Accept Responsibility

Accept Responsibility

This is a rare commodity in today's world these days.  What I mean is people who make mistakes, mess up, or do the wrong thing and then turn around and own up to it and accept responsiblity for their actions.

Many people live a lifestyle of lying, dishonesty, blame, finger pointing, and immaturity because they do not want to accept responsiblility for themselves and especially their actions.  They do not want to be held accountable for their behaviors.  Why is that?

There are many reasons, some don't want to be proven wrong.  Others are prideful and do not want to be seen as wrong or imperfect.  Still others are simply just dishonest or selfish people who want to get their way and not have to suffer consequences for their decisions or choices.

We need to accept responsiblity for ourselves.  Our bad atttitudes, our wrong behaviors, or the  choices and decisions we make, including those which are stupid, bad, wrong, or selfish.  We create so much more problems and consequences for ourselves when we don't come clean at the beginning and accept responsibility for ourselves and our lives.

First and foremost, we have to understand that God knows and sees everything including thoughts and attitudes. He knows what we will do before we even do it, and when we do something and try to hide it, cover it up, or lie about it, He knows and we begin the process of creating alot of hurtful natural consequences for ourselves.  Secondly, we need to understand our behavior, choices, and actions impact others and hurt others when we lie, decieve, or cause pain in their lives and we make it worse when we won't accept responsiblity for ourselves.

When you say or do something that is wrong or you make a mistake, admit it, own it, and accept responsiblity for it.  If you need to apologize, do it.  If you need to confess it, confess it.  If you make a mistake at work, at school, with a friend or family member then instead of reacting to being confronted, be proactive and admit your mistake as soon as you know. Of if you are confronted instead of making excuses, blaming others, justifying, or flat out lying, own up and begin resolution and damage control.

Even when others hurt us or make us mad or circumstances out of our control affect us, we alone are still responsible for oursleves.  You and the only one who will answer for you, not your parents, not your spouse, and not your kids. YOU!  Be responsible, take responsiblility, accept responsiblity, and be a person of integrity, character, and honesty.  No matter the situation or circumstance always accept responsibility for yourself and your behavior and actions. It's lime we grow up, own up, and look up to God to help us live and be responsible people. 

Hebrews 4:13NIV
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Faith & Politics

Faith & Politics

2 Timothy 4:2(NIV)
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

Apostle Paul gave young preacher Timothy some good advice.  "Preach the Word."  He also goes on in rest of verse telling Timothy how he should preach the Word: prepared, to correct, to rebuke, to encourage.  He also says what his attitude should be in preaching the Word:  great patience and careful instruction.

That is some good advice for us today, not only preachers, but all of us who may share the word of God with others (we all have a responsibility to share the Word of God, not just the preachers).  So, we can' just pull scriptures out of context and change their meaning to fit our denomination, or what we were raised, or taught, or even our agenda because we are passionated about a certain subject and topic.  People do all the time, they preach and push their denominational beliefs, their doctrinal beliefs, and even their preferences they think are gospel, and they talk about God in the mix of it all, but they are missing the point of actually preaching the Word of God.

It sort of reminds me of what we face anytime there is an election year, people want to spout and shout their political beliefs and agendas, yes, even preachers from pulpits want to spew their love or hate of the republican party or the democratic party, or they love or loathing of a certain candidate, or even further a certain issue that they are hot under the collar about you  name it, gun control, taxes, immigrants, gay marriage, abortion, etc.....and we us the pulpit and our faith as a platform to push our opinions and views.

You can disagree with me, I am only stating my convictions and feelings, but I do not feel the pulpit is the place to spew personal politics. It's a place to preach God's word.  There is no mention of political parties in the Bible. There is no authority from God in scripture to tell us to rip apart, disrespect, or put down people or things we don't agree with or dislike.  As a matter fact  Jesus told the jews to give to Caesar what is Caesar when asked about the jews having to pay taxes to the Romans in the gospels and even Paul in His first letter to Timothy encouraged Timothy to pray and not only pray but pray for those in leadership and authority in government.(1 Tim. 2:1-3niv)I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— ² for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. ³ This is good, and pleases God our Savior."

As Christians and even as Preachers we have an obligation to preach, teach, and share the moral and ethical values taught in scripture, but it is not our place to endorse a certain political party, agenda, or candidate.  Nor do I feel according to God's word is it our place to use our position and time as a preacher in a sermon to preach "OUR" feelings or opinions on our president, our government, our political party, or our political agendas.  On a personal level if an someone asks you your opinion or feelings on their own, we are free to share our thoughts as an individual away from the pulpit if we so choose.

People  we are to PREACH the Word and the Word is Jesus Christ.  Not Obama, Not Romney, or George Washington, or JFK.  The Word of God is truth and it's not democratic, or republican, or even Libetarian or Tea Party.  It's not our job to use the church or the pulpit to push any other agenda other than the agenda of God, which is proclaming, sharing, preaching and teaching His Word.

I know some of you will say we have an obligation as Preachers or Christians to speak out and stand up for right and wrong, and I agree when it comes to God's Word, but not politics.  We do need more of God's Word in our governement and Christian leaders, but politics has not place in the body of Christ.  It's about Him, not us, not our agenda, or political views.  

There may be certain issues we are passionate about because of our Christian Faith, and that is fine, we should stand up for our Christian rights and values and I do think each of us should do our own homework and educate ourselves on candidates and their beliefs and views and we should vote our conscience, but we are living in a fantasy world if we think every political party or every candidate will agree with us 100% or support everything we stand for, it and they won't.

As a church we have to stand up for our Christian Values and as Preachers and  Teachers we have an obligation to Preach and Teach God's Word, and I do not think that involves endorsing politics, politicians, political parties, or political agendas.  We preach and teach Christ and let God's Holy Spirit convict and guide each of us who and how to vote on election day.

Just my thoughts, but I  pray I will never use my position or my pulpit to preach garbage, preach personal agenda, my politics, or put down others, or dishonor the calling God has placed on my life by misusing my power or position to preach anthing, but His Word.  I pray you will never use your faith, or pulpit, or positions, to preach, teach, or share anything other than God's Word.

Membership

Membership

"membership has its privileges" Do you recognize this quote from the American Express commercials or ads?  It's a great marketing slogan they use to show that if you are one of their credit card users that you will have things you won't get with other credit cards.  We'll I'm not sure of that because I've never had an American Express?

What about church membership? What does that mean?  Well what it means and how people treat it are two different things.  Church membeship should have its privileges as well, but people treat their church membership very loosely sometimes.

Membership to a church or religous group doesn't guarantee your way to Heaven.  Many churches claim a membership,but t heir attendance doesn't reflect membership role.  A church may have a membership of 500, but only have 75 attend, so I ask what's the point of having membership if members aren't committed.

I think we need to understand that church membership should mean first and foremost that you have made a decision and commitment to become or be a Christian. That you have accepted Jesus Christ the son of God as your Lord and Savior and have been baptized for the remission of your sins. Secondly, if you are a "committed' christian, your church attendance and involvement in your local church is going to reflect your membership there.

The church is not like social clubs or organizations like the VFW, Moose Lodge, Lions Club, Rotary, etc...where  you pay an annual due or whatever and attendance and involvement is optional.  The church is more than a social setting or organization, it is  the Body of Christ.  It is a family and community and membership to this body should be taken seriously and mean something to you.

If you want to place your membership in God's church then you should be willing to make a commitment to serve, give, and attend faithfully.  Your membership to the church should be backed up by your atttitude and actions.  Meaning as you grow in your personal faith and mature, your service to God in giving of your time, finances, and abilities should grow.

Being a member of a certain church isn't a free ticket to heaven.  Saying your a christian or believing in a God isn't what is required of salvation and eternal life. Salvation is a process and living a christian life is too and so is our membership to the church. We have God's word as our guide and His Holy Spirit as well. 

Churches of all kinds of denominations set up membership classes and polices and some are great and help people understand what is expected of them as a member of that particular church.  But, ultimately your church membership and more importantly your membership to the family of God and church body is your sole responsibility.

As a Minister I cannot force my church members to come to church, or give of their time or money or abilities. I can educate them on what God requires of us, or encourage them to give faithfully to God through the church in a variety of ways, and I can help them understand maybe what God wants if they don't know exactly how to give or serve financially or with their time and abilities, but I can't make anyone come to church, be the church, or be committed.

It is my desire today to those who read this that if you are calling yourself a christian, but you are not a member of a church anywhere that you find a church and make a commitment to serve God there.  I do not believe a person can be a christian and not be a member of God's church locally.   Jesus did not die on the cross and establish the church, for it to have no meaning or be optional folks, we need to read our bibles, church has a purpose and it's the body of Christ, which requires membershp of it's body parts(me and you).  Also, if you do claim to be a membership of a local church, are you attending faithfully? Are you committed to not just attending weekly, but you also support  the church by giving financially a committed amount(you giving is between you and God and you are giving to God-not the church so don't stop giving if you get mad or don't get your way) and you should be serving through the church in some capacity, whether it's teaching, singing, cleaning, handing out bulletins, whatever the gifts you have find ways to use them in serving God and others through your local church.

Don't just call yourself a member of a church, we all need to be a member of the body of Christ and be active in our faith, serving the Lord, and then our membership to His church will definetly have its privileges.

Ephesians 5:29-31 (NIV1984)

²⁹ After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— ³⁰ for we are members of his body. ³¹ “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”^[a]

Immune

Immune

It's sounds like a nice word doesn't it?  Immune.  I am immune to your negative words!  I am immune to that illness or sickness!  Well I've lived my whole life, all 40 years of it never having an issues with poison ivy until last week!  I got it and I got it good. I had to go get a shot and steroids to get rid of the rash and no one wanted to be around me or touch me for some reason?

I read that sometimes as you get older you immunity to certain things changes, which in this case my years of never having an issue with poison ivy obviously has changed.  I am no longer immune.   It got me to thinking about the way our society has headed.  We used to be bothered by certain things in society, maybe language on tv shows or sex in movies, or social issues that the media pushes, but it seems over time, we become immune to those things and our convictions stop and we no longer are so convicted or offended by things, nor do we stand up for them.

I think of the biggest dangers for christians is when we become immune to the consequences or guilt of sin.  When you first sin, you may feel guilty or remorse and even repent, but if you keep doing it long enough and over time, you stop feeling guilty, or you justify it bein ok, and eventually (in your mind anyway) it's ok, and you have made yourself immune to the consequences or harm of that sin.

We live in an ever changing world and I know so many people think the world we live in today is awful, but if you study the Old Testament and even the New Testament, you see that governments were still trying to force people to go against God,  people were still really sinful and did bad things, and sin was still sin. 

The problem in any time or society is whether christians decide to remain sensitive to sin and allergice to the conseuqences of sin and avoid and flee from it, or we allow other things beside our relationship with God to dicate what we do and say and how we live.

Yeah I lived 40 years without having to worry about Poison Ivy, I had  good run, but now I have to protect myself in the future so that I do not get the rash or suffer the consequences of it's poison.  We need to live our lives the same way.  Protect ourselves against the sins, temptations, people and things, that bring us down, hurt us, and hinder us.

Learn to pay attention to the things that cause struggle, pain, or sin in your life and make the changes you need to make, or soon you will find yourself immune to it and it will be too late.

Proverbs 16:17(NIV)
The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life.

Broken

Broken

I've been going over my sermon this week on "Re-Building" talking about Nehemiah rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem and tying it in to how the church can rebuild.  But, the same principles are true of our lives.

Many of us reading this blog today are broken, things in life have tore down the walls of protection, hope, and peace around your life.  Divorce, death, job loss, depression, relationship issues, troubled kids, financial stresses, anger, unforgiveness, etc...the list could go on of the things that can cause you and me to feel broken.

When I am broken, I feel helpless. I become frustrated, and it is there I am reminded it's not my job to be God and rebuild my situation or life alone, it's my job to listen to and follow God and allow Him to help me rebuild my life or situation. 

It will not happen overnight, it may take time, it may not be the same as before, and then again, you may not know what the future will hold, but the key for me and you is to put our hope and trust in God.  God will never let us down, lead us astray, or fail us.  Any failure or let down is on our part.

Sometimes we need to be broken and at the bottom so that God can finally get our attention and that we can finally allow God to do His job.  So many times we want to do God's job and if we don't try to play God then we are usually blaming Him for all that's wrong or playing victim or feeling sorry for ourselves.

It's time to step up, grow up, stop making excuses and blame shifting, and pick yourself up and seek the Lord.  Repent if you need to repent.  Change if you need to change.  Adjust your attitude if you need to adjust it. Whatever the case, I can't speak because I don't know your situation and you don't know mine, but I do know no matter the situation God can help us rebuild our lives.

 We have to stop living in the past, break old habits, destroy old cycles, get rid of our negative thinking, and status quo and we need to start all over.   No  matter the situation you face today or have been dealing with, let God guide and help you to rebuilding your life.  Understand it will take time, one day at a time. Understand you can't be God or tell God how to do His job.  You also cannot live in the past and keep doing things the same ways when they do not work and haven't been working.  You must learn to trust more in God's provisions and His timing, understanding its gonna take time to reubuild your sitution.

Your life may  never be the same or go back to the way it was, and sometimes that's a good thing, but either way that doesn't mean your life can't be better, have more meaning, or have more God if we would start the process of rebuilding our lives and giving our situations over to God.   Admit your are broken and need fixed.  Realize God is our creator and the only one who can heal and fix our brokeness. I'm there with you today folks, we all got issues and problems in our lives that need God's attention and intervention so that He can begin the rebuilding process. Let's all start today.

 “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work.-Nehemiah 2:18b(NIV)

New Things

New Things

⁵ He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”
 Revelation 21:5NIV

New can be a good thing or a bad thing, just depends on the circumstance or situatioin..  A new job can be exciting, unless you lost your last job and didn't want to look for one.  A new relationship can be good, unless you are still pining over the last one that ended that wasn't your choice.  A new start can be nice, unless you are still living or dwelling on the past, which will make it difficult to start over.

Regadless of the situation good or bad, things will become "NEW" at times whether we want them to or not.  I think it's more of an attitude or outlook that we need as opposed to making things worse or prolonging the inevitable. 

Sometimes we need to start over in a new job, a new town, a new church, a new relationship, or new scenary whether it was our choice or not.  We need to understand that God is still God no matter our earthly circumstances and as the scrpture above indicates with God all things are new.

I can relate in my life right now.  I am in a new town, a new church, a new job, and a new opportunity. Ofcourse, this newness was my choice, but the church I'm coming to didn't have a choice they weren't looking for something new, but their minister of the last 2 1/2 years passed away back in May unexpectedly of a heart attack, so whether they wanted or intended to start over, God had other plans for them.The church I just left serving will start a new day with a new minister and so the new things continue.

I am not sure what you are facing today, dealing with, going through, or whatever?  Maybe you want some things to be new, maybe you didn't want anything to change, or you don't feel you are ready for something new? Either way, having a bad attitude, blaming others, sulking, or feeling sorry for yourself won't change the fact that you may have to start over or begin a new day with new things.

My encouragement for you is whether you wanted new or not to embrace it, seek God and trust Him and ask for His help, guidance, strength, or whatever it is you may need in your situation. But, above all don't make things worse by being negative.

Who you Worship?

Who You Worship?

My last blog was about following God and not our denomations, or tradtions, and things of this nature that many get caught up in and miss the point of truly following God and being in a realtionship with Him.

It got me thinking even further on this issue and how so many times we base our  christianity on this type of mentality and even take it a step further.  Many times we get caught up following a certain preacher or denomination or church group to the point where we base our faith and judgement of other christians on whether they are like-minded like us.  When the Bible tells us to be "like-minded", this is not the type of like-minded it's talking about.

What I'm getting at is we tend to start worshipping our pastor or a certain preacher or teacher or authoer we like, or we take to other extreme: We look down or judge someone because they go to a certain church, or listen or read a certain preacher or author or speaker we don't agree with.

We don't have to agree with every preacher, author, singers, speakers, theology or doctrine to learn something from them, but at the same time, we need to use discernment and wisdom in hearing what they say. At the same time, we must become so in awe of them, we tend to put them in higher regard in our life than God.

I've been to churches and know people who go to certian churchers where all that comes out of their mouth is pastor this and pastor that, pastor said this, pastor did that, blah blah blah and speaking as a pastor/preacher I do not want to be put on that type of pedestal and if people are talking about me (good or bad haha) more than they are about God then I've failed or got too big an ego. We worship God not a man and certainly not a church group/denomination.

Also, I've noticed that sometimes we judge people based on what they read or who they listen to.  I was recently criticized because I quoted Joyce Meyers on fb(by more than one person even),  do I agree with everything Joyce Meyers says? No!  Do I agee with all of Joyce Meyers theology or doctrine? No!  However, that doesn't mean she doesn't have some good quotes, say some good things in books, or on the radio.   We need to stop being so legalistic and narrow-minded to think that we have so arrived that only speakers/authors/preachers from our church group/denomination are the only ones who are annointed/called/gifted etc....Some people will not even listen or read or hear what someone has to say if they do not line up with them theologically/doctrinally/ or even opinions.  People that is why God gives us discernment, I don't care who a person is we can learn from others even those we oppose or disagree with, if you  can't distguish that then in my opinion you aren't mature enough in your faith or too narrow in your mind. 

There are many out like Joyce Meyer, Joel Olsteen, Rick Warren, Max Lucado, Charles Stanley, Chuck Swindoll, John Hagee, Fred Craddock, to name a few that I may not agree with on every issue, topic, stance, including doctrine, theology, social issues, or scripture, but not everyone is a heretic, false teacher, or of the devil who doesn't line up or agree with me, and honestly none of these mentioned has ever asked my opinion?  What's up with that?

Ok, seriously though my thought today is simple. I worship God. The God!  The great I AM.  I can only saved today because of Jesus Christ and I have the gift of the Holy Spirit in my life.  I am a sinner saved by grace.   It is my own personal responsibility to grow and mature my faith, to guard my heart, learn and grow in God's Word and Will.   But, no matter where I go to church, what I preach or teach about God, or who's books I read, or speakers I listen to, or preachers I hear, it is my job to use Godly wisdom and discernment, and not dismiss what someone has to offer or say because they don't go to "my" church" or  believe "like me" or whatever excuses we use to dismiss them or judge others who listen, hear, or read them.  I know there are false teachers out there, but if you're mature in your faith, you should be able to discern that with God's help.

Don't miss out on opportunities to learn, grow, and be challenged by others, and sometimes being able to listen to someone we don't agree or moves us  out of our comfort zone is what makes us grow and mature.    Worship God, not your pastor or your church!  But at the same time worship God and be willing to use discernment when hearing others and do not judge or criticize those who think or see differently than you. 

I Corinthians 3:1-9
Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly—mere infants in Christ. ² I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. ³ You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men? ⁴ For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere men? ⁵ What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. ⁶ I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. ⁷ So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. ⁸ The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. ⁹ For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.

Follow God

Follow God

Sounds simple doesn't it?  Follow God.  Many claim to follow God but their lifestyles, actioins, or fruit their life is producing(or not producing) speaks otherwise, but what about the other side of that coin?  What about those who claim to be following God but in reality they are just really following a tradition, or the way they were raised, or a denomination, or a church sect/group, or following a bible version, or a preacher/pastor, or something else?

Yes, many people claim to be following God, but in reality they are really focused on other things besides God.  It more people were following God, christians would get along better, churches wouldn't split, we wouldn't have so many denominations or church groups, and we most certainly wouldn't get all caught up on personal agendas, subjects, and topics.

Do you truly worship God or are you more a follower of the church you attend or the name on the sign?  Do you care more about hot button topics or things you can argue about and put down others, or do you truly love with the love of Christ?  The only time I ever saw Jesus ugly with people was the crooks in the temple and with the legalistic pharisees all who were supposed to be religious, but were more selfish than selfless and more about their agenda or rituals or egos than serving God.

I'm not here to argue one church group/denomination over the others, nor am I here to argue one type of bible version, praise & worship music style, or any other topic you can think of that causes divisions, splits, factions, and disssension in the church.  I'm not trying to argue at all, what I am doing it trying to urge everyone reading this devotional blog today to do their own part to follow God and make following God their first priority.

It's ok to have convictions and prefernces and opinions, but know enough about the bible to know the difference between facts and fiction or common sense or ignroance.  Don't push or bind your feelings or opinions, preferences or convictions on others, as a matter of fact, if your faith is based on the way you were taught or raised, or the church you grew up in and not God and His Word based on your own personal walk with God and your own reading, study, and research, you might want to do a little soul searching today and ask yourself why you believe what you believe? Why do you go to church where you go?  Why do you feel strongly about certain things and not about others? 

So many people will carry on about abortion, gay rights, worship music, bible versions, speaking in tongues, end of times, denominationalism, and all sorts of topics and things, yet they never invite anyone to church, never share their faith, never take time to read their bible regularly, or use their gifts serving God through the local church or out in the community.  We need to get our priorities in line.  Follow God.  Let God's spirit lead and guide you as you pray, study, mature, and grow, and if he gives you a passion for something that is fine, but be careful that you do not become narrow-minded, dogmatic, self-absorbed, or led astray by the devil, yes even the devil's biggest weapons are christians.

Follow God. Not man, not a denomination, not a movement, not a name, not an upbringing, and not a tradtion.  Follow God.

Romans 15:5-6(NIV)
⁵ May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, ⁶ so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Same Team

Same Team

I am shocked and not so shocked at the same time at the attitude and behavior of some christians, churches, and preachers when it comes to judging, condemning, or bad-mouthing other christians or churches. 

I personally have felt this attack from others because I didn't go to their "kind" of church,  agree with certain "beliefs" they hold to, or didn't line up with their religious circle or viewpoint.  It makes me angry and sad at the same time.

There is a saying in churches of "shooting our wounded" or even in the military about "collateral damage" where some of our own troops may get killed or injured by friendly fire or our own doing.  I think this is both wrong and not Christ-like.

Whether you are an individual christian, a member of a certain church, or even a Minister we do not have any biblical authority or authority from God to condemn, belittle, put down, argue, or judge what another christian, church, or pastor believes. 

We may have an obligation in our churches to strive to preach the truth in love (eph 4:15), and also scripture tells us to use God's word to correct, rebuke, and teach (2 Tim 4:2), but we many take this overboard and begin in my opinion becoming modern day pharisees making being a christians about being a part of a certain church group/denomination or you have to have certain beliefs or opinions or I can't fellowship with you or I won't recognize you as a "real" christian.

I am personally tired and frustrated by all the spiritual ignorance that is going on in our world today and people doing it  in the name of God.  People worship their denomination, or personal views, or a bible version, or a preacher, or personal doctrine more than they worship  our Lord.  What's up with that?

There are people out there that if you don't use a certain bible version  then you are a heretic, worldy, ignorant, stupid, and don't know the truth. There are those out there that if you aren't a member of their church group or denomination, you aren't really a true or real christian and you are being misled and following man and not God.  There are those out there who have such narrow views of God, His word, and faith that if you do not agree with their view on a certain topic like baptism, eternal security, worship, music, bible version, communion, speaking in tongue, spiritual gifts, etc..then you aren't really a good christian or you aren't as spiritual as them or are misled or confused.

I agree there are certain things in the Bible that are clear, in writing, and clear instructions of what God expects of His church and followers, however there are also many things in God's word where we as individuals have liberty or freedom.  This is hard for many to accept because they weren't "raised" that way or "taught" that way.  They were raised or taught one way and any other way is wrong, a sin, or blasphemy.  We as indivuals are responsible to read and study God's word.

I am not tyring to change anyone today, but I am trying to open our minds this morning, that we are hurting God and hurting the church and our faith if/when we are judgemental, dogmatic, militant, or harsh with our faith, especially toward others who are christians or go to different churches or maybe share different opinions about certain topics/subjects than us.  I think that type of behavior and attitude is way more wrong than what me or you believe about worship music, bible versions, or what to wear to church, or what I believe about the second coming.

I think they key for everyone is to ask ourselves about any issue is  "Is this a salvation issue"?  meaning if I believe this or practice this will it effect my salvation?  Or we need to ask ourselves "Is this Kingdom bearing"?  Meaning is this really a place for liberty, freedom, or personal conviction or is this a command from God.  I know it's hard for many of us to a accept or change our attitude and thoughts and ways that we've practice for ages, but I don't care how long you've been a christian, how long you've been preaching, or how long you've been a member of a certain church,  if you are putting down, belittling, name calling, or judging others to defend "your" position, faith, or church then you are nothing more than a bully, a trouble-maker, and causing division and dissension in the church body as a whole, and you are the one who is ignorant, misled, or missing the truth.

Jesus never treated people that way,  the only time Jesus was really harsh was to the ignorant, self-centered, arrogant Religious leaders and Pharisess due mostly to their attitude and self-proclaimed spiritual authority.

I am not saying we all compromise our beliefs or convictions, but what I am suggesting today is that we do not put down, look down, or not assoicated with other christians or churches simply because they don't share the exact same viewpoint, convictions, or opinions as me.  We do not have to agree on every issue to fellowship, accept on another, or worship together.   

I think we need to practice a lot more grace, respect, and unity with those churches and christians who may not share all the same practices, beliefs, views, or opinions that I may share.  If you feel convicted to about a bible version, or worship style, or some other issue, than do not  bind that on others.  Would you want someone to do you that way.  Also understand just becuase you have a conviction or belief about something doesn't mean you are correct or have authority to bind that on others.  Exericse love with others.  Respect their views.  It's not your job or place to always "correct"
 or "challenge" everyone and when you think you are doing them a favor, you really are just making them not want to be around you or listen to you because many times people who try to "correct' others in "error" usually do more damage than good.

We are on the same team, Yes!  Same Team!  You might not like it or agree with it, but we serve the same Lord.  We may choose to use a different bible version(which isn't changing God's word) simply a different translation(do some research) or we may choose to sing songs of worship differntly (contemporary worship, traditional hymn worship, instruments or no instruments), and we may go to churches that have different names on the sign/door, and we all may share diffrent views on a variety of topics in the bible(and they are endless it seems), but that doesn't make me or you less or more of a christian, righter or wronger(I just made up those words), or it doesn't make you or me more or less spiritual.

Come on people,  treat other christians with love and respect even when you disagree.  We are an example to the outside world and why in the world would a lost, unsaved, un-churches person ever want to go to church or follow Jesus if his current followers treat each other this way or can't get along or fight or put each other down?  We are being a bad example.  I would rather be righteous than right anyday.  I would rather agree to disagree than argue and fight and put a wedge between me and a bother, and I certainly do not have any authority from God to claim a person a christian or not if they do not line up with my own personal faith.

Let's start working together, getting along, respecting others differences, and stop focusing on trying to prove others wrong, and start focusing on reaching the lost, building up the church body, and doing our part to get along with others and love others.  I'm at a point in my life where I am tired of fighting and listening to other christians constantly pushing their message with hate and ignorance and juding others and putting them down.  I have no room in my life for people like this, if you don't accept me because I don't agree with you or line up with your thinking, then that is your problem and loss.  I for one will never put someone down or not fellowship with them or judge them not a christian because they don't agree with me or believe exactly as I do and I hope you will do the same.  Whether you like it or accept it, doesn't change the fact that we are on the SAME TEAM!

Romans 12:18(NIV)
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Missing Out

Missing Out

Maybe your've heard the saying "missing the forest for the trees"   it means being overly concerned with the details, but not understanding the whole situaiton.   How many times do we do this?

It's not saying details are not important, but when we are consumed or focuse way too much of our attention on details, we miss other things.

Reminds me of the story in the bible of sisters Martha and Mary when Jesus came to visit them. (Luke 10:38-42) Martha was busy doing all the preparations and worrying about Jesus visiting and having guests, but instead of helping with preparations Mary chose to sit and listen to Jesus and when Martha complained to Jesus, Jesus corrected Martha's atttitude by saying Mary chose what was better.

It's a great little story of how we get all caught up, worried, and distracted by things, and we end up missing the point, or not enjoying what we should be enjoying, or we give others a hard time who don't share our same attittude, which is wrong in the first place.

How many times have we "missed the forest for the trees?"  We don't enjoy the time or place we are or what's going on because we are worried or distracted by other things?  How many times do we worry about things that don't matter in church or in our faith and condemn or judge others who don't believe or agree with us, yet we are the ones who is overfocusing on details and not understanding the reality of the situation.

How many times do we stay busy, too busy, always busy and never take time to relax or enjoy company, or a church event, or a party or something, and we get mad because everyone else is relaxing and havng fun and "we're doing all the work."  I got news for ya, you are the one missing out.

Details are impoprtant, but they should not overide what's really imporant.  Sure they're are commands and things in the Bible to tell us how to live and how Christians should act, worship, etc...but so many times we become legalistic or narrow-minded about issues or subjects that don't even matter to God, they only matter to us, I think God would say, "you're missing the forest for the trees".  His word does matter, but most of the topics and things that christians and churches argue over aren't salvation or doctrinal issues, they are prefernces and opinions that don't really matter.

I think so many times in our personal lives we miss time with family and friends and taking time to rest and relax and enjoy life or lifes events because we won't allow ourselves to relax or take a break or enjoy them.  Take a chill pill, slow down, and enjoy being in the forest and stop focusing on certain trees.

Luke 10:41-42(niv)
⁴¹ “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, ⁴² but only one thing is needed.^[f] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Do It

Do It!

When  it comes to doing the things we know we need to do, do we really need someone to push, pull, prod, guilt, and force us to do things we should want to do on our own?

I mean, let's be real, why should my wife beg me to be a better husband?  Why should you guilt your kids into cleaning their rooms or taking out the trash? Why should I have to beg my best friend prod my best friend to tell the truth?  Why should I have to push you to keep reading this blog??

Anyway, my point being, when it comes to chores or exercise or things like that yeah sometimes maybe we need a little encouragement or support or something along those lines, but when it comes to right and wrong, truth and lying, or honoring God or sinning, I do not think anyone should have to force you to do the right thing, tell the truth, or honor God.

When you become a Christain, God promises us the gift of His Holy Spirit to come dwell in us and serve our guide.  It's job is to help guide us, teach us, encourage us, and yes even guilt or prompt us, but if it comes to the point we are made to do something, then we lose freewill.  God is not going to force you to serve Him or live for Him and I don't think it should be pulling teeth to do the things in our lives we need to do to have peace, fix problems, or grow our faith.

If you've been avoiding something, stop it!  Go fix what you need to fix, make that phone call, send that e-mail, make that visit, or whatever is is you need to do.  If you want to go back to school, or lose weight, or work on your self-esteem or whatever it is you've been procrastinating, go for it!

It's time for us to get off the couch (spiritually speaking) and start doing what we need to do.  Be a better parent, be a better spouse, a better employer or employeer, serve or give more in church, or step up and start leading, of if God is calling you to ministry of some kind stop running or avoiding it.

Let's do what we need to do so that our life can empty of baggage, clutter, and things left undown and lets grow in our faith, stretch our faith, and mature in our faith.

Romans 8:5(NIV)
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

Worldy Pressures

Worldy Pressures

What's got you down?  What's stressing you out?  What has you feeling overwhelmed?  Is it a job? A relationship?  Finances?  Illness?  Anger? Dissapointment?  Many things can leave us feeling broken, hurting, bitter, or down right frustrated in this world we live in.

No one is exampt from the pains, struggles, and problems, or troubles of this world in any form or fashion, even those who follow Jesus, probably I should say especially those who follow Jesus.   I think when you are trying to live for God, grow in your faith, or trying to serve the Lord in some capacity the worlds pressures may very well increase, whether it's God testing you or Satan attacking you, you can rest assure that those times will come. 

Sometimes the demands of our careers, families, relationships, etc...can seem like too much to bare. Believe me I am there, and what me or you are feeling is not isolated to only us, and though we may feel like no one understands us or gets us or can help us or relate to us, God always can, but it will in in His way, His will, and His timing.

There are many things in this world that can get the best of us,  and we have to be careful to guard our hearts, guard our minds, and protect ourselves when these times are upon us.  The question isn't if, it's when?  So, the first step is preparing ourselves for what the world throws at us.  Secondly, we must be able to endure and persevere through those moments and times so that we don't give up, give in, or blame God or others. 

Thirdly, we need to keep our focus on God and not the pressures and look for ways to overcome whatever the world is throwing at you through prayer, reading God's word, or talking to a trusted counselor/friend.

Do not let the world win,  you are greater and bigger that this world and God created you to be an overcomer.
 
1 John 4:4(NIV)
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

Amish Paradise

Amish Paradise

Many people are still or have been the past several days in West Virginia and surrounding states dealng with the loss of power.  With the loss of power for many comes no water or only cold water, loss of phones, internet, and the pleasures we enjoy of tv, computers, video games, and anything electronic.  Many have lost food in their freezers or fridges, and many other inconveniences.

With this said, my family and I spent the last 5 days without many of those luxuries, but the key there is luxury.  There are many things we take for graanted like a/c, fridges, hot water tanks, tv, and computers.  We also, realize how much we depend on rely on electrical power.

Now, I'm not going to lie, I have no desire to be Amish or live as a mountain man, but at the same time I think the break away from many things was a needed break for some, a reminder of who is in control of all things(God), and maybe a wake-up call to others to get their priorities in line.

I'll admit I missed checking my fb or keeping up with local/national news or what's going on in the world, and I missed hot showers and my DVR/dish/tv.  However, at the same time, I also found myself not griping or complaining about it, and also reflecting and focusing on other things.

I think I was reminded that God has TOTAL POWER.  He is the source of all power that we need in this life.  That He controls the wind, the storms, and anything this life has to throw at us and not only does He have control over all these natural things, He has power to protect us, sustain us, guide us, and strengthen us.

I also realized from time to time we need a MEDIA FAST.  Take a break from tv, video games, computers, the internet, iphones, ipads, facebook, email, or whatever it is that you keep you nose in. Whether you take a break for a day a few days a week or whatever, take a break and enjoy something else like taking a walk,  going fishing, reading a good book, catching up on your to-do list you've been neglecting, or spend some extra time with God through study, prayer, or serving extra at church.

Finally I realized there is a difference between NEEDS and WANTS.  Believe it or not Air condition is a luxury not a necessity, just because many of us have grown up with things and seldom did without doesn't make them needs.  For years and years many people have to live without electric, or electrical powered fridges, stoves, etc....and even yes life did exist before computers and internet.  This time without electric was a great time to thing about what's really a need or what is a want.  Nothing wrong with wants, but never make them needs.

I am thankful we got our power back, I'm thankful we were kept safe from the storms, and thankful for all the workers who worked around the clock to restore power, phones, water, and remove trees and storm damage.  Most of all I am thanfkul for a a God who is always there for us.

Luke 8:25 NIV
“Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”

Setting Standards

Setting Standards

Whether you're a christian, a boss, a spouse, or a parent, I think we need to set standards for those who we role model for, those who look to us for guidance, and those we oversee.

Wel all know with no rules, laws, etc...there would be chaos, anarchy, etc....Heck, even with those things we still have those to break the law, rules, and act chaotic and have no respect for authority, others, etc...but I think God calls us to a higher standard.

Especially as a church leader, a Christian, and as a role model or parent, we need to set standards for our family, our children, and those whom we have influence.

When we lead and serve in the church, we need to lead and serve by example.  We can't expect others to follow us where we aren't willing to go and we can't expect others to do jobs or tasks we aren't willing to do ourselves.  We shouldn't have to do all the work, but we also need to do some of the work to role model and be an example to others.

As bosses and supervisors at our secular jobs, we need to realize no matter where we go as christians out in the work force, even regardless of whether we are supervisors, managers, or bosses, we represent Christ.  We need to model integrity, honesty, treating others fair, and avoid gossip, dishonest dealings, and tearing others down to get ahead.

As a parent especially we need to set standards for our children.  They need to have clear boundaries, natural consequences for their behaviors & actions, and we need to be consistent in enforcing them.  We also need to pay close attention and monitor and set clear standards for what our children watch on tv, what type of music they listen to, what video games they play, and what they are looking at on the internet.  Remember all those things are luxuries and wants not demands or needs.  We are the parents, we must be the parent, and protect our children from all the media outlets out there.  So many times, I've seen kids posting stuff on facebook, music on their iphods/mp3 players, or they tell me what movies or tv shows they watch and Lord knows what they look at on the web. 

We can't be asleep at the wheel or naive about what our children are doing.  We must be pro-active and smart about technology and what is out there.  Most things have ratings/labels and we must have control/access to our kids things.  It's ok to listen to music, play video games, watch movies, and play on the internet, but please set and maintain standards to protect your children and family so that they aren't led astray or pick up bad habits.

The key here today is to have standards.  Morals, values, integrity, character, and sensitivity to good and evil, & right and wrong.  God is our standard.  His word is our guide.   I'm not sayingf be amish, be rigid, be legalistic, but a person with no standards in their lives is opening pandora's box to sin, regret, bad news, bad habits, rebellion, or worse.  Let God be your standard in your life, your family, your job, and your relationships.

1 Corinthians 11:1
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ

Look Ahead

Look Ahead

Philippians 3:13-14(NIV)
¹³ Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus

It's easy to live in the past,  it's easy to wollow in self-pity, regret, and focusing on our past mistakes and problems.  But, as long as we are constantly looking in the rear view mirror of life, we are never going to live in the present to overcome our past, or look to the future to overcome our past and be used by God again or live a healthy productive lifde.

Apostle Paul gave the church in Philippi great advice, admitting he didn't have it totally together himself, but one thing he did know what the he wa going to forget the past and push forward to what was ahead in his life and wasn't going to give up because he wanted to go to heaven to be with Jesus.

Paul had every reason to feel guilty, regret, and live in the past.  He persecuted the church, had people arrested and killed for following Jesus, now He was one of the things He used to despise a Christ follower, He had every reason to want to feel sorry for himself or feel like he wasn't good enough or let his past dictact his life, but he didn't.  He accepted grace, forgiveness, and Jesus.  He owned up to His past, but did not let it define His life.

We all have a past. I have things in my life I regret, I wish I hadn't said or done, and believe me I've had my bouts with doubt and thinking God could never use me again or I wasn't good enough to ever be in ministry again, but here I am, and so can you.  Maybe you aren't called to full-time ministry, but God still wants and can use you despite your past.

Maybe you used to be an addict? Maybe you used to be a drunk or party too much?  Maybe you were a cheater or adulterer?  Maybe you used to lie and manipulate and deceive people?  I don't know what skeletons you have in your past, but leave them there, deal with them, accept responsibility for who you were then, and even when people doubt  you or judge you for your past, do not let that stop youf from living today and looking forward to a future that only God can give you.

No one can determine what you can do today to change or what you can do tomorrow to make a difference.  Stop looking back.  Let your past serve as a reminder not  a result of who you are today.

No one can change what they said or did yesterday or what they did or was a year ago, five years ago, or 20 years ago.  But we can change today.  We have a choice.  We can start the process of getting our lives back and living for a future with God.

The View

The View

No, I'm not talking about the show of ladies gossiping and talking about everyone, I am talking about your view, what you see, through your eyes, especially when your world doesn't go the way you expect it or want it to go?

Many times our views of people, circumstances, and things can become clouded or skewed based on anger, bitterness, hurt feelings, misunderstanding, miscommunication, gossip, not having all the information, or the wrong information.

Sometimes our views can be blinded by the pain of tragedy, trauma, or problems.  We don't understand why or how things happen the way they do?  Why is this happening to me? Why did the have to die? Why did I have to go through this?  I feel so alone or misunderstood.

Our view of people or places changes sometimes with our feelings, emotions, or whether things go our way or not.  Sometimes we feel cheated if we don't get our way, or we feel angry if we don't get what we want, or we feel jealous if someone get something we wanted, or we fee slighted if we are ignored or not chosen, or recognized for something we feel we should.

I am not sure your situation or scenario today, but I can assure you many times we see things based on some of the situations mentioned above and we are seeing things not as they are.  Yes, sure sometimes things don't go our way, but not everyone is always out to get you, and things aren't always going to go your way or be in your favor, and yes you are going to have bad days and bad things are going to happen in your life out of your control and you must learn to live with it, deal with it, and work through those times, problems, circumstances, and situations no matter what they may be.

1 Corinthians 13:12NIV
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 is typically the "love" chapter, we read at weddings and funerals and its supposed to make us feel warm and fuzzy, but right in the middle of that chapter is this verse.  It is a verse to remind us that sometimes we aren't always going to see everything or understand everything, but someday we will. 

The key ingredient in everything is TRUST.  We have to trust God that even know we may not understand the WHY or the HOW or the WHEN whether it's our prayers or circumstances or things not going our way, that God has our best interest in mind, He has a different plan for us, He is trying to teach us something, or it's not in HIS will for us. 

Sometimes you aren't going to see things clearly because your feelings or emotions or even selfish attitude won't allow you, but God always sees clearly and if we trust in Him, someday we can see everything through His eyes.

Hang in there, don't get discouraged, don't let sin or bad feelings or negative emotions cause you live or act in a way that doesn't please God just because your view of things is clouded or skewed.  Trust God.

Tell The Truth

Tell The Truth

Proverbs 12:17NIV
An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies

Sounds pretty simple doesn't it? It should be, but for many it is not.  They choose to lie, stretch the truth, mislead, or fashion the truth into whatever it is that may make them look good, feel good, or get what they want.

Truth is truth, there is not form or fashion of it, it's either true or not, I don't care what anyone tells you there is truth and there is lie.  There is no inbetween, to say anything else, changes the very defintion of the word.

We need to be people of truth. If someone asks you a question, you give them a truthful answer. If someone asks you what happened, or how you feel about something, or what is going on, you give them the truth.  When you tell the truth and give the truth you never have to think, re-think, or ponder your answers. People who lie, always have to lie to cover up lies, and have to constantly think about what they say because they can't keep their lies straight.

Tell the truth, no matter the cost, because lying will cost you more.  Tell the truth, even if you have to tell it alone, because lying will leave you much more a lone. Tell the truth, at the risk of making someone mad, hurting their feelings, or threat of losing them, because lying or being dishonest with upset God, damage your feelings, and threaten your integrity an character.

People need truth and if they don't like it or don't want to hear it, that is their problem not yours or mine. It is not our job to change or adjust the truth to accomodate people's feelings, emotions, or ego's. Truth is truth.

You cannot hide the truth, no matter how much you lie, manipulate, scheme, or hide it, the truth always eventually comes out in one form or fashion, or one way or the other, and we can be sure that God is always a God of truth and will not stand for dishonesty, lying lips, and deceivers.

We all have fell short at times of telling the truth, even if our intent wasn't to lie, maybe we stretched the truth, or hid it, or ignored it, to save our feelings or someone elses, or to not hurt someone, or protect someone, but I don't care the situation, I think it is always best to be honest and tell the truth and that is what God expects of everyone.

One of the 10 commandments is "You shall not Lie", I think it's pretty important to God to not lie and be truthful, no matter the circumstance. I'd rather tell the truth and risk hurting someone's feelings, or making someone mad, or whatever the case, than live with the guilt or shame of ruining my character by not being a man of truth.   Now, I am not talking about giving people our opinions or running our mouths to or about people, based on our opinions or feelings and not actual facts or truth, that happens alot, we pick and choose our truth, but again it goes back to the simple equation, truth is truth.  

Be truthful in your relationships, your dealings and treatment of others, your words and actions, and most of all in your faith.  Every day of our lives lets strive to be truthful and honest in each and every situation, don't make excuses or justify your behavior, be truthful with God, be truthful with others, and be truthful with yourself, until you do you will never heal, get better, or be the person God wants you to be.  No one wants to be around or deal with a liar.

Psalm 25:5niv
Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long

Parent of the Year

Parent of the Year

We may joke that sometimes when we mess up "there goes our parent of the year award" all in fun, but the truth is there are many parents out there who aren't making honest mistakes in everyday parenting, in truth, they are absent in parenting, not accepting responsibility in their role as a parent, and even extreme cases of abuse or neglect by evil or hurtful deadbeat parents.

As I was thinking about Mother's Day and Father's Day sermons for the holidays it got me thinking that some people probably dislike these holidays because they have/had a horrible mom/dad.  It's hard to honor or celerate someone who is absent, neglectful, selfish, violent, an addict, or mean.  Not everyone has a loving mother or father.

It takes no effort to be a sperm donor or a baby mama, but it takes alot of hard work and responsibility to be a responsible, loving, and good parent figture.  Some womem get pregnant at the drop of a hat or some guys go around sleeping with everyone they can find without even consdering the consequences and we end up having alot of babies being born into a world where their parents don't want them or in cases where they do keep them, they don't care for them properly or the way they should.  Children need nurtinging physically, mentally, emotionally, and  spiritually, as well as taught respect, honesty, and how to treat others, just to mention a few of the roles of responsible parents.

Truth is not everyone grows up with that or gets to experience that and it's easy for us that grew up in a fairly stable or normal home to not understand or get why people are angry, bitter, or end up the way they do.  We are a product many times of our home environment, I know there are definitel exceptions to the rule, but many children grow up not being treated well, loved in healthy ways, or being taught respect, compassion, or responsibility. They grow up around hate, neglect, abuse, drugs, alchol, sex, violence, vulgar language, and the list continues of negative attritbutes and experiences they pick up on and live through, no matter celebrating mom or dad isn't at the top of their list.

I want to encourage you today to love on those who don't or didn't have a good mother or father figure. Many of us can be a mother or father figure to those kids at church or our chlidren's friends, or kids on our kids ball teams or cheering squad.  We can invite them to our home for family times and functions so that they see and experience what a family should look like.  We also can pray for them, and encourage your children to model for them good behaviors.  We can also report cases of neglect and suspected abuse if we notice it.

The most important thing we can do is not enable or dismiss poor behavior by kids, do not use their homelife or situation as an excuse to let them get by with disrespect, lying, or bad behavior.  That is the worst thing we can do for them,  we need to model and teach them these positive behaviors and correct them, so they know that isn't normal or accepted if they are acting out.

There are good mothers and fathers out there, praise God!  We also have a Heavenly parent, our Father, God, who is ultimate example of love, discipline, and how we should live and act.  Let's be good parents, and let's help  those who don't have good parents to see, there is hope, and our situation or circumstnaces don't have to determine our future, and not all parents bad.

Matthew 6:14NIV
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you

It's Personal

It's Personal

1 John 3:18(NIV)
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth

Think about certain things in life; issues or topics that sometimes can be heated or we can be very opinionated or judgemental about and how they change when all the sudden they affect us personally:

-We are against homosexuality, until our son or daughter or brother or sister comes out of the closet and all the sudden our stance changes.
-We are dead set against divorce until that family member or loved one goes through it, then all the sudden it's hard to be so damning.
-We blame parents and think it's disgraceful when I teenager or unwed girl gets pregnant, until it happens to be our daughter or our son who does the deed, then it's a mistake or could happen to anyone.
-We badmouth addicts who are drunks or druggies and the people who enable them until it's our parent or best friend.

My blog isn't about these issues in particular I am just using these as examples, you can pick any subject or hot button topic of the day, but the bottom line is we are very hard-headed and stubborn about our beliefs, convictions, and opinioins, until all the sudden it affects us, hits a little too close to home, or we become personally touched by whatever situation or issue it might be.

What changed?  What changed is it's easy to be against something, to take stand for something, or be vocal about a subject until it becomes personal.  When you mix in emotions or feelings toward a loved one or friend our viewpoint suddenly shifts because all the sudden it's in my life, it's in my family, it's happening to my loved one.

Had God's word changed?  Has society changed? Has our morals or values changed?  The truth is me and you change based on our circumstances, becuase it's personal. It's easy to bad mouth someone elses problems, or be judgemental of a stranger, or take a stand against an unknown enemy, but when all the sudden the issues affects my son, my daughter, my parents, my aunt, my nephew, my best friend, etc...then no matter the issue, our emotions and feelings for that person take over and it changes my stance, my opinion, my view, not because I've discovered a new truth, or educated myself, or had positive discussions, but because it became personal.

The fact is, no matter the subject or topic, if it's wrong in God's word, it's wrong, it doesn't matter who or what it affects.  Truth is truth, and no matter the issue, if we have to lie or be dishonest to protect someone we "love", we aren't really loving them.  I know this may be hard to swallow for some and others may disagree with me (it's ok, you can), but we can still love our family and friends and not agree with their choices, their lifestyles, or their decisons.   We can support them, or help them, or love them without giving approval, enabling them, or lowering our standards, morals, values, or even our faith.

When it's all said in done what God says matters most on any subject or topic.  If you don't believe in God, or want to change or manipulate His word to fit your situation then that's between you and God, but even changing that, won't change the ultimate outcome.  God is God and we are not.  His Word last forevers and we change our views and opinions like the shifting sand as soon as it become uncomfortable, doesn't go our way, or affects us personally.

Again, please understand this blog is not about divorce, teen pregnancy, gay rights, drug abuse, addictions, or any one topic, the blog is what do you do when something in your life hits home and affects you personally.  Do you bow down to peer pressure, do you look the other way, do you justify or make excuses, or sacrifice truth for a lie or right for wrong, or do you realize you can still love your family and friends even when you don't like or agree with their choices or problems.

Something for us all to think about, we live in an ever changing world, where ethics have become situational and morals have become relative to the individual, (world's standards, not God's) but that doesn't change truth, rightness, or God.    Most of all we need to take our faith personally no matter the subject, topic, situation, problem, or how close it hits to home or how personal it becomes with a loved one, and remove the feelings and emotions and realize you can still love someone and not compromise your own values or beliefs or faith if we are willing to work through it and stay open to God's leading and direction and overcome the temptations and distractions that the devil can throw at us.  Love people, not their sins, problems, or choices.  Accept them without accepting those things you cannot with a good conscience or heart accept.  I can love someone without accepting their bad decisions, opinions, choices, or lifestyles.  My relationship and love for them doesn't change, we can choose to love and disagree and in matter of need, we can help them and support them.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5(NIV)
⁴ The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. ⁵ We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

In The Midst

In The Midst

Last evening I went to a special National Day of Prayer Service held at a local nursring home.  As I was sitting in the program surrounded by many of the nursing home residents, there was a lady near me that kept repeating a phrase over and over, her name was Geneva.  She kept saying repeatedly, "In the Midst of Jesus Christ".

I couldn't get this phrase out of  my head. I am not sure if she was quoting a song or something from her past, but the phrase she kept saying over and over, couldn't be more profound.  Midst literally means the the middle or center of something.

So, what the saying means is that we need to be snack dab in the middle of Jesus Christ, or Jesus Christ needs to be the center of our lives.

Isn't that a good place for us to be?  Shouldn't we all strive to live in the "midst" of Jesus Christ.  How different would our lives look, our circumstances, or our sitatuions be different or have a different perspective is we saw them from the center of Jesus Christ or in the middle of His presence or His will?

So many times we want God to join us where we are and move to us, when it's the oppositve, we need to meet God where He is and move toward Him.  He should be the center of our lives and from there our lives, problems, and situations could look and be a lot different, but when we try to handle things ourselves, do things our way, or keep our bad or wrong attitude, it is hard for us to not only be in God's will, but to center our lives around Him.

"In The Midst of Jesus Christ"  that is where I want to live and serve and be.  I appreciate that sweet still voice reminder from this precious little old lady named Geneva from the nursing home.   May we all strive to live in the midst of Jesus Christ and keep our lives in His midst.

1 Corinthians 3:16(NIV)Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?