Target practice

Target Practice

"without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many" Hebrews 12:14b-15(NIV)

One definition i've heard of sin is to 'miss the mark' and one definition I like to use of is that sin is 'anything that comes between or before God'. Sin can be an act or an attitude. It can be something we say, do, think, or feel. Missing the mark implies that God is the bullseye and when we fall short or fail we miss the goal.

I got a new bow(it's really used, but new to me, thanks TJ), but i'm just now getting around to using it. I had to buy new arrows and add new equipment to prepare the bow to shoot. Part of that equipment is adding a sight. A sight is the pins you use to aim with, to put on the target. You set pins at different yardage to give you an estimate of distance to the target.
If God is the target and we are aiming to be like Him or honor Him, then we are the archer and how we set our sights and on what does matter in this life.

If we do not have focus, we are going to miss the mark. If we have our our life pointed in the wrong direction we are going to miss the mark. If we do not have our sight set accurately, we are going to miss the mark. If we just try to guess our way through life and not make adjustments toward God we are going to miss the mark.

To sight in my bow, I must practice, make adjustments, measure the yardage, and keep moving the pins until I am on target and being consistent. Living a life that seeks God is the same way.
You can't be a healthy, growing, mature, and faithful Christian if you are guessing your way through life. If you are just aiming at anything and everything. If you settle on a less accurate life. If there are obstacles in the way of the target you aren't going to hit the mark.

So many people in this world, want to gamble with eternity. They want to say they believe in God, go to church, and/or don't kill or hurt people so they think goodness is going to get them in Heaven. Eternity is not about our goodness, but God's. Salvation is free, but at a cost. We can freely receive God's grace by repenting, seeking, and giving our lives to God and being baptized, but that is only the beginning.

Once we accept God, we must begin to set our sights, make adjustments, and set our sights on God. Just like sports, music, or any hobby, you must practice, gain discipline, and strive to become proficient or you will fail and fall short. Christian faith is the same way. We must Aim for God or we'll miss Him every time.

Faithful or Fanatic?

Fanatic or Faithful?

Did anyone catch the story during the olympics about the "Dancing Priest" Cornelius "Neil" Horan? He is the odd looking guy dressed in a kilt who claims to be a catholic priest, that ran out on the track during a 2003 British Grand Prix and also ran out at distracted a runner during the marathon at the 2004 Olympics in Athens?

This guy still wears his priest collar, but was kicked out of the catholic church. He is so consumed with his beliefs, that He goes to extreme behaviors to get the message out. He has a big distaste for sports, because he believes that people worship sports and athletes more than they do God, which there is some truth in that, so that is why he used those events to try and get his message out. He also dances in the streets of London with signs proclaiming the end of the world is coming.

He goes to extremes for his beliefs, putting himself in harms way and really in many ways being eccentric, overboard, crazy, and fanatical in his appearance & methods. It's one thing to have strong convictions and beliefs, but where do we cross the line from being faithful to fanatical?
Most of the religious turmoil we have in the world is because people from many religions become fanatical about their beliefs to the point of protesting, blowing stuff up, and even killing people for their cause.

How do we as Christians stand up for our faith or remain faithful to God while still trying to stand up for what is right, share our faith, or show the world the truth.

I think we have to get back to basics. We have to go back to the Bible. We have to look at Jesus' example. He was radical, but not irrational. He was stood up to opposition, but with facts and truth not emotion or pride. He disagreed with people, but showed them the truth in love. In His ministry He wanted to show people how to seek God, find the truth, and change their attitude, but He didn't blow up buildings, protest, kill people, or draw negative attention to himself, God, or the church.

It's right for us to be against abortion, homosexuality, and other tough issues, but we defeat the message if we get so consumed with the issue, we forget the main thing, God. We must honor God, show His love to others, and be His light. We can't be His light if we take our cause or passion overboard to the extent of hurting others, or giving God or His church a bad name.
We are representing God and His kingdom, while on earth. My interpretation of scripture is God wants us to share the truth, but share it with conviction not abusively. Share it with love not hate. Share it with firmness, but not crudeness. There is a fine line between passion and obsession.

The dancing wannabe former priest guy might really believe in all the things he does, but I think He's doing more harm than good. I think people see him and it makes the church and God look bad. We forget we are God's messengers, the message we preach with our actions and attitude in our daily lives is what the outside world perceives of God and the church. The old saying is, "We are the only Jesus some people will ever see", which leaves the question, what are they seeing? Are they really seeing God for who He is and what He has to offer or are they seeing people who are hateful, judgemental, violent, arrogant, weird, or just plain crazy? We must not compromise the truth by fanatical behavior. We must be faithful to the message of God.

"Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices in the truth."
I Corinthians 13:6(NIV)

If you're happy and you know it

IF YOU'RE HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT

I won't make you clap your hands, stomp your feet, or say "Amen", but you may remember this song from children's church or vbs growing up back in the day?

It's a song telling us to show it if we're happy. It's a song really to make you feel happy. The thing about happiness is it is just that, a feeling. It's conditional, it changes like the weather and is based upon what we have, don't have, get, don't get, want, don't want, or who we are or aren't around?

You can be happy and sad in the same day. You can be happy one minute and mad the next. You can be happy today and depressed tomorrow.
Society and the world teach us life is too short, live life to the fullest, do what makes you happy, don't think about the consequences. Or don't worry, be happy, blah blah blah, yadayadayada. It's misleading and false. Life isn't about being happy. Life is about having purpose, meaning, value, and finding peace and contentment. These things can make us happy more often, but they are not about happiness alone.

God wants us to be happy, but God didn't create us for our happiness. I would be bold enough to say God isn't happy all the time either. His people(me, for example), disobey, dissapoint, sin, fall short, turn our backs, aren't faithful, lie, disrespect, misuse our time and talents, etc...the list is endless of the things we do to go against God's plan, purpose, and direction for our lives, and I can't imagine in my small mind that can make God happy with us at times.

Don't get me wrong I like being happy, but I'm coming to realize life isn't about being happy as much as it is being joyful. I can have joy in God even when I'm mad, sad, depressed, angry, or hurt. I can find peace, contentment, and purpose in God even when I'm not getting my way, people are hurting me, and life isn't going the way I had hoped, or I fall short. The Bible doesn't promise happy, it promises joy, hope, eternal life, purpose, etc....

We need to stop being people that think we are supposed to be happy all the time and stop focusing on ourselves, our wants, and our agendas and realize we should appreciate the happy times and seek to find happiness, but happiness is not the goal or ultimate prize. Happiness is a product of my feelings at the time or the conditions of that moment in time, but I can always have Joy, peace, hope, purpose, meaning, value, and promise in a relationship with God that is honest, real, everlasting, and true.

"I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."
John 15:11(NIV)

Vomit Breath

Vomit Breath

"As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool repeats his folly."
Proverbs 26:11(NIV)

If you've ever seen a dog do this, it's not pretty. It's bad enough they lick their own butt and sniff other dog's backside(how would you like that instead of a friendly handshake or greeting). But, a dog will barf and then many times eat it again.

This is what wise solomon is trying to tell us happens with fools who keep repeating the same mistakes. It makes no sense to keep making the same mistakes repeatedly, but we do it, i do it. We return to eat our vomit.

We keep returning to the abusive & cheating spouse, we keep hanging out with the same friends who bring us down, we keep going back to the same places that get us in trouble. We spend too much time with a person we are emotionally attracted to when we know they or us are married and it will lead to nothing but hurt and trouble for many people. We keep cheating, lying, stealing, deceiving, justifying, making excuses, and then returning.

No matter how big or small the pile of vomit, it's still vomit folks! One bite or ten doesn't change the taste of vomit. It doesn't change the fact that we keep returning to the scene of the crime. Instead of learning from our mistakes, accepting the consequences of our situation, seeking God's guidance, or moving forward, we return. We don't learn, accept, move, or seek, we return to feast.

We simply keep returning, why? I don't know, Sin? Selfish? Unrealistic intentions? Human nature? Confused? Ignorant? Living in the past? Probably all the above and more. I think it differs with each individual. The key is for us to realize we are returning and take steps to stop returning.

They say the defintion of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Going back repeatedly to the same thing or the same place or the same person(s) that is hurting us, destroying us, confusing us, and hindering us is not going to help. We have to start there.

Sometimes we simply need to surrender truly to God and stop running, hiding, or making excuses. Sometimes we need the help of our church family or friends because we are not strong enough on our own, and in more serious cases, we really need to seek out professional help. Whatever the case, join me in striving to stop returning to and eating my own vomit.

Fantasy Island

Fantasy Island

Some of you may remember the show from the late 70's and early 80's by this name with Mr. Roake and his sidekick midget tattoo (de plane, de plane). This was about an island somewhere in the pacific where people would pay to come and stay and live out their fantasies, whatever it may have been.

Obviously, in reality a place like this couldn't or doesn't exist, but that doesn't stop many people from living in a fantasy world:

-People 40 thinking they have the athletic ability they did when they were 20
-fat people saving their skinny clothes like they will get their size 16 back into a 4 or their size 48 waste back in a 34
-a lonely woman returning to an abusive husband, thinking he will stop hitting her or the kids
-a optimistic man thinking this is the last time his chronic lying girlfriend will stop cheating on him
-a person being abused thinking they can pretend it never happened or it will stop or go away
-tone deaf person who thinks they can sing trying out for American idol or the praise team at church

Our fanasty world's can be big or small. They can be major or minor issues. They can be issues of denial, taste, preference, desperation, or ignorance.

People can really get out of touch with reality. Whether its something small like thinking that outfit they were 20 years ago still fits and is still in style or it can be serious like thinking you can fix a person in a relationship who won't fix themselves.

One this is certain, we must not be people of fantasy, but people of reality. It's ok to have dreams, it's not ok to have unhealthy fantasies. It's ok to admit our faults or work on our mistakes, it's not ok to live life in denial of abuse, betrayal, or neglect.

We can't pretend everything is ok, when it's not. We can't pretend something doesn't exist until it goes away, because it won't. We can heal, but healing doesn't mean accepting. We can forgive, but forgiveness doesn't always mean reconcilliation. We can learn from our mistakes, but learning doesn't mean lying to ourselves. We can be honest, but honesty doesn't mean hiding the truth or justifying for ourselves or others.

As individuals, as christians, and as churches, we must be careful we are not living in a fantasy world. We must strive to be honest with God and ourselves. We must stand up for what is right without compromising the truth. Christianity doesn't mean we are a door mat to be walked on or so naive we get abused, taken advantage of, or walked on.

As a church, we must address problems, not sweep them under the rug thinking they will go away. Leadership requires tough decisions at times. We must protect the church not wound it.
In relationships, we must face problems not run from them. In faith, we must accept God's will not try to go around Him. We need to stop living in a fantasy world and start living in the reality of God. If God is our reality, there is no fantasy.

"the reality, however is found in Christ."
Colossians 2:17b(NIV)

Balance of Life

BALANCE OF LIFE

Alexander "Sasha" Artemev is the Son of a former Soviet Union gymnasts. He came to US in 1994 with his parents. He was a alternate on this year's Men's US olympic medal team, but was able to compete due to Hamm brothers injuries. His routine in the Pommel Horse gave the US Men's team a Bronze medal and they weren't even thought to have a chance to compete for a medal. The US actually had to use 2 alternates due to injuries.

What amazed me about this young guy was how he was not only able to overcome past mistakes that made him an alternate in the first place, the teams injuries, and the pressure on performing at the olympics, but He performed with precision, calmness, and balance. That is what really amazed me about all the gymnasts, both male and female, and on all the different routines is how much they are able to maintain balance. It takes tremendous physical strength and mental strength to do this not only on the pommel horse, but high bar, uneven bars, floor exercise, rings, balance beam, and vault to name a few. I can't even hardly tie my shoes without falling over.

It reminded me of how we truly have alot in our lives to balance. We live in a world where we must balance work, relationships, hobbies, spirituality, and everything in between. Some of us are good at it, while others fail miserable.

God doesn't really expect us all too be olympic athletes, but we could learn alot about their work ethic, commitment, training, determination, overcoming obstacles, and concentration. The key is balance.

Our key to a healthy life spiritually is balance. We need to have a balance in our lives. We can't work 80 hours a week and spend no time with our spouses or kids. We can't spend 5 nights a week at ballgames and give God 1 hour on Sunday and expect to grow. We can't spend countless hours on the internet surfing the web and then give God minutes for prayer, devotion, or bible reading. The key is balance.

We must create and maintain balance in our lives. Start in small areas and work our way up. Take small steps before we take leaps. Start by volunteering to serve more at church, by eliminating some unnecessary hobbies, creating date nights with your spouse or family nights with your kids. Volunteer less for overtime at work or simply stop working extra hours that you aren't required to work. Limit your kids to how many activities they can do a school year. Limit yourself to the amount of committees, organizations, or groups you volunteer to. Make time for recreation and rest.

The key is balance. Healthy balance. Balance gives you rest, stability, less stress, less to remember, more quality time, and is not only good for your physically, but spiritually. God does deserve more of our time, but He doesn't want you in 20 ministries or at the church 7 days a week. He does want and deserve our time for worship, listening, study, prayer, and quality service not quantity service.

Today take steps to become more balanced in your life. Set goals, work on self-discipline, become more self-less, find ways to maintain healthy work ethic, healthy relationships, healthy schedule, and a healthy personal walk with God. That type of balance may not make you an olympic medalist, but you'll win the ultimate prize.

"But Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be give to you as well."

Matthew 6:33(NIV)

Church Complainer

Church Complainer

"Do everything without complaining or arguing"
Philippians 2:14(NIV)

Boy, that's a tough one, I just stepped on my own toes, I am so clumbsy! I know about complaining because I am a recovering complainer that has relapses, and i don't like it because I don't like when people complain to me or about the church. I'm not complaining about complainers, i'm trying to make us realize we need to change.

People complain about stuff that doesn't really matter, they complain about stuff that makes them uncomfortable, or isn't their preference, or is something they've not taken the time to research, understand, or give time. It can be so discouraging to a person, a family, a workplace, a relationship, and a church when people want to constantly complain about everything.
The grass isn't green enough, the sky isn't blue enough, and everything in between. Something, I've had to accept is that everything doesn't have to be my way and it's ok. I've also had to accept that others haven't realized that themselves yet.

Churches are notorious for people who want to complain about everything in the church and 99.9% of it is stuff that doesn't matter? Stop having Sunday Morning services, stop using the bible, tell others Jesus isn't the only way to God, then you can complain. Those are essentials. We should complain about legitimate issues, but not opinions, preferences, or non-essentials to salvation.

People complain because churches don't sing the old songs, or too many new ones. People complain because the church doesn't work around or cater to them or their families schedule. People complain because churches don't have traditional meeting times and places, or they no longer do things the way we've always done them. People get comfortable and complacement and that is a breeding ground for complaining when things change.

I find the solution rather simple, STOP! Get over it! Or go find a church that does things the way they've always done them and isn't changing(I also bet they are dying). Or be mature enough to accept the changes and realize God and the church is bigger than your wants, and maybe the church has a bigger mission and purpose to accomodate and reach more people? Start helping and stop complaining! We've got to stop majoring in the minors and start being a part of a church family that is relevent, serving, leading, and reaching out.

We are constanly updating our vehicles, houses, clothing, our technology to keep up with the times. We adapt and adjust constantly, why do we expect the church to stay in the dark ages to fuel our comfort zone? God calls us to be a New Testament church, that means our foundation and principles are in the New Testament, not our ways, traditions, or methods. The churches model is not the 50's or 60's or the 70's or 80's. The churches model is the bible and freedom in Christ. The church must keep the message the same, but adapt our methods so that we can keep reaching lost people and keep feeding our members.

Join me in striving to be one less complainer in the church. Use your voice to share the gospel, encourge someone, be positive, or stand up for what is right. Don't let Satan use complaining to blind you or hurt your church family. We all can do better, let's begin today.

Justice for All

Justice for All

You ever felt cheated? Wronged? Betrayed? Hurt? Dissapointed? You ever felt like you were left with all the hurt, pain, and misery as a victim, while it feels like the culprit got away with hurting you? They seem happy or blessed and you're the one suffering or the loser in it all.

Sometimes if feels like the scales of justice are not equal? We've been hurt or treated unfair and we want revenge, retribution, or payback. Our spouse cheats on us. You boss gives the promotion to someone else less deserving. Your significant other breaks up with you only to go out with someone else? A friend stabs you in the back? You lose your job without warning? A friend spreads lies about you. The list goes one, but what makes our wrongs worse is when the person doing them isn't sorry or worse yet, they seem to be happy, while you are in pain. We truly feel we got screwed, left out, mistreated, and there was no justice to be found.

I love watching crime news shows. I'm ate up with trutv and ID tv channels and shows on network tv like, dateline and 48hours mystery. I love watching them solve crimes. Even though alot of the times they catch the criminals, sometimes the guilty are free for years before they can be finally brought to justice. But, justice does come. Sometimes it takes time.

That's the thing. Justice doesn't come in our time and most of all we need to realize that justice is not ours to bring, but God's! We want revenge and payback, but it's not our place to seek them. That's the great thing about God, He is our protector and God. He is sure to payback any wrongdoing and seek revenge on our behalf. The hard thing to realize is that it's on His terms and His timing, not ours. Be rest assured God is a God of justice and justice will be served, if we allow Him to.

We live in an imperfect world that is full of sin. We are human and all have human nature and sadly some people abuse their freedom and will. Some poeple are selfish and self-seeking and they'll do what it takes to meet their own needs, get ahead, or fuilfill their sinful nature or desires. They don't care who they hurt, who the step on, and who gets left behind. But God does!

We all have to learn to trust God for His justice, in His time, and in His way. We may not see it today or tomorrow, but in time God always has a way of working things out. Sometimes it takes longer because we try to take matters in our own hands or we won't give it over to God and trust Him to do His part. I've been there, but we have to first forgive others for our own sanity and health, and then we have to move on with our lives and trust God to give us the strength to not only move on, but to bring out justice on our behalf. He will, but we have to let Him and He will!

"He will judge the world in righteousness; He will govern the peoples with justice. The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble."

Psalms 9:8-9(NIV)

"Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord."

Romans 12:19(NIV)

Uncontrolled Chaos

Uncontrolled Chaos

One of the things I pride myself in is being organized and structured. I don't think I am anal retentive or over the top, but I feel that being planned, structured, and organized makes life less hectic, less stressful, and helps you mature as a person. I think I'm a better person and minister for it.

Now I wasn't always that way, I don't remember really being that way until i started working in ministry and especially after my military experience in the Navy. It goes to show me that anyone can change when they want to.

The problem with most people who are always late, never organized, and are lazy is because people have always given them permission to be that way. How many times have you heard, "Oh that's just bill, he's always late", or "oh that's just jane, she's always doing things last minute." The moment people are allowed to continue with bad habits or are enabled, they never get better or improve. In alot of ways they get worse.

I know not everyone will always be early or on time, not everyone will have their calendar planned out a year in advance, and not everyone will have a strong work ethic to go the extra mile, however, if you set the bar low, it's not hard to stay there. You've heard the saying, "If you aim for nothing, you'll hit it everytime." It's so true.

We must not give ourselves permission to be lazy or we'll never do anything significant and we'll be a harship to others. We must never give ourselves permission to always be late for everything or we'll carry that attitude everywhere and making others wait on us is very unthoughful.

If our lives are always chaotic then we make ourselves and everyone around us miserable. We must not allow ourselves to be so unstructured or unorganized or we'll always have people on our case constantly and it might effect our relationships, our job, and our health.

Maybe you aren't lazy or late or a procastinator or unorganized, but maybe you allow people in your lives to be that way and they are killing you slowly. You are constantly upset, aggrevated, or angry alot because of the actions of others. Whether our spouses in relationships, with our chlidren, our employees, or even our churches we need to not only not give people permission, but we need to set expectations higher for people and hold them to a better standard.

I think Jesus wants more out of us and He wants our attitude, our work ethic, our relationships, and our lives and interactions to be honorable with a reflection of Him. I think God wants His followers to be dependable, flexible, honest, considerate, and have integrity, character, and always seeking to honor Him in all way say, think, and do. Knowing we aren't perfect, but are made perfect through Him. Striving to be more like Him in everyway, everyday.

We can all do better in our lives to be better in the smaller areas of our lives and to help others become better, myself included. I think God is pleased when we make an effort to become better people and help others do the same. The less chaos the more Christ.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance for the Lord as a reward."
Colossians 3:23-24(NIV)

Valuable

Valuable
I heard our Sr. Minister at Central share with people about what they value, and how it shows. The message was really about how much God values us, but it made me think of how our life really shows what we value.

We run our kids from sport to sport or one activity to another, traveling all over the county, state, or beyond to tournaments, performances, competitions, etc...and we give what's left to the church.

We work more at our job than they require or expect and even work or think about work when we are not at work, and then leave little of ourselves to our spouse, children, or church service
Or young people, they focus on sports, band, and every social club or acitivity there is, and come to church when they "have to" or because they know they are supposed to.

It's not just a matter of a person having to stay busy or be active, it's about spending time at what we truly value. If we truly valued our relationship with God, we'd show that in our attitude, our schedule balance, our marriage, how we raise our children, and our service.

What do we teach our children? Be committed to your team or school, but church is optional? What do we teach our spouse or family? My job is more important than time with you? What are we telling God? I appreciate the cross and grace and all, but I'll try to fit you in when i got time? We make excuses as to why we run in the rat race, stay busy, or have our priorities screwed up, but the bottom line is "we do what we want to do" and "we are where we want to be".

Most people have to work, there is nothing wrong with our children being in extra-curricular activities, and there is nothing wrong with us having hobbies, or a social life, but the questions becomes where is the balance? Where are your priorities? What is truly valuable to you?
My challenge for you is for you to model that God is valuable to you and your family. It's more than just telling people you go to church or having morals. It's about your children knowing that God and His church is more important than anything. It's about your spouse, family, employers, and friends knowing that God is the most important thing in your life.

I've heard it said people can see what we value by simply looking at our checkbook or our calendar/planner. Life certainly has more meaning than big boats, trophies, bonuses, appearances, bigger houses, competition, etc....nothing is wrong with these things in and of themselves, but when they become what we value,especially more than God, we're not only breaking one of the commandments(no other God's before me), but we're taking value away from our faith or our relationship with God.

We must always be evaluating and being honest with ourselves about what is our motivation? Why do we do what we do? What's really important to me? Where is God in all this? Just some things to think about. What do you value?

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:21(NIV)

Forgiveness is Divine

Forgiveness is Divine

That is a tough word isn't it? Forgiveness. It's even tougher to practice, live out, and accomplish. We sure like forgiveness from God and others, but when it comes to our participation in it, we fall short a lot of times or even refuse it. ....

"A survey from the the Gallup Organization a few years ago found that 94% said it was important to forgive, but 85% said they needed some outside help to be able to forgive. However, not even regular prayer was found to be effective. The Gallup poll revealed that the only thing that was effective was meditative prayer. (source:Wikipedia)"....
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I find that interesting. Most people asked (94%) believe forgiveness is important, but many (85%) realized they couldn't do it on their own. They also found that most people didn't find help in regular praying, but meditative prayer? What is the difference? Good question? I think for a lot of us, we pray for things every day, pretty casual or maybe we take them for granted. We ask God to help us forgive us, or something or somebody, but that's pretty much it.....
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I think of meditative prayer as deep connection with God. Removing distractions, focusing deeply on God whether through fasting, His word, or alone time with Him. I am not sure what your definition or thought is about the difference in regular prayer or meditative prayer, but I think the difference is our attitude, faith, and amount of time spent.....
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I know sometimes I take prayer for granted and just go through the motions and really don't spend the time talking it over with God like I should. I think that is why when it comes to forgiveness we really have a hard time actually forgiving.....
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Prayer has always been about God changing us, not us changing Him. Forgiveness has always been about us, not the person who wronged us. Both take time, discipline, faith, and practice. When we pray we truly need to be open to listening to God and Him changing our heart. When we pray for forgiveness it again is about allowing God to change our heart.....
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People who wrong us may never recognize their wrong. They may not admit it, care about it, or want or ask for our forgiveness. They may not ever say they are sorry. However, our forgiving them is about us. Our removing the hurt, anger, depression, resentment, hatred, bitterness, or whatever it is that their wrong has left us with.....
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If we don't choose to forgive them, we will continue to build up and bury these feelings and emotions that will fester and make us one of the most miserable people on the planet. It will literally ruin our lives if we let it. That is why we have to take our mind off of revenge, justice, retribution, or getting back at them and focus on God. Focus on Him working through us and our pain so that we can see His grace, His mercy, and His forgiveness. ....
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God doesn't expect us to forget, He doesn't even necessarily expect us to re-establish a relationship with the person who wronged us, depends on the case and level of wrong, but again forgiveness is about our ability to let go of the wrong, give it to God, and release ourselves from the pain. God is God. He will payback wrongs, take care of the justice, revenge, and retribution. Our job is to forgive and move on with our lives.....
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It takes time, it takes patience, it takes practice, and it takes spending lots of time with God. It's not easy, I fail at it, I don't always do it right, and sometimes we have to learn the hard way and suffer, until we finally will and can surrender it to God so that we can truly forgive.....
My prayer for you today is you'll learn to forgive others as God has forgiven you. I wish we could all forget our pain or past and especially what was done because of others selfishness, negligence, or evil. Even though we can't or might not totally forget, we can learn to forgive and that will make the not forgetting easier or make us remember less often.

"Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Colossians 3:13b(NIV)

Dishonest Abe

DISHONEST ABE

Abraham Lincoln was given the nickname "Honest Abe" because of his honest character. Not just as President, but back in the days of working in a country store or as a lawyer, Abe was becoming a man of integrity long before He was President and now a famous character of our past History.

I think it's a good thing to be associated with honesty, integrity, high morals and values. What if his name was "Lying Lincoln" or "Disonest Abe", that wouldn't have been very good.

We live in a world that teaches us it's ok to lie, or "little white lies" don't hurt anyone, but in my book and with what I study in the Bible, lying is lying. Always has been always will be. If I get a paper cut on my finger, or a slice my hand with a big hunting knife, a cut is still a cut. One may be smaller, but they both still bleed and still cut the flesh. Lying is the same way, they may be small or big, but both are still lies, and still wrong.

More than lying, what concerns me is dishonesty. People think because they don't actually tell a lie or are lying, that they are being honest, and that is one of the biggest lies to come out of hell. You can be very dishonest and misleading without actually telling a lie. Both are bad by the way.
Withholding information, not telling someone the truth, and avoiding the truth are all dishonest characteristics and traits.

We justify it by saying we want to protect someone, or not hurt someone's feelings, or it doesn't hurt anyone, or we want to keep ourselves from feeling uncomfortable, but the fact is, dishonesty is dishonesty and is the same as lying. Lying is the opposite of truth and dishonesty is the opposite of honesty and both not true.

Our churches are filled with people who are living dishonest lives in their relationships, jobs, and interactions, but they justify their actions, when will we stop justifying our sin? We can justify our actions till the cows come home, jump over the moon, and eat more chikin, but it will never change what we are really doing in God's eyes and that's all that matters. God is our judge, He's who we need to start being accountable to.

We are all guilty and capable of being dishonest people,I've been dishonest in the past, but I want to be known as someone who is honest. I want to be treated by people honestly, and it breaks my heart and upsets me when people are dishonest with me or others. They don't "lie", but they aren't telling the truth. We need more truth tellers in our world, in our churches. We need people of high character, integrity, and values in our lives and we need to be the same for them. We need less justifications and excuses and more honesty.

Take if from someone who has had to rebuild his character, your life is less complicated, more peaceful, and you're closer to God when you speak the truth, always strive to do the right thing, and are honest with people, no matter the situation or consequences. Honesty is not only the best policy, but the only policy. Don't treat the people you love and respect or any of God's children with anything less than honesty.

"A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies."
Proverbs 12:17(NIV)

Poor Choices

Poor Choices

"He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm." Proverbs 13:20(NIV)

Anyone who feels like they always make the right decisions and choices, is either nuts or living in a fantasy world. We all at times makes unwise choices.

We marry the wrong person, we date someone for the wrong reasons, we date or have friends who are bad for us, we try stupid activities, we do dangerous things, we go places we shouldn't, do things we shouldn't, and are around people we shouldn't be around.

Sometimes we make decisions or choices without thinking it through or clearly. Sometimes we don't think at all. Sometimes we are just downright selfish, foolish, or desperate.

I've made my share of foolish decisions in my life. Leaving or taking jobs, who I dated or befriended, and my actions. I try to live life without regrets, but when you do stupid stuff, regrets are a natural reality. And what some people may not realize is that your foolish or selfish choices effect others. They effect your family, friends, and those closest to you.

People who say they don't have regrets are in denial of their mistakes or are people who aren't learning anything from their poor choices.

We need to fill our lives with Godly wisdom. We need to seek out Godly relationships who we are very open and honest with and who we allow to be very candid and frank with us. We need to avoid people and places that we know are bad for us and will result in nothing but pain, heartache, and trouble.

We can justify our motives or actions, but God knows our heart. You can fill a box with garbage and put pretty paper and a bow on it and it can look pretty on the outside, but it's still filled with garbage.

I'm striving to make less poor choices and to learn and heal from my past poor choices. I challenge you to do the same. I also challenge you to stop making the same poor choices or stop making more poor choice trying to fix other poor choices. Break the cycle, save yourself and others from more pain.

God's desire for us is Godly, wise, hopeful, and joyful lives in a relationship with Him. He is our strength, He is our hope, and He is our guide to living Wiser lives.

Flat Cat

Flat Cat

I witnessed something horrific. I am usually a morbid, blood and guts kind of guy, but this event troubled me.

I had pulled into the parking lot of the local funeral home to go in and conduct a memorial service. I just got out of my car in the parking lot and was putting on my suit jacket and I noticed a car starting up to leave and I also heard this young cat meowing loudly.

At first I didn't see a cat, until I saw the car start to back out of it's space about 25 yards away and then all the sudden this young cat appeared in the passenger's side wheel well on top of the tire, scared and clutched to the tired, the poor cat stayed on the tire while the man was backing up, until the meowing stopped and the cat dissapeared for a moment and then reapperead dead on the other side of the tire from the force and pressure of the tire running over it's body.

I don't mean to be graphic or disgust anyone, but I felt helpless, it happened so fast, and I've never really seen an animal die like that. I hunt and kill animals, I'm not a tree hugging/save the planet/all dogs go to heaven/emo/hippy, and I've certainly hit a couple animals with my car driving, but it was eery seeing this cat cling to that tire and ride it to death, when all it had to do was jump off. It sounded pretty simple to me, but being a young cat, I guess it wasn't familiar with the dangers of hanging out under a motor vehicle?

In that few seconds, which seemed like forever, that cat went from alive to dead. All it had to do was get off the tire and it would have lived, but instead it was scared, froze, and clung to the very thing that would end it's life.

Oh, how that sounds like many in our world. We cling to this world and it's treasures, it's addictions, and it's troubles, and we have the answer right in front of us and we ignore it or choose not to see it. God is right there, right now, and all we have to do is take that first step and take that leap, yet so many people choose to stay clung to the tire and it ruins, destroys, and changes the course of their lives, and it leads only to misery, trouble, and death. Sometimes we cling to something that seems good or fun, only to be run over by it.

That cat's untimely demise horrifically reminded me yesterday of how so many times, we could avoid tragedy, troubles, and trauma by simply removing ourselves from the danger or avoiding people/places/things that bring us down or could harm us, and yet we ignore the warnings.

What type of tire are you clinging to today? What type of vehicle are you snooping under that you need to avoid? It is one thing to be a risk taker when it comes to finances, changing jobs, or dating. It is another when it comes to taking foolish risks or things that could jeaopordize our very lives or more importantly our souls.

Stay away from cars and tires that would and could and will destroy your life. Learn the lesson of the flat cat today. His 9 lives didn't do him much good under that sort of incident, and we only have one precious valuable life to life. What you do with it, does determine your destiny.

"Avoid every kind of evil."
I Thessalonians 5:22(NIV)

Gradually

Gradually

"Those who oppose him he gently must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentace leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will."
2 Timothy 2:25-26(NIV)

Apostle Paul wrote some good advice to his younger protege Timothy in 2 Tim. 2. He warned him about fleeing evil desires of youth and not getting caught up in stupid arguments and quarrels, and then he gave him this advice (vs. 25-26) about dealing with people who are caught up in doing the devil's will.

No one gets up one morning and decides, hey I think I'll be an alcholic or get addicted to drugs? Or, I think I'll be gay now or start seeing prostitutes on a regular basis, or I think I'll have an affair and leave my family or I think I'll steal money from my work.

We are led into sin or a sinful lifestyle by the devil gradually, we don't just decide one day to not be a christian anymore or live for our own selfish desires. We are gradually and eventually won over to the devi's will by the hardening our heart, or adjusting our conscience, or justifying our behavior or actions and letting the devil walk right into our lives and shove God right on out.

I know about this because 5 years ago, I had a bad year or so. I didn't plan to fall away from God's grace or be a bad person or make bad decisions, but over time with the right mixture of resentment, bitterness, confusion, selfish desires, and stopping my regular routine of reading God's word, talking to God, and having devotional time and being involved in service, I slowly but surely began a downward spiral of making poor choices, having a bad attitude, and struggling in sin.

I thank God for his grace, patience, mercy, and for people who didn't give up on me or encouraged me. I did have a couple people who were supposed to be christians be judgemental to me, not in love or concern, but in arrogance and blind to their own sin. I wasn't a hypocrite or didn't plan on walking away from God, but it was a combination of me letting satan in and buying into his lies and me removing the God things in my life, to eventually i was in the devil's will and not God's. It can happen to anyone and anytime, I dont' care how good a christian you are, how long you've been a christian, or whether you are a preacher, elder, deacon, preacher's wife, sunday school teacher, youth leader, or small group leader.

Paul gives Timothy good advice to gently instruct(that is good advice for us if we know someone who is struggling) and He also talks about them coming to their senses and escaping the trap of the devil. It's exactly what it is: a trap. His lies are traps in all sorts of ways, and alot of things are not even necessarily bad, but when satan uses them for wrong, they become bad.

I am glad I found my way back and I am glad God has been using me again the past few years, I don't deserve it, but I am thankful, and in some ways I believe my faith and testimony are stronger now, thanks to things God has shown me through it all.

My challenge for you today is this: don't stop going to church, don't stop reading your bible, don't stop talking to God, and don't put yourself in situations where you are going to give in, be weak, or not able to overcome the temptations.

Don't use drugs, alcohol, sex, pornography, or money to try to find peace or purpose or to forget. Don't use people or put them in bad situations. Stop justifying or making excuses for your attitude or behavior. Don't take the easiest or safest way out.

Don't stop serving or using your talents. Even if you need to take a break for a bit to focus on your faith and rebuilding your relationship with God, don't stop serving. Most of all, anything you do that is squeezing parts of God out of your life is not a good thing at anytime.

I hope you do like me, come to your senses, escape the devil's trap and stop doing his will and start doing God's will. I know I am capable of falling away at anytime and it won't happen overnight, that is why we all must stay in church, stay in God's word, and stay in constant communication with Him. Surround yourself with Godly people who will accept you and love you, but be honest with you and confront you in love when needed.

Moving Stuff

Moving stuff

Last week I talked about starting over and how starting over for me was this fresh new opportunity that was unexpected that God has given me in Indiana. Part of that means I have to MOVE again, and believe me there is no shortage of people (including myself) who have made fun of me for moving so much the past few years.

It is amazing to me the amount of "stuff" we accumulate over the years, you don't really realize it if you stay at the same address for a long time, but if you move a couple times, you realize as you start boxing up stuff, that sometimes we hold on to way too much stuff and become pack rats, when we should be becoming a flea market/yard sale dream for someone.

I got rid of most of my stuff this past year and though now I am moving, I wish I had some of that stuff back, having less stuff to move is sort of a blessing, though I have to start all over and rely on other people to provide me with some of their "stuff" they are not using or wanting to get rid of.

It made me think of the way we carry around "stuff" with us through life experiences and we accumulate stuff that we refuse to get rid of or don't realize we've been keeping until we are confronted with it and all the sudden and we've got so much baggage. We are carrying around unforigveness, sin, struggle, bad memories, or raw emotions. Maybe we've gotten stuff we've been afraid to deal with, have been avoiding, or thought we were over? Maybe some past mistakes we've had a hard time forgetting, or something from our past we are holding onto that we know is not good for us or is harmful to us, or we can't get back?

Our emotional hearts are filled like dusty attics and dirty basements and crammed storage units with box, totes, bags, and clutter of stuff we won't get rid or, or are afraid to. I saw a women on Oprah(I know I watched oprah), who had like 5 or 6 storage units not to mention her house full of stuff, she refused to get rid or, not only stuff she'd collected, but alot of stuff from her parents who had died, she didn't want to face their leaving, and it was absolutely mostly junk(a rubber chicken, a broken lamp, old bills, etc) stuff that wasn't even sentimental. Does that sound like you?

We could be so much lighter, less cluttered, more free, fresher, and ready to start over if we'd get rid of stuff from our past, our hearts ,minds, and lives that is unhealthy, doesnt' really matter, or is keeping us weighed down. Maybe it's time we forgive someone or ourselves? Maybe it's time we let go or something or someone? Maybe it's time we make new memories or new relationships? Maybe it's time we refocus on Jesus and allow Him through His Spirit to reinforce truths, wisdom, knowledge, and love into our lives.

We could see Jesus so much easier and more often if we'd free up some room for Him, instead of letting our lives get cluttered up with yard sale trinkets, flea market specials, and city dump material.

"Now the Lord is Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom"
II Corinthians 3:17(NIV)

Starting over

Starting OVER

Starting over can be wonderful and can be dreadful, depending on how you look at it and what it is you are starting over. I was in a dating relationship that ended, which I didn't want to happen, so the thoughts of having to start all over again dating someone depresses me. On the other hand, I just moved this week to start a new job (ministry) in Indiana and was working 2 jobs, so I am excited about my new opportunity.So, depending on what it is you are starting over means the difference in your attitude and outlook in life.

Starting over can be very stressful, hurtful, painful, and agonizing. Starting over can be refreshing, joyful, enthusiastic, and positive. New beginnings are always scary if you do not have any trust or faith in God. New beginnings are an adventure and something to look forward to on your journey if you are sharing them while following God.

Even at times with God in your life, starting over can be tough. Sometimes we need a kick in the pants, a reminder, some Godly counsel from a true friend, or some perspective not our own. Other times we need a hug, an unexpected e-mail or card, or just some encouragement from scripture or the holy spirit.

Either way, I have experienced the heartaches and joys of starting over recently. Sad to lose people I love, but trying to trust God for his strength and guidance. Sad to leave a ministry and family and friends, but excited at the same time to make new friends and start a new ministry that is full-time. No matter what causes us to start over, happy or sad, mad or glad, out of our control or our own choice, new or old, starting over with God is all the difference.

Whether it's relationships, jobs, locations, attitudes, or schools, of our choice or not, we must strive to trust God, seek HIS will, and stay faithful. I hope I can do that and whether you have been through this or will be going through this, and I imagine through our lives we might start over several times in different ways, that you can seek God, stay with God, or trust Him through whatever it is.

Beautiful Trainwreck

Beautiful Trainwreck

Sort of an oxymoron, beautiful and trainwreck, but sort of describes my life the past 5 years. I had 5 years of stability in a wonderful ministry in the late 90's and early 2000's. The last 5, we'll that's depends on the glass you're drinking out of (half-full or half-empty).

There were times I felt like I was a trainwreck waiting for a place to happen and at times I happened often, I've wrote many a weasel's about those experiences and my learning, venting, and thoughts.

Yet, even when I look back at the scars, failures, mistakes, stupid decisions, and the shoulda,coulda, woulda, I still find myself saying look at all the people I've met, look at some of the cool lessons I learned, and look at some of the unique places i've been and worked.

I don't recommend committing sin, doing really boneheaded things consistentely and constantly, and changing jobs like diapers, and moving around like your in the witness relocation program. However, I do recommend learning from your mistakes, overcoming your bad decisions with grace and acceptance. Don't be afraid to fail, take risks, or experience life the peaks and the valley's.

I regret some mistakes, while I cherish some of the relationships I would have missed. I hate some of my decisons, yet appreciate the hindsight I gained. I abhor (I just wanted to use that word) some of my choices, but thank God for his grace, patience, and discipline.

My life has been unpredictable, up and down, fortune and famine, gain and loss, prestige and humility. But, I am glad to say I am lving life and enjoying my time I have, my singleness, my freedom, and my life.

I hope my next 5 are a little more stable and less mistakes and better choices, but I also hope I don't stop meeting and loving great people, experiencing God's blessings, and growing in wisdom and understanding.

I am getting ready to start a new journey I will tell you about soon and I can't wait to see how beautiful the trainwreck, I mean trainride will be. Risks, mistakes, challenges, choices, experiences, relationships, changes, and learning. Are you ready for the ride?

"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
John 10:10(NIV)

Tired!

TIRED

I am tired:

-tired of dating someone and investing so much time and energy only for it to end and having to start the process all over again

-tired of having to explain to people why I am still single at my age

-tired of falling in love only for it to end or not work out

-tired of thinking people are treating me different or look at me different because I am not married

-tired of having to defend myself with family, friends, churches, and people who think I am too picky, not looking hard enough, have too high of a standard, or too hard to please (first of all i’m not, second of all if you’re going to marry someone should you not be somewhat choosy?)

-tired of being tired of dating, relationships, working on relationships, defending my singleness, and being single

-tired of fighting two types of people, 1) who think i’m lonely and just wanting to get married and 2) those who think i’m not trying hard enough or looking hard enough (do you see why I can’t win?)

I am actually ok being single, that is hard for people to understand. There is alot I actually enjoy about being single and after 35 years of it, you do sort of get used to it. On the other hand, I also enjoy being in a relationship. I enjoy the companionship, friendship, intimacy (not in the gutter), quality time, and the feelings you feel when you are in a relationship.

Most people have a hard time relating to my dilema because they’ve been married for so long they’ve not dated since high school or college. Others reading are still in school, so their dating experiences or single experiences are limited. It’s really hard to think, but I’ve been dating for almost 20 years. I still suck at it.

I’ve came along way, I’ve made alot of mistakes, and though with good intentions, I’ve probably drove some women crazy with my ticks, mood swings, opinions, and personality differences. I believe the longer I have dated, the better i’ve become as a person, because I’ve learned from my mistakes and tried hard to be the best I can be, though I will never be perfect and still have a lot of work ahead.

Dating is all about choices. You must decide whether a person is worth the risk, and whether you can tolerate another’s differences, habits, opinions, and personality and you have to remember your own.

It all makes me tired, but at the same time I know God has a plan and a purpose for me and I strive hard to remain faithful and trust Him even when I get tired, weary, depressed, exhausted, and feel like just giving up.

I have learned to be OK and happy with myself single or dating. I think that is the key, we have to learn to be happy alone before we can be happy with someone else. I think we have to learn to compromise, communicate, and commit with someone whether dating or married. I feel we have to accept someone faults, differences, and all, while also appreciating those qualities.

I have regrets, I’ve handled situations wrong, got mad over stupid stuff, not let go of things I should have, talked when I should have been quiet, and made decisions without thinking or praying. I’ve been hurt, betrayed, let down, and devastated.

I am proud of say I’ve never cheated on anyone, though i’ve been cheated on. I am sad to say that I’ve lost some relationships that at the time, I probably could a have prevented, but God always has the bigger picture in view for us.

The thing I can learn most is even though it get’s tiresome and I get weary, I just have to take one day at a time and not lose hope and let each day be special. Not trying to make things happen or avoiding something God might be doing, but just be open, available, willing, and faithful.

Whether you are dating, married, single, divorced, or widowed. Don’t let others dictate your attitude or mood. It’s your life and only you can decide what is best for you and I hope you include God in that choice. God cares who we date and don’t date, who we marry and don’t marry, and how we treat others and how we are treated.

Ok, I’m done venting, sharing, and throwing my tired thoughts on dating out there, I know Jesus is my rest.

"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
Matt 11:29(NKJV)

Mercy or Sacrifice? Part 2

Mercy or Sacrifice: Part II


"For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgement of God rather than burnt offerings."

Hosea 6:7(NIV)


I had so much more I wanted to say last blog on this scripture and subject, I decided to write about it again.


Some christians and churches, whether it’s intentional or just passed along from generation to generation, get this idea that God wants us to sing certain songs, use a certain version of the bible, dress a certain way, go to a certain denomination, or act a certain way and we are doing Him a favor or we are better off than others.


I find it hard in my study of scripture and my experiences through life to label God liking old hymns (which were new at one time) over newer contemporary songs, or God only approves of the King James over the NIV or any other version translated after the KJV(last time I checked, the original inspired texts were written in greek and hebrew and aramaic and man later translated into english), which by the way, the KJV was not the first and only english bible tranlasted. John Wycliffe actually had the first hand-written english version of the bible and Johan Gutenburg invented the printing press and the first bible printed ever was a latin bible. John Tindale was the first person to ever print the New Testament in English and later Miles Coverdale was able to finish Tindale’s work and print the entire bible OT & NT.



Later the Geneva bible was printed and was the first to contain numbers and verses. The Geneva bible was the bible of choices for over 100 years. It was the first bible taken to America and was more popular than the KJV when it orginially was first translated in 1611, but the KJV was made readily available to individuals.


Ok that was a big history lesson that I didn’t make up on my own, you can go to http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmdyZWF0c2l0ZS5jb20vdGltZWxpbmUtZW5nbGlzaC1iaWJsZS1oaXN0b3J5 to learn and read more about the history of the english bible, very interesting stuff.


Anyway, off subject, and I could write a blog about the bible and where/when all the denominational churches began, but some other time. The main thing I wanted to bring home is that I believe that God wants us to show others mercy, treat others with kindness, help others, and not be judgemental, gossip, or stir up dissension. I think He wants us to love and forgive others like the same way He treats each of us.


God wants us to worship him with new and old songs, He wants us to read His word in a version we can understand and learn from that is translated properly, and God wants us to serve in His church, not the name on the building. I feel God wants us to focus on our relationship with Him and not the traditions of man.


We get caught up going in all these directions which are man-made preferences and to be honest the devil’s traps and we lose focus of what really matters.God wants our mercy, not our sacrifice. He doesn’t want us to dress a certain way, look a certain way, and act a certain way, that "we think" makes us more holy or Godly. God cannot be put in a mold or limited to such a small scale.


People are different; from sex, to upbringing, to culture, skin color, personality, and backgrounds. That doesn’t make us better, it only makes us difference. We all can worship ONE God, in ONE body, and ONE church, with ONE faith and I think God is big enough for us to do it in different ways and styles without us making it the ONLY way.


I think that is what God is saying with the desiring mercy not sacrifice, He wants our hearts of sincerity not our rituals of habit and stubborness.
Just my thoughts.