Which Side?

Which Side?

My last couple blogs have been about tough issues of legalism in the church and I have a passion about these subjects because there are so many churches dying, so many lost people not going to church, and it seems so many churches refuse to change in order to reach lost people, and many christians care more about tradition and old-fashioned religion than they do about their own maturing faith or reaching out to the unsvaved.

Here is what I have come up with. I think its time we evaluate our churches and our own person christian faith. Which side are you on? Which Side do you want to be on?

Side One Side Two

-My church is only church -The only church is the body of Christ

-My denomination is only true church -God established a body not a denomination

-Only One bible version -only one bible, with several versions that have been quality translated

-Singing Hymns is only real worship music -there are all types of music styles that

are fitting to worship God

-That's the way we've always done it -Let's try a different way or new way

-My way is the only way -my way is not only way or best way

-We've done it that way for 50 years -why haven't we changed that in 50yrs

-We cannot change our methods -we can change methods and still have

same message.

-That's the way Grandma did it -Grandma's ways aren't going to reach

today's generation

I could have a list of things for several pages, but, Alot of the things we practice in our churches or in our own personal faith is simply preferences, opionions, traditions, or unfortuantely some legalistic practices and these are setting the church back not forward, and we are missing or pushing away alot of lost people in the process.

There is nothing wrong with tradition as long as tradition is still effective. If we are still singing the same songs we sung 30 years ago, still doing the same things the same ways, then we are missing an entire generation and the church has become about comforting the saints and not reaching the lost. We cannot reach our children or grandchildren with teaching and preaching styles of the 70's and 80's. Did you listen to your parents or grandparents music or watch the same televison shows as them? I think not. How can we expect to reach new generations of people with the message of God, if we refuse to change our methods. Next time your at your church look around? Any young people? why? If you do are they bored or seem out of touch? Why?

The message of Jesus is the same, but the styles, preferences, and ways we go about sharing that message with others, should constantly be changing, or we are losing people and boring people. Where will your church be in 5, 10, 15 years if you keep doing things the same ways?

Where will your faith be if you do not do things to stretch, mature, and grow your faith?

Sometimes i feel like church becomes a predictable, doing the same things, the same ways, good ole days gathering. We sing the same songs, hear people give the same old testimonies, and preachers preach the same old message. We are preaching to the choir, and then making un-churched people who do come to visit church feel out of place and confused? They've just stepped into the past and been guilted to try and be saved.

Our obligation is to to Preach Christ and the methods are up to us, that's where the freedom comes in. People are the ones who constantly care about changing things, not God. God is unchanging, but His methods are ever-changing. It's time our churches and church leaders, do the same thing. We have got to change our churches or they are going to continue to dwindle and die, and they are going to be a museum or retirement home for days gone by. Churches and christians should be ever trying to change things, update things, try new things, and do whatever it takes to reach lost people, and to help people grow in their faith. While we worry about protecting our traditions or comfort zones, people are dying without Jesus.

So again, which side are you on?

"He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters." Matthew 12:30(NIV)

The Weasel's Weekly

It should be illegal

It Should Be Illegal

I came across this sign. Does that sound like you? Your church? The way you were raised? It seem to be the biggest problem with christians and churches is not sin, but Legalism, which I believe is a sin. Because Legalism separates people from God, which is really what sin is.

That's why people need a relationship with God and not religion, because legalism is a religion in itself. When we try and live our life by a set of rules, "Do' and Dont's" we really become a slave to a system and not a follower of the Savior.

Last week we used the King James version of the bible as an illustration of how people try to enforce a belief on people that is not accurated, educated, or needed. Whether it's music in the church, version of the bible, certain denominational beliefs, or our preferences.

I always found it silly that a person could be so narrow-minded about sucn things as lottery, alcohol, and tobacco, yet they can be extremly over-weight, gossip, and trouble-makers. Which really those things are bigger issues than some.

Here's what I mean, drinking alcohool is not the problem, people abusing, becoming addicted, or not using alcohol in moderation is the problem. The bible says Drunkeness is the sin, not a drink. Same thing with lottery, heck they didn't even have the lottery in the bible, as a matter of fact, I had a hard time finding anything in the bible on betting, gambling, or things of that nature. Now don't be confused, I am not promoting drinking and gambling, I'm simply using them as examples of what people and churches over the years have created "rules" over that aren't really biblical rules. They are legalism. We focus on the wrong thing. The alcohol is not bad, the person that's not using it properly is. The powerball is not bad, it's the person who spends his families money on a weekly basis and is addicted and not paying his bills. It's like someone having the flu and all we can focus on is they puked on the carpet and not that they need to go see a doctor or need a antibotic. Does that make sense?

Whether it's rules with doctrine, church, or personal preferences, rules are wrong when they aren't rules to begin with or we try and enforce them on others because we believe them to be true.

God did not put in specific rules like only sing church hymns, only use this version of the bible, only have church on these certains days, only use this name for your church, you can't drink, cuss, or chew or date women that do, or you're going to hell. I'm not saying as individuals we don't have certain personal preferences. You shouldn't smoke or buy raffle tickets if you feel it's a sin to you. As a matter of fact, you shouldn't do anything if you can do it in good consience, but at the same time, it's wrong to bind your belief on another person or say they are going to hell, especially if you have no biblical backing. I can say eating pickles is a sin but unless I have a scripture that says, No pickles, then it's just my opinion.

My oh my, how mankind and the church has taken the Word of God and molded and shaped it into our own belief systems and then many have tried to force that on the world. No wonder so many people dislike christians and the church establishment. Because of hypocrites, selfish, narrow-minded, judgemental, legalistic people.

It's up to people like you and me to change the perception of christianity and the church. It begins with me and you being educated about scripture and by praying to God. We need to be students of the Word and in daily prayer, but we need to pray for open minds and wisdom and for a willing spirit.

I'm not writing about some liberal doctrine. I'm simply saying, old fashioned, narrow-minded, legalistic, judgemental religion and doctrine has no place in the church or in God's children. We also need to understand there are things in the Bible that are black and white and clear. Love God, Love others. Only one way to God, through Jesus. Accept those who Faith is weak. Truth will set you free. We really need to start understanding God's word and stop following this "that's the way I was taught or raised" attitude. We need to stop following tradition, man, church denominations, and start following God, His Word, and His spirit.

If we do that, we won't be so narrow-minded, judgemental of others who don't agree or line-up with our belief system and we will start seeing the real enemy is Satan and not "Liberal churches", "Liberal christian", the NIV, or Drums, or Wine, or whatever it is that you spend your time focusing on. How about focusing on loving people and stop trying to prove them wrong. How about learning instead of thinking you already know everything. Legalism is killing the church and we need to put a stop to it. We are not better than a pharisee if we don't start educating ourselves on God's word. So, i'm not saying drink, play the lottery, or just let anything go in our churches or our faith. I'm saying grow and mature in your faith. Learn and study God's word, and be open to what God might be trying to teach you.

My beliefs ONLY

My Beliefs ONLY

I got quite a response from the facebook post I placed yesterday about the bumper sticker I read on the back of a guys car "King James Version is ONLY Bible".

We all have opinions on the issue and we have a right to our own personal opinions or preferences, but that's exactly what they are preferences, opinions. The problem is when people like this guy choose to make their choice law, or the ONLY way. When you begin using words like ONLY when it comes to certian issues you are crossing a very thin line by doing things in the name of Jesus. We do not have any authority from God on matters of opion, only God decides what is ONLY.

The King James Version of the bible is just that a version, it's not the only version, and it's not the only right version or only one christians or people can read, study, or use. Do some research on the subject. Some well-meaning, but un-educated christians or churches, or even some not-so-well-meaning people who are ignorant, arrogrant, or misled or misinformed try to push, bully, or demand others share their same belief's. This is not biblical or Christ-like.

What if we took that approach to everything, the ONLY attitude. Then you could say you have to be Baptist ONLY or Church of Christ ONLY. Or you have to sing out of hymn books ONLY or we can sing new songs ONLY. Or we Sunday School ONLY and not small groups or elective classes, or we have to have church on Sunday mornings, nights, and wednesday's ONLY and we can't deviate from that schedule. You have to be Charistmatic ONLY, or you have to believe in eternal security(once saved always saved) ONLY, or you have to belive in the rapture ONLY.

Do you see my point? There are many issues that for whatever reason, God has chose to remain silent and give us us FREEDOM as christians or christian bodies(church) to do things as we see fit. He did not give us FREEDOM to bind on others our preferences or opinions, but gave us FREEDOM to exercise our faith, study His word, and develop our own personal walk with Him.

There are things in the Bible that are black and white spelled out for us. There is ONLY one God! There is ONLY one way to Salvation through Jesus Christ. ONLY God through Jesus can forgive our sins. The bible is God's ONLY word. Jesus is ONLY Messiah. Those are essentials and there are others as well, but not many of the issues that we demand are ONLY.

What version of the bible we use, when our church has services, what style of music we prefer, or other issues are just that issues. They are opinions, preferences, choices, styles, and areas where God has chosen to give us FREEDOM. Let God's word speak where it's clear and let God's spirit move freely where there is room for freedom. We must be careful not to use or abuse God's word, our faith, or our beliefs. We are walking on shaky ground when we start binding our views on other people, simply because of the way we were raised or taught or even feel.

I feel sorry for the guy with the bumper sticker, because He is missing out on the FREEDOM God gives us and He's missing opportunities to share the joy and love God has to offer. I pray that all of us that call ourselves Christians and as church leaders and members we will be careful to label something ONLY when ONLY God can label it essential or preference.

"Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God." I Peter 2:16(NIV)

"As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God." I Peter 2:16(KJV)

"For you are free, yet are God's slaves, so don't use your freedom as an excuse to do evil." I Peter 2:16(NLT)

Real Sorry

Real sorry

"yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentence." 2 Corinthians 7:9a(NIV)

I've wrote on this subject before, but it is something that seems to often to come up in our lives, either because we are doing something wrong or we are being wronged by someone, especially someone we trusted or loved.

It has been said that we often are hurt the most by those we love the most or that we hurt those we love the most, either way, it's not good to hurt or be hurt by those we love or trusted.

Better yet, what makes the sting of betrayal or hurt even worse is when the guilty party isn't sorry they did anything wrong, they are simply sorry they got caught or sorry so that maybe the effects of their sin won't be as severe on their lives.

We see it in the newspaper, internet, and tv everyday. People getting busted or caught for doing something wrong and many times they've been doing wrong for weeks, months, even years and when they finally get busted, they are suddenly sorry. Why aren't people truly sorry before they get caught? Why don't they take it upon themselves when they feel guilty, know they are wrong, or want to do the right thing go ahead and confess, or make ammends, or make the necessary adjustments before they are caught and forced to lie, deny, justify, make excuses, or continue to try and hide their fault? Or better yet, only when they are caught and have no where else to hide, they suddenly are sorry?

Real sorry, is what Paul talks about in Corinthians. They are confronted with their sin, they acknowledge it, and have Godly sorry, real sorrow for the wrong they have commited, and only then do they repent, seek forgiveness, and make ammends.

That is the difference in fake sorry and real sorry. Fake sorry is sorry I got caught and I'd still be doing it if I hadn't got caught and I may still do it, even though I've been caught. Real sorry is I know I was wrong, I need to change, I hurt people and I need to make ammends, and I need to grow from this.

We are only kidding ourselves and making a mockery out of forgiveness when we are only sorry we got caught and not truly really sorry we sinned, made a mistake, got caught up in greed or arrogant behavior. We all can be guilty of this.

My prayer is for me and you that we will recognize when we wrong others and make it right before anyone has to confront us. My prayer is that when we know we are doing wrong, we will stop, repent, and confess before we get caught. My prayer is that we experience Godly sorry that leads to repentence, and not keep only letting our "sorry" be words.

Pack it up, Pack it in

Pack it up, Pack it in

We have been in the process of moving my mother-in-law into a new house, while at the same time trying to move our stuff into her old house where we will be living.

If any of you have moved, you know how tiring, stressfull, and frustrating it can be. In a case like us where we are moving gradually or as we go, it has it's ups and downs.

It's easy for life to overwhelm us with stress, fatigue, frustration, and other emotions if we are not careful. The less exposure we have with God the more our emotions seem to get out of whack.

No matter our cirumstances, situations, or life's problems, we have a peace from God and only a type of peace God can offer, he describes it in scripture as a "peace which transcends all understanding"(Php 4:7).

I'm the type of person who wants to get everything moved and done in one day. We are not in that type of situation and because of the living arrangments and moving as we go, it can create alot of chaos, no structure, or feeling of normalcy. Many things in life can be that way if things don't go "our way" or meet "our expectations", however sometimes our way isnt best and sometimes our expectations are unreasonable.

I challenge you to find the peace of God in all circumstances, no matter the situation. Ours is moving, maybe yours is finanancial? Relational? Work? Illness? Children? Whatever it is seek and find the peace only God can offer us in difficult, trying, and stressful times.

"Peace I leave you; my peace I give you." John 14:27a(NIV)

Under the glass

Under the Glass

Usually when you are looking through a magnifying glass you are trying to get a closer, deeper look at something.

Unfortunately, when people are putting you under the magnifying glass it's not for a positive or good reaso, especially when it comes to your faith. It really saddens me that there are so many self-proclaimed "christians" out there who's only evidence of christianity is that they might attend church somewhere.

There christianity however is based on what they do and don't do an d their judgements of what others are doing or not doing. They spend their waking hours tearing others down, criticizing other christians or churches, or gossiping, or being judgemental, all because they don't fit the belief system or mold they have been ignoranting taught or adapted to themsemselves.

Unfortuantely, many people's belief systems are based on the way they way they were raised, their traditions, comfort zones, or uneducated beliefs, and not based on reality,on God's word, and most of all His truth.

Thye put others under the magnifying glass judging every motive, move, and action and it's an unfair and innacurate judgement.

I love it when people tell me I don't act like a minister, even if they don't mean it as a compliment (many do). I don't want stereotyped or put in a category with others that isn't true. I was called by God not man. I also live my life by God's word and not a denomination, peoples opinions, traditions, or anything else. I am not pefect, I make mistakes, I have faults, and don't always do things the "traditional" or "normal" way, but I will always take God and His Word over anything else, whether others like it, agree with it, or judge me incorrectly.

I want to be under God's magnifying glass, not the world's, not man's, and certainly not some self-absorbed ignorant person. There are reasons churches are dwindling and dying and not growing. There are reasons why so called christians aren't maturing, growing, and making a difference. They need to spend less time inward or self-focused and more God-focused. They need to put down the magnifying glass and pick up the Bible.

Don't live your Christian faith judging others, putting God in a box, or following traditions, legalism, or denominations. Stop focusing on issues that don't matter and start focusing on issues that are real, about salvation, and reaching those who don't yet know God.

"Judge not, or you too willl judged." Matthew 7:1 (NIV)

Commitment or Sentence?

Commitment or Sentence?

That's the question I ponder about marriage these days. I've had several people ask me if i'm nervous or scared, I'm neither. I'm ready, I'm excited, and I'm blessed to be marrying such a wonderful woman. (getting married next friday, June 18th). The question I ponder is really about marriage in general and with people in general. Do they look at marriage as a life long commitment or a life sentence?

It really discourages me the lack of respect people have for marriage vows. It also bums me out the way that married people have tried to discourage my happiness and joy. How many "unhappily married" people have told me, "wait til your married a few years", or "I've been married 3 times it will change", or "stay single", etc....i've honestly heard alot of comments from people like this.

It doesn't discourage me about getting married, it however does annoy me with h0w people view their marriage, treat their marriage, or show honor for their spouse. If you have been maried awhile and you feel this way, then I would say you might be part of the problem and if your marriage stinks, doesn't bring you joy, or makes you negative, then it's half your fault. You either married the wrong person to begin with, your selfish and only take and don't give in your marriage, or you are not living up to the vows you supposedly took.

I don't expect marriage to be no work. I don't expect to be all roses, puppy dogs, rainbows, and bubble gum, but I do expect it to be rewarding, an adventure, and life changing. I don't expect to always be right, get my way, or have it made, but I do expect to grow, learn, and do my part. I don't expect my spouse to be perfect, never make mistakes, or always agree with me, but I do expect her to be patient with me because I'm not perfect, I will make plenty of mistakes, and I won't always agree with her.

Marriage is a journey, not a sprint. Marriage is a commitment, not a decision. Marriage is about growing, sustaining, and maintaining your love, respect, and commitment for your mate, not letting it turn sour, resentful, or complacent. Marriage is partnership and that means both have to carry their weight, contribute their part, and put the other's interest above their own.

I think many people should really hold off getting married, or be more selective in whom they choose to marry. Better yet some should not get married because they'll never be able to love someone as much as they do themselves.

I have alot to learn, but i'm willing and I have a desire to make my bride the happiest woman I can. I never want her to doubt my love and commitment and I want to be able to say those words 10, 20, or 50 years from now, Lord willing.

I want to encourage you if you are married and you are having issues, to work them out. Don't wait for your partner to "change" or do all the work, do your part now. Stop viewing your marriage like you're trapped, a prisoner, or you're a victim. You are the one who said, "I do." If you married the wrong person, try and make it work. Now in cases of infidelity or abuse that is different, my advice is to RUN!

Newly married couples need older mature couples who are married to be examples. We need more married people who are happily married and not afraid to show it or say it. I think the idea of marriage is the longer you are together the closer and deeper in love you grow. I think if God is at the center of your marriage and you strive to build your love on His, there are no limits to where your relationship might go? I know that marriage is a commitment I'm ready to make for life and it's not a life sentence, it's a life commitment.

"Marriage should be honored by all." Hebrews 11:4a(NIV)

That's What She Said

That's What She Said!

"But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to help me!""
Luke 10:40(NIV)

Jesus came to visit at the home of Martha and Mary. Martha was "busy" with all the preparations, while Mary sat at Jesus feet to listen to His teaching. When Martha complained, Jesus reminded Martha she was worried and upset about all sorts of things, but not what was really important and Mary had chosen that.

Doesn't that sound like many of us? We are always busy or distracted, even better yet, many of us go to church and we are distracted by "church things", "traditions", and things we want and like, yet many times we miss those teaching moments, those times we should be worshipping, or those opportunitie grow.

We are busy making the church building look pretty, or preparing for an event, only not able to enjoy the special concert, service, or revival. We get so consumed with church politics, personal agendas, or set in our ways mentality, that we miss God trying to change us or our church to make it or us grow.

Many times in our lives we get busy with jobs, running kid around, or preparing and plans of something that we miss the simplicity of simply enjoying the moment or the people that make it possible. We need to stop running around and "making plans" and start enjoying the relationships and those around us. We need to take time to simply enjoy the presence of God in our lives and maybe in our church, if we'd actually allow Him to work and move in our church.

Jesus reminded Martha what was really important, not filling drinks, preparing the food, or cleaning the house, but sitting at the feet of Jesus appreciating His presence and listening to His life-changing words. Maybe we need to take time to do that in our lives today?

Dealing with Death

*sorry I've been out of commission past couple weeks dealing with my fiance's father's illness and death.

Dealing with Death

People grieve in many ways, just as people die in many ways. Some people show hardly no emotions when a loved one passes, while others can't seem to stop the tears. Some get angry and blame God, others fully embrace God and His plan in it all. In my years of ministry I've got to visit with many on their death bed and after the death with the family and assist in funeral services. During my time in the funeral business I got to see people soon after they passed and be one of the first people to deal with the family at the worst moment in their lives as they just lost someone they loved.

Death is not easy, but death is real. Death is not a respecter of age, race, gender, religion, size, or character. Good and bad people die, young and old, rich and poor, fat and skinny, and those by accident, disease, or even the hands of someone else. Sometimes death is sudden and sometimes it is almost cruely slow as we wait and watch a loved one slowly slip away.

In recent months I've slowly watched my fiance's father slowly lose his battle with cancer. I was there with her mother as he passed from this life to the next. It was actually the first time I ever saw someone take their last breath. I was able to pray for Him with her as he died. He was ready to go.

What can I say about death? You can't hide from it, we all will die someday unless Christ returns before then. So we can't avoid it, so don't. Secondly, we don't have to be afraid of it, we have to prepare for it. Thirdly, deal with grief in your own way and your own time, but like anything, don't dwell too long or their will be temptation for bittnerness, resentment, blame, depression, or other side affects, but a period of grief is normal and their is no one way to grieve. Fourthly, learn to appreciate life. Love the people in your life because you never know when you won't have them or when they won't have you. Appreciate your family and friends and those you love and take time to enjoy life and love. Life is too short to work yourself to death, worry too much, stay too busy with activities, or waste.

"So then, Death is at work in us, but life is at work in you." 2 Corinthians 4:12

Gettin' Hitched

Gettin' Hitched

I am about to get married soon, so I am not about to give marriage advice, see me in 10 years for that, but one thing I do know a little about is being single, dating, and waiting for the right person to marry.

I am almost 38 years old, many of my friends my age have been married 10-15 years, many ofcourse are also on their 2nd or 3rd marriages. A few years ago, I saw a study that said the average age of getting married was 27 for males and 25 for females. It may even be older now. I do also know that many statistics say 50% of all marriages end in divorce.

So I've been doing alot of thinking and what I could share to help people when it comes to getting married or preparing for marriage, what are some things I've learned:

1. Don't settle

I think many people settle on a person they are not meant to marry or probably shouldn't even date, and many times for all the wrong reasons. Dont date or marry for just security, loneliness, physical attraction, or anything. Do worry about how old you are or what your friends are doing or what society or others pressure you to do. Get married when you are ready, for the right reasons, and to the right person

2. Be patient

I struggled with patience, but if we are impatient, we rush things, make poor dating choices, and sometimes end up hurting someone or being hurt. Marriage is not mandatory. You don't have to get married, and there is no age limit or time frame to get married. Some people date 5 years and some date 6 months, I think it's different for each couple and situation. But, be patient with the process and learn to be content with yourself of no one else will ever complete you.

4. Don't take marriage lightly

Divorce has become an easy option for many. I'll get married and if i don't like it or get tired of it i'll just get divorced. If you can't see yourself spending the rest of your life with a person, dont marry them, divorce brings too much hurt and pain, especially when it comes to children, families, and finances. Also, if you aren't ready to settle down or be with one person, do not get married, until you can commit to that. When you feel you are ready to get married, divorce shouldnt be an option in the back of your mind. If you are thinking of divorce before you even get married, maybe you aren't mature enough or ready for it. Divorce still happens due to abuse or unfaithfulness or other reasons, but take marriage and the vows serious before you "I do".

5. Marriage is only the beginning

Having a wedding or getting married is only the beginning. You have to learn to adjust, to think and put someone else above yourself, and learn to love unconditionally. Most of all you need patience and flexibility because the person you marry is going to need it with you. Its not always going to be romantic, a honeymoon, or easy. Marriage will take work, effort, energy, and commitment, but it also will be a blessing, rewarding, and will grow if you start out with right attitude.

6. Place God at Center

God cares who we date. God cares who we marry. We must strive to find a partner to share our lives with that God has approved. If you start a marriage with one of you being a christian and the other not, or having two different faith practices, you are asking for trouble. Or if a person is selfish, mean, or a jerk while dating, that will continue after you wed. That is why its' so important to have God in the process and have him as your foundation as you begin your marriage journey.

I started to wonder if i'd ever get married, or get to set in my ways, or if God would ever allow me to meet that person to share my life. Well the wait is over, all the mistakes, pain, sorrow, heartache, and experiences i've had are worth it now that i've found the one I feel God has for me to share my life with. I did learn to enjoy being single, I became content being alone, and I've learned so much about myself and others along the way. I know I still have alot to learn and alot of growing to do, but I am excited about the journey ahead.

"Marriage should be honored by all." Hebrews 13:4(NIV)

You Reap what you sow...duh!

You Reap What You Sow...Duh!

"The one who sows to please sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." Galations 6:8(NIV)

I could stop there. Scripture says it all, yet somehow we try to avoid it, deny it, or turn it into something that fits what we want, or makes us look good, but in the end, truth is truth. Truth is, we reap what we sow.

You want to live in eternity in Heaven, you can't live like Hell on earth. You don't plant corn and produce lettuce. You plant corn, you get corn. You lie, cheat, and steal, you'll reap the consequences of those actions. You practice honesty, integrity, and sincerity and you'll reap the consequences of those actions. Pretty simple?

Yet we make it so difficult. We choose to listen to our flesh, our sinful nature, the enemy the devil who convinces us we are right or we know better than God, or better yet we are above the rules. It doesn't take long for good people to fall under those attitudes.

I'm not trying to depress anyone today, I just want us(me included) to realize and be reminded, that our actions and attitudes carry out consequences. We cannot make choices good or bad and they not touch others lives. We also must realize that we can't make poor choices, bad decisions, and have selfish motives and get away with it. Oh we may for a day, a week, a month, even a year, but eventually 100% of the time, God's natural law of reaping what you sow comes into play.

Some consequences are minor or temporary, some are major or even go with us for the rest of our lives. I'm living with some bad sowing I did in the past, and I bet many of you are as well. The thing that bothers me, is I talked with a person recently who got into some major trouble and the whole time, I felt like they were only sorry they got caught and were only doing the "right" things now to avoid having to pay for the consequences, in this case prison. But, it doesn't matter what the case, whether it's something illegal, immoral, or dishonest we will reap what we sow.

So it only makes sense to sow seeds of honesty, love, forgiveness, grace, mercy, sharing, compassion, integrity, and responsibility. That is what I want to sow, so that I may reap a harvest of Eternal life.

The Proposal

*I am supposed to write a weekly blog but with my new job and circumstances it's been hard to find the time and access to be able to sit down and write my weekly blog. Rest assured I will strive to write weekly, but if don't I will at least try every other week or write a couple times a week as time and computer access allows.

The Proposal

Many of you may or may not, but I proposed to my girlfriend Cheryl on Friday, April 2nd. People always seem to want details about these things so I'll do my best.

April 2nd was our 6th month anniversary of dating and Cheryl did not have her two kids that night (Josh 13 and Lindsey 9), so I took advantage of the chance for us to be alone, believe me it's a rarity when you date someone with kids.

We had been talking about wanting to get married and so a few weeks earlier I went out and bought a ring, but hadn't really decided when and how I was going to propose. After knowing she wasn't going to have the kids and it being the anniversary of our dating beginning, I thought it was the perfect time. I also had already talked to her mom(who talked to her dad) and got their blessing.

I put Cheryl's engagement ring in a giant Easter Egg and put it in an Easter basket and then I made Cheryl dinner(ok I brought chinese take-out). She always cooks so just the fact she didn't have to is good. I gave her her easter basket and while she was opening the egg, I got down on my knees and asked her to marry me.

I decided to go simple, intimate, and just the two of us for the proposal. She said Yes! I am blessed. Cheryl and I go way back and grew up together, we graduated high school together, had the same friends, and she's my sister's best friend. For whatever reasons our paths to love didn't cross whether for God's timing, or we ignored it all these years? Either way, God has led us together now and I pray His blessings on our relationship and future marriage.

I've been patient, had may heartaches, and I know I've hurt some people along the way. Lord knows I'm 37 and i'm not settled even though at times I felt pressured to get married by others, society, or even myself. But, I'm glad I didn't get married young only to find divorce, or settle, or marry the wrong person. I believe I have waited and found the person God meant for me.

Now many people have asked about a wedding date? Not sure yet? Hopefully sometime this summer or so, but right now we are thinking will have just have a private ceremony with family and then have a public reception sometime later to celebrate with our other friends and family. We have not worked out those dates or details just yet. It also looks like we will be living out back of Glenwood by her mom once we get married, so I guess Cheryl will be moving back to Mason County and I can't escape it just yet.

Please keep us in your prayers as we prepare for marriage. Also Cheryl's dad is losing His battle with cancer and doesn't have much time, as well as her grandfather Barnett is in hospital and not doing well and might not live much longer. Please also pray for us that we will find a church home.

"God, not you made marriage. His spirit inhabits even the smallest details of marriage." Malachi 2:15a(The Message)

Fool Proof

Fool Proof

One year ago I started a journey to lose weight. It took nearly six months, but I was able to lose 50lbs. 6 months later from that goal, I am still at the weight I wanted to be, so far so good. I feel so much better, I've went from a 40 to 36 waist and that size is loose. I even have a pair of 34's I can wear. My health is better and I've been able to pretty much eat what I want, exercise without having to count calories, do crazy diets, and go to extreme measures.

It's really all about balance. It would be very easy for me to go back to old habits and gain the weight back, but hopefully I am hoping to "fat"-proof myself and taking measures to keep the weight off and stay leaner and healther and continue to do things to maintain and tone up.

Today is April Fool's day and I guess it's no coincidence this "fool" started his weight loss journey a year ago today. I think weight loss is alot like faith. Many people for a season seek the Lord or go to church or become a Christian, but over time they revert back to bad habits, old lifestyles, or poor decisions and they lose their faith or walk away from God.

I think just as I try to "fat"proof myself, we need to be wise to fool proof our faith so that we do not backslide, fall away, or succumb to the devil and his temptations. Satan usually tempts us with the things we have tried to quit, overcome, or things from our past. Sometimes is laziness, sometimes its a vice or bad habit, sometimes is something we struggle with. We need to take steps in our personal faith to make sure we stay in church, stay involved, and stay involved in reading God's Word, praying to God daily, and being involved in serving.

These type of things will help us to not revert back to our sinful nature and pasts. It may help us keep our focus and attention on God and the future and off the road behind us so we don't return to things, places, and people we don't want to go.

I hope I don't gain my weight back, I hope I can take steps to maintain my current weight, and continue to develop good habits to stay healthy and fit. I also hope I can continue to mature in my christian faith so that I do not return to the ways of the world, but keep my focus on an eternal perspective.

"Blessed are those who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right." Psalm 106:3 (NIV)

Stop IT

Stop It!

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11(NIV)

In all my years of working with kids, it doesn't take me very long to determine which kids have no discipline and usually it's based on parents/grandparents who spoil or do not correct their children/grandchildren. Now there are situations where children don't have proper supervision or parents and they lack the love and support of a loving home, but in many cases, love and support are not the problems with kids, but it's parents/grandparents who can't say "NO", or who do not correct behaviors, enforce rules, or look the other way when kids are disrespectful, rude, obnoxious, throw temper tantrums, or misbehave.

Children do not have to be taught how to be bad, it is in their nature. What children do need to be taught is right from wrong, respect, apprecation, sharing, thankfulness, and they also need to learn the value of money, gifts, and generosity. Giving a kid everything is not showing them love, it teaching them to expect everything for nothing. Never telling a child "NO" is not showing them love, it is teaching them they will always get their way and if they don't, they manipulate, beg, pout, throw a fit, cause a scence, or use guilt to get what they want.

It is our job as parents, grandparents, teachers, and adults who have oversight or authority over children to show them true love and that is the type of love God shows and that is unconditional love and that includes a love that sometimes says "NO", sometimes disciplines, corrects, and follows through with correction and discipline. It is a love that they needs, that gives them direction, balance.

Spoiling is not love, it's selfish. It is selfish because we spoil a child for our own reasons. It may be to give them what we didn't have as a child, or to get them to show love back to us, or gain their loyalty, or even be the "favorite" parent or grandparent. Children are sometimes going to be mad at you, not like you, or even act out because they are disciplined, corrected, or told "NO" and guess what? They will survive, they will get over it, and they eventually will learn the concept and over time appreciate the consistency.

Most importantly, you are no longer crippling their attitude and behavior, but you are helping them grow and mature. They learn the value of things, and learn to appreciate gifts, and when they do hear "YES", and they also learn to respect your authority and love you because of "who you are" not because of what you give them or think you do for them.

Godly love for our children is a love that discplines, corrects, follows through with discpline and correction, and learns to say "NO" at times and help a kid develop, mature, grow, and have a realistic view of love, authority, respect, and life. Just think if God gave us everything we wanted or never told us "NO" or never corrected or disciplined us? Would we appreciate Him? Would we appreciate grace? Would we be healthy spiritually? Would we be mature and grow in our faith? Something to think about the next time that kid smarts you off, back talks, or throws a fit when they want something and you are ready to give in.

Blind Sight

Blind Sight

"If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into the pit." Matthew 15:14(NIV)

During Jesus' ministry, He told His disciples the above words when the religious leaders of that day complained because the disciples did not wash their hands and follow their traditions. I am a direct man, so I appreciate Jesus' directness here.

These religious leaders physical had sight, but spiritually they were blind. They were more concerned about themselves and religious tradition than what really mattered. Love, acceptance, grace, truth, and following Jesus and His teaching and truth and not their own selfish agenda or lame religous tradtions. Therefore, though they had sight they were blind, and a blind person cannot lead a blind man, or a blind spiritual person cannot lead others to Christ because they can't or won't see His way.

I work in a new job now where we make optical replacement lenses for people with cataracs who need sugery to have the catarac removed and replaced with this lense that helps give them sight again. (check out picture above, this is what the lenses look like I work with)

That is what Jesus does for people in a spiritual sense. Until we invite Christ into our lives and enter a committed relatiosnship with Him, we are blind. We need Jesus to be able to see. When we move from blind(sin and death) to sight (grace and life) our perspective changes. We are not longer blind to our sin or the sin around us. We look at things and people and situations different. Hopefully alot of things begin to change in our lives.

The important thing is for us to not get so comfortable in our christian faith that we become "blind" again like these religous leaders of Jesus day. Jesus wants us to mature and grow in our faith and not to become stagnant, too comfortable, safe, set in our ways, or even judgemental. Many people somewhere along the way become "blind" again and they start caring more about tradition, opinions, comfort zones, and their own personal preferences instead of caring about what Jesus cares about, like love, grace, mercy, compassion, forgivenss, and freedom.

I want to encourage you to appreciate the "sight" that you have or could have in Jesus Christ. If you don't know Him, get to know Him. If you do know Him, do some self-evaluation and see if your faith is "blinded" by self or "focused" on Christ. The lenses I help produce give many people sight again. Jesus gives us sight that will always help us focus on Him if we choose it.

Why?

Why?

There is nothing more frustrating in this life than wanting answers that you may not ever get? We want to know why? Why did that accident have to happen? Why cancer? Why did grandma have to die? Why did my parents get a divorce? Why did my friend betray my trust? Why did my spouse abuse me? Why did my partner lie to me? Why do children die? Why do bad people seem to get by with stuff while good people suffer? Why? Why? Why?

Life seems to offer alot more questions than it does answers. It can be frustrating, heartbreaking, discouraging, and depressing. Not knowing "why?" in certain life situations can cause us to be resentful, bitter, angry, lose trust, lose faith, blame others, and confused.

I wish I had answers for you today. If I had answers for you, then I could answer some unanswered questions in my life. I do not have those answers and unfortuantely in certain situations you may never have the answers or closure that you may want. That person may be gone or deceased. That person may never admit to their wrong or give no explanation for their behaviors or lifestyle choices. That situation may never be solved.

One thing I do know, is that God can provide us with peace, comfort, strength, wisdom, forgiveness, and also enable us to forgive someone who hurt us or get through a difficult situation, trial, or problem without the answers we think we might want or need. Sometimes God is protecting us and we can't see it. Sometimes He may be sparing us from a bigger pain. Sometimes it has little to do with us and it just a result of life or living in an imperfect world with imperfect people making poor choices and decisions that unfortunately affect us.

God also reminds us in scripture that there are some things on this side of heaven that we will not know, but someday we will fully know. God truly created us to be our God. If we choose that relationship, God is going to always be there to give us what we need. He knows us best. He knows our situations, our lives, and our hearts. Instead of asking "Why?" maybe we need to be asking ourselves, "Who?" That answer is easy and always the same, the answer to the "Who?" is God. God is always the answer we need when life hurts. I hope you will learn to trust and turn to Him when life get's hard. I hope you might rediscover Him and His desire to be there for you when you want answers you're not going to get. I hope you will allow God access to you life, the next question will be "When?".

"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." I Corinthians 13:12(NIV)

Find YOUR Way

Find YOUR way

It is certainly a good thing to raise your children in church or to be raised going to church. However, it is a negative thing if you at some point don't develop your own faith and find and seek the answers and truth for yourself.

There are too many people out there, who have become "set in their ways" or become "narrow-minded" in their religion because they have not developed or matured in their own faith, but they simply have a belief system and not a relationship with Jesus. Their faith is based on what church they grew up in, what grandma or grandpa told them, what their family believes, or something along that lines.

It is certainly noble to have a family heritage that is christian, but, if we think we can grow and mature in a personal faith by simply beliving what we were raised to believe, we will be immature christians, narrow-minded, and judgemental people. Because what happens is the way we were raised or taught to believe becomes "the only way". First of all, the Bible tells us Jesus is the only way. Secondly, Jesus is the only way to salvation, but people come to Jesus, learn about Jesus, or grow in their faith in Jesus in many ways.

If your family raised you to worship a turkey, then you'd think a Turkey is the only way, and you'd do things turkey ways and have turkey rules, and turkey ideals, and everyone who didn't agree with you would be wrong. That may sound silly, but that is how many people are when it comes to their christianity. Think about it, you were raised that you have to dress up to go to church, so if you see other people that don't, you think it's wrong. Maybe you were raised to only used the King James version of the bible, or only sing hymns or without any music. Maybe you were raised as baptism can be in many forms, or that once your saved, you are always saved, and it doesn't matter how you live. There are all kinds of beliefs out there people have, soley based on the way they were raised or what they were taught and they have not taken the time to research, study, and pray on their own to discover the truth.

Some of those topics are simply preferences, but others can be more serious because they abuse or misuse scripture out of context, but my point is, we need to be careful to develop our own faith and we are responsible for our own salvation. Mommy or Daddy or Grandma or the Preacher cannot save us and we can not get to Heaven based on some of their well-meaning, but wrong teachings.

I encourage you before you choose to "die on that mountain" about a certain belief that you take the time to study it, see what your beliefs are based on, is it based on tradition or truth? The way you were raised or what you took the time to learn? I can tell you my views on certain things changed with age, study, discernment, and truth and will continue as I continue to grow and mature. I am thankful I was raised in church and for my family before me that were believers and I respect them, but sometimes we have to undersand those people in our lives, might be misinformed, taught in ignornace, or set in their ways, and they didn't know any better and they raised us the same way, but it is my hope that each of us would discover truth on our own and never stop learning, growing, and developing our faith.

Your faith should be based on God's word and your own faith in Jesus Christ, not tradition, denomination, family heritage, or narrow-minded and legalistic views. Seek God and develop and deepen your own faith, even if that means you have to do things different from what you were taught or raised. I'd rather be right with God than agree on every issue with my family.

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
Acts 4:12 (NIV)

Almost

Almost....

I watch alot of dateline and 48Hrs mystery shows. Sometimes they have these murders that went years without being solved. Then finally 10,15, 20 years, and sometimes longer there is a break in the case and a person is caught for committing the crime, years after it took place. Many times they have moved on with their lives and probably thought they got away with it, and for years it seemed they did, but eventually it caught of with them.

Many times it seems people get by with stuff. We try to be honest and struggle and people are dishonest and evil and seem to thrive. A spouse repeatedly cheats on his spouse and never gets caught. A child spends years living a lie to his parents and they never find out. A man hides his income from the IRS for years or a woman steals money from her employer. A person lies repeatedly to a friend or betrays a loved one and thinks they get by with it.

Sometimes people do seem to get by with things and maybe they do in certain ways or terms, but they certainly don't get away with it when it comes to God. God repays evil for evil and God says that vengence is His. God may allow bad things to happen in this world because of human beings sinful nature, behaviors, attitudes, and actions but consequences do not go unchecked. If we do believe God's word, we do understand that people do reap what they sow. That people who lie, cheat, still, are dishonest, hypocritical, or do wrong with no repentence will be repaid for their chioces by God.

I know there are things in my life that I did or said wrong that in that situation I may have "gotten by" with it, but God punished me and disciplined me in other ways. Sometimes when people do get caught, they are simply sorry they got caught, they are not remorseful for the hurt or pain they have caused. I'm thankful for God's grace, but also thankful for His discipline. I need it.

I want you to know that people who do wrong or wrong you do not "get away" with it. They may not "get it" the way you want them to get it or in the time frame you want them to, but rest assured God is a God of Justice. In His way and His time, people will face consequences for their choices, poor judgment, bad decisions, and lifestyle choices. Sometimes it's minor things and sometimes it's major crimes, but either way, know God does not look the other way or ignore our behaviors.

The key for us is to learn if we are the guilty one is to learn from our mistakes, and repent and confess our sins and mistakes. To make ammends and accept the consequences of our actions. Don't wait to "get caught", but acknowledge our short-comings. It's like if we tell the truth and stop telling lies to cover up lies, the consequences are less, but when we keep trying to hide or cover up the consequences are greater.

If you are the victim, trust in the Lord's justice and vengence. Pray for God to avenge you and pray for yourself that you forgive those who have wronged you and leave the revenge up to Godl. We can't control how others act and they may get by with it for awhile it may seem, but in time God will expose them. So just like the murders who live free for years thinking they got by with murder, they most likely lived their life in constant fear of getting caught and eventually most of them do and no one escapes God's eyes or judgement.

"do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'Iti s mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord.'" Romans 12:19(NIV)

Humble

Humble

I am not sure how familiar you are with this word? But it's a word that is the opposite of pride or arrogance or over-confidence. It's very easy in our lives to get caught up in our lives and become prideful like we are above the law or arrogant like we deserve more or over-confident like we are better than others.

Whatever the case, at times we need a good case of humility. The thing is if we don't learn to humble ourselves, God is always willing and able to make sure we are humbled. Humbleness is a good thing. It can keep us honest, give us perspective, and keep us closely connected to God.

I got a dose of humility this week. In my new job, I've been training on different jobs. So far they have come to me easy and haven't been too hard to learn, but this past week I can into a job that I having a hard time learning. It was so frustrating to see others doing it and I couldn't, or feeling like I was too smart to not be able to do this job, or that I couldn't figure out why I was having so much trouble. I became very stressed, angry, and frustrated, I was ready to give up.

I finally believe I figured out my problem and have begun doing it the right way, it is a big relief, but even more, it was a huge dose of humility for me. I was humbled by the fact that I'm not as smart or as good as I think I am. Sometimes we need that reminder don't we?

God wants us to rely on Him. God wants our obedience and faithfulness. God wants to be the source of our strength and confidence. God wants us to take pride in our work, but not too much in self. God wants us to have confidence, but confidence becaause of Him not because of self. It is very easy to become arrogant, stubborn, rebellious, prideful, and think you don't need God, or you can handle something alone, or you are above the rules. Luckily, God will provide opportunity for humility.

It is His hope we will recognize it and humble ourselves, but if not, be sure God will humble us.

"For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." Matthew 23:12(NIV)