Great news!

     We are saved by the blood of Jesus Christ!  I should get my laptop back by the end of the week. Until then, rejoice in your salvation and share it with others.  Maybe pay for someone's lunch!  It's always your choice.

Belief and action are all you need.

     My belief drives my actions as they do yours. Wht we feed and nuture shows what we actually believe. Then our actions cement in the minds of others whether or not we reflect Jesus or self. It's always your choice.

Key to Christian success.

     Get started and don't stop.
     Now wasn't that easy!

Still without my laptop

Sorry for the inconvenience. Hopefully I will be back soon. I find it to tedious to compose on this tablet. God bless you and keep you in His hands.

Not all who wander are lost.

     Still without my laptop. On a tablet. I hope you will be patient with me while it is beingbfixed. I. Thought he meantime ponder the title. Most everyone i know has beeb or are wandering thinking they are lost. I once was lost but now I'm found in Jesus. Amen!

My bad

    Thought I was being careful when I put my laptop on the shelf. It slid off the shelf and crashed on the floor. It will need to be fixed. Sorry I will be unable to post until then. I will try to borrow another laptop until then. Hopefully see you tomorrow!

Ever been chosen last?

     I have.  It comes with the territory though.  I'm fat, not good at sports, and don't have the patience for board games.  It really started when I was young and impressionable.  My repeated feeling of being "last" became a deep rooted part of my life.  That determined what I would choose as a teenager, young adult and to some extent is still there as I turn 64 in 2 months.  But, Jesus chose me first.  That's what the Bible says. I chose him because he first chose me.  I've never been last ever since in the spiritual sense.  The world can look at me, my life, and all that it entails and see that I am last place material.  It doesn't matter.  Why?  Because in Jesus' book of life I was chosen first.  Many who were jocks, looked hip, and acted like the classy people the world liked, simply weren't first.  They too are first loved by Jesus.  It's their choice whether the choose to love Him who loved them first.  My book didn't make the best sellers list...anywhere.  But it was a first for me!  My education and accomplishments aren't listed in the book of Who's Who in America.  But they were firsts for me.  I choose me.  Right after choosing Jesus!  On my team EVERYONE is first.  It doesn't matter who you are, what your past is, or where you are currently.  You are first.  Jesus told us to love others as ourselves.  Until I received the love of Jesus I only knew second choice or last choice love.  Knowing first choice love in my life gives me the opportunity to love others this way.  You are first on the team.
     The disciples wrestled with this hierarchy thing.  Who gets to sit where.  Who is chosen for this or that.  They were a selfish lot that made a discovery...Jesus. They discovered that He first chose to love them as well.  They were and are part of his team.  Everyone in their lives became first choices to pass on the love of Jesus.  "Santa Clause is Coming to Town" really upsets me!  It's all about who can be the best and receive the most.  It's not a Christian reflection at all.  I was not the best (okay, I was bad) and didn't try to be good.  In fact, the more people expected out of me the worse it became.  I was living a "reactionary" life instead of living life.  It's all I had been programmed to do.  It's what I learned at school, at home, and eventually in the world.  Then, (awkward pause) I met reality and it wasn't what I had been programmed for.  I saw myself as having a choice.  I could remain where and who I was or I could cross the bridge, burn it and never go back.   It was my time to react to being chosen first by Christ.  You would think I would have done this earlier in life.  Not me.  I didn't trust anyone and that included God, if there was a God.  I hadn't put anyone first in my life before and doing so now meant having to make a choice.
     On October 1, 1971 I made the choice to be loved by God.  With a few (many) exceptions over the years I have continued to chose God.  Because I can do this, I can pass that love of God onto others so that they can make the choice and exit the prison of their lives. It's not a competition.  It's not a cost of being part of the team.  It's not an expectation just because someone told you so.  It's a pleasure to choose Christ and for him to choose others through my surrendered life. Everyday I make choices that either reflect the love of God in Jesus or I don't.  There is no middle ground.  Every thought, word, and deed is a choice of one or the other.  We can choose to be on the heavenly team or the worldly team.  It's always your choice.

You thought your life was rough!

Came across this real life post from someone like you and I.  Thought it important enough to post here. Please read.
Steve

He says wow!

     "I'm a single mom with one child and I'd be lying if I said that holidays are perfect for me. I struggle like everyone else. This year my family is devided bc of a member fighting cancer so it's gonna be a tough over with the family in 2 different states but I wanna look at my blessings for a moment. Few years ago I was lying in an intensive care not able to even lift my arms. Very sick. Memory bad. All from a flu shot. Spent 10 months in that hospital.. Half the time praying to God the other half cursing him out. Real bad case of "why me?" I was angry for what I was going threw but even more angry for what my son was going threw. He had already lost his daddy when he was 3 now this... How's that fair? I'd call the clergy at 2am and ask them "why me?" and why my son. They all said the same thing "God didn't do this" and I'd lay there thinking well who did? Just so angry. Then I'd pray because I was convinced that if I apologized for everything bad I've said... Thought... done eventually I'd hit what had made God so mad and he'd let me walk again. He'd let me go home. That theory much have been wrong bc I still can't walk but I am home. And God has shown his love so many times. In so many ways. Couple years ago my electric was shut off so in my power chair I set out to S.H.A.R.E to get it turned on. Without power of really hard to charge a power chair. I made it to share only to be refused bc I didn't have enough documentation. Leaving the office I called my Reverend crying explaining my situation. He said I'll call united ministries. Go there. I headed out knowing my chair was about dead. I didn't get half way there and my chair died. Again. Angry with God I pleaded and cried "why do you make me do everything alone? Why can't you help me?" I SWEAR to you within 5 minutes an ambulance, the fire department and the cops showed up ( God does have a sense of humor) as the are wrapping me in blankets and drying me this beautiful young woman stops her car n approaches me " why are you out here in the rain anyway?" She ask. I explain my power was shut off n I'm trying to get it turned on. She says "give me the bill" skeptically I look at her. With nothing to lose i hand her the bill n she disappears to her car. Moments later she returns the bill saying it was paid. She gets in her car n leaves. The EMT comes over and I tell him the story. He says wow. So where do you wanna go. I tell him united ministry bc if she didn't pay it for real I need the help. I get there and true to her word it was paid in full. Tears rolled down my face in gratitude. She was an angel and I know I was blessed. That's just one example of people who have touched my life and made be have faith not only in God but in human kind as a whole. I see the good and bad in life everyday but I'm a firm believer there more good than bad. There's more kindness than evil and people wanna love each other n help each other ???? my Christmas with be tough financially but full of love n kindness and that's very important. My prayers are my sister with cancer has a peaceful day and that my son gets everything he deserves. Blessed he's not over to ask for alot. May you n yours have a wonderful holiday and please take away from this story "miracles happen'".

The Christian and circumcision

     The first thought that goes through my mind (as a man) when I think about circumcision is how painful it must be.  Most men who are circumcised had the procedure as infants and don't even remember the incident.  The concept of circumcision is as old as the Bible and the procedure/ceremony is still common today for the Jewish people.  It's also something that bears looking at for our day and age.  Circumcision is more than removing the foreskin of the penis.  The symbolic act is to mark a people as set apart to God as outlined in the Old Testament.  That was all that was needed to tell others that you worshiped God.  But, as man found out, the act didn't ring true in the hearts of man or woman.  Yes, some parts of the world practice female circumcision for very different reasons still today.  I'll get into that another time.  The circumcised people of God weren't circumcised in their hearts.  So we come to that shift in time when circumcision was confronted by Jesus with the Jewish leaders who his said were "uncircumcised in their hearts."  The beginning of Matthew tells us that Jesus came to fulfill the law and usher in a new covenant with people having circumcised hearts.  Just what does that mean to you and I?
     I've had lots of surgeries, wounds and "owies" over the years.  Sometimes I think back on those times and winch from the memory of the pain.  Maybe you do as well.  There's a difference between having an injury or wound and the pain caused by surgery.  When it's accidental there is not only the pain of the instant but also the lingering pain until healing takes place.  I don't know many people who have not suffered in this manner.  Surgery is a totally different animal.  Either I'm unconscious or the area of the wound has injected pain killer there is no pain felt initially.  Pain comes when that wears off and reality sets in.  By then I'm on pain killers and the real pain is hidden.  I've had the chance to attend to others and aid them in their recovery from their physical and psychological pain.  There is a time to heal and that comes after the pain.  Can't say that I have ever been able to prevent other people's pain.  I have a hard enough time doing that for me much less anyone else.  Finally, there are those times when we intentional (for good or bad) cause injury to someone.  Whether it's taking your child to the dentist/doctor or doing something foolish that injures another, we have all experienced the pain we have led someone into. 
     What does all of this have to do with the Christian and circumcision?  Everything!  When Jesus came he released us from the law of circumcision of the penis.  Yes, I said that word.  He brought with his life, death and resurrection a new covenant with the circumcision of the heart.  Just what does that mean?  First, we need to understand that the outward or physical act of circumcision is done away with.  We don't need circumcision of the penis to show we belong to God.  We don't need tattoos or jewelry to represent our life in Christ.  We don't need churches or church attendance to convince others we have given our lives to Christ.  There are no secret ceremonies, prayers, or other idiocyrncies that will show how much you love Jesus.  Like circumcision of the body, these things mean nothing because God searches the heart and not the outward.  You can act, talk, and claim all that is Christian but if you don't know Jesus it's all worthless.  Through the work of Christ you and I are called to die to self and to let Christ live through us.  This is the circumcision of the heart.  We die so that it's no longer our heart that beats but Christ's heart that beats within us.  The truth is if we retain our old heart Jesus' heart cannot beat within us.  There is ample examples of how the Christian should think, say and do in their new life that we don't need to address them.  Unless of course we don't have a circumcised heart.  Being doers of the Word (Jesus) means not being doers of anything else.  Don't just hear the Word, let Him live through you.  Get circumcised.  Remember, it's always your choice.

Somewhere in the middle of Texas

     I chose Texas but could have just as easily chosen your state.  I live in Washington and my family lives around the United States.  Relatives are relative to whom you consider family and their places in your life.  Family isn't defined by blood anymore than Christianity is defined by how I live my life.  We aren't from Texas or anywhere if we are Christian.  We are from God, sent into this world to make a difference and to bring Jesus to the lost.  Don't get me wrong, Texas is a great state.  I've been there as well as all but 13 of the states.  Each has it's charm, beauty and colorful people.  I'd find it difficult to name a state that I didn't like.  With Christianity there is no difference.  Despite our differences, Christians and Christian love can be found everywhere.  That's only half of the discussion though.  There are places in states that are deplorable and there are Christians who act deplorably.  Sifting out the difference is up to God.  I love Chicago.  That city has captured my heart in a way that no other city has captured it.  BUT, then there is Cabrini Green.  Then there is Steven (me) and who I've been at times.  You might know of a place in the state you live that's not the best in the world.  You might also resonate with the observation about me.  You would be in good company amongst other Christians.
     The word "middle" in my title is awkward when addressing Christianity or the state you live in.  Why is that you ask.  Because we live in a broad spectrum world.  We, of necessity, have to go to the middle from time to time but only in the worlds sense.  The middle of anything is a compromised area.  It's where our faith is tested and tried by the pulls of the world versus the pull of the Holy Spirit.  Eventually you and I need to choose which way we will go.  When I travel to Chicago I don't go through Cabrini Green.  When I go to church, I don't go around people who don't reflect Christ.  That's reserved for when I go downtown or any other place Jesus would hang out.  Jesus wasn't afraid of the middle or the bottom.  He chose to go there to bring people to the top!  We as Christians need to be able to be Christian fully regardless of where we are and what we are doing.  Going to the middle of Texas is fine if we don't bring the middle with us.  Going to the middle of anywhere is fine as long as you don't compromise your faith.  There is no middle ground if you have surrendered your life to God. 
     Somewhere in the middle of Steve's life there are compromises that have been made.  Somewhere in the middle of Steve's Christian life there are compromises that have been made.  I confess that as far as being a hypocrite goes, I'm there.  I don't always choose the Plan A God puts before me.  God isn't done with me and he knows the desire of my heart.  He isn't done with you either and knows the desires of your heart.  We all, as Christians, should be focused on being dead to us and alive through Christ living in us.  We have all the choices.  Yet, we look around us and do the comparison thing where we try to find others "worse" than us.  That becomes the middle of us.  Nothing good comes from that.  We have the choice to be better and without excuse.  It's always your choice.

What does it cost you?

     In the first century church there was rampant persecution of those who loved Jesus.  So much so that extraordinary action was taken to both conceal and propagate their witness of the Savior.  Home churches met in various locations.  The groups were small and of trusted members.  The fish became a password.  When two people met and one wanted to know if the other was a believer they took their foot and drew a half moon line on the ground.  If you were a Christian you would take your foot and draw another half moon line over theirs making the fish symbol we see everywhere today.  The Christians were tortured, killed and pursued in an effort to squelch them and their message.  Obviously that didn't work and we can be thankful today for their sacrifice.  There were other elements of being a Christian and belonging to the home group or early church.  The need to trust and be trusted was immense.  When one member would sin they would go through Matthew 18 in order to lead that person back into the flock where they were safe.  If they didn't repent they were cast out of the home group because they could no longer be trusted.  They would move their home group to a new secret meeting place.  The unrepentant was thrust from their midst and took their chances for their enemies.  Staying true to the faith was not just an individual pursuit but also a group pursuit.
     Many millions of Christians have been killed for their faith.  I should say they were sent home!  China murdered by crucifixion over a million.  The same was true for many of the Asian countries.  Many Christians were killed in the lands around the Mideast and are still being killed there.  The enemies of the Christian body are brazen, powerful, and they will one day go after us even here in America.  The threat we pose to other people is that we carry a message of hope and life.  Satan has his message of hate for those who carry the faith.  In America and many other countries we have freedom to worship Jesus openly.  This has become a failure point of the Christian church.  Without the accountability for our choices, we have strayed from the faith with impunity.  We aren't worried about what others will do to us for the most part.  Lackadaisical living and thinking has rendered many peoples faith insignificant and the church doesn't resemble the church Jesus envisioned very much.  Why is that?  I think that one reason is that our faith in this day and age doesn't cost us much if anything.  It's kind of like buying Fords all your life.  It's a choice that we can make and not care about other brands of cars. 
     When we stand for nothing, we fall for anything said a wise man whom I don't remember their name.  It's true though.  Compromise of the faith is dangerous and deadly to others whom we lead either to Jesus or astray.  It's not just up to pastors to protect the faith.  The leaders of the church don't have this job title either.  It's up to you and I to govern our lives and our faith in such a way that we portray Jesus and not the world.  I fail at that many times.  I succeed at this more often than not.  The cost of discipleship is belonging to Jesus first and foremost.  This can mean losing friends, family, jobs and social standing.  Personally, I'd rather stand for Jesus than fall for man.  The cost makes the difference of allowing others to go unconfronted in their sin or to be a protective family member looking out for one another.  The cost is losing fake believers in the process (and some pastors).  The Gospel is only ONE gospel.  There is no room for anyone or any group that takes it upon themselves to change the Gospel message to appease anyone or anything.  The cost means being the responsible one in leading your family, educating your children and seeing that generation after generation loves Jesus rather than potlucks and family reunions.  There are many rewards for those who risk the cost of being a discipleship in both the tangible and intangible.  The ultimate reward is to hear "Well done thou good and faithful servant.  Welcome into the presence of the Lord."  It's always your choice.

I was thinking...bad choice!

     We aren't to be robots who simply carry out written script.  That would not be good or render us with a spirit.  Nor are we to be mirror images or anyone except God.  That's because no one but God created us.  It seems like some are intent on not only living someone else's life but have also denied their own.  I was reminded lately that people have individual wills that don't necessarily reflect what my life reflects.  That doesn't make me superior.  It makes me, like them, individuals.  While there are expectations that others have of me, it's very plain that some of those expectations aren't what God wants from me.  The world of identity in Christ is not easily attained as it requires giving up my worldly identity.  When I do that people come and go in my life like everyone else's lives.  As we change our needs and focus change.  Sometimes people come along and other times they don't.  Just as I have that choice so do they.  When we choose Christ, we are called out of the world and into a relationship with Him.  The two cannot co-exist without turmoil and distraction.  Sometimes others would like us to be that robot and the mirror image of who they are.  I was thinking...and it was a bad choice when I chose to be like anyone but Jesus.
     Would you imagine with me that you and I are standing before the throne of God on that day we are called home.  It's a joyous occasion and the throng is rejoicing.  Then comes the moment when the Book of Life is opened.  Hurray!  My name is found and so is yours.  Our celebration is brought up short when a thumb drive is produced by the devil for review by God.  Your and my heart stop.  God takes the thumb drive and inserts it in the computer.  He already knows what is on the drive because he knows everything about us.  The 10 foot by 20 foot screen behind God lights up with all the files of your and my life.  All I can think is "Please don't open those files!"  The first file is opened and then the second and on it goes until every file has been opened for not only me to see but everyone else as well.  This won't be a private viewing.  With my face to the ground and tears streaming from my eyes I am without excuse.  Excuse for what?  For thinking while I was on earth rather than living the life Christ wanted me to live.  There is no making it right, no going back to witness to that person, no chance to love just one more time on my family.  It's final.  It's sad.  It's a result of my thinking and it was bad choices.
     As I lay there on the glassy floor before the throne of the Father I feel a hand on my shoulder and a voice telling me to get up.  I look up and it's Jesus who's addressing me.  I feel so unworthy.  I see the wounds on his hands and feet.  There is a thumb drive in his hand.  As I stand, he addresses the Father and says, "Father, look at this thumb drive as well."  He gives the drive to the Father an again the many files come up with various titles.  One is entitled "This one".  Jesus tells the Father to open only that file.  But the devil objects yelling, "No!  Open them all."  Jesus says, "As you wish."  As they open file after file there is nothing in any of them.  They are all empty.  Finally the "This one" file is opened and there it is October 1, 1971 midnight in a guard tower in Kitzingen, Germany.  It's me coming to the end of myself and giving my life to Jesus.  That's all there is in this file.  Jesus addresses the Father and tell him "Father, he is mine and he's forgiven."  There I am before the throne of God waiting for the other foot to fall.  It doesn't come.  To my amazement, I hear the Father say, "Well done my good and faithful servant.  Welcome to heaven."  I was thinking...bad choice.  It's your choice as well. Always.

What to do when there is no peace.

     As much as I would like to spend the day in bed with my blinds and door closed, I can't.  As much as I'd like to do the same to the world, I can't.  There is no place that I can secret myself and be free from those moments, hours, or even days when peace seems to avoid contact with me from any direction.  Why is that?  I could cite my PTSD, my chronic pain, my disabling diagnoses, as well as my relationships gone wrong.  Maybe you can relate?  I hope that I'm not the only person in the world that has spells in here life that resemble what I've described.  We all know that we can have the peace of God that surpasses all understanding.  My problem begins when I take my eyes off Jesus and look instead at what's wrong.  Not that I'll ever have a moment in my life when something isn't wrong.  Rather, in the midst of that "wrong" keeping my eyes on Jesus.  When I succumb to thoughts that take me "there", I begin to get tunnel vision and can see less and less Jesus.  Sometimes I drop into a "hole" and can remain there for weeks  I'm sure that others do this as well because I know many people like me.  These times of no peace are in the valleys of our lives.  We long to get through the valley and once again attain some elevation of the mountain where peace resides.
     One day I discovered a website called PatientsLikeMe.com.  I opened the site and soon found myself wanting to belong and see what it has to offer.  When you sigh up there are a bunch of questions about your diagnoses and conditions that allows the site (you remain anonymous) to categorize you for what can be most helpful to you.  I learned that on the site there were over 22,600 people that matched my profile.  I began to enter into groups and individuals conversations and further learned there were a LOT of Christians on the site.  Why is it that Christians would be found in this site?  There were pastors, laymen and outsiders as well as those who had been victimized by the church, pastors and laymen.  As time passed I was able to help and be helped by these wounded warriors.  Prayer is powerful and so are encouraging words.  Amidst all of this there was also some confrontation.  Being called out by those who are struggling as you are is not bad.  It may be difficult to engage at first but you learn that these people really do care about you.  The church is a good place to interact about your problems.  However, there is no one like the person who has been, is currently and will continue to go through what you are going through.
     Christians tend to put on their Sunday go to meeting faces whenever they are around "church" people.  No wanting others to know the dilemma of their lives, they hide behind a smile.  Being judged by the church is horrifying!  Jesus said, "judge not lest you be judged."  Why don't we listen?  While it's true we need fellowship and all that comes with it, we need to know we are safe.  Whenever we trust man with what we should be trusting God with we run the risk of judgment.  God forgives us our sins and "remembers them no more."  Not so with the church and with Christians in general.  Forgive and forget is a lie.  Our minds don't allow us to forget.  Living out our lives in plain view is dangerous and threatens the peace that we do have.  It may sound like I'm making an argument for being a hermit.  That's not the case.  I'm making an argument for how the Christian can go about aiding people with the sole purpose of encouraging that place of peace.  There are many caring Christians who will pray without prying.  Seek them out.  There are many Christians who have your past as there's.  Seek them out.  There is no shame in bringing your lack of peace to someone you trust.  God is waiting for us as well and as you all know, it's always your choice.

Christians and betting

     I can't even remember how many times I've said, "When I win the lottery..."  But then, I would need to buy lottery tickets to do so.  The saying, "If I were a betting man.." is a loaded statement from the first word on.  So many board games and card games just reinforce the desire to bet, gamble, chance it all or whatever you want to call it.  Betting is an addiction for many and many a business and family have been destroyed by betting.  Spiritual betting is quite another thing.  When we choose to do spiritual betting we take responsibility for our consequences.  Spiritual betting comes in sayings such as, "I'm sure someone else will tell them about Jesus."  "It's not my job, that's the pastor's job."  "I don't need to tell my children about Jesus because they learn all about that in Sunday school."  Get the drift?  When we do worldly gambling we either win or lose.  It's personal.  We either win or lose whatever we are betting against.  Some lose cars in street racing.  Others lose their paycheck on the ponies.  Many a dollar goes into slot machines and doesn't return a thing.  Spiritual betting is quite different.  When we gamble as mentioned above, we are chancing a soul not knowing Jesus.  Shouldn't we be bringing people with us to heaven instead of watching them go to hell?
     Our plans for our future is also a form of betting.  We bet that the weather will be good enough to do this or that.  We bet the car/truck will hold together for a trip.  We bet that our resources when planned out to the penny will cover that trip, house purchase or other investment.  We bet that someone else will take care of the orphan and widow.  We bet all the time and don't give it a moments thought.  Why?  Because we don't know Jesus' plan for our lives or we know that plan but refuse to engage the plan.  We'd rather play it safe than be thought badly of.  In this world (gone mad) where the importance of political correctness and other crap there is a need for us to melt into the wood work and not cause any ripples.  We are scared when we should be confident.  Exactly what the devil is betting on.  He knows us and knows our weaknesses.  To that end, he triggers all of the things outside of Jesus  in our lives to bring about his plan by replacing that plan Jesus has with his plan.  And we do nothing.  The phrase "the world's going to hell in a handbasket" is truer than you and I think and unfortunately many of us have spent time or are spending time carrying the handbasket.
     Looking for the sure thing in the world takes our eyes off Jesus who is the author AND finisher of our faith.  Seeking that which will be here today and vanish tomorrow is equally insane.  The Bible says that "naked we came into the world and naked we will go from it."  That doesn't just mean physically.  There is the spiritual aspect to that as well.  We will be seen as we are and stand before God with all of us being naked not only what we have done, but also what we haven't done.  Will God understand our betting?  Will God care that we chose to not tell someone about his Son when no one else would?  Will God be impressed with how we have taken care of the orphan and the widow?  I can't speak for you.  When I enter heaven it will be on my knees praying that God is merciful on me a sinner.  Do I have stuff that I will be accountable for?  Yes.  Will I regret that which I haven't done as well as that which I have done?  Yes.  Should I not do anything in fear it will  be the wrong thing?  Absolutely not!  God wants us to live for today and what he has planned for us for today.  And, as we all know, it's always our choice.

The woodpecker is back!

     We didn't know about the woodpecker when we bought this house.  We knew we were out in a more country setting and nature would be more plentiful than in the city.  Yet, we never contemplated the woodpecker!  How did we discover the woodpecker?  We were inside the house minding our own business when there was a machine gun pecking at our chimney pipe that resonated down into our family room stove!  Rat a tat a tat over and over for what seemed like hours.  I finally banged on the stove pipe when the next pecking began.  The bird went away for a few days.  That's the way it's been for the last two years.  He's not around during the winter but returns to his love affair with our metal stove pipe in the spring.  I certainly don't understand why he has chosen our stove pipe other than it's round and black.  Today he is back.  Never mind that we are surrounded with trees that bear much fruit of his liking.  He always comes back to the stove pipe.  Christians are a lot like that as well.  We seem to constantly return to that which is annoying to God thinking it's the real deal.  All the time we are settling for something that doesn't give us nourishment and certainly is hard on our bodies, minds and spirits much like the bill of the woodpecker.
     The moles, which were silent during winter, have also begun pushing up their mounds in my green lawn.  The moles are more like a destructive pest taking the beauty of my lawns to a landmine of mounds of dirt under which are their hollow tunnels.  The tunnels are just deep enough for their travel and for my foot to go into when I step on them.  I'm sure that moles have a purpose and that's why God created them.  However, God and I will need to have a discussion about moles and mosquitos when I get to heaven.  I've tried trapping, gassing them and poison to bring an end to their existence on my property.  Where do they come from!  They come from the neighbors where they are left alone to multiply.  Then Junior and his girlfriend(s) move to the house next door and set up their home in the highway of tunnels left by the previous families.  It's a constant battle that I'll not win in the space of my lifetime.  I'm sure that I'll find some new mounds today.  This reminds me of another aspect of my relationship with God.  I have, as you have, free choice to let whomever and whatever into our lives as we wish.  Do I allow those God wants or do I allow those my sinful nature allows.  Do I want to feel comfortable with man or God is the real question.  Eliminating those who are destructive in my life with God seems like an impossible task some days.  Walking away from bad influences is good for our relationship with God.  Tell that to those moles in your life!
     Another curious creature on the property are the ants that are referred to as Ft Lewis ants because of close by Ft. Lewis where they were first reported.  These ants build huge mounds of needles and other forest debris under different conifers.  The ants are supposedly trying to eliminate those elements that might be destructive to the tree and the surrounding forest.  Sometimes these mounds are 3-4 feet tall and can be 4-6 feet across.  We are not talking about sugar ants that come in through your back door.  These ants swarm for yards around their mound and literally can be like the earth moving.  Quite innocent pests except to those who want to use the land for a different purpose.  These mounds are only half of the picture.  The ant "home" is built deep into the earth sometimes reported to be many feet below the surface like some ice berg!  So the home can be up to 6 feet wide and 10 feet from top to bottom.  What you see is only a portion of what your get.  These ants seem to reflect the depth of our pile of secret sin.  We go out from the home into the world and bring back the sin that is there.  Buried deep others don't see them but you know they are there.  When these sins are amongst the sins of others and in such a condensed mass, we are certainly not set apart for the Lord or his work. 
     Whether you have woodpeckers, miles or ants as described above, you have elements of your life that are no different than theirs.  Remember that they are always your choice.

Christians are full of possibilities.

     When I graduated high school I wasn't the scholar or anything close to it.  I went to trade school but was bored with that.  Into the Army I went to two different schools before shipping overseas where I lived for 2 1/2 years.  Back home I went to college and obtained my associates, bachelors and then two masters degrees.  I have another masters almost completed.  On the way to my degrees I wrote two books and a third is on the way.  God has taken me through 18 different vocations over the years and utilized my education, skills and desires.  However, for most of those years I was obsessed with the wrong motive.  But then most people find themselves there as well.  I wanted to prove myself to my peers, my family, and the world that I was good enough.  That never happened for the most part.  What emerged was the knowledge that I was good enough for God.  That was all I ever needed to know.  Yet, chasing after the former, I spent many years chasing anything other than the glory of God.  Perhaps you can resonate with my story.  Maybe you and I are not so different and perhaps we seek the same thing.  When we come to the end of our ways, God's possibilities are always waiting for us. 
     Listening to mankind is pointless unless they are speaking on behalf of God.  Looking around us, there are many groups and individuals as well as society that have their own set of possibilities.  With this the intention is to take Christians off the God agenda and subjugate us to the worlds agenda.  In that position it's impossible to please God.  Why?  Because we are not focused on what God wants.  We are not sold on the idea that God has a perfect plan and we are part of it.  So, we go off to work, school or attend to the kids and grandparents.  We plan our lives as if we are projecting God's will for us and all the while know that it's our agenda we are living.  Why is that?  Do we really believe that as Christians we can do life without Jesus?  Have we veered so far from the truth that our self deception looks like the will of God to ourselves?  The cares of the world are there to ensnare us rather than set us free.  Held back to the way of our fathers (and mothers) and not free to follow Jesus only hinders our ability to bring the Gospel to others.  Our sinful desires (drag or compel us) to seek for ourselves.  Repentance is then relegated to Sunday and Wednesday nights with empty promises to do better.  We can't do better.  None of us can when we are in our "self" mode.
     When we are before Jesus contemplating giving our life up for his, we should be conscious of the real meaning of that act.  We are to die to self and receive Jesus to live in place of self.  That doesn't mean we get to choose this or that and keep the rest.  What it means is a total change of our life.  One moment we are of the world and the next moment we are in Christ and in the world but not of the world.  Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to indwell in us.  If we are consigned to living for self there is no room for the Holy Spirit to indwell in any of us.  To many cooks in the kitchen.  When we are "partial" Christians and "partially" filled with the Holy Spirit, we are "not" filled with God and we curtail the possibilities God has for us.  His possibilities are for us to live out.  When we are a surrendered people God can work the miraculous. 

What's new...isn't.

     Solomon writes that there is "nothing new under the sun" and he's right of course.  We think that we have discovered something new when it's been there all along.  Expanding our knowledge isn't something new.  Expanding our knowledge is understanding that that which we discover has existed since time began.  In that sense there is nothing new under the sun, moon or stars.  We pride ourselves in discovery of space, science, truth, and other realms only to understand at the end of our quest that too isn't new.  So, what's new for us?  Are we to live a mundane life in a mundane world?  Is everything predestined by God so that we have no purpose other than to carry out his will?  I think not.  I believe that the greatest discovery is to unearth who we really are.  In the Old Testament we are told (Psalm 149) that we are created by God before the founding of the world.  Then, if we fast forward, we are told in Revelation that we will be given a new name.  My guess is that the name we will be given will be our last "new" discovery but has existed since the time we were created.  In the in between time we will move from here to there doing this and that while carrying out the will of God in our existence.  Rubbing elbows with others to see who they are discovering themselves to be just as we are discovering who we are.
     Nature gives us glimpses of "newness" in the growth and production of their particular design.  Given that everything has a purpose (Solomon), we can rest assured that the seasons, the cycles and the short life of the grass that so quickly passes away resembles our own lives.  From the time we became alive when we were dead (yeah, I know, it's kinda weird) until the time we go home there are going to be the same seasons, cycles and short life that nature experiences.  The difference?  Man was given a purpose.  Like nature, that purpose is solely to bring glory to God.  That's also  not new.  We act like it's new when we discover that purpose.  According to Scripture our lives are new every day and in that sense our bringing glory to God is new every day as well.  Yesterday is not new.  Tomorrow isn't either.  Today is new. Now is new.  Every breath we take is new.  Even though we would like to direct our own lives, the best we can do is discover what already is.  With God the doors are kicked open and we are given insight, leading and a life filled with newness.  Allowing God to live through our lives should be breathtaking!
     Breathtaking is a wonderful word that summarizes a discovery of God's working out something according to his will.  There is no newness in our repeating what we did yesterday with the same results.  Instead of breathtaking we settle for same old, same old.  Not exactly rocket science.  What is the Christian to do?  The world goes around making new patents, making new proclamations, and making new excuses to not give the glory to God.  People trademark that which isn't really new at all and make sure on one violates their copyrights.  No one needs permission to repeat, take and use anything God has already given.  My writings are for anyone to copy, use and reuse as they see fit.  When we give something back to God, it's no longer ours.  Whether that be our hands, eyes, ears and mouth or that which is produced by God through us, all that we are is his.  His newness isn't new.  He wants to show us his glory in all ways.  We have the choice to choose to discovery by being alive in Him or dead in the world.  One is new and the other isn't.  It's always your choice.

Sometimes I should have kept silent

     A few years ago I saw a woman that I didn't know at the grocery store.  She looked pregnant to me so I asked her when she was due.  Wrong question.  She wasn't pregnant, offended and let me know it.  I should have kept silent.  I told a passerby "God bless you."  They retorted, "You don't even know me.  I am a ________ and don't believe in God."  I should have kept silent.  I asked my teenage son a personal question and was blasted as it was none of my business.  I should have kept silent.  Don't get me wrong, I think that at the prompting of the Holy Spirit we should all say what God wants us to say.  It's the times that the "me" instead of God speaks that I tend to get in trouble.  There are times and places where we should keep silent and other times when we shouldn't.  If you have had any of these moments in your life, you know what I mean.  The trick is to know when and where and what to say what we do.  As a young man I was quite comfortable with all my knowledge and thought I could pretty much take care of any situation.  I was wrong.  There were so many times I should have kept silent.  Speaking what's on our minds is not speaking what is on God's mind.
     Being silent means we are more apt to listen.  Listen to the Holy Spirit, common sense, and experience.  Now that I'm 63 there is more listening than talking in my life.  The Holy Spirit still speaks (he won't stop) and commonsense and experience is much greater as parts of my life.  Listening to those who are talking I am better able to understand them and know where to go in conversation.  My family has been constantly amazed when I'm around people and someone just out of the blue begins to tell me their life story.  It's happened so often that my family and friends are no longer surprised, embarrassed or puzzled by what happens next.  People sense what other people are about.  They know, for instance, your emotions and can sense whether you will listen to them or not.  When you are in that space, the Lord opens the opportunity to speak what he has to say to that person.  Sometimes I'm surprised myself!  One incident stands out from my past.  I was a police officer on duty.  I stopped a car driving erratically and asked the driver to step to the sidewalk.  He was weeping and very upset.  I began to ask him standard questions when the word of the Lord took over.  I told the young man that he was upset because his parents had just kicked him out.  He stopped everything and asked me how I knew.  In response to his question the word of the Lord took over again and said, "It's because you told them you were gay."  He was astounded as was my partner.  He told me that that was right.  I went on to tell him about Jesus and what he needed to do to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. 
     Now this kind of thing doesn't happen every day.  It does happen enough that I'm perfectly comfortable with it.  When the moment is right and God is speaking to you there is a peace inside of your.  Experience and knowledge are essential in speaking the Word to people.  In order to do so there needs to be two times of silence.  The first is being silent before God.  Here is the reason Jesus spoke the Sermon on the Mount.  Pondering this piece of Scripture lets us know the reason to have the mind of Christ and God's motive when we listen to others.  If we are, for example, consumed by the worries and cares of the day, focusing on what hasn't or has happened, and thus preoccupied by everything Satan has thrown at you to keep you from being available, we can't listen.  The second time to be silent is when someone is telling their story.  People don't care about how much you know until they know how much you care.  Being genuine and listening foster an atmosphere where people want to talk with you.  That's where God wants you and I.  It's always your choice.

Christian plagiarism

     Toby Mack has the song, "Go ahead and steal my show", that tells others to go ahead and take over as long as they are preaching the same Gospel.  Often imposters show up that want the spotlight but don't know what they are asking.  That's when the trouble begins.  We try to be someone we are not.   I am not Martin Luther, Paul or Rod Sterling.  I am who I am and I've been gifted to do and be whom Christ designed me to be.  You can try to be me all you want.  The effort is a waste because it's not who Christ designed you to be.  To the point, Christians have over the centuries stolen other Christians beliefs believing they were finding themselves in that teaching or belief.  So, Christians were Lutherans, Baptists, Methodists and any other denomination you can think of.  However they neglected finding out who they were in Christ first.  The lives of this group of people have been built on plagiarism of the worst kind.  Why?  Because they are passing on the life of someone else rather than the life that Christ has given them.  You and I are not anyone but whom Christ designed to me.  Organizations, denominations and other groups may be something you involve yourself.  But it is who Christ wants you to be that's essential.
     The Sadducees and Pharisees lived a plagiarized life.  Believing that all they needed to be was a reflection of someone else before them were.   Generation to generation held the secrets to their identity.  They couldn't see Jesus because those who had gone before them couldn't see Jesus.  The Christian who only believes what their denomination believes is guilty.  Mankind has tried to fit Jesus into their belief system since his birth.  They have only succeeded in leading others astray as well.  One only need look as far as come of the cults to understand the ramification of stealing only what they wanted to define them.  Christ came to give freedom to all to be who he designed us to be.  The plan A script for our lives was written before the foundations of the earth.  The ending of our story was written before the time began.  Just what have we done to the middle?  We have practiced Christian plagiarism and denied Christ who lives within us.  Because we have played this script to our children, friends, family and others we are also guilty of leading these seekers astray to believe just as we have believed. 
     Christ said that there were only two commandments.  First to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind.  The second was to love others as ourselves.  Quite simple. However, that life requires us to be consumed with the love of God through Christ.  That means that we die to ourselves and he lives through us.  Anything else is stealing from God.  In this capacity our love for God is what compels us to live a surrendered life.  Reinterpreting the Word of God to suit your wants is a sin. We either believe God or we don't.  Even one area of disbelief is total disbelief. We cannot pick and choose.  We either surrender to God or miss the blessing of God.  Steal from other groups to justify your own beliefs is sin.  Believing that your denomination, church, group or other gathering is above God?  Guess what, that's a sin as well.  Christians are not meant to plagiarize in order to justify themselves.  READ the Bible and see what it is you should believe.  Don't weigh your beliefs on what the world believes.  They can't open the door to heaven for you.  This brings us to that most important of questions:  "What will you do?"  It's always your choice.

God tells us to push forward

     Through Paul, God tells us to push forward keeping in sight the goal which is being in Christ Jesus and to keep that push going until the end.  Sounds really good to me.  But, it's not something that comes easy to me as I'm this sinner that steps off the plan A on an all to regular basis.  Paul laments about that as well "those things I know I should do, I do not and those things that I know I should not do, I do.  Oh wretched man that I am."  Yet, Paul did push on.  So did many people in my past and so have I.  The fact that we area willful mankind that does what they like, we often think there is no forward progress in our lives.  Sometimes that thinking is spot on and other times we go through seasons in order to later see the purpose.  If we do not push forward, we won't see the purpose.  There is a reason for the life we live in Christ.  We can only discover that purpose if we don't acquiesce to the world around us and our personal failings.  As Christians, we can never, never, never give up.  (see Wiston Chruchill)  Should we live in the past like so many do, we are not pushing forward.  Should we live in the future, we are not pushing forward.  Living in the present and forgetting the past is the only choice where we can actually push forward.
     It's kind of like fishing.  You choose your bait carefully.  Then you cast your best cast and the bait disappears into the water (murky this time of year) and wait.  All you can see is the line leading into the water.  You can imagine the hook with the bait floating about 18 inches above the bottom of the place where you are fishing.  You can imagine the fish swimming by without biting or even wishing that they would bite.  You can imagine limiting out on the biggest trout you have ever caught.  You can imagine all of this but it's only imagination.  Imagining is not pushing forward.  It's static, not moving, and rewards you with nothing.  So, you try jiggling your bait thinking the fish might attack a moving object.  Nothing.  Finally you settle on the bank of the river or pond/lake and relax.  Congratulations!  You have just made it to the place where you can relax and feel, listen and see what is really going on.  Now, about that fish...it was this big!  When the bait is taken, the feeling of exhilaration is overwhelming.  Fish fever takes over and unless you are careful, you'll lose that yet unseen fish.  Pretending to be wise they showed themselves to be ignorant and they lost the fish.  Should you be in the pushing forward mode the fish is landed and your have dinner, maybe two, as a result of your efforts?  Nope.  As a result of God's efforts on your behalf.  He's the force pushing you forward if you've let Jesus live through you.
     I've pushed forward, stopped, pushed forward again, stopped and continued to repeat this process ever since giving my life to Jesus in October of 1971.  All this means is there were times when I was running my life and doing what I wanted ignoring the push of God.  I may have been productive in a worldly sense but was I productive in a Godly sense?  Perhaps you have asked yourself this question as well.  Life happens and we have two choices.  The first choice, and best choice, is to let Christ live through you in such a way that you find yourself constantly pushing forward towards the goal.  The other choice is to do he same thing but in a worldly way which is not doing what God needs done through you.  You are more important than you think in God's plan.  He depends on you and I to bring the saving grace of Jesus to the lost.  So, what are we to do?  We need to make a choice to die to self and let Christ live through us.  It's always our choice.

Things you don't want to experience firsthand

     Being deaf.  Not being able to hear anyone's voice including your own.  Not being able to hear a baby cry.  Not being able to hear the wind in the trees.  There are lots of things that the deaf cannot hear.  Some are positive.  They can't hear your pity, judgment, and apathy.  They can't miss hearing your ignoring them.  So, there seems to be some sort of balance even in the deaf world.  Christians should hear their heart and soul in what they do convey.  Since we have this responsibility and don't always fulfill it, I suggest that we are selectively deaf in our lives.  We don't hear the screams of those we don't want to help.  We don't hear the cries of our children when they need us.  Our selective hearing allows us the choice to ignore the Great Commission.  Remember the Great Commission?  "Go into all the world and preach the good news, heal the sick, raise the dead and care for the orphan and widow."  (my paraphrase)  Maybe we need to look at our own deafness and deal with that?!
     Being unable to talk.  Not being able to talk limits the means of communication and relegates this group of people to sign language or writing.  These people can hear you and I.  Not being able to tell someone you love them.  Not being able to warn your child, neighbor or anyone of a danger that is imminent.  Not being able to sing a song out loud.  Not being able to share the Gospel to a world that doesn't understand sign language.  There are lots of times I've wished I had held my tongue and not said things I have said.  There are lots of times I've not given others the chance to speak but spoken over them or to them and not with them.  Christians aren't the most patient of people and also are less tolerant of those who are different from them.  That includes those who have impaired ability to talk.  Sometimes the speech is impeded by stuttering, Asperger's, and other conditions.  Yet, there is no excuse for the Christian who can love with all their heart soul and mind!  All of which can be expressed without speaking a word. 
     Being blind.  Sight, like hearing and talking is a gift from God.  Though the blind cannot see this or that, the can see with their minds, heart and soul.  Though they haven't seen their child, they can still see the beauty of that child.  Even though they cannot see, they can see the real person through their thoughts, words, and deeds.  Being blind seems like a handicap like being deaf or unable to hear (I hate the term dumb).  Feelings, intuition, and our hearts intentions are all seen by the blind.  Funny that the seeing world has either intentionally or just learned to not feel, not be intuitive and have anything but Godly intentions.  Yes, this applies to the Christian as well.  Jesus talked about the religious not being able to see, hear and talk the truth.  How is this so different from you and I when we neglect such a great opportunity to show Jesus to our world?
     There are other senses that some have and some don't.  There are degrees of disability in each of the categories.  For some, there is treatment that may help.  For some there are understanding people in their lives who support them in any way they can.  But to ALL Jesus commanded us to go and bring his love to them.  Should we bring the love of Jesus that has been give to us to others, we will fulfill the Great Commission.  Remember that it's always your choice.

Subjecting yourself to those things that matter most.

     What matters most in your life?  Like many Christians you may find yourself saying Jesus matters most as that's the right answer.  But, like many Christians you know that the love for Jesus is subjugated to so many other things in life.  I know that I do.  It's not right but I find myself doing this anyway.  Maybe you can relate.  Why don't I make that which matters most prominent in my life?  That's the million dollar question.  Creatures of habit, training and choice are all intertwined in my thinking.  As a person I think that I do a fairly good job of keeping Jesus first.  As a father I've done a pretty good job of putting my children first as exampled by the Father and the Son.  As a husband I've failed so many times and yet have tried to be the nurturer and leader.  As a fellow Christian I've had my ups and downs but continue to reach out where God tells me.  As a sinner, I fail every day.  Does any of this sound familiar in your life?  This is a common struggle with believer and non-believer alike.  What we think, do and say all are reflections of what is most important to us at any given moment.  So, each morning I am awakened and determined to give the day to God who gives me breath. 
     When I think of subjecting myself to God the image of a glass of mud comes to mind.  If I choose to put righteousness into the glass (in the form of water) then the new water will slowly eliminate the mud and over time the glass will be filled with sparkling clean water.  See how simple it is!?  It would be nice if that were all there was to subjecting ourselves to God.  He wants to clear out our vessel so that he can live within us. We resist.  We are the mud.  Surprisingly he continues to love us, give us grace and urge us to give up our lives so that he can live through us.  What we should do is allow the spring of water Jesus talked about enter and push out the mud.  The mud gets in the way of us seeing clearly that which God has put before us.  Sometimes we add the mud so that we can choose to not see that which God has for our lives.  When we do, there are people watching who are looking to see Jesus and not Steve. Why don't they see God?  Because I have covered him with mud so that I can sin.  Wow!  Now that's pretty blunt and accurate.  We choose to block out God so that we can subject ourselves to sin. 
     When we take the time to look around us from God's point of view, the Lord shows us the proper relationship he wants to have with and through us.  He has sent his Son so that we could be saved from a life of death.  He has sent the Holy Spirit to guide and help us saving us from ourselves.  No matter what happens, God is always there waiting for me, you and other Christians to open our lives up so that the love of God can be conveyed to those around us.  The question is whether people see me or whether they see Jesus?  It's a question I am very familiar with and maybe you are as well.  My desire is to see the Gospel preached through me by word, thought and deed so that some might be saved.  The only way that can happen is if we have the love of God living us.  God loved us so much and we need to love others by letting God's love emanate through us to the world around us.  Remember that people watch the Christian to see if they are subjecting themselves to God or to other gods.  It's always your choice.

Just one more time...please!

     Looking around me I can't help but feel there is an eminent end coming one way or another.  I know that's a safe general statement.  But, it has me thinking and feeling in ways that need to be told.  Are you and I ready for the end?  Whether that be today, this moment, tomorrow or next week, the end comes for all of us.  For the Christian the ending isn't really an ending at all and is an ending completely in other ways.  For the Christian life began when you became a child of the King by surrendering your life to Him who died for your and my sins.  In that sense, physical death means nothing as we pass through a door into another room called heaven.  For those who don't know Jesus, they are dead spiritually and will die physically just as you and I.  The difference is the door they pass through and where it leads.  Eternal bliss for the Christian and eternally alive in hell for the non-Christian.  What about those around us?  Do we really care whether or not they choose one door or the other?  I know many "Christians" who don't believe that God will send anyone to hell.  He won't.  It's your choice whether or not you choose heaven or hell.
     I've had the privilege of leading my children to Jesus.  I can't even begin to explain how it feels to know that when we enter heaven that they will be coming through the same door that I passed.  Many Christians have unsaved children and other family who aren't believers.  So, what are they doing about it?  Does it concern them that they haven't taken care of the very ones they are entrusted with?  Know this, when you pass through the door (either one) you will not have a chance to tell them just one more time.  Like Lazarus and the rich man you won't be able to warn anyone.  Neither will you be able to be an influence in their lives.  YOU and I are in the position of being responsible for the Word being inscribed in their hearts.  Are you doing that?  You can't say, "Just one more time..." when you aren't there.  The Word of God says that the Word will not return void.  That means we can pray, share and be an example to those children, co-workers, friends/enemies and relatives so that we can know that they know.  Once they know, the responsibility is on them to make the choice for themselves.  Then they will one day be in that space where the question of just one more time is on their minds for those around them.
     I vividly remember when my then 4 year old, Jeremy, went into surgery.  My heart was aching even before we went to the hospital.  His tumor was being removed that day.  We had done all the work preparing him for this moment but as parents we are never really prepared for that moment.  Knowing that the anesthesia will bring him one step short of death.  The gurney sized for an adult carrying such a small person.  Saying "I love you!" one last time before that gurney with that little man into the abyss where I had entrusted my son to the hands of the best surgeons we could find.  It's heart wrenching.  I have never been so scared in my life.  There were hours before they told us that he was in recovery and then a few moments later we learned that he was back in surgery because he was hemorrhaging.  My little son!  I didn't have just one more time to tell him so much, share with him so much, live with him so much!  Powerless, all I could do was fall at the feet of Jesus.  What would you have done?  I knew Jeremy knew Jesus.  That is all well and good.  I also knew that if he died a part of me would be torn from my heart. 
     Should we ignore such a great salvation for those we know, tragedy is found in a part of God's heart being torn away when they choose any other door than the one that leads to life eternal with God.  Just one more time, please!  It's always your choice.

Christian safety in the world of alleged Christianity

     There are countless cults that call themselves Christian and some even mention that Jesus is God.  So do the demons.  Some cults are outright and we can spot them from a mile away.  Others are more subtle and draw people into their trap slowly and with great scheming.  It's easy to get drawn in when you perceive your "fit" with a group.  That might come in any number of ways.  Make no mistake, these cults are not looking out for your good no matter their words and even actions.  Some of the tests regarding cults are simple while some of the tests are difficult.  The simple ones deal with who "they" are and "whom" they present themselves to be.  The hard ones involving your eyes being opened to the cult you have been associated with.  Mike Warnke, Christian comedian, was a high priest for Satan and became a Christian.  That is an extreme example of what I'm talking about.  Some are more subtle and require we put the three prong test to test.  Are they manipulative? Are they controlling? Are they secretive?  Why these three?  Because they are the same things that were presented to Eve and then Adam in the garden by the serpent.  This test of time has stayed the standard ever since. 
     Are they manipulative?  This one can be quite easy to detect.  We need only see how members of the cults (some are denominations) treat people from the time of first contact to possession of these folks.  We bring our neediness to this part of the picture and we are vulnerable to being preyed upon.  Manipulation is through word, action and thoughts.  We hear what they are saying and like Scripture warns, we have "itching ears seeking what we want to hear."  The ability to refute manipulation is found in our search of Scripture and learning what it is the Christian is to believe.  The ability of you and I to say, "something just isn't right" comes in handy and is called common sense.  Standing up against manipulation is important because you are standing up to be accepted just as Christ accepted you.  Do the actions, words and deeds of those have ulterior motives?  You decide.
     Are they controlling?  Often this controlling behavior has it's root in reminding you and I that we are sinners and need to be accountable to a man/woman, group, or even a whole church for your sin.  When this occurs, your spirit is broken down and you play into the hands of those who want to have power over you.  Controlling also precludes that you are not to question the wisdom of the leader or his subordinates.  How do you take action against controlling?  Flee!  Scientology is a very good example of this controlling behavior.  Nietzsche wrote: "Distrust all in whom the impulse to punish is powerful"  Trusted words that Christ said first.  "Trust no man."  To combat this cult behavior one needs to know what they believe from the Bible, talks with God and experience.
     Are they secretive?  "Can you keep this between you and I?"  "Don't tell anyone but..."  You get the picture.  Leadership that follows Christ and the Word of God don't need to keep secrets.  There is no need to leave people in the dark wondering just what is going on.  Being secretive belies a plan of personal gain on behalf of the one keeping the secret.  The Bible says that we are to be above reproach.  If you sense there is secret keeping going on, run!  What would the people following Jim Jones have done if they had these three tools to guide them?  But cool aid tastes so sweet.  So do the words of those who keep secrets. 
     In closing, if you are in a situation or considering being in a situation where manipulation, control and secrecy, leave.  Don't fall prey to anyone.  Listen to the Holy Spirit talking within your heart and soul and choose to follow Jesus where he leads.  God NEVER is manipulative, controlling and secretive.  Well, except for the day of his son's return to take us home.  For that no one knows the day or hour and are called to always be ready to give account of he hope within them.  The rapture is closer than you think.  It's always your choice.

Just because...

     Just because I'm fat, that fact, doesn't mean I'm lazy or undisciplined.  Just because others are thin doesn't mean they are anorexic  or bulimic.  Just because someone is of a certain race they aren't subject to anyone's stereotype.  Just because you and I call ourselves Christian there can be no conclusion that we are perfect.  Just because you and I are not perfect doesn't give us a choice about living for Christ.  Get the point?  We are who we are whether or not people can see what goes on in our minds, privacy, or public activities.  We are who we are whether or not we want to be who we currently are by our choice and not by our compulsion.  Just because pastors have studied the Bible and preach from it they are subject to the same questions as we are about whether we are saved or not.  You see, the rule applies to all.  What's the rule?  The rule is how and who God sees us as being or becoming.  There is no fast or simple way to put the question to others when we have those glaring problems/mistakes/sins that they have.  Don't get me wrong, we are held accountable for all that we think, say and do.  Even unbelievers are subject to that accountability.  So, what's the Christian to do?  How are they to go about evangelizing their world when they aren't perfect?  How are they to enter into the lives of the unsaved unless they understand that we are all beggars trying to find food. 
     Just because the Bible tells us that God always answers prayer, that doesn't mean that he answers the way we want.  He answers in the way that is best according to his plan for us.  Sometimes he answers "yes", sometimes he answers "no", and sometimes he answers "wait".  Who are we that we demand that he act in such a way just because we want this or that to be done now in the way we expect?  We can't demand from God anything.  We can call upon Him and ask with faith believing.  Take healing for example.  Nowhere is there more prayer for healing than for someone who is sick or dying.  Christians and non alike miss the point that there are 8 ways God heals.  The first is miraculous and the last is physical death.  Healing does take place in many dimensions and to many believers and non-believers.  The "prosperity gospel" isn't the Gospel at all and yet Christian and non look towards God as the great wallet in the sky dropping money around to anyone who asks.  Wrong!  Just because we ask doesn't determine what's best for us.  Just what is best for us?  God knows.  He knew before.  He knew during.  He knows after.  We need to believe just because God said he would take care of all of our needs.
     Just because someone says they are Christian doesn't make it so.  Just because someone says they are any profession doesn't make it so.  Just because we gather together and agree that we need to disobey God doesn't make it right.  Why should God bless our choice to live outside of his will?  We have abdicated ourselves from our responsibility and taken steps to do just what Satan did.  We try to be the god of our own world.  You do it and so do I.  It's called our free will. You know, the one that God gave us in the first place.  There is no room in a Christian's life for us to be the god of our own world.  Just because we do so doesn't mean there aren't consequences for what we think, say and do.  Just because I've written this blog doesn't mean that I'm perfect or have arrived.  The struggles that you have, I have had, am having or will have.  We are the body of Christ.  As such we come together and condemn each other?  That's not the way it's supposed to be.  Just because we or someone else says it's true doesn't make it true.  Because God says it, we know it's true.  Satan is known as the father of lies.  Do you want to be in his court or the court of God?  Just because...it's always your choice.

Today is not JUST another day.

     We as people and specifically as Christians tend to look at today and tomorrow as just another day.  A time to be spend doing what we always do, in the manner we always do and expecting different results.  That doesn't work.  The Bible says, "This is the day the Lord has made and I will be glad and rejoice in it!"  Yet at the end of the day we can lay claim to "just another day" as we climb into our beds.  When did this transformation take place for Christians?  When did we begin thinking that every day is just another day?  Was it when we found our niche in life?  Was it when we were first comfortable in our lives?  Perhaps it was when Adam and Eve sinned.  I think this "just another day" thing began when we entertained complacency in our personal and collective lives.  That's not what Jesus wants or has ever wanted.  Either today is new, we are given opportunity, and expected to achieve whatever God has planned for us or it's not.  There is no in between place where we can choose whether or not we want to engage the life God has for us.  When was the last time you greeted your friends, family or others with excited exaltations of "Great news!  It's going to be a great day!"?  I certainly don't hear that from anyone in my circle and when I say it people tend to shy away from me like I've some disease.
     It's pretty apparent that our attitude is contagious to others.  For the most part, people are happier when you are happier, sadder when you are sadder, and angrier when you are angrier.  Our attitude carries so much power.  Ever been around someone who's physical presentation says, "Stay away from me!"?  Me too.  I've been the one who has presented that way.  Sometimes we choose to be in a worse mood just because a little ray of sunshine (well intentioned) has intruded in our misery.  One area that has always confused me is the somber and depressing attitude at funerals.  Unless you aren't saved, the funeral should be a celebration of life and continued life with Jesus.  There should be nothing but jealousy when I die.  I know that people will miss me (at least two and my dogs) and they have a right to process their feelings.  Yet, in their hearts they know that I'm in a much better place.  I've counseled many Christians who "couldn't get past the loss" and are stuck in life.  Tell me where the Scriptural support is for that.  There isn't any.  Gladness is covered well from Scripture.  So, who wants us stuck in our place of just another day?  Satan obviously.  But there are others who do so as well.  Moving forward with Jesus comes at a cost.  That cost is the possibility that those whom you know don't want to come along.  They remain in their place of life.  But you, what do you choose?  do you leave them behind and do what God wants or do you keep going back to that place where it's just another day?
     We should be reading the Bible daily.  There is so much excitement listed within it's pages that we can be encouraged and entertained better than anything on TV.  I challenge you to read the Sermon on the Mount and not feel the need to follow Jesus more closely.  I challenge you to act on that which God has directed for your life to be and not be changed.  I challenge you to admit that your "rut" is self made or a family gene passed on for generations and then change it.  You and I belong to Jesus who is an exciting and loving God!  Perhaps it would be good for our witness to act like we belong to Him than to the world around us.  Who knows what good God will do through you when you act like you believe Him and live in the first day of the rest of your life.  Forgetting what is behind and pressing forward to that goal which is in Christ Jesus.  Double dog dare you!  Have an outstanding day!  Remember it's always your choice.

The Lost

The experience of being lost

     Perhaps you took the wrong exit off of the expressway on which you were traveling and found yourself and your family in an unfamiliar neighborhood of a city with no clear directions as to how to get back on the expressway. There were people and businesses around, but the atmosphere wasn’t exactly friendly, so you didn’t feel like stopping and asking for some help. Or perhaps you failed to get back to your campsite before it got dark and you found yourself on a narrow path in the middle of a forest full of strange noises without a flashlight or a sleeping bag. Or perhaps you were home, but your family had become broken by your divorce, your job was no longer satisfying, none of your friends were helpful, and everything appeared to be somewhat strange and you didn’t know where to go to be comfortable and safe again.
     Or this experience may be like that of realizing that the ticket (your plan) to paradise (place where you dreams would be fulfilled) that you had in your pocket (mind) was no longer valid (working) by the carrier jet (means of achieving your dreams) who had promised to take you to a place of great joy and pleasure, and the second carrier bus (your plan B) on which you had been placed to continue your journey had broken down (wasn’t working either) and left you in a strange place (of unfamiliar circumstance), and the family in which you belonged was no longer around you, and the friends with whom you had been traveling had all been seduced away by the pleasures of the different neighborhood (culture and environment) in which you found yourself, and you realized that you were all alone, far from home (where you felt safe), in a dangerous place, confused with no clear idea or plan as to how to get out of your situation, because you were really lost.
     Becoming lost can be a frightening experience. You feel alone, confused, anxious, and depressed. You may turn to some familiar addictions like alcohol or drugs or sex to stimulate some good feelings. You may get a new religion or a new lover or a new wardrobe or some new friends or a new communication device or a new job to try to find some sanctuary from your feelings and your strange situation. Eventually you may realize that these efforts are not working, but now you are lost and unsure of what to do or where to go for help.

Jesus comments about some things and a person who was “lost”

     At one point during his public ministry in Jerusalem where he was trying to explain to the crowds that followed him and some of the lawyers and Pharisees and scribes of the Jewish people who it was that he was seeking to reach in what he was doing and teaching, some of the Pharisees and scribes were critical of him because he associated with “sinners”. In response to their criticism, Jesus told three parables. The first one was about a “sheep” that became “lost”. (Luke 15:3-7) The second parable was about a silver “coin” that a woman “lost” in her “house”. (vss. 8- 10) And the third parable was about a “son” who left his home and became “lost”. (vss. 11-32) In each case what was “lost” was “found” with much “joy”, and even a big celebration was held for the “son” who returned home. Jesus used these parables as well as other comments to make the point that he came into this world “to seek and to save the lost”. (Luke 19:10) So Jesus recognizes the crisis of a person being “lost” and the importance of being “found or otherwise returning to one’s “home”.

The “lost” whom Jesus is seeking

     The individuals that Jesus are seeking to lead back home are not those who have gotten lost in a strange neighborhood or a big forest or even in a house that was no longer a home. He is seeking those who are spiritually separated from God, the Father, who are spiritually living away from the family of God’s Son and God’s children, who are following a seductive leader who is known as “the devil”, and who are living in a confused attitude of personal sinful self indulgences and willing rebellion against God. Such individuals may be religious and accept various religious labels as part of their personal identifications. They may be familiar with Jesus and God, the Father, and even have read parts of the Bible and be active in some church or synagogue or mosque. They may consider themselves to be good, decent, law-abiding citizens of any established civil society anywhere in the world. They may be of any ethic and racial background that is part of humanity. But they are spiritually lost, separated from God, traveling through life on a wide road of self-indulgent pleasure and popular philosophy that will only take them to hell, a place of everlasting separation from God and personal suffering in their souls. Anyone who is not living in a personal spiritual relationship with God through the indwelling presence of Jesus and the transforming power of God’s Spirit is lost, unable to experience God’s grace and providential love and to share in the daily blessings of life in his family.

Jesus can lead you to your home with God

     If you are willing to acknowledge that you are “lost” and willing to trust Jesus to lead you “home”, he will do that. You will need to give up trying to go through life in accord with your own self-serving desires and abilities in a rebellious attitude against God and humbly turn to Jesus, accepting his offer to save you and to become your Lord and master.

How God speaks to us is determined by how we listen

     Communications is not supposed to be complex.  God, in the garden, walked with Adam and Eve and had intimate conversations with them.  Not to them or them to Him but rather WITH Him.  Then there was the Tower of Babel debacle.  So it goes throughout the Old and New Testament and on to today.  WE make communication complex by making that communication on our terms.  What happens when we look at communication from God's point of view?  We know he speaks to us and we know that he wants us to speak with him.  The methods by which God communicates with us vary with each individual and each occasion.  There was the still small voice that is still there today.  There was the thunder and lightening that is still there today.  There is the Word of God that is still here today.  There are Christians who are still here today.  There are dreams and visions that are still here today.  There is silence that is still here today.  There is God's audible voice and his physical touch that's still here today.  There is the word of knowledge that's still here today.  Nothing has changed but mankind.  God remains the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.  Can't say the same for me.  How about you?  How does God speak to you.
     Yesterday I was reminded of the communication with God an myself.  About 3 weeks ago I was awakened from my sleep with complete memory of what took place.  The dream had two parts equally terrifying.  The dream was a warning to make a change in my plans.  I didn't make a change and yesterday found the first half of the dream coming true in all of it's detail.  I left the engagement knowing that the dream was really real and that I needed to prevent the second half of the dream from taking place.  This morning I did so.  I've heard God's audible voice on two different occasions.  The first was his asking me to pray when I had neglected to do so.  The second was to assure me that I was on the right track.  Listening to God's voice can and has saved me from harm.  I was about 2 years old in the Lord and was praying at a remote location with three brothers in Christ.  Suddenly I heard inaudible the Lord telling me to get away from where we were.  I obeyed and on the way down to our housing encountered a man we knew.  He was carrying a knife and had been on his way to kill us.  I commanded Satan to leave and called upon Jesus to exorcise the man. Nine demons were sent on their way.  It was then that the man was saved and described the control that Satan had on his live.  At another occasion a brother in the Lord was leaving the Christian coffee house where I worked.  I was coming on for my shift.  We met in the hallway and it was very obvious that he was very ill.  I asked if I could pray for him. He agreed and as I prayed for his healing I felt all of his symptoms go through me and dispense into the air.  God had healed him.  The brother was amazed at what God had done. 
     These are just a few occasions where God has communicated to me, through me and about me during my Christian life.  Perhaps they ring a bell in your life?  Maybe they terrify you.  In either case, God is talking.  The real question is if we are listening.  Do we selectively listen?  Does our listening to God operate sporadically an then only on our terms?  These are important questions we need to answer.  We know the truth but don't want to go there for fear of this or that.  Mostly our fear is that we would be viewed as a peculiar people set apart for His good pleasure.  We care more about what people would think than what God thinks.  His mission to the lost, hurting and sick is through us who believe.  Are we listening?  That can be answered simply by examining the fruits of His love through us towards others.  Do we lay hands on the sick, speak words of encouragement as well as discipline?  Do we take care of the orphan and the widow.  If you aren't listening then you are probably not doing much of anything for God.  Remember when you listen that there needs to be an action reflecting that listening.  It's always your choice.

If Jesus loves me, why do I still have problems?

     Sometimes we sit back, look at our lives and ask just this question.  We want to know the answer to the "Why?" questions.  At least I do.  It's not for lack of faith or punishment for my sins, this I know.  So, why the problems?  With my history of multiple of episodes of trauma (many forms) it's not surprising that some of the damage was done early and now is present in my life. I have several physical disabilities resulting from my working to much to hard and to fast.  With 10 surgeries behind me, my body says, "Enough!" and I agree.  Went to see my therapist this morning (that's why I am posting late).  I told her about my being triggered with our last visit and she said, "I'm not going to see you anymore.  I am not qualified to counsel these complex problems you have."  Not exactly what I was looking to hear.  But, God warned me in a dream this was going to happen.  I have choices now and one of them is to listen to God.  My doctor doesn't know what undifferentiated spondyloarthritis or stenosis spondy are.  So, my constant pain is treated according to my knowledge and past experiences.  Why do I still have problems?  I was told that the reason I had a heart attack was that I was working to hard.  To hard?  My personality doesn't sit around and not work hard.  Most people can't envision me taking it easy even though I am disabled retired.  Then, sometimes my internet doesn't work. It' a system invented by men who are not perfect.   At least I have a direct, constant and interactive relationship with God.  But why do I still have problems?
     I'd like to blame it on someone, anyone.  But I cannot.  God always has a reason or purpose for what we are dealing with or engaged with.  Sometimes it's not easy to see at the present.  Other times it's only revealed by time or when we enter heaven.  Then, of course, it won't matter.  Often situations come into my world and I am surprised as God has already had me in that very situation and gone through that situation with the "Why?" question unanswered.  Then, here it is in another's life needing guidance, empathy, grace and other adjectives to help someone else through their valley.  People count on other people who care.  People don't care about how much you know until they know how much your care.  My life is filled with so many experiences (positive and negative) that it is rare when someone brings me something in their lives and I don't have a similar experience.  And, the question is asked, "Why do I still have problems?" by them.  We are destined to encounter problems all the days of our living on planet earth.  Unless you have a perfect life you are included.  It's not without humor that God hasn't changed the reason of our lives ever.  He knows that there will be a time for everything. 
     I know that I will have moments, hours and even longer when I am in the midst of problems that have dawned upon me.  In stead of "Why me?", I now look to the situation and wonder why God has chosen me to learn this lesson.  Why God  trusts me with his answer even when I can't see the reason for the answer.  Jesus loves me. Nothing new in that statement.  He has loved me through every moment of my life.  He knows your life and loved you as well.  God tells us to love him with all our heart soul and mind.  Why?  Because that's how he loves us.  Nothing withheld.  Nothing.  Yes, he allows good thing to happen to bad people.  Yes, he allows bad things to happen to good people.  So, whether you are good or bad, he loves you with an eternal love.  If Jesus loves me, why do I still have problems?  Simply put, to serve his needs for other people.  Why?  Because he loves them as well. You and I are called to be his eyes, ears and hands to a broken world of lost souls.  Remember that it's always your choice.

Have you ever wondered about knowing Jesus?

     I'm not necessarily talking about salvation, though that's definitely important, but rather am wondering if you have ever wondered about KNOWING Jesus?  What would your day be like if Jesus physically was with you for 24 hours?  Would you know his favorite bagel place?  Would you be anxious as he knows your every thought?  What would you do differently knowing that your Lord and Savior was there in a very real physical sense?  Can you imagine the questions he would have for us?  There are a myriad of thoughts that go through my mind and perhaps yours as well.  Would I waste time, avoid others, tune into "more important things" or just do nothing differently?  I'm putting the buggy before the horse though.  Let me begin by saying that even the demons know Jesus and shrink back from his presence.  So, do we?  Do we have a love relationship with Jesus or are we fearing the worst and do nothing?  We all know how it SHOULD be.  At least I do.  So, why do I not have the desire to really know him?  Why don't you?  Why doesn't the church want to know Him?  Is it the responsibility issue?  Do we know that knowing Jesus means surrendering our lives and letting him live through us and we are not ready to give up?
     Quite some time ago (October 1, 1972) I was able to know Jesus.  Over the days and months after my surrender, I came to know Jesus by letting him live his life through me.  It was and remains amazing!  Life without restriction!  I once was dead but now I'm alive.  Actually, it's Jesus that's alive through me.  There is still nothing good inside of myself.  No that we need to denigrate ourselves but it's the truth.  Knowing the truth will NOT set you free.  Living the truth sets you free.  Free to do whatever he wants wherever he wants and being with your and my closest friend.  This type of relationship will not ever be seen in any of our lives within the world we live.  This privileged relationship with Jesus is one of a kind.  Nothing on earth can equal the love of God given to us through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.  The icing on the cake is that we have the Holy Spirit that wants to bless our lives every moment of every day.  God is so awesome!  When I encountered Jesus, laying hands on the sick was normal.  Casting out demons was normal.  Prophesying was normal. Speaking in tongues was normal.  LOVE was normal!  I no longer belonged to the world and would forever look forward (key word) to going home to be with Jesus.  I don't belong here.  That's what it means to live in the world but not of the world. 
     Have you ever wondered about letting Jesus know you intimately?  That means having him as our first love before anyone or anything here on earth.  He knows us intimately as he knew us before the creation of the world.  He knew all the plan A's and plan B's that would come before us.  He knew when we would fall and whey we would get up.  He knew what we would say even before we said it.  He knew the valleys and the mountains each of us would face.  No, it's not bad that the road doesn't go around the valley or the mountain.  He knows us so intimately and has nothing but love for whom we are.  Why?  Because he created us and chose to love us.  Living a life for Jesus cannot be done on our own.  Living a life for Jesus means abandonment of choice on our part.  I've had 18 vocation changes in my life.  With a couple of exceptions it was God who moved me to be and do what his will needed.  It wasn't force upon me and he doesn't force anything upon you.  That's knowing the love of Jesus.  When you know Jesus, nothing else matters.  You don't HAVE to do anything.  The Holy Spirit will direct you in "all your ways".  Do your believe that?  It's always your choice.