Christ Was a Weak Man

Doesn't sound like a great title, does it? But I realized, yesterday as I read John, just one more of Christ's knotches in His belt that says: "I was human just like you." I've read it many times, but never really realize what Christ was saying.

St.John 5:28-30 - Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

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Did you catch it?

This is in red letters, so Christ actually says this- "I can of mine own self do nothing"

DO NOTHING! Just like you and I. Human! Totally reliant on God as His source of wisdom and power. If Christ couldn't make it as a human on His own, whatever made me think I could or can on my own? The creater of the universe couldn't make it as a human without God's help!

I find that very humbling to realize and also very ecouraging. God was there for Christ; and God will be there for us!

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It reinforces my faith in that I have human feelings:

I hurt

I cry

I get cunfused

I .......(fill it in)

I struggle

I sin

My life seems to fall apart around me!

So what do I do with these feelings? Right

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Ecclesiastes 1:9 - The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.

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No new thing under the sun!!

So no matter what you are going through right now..... your not the only one. It has happened before to people and will happen again to more people! And praise God, Christ knows how we feel cause He was human once. He has felt our hurt and pain and lives in us.

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So to the confused.... to the ones going through struggle, hurt and pain I will hold you up in my prayers!

God Bless

I love you all

Character Creates Courage

Psalm 31:24 - All you who put your hope in the Lord be strong and brave.

A legend from India tells about a mouse who was terrified of cats until a magician agreed to transform him into a cat. That resolved his fear... until he met a dog, so the magician changed him into a dog. The mouse-turned-cat-turned-dog was content until he met a tiger-- so, once again, the magician changed him into what he feared. But when the tiger came complaining that he had met a hunter, the magician refused to help. "I will make you into a mouse again, for though you have the body of a tiger, you still have the heart of a mouse."

Sound familiar? How many people do you know who have built a formidable exterior, only to tremble inside with fear?... We face our fears with force... or.... stockpile wealth. We seek security in things. We cultivate fame and seek status.

But do these approaches work?

Courage is an outgrowth of who we are. Exterior supports may temporarily sustain, but only inward character creates courage.
- Max Lucado

Courage is not freedom from fear. It is being afraid and going on.

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Romans 5:3-5 - And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation bring about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character, and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (NASB)

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Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

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Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.

When life pushes you to your knees.... your in the perfect position to pray!
Fight the good fight

Patience

Just thought this might be good. It was a study that I read recently on patience. Just passing it along.

Patience is thought to be just a passive waiting or perhaps a tolerance. But in the New Testament the Greek translations for "patience" are mostly active words.

Hebrews 12:1 - .... and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

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You don't run patiently..... it means with endurance.

Perservering through difficulties in hope of Heaven. Fighting towards a goal, eduring trails and expectantly waiting for God's promises to come to pass.

Patience Developed

1. God’s power develops patience.

Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness (Colossians 1:11).

2. Trusting God’s goodness develops patience.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

3. Allowing trials to purify character develops patience.
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing (James 1:3-4).

4. Resting in God’s timing develops patience.
Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not yourself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth (Psalms 37:7-9).

5. Waiting for Christ’s return develops patience.
Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waits for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; establish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draws nigh (James 5:7-8).

Patience Demonstrated

“Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” James 5:10-11
1. Job (James 5:11)
2. Abraham (Hebrews 6:15)
3. Paul (2 Timothy 3:10)
4. Jesus (2 Thessalonians 3:5)
5. God (Romans 15:5)

Patience Displayed: responding correctly to irritations and trials

1. Thank God: A person’s first reaction is usually “Why me?”, but the Bible says to rejoice in God’s will (Philippians 4:4; 1 Peter 1:6).

2. Seek His purposes: Sometimes, God puts people in difficult situations in order to witness. Other times, He might allow a trial for sanctification of character.

3. Remember His promises (such as Romans 8:28-29).

Patience Declared Worthy of Reward

1. Hope (Romans 5:3-4)
2. Inherit the promise, glory, honor, immortality (Hebrews 6:12-15; Romans 2:7)
3. Maturity (James 1:4)
4. Answered prayer (Psalm 40:1)
5. Pleasure of God (1 Peter 2:20)

The next time you’re in a traffic jam, betrayed by a friend, or mocked for your testimony, how will you respond? The natural response is impatience which leads to stress, anger, and frustration. Praise God, Christians are no longer in bondage to a “natural response.” Instead, they have the Lord’s strength to respond with complete trust in the Father, who uses trials for good (Romans 8:28). Through God’s power, purpose to be patient.

“To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life” (Romans 2:7).

Am I an Easter Island?

Easter Island is the most isolated, inhabited place on Earth. At over 2,000 miles from the next population in the South Pacific it is most famous for it's 900+ statues at up to 65ft tall, known as Moai. It was settled by Peruvian descendents (Inca) at around 400 AD. It was a beautifully forested island and a true paradise. The Rapa Nui (Inca descendents) spent their lives building the Moai statues. The Moai statues are representations of their deceased, took over a year to carve one and were taken 8 miles to the coast line to "guard" the island. The Rapa Nui spent all they had in carving these Moai statues, depleting their natural resources. The island became bare of trees, leaving no wood for boats and no boats to fish. They starved and withered and died. They started tribal wars that took their 20,000+ population to only hundreds and became cannibals.

Why the FYI you ask?

As I watch this documentary (History Channels awesome!), I started to ask myself if I was an Easter Island. And at times in my life, I have been. I thought of my spiritual life as the island. A beautiful paradise created by God when He came to live in my heart. So what have I done with it? What are my Moai (idols) in my life that I spend all my time and resources creating? What material things are my Soul wasted on? Then find myself depleting my resources (my "Spiritual Gifts") like the Rapa Nui's deforesting. Do I become involved to the point that my Bible reading and studding are hurt. Do I stop going to YG, Church, stop doing things with my Christian friends? (Fellowship?) I definitely don't want to spiritually "starve and wither!" I definitely don't want spiritual (like tribal) warfare were the principalities, powers and rulers to be go at it toe to toe! (read post "The Old Cherokee" Nov 7) (Eph. 6:12) I don't want spiritual cannibalism!

So what do I learn from the past, from the Rapa Nui's on Easter Island?

I'm NOT an island! I can NOT do this thing called life on my own! I can't cut myself off from church,YG, friends, reading, praying......etc.... like the Rapa Nui did from the rest of the world. I need help. I need support. I need to stop wasting my "resources" on frivolous "idols" in my life, set my focus on the things from above and place my treasures there in Heaven! (Matt. 6:20)
Learn...
Plant...
Grow...
And past it on...
and on...
and on!

The Rapa Nui society failed. Lord, "teach me to be content in what ever state I am" (Phil. 4:11). At work, at home or out and about. Lord, help me serve to my utmost no matter were I am.
Amen

Bloom were you're planted!

I love you all

Aslan- Why a Lion?

Revelation 5:5 - ...Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book...

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Aslan : Turkish for lion

Judah: "He shall be praised"

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So the question becomes: What are the characteristics of lions?

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Proverbs 30:30 - A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;

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Judges 14:18 - ... And what is stronger than a lion?...

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So strength and power are characteristics. Is that not a description of our Lord also? He is all powerful, and NOT afraid of anything. Why would He be? He made everything right...... He can destroy it too.

How about dangerous and ferocious, terrifying?

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Psalm 7:2 - Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces....

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Sounds dangerous to me. Ferocious and terrifying. And yet comforting.

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Amos 3:8 - The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?

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The Lord hath spoken, who can but prophesy?.... who can change God's commands? And who dare not fear His roar? But, He is my brave and mighty Hero (as a lion is brave and mighty.) The lion (The Lord) is courageous, bold, brave, valiant and protective. He doesn't run..... He has the heart of a lion.... He's wild at heart..... He won't back down..... NEVER tame, but always loving!

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Isaiah 31:4 - For thus hath the LORD spoken unto me, Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey, when a multitude of shepherds is called for against him, he will not be afraid of their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them: so shall the LORD of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof.

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The Lord will fight for you like a protective lion over his cubs. In all His (lion's) majesty, royalty and beauty. And yet save you gently as a lion with his cubs and carry you to safety.

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How about over turning those tables in the synagogue and confronting the "hypocrites" and "den of vipers."

And the lion is valiant.

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2 Samuel 17:10 - And he also that is valiant, whose heart is as the heart of a lion, shall utterly melt: for all Israel knoweth that thy father is a mighty man, and they which be with him are valiant men.

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Sounds to me like the lion, the Lion of Judah, is a fitting animal for my Lord and Savior. And as the mane is the glory of a lion, I can't help but imagine the glory of God shining bright out from around his face (like a mane... no?)

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Let us not de-claw our Savior.

The King & His Four Wives

The King & His Four Wives

Read This Carefully, very powerful thoughts sent to me. Just passing it on.

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Once upon a time there was a rich King who had four wives. He loved the 4th wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to the finest of delicacies. He gave her nothing but the best.

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He also loved the 3rd wife very much and was always showing her off to neighboring kingdoms. However, he feared that one day she would leave him for another. He also loved his 2nd wife. She was his confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with him. Whenever the King faced a problem, he could confide in her, and she would help him get through the difficult times.

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The King's 1st wife was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom. However, he did not love the first wife. Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her!

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One day, the King fell ill and he knew his time was short. He thought of his luxurious life and wondered, "I now have four wives with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone." Thus, he asked the 4th wife, "I have loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"

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"No way!" replied the 4th wife, and she walked away without another word.

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Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart. The sad King then asked the 3rd wife, "I have loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"

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"No!" replied the 3rd wife. "Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to remarry!" His heart sank and turned cold.

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He then asked the 2nd wife, "I have always turned to you for help and you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?"

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"I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!" replied the 2nd wife. "At the very most, I can only send you to your grave." Her answer came like a bolt of lightning, and the King was devastated.

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Then a voice called out: "I'll leave with you and follow you no matter where you go." The King looked up, and there was his first wife. She was so skinny as she suffered from malnutrition and neglect.

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Greatly grieved, the King said, "I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!

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"In truth, we all have 4 wives in our lives: Our 4th wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it look good, it will leave us when we die. Our 3rd wife is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, it will all go to others. Our 2nd wife is our family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for us, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave.

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And our 1st wife is our Soul. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world. However, our Soul is the only thing that will follow us wherever we go.

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Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of us that will follow us to the throne of God and continue with us throughout Eternity.

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When the world pushes you to your knees..... You're in the perfect position to pray.

Simplify Your Life

This is just a quick thought I had today....

Simplicity and contentment.

I was Christmas shopping Tuesday night with a family member. They asked me if there was anything that I "really" wanted. Not just little things that would be nice, like maybe a CD or something, but something I "really" wanted.
"No, nothing," I said
"Me either," they said.

It stinks being content doesn't it! (sarcasm.... just incase it wasn't clear)
And something that is often overlooked at Christmas is simplicity. Not getting caught up in everything, remembering Christ's birth, and just living in contentment.

I also reflected then on the things in my life that I like to do.
The things that are "not so bad" or however YOU justify it.
BUT, what's "not so bad".....also..... is "not so good." They keep us from fully living for and about Christ. So, simplify your life. Give up those things that occupy your life/time that are "not so bad."

Five ways to be happier:
1. Free your mind from worries
2. Free your heart from hate
3. Live simply
4. Give more
5. Expect less

I love you all

Run in the rain

This is an e-mail that I had sent to me. I'd just like to past it along.


A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in Wal-Mart. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Wal-Mart. We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child come pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day. The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in
"Mom, let's run through the rain," she said.
"What?" Mom asked.
"Let 's run through the rain!" She repeated.
"No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit," Mom replied.
This young child waited about another minute and repeated: "Mom, let's run through the rain,"
"We'll get soaked if we do," Mom said.
"No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning," the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm.
"This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?"
"Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!"
The entire crowd stopped dead silent. You couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes. Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's' life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.
"Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If GOD let's us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing," Mom said. Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars. And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing. Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories...So, don't forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories everyday. To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.

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I found this e-mail awesome.... The mother weights the decision and decides on a Godly example and affirmation of faith to her daughter. Children are so impressionable and look to us like heroes. Unfailinglyly. Thats how we are to look at God. We are call to be like little children. Child like faith, unwavering and without doubt.

We also are like the mother in this e-mail... We as Christians are to make the quality decision in our actions and words. Not just to children, but to everyone. Our examples are shining 24/7 whether we want them to or not. We are representing Christ and fighting to win souls for Christ. Just like the crowd at the Wal-Mart saw the example in the mother.

Also like the crowd, we are to look to Christ for the proper example and then follow Him. Even if its against the flow. Even if we get wet.
And to do it "screaming and laughing like children."

And like the mother said, "God can get us through anything." He CAN and He will. God is living in us, His temple, and goes with us into church, home, and where we should NOT be. He is there.
Sometimes we get wet though..... and it hurts.
But God is still holding us.
"So this is what it means.... to be held"
And giving us wisdom (if we ask) to make the quality decision.
And giving us grace.
And strength.
And mercy to carry on in this life.

So make the decision to run in the rain daily.
Remember..... even sunshine burns if you get too much.

Lord, I pray that in everything I do: whether work or play; morals, love, friendships or just dancing; integrity, strength and reliability, life and death. Lord I pray for the grace to do it all with daring Godly wisdom, faith and passion.

Amen

I love you all