Food For The Soul

On The Shore

2007-08-10T17:46:00.000-07:00

John 21:3-4
3 "I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
(NIV)
One day my daughter, Sahara , came running up to me saying, “Donovan hit me.” I called for Donovan, but he did not come. He knew he was in hot water and was on the run. I went to go look for him. After awhile, I found him hiding in the closet. I asked him, “What in the world are you doing hiding in the closet?” He really did not have anything to say for himself. Justice was administered, and it was only a short while till things were back to normal.
When we blow it or fall into sin, it is in our human nature to go into seclusion and try to avoid facing the consequences of our wrong. Peter had denied Jesus three times. He had broken his promise that he had so confidently made in front of everybody. So now, Peter is going out to go fishing. He is sliding back to his old self. I am sure he wanted to just be alone, but others followed. The last time Peter saw Jesus was when the rooster crowed after his third denial.
Luke 22:61
The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times."(NIV)
I can imagine that that image of Jesus staring at Peter would forever be burned into his memory. I am sure that every time from then on, when he heard that rooster crow, he would be taken back to that day. Although Peter felt physically distant from Jesus and was probably feeling depressed, Jesus was standing on the shore watching him. Jesus didn’t have to look for Peter. He knew right where Peter was. He knows right where we are today as well. Jesus went to Peter. Jesus does the same for you and me when we sin. He comes to us and waits on our shore, and is waiting for the words to roll off our lips, “Forgive me, Jesus.”

Copyright 2005 Greg Graham

Sing

2007-07-31T12:56:00.000-07:00

Rev 19:4-6

4 The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried:

"Amen, Hallelujah!"

5 Then a voice came from the throne, saying:

"Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both small and great!"

6 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:

"Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
(NIV)

I remember when my daughter started singing in the youth choir. Let me tell you I have never been more proud of her in all my life. She is a great athlete, an honor student, and has received all kinds of awards, but seeing her singing praises to our God fills my heart with an inexpressible joy that I can not find the words to describe. As I was reflecting upon how the youth choir led the congregation into worship, I started thinking about how God was feeling at the time. I am sure He had a big smile as He looked down upon His children worshiping him. Just as I was proudly watching my daughter worship, God was looking at me worshiping Him. I was so encouraged!

Sing to make God smile! That is what kept coming to my mind. Sing to make the Lord smile with pleasure. We can sing to make ourselves feel better. We can sing for an audience to receive their praise. Or we can sing to God to please him. When I sing and worship I often close my eyes and imagine Jesus sitting on his throne before me. It is important for us all to have times of devoted worship, free of all distractions and interruptions so we can wholeheartedly worship Jesus. Ask yourself, “When was the last time I really worshiped Jesus?” Imagine yourself witnessing the passage above. It was loud! It was exciting and intense! A “roar of rushing waters,” “loud peals of thunder,” “shouting: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.” When the church gathers and starts praise and worship, it should be no different.

Copyright 2006 Greg Graham

Importune

2007-07-24T10:37:00.000-07:00

Luke 11:5-10
5 Then he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread,
6 because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.'
7 "Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.'
8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs.
9 "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
10 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
(NIV)

importune:/ urgent in request, to annoy or trouble with persistent request or demands

Why is it that our children have to say our name twenty times before we answer them? Last night my Pastor taught on this passage of scripture and as I was driving home I was lost in thought about what he had said. Sahara was trying to get my wife’s attention, “Mom put in a different CD, Mom can you please put in a different CD? Mom!” I helped her out, “Kristi, Sahara is trying to get your attention.” A couple of minutes later Austin was trying to get my attention saying, “Dad, hey dad, daddy, Hey dad, dad.” Then my wife decided to help me out, “Greg, Austin is trying to ask you something.” If our children only said our name once we would probably rarely ever answer them. The majority of the time it is because of their importunity that their request are granted.

There are several Christians today that feel as though their prayers are never answered. Jesus said that when we ask, seek, and knock, we will receive. I believe the determining factor is “importunity.” Most people ask and stop there. They say a prayer and cross there fingers hoping it will be answered. Asking is only the first step. We ask with our voice, but then we are to seek with our eyes! When you lose your car keys do you just look in one spot and give up? To seek something is to diligently search until you find it. Then we are to knock. Try going to your neighbors door and just hit the door once. I guarantee you that you will be waiting out there for a long time. When you knock on a door you have to get physically involved, KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK. Knock until you get an answer.

The fact is most of us Christians today do not pray enough. In the New Testament the word ‘pray’ is mentioned 73 times, ‘prayer’ 33 times, and ‘prayed’ 24 times. There are more then 130 references to prayer in the New Testament alone! When we pray we need to pray with persistence and urgency. To see results to our prayers we have to pray with all of our heart, all of our mind, all of our strength, and all of our soul!

Copyright Greg Graham 2005

Interview

2007-07-14T10:10:00.000-07:00

2 Cor 5:19-6:2
20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.
21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

2 Corinthians 6

1 As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain.
2 For he says,

"In the time of my favor I heard you,
and in the day of salvation I helped you."

I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.
(from New International Version)

Whether we like it or not everyone is going to have to go through a job interview, some of us more times then we would prefer. It is just one of those things that if you want a job you are going to have to go through an interview process. Could you imagine getting a chance to interview for a dream position at the perfect job and sending someone else to represent you at your interview? That would be taking a long shot chance, because there is only one you. What if they don’t know all the right answers to the interview questions and bomb the interview? Then you are left unemployed. It would be hard to find someone that you could trust enough that could represent your attitude, personality, talent, skill, and ability.

The truth is that God has chosen us to represent him as a mirror reflection of who God is and what heaven will be like. We are representatives of God Almighty! When people spend time with a person proclaiming to be a Christian, it is like they are interviewing what God is like. People will judge God by the way they are treated by Christians. That is why it is very important for us who confess Jesus as our Lord to love others the way Jesus loved others. Our actions speak louder then our words. Here is an important question for us to ask ourselves: “If I was sent alone to a foreign country as an Ambassador of Jesus Christ what impression would I portray of Christianity?” Bringing it back to home, now what about the clerk at the grocery store, the bank teller, my co-workers, and my neighbors? When people spend time with us do they feel loved unconditionally and inspired to live a more righteous life? Remember we are Christ’s Ambassadors everyday and everywhere we go.

Coyright Greg Graham 2007

Vitamins

2007-07-14T09:45:00.000-07:00

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I wish you a Healthy and Prosperous Life,
Kristi

Dental Benefits

2007-07-14T09:04:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to put a quick note about the discount dental plan that I offer. It is $11.95/month for an individual and $19.95/month for a household(everyone that lives there is covered). This plan also includes vision, prescription, and chiropractic care. I have used the plan for myself and my kids and have saved a significant amount of money. If you would like to find out more about the plan you can click on the dental link on the side or go to http://www.mybenefitsplus.com/kgraham

Ameriplan is the #1 discount plan in America and has been in business for 15 years. Here are a few of the highlights from this plan:

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There is a 30 day money back guarantee if you are not happy, so you have nothing to lose!

Fire

2007-07-06T08:50:00.000-07:00

Heb 1:7

7 In speaking of the angels he says, "He makes his angels winds, his servants flames of fire."
(from New International Version)

Remember when you were younger and your parents told you not to play with fire, because you would get burned? Fire is consistent. It consistently affects everything that it comes in contact with. Fire does not adapt to its surroundings. It changes its surroundings by setting everything it comes in contact with ablaze. Stick your finger in a flame and it is going to burn your finger! Fire uncompromisingly demands that everything it touches with its flame will eventually catch on fire, no matter what its value is nor its size. It serves one purpose; to change everything it comes in contact with.

Everywhere Jesus went he impacted people and influenced people to seek God’s will and to live a righteous life. Anyone who follows Jesus is a servant of fire! When we are following Jesus, we will affect everyone we come in contact with as well. There are too many Christians today that are just blending in with the world and practicing what I call “Chameleon Christianity.” As a Christian, we must remember that the Holy Spirit of God resides in us, and that we have the words of eternal life at our fingertips. We have the information that the world needs for their salvation. What keeps us from standing up for Jesus anyhow? What are we afraid of? God himself has given us the charge to: “go and make disciples of all nations….. and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”(Matt.28:18 ). Let’s go heat up some things! How can I serve those around me? Who can I encourage and inspire today? Who can I bring to church this Sunday? Who can I share the Gospel with? Who and how can I make a difference in someone’s life today?

Copyright 2006 Greg Graham

Honor Others

2007-05-30T15:43:00.000-07:00

Rom 12:10
10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
(NIV)

honor \: 5092 time (tee-may');from 5099; a value; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself: precious, price.
Webster: outward respect, recognition

I recently had to purchase some equipment for our company. I called a vender out of the phone book and was very surprised by this young mans attitude towards me. I was younger them him but every chance he had he addressed me as “sir.” It was amazing! He did not miss one chance: Yes sir, No sir, Thank you for calling sir, It was good meeting you sir.” He was respecting me and making me feel important. I know he was making a sale, and our purchase was a very small purchase compared to the normal amount of business they are accustomed to, but that did not change his attitude towards me. His professional attitude towards me challenged me to be more professional in my own career.

Although this was just a daily business situation it is a biblical principle. To often I find myself so consumed with my life that I can be short with people at church and at work. As I make the decision to be devoted to loving others and honoring them above myself it makes others feel loved and valued. How do people feel after they have had a conversation with me? Do my conversations inspire people or bring people down? Am I discouraging or am I encouraging others? Our words are way more powerful then we take for granted. Not only do we need to encourage others with our words but also with our actions. Think of ways how you can encourage others. What acts service towards others can I provide that would make someone feel honored? Look at how Jesus honored and loved us. He washed the disciple’s feet; he healed the sick; he feed thousands of people; and he even took our sins upon himself so that we could be forgiven. Just as we want others to love and honor us we need to take the time each day to make sure that we are honoring and loving those around us.

Copyright 2006 Greg Graham

Remember Me

2007-05-25T08:06:00.000-07:00

Watch this video about our troops.
http://www.youtube.com/v/ervaMPt4Ha0&autoplay=1

1 John 3:16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
(from New International Version)

Every day my family enjoys living in an air conditioned house, safe from the rain and bad weather, and we have the luxury of taking a hot shower when ever we want to. As I relax in the comforts of my home, it is easy to forget that there are soldiers with the American flag stitched on their sleeve laying in a foxhole praying to stay alive another day.

I get to work and I am quickly consumed with my task list, phone calls to return, faxes to send, and emails to read. The deadlines are always pressing and there never seems to be enough time to get everything done on time. It is easy to forget that as I am taking my coffee break at work in my leather chair and in my air conditioned office that there is a soldier in a tent in the dessert on watch for enemy combatants that seek to destroy America.

As I get in my air conditioned vehicle and turn on the radio to listen to some music or a talk show on my drive home from work, only to get frustrated as I get stuck in traffic, because someone got in a wreck and now it is going to take me twenty minutes longer to get home; it is easy to forget that there is a soldier that hasn’t seen his family in a year.

My wife and I go out eat for a dinner date at our favorite restaurant. We are enjoying our appetizer and iced tea in the air conditioned restaurant and everyone is happy and enjoying themselves. The waitress brings out my steak and as I take a bite I become greatly disappointed because it is room temperature. I call the waitress over and send it back for a hot off the grill steak. It is easy to forget that there is a soldier using his helmet as a chair and eating his lunch out of a can that he warmed up on the engine of his jeep.

America we are blessed beyond what we can imagine. We have so many freedoms that it is easy to take for granted. If it was not for the soldiers of our country we could be in an entirely different situation in America today. Thank God that we live in a country that we can choose where we want to work. Thank God that we live in a country that we can live where we want to live. Thank God that we live in a country where we can turn on the radio and listen to Christian music. Thank God that we live in a country where we have plenty of food to eat and water to drink! Thank God for the Americans that enlist in the armed forces and lay down their lives.

1 Thess 5:16-18 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Copyright 2007 Greg Graham

On Time

2007-05-21T08:52:00.000-07:00

Ps 119:88-97
88 Preserve my life according to your love, and I will obey the statutes of your mouth.
89 Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures.
91 Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you.
92 If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life.
94 Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts.
95 The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder your statutes.
96 To all perfection I see a limit; but your commands are boundless.
97 Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.
(NIV)

Think of how many things have changed since this psalm was written. Governments have changed tremendously since then. The geography of earth has changed. Society has changed. Transportation has changed. Technology is changing every second. Thank Goodness that the word of God does not change like technology. God has not changed and will not change. Psalm 119 will mean the same thing 10,000 years from now as it did when it was written!

God is consistent, faithful, and trustworthy. Nothing can compare to the dependable faithfulness of God. Our car may have started today, but tomorrow it might not. Your computer might be running great today, but tomorrow it may not work at all. God works 24 hours a day 7 days a week. God is never early, never late, he is always right on time! He was right on time with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego in the blazing furnace. He was right on time with Daniel and the lions den. He was right on time with David and Goliath. You can count on it, he will always be right on time for me and you in every situation, everyday!

Copyright 2004 Greg Graham

Weakness

2007-05-16T07:34:00.000-07:00

Rom 8:26-28
26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.
27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
(NIV)

When my sons are playing superheroes in the living room with their friends they all are invincible, bulletproof, supernaturally strong, and have cosmic powers of infinite proportions. I love to listen to their creative dialog. Here is a sample of a battle that took place in our living room:

Jake: ”I saw you coming and then I cut your head off with my laser sword.” Donovan: “Then I grew another head and came back to life. Then I blew you up with my atomic hand grenade.”
Jake: “But I had on my force field and it protected me from the blast.”

One thing is for sure none of the kids wants to be defeated or be the weaker one that loses the battle. Sometimes as adults we still play that same game just with less drama. Have you ever noticed that adults never want to talk about what their weaknesses are? No one wants to appear weak and no one wants to brag about the sin that they constantly give into again and again. We want to look good and powerful, sharp and classy all the time.

The question is can we live without the help of the Holy Spirit? Surly not. We need the help of the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit we are left powerless to change and overcome sin. A good question to ask ourselves is; “Do I have the Holy Spirit?” If you are not sure if you have the Holy Spirit or not, then I suggest studying the bible and find out how to receive the Holy Spirit.

Now if there was anyone who had some bragging rights about being a “Super Christian” I would say it was the Apostle Paul. Notice what the Apostle Paul said: “If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.(2 Cor 11:30NIV) The point is that only by the grace of God does the Holy Spirit help us overcome our weakness. When we are humble and honest is when the Holy Spirit can work powerfully in our lives. By admitting our weaknesses we are allowing the Holy Spirit to take over our weakness and empower us with true supernatural strength.

Copyright 2003 Greg Graham

Loving Actions

2007-05-08T10:45:00.000-07:00

I Jn 3:16-24
16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
17 If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?
18 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
19 This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence
20 whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.
21 Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God
22 and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him.
23 And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.
24 Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.
(NIV)

There once was a young man that was dying and decided to give his vital organs to people that needed transplants to continue living. The time came that he died and his mother grieved greatly at the loss of her son. For over a year she could not get over the death of her son. The Chief Surgeon that oversaw her son's death heard about the grieving mother and scheduled a meeting with her at a minister’s home. He also contacted all the people that received an organ transplant from her son. They all came to this meeting with their spouses and children. When the grieving mother arrived she did not understand why there were so many people at the minister’s house. As she came in the Minister talked with her for a bit and told her these people had something to tell her. The first man introduced himself, his wife, and his children. Then he took her hand and said, "Thank you, your son saved my life." He put her hand over his heart. Your son gave me his heart so I could live. One by one they came to her and thanked her for her son.

Although she lost her son she could now see that her son was a hero. He gave of himself so others could live and be spared of the grief of death.

Anyone can verbally say, "I love you." It is easy and effortless to say those three words. The real challenge is to communicate, "I love you" without using words at all. That is what Jesus did. He did not say that he loved us he demonstrated with his everyday life how much he loved people. Actions talk louder then words. The way we live everyday communicates how we love God and how we love others.

Copyright Greg Graham 2006

A Bad Day

2007-03-30T08:17:00.000-07:00

Luke 23:38-43
38 There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"
40 But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence?
41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."
42 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
43 Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
(NIV)

Have you ever had a time in your life when something happened and you were betrayed and let down by the people closest to you? Here you are going through the hardest time of your life; a time where you need support from your best friends, and you are alone. As Jesus was hanging on a cross with nails driven through his flesh, his back shredded to ribbons from a sever flogging, thorns piercing his skull, everyone around him began to mock him and laugh at his suffering. What kind of person mocks a dieing man? It was Satan's final hour, his last chance to break Jesus and cause him to sin. The soldiers hurled insults at him. Where was the blind man that received his sight? Where was the leper that was healed? Where was Jarius? Where was the demon-possessed man that was set free? Where were Peter and the rest of the disciples? No one came to his defense. No one came to encourage him. Then just when things seemed as though they could not get worse, the criminal dieing next to him joins in hurling insults at him. How had Jesus wronged any of these people, what had he done to deserve such treatment? Why didn't Jesus make them all fall over dead or have them all eaten by worms? He didn't bring wrath on them because he honestly loved those people. They were all his children and he wanted to save them more then punish them. Yes, he even loves the man that drove the nail through his wrist as much as he loves you and me.

During the darkest hour upon earth a miracle happened. The other criminal comes to Jesus defense and rebukes their actions. He defends Jesus, 'this man has done nothing wrong." Here is a man that has lived a life of crime, death is awaiting him, and Jesus touched his heart through his suffering. At that moment everything was put into perspective and Jesus looked to him and replied: 'today you will be with me in paradise." Yes paradise was seconds away! It was time to go home and he was bringing a new friend with him.

When your world is falling apart and everything is going wrong remember the crucifixion. Jesus endured the worst day anyone could have possibly ever had and did not sin, he did not give up, and in the midst of his greatest trial he won another soul over to the Kingdom. Having a bad day does not give us the right to be rude and vent on everyone around us. Don’t let a bad moment wreck your day. Bad moments are unavoidable, bad days are a choice. Just like picking your nose at the dinner table is unthinkable! So is walking around letting everyone know about how bad things are going for you is. Vow to never complain again about anything and never to say anything negative. If Jesus can be faithful, loving, forgiving, and evangelistic while dieing on a cross we can be faithful and grateful when a couple of things don’t work out the way we wanted them to! The same spirit that was in Jesus at the cross is in us today.
Rev 2:10 Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
(NIV)

Copyright 2005 Greg Graham

The Provider

2007-02-09T08:09:00.000-08:00

II Kings 4:42-44
42 A man came from Baal Shalishah*, bringing the man of God twenty loaves of barley bread baked from the first ripe grain, along with some heads of new grain. "Give it to the people to eat," Elisha said.
43 "How can I set this before a hundred men?" his servant asked. But Elisha answered, "Give it to the people to eat. For this is what the LORD says: 'They will eat and have some left over.'"
44 Then he set it before them, and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the LORD. (NIV)
*A city in Palestine

Have you ever tried to cook a meal for 100 people? You make the menu and the shopping list. Now, it is time to do the shopping. You know, while unloading the groceries, you are going to make more then one trip. Once you have prepared all the food for 100 people, you definitely are not going to be able to carry everything in one trip. I can imagine this scene: a hundred men ready to eat and one guy comes walking up carrying some bread. This situation does not look good. I can hear the stomachs growling and the complaints rising. Elisha, being the host, did not fret one bit, but trusted in what the Lord had told him: “They will eat and have some left over.”

Now does this scene sound familiar? Jesus feed a crowd of five thousand men with five loaves and two fish (Mt. 14:17). Elisha’s miracle happened around 562 B.C. The Lord resolved the same situation 600 years later, but to an even greater extent! That tells me that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Heb 13:8) We can depend on the Lord! The Lord provided Manna from heaven for Israel and he ordered the ravens to feed Elijah (I Kings 17:4). How can the Lord provide for us? He can drop it right out of the sky. He can send it by another means. Or he can make it appear right before you. What amazes me the most is that the Lord is never late, He is never behind, nor is he ever absent-minded! He sees to it that the sun rises and falls everyday. While running the universe and supporting all life, he is concerned about a child of his who is hungry and takes the time to provide for him. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:19 NIV)

Sweet Victory

2007-01-30T11:45:00.000-08:00

Rom 8:37
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
(NIV)

“more than conquerors”
5245 hupernikao (hoop-er-nik-ah'-o);

from 5228 and 3528; to vanquish beyond, i.e. gain a decisive victory:

One night my daughter's basketball team won 34 to 14 and they were playing one of the best teams in their league. They didn’t just win they conquered! After the game, they were on fire. Their eyes were gleaming and their smiles were big. They were drinking from the cup of victory and savoring every drop. No one was complaining, no was having a bad attitude, because they were so excited about being victorious. For a moment in time everything was perfect in their world. We as Christians need to remind ourselves that everyday that we still hold to our faith is the greatest victory that anyone could ever achieve.

In Christ we are definitely more than a conqueror. This is an awesome phrase: “more than conquerors.” Getting a deeper look at the Greek meaning of this phrase, “ hupernikao”, its meaning is to overcome, beat, overpower, overwhelm, and upset your opponent, with an exceeding, abundant prevailing, and decisive victory to the point that your opponent is vanquished to oblivious defeat. We are talking a major upset. This is like a college team winning the Super Bowl 56 to 0. Yes, we are on the winning team! When we are celebrating a victory there is no room in ourselves for complaining, arguing, or self pity, because we are so caught up in the victory that our focus is not on ourselves but on the victory. In Christ we are more than a conqueror, we are Invincible-Mega-Conquerors, Saints of Faith in the Heavenly Kingdom of God! We have the opportunity everyday to triumph over temptation and sin. Just as we get excited when our favorite team wins, we need to get even more excited about being in Christ and being filled with his Spirit. Before you go to bed today lift your hands in victory, do a little victory dance, and yell, “I am more than a conqueror in Jesus.”

Trash to Treasure

2007-01-30T11:34:00.000-08:00

Col 1:13-14
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
(NIV)

When I was in college my roommates and I used to go ‘Garbage Picking.’ When the end of the semester came all the out of state students would throw most of their furniture away. We had a house that we rented for the whole year so we would drive around campus and shop for free furniture. It was actually a bit exciting especially when we would make a great score like a Lazy Boy recliner or solid wood coffee table. A little bit of vision, some 409, a dab of Old English furniture polish, some glue, and it looks almost new. What others thought as worthless we were hopeful and considered it as being valuable. What others gave up on and threw away we picked it up, carried it home with us and proudly claimed it as our property.

God does the same with us humans. He searches the earth for a soul in need of some vision and a polishing. While others thought us useless and worthless Jesus saw worth and value. He reached out and choose us to be his own. He picked us up off the side of the road and took us home with him. He dusted us off, washed us, polished us up, and made us like new. Then he placed us in his Kingdom and gave us purpose. Our sense of value increases and we go from being trash awaiting destruction to being a treasured possession in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Shelter From The Storm

2006-12-04T11:47:00.000-08:00

Ps 27:4-6
4 One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.
(NIV)

It was a bitter cold day and it had been raining all day long. At work that day I had to go outside several times. Getting rained on is not to bad. Getting rained on when the temperature is in the thirties, now that is the proper ingredients for a miserable day. I couldn’t wait to get home. Finally the hour arrived and I went home. As soon as I got inside I the fire was inviting me to my favorite chair. As I sat down, the warmth of the fire melted the cold off of me. I turned looking out the window and the rain was still pouring down hard. The storm was still going on but I was protected from it.

There have been several spiritual storms in my life. The good news is that during the storms of pain and hurt God brings us into his shelter and sits us by his fireplace. Although the storm is still pounding on we are comforted in the dwelling of the Lords presence. So many people try to wait the storm out instead of going to the Lord. It is like a person just standing in the middle of a thunderstorm with a raincoat on when there is a seat by a fireplace waiting for them. With out the Lord’s protection the storm will win every time. Too many people try to medicate the storm with alcohol, drugs, and prescriptions. All these do is make you less aware of the fact that you are standing out in a storm all wet and cold. It is easy to let pride stop us from getting help from the Lord. Getting things right with God is more important than what people will think about us. Even if our storm is self inflicted, we sinned and bought hardship upon ourselves, or a tragedy has come upon us; the Lord Jesus is waiting for us at the front door with towels, blankets, hot soup, and a fire. All we have to do is turn to the right direction and call upon his name, “Jesus, Help me through this time.” Get to church ask people to pray for you, make your request known, and cry out to the Lord with all your heart. There is no better shelter then the shelter of the Lord!

Rejoice In Our Sufferings

2006-11-28T06:10:00.000-08:00

Rom 5:3-5
3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.
5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
(NIV)

perseverance:\ 5281 hupomone: enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting) to persist in a state, enterprise, or undertaking in spite if counter influences, opposition, or discouragement; cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy:

Have you ever seen anyone really rejoice because they are suffering? Suffering comes in many forms and faces. It can come upon you suddenly or slowly. Suffering can bring a person down to the point that they never fully recover. Suffering can also make a person better and stronger then they have ever been in their life. The first question everyone asks when a time of tribulation comes upon them is: “Why is this happening to me? What did I do to deserve this?” Some times we can feel guilty as though we brought this upon ourselves because we sinned and now God is punishing us. Other times we can feel mad at God and ask him, “Why did you let this happen?” Either way the best thing to do first is go to God and pray. Pouring your heart out to him about everything you are going through, asking him for strength and putting the situation in his hands is the best thing we can do.

In times of suffering is when most people have their greatest experiences with God. The sooner we let go of the situation and put our trust in God a hundred percent, the better. Usually things happen because Satan has taken notice of our faith in Jesus and has picked us out as a threat. He wants to destroy us and make us give up your faith in God. Look at Job. Why did Satan afflict him so intensely? Satan attacked Job because Job was a very righteous man not because he was living in sin. When we face a time of suffering we can start to rejoice in our spirit because we know God is faithful and he is there with us and we do not face any trial alone. The world replies, “I need a drink. I need a pill.” They put their trust in the physical and fall miserably. The disciple of Jesus falls to his knees, exalts his hands to the heavens, and worships God, “ I praise your holy name Father. I need you now. Help me through this time of suffering for I cannot bear it alone. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.” Just as I rush out to my children when I hear them scream and pick them up and hold them tightly in my arms to comfort them, Jesus comes to our side and fills our being with his spirit. It is miraculous! You are filled with strength that you never had before and all the pain is melting away turning into inexpressible joy. Hope has come and you are a new person. You are stronger then before and your character is enriched with a new experience.

Although no one would ever volunteer for suffering, it is necessary for growth. Future trials and temptations await every one of us. Satan plans 24hours a day like a roaring lion seeking how to devour you (1 Peter 5:8). The next time that suffering comes your way, go to God quickly. Remember blessings come with suffering! You are about to be strengthened and transformed into a new person. Like scars on a honored soldier so your character in Christ will be. The greater the battle the greater the victory!

Seek The Lord

2006-11-06T08:51:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 55:6-9

6 Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.

7 Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.

9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
(from New International Version)

seek : darash (daw-rash'); a primitive root; properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship: KJV - ask, at all, care for, diligently, inquire, make inquisition, question, require, search, seek [for, out], surely.
(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright (c) 1994, Biblesoft and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

I was hunting with a friend of mine one weekend out in South Texas. I was riding around on a four wheeler seeking a wounded deer. I stopped for a water break and noticed that my rifle was gone! The strap had been torn by some Mesquite thorns and fell off my four wheeler. Now I am tearing through cactus and Mesquite thorns getting ripped to ribbons trying to find what I am seeking. I spent fourteen hours looking for this deer and about an hour looking for my rifle. As I was persevering through the brush, sweating, bleeding, and fighting off hunger pains, the Lord spoke to me, “This is how you should seek me.”

Honestly “how hard do we seek after the Lord?” In a self centered comfort driven society going to ‘Church’ is considered seeking God. Going to Church is just a fraction of seeking after God. To seek God is to diligently persevere to make all your thoughts God’s thoughts, all your desires God’s desires. It is to hunger and crave righteousness as an addict craves his next fix. Seeking God is a never ending desire that comes from deep within our soul that desires to surrender our fleshly worldly desires and do what is right in the eyes of God. The Bible teaches us what is the right way to live, the right way to love, and how to forgive. To seek God is also to love what God loves and hate what God hates (Hate evil, love good; Amos 5:15).

Just as our body daily craves food so does our soul crave the words of God. Part of seeking God is to pray to God and read the bible. The real challenge is living the will of God and putting into practice what we know is the right thing to do no matter what other people will say or think about us. What is important is what does God think about us? How does God feel about our relationship? Read the definition of ‘seek’ and ask yourself does this describe my heart towards my relationship with God? There is only one way to seek God and that is with all your heart, all your mind, all your soul, and all your strength.

New In The Morning

2006-10-25T09:47:00.000-07:00

Lam 3:19-24
19 I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall.
20 I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me.
21 Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:
22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."
(NIV)
As we journey through this life we are going to experience all kinds of situations, conflicts, struggles, victories, defeats, and celebrations. There are some things that are going to happen to us because God will’s it so. Then there are going to be things that happen to us because of our own will. As I look back at the greatest defeats in my life almost all of them were self inflicted wounds that were brought on by my own rebellion and selfishness. We all have sinned and committed acts against our God that we regret. Our memory can be our greatest weapon or our greatest enemy. What we focus on will become our destiny. What I mean by that is sometimes it is hard to forget our past sins and those who have sinned against us. Our memory can lead us in a tailspin of bitterness and self pity or it can lead us into a joyful celebration of victory as we recall when the Lord Jesus reached down from heaven and saved us. Sometimes we do have to look back where God has brought us from (vs.20 I will remember them), but we need to look forward quickly (vs. 21 Yet I call this to mind) and remember how great is the Lord’s compassion and how much God loves us.
Yes, God’s compassion never fails and is renewed every morning. Yesterday is gone, today is a new day. Let’s embrace this day as this is going to be the greatest day of our life! Why? Because I am forgiven and loved by God!

The Hunted

2006-10-24T11:52:00.000-07:00

1 Peter 5:8-11

8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
(NIV)

This past Saturday night I was in my deer stand and as I was soaking in the beauty of God’s creation all around me, I began reflecting upon the previous Men’s Conference I had just attended at my Church. Each time I go to hunt there is a process I go through before I go out into the woods. I keep my hunting clothes in a duffel bag that has tree branches and leaves in it so my clothes will smell more like the woods instead of my closet. I bathe with sent free soap so I won’t smell like Irish Spring. I have a pair of hunting boots that I only wear in the woods so I don’t pick odors like gas and oil from parking lots. Once I drive up to where I hunt before I walk into the woods I rub some cedar leaves and dirt on my clothes to cover my human odor. Why do I do this? Because I know my prey, I know that my prey can smell 1,000 times better then I can. I sit there in a camouflage hunting blind in camouflage clothing and I wait patiently for the deer to come close to me.

As I was sitting there in the middle of the woods I was remembering the message that was preached. The message was about David and the Amalekites. David and his Mighty Men had returned to their homes and families from battle only to find that their women and children had been kidnapped and their home ransacked. Their enemy had waited for the right time and attacked their town while all the men were away. As I thought about that message, I began to think that here I am hunting a wild animal and while I am doing so Satan is hunting me, my wife, and my children. The devil is camouflaging himself, searching around our lives looking for a weak area in our lives so he can set up and wait for us. He is baiting us, trying to get us close to him and away from God so he can lead us astray and destroy our faith.

One of our greatest needs today is to be alert in the faith. Satan has a plan to devour everyone of us and our loved ones. We must resist him by praying constantly through out the day, reading the Word of God, and surrounding ourselves with other believers. As we fellowship we encourage each other, confess our struggles to one another, and strengthen each other. We must guard ourselves against loneliness (for that is when Satan likes to attack the most). Ask yourself today “What is Satan’s plan of attack for me?” The best defense is a strong offense. It is our goal to be strong, firm and steadfast. We can’t do that alone, we need the fellowship of our Church and our Pastor: ‘For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. (Matt 18:20NIV)’

The Test

2006-10-10T09:20:00.000-07:00

John 17:3
3 Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
(NIV)

When I was in college I enjoyed it very much. The only problem I had with college was taking tests. It seems like the professors should just take my word that, yes, I have learned a lot in their class. When it came time to actually prove how well I knew the material which had been taught my stomach would turn, and I would not be able to sleep the night before my test. There was that one student that always had to sit close by me who always completed their test in about ten minutes and whistled on their way out of the classroom. The next class you would hear them brag about how easy that test was and they didn’t even study for it. Their confidence and their boasting of how well they knew their topic was unbearable at times.
The real test is eternal life. Jesus said who inherits eternal life is the one who really knows who he is. If we had to write an essay right now on the topic of "Who is Jesus?" How would we do? Or, if we were asked to write down scriptures explaining who Jesus is, how long could we write about him? If we had a final exam on "Who is Jesus", would we be sweating the grade or whistling victory? John 17:3 is a simple verse but is of extreme importance because it determines where we will spend eternity. The best way to get to know Jesus is to study(the bible) and go to class (church).

Pray for It

2006-10-06T08:59:00.000-07:00

Matt 7:7-11
7 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
9 "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?
10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?
11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
(NIV)

Have you ever tried to buy a gift for someone who you can’t figure out what to buy them? So you ask them, “What would they like for their present?” They either will give you a specific answer or a very vague answer. When I am going to buy a gift for a person, I want it to be special. I love to be able to find out what they really like, and then purchase it for them. Why? Because it is fun to give a good gift to someone you love. I love to see eyes open wide and excitement fill them from head to toe. It gives me a sense of accomplishment that I was able to give a gift which was appreciated.

It is also good to see a person using the gift that they received. If you can relate to what I am saying, then you can relate to the nature of God! God loves to help those in need. God loves to give to his people. In this passage, the Lord is asking us to look to Him for our needs and wants. He is telling us to ask Him so he can give to us. He is telling us to seek so He can help lead us. He is telling us to knock so he can open the doors. In James 4:2, it says: “You do not have, because you do not ask God.” (NIV) This blows me away, because God is saying he wants me to ask him for “good gifts” so he can give them to me. If I don’t ask for anything in prayer, then I can expect nothing. Who wants to look forward to “nothing?” The more we pray, the more we have to look forward to seeing God active in our lives! In Ps 5:3 David prayed “In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. (NIV) Pray about everything and watch the Mighty Hand of God work miracles in your life!

Lifted Up

2006-10-04T18:10:00.000-07:00

John 4:23-24
23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.
24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."
(NIV)

The other day I was standing in the kitchen helping cook dinner when I felt a tug on my pants. I looked down and my son Austin (two years old at the time) was there looking up at me with sadness impressed upon his face. His brow was bent and his eyes were filling with tears. I asked him, “Hey buddy what’s the matter?” He stretches his arms towards me as far as he possibly could and said, “I want you daddy.” So I knelt down and looked him in the eye and asked him again what was troubling him. He mumbled something and I gave him a hug and said it will be okay. I stood up and proceeded cooking dinner. “Daddy, I want you!” I looked down at him and his hands were stretched out again. So this time I reached down and picked him up and gave him a big hug. I just held him for awhile and he laid his head on my shoulder. Then something in the Spirit took place right there. I could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit was ministering to Austin through me with out words being exchanged. A couple of minutes passed so I peaked at his face to see his expression. He had a big smile from ear to ear.

The Lord made something very clear to me that day. The word of God was delivered to man through the Spirit of God coming down to our level in our language. The Scripture (the Truth) ministers to our intellectual mind the Holy Spirit ministers to our being (our flesh, emotions, health, our soul). When we enter the presence of God the Lord lifts us up to his level and fills us with his Spirit. That is the Holy Spirit ministering to our soul. God seeks a people of worship. The Scripture teaches us how to worship and why we are to worship God. That is why it is important to read the Scripture. Austin didn't want me to come down to his level he wanted to come up to my level. For some reason that day he needed to be lifted up and loved. God does the same for us big people too! During the daily battles of life we need to lift our hands to the air and call upon the name of Jesus. The Holy Spirit will come to us, lift us up to God’s level, and encourage our soul. In a moments time our lives are transformed by his power. Worship the Father today!

Building Faith

2006-10-03T07:10:00.000-07:00

Jude 1:20-25
20 but you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.
21 Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
22 Be merciful to those who doubt;
23 snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear-- hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.
24 To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy--
25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
(NIV)

So how do we build up our faith? In Romans 10:17 it says that: “Faith comes from hearing the message.” The words of Christ are our building material. Each scripture is a 2x4 for our building of faith. As we listen to the scripture and obey it, we are hammering in the nails and strengthening our building. If we hear the scripture and do not obey it, then we just have a bunch of 2x4’s just lying around and nothing is accomplished. We have just collected a bunch of good material. At first our structure is weak, and we need additional support and back framing.

So how is my building project? Am I on schedule? Each person builds their building at their own pace. Years go by and some have built their house of faith and are adding on extensions. Others just have framed out a couple of walls and the lumber is turning gray. Deterioration is moving faster then the construction. Praying in the Holy Spirit is when God can step in and do a lot of building in a short amount of time. The lumber is renewed and progress is taking place. The vision is brought to life and the soul is revived. We can pray in the spirit anywhere, at any time. The best times for praying in the spirit are at church. Matt 18:20 “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."(NIV) As we are constantly building our faith and praying in the spirit Jesus steps in and inspects our building. He is like the Structural Engineer he notices the weak areas and draws up plans for reinforcing in those areas. Sometimes we build things wrong and we are going to have to read the ‘Engineers’ comments and make necessary adjustments. Grace and Mercy are like the finish out crew. They show up and make up for the rest bringing us to completion.

When it comes down to the bottom line, everyone is going to stand before God in judgment. Each one of us will come before the Lord, and our life will be on trial. We will be judged by our actions and our words! It is going to be God and me; one on one, face to face. All we will have is the life we have lived and how we lived it. Each person is responsible for their own life. There will be no shortcuts, no deferments, no extensions, and no second chances. We will either be ready or not ready. No one will be able to run away or hide from the judgment of God. We can’t rely on our Pastor, our spouse, or our friends; no one is going to be able to help us at that time. It is the responsibility of each person to build up their faith and be prepared for eternity. We are to grow and strengthen our faith in God. No one else can build my faith for me.

What Do I Love Most

2006-09-29T07:22:00.000-07:00

Ps 119:10-20
10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
12 Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees.
13 With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.
14 I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.
15 I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.
16 I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.
17 Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word.
18 Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.
19 I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me.
20 My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times.
(NIV)

Do you remember when you first fell in love? Everything in your world shifted. When the phone would ring it had a whole new meaning. You would rush to answer it hoping it was that special someone. Then you would try to act like your not out of breath from running down a flight of stairs and jumping over the couch to catch the phone before they hung up. You would sit around thinking of an excuse to just go and stop by to see them. When you stand eye to eye you feel your palms sweating and you have to remind yourself to breath. The things they say about you, you remember and repeat them in your mind again and again. There is a skip in your walk and every song you hear you sing it with that person in mind. Anywhere that person wants to go you will go there just because you want to be in their presence. If they ask you to bake a chocolate cake you will make the best chocolate cake you ever made. You are consumed with that person and desire to be with them every second.

With love there are no set rules. No set rules on how you are to express your love or what type of person you are to love. Love is not selfish, it is selfless! It is what can I give to this person, not what can I get from this person. Think about God, what does he benefit from loving us? God is love and he expresses his love to us on an individual bases. We are individually unique and have different ways of expressing our love to God. David expressed his love for the Lord in this Psalm. I use this Psalm as an example of how my love should be towards Jesus. When I first fell in love with my wife Kristi I had to continuously pray that I would not love her more then God. That was difficult at times. But from past relationships and personal situations I have learned that whenever I love something more then God it is only going to result in a disaster. For me to be the best man for my wife I knew that I had to love the Lord with all my heart. When you truly love someone you want the best for them.

Our first responsibility to our spouses and family is to love the Lord Jesus with all our heart. We have to constantly ask ourselves “What do I love the most on earth? What do I think about that more then I think about my relationship with God? Am I more excited about your earthly love then my love for God?” These are tough questions but the reality is what we love the most will be our god. David's heart was consumed with a longing for God at all times not just some of the time. Love the Lord your God with all your heart.

Sanctified

2006-09-27T16:51:00.000-07:00

1Thes 4:3-8
3 It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality;
4 that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable,
5 not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God;
6 and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you.
7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.
8 Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.
(NIV)

One night I was in the kitchen cooking dinner and the kids wanted to watch TV. We rarely watch anything on TV because of the content of the shows. Well I gave in and said OK. After a couple of minutes I heard Donovan saying “That’s gross, why are they showing that. I don’t want to see this.” Donovan had turned around and buried his face in a blanket. And replied, “Tell me when it is over.” I quickly looked at the TV and it was a woman’s underwear commercial that was very provocative. I have to confess my son (9 years old at the time) had a stronger will then I did. He inspired me to look away and imitate his heart. I hope he has the same heart five years from now. To him that was not desirable. I guess that’s part of what Jesus meant when he said that we must become like children to enter the kingdom of God.

It is Gods will that we learn to look away from lustful things. Our children need to see us control our bodies in an honorable fashion. What we see goes into our mind and then into our heart. If we even fantasize about unholy things we are guilty of doing them. It is our personal integrity that is at stake. What will you exchange for your integrity? Is any sin really worth the pain? No one can take our integrity from us. Only by free will do we surrender our integrity and exchange it for sin. Next time you are confronted with temptation just imagine Satan standing in front of you with his hand out as to make an exchange with you. He has sin in one hand and is asking you to put your integrity in the other. Resist him and he will flee! Victory always taste better then defeat! “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God” (Mt. 5:8)

Desire

2006-09-26T14:41:00.000-07:00

James 1:12-15
12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
13 When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;
14 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.
15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
(NIV)

As a growing young teenager I would eat almost anything that I could find. Actually I still do today. When hunger sat in I could get very creative, even when the food in the pantry was slim pickens. There was one thing that would break me of hunger and I would rather choose starvation. Brussel Sprouts! Just the smell of them would make my skin crawl and nausea would set in. One thing for sure is nobody can make me eat Brussel Sprouts! Now if Brussel Sprouts were sin I would be walking on water!

Think about it, the Devil can not make us sin. No one can make us sin. They can only tempt us to sin. There is no “Genetic Sin Strand” there is only temptation. Sin is a choice, just as much as righteousness is a choice! Therefore we are truly without excuse. Now if you put a slab of Baby Back ribs, hot off the grill, dripping with BB-Q sauce, in front of me I am going to devour every bit of meat off those bones and lick them clean because I love BB-Q ribs. So it is with sin and righteousness. We can not stay away from that which we love, because what we love we are going to be addicted to. If we love sin we will not stop sinning. If we love righteousness we are not going to keep sinning. For our souls sake we must love righteousness more than sin. We have to fall in love with Jesus and love the things He loves and hate the things he hates. What we love we will be committed to. If we love Jesus we will hate sin and love holiness, righteousness, and purity.

The Winning Team

2006-09-25T16:11:00.000-07:00

Heb 12:2-4
2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
(NIV)

How spiritually tough is your faith in God? How strong is your offense? Now imagine that your faith was a football team. What would the score be? Could you imagine if you went to a football game and the other team did not show up and they went ahead and played the game. They kick off, run down the field pick up the ball and score. Then they do the same thing again and again. How much fun would that be? Who would stay and watch? There are times where we expect our walk with Christ to be that way. We don't want any opposition, no problems, no trials; everything should be creamy and perfect. When a problem comes our way we get mad at God and say "How could you let this happen to me?" That is like a football player on the field going up to the coach saying "Did you see that guy run into me and knock me down?"

The best games are the close games; the games in the mud; the games where one team scores then the other team comes back and catches up. The crowd is riding on the edge of their seat one minute it looks like they are losing; then a great play is made and they score! They are in the lead again. Have you ever seen a team quit in fear of losing and just walk off the field? Our faith in Jesus is very much like a football game. We are the offensive team striving toward the goal of heaven. The ball is our soul. The play book is the Bible. Our Pastor is the coach. Jesus is the team owner. Satan is the defense. You make a good play and gain some yards. Satan reorganizes his defense waiting for you to hike the ball and hits you harder to drive you back a couple of yards. The closer you get to the goal line the tougher the defense is going to be. He wants to break us, make us feel defeated, drive us backwards, and the whole time he is trying to intercept our soul. God owns the stadium and at any time you can wave at him and he will reset the scoreboard 0 to 0. That is why Satan tries to make us feel like when we sin that Gods is mad at us and he is not going to listen to our prayers. The truth is God bought the stadium so he can reset the score at anytime. He enjoys pushing that reset button even more then you would enjoy pushing the button for your favorite team when they fall behind in the Superbowl. The joy set before Jesus is us making the touchdown and wining the game. When we are on God’s team Victory is assured every time and in every situation!

Lost Kitten

2006-09-23T14:19:00.000-07:00

Luke 15:4-7
4 "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?
5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders
6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.'
7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
(NIV)
One time we had a couple of new additions to our family. My Sisters cat had four kittens. We managed to find homes for three of them, but one of the kittens still remained in our home. One day no one could find the kitten. We feared that it had gotten out of the house and that its life might be endangered. The search was on! Donovan heard a feeble meow in the kitchen. He looked all through the cabinets, the pantry and even in the dryer. He heard the meow again and it sounded as though it had come from the refrigerator (we have a side-by-side freezer/refrigerator). Donovan opened the refrigerator door and there was no kitten. He then opened the freezer door and there was a very cold kitten inside! It turned out that Austin (3 years old at the time) for some unknown reason had put the kitten in the freezer! (Don't worry the kitten is fine.)

It is important to remember that at one time we were lost and that Jesus came looking for us to bring us home. To put this in perspective consider this; the divine creator and supporter of all life, who keeps the planets and stars in their place by the power of his word, at one time searched the earth for a noble and worthy heart that could be trusted with residence in heaven. His eyes fell upon you, he called you by name out of billions of others, He wrote your name down in the Book of Life, and then He put into effect a plan for your life that He helps you day by day to fulfill. When you tend to stray from His will, He is there picking you up and turning you around in the right direction. This is all because God loves each one of us specifically. Besides running heaven and the universe God is there next to us loving us and listening to our prayers.
Remember when you came to the point of salvation? There were other disciples there teaching you the truth, loving you, serving you, and praying for you as well. Very rarely will someone come out of the blue and say, "Hey I am Lost can you teach me about Jesus?" We need to return the favor by always looking for lost sheep that we can help bring home with us.

Babies

2006-09-22T10:23:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to put a post and let everyone know that my sister had her baby yesterday. It is a healthy little boy, 6lb 6 oz and 19 inches long. I am so amazed at how much God has blessed our family. Not only did my sister just have her second child, my brother-in-law is going to be having twins in a couple of months. He and his wife had been trying to have a baby for several years with no luck. They are now going to be having twins, a boy and a girl! I will post pictures of my nephew when I have a chance. I am hunting with my son Donovan and some of the guys from church this weekend. Hope everyone has a blessed weekend.

Fulfilled Desires

2006-09-21T10:13:00.000-07:00

Ps 145:14-21
14 The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.
16 You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.
18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.
20 The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.
21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.
(NIV)

As I was reading this I was taken back to a time in my youth. I was seventeen when I confessed Jesus as my Lord and dedicated my life to serving him. About a year later I was invited to go to an outdoor Christian concert called Cornerstone. I was really excited to see a Christian band play and to be together for three days of prayer, praise, and worship. I had never known there were so many different types of Christian people. There were people of all nationalities and backgrounds. There were even Christian Harley riders. When I first saw them pull up on their motorcycles I thought "Oh no! The hells angels are here to crash the party." I looked at this one huge guy with a beard and tattoos getting off his motorcycle and saw on the back of his jacket "I love Jesus." That is pretty bold. Have you ever gone to work or the mall with a huge sign on your back saying "I Love Jesus?'' What do the Hells Angels say to this guy when they drive by him on the highway?

Anyways with my great financial skills on day two I had spent all my money and was busted as well as getting hungry. It was getting dark. I sat down, bowed my head, and silently prayed "Lord, I am hungry I need something to eat. Please help me....." I didn't get to finish my prayer because this girl interrupted me. "Excuse me." I looked up and saw this girl standing there with two huge cookies in her hand. She said "Would you like a cookie? Something told me to buy two and give the other one to someone." I was totally blown away! Tears came to my eyes when I realized that God had answered my prayer before I had even prayed it. Coincidence? The next day the people in the tent next to me said they were leaving early and asked if I wanted their food. Being the quick guy that I am I said "yes, thank you." They brought over a cooler with sandwich meat, bread, mayo, mustard, cheese, and more. I left with more food then I came with!

The LORD is near to all who call on him, and he gives us food at the proper time! What is your food from God that you need today? God knows our needs whether it be financial, physical, emotional, or spiritual, God knows our needs and our greatest desires. It is our responsibility to pray about everything and be faithful. When we pray specifically we can see specific answers. God delights in answering our prayers, meeting our needs and fulfilling our righteous desires. Whatever you are wrestling with today let go of it and let God take care of it, thank God and praise him in advance for taking care of your situation. Then live as though it was so!

Showing Mercy

2006-09-20T19:33:00.000-07:00

Ps 119:33-41
33 Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end.
34 Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart.
35 Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.
36 Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.
38 Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared.
39 Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good.
40 How I long for your precepts! Preserve my life in your righteousness.
41 May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise;
(NIV)
In Mat 9:9-13 Jesus said "I desire mercy and not sacrifice." Here Jesus called Matthew to follow him. A little background on Matthew: 1. he was a Hebrew. 2. He was a tax collector. 3. He was employed by the Romans (enemy of Israel at the time) 4. Most of the tax collectors at that time had unethical business practices and were not liked by many people. So why would Jesus chose to have dinner with such a sinful person? This really got the Pharisees fired up that Jesus would be in company with "sinners". At that time one of the most intimate things you could do to befriend a person was to eat a meal with each other. It was viewed as you are becoming one with the person you are eating with because you are eating of the same food. Therefore the food that is in me is also in you so we are now bonded together and are one.
For the Lord of creation to come into a mans home and sit with him and allow the man to serve him dinner is mercy. The truth is man deserves eternal separation from the Lord because of his sinfulness. Mercy is not receiving the punishment of your sin that you deserve. This is where the Pharisees fall short. They were administering judgment and forgot they were sinners also. By their judgment of Matthews’s sinfulness they are rejecting the mercy of Jesus. The Pharisees had made many sacrifices, they fasted, they tithed, they faithfully went to synagogue, ect. All these anyone can physically do at any time. But to love an imperfect person and spend time with them and accept them as a friend not every one can do that, because we have pride and tend to think of ourselves as better then other people. Even as a Christian it is easy to look at a person as such a sinner and say things under our breath like "Look how they are dressed, or Can you believe they did that?". Jesus didn't die on the cross to create a group of people that look down on every one and judge them of their sins. He did die on the cross to show us how important we are to him and to extend His mercy to us so we can extend mercy to others.

Judgement

2006-09-16T11:30:00.000-07:00

James 2:12-18
12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,
13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!
14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?
15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
16 If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?
17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
18 But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
(NIV)

A family was on vacation and was staying at a nice hotel. As they walked out to the parking garage, they thought that they heard a baby crying. They stopped and listened, but there was complete silence. With excitement of the day’s activities ahead, they quickly walked to their car. They were parked on the fifth level and actually had a nice view as they looked out their car window. As they proceeded to leave the parking garage, they approached level four. They saw in a corner a man and a woman holding a newborn baby. They were sitting on the concrete floor of the parking garage. There were some blankets lying around, and some suitcases leaning on an old rusted car covered with dirt, as though they had just driven a long distance. The father slowed down to get a better look at the situation. The mother gasped” Oh my goodness, those poor people’’, and locked the car doors. The kids in the car popped up and said, “Dad, let’s take them to breakfast with us!” Dad replied, “You just don’t know about those kind of people. They might rob us or even kill us and steal our car. Besides, we are on a family vacation and not a mission trip.” They passed by the couple and turned the corner when the father saw three gentlemen in suites approaching the couple. He stopped the car and said, ”See, here is the hotel management. They are going to tell them to leave, because this is a private parking garage for hotel guest only.” As he watched, one man started writing out a check and handed it to the couple. The next man pulled out a shining gold box and opened it, showing only the couple its contents. Then, the third man handed them several strings of pearls and diamond necklaces. The observing father watched in total dismay. He saw them talking, and one gentleman reached down and picked up the baby. The father quickly rolled down his window to hear what they were saying, while trying to remain inconspicuous. He heard the gentleman holding the newborn baby ask, “What is his name?” The mother looked at him with a gleaming smile and replied, “An angel named Gabriel appeared to me and told me to name him Jesus. So that is what we named him, Jesus.”

Almost every situation is not as it seems. Jesus was born in a homeless situation and died as a homeless person. We all have our preconceived ideas and our prejudices. Just as I can’t say, ”All politicians are corrupt” I can’t say that all homeless people are hopeless drunks either. Have you ever wondered why God chose his son to be born in an animal stall (parking garage, today’s equivalent)? It is because God is a god of humility and compassion. He opposes the prideful and those who think highly of themselves that believe they are too good for certain people. God is not interested in our physical appearances, but is interested in our heart. He looks at you and me as souls and hearts, not CEO or homeless man. He blinds the proud and opens the eyes of the humble. God has given us mercy and he expects us to do the same. To show mercy to others is to look at them through the eyes of Jesus and love them the same way you want Jesus to love you. No one is hopeless. No one is a lost cause. Mercy triumphs over judgment! Do you want to escape God’s judgment? Don’t judge people by their outward appearance. Show mercy to everyone you come in contact with and look at them as a soul and a heart in need of a savior.

Encourage

2006-09-15T21:50:00.000-07:00

1Thes 5:11
11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
(NIV)

One day I was at the bank making a deposit. I had walked in and the teller had not noticed I was there, because she was busy talking to the other teller about the customer in the drive through. Apparently, the person at the drive through window was their waitress that they had at a restaurant the other night. They were not happy with the service and complained to the restaurant manager. Now they were both embarrassed because this waitress was also a bank customer. After I cleared my throat, I got her attention and made my deposit. Well, I am sure that that waitress is going to get excellent service at the bank, because once she realizes that her bank tellers were also her complaining customers, she might be tempted to even up the score. Why is it is so easy to find things to complain about and so hard to find things to encourage about?

In this passage of scripture the Apostle Paul is charging everyone in the church to be an encourager. It is a daily responsibility of every Christian to encourage and build up those around us. Here is a good question to ask ourselves, “How often do I encourage others?” When was the last time we encouraged our Pastor or a minister of the gospel. When was the last time we encouraged our spouse, friend, or co-worker? No one wants to listen to someone who just complains about everything all the time. Jesus has appointed us as encouragers of the people. It is easy to encourage another person. Write a note of thanks and leave it on their desk. If you’re grabbing yourself a soda at work grab two and give one away. Verbally compliment someone on their clothing or haircut. Buy a gift or bake something for another person. Instead of going to lunch by yourself invite someone to go with you. The bottom line is that it does take effort to encourage others and it is a matter of denying our selfishness, taking up the cross, and considering others needs before our own needs. It is a lonely business being a complainer and it is a joyful life being an encourager.