While on Earth

Hungry?

2012-01-04T09:13:00.002-06:00

We are usually yearning for something. Be IT tangible or intangible we crave something, but obtaining my worldly desires has perpetuated an endless cycle of wanting something a little better. I'll admit, I'm insatiable, and obsessing over all the temporal things stresses me out. However, I believe an insatiable ache for something greater is proof the world will never satisfy my deepest longings, which is motivation to grow in relationship with Jesus. He tells us, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. My righteousness is filthy rags, and Christ Jesus is our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. Furthermore, God made Him (Jesus) who had no sin to be sin for us, that in Him (Jesus) we might become the righteousness of God. (Matthew 5:6, Isaiah 64:6, 1 Corinthians 1:30, and 2 Corinthians 5:21) These texts remind me to follow the instruction of a popular hymn the next time a craving for worldly stuff emerges.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full in His wonderful face,
and the things of this world
will grow strangely dim
in the light of His glory and grace.

Jesus told the women at the well, “Everyone who drinks this water (worldly things) will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give will never thirst again. Indeed the water I give will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” Jesus promises to fill us up when we come willing to hear from Him and drink from His Word. (Holy Bible)

Another interesting point about Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well is Jesus met with her privately. He speaks to me personally and intimately when I get away to a quiet place, clear my mind, concentrate on His splendor, and share what is on my mind.

Jesus feeds the hungry when they come to His table willing to eat. (figuratively speaking)

Divine Fuel

2009-06-03T14:21:00.005-05:00

What is hope? The following just occurred to me. Hope is my energy, and energy generates motivation. Thus, when hope dwindles, motivation weakens, and when hope grows, motivation strengthens. So, if my hope is fully in God and His promise of eternal life, then I will be completely motivated to let His Son, Jesus, live His life through me, and I will live the life God created me to live.

So, the amount of hope determines the amount of work I am willing and desiring to do. If my hope is chasing a vain aspiration then my motivation and desire to work for God is diverted to my own hope of fulfilling a dream that that is governed by temporal uncertainties. Now the vicious cycle of uncertainty breeds fear, fear of failing evolves to doubt, and doubt, if left to slither around in our mind is like a boa constrictor curling, quickly wrapping, and devastatingly crushing our hopes. We sense the doubt is there, but often will not react until hopes feel crushed. However, conversely doubt should be an alerting siren and flashing warning light going off with a message stating our hope is not to be founded in our own ability, and propel us to a place of seeking God's face, and submitting all we are, and attempting to understand the relevance of God's grace that redeemed us from death to life, and rekindling our faith in God All Mighty.

Isaiah 40:31 “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.”

Visual Lessons

2009-06-03T13:29:00.002-05:00

God is teaching, but learning requires attentive eyes and/or ears. Truthfully, there isn't a moment God isn't teaching, but there are countless moments when His students aren't aware. Momentary awareness could result in a life transforming experience.
Here's one of those moments I witnessed that really left an impression.

Our 2-month-old son has torticollis (twisted column), which sounds much worse than it really is. Actually, this is a fairly common condition due to infants sleeping on their back and repeatedly favoring one side of their head completely turned with chin touching the shoulder. (This is a combination of very little research mixed with my reasoning as to how this occurs and its effects.) After a while the muscles in the neck and upper back region will begin to tighten up and make it uncomfortable for them to face the opposite way, and their head will eventually become misshapen; due to the spine attempting to keep the cranium facing forward, or at most seventy degrees to the to the nearest shoulder. However, a few months of physical therapy and due diligence of the caretakers usually corrects and leaves no evidence of this condition.

So, one evening my wife positioned our son so he would have to turn his head the other direction to see her face, and he was doing everything in his power to turn his body but not his head to see my wife’s face. As I watched this went on for fifteen minutes, he would squirm to allow his body to turn, but not his head to see my wife’s face; then, she would repositioned him and hold his body so he would have to turn his head to see her face.

No doubt there was discomfort for him when he turned his head the other way. My wife was only doing what was necessary to help strengthen muscles on one side and relax them on the other side of his neck, shoulders, and upper back. Beneficial in the long run, but he only felt the immediate discomfort of turning his head, so he immediately responded by moving his head back to a comfortable position, but wanted to keep his eyes on my wife. Eventually, he gave up trying to squirm free of my wife’s hold and keeping his eyes on my wife must not have been worth the discomfort of turning his head. So, he just looked at the floor.

How often am I hell-bent in my mind to keep my eyes on God, but I’m unwilling to let discomfort strengthen me. So, I avoid the discomfort or run from it once uncertainty emerges or become discouraged during discomfort and uncertainty and give up seeking His holy face. When all He is trying to do is strengthen me for the future He has carefully planned.

Mirror or Microscope

2009-04-10T13:42:00.003-05:00

I wonder what our blog posts and follow-up comments would state if upon logging onto the internet our souls were entirely revealed, and everyone instantly knew everyone like God knows us. Does identifying others’ darkness bring us into the light? Once brought into the light is our darkness hidden? What if everyone saw us as God saw us. No darkness, no iniquity was out of your neighbor’s sight, and your neighbor’s soul was in the open for all to see. The commonly used verse, “He without sin cast the first stone,” would not be a scripture that was held in the recesses of our subconscious, used to exhort, counsel, and hold others accountable, but would be a truth we personalized and most certainly lived by without evoking thought.

Well, the thing is: all our neighbors’, who we may conceal all our sins from, may very well judge us on earth, but God, you cannot hide a single thought from, is the ultimate judge of our soul. Thus’ knowing that God knows and sees all, why do we cover our iniquities and attempt to reveal everyone else.

May God become so real in our lives that we can not see outside ourselves until we have gazed into the eyes of God.

Temptations

2009-01-28T20:43:00.003-06:00

We may not want to give into the temptations in our heart, but emotionally in our mind we hold onto the perceived pleasure the sinful action or behavior may bring. We may say, “I don’t want to lie or cuss or look at pornography or answer the call of alcohol or any voice of addiction anymore, and we very well might mean it from the bottom of our heart with all sincerity. That is great, but are we disconnected emotionally. I mean do our emotions control us. Our mind envisions the pleasure of the sin. This happens to us all, but it is how we act at this moment that shows what is controlling us. Is it our emotions, or is it our heart that only wants to please God?

(The paragraph above is my recollection of others' teachings. I apologize for not remembering the sources from which the above information was compiled.)

For me I have struggled with sexual addiction for far too long. I have asked, pleaded, and accepted God’s deliverance from this sexual sin many times. Now it is time for me to practice self-control, and live like I am forgiven and delivered.

Recently, I have been taking a deep, hard look at how this sin issue is controlling me. I found that emotions are controlling me. I have fallen for desires believing would yield pleasure. However, falling into the temptation always leaves me lying in a pit full of shame and guilt salivating to devour me. I know this, so why do I fall? Like the adage, “To complete a process repeatedly and expect a different result is insanity.” Sometimes, I give in because, I think, “I will eventually. So, I might as well get it over with.” Or simply my flesh is weak, and I do not attempt to look for a God honoring alternative choice. I also recognize my strength to endure the temptation has been relevant to the environment. If I am home alone, and lustful thoughts come I am more apt to succumb, than when I at home with my wife or daughter. Now I am taking steps to control my emotions and make God honoring decisions.

First, I mentally go through the process of what happened last time I allowed my emotions to control me. Then I ask myself, “Is the decision I am about to make God honoring?” This is helping, but I still realize my flesh is weak, but the indwelling Holy Spirit is strong, and I search for the arms of God as soon as I fall even before I commit the sin.

Now for practicing self-control, for me I have planned actions in place when temptations come. I do one or more of the following depending on accessibility: call my wife, do something constructive with my daughter, call a friend or mentor, read the Bible, pray, or remove myself from the tempting environment.

But most importantly, I am allowing the power of Jesus living in me to search me an excise this spiritually lethal sin, which honestly is not clear-cut and easy. This, reminds me of some words from A.W. Tozer’s The Pursuit of God. Here is my version from an excerpt from the book.

- From us we must remove the entirety of the sin plant that has grown strong, and this separation is not easy. In fact it is very painful as we pull the deeply rooted sin, still wrapped tightly around places dark within us we don’t allow visitors. We believe, finally, after many emotional battles and prayer, the sin is removed. Then, returning to find the sin’s roots has sprouted again. Thus, sinful behavioral habits must be removed with constant conscious effort of allowing the Holy Spirit to spot the sinful nature at its first forming, then pulling and digging to the very ends of the root system and removing the still bloody sin from us and disrupting the soil bed and planting God honoring behaviors and actions to guard the sin seed from the soil of our heart.
-

I know that Jesus is not still on the cross or entombed, but He is alive and lives in me, and God has forgiven all my sins. Now, I just need to let Jesus live His life through me, as I continue to surrender all I am and have been given to manage to God. I know the power of the Holy Spirit living in me is greater than any temptation that can come my way, and continually, devouring and digesting the Word will give me divine wisdom and discernment to make God honoring decisions. Furthermore, His power is greater that I will ever comprehend, and amidst all temptations, God always provides an escape. God has promised the crown of life for those who withstand temptations giving God all the glory.

A few of the many words of God that have helped me battle my addictions.

John 3:30 “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

Ephesians 1:19-20 “I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.”

Psalms 31:5 “Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth.”

Ephesians 3:20 “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”

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

1 Corinthians 10: 13 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

James 1:12 “Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”

1 Peter 1 13-16 “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’ ”

I Desire to Desire to Desire You God

2008-12-09T10:42:00.003-06:00

Without a true deep longing and an unquenchable desire for God I will never experience the complete manifestation of JESUS in my life. Until I remove the crowns from my vain possessions and glory-seeking positions and rid the sanctuary of my heart designed by God for God of all my selfishness, pride, and everything that competes in my spirit for the crown that rightly belongs only on God, my life will be incomplete. Simply, my life belongs to God, and everything I possess, I am to manage under the authority of God. Everything was created by God and given to His creation, but nothing was meant to compete with my desire for God. I should allow nothing to take my eyes off of God and lessen my relish for Him. I understand I am human, But I am empowered by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to love and trust God above all else, to love my neighbor as I love myself, to resist the devil, to thank God for temptations but not sin, to be holy because God is holy, to seek God like a hidden treasure, to humbly obey the commandments of God (all of them), to give God all the glory, to discern crafty snares and traps and not fall prey, to know I need God every moment of my life, to listen and not speak foolishly, to let God increase in my life as I decrease, to have a pure heart, to be poor in spirit, to be a good financial steward, to not let circumstances dictate who I am, to never deny Christ, to worship God in all I do, to understand I was blessed for the purpose of blessing others, to not be a barrier for others seeking God, to know that health and wealth will fail me, but God never will, to be patient and wait on the Lord, to allow God to change people, to lead my family with grace, to guard my heart above all else, to allow the Holy Spirit to constantly inspect my heart, to give God thanks for all things, to hear the voice of God above all else, to have the fear of God necessary to obtain divine wisdom, to fully surrender ALL of ME to GOD!

(2 Corinthians 5:15-17)
And he (Jesus) died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

I believe there is a world of difference between “being” in Christ and “believing” in Christ, and this verse does not read: Therefore, if anyone believes in Christ, he is a new creation… Even the devil believes in Christ. Is the devil a new creation? No the devil is not IN Christ.

(Revelation 21:5)
He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."

Who is seated on the throne of my heart today? (Possessions, Positions, People)? Job title, car, family member, pride disguised as humility, thoughts, addictions, desires, laziness, deceitfulness (fill in the blank) ______, or is GOD ?

God I ashamed my desire for You has diminished. Lord make me hungry and thirsty for only You and all of You, oh God. Oh God, continue to search me and show me the idols I worship. God, I know my everything belongs to You, and it is only by Your ever endearing grace and mercy that I can come before You. My heart cries out.. Oh God I need You – consume me like a ravishing fire and burn all of my idols to ashes. Clean and restore Your temple that is rightly Yours. Fill me oh God with all of You. Let me only hunger and thirst for righteousness. Oh God come burn down everything that is not You inside of me, and Your light inside of me will shine through me, drawing others to You, and the glory is always Yours forever. Thank You, God – Amen!

(Psalm 73:25-26)
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail,but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

(Revelations 21:6-8)
He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."

For No Other Reason - Than You Are God

2008-11-18T09:29:00.005-06:00

This post came from the impact this post by Perry Noble, had on me.

God I want to know you because you are God and for that reason alone. I do not want to seek your attention because of something I want you to do for me, or even something that I know you can do. I want to come to you with pure motives, undefiled love, and a true heart that offers you everything I have, I am, and everything I consider myself.

For you alone are God, and deserving of all I am, and all I am able to offer. God you stand on your own. Everything of this great universe and beyond, from the abyss of the great oceans to the endless skies of the heavens are fashioned and created by Your great hands. Who am I to stand amidst You, all mighty and infinite wisdom, and think that I can manipulate Your power by empty worship and ulterior motives. For me to sit here and even consider the thought of my next sentence to be possible by any other means than Your grace and mercy is ludicrous. I am here because of You. I am right here in this chair this very moment like the potential pollen resting on a petals edge waiting to be deposited by the wind of Your voice blowing on a summer day. You alone have allowed this time for me. My decisions have placed me here, but only by Your grace, which never ceases to manifest, have I arrived at Your holy feet. I am honored to be clothed in Your mercy and grace, and the very thought of You, God, calling me out of the bowels of hell and into Your kingdom is completely inexpressible through mere words. My emotions are fires of joy stoked by breath mentioning Your name. Your unfading love drapes around me like a mother owl protecting her young, You vanquish my fears like a lion driving off hyenas from his own. The Holy Spirit transforms my heart, mind, and soul to the likeness of Your Son, the Holy Lamb of God, and the only perfect sacrifice. Who suffered a horribly gruesome death while I was yet a sinner; so, that I would have hope of salvation through His righteousness for my sake to experience a relationship with His Father. Jesus, who sinned not once, yet willingly bares all my sin; so, God can look upon my face. Jesus, You are amazing and my words hold no value describing who You are. Thank you God, oh thank you. Hallelujah!

All glory to You God, all glory to you. You are God, and Your very essence draws my soul to want You to need who You are – all the characteristics of Jesus to inundate me, to overwhelm me, to fill me until I am a spring from the water of life; an aqua duct dispersing Your grace and love. Just the thought of Your majesty reigning over all the seen and the unseen makes my body and spirit quiver in Your sight. Your eyes scorn the hearts that only seek consumption of your blessings of grace, and squabble about serving others’ needs and replenishing the earth with the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

You are the great I am! I am here, God. I know I need you. I tried to live life on my own and through my own devices, and all I found was shame, guilt, and dissatisfaction that spawned and fostered insatiable desires and tendencies to seek pleasure stemmed by pride and selfishness. You fill me with joy, peace, and a desire to seek goodness and maintain peace. I do thirst and hunger for righteousness, but I know I need a ravenous appetite for YOU, and Your will for me will be an unconscious effort, because Your passion will be my passion, Your desire will be my desire, Your heart will be my heart, Your eyes will be my eyes, Your arms and hands will be my arms and hands. Your feet will be my feet; Your pain for the lost and suffering will be my pain for the lost and suffering. Your comfort for the weary and lonely will be my comfort for the weary and lonely. Your mercy for those entangled in a web of addictions and bad choices will be my mercy. Your song will be my song. Your hope for the imprisoned will be my hope for the imprisoned. Your suffering for the homeless and needy will be my suffering. Your hurt for the hungry mouths that have no food will be my hurt. Your pain will be my pain, and your joy will be my joy. All glory is Yours and always will be. Thank you God.

Amazing

2008-10-23T04:53:00.007-05:00

I am truly amazed at what God has done and continues do in my life, my family's life, and those in our small group.

To start, before we were a small group, God placed people in my family's life that are truly invaluable.

Our daycare lady is the most humble person I have ever had the privelege of meeting. She puts everyone before herself, and tries diligently to meet all the needs others' face, while she is in the midst of a fierce battle herself. Many would have layed their armor down and thought the fight to be futile, but she not only knows that God is going to see her through this raging storm but knows that holding on to God and his love is the only way she will ever see a clear sky again. Upon waking every morning, she thanks God and gives him praise for everything - good and bad. Amazing faith and I am truly humbled.

Why I am Here

2008-09-25T04:46:00.007-05:00

I recently became a Small Group facilitator. This new title or step in faith has brought about many questions, emotions and thoughts. Am I adequate for such a position? I am quickly reminded of Philippians 4:13 “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” And the powerful Ephesians 3:20 “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Now that puts all thoughts of inadequacy to rest.

Am I doing this because God has called me? Well, really if you get to the brass tacks; a small group facilitator is a fellowship enthusiast, and God’s word in1 John 1:7 says, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” So, walk with Jesus (the light) and fellowship (share the love of Jesus) with people, and remember that Jesus gave His life for us so that our lives could be transformed to His likeness, which creates a desire to see others be transformed as well. Which paves to another question. How does someone know God has called him or her to a position? Pray, pray, renew your mind, be transformed, use spiritual discernment, then pray, and pray some more. 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.” God has opened many doors for me showing me my ability to lead. Recently, I know God has been calling me to be more and do more. How do I know? I will just say, I felt the uneasy pull on my heart to do something more and the joy of working for the King. Then, I prayed and prayed, not wanting to follow my vain ambitions, and I accepted the opportunities God has presented.

First, a Contamination Control Champion title was available, and I accepted this role, which only brought more responsible – no pay increase. I admit, I initially took this role to sweeten my resume’, but soon realized God was preparing me to lead at some capacity. You see, while all this was happening at work, I wanted to learn and take on a mentorship to be a teacher or preacher at church, although I have no Bible college degree. So, I went and told my desire to the Senior Pastor, and he told me to first lead my family with grace, and if God were calling me to lead; He would bring people to me to lead. What do you know, people started saying I should be a small group leader. I asked them, “Why?” and their response was usually vague – like: I think you’d be a good teacher. So, the group with the idea of fellowship, decided to start gathering bi-monthly. And lo and behold a couple of times our conversations turned to life struggles and I found myself standing in front of the group sharing Jesus, and encouraging them not to quit. Then, a Team Lead position opened up at work, and since there were no other takers I was offered the role. I accepted, once again even more responsibility but no pay increase, but the experience is beyond compensation.

Furthermore, I’ve found over the years and different jobs, I love helping others be successful when they think a task or a situation is impossible. Thinking back, God has been training me to lead for a long, long time. My first real job was a laborer for a brick mason at the age of 13. I learned what hard manual labor was and to this day I’m not scared to roll up my sleeves and get dirty. Then, I was a bagger at a local grocery. Where I learned how to treat people, and that I like to help others, even when they insisted no help was needed. Next, I worked for a huge hospital where I transported all the garbage – from every floor - to the incendiary room. Once again hard work, and I learned to manage my time. Then, I was promoted to a Floor Tech in E.R., refurbishing and refinishing all the corridors and room floors. Here, I learned to be subservient to the head nurses and schedule around the mass chaos of a very busy E.R. Many times, wet wax was trampled and I would have to start over. Frustration turned to patience and understanding – I guess. (However, I still let circumstances control my attitude at times – still under God’s construction.) Next, I cleaned carpets for a large floor restoration company. Again, I worked hard, but also learned to meet the needs of others, or meet in the middle of what was actual physically possible with the condition of the floor and the budget. Next, I journeyed back to the hospital for a short stint – once again redoing floors, but this time for the new layout of the prompt care and E.R. Which was more assessable, since prompt care was only opened till 8 or 9 p.m., but my hours were 1:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Plus, I had the added responsibility of fixing the floor care equipment, which in itself kept me busy. I learned to sacrifice and adjust my schedule to meet the current need of the hospital. I also attempted to sell vacuums door to door and found that I cannot sell if the product or practice is unethical. For instance selling a product for $100 to you and then selling the exact same product to your neighbor for $300. I just could not do it. I’m glad sharing the love of Jesus is sharing truth and not devised schemes and false practices.

Then, I worked for a equipment company that owned several local dry cleaning facilities. My first job here was a counter clerk. Basic interaction with customers that sometimes evolved to very frustrated and upset customers when a damage claim needed to be filled out, which leads me to my next role as the Sales Manager. Where I scheduled, trained, and supervised 10-15 employees, while resolving customer complaints and seeing the, when necessary, damage claim process through to finality. The owner then presented me with the covenanted position of “being a dry cleaner.” A lot of responsibility: had to ensure there were clothes waiting for the pressers upon their arrival at 6:30 am, check all the pockets ensuring all items have been removed, sort all the clothes by potential colorfast (bleeders - needed a special load), colors (darks, lights, or variation of colors), sometimes delicate fabrics, which were then sorted down to color and like fabrics, and wash loads (believe it or not some people pay to have clothes washed with a DO NOT DRY CLEAN care label. I trained three people at the art of dry cleaning, which really is an art (and took me several years, to begin to fully understand and then and even now if I was still dry cleaning would be learning and perfecting the art.) If you don’t believe its an art, take a silk shirt or silk tie and try to remove a spot with steam and plastic picks without discoloring or stretching the fibers, or preparing loads to allow colorfast garments to bleed on each other, intensifying the colors of the entire load.

My next job was at a phone center, here I assisted customers with promoting, installing, hooking, and programming their electronics, which may be as simple as programming a VCR to running diagram charts of multi-media theatre systems. Of course, I also dealt with unsatisfied customers. This job taught me more patience and learning to let people vent about possibly defective equipment, and thinking through every situation before attempting to give an answer. Finally, I ended up at CAT where over the years I again found hard work, and at times, thought I would not be able to fulfill the role of assembling tractors on a moving line within the allotted time per station. However, God’s grace and mercy prevailed, and over these last 5 years I have been privileged to train people on assembling tractors and running computerized test, which are both overwhelming and sometimes seemingly impossible jobs for outsiders, depending on their mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn.

God has wrapped all this up for me on the night before my first official small group.

Still, sometimes, just the thought of leading people makes me nervous and excited at the same time. I think to myself. “I can do this; if and only if I keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, and let Him lead the way.” And conveniently Hebrews 12:2 clearly verifies, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Changing thoughts slightly, I bought John Maxwell’s “21 Irrefutable Laws to Leadership: Special Edition” after asking our Equipping Pastor what is good leadership book to read. I’ve only made it through 2 laws, but together they have reassured that all have been called to be leaders at some capacity, and all can become good leaders. So far I’ve essentially learned that a manager, does just that, manages resources, but a good manager utilizes all available resources to cooperatively achieve short and long term goals. However, a leader influences people to follow, but a good leader has and uses no leverage as influence, and people intentionally follow; believing the leader will lead them all to a known victory. Thus, a leader must have a clear vision and a passion to see the vision come to fruition, while allowing everyone to participate in achieving the goal.

What did you call me?

2008-08-08T11:31:00.021-05:00

One night last week, before saying a goodnight prayer, my very tired four-year-old daughter asked some amazing questions as I was telling her that Jesus loves it when we talk to Him, and tell Him all about the good times and the bad times we have every day, to coax her to pray with me. At first she just pulled the blankets over her head and said, “uggh, I’m tired.” Then after a little more casual talk, she popped out from beneath the blanket and asked, “Dadda, God and Jesus, which one died?” I told her Jesus died, but He brought Himself back to life and now lives with God in Heaven. (Then I added, which probably really confused her) “But God is not only in Heaven, He is everywhere, with you, mommy, me, and everyone else in the world.” She then asked, “How did Jesus get up to heaven?” I told her that God and Jesus can go anywhere they want. She did some quick thinking and asked, “Which one is the dadda and momma?” I told her that God is the Father and Jesus is the Son.” Immediately she said, “I want to go to heaven and see God and Jesus. Can I go on my bike and ride there?” I told her, “No,” and added, “We don’t go there until God tells us to come up there and be with Him.” She said, “but I want to see God and Jesus. How can I see them if I can’t go to heaven?” I told her, “Ask Jesus and God to let you see them in your prayers. God and Jesus love it when we ask to see them.” I then told her to ask God and Jesus to let you see them when you dream tonight.”

She gave it some thought and said, “Okay.” I then said a quick prayer with her and told her goodnight. Then went back to the living room to continue watching the baseball game and began reflecting on our conversation. As I sat watching the game, I could not stop thinking about what just happened. Often times I say things over and over, in many different settings that there is no faith behind the words – not coming from the heart. “Jesus lives…Jesus lives…Jesus lives…” kept playing over and over in my mind like a vinyl record stuck in an incidental scratch. I mean, I say that Jesus lives. In fact, I just told my daughter that Jesus lives, but do I really live my life like I truly believe that Jesus lives inside of me? Is my life’s image even close to a blurry, cracked mirror reflecting Christ’ life? How do my wife, daughter, coworkers, and strangers see me? I call myself a Christian, but is it a tag I am entitled to brand on my chest? Shouldn’t it be up to those around me that I encounter to call me a Christian; because of the way I live my life demonstrates such

According to scripture – I would have to go with…yes. Let’s take a look…

(All verses are NIV)
Jesus tells His disciples, those who believe and disseminate His doctrine, in John 13: 34-35, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

All men will know, not have to be told, that you are my disciples, and all men will know we are Jesus’ disciples by us loving each other as God loves us, which is unconditionally. Thus, for all to know we are His disciples, we must have an understanding of love.

Time to revisit the true meaning of love and its characteristics. So, I will re-educate myself and break out the famous Love Chapter, and etch God’s words a little deeper in my heart’s table.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Well, as Jesus disciples traveled, they obviously obeyed Jesus’ command to love everyone as He loves them. Because...

News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. Acts 11:22-25

The disciples did not have to tell everyone they were Christians. Their character inspired the community to title them as Christians, because their actions spoke louder than their words. Do not get me wrong, it is definitely good to know who we are in Christ Jesus, but it is not necessarily who I say I am, but who you and others say I am; because of the fruit I bear is tested and prooved true of a Christian. Then others will know because of the love that pours out of me onto all.
Just a few verses regarding love:

1 John 4: 7-8 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

Ephesians 5:1-2 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Proverbs 3: 3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.

Proverbs 10: 12 Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.

Proverbs 16: 6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil.

Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit

Proverbs 22:11 He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend.

Let’s Break and Reconvene with God, in ..say ….today?

2008-07-22T20:50:00.017-05:00

You may very well already know this, but I will reaffirm if doubt exist. God does not call us to a fair fight. If we think we can handle the fight, God did not call us to it.

You have probably heard, as I have, the quoted misconception, "God does not give you anything or allow you to get in a situation or circumstance you, 'a Christian,' cannot handle." I used to believe that statement as truth, but if it were true, then we could infer: humans do not and will not ever have a need for God, but the thought of having a God is... comforting. If all your "battles" were easy and managed within your control, you would never feel the need for God. You would continue to rely on yourself and never give up and say, "I quit." However, when the facing situation grows and finally overwhelms you, and you have exhausted all seemingly possible ways to overcome the “battle.” Back against the proverbial wall, your understanding has ended, and your energy is sapped. At that moment, helplessness overcomes you; there is nowhere else to turn. You finally give up, turn from yourself and turn to God for help and strength, and say from the depth of your soul, "I cannot do this, but God, I know you can." You are for the moment “broken” or surrendered to the Holy Spirit of God. Your spirit is committed to God. Selfishness has dissolved and selflessness is absolved. Now, within this time there is no self-inhibition, and your spirit and soul are open vessels, and God pours out His grace on you. Your frailty and vulnerability are exposed, but the hollow yearning of your inner core is being filled. God's loving arms are embracing you. This intimacy with God your soul was created to have is satisfying your very being. Every beat of your heart pumps pure praise to God from the depths of your soul. Everything you have within you cries desperately out to Jesus. You now know, without doubt you need God, and this need; God is meeting indeed.

I did not write the above to insinuate an exact procedure is necessary to validate surrendering to God, but the above description is a summation of the peoples consensus that have openly spoken of their “moment of brokenness” and my personal experience of surrendering to God.

The following is a correlation, or a parallel illustration of submitting to God’s will.

Whenever I ask God to use me for His glory He will, and usually it’s in a way beyond all human logic, absurd. However, first, God will break my spirit to a point of surrender. I like to think of it analogous to a wild stallion freely running through the pastures. Well, in order to be used effectively, that stallion must be broken. Although, that stallion sees open pastures beyond the corral, the stallion must allow the horse trainer to bring it to a point of complete submission, before the stallion is safe to ride. I am like a wild stallion, which must be broken by God and allow the Holy Spirit to put the saddle on, the bit in my mouth, the blinders on my head, and permit the Holy Spirit to move me in God's will, which will be obvious because I, the broken stallion, will go as the rider leads me.

However, this is not an overnight process. A horse in training will undoubtedly buck the rider off several times, even after the horse was initially broken, and many horses have to be broken several times before they completely submit to the trainer. Thus, to form a bond of trust, it is imperative the horse's focus remains on the voice commands of the instructor and is not distracted by surrounding noises. Even at the onset of the constructive relationship, the horse becomes receptive to whom should be on his back and very leery of would be riders. As a result, the horse's faith and trust in the instructor begin to grow, stemming from past experiences of safety in the company of the leader, which facilitates the ongoing submitting process.

The course of "breaking" is very difficult for some and others obey some commands and defiantly refuse to obey others. Some horses will not get close or cross a body of water, no matter how many times the rider demands. Other horses are immediately frightened by the sound of a rifle cocking and buck the rider off while running as far as possible from the sound. Trainers then begin the process of exposing the horse to its biggest fears, to generate confidence for the horse and an unbreakable trust between the horse and the trainer; reinforcing in the horse's mind, "I am your leader, and I want to help you and not hurt you. If you trust me and obey my commands we will be able to work as one, and this seemingly harsh phase of obedience training will be over. Then, we can ride through the open pastures together as I guide you. Sure, you will need to drink, eat, and rest, and I will give you all those things, but let's get through this phase, today. I know it's difficult and against your nature, but I know what is best, because I am the instructor and you are not my first wild stallion. So, submit and let me harness your control. Let us move forward to the days ahead where you fully trust and know I mean you no harm, and you know and understand my unfading love for you."

Persevere at All Cost

2008-07-15T12:56:00.034-05:00

Well, I found the 12th Chapter of Hebrews to be invigorating, engrossing, and captivating. So, I decided to begin a complete study of the book of Hebrews, and while perusing for a bible study site,I found this, which is where the following paragraph resides.

"It would have been a very tempting thought to Jewish Christians who were being persecuted to down play their commitment to Christ. If they would deny their faith in Christ and present themselves only as Jews (and not as Jewish Christians) they would be safe from the persecution. Then, perhaps at a later and safer date, they could pick up their commitment to Christ again. Hebrews makes best sense as an argument to prevent the first readers from being enticed into following such a tempting course of action."

So, after reading the Introduction from the following site, my thought processor began to turn and the Holy Spirit revealed the following, which corresponds with the infallible Word of God.

Absolutely nothing is more precious to an individual than faith in Jesus. Romans 3:22 "Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:"Romans 5:1"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:"2 Timothy 3:15"And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."1 Peter 1:7"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (8) Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (9) Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

Thus, never compromise faith to be accepted by others or do what is safe to get through a situation or circumstance by conforming to the norms and demands of the world with intention to later resume faith in Jesus. Faith in Jesus is the only means of: righteousness, justification, and salvation. Is there anything more important than that list.

As I pondered the statement, "Absolutely nothing is more precious to an individual than faith in Jesus," and its direct applicability. I reflected on Daniel chapter 3, specifically, the unwavering faith and obedience of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego as they were summoned by king Nebuchadnezzar and asked, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up?" Then, he told them to “fall down and worship” the golden idol at the sound of the musical instruments, or else they would "be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace.” “Then what god” would be able to save them from his “hand?” I believe they looked old Neb directly in the eyes and simultaneously with all confidence spoke these words of God, “we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O’ king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Irate, old Neb ordered the furnace to be stoked seven times hotter, and commanded his strongest men to bind up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego and “throw them into the blazing furnace.” The men who bound the brothers perished due to the flame’s heat while tossing the brothers into the furnace. “Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, `Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?’ They replied, `Certainly, O king.’ He said, `Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods’." Old Neb commanded the boys to come out of the fire. So, they did, and all “saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.” Then Neb’s heart was changed, regenerated, due to three boys who would not conform or obey the demands of the world. For they knew without doubt that there faith in God was more precious than renouncing their faith to escape this hard trial, this horrendous situation with full intention of resuming their previous faith after the dust had settled and to believe and profess their faith in God.

Sure, I believe and trust in God when it is easy and convenient, but when faced with difficult decisions will temporarily renouncing my faith in Jesus be a temptation I will triumph over or selfishly succumb. Who knows how many hearts will be changed by a firm stance in my faith in Jesus. After all, works without faith is futile, and faith without works is ineffective………Who will you stand for today? Jesus? Yourself? Others? ……Who will you fall down (bow down) for today? God? Self? Friends? Co-workers? Relatives?

Oh Lord God, I will hold fast to your Words, and know with all certainty that you will provide my strength to persevere through all situations, under any amount of pressure I may face. Oh God you are my strength, and I know You are for me, so what formidable foe of any dimension can come rightly against me. None is greater than You, oh God. I will seek You and find You as my refuge in the time of struggle and relinquish my fabricated armor and don Your armor. For You are my Mighty Warrior leading me through all battles. Lord, You alone are worthy of all my praise. Thank You oh God for the guidance of Your Holy Spirit, which generates heavenly knowledge and reveals the need to guard my heart above all else. Oh Holy Spirit, completely search me. Find and remove all wickedness, replacing this heart with a new heart that only seeks the glory of You, God. Inundate me with the all-consuming fire of Your Spirit. Renew my mind and spirit to the mind of Christ and Your burning Spirit, and give me eyes to see as You see oh God, and a heart that feels what You feel oh God. I know this human heart could not withstand the anguish You must feel as Your created likeness continue to perish; some say 50,000 unsaved a day are vanquished by death, but let me taste a little of this sorrow to energize my compassion for the lost souls and the needs of all Your children. Lord, You are the greatest and greatly to be praised. Lord, continue to refine me, mold me, sharpen me, and utilize me. Oh God, I submit my will and commit my spirit to You. Not my will be done, but Your perfect will be done today and forever. Amen

Just a few thoughts....

2008-07-14T11:19:00.009-05:00

Just a few "Things" I have been thinking about: "Above all else, guard your heart, for this is the wellspring of life." Proverbs 4:23

~ I should not watch anything I do not want my four year old to see.
~ I should not say anything I would be ashamed to hear my daughter say.
~ I should not do anything I would not do in front of my wife.
~ Sussana Wesley's definition of sin "Whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, or takes off your relish of spiritual things; in short, whatever increases the strength and authority of your body over your mind, that thing is sin to you, however innocent it may be in itself."
~ Is what I am doing helping my spiritual growth, and is my heart in it?
~ You can show people love, and not love them, but it is hard, if not impossible to love people and not show them love.

~ If I believe hell is the final destination for the unsaved, which I do; why am I acting as if I do not believe, by not inviting all I meet to Jesus' table?
~ Reading, studying, and believing the Bible, God's Word, which breathes life into my soul, and rekindles the passion and desire to demonstrate His love, but I have to take action, and apply His words and walk in faith. Kind of like, a car just pumped full of gas and started, with the engine revving. Sure, the car is ready to go, but will not move until the driver takes action by taking the car out of (P) park and into (D) drive, and pushing the gas pedal. I have to remind myself that being full of gas and having the engine started is great, but I have to push the pedal and steer the car in order to arrive at another destination. Oh, so that is why I am stuck here, kind of revelation. Once I push the gas the gasoline combust inside of the chamber (generally speaking) and converts to extreme amounts of energy causing the car to be set in motion. Once I move in faith the Holy Spirit takes over if I have my heart guarded.

Go out into the world and move as the Holy Spirit guides while guarding the heart and feasting on His Word and drinking gulps of His Spirit.

God, You are so awesome. Amen!

An Exhortation and Encouragement

2008-07-11T12:42:00.009-05:00

Hebrews 12:
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;
13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.
18 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,
19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:
20 (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:
21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)
22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:
26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.
27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.
28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
29 For our God is a consuming fire.

Abide in Me......How? What does that mean?

2008-07-08T13:09:00.012-05:00

Ooh God! I feel the urge to grow closer to You and farther from this world. Oh, how I long to abide in You and You in me, but how is that done. Abide in you? Do I focus all my thoughts on You? Is that possible while working? I’ve heard it said, “To pray without ceasing,” which I’ve heard explained as, “calling You as soon as I awake and never hanging up the phone.” Is this abiding in You? My soul longs to be with You, but my flesh fights the longing. Temptations cloud my divine vision, and my desire to fulfill the pleasure of the flesh becomes stronger than my soul’s desire for unadulterated intimacy with You, Father.

Walk in grace and not by the law, the Ten Commandments, biblical principles, and the "moral code." I want to know exactly what does this mean? I believe walking by the law is striving to be the perfect person under the perfect law, which is impossible. On this earth I will never be perfect and will always come up short. No matter how hard I try to fulfill the law, I will always be left holding only guilt and shame for missing the mark once more. Although, I think that according to Your Word, the law shows me my disease, where I need change, but the law offers no cure. So, the law is good in that it reveals the need for change, because without the law I would not know what is right or wrong. However, that is where the law ends and my need for a cure begins, through faith from Jesus in salvation opening my eyes to a need for God in my life. Then, I see, understand that I cannot make this change on my own. Meaning, I cannot uphold the law, and cannot let the law uphold me, that is self-righteousness, and God you alone are righteous.

God speaks as I try to listen:

Abide in me: Do not let the weight of this world bring you down. Hold fast to the truth. Do not give way to temptations. Uphold the name of My Son, Jesus, in all you do. Give thanks, My beloved to My Son for all you have and will have. Understand that what you have been given is greater than what can be taken away. Believe and use all the gifts given to you. Remain true to My holy Word, and cast away all thoughts and discussions not coinciding with My Word written on your heart. Come to My table often to devour My Word, and drink of My Spirit, be full of Me, there is no end to My mercy and peace and faith never becomes too much. Come dine with Me and I will fill you. Let My Spirit move you; do not resist It or disobey It. Give me praise for all. Understand My love for you is more than you will ever be able to return or give. My love for you beloved is why you desire to know Me. Acknowledge My presence, and communicate with Me. Share your thoughts, desires, and dreams with Me. Then, be still and listen. Worship Me in knowing I am the God who saves you.

Know this: there is no unexplained struggle, crisis, disease, trauma, circumstance, pain, or disaster that is greater than my grace. Hold onto the faith and hope My Son has given you. I will see you through everything you encounter and experience. My promised has not changed, nor can it ever change, I will never leave you nor forsake you.” I am always carrying you when you believe I am, and when you do not believe I am. When all seems lost, you are found in Me. I am faithful even when you are not. Trust in Me and I will bring you peace, which gives rest.

Know this my child: Time is but a drop of dew on the morning grass. Allow the dew to nourish the grass before the sun dries it up. You cannot produce more moisture in the dew, but I, the Creator will. Allow your thoughts to always turn back to me, I know and understand full well that you are human and will falter, but always know that I create the dew and the rain that nourishes and fosters My creation. You are life indwelled with Me that gives witness of Me. As I have generated a desire in you, I will do in all who see you as my witness, which creates desire for a new hope, a new morning. Just rest in My grace by understanding I love you more than you will comprehend on earth. My glory is seeing all come to desire me. As I have created each child with a soul that longs to break the crust of the ground and bask in the morning sun, My glory.

Remember as you were taking your daughter up the dark stairwell to bed last night, you asked her, “Are you ever afraid I am going to drop you while I am carrying you in the dark?” and she said, “No, I just hold on to you tight.” So much more than even your will not to drop your daughter is mine. Beloved, I can never let you go; only you can let go. Hold on tight to My everlasting love for you, and know I will never let you go. Also remember as you were laying her down in bed, in complete darkness, while facing you she never flinched or worried that you might drop her on the floor, or let her hit her head. She completely trusted that you would gently put her in bed with out injury. This child-like faith is necessary for an intimate relationship with Me. Your daughter’s trust is built on past experiences. She knows no intentional harm will come from you, and trust is the foundation of her love for you. She trusts you, which is why her love grows for you.

Trust me and watch your love grow for me as the wild flowers cultivated by me grow while under My rain and sunlight. Watch new life grow in the soil around you as My wind blows through you planting seeds all around you. No, not all seeds will land on moist, fertile soil, but remember I created you, and you are a part of Me. As the seasons bring you wet, dry, cold, and hot weather to strengthen your roots, I will always bring life to those around you through my seasoning of the seasons. You are My creation to allow me to bring new life to the dead earth around you. You are not creating. I have all ready created all. Through you I sew, and then I will reap. You are the hand that sews the seed I created. You are the vessel that carries My living water to the seed. I use you when your will submits to Mine. When your will allows My Sprit the time I gave you. Time is mine, and I am time. You are time within My plan. Allow this time to be your time with Me in you as one in My time. Abide in me: your time is My time.

Steps, Illustrating Love

2008-06-28T22:23:00.008-05:00

Learning how to dance is lot like learning to live for Jesus. At our local dance studio, I watched from behind the huge observation window in the foyer as my four year-old daughter and her peers were trying to mimic their dance instructor, while learning a new tap or ballet step, but usually the first few attempts were not even close to what the teacher had demonstrated. As the students grew tired and or frustrated from not mimicking the introduced step, the teacher would encourage them with a cheerful voice, "You girls are doing great. Watch me, and let's try again," she'd say lovingly over and over again. Not surprisingly, when the girls focused on their teacher's movements and not one another's, their steps became more like the instructor's.

After introducing the step and rehearsing as a group, the teacher included one-on-ones. During such a session, the youngest girl grew tired and uninterested in the instructor's direction and attempted to lay down while the teacher held both of the little girl's hands. The girl just wanted to fall from a standing position. She leaned back with all her might and wined, "Let go of me!" The instructor kindly asked her to stand back up several times without changing the inflection or tone of her voice, but the young girl desperately wanted the teacher to let go. Determined to do what she wanted, the little girl became dead weight in the instructor's hands. After the leader decided that the girl was not going to stand up or obey her direction, she patiently said, "Okay, I'm going to let go of you, but sit up so you don't hit your head when I let go." The instructor did not let go of the girl's writhing hands until the child sat up on her own; thus, prevented her from falling, and hitting her head hard on the floor.

Then, after she finished the one-on-ones, she came back and asked if everything was okay, and told the girl, who had now calmed down, that they were going to do something she knew how to do and was good at doing. I was impressed how she let the child have her way briefly, but regained her interest as soon as the child began calming down.

Amazes me how many times we see the Father's love illustrated and demonstrated through people in our life, and how the illustrations reveal relevant teachings.

What should be my very first post?

2008-06-27T16:29:00.011-05:00

Well, I gave it some thought as to what I should post first, and I began typing about myself and this and that, and due to my inexperience I accidentally removed the post while composing it. Then, I found this, and it was, is, and will always be appropriate for my God given time on earth.
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06/03/08

I asked God what have you called me to do for You, and how will I know?

God speaks: (no, it was not audible)
Scot, you want to see a sign to know without doubt I, the Son of man have called you, saying clearly, “Follow me.” If you see one sign you will then long to see another, then another and another. Will it ever end, or will you cast your doubts aside, pickup your cross in faith, and follow your Savior. You call me Lord Lord, but you do not obey me fully. Not fully obeying is complete disobedience. Do you not know, “Blessed is he who follows with faith and not sight?" Is my Word, the refreshing everlasting breath breathing life unto your soul not enough for you? Is My Word not satisfying your desire, or is it that you have once again forgotten what your spirit and heart truly desired long before the notion of your existence? You came to me broken and crippled and did I, the Son of man, not restore you. Scot, tell me son, where is your faith. Is your treasure stored up on this earth or is it in heaven? Is your heart for me covered in pretentious love? Did My Son not command, Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. Is you desire to please men more rewarding than pleasing your heavenly Father? Is man going to provide all your needs according to the riches of the world's honor? Or have I provided all your needs? Scot, there is no greater love than obedience in all matters. If you truly love your master, it will show through, faith, trust, and obedience. You cannot understand what I have in store for you, until you can embrace Me fully with your mind, heart, and spirit. Scot, are you ashamed of My Son, Jesus that I crushed for your transgressions both past and future? Have you forgotten that your ability to love Me is because I first loved you? I knew you before your mother’s womb began to knit you together. Acknowledge my Son always; this is evidence of your love for Me.

God grant me mercy Lord. I have once again failed you. You deserve all of me Lord. I am yours and yours alone. I know that I cannot serve and love two masters. Lord I serve You and You alone. God you are the source of my life, and I thank you oh God. I was created to live and serve you. I was design to operate optimally off your grace Father. Thank you God for bringing me to another point of reckoning. Lord, you alone are worthy of my praise and everything I do should honor you. And my every word should bring glory to you of God. I will allow your Son Jesus to live His life through me. I cannot do it. I need you Jesus! I have to have you Jesus! You are my everything. I need you always in my life!

I am being pressed to read the entire book of Matthew......

later that day ...

Jesus speaks: (no, it was not audible)
Follow the Lord your God and His divine purpose for your life will be fulfilled. God is great and greatly to be praised.

If I, Jesus, am not the bread of life what I am, and if you do not partake of the Bread of Life what are you? Will you ever be filled by the lust of the world? Will the world set you free from condemnation? No the world will condemn you, but I will set you free! I am life, and he who partakes of me will know joy unspeakable. The joy of the world is folly and soon forgotten, and the world will soon forget you. But I my beloved will never leave nor forsake you, and My love for you is without end. Come to me I and I will give you rest. Be still and know My Father is God. I have come to bring joy unspeakable to those who will receive Me. I am here. I stand at your heart’s door and knock. I want to come in and dine with you to prepare you for the banquet with My Father. I am Jesus, and yell will a loud voice, “I love you,” but you don’t here Me. For your ears are filled with the noise, the confoundedness and gossips of this world. Don’t you know this world and its own are here for but a day. But beloved my love for you is everlasting! Come, child and bring all your anguish and iniquity to My feet, and receive my gift of salvation. My love is stronger than any barrier you will ever encounter. I was beaten so you might come to know My Father. There is undying mercy in My eyes. Just gaze deep into my eyes. My child if you could see your life through my eyes. I have already set you free my beloved child. All you have to do is believe. There is no wrongdoing that cannot be undone. There is pain that cannot be soothed. There is no sin that was not washed away by My blood. My love conquers all. Forgiveness is free for everyone who will believe in Me. I came not to condemn the world, but that the world through Me might be saved. I am your hope. Trust Me, follow Me, and I will sustain you.

God speaks: (and no, it was not audible)
Stand up and have faith! Profess your love for Me. If your love is pretense, then your obedience is vain. If your heart is pure then and only then will you see Me; for I am God of the universe. Let the never-ending power of My Holy Spirit search your heart and cast out fully by the roots, leaving no remnants to hinder you from intimacy with Me. Stand up my beloved. My strength is here for the taking you just need to be dead to self-reliance and let My Son, Jesus live out His life through you as one, but two. As I am one with the Son, you can be one with the Son, but two acting in accordance to Me, God all Mighty.
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Well, I haven’t read this for a week or two, and I still feel its initial impact.

Thank you God for speaking to your children, but I guess, I wonder why some believe you don’t speak to us anymore. Why wouldn’t a father want to have an intimate relationship with his children as Jesus has with You, our heavenly Father? And my understanding is speaking to your children; with what ever the form of communication maybe combined with interactions is optimum for intimacy. What would interaction with my parents, wife, or daughter be with no form of communication? I'm not sure there is intimacy without communication. Thank you God........

Father, my ears wait eagerly to hear Your words, and I love to speak to You about all the happenings of my day, because I know that I am on a journey with You driving, and it is a very uncomfortable silence to be in the passenger seat of a car and not hear or speak to your dad, except when great things occur or yell and scream in frustration when experiencing horrible things. Thank you Father for listening to my every word. I love you and want to obey your every Word because You love me. I love You God............

This line of communication is always open…………..