I just want to take a moment to write and wish you all a Merry Christmas, and to say thank you for following and reading my blogs. This will be a short one. I heard something very interesting yesterday on KTIS, the local Christian radio station that I wanted to share. Do you know where 70% of all people hear the Christmas story for the first time? Linus VanPelt, from Merry Christmas Charlie Brown. You remember the part where Charlie Brown says can anyone tell me what Christmas is all about. That’s when Linus comes on stage and tells the Christmas story. Here is the 1 minute 50 second You Tube link if you want to watch it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKk9rv2hUfA.
Anyways, the Producers urged Charles Shultz not to put that scene in the Christmas Special, and Charles response was, if I don’t do it, than who will. The last thing that I didn’t notice even though I’ve seen this scene 100 times, is that it’s one of the very few times in any Charlie Brown episode ever, where Linus puts down his security blanket. I just though that these were some really interesting things to share. Merry Christmas.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Death
It’s funny how God works. The last blog that I wrote, I did in two parts meaning, I wrote half of it in the morning, than I had to leave, so I wrote the rest of it later on in the afternoon. Before I started writing it, I know what I wanted to say, and knew what I was going to write. If you haven’t read it, you should, but the gist was what happens when you die and haven’t accepted Christ. About 10 minutes after I saved the first half of that blog I got a text message informing me that one of my coworkers had passed away.
The woman that passed away was 60 years old; I am going to refrain from using her name for reasons that need not be known, or have any significance to this blog. She was very healthy, and had no problems to my knowledge. She actually died in her sleep. She kept to herself meaning that she didn’t share a lot about herself; she was not very open, which is understandable because if your work place is anything like mine, it is gossip central. You don’t tell anybody anything that you don’t want everybody else to know.
Anyways, this woman was not a favorite among her coworkers, regrettably, myself included, and I am going to leave it at that. I was working with her one day about 6 months ago, and I asked her if she went to church, she was very offended and said that is was none of my business, and that turned into a big argument between the two of us that ended up with me in the office with my supervisor and my manager and was told that I was never to speak about religion ever again at work. It was a very short conversation, I nodded my head and said ok, and that was the end of it. This of course didn’t stop me from talking about religion at work, I have done so many times since, and I will continue to do so every chance I get.
So why do I tell you this story, when it is most likely a huge breach in a policy at work that I singed called the “no blogging policy”, meaning feel free to take advantage of these wonderful tools called social media, but leave work out of it? That is why the story that I just told way the cliff note version. Anyways, I tell you this because I am fairly confident that this woman was not saved. I am not the judge, God is, and I pray that I am dead wrong, but if I’m not, than she didn’t go to Heaven and she will be spending the rest of eternity being tormented in Hell.
I did not have anything against her, but I will regrettably admit that I did gossip about her with others on more than one count. She was not a bad person, she was very nice actually, just a little different, but aren’t we all a little different. I am feeling absolutely terrible, for some of the things that I said about her, and some of the jokes that I played on her. I am confessing right now, to God, and to the world that I am absolutely done with gossip, and if anybody catches me doing it, I give you permission to stop me by any means necessary. I never even had a chance to apologize to her, and now I have to live with that for the rest of my days here on earth.
I did attend the funeral just this afternoon. It was a very nice service, and the family was so appreciative that people from work showed up. There 11 of us form work that went to the funeral, and there were at least 6 that I know of that went to the reviewal last night. I do feel a little bit better being able to see her one last time to apologize, I know that may seem kind of morbid, but it needed to be done.
What is my point? My point is that you just never know how long you have. I know that people don’t like to think about death, but death is not the end, it is the beginning. It is the beginning of eternity, and there are only two places to spend it, Heaven or Hell. You have to know before you go; you have to make that decision before it’s to late. I made a bold choice to try to talk to this woman about Christ, and it did not turn out well. But, at least I tried, and her eternity wherever she will spend it, cannot be placed on my shoulders. I don’t mean for that to sound selfish, but as angry as I was than, I am now so glad that I did it. I can’t really say anymore.
I know that I blog on this topic often, and I don’t mean to beat a dead horse over the head, but it is something that I am passionate about. This woman’s death is a perfect example of the fact that anyone can die anytime without warning, you have to be ready. So what is it going to be friend, Heaven of Hell?
The woman that passed away was 60 years old; I am going to refrain from using her name for reasons that need not be known, or have any significance to this blog. She was very healthy, and had no problems to my knowledge. She actually died in her sleep. She kept to herself meaning that she didn’t share a lot about herself; she was not very open, which is understandable because if your work place is anything like mine, it is gossip central. You don’t tell anybody anything that you don’t want everybody else to know.
Anyways, this woman was not a favorite among her coworkers, regrettably, myself included, and I am going to leave it at that. I was working with her one day about 6 months ago, and I asked her if she went to church, she was very offended and said that is was none of my business, and that turned into a big argument between the two of us that ended up with me in the office with my supervisor and my manager and was told that I was never to speak about religion ever again at work. It was a very short conversation, I nodded my head and said ok, and that was the end of it. This of course didn’t stop me from talking about religion at work, I have done so many times since, and I will continue to do so every chance I get.
So why do I tell you this story, when it is most likely a huge breach in a policy at work that I singed called the “no blogging policy”, meaning feel free to take advantage of these wonderful tools called social media, but leave work out of it? That is why the story that I just told way the cliff note version. Anyways, I tell you this because I am fairly confident that this woman was not saved. I am not the judge, God is, and I pray that I am dead wrong, but if I’m not, than she didn’t go to Heaven and she will be spending the rest of eternity being tormented in Hell.
I did not have anything against her, but I will regrettably admit that I did gossip about her with others on more than one count. She was not a bad person, she was very nice actually, just a little different, but aren’t we all a little different. I am feeling absolutely terrible, for some of the things that I said about her, and some of the jokes that I played on her. I am confessing right now, to God, and to the world that I am absolutely done with gossip, and if anybody catches me doing it, I give you permission to stop me by any means necessary. I never even had a chance to apologize to her, and now I have to live with that for the rest of my days here on earth.
I did attend the funeral just this afternoon. It was a very nice service, and the family was so appreciative that people from work showed up. There 11 of us form work that went to the funeral, and there were at least 6 that I know of that went to the reviewal last night. I do feel a little bit better being able to see her one last time to apologize, I know that may seem kind of morbid, but it needed to be done.
What is my point? My point is that you just never know how long you have. I know that people don’t like to think about death, but death is not the end, it is the beginning. It is the beginning of eternity, and there are only two places to spend it, Heaven or Hell. You have to know before you go; you have to make that decision before it’s to late. I made a bold choice to try to talk to this woman about Christ, and it did not turn out well. But, at least I tried, and her eternity wherever she will spend it, cannot be placed on my shoulders. I don’t mean for that to sound selfish, but as angry as I was than, I am now so glad that I did it. I can’t really say anymore.
I know that I blog on this topic often, and I don’t mean to beat a dead horse over the head, but it is something that I am passionate about. This woman’s death is a perfect example of the fact that anyone can die anytime without warning, you have to be ready. So what is it going to be friend, Heaven of Hell?
Monday, December 20, 2010
Accepting Christ
In my last blog I wrote that entrance to Heaven requires two things, first, you accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, and second, you need to love your neighbor, that’s it. I wanted to elaborate that that. There is a common misconception that the church uses scare tactics, or the “fire and brimstone,” effect to turn people to Christ. These things really aren’t scare tactics; they are verses of scripture taken right from the bible. I would agree that some people use these tactics in the wrong way, but most of these people only love you, as the bible commands, and want to bring you to Christ which the bible also commands, and they want to you know the consequences of not spending eternity in Heaven. Lots of people don’t like all of the so-called rules that you have to follow when you become a Christian. I want to break it down for you in a very easy non-threatening, non legalistic way.
Ok, so here’s the skinny. First of all, Christianity is not about an organized religion, it is about a relationship with Christ Jesus. To gain entrance to the kingdom, all you have to do is sincerely humble yourself before God in prayer, and ask Him to forgive your sins, and ask Jesus to come into you heart. That’s it, if you do this and you are sincere, your sins will be forgiven, and your slate with be wiped clean, and if you died in the next moment, you would go to Heaven, no questions. The only other thing that I would recommend is spending time reading your bible daily. This is so important to continuing a lasting relationship with our Maker.
Here’s the thing about sin and all of those rules. You didn’t start sinning overnight, and you aren’t going to stop overnight just because you become a Christian. Lets say for example that one of your sins is gossip. After you become a Christian you will most likely go right back to gossiping, only this time as you are doing it, the Spirit of God will be with you and convict you, and you will learn to stop. This works the same way with any sin, as you do it, the Spirit of God will convict you, and you will be prompted to stop. This will not like I said be an overnight process, but it will be the start a miraculous change and over time, and with the help of God, you will stop sinning.
I want to tell you a story about 3 people. Lets call them Sam, Scott, and Sally. Before becoming a Christian, Sam lived a pretty rough life. He was heavy into theft, and drugs, and alcohol, he even spent 5 years in prison. He accepted Christ while in prison, and once he was out, he began a glorious new life with Christ. Scott, was huge into pornography, he was always swearing, and he was very disrespectful, and had no tact when telling people what was on his mind, he was very obnoxious. Eventually, he found Christ, he turned his life around, and his life was forever changed. Sally was a great person. She was always willing to help a friend and go out of her way for others. She was very kind and considerate toward others, was very responsible and an all around good person but she never accepted Christ.
One day Sam, Scott and Sally not knowing or ever even meeting each other were in involved in a but accident and were killed. Sam was the first to walk up to the gates of Heaven where God and Jesus were standing. God had a book in His hand and began to read while shaking His head. Sam, you were an alcoholic, and a drug user. You were a thief, and a money launderer. You spend 5 years in prison…Jesus put His hand up and stopped His Father, wait Dad, and hold on a minute, I know this guy; he’s with me. God looked at His Son with loving eyes, and over Sam and smiled and said welcome home Sam.
Scott was the second to walk up to the gates of Heaven where God and Jesus were standing. God began to read from that same book while shaking His head. Scott, you were a porn addict, and you were always swearing, and disrespecting everyone that you met. Again, Jesus stopped His Father and said, Dad, he’s cool, I know this guy, he’s with me. Again God looked at His Son with loving eyes, and over at Scott and smiled and said welcome home Scott.
Now it was Sally’s turn to walk up to the gates of Heaven where God and Jesus were standing. She was confused as God began to read from that same book. It took her a second to realize that the stories that she had heard on earth about God on His Son were true. Sally, you lived a very good life, you were always kind to those in need, and you were always going out of your way to help your neighbor. Jesus, couldn’t bare to let His Father continue as He stopped His with tears in His eyes, Dad, I never know this young women. Jesus looked at her with a sad smile and said I’m sorry Sally. Two angles met Sally, one on both sides of her and led her away.
It’s really quite simple my friends, that’s all there is to it. If you take the fist step, Jesus will take the rest of the steps with you.
Ok, so here’s the skinny. First of all, Christianity is not about an organized religion, it is about a relationship with Christ Jesus. To gain entrance to the kingdom, all you have to do is sincerely humble yourself before God in prayer, and ask Him to forgive your sins, and ask Jesus to come into you heart. That’s it, if you do this and you are sincere, your sins will be forgiven, and your slate with be wiped clean, and if you died in the next moment, you would go to Heaven, no questions. The only other thing that I would recommend is spending time reading your bible daily. This is so important to continuing a lasting relationship with our Maker.
Here’s the thing about sin and all of those rules. You didn’t start sinning overnight, and you aren’t going to stop overnight just because you become a Christian. Lets say for example that one of your sins is gossip. After you become a Christian you will most likely go right back to gossiping, only this time as you are doing it, the Spirit of God will be with you and convict you, and you will learn to stop. This works the same way with any sin, as you do it, the Spirit of God will convict you, and you will be prompted to stop. This will not like I said be an overnight process, but it will be the start a miraculous change and over time, and with the help of God, you will stop sinning.
I want to tell you a story about 3 people. Lets call them Sam, Scott, and Sally. Before becoming a Christian, Sam lived a pretty rough life. He was heavy into theft, and drugs, and alcohol, he even spent 5 years in prison. He accepted Christ while in prison, and once he was out, he began a glorious new life with Christ. Scott, was huge into pornography, he was always swearing, and he was very disrespectful, and had no tact when telling people what was on his mind, he was very obnoxious. Eventually, he found Christ, he turned his life around, and his life was forever changed. Sally was a great person. She was always willing to help a friend and go out of her way for others. She was very kind and considerate toward others, was very responsible and an all around good person but she never accepted Christ.
One day Sam, Scott and Sally not knowing or ever even meeting each other were in involved in a but accident and were killed. Sam was the first to walk up to the gates of Heaven where God and Jesus were standing. God had a book in His hand and began to read while shaking His head. Sam, you were an alcoholic, and a drug user. You were a thief, and a money launderer. You spend 5 years in prison…Jesus put His hand up and stopped His Father, wait Dad, and hold on a minute, I know this guy; he’s with me. God looked at His Son with loving eyes, and over Sam and smiled and said welcome home Sam.
Scott was the second to walk up to the gates of Heaven where God and Jesus were standing. God began to read from that same book while shaking His head. Scott, you were a porn addict, and you were always swearing, and disrespecting everyone that you met. Again, Jesus stopped His Father and said, Dad, he’s cool, I know this guy, he’s with me. Again God looked at His Son with loving eyes, and over at Scott and smiled and said welcome home Scott.
Now it was Sally’s turn to walk up to the gates of Heaven where God and Jesus were standing. She was confused as God began to read from that same book. It took her a second to realize that the stories that she had heard on earth about God on His Son were true. Sally, you lived a very good life, you were always kind to those in need, and you were always going out of your way to help your neighbor. Jesus, couldn’t bare to let His Father continue as He stopped His with tears in His eyes, Dad, I never know this young women. Jesus looked at her with a sad smile and said I’m sorry Sally. Two angles met Sally, one on both sides of her and led her away.
It’s really quite simple my friends, that’s all there is to it. If you take the fist step, Jesus will take the rest of the steps with you.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Slowing down
It’s been a while since I have posted a blog. I have been keeping pretty busy, as I’m sure everyone is this time a year. On of my favorite quotes is, Life is to short to be in a hurry. Kind of an oxymoron isn’t it, but when you think about it, it’s so true. Sometimes, I think that we need to remember to just slow down and breathe and just enjoy life and the many things that it has to offer, in moderation of course, but that’s a whole other blog.
Three in a half years ago, I was pulled over 3 times in one month for not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign. All three times I got a warning. This was my introduction to slowing down and following the rules. I was very lucky, and I have come to a compete stop at every stop sign since with very few exceptions, mainly being if it is snowing, or icy, and if I do come to a complete stop, and there is a change that I will not get moving again.
About a year ago, I was pulled over 4 times in about 3 weeks time, twice in one night. The twice in one night was because I had a head light out. I got pulled over in one city, and than pulled over again 15 minutes later in another city for the same thing. Another time I was pulled over for speeding, however, I wasn’t speeding, the cop pulled me over when he should have pulled over the guy that was in front of me. The last time, somebody behind me called the cops on my claiming that I was swerving, so they pulled my over to make sure I hadn’t been drinking. Understand, that I don’t get off of work until 12:30am, so when I am driving home, it is the middle of the night, and there are no cars on the road, so the few craizies such as myself that are on the road get to be the ones to amuse the police during their down times.
This all happened less than 3 months from my born again date, and I realized that even though I was not in essence doing anything wrong or illegal to get pulled over, it made me realize that being a Christian is about setting an example in every area of your life. That month, I made a decision to follow the rules of the road without exception. I do not speed, and I do come to a complete stop at all stop signs, and when somebody wants to cut me off, or get in, I just let them. It really is amazing at how much more you can accomplish when you just slow down.
I have said in the past that becoming a Christian is like losing weight. When you want to lose weight, you can’t just go on a diet, you have to change the way you live, by exercising, eating better, getting plenty of sleep and reducing stress, and you have to keep it up pretty much forever if you want to keep the weight off. It is a change of lifestyle literally. Becoming a Christian is the same way. You have to change the way to live by live a Godly life and be an example in every area of your life, even when nobody is looking, or you become a hypocrite. Please understand before you decide to make comments that no one is perfect, all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. Romans 3:23. It is impossible to be a perfect example in ever area and every situation every time, but as a Christian, we sure do need to try. But, the best part about screwing up, is that we are saved by grace through faith which brings me to the main point of my blog.
I just finished studying the book of Micah. There were some good verses in Micah. I want to share two of them with you now. Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; when I fall, I will rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me. I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against Him, until He pleads my case and executes justice for me. He will bring me forth to the light; I will see His righteousness. Micah 7:8-9.
As I have been reading through and studying the Old Testament, I have noticed a very common theme. The Israelites screw up…a lot. Every time God is about to write them off, someone, usually a king or a profit prays for God to give them another chance, and God has compassion on His people, and He says to Israel, if you turn back to me, your sins will be forgiven. This is great news for everyone. Basically when we screw up, God will forgive us, if we confess our sins to Him, and repent, of course we have to be sincere about it.
Another common theme in the bible is love. I am going to quote another verse from Micah. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8. Entrance to Heaven requires two things, first, you accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, and second, you need to love your neighbor, that’s it. Of course you need to do that whole lifestyle change with it, which shouldn’t be a problem if you really want to follow Christ. Remember friend, no matter if you are a Christian and have fallen off the bandwagon, or if you have never accepted Christ before, no matter what you have done, or no matter how bad you have screwed up, it’s not t late for you. You can’t change the past, so don’t try, just learn from it. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. It is said that even Jeffrey Dohmer in the last moments of his life accepted Christ. If he did in fact sincerely accept Christ as his personal Lord and Savior, and repent of his sin, than he is in Heaven right now enjoying the fruits of eternal life. If Jeffery and make it, than so can you.
Three in a half years ago, I was pulled over 3 times in one month for not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign. All three times I got a warning. This was my introduction to slowing down and following the rules. I was very lucky, and I have come to a compete stop at every stop sign since with very few exceptions, mainly being if it is snowing, or icy, and if I do come to a complete stop, and there is a change that I will not get moving again.
About a year ago, I was pulled over 4 times in about 3 weeks time, twice in one night. The twice in one night was because I had a head light out. I got pulled over in one city, and than pulled over again 15 minutes later in another city for the same thing. Another time I was pulled over for speeding, however, I wasn’t speeding, the cop pulled me over when he should have pulled over the guy that was in front of me. The last time, somebody behind me called the cops on my claiming that I was swerving, so they pulled my over to make sure I hadn’t been drinking. Understand, that I don’t get off of work until 12:30am, so when I am driving home, it is the middle of the night, and there are no cars on the road, so the few craizies such as myself that are on the road get to be the ones to amuse the police during their down times.
This all happened less than 3 months from my born again date, and I realized that even though I was not in essence doing anything wrong or illegal to get pulled over, it made me realize that being a Christian is about setting an example in every area of your life. That month, I made a decision to follow the rules of the road without exception. I do not speed, and I do come to a complete stop at all stop signs, and when somebody wants to cut me off, or get in, I just let them. It really is amazing at how much more you can accomplish when you just slow down.
I have said in the past that becoming a Christian is like losing weight. When you want to lose weight, you can’t just go on a diet, you have to change the way you live, by exercising, eating better, getting plenty of sleep and reducing stress, and you have to keep it up pretty much forever if you want to keep the weight off. It is a change of lifestyle literally. Becoming a Christian is the same way. You have to change the way to live by live a Godly life and be an example in every area of your life, even when nobody is looking, or you become a hypocrite. Please understand before you decide to make comments that no one is perfect, all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. Romans 3:23. It is impossible to be a perfect example in ever area and every situation every time, but as a Christian, we sure do need to try. But, the best part about screwing up, is that we are saved by grace through faith which brings me to the main point of my blog.
I just finished studying the book of Micah. There were some good verses in Micah. I want to share two of them with you now. Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; when I fall, I will rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me. I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against Him, until He pleads my case and executes justice for me. He will bring me forth to the light; I will see His righteousness. Micah 7:8-9.
As I have been reading through and studying the Old Testament, I have noticed a very common theme. The Israelites screw up…a lot. Every time God is about to write them off, someone, usually a king or a profit prays for God to give them another chance, and God has compassion on His people, and He says to Israel, if you turn back to me, your sins will be forgiven. This is great news for everyone. Basically when we screw up, God will forgive us, if we confess our sins to Him, and repent, of course we have to be sincere about it.
Another common theme in the bible is love. I am going to quote another verse from Micah. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8. Entrance to Heaven requires two things, first, you accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, and second, you need to love your neighbor, that’s it. Of course you need to do that whole lifestyle change with it, which shouldn’t be a problem if you really want to follow Christ. Remember friend, no matter if you are a Christian and have fallen off the bandwagon, or if you have never accepted Christ before, no matter what you have done, or no matter how bad you have screwed up, it’s not t late for you. You can’t change the past, so don’t try, just learn from it. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. It is said that even Jeffrey Dohmer in the last moments of his life accepted Christ. If he did in fact sincerely accept Christ as his personal Lord and Savior, and repent of his sin, than he is in Heaven right now enjoying the fruits of eternal life. If Jeffery and make it, than so can you.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Taking it for Granted
Last night we watched the movie, Letters to God. If you haven’t seen it, it is a movie that you should add to the top of your netflix queue, because is was amazing and is an absolute much see. This is something that I have been thinking about a lot lately. Back on March 8th 2010, I wrote a blog titled Christianity and Star Wars. I would suggest going back and reading it before continuing with this blog. I feel sometimes that my obviousness to the world is keeping me from the potential that God has for me. Letters to God was just another reminder of that. Here’s what I mean.
I woke up this morning in my nice warm house, in my king size bed and serta mattress, I was hungry so I got up and had breakfast. I had some left over pizza from last night, and my kids had some cold cereal. After breakfast we all got dressed, and brushed out teeth. Than, I partook in my most favorite morning routine. I made my 30 ounce turtle mocha and sipped it for almost an hour. I listened to a podcast on my iPhone, and surfed the internet for a wile, as my kids watched TV. I put the kids in the car and drove them to the MN Zoo. If it was a Tuesday or a Thursday, I would have brought Faith to preschool. For lunch we decided to treat ourselves to McDonalds. Of course the kids got a happy meal toy, and before we left I made sure to get a free refill of my diet coke. Than we came home for some quiet time. Faith colored while Japheth watched Mickey Mouse. We sat in our nice comfy house all afternoon. Tuesday through Saturday at 3:00 I would leave for work, but today I am off. For dinner I made some homemade pasta from scratch using only the freshest ingredients, and made some homemade bread sticks to go with it. Of course we have Halloween candy for dessert. After dinner, I fill the sink up with hot soapy water to do the dishes, and the food that the kids didn’t eat, I throw into the garbage. While I am doing this Jane is upstairs giving the kids a bath. She uses soap and shampoo, and for Faith also conditioner. Than the kids get to play and splash around for a while in the tub playing with some of their bath toys. After bath its time the kids get their pajamas on, they brush their teeth, and floss, than they get stories and hugs and kisses, and we put them into their warm beds with nice clean sheets. We turn on some music for them, Japheth listens to KTIS the local Christian radio station, while Faith listens to a play list on her iPod, that is docked to her iPod stereo. Than me and Jane put on our pajamas, brush and floss our teeth, and crawl into our beds. Tomorrow, we will wake up and have a very similar day.
Let see how this story would be different for little Juan and his family who live in, oh, I don’t know, let’s say, Ecuador.
As the sun rays peeked into the little mud hut from a hole in the roof, Juan who is 7 woke up from his dirt floor bed. He didn’t pay any attention to the fact that he was hungry, because he is always hungry, so he doesn’t know any better. He was warring an old ripped up pair of pants and a very dirty t-shirt, the same one that he had been warring for days. Him and his mother need to collect some water, so they walk barefoot 1.5 miles to the river and fill up buckets, and they carry them back on sticks hoisted over their shoulders. This takes up most of the morning. Not knowing anything about lunch, he would partake in daily chores around the villages, spending his afternoon, collecting wood, and maybe trying to sell a chicken. His parents could only dream about what it would be like to have a job and have any income at all. It started to rain, to his family of 8 went into the 15x15 mud hut, to seek shelter, but with all the holes in the roof, they still got wet, and the rain was cold. After the rain was done, Juan got to play with some of his friends; they got to jump in mud puddles. They ran around laughing and playing, this would be the highlight of his day. About once a week he would get to go to the river for a bath, and also about once a week his mother would wash his cloths in that same river. Tonight was a very special night, because he was going to get to have a meal, which was a rare occasion. He was served about 1 cup of rice. It was like heaven. He could almost see it going into his belly where his ribs were sticking out of his chest. Once it was dark, there wan not a lot to do since there was no electricity, there were no lights. So the family would sit around sharing stories and singing songs. Than, he could go back to his corner, back to his dirt floor bed, where there was a small puddle from the rain, and he would go to sleep. He didn’t have to do things like brush his teeth, as a matter of fact he had never brushed his teeth, he only had a few, most of them had fallen out due to his lack of personal hygiene. Juan had malaria, and had been very sick for a while, of course there are no doctors, or medicine; go he goes to sleep not even knowing if he will wake up in the morning.
Let’s try not to forget just how fortunate we are, and try to take some time to remember and maybe even pray for people around the world that don’t have basic things that we take for granted. God has blessed you and he has blessed me more than we realize, so let’s remember to give God the credit that he deserves.
I woke up this morning in my nice warm house, in my king size bed and serta mattress, I was hungry so I got up and had breakfast. I had some left over pizza from last night, and my kids had some cold cereal. After breakfast we all got dressed, and brushed out teeth. Than, I partook in my most favorite morning routine. I made my 30 ounce turtle mocha and sipped it for almost an hour. I listened to a podcast on my iPhone, and surfed the internet for a wile, as my kids watched TV. I put the kids in the car and drove them to the MN Zoo. If it was a Tuesday or a Thursday, I would have brought Faith to preschool. For lunch we decided to treat ourselves to McDonalds. Of course the kids got a happy meal toy, and before we left I made sure to get a free refill of my diet coke. Than we came home for some quiet time. Faith colored while Japheth watched Mickey Mouse. We sat in our nice comfy house all afternoon. Tuesday through Saturday at 3:00 I would leave for work, but today I am off. For dinner I made some homemade pasta from scratch using only the freshest ingredients, and made some homemade bread sticks to go with it. Of course we have Halloween candy for dessert. After dinner, I fill the sink up with hot soapy water to do the dishes, and the food that the kids didn’t eat, I throw into the garbage. While I am doing this Jane is upstairs giving the kids a bath. She uses soap and shampoo, and for Faith also conditioner. Than the kids get to play and splash around for a while in the tub playing with some of their bath toys. After bath its time the kids get their pajamas on, they brush their teeth, and floss, than they get stories and hugs and kisses, and we put them into their warm beds with nice clean sheets. We turn on some music for them, Japheth listens to KTIS the local Christian radio station, while Faith listens to a play list on her iPod, that is docked to her iPod stereo. Than me and Jane put on our pajamas, brush and floss our teeth, and crawl into our beds. Tomorrow, we will wake up and have a very similar day.
Let see how this story would be different for little Juan and his family who live in, oh, I don’t know, let’s say, Ecuador.
As the sun rays peeked into the little mud hut from a hole in the roof, Juan who is 7 woke up from his dirt floor bed. He didn’t pay any attention to the fact that he was hungry, because he is always hungry, so he doesn’t know any better. He was warring an old ripped up pair of pants and a very dirty t-shirt, the same one that he had been warring for days. Him and his mother need to collect some water, so they walk barefoot 1.5 miles to the river and fill up buckets, and they carry them back on sticks hoisted over their shoulders. This takes up most of the morning. Not knowing anything about lunch, he would partake in daily chores around the villages, spending his afternoon, collecting wood, and maybe trying to sell a chicken. His parents could only dream about what it would be like to have a job and have any income at all. It started to rain, to his family of 8 went into the 15x15 mud hut, to seek shelter, but with all the holes in the roof, they still got wet, and the rain was cold. After the rain was done, Juan got to play with some of his friends; they got to jump in mud puddles. They ran around laughing and playing, this would be the highlight of his day. About once a week he would get to go to the river for a bath, and also about once a week his mother would wash his cloths in that same river. Tonight was a very special night, because he was going to get to have a meal, which was a rare occasion. He was served about 1 cup of rice. It was like heaven. He could almost see it going into his belly where his ribs were sticking out of his chest. Once it was dark, there wan not a lot to do since there was no electricity, there were no lights. So the family would sit around sharing stories and singing songs. Than, he could go back to his corner, back to his dirt floor bed, where there was a small puddle from the rain, and he would go to sleep. He didn’t have to do things like brush his teeth, as a matter of fact he had never brushed his teeth, he only had a few, most of them had fallen out due to his lack of personal hygiene. Juan had malaria, and had been very sick for a while, of course there are no doctors, or medicine; go he goes to sleep not even knowing if he will wake up in the morning.
Let’s try not to forget just how fortunate we are, and try to take some time to remember and maybe even pray for people around the world that don’t have basic things that we take for granted. God has blessed you and he has blessed me more than we realize, so let’s remember to give God the credit that he deserves.
Monday, October 18, 2010
What Christianity is all about
This paragraph is directly quoted from Chip Ingram from the living on the Edge daily podcast. I thought that is was good, and I wanted to share it.
The story of the Bible put very simply is that this high Holy God created the world. There was a coo, and mankind rebelled against God that produced a chasm between God and man; the bible calls it sin, or missing the mark. God out of his great love before the foundations of the earth, new we would rebel, and the trinity had a conversation, and the Son said, I will go, and I will die in the place for all the people out of our love even though they don’t deserve it. The only way they will have relationship with a pure and Holy God, is by a perfect sacrifice. I will go and I will live upon the earth, I will live a perfect life, I will raise the dead, I will fulfill 700 prophecies so it’s objective, and they will know that I am in fact God. And then I will give up m life, and I will die upon the cross, so Father you can pour out your just wrath on me. Everything they deserve, I will take, and I will be there sin payment. And then so they know it’s true I will rise from the dead, but it won’t be in secret, I will walk upon the earth, for 40 days for over 500 witnesses in space time history, and I will commission them, and I will power them, and then those who come to believe, the instant they believe, the Spirit of God will come into their heart and into their life. They will be adopted into God’s family, they will be placed in the body of Christ, they will be sealed with the Spirit of God, they will be granted Spiritual gifts, and that Spirit dwelling in them will manifest the very presence, and power of Jesus. He will lead and guide them into all truth, to that that Spirit living in them, will illuminate their mind into what is true in his word, and they can pray and that Spirit will bare witness with their Spirit that they’re actually children of God with assurance and love and will give them direction and power, to live out a super natural life. That’s what Christianity is all about.
The story of the Bible put very simply is that this high Holy God created the world. There was a coo, and mankind rebelled against God that produced a chasm between God and man; the bible calls it sin, or missing the mark. God out of his great love before the foundations of the earth, new we would rebel, and the trinity had a conversation, and the Son said, I will go, and I will die in the place for all the people out of our love even though they don’t deserve it. The only way they will have relationship with a pure and Holy God, is by a perfect sacrifice. I will go and I will live upon the earth, I will live a perfect life, I will raise the dead, I will fulfill 700 prophecies so it’s objective, and they will know that I am in fact God. And then I will give up m life, and I will die upon the cross, so Father you can pour out your just wrath on me. Everything they deserve, I will take, and I will be there sin payment. And then so they know it’s true I will rise from the dead, but it won’t be in secret, I will walk upon the earth, for 40 days for over 500 witnesses in space time history, and I will commission them, and I will power them, and then those who come to believe, the instant they believe, the Spirit of God will come into their heart and into their life. They will be adopted into God’s family, they will be placed in the body of Christ, they will be sealed with the Spirit of God, they will be granted Spiritual gifts, and that Spirit dwelling in them will manifest the very presence, and power of Jesus. He will lead and guide them into all truth, to that that Spirit living in them, will illuminate their mind into what is true in his word, and they can pray and that Spirit will bare witness with their Spirit that they’re actually children of God with assurance and love and will give them direction and power, to live out a super natural life. That’s what Christianity is all about.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Extreme Christian
I would rather live my life as a Christian and die to find out that there is no God, than to live my life not as a Christian, to die to find out that there is.
A year ago, I decided to create an email alias, ExtremeChristian@me.com. I wanted to use an email address that told people who I was. I want to talk a little bit about what I believe to be an Extreme Christian.
Being a Christian is not an uncommon thing. There are many people in the world today that call themselves Christians, myself included, however, I am also a disciple. Why, because a disciple will make him/herself known. They don’t keep their faith to themselves. They are bold when it comes to talking about Christ, and speaking the bible. They don’t care what other people think of them. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in Heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the profits who were before you. Matthew 5:11-12
In this verse 11, Jesus is saying that is it ok for us to speak the truth. And guess what, when you do, people will be offended. Now please understand, when we speak the truth, we need to do it gently and appropriately. There is a right way and a wrong way to do it. And if we do it the wrong way, we need to be humble enough, to admit that we screwed up, we need to take ownership, we need to repent, and be forgiven. When I screw up, I have no problem admitting my fault and asking for forgiveness, that is what helps me to grow. But you know how the old saying goes; you can’t please all of the people all of the time. The bible is a dangerous topic, but we need to be bold enough to speak the truth, and even when done appropriately, we will still offend people. Now we are at verse 12, if we do these things than great is our reward in Heaven. And right after that, he compares us to profits. I am not talking about the false profits of the law; I am talking about Daniel, Ezekiel, Hosea, Jeremiah, etc.
Friends, being a Christian is the hardest thing that you will ever have to do. You have to literally change the way you live, and it is not by any means easy. You have to constantly watch what you do and say, in the open and behind closed doors. We tent to forget that even though people can’t see what we are doing in the dark, God can still see. Have you even gone through a day where you did not lie at all? You would be amazed to find out just how many times each day we tell just a tiny little fib just to get out of some trouble or to look just a little bit better. But who cares about looking good, it’s not about us, it is about Christ and what He did for us on the cross. We cannot just talk the talk, we have to walk the walk, and if we don’t we will be found out, this is the type of person the Jesus calls a hypocrite. You cannot just clean the outside of the cup when the inside is filthy dirty. Matthew 23:25-26. If you call Jesus Lord, you will be persecuted for it, and if you aren’t being persecuted, than you are doing something wrong. Someday, you may have to die for your relationship with Christ, are you willing to do that?
These are not things that you just start doing over night, it takes time to change your life, believe me. Over the last year I have been becoming bolder every day. Today, I can rarely publish a blog, or post a facebook status without being persecuted by someone being smart, trying to get a reaction, or just wanting to put in their two cents. But, I am just being persecuted by strangers, I am being persecuted by my own family and friends. I have lost a few facebook friends over the last few months. What I mean is than of some my previous Facebook friends have blocked me because they were offended by my beliefs; one of them was a close relative. You know what; that tells me that I am making people think, and they are scared and don’t want to know the truth. What you don’t know can’t hurt you, right? Do you think that I came to bring peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two, and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law. Luke 12:51-53
Yes, Jesus says that if we want to follow Him, we will be separated from people that we love. Am I offended that I have lost some facebook friends; absolutely not. My time here on earth is a mist. James 4:14. If I am lucky I will be given 85 years over the course of eternity. That’s not a lot of time. I am hear to life for Christ, and if I am rejected by people, friends or family, than so be it, because great is my reward in Heaven, and that will be an eternal reward. I am ready to face whatever challenges I have to, if that means that I have to die a martyrs death, than I pray that God will forgive the one that kills me.
Friends, this is what I believe that it means to be as Extreme Christian, someone who appropriately and gently speaks the truth, regardless of what other people think, and guess what, some day it may even cost me my life. If you are offended by my relationship with God, that’s fine, I am called to follow Christ at any expense. For to this, you have been called because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in His steps. 1 Peter 2:21. So be prepared for an extreme Christian to be a part of your life. And for full and fair disclosure, I do not speak the word or truth to people in person, who do not want to hear about it, and I am well aware of who you are, but Facebook on the other hand is a whole different story. God Bless you all my friends, I love you all in Christ.
A year ago, I decided to create an email alias, ExtremeChristian@me.com. I wanted to use an email address that told people who I was. I want to talk a little bit about what I believe to be an Extreme Christian.
Being a Christian is not an uncommon thing. There are many people in the world today that call themselves Christians, myself included, however, I am also a disciple. Why, because a disciple will make him/herself known. They don’t keep their faith to themselves. They are bold when it comes to talking about Christ, and speaking the bible. They don’t care what other people think of them. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in Heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the profits who were before you. Matthew 5:11-12
In this verse 11, Jesus is saying that is it ok for us to speak the truth. And guess what, when you do, people will be offended. Now please understand, when we speak the truth, we need to do it gently and appropriately. There is a right way and a wrong way to do it. And if we do it the wrong way, we need to be humble enough, to admit that we screwed up, we need to take ownership, we need to repent, and be forgiven. When I screw up, I have no problem admitting my fault and asking for forgiveness, that is what helps me to grow. But you know how the old saying goes; you can’t please all of the people all of the time. The bible is a dangerous topic, but we need to be bold enough to speak the truth, and even when done appropriately, we will still offend people. Now we are at verse 12, if we do these things than great is our reward in Heaven. And right after that, he compares us to profits. I am not talking about the false profits of the law; I am talking about Daniel, Ezekiel, Hosea, Jeremiah, etc.
Friends, being a Christian is the hardest thing that you will ever have to do. You have to literally change the way you live, and it is not by any means easy. You have to constantly watch what you do and say, in the open and behind closed doors. We tent to forget that even though people can’t see what we are doing in the dark, God can still see. Have you even gone through a day where you did not lie at all? You would be amazed to find out just how many times each day we tell just a tiny little fib just to get out of some trouble or to look just a little bit better. But who cares about looking good, it’s not about us, it is about Christ and what He did for us on the cross. We cannot just talk the talk, we have to walk the walk, and if we don’t we will be found out, this is the type of person the Jesus calls a hypocrite. You cannot just clean the outside of the cup when the inside is filthy dirty. Matthew 23:25-26. If you call Jesus Lord, you will be persecuted for it, and if you aren’t being persecuted, than you are doing something wrong. Someday, you may have to die for your relationship with Christ, are you willing to do that?
These are not things that you just start doing over night, it takes time to change your life, believe me. Over the last year I have been becoming bolder every day. Today, I can rarely publish a blog, or post a facebook status without being persecuted by someone being smart, trying to get a reaction, or just wanting to put in their two cents. But, I am just being persecuted by strangers, I am being persecuted by my own family and friends. I have lost a few facebook friends over the last few months. What I mean is than of some my previous Facebook friends have blocked me because they were offended by my beliefs; one of them was a close relative. You know what; that tells me that I am making people think, and they are scared and don’t want to know the truth. What you don’t know can’t hurt you, right? Do you think that I came to bring peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two, and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law. Luke 12:51-53
Yes, Jesus says that if we want to follow Him, we will be separated from people that we love. Am I offended that I have lost some facebook friends; absolutely not. My time here on earth is a mist. James 4:14. If I am lucky I will be given 85 years over the course of eternity. That’s not a lot of time. I am hear to life for Christ, and if I am rejected by people, friends or family, than so be it, because great is my reward in Heaven, and that will be an eternal reward. I am ready to face whatever challenges I have to, if that means that I have to die a martyrs death, than I pray that God will forgive the one that kills me.
Friends, this is what I believe that it means to be as Extreme Christian, someone who appropriately and gently speaks the truth, regardless of what other people think, and guess what, some day it may even cost me my life. If you are offended by my relationship with God, that’s fine, I am called to follow Christ at any expense. For to this, you have been called because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in His steps. 1 Peter 2:21. So be prepared for an extreme Christian to be a part of your life. And for full and fair disclosure, I do not speak the word or truth to people in person, who do not want to hear about it, and I am well aware of who you are, but Facebook on the other hand is a whole different story. God Bless you all my friends, I love you all in Christ.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Born again...one year later
It as been one year to the day since my born again date. I grew up thinking that I was a Christian my whole life, and then 5 years ago when I we joined Celebration Church, I realized that just because I was going to church, didn’t make me a Christian. For the next 4 years I was living a lukewarm Christian life, going through the motions if you will. But than one year ago today I attended a men’s even at church and I realized that by living the lukewarm Christian life that I was, I was destined for a one way ticket to Hell.
If I was to die today, I can absolutely say without a doubt that I would be making a trip to a planet far out into the universe called Heaven. I am living everyday for the day that I am greeted by God in Heaven and he says to me well done my good and faithful servant.
I don’t recall myself changing much from day to day, but as I look at were I am today versus where I was a year ago, I realized that I have come a long way. The biggest sacrifice that I have made was giving up TV and video games. TV is filled with nothing but garbage, and video games were an idle. Looking back at it, I don’t miss TV at all, and I only miss video games a little bit. Understand, these are things that I had to give up in my own life to become the Christian that I want to be, I am not at all saying that everyone needs to do this to get to Heaven.
I have leaned to stop reading the Bible, and start studying the Bible. Over the last year I have purchased 3 study bibles (including the Dake Anointed Reference Bible (KJV)), Strong’s Concordance, Vine’s Expository Dictionary, as well as 2 versions of the bible in audio form. I have also ready quite a few books on Christian living, and I am now reading God’s Plan For Man.
My biggest accomplishment and the thing that I am most proud of over the past year is a goal that I made for myself shortly after my born again date that I thought would take a few years to get to, but I was wrong. In less than a year, I have successfully been able to give 10% (2 hours and 20 minutes a day) of each day to God, through bible study and prayer.
I am still learning, and I always will be. Before I conclude I want to take a moment to give some thanks where is it owed. First and foremost, I was to thank God, for putting my life on a path that got me to where I am today. God is always good. I also want to thank Celebration Church for providing the training that I needed, as well as Pure Life Ministries for putting on the men’s event at church that saved my life. And lastly I cannot leave out Jane, my amazing wife, who has been nothing but supportive in my last year. She has bared all my burdens, as well as been affected directly from all of the decisions that I have made as the spiritual head of the household. She has told me that there were a few things in the beginning that she was unsure of, but now tells me that she couldn’t be happier with the outcome. As a result of this past year, I have seen Jane grow in her faith more in the last year than since we met, and we have seen our kids, praising and worshiping God, on countless occasions outside of church.
I am still not where I want to be, but I have come a long way from where I was. I want to be an example for people, and model a perfect life for others to see. I am not talking about a perfect life where there are never any problems, and there is no debt or pain, hurts or struggles, those things are inevitable. But I am talking about a perfect life in Christ, where when the pain hurts and struggles do arise, they are not a big deal because the Lord will always provide. I want to be a person that people can come to because they can trust me, and I can be there for them as a brother in Christ.
Friends, I love you all as my brothers and sisters in Christ. Unconditional love is not something that in mastered in a year, or even over a lifetime. But this is something that I will continue to practice to the best of my ability as long as I live. In closing, I am looking forward to another year, as well as encouraging everyone that I can though love, and living a good Christian life, and if I have to, I may even choose to use words. I want to take one more moment to send out one more thank you, and that is to you. If you are reading this blog entry, it is only because you are choosing to follow my blogs, and I want to thank you personally for taking the time to follow my journey, and friend, I pray that I have been able to encourage you and been able to have a positive effect in your life.
If I was to die today, I can absolutely say without a doubt that I would be making a trip to a planet far out into the universe called Heaven. I am living everyday for the day that I am greeted by God in Heaven and he says to me well done my good and faithful servant.
I don’t recall myself changing much from day to day, but as I look at were I am today versus where I was a year ago, I realized that I have come a long way. The biggest sacrifice that I have made was giving up TV and video games. TV is filled with nothing but garbage, and video games were an idle. Looking back at it, I don’t miss TV at all, and I only miss video games a little bit. Understand, these are things that I had to give up in my own life to become the Christian that I want to be, I am not at all saying that everyone needs to do this to get to Heaven.
I have leaned to stop reading the Bible, and start studying the Bible. Over the last year I have purchased 3 study bibles (including the Dake Anointed Reference Bible (KJV)), Strong’s Concordance, Vine’s Expository Dictionary, as well as 2 versions of the bible in audio form. I have also ready quite a few books on Christian living, and I am now reading God’s Plan For Man.
My biggest accomplishment and the thing that I am most proud of over the past year is a goal that I made for myself shortly after my born again date that I thought would take a few years to get to, but I was wrong. In less than a year, I have successfully been able to give 10% (2 hours and 20 minutes a day) of each day to God, through bible study and prayer.
I am still learning, and I always will be. Before I conclude I want to take a moment to give some thanks where is it owed. First and foremost, I was to thank God, for putting my life on a path that got me to where I am today. God is always good. I also want to thank Celebration Church for providing the training that I needed, as well as Pure Life Ministries for putting on the men’s event at church that saved my life. And lastly I cannot leave out Jane, my amazing wife, who has been nothing but supportive in my last year. She has bared all my burdens, as well as been affected directly from all of the decisions that I have made as the spiritual head of the household. She has told me that there were a few things in the beginning that she was unsure of, but now tells me that she couldn’t be happier with the outcome. As a result of this past year, I have seen Jane grow in her faith more in the last year than since we met, and we have seen our kids, praising and worshiping God, on countless occasions outside of church.
I am still not where I want to be, but I have come a long way from where I was. I want to be an example for people, and model a perfect life for others to see. I am not talking about a perfect life where there are never any problems, and there is no debt or pain, hurts or struggles, those things are inevitable. But I am talking about a perfect life in Christ, where when the pain hurts and struggles do arise, they are not a big deal because the Lord will always provide. I want to be a person that people can come to because they can trust me, and I can be there for them as a brother in Christ.
Friends, I love you all as my brothers and sisters in Christ. Unconditional love is not something that in mastered in a year, or even over a lifetime. But this is something that I will continue to practice to the best of my ability as long as I live. In closing, I am looking forward to another year, as well as encouraging everyone that I can though love, and living a good Christian life, and if I have to, I may even choose to use words. I want to take one more moment to send out one more thank you, and that is to you. If you are reading this blog entry, it is only because you are choosing to follow my blogs, and I want to thank you personally for taking the time to follow my journey, and friend, I pray that I have been able to encourage you and been able to have a positive effect in your life.
Monday, September 13, 2010
It's the End of the World as we know it
So I have been doing some thinking lately about 2012. For full and fair disclosure, I have not seen the movie 2012, but I know that because of it, people seem to think that the world is gonna end in 2012. Now, after putting some thought into it, this is a really interesting question. My initial reaction was that world can’t end in 2012. Why, well let me quote a verse from the bible. Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day our Lord is coming. But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. For this reason you also much be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think he will. Matthew 24:42-44.
This seems like a logical answer doesn’t it? Here was my second thought. Who is the bible inspired for? It is inspired for Christians as a handbook of how to live. It is inspired for the believers, not the unbelievers. Christ’s coming is for the believers, not the unbelievers. Here’s a thought, if all of the Christians (the ones who the bible was inspired for) are positive that the world will not end in 2012, than 2012 is when we least expect it. Curious, isn’t it.
I have one final thought, if the world is going to come to an end in 2012, that I would suggest putting all of your money on the Vikings winning Super Bowl XLVI on February 5th 2012 in Indianapolis, because, you know that is the only thing that is keeping God from His rapture. God is a Vikings fan after all, and all He is waiting for is for the Vikings to win the Super Blow, and after that, what else is there?
But to end on a serious, is the world really gonna end in 2012? I don’t know, and frankly, I don’t care, what is important is that I am ready, are you?
This seems like a logical answer doesn’t it? Here was my second thought. Who is the bible inspired for? It is inspired for Christians as a handbook of how to live. It is inspired for the believers, not the unbelievers. Christ’s coming is for the believers, not the unbelievers. Here’s a thought, if all of the Christians (the ones who the bible was inspired for) are positive that the world will not end in 2012, than 2012 is when we least expect it. Curious, isn’t it.
I have one final thought, if the world is going to come to an end in 2012, that I would suggest putting all of your money on the Vikings winning Super Bowl XLVI on February 5th 2012 in Indianapolis, because, you know that is the only thing that is keeping God from His rapture. God is a Vikings fan after all, and all He is waiting for is for the Vikings to win the Super Blow, and after that, what else is there?
But to end on a serious, is the world really gonna end in 2012? I don’t know, and frankly, I don’t care, what is important is that I am ready, are you?
Monday, September 6, 2010
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Friday, September 3, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Life before Adam Part 1
1 In the Beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the earth. Genesis 1:1-2.
What would you say if I told you that after Genesis 1:1; In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth, there was an unknown period of time before Genesis 1:2; And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the earth? What would you say if I also told you that during that same unknown period of time, Lucifer, (Satan) ruled a kingdom here on earth, that was eventually destroyed by God, and than flooded for an unknown period of time? Do I have your attention yet? It is simply amazing at what you can learn when you begin to study the bible.
All of the information in this blog series came from the book “God’s Plan for Man” by Finis Dake. After attempting to paraphrase and type out all of the information from this blog series I decided that it would be easier to just copy the entire chapter and attach the pages as photos. I used an app on my iPhone 4 called jot not pro. This app takes pictures of documents for later reviewal. I took pictures of most of chapter 7 of “God’s Plan for Man” and that is what you will be reading. I do apologize for any difficulty in reading this series for lack of photo quality. As I said, I found this chapter completely amazing and I could not pass up an opportunity to share this information with you. This is going to be an 8 part series called Life before Adam. I will publish each part over the next 8 days. If you are interested in the Book, God’s Plan for Man, you can find it online by clicking this link. I hope that you find this as fascinating as I did, and I hope that when this series is over, you will have a better understanding of the history of our earth.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
The Book of Eli-Non Spolier Blog
This blog is going to be a movie review for the movie Book of Eli, rest assured, there will be no spoilers in this blog, however I will write a separate blog that will include the spoilers for people who have seen the movie. The move takes place 30 years after the apocalypse. The main character stars Denzel Washington and his mission it to head west with a book.
I liked the movie, and the twist at the end made is that much more bind blowing. For me, it’s not so much the plot of the movie that I have been thinking about, but more about the people starring in, and the ones who made the movie. This is not meant to be a “Christian Movie,” although it has a religiously biblical plot. What do I mean? The writers in this movie and characters in the movie are most likely not Christians. I could be wrong, and I am not judging, but based on what the bible says about being a Christian, it is a fair statement.
I am going to sidetrack for a moment. The bible has been the number one best selling book in all history with about 100 million copies being sold each year, with an estimated 3-5 billion printed since it’s beginning. Some people believe in the bible and live there life by it, and others like to take the information and sell it to make money. Believe it of not, Christianity is a multi billion-dollar industry, and there are a lot of people who are in it for the money.
The book of Eli was a great movie as far as the plot is concerned, but like I said, it is not a Christian movie. There is a lot of violence, and a fair amount of profanity, but no blood so someone like my mom could watch it and not have to worry about any blood and gore. I think that Hollywood wanted to use a biblical topic to make a great movie and a lot of money, but to get people to see it, there would have to be a lot of violence and profanity to get people to watch it, which is not a Christian thing to do, not that I am holding that against them. Unfortunately, is it weren’t for that exact reason; people would most likely not have went to see this movie because that’s what people want to see these days.
The Book of Eli-Spolier Blog
If you have not yet seen the movie the Book of Eli, than DO NOT read this blog, this IS a spoiler blog entry. If you have seen the movie than I am interested to hear your thoughts.
Of course if you have seen the movie than you that at the end of the movie, we find out that Eli was blind and had been the whole movie, and the bible that be was carrying around was in fact written in Brail. This leads to the conversation.
If he was blind the whole movie, than how did he know so much, where to go, and where and what things were. Well, ok, obviously, he had a lot of faith, and was filled with the Holy Spirit, and was literally guided by the Spirit in every aspect of his life. With God, all things are possible Matthew 19:26. Even though this is only a movie, and movies tend to have not realistic plots, I personally believe that with enough faith Eli’s journey would be absolutely possible. Unfortunately, someone who doesn’t know the bible would not understand this and find the movie very unrealistic and unbelievable, even though that is the portrayal anyways, or is it?
It is assumed that Eli may not have blind his whole life. The movie takes place 30 years after the apocalypse, where the sun slowly gets closer and close to the earth slowly blinding everyone. So the question is was Eli blind his whole life, or become blind later on? Regardless of when he became blind, he new how to read brail. He read this bible daily for 30 years and in fast he memorized it, which is the other big surprise at the end. Could someone really memorize the Bible? The answer is yes, because Finis Dake, the author of God’s Plan for Man did in fact memorize the bible as you can read about in a previous blog. These people are of course far and few between, but it is possible.
So there are many different viewpoints of this movie. You are a Christian and see this movie and find it believable because you know the power of the Holy Spirit, or you are a Christian and despise the movie because it gives a false view of the bible and uses profanity violence which is just not a Godly thing to watch, or you are a Christian and watch the movie with an open mind, and just enjoy another good movie with some good conversation pieces at the end. At the other end of the spectrum you are a non-believer who sees the movie and don’t like it because you don’t know and haven’t experienced the power of the Holy Spirit and think that the movie is completely unbelievable, or you are an unbeliever who enjoys the movie just as it is as pure entertainment.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
End Times Predicted
I read this and found it very interesting. For full and fair disclosure, this entire blog is being copied verbatim from the book, God’s Plan For Man, by Finis Dake. Keep in mind this book was copyrighted back in 1949.
Did you know that there must be at lease three more European wars before the Battle of Armageddon and the Second Coming of Christ? In Daniel 7:23-24 we have a prophecy that ten kingdoms must be formed inside the old Roman Empire territory in the last days. These ten kings referred to are the same one symbolized by the ten horns on the beast of Revelation 13 and 17:12-17 it is stated that they will give their kingdoms of the future Antichrist, and then will fight against Jesus Christ at His Second Coming. This proves that they all must be in existence when Christ comes. There are twenty-two states inside the territory now. Therefore, if these countries must be formed into ten kingdoms and be in existence when Christ comes, changes must be made sometime in the near future that will affect these states. It will take one world war to form these ten kingdoms before the Antichrist comes. This is the first was to which we refer. Then in Daniel 7:23-24 it states, “after them,” that is, after the ten kingdoms are formed, than the Antichrist will arise and subdue three of them. This is the second war. In Daniel 11:40-44; Revelation 17:12-17 it is revealed that the Antichrist will finally get power over the whole ten kingdoms. The third war will be fought between the ten kingdoms under Antichrist and the nations that are north and east of the ten kingdoms. In other words, Russia, Germany, and other countries north and east of the ten kingdoms inside the old Roman Empire territory will fight these ten kingdoms during the last 3½ years of this age. Antichrist will be the victor, and then he will lead the nations against Jerusalem and the Jews, but Christ will come and defend the Jews, destroy the Antichrist and set up his kingdom in the world forever (Zachariah 14:1-21; Ezekiel 38-99; Joel 3; Isaiah 63; Revelation 17:14; 19:11-21; 20:1-10).
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
I Struggle Too!
I am fully aware that literally thousands of religious teachers are constantly saying that no man can live free from sin, and that we sin every day. One can see that this teaching is entirely out of harmony with the bible by reading the above scriptures. If these men sin every day, than they are sinners every day and there is no time that they are not sinners. If they are sinners all the time, than there is no time when they are not under the death penalty of the broken law, and they will be sent to Hell as sinners to pay the death penalty. Christ means nothing to them and if they are sinners they cannot be saved.
It is time that you wake up and stop listening to such men and begin to read the bible and obey it. Naturally, a man that does not believe in salvation from sin can never be saved from it. If Christ came to save us from our sins and He cannot do it, than He failed in His mission. If the New Testament teaches freedom from sin, than it is either the truth of a lie. If it is a lie, than we might as well throw the whole bible away and have nothing to do religion. Christianity, in that case, is a mere sham and a false religion, teaching something that is not true. If salvation through Christ it true, however, than these modern teachers of religion are false and no man can safely believe them, or ever listen to them deny the truths of the bible.
Do not let men deceive you into thinking that there is no such thing as living a clean, holy, victorious life in Christ secure from sin, the flesh, the world, and the devil. If you are not saved from these things you are not saved from Hell, according to the scriptures above. There may not be such a life as far as these teachers are concerned and as far as they know. Either they do not know the bible and they do not have biblical experiences, or they are plain rebels against the truth refuse to get such blessings. In either case, you should not listen to them in concerning such an important thing as your eternal welfare. Why not listen to the scripture instead? It will not deceive you. It will always tell you the truth, as you can see from facts stated above.
The above 3 paragraphs came from the book God’s Plan for Man. I copied them verbatim. In these 3 paragraphs, Dake talks about the above scripture to support what he is saying. Here is the scripture for you to read for yourself. (John 8:31-36), (Romans 6:1-23), (Romans 8:1-4), (1 John 2:29, 3:7-10, 5:1-4, 18), (John 1:12), Galatians 5:24), (Acts 3:19), (1 Corinthians 6:9-11), (Revelation 1:5), (Acts 26:18), (Romans 1:16), (2 Thessalonians 2:13), (Ephesians 4:22-24), (Ephesians 1:7), (1 Peter 1:2-4), (Colossians 3:12), (2 Timothy 2:4, 19-22).
I read this 4 days ago, and I have been pondering this every since. I am having a really hard time with it. I don’t know how I feel about it. It basically means that I am not saved, and apparently nobody is for that matter. Matthew 7:13-14 reads, Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. (Kind of a, many will enter, few will win thing). I have read this verse many time but if you take the bible literally as I do, than this literally means that few will find Heaven, and that is really scary.
Yesterday I posted a blog entitled, “God’s Plan For Man,” recommending the book. I still do recommend the book very much, and I am going to continue to read it, even though I may not agree with everything. This is only one mans opinion right? But, than again, maybe it’s not. This is only a few paragraphs that I am struggling with, but in the long run, I can only come out deader in sin, and cleaner in Christ. But is it really possible to live a 100% sinless life once you are born into Christ.
Monday, July 26, 2010
God's Plan For Man
A friend from church recommended the book God’s Plan For Man, by Finis Dake. This book is probably just as long as the bible itself. Finis Dake virtually memorized the bible after spending over 100,000 hours studying it. The original copy write is 1949. That is older than most of the people that I know which is really besides the point. The information in this book is equivalent to 3 years in seminary. There are 1008 pages in this book, and I am on page 65. All that I can say is wow, already this incredible book has changed the way that I read the bible. Friend, this book is an absolute mush read. You can find it at ChrisianBooks.com for $24.99, where regular retail value is $34.99, that is a 29% savings. Click this link to find out more.
This is not a book that you would borrow out to someone when you’re done, it is a book that once you read one time, you go back to it often as a reference. Only 65 pages into it, I already find myself going back to what I’ve already read. I strongly encourage you to add this book to your library. So far it has done a very nice job explaining the trinity, as well as who and what God is, and what he can and can’t do. Yes, I said what God can’t do! Not only is everything in this book is baked up with scripture, but lots of scripture. The bible really is out handbook for life.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
In the Morning
I have been an early riser every since I can remember, and I have always been a morning person. Growing up I was always up by 5:30 or 6, regardless of what time I went to bed. My parents tell me the story of how on Friday nights before they went to bed, they would put a bowl of cereal on the kitchen table, with a glass of milk in the fridge, so when I woke up on Saturday morning, I could take the milk out of the fridge and pour it into my cereal, and then go into the living room to watch Saturday morning cartoons, allowing they to sleep in. I remember another story of a Saturday morning when my parents got out of bed and I was sitting in the living room watching cartoons with my grandparents eating donuts. Apparently, I got up early, picked up the phone, and called them over, and told them to bring donuts, and of course they did.
I remember always getting up with an alarm with no problem. Never in my life, have I used the snooze button, I didn’t even know what it was until I was well into high school. The alarm would go off, and I would jump out of bed, with a smile on my face, ready to greet the sunrise, and ready to start my day. I would usually get up early so I could watch cartoons before school.
After high school graduation, I started full time at Menards. I usually worked the opening shift which required my to be to work at 5:45am. No problem for me. Eventually I got a new job at the breakfast cook at the Marriott. I had to be to work at 4:30am, no biggie. Than I moved on to Caribou Coffee requiring a 5am start time, cool, I got to sleep in until 4:30. Than I moved to Bruegger’s Bagels where 3 days a week I started at 5am, 1 day a week I started at 4am, and 1 day a week I started at 3:30am, I will admit that the 3:30 and 4am start time was to early, even for me, but nonetheless, I got out of bed with my alarm with no problems. And that was my life up until about 2 years ago, when we found out that we were having out second kid, Japheth, who would turn out to be more like his old man than I would think.
It would be fair to say that I am a morning person, even though I am really pretty good at functioning at anytime day or night. Now with two kids, daycare is expensive, so I got a job at an undisclosed location working swing shift, 4-12:30. This would allow Jane and myself to work opposite shifts, so we didn’t have to pay for daycare. The last couple of years have been awesome, I don’t regret it one bit, and I just absolutely love staying home with my kids every day, what a blessing. But this working swing shift thing is not easy for a morning person like me.
I started this blog about 9 months ago, when I rededicated my life to Christ, and decided that MitchellBoxeth.com would not be about me, it would be about glorifying God. I have committed myself to getting up at 6am, 7 days a week and read out of my bible until the kids got up, what ever time that would be. I dedicated my breaks at work to reading a Christian book of some sort, and my drive home from work is dedicated to listening to the bible on audio. Considering I don’t leave work until 12:30 in the morning, and it’s a 30 minute drive home, I don’t get to bed until 1:15. Even after almost 2 years, it isn’t getting any easier. This gives me 4 hours and 45 minutes of sleep 5 nights a week.
So why am I sharing all of this? No I am not complaining because of my lack of sleep, in the long run, and the big scheme of things, that is all worth it. I am sharing all of this with you because the last month or so, Japheth has been getting up in the morning at 6am or earlier. Japheth is now 17 months old, if he wakes up, I can’t tell him to go back to bed for a while, or tell him to play quietly in his room until 7:00 like I can tell to Faith. When he wakes up, he chats with himself loudly for a while, and eventually the chatting turns into crying. My point is that when he is up, he is loud enough where I can’t do my bible reading in the morning. I am ADHD, so if it’s not quiet when I do my daily time with God, I can’t stay focused. In the last month, I have had maybe 3-5 morning where I have been able to read, and even then, only for about 15 minutes.
The lack of reading in the mornings is having a negative effect on me. It is just amazing how 45 minutes to an hour each morning with God can affect my attitude during the rest of the day. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t go around moping and cranky all day, but I can certainly see that my attitude, and my temperament are shortened.
I know this distraction is the Devil, trying to keep me away from God. But on the other hand, God is allowing it to happen, and this is all simply a test. I am not upset with Japheth by any means, it is obvious that like his dear old dad, he is going to be a morning person, just like I was, which I am actually happy about. Really, this is a turning point in my daily walk with God. I am going to have to work around it. I don’t find myself closer to God in the last month, but I don’t necessarily find myself drifting away either. So, what’s’ a guy to do, I am not going to do get up earlier that 6, and I don’t really have time during the day to read my bible, which is the reason that I got up and did it so early in the morning to begin with. I still have my breaks at work, and I listen to the audio bible on the way home from work, but that is only 5 days a week.
So now, you are all caught up on what’s been going on with God and me. There is more to tell, nothing bad, but that will be for another blog. Remember that God it good, all the time, and with God, all things are possible.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Sharing Jesus Without Fear
In the 4 gospels it is recorded that Jesus was in contact with people 132 times, 6 times were in the temple, 4 times were in the synagogue, and 122 times with the people out in the mainstream of life. The last thing that Jesus said before His ascension into Heaven is recorded in John 20:21. It reads, as my Father has sent me, I also send you.
Wow, what a mind boggling statement. It is saying that Jesus didn’t spend time with the religious people in the churches or in the synagogue, He spent His time with the people that He met in everyday life, and the last thing that He said before He ascended into Heaven was that we need to do the same thing. We need to be talking to people at our work and our schools, and the people that we meet at the mall, and at Walmart, we need to talk to our family and friends about Jesus. If you don’t lead your family and friends to Jesus, than who will?
Imagine for a moment that you just died and made it into Heaven. You look down into the darkness of Hell and you see your Mom, or Grandpa, or your best friend who died before you. They are yelling up at you, “Why didn’t you warn me, why didn’t you tell me that I needed to receive Jesus to make it into Heaven?” If we have not made a decision for Christ by the time we are dead, it’s to late, and that is a sad truth. "He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me scatters. Matthew 12:30.
I read a book called Sharing Jesus Without Fear, written by William Fay. William explains that the Bible tells us to share the Gospel with people. The average person has to hear the message of the gospel 7.6 times before they accept it. If we share the gospel with someone and they reject it, they are not rejecting us; they are rejecting the gospel. That being said, even though they rejected it, we were still successful because we were loyal to Christ by sharing His message. Wow, what a statement. We honor Christ by sharing the gospel, and we are always successful whether other accept Jesus or not.
I am not going to go into detail about what this book is about. The gist is that it gives you a fool proof way to share the gospel with others, in a non threatening and tactful way. All you need is a bible, preferably a pocket size new testament. The idea is that when you take out your bible to share it with someone in the middle of Starbucks, you don’t want to embarrass them by taking out the big huge honking study bible that ways 30 pounds, that can be seen from miles away. You want something small and non threatening keeping in mind that you are likely sharing the gospel with someone who doesn’t want the whole world to know about it, and that’s ok.
When I finished the book, I got my pocket new testament and I carry it with me everywhere I go, is always in my back pocket. I have not yet had an opportunity to share this with anyone since whenever I am out, my kids are with me. I love my kids to death, but kids are distracting. When you are trying to lead someone to Christ for the first time, you don’t want any distractions to keep them from making what will be the most important decision of there life. Even though I have not yet had an opportunity, I am always ready, and I will certainly share in a blog the first opportunity that I get. When ever I am at the checkout I always tell the person behind the cash register to have a blessed day. I also make sure that if I have to discipline my kids when I am out that I do it in a very calm, non threatening yet firm way. I am always trying to be mindful that someone is always watching, and they will know that we are Christians by our love, and by the way wait we live out our lives.
So in closing, I want to encourage you to get a copy of Sharing Jesus Without Fear. If you know me personally, feel free to contact me and you can borrow my copy. Also, I want to ask you one more time, if you don’t lead you family and friends to Christ, than who will? Don’t count on someone else to do it for you, or someday you might just be in Heaven looking down at them in Hell
Monday, June 21, 2010
The Screwtape Letters
Yes, I know, it has been a while since I have written a blog. I have not really had any wow moments lately worth blogging about. I just finished reading a book called, “Share Jesus Without Fear.” I will blog about this book and the impact that it had on my life at another time, as I have a few other projects that I am working on.
I did just listened to an audio book called “The Screwtape Letters.” The Screwtape Letters, written by C. S. Lewis, is a series of 31 letters written by uncle Screwtape to his nephew Wormwood. Screwtape is an experienced demon who has had plenty of education as well as experience coaxing Christians to his father (Satan) and against the enemy, in this case God, and the angles of Heaven. Wormwood is a young and inexperienced demon, just out of college, and he is being mentored by his beloved uncle to help turn his human patient, a man from England against God. This is an extremely unique twist, with a Christian book being written in the words if the demons who were there. It is an easy short and very fund read. I would like to recommend this book to anyone who wants a better understanding of how demons really do have a huge impact on our daily lives. Yes this is a fictitious book, but there is a lot of truth to it. For more information on this book visit http://www.screwtape.com.
I do have a few ideas for upcoming blogs, I am just looking for the time to write them as I have really been focusing on spending more time with my kids and less time on the computer. You can look forward to a brand new intro to MitchellBoxeth.com coming soon.
Monday, May 31, 2010
What are the idles in your life?
Note: before reading this blog, please read Ezekiel Chapter 8! Yes, the whole chapter!
That wasn’t so bad now, was it? Ok, so Jeremiah was Gods right hand prophet, before Israel went into Exile. Jeremiah predicted the exile just as it happened. When Israel was in Exile however, God rose up a new prophet, Ezekiel. As you read in your homework assignment in Ezekiel chapter 8, in a vision, God brings Ezekiel to the Lords Temple in Jerusalem to show him what the elders and high priests were doing behind closed doors. Ezekiel saw four visions. In his first vision, God represents to Ezekiel an image of an idle in the entrance of the inner court of the temple. It’s called, “the image of jealousy” because it provokes the Lord in jealousy. In his second vision, he saw the elders worshiping images of Egyptian gods, and burning incense to them in a secret room. Among these men were Jaazaniah, son of Shaphan. This is likely the same Shaphan who reads God’s work to Josiah (2 Kings 22:8-11). This gives you a concept of the depth of sin which the leaders had fallen. In Ezekiel’s third vision we see women weeping for the God Tammuz. Tammuz was beloved of Ishtar, the god of spring vegetation. Vegetation burned in the Summer, died in the Winter, and came to life in the Spring. The women mourned over the gods demise in July and longed for his revival. The fourth month of the Hebrew calendar still bears the name Tammuz. In Ezekiel’s fourth vision, he saw 25 men worshipping the sun. This happened in the most sacred inner court where only priests could go (Joel 2:17). Twenty-Five men were worshipping the sun as an idle. These 25 represent 24 orders of priests plus the high priest.
Pretty hardcore stuff. My initial reaction was wow, I sure am glad than my sins aren’t as bad as these guys. Seriously, who worships these things in the world today, well at lease here in America? Than it hit me, we are all guilty of these things, myself included. Anything that we put before God is an idle, period. In Ezekiel’s first vision, the god of Jealousy, it says that God is a jealous God, and you shall have no Gods before Him, that’s the first commandment (Exodus 20). What is that TV show that you just can’t wait to watch? When it’s on, you are glued to the TV, and during the week, you can’t stop thinking about it and long for it all week long. Or what about that new video game? You just can’t stop thinking about it. When you’re at work or at school, all you can do is think about that video game. There is a reason that I gave up TV and video games, they were gods to me. Maybe your god is sex, or drugs, or weight loss obsession, money, your job, or dare I say it, even your own family can become idles in your life (Matthew 10:37).
In Ezekiel’s second vision he sees people worshiping images. How often do we put up picture of our favorite movie star or rock star? We buy all of their paraphernalia, see all their movies, and go to all their shows. We stare at their pictures, follow them on Twitter and Facebook, and obsess over their lives.
In Ezekiel’s third vision, he sees women worshiping the different seasons, the god of vegetation. How often do we sit here in Minnesota and spend our time and energy during the long winter months complaining about the cold and wishing for Spring? We hibernate and go into hiding; some people even get depressed. This goes hand in hand with Ezekiel’s fourth vision, where he sees 25 men worshiping the sun. In the Winter we long for the sun, and the hot weather so much, that we have to go to the tanning salon to fake bake, we throw beach parties, and plan extended vacations to tropical locations.
Now maybe you are reading this blog and think that I am getting carried away and going over bored. Well lets read Ezekiel 8:18. Therefore I also will act in fury. My eyes will not spare nor will I have pity; and though they cry in my ears with a loud voice, I will not hear them.
I just finished reading a book called “Share Jesus without fear,” by William Fay. Great book; but more on that in a not so future blog. In the last chapter of the book, Bill, does a great job explaining our judgment before God.
“On our judgment day, it is not the liar, the murderer, the homosexual, or the fornicator who will stand before God in judgment first; it will be the household of faith. The person who rejected Christ will have to wait while we believers take our place in front. As they look on, we will have to look God in the eye and explain our every deed, done or undone, every word, spoken or unspoken (Matthew 12:36). I do not believe that God is going to force obedience on us, because that is not his way. Love never forces anything. But when we disobey by choosing to ignore God, He will allow us to experience spiritual dryness.”
Please understand that I am not saying that TV, and video games are bad. I’m not saying that you can’t enjoy a certain actor/actress movies, or plan a vacation in the middle of winter to get out of the cold, I am simply saying, what it your motive? Are you enjoying these things, or are you obsessing over them?
I am just as guilty of these things as anyone, so I will end with a prayer. Dear Heaven Father, You are the one true God in Heaven and on Earth. I have put so many things before you. I pray to you today that you will open my heart and my eyes to all of the idles in my life, so that I can put you first in everything I do. I pray this in Jesus holy name, amen.
Friday, May 28, 2010
My time with God
I arrived at my prayer cabin at 3:45pm on Monday afternoon. The Wilderness Fellowship Ministries (WFM) has 4 prayer cabins, I stayed in the Timothy. I was a bit bummed that my cabin was 88 degree, and the A/C hadn’t been put in yet for the season. However the amazing staff had the A/C in my cabin with 30 minutes of my arrival. There is a couple that lives on property that prays for the guest before they even arrive. As they pray, the Lord speaks to them, and gives them bible verses to share with the guests upon their arrival. My verse was Proverbs 18:8&23. He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who cherished understanding prospers. The fear of the Lord leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble. I am excited to spend the next few days finding out what this means.
On Tuesday I woke up realizing just how beautiful it was out at WFM. I found that I was constantly being distracted from my bible study because every time that I looked up, I saw the beauty out the window. I would see the woods and all of Gods creations.
As I was sitting reading our of Ezekiel, I was reminded that God doesn’t want us to be perfect, He just wants to have a relationship with us, and be a part of our everyday lives. I am also realizing just how easily distracted I am really am. I had a really hard time clearing my mind, even at WFM. I found it very difficult to take advantage of the quiet and solitude. But I was determined to stay faithful to an already faithful Father in Heaven. Later that afternoon while I was looking out the window I remembered Matthew 7:7. Seek and you shall find. How can I ever find God, if I am not looking for Him? So I got down on my hands and knees and began to pray.
After about 15 minutes, God spoke four words to me very clearly, “It’s not about you!” Wow. Our pastor reminds us of this almost weekly at church, her favorite quote is, “It’s not about you, it’s never been about you, and it’s never gonna be bout you.” It sure is different what it is coming straight from God Almighty. John 3:30 says, Jesus mush increase, and I must decrease. It’s not a metaphor. I know what I have to do. It won’t be easy, it will take lots of hard work, and it certainly won’t happen over night, but I will remain a faithful servant to the Almighty.
By Wednesday morning I was getting lonely, and starting to miss Jane and the kids very much. I toyed with the idea with leaving a day early, but decided that I wasn’t going to let the devil with that argument. I don’t want to say that I was getting bored, that just wouldn’t be true, but being ADHD, I can only sit, read, and study for so long. I went out for a nice long walk, which was very peaceful. I was able to clear my mind enough to come back and spend the entire afternoon in the word, which I’m glad I did, because I wrote my next blog.
It was great to finally be home. Jane and the kids were not home yet, but arrived within a few hours. It was great to spend time with them. I also took Faith out on a date which was really fun.
I definitely recommend the WFM to anyone who is looking to spend some time along with God. You can visit them online at http://www.wildernessfellowship.com.
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