PROVERBS 19:20

While You Were Sleeping

2008-12-24T08:12:00.004-06:00

For my annual Christmas post, I thought I would post the video for a wonderful song by Casting Crowns. "While You Were Sleeping" is the story of Jesus' birth and ultimately what America is missing. The person that put this video together, has clips from both The Nativity Story and Passion of the Christ. Enjoy!

Listen closely to the lyrics concerning America. As we each celebrate Christmas, let us keep in mind what it is all about, the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

United States of America
Looks like another silent night
As we’re sung to sleep by philosophies
That save the trees and kill the children
And while we’re lying in the dark
There’s a shout heard ‘cross the eastern sky
For the Bridegroom has returned
And has carried His bride away in the night, in the night

America, what will we miss while we are sleeping
Will Jesus come again
And leave us slumbering where we lay
America, will we go down in history
As a nation with no room for its King
Will we be sleeping?
Will we be sleeping?

United States of America
Looks like another silent night

Jesus is the Reason for the Season

2008-11-30T22:47:00.015-06:00

I know it has been a long time since I have posted. I have been pretty busy, and usually only have time to post comments on other blogs. Since the last time I posted, "A" has returned to work and finished his chemo and radiation treatments. He continues to be thankful of all the prayers that have been sent his way over the last months. He continues to get stronger every day and I am thankful that he is back at work with all of us.

I figured I would broach the Christmas topic, like many others will be in the coming weeks, for one main reason: the events of the last week.

This week, I have read the following headlines, and absolutely cringed:

Icelanders demand PM resign during violent protests: Thousands of Icelanders took to the street in violent protests in Rekjavik, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Geir Haarde and central bank governor David Oddsson in the wake of the country's complete financial collapse.

Throng Of 2,000 Shoppers Bum-Rush L.I. Wal-Mart: Worker, 34, Trampled, Dies; Nassau Cops: Pregnant Woman, 3 Others Injured By Unruly 'Black Friday' Mob

Witnesses: Fatal shooting followed toy store brawl

Mumbai terror rage ends after 60 hours, 195 dead

So, let me get this straight, due to the financial crisis around the world, we have riots in Iceland. Shoppers desperate to get those "great deals" at Wal-Mart, bum rushed the doors and trampled a worker to death and caused a pregnant woman to have a miscarriage. Two women start a fist fight, for unknown reasons, at a Toys R' Us, and the men with them shoot each other similar to a scene from Die Hard. Last, and certainly not least, a bunch of Islamic militants go on a shooting rampage in India, killing at least 195, and probably more.

What a way to start out the Advent season: with a little mayhem. My heart aches for our country, for the world, and it is times like these that I truly understand how fallen man is. Why our Father in heaven sent His only Son...to save us from ourselves.

More so, I wanted to post this to remind everyone what Jesus said about wealth in a time that the world and our country are on the brink of economic ruin and the biggest commercialized holiday of the year.

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Matthew 6:19-34 (NKJV)

While many people are looking to the government for the "bail out" answer, I look to scripture. And when it comes to trusting the government, the following quotes are very telling.

"A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have." Gerald Ford

"Well, I’m here to remind you that you’re going to fix the economy because your personal economy is up to you. It's not Washington's job to fix what's going on with you. If you are waiting on Washington to change something, you've got a long wait!

You’re going to give yourself money as a result of your hard work and persistence. Waiting for money to be taken from others and given to you is a spirit of envy, and it's wrong.

I’m not here to tell you who to vote for. But I am here to tell you that the government doesn’t have the capacity to fix your problems. Washington is full of bozos, and I am doing my part to send a lot of them home!

This economic mess is a reality, but we can each only control one thing—our reactions. Does this stuff define you? Only if you let it. The weird thing about the economy is that YOU are the economy! I learned this the hard way. I got my real estate license when I was 18 years old. By the time I was 21, interest rates had risen to 17% fixed-rate … and I still sold houses. How? Because I worked hard." Dave Ramsey (complete comments here)

As we begin Advent, think about challenging yourself to be more than just a Christian in name only. Live it out each day, proudly, on your sleeve. Be different! Be recognizable!

My home church, The Loft, started the Happy Birthday Jesus project last year. Each member is asked to look at their Christmas budget, cut it in half, and give half to Jesus for Christmas. The money is used for our mission project in Costa Rica. If your church is not doing something like this, hop over to The Advent Conspiracy and get plugged in there. Whatever it takes, step away from the commercialism of Christmas and step closer to what Christ challenges us to be every day, Servants.

Christ came for a reason, now that we know Him, let's let the world know Him through us.

UPDATE: The woman mentioned in the article at Wal-Mart suffered a miscarriage.

Help Me Obie-Wan, You're My Only Hope.

2008-05-14T08:20:00.003-05:00

For all the true Star Wars fans that may also be into cool home electronics, this is for you.

It can be all your for a little over $2,500.

"Though it tarry, wait for it." Habakkuk 2:3

2008-05-05T13:35:00.005-05:00

"For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry." Habakkuk 2:3 (NKJV)

I open this post this way for 3 reasons:

1.) I recently read a daily devotion from Oswald Chambers regarding this topic (excerpts at end of post.)

2.) I have been so busy with everything at work and home that I have not had time to update "A's" status, yet you have had patience.

3.) "A" continues to have patience in this whole process, more than I have ever seen in any man I know. While going through this all, he knows it is God's time. God's plan. He doesn't rush it. Doesn't push it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A couple of weeks ago, I learned that the tumor removed from "A's" brain was stage 3 cancer. He told me that there are 4 stages: 1 or 2 are almost never identified before reaching stage 3 and that stage 4 is terminal. With that, the doctor was going to move toward aggressive chemo and radiation treatment and his prognosis is good, considering his age and health.

The good news, he was able to stop by the office last week and visit. Everyone has been so supportive and was excited to see him up and about. He has also been successful during his occupational therapy. He continues to gain more movement in his left hand every day. Here is an update in his own words. When he talks about every one's prayers, he is talking about you guys, the readers, as well.

"We continue to be overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and prayers that have been put forth on my (our) behalf. We are so blessed!!! I am just now getting a hint what the following scripture means as a result of all your prayers, cards, well wishes and prayers.

'Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.' Romans 13:7-8

Updated information:
The majority of the past week has been spent navigating through MD Anderson’s admission process and occupational therapy on my left hand.

MD Anderson update first. I have been scheduled for another MRI tomorrow May 5 and we have been working to get previous films and reports and tumor samples gathered and in MD Anderson’s hands for our consultation visit Tuesday May 6. In short we are stepping through the process and hopefully soon we will know the timing of chemo and radiation or whatever other treatments they recommend.

Occupational therapy has done wonders on what I can do with my left hand. Although I despise little pegs and pegboards, I can now manipulate them around and put the two together. Don’t ask for patience, this might be a very cruel answer. My hand is getting stronger and is getting more normal in its abilities, for that I am very thankful and thankful for the therapy.

I am doing well, but probably overextend myself daily. I find that around 3:30-4:00 I require 2-3 hours of rest, but continue to try to convince "D" that daily I am rebuilding stamina.

My spirits are continually raised high just simply in the way you all have just shared in this with us. Thank you all. I truly did not appreciate how many friends I have in my corner. But it has been evident in how we have been blessed and the prayer coverage you have provided. I cannot thank you enough."

Please continue your prayers and remember, even though he may not know you personally, he appreciates every prayer that you have lifted and every thought that you have had.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Patience is not indifference; patience conveys the idea of an immensely strong rock withstanding all onslaughts. The vision of God is the source of patience, because it imparts a moral inspiration. Moses endured, not because he had an ideal of right and duty, but because he had a vision of God. He 'endured, as seeing Him Who is invisible.' A man with the vision of God is not devoted to a cause or to any particular issue; he is devoted to God Himself. You always know when the vision is of God because of the inspiration that comes with it; things come with largeness and tonic to the life because everything is energized by God. If God gives you a time spiritually, as He gave His Son actually, of temptation in the wilderness, with no word from Himself at all, endure, and the power to endure is there because you see God." Oswald Chambers - "THE PASSION OF PATIENCE," May 2nd Devotion

A Special Visit

2008-04-20T10:09:00.000-05:00

I was blessed yesterday to be able to visit my friend, "A." It is absolutely amazing how his spirits are high. His family is with him. He continues to praise God in this "storm." The funniest thing in the conversations that we had, and I mean funny-ironic, was his concern for everyone else. He wanted to know how I was doing. He wondered how the rest of our co-workers are. He wanted to make sure that his being gone is not a burden on others. That's "A" for you.

He is doing well, a little tired, but doing well. He continues to suffer, though to a lesser degree, from what I call "after shocks" from the surgery, small focal seizures specifically on and around his left thumb. From the beginning, the MRI showed the tumor in an area "that will have an effect on the left thumb." It is amazing the ability God has given man to study and learn. To know the exact locations in the brain that affect certain areas of the body.

With all that has happened in the last couple of weeks, one thing is for sure: the power of prayer is amazing. Never, ever underestimate that "where 2 or 3 are gathered in His name, there He is in their midst."

God is awesome and the way he has spoken to so many during the "storm" is a testament to His overwhelming grace.

My God is an Awesome God!

2008-04-16T18:04:00.000-05:00

UPDATE: 04/17/2008

I spoke this afternoon to "D". "A" is going home today. He will continue therapy on his left hand, but all is well and he should be back to his usual shinanigans soon.

PRAISE GOD!

Continued prayers are needed for the biopsy.

God Is Good!

2008-04-15T00:49:00.002-05:00

UPDATE on "A" (04/14/2008):

"A" had his surgery this morning. On Sunday, I spoke with him. A little about life, a little about work, and a little about his unfaltering faith during all this. He was surrounded by family and getting ready to have a good ol' Texas Bar-B-Que. "A" has been a role model for me in my Christian walk. A man that is even tempered in his understanding of his role in God's plan, when dealing with customers and employees, and a man that looks to God for wisdom, not others.

"Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper." Psalm 1:1-3 (NKJV)

Our first update today was a little shaky. Upon surgery, the doctor realized that the tumor was a little deeper than expected. We were told that "A" may have a deficiency in the use of his left appendages for a short time, but with therapy, he should recover quickly. There was nothing to be alarmed about. Currently, he was doing well. Here is the exact update:

"'A' is out of surgery and all went well. The doctor is hopeful that they removed 100% of the tumor, but they can't tell at this time. The doctor feels he should have a full recovery. He is in the recovery room at this time and will spend the night in ICU. They anticipate moving him to a room tomorrow and begin physical therapy as well. 'D' [his wife] is there with [his] parents and 'B' [another family friend] said that she sounded as though she was holding up well."

Later in the afternoon, we received the following update:

"I just received a call from 'D' with another update. She said that they had allowed her in to see 'A' and that he was awake and alert. Although she said he was in some pain as you would expect, he was able to respond to the doctor and perform basic movements as well or better than the doctor had expected at this point. [GOD IS AWESOME!] He will stay in the ICU tonight and they still plan to transfer him to a regular room tomorrow. It sounds like things have gone very well so far."

Please continue with your prayers, as will I, as they biopsy the tumor and "A" gets back to 100% and has an opportunity to partake in all the other things that he loves.

Please Pray for Healing

2008-04-06T08:24:00.008-05:00

I realize that I have lost a great deal of readership over the past few months has died to my inability to post on a regular basis. That is ok, since I really do not do this for readership numbers. For those of you that still look at this from time to time, I have a prayer request.

A close friend of mine, let's call him "A", to protect his anonymity {:^) , has recently been having seizures. While at a charity event the other night, and by the grace of God while sitting next to his doctor, he had another. Upon the first round of tests, they found a small growth on his brain. At this time, they are running more tests to determine the severity of and round of treatment for this growth. He is a wonderful Christian man, loving father, gentle husband, and good friend. Please keep him and his family in your prayers this next week.

Thanks.

UPDATE (04/07/2008):

This update is directly from an e-mail that he sent out. Names and places are changed to protect the innocent.

"All - We just had a visit from the Doctor who has been coordinating my stay at hospital. Bottom line is he will not releasing me until sometime tomorrow. [04/07/2008] What remains is the visit with the neurosurgeon. He will determine how the tumor is to be removed.

What they have found is a quarter sized tumor on the right frontal lobe. Thru cat scans, MRI , EEG they have determined that it is not a satellite of any other growths and is most likely not cancerous. It is most likely a level 1 mass which is good news. Right now they are giving me steroids to keep the swelling down and anti seizure medicine.

Although I do not know how they will remove it may be done by radiation, gamma rays, or surgery.

I am doing fine, just would like to go outside and go for a walk.
-----------
Just visited Neurosurgeon. He wants to try to schedule surgery Monday the 14 th at St. ***** [Hospital]. The stay for the procedure s/b only a few days. He told me that he wants me to take it very easy this week and minimize stress. I will have to go in probably Tuesday for pre op stuff. The doc said that post op I will have some therapy, if all goes well it will be outpatient. All sounds positive."

Everything is looking good, but we still need to continue to pray. Thanks again to all who are keeping "A" in your prayers.

HE IS RISEN!!

2008-03-23T15:12:00.004-05:00

Rise, rise, people of love rise,People of love rise, Give yourself away!

Just as Christ gave Himself for our sins, let us give of ourselves to others throughout this new year in Christ!

Painting by Fran Tyner May

Easter Triduum Here We Come

2008-03-20T17:13:00.003-05:00

While reading through Oswald Chambers yesterday in preparation for the Easter Triduum, I came across this entry.

FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD
"Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do?" Genesis 18:17

Its Delights. This chapter brings out the delight of real friendship with God as compared with occasional feelings of His presence in prayer. To be so much in contact with God that you never need to ask Him to show you His will, is to be nearing the final stage of your discipline in the life of faith. When you are rightly related to God, it is a life of freedom and liberty and delight, you are God's will, and all your common-sense decisions are His will for you unless He checks. You decide things in perfect delightful friendship with God, knowing that if your decisions are wrong He will always check; when He checks, stop at once.

Its Difficulties. Why did Abraham stop praying when he did? He was not intimate enough yet to go boldly on until God granted his desire, there was something yet to be desired in his relationship to God. Whenever we stop short in prayer and say - "Well, I don't know; perhaps it is not God's will," there is still another stage to go. We are not so intimately acquainted with God as Jesus was, and as He wants us to be - "That they may be one even as we are one." Think of the last thing you prayed about - were you devoted to your desire or to God? Determined to get some gift of the Spirit or to get at God? "Your Heavenly Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask Him." The point of asking is that you may get to know God better. "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Keep praying in order to get a perfect understanding of God Himself.

As we prepare for the Easter Triduum, through prayer, fasting, and remembrance, may the Holy Spirit work to clean us of our sins, guide us in His ways, and prepare us for our future in Him.

Also, check out Angela at her new blog. She has a very interesting Good Friday post.

All You Can Eat Buffet? Oh Really.....

2008-01-11T10:30:00.000-06:00

I post this for 2 reasons. 1.) It is stinkin' hilarious. 2.) Having family currently in Houma, LA, and having lived there myself at one time, I feel I can joke about my heritage. It is a little long, but worth it.

Warning: This video does absolutely nothing to help minimize any negative stereotype you have ever heard about Cajuns.

Things Have Been a Little Noisy, Time to Get Some Ear Plugs

2008-01-10T08:00:00.000-06:00

This week (January 6, 2008) began our sermon series entitled . This series is designed to look at the various distractions in our lives that are , the subtle, and sometimes, not so subtle noise, keeping us, first and foremost from experiencing God as He wants to be experienced. Static also keeps us from really hearing our family and our friends as well as the needs of the world. These simple themes to be explored over the next few Sundays, also happen to be the core values of , my home church.

Andy, and the media staff, did an outstanding job laying the groundwork Sunday for the next few weeks in a series. The presentations and sermon challenged our hearts, minds, and senses (except smell, I was a little disappointed that they left that one out).

Throughout scripture, we are called to be SILENT and seek the Lord. Elijah did not find God in the howling wind, earthquake, or fire. No, he found God in the quiet whisper that spoke louder than anything Elijah had ever heard. (1 Kings 19:11-18) Jesus, himself, understood the importance of silence and reflective time alone with His Father and practiced it regularly. (Luke 5:15-16)

Below are a few passages used in the sermon on Sunday to illustrate God's call to silence.

"But the LORD is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him." Habakkuk 2:20 (NKJV)

"But know that the LORD has set apart for Himself him who is godly; the LORD will hear when I call to Him. Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD." Psalm 4:2-5 (NKJV)

"At that time Jesus answered and said, 'I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you 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. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.'" Matthew 11:25-30 (NKJV)

"Do not fear; Zion, let not your hands be weak. The LORD your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:16b-17 (NKJV)

"Again, I saw that for all toil and every skillful work a man is envied by his neighbor. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind. The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh. Better a handful with quietness than both hands full, together with toil and grasping for the wind." Ecclesiastes 4:4-6 (NKJV)

As you go forward this year, take a close look at your life and see what sort of things, what sort of is keeping you from fully experiencing God, your family and friends, and the world around you. What is it in your life that is keeping you from doing God's work? Pray, in silence. Talk to God and ask Him to help minimize the in your life, to a point, where you begin to make the differences for others in a way God has called you to.

Difficult Decisions in a Small Congregation

2008-01-03T00:35:00.000-06:00

A friend of my wife is a pastor at a local church here in Houston. She is just getting started, and with that, her membership is that of a newly planted church. She is the pastor, and everything else, while working a second job. She has had some recent issues with theft from someone in her congregation. They have taken things from her home. They have stolen from the collection plate. They have even forged her signature at the local pharmacy and picked up medication intended for her. This is an individual that she invites into her home every week. Someone she is close to. Someone that she has known for a while. She is very confident that she knows who the individual responsible for these things is, but is unsure how to approach the situation. As she struggles to live out the calling God has for her in her life, she is attacked at every angle from satan.

Question: Has anyone had had an experience with this before? If so, how did you deal with it? This is a very difficult time for her right now.

While Planning Ahead to 2008, Don't Forget the Past

2007-12-31T12:20:00.001-06:00

Today's Oswald Chambers Reflection is intelligent advice as we start the new year.

YESTERDAY

"The God of Israel will be your rereward." Isaiah
52:12

Security from Yesterday. "God requireth that which is past." At the end of the year we turn with eagerness to all that God has for the future, and yet anxiety is apt to arise from remembering the yesterdays. Our present enjoyment of God's grace is apt to be checked by the memory of yesterday's sins and blunders. But God is the God of our yesterdays, and He allows the memory of them in order to turn the past into a ministry of spiritual culture for the future. God reminds us of the past lest we get into a shallow security in the present.

Security for To-morrow. "For the Lord will go before you." This is a gracious revelation, that God will garrison where we have failed to. He will watch lest things trip us up again into like failure, as they assuredly would do if He were not our rereward. God's hand reaches back to the past and makes a clearing-house for conscience.

Security for To-day. "For ye shall not go out with haste." As we go forth into the coming year, let it not be in the haste of impetuous, unremembering delight, nor with the flight of impulsive thoughtlessness, but with the patient power of knowing that the God of Israel will go before us. Our yesterdays present irreparable things to us; it is true that we have lost opportunities which will never return, but God can transform this destructive anxiety into a constructive thoughtfulness for the future. Let the past sleep, but let it sleep on the bosom of Christ.

Leave the Irreparable Past in His hands, and step out into the Irresistible Future with Him.

12 Days of Christmas - Great White North Style

2007-12-17T23:08:00.000-06:00

I know this is a recycle from last year, but since it is beginning to look a lot more like Christmas, with the colder weather here in TX, I figured..."Go for it!"

ENJOY!

The 12 Days of Christmas
by Bob & Doug McKenzie

Right click on the video and click "PLAY" to play.

Thanks to Michael L. Fiegel for having this on his site.

24: The Unaired 1994 Pilot

2007-11-19T14:52:00.000-06:00

For those of you that are having withdrawal from your inability to watch the new season of 24....

Hat Tip: at Enjoy the Journey

Come On....Really?!?!

2007-11-13T10:54:00.000-06:00

I could not pass this up because the utter lack of any common sense is absolutely, side splittingly, funny. On a recent traffic stop in Mississippi, the below ID was ACTUALLY handed to the police officer. Could it possibly be fake? You make the call.

Hat Tip: Lone Star Times

Soon to Be Famous Quote:

2007-10-31T12:00:00.000-05:00

"Satan has already lost the battle, so suck it up and act like it."

I thought of this the other day while driving my daughter to swimming lessons. When you really get down to it, we Christians can be a bunch of sissies sometimes. That term may offend some, but simply defined, we can be timid and cowardly. We know the outcome. We know that Jesus conquered ALL sin and death, yet, we sure as heck don't act like it.

I mean, some of us do. Tara does. She realizes she is a sinner, but she KNOWS that Jesus conquered all. When tempted by Satan, she runs to Jesus.

What do I do? I cower in fear. I try to overcome that which has been overcome if I would just trust the One that overcame. Overdone? If we Christians would stop whining so much about all the temptations in the world and do something about them...of course through the strength of Christ:

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil 4:13 (NKJV)

then we would be acting like we have won...oh wait, we have.

My wife is always on me about taking authority in my prayer life. Not being so meek, but using the power of the Word and the Holy Spirit to bring about change in the world...in our lives. I have trouble with that at times...well, all the time. I was not raised to pray in a way that spoke scripture into being and I certainly do not feel blessed with any spiritual gifts that allow me to pray as my wife prays. I am usually not sure where to begin, but you know, that is just me being a sissy. Satan is lying to me, telling me I am not good enough, smart enough, and God really doesn't like me. (my apologies to Stuart Smalley)

My lovely wife then referred to the following scriptural references regarding the power of prayer and taking authority of the promises from God to His faithful:

Matthew 21:22

"And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."

2 Chorinthians 4:13-15

"And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, 'I believed and therefore I spoke,' we also believe and therefore speak, knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God."

Romans 4:16-22

"Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (as it is written, 'I have made you a father of many nations') in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, 'So shall your descendants be.' And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore 'it was accounted to him for righteousness.'"

Hebrews 11:1-3

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible."

Brian McCormack, our Sr. High School Youth Minister, gave the sermon this week. As God had planned, yes I give Him credit, he spoke about the battle that has already been won. This battle between Satan and God. As soon as the fall occurred, God put a plan in motion to retrieve His fallen children.

"So the LORD God said to the serpent:
'Because you have done this, You are cursed more than all cattle, and more than every beast of the field; on your belly you shall go, and you shall eat dust all the days of your life.

And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise [depending on your translation: CRUSH] your head, and you shall bruise His heel.'” Genesis 3:14-15 (NKJV)

In reading, you should notice that the He the writer is speaking of is Jesus. No matter the translation that you use, He is a proper pronoun referring to Jesus ultimately coming and crushing Satan. For the next 1,500 years or so (the Old Testament), God does all that He can to get His children back, but not until the day, in a small town in Galilee, Jesus was born, did the final chapter begin. His story, life, death, and resurrection is used to complete the retrieval of His children. The day that Jesus died on the cross, He echoed the completion of this task:

"Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, 'I am thirsty.' A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, 'It is finished.' With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." John 19:28-30 (NKJV)

Did you notice? Jesus did not say, "I am finished." He said, "IT is finished." He was referencing the fact that He had taken ALL the sins of ALL man upon Himself through His death, and ultimate resurrection, thus completing the plan God put in place right after the fall.

Let's recap:

- Christians can be sissies because we don't prayer in complete faith, using the power of the Word.

- Scripture specifically tells us that faith in prayer allows for the ability to take authority over the promises God has provided His faithful.

- God set this plan in motion the minute we fell.

- Jesus finished the plan through His death and resurrection.

- Satan has been defeated, or even better, his head has been CRUSHED.

So I ask this question: Are you going to be a sissy or a victor in Christ? Don't take too long to answer because all you are doing is giving in to Satan's lies.

Someone Else Thinks "God is Awesome!"

2007-10-29T16:59:00.001-05:00

It seems that Jason over at Post-Methodist, just the day before I did, posted an article about why Muslims convert to Christianity. It is an interesting read. It continues to show God's prevenient grace, always calling each and everyone of us into a closer relationship with Christ.

Hat Tip: Jason at Post-Methodist.

God is Awesome!

2007-10-25T13:35:00.000-05:00

This past Sunday, October 21, 2007, we had 5 baptisms at my church. These were not your run of the mill, child dedication baptisms, no. These baptisms were special. Why you may ask? They were 4 children ranging from 6 to 14 and a mother, who, until about 2 months ago, were practicing Muslims. Christ touched their hearts, and despite family ridicule and possibly ostracism, they were baptised into the Christian faith. Praise Jesus! The Holy Spirit was working in their life. Let us pray that the rest of their family is touched as well.

Update: Steven commented: Wonderful story! However, I fail to see how the baptisms you describe here are any more "special" than any other baptism of an infant. Isn't God's action in all baptisms always awesome?

Steven is correct. The saving grace of God is an awesome and mighty thing. I may have misspoken or not been clear. What made these baptisms so absolutely wonderful was that fact that, unlike a child being presented for baptism by his parents, these individuals came to be baptized through a conscious discernment of the revelation of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit in their lives. They stepped forward knowing the persecution they my have to endure from those closest to them.

What's Your Motto?

2007-10-07T00:52:00.000-05:00

Tara over at Loved Sinner asks the question: What is your motto? Here are a few excerpts that I found rather challenging.

This morning at Communion, Deacon Bob, in his homily said, “I might have the occasion to die for you, but I’m not going to Hell for you.” I love that quote--it’s a quote my Priest, Father Erik, uses often. When someone asks Father to just bend the rules a bit, or make exceptions--he gets this great look on his face, that just tickles me silly, and then he says, “I’m not going to Hell for you!” I love it! In this life you will either take people to Heaven with you or you will take them to Hell with you.

But, of course, St. Francis said to him: “Preach always, and if necessary use words.” Others, see what we do, see what we wear, and how we act. So what are you telling others by your examples?

St. Francis’ life rule or motto became, “preach always and if necessary use words.” By my example, am I taking people to Heaven, or Hell? My life rule, my motto, hmmm? Perhaps, “When you know better, you do better?” or “Lord, have mercy on me the sinner?” What do I want my life motto to be? From my favorite Bible verse, 1 Corinthians 13: “Love never fails.” Real love meaning loving the other person enough to want what is best for them--not me. Truly giving Real love, not enabling others to stay in sin, saying nice things to make them feel better, or giving them money to help them continue to make bad decisions--but to truly love them by telling them the truth and not imposing my selfish needs at their expense.

Hop on over and check her stuff out...if you dare to be challenged.

Hat tip: Tara at Loved Sinner

It's Official - Dorky Light-Weight Nerd

2007-10-03T10:32:00.000-05:00

Quick Fun Facts:

150716 unique people have taken this test.

Based on these unique user's answers...

44.8% of test takers are gals,
53.1% are guys,
...the rest (2.1%) are confused.

17.1% of test takers get aroused by "iPhone," while
40.6% get utterly ill.

34.6% of all test takers would choose the Internet over sex, and
28.3% of married test takers prefer the Internet over sex.

Only 3.6% of test takers own a Jar Jar Binks t-shirt, though
56.0% of them don't own a lightsaber (priorities == messed up).

Hat Tip: Tara at Loved Sinner

Proper Church Attire

2007-10-01T00:02:00.000-05:00

Has your mother has ever mentioned to you that you might want to make sure and wear appropriate attire to church? Did you feel a little ridiculed and defensive? Then you might want to watch this video. You probably have nothing on Arthur the Intern. (one in a series of short videos produced by my church during Arthur Jone's internship - Summer 2007. See if you notice the reference to Entourage.)

I Made the Switch

2007-09-29T01:00:00.000-05:00

After many months of prayer, I made the switch. Some of you may remember back in November of last year, I was struggling with the "Postponement" of the contemporary service at my home church. It was not that I was searching around all that much, I just decided that one Sunday, I would go to The Loft at United Methodist Church of The Woodlands. That Sunday they started a series on Philippians and I thought to myself, "Self, maybe you ought to come the next few weeks and here the series." So I did. Then I was going to move to the more traditional service at the main campus and they started a series called ICONS. So I figured I would stay for these as well. Needless to say, a couple of weeks ago, I transferred my membership to The Loft.

The Loft focuses on 3 things:

1.) Communion with Christ through worship and scriptural study understanding that it is a lifelong process to be challenged with every day.

2.) Community of Believers through Core Groups that are gathered together in less traditional way than most Sunday School classes. They focus on the commonalities that are not as noticeable. Groups formed less by things like: 30 somethings, singles, divorced. Core Groups look beyond the easily recognizable aspects of who you are and into who you are in Christ and this world in which we live. Instead of meeting on Sundays before services, they meet during the week, at member's homes.

3.) Compassion through Service in the community of the church and the larger community of the world around us. Some programs that The Loft are affiliated with are Prison Entrepreneurship Program and Tom's Shoes.

Last week I had my first tour of The Loft Media Department and will continue working with this type of church service as I have for almost 20 years now. I look forward to getting involved in the near future with a Core Group of my own as well.

The Loft because it is challenging me again. Who I am in Christ. What Christ is calling me to do. My spirit is being fed again. In the "Lofter's Life" meeting (here's what we are about, would you like to join spiel) I went to on September 16th, I mentioned to Andy Nixon, the head pastor, there was one main reason that I enjoyed being a part of The Loft. The Loft has an emergent church atmosphere, but without some of the heretical and non-orthodox issues that can arise in them. (That statement may offend some, but there are emergent churches out there that compromise some of the basic teachings of Christianity so everyone feels welcome.) The Loft is about being close to the Lord, Compassion for Mankind, and Worship in a non-traditional sense, but it continues to practice within the Book of Discipline of the Methodist Church. That is a sweet thing to find in a day and age where I believe tradition and truth are important, but they do not have to get in the way of Christ's saving Grace and our mission as Christians to evangelize to the nations.

Below is a video shot last week at the 11:11 service. It is a new song by Brandon Heath that asks the question, "If you knew everything, every little dark secret about the person sitting next to you in church, would you sit next to them again?" It may take a bit to load, but it is worth it.

WHAT NOW by Brandon Heath

Lessons from St. Arbucks

2007-09-10T22:55:00.000-05:00

About a month ago, there was an editorial posted at Out of Ur entitled Lessons from St. Arbucks. It is comparative piece discussing how the church can learn positive and negative ministry lessons from Starbucks. The most moving comment for me was by an individual named Melody. She commented on a few things, but what stuck in my mind was this:

2. While somewhat diverse people go to Starbucks (rabbi; youth pastor; high school girls, etc.) these people all partake of the menu but do not interact with each other, a critical concern in many of today's churches.

I had not thought about this for about a week, then, while in church Sunday, our pastor, Andy Nixon, mentioned the calling of Christ to be involved in church community. We are currently studying a series on Icons, Christ revealed to humanity. This week was a study of Christ as King. One point that Andy made, and I think it was an awesome point, was that Jesus did not ask us nicely to do this or to follow that in the Gospels, He, as our King, DEMANDED it of us. A concern in today's churches, is that there are many Christians that show up to church on Sunday with a spring in their step and a smile on their face, but it ends there, and they are not involved in the one thing that our Lord, our King, demands of us...fellowship. We all know the quotes, "Love one another." "Where 2 or 3 are gathered in my name." But we just don't do it. I am not trying to preach from a high an mighty soap box here. Honestly, I have not been to a meaningful Sunday School class or had fellowship with my church brethren in about 4 months. Part of it is switching churches, and part is a time constraint (which Andy also said he could help with, if we asked). The point is, with all the turmoil in this world, and the bombardment of our senses with things that are not very Christian, why is it so hard for us to commune with other Christians, share experiences, and be a part of a bigger community within our home church. I don't know. But if anyone has an answer, please feel free to share.

Hat Tip: Guy Williams

SAY WHAT?!?!?

2007-08-16T09:30:00.000-05:00

This is not a bashing of my Catholic brethren, but I am curious:

When did it become ok to interchange Allah for God in the Christian church?

That is like calling my uncle JOE when his name is ED. Two different entities; two different names. Read more here, here, and here if you think I am kidding.

On an "oh, I see now" note: this is from a bishop in the Netherlands. With all the moral relativism here in the United States recently, I am a little surprised that this did not come from some pastor or priest on the "left" coast. (that would be those that are of the "Can't we just all get along?" "I don't want to offend my neighbor." crowd)

Letting Go and Letting God

2007-08-07T21:53:00.000-05:00

The other day my wife told me of a situation at work that was really getting her down. As a nurse, she has a great many challenges each and every day at work. The last thing that she needs to experience is one of those "female clique[s]" things that Angela was recently concerned about. She had been experiencing some issues with a few of her co-workers that was really starting to weigh on her. She was frustrated, angry, and really wanted to do something about it...in her own power. The funny thing was, that small still voice in her kept saying, "Now V, if you don't let it go, how can I ever deal with it?"

After some quiet time and prayer, she relinquished her struggles to God. The next day, the individual that had been causing her so much grief, apologized to her.

As we sat on the back patio this evening discussing this incident, the ongoing discussion in my life with God became the focus of the conversation. V asked, "Why is it that we all struggle so much with God and not surrender more readily? Why do we go through the pain we do just to try to prove that we can do it without Him, when we know better? It just doesn't make sense!" She's absolutely correct...Why do we continue to grasp for that little bit of control that we think we have when in reality, complete surrender brings more comfort, joy, and real control than we could ever experience under our own power?

*Artwork by Jonathan Rogers.

Good Advice on Scripture

2007-07-27T09:11:00.000-05:00

"Don't just read the Bible, let the Bible read you."
Arthur the Intern, Woodlands UMC

Ideas of posting great quotes, Jason over at post-methodist.

Commitment - Complete Surrender, You Say Tomato, I Say ....

2007-07-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

My hero, Jason, over at post-methodist, posted the following quote by John Maxwell:

Commitment is the Key

“Until I am committed there is a hesitancy, the chance to draw back. But the moment I definitely commit myself then God moves also and a whole stream of events begin to erupt. All manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings, persons and material assistance that I could have never dreamed would come my way begin to flow toward me… the moment I make a commitment.”

In reading a recent Oswald Chambers reflection, I noticed similar sentiments echoed:

THE ACCOUNT WITH PURITY-July 26th
"Out of the heart proceed . . ." Matthew 15:18-20
We begin by trusting our ignorance and calling it innocence, by trusting our innocence and calling it purity; and when we hear these rugged statements of Our Lord's, we shrink and say - But I never felt any of those awful things in my heart. We resent what Jesus Christ reveals. Either Jesus Christ is the supreme Authority on the human heart, or He is not worth paying any attention to. Am I prepared to trust His penetration, or do I prefer to trust my innocent ignorance? If I make conscious innocence the test, I am likely to come to a place where I find with a shuddering awakening that what Jesus Christ said is true, and I shall be appalled at the possibility of evil and wrong in me. As long as I remain under the refuge of innocence I am living in a fool's paradise. If I have never been a blackguard, the reason is a mixture of cowardice and the protection of civilized life; but when I am undressed before God, I find that Jesus Christ is right in His diagnosis.
The only thing that safeguards is the Redemption of Jesus Christ. If I will hand myself over to Him, I need never experience the terrible possibilities that are in my heart. Purity is too deep down for me to get to naturally: but when the Holy Spirit comes in, He brings into the centre of my personal life the very Spirit that was manifested in the life of Jesus Christ, viz., Holy Spirit, which is unsullied purity.

Recent sermons have also spoken of complete surrender to Christ. With all these "signs," you would think God was trying to tell me something. I pray every day that I can walk completely in His way and stop holding back the little control that I think I have. I posted about this back in April of this year here.

We all have our weaknesses, but the one common stumbling block for most Christians, at one time or another, is the control issue. With the help of Christ, and my loving wife, I strive each day, to wake up and surrender to Him. What will you do?

Hole Hearted or Whole Hearted?

2007-07-26T22:46:00.000-05:00

For some reason, I have had Extreme's song, Hole Hearted on my mind. I sing it, listen to it, etc. Now when the song was written, I am not sure if it was meant to have the spiritual twist that I am attributing to it, but then again, I am not sure How to Save a Life by The Fray was either, yet I hear it on KSBJ every now and then. Anyway, the purpose of this post is to get you to think: are you complete, fully surrendered to Christ, a new person? or do you still have that hole in your heart that you are trying to fill with everything but Christ?

Are We Are Made For Worship or Is Worship Made For Us?

2007-07-25T21:40:00.000-05:00

I was having a discussion the other day with a friend about personal experiences at church. She made the comment that she has to go to a church where the pastor/minister/priest speak to her, convict her and move her. I believe that if you go to church for the main reason we go to church, to praise and worship the Lord, that no matter the church, all falls into place because God will convict me as He sees fit and move me through the sermon, etc. That is the wondrous gift we receive from Christ.

This discussion wasn't really about right or wrong, just differences.

The big question to the readers: How do you approach your Sunday service of choice? Do you church hop until you find what you are looking for; or do you work through the church you're attending, letting Christ work on, through, and despite you?

Holy Spirit - Unmovable

2007-07-17T07:15:00.000-05:00

In taking the lead of Jason over at Post Methodist. I figured I would post a quote from a book I am reading entitled Living in the Power of the Holy Spirit by Charles F. Stanley.

"The Holy Spirit cannot be manipulated. You cannot make the Holy Spirit do anything. You cannot fill yourself with the Holy Spirit, no matter what formula or method or series of works you perform. You cannot govern the Holy Spirit. Neither can you eliminate the Holy Spirit from your life.

God imparts His Spirit to those who believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior. The work that the Holy Spirit does in our lives is His work, done at His initiative, motivated by His love and divine purpose for our lives. The Holy Spirit manifests Himself as He desires in our lives." (p. 6)

That explains a whole lot right their. As new Christians, and old ones struggling to find their way again, we have to realize that God will work in our live as He sees fit. He will motivate and touch us; mold us and fashion us, as a pottery molds and fashions clay. And if we have completely surrendered, His work will be fully realized within us, through us, and despite us.

Good-bye MaMaw :(

2007-07-16T22:51:00.000-05:00

This may seem a little dated, but to me, it is always in my heart.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lois Brazan Durocher
Born: December 24, 1916
Died: June 23, 2007

From left: my daughter, me, my niece, and MaMaw (my dad's mother)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was not until, as with every funeral I have had to attend in the last few years, that I was there, at the viewing, that it really hit me. My grandmother, MaMaw, had passed. She had been sick. Had what they call "geriatric leukemia." As my wife put it (being the RN she is), "Geriatric leukemia is a term used by doctors that really means you're old and your blood is not replicating like it should. It is similar to leukemia in nature, but occurs for a different reason."

Whether she was right or not, I am not going to argue it. My MaMaw had lived a long, fulfilled life. She had been sick, not only with "geriatric leukemia," but arthritis. Face it, she was old. She had bore 5 children and had seen 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren (give or take a few, who is really counting?). She had lived through the great depression, 6 or so wars, quite a few hurricanes, and a genuine, but ornery husband, yet in all that time, she still managed to smile.

Each of the family members can tell you different things about her: how great her cooking was, how she was dedicated to attending mass just about everyday (as long as I could remember), she took care of her children. Stories of joy and sorrow.

One thing is for certain, she has touched many lives and she will be missed for years to come.

Long Time Gone

2007-07-16T22:48:00.000-05:00

I know it has been a while since I have posted. I great deal of that stems from God working on me in my life. Some things I am working through are wonderful things, others...not so much. As I can, I will post, but not sure how or when. I appreciate everyone who has ever responded to my posts. I hope that I, with the help of the Lord, will be able to continue to some degree in the future.

A Little Bit of Irony, A Whole Lot of Excitement

2007-05-25T09:50:00.000-05:00

Our church is currently undergoing a drive to pay off its debt so it can focus more on the congregation and less on debt. Once the debt is paid off, a great deal of money will be freed up to focus on services and projects provided by the church to the congregation instead of constantly worrying about interest rates and banking fees.

The Irony:

First United Methodist Church has been providing Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University for almost 3 years. I even coordinated one of the classes, but we are still in debt.

The Excitement:

While certain liberal congregations continue to reject of particular sections of the Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, First United Methodist Church is making a point to follow through with what is a fairly difficult part of the Book of Discipline.

In order to pay down the debt, there has to be buy in from the congregation as a whole. According to paragraphs 248 to 250 of the Book of Discipline, a charge conference must be called. With in this charge conference, it must be announced from the pulpit and be at a single location at a specified date and time. You NEED be present to vote and there are no proxies. It must be conducted in the language of the majority, with translations provided.

This may not seem like much, but our church has 2 campuses on different sides town, with a great ethnic diversity and language diversity. So to have 2 campuses come together in a central location on a specific date and time and only those present can vote, is a daunting task. Instead of saying, "this is too hard," or "this does not jive with society today," or "we need to be more tolerant so the church grows," as many Methodist Congregations are doing today, they decided to follow the Book of Discipline and are taking the extra time to get the word out to the congregation so that all are informed and can have some energy toward making this happen.

That, to me, as simple as it may seem, is awesome!

We'll Miss You Pastor Burt

2007-04-23T16:51:00.000-05:00

On the weekend of April 15, 2007, we started a sermon series on Elijah and while describing Elijah’s ability to allow God to move him in his life, Pastor Burt closed his sermon with this:

“If you want to be where God wants you to go, you’ve got to be willing to go where God leads.

Now I know this in a very personal way, and I share with you this day a very…difficult thing. I’ve never been so complexed as far as having both a sense of honor and a sense of sorrow. But as some of you have read in your First Edition Newsletter, I will be appointed as a senior pastor in June of this year; something that I did not anticipate and really was not looking for. It was one of those moments when we really do inherit the gift of the itinerant system, where we are sent as United Methodist Ministers. And so this June, I will be appointed as the senior pastor, at Bear Creek United Methodist Church. And it’s an incredible and extraordinary joy for me. It’s an incredible honor. And while I know that to be something that is in God’s work, and will, I couldn’t see it coming. It wasn’t necessarily in my plans, I mean, we’ve got things to do here. We’ve rolled up our sleeves. We’re wrestling with issues, and we’re about God’s kingdom work, but you know, I’ve learned, God doesn’t always work on my timeline, His wonders to perform. And I cannot always anticipate that He will work inside my own imagination, because He never has. And what I hear is the summons of the church in a very humbling way saying, ‘This is where we need you to serve.’

So it’s my honor to move from your midst to be a senior pastor of a 3,500 member congregation, seeking to build disciples for Jesus Christ in the Houston area. And as I go from this place, what I hope that you will say is not that I am leaving you. What my hope is that what you’ll say…is you’ll look north up on Highway 6 to Bear Creek and say, ‘That boy started at First Church.’ Because what I view this as is a very humbling honor to stand in the great line and lineage of associate pastors who have preached in this pulpit, and then moved on to senior pastor leadership positions within United Methodist Churches in the state of Texas, and in many cases, not just limited to Ft. Worth, or to Dallas, or Lover’s Lane, but places like Boston Ave.

It’s my honor to serve the church. And quite frankly, if I were to shed the robe, I will tell you, I am scared to death…because I know the expectations. And while I don’t know what the future holds, of this I am certain, I know who holds my future. His name is Yahweh. He is the God who has always led His people. And if we really say what we believe, that we serve a risen savior, and we will go wherever He leads, then how could I say anything other to the bishop than, ‘I am honored to go where I am sent.’

And when I go to Bear Creek, I will go with a part of your life in mine because I have learned so much about the value of ministry and how to lead because of the privilege that you have given me here. I know that I can’t get to where God eventually leads me until I am willing to go where He leads me one destination at a time. I didn’t know where I was first gonna be when it was in Louisville. It was a call on April the 1st when I move to Nocona, TX. It was a prize to me that I was asked to start a church, yet we were blessed to move to you here at First Methodist from a church in Paris, TX. In each place that we have been, God has held surprises.

In the midst of our departure, here is what I dream for the both of us. I dream that together, we will realize that if God can speak to and use a chicken hearted prophet in one moment, and he is by the way. He’s not all the time brave and bold. This is not some sort of Mel Gibson, Braveheart character with a face painted blue, riding then on a horse yelling, ‘They can take our FREEDOM!’ This is the kind of guy who slays hundreds of prophets of Baal and the goes and hides in a cave, and God seeks him out and says, ‘Elijah, what are you doing here?’ He sometimes, dimwitted as he steps out of the edge of the cave, and you will here in this magnificent work, the earth, the wind, the earthquake, and the fire, but God was not in the fire.

You see, Elijah is just an ordinary individual like you and me, like Jackie Robinson…like Sunny Brown. The question is this: Will you this day choose to begin the work of excavation in your own heart, in your own faith? Will you make room for God to go to work, so He can build in your heart what He wants?

It is with sadness in leaving you, but also with a sense of honor and joy that I say God has said to me through the bishop, ‘Burt, get thee hence. We’ve got kingdom building work to do.’ It’s been my joy to be with you, and I pray, that together, this is just the beginning of what God’s going to do together through us.”

His comments about his calling and the end of his sermon are one of the main reasons that I enjoyed working with Burt at various times while he has been associate pastor at FUMC. In his time here, his enthusiasm, energy, stories, and love of God seemed inexhaustible.

We will all miss you Burt, even if we don't know it yet. Bear Creek is a lucky congregation!

The Beast, a poem by Kent Bevers

2007-04-19T23:08:00.000-05:00

While rummaging through my daily/weekly blog reads, I came across the following poem posted by Armando. It so eloquently portrays the struggle that an addict goes through on their journey to find or re-discover their relationship with Christ. I know that it really nailed it for me.

The Beast

The beast came a calling on a cold and lonely day.
He wanted to come inside so that we could play.
His voice was small and friendly, and he was lonely too.
I let him come inside with me, what else was I to do?
I learned so much from him as we started having fun.
I soon lost sight of trees and birds, of flowers in the sun.

It didn't matter, I did not care; the beast was my best friend.
I laughed with him and played with him, not looking at the end.
Little did I notice there in my bedroom
The beast had grown much larger, and light had turned to gloom.
We continued on into the night despite my weary fare.
I did not eat, I did not sleep; I simply did not care.

It felt so good to have this friend in the deep and dark midnight.
There was no one there to tell me this simply was not right.
Morning came, some friends stopped by; I had no time for them.
The beast was here, how little I knew - I was now in prison.
There were no bars; there were no gates, no locked doors to see.
But sure enough, I was trapped by one much stronger than me.

Time moved on, I continued to play; the beast continued to grow.
There still were no trees or birds for me, no sun on pure white snow.
There was only the beast and I, and the lust which filled my heart.
I never stopped to question the beast within my heart.
More days passed, and many nights, and I took another look.
When I reached out for the beast, on the floor I saw a Book.

It was old and it was worn, I had forgotten it was there.
There were whispers from its pages, a voice of love and care.
So quickly did the beast shut the Book up tight –
I had no time to read it and day turned back to night.
Morning gloom came slowly to my private room again.
Misty memories reminded me I had another Friend.
I told the beast to leave me alone, just for this one day.

I wanted to ask my other Friend if He would like to play.
The beast left without a word, he didn't even fight.
I spent the day with other Friend, He made me feel all right.
When day was done and I returned, beast was there for me.
It would take more than just one day to set this captive free.
More time passed, the beast grew large, and my life was filled with dark.

I was blinded to the fact this beast now filled my heart.
The Voice of Love I heard before called for me one more time
Reminding me the Book was there, and that the Book was mine.
I found it there upon the floor, the pages all torn up.
The beast had done its best to keep me from its touch.
There still were words that I could read, words of peace and life.

I told the beast I wanted to read; he hit with words that lie.
“All you ever need or ever want I have right here for you.
What need of words from a battered book that claims to speak the truth?”
“Still,” I said, “I want this Book, that’s what I’m reading for.
I can not let you stay with me to steal from me some more.
So let me read or go away, just be quiet now.”

With a roar, the walls came down; I knew not why or how.
I yelled and screamed, fought the beast, all to no avail.
The beast was stronger than I; he held me in this jail.
This beast I thought was my good friend, now held me in his arms.
If only I had known before I would have made alarm.
Now I knew it was much too late, I was captive all alone.
The beast began to squeeze me tight, crushing all my bones.

Then I remembered from the Book words which spoke of grace.
I called out to my other Friend; I began to see His face.
He told me I could never win against this mighty beast.
Hope quickly left my heart as I became a feast.
My other Friend spoke more words that filled my heart with Love.
“To beat this beast, you need all help from heaven up above.
I will ever fight for you if you confess your need of me.
If you try to fight alone - victory will flee.
Grace is all that’s needed and deep humility.
Choose now, my friend, the ugly beast or love and purity.
Count the cost, deny yourself, or choose a life of death.
You can be free right now, today, if you take this Breath.”

I ceased my struggles as tears of shame rolled down my burning face.
I don’t know why I forgot, or forsook this grace.
Scarcely had my heart subdued than the beast was gone -
And I was shown how deeply my heart was twisted and wrong.
I confessed it all, asked forgiveness of my Friend.
He held me gently in His arms, this love will never end.
Now I know it’s always choice, and life is filled with pain.

The pain of love I ever choose - never beastly pain again.
The beast comes knocking, now and then, to ask if I can play.
I tell him no, shut the door, and quickly run away.
And there on a table in my room sits an old and weary Book.
Its pages are ripped and taped together, better it never looked.

And my Friend is ever there, always by my side
To remind me beast will strike at the sight of pride.
He reminds me, too, of the price He paid to simply be with me.
The price I pay is small - compared to Calvary.

Kent Bevers

Hat tip: Armando

HE IS STILL RISEN!

2007-04-08T10:49:00.000-05:00

As we celebrate Easter, the anniversary of our Lord Jesus Christ's triumph over death, I want to share my favorite account of the Resurrection.

"Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.

But the angel answered and said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.'

So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word. And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, 'Rejoice!' So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, 'Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.'
...

Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.' Amen." Matthew 28:1-10,16-20 (NKJV)

As I read this account yet again, and review the Great Commission, I pray the following:

"Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
And sinners shall be converted to You." Psalm 51:10-13 (NKJV)

As we go forth from this Lenten season into the Easter season full of the life of Christ, I pray that we all have the strength to preach the Gospel and show others the way of Christ. When we are confronted by Satan, as we will be, and feel unworthy to share our stories, Christ's love, and the Gospel, let us remember always the words a wise man once told me:

"I know that I may not be perfect, but I serve a PERFECT Savior."

(Picture courtesy of The Christian Coptic Orthodox Church of Egypt website.)

If Only I'd Known

2007-04-05T06:19:00.000-05:00

The past few weeks I have started quoting from Oswald Chambers, and probably will the rest of the year. His devotions are poignant and challenging every day that I read them.

My latest quote deals with a Christian understanding that we struggle each day in our walk when we do not surrender. Jesus said:

"If thou hadst known . . . in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes." Luke 19:42

Oswald Chambers discusses in his devotion titled If Thou Hadst Known!, April 3rd, that there are times in our life in which we have as gods that which takes our sight from Christ and we do not even know it, yet are still held accountable for it. (Sorry that I am quoting most of this, but it is that good.)

"...I am blind to the things which belong to my peace. It is an appalling thing that we can be in the place where the Spirit of God should be getting at us unhinderedly, and yet increase our condemnation in God's sight."

He finishes out with the following:

"'If thou hadst known' - God goes direct to the heart, with the tears of Jesus behind. These words imply culpable responsibility; God holds us responsible for what we do not see. 'Now they are hid from thine eyes' - because the disposition has never been yielded. The unfathomable sadness of the 'might have been!' God never opens doors that have been closed. He opens other doors, but He reminds us that there are doors which we have shut, doors which need never have been shut, imaginations which need never have been sullied. Never be afraid when God brings back the past. Let memory have its way. It is a minister of God with its rebuke and chastisement and sorrow. God will turn the 'might have been' into a wonderful culture for the future."

I believe our daily battles are best described by Paul in 2 Corinthians 10:3-6...

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled." (NKJV)

We may think of the past, and at times it hurts, but if we are fighting these strongholds in the name of the Lord, and exalting the Lord, we become obedient to Christ and have our focus on Him. The fear and frustration we have about remembering past experiences, past sins is not the real issue. They will come, whether as a tool for Satan to get us to fall, or a tool for Christ to help recognize His prevenient grace. The challenge is how we respond to the memories and thoughts. Do we use them as a bridge to travel closer to Christ, or do they become a weight, keeping us from fully realizing our relationship with Christ?

Oswald Chambers on Abandonment

2007-04-01T22:30:00.000-05:00

As I continue to read through Oswald Chambers "My Utmost for His Highest," I find these random nuggets that truly speak to me. God does use many things in our lives to touch us with His love, and most often, when we least expect it.

On March 13th, the following really spoke to me:

"...but salvation means that the Spirit of God has brought me into touch with God's personality, and I am thrilled with something infinitely greater than myself, I am caught up into the abandonment of God.... Abandonment never produces the consciousness of its own effort, because the whole life is taken up with the One to Whom we abandon. Beware of talking about abandonment if you know nothing about it, and you will never know anything about it until you have realized that John 3:16 means that God gave Himself absolutely. In our abandonment we give ourselves over to God just as God gave Himself for us, without any calculation. The consequence of abandonment never enters into our outlook because our life is taken up with Him." The Abandonment of God, March 13th

One of the biggest things that I struggle with daily is complete abandonment to God. The times that I wake up in the morning and "abandon" myself to Him, I live my day in a peace and comfort because I know that the Lord is guiding me and in all that I do, I am pleasing Him. When I do not "abandon" myself body, spirit, strength, and mind to the Lord, I struggle to understand the complexities of all that occurs around me. I struggle, because I am trying to have some control and decision over a life that is no longer my own, but my Lord Jesus Christ's. The problem, I am not acting like I am His.

You may take your walk with Christ each and every day, yet still seem to struggle, asking yourself, "I thought I was a Christian and gave my life to the Lord. Why is this so hard?" The answer may surprise you. Have you really abandoned yourself to God as He abandoned Himself to you?

Nashville Tour - That Band at The Place

2007-03-30T00:04:00.000-05:00

After the loss of the Predators at the hand of the Red Wings, we decided to stroll a couple of blocks down the way and re-visit The Place. We went there Tuesday to see the great Blues band CJ Vaughan and the Highway 58s. Tonight, we were able to see The Place's House Band, "That Band." They were a wonderful funk/soul group that got everyone there up and dancing. Their lead singer had a beautiful voice, their drummer, a quirky sense of humor, and their sax and trumpet players played almost as well as my cousin used to play. I would post more information, a website and such, for "That Band," but I cannot find anything. No big deal. If you are in the Nashville area, they will be playing every Thursday through Saturday for the next few weeks.

Tomorrow morning we have a few more sessions, then it is back home. I have had a blast in Nashville and need to come back sometime. Not only have I enjoyed the music scene, I learned a great deal at the conference and met a whole bunch of new people.

Nashville Tour - Red Wings 2 Predators 1

2007-03-29T22:00:00.000-05:00

Huge group of us checked out the Predators - Red Wings game this evening. Although the Predators were not victorious, we had a great time. There is nothing like a pre-playoff hockey game between the top 2 teams in the league...like I know what I am talking about. I have been to a total of 2 NHL games in my life. Ironically, the other game...wait for it....Red Wings in Detroit.

Next stop - The Place to see That Band....more later.

Nashville Tour - CJ Vaughn and Highway 58

2007-03-28T01:55:00.000-05:00

This week I am in Nashville for a conference for work. A few co-workers and I got into town Tuesday afternoon so we would not have to fly in early Wednesday for the conference. We were able to gather together and have dinner. We went to the famous WildHorse Saloon and I actually had a dinner first...I ate dinner while listening to a live band. Besides that, the steak I had was pretty good too.

I am not sure what we will be doing the next few evenings, but last night we traveled up and down Broadway to find a good blues band, and boy did we find one.

We stumbled upon a venue called The Place on South Second. When we walked by, there was a guy standing on the porch. We asked him if there was live music tonight and he told us that this band, CJ Vaughn and Highway 58, were playing. He said the lead guitarist/vocalist was an 18 year old kid that played the blues like no one else around. We figured, great, let's check it out and got a show that we would never forget.

Take some time to check out their myspace page and listen to their music, read about their influences, and see what they are all about. I found it interesting that some of their influences, and there are a great deal of them, were Rich Mullins and DC Talk along with Bach and the Eagles.

Any Words of Wisdom (living out the blog title)

2007-03-27T00:04:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, our daughter got the cutest, ugly dog that you have ever seen, and promptly named him Alex.

Alex is friendly, playful, good with children, but there is one problem...house broken he is not. We have tried regular walks outside, going "potty" 30 minutes after meals, having him in a small pen in the kitchen during the day (which Houdini somehow gets out of), but have had no luck.

Words of advice from you guys would be great!

Here We Go Again

2007-03-26T14:11:00.000-05:00

It seems like every few months, for some odd reason, there is a debate on various Methoblogs regarding the Virgin Birth and Christ's Resurrection. The current debate that prompted this post is here. And for your viewing pleasure, here are a few more links from past debates (thanks John for hosting these discussions):

November 30, 2006

December 27, 2006

December 27, 2006

Don't get me wrong, I am all for a lively debate about my faith. I just cannot seem to fathom any Christian saying, "I am a Christian, but the whole Virgin Birth thing and the Resurrection, that may be some literary license." Uh, what? Anyway, I just wanted you guys to see some of the stuff that tends to be debated now and then (every few months).
...
.....
.......
Oh, and a couple more things, I figured that the first Seven Ecumenical Councils had done enough "beating of a dead horse" that we would not have to discuss it again. I also thought that the Methodist Confession of Faith and the Articles of Religion laid it out pretty succinctly too. I guess, for some, that may not be the case.

I love my Methodist faith, but sometimes the freedom of expression and ideas that allow us to reach so many around the world for Christ, drag us down into debates about basic tenets of the Christian faith that have pretty much been resolved.

All in all, I'm just askin', "Why are we debating these things again?"

Blog Update

2007-03-12T10:42:00.000-05:00

As some of you may have noticed, my blog looks a little different. I had Susie at Blue Bird Blogs give me a sprucing up. After the many phases of blue, red, and the infamous black and orange, I decided to go with something a little more user friendly. I still need to tweak my links, but all-in-all it is done. I hope you enjoy it!

More Deep Thoughts by Oswald Chambers

2007-03-09T11:30:00.000-06:00

Keeping with the Lenten theme, "My Utmost for His Highest" had a reflection yesterday entitled "The Relinquished Life." One thing that we are called to do during Lent is to relinquish all we hold dear, to relinquish our SIN, in a desire to be closer to and fulfill the Lord's calling. God wants us to hate sin as much as He hates sin; and during Lent we strive to relinquish all those things that we know are bad for us, that limit our relationship with God. Chambers addresses that struggle in the following way:

"There is always a sharp painful disillusionment to go through before we do relinquish. When a man really sees himself as the Lord sees him, it is not the abominable sins of the flesh that shock him, but the awful nature of the pride of his own heart against Jesus Christ. When he sees himself in the light of the Lord, the shame and the horror and the desperate conviction come home.

If you are up against the question of relinquishing, go through the crisis, relinquish all, and God will make you fit for all that He requires of you. " The Relinquished Life, March 8th

As we do our weekly Lenten checks, we ask ourselves if we are relinquishing our life to Him, or holding on to those things that would keep us from TRULY being close to God because we are afraid of what we will see. Relinquishment is painful, but anything worth having usually is.

Deep Thoughts by Oswald Chambers

2007-03-05T14:30:00.000-06:00

I have been doing my best to read through Oswald Chambers "My Utmost for His Glory" this year as an addendum to any daily prayer or devotion that I may be doing. This quote is from the reflection dated February 28th.

"We are not told to walk in the light of conscience or of a sense of duty, but to walk in the light as God is in the light. When we do anything from a sense of duty, we can back it up by argument; when we do anything in obedience to the Lord, there is no argument possible; that is why a saint can be easily ridiculed."

The title of the reflection was "Do ye Now Believe?" Easy question, harder to answer...just ask Peter. Well, do ye now believe?

Kickin' It Old School

2007-03-05T10:00:00.000-06:00

I am not exactly sure why, but I have reverted to my CD collection from high school. In particular, I have been listening to Tourniquet a great deal. Tourniquet is Christian heavy metal. I know that sounds contradictory, but they really are.

I have always noticed, that in times of angst in my life. In times that my soul really hurt and longed for peace, I for some reason, turned to heavy metal music as a release. In college, when some girl broke my heart, a buddy of mine and I would get together at his house, bar-b-que, and listen to KMFDM as loud as we could. (this is a time when I really wasn't living my faith as fully as I could)

Tourniquet sooths my soul because they bring me back down to earth and help me examine what is really important in my life. What God called me to in scripture. The blessings I have if I would ALWAYS strive to follow. Believe it or not, it helps me get closer to God.

The following 2 clips speak to me right now. A great deal of people don't like the whole fire and brimstone reality of hell, but I find it speaks to me in a ways, at times, when the soothing, comforting knowledge that Christ dies to set us free does not. I am not sure why. I think, sometimes, that we all need this little kick in the pants.

The Threshing Floor

You Get What You Pray For

Here is a taste of the lyrics (Click the Song Title for Link to complete Lyrics):

The Threshing Floor

There's only two roads
And none in between them
If you don't choose the Son
The choice you've made is against Him

Watch out! You're gonna lose
If you mess with your maker
Look out! You're gonna lose
If you mess with the snake
Beware you're gonna lose
If you think you can tip-toe in between

Your life is in danger!

You Get What You Pray For

You get what you pray for

And that's what it's there for

Ohh - that's what I need

You get what you pray for

And God knows what's best for you

Oh - Get on your knees

You say there's so many things that you need

You never get them cause they would deceive (you)

A man can't stumble when he's on his knees

So let us pray!

Lenten Reflection

2007-02-21T07:04:00.000-06:00

I am not really a lemming, but I play one on my blog.

Most Christian bloggers today are probably going to be putting up their thoughts about Lent. What it means to them. What they are going to do...or not do. Some will look to begin a Lenten reflection series that will walk them and fellow bloggers through a series of Christ centered reflections in an effort to help them to understand the great suffering of Christ, His time in the desert, and the correlation between those 40 days and the length of Lent. Some will discuss the significance of Holy Week and some may even discuss the timing of Lent in relation to the pagan rituals of Ancient Rome. I am not going to discuss these things today...oops, I sort of did.

Please, I hope I did not offend anyone. These are all tasks that are worthy of discussion on our faith journey. I, myself, will try to do some of these things in my personal life. But you may ask, "Uh, JD...what is your point?"

As each of us discuss these items with our families, friends, and congregations; as each of us explore our own relationship with the Lord, let us ask ourselves why it takes a time in the church calendar, like Lent, to reflect on these things in our lives. Why is it that we can give up things in our life that are particularly not good for us anyway, yet pick up these "bad habits" again after Easter? Why is it that we can work on sacrifice, prayer, and reflection during Lent, but the rest of the year it seems to be less of a priority...for some? Why?

I am not perfect and, at times, I have felt somewhat hypocritical in this post, because I too am challenging myself to do things and live ways I should be living everyday of my Christian walk. As I step into the Lenten season, I too am a lemming. I will be reflecting more than I usually do on a daily basis. My hope: to understand the challenges that I face. My hope: to have the courage to trust the Lord enough to not just breathe a sigh of relief on Easter Sunday, but that I continue forward with my choices and reflections. My ultimate hope: to live any changes I made during Lent every day for the rest of my life.

During this Lenten season, are YOU going to be a lemming with a purpose, or just a lemming doing what lemmings do?

My First Blogger Face to Face

2007-02-19T08:43:00.000-06:00

Well, Guy beat me to posting it, but I was finally able to meet my first fellow blogger face-to-face. A few months ago, I found out that a fellow Methoblogger, Guy Williams, was an Associate Pastor at a church right down the road from me. I had been meaning to go and listen to him preach and meet him, but have been too busy at my home church to do so. Well this weekend, I was finally able to meet him and hear him preach.

First off, I was relived to know that, contrary to the profile picture on his blog, Guy is not 6 inches tall. It was at that time I realized that the picture was not scale representation of Guy. Secondly, he had a good sermon about the "Presence of God in Our Lives." There was a wonderful tie in to Scouting Sunday, a celebration of Scouting, boy and girl, in his church community. To my surprise, when the congregation was polled, at least, and I do not exaggerate, 95% of the congregation is currently, or have been, involved in scouting at some time in their lives.

It was a great meeting, and we both had families waiting for us after the service (and I have a tendency to be a little chatty....I'm a people person). I look forward to visiting his congregation again in the future.

This is Just Plain Cool

2007-02-06T12:36:00.000-06:00

Jeep® uses this at their auto shows. It is SWEET! Enjoy!

Hat tip Neologies.

Paul's Authority and a Christian Blogger's Responsibility

2007-01-24T09:20:00.000-06:00

While reading through 2 Corinthians 10 the other day, I came across the situation in which Paul finds himself that causes him to have to defend the supposed discrepencies in his teaching styles to the people of Corinth regarding his authority as a teacher and apostle of Jesus Christ.

"'For his letters,' they say, 'are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.' Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such we will also be in deed when we are present." 2 Corinthians 10:7-11

The scriptures are timeless, and just as Paul struggled with acceptance and public persona, so do each of us, first as Christians, and second, as bloggers. I found this scripture relevant to the many posts that have taken place recently that focus so much on how things are done as opposed to why...why we are here and who do we really do this for. Blogging, to me, is an attempt to edify God, first and foremost, share Christian teachings with those that may have not heard of Christ, and to communicate and discuss issues facing the Christian church today with other Christians. In many of my posts, I am pretty straightforward and non-apologetic in the comments that I make about our regression from the Truth and the complete overwhelming display of moral relativism by so many Christians today. In my last post, I made the following statements:

"God gave us these laws so we knew what was right and what was wrong. They are to be guides for our lives as Christians and they do not change because the world's views change."

and

"...the 10 Commandments, transcend[s] time and culture as a witness to God's plan for His children..."

Where am I going with this post....Well, as bloggers, I challenge us all to live out in life the same fire that we portray online. In person, don't let your presence be "weak" and your speech "contemptible" as Paul is accused of being. I know we are not perfect, but as Christians, there are expectations, real or supposed, of us. Our words are much more permanent than we are on this earth. Because of this, live up to the words that are written on your blog in the presence of all that you meet. Let your life be a reflection of Christ's spirit inside you...both in word and deed.

What Would Jesus Do? - Intermission

2007-01-23T02:00:00.000-06:00

First off, I am taking longer to get these posts up than I expected. Please forgive the gaps. I know it is not good "blogging etiquette," and I really do not want to be referred to as the Lost of the Methoblogosphere because I tease then wait a long time before the next morsel.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The first post of this little series was an attempt to point out some of the historical references regarding the Christian understanding of sexual immorality. It is an attempt, no matter, in some people's eyes, a pretty simple one, that showed the early church adopting the important part of the Jewish law that spanned across all time and culture as a witness to God's plan for His children. There have been some more discussions about morality and differences in definitions throughout the centuries that does not necessarily mean that what was considered sexually immoral thousands of years ago, may not be today. I am not one to ever give in to a form of moral relativism that says it is ok to have pre-marital sex or homo-sexual sex because it has become more acceptable in today's culture than it was in the past or because of some debate about a specific definition used in the past as opposed to today. That is all semantics. Until God came and gave the laws and commandments to man, they were not aware that their practice of men being with men and women being with women was immoral. God told them otherwise and, to me, that is not a cultural thing, but a moral thing. There are some very straightforward cultural issues that occur within the OT and NT, but sexual immorality, as it stems from the 10 Commandments, transcends time and culture as a witness to God's plan for His children, just as I have stated above regarding the OT laws of morality. Rich Atchley in his book "Sinai Summit: Meeting God with Our Character Crisis," he makes the following point:

"Character is important. And the quest for character will be frustrated as long as we continue to use ourselves as the standard for right and wrong. That is why we need to return to the Sinai Summit. There, as we encounter the holy presence of God, we begin to understand that he alone is the moral center. God is the only eternal standard of good, the only source of real values. And in his instruction to Moses we find the ethic we need to become people of character." p. 31, emphasis added

I have point this out before, and Jesus said it Himself, that He did not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17-20). Jesus himself was a good Jew that followed the law, but tempered His dedication to it and taught in His ministry that the law was a guide from God to understand His will. It was important, but was not to become a god in and of itself, like is had for the Pharisees. But fear of the law becoming an idol should not cause us to abandon it. (Just like fear of Church traditions becoming the main focus of our faith should not keep us from continuing them.) God gave us these laws so we knew what was right and what was wrong. They are to be guides for our lives as Christians and they do not change because the world's views change. Remember, in all this, for those that fight for Orthodoxy and Truth, Jesus himself told us that we are to live in the world and we will not be of it:

"If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates Me hates My Father also. If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father. But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, 'They hated Me without a cause.'

"But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning." John 15:18-27 (NKJV)

With that comment, Part 2 will be posted shortly.

Baby Got Book

2007-01-08T11:21:00.000-06:00

A co-worker of mine sent this to me this morning. I don't really have the words to descibe it, but such words as funny, interesting, and catchy come to mind. Enjoy!!

Having trouble viewing the video? Try these other sites: Google Video - iFilm - StupidVideos.com

I am posting the original link here to give credit where credit is due.

Tradition, Conformity, and Idolizing Religion

2007-01-04T08:33:00.000-06:00

The other day a fellow blogger, Angela Messenger, posted a quote from a Peter Kreeft's -Heaven; The Heart's Deepest Longing:

"Anything - anything - can be an idol. Religion can be an idol. Religion is not God but the worship of God; idolizing religion means worshipping worship....Every divine attribute, separated from the divine person, becomes an idol."

She wonders, "I Think I Am I a Catholic Snob?" The most interesting thing about the post is how the comments so quickly started focusing on different parishes kneeling or not kneeling during the consecration of the Eucharist. That may seem trivial to some, but consider some of the debates we have had in the Methoblogosphere the last few months - Are we following tradition and conformity or is what we are doing scriptural?

The post is important to me because it delves into a complex, and for some, often overlooked, issue in the church: idolatry. To summarize Peter Kreeft's statement: ANYTHING within our faith, no matter how trivial it may seem, can ultimately become an idol. Sometimes our concerns about making sure that the liturgy is done in a certain format, or, from the Catholic perspective, kneeling even when the parish as a whole has decided not to pull us away from what the liturgy is all about: worshipping God. Is it a concern about not giving Christ His due respect, or is it our own need to continue the tradition to a point that it becomes less about glorifying God and more about edifying our own needs to show "I am a better (insert denominational title here) than you?"

As you go through the week, and start this New Year, think about the things in your life that you may not necessarily looked at as an idol. The one thing that Christ did do was not let His conformity to His religion take away from, and become the center of, His ministry. We should all look to the reason and method for sharing our faith. Is it the Glory of God, spreading of the Kingdom, bringing souls to Christ? Or is it to have the most trafficked blog, the wittiest comments, and the most thought provoking content? I hope that we all are trying to further the kingdom, but I think we all struggle with finding that balance.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Further Reading: Jason's previous post: Worshiping the Bible?

What Would Jesus Do? - Part I

2007-01-03T12:00:00.000-06:00

I started out writing this post as one post, but due to its length, decided to break it up point by point.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There has been a great deal of debate in the past few months in the Methoblogosphere regarding homosexuality and its compatibility with scripture and the Methodist Discipline. You can read some light debate here, here, and here. Some more intense debate here and here. You can even read a very common sense, straight to the heart explanation of the Beth Stroud issue and its relevance here.

In all that I read, I came across this post, by Jonathan Marlowe bringing up the "Theological Irony" of some of the debates that we have been having on things. The one thing that I will give Jonathan a great deal of praise for is that he has taken everything at face value when it comes to the Church Discipline. No matter what the discussion, homosexuality to pacificism, he sticks with his arguments in support of the Church Discipline (although I still don't understand the whole pacifisim thing, church driven or not, but I digress).

Along the lines of Jonathan, I really do not understand the huge debate about homosexuality in the Methodist Church either. With each posting comes the usual comments, but when I really look at each comment and the posting, they are more politically motivated than anything else.

Homosexuality is a tough subject, I admit that, but why is it any tougher than talking about adultery or fornication? Simple reason: society at this time has been less accepting of homosexuality than they are of adultery and fornication. You cannot watch TV today without a show about infidelity or teenagers having sex. While the main stream media has taken homosexuality as a less complex issue and continues to bring it to the forefront in our lives, many Christians still disagree with it as a whole. The Christian Church is so appaled at homosexuality as a whole, they have trouble addressing the needs of the homosexual community and push them away.

I am tired of this worn out debate. I want to say my peace and move on to more pressing matters in life (like what the heck are I getting my wife for Valentine's Day). Here is a list of possibly not so insightful insights into this issue without dragging political correctness, folkways and mores, church doctrine, and societal acceptance into this. Let's just address it from the point of view of the Bible.

First off, to warn you, I believe in the inerrancy of the Bible. I believe in the greater "meta-narrative" (as described by Mark Driscoll here). I believe God meant what He said and said what He meant in the overall writing of the bible. I do not take the Bible literally, i.e., 1 day in creation was 24 of our hours, but I understand that no matter how "silly" some things in the Bible may seem to you, God inspired those words to be written for a reason. With that, here it goes.

1.) Homosexuality is wrong - Here is where the problem starts. If I, as a Christian, am going to say that homosexuality is wrong and I dispise it, then I should be jumping on the anti-adultery bandwagon, the no sex before marriage bandwagon, the anti-pornography bandwagon, the do not divorce your wife for anything but infidelity bandwagon. Homosexuality falls under that umbrella defined in Leviticus 18 under the Laws of Morality. It is a sexual immoral act, just as all the others that I mentioned above.

Some of you are already arguing as to following the laws of the Old Testament...Well here are a few reasons:

Acts 15 - Council at Jerusalem - The apostles and the elders are debating what laws the Jews and the Gentiles should follow when they become Christian. Since most of you reading this are now Jewish, I will skip to the Gentile part of this.

It was at this time in the early church that the distinction that we are no longer bond by the law, but we were all saved by Christ's death, resurrection, and grace is defined. Peter understood that ALL MEN, Gentile or Jew, have been saved in the same manner and have been touched by the Holy Spirit. With this understanding, he asked in Acts 15:10:

"Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?" (NKJV)

Peter questions why the Apostles and Elders were telling the Gentiles they must fall under the Old Law when even the Jewish forefathers failed at compliance, thus the need for Christ Jesus. A compromise is made when Paul, Barnabas, Judas named Barnabas, and Silas send this letter to the council:

"They wrote this, letter by them:
The apostles, the elders, and the brethren,
To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia:
Greetings.
Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, "You must be circumcised and keep the law" -to whom we gave no such commandment - it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.
Farewell. " Acts 15:23-29 (NKJV)

The main point: the early church fathers thought that the Old Testament Laws on Moraility were so important that they were one of the 4 Laws that ALL Christians are asked to follow during the foundation of the early church.

Leeland Rocks!

2006-12-20T08:13:00.000-06:00

This post is a little different. I wanted to review the current album of a local Christian Band that has begun to make it big in the Christian Music world.

I had only heard one of their songs and it is was by happenstance at that. KSBJ, the local Christian radio station here in Houston, was having their brown bag music session and Leeland was the musical guest. The event was rained out, but Leeland still did couple of songs that were later available on KSBJ's website. I figured, what the hey, I would take a listen. Needless to say, I was very pleasantly surprised.

With the harmonies reminiscent of Jellyfish and the vocal prowess of Remy Zero's Cinjun Tate, Leeland powerfully proclaims the glory of Jesus Christ and the wonderful gift of salvation. With lyrics like:

"With Your love You set me free
Three nails gave me liberty
So I'll sing Your praise My God, I'll sing Your praise
Oh, with Your love You forgave my sin
Forgot my past And brought me back again
So I'll sing Your praise I'll sing Your praise, yeah" (Yes You Have)

and:

"You can lift your eyes
Come on to the cross
There is healing for all who come
You can look at the stars and make no sense of it
(Staring at the sky)
You can search your soul and find no light
Until you look in the Savior's eyes
And then you finally realize
The saving sacrifice is love divine" (Lift Your Eyes)

Leeland drives home the point that focus on Jesus Christ allows healing and redemption and calls the soul to praise the Lord in all that we do.

Leeland is the first alternative Christian band (recently nominated for a BEST POP/CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL ALBUM CATEGORY FOR SOUND OF MELODIES Grammy) that I have listened to in a long time. I listen mostly to Contemporary Christian music, mellowing a little in my old age, but Leeland has touched a note in my heart and encourages me to sing along to every song on their album. I told my wife that the one thing that I really want for my birthday is tickets to the next Leeland concert here in Houston. Not a big request, but it will be an enormous experience.

Check out some clips of their music at their website. If you like the comforting melodies and powerful vocals that drove a great deal of alternative music in the 1990's, and deeply spiritual and encouraging lyrics, you will probably like Leeland.

The 12 Days of Christmas

2006-12-15T12:15:00.000-06:00

This is one of my favorite Christmas time songs. I remember first listening to this song on a record at my cousin's house when I was about 10 years old. I have loved it ever since.

ENJOY!

The 12 Days of Christmas
by Bob & Doug McKenzie

Right click on the video and click "PLAY" to play.

Thanks to Michael L. Fiegel for having this on his site.

Out of Touch

2006-12-08T18:44:00.000-06:00

I have not posted in a while, and I am sorry, but we have been busy here lately at the household. I am working on a big post, which seems to be turning into a mini-novel. We are getting things ready for my daughter's birthday party Sunday afternoon and I finishing up some paneling in the dining room. See picture below for those that think I am not mechanically inclined...YOU know who you are :)

I look forward to getting back to posting more regularly in the next few weeks cause I actually have a few things to say.

====================================

Last night, my beautiful wife thought it would be funny to have our daughter do a few tumbling routines. Mind you, she turns 3 on Monday, so this will be a little funny, and I know it is extremely cute. Enjoy!

(Cross posted)

Solstice Barn

2006-12-06T08:17:00.000-06:00

I make it a point not to discuss politics on my blog, mainly because I believe the best way for me to evangelize is to speak to the gospel and not debate politics. My faith has a direct affect of my politics, but I do not believe that politics should EVER influence my faith. With that understanding, I still felt I needed to post this, not so much that it makes you think about things, but because it is darn funny. Below are pictures, links to a video news article, and a news article.

'ACLU Solstice Barn'substitutes for Nativity Students' display on university campus featuresMarx, Lenin, Stalin as Wise Men, Pelosi angel

Posted: December 5, 20065:08 p.m. Eastern
© 2006 WorldNetDaily.com

University of Texas students set up an "ACLU Solstice Barn" on campus

In tongue-in-cheek deference to the American Civil Liberties Union, students at the University of Texas displayed an "ACLU Solstice Barn" on campus, featuring politically correct figures.

"We've got Gary and Joseph instead of Mary and Joseph in order to symbolize ACLU support for homosexual marriage, and of course there isn't a Jesus in the manger," said Tony McDonald, chairman of the Young Conservatives of Texas branch on the Austin campus.

The group, whose plans WND had reported earlier, installed the "creche" on the West Mall of the campus for display yesterday and today.

McDonald told WND today the reaction by students to the display was overwhelmingly positive.

"Even some liberals got the humor in it and conceded certain positions the ACLU takes are out of touch with the mainstream of Americans," he said.

One visitor turned out to be the ACLU's top official in Texas, who, according to McDonald, "had to admit that it was humorous."

McDonald said quite a number of students aren't even aware of the ACLU, and members of his group that manned the display throughout the day had to explain the acronym.

The three Wise Men in the display were Lenin, Marx and Stalin, McDonald told WND, because ACLU founder Roger Baldwin, while director of the organization, was a backer of Soviet-style communism.

As director of the ACLU in 1934, Baldwin wrote an article entitled "Freedom in the U.S.A. and the U.S.S.R." in which he said "the Soviet Union has already created liberties far greater than exist elsewhere in the world." He later moderated his views but maintained a commitment to socialism.

The scene also featured a "terrorist shepherd" and an angel with Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi's face, using a photograph of the soon-to-be speaker of the House from San Francisco.

"The ACLU and other left-wing extremist groups are working diligently to destroy Americans' rights to the free expression of religion," said the Young Conservatives' Executive Director Joseph Wyly.

Wyly pointed to the city of Chicago's decision this week to ban advertisements for "The Nativity Story" movie from a local Christmas festival, fearing they might offend non-Christians.

"It's just more evidence that there is a war on Christmas being waged by the far-left in this country," he said.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Link to KVUE.com News report.

"AS WE GET CLOSER TO THE LIGHT, THE DARKNESS BECOMES STRONGER"

2006-11-21T16:23:00.000-06:00

I heard that comment the other day while sitting through a lecture by Dr. Jim Fleming about the Archeological Discoveries at Corinth in Relationship to Paul's Life and Teachings at Corinth. (That was not the official title, just what I got out of the lecture. )

During the lecture and within the discussion of 1 Corinthians 11:27-32

"Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world." (NKJV)

and the historical relevance of it, Dr. Fleming made the comment that the closer we get to the Lord and the more that we examine ourselves in preparation for the Lord, whether when we are approaching His table for communion, or when we draw near to Him in prayer, we find that we are all unworthy of His love and grace. We are more aware of the darkness that tempts us and can encompass our hearts when we do not submit completely to Christ. This understanding and this understanding alone is what calls me to approach God each day as a penitent, realizing that only by His saving grace, would I ever have any hope of meeting Him in Heaven.

Think about approaching the Lord as the prodigal son, asking God's complete forgiveness and submitting our will to Him and let him drive out the darkness and live completely in His loving grace.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dr. Fleming's website, The Biblical Resources Study Center, can be accessed here.

Happy Anniversary, Sweetheart!

2006-11-16T02:00:00.000-06:00

In honor of my lovely wife and our 4 year wedding anniversary, I figured I would post some of the most beautifully seductive poetry ever written. I love you, sweetheart and look forward to many more years with you.

"1 Behold, you are fair, my love!

Behold, you are fair!

You have dove's eyes behind your veil.

Your hair is like a flock of goats, going down from Mount Gilead.

2 Your teeth are like a flock of shorn sheep

Which have come up from the washing,

Every one of which bears twins,

And none is barren among them.

4 Your lips are like a strand of scarlet,

And your mouth is lovely.

Your temples behind your veil

Are like a piece of pomegranate.

5 Your neck is like the tower of David,

Built for an armory,

On which hang a thousand bucklers,

All shields of mighty men.

6 Your two breasts are like two fawns,

Twins of a gazelle,

Which feed among the lilies.

Until the day breaks

And the shadows flee away,

I will go my way to the mountain of myrrh

And to the hill of frankincense.

7 You are all fair, my love,

And there is no spot in you.

8 Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse,

With me from Lebanon.

Look from the top of Amana,

From the top of Senir and Hermon,

From the lions' dens,

From the mountains of the leopards.

9 You have ravished my heart,

My sister, my spouse;

You have ravished my heart

With one look of your eyes,

With one link of your necklace.

10 How fair is your love,

My sister, my spouse!

How much better than wine is your love,

And the scent of your perfumes

Than all spices!

11 Your lips, O my spouse,

Drip as the honeycomb;

Honey and milk are under your tongue;

And the fragrance of your garments

Is like the fragrance of Lebanon.

12 A garden enclosed

Is my sister, my spouse,

A spring shut up,

A fountain sealed.

13 Your plants are an orchard of pomegranates

With pleasant fruits,

Fragrant henna with spikenard,

14 Spikenard and saffron,

Calamus and cinnamon,

With all trees of frankincense,

Myrrh and aloes,

With all the chief spices-

15 A fountain of gardens,

A well of living waters,

And streams from Lebanon." Song of Solomon 4:1-15 (NKJV)

Sunday Contemporary Service "Postponed"

2006-11-12T23:22:00.000-06:00

Sorry that it has been a little while since I posted. There have been a great many things going on in my life this week. My wife started classes again for her BSN and I have been the first line of defense for reviewing her papers. I have been busy with the accounting close at the office.

The biggest impediment continues to be my own struggles in my spiritual life and for some reason, I respond exactly as the enemy wants me to; I back away from the things that help me get closer to God. I know the enemy is really getting to me when I don't post on other blogs. Satan really had me thinking that my spiritual troubles should keep me from expounding on any issues related to faith.

Finally, the straw that broke the camel's back: we received a letter from our church that the Sunday Contemporary service had been "postponed" due to financial issues. Needless to say, it was a rough week.

After going today to one of the last Contemporary Services for a while this morning, I wanted to delve into some spiritual stuff that has been coming to a head in my life for a while now.

I have been pretty involved in my church since I started attending there. I don't really feel a need to jump into everything that I do, that is not important. The important thing is this: I have been debating for months about leaving my church to go to one closer to home. I have a great deal of friends at my current church and I feel that the clergy there appreciate the things that I do and the passion I bring to the community. The biggest problem is this: though my soul is eternally fed through the service that I provide, I still need something more from Sunday service to make it whole. I need teaching and to be challenged by sermons and the enthusiasm in the worship service.

As we all sat in the service and lamented of its "postponement," I could not help but feel sad. Even though it was stressed that this was temporary, it did not feel that way. Pastor Burt shared a few things with the group. These are not quotes, but the gist of the conversations that he shared with us.

He shared that even though it was the giving campaign, he was not going to sit and beg for money, instead, he reminded all of us that we should "give ourselves first to the Lord, even though sometimes where God wants us to lead us is not where we want to go." When your relationship is right with Christ, all other things fall into place, including giving. You are called to make a decision not to conform to your own or someone else's desires. He said that he understood if some of us are not at a point where they will be able to go back to the stuffy service downstairs (our service is in a loft.) He asked us to pray and let God work to allow us to be back worshiping upstairs as soon as possible.

In all the sadness and he confusion one thing God continued to show me was the following scripture:

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

All this seems to make a little sense considering the other things that have been occurring in my life, gradually leading me somewhere else. I posted this little diddy about a month ago and sometimes feel like I may be "church shopping" if I leave my current church, but I feel God is calling me to do something a little different. My heart calls for more input, more challenge, more worship. If I go, I will miss the clergy, the staff, my classmates....all the reasons I have not tried to move in the past. If I go, I may actually be challenged to the level that I feel the Lord is calling me. In the end, if I do not give myself to the Lord, and surrender, then whether I leave or not, I will never be at peace.

As I finish this post out, I ask this, please pray for my church. There are some financial issues that I do not even understand. There is a need for pray that the church may follow God's will in all that they do and, ask Pastor Burt said, "give ourselves first to the Lord, even though sometimes where God wants us to lead us is not where we want to go."

"Spiritual Formation"

2006-11-08T01:29:00.000-06:00

While looking for some information to discuss our surrender to Christ, I came across an article by Dallas Willard entitled Spiritual Formation in Christ: A Perspective on What it is and How it Might be Done. Below is an excerpt from the article:

"Christian spiritual formation understood in this way is automatically ecumenical and inclusive in the sense that those thus formed, those who live in obedience to Christ, are thereby united and stand out as the same in their obedience. The substance of obedience is the only thing that can overcome the divisions imposed by encrusted differences in doctrine, ritual, and heritage. The lamp that is aglow in the obedient life will shine. The city set on the hill cannot be hid. Obedience to Christ from the heart and by the spirit is such a radical reality that those who live in it automatically realize the unity that can never be achieved by direct efforts at union. It is not by effort, but by who we are: "I am a companion of all those who fear Thee" (Ps. 119:63,74)."

Since I was originally searching for some comments about obedience, I skimmed the article and, just a scripture can, at times, be taken out of context, so was this quote. As I read it, I was thinking, "This is cool! It talks about the ecumenism that I so feverishly talk about to everyone I meet." When I read the full article, I realized that, it was a philosophers view of faith and "spiritual formation." I ended up really liking the article for a couple of reasons different than what I had intended (see God does answer our prayers, just it is sometimes in a way that we may not like, but need.):

1.) It challenged me to dig deeper into scripture for a complete understanding of what it will ultimately mean for me to live out a Christian lifestyle.

2.) It challenges all Christians to really live the conversion to Christ in our hearts, allowing ourselves to be changed from within, and the fruits of these battles to be visible without, not the other way around.

3.) Even though I know the Truth of Jesus Christ, many people out there feel they can achieve the same "spiritual formation" from other religions.

4.) In dealing with faith, things can be "too Catholic." I do not believe that....well, I believe that somewhat to be true, but I do not always think that is a bad thing.

In words I shared with Jason a while back, "This article can get a little 'heady'," but that is the best part of it.

Prayer

Father God, allow me, through my "disciplines" and studies, come to know you in a more intimate setting. Guide me down a path that leads to eternal life while allowing me to make those much needed mistakes along the way. After reading this article, I can see there is so much more and will never be too much for me to learn about Your mysteries or Your love for us. Help us to become a unified church again, focusing on the real "dealbreakers" and not the superfluous rites, rituals, and laws. I ask this in your loving name, Jesus. Amen.

Have You Really Surrendered It All to Christ?

2006-11-05T23:47:00.000-06:00

Originally written 11/01/2006 and updated 11/05/2006.

This morning on KSBJ, a young woman called in to "New Life Wednesday" to share her conversion story. She said she had been listening to KSBJ for a few years, but had not given her life to Christ because she did not want a man controlling her life. After a few bouts with some life changing events, she accepted Christ and wished she had done it sooner.

I write about this because I realize that there are a great many people out there that, for whatever reason, either do not accept Christ, or do not totally surrender to Him in their conversion, and thus, they continue to struggle in their life (myself included). Those that are obedient to Christ's call, have lives full of freedom. They are not obedient, those that only surrender half-heartedly, are always chasing their tails and not truly living.

I ran across this little gem by Ingo Breuer entitled How to Bring Every Thought to the Obedience of Christ? Within this document, Ingo speaks to the metal thought process of sacrificing one's self to Christ, about being His property, and about fighting the battle for thought supremacy each and every day. (see also Spiritual Discipline III) Breuer also challenges us to turn off all forms of "occasion" to sin...TV being the biggest culprit, while immersing ourselves in scripture, church, and fellowship.

Have you focused your thoughts on Christ, to a point, in which your obedience brings you freedom from guilt and condemnation? Or are you like I am at times, surrendering certain parts of myself to Christ, while denying that He can help with the other struggles I have, because I am not really ready to let them go? My challenge to you this week is to read through Breuer's article and practice a few of the lessons taught within it. I know I will, as I continue to look for the courage to completely give myself to Christ - mind, body, and soul...not some mind, body when I want to, and soul on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and every other Saturday.

Prayer

Father God, help me to trust You in all things, not just some things. Help me to realize, that when I give myself to you completely, I will be at total peace, content with all that You have blessed me with and all that You have in store for me. I ask this in your Holy Name, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Time for a Little Silliness

2006-11-02T23:13:00.000-06:00

Ok, I have been having some deep discussions the last few days with a few fellow bloggers, and well, to put it plainly, my brain hurts. It has not been exercised like that since college...a little over 10 years ago.

One of my favorite shows and movies is Firefly and Serenity. I figured I would post a little YouTube action (thanks Jason, dragging me down that road), with some clips from Firefly and Serenity. I wish I had the knowhow to create one of my own....'cause I have a good montage in mind.

Without further ado, Firefly and Serenity.

My favorite Episode from the series.

One of the Best Scenes in Serenity...IMHO

Spiritual Discipline III: Assume Responsibility for Your Thought Life

2006-10-31T22:26:00.000-06:00

The most ironic thing about this post is that I have had the things together to write it for about a week now, but MY thought life has taken me down a path that kept me from posting it. Part of my thought life was for good, posting on Jason and Angela's blogs. Some of my thought life was bad; watching TV instead of taking the 30 minutes I knew it would take to organize this. So a week later, with similar excuses in tow, here is Part III of the Spiritual Disciplines.

Introduction

As a Christian, our thought life is one of the biggest obstacles to fully living our calling in Christ. It is not a sin to be tempted by our thoughts, but to dwell upon sinful thoughts and give in to their temptation. Christians, especially new Christians, struggle with not giving these thoughts credence and sometimes will entertain them. This internal struggle of not assuming responsibility for our thoughts, takes us down a path away from Christ and leads us into our old bad habits and decisions. Paul shares with us the battle that each Christian faces and the power we each have as followers of Christ.

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled." (NKJV) 2 Corinthians 10:3-6

With the understanding that ultimately our Christian walk, and the difficulty there-in can revolve around our thought life, then it should make sense to strive daily to live in God's presence. Isaiah reminds us that those who keep God in their mind will have constant peace.

"You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You." (Amplified Bible) Isaiah 26:3

The Importance of a Focused Thought Life

The main reference for this posting is Brother Lawrence's The Practice of the Presence of God. I highly recommend you read it. It is a short, but focused book that discusses the understandings that Brother Lawrence came to for constantly living in God's presence. I wanted to take one of his letters and use it as an example of how he dealt with his thought and prayer life and how he felt God rewarded us for our perseverance.

EIGHTH LETTER
Concerning wandering thoughts in prayer. (NOTE: quoted from the Authentic Edition, page numbers from the paperback edition)

YOU tell me nothing new: you are not the only one that is troubled with wandering thoughts. Our mind is extremely roving; but as the will is mistress of all our faculties, she must recall them, and carry them to GOD, as their last end.

When the mind, for want of being sufficiently reduced by recollection, at our first engaging in devotion, has contracted certain bad habits of wandering and dissipation, they are difficult to overcome, and commonly draw us, even against our wills, to the things of the earth.

I believe one remedy for this is, to confess our faults, and to humble ourselves before GOD. I do not advise you to use multiplicity of words in prayer; many words and long discourses being often the occasions of wandering: hold yourself in prayer before GOD, like a dumb or paralytic beggar at a rich man's gate: let it be your business to keep your mind in the presence of the LORD. If it sometimes wander, and withdraw itself from Him, do not much disquiet yourself for that; trouble and disquiet serve rather to distract the mind, than to re-collect it; the will must bring it back in tranquility; if you persevere in this manner, GOD will have pity on you.

One way to re-collect the mind easily in the time of prayer, and preserve it more in tranquility, is not to let it wander too far at other times: you should keep it strictly in the presence of GOD; and being accustomed to think of Him often, you will find it easy to keep your mind calm in the time of prayer, or at least to recall it from its wanderings.

I have told you already at large, in my former letters, of the advantages we may draw from this practice of the presence of GOD: let us set about it seriously and pray for one another. (46-47)

Brother Lawrence eloquently points out that both in daily life and in prayer, focusing on God will allow us to live in His presence and better communicate with Him and control our thoughts. A good summation of Brother Lawrence's Eighth Letter is this:

"We must do everything with great care, avoiding impetuous actions, which are evidence of a disordered spirit. God wants us to work gently, calmly, and lovingly with Him, asking Him, asking Him to accept our work. By this continual attention to God, we will resist the devil and cause him to flee (James 4:7)." (61-62)

Conclusion

As we struggle with our thought lives, keep in mind that prayer and focus on Godly things allows us to "resist the devil and cause him to flee." When we are right in our thought life, we can better serve our Lord and neighbor and not be distracted from our calling to serve others and share the Gospel. It is OUR responsibility to work on our relationship with God and to deal appropriately with the thoughts that we have. No one else is responsible for your choice to entertain sin: not the movie that you watched, or the book that you read, or anything else that you expose yourself to. My favorite line in the Act of Contrition is, "I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more, and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen." I pray always, asking God to help me avoid these temptations. In doing so, I am taking responsibility for my thought life. It is time to stop blaming other people or things for our failures and accept the grace and strength Christ gave us to live out our lives in His presence.

Prayer

I usually close with my own prayer, but I wanted to use a devotion from Joyce Meyer's book, Starting Your Day Right: Devotions.

October 20 - Temptation Isn't Sin
In the day when I called, You answered Me; and You strengthened me with strength (might and inflexibility to temptation) in my inner self. Psalm 138:3

Temptation to do wrong can make you feel horrible. You may think, I shouldn't be going through this; I shouldn't be having a problem with this. But God taught me that temptation isn't sin; we sin when we give into temptation.

The Bible says temptation will come. It doesn't say, "Woe unto him by whose hand it comes" (see Matthew 17:7). Jesus told us to pray that we would not give into temptation when we are tempted (see Luke 22:40).

Psalm 105:4 is a great way to start your day. It says, "Seek, inquire of and for the Lord, and crave Him and His strength (His might and inflexibility to temptation); seek and require His face and His presence [continually] evermore."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Other resources for Assuming Responsibility for Your Thought Life:

Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer

The Bondage Breaker by Neil T. Anderson

You Might Be a Methodist If.....QuizFarm Says So?

2006-10-24T12:05:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Art Ruch, and his most recent post, I have found that I am a Methodist at heart, greatly influenced by John Wesley. Scondly, I am Catholic. Go figure...

You scored as Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan. You are an evangelical in the Wesleyan tradition. You believe that God's grace enables you to choose to believe in him, even though you yourself are totally depraved. The gift of the Holy Spirit gives you assurance of your salvation, and he also enables you to live the life of obedience to which God has called us. You are influenced heavily by John Wesley and the Methodists.

Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan

75%

Roman Catholic

71%

Neo orthodox

68%

Emergent/Postmodern

64%

Classical Liberal

57%

Fundamentalist

39%

Reformed Evangelical

36%

Charismatic/Pentecostal

32%

Modern Liberal

29%

What's your theological world-view?
created with QuizFarm.com

I hope this clears up any doubt anyone may have about any of my spiritual intentions. :) The QuizFarm is ALWAYS right! :)

Evangelical Immigration

2006-10-23T08:27:00.000-05:00

In keeping with my theme regarding Christian Church Unity, I came across the following editorial at Out of Ur, a blog from the editors of the Leadership Journal in conjunction with Christianity Today. It is a challenging look at ecumenism, or the Unity of the Church, from the idea that staying put and not leaving your church of origin will do more for the ecumenical movement than "church shopping."

I am posting this because I wanted everyone to look at different views on the subject. I find his points realistic and practical, but at times, spiritually confining, depending on your call from God. There is a great amount of talk back to the article as well.

Evangelical Immigration

Faithfulness is Relative...and Maybe Your Neighbor

2006-10-20T00:29:00.000-05:00

While walking back from lunch the other day, I had a conversation with a gentleman who has known a member of my Financial Peace University (FPU) class for about 15 years. We both came to the realization that this is a very special person. Despite all this person has been through. Despite all the illness and misfortune and struggles, this person praises God with their every breathe. This person evangelizes about God's saving grace, redeeming power, and everlasting presence that allows this person to continue to carry on. This person speaks of both miraculous achievements and heartbreaking defeats, but praises God equally for both. I am not sure that I have ever met a person that is so full of Christ's fire, but you wouldn't believe it when you first met this person.

I make these comments because this individual makes me think, seriously think, about all the blessings that I have: good health, a good job, a good church, a wonderful family. With all this there are times I take it all for granted. During these times I slip, hear God's voice less, and begin to lose a little hope. I know that it is Satan, lying to me, trying to pull my from what Christ has called me to do with my life, but it happens, none the less.

I challenge us to take stock of the blessings that we have and hold true to our calling as servants of God. Stop all the grumbling, the bickering about religion, and come forth and be the unified Church that Christ calls us to be. Don't be afraid to step out and ask someone if you could pray for them, because Christ said in Mark 13:11-12:

"And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit." (NIV)

Set that example yourself and maybe your example will start a grassroots growth in the Christian Church to let the world truly know what Jesus prayed to His Father for in John 17:20-23:

"I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me." (NKJV)

Note: I know that I am on the Christian Church Unity thing again, but I truly believe, if we get past the religion and the "manliness" of it all, we can be true to Christ's call for unity.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me aways to see your belssings and not be ungrateful. Help me to step out of my shell and let others see that I am your child. Let me "preach the Gospel, and use words if I have to," because Lord, with all my heart and all my desire, I pray that we are one again some day and that my friend's special presence can be a light to everyone he/she comes in contact with. I thank you for my friend's prescence and mirror to my life, allowing me to see what I can do for You that I may not be doing already. I raise this prayer in Your Holy Name, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Stained Glass Beauty

2006-10-17T14:18:00.000-05:00

Now some people really don't care about the aesthetics of a church and the history behind buildings and communities, but I do. While visiting family in Louisiana during the Labor Day Holiday, my wife, daughter, and I attended a small community church in Houma, LA. They were in the process of a HUGE renovation (see pictures here). The one thing that we both fell in love with were the stained glass window designs that had not yet been added. They were absolutely gorgeous and I have never seen stained glass that looked like these designs in any church. I just wanted to share their beauty with you. They were designed my a local artist from Baton Rouge, LA. I really wish I knew his name. I would love to see some of his other designs. I hope to be able to share photos once they are in the building.

ENJOY!

The Old Testament Windows: Genisis 1:5, Exodus, The Law, Promise Land.

Click the photo to enlarge

The New Testament Windows: The Nativity, The Storm, Grace, the 6th Day.

Click the photo to enlarge

Quickie Update

2006-10-16T00:19:00.000-05:00

As some may have noticed, I tweaked my site. I finally got it looking almost exactly like I want it, but instead of trying to get it exact, I will work on postings all week.

I have been thinking this through and praying about it. I want to make sure I finish the Spiritual Disciplines series, but I do not want to kill myself in the process. I will focus on getting at least one out a week over the next 4 weeks. During the week, I will hopefully post 3 to 4 scriptures musings....that sounds like a good description.

If you notice, on the upper left of the blog, there is an area called "READ IT." If you want to receive updates when I make postings, please sign up.

Hope everyone has a Blessed week!

PAX
JD

Joyce Meyer's Trip to Houston - October 5 -6, 2006

2006-10-12T00:12:00.000-05:00

Originally written 10/07/2006

Last night I went to Lakewood Church to see Joyce Meyer with my wife, one of her friends, and my daughter. Every time that I listen to Joyce, I realize how much the Lord is using her to spread His Good News. Every time I hear her story and the struggles that she overcame with the help of the Lord, I realize how much the Lord is using her to heal. Every time my wife listens to one of her sermons, she realizes how much her lessons speak to her.

Last night Joyce stressed the need to "Get out of the Boat." She called us all to trust in God. It seems that most of the people's Blogs that I currently read talk about that as well. She asked a poignant question, "Who here trusts the Lord so much, is so confident in their relationship with Christ, that they can drop everything that they have or think they need, and let God completely guide them?" You know what, in a crowd of almost 10,000 people, I could probably count how many people raised their hands on my own fingers. What does that tell us about ourselves as Christians? What did that say about me?

Meditate on Proverbs 3:5-6.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." (NKJV)

I will challenge myself, as well as all Christians, to truly live this verse. Imagine where your life will go. Imagine the things that you can accomplish. Imagine trust and faith that allows you to walk on water (Matthew 14:22-33). Imagine that you could move mountains (Matthew 17:14-20). Imagine eternity with Him who is Lord. All this by having faith "as small as a mustard seed."

Prayer

Loving Father, You give us so many chances to come to You. You look for faith and trust and promise life eternal. Lord Jesus, help me to have faith that allows me to be the one that can raise my hand, drop it all, and follow You. I know there is a great fear in my heart because I cling to things of this world and I do not trust you as I should. Lord Jesus, please continue to speak to me and allow me to know your will in my life and have the faith to accept it. I ask this in Your loving name. Amen.

Be Consistent, B-E Consistent, B-E-C-O-N-S-I-S-T-E-N-T

2006-10-06T17:12:00.000-05:00

Each week in my Dad's of Destiny class, we study different what make a good, Christian father. This week we are learning about being consistent. Our main scripture study is Psalm 103:8-10...

The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. (NIV)

We can always can count on the Lord being consistent in His dealings with us. He is extremely slow to anger. Reading David's story of his relationship with Bathsheba, and the aftermath, shows how upset God was. God still considered David His anointed one. Why, because, even with David's faults, he still loved the Lord with all his heart, all his soul, all his strength, and all his mind. He trusted the Lord, and even though he made some extremely bad choices, he always strove to please God. God could have easily smited David, but through David's sincere repentance (Psalm 51), he was able to get back into the good graces of our Heavenly Father, not by works, but through his repentance. He was able to ask forgiveness and continue toward the greatness for which he was called because he knew that the Lord loved him, despite his sin. The Lord was "slow to anger and rich in kindness." Because the Lord knew that David had greatness within him, he gave David the opportunity to repent instead of destroying David and all that he had. David regained his favor with the Lord because God was consistent in dealing with David. He dealt with David as He has dealt with each of His children throughout eternity.

Ask yourself: Are you consistent in our relationships? Can your family and friends count on you to be there? Do they know how you will react to situations, or are you inconsistent and unpredictable? Practice consistency in every relationship that you have: family, friends, parents, neighbors, co-workers. When you fall, and we all do, meditate on Psalm 51 and consider what would have happened in David's life if God wasn't consistent. What great things can happen in your life if you are!

Prayer

Father God, grant me the character, behavior, the desire to be consistent in my life. Help me to be especially consistent in my relationship with my daughter and wife. Let them know that I will be there for them. That I will love them. That they can count on me. I ask this in your holy and power name. Amen.

Spiritual Discipline II: Read the Bible Daily

2006-10-03T02:13:00.000-05:00

INTRODUCTION

First off, sorry this took so long. As some of you may have read, I am coordinating the Financial Peace University at church, taking a Dads of Destiny class, which has a good amount of homework, and spending time with family. Somewhere in there, I do try to sleep. I know, everyone is busy, so I will stop whining.

Secondly, I started this post the other day, and went down a path that focused on where I came from when it comes to reading the Bible. I realized this was not about me and someone I respect, in not so many words, told me to "Keep it Simple Stupid." So I have started over, and here we go, simple, plain, yet definitive reasons to read the Bible daily. (Unfortunately, that does not mean it will be short.)

REASONS TO READ
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." (NIV) Psalm 119:11

This is one of the quotes that is so commonly used to express the reason Christians should read the Bible. By reading the Bible daily, a Christian better understands what God has called them to do and with this knowledge, they can better live their lives in a manner that does not offend God.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." (NIV) 2 Peter 1:20-21

All scripture is inspired by God. Reading the Bible daily allows us to read God's actual instructions. He speaks to us on various topics: morality, cleanliness, history, wisdom. The Bible is from God and inspired through the Holy Spirit. It is God's truth for our lives and the lives of ALL men.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'

But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, 'Lord, who has believed our message?' Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ." (NIV) Romans 10:14-17

Reading the Bible daily allows God to touch the hearts of His children. When you better understand what you believe, when you read God's message directly, you are given the chance to respond to God's love. Once you hear the Good News, you have a choice to respond or not.

This may seem weird because there are some that will say, "Aren't those that read the Bible daily already Christian?" That is not necessarily true. Those reading the Bible may be doing it for school. Some read it at church before they have made a conscious decision to accept Christ's in their lives. Others read it from a Theological (the study of God) perspective. Whatever the reason for reading the Bible, you begin to learn, with every word, the love that God has for you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. " (NIV) Hebrews 4:12

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (NIV) 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Reading the Bible daily convicts our hearts, teaches our minds, and fills our spirits with the desire to follow God's will. Reading the Bible daily calls us to reflect on our lives. It calls us to reflect on not only what we are called to do, but to look at what we are NOT called to do. The Word is living, working in us, convicting us to shed our old skin and live the new lives that we have been so graciously blessed with as Christians.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." (NKJV) Hebrews 5:12-14

"Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance." (NKJV) Isaiah 55:2

The Word is food for God's children. Just as a child cannot grow without milk and food, neither can a Christian grow without the Word of God. Christianity is not stagnant. Each and every day of our lives we are challenged, tempted. Everything that we come against, God has a solution for and guides us, through in His Holy Word. Reading the Bible daily prepares us to successfully win these daily battles with Satan.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CONCLUSION

Reading the Bible guides us, feeds us, strengthens us, challenges us, convicts us, and comforts us. It is God's Holy Word that has been proclaimed throughout history. The Bible is a spiritual book for guidance and a historical book for understanding. Don't be afraid to challenge yourself as you grow as a Christian. Arm yourself with the knowledge of what you believe and fully take hold of the conversion that began in your heart. Help it be fulfilled in your mind through reading the Bible daily.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father. As I explore Your Word daily, open my heart to accept Your love, and my mind to understand Your promises of hope, salvation, and eternity. Let Your Word give me strength, convict my actions, challenge me to move forward, and softern my heart so that I may be fully ready to do Your work in this world. I ask this in your most Holy Name, Jesus Christ. Amen.

I would like to thank Patrick Coman and his sermon "Five Reasons to Read the Bible" for the basis of this post.

Go See "Facing the Giants"

2006-09-29T22:58:00.000-05:00

I am still working on the second part of the Spiritual Disciplines, but I thought I would share this review of Facing the Giants that I have posted on a few other blogs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I usually go to the movies on my Fridays off from work. Today I was trying to decide, do I want to see School of Scoundrels or Facing the Giants? It really was not a hard decision, especially after reading the School of Scoundrels review and realizing that the only movies I really wanted to see that came out today were Facing the Giants and Open Season. I am a movie buff and I have to say, there is absolutely nothing that is coming out of Hollywood lately with any redeeming qualities or originality. After choosing to see Facing the Giants, I realized that it was not me, but the Lord trying to tell me something with this movie.

One thing about Facing the Giants, it is not the best-acted movie. No one is going to win an Oscar(but I think there is more to it than the acting on that account). The depth of the characters, the depth of the story, and its relatability to not only every Christian, but also everyone that has the normal weight of life on their shoulders was inspiring. This movie is for anyone that has a problem being afraid to try; for anyone looking for answers when they think there are none.

Grant Taylor is the coach of a Georgia Christian High School, Shiloh Christian Academy (SCA). For the last 6 years, he has been a mediocre coach, and on the first day of the new school year, he learns that his best player has left SCA for a rival school so he can have an opportunity to win. As the movie progresses, we also learn that Coach Taylor and his wife, Brooke, have been trying to have a child for 4 years and are struggling with infertility; their car is about to fall apart, they are struggling to make ends meet, and to top it all off, their house smells like a dead animal.

After finding out that Brooke is not the reason for the infertility, Coach Taylor goes to get himself checked. It is then that his world begins to fall apart. A week or so later, he finds out that he is infertile. He then spends a long afternoon at the school contemplating how to tell Brooke. Before Coach Taylor leaves, he offers to close the school and let the janitor go home early. While closing up, he overhears the fathers of the players having a meeting about terminating his employment. "He is a nice guy, but he is not a winner."

Coach Taylor goes home and breaks down in front of Brooke. He lets her know everything that has happened. Unlike most people today who would try to fix things themselves, Coach Taylor turns to the only things that he knows can guide him: Scripture and prayer. He stays up the entire night asking God for guidance and strength and a couple of days later, he gets his answer.

I will not share any more of the story, but I will share this: Facing the Giants will challenge you and inspire you. There were times in the movie that I could not help but cry. Some times it was for Coach Taylor and his multitude of problems. Other times, it was for the joy of a young man that accepted Christ and apologizes to his father for being disobedient.

Facing the Giants challenges us to trust the Lord, to take chances when we are afraid, to realize that everything in this life that we think is important, isn't unless you are doing it for the glory of God.

I would love to share more about the movie, but it would ruin some of the surprises. Pay particular attention to the scriptures used in the film, they may just speak to you as they did to me.

Facing the Giants can be summed up as this:

"Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'" (NIV) Matthew 19:26.

Never forget that with God in your life, anything is possible, and go, ENJOY THE FILM!

PAX
JD

PS: The only mature theme in the entire movie was the problems surrounding their infertility. The football was no more violent that going to a Friday night High School game. There was no crude humor, no language, one or two controlled, appropriate outbursts of anger, but nothing that I could see that would earn it a PG rating. I have seen G reated movies from Disney with more violence and adult themes than this film. I'm just sayin'!

Spiritual Disciplines II is Coming

2006-09-19T14:33:00.000-05:00

Just a little something to hold you guys over until the next Spiritual Disciplines posting. I say you guys, because well, I hope someone reads what I am writing. If not, it is OK. I am able to use this time to focus on God's word and try to better understand what God has planned for me in my life, but as usual, I digress (darn stream of consciousness).

My wife is working with me on writing this next posting, but she got sick after we went tubing, so we have not been able to work on it very much. Until then, something to think about.

Facing Temptation

We are all tempted at some time or another in our walks with Christ. For some of us, the temptation comes from the opposite sex. For others, it is past drug or alcohol problem that continues to haunt us (I know they are the same thing...semantics, semantics). Sometimes, it is uncontrollable anger. When facing these challenges, turn to the Word for comfort. Hebrews 4:15-16 states:

"For we do not have a high priest (Jesus) who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (NIV)

Christ went through all the we go through, yet he asked His father for strength to overcome the temptation of sin, and with his Father's strength, He never gave in. Do not forget that the Lord God will provide you strength, if you ask.

Also understand this (1 Corinthians 10:13):

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." (NIV)

The Lord will always provide us with a way out of any temptation that we may face. The challenge is hearing and letting God's small, still voice guide us.

Prayer

Lord, we are all tempted, but You have promised a way out, we just need to look for it and pray. Lord help me discern Your message for me in times of temptation. Let me hear Your voice calling, and not Satan's. Let me fully grasp Your help and understand that You are always here for me, even when I do not think that I need you. I ask this in Your Holy Name, Christ Jesus. Amen.

Hiatus

2006-09-14T15:20:00.000-05:00

I will be off tubing on the Comal River this weekend with my beautiful wife. My next Spiritual Discipline posting will be out Sunday night (like 2am Monday) or Monday night, at the latest.

Enjoy the weekend!

Financial Peace University

2006-09-14T09:46:00.000-05:00

"In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has." (NIV) Proverbs 21:20

This is the basis for Financial Peace University (FPU) hosted by Dave Ramsey. For the past few years, my church has hosted this 13 week course that helps teach families to get out of debt and stay out of debt. I was blessed to attend the first course at our church and this fall I was asked to be a coordinator. This program is a powerful, Biblically based program that helps individuals become financially secure and leads the financially distressed down a road to financial freedom.

I found FPU to be one of the most rewarding seminars I have ever taken. Dave is not only knowlegable, but his teaching methods, though extreme at times, really help you understand how wonderful your life would be if you just followed what God calls us to do and stop using credit cards, taking loans, and other fancy tricks the financial people play with us in today's world. My wife and I paid off over $10,000 in debt just during the 13 week course.

There is contact information through the links above to get your church started helping all its members and all Christians truly live out God's call.

Proverbs 22:7 says it best:
"The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. " (NIV)

Don't let the credit card companies, and banks from which you have borrowed, be your master, let Jesus Christ.

"Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life. " (NIV) Proverbs 22:4

Spiritual Discipline I: Participate in Church

2006-09-12T02:00:00.000-05:00

Introduction

The phrase "Participating in Church" can be divisive. I say this because there are those that may be reading this that go to a building on Sunday, sit through a service, and are either not involved with anyone else at their "church," or they believe sitting in a pew is going to get them to heaven. They truly believe that they are "participating." Church is so much more than being in a building. Make no mistake; I will challenge a few people's views of church in this post. But more than that, I will challenge you to not be a pew sitter, but to be truly involved in your church, get to know your fellow church goers, and use what is learned on Sunday to go into the world and spread the Good News about our risen Lord.

Now I want everyone to know, that when I talk about church, I am not necessarily talking about that "big brick building" that you go to each week. Church can be anywhere it needs to be. It can be in the woods on a weekend retreat. It can be in someone’s apartment (you guys know who you are ;) ). Church, from here forward, will be defined as a community of believers that have come together to worship our Lord, Jesus Christ, celebrate His Sacrifice, and enable the rest of the community to go out and "preach the Gospel, and if need be, use words." (Thanks St. Francis as shared by Pastor Burt)

During the last 5 years, I have been more involved with my faith, studied the bible more than I ever thought I could, and have come to understand that Christ really wants us to be one body striving to spread the Good News and not to be so much like the Pharisees, caught in the laws and traditions of our faith.

Christ’s priestly prayer in John 17:20-23 states Christ’s wish for the church:

“I'm praying not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me because of them and their witness about me. The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind— just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, so they might be one heart and mind with us. Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me. The same glory you gave me, I gave them, so they'll be as unified and together as we are— I in them and you in me. Then they'll be mature in this oneness, and give the godless world evidence that you've sent me and loved them in the same way you've loved me.” (The Message)

I can delve more into this, but Kevin Baker of Christian Conversations did a really great job discussing the divisions of the Christian church in America and the healing that can begin if we all join in prayer for unity: Read - Why I am a United Methodist (Part I), and Why I am a United Methodist (Part II). I will try not to digress too much more… ;)

Reasons for Participating in Church

I have searched the web and found many sites about reasons for Participating in Church. Some of the lists are 100 or more items long, others are only a few. I even found some that gave reasons for not participating in church. After all that, I go back to some basic reasons that have been discussed on various occasions in my Sunday School class (that I admit, I need to attend more regularly for reason number 2).

1. Worship – Christ calls us to participate in church so we can worship Him with other Christians. Christ has promised that he will be with us, when we participate in church. Matthew 18:19-20 states,

“Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." (NIV)

Worship on your own is great, but worshipping together is AWESOME!

2. Fellowship/Education – Christ calls us together to strengthen each other, encourage each other, witness to each other, and teach each other. If you do not have fellowship in church, you are missing out on one of the greatest aspects of church! Challenges from other Christians help educate you about your faith and make you stronger preparing you for the eventual attacks by the Satan. Your fellowship and education give you the weapons needed to defeat the enemy and better equip to face the evils of the world as you are a witness to your faith and evangelize to others.

John 15:18-27 states:

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates me hates my Father as well. If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: 'They hated me without reason.'

When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.” (NIV)

With fellowship, with education, with the support of other Christians, we are better prepared to go out and spread the Good News of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

3. Service Opportunities – 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 says,

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.”(NIV)

Participation in church allows us to begin to understand the gifts that God has blessed each of us with and allows us to better serve His community within church and the outside community around us. These gifts can be those listed above or other gifts we have been given that allow us to further His kingdom.

Some may be wise, guided by the Spirit to help others truly understand the Word.

Some people have the gifts of healing. Most people would believe you have to be a doctor or a nurse to have the gift of healing, but there are times that this gift is less physical and more spiritual. Some individuals have the gift of spiritual healing that allows for the opening of others’ hearts to the message of Christ’s love.

I have met some people that are sensitive to the evil spirits that travel among us… the spirits that cause us pain, suffering, anger, lust. These individuals are able to pray for and help, through the name of Jesus Christ, those they encounter that need relief and aid from their spiritual oppression.

On a simpler note, some people have the gifts of patience, or just being able to listen.

Participation in church, and understanding God’s Word, allows us to see service opportunities in and outside of church.

Conclusion

What am I trying to say in all this? Well, simply put, PARTICIPATE IN CHURCH! Having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the most important part of Christianity, but if you are not participating in church, it is hard to have that relationship grow. God will not reveal everything He wants for you in your life directly to you. Sometimes, He uses other Christians to bring out the greatness that He has called you to.

Don't be afraid, do make excuses, get involved and make a bigger difference in this world by participating in church.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, there are times that I want to think that the relationship I have is all about me. Sometimes, I do not want to share my gifts with others. Sometimes, I want to just get away and be by myself, but Lord, I know You have called me to greater things. You have set my heart on fire for You. Let me be able to fully participate in my church, where ever and what ever the circumstances may be at the time. Let me use the gifts that You have given me to serve others within my church as well as those outside my church community. Help me to never fear what others may think of my love for You and my service to Your Good News. I ask this in You Most Holy Name, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Introduction: 6 Spiritual Disciplines

2006-09-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

The next group of postings that I wanted to work through is a more detailed look at 6 Spiritual Disciplines, originally presented in the sermon titled "The Two Voices, the Two Choices" given by Rev. Susan Grittman on August 20, 2006 at the 11:10 am service at the church I attend in Houston. Susan referenced the these Spiritual Disciplines as a way for Christians to make the "correct Choices" when confronted by the "Two Voices" of the Holy Spirit and Satan. The Disciplines are a guide to help strengthen our Christian faith in order to turn away from Satan's lies and follow the Lord's truth. These Disciplines will not keep us from being tempted. In fact, we will fall. It is a given. We are not perfect. The Disciplines are designed to help us fall less often and to live our lives in the presence of the Lord every day of our lives.

The 6 Spiritual Disciplines that I will discuss are as follows. I will address each one with my comments, as well as scriptural references.

1. Participate in Church
2. Read the Bible Daily
3. Assume Responsibility for Your Thought Life
4. Renounce Old Ways of Thinking, Feeling, and Acting as They Present Themselves
5. Pray Daily
6. Don't Depend on Others to Fight Your Battles

Christian Conversations

2006-08-28T13:26:00.000-05:00

As I was doing some research for my next group of postings, I was trolling through some blogs that I read regularly. I discovered a link to a blog written by a Methodist Minister in North Carolina by the name of Kevin Baker. His bio can be found here.

He started his blog to discuss "theological musings about faith, politics, and everyday life. Don't be surprised if you find humor, sarcasm, and tongue in check reflections along side more straightforward thoughts. Here you will find reflections more geared toward asking the right questions than finding overly simplistic and reductionist answers. Conversation implies community, so these reflections are meant to start discussion rather than end it."

Upon skimming through his blog, Christian Conversations, I noticed his series on "Why I am a United Methodist." I found it not only informative, but challenging. He delves into the current divisions within the Christian church, mainly in America. He gives some of his ideas about fixing the problems, but invites others to share as well. Make sure to read the comments by readers. All the ideas presented are in a logical, realistic manner that delve even deeper into some of the conversations I am having with Angela Messenger regarding my faith and my decision to leave the Catholic Church and join the United Methodist Church almost 5 years ago. After reading through his commentary and the other comments, all I can say is, "Can't we just all get along?" In other words, why do we, as Christians, focus so much on our differences and so little on our similarities?

Food for thought....

Conversation meme

2006-08-26T23:45:00.000-05:00

Angela Messenger has tagged me with a conversation meme.

If you could meet and have a deep conversation with any five people on earth, living or dead, from any time period, who would they be?

Name five people from each of the following categories:
Saints
Those in the Process of Being Canonized
Heroes from your native country
Authors/Writers/Celebrities.

Then, tag five people.

Saints
1. St. Paul – the true, “It ain’t all about the rules, if there is not love, and faith, it amounts for naught” guy.
2. St. Augustine – If he can go from being the heathen that he was, to one of the most well known Christian scholars, there is hope for me yet.
3. St. Marie Rose Durocher – I figured, since she is related to me, I would ask her about her real story.
4. St. Peter - first pope, knew Jesus, knew the Blessed Mother - I have so many questions! (copied from Angela Messenger, why mess with perfection)

Those in the process of being canonized (Since I am not Catholic, I have not kept up with this, but I have to go with the 2 obvious ones)

1. Blessed Mother Teresa – To hear how difficult, or not, it was to give everything up and truly follow Christ’s call, like the first 12 apostles.
2. Pope John Paul II – A man I admire for always, no matter what society said or how things have progressed, always reminded us that God does not and the Truth does not change.

Heroes from your native country

You go me on this one. There are not a lot of Frenchmen that I know of that I would want to talk to…well, would like to see Napoleon in person and see if he was really that short.

Authors/Writers/Celebrities

1. CS Lewis – If someone can go from being raised in the church, become an atheist, then through logic, become a Christian, and write one of the best series of books every written (Narnia Chronicles), I think he would have a lot to say.
2. St. Thomas Aquinas
3. John Steakly – How could someone with such a unique take on Sci-Fi write only 2 books?
4. Sharon Shinn – Another Sci-Fi author that takes ancient Jewish and Christian themes, names, etc. and brings in a Sci-Fi twist (Samaria Trilogy)
5. King Solomon – Did God’s gift of wisdom truly cause his outlook on things?
6. Frank E. Peretti - This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness...nuff said.

Since I am new to this, I am not going to tag anyone.

Conversations with Friends AKA Finding the Will AND the Way

2006-08-23T15:03:00.000-05:00

**This posting is sort of out of order. I started it on the 14th of August, the night after I had these conversations, but just now finished it. The postings previous to this may make more sense now.**

I have always found it interesting that the Lord speaks to you at times that you least expect it. Whether it be in the conversations with friends and neighbors, or in a small, still voice calling you to say and do great things, the Lord speaks to us when we least expect it.

I did not think that my conversations and postings on another's blog would lead me down the road of discovery and conversations that I had this past Sunday (08/13/2006), but they did. They led me to entertain thoughts and ideas that I had not seen myself exploring a week ago.

It all started when I made some comments on a website about some individuals' reaction to a Christian video. The postings, like most comments from those that do not want to truly understand Christianity, were attacking and degrading. My comments stated a continued need for education. Christians really need to be able to defend their faith. I am not talking about doctrine and tradition, but a true understanding as to what the Christian faith is about. What does the Bible say and why does it say it this way? What was going on during the time this was written? How did these things completely change our understanding of the world around us, our chance for salvation, and a love from a creator beyond any other love that will ever be known?

It is this need for understanding that I feel the Lord has called me to at this time. He wants me to share some things that I am dealing with so that others may learn from those experiences, get a better understanding of their faith, and be encouraged to spread the Good News.

Sometimes, Christians are seen as passive about spreading their faith. They talk about it, but they don't really live it. Where as, other religions in the world not only seem to preach their message, but they practice it too, sometimes with dire consequences. I hope that any postings I create will encourage Christians to spread the gospel while compelling them with stories and bible based comments directed toward a complex understanding of our roles here on earth.

In these conversations with friends, I have found a glaring irony with evangelization:

As a new Christian, I am spirit filled and strive to spread the gospel and the joy I have recently received by allowing Christ to come into my heart and change me. I have started that personal relationship with Him that calls me to go out and spread the Good News, but there is a drawback. If I was not raised in the church or I have not really studied God's word, I am not always prepared to fend off the extreme criticism that comes toward Christians in today's world. I have the will, but not necessarily way to share my faith with others.

As an older Christian, I may not be as spirit filled as I was when I first converted to Christianity, but I have studied the Bible and I understand my faith. I can defend it and attempt to evangelize through the Good News. I have the way, but maybe not the will.

The struggle for all Christians is to so completely walk in the presence of God that you not only have the will, but you have the way. It has been a long while, but Christ has again given me the will to share the wondrous works of the Lord Jesus Christ. I also have been involved in church or a church school and done external studies, so I have more of a way than I used to.

I will say this, I am not the end all, be all when it comes to answers about Christianity. There are individuals that have studied Christianity and lived it their entire lives and they still have questions. I will quote Christian books I have read from various authors. I will definitely quote the bible (and use multiple translations). I will share from friends. My main hope, and I believe what God has called me to do, is to start discussions about Christianity, challenge people to look into themselves for something greater than themselves, and share all I can of the Good News about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, you have blessed us all with the knowledge of Your Son and the creation here on earth. You call each of us to you and grant us gifts and talents to be used for the raising up of Your kingdom. Lord, as You call me to share Your word and Your love, guide my heart and my mind that Your will be done and not mine. Lord You are the potter and I am the clay..Pleasee do with me as You will. In Your most holy name, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Celebrities are Christians Too

2006-08-20T21:48:00.000-05:00

I know that the title of this post seems, well, a little rude, but with all the crazy liberalness coming out of Hollywood, and the utterly insane comments and reporting coming from the media, I figured that I would share this little gem.

While looking through the Religion section of the Houston Chronicle on Saturday, I noticed this article on the front page. It made me smile, to see and read about 2 things I love to talk about...God and baseball! I found Lance Berkman's comments inspiring during an age when most Christian celebrities are a little "shy" about sharing their faith. I also found what he had to say somewhat reserved (he has been known in Houston and in baseball for making some pretty Yogi Berra-ish comments).

Aug. 18, 2006, 8:56PM
A heart for the game and a heart for God

By CLAUDIA FELDMAN
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

The Astros, aka the God Squad, have their own chaplain, a folksy gentleman as generous with wisdoms and Bible verses as a school nurse with Band-Aids.

During spring training, the 'Stros meet regularly for Bible study led by team funny man and slugger Lance Berkman.

On Sundays, the turnout at well-attended team worship services includes regulars Berkman, Andy Pettitte, Chris Burke, Morgan Ensberg and Adam Everett.

The other day The Chronicle's Claudia Feldman recently sat down with Berkman in the dugout at Minute Maid Park to talk religion, baseball and the connection between the two. He sandwiched the interview few minutes between a family birthday party, batting practice and a pre-game autograph fest with 50 children from Wesley Community Center and the Baytown YMCA.

Did the kids swarm you at the birthday party?

Nah. They were 5-year-olds. And little girls.

Is faith in God pervasive on the team?

I would say probably 15 of 25 guys - over half the team - are Christian. And we're the only major-league team with a chaplain, Gene Pemberton, (on the payroll). All the teams have baseball chapel. We have that, too, and I'm the chapel representative. The chapel leader is Kevin Edelbrock. He comes in on Sundays and leads chapel for us and also the visiting team.

What happens at the services?

Mainly, Kevin tries to relate to baseball. And he'll lead us in a lesson from the Bible - we go through a book a month. Right now we're on 1 Thessalonians. And we pray. If someone's parents or kids are sick, or someone's wife is pregnant, we pray for them. It's a time of fellowship. We belong to a church here, but during the season, we never get to go.

You were the leader of Bible study during the spring. How did it go?

We had five weeks of spring training so we studied 1 John, which has five chapters. We took a chapter a week. We didn't have homework - most guys would rebel against that - but they read on their own. We would try to figure out, ``What do you think this passage is saying? What is God trying to teach through his word?''

Growing up in the Austin area, was your family religious?

I like to say I overcame a drug problem. My parents ``drug'' me to church. For a long time, it was a religious ritual, but it had no depth, no meaning for me. There's a difference between knowing a lot of facts about God and knowing God. ... I guess you could say I was born again, or transformed from being spiritually dead to spiritually alive, when I was at Rice (University).

That's when I felt a true connection with God. There was no lightning bolt, but I felt that connection over a course of time. And people helped, my roommate and his sister, who became my wife. They were instrumental. They taught me the difference between head knowledge and heart knowledge.

Were you ever a hell-raiser?

I had that typical experience, a time of debauchery. I was doing things I shouldn't have been doing, and I'm not proud of it. But there was nothing to it; it wasn't lasting.

What role does faith play in your life?

It's most important. Most people want to compartmentalize their job, family and religion. But when you're a Christian, it permeates every aspect of your life. It's who I am, and it comes out in every arena.

Faith also helps me not get caught up in the hype of being a local celebrity. Some get a feeling of elevated importance. In 200 years, no one will know I played. I try to keep an eternal perspective.

How are faith and baseball intertwined? And do you ever pray for hits?

I'm not here to say I'm an authority on how God operates, but as for praying for hits, I'm not into that.

I think God cares about me - he cares about our struggles - but I don't believe that if I pray for a hit, he'll get me a hit.

If I'm in a slump, I'll bring that burden to him. You grow through trials. You learn from difficult times.

God didn't spare his own son, and he doesn't spare us.

Two teams pray for a win. God doesn't care about a baseball game or the World Series. He cares about individuals.

Every once and a while I run across things like this and I smile. It is good to know that there are celebrities, sports heroes, and other not-so-regular Joes out there that just happen to be Christians as well. If only the media would share more often, there would be a little more for us all to smile about.

I Need You To Love Me

2006-08-19T21:58:00.000-05:00

I have found myself struggling this week to really put out there what I want to say. I was driving home from Church on Sunday, and it all clicked. The conversations that I had participated in the night before with Angela Messenger, and the conversations that continued with a friend at Church before Sunday School. The actual Sunday School class as well. But when all was said and done, I could not sit down and put my thoughts together in one, coherent message. I mean, I have the Sunday Conversations to finish, and the Lonely, Impatient Christian series to complete. All I can say is that Satan is coming at me full force.

For the past 3 weeks, I have had the strong call from Christ to continue to post. I can hear the small, still voice telling me to share with others, both on the blog and anywhere I meet them, the glorious wonders of Christ's love. Needless to say, I have had a little trouble with that. I started an in depth conversation with Angela Messenger, only to slack off of it by Tuesday. I know that I have been busy, but as my previous post, I'm Back....I Think...No, Really, I Am, stated, I continue to have trouble with just taking that time to reflect on God's word and let it speak to me, so that I can speak to others. I have read a few more chapters in Hebrews, followed by a little bit of Acts, but I have not really applied what I have learned and shared it with others.

Listening to the radio today, KSBJ here in Spring, TX, I heard Barlow Girl's "I Need You to Love Me." That song always touches me, every single time that I hear it, and reminds me of just how much God loves me, even when I am being stupid, or I am failing in my daily battle with Satan.

Below are the lyrics. Please really read through them and think about the truth they portray of God's love for all of us, who are so unworthy of the love He gives and the blood He shed. As Adoro te Devote said in a response to a comment about a posting: "I don't deserve God's love. And that's why I love him so much." Thanks Angela Messenger for pointing out this post. :)

I Need You to Love Me by Barlow Girl

Why, why are You still here with me
Didn't You see what I've done?
In my shame I want to run and hide myself
But it's here I see the truth
I don't deserve You

[Chorus:]
But I need You to love me, and I
I won't keep my heart from You this time
And I'll stop this pretending that I can
Somehow deserve what I already have
I need You to love me

I, I have wasted so much time
Pushing You away from me
I just never saw how You could cherish me
'Cause You're a God who has all things
And still You want me

Your love makes me forget what I have been
Your love makes me see who I really am
Your love makes me forget what I have been

PS: I may mention some more of their stuff later. It is all good stuff! (from both a spiritual and a musical stand point)

Prayer
Lord, I am so thankful that You love me as You do. Help me to always be grateful and gracious when it comes to the sacrifices that you have made just so I can be free to love and worship You. Even if I was the only person on earth, I know that You still would have died so that I may live. You love me that much.

Help me to continue to remain focused on what is truly important in this world and not so on the lies Satan lays at my feet in what seem to be minute by minute every day. Please continue to speak to me in a way that I can understand, and let Your still, small voice resonate like a clanging gong in my heart, calling me to Your will. I am Your vessel, You are the pottery...do with me as You will. I ask this in your most Holy Name, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Too bad I did not have a backup hard drive...

2006-08-02T16:45:00.000-05:00

As I look for my notes and attempt to find the scripture I will ultimately use to complete The Lonely, Impatient Christian series, I wanted to share a beautiful picture I recently took while in Wyoming on business.

This is a picture of the river that ran behind our cabin.

This is the driveway that lead to the cabins.

A beautiful, non-smog induced, Wyoming sunset.

It was a wonderful trip and the short time that I was there not only allowed me to discuss business with customers, but it allowed me to truly appreciate the beauty of God's wonderful creation.

I'm Back....I think...No Really, I Am

2006-07-31T10:49:00.000-05:00

It has been a long time since I have posted. I can make may excuses as to why, but one main thing sticks out: I became not only lazy, but caught up in material things, and not giving the rightful amount of time that I need to give to the Lord on a daily basis.

Before I complete my "Lonely, Impatient Christian" posting, I figured I would quickly address what happened, in a non-specific, sort of way.

Our July Revival Sermon Series this year is about God's Promises. This week's sermon was about God's Promise of Presence. Now some of this will probably be recycled into the "Lonely, Impatient Christian" posting, but I have a specific reason for talking about this right now.

Hebrews 13:5-6 tells us, "Don't be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, 'I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,' we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help; I'm fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?" (The Message)

When Christians fail to recognize all the blessings that the Lord provides, and they compare themselves to the standards set by society, we begin to lose touch with our Lord and the promises He has made to us.

I am GUILTY of that. Whether I have over-indulged in TV or the internet, or thought that time spent cleaning my truck was more important than keeping up with my daily reflection time, I have neglected taking the time to keep up with my blog and at times my family. I have overlooked those blessings that God has given me.

When we stray, lifting other things above our relationship with Jesus, Satan has gotten exactly what he wants: sights taken off the one true Lord, Jesus Christ, and focused on the new gods of money, sex, material items.

When you get some time, read through the entire book of Hebrews (The Message Version at Biblegateway.com). It is a perfect reminder of what Christians are missing when they stray from their calling.

Max Lucado's introduction to Hebrews in his Devotional Bible suggests that the book of Hebrews was written for "Jewish believers that were torn between their new faith and their old ways. The temptation was to slip back into familiar routines and rituals, settling for second best." As Christians, we are called not to settle for second best. Our lives in Christ are first rate and no matter what distractions come along, we should remember that everything else in this world is inferior in comparison to Christ's love for us and a life in His presence. As Max Lucado summarizes his introduction, he asks one, poignant question, "Once you've known the best, why settle for anything less?

Prayer
Lord, as I rise and work through each day of my life, let me be reminded, when tempted, that there is nothing that compares to you. No drug, no distraction, no material item, no sort of temptation, once chosen, will ever compare to Your beauty...Your intensity....the undeniable, euphoric effect as being in Your presence. By your grace, forgive me of my waywardness, wash me of my sins, and give me the strength to turn from Satan's lies and live in the truth....forever. I ask this in Your Most Holy Name, Jesus Christ. AMEN.

The Lonely, Impatient Christian: Impatience

2006-04-03T12:38:00.000-05:00

As I approached this subject, I asked myself how impatience can hurt a Christian and it's ultimate effect on loneliness. I will have to say, that I think, the majority of the problems that American Christians have to deal with is the "Right Now" society of the United States. Our location, the place where we live, is a big influence, as well as a hindrance, to being a Christian. We have drive thrus, microwave popcorn, instant this, instant that...Americans have been raised to want it now. This explains our short attention spans and other societal issues that seem to arise.

As I go through my rant about American culture, you may think that I don't partake in these things. I do, microwave popcorn especially, but when it comes to God; when it comes to faith; there is no room for impatience.

Accepting Christ

Becoming a Christian, by accepting Christ into your heart, is an awesome experience. Feelings can be overwhelming and your heart and mind are filled with a peace that you have never experienced. It comes fast and quick. As a "New Christian," little things that are done daily, continue to propagate the highs experienced during your conversion, making it easier to "feel" God's hand touching you and His word speaking to you. Becoming a Christian fulfills that instant gratification most Americans are looking to achieve, but being a Christian is not just about the highs, but the ordinary as well.

Ordinary is OK
Just as the majority of the Church calendar is ordinary, so are most of the life and times of a Christian. The daily routine of prayer, scripture reading, and just living as Christ has called us to, for anyone, especially an American raised in a "gotta have it now" society, can be boring. It is during this time that we may not "feel" Christ in our lives. We think that His voice is not calling us. These are the times that the lonely, impatient Christian dreads. Only in times of turmoil and joy, when the outcome of prayers can readily be seen, do lonely, impatient Christians, feel less lonely and seem to "know" God is with them. Until a Christian can live beyond their feelings and begin to have faith in all that they have been taught, all that they have read in scripture, and all that goes on around them in their "ordinary" day, can they begin to feel less lonely.

Patience is a Virtue
Patience, while moving through the "ordinary" time, can be difficult for Christians.

James 1:2-4 tells us, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (NIV)

God calls all Christians to "endure" through ordinary times as well as non-ordinary times, but for most Christians, the patience part comes with time...and for some...it unfortunately never comes. With all the conveniences that we have in America, it is sometimes difficult to "endure" and to have patience. I reference back to my first post on this subject that there are some Christians that I know that can give their struggles to God and never deal with them again. They have control, with God's help, over the flesh. While others have the patience and understanding of what Christ calls us to do, but there are constant struggles. They have faith, but lose the fight of the flesh. (see I Do What I Don't Want to Do)

The problem that arises from the constant struggle with being patient and letting God do God's work. When we can be patient, he promises us that we will receive His blessing.

David, in Psalm 40:1 tells us, "I waited patiently for the LORD; He turned to me and heard my cry." (NIV)

You can read more of God's blessing because of trust and patience in Psalm 40 here.

Prayer

Lord, as we travel through life, we face struggles that we must overcome. One of the biggest struggles that we face, that challenges our relationship with You, is being patient. You call us to follow You, yet when we do not see the outcome of our prayers and obedience immediately, we become frustrated, anger, and distant, which ultimately leads to our loneliness. Lord grant us patience. Grant us the ability to completely trust Your word and have the faith to understand in the end, all things will work for Your glory and we will be rewarded more than we ever could have imagined. I ask this in Your Glorious Name. AMEN.

The Lonely, Impatient Christian: Introduction

2006-03-28T09:26:00.000-06:00

It has been a while since I have written something. One reason, lots of things going on with the family and work. The other reason, I wanted to get this right. God has been guiding my heart to this topic for a long time. The problem: I did not have all the scripture that I wanted to best express my understanding of the topic I will address. Then, the other night, while my wife and I were lying in bed, she stumbled across the exact quote that I had been looking for the past few weeks.

Before I go any further, with any of my postings, understand this: being a Christian, especially in today's world, comes with its struggles. I have met many Christians, like myself, that deal daily with temptations in their lives and struggle with them on a continued basis. One true blessing that I have received from the Lord no matter how many temptations that I have, I always believe, always know, that God is right there with me, not matter what I feel, what is going on, or what I hear. Especially no matter how many times I fall. There are other Christians that I know, that no matter the temptation, they can give it to God, and it is gone. No relapses; no continued struggles; but their struggle is much deeper. These Christians feel lonely. They feel that God is not there in there lives and that they will never hear His voice again. Even when they can visibly point out the blessings they have received from the Lord, they cannot feel His hand touching them and His voice guiding them. I feel this can be more devastating to a Christian's faith walk than any temptation that may come their way.

This is the first in a few posts that will address Christians' desire for the guiding hand of God in their lives. Hopefully, through some scripture discussions, I can give those that "feel" they don't have God's hand guiding them, hope.

I've Been Busy...

2006-03-15T15:37:00.000-06:00

Sorry for the length between posts, but I have been very busy with work and at home. I am working on getting something else up soon. I continue to steer away from Ecclesiastes, not because it is not important, but because I have had something a little more important on my heart right now. So until then, enjoy this picture of my wife and daughter being silly late last year.

I Do What I Don't Want To Do..

2006-03-06T14:49:00.000-06:00

I wanted to go in a different direction for a post, just because this thought process is something that has been weighing on me and pretty much weighs on almost every Christian I know. I will focus on Romans 7:15, but to get a full understanding of what Paul is writing about, check out the entire book of Romans, the biggest basis for most of the foundations for Christian teachings (second only to Christ). (ROMANS NIV at BibleGateway.com)

Romans 7:15 states, "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do." (NIV)

As a Christian, I feel this way almost every day. I struggle with things in my life that aggravate me. I know, as a Christian, what I should and should not be doing. I know the things in my life that please the Lord and that allow me to nourish my relationship with Him. I understand the consequences for making the wrong choices and giving into the enemy's temptations. Knowing all this, what do I do? Well, just as Paul, what I hate to do.

Being a Christian in today's world is probably one of the most challenging things that you can do. I am not talking about "saying" I am a Christian, going to church now and then, and wearing a cross around your neck. I am talking about a Christian that is never afraid to talk about their faith; a Christian that sets an example in their life for others just by living and, ultimately using words, if necessary (Thanks St. Francis as shared by Pastor Burt). A Christian that is willing to challenge what they know is wrong in the world, but also struggles with the very things that they are challenging in this world.

I guess what I ultimately am trying to say is that Christians are human. We make mistakes like everyone else in this world, but because of our faith in Christ, we are called accountable to our choices and should be held to a higher standard than others that do not know Christ. I liken is to a young child. As my daughter gets older and learns right from wrong, I will have higher and higher expectations of her behavior.

The good thing...if I ask for forgiveness when I fall, I am forgiven each and every time. The Enemy (Satan) wants all of us to fail in our lives. When you become a Christian, he is even more adamant about your failures. He even uses good things in people's lives to tempt them to sin, i.e., he does not have a problem with you and your good looking neighbor going to church. What he wants to happen during this "good" thing is for the good looking neighbor to tempt you (by just being there) to have lustful thoughts and desires to have an affair. He has planted the seed to sin and at that time, we, as Christians, have to make a choice. ( I will stop now because this is a whole other topic.)

Prayer:
Lord, as I walk with you, I know that I struggle and fall. I know that I am weak. I know that when I try to follow You on my own, without your help, I will fail. Lord, always walk with me. Forgive me of my sins so that I can serve you free of guilt. Please do not take your Spirit from me, but let it live fully in me as it guides me to do your will. I ask this in Your Most Holy Name. Amen.

Was Solomon plagiarized?

2006-02-27T12:11:00.000-06:00

The best known, unknown biblical quote that I know of (besides the misuse of John 3:16) is Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. The Byrds released "Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is A Season)" in 1965 as an adaptation of Solomon's comments on life. I always thought it to be a catchy tune, but from a biblical perspective, an oversimplification of a complex subject broached by Solomon.

Upon further reading, a very simple theme begins to emerge. God is in control of all things and God wants man to enjoy the beauty He has created for him. The problems that arise come from the burden of the knowledge of the great eternity that God has planned for His creation.

Solomon also looks at God's tests of man as a reminder of their place in all things in the creation and universe. Man must understand that no matter what they want and "toil" for, it is all meaningless unless it is what God has actually called them to do. Man's toil and work cannot change the future that God holds for them in his plan.

You may ask, "How does this affect me as a Christian? Does this mean that I am predestined?"

Not exactly. Solomon is writing at a time when the Revelation of Jesus Christ and the saving grace bestowed upon believers was not known. It relates to Christians in the simplest way of all:

"But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. " (Roman 3:21-26)

God revealed His master plan through the death and resurrection of his son Jesus Christ and showed His true love for us. He gave our life true meaning and showed us our place in His plan. He helped us understand that putting our faith the Lord Jesus Christ allows us to fully enjoy His creation. It gave us a little more to look forward to. Now, the meaninglessness of life, the fear of returning to dust and accomplishing nothing, gives way to the hope and a better understanding of our roles in creation. Our acceptance of Christ as our Savior and the corresponding "works" that arise from that acceptance, finally allow us to make our lives meaningful, instead of meaningless, and truly live out God's plan for all mankind.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to truly come to understand my role in Your work. I thank you daily for giving us Your saving grace through your Son, Jesus Christ. May the confidence that you have in all mankind be lived out in my life. Help me to be a good father, husband, friend, and witness to Your love and hope. Give me the wisdom to realize that You are in control, even if we would like to think that we are. I ask this in Your glorious name, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Ecclesiastes is depressing....

2006-02-26T00:05:00.000-06:00

Over the past few weeks, I have been reading Ecclesiastes. I am not sure what prompted me to read this book, but I am guessing that there was something going on in my life, and in my spirit that needed to be addressed. Maybe it was that I needed a little wisdom and perspective for those in my life, or for myself. Whatever the reason, Solomon's words have been enriching.

I titled this post "Ecclesiastes is depressing" because on my first read of the book, and through the first few chapters, I was really down. For example, Ecclesiastes 1:2 opens:

"Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is Meaningless."

How else am I, as a Christian, supposed to react to that statement? I was not taught to believe that life is meaningless. I was taught that through Christ's love and grace, I could achieve anything. I realized, after the first couple of chapters, that I needed to continue my reading of Ecclesiastes in an attempt to truly understand Solomon’s intense negativity in the beginning of this book.

I challenge you to read through this useful book of the Old Testament. The realizations that I have amassed in the few short weeks of my study have only begun to scratch the surface of my understanding of what God truly wants out of my life. I pray that I may come to an understanding of God’s plan for me differently than Solomon did and not achieve wisdom in life feeling the following:

“For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.” (Ecclesiastes 1:18)

Prayer:
Lord, grant to me the wisdom that I need to win Your battles in my life. Help me to see wisdom not as a burden, but strength to better serve You and Your people. Guide me when challenged, that my decisions and words may be Spirit filled and focused on Your heart and not my jealous, angry, or flesh filled desires. I ask this in Your Most Holy Name, Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Beginning

2006-02-23T11:20:00.000-06:00

I have been doing a great deal of reading, studying, and searching within the Bible lately. As I read I think, and as I think, I want to share.

I am starting this blog to share my thoughts on specific topics that I am studying within the Bible. Sometimes, they will be on a specific verse through which the Holy Spirit has spoken to me. Other times, it will be on a lengthy reading...over time. You may disagree with my thoughts, you may agree, and hopefully you have an opinion. That is fine. The important thing is that you are thinking about the Word of God!

With all the blogs and websites out there that talk about anything but God, I figured I would go in the opposite direction. Of course, since I do have a family and responsibilities, I may not update as often as you or I may like and it may be infrequent, at times, that I respond to comments, but I want to share in the hopes that someone out there may come to know God a little better or maybe even accept Christ in their lives.

I will probably, at times, post pictures and comments about my gorgeous wife and beautiful daughter as well as links to websites I find interesting.

Anyway, enough for now. I will work on getting the first real post out there soon. I hope that you enjoy what you read, or at least are challenged to think about things in a whole new way.