We have a clock in every room. We own watches. The kitchen clock stopped because the battery had died. We couldn't find a battery to replace it, so for 24 hrs it hung above the kitchen window motionless.
"Time" marched on and out of habit We would look to the clock shaped like an apple and it was 4:00 O clock. An hour later like "clock work" we looked at the clock to see the time. Jumping or taking a double take we felt embarrassed we had looked. "Time and time" again it was 4:00 P.M. or A.M.
We began to see how much we depended on a clock high on the wall. We would get nervous and shake having to go all the way into the next room to see if we were late or early (for what I do not know).
No matter how insignificant you think you are some one depends on you. They might even take you for granted but if you are a few minutes late people begin to miss you or wonder what will happen if you aren't there. You are a valuable cog in the machine of life. Walk with your head high soon you will hear: "You can set your clock by them"!
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Friday, October 25, 2013
Somewhere in town.
"Where's your ol' lady and my food."?
'I hope you starve, loser".
'watch that mouth punk! Get back in that room"!
"I don't want to be out here with you anyway".
"I wish you were never born."
" Well I wish you would die"
Thirteen year old Paul and his mom's boyfriend had words everyday.
Huddled against the wall was Paul's younger brother mike. Mike was tossed there by John, his mom's angry drunk and high boy friend. John's life was going down hill fast without any brakes and he was going to take as many as he could with him.
Throwing a half filled can. "You brats are weighing me down. I could be out right now partying. I'm tired of babysittin'. You knuckleheads are dead weight".
"Dead weight"? We had an o.k. life before you came a long" "Go out and get wasted, your life is wasted anyway"!
"I'II waste you..." John came at Paul wigglin' a knife, chasing the boy back into his room. Mike began to shake and cry. "You little girl. I wouldn't be caught dead with you around ,you little embarrassment, get outta here"!! John pushed Mike and his head careened off the corner of a beer and vodka soaked end table.
John put on an old blues record and fell asleep in a spinning stupor until awakened the next morning by the boys real father.
Pray for discernment, wisdom and compassion, in the trials of others.
It's not a pretty picture.
It may be happening right now, somewhere in town.
'I hope you starve, loser".
'watch that mouth punk! Get back in that room"!
"I don't want to be out here with you anyway".
"I wish you were never born."
" Well I wish you would die"
Thirteen year old Paul and his mom's boyfriend had words everyday.
Huddled against the wall was Paul's younger brother mike. Mike was tossed there by John, his mom's angry drunk and high boy friend. John's life was going down hill fast without any brakes and he was going to take as many as he could with him.
Throwing a half filled can. "You brats are weighing me down. I could be out right now partying. I'm tired of babysittin'. You knuckleheads are dead weight".
"Dead weight"? We had an o.k. life before you came a long" "Go out and get wasted, your life is wasted anyway"!
"I'II waste you..." John came at Paul wigglin' a knife, chasing the boy back into his room. Mike began to shake and cry. "You little girl. I wouldn't be caught dead with you around ,you little embarrassment, get outta here"!! John pushed Mike and his head careened off the corner of a beer and vodka soaked end table.
John put on an old blues record and fell asleep in a spinning stupor until awakened the next morning by the boys real father.
Pray for discernment, wisdom and compassion, in the trials of others.
It's not a pretty picture.
Monday, October 21, 2013
GOD IS LOVE
God doesn't have power. God is power. God doesn't have love. God is love! I was reading 1st, 2nd and 3rd John and it talks about walking in love. While I was reading these three short letters these four ideas stood out.
1. We are to Love God. "This is Love for God, that we obey His commands" 1st John. One guy asked "Hey Jesus! What's the greatest commandment"? Jesus told him "Love the Lord God with all of your heart with all of your soul and with all your mind."
2. We are not to love the paradigm of this world. "Do not love this world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John.
3. We are to love others. John wrote: "This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another." This is not only living for myself. I live sacrificially for you and you live for me.
4. God loves you. "We love because He first loved us." 1st John. O f course there's John 3: 16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only begotten Son. That whoever believes in Him shall not die but have everlasting life."
Once we believe, we realize Peace with God, followed by peace of God. Growing in maturity as a follower of Jesus Christ.
1. We are to Love God. "This is Love for God, that we obey His commands" 1st John. One guy asked "Hey Jesus! What's the greatest commandment"? Jesus told him "Love the Lord God with all of your heart with all of your soul and with all your mind."
2. We are not to love the paradigm of this world. "Do not love this world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John.
3. We are to love others. John wrote: "This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another." This is not only living for myself. I live sacrificially for you and you live for me.
4. God loves you. "We love because He first loved us." 1st John. O f course there's John 3: 16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only begotten Son. That whoever believes in Him shall not die but have everlasting life."
Once we believe, we realize Peace with God, followed by peace of God. Growing in maturity as a follower of Jesus Christ.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Friday, October 18, 2013
DROP IT LIKE A BAD HABIT!
Some habits are good some are bad. What started out with just seeing it, followed by thinking about it. Before you know it we try to experience the activity, resulting in being owned by it, seeing no way out. Bad habits will either hinder us while many destroy us.
You may have one, so many have a list of destructive habits.
The heart and mind cry for release. Some start as a good time that ends up in "What was I thinking"? We're obviously not talking about something harmless. Relationships have been destroyed and we lose the trust of those around us. Health has been ruined due to a habit. We have trouble with our minds or even breathing. Finally lives are tragically snuffed out like a candle at the end of the day.
We can quit smoking for instance. Millions of us have been hooked on cigarettes. So how do you stop?
1. Realize they can destroy your throat and lungs.
2. know they can kill .
3. See that not everyone else has to do it.
4. realize quitting is a struggle, it is easier said than done.
5. It is to expensive.
6. replace them with something else, like bottled water etc.
7. Continual self talk
8 temporary medication
9. Go a different route, away from the store on the way to and from work.
10. journal.
11. Be accountable to someone and don't go through quitting a habit alone!
11. Follow Christ as your Lord or renew that relationship and pray like you have never prayed before.
Dropping bad habits seems hopeless but it is possible. You/they may not even want to quit the habit but quit before you end your marriage or the Doctor says stop or else. Give it to God he can give you HIS peace.
WHEN YOU EXPERIENCE SUCCESS AND YOUR MIRACLE, GO ALONG SIDE THE NEXT PERSON WITH A BAD HABIT AND TELL THEM YOUR STORY OF HOPE AND FREEDOM.
You may have one, so many have a list of destructive habits.
The heart and mind cry for release. Some start as a good time that ends up in "What was I thinking"? We're obviously not talking about something harmless. Relationships have been destroyed and we lose the trust of those around us. Health has been ruined due to a habit. We have trouble with our minds or even breathing. Finally lives are tragically snuffed out like a candle at the end of the day.
We can quit smoking for instance. Millions of us have been hooked on cigarettes. So how do you stop?
1. Realize they can destroy your throat and lungs.
2. know they can kill .
3. See that not everyone else has to do it.
4. realize quitting is a struggle, it is easier said than done.
5. It is to expensive.
6. replace them with something else, like bottled water etc.
7. Continual self talk
8 temporary medication
9. Go a different route, away from the store on the way to and from work.
10. journal.
11. Be accountable to someone and don't go through quitting a habit alone!
11. Follow Christ as your Lord or renew that relationship and pray like you have never prayed before.
Dropping bad habits seems hopeless but it is possible. You/they may not even want to quit the habit but quit before you end your marriage or the Doctor says stop or else. Give it to God he can give you HIS peace.
WHEN YOU EXPERIENCE SUCCESS AND YOUR MIRACLE, GO ALONG SIDE THE NEXT PERSON WITH A BAD HABIT AND TELL THEM YOUR STORY OF HOPE AND FREEDOM.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
FACES
"Here they come"!! It's Wednesday, 4:30 p.m. There is thirty to forty plus church and neighborhood kids, ranging in ages,who many times are waiting at the door at 4:00 are now coming in to the church bldg. It's time for what the church I attend calls "Youth City."
One crowd gathers around the craft table to make slime or to paint designs on a t-shirt. Another group begins to argue over the fooseball table, the pastors wife breaks it up and wisely suggests a tournament so they all can play. Four more are at the ping pong table.
MENTAL, PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL
The main draw is the gym where most kids pick teams and play basketball! With a few adults keeping order of it all and succeeding on the most part, sort of.
Someone, sits at another table where they crowd around wanting to quote 1-10 Bible verses which in return they receive "Bucks" that they can take to the little store to buy candy or toys even a football. "It's time to eat"!! Each week something different; Hot dogs, Pizza burgers, spaghetti, Mac and cheese. Before we eat the pastor makes announcements, shares a devotion or verse and we pray that ends with a thunderous amen.
If not us,who. If not now when!
There are always those that fight or horseplay, some even try to cheat on the memory verses. On occasion it will stretch your patience. But all you have to do is look into their faces that tell stories of loneliness, sadness, hate, as well as smiles and of course those that are oblivious to the dangers around them. They begin to cause trouble but melt when shown love by the pastor and leaders. The hard guys and girls soften when they see we mean them no harm and love them.
The pastor and his wife have invested time, resources, in the lives of the kids as he leads us to provide physical, mental and spiritual healing, These kids now come to worship on Saturday nights and ask to be involved. A few have become followers of Christ and baptized. That's what it's all about.
Some ask, "why? For the change in their minds and hearts, even the smile on their faces.
One crowd gathers around the craft table to make slime or to paint designs on a t-shirt. Another group begins to argue over the fooseball table, the pastors wife breaks it up and wisely suggests a tournament so they all can play. Four more are at the ping pong table.
MENTAL, PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL
The main draw is the gym where most kids pick teams and play basketball! With a few adults keeping order of it all and succeeding on the most part, sort of.
Someone, sits at another table where they crowd around wanting to quote 1-10 Bible verses which in return they receive "Bucks" that they can take to the little store to buy candy or toys even a football. "It's time to eat"!! Each week something different; Hot dogs, Pizza burgers, spaghetti, Mac and cheese. Before we eat the pastor makes announcements, shares a devotion or verse and we pray that ends with a thunderous amen.
If not us,who. If not now when!
There are always those that fight or horseplay, some even try to cheat on the memory verses. On occasion it will stretch your patience. But all you have to do is look into their faces that tell stories of loneliness, sadness, hate, as well as smiles and of course those that are oblivious to the dangers around them. They begin to cause trouble but melt when shown love by the pastor and leaders. The hard guys and girls soften when they see we mean them no harm and love them.
The pastor and his wife have invested time, resources, in the lives of the kids as he leads us to provide physical, mental and spiritual healing, These kids now come to worship on Saturday nights and ask to be involved. A few have become followers of Christ and baptized. That's what it's all about.
Some ask, "why? For the change in their minds and hearts, even the smile on their faces.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
MENTAL, PHYISICAL AND SPIRITUAL HELP
Heart transformation and life change is the target. Eternity with God is our purpose and here on earth our motto from the Bible would be: LOVE GOD, LOVE OTHERS.
This age has turned the corner into a new paradigm of high tech and innovative leadership. This revolution of the thinker/innovator has as usual left those who are living a meager below par mental, physical existence. Both ends of the spectrum can possibly need a spiritual awakening.
We seek the development of the high echelon to go higher. My question is why aren't the dreamers and those seeking to monetize and write books, saying this is how I can save that kid from following those harmful behaviors lived out in those of his circle of life.
Higher education will probably not be in sight but what if there were personal consistent loving training sessions for those under privileged and/or people who have lost employment due to economy. Training for:
1. finances
2. skills-of all kinds
3. motivational
4. reading writing.
5. leadership
6. life after divorce, bankrupts, etc.
7. How to: life skills and decisions; family, finances etc.
I know these are offered and that many do not take advantage of them. But if we would be persistent as a government, school, church (which could offer many classes and resources). We would realize greater development then buildings and transportation in our cities.
Let's think how we can see Community Development in Mind ,Body and Spirit.
This age has turned the corner into a new paradigm of high tech and innovative leadership. This revolution of the thinker/innovator has as usual left those who are living a meager below par mental, physical existence. Both ends of the spectrum can possibly need a spiritual awakening.
We seek the development of the high echelon to go higher. My question is why aren't the dreamers and those seeking to monetize and write books, saying this is how I can save that kid from following those harmful behaviors lived out in those of his circle of life.
Higher education will probably not be in sight but what if there were personal consistent loving training sessions for those under privileged and/or people who have lost employment due to economy. Training for:
1. finances
2. skills-of all kinds
3. motivational
4. reading writing.
5. leadership
6. life after divorce, bankrupts, etc.
7. How to: life skills and decisions; family, finances etc.
I know these are offered and that many do not take advantage of them. But if we would be persistent as a government, school, church (which could offer many classes and resources). We would realize greater development then buildings and transportation in our cities.
Let's think how we can see Community Development in Mind ,Body and Spirit.
Monday, October 14, 2013
RICHTER SCALE CHRISTIANITY
Something common to many other countries but foreign to the U.S. is being incarcerated for being a Christian. The Apostle Paul and Silas were in jail for speaking and doing miracles in the name of Christ. When it was around midnight they were in chains, singing and praising God. No matter the circumstance or trial, sunny morning or dark damp jail cell, followers of Jesus should be singing and living a lifestyle of worship. Not thankful for all things but in all things.
They worshiped and were praying, singing while the other prisoners heard them. That is miraculous. I wonder what they would hear me doing? complaining? cursing, quitting? I pray God give us grace for that time of need.
They had a miraculous attitude and spirit and as a result there was an effect that resulted in an earthquake! This is the time to seize the moment and share God's message and show His love. Their prayer and God's power shook the place, the doors and chains fell off!
I wonder if anyone in any direction, realizes we're here. You and I are trying so hard to be safe and blend in, while the community God has placed us in, can't find us. I believe we have been placed in the neighborhood for heart and life transformation, people experiencing peace with God through faith in Christ.
Many church's don't like the surrounding neighbors. "After all they don't attend church and some are addicts, homeless and socially inept."
BOOM, BAM! It's going to take, prayer, worship and telling the good news of Jesus. A Christianity of earthquake proportion that will bring about change for the good. First in the church and headed down the street, watching chains of all kinds of addiction, manipulation and hurt, breaking and falling off.
Christianity that measures on the Richter scale, is seen and felt by the community. The other prisoners in jail with Paul and Silas hearing them sing and pray in their mess, said "We're staying with these guys." They may have realized this earthquake was of God to improve their situation and relationship with Him.
Begin now to live with/for God and let your city experience community development of the soul and mind.
They worshiped and were praying, singing while the other prisoners heard them. That is miraculous. I wonder what they would hear me doing? complaining? cursing, quitting? I pray God give us grace for that time of need.
They had a miraculous attitude and spirit and as a result there was an effect that resulted in an earthquake! This is the time to seize the moment and share God's message and show His love. Their prayer and God's power shook the place, the doors and chains fell off!
I wonder if anyone in any direction, realizes we're here. You and I are trying so hard to be safe and blend in, while the community God has placed us in, can't find us. I believe we have been placed in the neighborhood for heart and life transformation, people experiencing peace with God through faith in Christ.
Many church's don't like the surrounding neighbors. "After all they don't attend church and some are addicts, homeless and socially inept."
BOOM, BAM! It's going to take, prayer, worship and telling the good news of Jesus. A Christianity of earthquake proportion that will bring about change for the good. First in the church and headed down the street, watching chains of all kinds of addiction, manipulation and hurt, breaking and falling off.
Christianity that measures on the Richter scale, is seen and felt by the community. The other prisoners in jail with Paul and Silas hearing them sing and pray in their mess, said "We're staying with these guys." They may have realized this earthquake was of God to improve their situation and relationship with Him.
Begin now to live with/for God and let your city experience community development of the soul and mind.
Saturday, October 12, 2013
"WHERE DO THE CHILDREN PLAY"?
Yosuf, (formerly Cat Stevens) asked in song;"Where do the children play"? Which was asked in the 1970's. a time of new "community development" done at the sacrifice of nature and "lived in" homes as well as playgrounds. Joni Mitchell's song "Big Yellow Taxi" had the same concern.
Time marches on and in this year,month,week, today and this second I ask "What about the kids"? The tech revolution offers a place in front of the television/computer nonstop, playing "Grand theft Auto" or even "Mario Bros." and the list is endless.
Major cities and downtown U.S.A. are both working hard to redevelop and create sales and traffic with new condo's over looking the new improved main street. There is no doubt downtown improvements are needed. But not hiding or forgetting the young people and the old that live three blocks away. It is in with the new and out with the old. Nothing can stop this train called progress.
The '70's show "Good times" was a great statement of people being left behind while prosperity looked the other way.
*******************************************
Not only physically but also mentally, there are scores of people that are displaced to another location that is anywhere out of the way and out of sight and out of mind.
The children's education suffers and obviously their social behavior is not developed. They know how to operate a video game and the latest phone with a nice car parked in front of their run down apartment bldg (which is not being renovated). "Survival of the fittest" is the slogan of these streets and the children know very well in their evolution that no one cares or loves them.
I ask where is the church. I don't even care if it moved to the suburbs go back in and live out "NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND" ! These all need the good new of Jesus Christ including food and clothes, leadership and ..love.
The tech/business/leadership revolution will knock down HOMES and run a commuter train through a needed church or faith based bldg in the name of progress but..."WHERE DO THE CHILDREN PLAY"?
Time marches on and in this year,month,week, today and this second I ask "What about the kids"? The tech revolution offers a place in front of the television/computer nonstop, playing "Grand theft Auto" or even "Mario Bros." and the list is endless.
Major cities and downtown U.S.A. are both working hard to redevelop and create sales and traffic with new condo's over looking the new improved main street. There is no doubt downtown improvements are needed. But not hiding or forgetting the young people and the old that live three blocks away. It is in with the new and out with the old. Nothing can stop this train called progress.
The '70's show "Good times" was a great statement of people being left behind while prosperity looked the other way.
*******************************************
Not only physically but also mentally, there are scores of people that are displaced to another location that is anywhere out of the way and out of sight and out of mind.
The children's education suffers and obviously their social behavior is not developed. They know how to operate a video game and the latest phone with a nice car parked in front of their run down apartment bldg (which is not being renovated). "Survival of the fittest" is the slogan of these streets and the children know very well in their evolution that no one cares or loves them.
I ask where is the church. I don't even care if it moved to the suburbs go back in and live out "NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND" ! These all need the good new of Jesus Christ including food and clothes, leadership and ..love.
The tech/business/leadership revolution will knock down HOMES and run a commuter train through a needed church or faith based bldg in the name of progress but..."WHERE DO THE CHILDREN PLAY"?
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
The Pendulum Swings..
One thing we can be sure of is, there's not much we can be sure of. Like the seasons, people come and go. Just when you thought this; friendship, love, pastor, church, or job was forever, the rug is pulled. Emotions, that may have been oozing within, results in exploding; anger ,tears and volume, resulting in a bitter conflict.
BEEN THERE DONE THAT
We seem to be happy, but the pendulum then swings to dissatisfaction, joy swings to depression, the swinging never seems to stop. It swings when the person you confided in for years, suddenly begins to reveal your hearts secrets. Maybe times when you even hear someone say about.. you: "Don't go to them, one minute they listen, bite your head off the next". The pendulum swings from one extreme to the next.
*********************************************************
"You're so predictable" does not sound so bad anymore. In fact, I have learned that it would be an ideal principle in times of... pendulum emotions. Consistent predictability. What if, others/we, could always be there when someone needed to listen or give good advise. Hear that? -"You can always count on him/her".
This week (better yet today in real time) let's you and I, be challenged. Let's be consistent with grace, or an even mindset, we might not see so many trying to manipulate the situation, keeping their distance, so as not to be scolded, hurt, dropped or embarrassed... again.
The Bible says: "Love your neighbor as you love yourself". A great relationship could soon follow.
BEEN THERE DONE THAT
We seem to be happy, but the pendulum then swings to dissatisfaction, joy swings to depression, the swinging never seems to stop. It swings when the person you confided in for years, suddenly begins to reveal your hearts secrets. Maybe times when you even hear someone say about.. you: "Don't go to them, one minute they listen, bite your head off the next". The pendulum swings from one extreme to the next.
*********************************************************
"You're so predictable" does not sound so bad anymore. In fact, I have learned that it would be an ideal principle in times of... pendulum emotions. Consistent predictability. What if, others/we, could always be there when someone needed to listen or give good advise. Hear that? -"You can always count on him/her".
This week (better yet today in real time) let's you and I, be challenged. Let's be consistent with grace, or an even mindset, we might not see so many trying to manipulate the situation, keeping their distance, so as not to be scolded, hurt, dropped or embarrassed... again.
The Bible says: "Love your neighbor as you love yourself". A great relationship could soon follow.
Monday, October 7, 2013
TO DO LIST
"I'm not perfect. God is not through making me." "I haven't arrived yet" and many more pop hits of the infamous sayings we use. It is very true that we are on a life journey and many adjustments need to be made. You may be on track but Me, myself and I need a mental, physical and spiritual GPS.
To intentionally live life we may need, a "To Do" list. (I'm thinking my wife is the inspiration here).
TO DO:
*Recognize-Who I am, Where I am, (Am I on track?) Who am I leading? following?
*Regroup- What do I know or need to find out.Have quiet time.
*Resist- Where are you and I most tempted? The Bible says to resist.
Work at procrastination, laziness, ignorance, selfishness.
*Return- Working all the above and attack the main mission and required tasks.
This might have to be done many times a day. We are to Be what God wants us to Be and Do what we need to Do. One man said to expect great things from God and attempt great things for God.
NOTE TO SELF: PRINT AND PLACE ON REFRIGERATOR DOOR.
To intentionally live life we may need, a "To Do" list. (I'm thinking my wife is the inspiration here).
TO DO:
*Recognize-Who I am, Where I am, (Am I on track?) Who am I leading? following?
*Regroup- What do I know or need to find out.Have quiet time.
*Resist- Where are you and I most tempted? The Bible says to resist.
Work at procrastination, laziness, ignorance, selfishness.
*Return- Working all the above and attack the main mission and required tasks.
This might have to be done many times a day. We are to Be what God wants us to Be and Do what we need to Do. One man said to expect great things from God and attempt great things for God.
NOTE TO SELF: PRINT AND PLACE ON REFRIGERATOR DOOR.
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Back to the Basics
"Gentlemen this is a football." Vince Lombardi would always start each season with the basics like; blocking, tackling and then mature into the plays intended for the team to "Run to Daylight." and football championships.
"WELCOME TO BASIC TRAINING"!
While in the Army, they didn't train us privates to lead battalions to defeat the evil empire. They taught us the basics of marching, shined boots, rifles, throwing grenades and the importance of following orders.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When the attack or ambush happens remember your training!
No matter the position; pastor, office manager, teacher and student, often get ahead of themselves wanting to succeed, head & shoulders above everyone else so they multitask and take on a lot of work they cannot handle and slowly "fizz out". We look into the latest business or ministry buzz word trying to be the latest and the greatest.
KEEP IT SIMPLE SILLY
Instead of trying to be the next BMLIC (big man or lady in church) ahead of schedule we would do well to major on the basic and foundational principles and truths.
Let's you and I get back to:
* prayer
* Bible STUDY
* Sharing about Christ
* daily life surrender
* worshiping God with others
* seeking good relationships
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There's a good reason for the; Pastor, speech coach, life planner, Biblical counselor and the informational/how to guru. It is incorrect to desire to remain where you are. We know it is wise to intentionally grow and mature developing ourselves with the basics. Timothy needed the apostlePaul and later the Apostle Paul needed Timothy!
I know we all want to be an over night success but we would go farther and stay longer concentrating on the basics and then moving on from there. I see, no matter your level or age, a great strong future, as we "Run to Daylight."
"WELCOME TO BASIC TRAINING"!
While in the Army, they didn't train us privates to lead battalions to defeat the evil empire. They taught us the basics of marching, shined boots, rifles, throwing grenades and the importance of following orders.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When the attack or ambush happens remember your training!
No matter the position; pastor, office manager, teacher and student, often get ahead of themselves wanting to succeed, head & shoulders above everyone else so they multitask and take on a lot of work they cannot handle and slowly "fizz out". We look into the latest business or ministry buzz word trying to be the latest and the greatest.
KEEP IT SIMPLE SILLY
Instead of trying to be the next BMLIC (big man or lady in church) ahead of schedule we would do well to major on the basic and foundational principles and truths.
Let's you and I get back to:
* prayer
* Bible STUDY
* Sharing about Christ
* daily life surrender
* worshiping God with others
* seeking good relationships
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There's a good reason for the; Pastor, speech coach, life planner, Biblical counselor and the informational/how to guru. It is incorrect to desire to remain where you are. We know it is wise to intentionally grow and mature developing ourselves with the basics. Timothy needed the apostlePaul and later the Apostle Paul needed Timothy!
I know we all want to be an over night success but we would go farther and stay longer concentrating on the basics and then moving on from there. I see, no matter your level or age, a great strong future, as we "Run to Daylight."
Friday, October 4, 2013
BOOTS ON THE GROUND
The Christian is in a spiritual warfare. The enemy is not people and the weapons are not missiles and rocket launchers. Since the fall of man it has been an internal conflict. Old Satan loses in the end so the believer must fight with the knowledge of through faith in Christ we win. The Bible says the follower of Christ is seated in Heaven as we speak. HOW? In Christ, who is seated there. But the ultimate terrorist, The devil himself. with his army of sneaky demons, is harassing and fighting gorilla warfare in the spirit arena and in the minds of people everywhere.
WE WILL NOT NEGOTIATE
As in every battle there are casualties. The partner disciples are to come along side and help the other. No one left behind!
We do not look the other way or put our head in the sand and ignore the bad guy who is trying to destroy the glory God gets, as well as, our influence in the community. WE WILL PUT BOOTS ON THE GROUND!
We will fight the enemy by going into the neighborhoods with the good news of Jesus Christ and food and clothes, prayer,love,help,healing,compassion,touch,concern, in the power of Gods Spirit and the Word of God. This is not defending but proclaiming:
GOD'S TRUTH IS UNSTOPPABLE
WE WILL NOT NEGOTIATE
As in every battle there are casualties. The partner disciples are to come along side and help the other. No one left behind!
We do not look the other way or put our head in the sand and ignore the bad guy who is trying to destroy the glory God gets, as well as, our influence in the community. WE WILL PUT BOOTS ON THE GROUND!
We will fight the enemy by going into the neighborhoods with the good news of Jesus Christ and food and clothes, prayer,love,help,healing,compassion,touch,concern, in the power of Gods Spirit and the Word of God. This is not defending but proclaiming:
GOD'S TRUTH IS UNSTOPPABLE
Thursday, October 3, 2013
NO PARKING! (here I am being transparent)
It's been a long four years at home on disability, caused by blood clots and high dosage of thinners, accompanied by type 2 diabetes in addition to the aggravations that go along with them. Before and even during this time I have had the opportunity to speak at churches and fill in for pastors on vacation. I was most happy before these ailments to spend an entire year speaking and volunteer shepherding a small congregation at a local church.
Prior to disability I was a long distance as well as a local driver and at the same time doing the above teaching and platform speaking at churches. I have read very much while on disability. For a year we led as leader/pastor, a dieing church. it didn't end positively. I pulled the plug on me instead. I felt like the NFL coach that takes a team to the Superbowl and the next season loses six in a row. I do love church and community involvement and will continue to do so.
TO MUCH INFORMATION.
That is more than you care to know in two paragraphs. But I've been asking myself ;WHY?
It seems as if I have wasted These past few years not accomplishing much. Keeping safe.
Saying that, I look at people my age and observe the level of expertise and successes in the business
world as well as church ministry and wonder WHY did I not go for it, pray and make the right decisions.
HOW, IS THE NEXT QUESTION
We all want to be a help and add value to our circle of life God has placed us in. If I indeed wasted the past I will refuse to waste the wasted time and will learn from it while looking toward a good present and future. The education begins and maybe you and I may decide to:
* read and learn/be inspired by blogs
* study websites and the minds and success of other individuals
* study biographies
* read as many books as possible
* become an expert without becoming a know it all
* allow others to invest in us and then invest in others
* write a blog/tweet/book/course
* pray as if it depended upon God and work as if it all depended upon you
* read a chapter of Proverbs,Psalms and Acts from the Bible every day
-The Bible says to write down the vision and run with it!
Prior to disability I was a long distance as well as a local driver and at the same time doing the above teaching and platform speaking at churches. I have read very much while on disability. For a year we led as leader/pastor, a dieing church. it didn't end positively. I pulled the plug on me instead. I felt like the NFL coach that takes a team to the Superbowl and the next season loses six in a row. I do love church and community involvement and will continue to do so.
TO MUCH INFORMATION.
That is more than you care to know in two paragraphs. But I've been asking myself ;WHY?
It seems as if I have wasted These past few years not accomplishing much. Keeping safe.
Saying that, I look at people my age and observe the level of expertise and successes in the business
world as well as church ministry and wonder WHY did I not go for it, pray and make the right decisions.
HOW, IS THE NEXT QUESTION
We all want to be a help and add value to our circle of life God has placed us in. If I indeed wasted the past I will refuse to waste the wasted time and will learn from it while looking toward a good present and future. The education begins and maybe you and I may decide to:
* read and learn/be inspired by blogs
* study websites and the minds and success of other individuals
* study biographies
* read as many books as possible
* become an expert without becoming a know it all
* allow others to invest in us and then invest in others
* write a blog/tweet/book/course
* pray as if it depended upon God and work as if it all depended upon you
* read a chapter of Proverbs,Psalms and Acts from the Bible every day
-The Bible says to write down the vision and run with it!
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
REPENT !
"I messed up. I'm sorry so sue me"! That doesn't sound like true repentance. We have heard someone either face to face or on television cry crocodile tears which in reality were sorry they got caught. The phrase "I'm sorry I did it" accompanied with "but if you didn't..." isn't showing real repentance.
"I'M GOING TO CHANGE" !
True repentance is more of a change of mind and /or heart. It requires a new look at lifestyle or mindset toward our behavior that has been incorrect and even damaging to others as well as self and correcting and adjusting the actions. When I say I'm sorry and the behavior stays the same the society sees it as inconsistent and we lose their trust.
< "I USED TO WALK IN THIS DIRECTION, NOW I WALK IN THIS DIRECTION">
After watching an inspirational speech or reading a book and listening to a great sermon the result is often repentance. A realization arises that a thought or lifestyle was incorrect and change is required. Permanently.
"Wow. I've been: Procrastinating
Lazy
Gossiping
Lying
Selfish
"Now, I'll be: Intentional
Relentless
Encouraging
A Blessing
Write out your new behavior something like:
I'm picking myself up and I'm going to start/finish: writing the book, do the report, the assignment, relationship, volunteering, the Bible, Seth Godins latest book, and hit the ground running and be a great addition to the circle of life God has placed me in.
*OLD THINGS HAVE PASSED AWAY, ALL THINGS MADE NEW*
"I'M GOING TO CHANGE" !
True repentance is more of a change of mind and /or heart. It requires a new look at lifestyle or mindset toward our behavior that has been incorrect and even damaging to others as well as self and correcting and adjusting the actions. When I say I'm sorry and the behavior stays the same the society sees it as inconsistent and we lose their trust.
< "I USED TO WALK IN THIS DIRECTION, NOW I WALK IN THIS DIRECTION">
After watching an inspirational speech or reading a book and listening to a great sermon the result is often repentance. A realization arises that a thought or lifestyle was incorrect and change is required. Permanently.
"Wow. I've been: Procrastinating
Lazy
Gossiping
Lying
Selfish
"Now, I'll be: Intentional
Relentless
Encouraging
A Blessing
Write out your new behavior something like:
I'm picking myself up and I'm going to start/finish: writing the book, do the report, the assignment, relationship, volunteering, the Bible, Seth Godins latest book, and hit the ground running and be a great addition to the circle of life God has placed me in.
*OLD THINGS HAVE PASSED AWAY, ALL THINGS MADE NEW*
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