23 March, 2007 - New Friend
I have a new friend that I met at my real job. He is a struggling Christian, as we all are. I am the most unlikely person on the face of the earth, to preach. I struggle with the flesh daily. I lose that struggle more than I win it. But remember, nothing happens without God's hand in it. This guy asked me one day if I was his angel.
Not hardly. But the words of the Lord come through when I speak to him. He asked how do we know when it is the Lord speaking to us? He fights voices of Satan regularly, telling him what to do. My answer was simple, you will know when it is the Lord. If you pray for God to cast out the demons, in Christ's name, the clear voice of God will be the only one left. If your thoughts are silent, then you know it was Satan.
This friend e-mailed me the other day. He said things were going good, but it was tough going. I reassured him that it is always a struggle. Satan throws all he has at us. Remember that Satan is a liar, and God is truth. Truth always wins. I reminded him that faith and trust in the Lord are the answer to it all. Trust and faith are the hardest part of being a Christian, because we are of the flesh. Here is what I wrote back.
How To Have An Angel In Your Pocket
"Yes, it does take faith, and a lot of it. It also takes a lot of trust. Total and complete trust. That is the hardest of all.
God does bless (us). Sometimes it is not a simple blessing. Sometimes it is hidden in a struggle or a test. But He will not give us anything that we can't handle together.
We can't probably remember this, but when we were little ... that time we jumped into our father's arms in the pool. We do not remember the time we were pushed on that new bicycle for the first time, and rode it down the sidewalk.
We also do not remember the fact that we nearly drowned with all that water in our nose, as daddy let us dunk under the water as he caught us. We don't remember the damage to our knees as we crashed the bike after only going a few feet.
But we trusted our father to not let harm come to us. And as our father's cried as we learned to swim and to ride that bicycle, our Father in Heaven cries, as we struggle in our faith and our trust in Him. He has boundless joy when we learn from our struggles and walk with Him.
There is absolutely no difference. Just remember that we have a Father that loves us and will never let harm come to us, as long as we trust and have faith in Him.
God bless (you). He shows his glory every minute of the day. We just need to remember to thank him for teaching us to ride the bike, and we won't even remember the skinned knees, or water in our nose.."
You see? I never had that kind of father in real life. Yes, I had a dad, but not a father. The only time I ever heard that he loved me was when he was drunk. But our Heavenly Father is alive. He does love us, he wants us to struggle and learn. He wants us to glorify him, he wants our love, reverence and commitment. Our Heavenly Father deserves it, because he has taught us everything we know. He has given us everything we have. So when we fight or struggle with anything, we need to get on our knees and pray for his guidance and wisdom, just as we did (should have been able to) with our earthly father.
Just remember, God does answer all prayers. Sometimes the answer is "No", sometimes it is "Yes", sometimes it is "wait, I have something better for you".
21 March, 2007 - Lyrics
Sometime song lyrics strike you. Almost as if they wrote the song for you - or you wrote it yourself. Getting ready for work this morning, I added a new album to Christian Mix Inet. (WOW - Next (2007)). Mind you, I do not particularly care for Rap or Hip-Hop, but this one from Group 1 Crew, seemed to dwell in me while getting ready for another day. Here is the chorus:
A LOT IN COMMON
Sometimes we're up and sometimes we're down
Sometimes the world goes round and round
And we don't stop to think that
We got a lot in common
Sometimes we have it sometimes we don't
What matters most is not the physical
Just look inside your soul cause
We got a lot in common
We gotta keep on keep on, and gotta press on press on- blazing ahead
Have a great day - or not. The choice is yours!
20 March, 2007 - Savage Beast
They say, that "Music Calms the Fevered Brow". At least this 'they' I can identify. "Music is not just the food of love - it may also be a pain killer and lessen anxiety. New research by psychologists has found that that people listening to music may feel less pain than those who are not and that music can relieve the symptoms of anxiety for people recovering from surgery." This study was done at Glasgow Caledonian University back in 2005.
In another earth-shattering scientific study, a Dr Laura Mitchell, also from Glasgow Caledonian University, undertook an experiment in which people were asked to plunge one of their hands into a bucket of very cold water. The length of time they could keep it immersed was then recorded. If they did this when listening to some music which they had chosen, they experienced less pain from the cold water and were able to tolerate their hand in the bucket for longer than those who were told humorous anecdotes as a means of distracting them from their discomfort. Those who listened to music also felt more in control of the situation than those who just were told the humorous stories.
Hmm, I wonder how much they spent on this "study"? But then jokes are free and just how much does ice cost? To top it all off, Dr. McDonald, who supervised the studies, is himself, a saxophone player. A bit slanted you may ask? Who cares. Interesting? Maybe. But it doesn't reveal any ground breaking conclusions. I remember learning this music principle from a Bugs Bunny/Tazmanian Devil cartoon, 40 plus years ago.
So on to the blog entry: The bible has endless references to music and song. Psalm 98:5 says, "make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing," We are not only told to sing in the joyous times, to praise God, but we are told to praise Him in trials. It is in the trials, I find the most inspiration from Christian music. Song can share in the pain, the loss, and the burden we feel. Just knowing that someone else shares our pain, is encouraging. Endless, boundless love, that knows no limits, has the ability to touch our heart, souls and wounds.
As a contrast, praise and worship music can help us keep focused on the Lord, and train us in the things of Heaven, rather than the distractions of things of the flesh. For me, I need an MP3 player on my ears 24/7. There are so many distractions to the flesh, and I seem to be caught up in every single one of them.
But knowing that I am loved by a God that knows no bounds, has a chilling tendency to keep me trained on Him. The minute, my eyes or heart strays, I am lost again. But God is always there to welcome me home. Those loving, secure arms, are strong and safe. Why we ever would stray from the warmth of God's embrace is beyond me. I just know that it is easy to do.
Let's keep focused on God, through Christ. Keep the music playing. I am not a song-writer, nor a musician. Those were not gifts that God has blessed me with. But others have embraced that gift with hearty reverence. Praise the Lord in music as often as possible.
19 March, 2007 - Welcome to "A Sinner's Blog".
The Lord placed this on my heart today. I do not know where it will take me, but I think it is to remind me of the grace of God. I type this entry not even knowing what I am saying. I let the Lord guide my dyslexic digitalia and produce what He desires. It is and will be a blog of reflection, questioning and sometimes observation and thoughts.
Put a Little Jesus in Your Life
The other day, I was visiting with a customer at my work. As usual, I will greet them and inquire about how I might help them. I also ask "How are you today". The usual response is "I am just looking", as they do not break stride and walk off. Sometimes they will respond with a "Fine, how are you?" Again, they do not miss a step as they walk off. This customer was a little different. He stopped.
Rather than the usual, disinterested, no one home response, he stopped. He turned to me and said, "I am doing fine, thank you. And how are you?" After I collected myself, surprised that he actually seemed interested in how I was doing, I told him, I was doing just great, thank you. I told him I was surprised that he was not like everyone else, and actually seemed interested in my well-being.
He said he was thinking the same thing about my inquiry. We visited a few minutes. It was these few minutes that I really am writing about. He mentioned that this day was a little different than others. His arthritis was really flaring up, and he struggled to get out of bed this morning. Being a Christian, even in pain, he thanks the Lord that he was even allowed to get out of bed.
"But", this customer confided, "I asked the Lord why?" He knew that there was always a purpose in what God does. He just could not understand how this purpose could be fulfilled while he was in such pain. I shared with him my sympathy and understanding. I feel this way many mornings too. But I know there is always a purpose for our day.
We visited a few more minutes, whined on each others shoulder for a bit, and he walked off, thanking me for the genuine interest and conversation. I did the same. A few minutes later, he returned.
"I was thinking", he said. "Maybe the purpose for today was meeting each other." The customer continued. "Maybe, God put us together." I listened. "Maybe, it was our purpose to be Christ to each other. Does that sound wierd?"
No, it doesn't sound wierd, I told him. Maybe just the sharing of a "Hello" was what this day was for. Just a brief encounter with another person is what God has on our agenda, for his glory. Come to find out this little aged man lost his wife a couple years ago. He told me that he has struggled with the loneliness and loss and at times questioned his purpose in life. "It seemed that God never answered me."
"But as I think about this little encounter, I see that God has put many people in my path, such as this. Just a smile, or a brief 'Hello' is all that is ever is. But seeing how your asking me how I was, uplifted and brightened my day, I guess it would be safe to say that there are others that I may have had the same effect on".
I smiled, and said, "Could be."
He turned and walked away.
Be Jesus to someone today. Say a sincere 'Hello' or ask how they are. Stop and ask them like you mean it. It might be, they need a little Jesus in their life too. It can't hurt. And if they do not respond, so what. You can smile in your heart and know that it wasn't because of you. I am reminded of the lyrics from Michael O'Brien's "Hope Changes Everything"
Hope Changes Everything
OUR LIVES WERE SPINNING IN A HOPELESS SITUATION
LIVIN' IN A FALLEN WORLD WITHOUT HOPE FOR CHANGE
BUT HEAVEN HEARD OUR CRIES AND THAT'S WHY JESUS CAME
NOW IT'S UP TO US TO GIVE HIS LOVE AWAY
CHORUS:
LET'S TAKE THE HOPE OF CHRIST LIFT IT UP AND HOLD IT HIGH
BECAUSE HOPE CHANGES EVERYTHING
LET'S TAKE THIS FAITH WE WEAR TO HURTING PEOPLE EVERYWHERE
BECAUSE HOPE CHANGES EVERYTHING
NO MATTER HOW DARK OR TROUBLED SOMEONE'S LIVE MAY SEEM
I DO BELIEVE WITH ALL MY HEART THAT HOPE CHANGES EVERYTHING
EVERY TIME I SEE SOMEONE WHO'S FEELIN' HELPLESS
EVERY TIME I HEAR ANOTHER DESPERATE PLEA
I'M REMINDED OF THE PLACE WHERE HE FOUND ME
THERE'S NO ONE THAT'S GONE TOO FAR FOR HIM TO REACH
29 February, 2008 - The Side of Truth
"Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth." Prov. 16:13
Kings are not the only ones who value truthfulness. No one likes a liar. But is omission of a fact a lie? Is not saying anything actually being truthful? Can you 'skirt' the truth by just not lying?
This is a revisited topic from a blog a few weeks back. The reason for it is a reminder to myself, and any one else for that matter. This entry just puts a little more emphasis on the comment I heard back then. "Tell the truth and you will not need a good memory". There is a personal purpose in this review. That purpose applies to us all in any circumstance. I am dealing with an individual that believes that the omission of the truth is not lying. By ignoring the truth, you are actually lying. If you know what the truth is, and simply chose not to tell it, or conveniently forget the facts surrounding the truth, you are no better than someone who blatantly lies.
Truth is one of the most effective tools available to you. When you respect, honor and abide in the truth, you put yourself on the side of strength and power. You generally do not have to defend the truth.
You can try to cover it up, explain it away, run from it or rationalize against it, but in the end if you go against the truth you will lose. Lies, deceit, half truths, rationalizations and justifications must constantly be defended and maintained, and will eventually crumble. The truth remains the truth whether it is defended or not. Therefore, it goes to show that; omission of the truth is not healthy at all. By saving someone from the truth, you are doing more harm than good.
It often can seem convenient or expedient to deny the truth. But when you deny the truth you put yourself in a position of weakness. Making a habit of that can drain your energy, not to mention your credibility. There are so many times we hide the truth from one another thinking that if we don't say anything about it - then it can't possibly be a lie. Don't fool yourself. God knows what the real facts are. Even if the other person involved never finds out, God still knows.
Put yourself on the side of the truth, though it may be inconvenient or even painful. There will surely come a time when you'll be glad you did.
28 February, 2008 - Pray and Test
"Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds." - 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 NASB
How do we recognize the work of Satan and his demons? It's a mistake to assume the devil's works always appear dark and poisonous, violent and disgusting, extreme and shocking. In fact, the Bible says the opposite often is true.
Satan frequently appears to be the essence of goodness. He can disguise himself as a paragon of virtue, a genuine "angel of light." The same is true for demonic spirits. The Bible calls them his "servants," for they do Satan's bidding and serve him.
These demons can transform their appearance to make themselves seem completely different from what they really are. Consider what this means! Think about all the ways these evil spirits can be disguised. They can appear to be workers of good deeds, positive and wholesome, warm and caring, generous and concerned, or even Godly and righteous.
Today, remember that Satan and his demons are masters of lies (John 8:44). They're working harder than ever before to deceive and trick God's people and the nations of the world. They're disguising themselves in many clever and deceptive ways.
Make sure that you "do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1). Immerse yourself in the Bible, and stay close to the Lord. Pray and fast. Be filled with Holy Spirit, and learn to discern spiritual truths.
Stay alert, always testing the spirits in prayer. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you and give you discernment. The spiritual battle is real, but God will give you victory!
27 February, 2008 - He Comes Where He Commands Us To Leave
"When Jesus had made an end of commanding his disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities." Matthew 11:1
I have been truly struggling with this blog entry for the last few days. This is an area that I have a lot of personal difficulty understanding. If God says "Go", do you stay because you are so concerned about your people at home? If God appears to be telling you to do something, do you obey Him? If you do not heed His calling, you are robbing people of the teaching and preaching of Jesus Christ Himself. I understand that part, it makes perfect sense. But what if your ministry concerning Christ needs a bill paid, and you take the money that as allocated to your rent or mortgage payment - to pay that bill, have you obeyed God? How do you know if it was truly God directing you? Are you leaving all the consequences of your actions to God?
When it is a choice between your ministering to people through your music, and have a chance at a booking, what about your responsibilities as a wife? How do you explain your leaving to you family? Would God actually direct you to abandon your responsibilities as a wife, mother, bill payer, etc., so that you could preach the gospel through song to another?
We need to watch where we debate our call to duty in the Lord. Is your earthly concerns in competition with your Heavenly commands? You say to yourself, "I know He told me to go, but what about my duty here?" Does this mean you do not believe Jesus means what He says. Does this mean you do not trust that God will do what he promises to do?
I honestly believe that God would not lead us in a direction that would conflict with another biblical obligation or commitment. If you are convinced that you have a ministry called for by God, in music, yet can not seem to put it all together -- then maybe you need to evaluate that 'calling' again. I don't think the Lord would call you to something that would neglect your responsibilities as a wife or a mom.
I wanted so badly to go do "something" to assist the victims of hurricane Katrina. Even if it was standing around handing out bottles of water. I felt a desire and calling to do anything I could. But it was not meant to be. I could not afford to travel. my health would not cooperate with any sort of endurance, nor could I arrange a sabatical from my job. Instead, I sent $20 to the Red Cross. I did do 'something'. I did all I could do. Isn't that what scripture says? For us each to give according to our ability?
We tend to argue and make deals with God. Invariably, God gets His way. "Master, .... let us make three tabernacles." Why do we play the spiritual amateur of providence in our lives? Are we so noisy in our instruction to ourselves and others that God can not get anywhere near us or them? We must learn to keep our mouths shut and our spirits alert. God wants to instruct us in regard to the spirit of His Son. He wants us to turn our times of prayer into mountains of transfiguration, and we are not letting Him. We can not be certain of the way that God will work. But you can be guaranteed that He will work.
He works where He sends us to wait. This is a bit confusing, but is real clear when you think about it. Waiting for God is difficult. But He will do what he says. We must not wait in spiritual depression because we are not able to see the broadside of a barn that is right in front of us. We must not fall victim to spiritual hysterics to wait on God. Keep in mind that waiting on God is not sitting around with folded hands, but to learn what we are told. These are three phases of His ways that we rarely recognize and obey.
In summary, shut up and wait! God will direct and guide you in His ways. He is God - your not. If a desire, or purpose is not clear, pray and wait for Him to fullfil providence in your life. Some things are quite clear as to your calling and responsibilities here in this life. Again, the Lord is writing this book of your life. Let Him be the author!
"My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one's whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil." Proverbs 4:20-27 TNIV
24 February, 2008 -The Values in Your Heart
Then Joshua said to them, "Do not be afraid, nor dismayed; be strong and of good courage." Joshua 10:25
I can remember back in high school we were on our way to our state competition in what was called then, Declamation (Declam). We sat in the bus waiting to get on the road, when our English teacher, Ms. Frank, stood up in front and prayed. "Lord, these young people have all worked so very hard to get to this stage of the competition. They have practiced hard and rehearsed diligently. Above all, they have learned to work as a team. Please help them to not be afraid, teach them the value of doing their very best."
I think of her words in many of the things that challenge me today. Even though we lost miserably in Des Moines, Iowa, at the state competition, we did our best. There were just others that were better. Where we did not do well is in areas of spontaneous oratory. Areas that we had not seen before. Readings and contests of stories and verse that we had not seen before.
Isn't that how life throws itself at us? We seem to do well in things we know and have practiced. But there are curves and unforeseen circumstances and events that we possibly could never know. Things we could never prepare for. For many of us, it seems like this describes every waking moment. We are consumed by strife, pain, fearful moments and unsurmountable challenges. When your world seems frustrating, and falling apart, keep in mind that the most important part of you exists beyond those frustrations. When life feels painful, never forget that the pain, however difficult it may be, is confined to just a small portion of who you truly are.
We truly had a celebration! We did well through the entire competition, all the way to the state level. We had fun, enjoyed the competition, became so close to our friends and teammates, and our team leader, We were family, and went though this all together. We did our best.
All around you are things you can see and touch and physically manipulate. They are part of life, but they are by no means all there is.
Joshua's encouragement from God enabled victory for God's people. In our case, we achieved victory in our hearts. When God sets tasks, challenges, struggles in front of us, we need to be encouraged by His words and prepare to march at his command. Do not be afraid to tackle the mountains before you. These mountains want to destroy you. They are Satan's attempts to discredit your faith in the Lord. Each fight will be protected by God. Just call on His Holy name to guide you through it. Be sure to pray for wisdom to learn from the adventure. Pray for God's Will to be done. And be sure to praise Him and thank Him for this opportunity to learn what He would have you learn. Then do your very best, in Jesus' name.
You cannot hold love in your hand, and yet you know for certain that it exists. You cannot capture joy in a box or an envelope and yet you have no doubt that it is real.
When the outward concerns of life seem to be overwhelming, remind yourself, there's more. There is so very much more to living and being than those things you can see and hear, taste and smell, touch and possess.
Even those losses and disappointments that feel big and burdensome, are small in comparison to all the beautiful, positive possibilities living within you. Look beyond the noisy, superficial distractions and remember the miracle of your existence.
Live your life around the values in your heart. And those everyday pains and nuisances will lose their power to bring you down. Don't lose heart. God has victory for US TOO!!
23 February, 2008 - You are NOT OK!
'Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? As for those who come to me and hear my words and put them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But those who hear my words and do not put them into practice are like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.' Luke 6:46-49 TNIV
I have really been struggling recently. Struggling with physical pain, emotional pain, sadly insufficient finances, direction of life issues, etc. Add to that questioning my personal value, and worth in God's eyes. Nothing seems to be working out for me in anything I seem to do. Life just generally sucks.
Sound familiar? I contend you to be a liar if you did not feel like this at times, if not quite often. Your utility bills are due, your behind on your rent or mortgage, you wonder where your next meal is coming from, and none of it seems to be your own doing. You can not trace the problems to any root cause of your own doing.
You reflect on your efforts and deeds. You go to church when you can, you give to the offering plate what you can, you volunteer with a few church activities, you pray for the poor and hurting (when you remember). You are a pretty good Christian, you think. You talk about God at work, even though it might get you fired. You even find yourself thanking Jesus for a minor blessing that treats you to something you had not expected. What else could there possibly be for you to do?
Read the verse again. "'Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" You try to tell yourself and everyone else that you are OK. You know what? YOU'RE NOT OK!
But there is hope! Before you wallow in the depths of total despair, consider this. After you've been defeated is not the time to give up. If you give up then, the hard-earned knowledge of what went wrong will be of little use. Look at your defeat as a payment in advance for your ultimate success. Because that's exactly what it is.
1 John 3:8b He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.
You still curse the red light when you are running late for work. You still laugh at the filthy jokes that you hear on the jobsite. You smoke, have a couple beers with your buddies after work, rather than head home to watch your son pitch in a softball game. You obsess over that new secretary in the office, your pin-up calendar in the garage is everything short of pornographic. You sit around and watch the football game rather than take your family to a movie. I won't continue any further, except for this; when was the last time you just picked up the Bible and read it without someone telling you where to turn?
God gave His only Son to die for you, so that you could be worthy of standing before Him on that day of judgement. That day where your name will be written in that Book of Life - or not. Someone died for you! You say you would do it for your family. You claim that you would trade your life for your wife and children. But look at you! Prove it! Die right now! Give your life for your family. Give your life to the Lord. Give Him all of it, every little segment of that miserable existence that you protect - because you think you deserve a little pleasure for yourself.
It matters little that you've been defeated. What really counts is how quickly you get going again. Wallowing in self pity gets you nowhere, and it's really not even that much fun. Find something better to do. Pick yourself up and get on with it. You're smarter now. You're wiser and more experienced. You have an in-depth understanding of what went wrong. From that it should be no problem to figure out how you can make things go right.
Each of your defeats can bring you closer to victory, so why in the world would you want to let any of them stop you? You've already paid part of the price. Now get on with the business of reaping the reward.
Throw out those cigarettes and pray to God, that He will help you dissolve the addiction. Take down the pin-up tool calendar and replace it with a photo of your wife. Take a walk with your son or daughter. Go on a date with your family. Die to your old self, grasp the promise of a new life in Christ. Stop being a looser, and LIVE as a WINNER!
What is it your still holding onto that is preventing you from being all that God is capable of making you? Start today, DIE FOR YOU FAMILY and to the old self. Quit wondering why God seems to be picking on you. Cease asking why things aren't better than they are. Take control of what you have control of. Choose LIFE!
05 September, 2007 - Update and Praises
A couple of weeks ago, a listener of Christian Mix Inet wrote an e-mail requesting prayer for her son who was involved in a car accident. She also wanted prayer for her in handling the situation. She became rather desperate because she did not feel that God was answering her prayer to deal with the alcohol that was involved.
What is amazing is that God was answering her prayers. Only it was in a way that she was not expecting. We do that, don't we? Place expectations on God to deal with a situation on our terms. It doesn't work that way. God does what He wants, when he wants, and in a way that is only known to Him.
Here is an update on that situation, from the mom. It is posted with her permission.
This is an update on my son Mark, who is recovering well from his auto accident a few weeks ago. He may be able to go to school in a couple weeks. He is still a hurting unit with his couple of broken ribs. He is a senior this year. He is up and around the house and spends all his time on his play station with games. That is how I can tell he is recovering.
I must share God's work in Mark. I do believe in miracles. The first miracle is the fact that my son is still alive and able to annoy me like he does. Thank you Lord for that.
The deputy that found Mark underneath the car that morning stopped by this week. When the cruiser pulled into the driveway Wednesday we thought maybe it was for a ticket from the accident. It was not. The officer was just stopping by to check in on Mark. He had some pictures of the car after rolling three times. I did not ever know that he had not ever seen the car.
Mark looked at the pictures for the longest time. He started to cry. "I am pretty lucky to be alive, ain't I?"
The deputy agreed. Still in tears, Mark told the deputy, "You saved my life, didn't you? I would not be here if you didn't get there so soon, right?" The deputy nodded his head. You should have been there my friends. The presence of the Lord was so strong.
The deputy, almost in tears himself, told my son that he prayed for him that morning. He told Mark that he was fairly new on the police department and this was his first big deal as a cop. He told Mark how scared he was, and that he wanted to be sure to do everything right. He told Mark that he prayed as he got out of his patrol car to help.
I don't want to bore you with all the details, I could write a book about this. But Mark is quite aware of the Lord being with them that morning, on a small country road just outside of town. Mark professes to know Christ. I believe he does. But this meeting between the rescuer and the victim was anointed by God himself. I have not spoken much about the accident to Mark. We have been too busy nursing him back to health.
But this Christian officer, prayed with my son right there. He put his hand on Mark's shoulder and prayed for his recovery and future. They hugged and the officer left.
People, you can not tell me that God is not still doing miracles. The simple fact that we are graced with the ability to get out of bed in the morning is a miracle enough. Kim (ed. note: Kim is a CMI Christian independent artist), you mentioned the struggle between your family and writing. I understand. Life gets so busy. But as long as we follow His commands, the resources, the energy, the answer, will come. I can not say enough about prayer. I have not prayed as much ever, as I have this last few weeks. Simply because I did not know what else to do.
My prayers are being answered, minute by minute. The love and resolve of all my fears are being taken care of before my eyes. Take care of your family. That burning to write music will be answered, in his time. I would worry when the fire goes out. God is building a flame for him inside you. When the flame is ready to be passed on to others, in your music, you will realize the purpose of the wait. God is working in your music Kim. I don't know where it is going, but He does. Have faith in knowing that God knows His plan for you.
Voice23, you shared with me a similar thing. You said you did not know what your future direction was for your station. God knows. Keep praying and have faith that God will have his way, all for His glory. Don't get so busy trying to see the prayers answered, that you miss seeing the prayers answered.
God bless all of you. I love you and thank you for your prayers. I am so grateful for these new friendships that have been placed in my life. Kim, I would love to see some pictures of your new little one. Maybe you can have voice23 post them on his website.
In Christ
Tracy
29 August, 2007 - War
Have you ever cheated in on a video game by pressing that "secret" key combination and entering "God Mode"? I suppose not. I have. Sometimes, I will use that mode to run through the game and "experience" the challenges, pitfalls and dangers, before I actually play the game real-time.
By doing this, you are able to plan, protect, and feel reasonably safe in your game play. You know what perils stalk you around that corner. You know what danger is in store when you reach a certain level. You can plan for it and be ready. That is not really cheating? Is it? I call it "research".
Don't you wish life was like that? Don't you wish you knew what the outcome of a choice would be - before you made it? Wouldn't it be great to anticipate threats and guard against them. What a relief in parenting, if you could protect your family from every danger and predator that lurks around ever corner.
How many marriages would be saved, if we knew what to say, when and how to say it - or learn when to not say anything at all?
Now, back to reality, WAKEUP!
You were having a dream. Life is not a video game. But rest assured that there is a "God Mode"! You can access it anytime, anywhere, without a secret combination of codes. It is yours for the asking, through Jesus Christ, who gave up His life, so that we could have a "God Mode" in our daily life.
"My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand." John 10:29
Just like in the video game, the dangers are still there. The enemy is still lurking behind that cover. You still get shot at, and still fall through the floorboards of the game play. But you do not die. You do not DIE! You are in "God Mode". You are protected from death but still get to experience the game.
Our life with Christ is exactly the same. We still have the pains, the hurts, the challenges, and the struggles. We can make bad choices, learn, experience success, and failures. But we do not DIE! We have the promise of eternal salvation, through the blood of the Lamb, Jesus.
No matter how challenging the levels of play are in your life, you can be in "God Mode". You can experience the game and NEVER DIE!
Are you in "God Mode" today?
24 August, 2007 - Sheep
I am reading though John. I read John 10 this morning. You must read it. The first thing I thought of was Ken Davis and the story about his taking the short cut into the sheep pen.
Anyway, Jesus Christ is our Good Shepherd. He knows us. He loves us and he has paid the price and owns us. We need to know his voice. As we mature in our walk with him, we learn to tell the difference between his voice and the voices of the robbers and thieves that only wish harm to us.
I pray today that we listen for the voice of Christ today and follow him in everything we do.
Amen!
16 August, 2007 - 4P's
I am in the process of an e-mail exchange with an author by the name of Linda Nacif. 'Linda Nacif is the author of "Jump and the Joy Will Follow." Through Linda's breakthrough techniques and passionate communication, she encourages clients to dare to go beyond their comfort zone by being adventurous, fit and enthusiastic' I encourage you to visit her website at: www.lindanacif.com.
I have never been much on the "positive thinking" mentality. That arena that endorses the "if it feels good - do it" mentality. But Linda Nacif is different. She wrote a book called ""Jump and the Joy Will Follow.". I have not read it yet. But after questioning her thoughts on her motivational thought process, I think she has potential. :)
Here are my thoughts on 'Jumping and commitment'. I would love to hear your input on this theory and practice of mine. click here to e-mail me.
Even though we are drawn aback with fear at venturing out on our dreams and goals, we are our worst enemy. (Beside Satan of course). However, we have the grace and forgiveness in our corner of the ring on both occasions.
I do not condone "blind leaps" of faith. But harboring fear, after we have (what I call) "pondered, prayed, prepared and pretended", is inexcusable. That is not to say that we literally make a jump out of an airplane, forgetting our parachute; forgiving our bad choice by saying. "I INTENDED" to put on a parachute'
Instead, a degree of thinking over a project or commitment is necessary. We then need to pray, that whatever the challenge is, IS God's will. (I heard someone say. if you ever want to make God laugh - tell him YOUR plans for the future.) Then comes the preparation or planning. Is it logistically sound? Is it marketable? What do I need to do so that I can realize this objective.
Then comes the part I like the most. I pretend. I will play, as if I am already doing this activity. I will make calls to sources, resources, and prospects. I will "test market" the idea. This allows feedback, fine tuning, practice and refinement.
If all is well, then I take the leap! Just do it! Get it on! Rock 'n Roll. All obstacles and fears are behind me. I can pursue a task or idea with confidence and assured that God is my partner.
I have many great ideas. I have many thoughts. I am an overflowing urn of inventious ideas. Most never make it past the praying stage. I am either cut short there, or the idea fizzles and goes away. Sometimes, the plan is placed on a back burner for a better time. But it beats the hell out of the other option. I would rather "fizzle" than "crash and burn".
I believe in this philosophy. Sometimes, we go through these processes, and sit on the edge of fear and frustration. All this means is, we need to go through the process again. Maybe I missed something. Or maybe God really didn't want me to do it. Maybe I used a short-cut on the preparation. Or maybe the playing was not invested in properly and I had some unresolved refinement that was needed.
4 P's. : Pondered, Prayed, Prepared and Pretended.
I guarantee you, that if these four filters are practiced in sequence, and completed, you will end up with a project or idea that is ready to bust out of the gate. Like 20lbs of potatoes in a 10lb sack. Like a bronc waiting for the split second in which that gate opens in a rodeo. If you don't follow this process, it will be like trying to blow up a balloon under water. You will be defeated before you start. You will reinforce every doubt that you have. And restore that satanic fear that is holding you back from all your potential.
Remember, we are stewards of our knowledge, thoughts, and abilities. God has gifted us with potential. In order to be a good steward of these prizes, we need to use them, refine them, strengthen them and --- SHARE THEM with others.
09 August, 2007 - Update
Just a little update on the medical situation here. The surgery went well. We had to remove a little more of the tibia than expected because of some clotting and degeneration. There was a bit of a cancer scare, but that is negative. The bruising and clotting had just made things a lot worse than originally thought. But with the graces of God and the fine surgeons, it went well. Now comes the aftercare and painful recovery. My pain cycles are minute by minute. The pain levels would be more consistent if I were not to think that I am better than the wonderful doctors and nurses that are caring for me. Even though they have not physically gone through a total knee replacement themselves, they have been involved in many of them. The do know better.
When they tell me I am not ready, three or four days out of surgery, to be back on my feet actively, they are right. I tend to be the type of person that feels good for a little while, and that opens the door to getting things done. I need to listen more attentively to them and stay "homebound" as I am classified. The nurse told me yesterday that she would "put me back in the hospital" if I did not settle down. So be it.
I would like to ask for continued prayer in my recovery. There are so many things that need to get done around here, both personally, and with Christian Mix Inet. But they will not be done well, if I do not heed the advise of those that care for me during this recovery. Unfortunately, I still need you to pray for any possible support you can offer to this ministry. Hosting for our stream is due and we are not able to cover the costs at the moment. I thank you for your consideration and prayer. Please do continue.
25 July, 2007 - Satan's Insight
I have always had a profound respect for writers of words and music. The gift of putting thoughts into written words is a daunting task for me. Even though I have had a couple things published in the past, and have been a staff writer for a newspaper, I praise God for editors. Unfortunately, I do not have one here. Please bear with me.
Satan KNOWS our future. Because it was taken away from him when he was doomed to darkness. Maybe the actual translation of my comment should be different than it was. But consider this. I hope that this does not present itself as a bunch of rambling. I pray that God inspire my words. I pray that he help me present my thoughts and beliefs in a manner that glorifies him. Much of this I have read elsewhere and have formulated into my own "soup" of faith.
We are strangers to this world, this human existence, we don't belong here. We are not of this world, we are pilgrims who are waiting for our promised home with Christ. It is only then shall our life truly begin. Satan knows that we understand this. He knows about our faith and most of all, know about our Jesus, our Christ, our God and Friend. Satan will do anything he can to keep us from that eternity. But he only has the power and control that God allows him to have. There is a terrible price to pay for following Satan's lies. He has lost his inheritance to eternal life, and he wants ours. He has been given a short time to test all creation. He has been given to tempt the flesh, by God.
If found this one day while looking for something else.
"Satan prowls the earth seeking whom he may devour - "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" - I Peter 5:8. His power is great...but limited. He can only control his demons and the souls of human beings that he controls, meaning those in the world who are his. He CANNOT possess the body of a Christian who is protected by the Holy Spirit in Christ. Satan can only oppress from the outside through temptation of the flesh". by Raymond Laginess
When I said that Satan knows my future, he certainly does. Satan knows his enemy. This is not a game for the devil. He knows that we will not serve him - EVER! I know I am a sinner, I have faults and a sin nature, but, although I'm weak in the flesh and the lowest of all humans, I also know that in Christ I am righteous......I'm forgiven.......and I'm saved! I have His power to overcome and He is always with me. The spiritual battle that I deal with is with Satan's attempts to hide Christ's Blood from me. Satan knows that we are not all saved. He knows that it is by the Blood of Christ that we are saved. Satan tries to hide the blood from us to make us stumble and fall.
Satan knows what the alternative to the darkness of his future. Actually in Revelations, it says that Satan's days are numbered. (That is a completely different study). He knows what our future with Christ is going to be like, because it was stripped from him. Imagine what it must be like - knowing what an eternity with Christ, in Heaven, might be like -- and never having the remotest possibility of having it. Satan knows what he is missing in his future, and he wants ours.
18 July, 2007 - Prayer Request
I would like to ask you for prayer for me. I have some major surgery coming up on the 31st of this month. We will be doing a total knee replacement on the right knee. Even though it has become a pretty routine procedure in medical terms, it is still quite invasive and there are always the possibility of complications.
However, in my case, there may be some predisposed complications before we even get into the operating room. Doctors have found some images on the x-rays and MRI's that have them concerned. The talk is that it 'could be' a form of bone cancer called Chondrosarcoma. Although rare, it is treatable, it could be at the expense of removing a larger part of the lower leg for a prosthetic replacement.
I wish prayer that God's will be done. I pray for the doctors judgement and discernment be directed by the Great Physician. Whatever the outcome, whatever the prognosis, I pray that His will be done, and that His hand be on my recovery.
03 July, 2007 - Good News
Have you tuned into the news today - for your daily dose of BAD NEWS? War and social violence is not a good thing. We need to be made aware of it, and kept up on the struggles that we face every day. But don't you think we should have some good news too? Not all is lost. We are not in the depths of despair -- yet.
There are good things going on in Iraq. There are progresses being made every day. There are county fairs, there are kids raising money for the poor, and people are saving others lives all the time. We have a lot of good things going on all the time. Don't you wish that you could have a sprinkling of goodness along with the bitter?
We can not ignore the trials and tribulations -- but we need to have hope. All is not lost. It is not a dread and doom world.
24 June, 2007 - Are You A Part-time Christian?
Parenting is a full-time job. You would never stop caring for your children. You should know where they are at all times. Neither can you be a part-time Christian. Think about it. Do you know where your Bible is?
22 June, 2007 - Someone sent this to me and I cheered loudly and say Amen!!!!!!!!!!!!!
People come to Our country and bitch about what is happening in their country or about how people comment about how they don't speak English and respect Our country. If you don't like it Go Home. If you are gonna live here learn our language and support Our country. Just my personal opinion.
Love This Comeback
One of my sons serves in the military. He is still stateside, here in California . He called me yesterday to let me know how warm and welcoming people were to him, and his troops, everywhere he goes, telling me how people shake their hands, and thank them for being willing to serve, and fight, for not only our own freedoms but so that others may have them also.
But he also told me about an incident in the grocery store he stopped at yesterday, on his way home from the base. He said that ahead of several people in front of him stood a woman dressed in a burkha.
He said when she got to the cashier she loudly remarked about the U.S. flag lapel pin the cashier wore on her smock. The cashier reached up and touched the pin, and said proudly," Yes, I always wear it and probably always will."
The woman in the burkha then asked the cashier when she was going to stop bombing her countrymen, explaining that she was Iraqi. A
gentleman standing behind my son stepped forward, putting his arm around my son's shoulders, and nodding towards my son, said in a calm and gentle voice to the Iraqi woman:
"Lady, hundreds of thousands of men and women like this young man have fought and died so that YOU could stand here, in MY country
and accuse a check-out cashier of bombing YOUR countrymen. It is my belief that had you been this outspoken in YOUR own country, we wouldn't need to be there today. But, hey, if you have now learned how to speak out so loudly and clearly, I'll gladly buy you a ticket and pay your way back to Iraq so you can straighten out the mess in YOUR country that you are obviously here in MY country to avoid."
Everyone within his hearing distance cheered!
08 June, 2007 - Why Did You Call Me Lord?
I used to attend a church that I hated. I hated it because the preacher knew me to the core. I would not go -- without being convicted of my utter worthlessness in sin.. Though the congregation was a few hundred people, his sermons were to me. It was like the sanctuary was cleared, the lights were set on low, and there was only me in the pews.
Music lyrics convict too. God's love and grace comes though quite clearly in song. This following song by Kevin Max did it this morning. It makes us wonder why God chose the people that he did -- to do his work? Why does God give us challenges that we don't want? Why does it seem like we struggle through life with millstones around our neck. As if we are ready to jump off a platform, into an abyss, dropping like a rock to the depths of darkness and despair?
The truth is -- He does not call us for this life. He does not twist us and turn us to make things easy here in this home. This is not our home. This is a platform for life with Him. Through Jesus Christ, this is "Love Calling" us. Preparing us for a life of eternity in heaven.
Kevin Max - Platform Lyrics
oh my God
here I go again
jumping off this platform
to another end
oh my God
see me going deep
won't You take these millstones
from around my feet
and its a tragedy ( I know)
this state i'm in
why'd you choose me when you knew I wasn't tough enough
why'd you send me when you knew I would run
why'd you put me into places that I didn't want
why'd you call me when you knew i'd hang up
oh my God
can You see through me?
can Your pierce the darkness?
God Your charity
is the only song that I cannot sing
why'd you choose me when you knew I wasn't tough enough
why'd you send me when you knew I would run
why'd you put me into places that I didn't want
why'd you call me when you knew i'd hang up
You hold me up
and pull me down
and twist me around in circles
and take me out
and put me back
depending on the situation
oooh
oh my God
can I feel your hand?
I need direction and
a place to land
why'd you choose me when you knew I wasn't tough enough (why did you choose me)
why'd you send me when you knew I would run (send me on)
why'd you put me into places that I didn't want (why did you send me there?)
why'd you call me when you knew i'd hang up
is this my platform?
(love calling, and i'm the one you call, love calling, and i'm the one to call, just call me up)
