GOOD INTENTIONS
I know "the road to hell is paved with good intentions", but it really does make sense. How many of us this time last year were making all these resolutions and as the year ends we've forgot, gave up, or never started?
How many people said they'd stop drinking or smoking or start going to church or lose weight or read the bible more? I have to say I kept my resolution about losing weight, I lost 20lbs, last spring, but the bad news is I've gained it all back since I moved back home to WV, but enough about me, this is about you, haha.
Seriously though, many of us reading this today might need to take another look at our commitment level, especially when it comes to God, our faith, our prayer time, devotional time, bible reading, or christian service. Some of you may not even know what some of those items are, 2007 is the year to change that.
Believe me, I have not arrived, I have my moments of great spiritual breakthrough and then my moments or sinful relapse. Right now as I've been in transition and looking for a place to work, live, and worship and I find it hard to do the things I need to do in order to stay healthy spiritually, so I am constantly in awareness that I can do better, I need more ,and that God is faithful, so I strive, I don't accept myself where I'm at, and I push forward, sometimes stumbling.
I can intend to do good until the cows come home, but if I don't actually act upon my intentions, they are nothing more than empty words, broken promises, and false statements.
You and I've got changes we need to make in our lives this year, let's vow, commit, and standfast in doing them. You may need to stop partying, doing drugs, getting drunk every weekend, or sleeping around because you have not self-worth. It may simply be you need to get more involved in church or actually start attending. Maybe you need to lose weight or fix a relationship. Or you simply may just need to get serious about your personal relationship with God.
I don't know your intentions, but let's move past new year's resolutions and empty words to oursleves and do something about them, not just at the beginning of a new year but evaluate ourselves on a regular basis so that we may commit our ways to the Lord and grow, prosper, and be blessed and have the peace of God in our lives.
"Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice or your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;"
Psalm 37:5-7a(NIV)
This is a devotional blog called "WEEKLY WORDS" by Jason Thomas. I write about anything and everything. My writings represent me and me alone, but are my thoughts of faith, life, and God.
Showing posts with label Old Weasel's Weekly from 2006. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Old Weasel's Weekly from 2006. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Loyal friend
Loyal Friend
One of the things I've always taken pride in is the fact that people have complimented me on my loyalty to them. I believe one of the best things you can do for your relationships is be loyal. Loyalty is dependable, trustworthy, reliable, steadfast, devoted, and dedicated. Does that describe your relationships and friendships?
I've found in my life that not everyone takes this attitude including people I've called friend. I know I've had people in my life who I thought were loyal ended up not being loyal just because they didn't agree with me, didn't like a choice or decison I made, or just because they may have had their own agenda or opinion.
When people make mistakes, go through a hard time, or have a period in their life when things are out of sorts, the last thing they need is a friend who they can't trust, is disloyal, or is judgemental or critical of you, or stabs them in the back.
We all need accountable and healthy friendships, people who will tell us the truth, confront us when we are wrong, and not sugar coat things. However, that doesn't mean we pretend to be their friend and then criticize them behind their back, pretend to be such a great friend and then bad mouth them or not defend them when others are critical.
What we all need is to surroud ourselves with people who are loyal. People who will encourage, uplift, challenge, and defend us. Jesus Christ is loyal. He loves us despite our faults and yet doesn't want us to stay the way we are and doesn't pretend to be something false. He never turns His back on us and never leaves us or forsakes us. Christ is Loyal.
We all (including myself) could learn to be more loyal in our relationships, honest but tactful. Encouraging not critical, and not speak about a friend to others in a way that would hurt them or harm them, especially if we don't have the courage to speak to them (in love) about it.
You want to be a real friend? You want to have healthy relationships? You want to honor God? Then learn to be loyal.
"A friend loves at ALL times."
Proverbs 17:17(NIV)
One of the things I've always taken pride in is the fact that people have complimented me on my loyalty to them. I believe one of the best things you can do for your relationships is be loyal. Loyalty is dependable, trustworthy, reliable, steadfast, devoted, and dedicated. Does that describe your relationships and friendships?
I've found in my life that not everyone takes this attitude including people I've called friend. I know I've had people in my life who I thought were loyal ended up not being loyal just because they didn't agree with me, didn't like a choice or decison I made, or just because they may have had their own agenda or opinion.
When people make mistakes, go through a hard time, or have a period in their life when things are out of sorts, the last thing they need is a friend who they can't trust, is disloyal, or is judgemental or critical of you, or stabs them in the back.
We all need accountable and healthy friendships, people who will tell us the truth, confront us when we are wrong, and not sugar coat things. However, that doesn't mean we pretend to be their friend and then criticize them behind their back, pretend to be such a great friend and then bad mouth them or not defend them when others are critical.
What we all need is to surroud ourselves with people who are loyal. People who will encourage, uplift, challenge, and defend us. Jesus Christ is loyal. He loves us despite our faults and yet doesn't want us to stay the way we are and doesn't pretend to be something false. He never turns His back on us and never leaves us or forsakes us. Christ is Loyal.
We all (including myself) could learn to be more loyal in our relationships, honest but tactful. Encouraging not critical, and not speak about a friend to others in a way that would hurt them or harm them, especially if we don't have the courage to speak to them (in love) about it.
You want to be a real friend? You want to have healthy relationships? You want to honor God? Then learn to be loyal.
"A friend loves at ALL times."
Proverbs 17:17(NIV)
Hold the Towel
HOLD THE TOWEL
You may have heard the expression "Throw in the towel", which is what a fighter's manager or coach does when the fighter is beat and can't continue to fight. You see it in boxing, ultimate fighting, wrestling, and you see it in life.
People "throw in the towel" and give up in life whether it's on a relationship, a job, a problem, or God. Someone becomes a Christian and as soon as they face something bad, they are ready to give up. Some people face tough times in life because of their lifestyle, attitude, or actions and some choose sadly to give up on life itself and choose to end their own life.
I know I can look back in my life in recent history a few years ago when I got out of ministry and I was ready to throw in the towel on my ministry calling, even my faith. I was ready to quit going to church, stop being a christian, and walk away from it all. I thought God couldn't use me again and no church would hire me again. I thought I couldn't overcome my mistakes.
Thankfully, I didn't. I persevered, I lived with the consequences, I learned from my mistakes and in some ways I'm probably still paying for them and living with them, but I held on to the towel, I didn't give up, I didn't give up on God because He never gave up on me.
I don't care what you go through in life: an affair, divorce, abuse, jail, death of a loved one, addiction, or an out of control lifestyle, as long as God is still God and you still have air coming through your lungs and nostrils you have HOPE! You're alive and you have a choice to change.
Many of you reading this today may be ready to throw in the towel on God, yourself, and maybe you've even contemplated suicide or have become addicted to something? Maybe you're depressed, being too hard on yourself, or maybe it seems that your in too deep. NEVER!
God will always forgive you, even when others don't. There are always friends who will love you when others turn their backs. There is always a church out there who will accept you, even when others judge you. It's never too late to turn your life around. Hold the towel.
Don't give up, don't throw in the towel. Take it one day at a time, learn and grow from your mistakes, admit your wrong, fix and make right what's in your power to change, and trust and hope in God to heal your heart in time. Hold the Towel!
"Be joyful in HOPE, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
Romans 12:12(NIV)
You may have heard the expression "Throw in the towel", which is what a fighter's manager or coach does when the fighter is beat and can't continue to fight. You see it in boxing, ultimate fighting, wrestling, and you see it in life.
People "throw in the towel" and give up in life whether it's on a relationship, a job, a problem, or God. Someone becomes a Christian and as soon as they face something bad, they are ready to give up. Some people face tough times in life because of their lifestyle, attitude, or actions and some choose sadly to give up on life itself and choose to end their own life.
I know I can look back in my life in recent history a few years ago when I got out of ministry and I was ready to throw in the towel on my ministry calling, even my faith. I was ready to quit going to church, stop being a christian, and walk away from it all. I thought God couldn't use me again and no church would hire me again. I thought I couldn't overcome my mistakes.
Thankfully, I didn't. I persevered, I lived with the consequences, I learned from my mistakes and in some ways I'm probably still paying for them and living with them, but I held on to the towel, I didn't give up, I didn't give up on God because He never gave up on me.
I don't care what you go through in life: an affair, divorce, abuse, jail, death of a loved one, addiction, or an out of control lifestyle, as long as God is still God and you still have air coming through your lungs and nostrils you have HOPE! You're alive and you have a choice to change.
Many of you reading this today may be ready to throw in the towel on God, yourself, and maybe you've even contemplated suicide or have become addicted to something? Maybe you're depressed, being too hard on yourself, or maybe it seems that your in too deep. NEVER!
God will always forgive you, even when others don't. There are always friends who will love you when others turn their backs. There is always a church out there who will accept you, even when others judge you. It's never too late to turn your life around. Hold the towel.
Don't give up, don't throw in the towel. Take it one day at a time, learn and grow from your mistakes, admit your wrong, fix and make right what's in your power to change, and trust and hope in God to heal your heart in time. Hold the Towel!
"Be joyful in HOPE, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
Romans 12:12(NIV)
Getting used to it
GETTING USED TO IT
Do you know what it's like to feel used? Someone took advantage of your kindness? quietness? generosity? sincerity? It's not a good feeling be get used and it shouldn't be a good feeling to be a user.
Husbands use their wives, bosses use their employees, parents use their children, wives use their husbands, co-workers use co-workers, children use their parents, employees use their employers, members use their churches, people use God, and it goes on, the list is endless of how people can take advantage of others just to get what they want, because they are selfish, lazy, unconcerned, or don't consider the feelings of others.
It is not a healthy cycle to be a user and I'm not talking about drugs, though I think getting into the habit or taking advantage of others and using or exploiting them is a powerful drug of control, need, and power. How do we break this cycle?
I don't have all the answers, but I know we need to start putting ourselves in the shoes of others and how we'd feel if we were treated the way we treat others. Sounds pretty simple doesn't it? I think there's a golden rule about it? I think we can start realizing that type of behavior or attitude is not healthy and we must always guard ourselves to not become this type of person. I think we need to start trying to have more of a servants heart instead of having the bad attitude that someone owe's us something. I think we start looking for the welfare of others instead of thinking we deserve special treatment.
I don't know what the perfect answer is for you or me. I know that we must be careful not to become a user of people. We must be used by God, we must let God use us to help others, and we must be an example of what it means to serve others not be served. No matter our last name, popularity, title, bank account, or position in life.
"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Philippians 2:4 (NIV)
Do you know what it's like to feel used? Someone took advantage of your kindness? quietness? generosity? sincerity? It's not a good feeling be get used and it shouldn't be a good feeling to be a user.
Husbands use their wives, bosses use their employees, parents use their children, wives use their husbands, co-workers use co-workers, children use their parents, employees use their employers, members use their churches, people use God, and it goes on, the list is endless of how people can take advantage of others just to get what they want, because they are selfish, lazy, unconcerned, or don't consider the feelings of others.
It is not a healthy cycle to be a user and I'm not talking about drugs, though I think getting into the habit or taking advantage of others and using or exploiting them is a powerful drug of control, need, and power. How do we break this cycle?
I don't have all the answers, but I know we need to start putting ourselves in the shoes of others and how we'd feel if we were treated the way we treat others. Sounds pretty simple doesn't it? I think there's a golden rule about it? I think we can start realizing that type of behavior or attitude is not healthy and we must always guard ourselves to not become this type of person. I think we need to start trying to have more of a servants heart instead of having the bad attitude that someone owe's us something. I think we start looking for the welfare of others instead of thinking we deserve special treatment.
I don't know what the perfect answer is for you or me. I know that we must be careful not to become a user of people. We must be used by God, we must let God use us to help others, and we must be an example of what it means to serve others not be served. No matter our last name, popularity, title, bank account, or position in life.
"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Philippians 2:4 (NIV)
Life Swap
LIFE SWAP
Recently, I watched "Wife Swap", I've never seen this show before, but I really enjoyed it. 2 Wives swap homes/families for 2 weeks and work with the other spouse and children and they are extreme opposites. Really strict wives go to homes where there is too much freedom and no rules and vice versa. I thought both families could use a lot adjusting and maybe Dr. Phil.
The family that gave their kids too much freedom needed to tighten up and start being parents and stop letting their kids run wild. The other family needed to loosen up an stop being so strict, rigid, and tough. One home was like a prison and the other was like frat house.
I found it interesting that neither being too strict or not being strict enough was healthy. Both familes had emotional problems, no communication, and some serious issues.
It made me think about life and how maybe we all could use a little "Life Swap". A lot of people live at 2 extremes with God. They either are too rigid, legalistic, judgemental, or harsh in their beliefs or faith, or they have not faith, and they live a life with not morals, values, boundaries, and convictions. Neither is healthy.
God wants to have a personal relationship with us. He doesn't want us to be religious robots and yet He doesn't want us live a life neglecting, abusing, or mocking Him. Now, I'm not saying that stuffy christians ought to go wild and that wild people ought to become monks or nuns.
What I am saying is that we need to realize that neither lifestyle is healthy at that their is a common ground found in a personal relationship with Jesus. God never called Christians to be uptight, judgemental, narrow-minded, legalistic, or shun a lost world. However, He didn't create us with no boundaries, no guidelines, and for us to just live our lives with no acknowledgement of a Creator.
If you are too wrapped up in keeping religious rules and making your faith a prison, you need to rethink what you consider real faith. If you are living your life with no regard to a creator or savior, maybe it's time to re-evaluate your direction in life. Maybe we all could use a little life swap. God didn't send Jesus to die on the cross so that people would become obsessed with religion and forget a relationship and at the same time He didn't send Jesus to die on the cross so that people could live their lives ignoring that gift and sacrifice. He did die for everyone, all, for whosoever will.
Jesus swapped His life in Heaven and lived life in human flesh and died a cruel death so that each of us would have hope, forgiveness, grace, and unconditional love. I think that is something we all could learn from. Let's meet Jesus in the middle and not live our lives at opposite extremes of the cross.
"In Him was life, and that life was the light of men."
John 1:4 (NIV)
Recently, I watched "Wife Swap", I've never seen this show before, but I really enjoyed it. 2 Wives swap homes/families for 2 weeks and work with the other spouse and children and they are extreme opposites. Really strict wives go to homes where there is too much freedom and no rules and vice versa. I thought both families could use a lot adjusting and maybe Dr. Phil.
The family that gave their kids too much freedom needed to tighten up and start being parents and stop letting their kids run wild. The other family needed to loosen up an stop being so strict, rigid, and tough. One home was like a prison and the other was like frat house.
I found it interesting that neither being too strict or not being strict enough was healthy. Both familes had emotional problems, no communication, and some serious issues.
It made me think about life and how maybe we all could use a little "Life Swap". A lot of people live at 2 extremes with God. They either are too rigid, legalistic, judgemental, or harsh in their beliefs or faith, or they have not faith, and they live a life with not morals, values, boundaries, and convictions. Neither is healthy.
God wants to have a personal relationship with us. He doesn't want us to be religious robots and yet He doesn't want us live a life neglecting, abusing, or mocking Him. Now, I'm not saying that stuffy christians ought to go wild and that wild people ought to become monks or nuns.
What I am saying is that we need to realize that neither lifestyle is healthy at that their is a common ground found in a personal relationship with Jesus. God never called Christians to be uptight, judgemental, narrow-minded, legalistic, or shun a lost world. However, He didn't create us with no boundaries, no guidelines, and for us to just live our lives with no acknowledgement of a Creator.
If you are too wrapped up in keeping religious rules and making your faith a prison, you need to rethink what you consider real faith. If you are living your life with no regard to a creator or savior, maybe it's time to re-evaluate your direction in life. Maybe we all could use a little life swap. God didn't send Jesus to die on the cross so that people would become obsessed with religion and forget a relationship and at the same time He didn't send Jesus to die on the cross so that people could live their lives ignoring that gift and sacrifice. He did die for everyone, all, for whosoever will.
Jesus swapped His life in Heaven and lived life in human flesh and died a cruel death so that each of us would have hope, forgiveness, grace, and unconditional love. I think that is something we all could learn from. Let's meet Jesus in the middle and not live our lives at opposite extremes of the cross.
"In Him was life, and that life was the light of men."
John 1:4 (NIV)
great white hunter
GREAT WHITE HUNTER
Ok, i'm white, but I wouldn't call myself great or great hunter. I like to hunt, but I'm not obsessed with it and probably a fair-weather hunter. I go through moods, some years I hunt alot, other times I hardly hunt.
My point is deer hunting takes things I am not very good at. Patience and accuracy. Oh, I could tell the stories of the "one that got away". I seem to shoot my gun or bow at deer way too soon, take bad shots, rush shots, get in a hurry, or don't want to wait for a better, clearer, or closer shot. But, I enjoy hunting, the outdoors, nature, and eating my kill!
I know many of you reading this may not hunt, but I don't really want to talk about hunting, it was a segway to something else.We all have things in life we do that we struggle with. You may enjoy going to school, but struggle in certain subjects. You may enjoy your job, but struggle liking co-workers. You may enjoy being married or dating, but struggle with compromising in certain issues with your mate.
As in Hunting, i struggle with patience and accuracy. But, there are other areas of my life where their are pockets of insecurity, doubt, fear, sin, struggle, and conflict. I'm not going to stop hunting just because I miss a few deer, though I hope with age and experience, I will continue to learn to become better.
Life, marriage, relationships, careers, school, struggles, etc....are no different. They take work, practice, mistakes, and learning the hard-way at times. If you are struggling, hurting, or railing from a mistake, a bone-headed decision, or serious sin, don't give up, make excuses, justify, or accept where you are. Grow, learn, make an effort, and most of all seek God. You've tried everything else, try God. You've tried it your way, try it God's way.
I may never have my own hunting tv show, my own line of camo, or give archery lessons, but I'm not going to give up something I enjoy. I'm going to get better so I will enjoy it more. Hunting teaches me alot about life and how I need to be in my relationship with God. Maybe God is trying to teach you or show you something right now through your job, hobby, or circumstance?
"I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry."
Psalm 40:1(NIV)
Ok, i'm white, but I wouldn't call myself great or great hunter. I like to hunt, but I'm not obsessed with it and probably a fair-weather hunter. I go through moods, some years I hunt alot, other times I hardly hunt.
My point is deer hunting takes things I am not very good at. Patience and accuracy. Oh, I could tell the stories of the "one that got away". I seem to shoot my gun or bow at deer way too soon, take bad shots, rush shots, get in a hurry, or don't want to wait for a better, clearer, or closer shot. But, I enjoy hunting, the outdoors, nature, and eating my kill!
I know many of you reading this may not hunt, but I don't really want to talk about hunting, it was a segway to something else.We all have things in life we do that we struggle with. You may enjoy going to school, but struggle in certain subjects. You may enjoy your job, but struggle liking co-workers. You may enjoy being married or dating, but struggle with compromising in certain issues with your mate.
As in Hunting, i struggle with patience and accuracy. But, there are other areas of my life where their are pockets of insecurity, doubt, fear, sin, struggle, and conflict. I'm not going to stop hunting just because I miss a few deer, though I hope with age and experience, I will continue to learn to become better.
Life, marriage, relationships, careers, school, struggles, etc....are no different. They take work, practice, mistakes, and learning the hard-way at times. If you are struggling, hurting, or railing from a mistake, a bone-headed decision, or serious sin, don't give up, make excuses, justify, or accept where you are. Grow, learn, make an effort, and most of all seek God. You've tried everything else, try God. You've tried it your way, try it God's way.
I may never have my own hunting tv show, my own line of camo, or give archery lessons, but I'm not going to give up something I enjoy. I'm going to get better so I will enjoy it more. Hunting teaches me alot about life and how I need to be in my relationship with God. Maybe God is trying to teach you or show you something right now through your job, hobby, or circumstance?
"I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry."
Psalm 40:1(NIV)
Hell yeah?
HELL YEAH?
Catchy title eh? You know me trying to find creative ways to cuss, not really. My point today is pretty simple, do you say "Yes" to Hell.
I'm a big believer in the fact that everyday we are living our lives and determining our eternal destination. Eternity with God(Heaven) or Eternity without God (Hell). Most of us reading this whether we are real serious about our faith or not, know that someday this life will end and we will end up in one of two places. The problem is we get so caught up in this life we are either avoiding, pretending, or forgetting that hundreds, thousands, and millions of choices and decisions we make are preparing us for eternity whether we want them to or not.
We say "Yes" to Hell when we choose to not live for God, walk away from our faith, or ignore a commitment to God. You don't have to curse God or not be saved to do this. There are people who go to church every week and people who say they "believe" in God, yet their lives and lifestyles speak otherwise. They may say "Yes" to God in church, but their lives are saying "Yes" to something else. I know I've been guilty!
I don't want to say "yes" to Hell. I want to take my faith serious. I want to live everyday as a blessing with the notion that it could be my last and that how I live matters. What I do with my time and how I spend it matters and has eternal consequences.
Does that mean I'll be perfect? No. Does it mean I won't still mess up and say or do the wrong things? No. However, it does mean that I make a conscience effort everday to acknowledge God in my life and strive daily to live this life for Him. I want to say "No" to Hell and "Yes" to Heaven everyday.
Life isn't a corny joke like I made with the title of this article, eternity is serious business. One day, some day, me and you will come face to face with Eternity. At that point, no excuses, justifications, or explantions will do.
I hear people say, "How can God send people to Hell". God never sends people to Heaven or Hell, we choose our destiny. You choose everyday when you get out of bed the type of person you're going to be. Just like you decide what type of parent, husband, wife, mate, student, athlete, boss, or employee you are going to be, we all decide one way or the other how we are going to be.
Our faith and eternal destiny is no different, my life is my choice. How do you choose? How are you living today? Where are you headed? I say "Heaven Yeah".
"But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve"
Joshua 24:15a (NIV)
Catchy title eh? You know me trying to find creative ways to cuss, not really. My point today is pretty simple, do you say "Yes" to Hell.
I'm a big believer in the fact that everyday we are living our lives and determining our eternal destination. Eternity with God(Heaven) or Eternity without God (Hell). Most of us reading this whether we are real serious about our faith or not, know that someday this life will end and we will end up in one of two places. The problem is we get so caught up in this life we are either avoiding, pretending, or forgetting that hundreds, thousands, and millions of choices and decisions we make are preparing us for eternity whether we want them to or not.
We say "Yes" to Hell when we choose to not live for God, walk away from our faith, or ignore a commitment to God. You don't have to curse God or not be saved to do this. There are people who go to church every week and people who say they "believe" in God, yet their lives and lifestyles speak otherwise. They may say "Yes" to God in church, but their lives are saying "Yes" to something else. I know I've been guilty!
I don't want to say "yes" to Hell. I want to take my faith serious. I want to live everyday as a blessing with the notion that it could be my last and that how I live matters. What I do with my time and how I spend it matters and has eternal consequences.
Does that mean I'll be perfect? No. Does it mean I won't still mess up and say or do the wrong things? No. However, it does mean that I make a conscience effort everday to acknowledge God in my life and strive daily to live this life for Him. I want to say "No" to Hell and "Yes" to Heaven everyday.
Life isn't a corny joke like I made with the title of this article, eternity is serious business. One day, some day, me and you will come face to face with Eternity. At that point, no excuses, justifications, or explantions will do.
I hear people say, "How can God send people to Hell". God never sends people to Heaven or Hell, we choose our destiny. You choose everyday when you get out of bed the type of person you're going to be. Just like you decide what type of parent, husband, wife, mate, student, athlete, boss, or employee you are going to be, we all decide one way or the other how we are going to be.
Our faith and eternal destiny is no different, my life is my choice. How do you choose? How are you living today? Where are you headed? I say "Heaven Yeah".
"But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve"
Joshua 24:15a (NIV)
How's your weak?
HOW'S YOUR WEAK?
In our big macho world or sports, ufc, wwe, smashmouth football, and espn it's not a popular thing for anyone male or female for that matter to admit any sign of weakness. We don't want people to know our faults, struggles, and weak areas. We think that if someone knows those things they'll look at us different, judge us, condemn us, or even take advantage of us.
I'm not advocating us airing all our dirty laundry or being overdramatic in sharing our faults, but what I'm saying is that we need to stop hiding our faults, pretending we have no struggles, or being ashamed that we are weak in some areas of our lives.
God does not expect us to pretend, act perfect, or hide our struggles. Our weakness is actually a sign that we need a higher power and a Savior and it's also a teaching tool to remind us that we can't do it alone, that we need help, and that God is there to always help us. I also think it's a great example to other people, that you don't have to be perfect to be a christian, you don't have to have it all together to be saved, and that you can love God and yet still have struggles, issues, and problems.
Our weakness in our lives whether it's a sin, a problem, a struggle, etc.....is an opportunity for us and others to see God working in our lives. Christian Faith is all about us learning to depend on God and trusting Him with our lives. You don't have to be perfect. You don't have to have it all together all the time. You don't have to ignore, hide, or lie about your faults.
I challenge you today to be honest with God, with yourself, and with others. Whether you go to church or not, realize that you need God and He wants to help you. If you are saved today realize that when you were baptized God gave you the gift of His Holy Spirit to dwell in you and to act as a source of strength, support, comfort, and guidance in those weak times in your life.
We all have weakness, it's shouldn't come as a shock, alarm, or discouragement. The key is learning to grow from our weakness and learning to seek God out in those weaknesses.
"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express."
Romans 8:27 (NIV)
In our big macho world or sports, ufc, wwe, smashmouth football, and espn it's not a popular thing for anyone male or female for that matter to admit any sign of weakness. We don't want people to know our faults, struggles, and weak areas. We think that if someone knows those things they'll look at us different, judge us, condemn us, or even take advantage of us.
I'm not advocating us airing all our dirty laundry or being overdramatic in sharing our faults, but what I'm saying is that we need to stop hiding our faults, pretending we have no struggles, or being ashamed that we are weak in some areas of our lives.
God does not expect us to pretend, act perfect, or hide our struggles. Our weakness is actually a sign that we need a higher power and a Savior and it's also a teaching tool to remind us that we can't do it alone, that we need help, and that God is there to always help us. I also think it's a great example to other people, that you don't have to be perfect to be a christian, you don't have to have it all together to be saved, and that you can love God and yet still have struggles, issues, and problems.
Our weakness in our lives whether it's a sin, a problem, a struggle, etc.....is an opportunity for us and others to see God working in our lives. Christian Faith is all about us learning to depend on God and trusting Him with our lives. You don't have to be perfect. You don't have to have it all together all the time. You don't have to ignore, hide, or lie about your faults.
I challenge you today to be honest with God, with yourself, and with others. Whether you go to church or not, realize that you need God and He wants to help you. If you are saved today realize that when you were baptized God gave you the gift of His Holy Spirit to dwell in you and to act as a source of strength, support, comfort, and guidance in those weak times in your life.
We all have weakness, it's shouldn't come as a shock, alarm, or discouragement. The key is learning to grow from our weakness and learning to seek God out in those weaknesses.
"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express."
Romans 8:27 (NIV)
same team?
SAME TEAM?
I thought we were all American's, but you wouldn't know that if you watch television, read the newspaper, or look at news on the internet. Our society is fighting with each other and tries to force us to take sides, Democrat and Republican.
We don't vote for the best person for the job, or the issues, we vote for the party? I don't understand it, never have. I have a party, I share many of their views, but we are all still individuals and not every republican or democrat shares my same passions, views, or convictions.
I am interested in politics, but not obsessed to the point of arguing or debating. This article today is not about politics as much as it is about life. We are losing our focus in America. We need to stop drawing party lines and choosing teams, and remember we are God's first and American's second.
We need to base our politics and opinions on God's will and then on this Land of the Free God has blessed us with and stop arguing stupid politics.I've always been a believer that if people at our Capital, both state and national levels would stop worrying about party politcs and start voting what is best for God and America this would be a difference place we live in. We are on the same team, not democrat or republican, but American, children of God.
We do the same thing in the church, we start choosing sides, conserative or liberal, baptist or methodist, charismatic or traditional, niv or kjv, instrumental or non-instrumental, the list is endless.We are on the same team. One faith, One Lord, One baptism. We need to stop trying to prove other christians wrong or one church better than the other and start preaching Jesus and reaching people who don't know Jesus personally. Do you see how easy it is for us to lose our focus? Not just in politics, but in the church, and in life.
If we'd start seeing each other as God's children and start seeing everyone through God's eyes it would change the way we think, act, and feel. It might change our politics too. We are God's first, not the worlds. We are American's, not democrat or republican. We are on the same team, God's team. We are God's! Remember that when you vote, work, play, and live.
"It is God Himself who has made us what we are."
Ephesians 2:10(TLB)
I thought we were all American's, but you wouldn't know that if you watch television, read the newspaper, or look at news on the internet. Our society is fighting with each other and tries to force us to take sides, Democrat and Republican.
We don't vote for the best person for the job, or the issues, we vote for the party? I don't understand it, never have. I have a party, I share many of their views, but we are all still individuals and not every republican or democrat shares my same passions, views, or convictions.
I am interested in politics, but not obsessed to the point of arguing or debating. This article today is not about politics as much as it is about life. We are losing our focus in America. We need to stop drawing party lines and choosing teams, and remember we are God's first and American's second.
We need to base our politics and opinions on God's will and then on this Land of the Free God has blessed us with and stop arguing stupid politics.I've always been a believer that if people at our Capital, both state and national levels would stop worrying about party politcs and start voting what is best for God and America this would be a difference place we live in. We are on the same team, not democrat or republican, but American, children of God.
We do the same thing in the church, we start choosing sides, conserative or liberal, baptist or methodist, charismatic or traditional, niv or kjv, instrumental or non-instrumental, the list is endless.We are on the same team. One faith, One Lord, One baptism. We need to stop trying to prove other christians wrong or one church better than the other and start preaching Jesus and reaching people who don't know Jesus personally. Do you see how easy it is for us to lose our focus? Not just in politics, but in the church, and in life.
If we'd start seeing each other as God's children and start seeing everyone through God's eyes it would change the way we think, act, and feel. It might change our politics too. We are God's first, not the worlds. We are American's, not democrat or republican. We are on the same team, God's team. We are God's! Remember that when you vote, work, play, and live.
"It is God Himself who has made us what we are."
Ephesians 2:10(TLB)
Where's your help?
WHERE'S YOUR HELP?
Where do you go for help? Mommy and Daddy bail you out every time, you hit the bottle, use someone for sex, or take advantage of a friend's kindness? Maybe you turn to drugs or violence? Maybe your not at that level, but you turn to lies, dishonesty, deceit, revenge, or greed to find help and hope in your daily world.
One of my favorite worship songs is taken from Psalm 121 and it asks the question, when life get's hard, tough, or difficult where do you turn for help? The answer is simple, GOD, yet we try anything and everything instead of God, when all along if we'd only turn to God, we'd find the help we need.
The church, a youth group, the bible, a christian friend are all avenues we can seek God, but we need to learn seek God because He is the only one who can truly Help us through anything. God doesn't want your excuses, justifications, reasons, or even your religion or holy words. God wants your honesty, your sincerity, and your heart.
I am not sure how you were raised, or what you've been taught, or what negative ideas have poisoned your mind when it comes to God, but please know today that God Loves you, He cares about you, and He is someone you can trust.
God is not ashamed of you, he's not going to be caught off guard or surprised by your sin, mistakes, or problems. When you think no one else understands or can help, know God can, cause He can!
God created me and you, so He knows us inside and out. He created the world, so He knows absolutely everythingwe face and deal with. Despite knowing our past, our mistakes, our sin, our lack of faith, our questions, and our doubts, YES He still loves us and is ALWAYS there for us. Maybe you've tried everything except God, give Him a try, you won't regret it.
The next time you need help, don't run, don't hide, don't give up, give in, or turn away from God or rebel from God. Lift your eyes upward to the hills and realize that God is there, He's available, He's willing, ready, and able to help you through anything.
"I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the makerof Heaven and earth."
Psalm 121:1-2(NIV)
Where do you go for help? Mommy and Daddy bail you out every time, you hit the bottle, use someone for sex, or take advantage of a friend's kindness? Maybe you turn to drugs or violence? Maybe your not at that level, but you turn to lies, dishonesty, deceit, revenge, or greed to find help and hope in your daily world.
One of my favorite worship songs is taken from Psalm 121 and it asks the question, when life get's hard, tough, or difficult where do you turn for help? The answer is simple, GOD, yet we try anything and everything instead of God, when all along if we'd only turn to God, we'd find the help we need.
The church, a youth group, the bible, a christian friend are all avenues we can seek God, but we need to learn seek God because He is the only one who can truly Help us through anything. God doesn't want your excuses, justifications, reasons, or even your religion or holy words. God wants your honesty, your sincerity, and your heart.
I am not sure how you were raised, or what you've been taught, or what negative ideas have poisoned your mind when it comes to God, but please know today that God Loves you, He cares about you, and He is someone you can trust.
God is not ashamed of you, he's not going to be caught off guard or surprised by your sin, mistakes, or problems. When you think no one else understands or can help, know God can, cause He can!
God created me and you, so He knows us inside and out. He created the world, so He knows absolutely everythingwe face and deal with. Despite knowing our past, our mistakes, our sin, our lack of faith, our questions, and our doubts, YES He still loves us and is ALWAYS there for us. Maybe you've tried everything except God, give Him a try, you won't regret it.
The next time you need help, don't run, don't hide, don't give up, give in, or turn away from God or rebel from God. Lift your eyes upward to the hills and realize that God is there, He's available, He's willing, ready, and able to help you through anything.
"I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the makerof Heaven and earth."
Psalm 121:1-2(NIV)
Potty Mouth
POTTY MOUTH
Have you ever been around people or watched a movie where it seems the language is so bad it would make a sailor blush? I mean it seems that the person is dropping F Bombs left and right and just is always using sexual terms and talking nasty?
Sadly, it's not uncommon to be sitting in the bleachers of a middle school or high school and hear students talking that way, it's not unusual to be at the mall or some public place and hear people talking this way, it's sadly not unusual to flip on many tv channels or pop in any dvd movie and hear word after word of just filthy language.
I'm not talking about the person who uses a cuss word on occasion because they get mad or aggrevated or in telling a funny story, I'm talking about the one who has a lifestyle of it. This is their normal everyday converstation and vocabulary. If they ain't using F words or talking about their genitals or sex they're asleep or dead.
I would be lying if I said I never said anything bad, those who know me well know different, however, there are some people who are just filled with so much anger, worldliness, or ignorance, that they can't carry a normal conversation. Look at their myspace, e-mails, casual conversations. Look at the music they listen to, the movies they watch, the friends they keep. Maybe I'm talking about you today?
Being a potty mouth isn't cool, it doesn't make you look cool, fit in, or grown up. It's not mature, hip, acceptable, or OK. You don't need to drop F Bombs or talking about nasty stuff all the time to get attention, fit in, or be a man, or a woman.
Again, there is a huge difference between saying something off-color or in frustration on rare occasions and living a daily lifestyle of filth, does the way you talk really represent who you are?
"But now you must rid yourself of ALL such things: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips."
Colossians 3:8 (NIV)
Have you ever been around people or watched a movie where it seems the language is so bad it would make a sailor blush? I mean it seems that the person is dropping F Bombs left and right and just is always using sexual terms and talking nasty?
Sadly, it's not uncommon to be sitting in the bleachers of a middle school or high school and hear students talking that way, it's not unusual to be at the mall or some public place and hear people talking this way, it's sadly not unusual to flip on many tv channels or pop in any dvd movie and hear word after word of just filthy language.
I'm not talking about the person who uses a cuss word on occasion because they get mad or aggrevated or in telling a funny story, I'm talking about the one who has a lifestyle of it. This is their normal everyday converstation and vocabulary. If they ain't using F words or talking about their genitals or sex they're asleep or dead.
I would be lying if I said I never said anything bad, those who know me well know different, however, there are some people who are just filled with so much anger, worldliness, or ignorance, that they can't carry a normal conversation. Look at their myspace, e-mails, casual conversations. Look at the music they listen to, the movies they watch, the friends they keep. Maybe I'm talking about you today?
Being a potty mouth isn't cool, it doesn't make you look cool, fit in, or grown up. It's not mature, hip, acceptable, or OK. You don't need to drop F Bombs or talking about nasty stuff all the time to get attention, fit in, or be a man, or a woman.
Again, there is a huge difference between saying something off-color or in frustration on rare occasions and living a daily lifestyle of filth, does the way you talk really represent who you are?
"But now you must rid yourself of ALL such things: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips."
Colossians 3:8 (NIV)
Visitor
VISITOR
When I got out of full-time ministry I had the chance to go around and visit alot of different churches the past several weeks. Either visiting friends or just checking out some churches that I might be interested in becoming a member at, it's was a unique experience.
If I was being honest, I am really not much into church hopping, but at the same time, It's nice to be able to visit different churches to see how they worship, operate, and treat visitors. Some churches I've visited haven't change their methods or styles in 30 years, while others seem to change every week, which neither is probably ideal. Some are very focused on their current members while others are focused mostly on people who don't have a church home.
I've felt very welcomed in some churches and very alone in others. I think those of us that are raised in church or spent most of our lives in one or two churches forget what it's like to be someone that is looking for a church home or seeking God. Some people are never satisified, they can't find the church that caters to them so they church hop every year or two.
I don't really have as many answers as I have questions. I just think some churches could go a long way in reaching lost or those visiting by being friendlier and not expecting unchurched people to act likes christians. I think we get so caught up in our weekly worship routines we forget what it's like to be lost or what it's like for a visitor to come and visit a church looking for a place to belong.
I believe there is a church out there for almost any background, taste, and preference and I don't think that is a bad thing, as long as they preach the Bible and Follow Jesus. It's not healthy when churches progressive or conservative try to pressure people to believe that their church has the market on the true way to christianity. I think both conservative and progressive churches, traditional and contemporary churches, country and city churches can reach people in their own methods and markets, as long as they don't claim their methods are the only way. Jesus is still the same Savior no matter what bible translation, song style, or church denomination you use.
I guess my point today is don't get discouraged if you go to a church you don't like, keep looking because in time, you'll find one that fits your needs. Also at the same time, don't just go to a church and sit in a pew get involved. Once you find a church you like and where you feel God wants you then place your membership, get invovled, and serve God. If you are a member of a church make visitor's feel welcome and remember they are seeking so don't pressure them, but let them know you are glad they are there.
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful."
Hebrews 10:23(NIV)
When I got out of full-time ministry I had the chance to go around and visit alot of different churches the past several weeks. Either visiting friends or just checking out some churches that I might be interested in becoming a member at, it's was a unique experience.
If I was being honest, I am really not much into church hopping, but at the same time, It's nice to be able to visit different churches to see how they worship, operate, and treat visitors. Some churches I've visited haven't change their methods or styles in 30 years, while others seem to change every week, which neither is probably ideal. Some are very focused on their current members while others are focused mostly on people who don't have a church home.
I've felt very welcomed in some churches and very alone in others. I think those of us that are raised in church or spent most of our lives in one or two churches forget what it's like to be someone that is looking for a church home or seeking God. Some people are never satisified, they can't find the church that caters to them so they church hop every year or two.
I don't really have as many answers as I have questions. I just think some churches could go a long way in reaching lost or those visiting by being friendlier and not expecting unchurched people to act likes christians. I think we get so caught up in our weekly worship routines we forget what it's like to be lost or what it's like for a visitor to come and visit a church looking for a place to belong.
I believe there is a church out there for almost any background, taste, and preference and I don't think that is a bad thing, as long as they preach the Bible and Follow Jesus. It's not healthy when churches progressive or conservative try to pressure people to believe that their church has the market on the true way to christianity. I think both conservative and progressive churches, traditional and contemporary churches, country and city churches can reach people in their own methods and markets, as long as they don't claim their methods are the only way. Jesus is still the same Savior no matter what bible translation, song style, or church denomination you use.
I guess my point today is don't get discouraged if you go to a church you don't like, keep looking because in time, you'll find one that fits your needs. Also at the same time, don't just go to a church and sit in a pew get involved. Once you find a church you like and where you feel God wants you then place your membership, get invovled, and serve God. If you are a member of a church make visitor's feel welcome and remember they are seeking so don't pressure them, but let them know you are glad they are there.
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful."
Hebrews 10:23(NIV)
finding your identity
FINDING YOUR IDENTITY
Have you seen those identy theft commercials on tv by citi? They are pretty funny, but there are real people out there in this world, young and old, who have lost their identity and are trying to find it in so many places that are all wrong.
So many teens do things not because they like them or want to, but to fit in to a group or into an area where they think they'll feel normal, popular, or accepted. Adults are no different, we do it at work, church, ballgames, etc...we change the way we act, talk, or even our opinion in order to be accepted and to fit in, we are having an identity crisis!
Drugs, alcohol, sex, language, internet, are all areas we abuse in order to so call "fit in". We don't realize that in our attempt to be different we are being like everyone else, and in our attempt to be "normal" we are being misled to what is actually normal.
Lying, cheating, bragging, boasting, gossip, slander, etc...are all ways we try to fit in and belong. Most of them lead to worse habits or lifestyles. We even do it in churches in an effort to belong, it's just not in the workplace or school.
We have an identiy theft, but it's satan stealing our idenity and tricking us into thinking we can find it in someone or something else, making excuses and never really making any effort to change.
I think the root of it all is the fact that we don't have a right relationship with Jesus Christ or we are not strong enough in our faith to recognize the truth. If we had a true, right, and personal relationship with Jesus Christ then our identity, purpose, fullfillment, and meaning would be in that and we wouldn't have to turn to other means to try to fit in and belong. At the same time, we don't have to judge, condemn, or belittle others who struggle with identity, but instead love them and help them.
If you want to really fit in and keep or discover your identity, you are not going to find it on the internet, in a peer group, in bad language, abusing alcohol, or using drugs or people. You are only going to find it in God and then if you do find it, you have to protect yourself from the lie that you would be better off fitting in somewhere else.
Find your true identity and truly fit in with a personal discovery or rediscovery in Jesus Christ. Not church, not church events or activities, not religous words or traditions, but Christ alone. Not in people, places, or pleasures, but Christ alone.
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
Hebrews 17:8(NIV)
Have you seen those identy theft commercials on tv by citi? They are pretty funny, but there are real people out there in this world, young and old, who have lost their identity and are trying to find it in so many places that are all wrong.
So many teens do things not because they like them or want to, but to fit in to a group or into an area where they think they'll feel normal, popular, or accepted. Adults are no different, we do it at work, church, ballgames, etc...we change the way we act, talk, or even our opinion in order to be accepted and to fit in, we are having an identity crisis!
Drugs, alcohol, sex, language, internet, are all areas we abuse in order to so call "fit in". We don't realize that in our attempt to be different we are being like everyone else, and in our attempt to be "normal" we are being misled to what is actually normal.
Lying, cheating, bragging, boasting, gossip, slander, etc...are all ways we try to fit in and belong. Most of them lead to worse habits or lifestyles. We even do it in churches in an effort to belong, it's just not in the workplace or school.
We have an identiy theft, but it's satan stealing our idenity and tricking us into thinking we can find it in someone or something else, making excuses and never really making any effort to change.
I think the root of it all is the fact that we don't have a right relationship with Jesus Christ or we are not strong enough in our faith to recognize the truth. If we had a true, right, and personal relationship with Jesus Christ then our identity, purpose, fullfillment, and meaning would be in that and we wouldn't have to turn to other means to try to fit in and belong. At the same time, we don't have to judge, condemn, or belittle others who struggle with identity, but instead love them and help them.
If you want to really fit in and keep or discover your identity, you are not going to find it on the internet, in a peer group, in bad language, abusing alcohol, or using drugs or people. You are only going to find it in God and then if you do find it, you have to protect yourself from the lie that you would be better off fitting in somewhere else.
Find your true identity and truly fit in with a personal discovery or rediscovery in Jesus Christ. Not church, not church events or activities, not religous words or traditions, but Christ alone. Not in people, places, or pleasures, but Christ alone.
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
Hebrews 17:8(NIV)
Help Desk
HELP DESK
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped."
Psalm 28:7(NIV)
Where do you go for help? In the world of technology we live in today we are usually a keystroke, e-mail, instant message, text, or phone call away from getting help with our computer problem, our electric bill, our bank account, or whatever it is we do online today. No more the days of sending smoke signals, carrier pigeons, or the pony express we get instant help.
The problem is we think all problems in our lives should be fixed easy like this and shouldn't take very long, and even the problems we create ourselves should be fixed easy. But life doesn't work like microsoft or ebay.
100% of us have problems, either out of our control or by our own doing, problems are part of life, as soon as you accept that, you are on your way to either getting through your problems or making them worse, but where do yo turn when life goes haywire?
Do you turn to sex? drugs? alcohol? All the above? Maybe you overeat? hide? get moody? I am not sure what you do or how you handle your problems, but there is a way to get through any problem and that is in a relationship with God.
I'm not talking about religion, church attending, singing songs, or doing Hail Mary's, I'm talking about seeking God with your whole heart and asking for His involvement. Seeking His comfort, guidance, and strength, and having the faith that God will answer and provide in His timing not yours. Faith in God is the key to overcoming and getting through your problems.
If you turn to other things like I have in the past you are just adding more problems to your and making them worse and you are missing the true blessing of seeing God work in your life. God is the ultimate Help Desk.
I challenge you to seek God today if you never have, if you've got so burdened down by your problems you've given up on God, or if you've just been too distracted to turn to Him.
God is good, God is faithful, and He can HELP you in ways you can't even imagine, but you have to take the first step in seeking Him and then learning to trust Him and you will begin to see your problems changing.
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped."
Psalm 28:7(NIV)
Where do you go for help? In the world of technology we live in today we are usually a keystroke, e-mail, instant message, text, or phone call away from getting help with our computer problem, our electric bill, our bank account, or whatever it is we do online today. No more the days of sending smoke signals, carrier pigeons, or the pony express we get instant help.
The problem is we think all problems in our lives should be fixed easy like this and shouldn't take very long, and even the problems we create ourselves should be fixed easy. But life doesn't work like microsoft or ebay.
100% of us have problems, either out of our control or by our own doing, problems are part of life, as soon as you accept that, you are on your way to either getting through your problems or making them worse, but where do yo turn when life goes haywire?
Do you turn to sex? drugs? alcohol? All the above? Maybe you overeat? hide? get moody? I am not sure what you do or how you handle your problems, but there is a way to get through any problem and that is in a relationship with God.
I'm not talking about religion, church attending, singing songs, or doing Hail Mary's, I'm talking about seeking God with your whole heart and asking for His involvement. Seeking His comfort, guidance, and strength, and having the faith that God will answer and provide in His timing not yours. Faith in God is the key to overcoming and getting through your problems.
If you turn to other things like I have in the past you are just adding more problems to your and making them worse and you are missing the true blessing of seeing God work in your life. God is the ultimate Help Desk.
I challenge you to seek God today if you never have, if you've got so burdened down by your problems you've given up on God, or if you've just been too distracted to turn to Him.
God is good, God is faithful, and He can HELP you in ways you can't even imagine, but you have to take the first step in seeking Him and then learning to trust Him and you will begin to see your problems changing.
The little things
THE LITTLE THINGS
One thing I've struggled with over the years is enjoying the little things in life. Stopping to smell the the roses and enjoying the small yet vital blessings that take place in life on a regular basis. One thing that i've missed, and I forgot about, but I'm got to experience again staying at my parents temporarily is at night when I am laying in bed is I can hear the crickets, frogs, and night noises of living in the country.
To the average person that's not a big deal, or might be silly, but to me, it's precious. It's simple, peaceful, and a reminder of God's creation, a slower pace, and a sense of feeling settled. I've not felt that way for a long time. Sometimes we need things to slow us down so we can learn to appreciate the little moments, and things in life, how many times do we get up go to work and do our same daily routines day after day, week after week, and month after month, and we don't stop to kiss our children, or tell our spouses we love them, or to tell a friend what they mean to us.
How many times do we forget to stop and watch a sunset, or listen to the birds chirp, or listen to the water running in a creek or stream, or something simple. It took a few crickets and some frogs to remind me of how I've missed alot of little moments and simple blessings. I've appreciated listening to those little creatures sing me to sleep, to hear the rain hitting the roof at night, to go out in the woods and enjoy the trees, the leaves, and the wildlife. To go visit my friends and spend the day with people I don't get to see a lot and the list goes on and on of the little moments I'm trying to appreciate. What are you missing? Are you too busy? Too stressed? Too focused? Are you rushing through life and missing your family? friends? God? Are you missing the little things in life? Take a break, listen, take a look around and enjoy.
"On my bed I remember you, Lord; I think of you through the watches of night...My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me."
Psalm 63:6 & 8
One thing I've struggled with over the years is enjoying the little things in life. Stopping to smell the the roses and enjoying the small yet vital blessings that take place in life on a regular basis. One thing that i've missed, and I forgot about, but I'm got to experience again staying at my parents temporarily is at night when I am laying in bed is I can hear the crickets, frogs, and night noises of living in the country.
To the average person that's not a big deal, or might be silly, but to me, it's precious. It's simple, peaceful, and a reminder of God's creation, a slower pace, and a sense of feeling settled. I've not felt that way for a long time. Sometimes we need things to slow us down so we can learn to appreciate the little moments, and things in life, how many times do we get up go to work and do our same daily routines day after day, week after week, and month after month, and we don't stop to kiss our children, or tell our spouses we love them, or to tell a friend what they mean to us.
How many times do we forget to stop and watch a sunset, or listen to the birds chirp, or listen to the water running in a creek or stream, or something simple. It took a few crickets and some frogs to remind me of how I've missed alot of little moments and simple blessings. I've appreciated listening to those little creatures sing me to sleep, to hear the rain hitting the roof at night, to go out in the woods and enjoy the trees, the leaves, and the wildlife. To go visit my friends and spend the day with people I don't get to see a lot and the list goes on and on of the little moments I'm trying to appreciate. What are you missing? Are you too busy? Too stressed? Too focused? Are you rushing through life and missing your family? friends? God? Are you missing the little things in life? Take a break, listen, take a look around and enjoy.
"On my bed I remember you, Lord; I think of you through the watches of night...My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me."
Psalm 63:6 & 8
Ramblin man
RAMBLIN MAN
"Lord I was born a ramblin man, trying to make a living and doin the best I can"
-Allman Brothers
Many of you over 30 may remember that classic song, I've always enjoyed it, but the words almost seem to fit my life in the recent years. I have rambled along and have been blessed to see alot and do alot in my life the past decade or so.
I've sailed halfway around the world and saw many great places in the US Navy, I've been to alot of great sporting events, and seen alot of great sites across our country. I've worked with some great students in ministry, fell off the wagon a time or two, and made alot of mistakes that I've learned great lessons from.
I've lived in VA, Ohio, WV, NM, & now Indiana. I've been happy, sad, mad, glad, and everything in between. I've made alot of good friends, shed good and bad tears, I've had my heart broken, and I've been in love. I've missed the boat a time or two with a couple girls and probably avoided divorce.
There are things in my life I wish I could take back, do over, and do a different way, but at the same time, I know I've been blessed, and had some great experiences in my brief 34 years. I've got to do more than most people do in a lifetime.
I read a story yesterday about an old lady who went back to college at 87 and said anyone can grow old, but not everyone lives. Despite my periods of inconsistency, bad decisions, and mistakes I've had great moments of passion, joy, fun, and precious memories. I don't regret those moments and the blessings God has given me.
I've never claimed to be "holier than thou", but I've always tried to live a life where I've been honest with God, myself, and others, even despite moments of struggle and unknown, I've tried to live out my faith, learn from my mistakes, and love others unconditionally.
I am looking so forward to see what God is going to do in this ramblin man in the future. Life is a journey, enjoy the trip. Enjoy God's mercy, freedom, grace, and experiences in life. Ramble a little, settle down when you need to, and remember life is a marathon not a 100-yard dash, though life goes by so quick it seems.
"I run in the path of your commands, Lord, for you have set my heart free."
Psalm 119:32
"Lord I was born a ramblin man, trying to make a living and doin the best I can"
-Allman Brothers
Many of you over 30 may remember that classic song, I've always enjoyed it, but the words almost seem to fit my life in the recent years. I have rambled along and have been blessed to see alot and do alot in my life the past decade or so.
I've sailed halfway around the world and saw many great places in the US Navy, I've been to alot of great sporting events, and seen alot of great sites across our country. I've worked with some great students in ministry, fell off the wagon a time or two, and made alot of mistakes that I've learned great lessons from.
I've lived in VA, Ohio, WV, NM, & now Indiana. I've been happy, sad, mad, glad, and everything in between. I've made alot of good friends, shed good and bad tears, I've had my heart broken, and I've been in love. I've missed the boat a time or two with a couple girls and probably avoided divorce.
There are things in my life I wish I could take back, do over, and do a different way, but at the same time, I know I've been blessed, and had some great experiences in my brief 34 years. I've got to do more than most people do in a lifetime.
I read a story yesterday about an old lady who went back to college at 87 and said anyone can grow old, but not everyone lives. Despite my periods of inconsistency, bad decisions, and mistakes I've had great moments of passion, joy, fun, and precious memories. I don't regret those moments and the blessings God has given me.
I've never claimed to be "holier than thou", but I've always tried to live a life where I've been honest with God, myself, and others, even despite moments of struggle and unknown, I've tried to live out my faith, learn from my mistakes, and love others unconditionally.
I am looking so forward to see what God is going to do in this ramblin man in the future. Life is a journey, enjoy the trip. Enjoy God's mercy, freedom, grace, and experiences in life. Ramble a little, settle down when you need to, and remember life is a marathon not a 100-yard dash, though life goes by so quick it seems.
"I run in the path of your commands, Lord, for you have set my heart free."
Psalm 119:32
Monday, April 13, 2009
moving
MOVING
Moving is always stressful, tiring, and emotional. Even if you are excited about it, looking forward to a new opportunity, and everything goes smooth you still have different feelings and emotions about moving. You might be ready or relieved for a fresh or new start, but it's still not easy leaving the relationships you have built with people you have come to love.
I think i've found in life no matter whether it is moving locations, states, jobs, dating relationships, or churches that moving takes sacrifice. It really makes me think of the way God calls us to sacrifice in our lives in order to serve Him. We must sometimes make tough choices in order to do the right thing or the better thing. Sacrifice is not easy, but rewarding.
I learned a long time ago in the military that freedom is not free. You give up certain things in order to defend freedom in the military and making sacrifices and tough choices in life are that way. I had to leave people I've grown to love in order to be back home and close to people I loved.
I think the key for all of us to remember is that in life sometimes your going to have to sacrifice some things, maybe your pride, maybe more money, maybe packing up and moving on, or even ending a relationship because it's not meant to be or unhealthy?
God doesn't call us to be perfect, live happily ever after, or that being a Christian means our life will be all rainbows and riches, but it does call us to sacrifice, but sacrifice brings about deeper love, devotion, purpose, and fulfillment in our lives.
I don't know what God is calling you to sacrifice today or what sacrifices He will be requiring tomorrow, but I pray that you are faithful, that you are obedient, and that you keep your heart and soul on the big picture and the eternal rewards.
"offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God...this is your spiritual act of worship."
Romans 12:1b(NIV)
Moving is always stressful, tiring, and emotional. Even if you are excited about it, looking forward to a new opportunity, and everything goes smooth you still have different feelings and emotions about moving. You might be ready or relieved for a fresh or new start, but it's still not easy leaving the relationships you have built with people you have come to love.
I think i've found in life no matter whether it is moving locations, states, jobs, dating relationships, or churches that moving takes sacrifice. It really makes me think of the way God calls us to sacrifice in our lives in order to serve Him. We must sometimes make tough choices in order to do the right thing or the better thing. Sacrifice is not easy, but rewarding.
I learned a long time ago in the military that freedom is not free. You give up certain things in order to defend freedom in the military and making sacrifices and tough choices in life are that way. I had to leave people I've grown to love in order to be back home and close to people I loved.
I think the key for all of us to remember is that in life sometimes your going to have to sacrifice some things, maybe your pride, maybe more money, maybe packing up and moving on, or even ending a relationship because it's not meant to be or unhealthy?
God doesn't call us to be perfect, live happily ever after, or that being a Christian means our life will be all rainbows and riches, but it does call us to sacrifice, but sacrifice brings about deeper love, devotion, purpose, and fulfillment in our lives.
I don't know what God is calling you to sacrifice today or what sacrifices He will be requiring tomorrow, but I pray that you are faithful, that you are obedient, and that you keep your heart and soul on the big picture and the eternal rewards.
"offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God...this is your spiritual act of worship."
Romans 12:1b(NIV)
heart condition
HEART CONDITION
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" Psalm 51:10 (NIV)
This sentence was written in response to a man (David) being confronted and caught in his sin (an affair with Bathsheba) which led to him having a mad killed and trying to hide his sin.
When confronted with His Sin, David confessed He had sinned against God, he returned to God, accepted the consequences of His sin, and remained faithful to God.
I think the key to going through such a rough patch of life by his own doing was the fact that even though he sinned and really messed up, His heart was in tune with God and once someone came to Him and confronted Him with the truth, it knocked him back to reality and he realized He was wrong, did wrong, and messed up, and He made things right with God again.
What is the condition of your heart today? Are you close to God? When you mess up or if someone comes to you and confronts you with your mess up, how do you respond? Do you deny it, blame it on someone else, lie, or do you admit your mistake and return to God?
No one reading this article today is immune from sin, we all sin, and we all mess up. We all get caught up in a moment, get distracted, or allow Satan access to our lives and let him deceive us. However, the condition or our heart will decide whether we do the right thing or not. Our admittance, honesty, seeking forgiveness, and doing what is right is all dependant on how our heart is.
Is your heart in tune with God? Are you ready to do the right thing when you mess up? Are you willing to listen to people when they confront you? I can promise you if you have a heart that is close to God, anytime you sin, mess up, or make a mistake, God's spirit will convict you of your wrong or He will send someone or something to remind you of your wrong.
God loves you, He will forgive you, there is nothing so bad you have done or will do that God can't forgive you and keep loving you, and He wants you to return to Him. Get your heart right, or if it's right, keep it right.
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" Psalm 51:10 (NIV)
This sentence was written in response to a man (David) being confronted and caught in his sin (an affair with Bathsheba) which led to him having a mad killed and trying to hide his sin.
When confronted with His Sin, David confessed He had sinned against God, he returned to God, accepted the consequences of His sin, and remained faithful to God.
I think the key to going through such a rough patch of life by his own doing was the fact that even though he sinned and really messed up, His heart was in tune with God and once someone came to Him and confronted Him with the truth, it knocked him back to reality and he realized He was wrong, did wrong, and messed up, and He made things right with God again.
What is the condition of your heart today? Are you close to God? When you mess up or if someone comes to you and confronts you with your mess up, how do you respond? Do you deny it, blame it on someone else, lie, or do you admit your mistake and return to God?
No one reading this article today is immune from sin, we all sin, and we all mess up. We all get caught up in a moment, get distracted, or allow Satan access to our lives and let him deceive us. However, the condition or our heart will decide whether we do the right thing or not. Our admittance, honesty, seeking forgiveness, and doing what is right is all dependant on how our heart is.
Is your heart in tune with God? Are you ready to do the right thing when you mess up? Are you willing to listen to people when they confront you? I can promise you if you have a heart that is close to God, anytime you sin, mess up, or make a mistake, God's spirit will convict you of your wrong or He will send someone or something to remind you of your wrong.
God loves you, He will forgive you, there is nothing so bad you have done or will do that God can't forgive you and keep loving you, and He wants you to return to Him. Get your heart right, or if it's right, keep it right.
work in progess
WORK IN PROGRESS
Many of you may or may not know this, but I dropped out of college, heck I even failed my 2nd semester of college when I was a freshman, but back in 2000 I went back and completed my Bachelor's degree, because it was something I wanted to complete.
In 2003 I left ministry, a ministry I felt I shouldn't have left and took a ministry I wasn't ready to take. The downward spiral eventually led me out of ministry, back to WV, and struggling to even attend church and not living a very christian lifestyle. I moved back discouraged and defeated.
I eventually got my head out of my rear and recommitted my life to God. I went back in ministry moving to New Mexico last year, now only to find myself moving back to WV. But, this time it's different. I am healthy spiritually. I feel like God called me out here to New Mexico, yet at the same time, I feel like He wants me to move back to WV. My future is uncertain, but my spirit, faith, and attitude are great and I know God is in control.
The difference in these two stories, is that I failed, but didn't give up. I failed a semester of college and dropped out, only to come back years later and complete what I needed to do. I left ministry and moved back to WV a broken/confused spirit. I come back this time on my own terms, healthy, and ready for what God has in store next.
I know many times we make stupid mistakes, bad choices, and difficult decisions that can really make our life harder or screw up our plans, yet if we will learn from them, grow from them, even accept consquences, we can overcome our past, our mistakes, and be better because of it.
I wish I would have finished college like a normal student, but going back as an adult, I was a better student, I learned so much, and I appreciated my accompmlishment so much more.
I also can't change the circumstances of my past mistakes, and I know there are no shortage if people out there to tell me what I should have or shouldn't have did, and I know my moving back now may bring it's share of critics, but I have something now I didn't have then, and that is confidence and faith in God and His direction. God's direction for our lives isn't always clear at the time, but that is where trust comes in and I've not always been good at trusting the unseen, but for some reason this time I do.
My point today is that we are all a work in progess, sometimes we get it right and sometimes we don't. Sometimes it's right to us and confusing to others. However, God does not want us to give up, throw in the towel, or stay down. Sometimes your going to mess us, sometimes your not going to do the right thing, sometimes your going to fail, but if there is something you need to do, a conversation you need to have, or something you need to finish, start today.
One thing we all need to realize is that as long as we are alive and seeking God we are a work in progress in His hands and God will be faithful and complete His work if you remain faithful even through the bad days.
"He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ."
Philippians 1:6(niv)
Many of you may or may not know this, but I dropped out of college, heck I even failed my 2nd semester of college when I was a freshman, but back in 2000 I went back and completed my Bachelor's degree, because it was something I wanted to complete.
In 2003 I left ministry, a ministry I felt I shouldn't have left and took a ministry I wasn't ready to take. The downward spiral eventually led me out of ministry, back to WV, and struggling to even attend church and not living a very christian lifestyle. I moved back discouraged and defeated.
I eventually got my head out of my rear and recommitted my life to God. I went back in ministry moving to New Mexico last year, now only to find myself moving back to WV. But, this time it's different. I am healthy spiritually. I feel like God called me out here to New Mexico, yet at the same time, I feel like He wants me to move back to WV. My future is uncertain, but my spirit, faith, and attitude are great and I know God is in control.
The difference in these two stories, is that I failed, but didn't give up. I failed a semester of college and dropped out, only to come back years later and complete what I needed to do. I left ministry and moved back to WV a broken/confused spirit. I come back this time on my own terms, healthy, and ready for what God has in store next.
I know many times we make stupid mistakes, bad choices, and difficult decisions that can really make our life harder or screw up our plans, yet if we will learn from them, grow from them, even accept consquences, we can overcome our past, our mistakes, and be better because of it.
I wish I would have finished college like a normal student, but going back as an adult, I was a better student, I learned so much, and I appreciated my accompmlishment so much more.
I also can't change the circumstances of my past mistakes, and I know there are no shortage if people out there to tell me what I should have or shouldn't have did, and I know my moving back now may bring it's share of critics, but I have something now I didn't have then, and that is confidence and faith in God and His direction. God's direction for our lives isn't always clear at the time, but that is where trust comes in and I've not always been good at trusting the unseen, but for some reason this time I do.
My point today is that we are all a work in progess, sometimes we get it right and sometimes we don't. Sometimes it's right to us and confusing to others. However, God does not want us to give up, throw in the towel, or stay down. Sometimes your going to mess us, sometimes your not going to do the right thing, sometimes your going to fail, but if there is something you need to do, a conversation you need to have, or something you need to finish, start today.
One thing we all need to realize is that as long as we are alive and seeking God we are a work in progress in His hands and God will be faithful and complete His work if you remain faithful even through the bad days.
"He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ."
Philippians 1:6(niv)
My Reputation
My Reputation
Many of you may know this, but it has been said that "reputation" is what others think of you and "character" is who you really are. The root of reputation (good or bad) and your character (good or bad) is your personal integrity.
Integrity is defined as "uprightness of character; honesty; state of being complete or undivided." How is your integrity? Is it spotless, solid, and in check, or is it clouded, limited, or questionable?
I'll admit, I have had solid integrity in my life and I've had periods where I compromised my integrity. I wish to never return to that state of heart or mind. No one can take away your integrity except you. You can lose your family, a loved one, your job, house, and all your personal possessions, but no one can take away your integrity, you have to give it away.
You can care too much what others think or worry about making people happy and get a reputation that accompinies this attitude or behavior. You can tell white lies, stab people in the back, steal from work, or be dishonest in your business dealings or personal relaitionships and not only will you get a reputation that is bad, but you will compromise your personal character and integrity.
I know it's easy sometimes for people to gossip, talk, and do things to make people question your reputation and all you can do is keep being honest, patient, and in the end God will be faithful, but when you do things yourself to personally hurt, ruin, or harm your reputation, you have no one to blame.
My advice is to not worry so much about your reputation and work a little harder on your character and integrity. Do not compromise your values, morals, beliefs, or what you know is right and honors God just to fit into a crowd, get your way, impress someone, get a job, make a few quick bucks, or avoid the hard way.
God doesn't care what others think of you as much as He cares who you really are. He cares that your honor Him in all things and you don't base your values, beliefs, or morals on selfish agendas, personal gains, fear of failure, greed, or anything in between.
It takes time to rebuild your reputation, character, and integrity, but it can be done. I know the past couple years I've worked hard to rebuild my character and integrity, because I went through a valley and compromised mine for awhile, but I know God loves me, forgave me, and He's been there all along to help me grow, mature, and learn from my mistakes, and help me rebuild my integrity.
If you are failing today in being a person of honest integrity and character begin making changes today. If you've got a bad reputation then take the steps (it will take time) to change your reputation, but more importantly your character and integrity. Be the same when no one is looking that you are when everyone is looking.
"The Integrity of the honest keeps them on track."
Proverbs 11:3 (The Message)
Many of you may know this, but it has been said that "reputation" is what others think of you and "character" is who you really are. The root of reputation (good or bad) and your character (good or bad) is your personal integrity.
Integrity is defined as "uprightness of character; honesty; state of being complete or undivided." How is your integrity? Is it spotless, solid, and in check, or is it clouded, limited, or questionable?
I'll admit, I have had solid integrity in my life and I've had periods where I compromised my integrity. I wish to never return to that state of heart or mind. No one can take away your integrity except you. You can lose your family, a loved one, your job, house, and all your personal possessions, but no one can take away your integrity, you have to give it away.
You can care too much what others think or worry about making people happy and get a reputation that accompinies this attitude or behavior. You can tell white lies, stab people in the back, steal from work, or be dishonest in your business dealings or personal relaitionships and not only will you get a reputation that is bad, but you will compromise your personal character and integrity.
I know it's easy sometimes for people to gossip, talk, and do things to make people question your reputation and all you can do is keep being honest, patient, and in the end God will be faithful, but when you do things yourself to personally hurt, ruin, or harm your reputation, you have no one to blame.
My advice is to not worry so much about your reputation and work a little harder on your character and integrity. Do not compromise your values, morals, beliefs, or what you know is right and honors God just to fit into a crowd, get your way, impress someone, get a job, make a few quick bucks, or avoid the hard way.
God doesn't care what others think of you as much as He cares who you really are. He cares that your honor Him in all things and you don't base your values, beliefs, or morals on selfish agendas, personal gains, fear of failure, greed, or anything in between.
It takes time to rebuild your reputation, character, and integrity, but it can be done. I know the past couple years I've worked hard to rebuild my character and integrity, because I went through a valley and compromised mine for awhile, but I know God loves me, forgave me, and He's been there all along to help me grow, mature, and learn from my mistakes, and help me rebuild my integrity.
If you are failing today in being a person of honest integrity and character begin making changes today. If you've got a bad reputation then take the steps (it will take time) to change your reputation, but more importantly your character and integrity. Be the same when no one is looking that you are when everyone is looking.
"The Integrity of the honest keeps them on track."
Proverbs 11:3 (The Message)
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