we prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.' But I will reply, 'I never knew you. Go away; the things you did were unauthorized."

The decisive issue is whether they obey my Father in Heaven not just that they believe in Jesus Christ. Satan believes in Jesus Christ. You wouldn't want Satan to be up with you in heaven would you? Read the bible what does it say?

Matthew 22:36 says:

"Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?

Jesus replied, "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.' All other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments."

How do you want to be treated? Do you love the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind?

Christians, Jude, Jesus' half-brother writes to those called to live in the love of God the Father and the care of Jesus Christ:

3. Dearly loved friends, I have been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the truth of the Good News. God gave this unchanging truth once for all time to his holy people. I say this because some godless people have wormed their way in among you, saying that God's forgiveness allows us to live immoral lives. The fate of such people was determined long ago, for they have turned against our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. I must remind you- and know it well- that even though the Lord rescued the whole nation of Israel from Egypt, he later destroyed everyone of those who did not remain faithful. And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged. God has kept them chained in prisons of darkness waiting for the day of judgment. And don't forget the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns where were filled with sexual immorality and every kind of sexual perversion. Those cities were destroyed by fire and are a warning of the eternal fire that will punish all who are evil. "

He continues....

17. But you, dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ told you, that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to enjoy themselves in every evil way imaginable. Now they are here, and they are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They live by natural instinct because they do not have God's Spirit living in them. But you, dear friends, must continue to build your lives on the foundation of your holy faith. (Jesus Christ) And continue to pray as you are directed by the Holy Spirit. Live in such a way that God's love can bless you as you wait for the eternal life that our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy is going to give you. Show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. There are still others to whom you need to show mercy, but be careful that you aren't contaminated by their sins.

And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling, and who will bring you into his glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy. All glory to him, who alone is God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Yes, glory, majesty, power and authority belong to him, in the beginning, now and forever more. Amen."

You have read it, now stand on it. May the Spirit of God help us all.

Giving Your Love-Life To God

Does your marriage seem to be turned into a list of events of the day? The intimacy and deep conversation that spoke of trust and love that brought you closer together seem to be a dribble instead of nourishing spring that once watered the two of you? Does it seem that your spouse is being watered by a different watering source then you are?

Do you struggle because you have found no love, no partner, no life long friend and spouse? You feel alone? You feel like an observer of life? Are you one who goes home and turns on the television and lives with your thoughts and maybe a cat or dog?

You haunted by lost loves and could have beens? You remember how they made you feel every time you got to be with them. You remember their laugh and how they made you laugh. What they liked to drink. What they liked to eat. What movies you saw together. What places you went together. You remember the smell or scent of them. Like some unfair love story you both went your separate ways- only to discover you feel like you missed out because you didn’t take that chance.

Do you hurt? Your heart wants to love and rise again but because of the hurt someone has done to you, you hide. You avoid glances and emotions. You walk the sidewalks of life looking into the store front windows never going in. You say that looks nice but what if.....

Are you one who says maybe God wants me to be alone and remain single? ... (but what are the desires of your heart?)

Falling apart marriage? In your falling apart marriage, you say, "We just grew apart. Circumstances and events changed us. The challenge was too great. We are just two very different people from where we were back then… but what did you say on your wedding day? Not only between the two of you but before God and those who witnessed it. Are you suppose to stay the same forever- of course not but we so easily forget that marriage is a journey of steps. Sometimes certain steps are more difficult then other steps but marriage is based on love and through love all things endure- and even change for the better. Marriage isn’t about being self-centered but allowing the other person to become who they are suppose to be and that goes without saying it comes with risks and failures.

Love is about sacrifice. It's about giving something up so others may have something and it can be painful..... Remember what Christ did for us so we could have eternal life?

Love is a natural thing for most children. Most children haven’t been roughed up by life yet. Being roughed up will cause anyone to be self-centered in their thinking but that roughness can be smoothed out in one’s soul and love can be all it is suppose to be if we allow God to work in our hearts and minds.

Love is:
"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love 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

For all of us, this definition of love is impossible to live out or accomplish by ourselves but through God’s spirit working in us- it can and will be done in time.

Our love-life shouldn’t be based on us doing it but God doing it. Of course it takes us to be willing to listen. It takes us to submit to God. It takes us to hand over the keys and say God you take the wheel because the way I see it, it is either impossible or never going to happen or I am going to have to settle for someone or something.

God knows the desires of your heart and he makes no mistakes. You trust in him and the pieces of your love-life will come together. Not saying you won’t have difficult times because you can be assured of difficult times or problems arising. God didn’t use the word "endure" and "love" together for no reason at all. You endure not by what you see but by trusting in God to get you through what you see.

I am still in the process of learning but I find peace of mind knowing God has my love-life in his hands. I hope you do the same.

Have a wonderful Valentines Day filled with promise and hope. God bless Jeff

Eternal Life

I don’t know about you, but when my children were around the age of two, they wanted to do everything themselves. Honestly it was struggle to let them do things that I knew they would struggle and fail at but finally I just would have to let them try it. They would try it and fail and then, without much persuasion from my part, they would come and ask my wife and I for help.
It’s funny that even though we grow up, we aren’t that much different then a two-year-old at times. It’s hard to let lopse that stubborn attitude of "I can do it myself!"

A lot of Americans were raised with this idea of "We can do it ourselves" but they forget that this nation was built on Christian fundamentals and believing that in God nothing is impossible. We were a nation that believed that in God we could make anything possible if you just believed by taking a step and letting Him help us. (Luke 18:27)

Unfortunately we are becoming a nation and children that don’t know our Father God. We have become a nation that has gone and hid in the clothes racks of human ideals and come out not knowing where our Father God is standing.

We don’t know how to ask our Father God for help and we have become stubborn and even foolish in our own ways of thinking. Thinking that our ways are right but when compared side by side to God’s biblical truths we are nation that is black beside God’s truths that are white. We are becoming lost in our own darkness of the foolish thoughts and ideals.

We don’t know how blessed we are compared to other nations. It seems we don’t even care and are ignorant of God’s hand over us. I have been to Mexico where families live in a little more then cardboard shacks and don’t know where they are going to get their next meal but they have more trust in God then we do. An American thrown into their "situation" wouldn’t have much to lean on to keep them going and give them assurance. We as a nation are blind to our richness of blessings from God. We are like spoiled children tearing away the wrapping paper from our piles of gifts. We don't fully realize that there other children out there that don't even have an idea what it means to have a bathroom, a bed, or even running water.

Are we totally blind when it comes to God? I don’t think so. Look around us. Look at you and the nature all around you. Where did our nation go in crises such as 911 or Katrina? When we hear God’s truths, they either convict us or reassure us. God is our Father. He knows everything we have ever done. We instinctively know God’s truths because we try to ignore or hide or run from them when we aren’t right with our Father God just a child tries to lie, hide or run from their natural born parents when they have done something they know their parents would not approve.

Why do you think our Father God wants us to know He knows everything about us? (Job 23:7-12) Isn’t obvious? So we can come to Him knowing there isn’t anything to hide from Him. We mess up- we simply say we screwed up and ask Him to forgive us and to direct us so we don’t make the same mistake again. He loves us and He will love us even to the gates of hell if that is our choice not to trust in Him. It is you who has to decide if you truly want to trust him or not.

You want religion? Of course not! You want to be part of a world that is drowning in it’s own darkness? Of course not! It’s a small path between those two things but God’s Holy Spirit sent by Jesus Christ can help you along that small path if you humble yourself and ask for help.

Jesus states in John 16:13 " When the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not be presenting his own ideas; he will be telling you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by revealing to you whatever he receives from me. All that the Father has is mine; this is what I mean when I say the Spirit will reveal to you whatever he receives from me."

Jesus says in Matthew 7:13 "You can enter God’s kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for many who choose the easy way. But the gateway to life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it."
So who is the gateway to life?

Jesus says in John 10:9 "Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. Wherever they go, they will find green pastures. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."

John 10:14 "I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep. And they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice; and there will be one flock with one shepherd"

John 10:27 "My sheep recognize my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and He is more powerful then anyone else. So no one can take them from me. The Father and I are one."

John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."

You can not get eternal life by yourself nor matter what good things you have done or believe in yourself. Your eternal life is based solely on faith. Faith in God the Father’s Son, Jesus Christ. That faith, in Jesus Christ, will sustain, anchor and keep you on that path to eternal life.

If the Spirit of God is calling to you, ask Jesus Christ into your life. Ask Him to forgive you for all the times you have done things your way. Ask Him to forgive you for all the wrongs you have committed in your life for he paid them in full on the cross for you and me. Ask Jesus Christ to be Lord and Savior of your life. Ask Him to fill you with the Holy Spirit so you may grow and be given wisdom to understand and live and love by God’s truths and ways. Tell Jesus that you don’t want to go to hell and you know the only way to eternal life is through Him. Speak from the heart and he will hear you.

God bless you

Handed A New Code Key

I want you to imagine a code key that you slide in the door of your life every day. You slide the code key into slot. The light turns green. The lock opens in the door and you walk through the door just like every other day but this particular day a man walks up to you and gives you a new code key. You are about to give him your old code key when he puts up his hand and says, "You have a choice."

You look at both the keys in your hand and at first there are no obvious signs that the keys are any different. Of course the one you have been using looks used. It has been slightly abused. You have used it from everything to opening junk mail, to when you locked yourself out of your house, to an ice scraper for your car windshield.

You take the clean new code key and go to the door and slide it into the spot. The light turns green and the door unlocks and pops open. You walk through the door. The space is the same but there is a new light and perspective on everything in that space. It’s like you are in a parallel world. You can’t put your finger on it so you ask others who share this space with you, "What is different?"
They look at you strangely and say, "Nothing is different but you seem to be."

Do you want a new code key for your life?

We are continually being presented with ourselves…. The same old key card but the new code key is not based on us, which often deals with our own understandings and reasons about life. It is a code key that helps up look beyond the constant reflection of us to something higher and greater. It transforms us and gives us assurance instead of things like doubt and fear that box us in. This new code key is empowered by a source greater then our imagination. It is empowered by God’s Holy Spirit.

The same Holy Spirit that brings conviction to the world for its sins brings peace to those in Christ. It doesn’t lead by human understanding but rather an understanding that is taught through God’s word, situations, circumstances and challenges. It’s not just "living" and "walking" through life but breathing and speaking new life to others by what insight you have been shown and taught by the Creator Himself.

The old key however deals with our flesh and our own human reasoning. It can actually block God from acting in our lives. The old code key takes God out of the equation in our lives and we are only presented with ourselves and when we are presented with only our reasoning and logic then we start to believe and make up foolish ideas about life and God. This is not what God intended for you and me.

Romans 1:21 says: "Yes they knew God but they wouldn’t worship Him as God or even give him thanks and they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. The result was that their minds became dark and confused."

Romans 1:28-32 says "When they refused to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their evil minds and let them do things that should never be done. Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, fighting, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They are forever inventing new ways of sinning and are disobedient to their parents. They refuse to understand, break their promises, and are heartless and unforgiving. They are fully aware of God’s death penalty for those who do these things, yet they go right ahead and do them anyway. And worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too."

Most people are unaware of death trap they are living in. They are unaware of the eternal punishment awaiting them after this life. They have been tricked and talked into things that if they knew the truth, they would try to steer away from those things.

They are unaware that their life is like a burning house. And since they have no idea that their house is burning down, they will die in that house with no hope. That is, unless, someone runs up to that house and shares with them that they need to get out of their burning house before it’s too late. Of course there will be those individuals, full of pride, who will want to believe that their house is not on fire but for those who can smell the smoke there is good news.

Romans 3:23 "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 ours sins and to satisfy God’s anger against us. We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed his blood, sacrificing his life for us. God was being entirely fair and just when he did not punish those who sinned in former times. And he is entirely fair and just in this present time when he declares sinners to be right in his sight because they believe in Jesus. Can we boast, then that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on our good deeds. It is based on our faith."

Accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior by confessing that you have sinned against God and need Him to save you. Ask the Holy Spirit to come into your life so you maybe empowered to live the life God intended you to live before you were even a thought in your mother’s mind. Ask this all in Jesus name.

You know what I say is true … Are you going to continue using the same old key card that changes nothing and stay in that burning house or use the new key card that changes everything? The choice is up to you my friend.

You Turning Your Faith into Religion?

Don’t make your faith into a religion if you do, you won’t only make yourself miserable but all those around you. Everyone is spoken to and convicted by God in different ways. Everyone is told and given special abilities and gifts by God. Don’t push, compare or measure yourself against anyone else. You were not perfect when you came to Christ and you are still being pruned and perfected at this moment. God hasn’t taken you from this life yet. Christ should be your center of thought and from there comes true knowledge, understanding and love. It pains and saddens me to see such human understanding in God’s people. God sees you as perfected only by the shed blood of Christ, not in your own ways of trying to make yourself right.

And "since you are so eager to have spiritual gifts, ask God for those that will be of real help to the whole church." 1 Corinthians 14:12

And remember "If I had the gift of faith so that I could speak to a mountain and make it move, without love I would be no good to anybody. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it, but if I didn’t love others, I would be of no value whatsoever." 1 Corinthians 13:2-3

Remember what Jesus said, "Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful apart from me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing." John 15: 4-5

"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and 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. Love will last forever, but prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will all disappear." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

"Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by keeping the law? Of course not, for the Holy Spirit came upon you only after you believed the message you heard about Christ. Have you lost your senses? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? You have suffered so much for the Good News. Surely it was not in vain, was it? Are you now going to just throw it all away? I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law of Moses? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ. In the same way, ‘Abraham believed God, so God declared him righteous because of his faith." The real children of Abraham, then, are all those who put their faith in God. What’s more, the Scriptures look forward to this time when God would accept the Gentiles, too, on the basis of their faith. God promised this god news Abraham long ago when he said, ‘All nations will be blessed through you.’ And so it is: All who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith." Galatians 2-9

Wasn’t it in God’s graciousness and kindness that he showed you the truth by the Spirit of truth- the Counselor – the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, "And when he comes, he will convince the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment." John 16:8

He did this because he loved you first regardless of your past actions. Your convictions and assumptions need to be dropped when reaching out and building up others in Christ- for they only build up walls and unnecessary battles and may even cause them to stumble away from Christ and become slaves again. God will transition them from milk to solid foods in his time not yours.

"When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not be presenting his own ideas; he will be telling you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by revealing to you whatever he receives from me. All the Father has is mine; this is what I mean when I say that the Spirit will reveal to you whatever he receives from me." John 16:13

A FIRM grasp on life....choking your life right out?

I don't know about you but my kids were all born with a firm grasp. I'd put my finger in their little grasp and they cling on tight. Infact my oldest decided before she was born to grab on to her umbilical cord and hold so tight she cut off her oxygen supply -giving us and the doctor a pretty good scare. Are you gripping so tight onto life that you are literally choking off your life?
Let go of your life and trust in the faith, hope and love that you were given.

Here is a little poem to show you what I mean.

Tired of the rules of this life? Settling for a house with no windows and no view?
You want to play that superhero song but not sure what that superhero song is or what it should be about?
You want to jump through this atmosphere of boredom.
Words of love
Words of life
Come and get me.
Cruising down the runway of life with no flight path?
Only cancellations and none available?
Fingers always etching for a new channel?
I am a man in a strange world.
Words of love
Words of life
Come and get me.
Are you WHERE you want to be? But how do I know WHERE is when HERE is a question mark in this sidewalk of gorilla glue of this so called life?
Tired of the mellow drama?
The hype of the roller coasters getting to be the pits?
Thoughts always seem to circle back the same way?
You understand sometimes people always gotta do it the hard way.
The simple pleasures don't me that much?
You question where all these pieces come together?
Words of love
Words of Life
Come and get me.
Tired of temporary and looking for that joy?
Given up and don't know how to go back?
Let go of your life. Watch the tatters be sown back together and restored.
There are no hits and runs with God. He remember who you are even if you don't.
Now give Him a full never ending access pass.
Words of love
Words of life
Come and get me.
Tied to religion were you feel like you lost the taste of life?
What do you want?
Do you want to smile in the twang of a happy melody?
Do you want to find meaning in life again?
You want to cry "Don't box me in!"
You want to put your trust in mere human hands or place it where life began?
To dance, sing, and laugh again.
Words of love
Words of life
Come and get me...in Jesus name

God's love is gracious, deep, wide and can bridge any gap you feel inside.

We all need to reflect sometimes and see how hard we are holding on to life? Then we will see that we need some help from God in this "life" department.

Understanding Works & Good Deeds

Do people see works as important? Do people see works as a way into heaven or earn some kind of bonus points with God? What does God think about works?

Learning the hard way, it better to "not" think about or put emphasis on our successes with the exception of thanking God for help us to "accomplishing" them. Maybe "accomplishing" is not the right word either because are we really the ones who accomplishes our good works or good deeds?

I think it is far more important to realize we are loved by God regardless of our good deeds. For God loved us before we ever came to him and realized our need for him in our life.

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."

That being said, God unselfishly gave of himself. We tend as humans look at our good deeds as "what we can get out of it?" Things like human praise, a pat on the shoulder, a positive image, which on the surface is not bad as long as we are reflecting that praise back to the one who helped us accomplish those "good deeds".

Unselfishly God gives of himself so we who know him should also reflect the same attitude or mindset.

The question we must ask ourselves is: "Are we doing something in God's love or for love of ourselves?"

Self-preservation has only one positive. It helps us come to the end of ourselves. We see that the only way to be saved is giving our life to God who gives our life to Christ who sows into us the importance of the preservation of others not ourselves.

Who really cares and provides for us? We in our human thinking would say "ourselves and our hard work" but is it really us who cares and provides for us? Who created us? Who gave you the talents and interests that you have?

We would love to say it is us, ourselves and are hard work that has gotten us to eternity in heaven but looking at the two commandments that Jesus spoke (which covers the 10 commandments) we know we have not fulfilled those commandments and really deserve eternity in hell. Mark 12:30-31, Deuteronomy 5:1-12

Have we loved the Lord our God with all our heart, all our soul, and all our mind and all our strength. Have we loved our neighbor as ourselves?

Have we denied ourselves with all our strength? I say this impossible to do without being empowered by the Holy Spirit, trusting in God and growing in the love of Christ.

Matthew 16:25

If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life.

Same is true with works and good deeds. Everything done in "self" love is a waste.
1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 7:21
"Not all people who sound religious are really godly. They may refer to me as 'Lord,' but they won't enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The decisive issue is whether they obey my Father in heaven. On judgment day many will tell me, 'Lord, Lord, we prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.' But I will reply, 'I never knew you. Go away; the things you did were unauthorized."

Who are they "really" doing these works and good deeds for? Were they looking for direction from the Lord? Were those things done for the love of the Lord and others or for the love of themselves?

Works + self love only suffocates and condemns the soul not to mention makes it nearly impossible to hear Holy Spirit which aids one to love as Christ loves.

Are works important? Yes!

James 2:18 "Now someone may argue, 'Some people have faith; others have good deeds.' I say, 'I can't see your faith if you don't have good deeds, but I will show you my faith through my good deeds."

It REALLY MATTERS however where your mind is focused.

Righteousness is not something we can attain by works but are "clothed with" as we set our mind on Christ. The flesh and human thinking are fallible and sinful.

God is not fallible but it takes us to realize that it is not us that accomplishes good works or deeds but God working through us via the Holy Spirit.

All peace is lost in the believer if we try to earn our righteousness or salvation through works. All artificial peace is lost and comes apparent when we recognize we aren't going to score points or go to heaven based on anything "we" have done.

We must keep our conscience clear from such human thinking. Salvation is a gift that we must accept entirely through Jesus Christ and through this acceptance come "lasting" works and good deeds.

And please don't limit God by what you think you are capable and not capable of doing.

Work done because one feels obligated may relieve some sort of guilt but does it do anything if not done in the love of Christ?

We must decide why we are doing something. Are we doing something merely because of human opinion or we feel compelled by God to do something? If God has given you a desire to do something do it! If not, you may want to reconsider. What is the root reasoning for doing these works and good deeds? Are you authorized or not?

Remember Christ did not do what humans thought he should do but did what was best for them so they could understand God’s ways were different then man’s ways. Remember however to be considerate and do everything out of love so people will see God’s ways in you and come to know Christ through your example.

Facts Stranger Then Fiction

What would shift if our point of view shifted? What would change if our point of view changed?

What holds the universe in balance? … I think it is God.

Then you have the earth in the vastness of space that God has for some reason made His stage…

The earth that if it’s only a few inches this way or that way in its’ orbit would drastically be affected. Earth’s position is unique for if we were any closer to the sun we would burn up and if any further away, would be cold frigid rock.
Then put us into the equation that when we look out a window of an airplane we are smaller then a speck on an end of a pencil. Yet God wants to have an intimate relationship with you and me.

Even our bodies are something to ponder. We are a majority of vapor and gas but we are also made up of energy. Tiny masses of energy and vapor distributed in a time and space.

Plus we live not only in a dimension but a multi-dimension because we don’t only sense things such as feelings, emotions, time, and space but a spiritual or supernatural world that affects our own lives no matter if we want to accept it or not. We also (somewhere in there) experience things like déjà vu. Where we know without a doubt that what we have or just experienced has some how happened before in a "possible" dimension of ourselves.

Then there is our human DNA where scientists know less and less about as they learn more about our DNA.

Mike Adams writes:

"Contrary to previous beliefs, as much as 10 percent of the human genes very wildly from one person to the next."

He goes on to say,

"More importantly, this discovery humbles us and shows us that even our top scientists know less about human DNA than they once thought. Researching DNA is a lot like researching astronomy (sounds familiar huh?): the more we learn, the less we realize we know. It’s as if every newly discovered fact unveils the existence of ten new questions we never knew existed!"

He continues with,

"Only a few years ago (2001), humans were believed to have 100,000 genes while all simple life forms contained far fewer. But this assumption of humans being some ‘advanced’ life form turned out to be utterly false. It turns out that the mustard weed contains the same number of genes as humans, and even the common mouse has nearly as many. From certain types of worms to common trees, there are many organisms on the planet that have very nearly the same number of genes as humans beings ( and some have more)"

Mike then states,

"Furthermore, if you look at the composition of cells in the typical human body, and you start counting them all, you realize that the most of the cells in the typical human body are not human. Read that again, if you need to. It’s shocking statement, but it’s entirely true. The vast majority of cells contained in the human body are bacteria cells—about 100 trillion of them for a typical human being. In other words, when you walk around, most of the cells you’re carrying with you are not even you. The importance of this is in understanding that the human organism does not exist in isolation to the world around it. Regardless of what we believe, we are all closer to nature than we think. In fact, we are literally living with nature inside us, permeating our cells and accounting for more of us then ourselves."

Sounds, as if we are planets with our own ecosystem doesn’t it?

Planets that interact with one another in a sense but hang in the balance of a greater power far beyond our own understanding.

Mike Adams then states two other statements I think are worth sharing:

"Physically, a human being is more like musical expression then a set of constructive blueprints. The human body has near- perfect symmetry and economies of expression through fractal geometry that are quite evident in the structure of circulatory system for example, or the nervous system. Just look at a drawing of veins and arteries and you notice the fractal patterns of geometry--- the same patterns you’ll see drawn in the underside of a leaf, by the way."

"Some scientists see nothing but cold, hard construction blueprints in that DNA. Others see God in the symphony, or Mother Nature directing the orchestra. What I see is a miracle of life, created with such masterful poetry and music that is something to behold, to honor and to be humbled by. It is the ultimate statement of our connection to nature, for everywhere you look in nature, you see the same patterns we express, carried out in a range of melodies through plants, animals and even the waters and skies. Looking closely at ourselves, we cannot help but notice nature. If we are keen observers, that is."

Ever have something seem so clear in your mind that it is clear to you but not the one you are explaining it to? It’s like your soul is being taught something that only God wants you to think about. The evidence is right in front of the person you are talking with but they don’t see what you see or mean.

It doesn’t surprise me in the least that our DNA leads to an abyss of more questions or that our genes contain the same number of genes as a mustard weed or our nervous system resembles the same structure as the underside of a leaf. And like Mike Adam’s I am humbled by all these observations laid open to me. These observations only strengthen my faith that we are made by the same maker (God). His character and fingerprints are all over this universe if only we open our eyes and ask to see.

When I look at these things Mike has mentioned in his writings I am directed to things that are mentioned in the bible. Here are a few I want to share with you.

Genesis 1:1
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Isaiah 40:6-8
A voice said, "Shout!"
I asked, "What should I shout?"
"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 flowers fade beneath the breath of the LORD. And so it is with people. The grass withers, and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever."

Jesus says in Luke 13:18
"What is the kingdom of Heaven like? How can I illustrate it? It is like a tiny mustard seed planted in a garden; it grows and becomes a tree, and the birds come and find shelter among it’s branches."

Why did Jesus Christ choose a mustard seed that happens to have the same number of genes as a human?

Jesus continues in Luke 13:20
"What else is the kingdom of God like? It is like yeast used by a woman making bread. Even though she used a large amount of flour, the yeast permeated every part of the dough."

To this world, Christians are like yeast we are spread all throughout the world for God’s glory to be heard and seen. Some would even call us bacteria.

Romans 1:19
For the truth about God is known to them instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts. From the time the world 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 no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God. Yes, they know God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. The result was that their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they became utter fools instead. And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people or birds and animals and snakes.

Revelation 22:13
"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End."

Sick Body and Enduring Spirit

Even in sickness the soul can endure a sick body if the Spirit of God is within them. A person who trusts in God and not the condition of their health can conquer adversity.

Proverbs 18:14 "A healthy spirit conquers adversity, but what can you do when the spirit is crushed?" or "The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear it if the spirit is crushed?"

Beware of the Battle Cesspool

I was amazed at the amount of junk being dished at me while I was sick and the more energy I spent battling these thoughts the more sick and dizzy I felt. I prayed and prayed and read and read.

I finally just gave up in a sense…. I still thanked God for the relief, no matter how small but I released any type of "responsibility" from myself. I "surrendered" any type of expectation "I" had on God.

I curled up underneath my blankets and did my best to sleep and stay warm. Sure sweeping negative thoughts still came but I let them go and eventually I did sleep soundly.

I more or less took "Me" was out of the equation. I could do battle all day with God’s word and drown in a cesspool of well-advised words but in the end, isn’t it God’s responsibility to heal me not my responsibility to heal me?

It really doesn’t matter how much belief I have in God just that I have faith that he will get me through this flu bug, in the matter he wants me to get through it.

How much energy are we willing to expel on something more then God? Is the battle really ours or is it God’s battle? If we aren’t careful we can drown ourselves in a battle cesspool of words and thoughts. Remember the dark forces we fight against have battle tactics far superior then our own. We are God’s children but sometimes our wishes to be a super Christians or even our sickly flesh can get in the way of God’s lessons for us.

I can say, I have prayed for my children and myself and we have been healed from the flu instantly but is being healed instantly every time, teaching us about suffering and enduring? Is it teaching us anymore about God? Is our faith being stretched when we are healed instantly?
I will say it has given a stronger faith that God can heal instantly but is there a lesson in being sick at times in our life?

Our bodies are only usable down here. We were given these bodies for what purpose? Why didn’t God give us the bodies He has for us up in heaven? The only reason I can come up with is so we can begin to understand what God wants us to learn from them. They are not just a temporary vessel but are a tool.

Remember "It’s not by might, not by power but by my spirit," says the Lord.

Please read Romans 11:33-36 slowly:

"Oh, what a wonderful God we have! How great are his riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his methods! For who can know what the Lord is thinking? Who knows enough to be his counselor? And who could ever give him so much that he would have to pay it back? For everything come from him; everything exists by his power and is intended for his glory. To him be glory evermore. Amen."

Microscope Truths

John 1:1-5 "In the beginning the Word already existed. He was with God, and he was God. He was in the beginning with God. He created everything there is. Nothing exists that he didn't make. Life itself was in him, and this life gives light to everyone. The light shines through the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it."

Did we also exist at the beginning? If life was in Christ at the beginning then we existed in God's thoughts even before we came into "being".

Our salvation was set up from the very "beginning" with Christ.

I recently went over to a men's bible study. Rick is a retired doctor was talking about the complexity of the human body and how doctors can not see exactly how complex the human body really is because it is much like looking at the universe with a telescope. A doctor can take a human cell under a microscope and it doesn't matter how powerful that microscope is - it’s impossible to see the end of that tissue sample as it is impossible to see the end of the universe with a telescope.

Cal then asked, "So how are all these things that make up our body held together if we are just a universe of particles floating around?"

Rick answered, "We are held together by strings essentially."

This got me to thinking: We as Christians are considered the body of Christ- are we not?

The body of Christ is also complex.

A while back I read Colossians which states in 2:19 "But they are not connected to Christ, the head of the body. For we are joined together in his body by his strong sinews, and we grow only as we get our nourishment and strength from God."

The human body is held together by strings but so it the body of Christ. This scientific fact points to Christ. I found this extremely interesting.

Revelation 4:11 "You are worthy, O Lord our God, to recieve glory and honor and power. For you created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created."

And just as most of us don’t "visibly" see God's awesome power with the human eye, but instinctively know he is a work and now are being allowed by scientific discoveries to see a small glimpse of the complexity and measure at God works wonders.

I think Colossians 3 says it best. "Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God’s right hand in the place of honor and power. Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth. For you died when Christ died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your real life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

And just as the most powerful microscope can not see the end of a human cell and the most power telescope can see the ends of the universe so are we hidden in Christ yet by the Holy Spirit we work and are tied together so someone might see into the vastness and stumble upon God's wonders and works in our life.

As A Stone in a River.

You know what I miss? I miss hiking up into the hills where there isn’t another soul around and where there are mountain rivers that bring calmness and reflection to ones soul.

A few blogs ago I wrote about understanding hurt.

How about when there is no understanding of why someone has hurt you? How about when there is just the continual or constant reaping of hurtful actions towards you even though you have done nothing to deserve it?

Obviously you haven’t been hostile toward them. You haven’t quarreled with them. You haven’t been jealous of them. You haven’t had some selfish ambition that regards them in anyway. You haven’t wanted division. You haven’t envied them or gossiped about them. (Galatians 5:19) But still you receive these hurtful actions from these people.

You try to practice forgiveness and kindness towards them but you are starting to realize a clog. You want to pull back from everything and everyone one and become a solitary hermit because you see the world and everyone in it as fallible. You don’t want to share with anyone your troubles because they will probably tell you everything you already know instead of give a truly sympathetic and understanding ear.

The reflective hurt of past trespasses circle around you as these same individuals again offend you and leave you bleeding internally. The wound is only made larger has others pile on their ideas, perspectives, struggles and frustrations out upon you. Soon a deadly bacterium called "resentment" begins to consume your soul and you don’t want to care anymore.

You keep hearing Peter in Matthew 18:21 ask Jesus, "Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?" and Jesus replies to Peter with "No! Seventy times seven!"

You know Jesus tells us to love our enemies in Matthew 5:44. But your soul is screaming, "When is enough ENOUGH?" I too have felt this way.

This is where the mind knowledge and the natural tendencies of a Christian soul must fight and seek God’s peace and perspective on situation. We need intercession by God's Spirit to help us fix our thoughts on God alone (Isaiah 26:3). I have cried so many times in the lap of Jesus but each time I have - this jagged rock of myself has become more rounded as a river stone being rounded in the different currents of a river.

I too hope one day, that these hurts won’t mean that much to me anymore and they will run over around me like water over a smooth rounded stone. .

Jesus is our rock and he was beaten so that we might have peace (Isaiah 53:3) I say without Jesus in my life I would find no peace. God doesn’t promise life without hurt and without suffering- we all know that. And it seems mercy is something we cannot attain enough of in this life.

There is time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3).

I’ll leave you with this:
"Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters." Galatians 6:8-10

Understanding Through Hurt

When we hurt someone or someone hurts us… what are the reasons for it? 

Why do people choose the words they do?  Why do these words hurt so much?

The enemy of our soul knows the exact why to hurt us.  He knows what words to use.  He knows what words stop us in our tracks.  And he will use anyone to say them...  Some do not believe this but what words scream out for you to speak in the midst of conflict?

What voice are you listening to in the midst of hurt?  Do we absorb those hurtful words- those words that sometimes come out of no where like a sniper shot.   Why now? Why come after you?  What did you deserve to get such words?  Or were you just in the path at the wrong time?  Or is it because you are a child of God?  

Why did people hurt each other? Do they hurt us because of something in their past? Do they lack understanding and compassion? Are they suffering themselves? Do they lack self-esteem? Are they so hard hearted that it has made their brain hard as well. The brain seems to not know or even care what is coming out of their mouth.  Not only that but have seemed to forgotten has badly they have treated you.  You confront them on it and they seem to have to no recollection of those times.   They seem to even think they have done you some kind of good service by doing what they did.  They had some reason to say and do the things they did....   


Beware of such folks... forgive them but keep them arm distance away from you.  Some people believe to forgive is to forget... and I tell you: You are to forgive where they have "pained" you so so the pain doesn't fester and become infected and cause you resent and hate and become revengeful and drag your soul to hell but you don't forget.  God tells us we must forgive others or we will not be forgiven besides you want to go to hell for someone's wrong? You want to live in a prison of your own hate while they walk around free?  WHY?  Christians aren't their own... not only do they have to answer to God for their wrongs but we should feel sorry for those who hurt us because they will have to answer to God because we are His.

I have found we must be careful who we lean towards and trust.  We must be careful who we look to for affirmation.  Some people will take the very words you have spoken in confidence and use them against you.  Learn from those situations.... just because people give you tokens of their thoughts you don't have to spill your thoughts as well especially if you don't want what you have shared to be given to other people.   

Where is the mind when we "expectantly or unexpectedly" get hurt by someone?  Is it all based on emotions and the natural tendency to get even, flee, to get on the side of offense or defense....?  Some people, particularly men have a difficult time pin pointing why they feel a certain way so they cover it over with some other defense... some so afraid of what others might think of them lie and lie and lie and when the lies don't do anything for them anymore they RUN.  That is why is is so important to have loving respectful honest conversation with our spouse.  If they don't feel safe in sharing their feelings and feel as if their feelings will be used against them then you are pushing that person AWAY! 

What is our natural tendency to do when we get hurt?  Do we "stuff it" only for it to blow up later.   Do we let it burden us?  Do we take it to heart?  Where does the mind GO when it gets hurt?  Do we believe what people say more then what God has told us?  Do we hold onto the hurt or give it God?  Do we say, "HERE GOD take it" but on our way out, pick it up again?
 Why do you think God’s word says to love Him with all your heart and mind?

God says to not strike back in word or action for God has total knowledge of the situation.  TURN the other cheek but it is difficult to do when we don't put our focus on God and our spiritual scale is off kilter....  God emphasis on our lives need to be more then people's words and actions- good or bad.  For we will not stand before people but God when God takes an account of our life.

Matthew 5:22 "But I say, if you are angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the high council. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell."
 
Some people might want to seek an explanation but depending on the person we might not want an explanation.   We might humbly say we are sorry for whatever offense we might have caused and if nothing else is said- maybe it is best to let it go without an explanation.  When you talk to someone about how they hurt you, don't get sucked into even more damaging emotions and feelings... some people have a special ability to make you feel worse after speaking to them....  If you know that is the tendency with such a person it is best to let it go.   Do what you know is right... God knows... God knows... God knows...  Honor God and at the right time God will honor you.

When we get hurt, not of any fault of our own, are we gaining some kind of understanding or getting a little taste of what Christ went through for us?
So the actions and whipping tongues hurt for a little while but as long as we are "reminded" what Christ took upon himself we will not lose faith. We will not give into negative thoughts that breed resentment, anger, fear, frustration, revenge and/or wrath but we will hold fast to the tower of our strength and be encouraged by the Holy Spirit. Grace and forgiveness will flow from us- replacing the natural tendencies that only come from human understanding.

Remember everything not done in love is worthless. (1 Corinthians 13:3) Ask yourself, will what I do and say be out of love or out of pointless selfishness and/or vengeance?  Ask yourself- do you belong to yourself or God?

Words can be an ally or an enemy according to Proverbs.

• "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger."
• "Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit."
• "Kind words are like honey-sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."
• "A person’s words can be life-giving water, waters of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook."
• "Words satisfy the soul as food satisfies the stomach; the right words on a person’s lips bring satisfaction."

1 Peter 3:2 states to wives: "Your godly lives will speak to them better than any words. They will be won over by watching your pure, godly behavior."  BUT I believe we all can use this verse as well.   Words sometimes just get in the way but unselfish godly actions speak a lot louder then words.
 
 Ephesians 5:25 says "And you husbands must love your wives with the same love Christ showed the church." (Ephesians 5:28) "Husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man is actually loving himself when he loves his wife." ( 1 Peter 3:7) "In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat her with understanding as you live together"
Love is what? God’s word says love is:
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 "Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and 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."

Jesus says this in Matthew 22:37-39: "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."

Jesus says in Matthew 5:43 "You have heard the law of Moses says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and on the unjust, too. If you love only those who love you, what good is that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect."

In order to love someone who has hurt us we must take on the attributes of Christ.

• We must not get caught up in our emotions of ourselves. If you do you’ll find yourself with more heartache.
• We must fully realize the truth that we are not our own but Christ’s.
• We must be reliant on God's love not just on people who are unpredictable.
• We must seek direction from God.  Be in his word gaining a great depth of wisdom and "knowing" knowledge of God's word where God can help us use them in every situation that arises.

When we are able to resist what comes naturally by the mighty power of God we won't be question where we stand when its all over. You won’t feel the mental set back of your human ways or understandings and you will also be able to pray for those who have hurt you. Besides I rather hear apologies then make them, how about you?

1 Peter 3: 13-17 "Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t be afraid and don’t worry. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But you must do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak evil against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, then to suffer for doing wrong!"

Many martyrs for Christ have died and suffered for doing what was right and because of their suffering and deaths many souls have been saved.

1 John 5:3 "Loving God means keeping his commandments, and really, that isn’t difficult. For every child of God defeats this evil world by trusting Christ to give the victory. And the ones who win this battle against the world are the ones who believe that Jesus is the Son of God."

2 Timothy 3:16; 1 Peter 3:2, 3:7, 3:13-18; Ephesians 1:8; Ephesians 6:10-17, 1 Peter 4:1-19

Spiritual Truths

A friend and I were having a conversation about spiritual truths and how individuals know these truths instinctively but they either ignore these truths or interrupt them in human ways of thinking and understanding. (Find it in Romans 1)

The culture of the day has many spiritual truths. Our ear instinctively appreciates them when we hear them because God has planted them in every human soul. But throughout time we have watered down these truths into a human understanding instead of a Godly understanding. These truths that originated in and from God now have become mere words - that we have dis-attached from the owner of these truths (GOD).

Spiritual truths, to the world, have essentially become a tootsie roll pop without the tootsie roll in the center. They are sweet on the outside but no deep meaning or understanding in the inside. They are so because we have ignored the original of their meaning.

Look at these movies: The Matrix, Starwars, Lord of the Rings, Kingdom of Heaven, The Four Feathers, Narnia, Hidalgo…. We like and enjoy the message of these movies why?

God's truths are far greater and deeper then our own limited understanding and because of this they sound great to us but because we don't look to God for deeper understanding into these truths they quickly get washed away in the cares of life and are forgotten. God puts the one seeking Him (faith) on a foundation in which these truths not only sound good and make sense but also grow in deeper understanding.

Job 12:13 "But true wisdom and power are with God; counsel and understanding are his.

Read 1 Corinthians 2:12-16

We must give our lives over to God for these great truths to be revealed. He will make them plain and he will make sure we will remember them by his Holy Spirit. He will also give us clarity, direction, caution, and insight in "questionable" situations.

In every level and aspect of the human intellect there is either a certain level of vagueness of God or vagueness of the wisdom of God. And you will find that even well studied and faithful followers of Christ find there is no end to seeing the dots and greatness of God. There seems to be this constant turning key of knowledge that allows us to see a bit more into the endless insight, enlightenment and encouragement of God as we stay mindful and reliant on God and his love and grace.

A love and grace that we should not take lightly or for granted.

A journey of Christian faith brings spiritual truths to light and helps us grow in our assurance, peace and love that God has for us.

In a world of limited understandings, who dares to reach your hand to lead you and help you see the truth? Who?

Jesus says this:

John 10:9-10 "Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. Wherever they go, they will find green pastures. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all it’s fullness."

John 14:6 Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had known who I am, then you would have known who my Father is. From now on you know Him and have seen Him!"

Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to those who call on Him as Lord and Savior. He is our foundation and where true understanding comes from.

John 16:13-14 "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not be presenting his own ideas; he will be telling you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by revealing to you whatever he receives from me."

Why God Allows Pain

A relative recently sent this to me in an email and I thought I would share it with you.

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation. They talked about so many things and various subjects. When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said: "I don't believe that God exists."

"Why do you say that?" asked the customer.

"Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can't imagine a loving a God who would allow all of these things."

The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument.

The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop. Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and unkempt. The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber: "You know what? Barbers do not exist."

"How can you say that?" asked the surprised barber. "I am here and I am a barber! And I just worked on you!"

"No!" the customer exclaimed. "Barbers don't exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside."

"Ah, but barbers DO exist! What happens is that people do not come to me."

"Exactly!"- affirmed the customer. "That's the point! God, too, DOES exist! What happens is that people don't go to Him and do not look for Him. That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world."

From: "Faith is a journey, not a destination."

Sidenote to this email:
I think suffering does happens to those people who believe in God but it's a person's level of dependence (or faith) on God in how a person will successfully and unsuccessfully get through it. There is a book in the bible called Job. God called him righteous and a friend of God. He suffered more then most of us can even imagine but it was his dependence, reliance and belief in God that got him through it. Job's life was to prove to Satan that even when God's people suffer for reasons beyond their understanding - their faith in God still remains strong.

God has given us all a choice to love and know Him. He doesn't want us to perish in the fires of hell - by us not believing in his Son Jesus Christ, who paid for our sins and made us acceptable by His own blood. He also didn't want his creation to be forced to love Him -because what kind of love and relationship would that be then? God paid the price for us by giving His Son, Jesus Christ, to die a criminals death on a cross for us. And Jesus' obedience to His Father and his love for us made him give up his life for us. Jesus died for you and me and rose again to prove that he was God's son and - so we could have the fullness of life and eternity in heaven and not hell. He was the messiah that all the prophets of old had talked about in the bible. Jesus was the ultimate sign of God's love for us. God and Jesus have done all the work for us to come to him and it's only our choice to believe or not.

God also has given us a choice to do things that are wrong or do things that are right (to sin or not sin). These things are spelled out in the bible. God hates sin. For us to be right in God's sight is to strive to do right with the help of God's Holy Spirit and depend on Jesus Christ as our "interceder and sole priest" for the forgiveness of our sins. There are no payments to get your mother, father, brother, sister, or uncle Joe's big toe or anything else out of hell. It was their faith in Christ that saves them - NOTHING else. Jesus was our payment and to say we can buy someone's salvation over God's only son's body is CRAZY!

Bad things (also) happen to the innocent because individuals choose to sin which affect other people. They choose to drink and drive. They choose to kill and steal. They choose to have prematerial sex. They choose to have to multiple partners who may carry and spread diseases such as herpes and HIV and AIDs. They choose drugs over their own children. They choose to believe in a false god who tells them to kill millions of people. They choose to pick and choose what they want to believe in God like He is some salad bar god. They choose to rape. They choose to hold on to all their hurts, worries and anxieties. They choose to believe more in their circumstances then the power of God. They choose to not listen to God and not believe in what God says is true. We curse only ourselves in our non-belief in God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Innocent people get poked and stabbed by the thorns of others because "these" others don't have their eyes focused on God but themselves and their situation.

Does pain allow us to see in the mirror? Here's an example: If a person says they are a Christian and then they get crushed by someone- what is going to come out of their mouth and actions? Is it going to be something sweet or something bitter? Is it something that Christ would approve of or not? If it isn't something we know God wouldn't approve, then we know we need go to God to and have him minister to us and encourage us to do better.

Pain also shows us all that we are in need of help and we need to give that pain to God instead of holding onto it. Have you noticed that we aren't vessels capable of carrying around hurt and pain? We don't function the way God wants us to - when we hold on to the hurt and heavy burdens. God made us very dependent on him but when we try to handle hurt and pain ourselves we don't do a very good job (Frankly we stink at it) and often it affects others around us.

Well I am sure there are more reasons why their is pain in this world but this is what I was given.

Routine Crumbs

The alarm clock goes off. You drag yourself out of bed and head to the kitchen after a brief stop to the restroom. Clean dishes in the dish washer. Dishes that didn't fit into the dish washer sitting in the sink. Crumbs from last nights dinner sit on the stove top.
Your mind thinks.... remember that started load of laundry you started before bed.
Remember the car needs an oil change.
Remember we need more toilet paper.

You put your bagel into the toaster.... you watch the coils turn red as it toasts your bagel. You try to keep your eyes open.

The bagel pops up and you remember there is no cream cheese. You aren't into sticky warm peanut butter in the morning so you take what little remains of butter on the butter dish in the frig and spread the cold dabs of butter on halves of bagel.

Add to list... butter, cream cheese you say to yourself.
Car needs gas...you were too tired to get it yesterday.
You flip on the television to see the traffic report. It reports 20 minute delays in the normal spots.

Yep just another day of routine you say.

Then out of no where another a thought comes swimming out of the murky glum in your mind,
"You don't have to except these crumbs."
"I don't have to except these crumbs? This is just life...." you reply back to the thought.
The thought replies, "You don't have to except the routine, the ordinary, the same messes, the same drive, the same story... The gutter thinking you find yourself in every morning."
You take a glance out the window to see the view... something you usually ignore and take for granted. The morning sun in shining through the wispy clouds. The trees have that lovely dark and light green coloring as the light hits them.

You turn off the television. You hear a bird singing its morning praises.

Those were no ordinary thoughts. It was God speaking. "Ok Lord what do you have in store for me today."

Crumbs. I guess there are really two types of crumbs. The crumbs we "limit" ourselves to or the crumbs God gives us, making the ordinary into the extraordinary.

John 6:32 Jesus said, "I assure you, Moses didn't give them bread from Heaven. My Father did and now he offers you the true bread from heaven. The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."

Jesus gives life to the world. We have to faithful in the small things and he will be faithful in all things. The small things for us is sometimes getting our mind away from ordinary crumbs of life. Sure we have do those things we seem routine but what matters most is where the mind is at and waiting to receive from God.

Scriptures:
Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path."

Luke 8:16 "No one would light a lamp and then cover it up or put it under a bed. No, lamps are mounted in the open, where they can be seen by those entering the house."

Note Matthew 15: 21-28 (If Jesus considers healing a little girl from demon possession as crumbs. Just think what a piece of bread must be. God's crumbs are a lot better then our crumbs.)

Ephesians 5:8-9 "For though your hearts were once full of darkness, now you are full of light from the Lord, and your behavior should show it! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true."


Thessalonians 5:5-6, 8 "For you are all children of light of the day; we don't belong to darkness and night. So be on your guard, not asleep like others. Stay alert and be sober.

Battles that Are Close To The Heart

The hardest spiritual battles you will face are the ones closest to your heart. They are things you hope and pray for and when they don’t happen or turn out the way you thought, you feel betrayed by GOD. It’s even harder when you know God as your Father, Jesus as your brother, Savior, Lord and King and the Holy Spirit your guide, comforter and encourager.

The Holy Spirit aches inside your soul but anguish rises within your soul too. You have been cut deep and you think God has let you down and not fulfilled His promises but has HE?

Who is the one who made these requirements of GOD? Who made this dagger? Then who slipped slanderous suggests to God in which you swallowed whole? Who said you were to have all those things? Who made up this plan and this hope or desire? You or GOD?

Did your actions "in the end" speak of why you didn’t get what you desired to get?

Did you get so involved in the situation that you ignore the Holy Spirit's advice?

Mentally a seasoned Christian knows what they’re suppose to do spiritually in a spiritual battle.

And in some way God has prepared his children with the knowledge they need to endure such trials for God never gives us anything more then we can handle.

But it is often when a Christian sets the desires of their heart in front of God's desires, God's preparation/timing, and His will, they become confused, angry and feel betrayed.

Anguish causes our mind to be clouded and we let the enemy's fiery of arrows to strike.

Every destructive suggestion goes unchecked against arsenal of biblical teachings and in turn cause major havoc.... for the enemy wants to kill, steal and destroy the Christian.

And it’s not that Christians aren't aware of these tactics and attacks but a lack of thought and judgment at particular moment which is based on "self" can be like standing in a puddle of gasoline and holding a sparkler.

When we are concentrated only on ourselves and the something goes wrong, it is easy to question God, justify our dark thoughts and actions, and fall.

And this trap… once you are in it, can be hard for most people to crawl out of because of pride, hurt, guilt, shame, anger, rejection, and our assumptions of God.

And people who "feel" that they have been hurt by God will sometimes look upon the hurt similarly as if their earthly father had hurt them.

The truth is the devil works pretty hard on the Christian.. but we make it easier when we don't pay attention to what God has to say. Satan has no power over you unless you give it to him.

Dangerous tempting pathways and poisoned philosophy will be offered to you but don't take them. Christ was tempted so we too will be tempted especially when the battle is close to the heart.

Tough battles do come but don't let them separate you from GOD. The Bride of Christ should always be able to approach the throne from of God even with tears of hurt and sorrow.

Remember what God has said. Nothing can separated us from God's love. Romans 8:38-39

Nothing God has shown you and said to you can be taken away but you have the choice to drop your sword and surrender. You have a choice to turn and try to forget. You have a choice to forsake God or not forsake God.

Healing and wisdom often comes when we are willing to admit our failure, our hurt and confusion to God. It comes when we realize that it's not God that has let us down but ourselves.

Sometimes, we may not ever understand the "reasons" why such "things" happen in our lives but we need to let them go and know God is in charge even when we think things have gone wrong.

And if you can't immediately feel peace knowing this - take one step in front of the other, breath in and out, pour out your heart to God, and know this feeling or season won't last forever ... God comforts the hurting. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

What is a Christian?

Are you intrigued or interested?

Someone recently informed me that they considered themselves a Christian but it was evident by their life style that they weren’t knowledgeable enough to know what a Christian is. This troubled me.

85% of American claim to be Christians but this survey included "religions" that are not considered "Christian Faith".

So who is a Christian?

A "Christian" is a person:
1.Who belongs to Christ Jesus and believes he is the Son of GOD.
2. They believe Jesus Christ is the only way into heaven and to be accepted by GOD the Father.
3. They have invited and received Christ Jesus as their Lord and Savior of their life.
4. They believe Christ died for them on the cross for their sins and rose from the grave. By Jesus’ sacrifice, they are children of GOD.
5. They believe and live according to how Jesus said we should live with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
6. They should confess this "Good News" to others so they too will be saved and have eternal life.
7. They believe salvation can not be earned but it is a gift from GOD if you only believe in Christ Jesus as your Lord and Savior.
8. Believes in every word of GOD to be true.
9. Who loves the LORD, their GOD with all their heart, soul and mind.
10. Who loves their neighbor as themselves.

The book of Romans in the bible is a good place to start reading about all this good stuff.

To learn how and why you should be a Christian check out this link below: http://www.billygraham.org/SH_StepsToPeace.asp

Where Good Healthy Spiritually Thinking Starts.

What I say may or may not be elementary but sometimes even when things seem to be elementary they can be easily over looked.

We are creatures that love to look inward at ourselves… and sometimes we may look too deeply into ourselves or a situation and make ourselves miserable.

Life outside self. To find "life" we have to look pass our own feelings, thoughts, distractions, evaluations and circumstances.

To "persevere" and find "strength" and "hope" we must look past ourselves to the one who set up the very foundation of hope.... GOD.

To find restraint and keep every dark seeded thing from "flying out" we must trust God more then ourselves. We must listen to God more then we listen to ourselves and watch out for carefully crafted pointed suggestions from the enemy... Satan.

In truth that can be very difficult at times especially in anguish and sorrow. Thank God for His Holy Spirit that prays for us when we can't seem to pray.

When life has got you down or frazzled or you seem to be just barely clutching onto some kind of healthy spiritually thinking, ask "rooted" questions to yourself.

Examples:
1. Where do these thoughts come from?
2. Are these thoughts actually true or are they my assumptions of what I perceive?
3. Are these thoughts based on what God has told me or what the world wants me to believe?
4. Am I seeking revenge or trusting in God's justice.

I am constantly amazed how far my mind can drift, get intoxicated or fall asleep in a short period of time by thoughts.

In college some of my friends would refer to this as: "How far off the dock are you willing to walk?"

Ever look down from your thoughts and realize there is nothing between your feet and the pointlessness?

I find myself at fault of this. I will be working on something and my mind will drift to these ideas which will play with my emotions.

I wish I had a better thought filter or trap because sometimes I can sail quite a ways down river before I realize I need to get myself back where I need to be spiritually.

Kind of like body boarding. You are body boarding the waves at the ocean- out in front of your beach "spot" and before you know it... the current has taken you down the beach a ways and you have to end up walking half a footballs field length to back up the beach to your beach "spot".

Sometimes I asked myself, if God’s spirit is living inside of me, why do I even bother listening to these suggestions that are slung at me throughout the day? Where is the "thought" filter that keeps the "slug" out of the mental pump?

Now imagine being intoxicated or under the influence of a drug or even a powerful emotion. That is where sin can take a great foot hold in a person's thinking and life. That is why God says,"And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.' Mark 12:30

Because who do you trust in the mind and heart, if you don't trust and love God? What is the outcome if a person trusts and loves only themselves and what they receive from others?

A man finds out his wife is cheating on him. How is he going to constructively handle the situation? He certainly isn't going to handle the situation correctly if he trusts in himself. Not saying it doesn't hurt a man if his wife cheats on him but how is he going to constructively handle the situation better if he looks to God in contrast to looking into himself.

Paul said this in Philippians 3 "I once thought all these things were so very important, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes everything is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ and become one with him."

You depend on the praises of men, the money of men, your possessions, your looks, your friends, your spouse, your health, your position, your portfolio, your retirement, what do you got when they fail you? (Those who know the bible think about Job.)

Where does your mind go when they fail you?

Christ Jesus said this in Matthew 16:24-26
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?

It's a choice a person has to make everyday if not every minute of the day. You want to think clearly and healthy- don't just trust in in what you see or perceive but trust in God. He is higher then our thoughts and when we put him higher then our thoughts (and we don't give into our thoughts) he gives us peace and right action- even though it may be difficult.

"Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven where Christ sits at God’s right hand in the place of honor and power. Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth. For you died when Christ died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:1-4)

It's starts with your choice.