PEACEFUL!!!

The Moral of the Story.

We hear so much about teaching Bible, with story instead of lecture.  Balance is the key here.  Some insist on adding dialogue and discussion.  Years gone by students wanted to be heard and wanted to share or conduct a "rap session."  Years later, (and occasionally) at the end of discussion or a "rap session"  most found out we or other class members, didn't know what we were adamantly talking about.

During a Bible class we need the lecture to be undercoated with taking notes and studying them later.  Lab work in the field of study,  mingled with story to visualize the lecture/ talk  as the leader/teacher makes the idea come alive!

There are morals to the story that is told:

1.  You do have a heart.
2.  You do have a brain.
3.  You do have courage.
4.  Nice guys do get the girl, (usually).
5.  Be intentional you will be closer to that career.
6.  Be focused and raise the percentages, you'll accomplish your mission.
7.  Be persistent  and you will endure.

 Seek wisdom and you might just win!  If we don't like life, let's move into action and rewrite and readjust your story to accomplish God's plan.   The moral of the story is not to protect but prepare.  Live, Share and Show your story! The rest of us will learn something.

Third Day - I Need A Miracle

HEART PROBLEMS!

Life change!  Along this journey we experience many turns and u-turns.  Every New Year we make resolutions to improve or change our lifestyle by turning over a new leaf.  We will go back to school, read a new book every week or month.  We start a journal to look back and see if  life is on track to an improved  behavior.  Weeks later we open our journal of introspect only to find we stopped entering our saga weeks ago.

Months later we are dissatisfied with ourselves again.  We then spend all night searching the infomercials for the latest quick fix to a successful life.  The new friends will ask: "This is the new you? I'd hate to see the old you"!  We've made another wrong turn and life's GPS  gives facts but doesn't fill you in;  mentally,physically or spiritually.

FACE IT!

Looking around, your face book friend list is shrinking and people are starting to drop hints about your little faults. You begin to see with the eyes of your latest friends; your house IS a pig pen, you ARE opinionated and your facebook posts are  sophomoric.  "Maybe I should read a new book or take another class".

The good news is those issues are minute compared to a life resulting from poor life choices.  The neglect, anger and depression is a reality of those that are public enemy #1 as well as those that have secret, violent domestic issues next door.  Some live to bring chaos, not for political or an ideological  reason, but rather self gratification only violence and destruction can give them.  A new book or medication may help for the short term. A violent lifestyle can be even magnified by the jail experience.

WHAT'S YOUR POINT?

Whether we find ourselves losing facebook friends or doing jail time. Turning over a new leaf won't cut it. Jesus Christ said "Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks."  The book of Jeremiah says:: "The heart is deceitful above all things, who can know it"?  Thus, we at that point need not an improved heart but new heart. We receive that new "heart" and mind through faith and trust in the life death and resurrection of Christ. Paul wrote:
...Put off the old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. The Bible says God knows your heart and we then believe and  God says: " I will give them a new heart".  There is a spiritual new birth (ever hear about that?) and God spirit enters  and makes us new.  That is only the beginning, as we then mature in life and set our hearts on things above. Result: heart transformation- maturity- then life transformation!

God of this City - Chris Tomlin

A list of Things I Don't Want at the Grocery Store.

I dread going to the grocery store.  Don't get me wrong I love the food and the intercom music there.  We write out a list and being the "man out on the hunt, I am armed with pen in hand, to scratch off the item on the list as I place it in the cart.

I also have a list of things I don't want:

1.  circling for twenty minutes looking for a parking.
2.  other circling cars in the parking lot
3.  racing other cars to a spot two rows over.
4.  losing that race.
5.  getting run over walking to the store.
6.  finding no carts available.
7. everyone stopped at the first item by the door.
8. a missing sign because I can't tell the difference between a zucchini and a cucumber.
9. someone blocking an item deciding, while five of us wait  for five minutes.
10. a price check at the cash register
11. out of my favorite candy bar by register (for the ride home).
12. getting run over on the way back to car.
13. waiting for twenty people to cross as I'm driving out.
14. women against men shoppers (W.A.M.S.) with a bucket, collecting money at the exit light.       

CONSEQUENCES

Throughout our youth, humans for the most part make a variety of  poor choices. We touch things that are hot, climb something unstable and fall.  After we grow taller we pay to much for an item.  We jump in the car and go to Upper Wisconsin during February and do not pack a jacket.

Some of us choose to go to (the list could be endless) a few parties and the door is wide open for some and they walk right in and we choose pleasures (the list could be endless)  as a lifestyle and we do not want the feeling to ever go away and we stay to long, even a lifetime. The false security of credit cards result in years of debt and forms of depression.  If I choose to eat a gallon of ice cream every day this week. I choose to be chubby next week.  Good behavior or bad, we then discover (maybe not learn)  there are consequences and they can be distracting or worse, fatal.

Some cases end in poverty, babies having babies, poor health, ruined relationships, and addicts having children is a vicious cycle where the life as child is damaged and in some cases the entire lifetime wasted, a consequence of  multiple poor decisions of someone starting way back when and repeated .

Keep doing what you're doing and you'll keep getting what you're getting.  We attempt to teach/discipline kids for behavior at school or church. But they are neglected at home.  Teaching or training should start at home but we're a few generations behind.

 I suggest Training should be given to both; child and parents.  Sessions on "Healthy Life Choices" with long semesters or the consequences will spread. It is time for our churches to make an investment and minister to experience community development; Physically, Mentally and Spiritually.

Shepherd,Mentor and Pastor.

With a laugh and booming voice that shook when he spoke with a broken heart for souls, all during some of the best and loving sermon/messages I have heard.  Our pastor while preaching might break into a song and then paint the Bible in your mind as he told portions like Paul and Silas in prison and the Jailor running in asking "What must I do to be saved"?

Pastor Easton was a presence in many phases of our lives throughout the week. There were Softball games and picnics, committee meetings and he often visited his flock including my parents home. Early in my life, maybe since the third grade, it seemed he never stopped teaching, preaching,visiting, building relationships as well as some of the church building.

I obviously didn't always follow the example set by Pastor Easton. Don't let that diminish his light and influence. Especially in my teenage years, he provided me many opportunities to serve the Lord. There were hundreds, by now thousands of people that were guided and stood by him and made him proud/joyful..  I believe he knew he was loved and appreciated.

He has passed away ,  close to a week after we had had a church reunion of his sheep to pay him honor. I appreciate those ladies that were thoughtful enough to make that happen. Like Jesus it would take volumes of books to tell the stories about Laverne Easton's ministry. This update is added to bring honor to his wife that  has just passed.  She was the definition of the "First Lady" of the church,  She at times was quiet yet had a classy wit and manner. You could consider her a pastor as well and deserved and received  respect from all ages of the congregation. There will be those of us who nearly crashed on the rocks of life.  Sounds corny maybe, but true, because of the lighthouse and memory of the sincere preaching we saw and heard we are still afloat today.

I Thank God for Pastor and Sister Easton!

CHANGES!

  Our daily routine is often a safe place to exist.  Billions of humans even enjoy the luxury of living in a rut.  Familiarity isn't a bad thing as we daily go to school and return to the lovely homes we live in.  The security of the same career brings a peaceful sigh as you float down to your swivel chair in the cubicle or pew.

Marriage has more changes than a baby's diaper.  How many know a baby changes things?  Your sleep and eating habits revolve around the new born.  You can't take the bundle of joy to a party because no one would invite you back. You then leave junior with a babysitter that you; call, text, fax and email every thirty minutes.

Scores of  people have lost jobs and wages.  What used to be such a promising fluid life, now comes to a smoking grinding halt.  We have to look for that new career or worse, any old job.

Picture, one minute you are going through a normal morning activities and the television warns of a tornado and before you know it your subdivision is on the evening news that's reporting about the fatalities just around the block.  After the twister destroys the community  you don't know where your shoes are and the family paperwork can't be found.  You have all the family rounded up. What could possibly be running through the minds of folks whose house is now a pile of sticks. I can imagine they have no comprehension of what just happened and what lies ahead. 

The man Job, from the Bible comes to mind, another tragic story of questions resulting in yet a deeper trust in God. A situation that challenges our emotions,worship and faith.  I pray for the peace of these that experience these tornadic, life changing experiences!

I could never say "I know what you are going through." I pray the aftermath of unwanted change will not be the end of the story.  The sad reality could spark hope, anger, a determination and resilience and produce strength to persevere any new changes they will ever meet.  I watched the evening news reporting on a days travesty, displaying a picture from an hour after a storm of a rainbow over the leveled  neighborhoods.

Change can be something to look forward to.  Change can be something we never desire to come in contact with again.  In this imperfect world, with it's instability God does not change, and His love never fails. When we do not understand, which often happens, again the best place to start is..."In the beginning..."

ARE YOU CONTAGIOUS?

No matter what we like to do or passionate about are other people getting it. Do you cast the divine vision for the the future to those who could help make it possible or will others be heart broken because it was kept secret and did not happen.

Followers of Christ have to live and tell it in a way that others know and desire what we have. Will anyone want to join you in dreary religion? We hope to live with enough excitement and love, that people will see the answer to the void or discover the truth in what they see!

The question is ; Are you contagious?  Hopefully after they see your love, passion, vision for your Charity, church or business plan they catch a glimpse of the dream and say "Tell me more."

It may be someone handing you a hammer so you can build bird houses.  Many times it's someone at a bank that is jumping on the band wagon.  Be prepared to give your idea and vision  for a thirty second elevator ride or a fifteen minute presentation to a team of would be core group members gathered to finance and put feet to your prayers for  launching the business or church or book club.

"I'm in. With your passion you seem like just the person to get it done." or "That's a great plan, it seems you have planned this out, plus we love your energy." and "You are sensitive to God's leading, I want to be a part of what God is doing."

So many have followed a Hitler type or became the Manson Family when they met a contagious leader.  We can only imagine the good that can be accomplished if  you and I could be enthusiastic about the business or ministry that could be a service and multiply in the number of people helped, followed by them joining the movement.

If you have a good cause or idea, don't go it alone. Infect someone.

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE?

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  He then creates man and woman and breathes life into them. They had minds, choice, emotions and soul. Ol' Satan comes along and tempts, tricks and teases. They fall for his scheme and sin, breaking the heart of God, ruining their/mankind's  relationship with God.

GOD WARNED 'EM.

Apostle Paul writes that all have sinned. He says the wages/payment of sin is death.  We of course sin and death is a result. People pass away. the cemetery is full of all ages and status. It's a physical death and a spiritual one, that is in a punishment and apart from God.

With the power of choice, We following the first people sin against God and are going to die...But God who is rich in mercy.... God demonstrated His love toward you and me in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. The roman government put Him on the cross because of the religous leaders accusations. When they did God placed the sins of the world on Jesus. He died a sacrificial death on our behalf. He then raises from the dead and His tomb.

And if you would say Jesus is Lord of it all and believe in your heart/mind that God raised Him from the dead you will be saved/rescued.  Again the Apostle Paul said You are not saved by your/our good deeds but by His grace through faith in Christ. It  the gift of God. Have you recieved that gift?

Now you've made the correct decision and able to experience that joy God's Word talks about. You will experience eternity with God as you live a life of worship to Him now in this portion of life.

Congratulations.

NOT FOR SALE !

Have you ever sold something for a lower price than you wanted?  You desired to keep it but you had to sell it quick and cheap.  We always hear about the antique that was handed down through the family and had great value to a mother who passed it on to her daughter. A year later the daughter sells what was valuable quick and cheap as it held no value to her.

Many a person has had  their heart broken when the spouse sells their relationship, home and family for the cheap price of an affair.  Then next is a life time of  loss and pain, from the short time of a forbidden cheap moment for everyone connected. "Family for sale, cheap" !

Struggling with grades, career and family pressure to succeed the student achieves it from cheating on most tests.  We have read where students of a  university expelled for cheating. "Education, integrity, for sale. Cheap"

Churches that one day were filled with life are now museums of once useful Christians.  The times changed. Some even softened the message to get a crowd.   Most of the congregation moved out of the neighborhood and undesirables moved in. Ministry needs changed but the programs did not.  "Ministry, Churches purpose for sale. Cheap" 

God our creator gives value, shown by Christ's death on the cross and we should live a life worthy of His praise.  It's in the time of struggle and temptation, we tell the author of each "NOT FOR SALE"!

SELF DRIVEN CHURCH.

"It is all about me"... That could be the first sentence to a book titled: "The self driven Church". The book would probably be the second best seller of all time.

Don't get me wrong there are not many churches that the entire bunch is selfishly minded.  There are enough self driven pew fillers sprinkled around the U.S. to make up a portion of God's church. In saying that, the majority of true believers are all about loving God and others.

The "Church"  is called out and sent back in to make an investment and impact the world around them.   The community around the church often has no where to turn because we take the easy road. I selfishly stay in my comfort zone, while those hurting search for the answer to their daily life issues and eternity.

The pastor speaks about Loving God and your neighbor,  some continue to ask "Am I my brothers keeper and what have you done for me lately"?  The Apostle Paul said something like;  God gave leaders to equip the church for the work of the ministry.

I/we  tend to forget where we came from and are blind to the spiritual needs of our neighborhoods.  Jesus looked out over Jerusalem and cried. If we are to accomplish even more than community development.  We must have the same burning desire and catch the divine vision of our future that God has given to accomplish Godly spiritual development.

A self driven church or life results in drought. We get driven in the wrong purposes instead of producing disciples. It takes time to develop this maturity. Christs followers are meant to be fruitful and productive in our efforts toward others.

In light of God's love and grace toward us, how then shall we live?  We don't have to look farther than the Book of Acts to see we can be a Spirit led Church telling the whole world God is in control and He loves us.

In spite of us bad apples, there are those that are maturing and sharing God's message of Christ and Love.These groups of believers have thrown someone out!  That someone is "self."

                                    

ONE ON ONE

We are always looking for the next big thing to do.  I'm sure you have accomplished quite a bit for soul, mind and body of those in your city or nearby. Actually, what is required is that, we are intentional and remain focused on certain needs that we can best help. Reason being, we are to love others and love God because He first loved us.

Many needs in the community or on television seem to be overwhelming.  Be relieved to know you can't possibly single handedly, solve all of the worlds problems.  It would not be wise to bring yourself to poverty and then require help from others.

Within the multitudes of "blessed" people there are myriads of resources available as in finances, time and effort.All of us don't have to give all but add some to the kettle and multitudes can be helped.

They might receive finances or clothing, even scholarship for a class or full education. It will take myself and you to donate and volunteer towards service to the community.

A church, we at one time lead focused on a few needs and organizations:
1.  Paper goods and toiletries for a women shelter.
2.  Operation Christmas Child
3.  Food and school supplies for a local Salvation Army
4.  The needs of our own congregation.

I know of other churches that provided turkeys etc for city families. Larger churches and civic clubs feed  people meals weekly and at Holidays.  

The one thing Jesus noticed was the one on one personal ministry and help to others as they gave sacrificially in His name.  Peter and John walked by a man and said something like "Silver and gold have we none , but what we do have we give to you. get up and walk"  They saw the real need and filled it, not with the big donation but a miracle larger than any cash.

The BRIDE Church in Michigan City, In.

Let me encourage us both to always look for opportunities. The church I now attend is gearing up for the winter season and hoping to receive or purchase clothes in good condition to give those that need them. It only takes one to reach one. That's church done Biblically and simple.

JESUS WITH SKIN

Every last Saturday of the month The church I attend uses a recipe to make a  laundry detergent concentrate, just add water. The pastors wife recently added a fabric softener.  The first Saturday of the month they give it out free to the community. Many in our church's neighborhood return time and again.It is also always good to see a new face.

This last time they sat out clothes for those who need it.  It's turning into quite a ministry in the community. The Church is starting to get a reputation, (unlike myself) it's a good one.

Relationships are being formed, seeds are planted. One or two say their grand kids  come out on Wednesday afternoon to "Youth City" (which may have around 80 kids). Everyone that we meet is friendly and appreciative and sometimes a "blessing" to us. We have nice conversations and some linger to eat donuts and cake. We are there to bring glory to God and comfort to someone that might need it.Our pastors do not see this as; "us and them." It is like we are all in this life together.

It is a joy (I don't use the word joy to often) to see our young pastors Aaron and Rebekah and helpers setting up and bringing food and hanging and folding clothes. In order to replace the ones given away, additional containers of concentrated detergent,  are brought  from a room, by some neighborhood kids that came to help and play as well.

We focus on Bible, Worship and community Service.

"Now, why are you doing this"?  The answer is the same as the Apostle Paul's and should be for all church community service We are compelled by Christ's love.  Paul also wrote "clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility", etc. It would be fine to call it a Christians duty but when God's Holy Spirit enters in, it's all a part of a new DNA.

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A violent storm was blowing against the house.  Rain and hail tapping the window as lightening flashed and thunder echoed frightening everyone.  The mother was hard at work and asked her little daughter to get the broom from the back pantry. As she started towards the back , thunder rolled and she walked swiftly back to the front room. "I thought I told you to get the broom".  "I'm scared". " Jesus will be with you".  "This time I would like a Jesus with skin". 

That's what our Church called "THE BRIDE" is, an answer to someones prayer ; "Jesus with skin".