Issues and Circumstances

Watching TV in the late 1950's and 60's one phrase I heard on cowboy shows was "Let's cut 'em off at the pass!"  The good guys would take a different trail.  It was more difficult but more direct and stopping the bad guys before they could arrive at the stagecoach they had planned to rob.

Parents (most, well some) know that discipline at an early age curbs some behavior problems in later years.  The child is too immature to see that it is for their own good, as well as for future relationships. The development of children and in changing adult behavior will be a "cutting the issues off at the pass."  Deleting many of the issues and circumstances of an untrained lifestyle.

In our own lives we hope to be growing and maturing.  On the other hand, we have or know someone that stopped investing in themselves much less others.  The result often is to flow through life later bouncing off one circumstance floating aimlessly

The Bible calls it being tossed to and fro.  A Christians lifestyle can be ordered and submitted to the loving teachings/doctrines of God's Word.  Many a Christian either untrained or distracted from quiet time of prayer and reading God's word soon find themselves throwing toddler like tantrums or falling for an incorrect teaching or secular worldview. The term "selfie" comes to mind.

So let us draw near to God and He will draw near to us. The Bible also directs us to have our minds set on the things above because our citizenship is in His kingdom!  Then we will shine in a dark world, giving God glory!

"As you therefore have received Christ the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving." Colossians 2:6,7.

"Chasten your son while there is still hope, and do not set your heart on his destruction." Proverbs 19:18.

"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.  Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others."  Philippians 2:3,4.

"He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, but he who refuses instruction goes astray." Proverbs10: 17.

Seasons Change

   

We see the consistency and authority of God when we see the changing of seasons since time began. Like "clock work" seasons in order, come and go. 

  You and I are guilty of taking changing seasons for granted. Not only seasons but the location of the planets and stars as well. God most likely sits back in amazement that many are not amazed.

  Maybe the reason is, we think the solar system and its' weather revolves around us.  Why, even God died for ME, He even answers MY prayers. We complain when He doesn't answer quick enough.

  Let's not forget it wasn't long after creation, humans given a choice, chose self, and how is that working out for us. They say we're even ruining the events of seasons with climate change.

  I know that in spite of us, God is in control! Anyone with any discernment can see that.  We have many questions but reading His Word, we have many answers. 

 Read throughout the Psalms and you'll find those questions and the answers. The book of Genesis tells the how and why this world is as it is.

  Your personal life goes through seasons. We experience the Fall, Winter, Spring and summer of life.  Emotions that are high and low, Seasons of joy and those of sadness.

  Look to the Seasons once again to see the love and control of God.  See the God that deserves our worship. This is all simple but yes, it's not easy. 

  I  pray that God would open the eyes of your heart, that you might see His love and wisdom. That He might incline forward to the season you might find yourself and divinely meet you there and comfort you.

Check out; 

Genesis 1-11

2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Psalm 37: 1-7

  

In Christ!

What a miracle it is, being "in Christ." At one point you are dead in sin, realizing the call/draw of His Holy Spirit.
you then hear: "Follow Me." And you do.  You then are born again.  Your sin is covered/blotted out by the blood of Jesus. The believer walks now in Spirit and in truth. Now I'm dead to this world but alive unto God.

When it comes to God, your "Do I have to?" turns into "I love to." Religion turns into a relationship!  

 That person now knows what it means to have old things passed away; all things are made new.  Paul wrote that, His Spirit and Word, assures us we are the Children of God.  John said that those who received Him, to them, He gave power to become the children of God.!

 "But God who is rich in mercy, because of His great love, with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses,  made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been sasved), and raised us up together, in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus."  Ephesians 2:4-6.

HOSANNA! HOSANNA!

I have read that in the history of Israel, kings and military generals have returned to the cheers of Hosanna. The Maccabees in victory heard the crowds chant Hosanna.  Jesus the carpenter's son, humbly riding a donkey into Jerusalem receives the kingly praise. 

HOSANNA! BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!
(quoting Psalm 118:26).

Crowds headed to Jerusalem for Passover festival (another picture of Christ Jesus). Those already in town had heard that Jesus was coming,  they and all the people already on the road, came to meet Jesus waving palm branches and laying them and their coats on the ground before Him, hailing Him as King and Messiah.

Hosanna has everything to do with Salvation (save us now), and the palm branches, everything to do with victory.  Jesus was/is who he had said He was; The Son of God! and worthy of their praise and ours. Jesus through His death, resurrection and ascension has defeated the power of sin, death and the grave!

"O' death where is you sting? O' grave where is your victory?  Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." -1 Corinthians 54-57.

 Previously, Jesus had asked those He delivered and healed, not to tell anyone . Now here in John 12, He allows everyone to shout sing and announce that He was King and Messiah!  As always the jealous, power grabbing Pharisees show up and tells Jesus to silence the crowd, Jesus reply to that was: " If these be silent , the rocks would  cry out in praise"  There will be those  people and events, in your life that will try to hinder your praise and devotion and ministry.  Whether we are approved of or not, we can continuously have a dip in our hip and a  praise on our lips.

HOSANNA!

They say Sunday He rides down the road hearing Hosanna!  By Friday they are shouting "Crucify Him". That day He hung on the cross dieing for the sins of the world  (we remember it as "good Friday") and said "Father forgive them".  Finally He said "It is finished".  Watching them roll the stone in front of the tomb, His followers might of said "It's over all right".  The events and paradigms of today, make many feel like it's hopeless and over.  

How about you? still have some praise left?  He was crucified, but on Sunday what happened? (stay tuned in for more).  It wasn't over. It was just beginning! We have great opportunities for ministry ahead.

John 3:16.

We serve a God that is very much alive. He is not dead!  We are then to die to this world yet be alive unto God.  Today Christ followers can give Him that praise of deliverer and King!  Worshiping Him with our voice and life.

HE IS RISEN !!



 

Stormy Life.

Occasionally off in the distance, you see storms clouds rolling in. Other times you are caught in the middle of nowhere, rowing as fast as you can, knowing you will not make shore in time.

Emotional, financial, mental, storms arise.  These storms can be a result of our lifestyle or no fault of our own.  The wrong or even sinful decisions of friends and family, can effect the every day of someone else.

The Word of God assures us we can experience peace, while being smack dab in the middle of a storm.

"Peace I give you. Not the peace the world gives, but my peace."-Jesus.

Paul wrote "Let your requests be made to God and the peace of God that passes all understanding, will keep (guard) your heart and mind, through Christ Jesus our Lord."

You can read Acts 27 for starters.  I believe it will encourage you or someone you know, that hasn't seen the Sun for days.

The Way of the Cross - A short film for Good Friday and Easter

He is risen, no prison.

Resurrection

Flowers rising,

surprising,

within green grass,

shining alas.

Flowing in mass,

victorious through winter,

even because of winter,

displays a splinter,

a stem.

Spring proves resurrection!

He is risen

no prison

no death or grave

Risen indeed will save.

First sign of life after death

giving the dead new breath.

New colors, new hopes.

Spring displays through green,

colors seen...

The death of Christ and resurrection!

                                                   tim flener

Don't be fooled!

 I could write about the snowstorm that I woke up to. That might fool some people but not those who lived near me.

This might work on April fool's day but not in the heat of the Summer.

Spiritually speaking, (you knew I was going there), We get occasionally fooled by our emotions or experiences and ultimately by the ol' devil.

Those near to God and staying in His word and truth will be more likely to recognize the lie. While those that are distant and unaware what God's truth is, will often be fooled by the twist or out and out lie which is not meant for a joke but the destruction of the unaware victim.

Stay in the Word and be aware of your surroundings thinking "That doesn't sound right."

John writes for us to test the spirits, if we do run everything through divine discernment, we won't hear satan yell "Gotchya!"

Armed and Dangerous!

You can bet in the dark realms of the one we call; Devil, Satan, Smuttyface and Lucifer, there is planning for an attack on his enemy.  His enemies are known as, Christ followers and prayer warriors.

We've seen "Wanted" posters.  Wanted posters also line the meeting rooms of hell, The heading on the bulletin board is titled:
 "ARMED and DANGEROUS!"

These terrorists, against the gates of hell are Moms and dads, grandmothers, and elementary age prayer warriors. It includes Pastors and Sunday school teachers and small group leaders.

Those on the bulletin board of hell, are called dangerous because, they stay in a spirit and attitude of prayer! They are dangerous followers of Christ. The Apostle Paul after telling us to put on the entire armor of God, said to "Pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints"

James makes the devil anxious with; "The effective prayer of the righteous man avails much." The Apostle Paul inspires the Believer when he tells them in their prayer warfare, they receive; "peace that passes all understanding."  While James says the demons are so disorientated; they believe and tremble!

So, satan attacks the emotions and twists the word of God even makes good things distract from God things. He's out to destroy the Glory of God and the influence of the church in the community.  He strives to have the prayer warrior to busy, or to go ahead and pray just make it a number on the list of things to do.  He encourages them to be content, in their comfort zone of; career, family and "church work" he also loves it when the Church lowers the alert status to safe, while they laugh off the seriousness of his guerrilla tactics.

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles/schemes of the devil."  Ephesians 6:10,11.

"Take Out the Garbage!!"

It's Garbage day!  Gather up all that is unusable and toss it.  Take what is undesirable and stinks up your daily life and discard it.

You have replaced these with something beneficial and new to enjoy.  Some items in the garbage might have even been at one time, good and useful, but now outdated.

The Apostle Paul wrote for us to : "Get rid of, mortify, be renewed, put on new clothes of righteousness."

Bring all of those negative or evil thoughts, attitudes, hurtful behaviors, and destructive addictions. Replace those with the new and fresh, that God is wanting to do in and through you!

Take that old garbage, and toss it.

Stay the course

I believe God's Word encourages/commands us to remain faithful or stay the course.  With the Bible being our map, we might  have to do more than glance at it. Some of us should ask ourselves are we on the RIGHT course.  Many times we say we are sincere in the direction we are headed. We know we can be sincerely wrong as well. Confession and repentance will change our mind as well as our direction.

If you and I are guided by emotions or culture's behavior, we will soon discover, we have slowly gone off course.  The Word of God, prayer and depending on empowerment from His Holy Spirit is what the true Christian will need in order to navigate the "seas of life."

Truth will lead us where we NEED to go. Truth is not what we always want to hear. Paul writes to Timothy that in the last days we'll desire to hear only what we want to hear, having our ears tickled.

It is no secret that this culture and its paradigms are headed for the "rocks of life."  The church in general, is joining the convoy as we veer off course away from God and his Truth.

We have been obsessed about painting the cruise ship, swabbing the deck (mopping?) Some are even down below sleeping in our bunks. We have lost sight of the mission and destination, content with floating aimlessly.

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:18-20

We have been sent (rough waters and all) into all the world with the Gospel. We have chosen rather to dock in safe harbors on every street corner.  We are singing the songs of the sailor while actually being land lovers.  We have counted the cost and we're staying in safe waters. Ships are safer there but are built to handle the stormy seas.

Then there is joy and rest from a job well done.

We have been cruise ships alone for to long. We must also be rescue boats in the fog shouting "come aboard, come aboard!"  We need all hands on deck and full speed ahead.

Let's get the map out and read it. In these uncertain waters, we have to get back to the truth and stay the course!

 

Moses, Give up!

Moses, give up. Can't you see?
Pharaoh will never set you free.
Give up? No I've seen the burning bush.

Moses, give up.  The seas to large. You'll never get around.
Quiet and follow me we're going through on dry ground!
Don't lose heart. God will tear this sea apart.

Moses, give up.  You could have had pleasure.
You could've taken part in Pharaohs treasure.
This calling of yours is impossible.
Give up? No! I've seen Him who is invisible.

Has God given you, something good to do?
Never give up! Stand on The Word, that  is true.

"When you pray..."- Jesus. (not if..)

We wonder why Christians are so anemic and powerless...We don't pray as we should.  Children, teenagers, are not introduced to prayer as a lifestyle.  Resulting in a selfish lifestyle that shorts out like a wire with a break in it.  Jesus instructed us to pray and not quit.  Luke 18:1.

"Pray this way...":  Praying to our father.  Are you a part of the family of God?  (John 3:15-18).  Praying like you know God is in control.  Submitting to His will.  Pray, giving Him the honor and glory not only to receive; bread, milk, and a cool spouse.  Rather the result being God receiving the applause, glory and honor!

Jesus said; while asking, seeking and knocking,  pray like a citizen of His kingdom under His Divine authority and government.  We are to ask for forgiveness- Our spiritual position is much more important than our physical one.

So it's a conversation with God, not a wish list to Santa Clause.   Do not worry He understands;  Swahili, Norwegian, German and Dutch, Spanish, Asian, English. 

You can have confidence in prayer:  Hebrews 4:12-16.
You can have fellowship through prayer.  John 15:1-8.

Paul said for us to be praying always, being watchful (expecting), with all perseverance. That's exciting!

Read: Matthew6:9-13, Psalm 27:7-14.

Rounding the Turn!

                                            

 Whether it is Rounding third base, The Indianapolis 500, Kentucky Derby, Olympic 1500 meters, or NASCAR...

 the most exciting part of the sport, is as they are rounding the last turn. The announcer gets louder, and the crowd stands to their feet as they round the last turn.

When they round the last turn, it's usually where someone falls but gets up again to finish, maybe the car, horse or human, comes from behind with that last "Kick" of energy to win the race and more!  History has been made many times, as they come around the turn.

Most of the time a thrilling finish is the result of preparation long before the race ever begins. Life is a journey it's even a race against disabilities/handicaps, reputation, failures, low esteem.

 

 Sadly, some participants never leave the locker room.  

Envision rounding the turn! Prepare for it now.  That might include prayer, reading, taking a class, even starting slow to pacing yourself up to speed in whatever endeavor.  That old saying of; "Plan your work and work that plan!" applies here.

I have to remember; it's not always how we start today's race. It's about when we round that turn to accomplishing a task, mission or God's plan... We then decide to leave it all on the track, office, keyboard, kitchen, garage, or pulpit.  While rounding that last turn a great cloud of witnesses are shouting: "Here they come!"  People in your circle of life, are watching and many need you to win.

Bible says something like; "Let us run the race set before us!" 

 So, remain faithful to your calling, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus Christ and on that eternal prize.

                                                                -Tim

Three Concrete Steps

The Christians of the first century, attending "The First Church of Jerusalem" did not wait for an announcement on Face book or church stage.  They witnessed on the job or considered their lifestyle a ministry to the circle of life God had planted them in.   The church came together to pray, hear the Word, even eat a meal or two.

    In our Christian walk or ministries, we can become cold and indifferent (of whom I am chief).

We find we are cold and indifferent, even leaving our relationship and disciplines behind.  Where did you stop.  Prayer? Begin to pray.   Bible reading/study? go back and start there, Worship? Go back, draw near to God, He will draw near to you.

We find we have been going through the motions.  Keep on truckin', keep reading, etc. praying for God's grace, forgiveness and Holy Spirit love and empowerment.

Whether it's a single worshipper or a local body of believers called a church. (It doesn't matter the size of a church).  What is required is effort, investing time etc. We are to grow Spiritually and that doesn't happen willy nilly (by accident). we draw close to God, He will draw close to us.


When you find yourself in the muddy clay of the steep path of life, you need concrete steps. 

• Intentionality- I believe God desires us to walk with Him on purpose.  This is not legalism. Try that legalism talk when you tell your spouse or person you're dating or friend; "Whatever." or "I might make it, I don't want to be bogged down with a lot of rules."  Pray on purpose, read/study His Word on purpose and consistently.  Be prepared for the love and grace of God to shine in your intentionality and provide Divine direction.  God sees your love when you act intentionally!
• Faithfulness- Throughout God's Word He calls for faithfulness.  The list is long that contain Biblical examples of faithful men and women as in Hebrews 11.  You might not hear or learn anything new every time you are at church or in a Bible study etc.  The cool thing is when someone sees you, in your mess, show up.  Many people like you have been a great picture of God's faithfulness. Faithful Available Teachable.
• Communication-God calls us to prayer.  The book of Psalm is filled with conversations with God.  This walk is a relationship not a world religion.  Relationship requires communicating. How often I go to Him with my Santa Clause list.  You know it yourself, when we spend that  time with God; meditating, praising, interceding for others, while listening for that Divine direction, there is life!  Talking with other believers, even non-believers will again require, intentionality and faithfulness.  You will be making a great impact on the lives of others.

       check out: Luke 18:1 and the letter to the Philippians!

"DON'T BE AFRAID!"

  Christ follower Paul is in the middle of a storm, on a ship headed for Rome, where the Apostle Paul is to stand trial for causing riots and turning the world upside down for merely speaking and teaching that; "You can spend eternity with God when you believe it is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone."



  He told the sailors not to set sail but who's going to listen to a preacher on the way to court?  

   Later Paul says, "Keep up your courage, don't be afraid."  DON'T BE AFRAID?!?  Paul, perhaps you didn't read there in acts 27: verse 20.  (Of course not. He was busy living it).  "Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up."  That was written by Luke.

  Ever been there, in a hopeless situation?  It seems there is no way out. Ol' Devil says "You aint comin' out of this one!"  Maybe you are there now, (living it).  Dr. report comes back, and he wants to see you A.S.A.P. refrigerator goes out, there's divorce court or the grave site. You might be handed a hard time because you are a follower/believer in Christ.

  Paul shouted, "I have faith in God, that it will happen just as He told me!" Good or bad, God is in control.  God knows the big picture.  You and I see one float at a time, while God sees the whole parade.  In Pauls' storm and yours, you'll get to see the Power, Provision and Purpose of God.  The Lord had told Paul he was going to Rome.

  Rome was God's plan and vision for Paul.  I'm sure it was not the mission trip he would have planned, but on the other side of the storm we discover the purpose and character of God.  The message Paul gave while in court and Roman prison is still today, causing a riot and turning the world upside down.

  We have had storms. Keep trusting God.  In a hopeless situation- that seems easier said than done.  That is why I have to trust His promises and not my emotions.  God has a direction for you to go.  Across the world or across the street.  He wants us to go and make disciples.

Bed of ease or fiery seas; Let us simply, intentionally and with courage and compassion enter our community; and Worship God, connect with His Word, and serve others. Living by faith and not by sight!

A Rock in the Time of Storm!

When I am in a room by the computer or in my chair reading the Bible or another book.  I am safe and comfortable.  There in my comfort zone, it is peaceful and I/we realize God's presence.

What is going to happen to that relationship, worship and faith, when the tornado twists my possessions throughout the community.  What happens to my peace when the rain becomes a storm, a hurricane that never seems to end.

Worry, fear will show up.  That's natural.  Soon like a rushing current God's Holy Spirit will bring the truth I have read and His presence that we experienced in the quiet time, will flood our souls and mind.  That's Supernatural.  

Peace is not the lack of storm but internal trust smack dab in the middle of it.  Thank God for these times of sharing at the computer and receiving while reading His Word.   I thank Him for being our rock in a fallen world!

Matthew 7:24-27,      Acts 27: 9-35.  Philippians 4: 6,7.

 

"Whatever things are true..."

 

Today's culture has many questions. Asking questions is the way we learn and discover new ideas.  We have great difficulty, when we think we have arrived and become unteachable.

                        "Knowledge puffs us up."-Apostle Paul

There are many questions. Your daily life has become filled with the noise of many answers. There may be no wrong question but there are obviously wrong answers.

 Libraries, bookstores, as well as the overstocked shelves on the internet, will provide you with an answer, right or wrong.

Today's thought influencer and ministry guru has everything covered from Heaven to hell.

Our duty to ourselves is to pray for discernment, wisdom, even awareness that in the Spiritual warfare, enemies use people and the harmful answers sent out as "truth that will set you free," only to enslave the questioner.

Within the noise of many answers, Christian believers are being deceived by twisted scripture in the name of love.  All roads don't lead to God.  With what the Apostle Paul calls "itching ears" and only hearing what we want to hear (selective hearing), we begin following the wolf out of the sheep pen.  In the book of Acts, Paul the Apostle warns the leaders from Ephesus, wolves will arise from within the flock.

We must test the spirits, test the conversation of the serpent offering growth in the world of intellegencia.

While there is gold in knowledge, discovering and digging in fools gold has wasted many a life.  

Jesus said that He was the Way, Truth and the Life.  Learn from Him the true Gospel. We need that truth at the point of becoming a believing follower of Christ and it is needed every day as a disciple of Christ.  I pray as you read say; The book of John or the letter to the Ephesians, the Holy Spirit will light your heart and mind with truth and answers for your questions.

Proverbs 22:17-21says:

Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise,

And apply your heart to my knowledge.
18 For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you;
Let them all be fixed upon your lips,
19 So that your trust may be in the Lord.
I have instructed you today, even you.
20 Have I not written to you excellent things
Of counsels and knowledge,
21 That I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth,
That you may answer words of truth
To those who send to you?

Keep praying and reading His truth and I'll see you next time.- Tim

        

How's That Relationship Going?

  Many a person will seize the moment and boldly inform someone they L.O.V.E. them.  It is special for those in love, whether those dating or married when they will in some way, reinforce, maintain and turn up the intensity of their emotion and commitment.

To some, the relationship means nothing.  The excitement, emotion and thrill are gone.  They will intentionally never give or receive a gesture of love on Valentine or any other day...  Soon a friend asks; "How's that relationship going?"   To hear the answer; "It's gone."

Throughout the Bible and centuries, it has been the same for God's people. We "fall in and out" of Love with Him, often being unfaithful.

God told Hosea in the Bible to marry a woman that would be unfaithful.  The amazing thing is not that Hosea obeyed but that he did come to love her!  "How could you love someone who is continually unfaithful?  It seems impossible and crazy."  The correct question is "How could a Holy God, love and forgive a people that were always unfaithful to Him?"

Hosea's wife finally left and while he looked and looked for her (as God often looks for you and I), he found her. She had ended up at the slave table.  "Stop. Leave her alone!  That is my wife I shouldn't have to buy her but...How much does she cost?"   Oh God, is that what you did for me? While we were unfaithful and breaking your heart breaking our relationship. We ended up on the Devil's slave table and you paid a great price.

God says in Chapter two; "And it shall be in that day, That you will call me my Husband and no longer call me my master."   At the end of Hosea; "I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely......."

**********************************************************************************

A man from the crowd yelled:  "Hey Jesus, What's the greatest commandment?"  "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all soul, with all your mind and with all your strength."

Let today be the day you decide to commit to following and loving Christ!  

Remember GOD IS LOVE!

Little Women

One day we pulled out the VHS of "Little Women" and watched one more time.  What a family, Mom and sisters, and then of course they were complete when dad came home from the war. 

I would not have wanted to live during that age but because they lacked the modern conveniences they did not lack imagination.  Women of that day were serving under submission and taboo. Because of a few like Josephine and The author of the story; the plight of  women and people in general were improved and advanced because of their "gumption."  One out of the family was willing to break loose (sneakingly encouraged by her mothers affirmations). While the other would have been satisfied with the status quo.

So what's our problem.  We need more Josephine's..no we need you and I to step up and change a few paradigms as long as they are not contrary to God.   Lives will remain under siege by  the comments of "You'll never amount to anything", or "in this economy it's impossible."

Josephine's  face showed anger or sadness even disbelief when someone talked of "second class" women.  That kind of talk inspired her to be and do whatever she could, as in author a book.  What is your passion for 2025?

You can learn from the stories of and from many a man, but you can also learn a thing or two from "Little Women."     -Tim

What were you thinking?!?

Back in the day, my parents and teachers would ask;  "What were you thinking"?!?  Often times we will act in the heat of the moment, not thinking. The ideal is to think beforehand, living by principle and not reaction to an abrupt question, temptation or circumstance.  When we live intentional and on principles we have many battles won before they happen. For the most part we can make wiser decisions. Bible says to be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

We are human after all. There are some methods and ideas to help us think correctly more often:

1. Read biographies about people that made good choices.
2. Read a good book on ethics and value.
3. Read the Bible-Proverbs, Acts, John, for starters.
4. Pray for wisdom
5. Live for others.
6. Stop, think, then talk.
7. Have GOOD friends.
8. Be a GOOD friend.
9. Think with a proper (I'd say Biblical) worldview.
10. Be a listener.

NOW YOU'RE THINKING!

See If I Care!

  Go ahead, walk on by like you don't see him hurting here.  See if I care!
  You see their house blown away on the news. Go ahead go to the fridge during the commercial.  See if I care!

  You don't go see/call them on the Holidays. See if I care!
  You didn't bring any food for your church community thanksgiving dinner.  See if I care!

 You wouldn't vote. See if I care!
 You weren't heartbroken about the school shooting.  See if I care.

  Three thousand churches die every year, and you go occasionally.  See if I care!
  You're lying there trying to breathe in a hospital room, dying yourself... See if I care!

                                                                                   Yours always.
                                                                                                                         Satan   a.k.a. De Devil

Casual Christianity

  In the face of economy and persecution, first century Christianity was led, empowered and compelled, by the Holy Spirit.

The preaching of the Cross and heart transformation resulted in life transformation, as they sang on their way to the lions' mouths and being torn asunder.

  There were those people mentioned in God's Word, that weren't perfect and often failed or slipped up, followed by repenting, then returning to the journey they were called to. This gives me hope!

Many of today's believers appear to be not so committed or connected with Christ and power.  There is hope, there is also much to be shared and accomplished for the cause of Christ.  This includes the souls that are lost, plus those that are physically and spiritually hungry. I would suppose they will have to wait until we get over our buzz, laziness and church hurt.  

They and I must stand on the word of God and power of His Spirit. We in unity, caring not only for our own interests but also the interests of others.  If not us who? If not now when? The truth is Casual Christians soon become casualties!

There is love.  There is mercy.  There is also duty. What if we all just didn't feel like it?  Didn't feel called?  I'm glad the others before me had the love and fortitude, while in their mess, told me about the good news of faith in the Cross and blood of Christ!

Look into Ephesians, Acts, Thessalonians.

ON TARGET!

 2025! Did you start over?  Begin something new?  Working to accomplish past dreams and plans?

The idea now, before this month/year (or time in general) slips away, is to evaluate and see if our effort and direction, is at the proper level to accomplish the goal/plan/mission heading into the rest of 2025.

Being empowered by the Holy Spirit, plan your work and work the plan.   Whether you are a Pastor, Salesperson, Writer, Farming, Athlete, Housewife, Drive a Tractor Trailer, Entrepreneur or Volunteer, you must be focused and intentional.  Remember if you shoot an arrow just anywhere, it will land just anywhere! Fire without aiming a rifle in competition, you'll miss the target every time.

It will require:
*Prayer
*Planning
*Patience
*Wisdom
*Resilience
*Casting your God given vision with others
*Identifying the tasks required for accomplishing the mission
*Prayer

We live in light of eternity but remember time waits for no one.  The others around you need you to seek Gods: purpose, power and provision. Their soul and Spiritual growth and prosperity may depend on it. Let's be a part of what God is doing.

Check out Philippians 3:12-14.

Called and Sent

Jesus, while walking and teaching,  went around saying:  "Follow Me."   Later He went to a mountain and prayed,  followed by, choosing the twelve disciples. 

He chose men like: loud Peter.   Matthew, already unpopular as a governmental person, that ripped off the people.  Thomas is now known as a doubter.  We all know Judas betrayed Jesus.  Look around the room during your Bible study or those in your small group or maybe down the pew. You will see God chooses a variety of Human beings to call and send.

He soon sent these guys off to share the good news and heal the sick.  It seems to me,  that was a well rounded ministry.  They returned with good reports.

While fasting and praying, in the Book of Acts. The Holy Spirit called out Paul and Barnabas, and then the church sent them on their way.

We can doubt it or question God's decision, but God calls you and empowers us, for connection with God, others in the Church, and to do service in the community.

WILL WE GO?
   

Seasons

  The seasons of course come and go.  I have my favorite two, Spring and Summer.  The Fall season is a time of new shades of green, yellow and red.  For me though it is the introduction of a cold, windy, winter season of course that includes ice and snow.  I ask for Springtime and the warmer temperatures that give me the encouragement that Summer will soon be here.

  Life... (in case you were wondering where I was going with all of that).  Life also has its "seasons" that are more enjoyable and desirable. Some "seasons" I would rather not arrive.  They will arrive, and as in Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall we must be prepared mentally, physically and spiritually. Great times are ahead for many, depression for others, employment and unemployment, a birth maybe a death. It is not if trials will come but when.

  Along with the weather seasons come years of maturity and age. Hopefully that is the case with the seasons of life.  I find time spent with some others will be a great help for the both of us as we can carry or encourage one another.

 Let me suggest not to go through the "winter" times of this world alone and make sure someone else doesn't as well.

  I find all this possible from the overflow of my relationship with God.  There is no time right now to debate theology. One thing I know that "seasons" of good times as well as bad times are certain.  Bible says "Let your request be made known to God (prayer) and the peace of God that passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Meet God in whatever season you find yourself.

LET'S REBUILD!

Churches, businesses and lives, are born and with great expectations.  Imagination and vision run wild, followed by prayer and plans being drawn.   Pastors, parents,  proprietors and property managers as well as the public,  invest in the future of these endeavors, with their success in mind.

The wheels of the mind begin to roll, action get's traction, people are attending Church, kids are on the way to school or there is a line at your cash register.

****************************************************************

Due to poor choices, weather, even government policies, business is soft, churches are dying, Families are breaking up.

Yours and the above scenario are not hopeless.  It isn't over.  While watching the evening news, after a flood, fire or tornado you see people that have every reason to collapse and call it quits or to be swallowed up by depression.  More often than not, when you hear the victim interviewed, they say: "By the grace of God. We will rebuild!"

                                              

Headed into 2025...

Look into the Book of Nehemiah in the Bible.  It will inspire you.  The wall and gates have been destroyed. God's people are vulnerable. On occasion they have been looted etc. One man described the situation as; "in great distress and reproach."

The man Nehemiah walks onto the scene. A person of dreams, vision and action! His thought is not to create a new development, but to REBUILD!

I'll shut up and let you listen to what the people of the city said:  "LET US RISE UP AND BUILD."
Then they set their minds and hands to this good work!

I think with the grace and power of God, as we share the good news of:  Peace and an eternity spent with God through faith in Christ, we can build.  Let us begin rebuilding our dreams and families, cities, churches and homes, even the next generations future.  Let us set our hand to do this good work.

I've got a mission

Queen Esther of the Old Testament  chose to come to the aid of her people. Her uncle said that she may have been "born for such a time as this".

Jesus went out early before Sunrise and prayed. They found Him, saying: "Everyone is looking for you." They may have supposed that their ministry would be in that city.  Jesus said, "No, let's move on and preach in other towns. For this reason I have come."

You and I have reasons and callings, being sent to the lives of others.  He sends us.  Jesus said: "Go into all the world." Sharing the good news of His life, death, and resurrection! I believe He desires us to go across the street and across the globe.

We have been reconciled and given the ministry of reconciliation.  Are we doing His will?
My new mission statement is:

  "To connect people; with Christ, His Church and the Community."  Amen.

                            Tim                                                         

A LIFESTYLE OF PRAYER.

Can you imagine telling your significant other you love them but you never have time...(no you never make time) to speak to them, and they are very aware of it.  How much more, concerning our quality time with God.  This is to be our most important love relationship, yet often times by many, He is ignored or placed on a check list so as not to forget.

Many of you view prayer as a vivid part of our relationship with God to you it seems to be a no brainer.  To the rest that call themselves Christian (75%+ Americans say they are Christian) never spend time with God resulting in no worship or lifestyle lived in Spirit and Truth!

Most reading this, live by John 15:1-11.  There is great joy and peace as you walk in relationship, friendship and love with God.  You know what it is to walk through your day hand in hand with God in an attitude of prayer. While others wait 'til bedtime and then fall asleep in 30 seconds.

To save you time allow me to do it this way:

• There are hindrances to prayer; materialism, culture and even good things.

• Prayer consists of; 1.Praise, thanksgiving, and worship. 2.Confession and repentance. 3.Asking. 4.Intercession. 5.Meditation

1. Prayer is essential to our revival and awakening!
2. Prayer is an essential piece of your arsenal
3. Prayer is crucial to putting on the whole armor of God
4. Prayer is the primary way we exert spiritual authority
5. Prayer is crucial to our mission/evangelism

2 CHRONICLES 7:14+++++++++++++++++++++++++Psalm 23

Our prayer should be intentional and continual but not out of duty or a religious formality.  Our conversation will be one of overflow of love, partnership and relationship

Jesus occasionally spent all night in prayer. He also prayed alone.  Great ministry followed these times of fellowship with His Father.  As we often say, if Jesus saw the importance of a prayerful lifestyle how much more for you and I.  What a great example!

Let us always be on speaking terms with the God we Love.
 

No Substitutes

                                                        

While reading in First Kings we read about King Rehoboam.  The King of Egypt came and stole the gold articles, shields etc.  Rehoboam substituted the golden pieces, Solomon had made, with bronze.

You and I often sadly substitute an inadequate item for what God had intended for us.

We substitute, The Brass of Activity for the Gold of Sincerity.
                       The Brass of reading a good book for the Gold of The Good Book.
                       The Brass of Personality for the Gold of God's Power.
                       The Brass of Preference for the Gold of Principle.
                       The Brass of temporal for the Gold of Eternal.

Let's not be busy doing the work of the Lord and forget the Lord of the Work!
                       
                       
                

The Ins and Outs of Christian Development.

                             
                                    EFFORT GOES INTO GOOD THINGS COMING OUT

Words like; endeavor, long-suffering, bearing, yoke, indicate effort and maintenance.  They come along side words like; grace, love, faith, hope etc.

Being a Christian is a result of Godly sorrow, choosing to cross over from trusting myself to trusting in the work of Christ's death and resurrection in order to spend eternity with God.

When we are weak, He is strong. As I work at Prayer and meditating on His Word, I know His commandments are not a burden and my efforts are a labor of love, out of my relationship with Him.

The true believer relies on the grace of God as we walk by faith and not sight. That believer also desires the pure milk of the Word to grow by it. We intentionally take time and energy to be in quiet (sometimes loud) moments with God. We enter that prayer closet being still before God, followed by going out and living out loud.

While many are immature, demanding their way and agenda...there comes times in our spiritual growth (though we never arrive) we are then faithful, mature, unselfish, follower/leader, resilient and a team player in the body of Christ.

No matter the time as a christian,  spiritual maturity can be described by how much of God's Word has been converted into lifestyle.  We often talk the talk but do we walk the walk?

The leadership of organizations as well as churches must then slow the progress in order to put out unnecessary fires. Instead of discipleship the spiritual toddler turns it into a tug of war of preferences and demands.

Enabling instead of equipping, results in an unhealthiness that not only dwarfed the immature believer but the rest of the body of believers,

Let me encourage us all to be teachable, humble, loving God and loving others.

Read the letter to the Ephesians and Philippians.
                                                                                              Tim

Church Matters

I usually wait until I arrive home after church to talk about it.  I'm talking about it today on the internet!

Many say the church began on the day of Pentecost.  Initiated by the arrival of the Holy Spirit on believers accompanied by thousands of souls being added by the Lord to the Church.

Hey Three ideas:
               1. Who is the Church?
We know it is not the bricks and steeple.  (though I'll continue to call the building a church).
Rather it is those who have believed and placed their faith in the Son of God!
                2.  We have a Mission!
Jesus said:  "Go there fore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, of the Holy Spirit.  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you."
                3.   We have a destiny.
Peter wrote: "To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for YOU."

Colossians 1:18 says "He is the head of the body, the Church."

Are you a part of that Church?

You can't get there from Here.

Where are we headed? What's the "destination?"  What's our plan? What adjustments will we have to make? If we want to receive, or be in education, business or sport, what classes or creativity will we have to acquire now, to get there?  If you and I have a mission we will have to consider the smaller tasks to arrive at completion.  

1. Pray.
2. develop a core group.
3. set a time table and plan
4. inform public.
5. Pray.

Starting a business would have related plans, as in; permits, payroll and performers and prayer.

Desiring numerical and Spiritual growth in your church would require; group prayer, Bible studies and community engagement. Wanting more money in the bank at the end of the year, would require a weekly or monthly deposit. When we made our New Year resolutions we decided to remember and commit to intentionally, performing  minute tasks to achieve the grander objective.

When distracted from approaching the goal, remember to stay at the ready with wisdom and discernment, in time to make the proper adjustments.   PLAN YOUR WORK AND WORK YOUR PLAN! Have a great year and let's go through it together.

Proverbs 3:5,6.