Hey Gang long time no type! Sorry bout that been thinkin alot and processing alot but haven't felt called to share. I guess sometimes God says "Shut up and listen" so that's what I've been trying to do. Honestly, I've been going through somewhat of a down period in my life. A time of asking "God you gave me an incredible year with you, you taught and revealed so much to me, you modeled your love and faithfulness. Now I feel as if I've sold out and like Israel turned back to other God's. How do I get back?"
The fact of the matter. I was on an emotional low after a major High. Satan the accuser uses that as a way to wedge himself between God and Us. The fact that I've been stressing more than I ever have proves that I allowed him to do that. Thank God that he doesn't Love us according to "Emotion" he Loves Us "JUST BECAUSE" I needed down time to process the Mass Download God gave me before I could move on. He was with me, he never left me, I never left him. I can point out provisions from him in the last few months since returning home (Shoot I can point out provisions in the last week) Satan tried to drive that wedge and it did work briefly but what happened in the long run was my excessive stress, my kicking myself, my health issues as a result of said stress and everything else negative gave me a reminder "THIS IS WHAT LIFE IS LIKE WHEN NOT TRUSTING IN OR FOCUSED ON GOD" and it's only serving to backfire on Satan. You see God has given me some new visions to work towards. Things that I am now processing and slowly bringing up to others in my Community of Believers. Things that are going to take a leap of faith to work towards. Things that I will be telling you about soon(ish). Things I would possibly never do EXCEPT satan accidently reminded me "The worse place one could ever be is Not Trusting God."
I tell you all of this for two reasons.
First for your prayers. While I am coming out of my funk and beginning to feel alive again I'm not completely out. Also that as I process these new visions I hear clearly from God and let the Holy Spirit Guide.
Second I hope this can be an encouragement to anyone who may be where I've been. You may feel like God has left you or fear that you've run away from God. You can't run fast enough God is no further away. Look at what you're feeling recognize those feelings are not from God. Remember what it feels like to be in the heart of Gods will and use the comparison of the two to propel you back into "Active Relationship with Him"
"GOD IS NEVER OUT OF HUGS REACH"
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Let's stop the war!
Guess what everyone. Did you know we are in a war? No I'm not talking about Iraq or Afghanistan. I'm talking you and I right here right now are in the middle of a war. Turn on the radio switch the dial to any talk station and you'll hear the battle being waged. Read the newspaper you'll see it. Listen to the politicians running for office and it's in your face. The war I'm talking about is Christian vs Non-Christian, Conservative vs Liberal, Believer vs Non-Believer, Shoot Evangelical vs Pentacostle. Let's not confuse what I'm talking about with spiritual warfare either that's a whole other topic for another time. I'm talking you and I constantly engaged in battle.
Enough Larry tell me what you're talking about! Don't push me! I've been delaying, trying to find the best way to explain it without insulting anyone. I hate ruffling feathers ;-). Lets find a topic for discussion one that we can all agree with. "Stealing candy from a baby!" I think we can all agree that it's not good to steal candy from a baby (Cut it with the "it's for his health" remarks) Lets say John Smith see's little baby betty with a sucker he thinks the sucker looks good "Mmm Chocolate tootsie pop my favorite Baby Betty doesn't need it I think I'll take it for myself" Just as John goes to grab it Jane Doe see's him and stops him from taking it. "Hey John you can't have that it's not yours"
John: But I want it
Jane: It's not right to steal
John: Why not I want it
Jane: It's been a rule since the beginning of time you can't steal
John: That's a stupid rule
Jane: But it's a rule and you have to follow it
John: But I'm predispositioned to steal. I can't help it
Jane: That's not a good excuse you can't steal
John: Says you my dad says it's ok
Jane: You're dad is wrong
John: Who are you to judge me and my dad. You think you're better than me
Jane: John stealing is wrong
John: I have 10 friends that say you're wrong and judgemental
Jane: Your friends are wrong
His 10 friends: You're wrong lady we have proof that your way of thinking is antiquated.
Jane: Don't be silly throughout history stealing has never been exceptable.
Friend: You're just a biggot.
Jane: I have friends that can prove it.
John: They're biggots
This arguement doesn't seem to be going anywhere does it. Take it out further and you could have Jane giving scientific proof that stealing is wrong and John refuting it with scientific proof that it's a natural part of our instinct and society has wrongfully suppressed it for hundreds of thousands of years. Next thing you know "Jane" who was just defending a little baby is known as a judgemental hater of the new free thinking generation of thiefs. Battle lines are drawn between the two parties Janes group has hired lawyers to protect babies rights to keep their sucker and Johns group has hired lobbyists to encourage a bill be passed making it legal to steal from any baby 3 years of age or older because he/she is old enough to hide the sucker from any potential thief.
Please someone tell me there is something right about this system of justice. Now let me take it one step further. Jane throws into her arguement that stealing from a baby is not the "Christian thing to do" and she can quote scriptures argueing against it. Since this is a nation built on Christian principles our government has no choice but to "PROTECT OUR BABIES FROM SUCKER THIEVES!" John's Side argues that they are not bound by principles of a religion they don't embrace.
I know, I know. This example is simple, it's stupid, it's ludicrous. It's what we are doing constantly day to day every day. ME TOO! I've caught myself right there in the mix. Years ago I remember saying to myself that we as Christians have no right to push our belief or lifestyle on others. God doesn't force it so what gives us the right? Then I see legislation getting pushed and I'm like if that passes it's just another step toward the destruction of our country and I can't have that. So I begin pushing to stop certain freedoms from happening. Forget politically, I even do it personally. "You're a Christian don't do that!" We constantly do it in our church "You're not dressed up enough, You're too dressed up, Don't drink, Don't smoke, Don't cuss, No Sex out of Marriage"
Tell me when is the last time you had a favorable thought towards someone that told you NOT to do something? (Don't go to work doesn't count)
It seems to me that we spend way too much time talking about what we are against and not enough time talking about what WE ARE FOR! I can't think of too many times when Jesus talked about what he was against. He spent his time talking about what he was for. He was for his fathers business. The only time I can think of is when he was argueing with the pharisees but they claimed to be about his father business that made him mad because they were misrepresenting his father. I can't think of one time a "Non-Believer" came to him that he shoved their sin in thier face. I do think of Zacchaeus after Jesus simply paid attn to him repenting and repaying everybody he ever wronged. I do think of a prostitute that was so overwhelmed by Jesus love that she wept and washed his feet with her hair. I think of a woman divorced many times and living with another that turned an entire village onto Christ and into heaven. Jesus never once condemned her. I think of a Mob ready to stone a prostitute Jesus one statement calmed them. He didn't condemn them he just stated "Whoever is without sin throw the first stone." We all know we have sin we struggle with even those who don't confess Christ know their sin pointing it out doesn't help. What does then?
What if we tried pointing out what we are for NOT what we are against. Jesus did this and he changed the world. What if instead of saying "Hey stealing from a baby is wrong" Jane said please "Let me give you one of mine instead."
How about it Gang instead of telling the world what we are against lets tell it what we are about. We are about Loving our neighbor as we love ourselves, We are about loving a brother greater than we love ourselves, We are about our fathers business. Remember we can't stop at talking the talk we have to walk the walk as well. If we do I guarantee we will turn this world "Upside Down"
Enough Larry tell me what you're talking about! Don't push me! I've been delaying, trying to find the best way to explain it without insulting anyone. I hate ruffling feathers ;-). Lets find a topic for discussion one that we can all agree with. "Stealing candy from a baby!" I think we can all agree that it's not good to steal candy from a baby (Cut it with the "it's for his health" remarks) Lets say John Smith see's little baby betty with a sucker he thinks the sucker looks good "Mmm Chocolate tootsie pop my favorite Baby Betty doesn't need it I think I'll take it for myself" Just as John goes to grab it Jane Doe see's him and stops him from taking it. "Hey John you can't have that it's not yours"
John: But I want it
Jane: It's not right to steal
John: Why not I want it
Jane: It's been a rule since the beginning of time you can't steal
John: That's a stupid rule
Jane: But it's a rule and you have to follow it
John: But I'm predispositioned to steal. I can't help it
Jane: That's not a good excuse you can't steal
John: Says you my dad says it's ok
Jane: You're dad is wrong
John: Who are you to judge me and my dad. You think you're better than me
Jane: John stealing is wrong
John: I have 10 friends that say you're wrong and judgemental
Jane: Your friends are wrong
His 10 friends: You're wrong lady we have proof that your way of thinking is antiquated.
Jane: Don't be silly throughout history stealing has never been exceptable.
Friend: You're just a biggot.
Jane: I have friends that can prove it.
John: They're biggots
This arguement doesn't seem to be going anywhere does it. Take it out further and you could have Jane giving scientific proof that stealing is wrong and John refuting it with scientific proof that it's a natural part of our instinct and society has wrongfully suppressed it for hundreds of thousands of years. Next thing you know "Jane" who was just defending a little baby is known as a judgemental hater of the new free thinking generation of thiefs. Battle lines are drawn between the two parties Janes group has hired lawyers to protect babies rights to keep their sucker and Johns group has hired lobbyists to encourage a bill be passed making it legal to steal from any baby 3 years of age or older because he/she is old enough to hide the sucker from any potential thief.
Please someone tell me there is something right about this system of justice. Now let me take it one step further. Jane throws into her arguement that stealing from a baby is not the "Christian thing to do" and she can quote scriptures argueing against it. Since this is a nation built on Christian principles our government has no choice but to "PROTECT OUR BABIES FROM SUCKER THIEVES!" John's Side argues that they are not bound by principles of a religion they don't embrace.
I know, I know. This example is simple, it's stupid, it's ludicrous. It's what we are doing constantly day to day every day. ME TOO! I've caught myself right there in the mix. Years ago I remember saying to myself that we as Christians have no right to push our belief or lifestyle on others. God doesn't force it so what gives us the right? Then I see legislation getting pushed and I'm like if that passes it's just another step toward the destruction of our country and I can't have that. So I begin pushing to stop certain freedoms from happening. Forget politically, I even do it personally. "You're a Christian don't do that!" We constantly do it in our church "You're not dressed up enough, You're too dressed up, Don't drink, Don't smoke, Don't cuss, No Sex out of Marriage"
Tell me when is the last time you had a favorable thought towards someone that told you NOT to do something? (Don't go to work doesn't count)
It seems to me that we spend way too much time talking about what we are against and not enough time talking about what WE ARE FOR! I can't think of too many times when Jesus talked about what he was against. He spent his time talking about what he was for. He was for his fathers business. The only time I can think of is when he was argueing with the pharisees but they claimed to be about his father business that made him mad because they were misrepresenting his father. I can't think of one time a "Non-Believer" came to him that he shoved their sin in thier face. I do think of Zacchaeus after Jesus simply paid attn to him repenting and repaying everybody he ever wronged. I do think of a prostitute that was so overwhelmed by Jesus love that she wept and washed his feet with her hair. I think of a woman divorced many times and living with another that turned an entire village onto Christ and into heaven. Jesus never once condemned her. I think of a Mob ready to stone a prostitute Jesus one statement calmed them. He didn't condemn them he just stated "Whoever is without sin throw the first stone." We all know we have sin we struggle with even those who don't confess Christ know their sin pointing it out doesn't help. What does then?
What if we tried pointing out what we are for NOT what we are against. Jesus did this and he changed the world. What if instead of saying "Hey stealing from a baby is wrong" Jane said please "Let me give you one of mine instead."
How about it Gang instead of telling the world what we are against lets tell it what we are about. We are about Loving our neighbor as we love ourselves, We are about loving a brother greater than we love ourselves, We are about our fathers business. Remember we can't stop at talking the talk we have to walk the walk as well. If we do I guarantee we will turn this world "Upside Down"
Monday, September 13, 2010
40 years and 1 mistake!
So, last time I wrote I asked the question "What are you seeking?" As we went on I suggested that maybe we are seeking after the wrong things. Maybe in order to find all we are seeking we need to first seek to understand and live with a "Fear of the Lord" Since that point in time I have finished reading the book of Deuteronomy and something struck me.
Moses the greatest prophet to ever live (Deuteronomy 34:10) This guy lived as PRINCE OF EGYPT for 40 years and left it all because he felt a calling to his people. He spent the next 40 years building a new life in a new country he was happily married with children and we presume that he presumed he had misunderstood his calling and had moved on with his life when God calls him and says GO! Set your people free! After a brief argument with God he once again leaves all he knows to head back to Egypt the place he Ran from 40 years earlier. He then leads his people out of Egypt, through the wilderness and into the promised land. Whoops wait a minute Not into the promised land just too it then Joshua took over and led them into it. Moses was not allowed to enter it. 80 years earlier Moses leaves his position as "Prince of Egypt" for this very purpose. 40 years earlier he begins leading Israel on the actual journey. For 40 years his job is to lead Gods people to the promised land. 40 years earlier he stood at the base of the Promised Land ready to enter. It was at his grasp yet Israel was too afraid to try.
Can you imagine he was at the base of entering a land that was promised to his forefathers he heard about it his entire life now at 80 years of age he's their and the people he's leading are too afraid to trust a God that led them out of Egypt. As a result "40 years in the wilderness" 40 years passes and once again he's at the base of the promised land Gods promise is going to happen this time. Israel is ready MOSES HAS SPENT 120 YEARS WAITING FOR THIS MOMENT AND... God says no. Joshua will lead them in not you. WHAT! That's gotta hurt. WHY? Deuteronomy 32:51 "Because you trespassed against me among the children of Israel... Because you did not hallow me in the midst of the children of Israel" (The actual incedent Numbers 20 10 - 12) Moses had one moment in 40 years of leadership that he did not Lift God up to Israel and did his own thing. God still provided for Israel in that moment but Moses and Aaron now can't enter the promised land as a punishment.
What are you getting at Larry? I DON'T KNOW! Look scripture makes it clear that we are his children and we have heaven as a reward all we need do is Love God and accept the Gift he gave us through Christ. So I'm not saying if you make one mistake you're a gonner. But I do think we are missing something here. I think we in todays church are somehow playing with fire. We are taking Gods gift saying thank you and then living however we darn well please. We as Gods children his representatives are not "Hallowing God" in front of the rest of the world. We are not revearing him. Moses, the greatest prophet to ever live did this once and lost his lifes dream. As a human being he was never able to walk into the promised land. He did make heaven but missed a "Complete Life" here on Earth. If that is what happened to Moses what are we missing out on? What would a "Full" or "Complete" life look like. We may not be missing out on Heaven but we are missing out on something that God wants us to have but we will never know what it is. Not until we learn to Hallow/revere God in front of all those God gives us to lead. We wont learn to do this until we learn to fear him.
I don't know about you but I want to know what it is I'm missing out on. I want to walk in completeness, I want to experience all God has for me to experience. The more I think about it I can't believe I've been playing games with the Creator of the entire universe. I pray that he forgive me, I pray that he help me to turn my life "Upside Down"
Moses the greatest prophet to ever live (Deuteronomy 34:10) This guy lived as PRINCE OF EGYPT for 40 years and left it all because he felt a calling to his people. He spent the next 40 years building a new life in a new country he was happily married with children and we presume that he presumed he had misunderstood his calling and had moved on with his life when God calls him and says GO! Set your people free! After a brief argument with God he once again leaves all he knows to head back to Egypt the place he Ran from 40 years earlier. He then leads his people out of Egypt, through the wilderness and into the promised land. Whoops wait a minute Not into the promised land just too it then Joshua took over and led them into it. Moses was not allowed to enter it. 80 years earlier Moses leaves his position as "Prince of Egypt" for this very purpose. 40 years earlier he begins leading Israel on the actual journey. For 40 years his job is to lead Gods people to the promised land. 40 years earlier he stood at the base of the Promised Land ready to enter. It was at his grasp yet Israel was too afraid to try.
Can you imagine he was at the base of entering a land that was promised to his forefathers he heard about it his entire life now at 80 years of age he's their and the people he's leading are too afraid to trust a God that led them out of Egypt. As a result "40 years in the wilderness" 40 years passes and once again he's at the base of the promised land Gods promise is going to happen this time. Israel is ready MOSES HAS SPENT 120 YEARS WAITING FOR THIS MOMENT AND... God says no. Joshua will lead them in not you. WHAT! That's gotta hurt. WHY? Deuteronomy 32:51 "Because you trespassed against me among the children of Israel... Because you did not hallow me in the midst of the children of Israel" (The actual incedent Numbers 20 10 - 12) Moses had one moment in 40 years of leadership that he did not Lift God up to Israel and did his own thing. God still provided for Israel in that moment but Moses and Aaron now can't enter the promised land as a punishment.
What are you getting at Larry? I DON'T KNOW! Look scripture makes it clear that we are his children and we have heaven as a reward all we need do is Love God and accept the Gift he gave us through Christ. So I'm not saying if you make one mistake you're a gonner. But I do think we are missing something here. I think we in todays church are somehow playing with fire. We are taking Gods gift saying thank you and then living however we darn well please. We as Gods children his representatives are not "Hallowing God" in front of the rest of the world. We are not revearing him. Moses, the greatest prophet to ever live did this once and lost his lifes dream. As a human being he was never able to walk into the promised land. He did make heaven but missed a "Complete Life" here on Earth. If that is what happened to Moses what are we missing out on? What would a "Full" or "Complete" life look like. We may not be missing out on Heaven but we are missing out on something that God wants us to have but we will never know what it is. Not until we learn to Hallow/revere God in front of all those God gives us to lead. We wont learn to do this until we learn to fear him.
I don't know about you but I want to know what it is I'm missing out on. I want to walk in completeness, I want to experience all God has for me to experience. The more I think about it I can't believe I've been playing games with the Creator of the entire universe. I pray that he forgive me, I pray that he help me to turn my life "Upside Down"
Monday, August 30, 2010
Seeking What?
I have a question for everyone. In your desire to grow closer to God what is it you are pursuing? Are you seeking knowledge and therefore spending your time studying Gods word? Are you seeking after Wisdom or Understanding? Maybe it's "Right Relationship"? Or if you "Live Right" you'll grow closer to God? What if I seek "Love" if I can find love I'll understand God cause God is Love? I had a friend ask me the other day what the bible says about "Health" he wanted to understand more clearly what God says about that topic. He was frustrated because it's so Grey no black and white answers not just on health but many, many, many other issues as well. Clearly many scholars feel this way they are seeking closeness with God through "Understanding" The Pharisees sought it through the "Law" Others seek it through Prayer and Meditation.
You may say "All of these are correct. It's a personal thing between God and I." You may say "It's the disciplines. You don't find God through one of these but through a combination of them all."
I read something this week that made me begin to think that while all of these are wonderful pursuits we may be missing one CRUCIAL step. After all the Pharisees were great with the law but missed the point entirely. We have biblical scholars that can't agree on what half the bible is saying "Agree to disagree" is a very common phrase in studying the bible. We have others desperately seeking a right relationship with God but can"t seem to keep their family together. How many of us are trying to earn Gods love by working or going to church every time the doors are open?
In the beginning of Proverbs we have Solomon telling us the purpose of the book. Verses 1-6 he's rambling off his desire for us to grow in "Wisdom, Understanding" Then in Verse 7 he begins to say how "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction" Did you catch it? Lets move on Proverbs 2 verses 1 - 4 says "IF YOU" (If you receive, If you Treasure, Incline your ear, etc...) But verse 5 finally moves to "THEN YOU" Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, After that he spends the next half of the chapter talking about all that God gives you once you understand the FEAR OF THE LORD. Then in verse 12 it switches to what he will protect us from once we understand the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 3:7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil Verse 8 It will be health to you flesh and strength to your bones. I haven't read all the way through Proverbs since picking this up but I believe I'll find that Proverbs rather than being random words of wisdom is an instruction book for how to seek, find, and understand "THE FEAR OF THE LORD" Even in Job Chap 28 verse 28 it says "Behold the fear of the Lord, That is wisdom, and to depart from evil is Understanding.
Long story short. All those things listed at the beginning of this note are great things to pursue. But I think the best way to find them is to seek to understand and develop a strong/healthy "Fear of the Lord" Do this and the rest will automatically follow. My personal mission with the Upside Down Group is to help others view this Upside Down world with eyes turned rightside up. I'm beginning to think the best way to do that is buy developing a Fear of the Lord. I admittedly have a ways to go. How about you?
You may say "All of these are correct. It's a personal thing between God and I." You may say "It's the disciplines. You don't find God through one of these but through a combination of them all."
I read something this week that made me begin to think that while all of these are wonderful pursuits we may be missing one CRUCIAL step. After all the Pharisees were great with the law but missed the point entirely. We have biblical scholars that can't agree on what half the bible is saying "Agree to disagree" is a very common phrase in studying the bible. We have others desperately seeking a right relationship with God but can"t seem to keep their family together. How many of us are trying to earn Gods love by working or going to church every time the doors are open?
In the beginning of Proverbs we have Solomon telling us the purpose of the book. Verses 1-6 he's rambling off his desire for us to grow in "Wisdom, Understanding" Then in Verse 7 he begins to say how "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction" Did you catch it? Lets move on Proverbs 2 verses 1 - 4 says "IF YOU" (If you receive, If you Treasure, Incline your ear, etc...) But verse 5 finally moves to "THEN YOU" Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, After that he spends the next half of the chapter talking about all that God gives you once you understand the FEAR OF THE LORD. Then in verse 12 it switches to what he will protect us from once we understand the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 3:7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil Verse 8 It will be health to you flesh and strength to your bones. I haven't read all the way through Proverbs since picking this up but I believe I'll find that Proverbs rather than being random words of wisdom is an instruction book for how to seek, find, and understand "THE FEAR OF THE LORD" Even in Job Chap 28 verse 28 it says "Behold the fear of the Lord, That is wisdom, and to depart from evil is Understanding.
Long story short. All those things listed at the beginning of this note are great things to pursue. But I think the best way to find them is to seek to understand and develop a strong/healthy "Fear of the Lord" Do this and the rest will automatically follow. My personal mission with the Upside Down Group is to help others view this Upside Down world with eyes turned rightside up. I'm beginning to think the best way to do that is buy developing a Fear of the Lord. I admittedly have a ways to go. How about you?
Monday, August 23, 2010
Very Cool
Ya wanna know what's become one of my favorite things to watch? Too bad you're gonna read it anyway. I love it when I see someone that has been given a vision ACT ON IT! There is nothing more exciting than to watch someone take that step of faith and follow through with what's been placed on their heart. When that plan is to help provide for others I have a hard time sitting still. Now lets take that one step further and see how that very plan will help motivate others to do the same and I could begin dancing (This isn't pretty but hey I never claimed to be... Very often). This is what I watched happen just this past Sunday. We have someone in our church that through observing friends, discussions with others, sermons, Bible Study, etc... has had a passion planted with-in. It is her desire to see her brothers and sisters in Christ taken care of. She has watched friends silently struggle afraid to ask for help. She knows of others with resources to help but unaware of a need. She decided to develop a plan to put the two together. This is so awesome on many many levels. Connecting the two worlds together will help take of needs, it will develop a tighter community, it will set some free from worry, and set everyone free to help others in need. Some who have been too stressed to look outside of their own lives will themselves now be free to assist others. My friend Rhonda's vision is for those in her church to be set free but in reality it is so much larger because once they are free they will be equipped to set others free. The other thing I watched on this particular Sunday was a church open to vision, church leaders encouraging others to jump and follow their God given talents, dreams, and visions.
Now, you want to know my fear? That even though Rhonda took that step of faith. She will still find those in need unwilling to ask for help, she will find those with the skills to help waiting to be asked instead of stepping up to the plate. She will be met with "Great Plan" but noone willing to take advantage of her leg work. Because of this she will leave feeling defeated, tired and asking "Why Bother" I've watched it happen. Shoot I've experienced it. That's because Satan does not want these plans to succeed. He fights them. He uses things such as "PRIDE, COMPLACENCY, LAZINESS, Etc..." He tells us we have nothing to give so don't offer. These are all lies. For those of you out there struggling, needing assistance I give you three magical words. "HELP ME PLEASE" For those of you with eye's to see I give you four magical words "HOW CAN I HELP". For all of us I give you this advice "BE WILLING TO USE EITHER PHRASE"
For my friend Rhonda I say this "DON'T GROW DISCOURAGED" "GOD WANTS YOU TO SUCCEED" "YOU WILL SUCCEED"
For everyone I have just a couple more questions for you to ask yourselves. By asking and answering these questions you'll have the power to turn the world "Upside Down"
WHAT HAS GOD PLACED ON MY HEART?
WHAT'S STOPPING ME FROM MOVING FORWARD?
Now I have one more question.
HOW CAN I HELP?
Seriously
HOW CAN I HELP?
I mean it
HOW CAN I HELP?
Please
HOW CAN I HELP?
Now, you want to know my fear? That even though Rhonda took that step of faith. She will still find those in need unwilling to ask for help, she will find those with the skills to help waiting to be asked instead of stepping up to the plate. She will be met with "Great Plan" but noone willing to take advantage of her leg work. Because of this she will leave feeling defeated, tired and asking "Why Bother" I've watched it happen. Shoot I've experienced it. That's because Satan does not want these plans to succeed. He fights them. He uses things such as "PRIDE, COMPLACENCY, LAZINESS, Etc..." He tells us we have nothing to give so don't offer. These are all lies. For those of you out there struggling, needing assistance I give you three magical words. "HELP ME PLEASE" For those of you with eye's to see I give you four magical words "HOW CAN I HELP". For all of us I give you this advice "BE WILLING TO USE EITHER PHRASE"
For my friend Rhonda I say this "DON'T GROW DISCOURAGED" "GOD WANTS YOU TO SUCCEED" "YOU WILL SUCCEED"
For everyone I have just a couple more questions for you to ask yourselves. By asking and answering these questions you'll have the power to turn the world "Upside Down"
WHAT HAS GOD PLACED ON MY HEART?
WHAT'S STOPPING ME FROM MOVING FORWARD?
Now I have one more question.
HOW CAN I HELP?
Seriously
HOW CAN I HELP?
I mean it
HOW CAN I HELP?
Please
HOW CAN I HELP?
Monday, August 16, 2010
I'm Baaack!
Hello Friends long time no see sorry about the long break. My computer decided it wanted to die and I had no way to replace it. I now have this state of art ok no state of anything a cheapy designed to help me get bye till I'm settled again. With the return of thiz blog I sit here and promise you ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! I will write when I can and I will write what God has laid on my heart. I do have thoughts about the future of the Upside Down Group what it will look like and how you will be invited to participate but those are still formulating and God has not given me a definate go on any of it. For now I just write and expect you as always to forgive my grammer.
What do I have to say today? Well lets talk about the month or so that I've been silent. It's been overall a great time. God has blessed me with a great job that allows me the flexibility I've always desired and looks as if it will pay better than any job I've ever had. (In this economy any job is a blessing so I praise God for the fit of this one.) With the new job I've dove into it trying to learn the ropes working extra hours to find that extra sale (Yep I'm sales pure commission at that). I've kept my schedule open for friends yet always manage to find a way to keep busy. I've never enjoyed just sitting around so I quickly find ways to stop that from happening. You can say after my 13 months of unemployment and 6 months of travel I have once again settled into the typical life in America today. Complete with forgetting to FOCUS ON GOD DAILY! After over a year of making God my focus I find a job and slip right out of the habit. How does that happen? For me it was like two completely different lives. God gave me the clear to search out and find a job and I told myself "Time to get back to life" How stupid is that? I EXOERIENCED LIFE for over a year then truthfully I stepped out of life. God is life, He is what gave me life, He is why I was living a dream then I turn and take my focus off of him. INSANITY! Nothing has changed with God. He is still my provider (He's just using ADT security as the vehicle.) As much as I would love to jump back into unemployment and on my bike to get alone with God again that is not what he's calling me to. He is trying to teach me how to live the day to day and still keep him as the ultimate center. He's teaching me to focus on him in and through all things. The past year showed me things that work for me. This blog is huge whether you enjoy it or not I've learned that writing it helps me to focus on what God has been showing me over the week. Spending time to read his word and veg on it is critical. I need to say "I will spend X amount of time daily" this will stop me from reading his word then instantly closing it without asking God "What are you saying" And I need "alone time" A few hours one day a week where I can be alone with God and just hang.
These are things I've learned that I must do. Not only must do but really want to do Cause I wants to be stay in relationship with my Daddy, Father God! Over the last couple weeks I have felt more stress over life then I did in my 13 months of umemployment. I had a day last week where I had to text my closest friends and say "PRAY FOR ME" Cause I was under some serious attack spiritually. I let my guard down and Satan said GET HIM! My goal is to not let that happen again and these are the things I need to do to keep that from happenig. But forget the attack I was just plain missing hanging with my God, Creator, and Friend.
That list of things I mentioned that I do. Those are things that I NEED TO DO. What about you? What do you do on a daily basis to stay close too and get to know God better? Don't have a list? Get one! The way our society is built we will lose focus if we don't have a plan. How's that old saying Go? "Those who fail to plan, plan to fail" So fill us in. Let us know! What do you do? What do you plan to do? Help us out. In telling us what you do you may help someone else find what they can do. Ok everyone hope you had a great day lets move into this week and live it "Upside Down"
What do I have to say today? Well lets talk about the month or so that I've been silent. It's been overall a great time. God has blessed me with a great job that allows me the flexibility I've always desired and looks as if it will pay better than any job I've ever had. (In this economy any job is a blessing so I praise God for the fit of this one.) With the new job I've dove into it trying to learn the ropes working extra hours to find that extra sale (Yep I'm sales pure commission at that). I've kept my schedule open for friends yet always manage to find a way to keep busy. I've never enjoyed just sitting around so I quickly find ways to stop that from happening. You can say after my 13 months of unemployment and 6 months of travel I have once again settled into the typical life in America today. Complete with forgetting to FOCUS ON GOD DAILY! After over a year of making God my focus I find a job and slip right out of the habit. How does that happen? For me it was like two completely different lives. God gave me the clear to search out and find a job and I told myself "Time to get back to life" How stupid is that? I EXOERIENCED LIFE for over a year then truthfully I stepped out of life. God is life, He is what gave me life, He is why I was living a dream then I turn and take my focus off of him. INSANITY! Nothing has changed with God. He is still my provider (He's just using ADT security as the vehicle.) As much as I would love to jump back into unemployment and on my bike to get alone with God again that is not what he's calling me to. He is trying to teach me how to live the day to day and still keep him as the ultimate center. He's teaching me to focus on him in and through all things. The past year showed me things that work for me. This blog is huge whether you enjoy it or not I've learned that writing it helps me to focus on what God has been showing me over the week. Spending time to read his word and veg on it is critical. I need to say "I will spend X amount of time daily" this will stop me from reading his word then instantly closing it without asking God "What are you saying" And I need "alone time" A few hours one day a week where I can be alone with God and just hang.
These are things I've learned that I must do. Not only must do but really want to do Cause I wants to be stay in relationship with my Daddy, Father God! Over the last couple weeks I have felt more stress over life then I did in my 13 months of umemployment. I had a day last week where I had to text my closest friends and say "PRAY FOR ME" Cause I was under some serious attack spiritually. I let my guard down and Satan said GET HIM! My goal is to not let that happen again and these are the things I need to do to keep that from happenig. But forget the attack I was just plain missing hanging with my God, Creator, and Friend.
That list of things I mentioned that I do. Those are things that I NEED TO DO. What about you? What do you do on a daily basis to stay close too and get to know God better? Don't have a list? Get one! The way our society is built we will lose focus if we don't have a plan. How's that old saying Go? "Those who fail to plan, plan to fail" So fill us in. Let us know! What do you do? What do you plan to do? Help us out. In telling us what you do you may help someone else find what they can do. Ok everyone hope you had a great day lets move into this week and live it "Upside Down"
Monday, May 24, 2010
What is your Treasure?
So, I go into church this morning sit down sing a little bit and then Jason (My Pastor) stands up and writes my blog post for me this week. How he knows what I’ve been processing before he stands up and speaks I’ll never know but this seems to happen quite a bit. However in an attempt to shorten the length of these posts I’m going to streamline. But I first had to thank Jason for giving me the verse I’m going to use.
Matthew 6:19-21
19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
So what is this saying?
1. Don’t store up your treasure on Earth.
2. Do store up your treasure in Heaven.
How do we do this?
1. Take what’s important to us and use it for what’s important to God.
2. When we do the above our Hearts will follow.
Are you storing your treasure in Heaven or on Earth?
Do you want to store your treasures in Heaven?
Do you want to learn what that means?
Do you want to learn how to do this?
Do you want to do this?
Did you answer yes to any of the last 4 questions? I mentioned a new small group I’m forming a couple weeks back. This is the driving force of what we will be working on. If this is of interest to you there is still time to join we haven’t begun yet. We haven’t even chosen a night yet. Monday, Wednesday or Thursday. Let me know if you are interested and which night works best for you. I promise you will not have experienced a group like it.
Come on Gang whether or not you can join the group you can still begin storing your treasure where it belongs. Lets do it and turn this world “Upside Down!”
Matthew 6:19-21
19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
So what is this saying?
1. Don’t store up your treasure on Earth.
2. Do store up your treasure in Heaven.
How do we do this?
1. Take what’s important to us and use it for what’s important to God.
2. When we do the above our Hearts will follow.
Are you storing your treasure in Heaven or on Earth?
Do you want to store your treasures in Heaven?
Do you want to learn what that means?
Do you want to learn how to do this?
Do you want to do this?
Did you answer yes to any of the last 4 questions? I mentioned a new small group I’m forming a couple weeks back. This is the driving force of what we will be working on. If this is of interest to you there is still time to join we haven’t begun yet. We haven’t even chosen a night yet. Monday, Wednesday or Thursday. Let me know if you are interested and which night works best for you. I promise you will not have experienced a group like it.
Come on Gang whether or not you can join the group you can still begin storing your treasure where it belongs. Lets do it and turn this world “Upside Down!”
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