Category: Personal

Valley of the ten peaks

Mark 11:21-23 – Speak To The Mountain And Do Not Doubt

God’s Word Is True – An Example From My Life

Today, I was doing some research for an article on Mark 11. This is where Jesus curses the fig tree, and then gives one of the most important lessons on how to release your faith. Both His actions and explanation are so simple a child can understand it. The entrance of thy words giveth light; It giveth understanding unto the simple. (Psalm 119:130) So it was quite surprising to stumble across a scholarly paper that harshly rebuked Believers for taking Jesus’ Words literally. After a whole thesaurus of 300 point words, the crux of the argument came down to Believers have it wrong. We are not supposed to have the God kind of faith, nor speak to the obstacles in our life. The religious among us are shocked by such boldness. “Who do you think you are?” They will ask. And quite calmly Believers respond, “New Creatures in Christ, made alive and complete in HIM, children of God and led by the spirt, with a command to imitate our Heavenly Father.”

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Nena Dutch Army

99 Luftballoons – January 1983 Remembered

The Beginning Of The End

In January of 1983, I was beginning the last semester of my Senior Year in High School. And the only thing on my mind was leaving home and heading off to college. I had arranged my schedule where I had just one required course – English Literature for Seniors – basically college prep, and an elective class – German III. The remainder of my day was a mix of working in the office/homeroom – which became an extended, often off campus lunch time. A class on being a consumer. The concept being that we would learn everything from buying cars to homes, financing, taxes etc. – My assignment, as the only Senior was to set up interesting field trips to expand our knowledge base. And a few other classes like that which required very little homework, or study. I was working about 30 hours a week at the new Tom Thumb Supermarket and did not have the time to mess with homework. If it couldn’t be finished at school, in class, or during homeroom, it did not get completed.

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My Top 5 Favorite Songs From The 1980s

My top 5 favorite songs from the 1980s, and why that decade was so awesome.

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Towel Elephant

There Is A Way That Seems Right To Man

For many years the cry from the left was that you could not legislate morality. Now, they openly celebrate the Supreme Court doing exactly that. This latest attempt by the highest court to legislate from the bench has far reaching implications. The Federal government has made behavior, how one chooses to live, a protected class. It has also opened the door for all sorts of legal persecution of people of faith who recognize the Eternal consequences of those choices.

Marriage is not a legal right. The question should never have gone to trial. Marriage is a covenant, ordained by God between one man and one woman. That has always been the ideal. Adam was created first. Eve was taken from him. Meaning that the two together were one complete person. God, who knows the heart of individuals, brings them together in marriage to be a whole person – spirit, soul, and body. Anything that deviates from this original ideal leads to problems, as is obvious from the many examples in the Bible, and life itself.

The question is, in a Constitutional Republic, how do you guarantee the rights of Believers, while accommodating the desires of the world. In this case, the only solution is to get the government completely out of the marriage business. They had no business getting involved in the first place. You don’t redefine and diminish the marriage covenant, to indulge the world.

I will defer to the legal experts on how best to make this work. Instead, I would prefer to address the Biblical and Spiritual aspects of this issue. The moment this case made news, everyone on the planet was suddenly a Biblical scholar. Even some clergy got in the act, telling us that we did not understand God’s Will on this issue. So let’s dive in and see what God’s Word has to say on this topic.

It must be made perfectly clear that a Believer in Jesus, a follower of His Word, does not hate homosexuals, or any sinner for that matter. Sin means separation from God. Everyone is born spiritually dead, the sin nature has severed the connection to God, and instead connected them to the father of lies, Satan. There is only one way to reconnect to your Heavenly Father – faith in Jesus Christ, making Him Lord of your life. (Romans 10:6-13) It is God’s Will, and He is very patient, that all be saved. (Mark 16:14-16, John 3:14-17, 1 Timothy 2:1-6, 2 Peter 3:9) He wants you to choose Life, to choose Him. In this dispensation, He will never force you to choose Him, and protect your right to reject Him, all the way to the grave. And even to the very end, He will continue to love you, reach out to you, and desire that you turn to Him, so that you may be saved, not only in this life, but be eternally with Him.

For the wages which sin pays is death, but the [bountiful] free gift of God is eternal life through (in union with) Jesus Christ our Lord. — Romans 6:23 (<AMP>)

Its spiritual death, and then the rejection of Jesus that brings judgment. Sins are simply a symptom of the fallen nature in unbelievers, and an unrenewed mind, or the sin nature still influencing a Believer. Sins have consequences, and they are often not pleasant. Satan has one clear mission – to steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus came to give Life, in abundance, and to the full. (John 10:10) Don’t make Satan’s job any easier.

Sexual sins – adultery, fornication, homosexuality, molestation, and rape are especially egregious because they so often affect others, sometimes whole nations. From the Bible, we can see how adultery can break up families, lead to murder, and even civil war. Fornication can lead to unwanted pregnancies, murder of the unborn, health complications, and emotional scars. Sexual perversion and abuse creates both physical and emotional victims, who often repeat the cycle. When it comes to sexual sins, there are no winners. That is why God has established the ideal. He is not a killjoy. He identifies sin and tells you to avoid it because He knows what comes from it. He knows you better than you know yourself. He sees the very best in you, and knows that the enemy is looking for an opportunity to deprive you of everything, including your life. Sin may seem exciting at first, but it rarely ends well.

The left is fond of pushing the narrative that anyone who preaches against homosexuality is preaching hate. Some countries are already prosecuting preachers, and the persecution of churches is well underway here in America. The homosexual community once called for tolerance. Now, they demand endorsement of their lifestyle choice. This is done by intimidation, lawsuits, and in some cases violence. In order to accommodate a very tiny, but seemingly powerful group, freedom of speech and religion are to be compromised. What has become of this once free nation? Can we not disagree, and not be disagreeable?

Towel Elephant
The Elephant In The Room

What prompted this article was reading some of the musings of preachers on this issue. I was amazed at their willingness to abandon Scripture, claiming Believers simply misunderstand God’s Word. And even demanding that the Bible be altered to reflect the times we live in and embrace homosexuality, well, in the same way churches have accepted most sexual sins. I am also amused when they change their views based on the majority opinion. Somehow, I don’t think God works by consensus. I’m not going to link to any of their posts because my goal is not to embarrass anyone.

So much of Christendom has become nothing more than religion. They teach a social gospel, having long ago abandoned preaching the Word. The Seed, the Word of God sown in the spirit brings Life. Religion can’t do this. It cannot be earned. Only the Word of God can accomplish this in someone’s heart. God’s Word is alive and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). It is the source of the Believer’s armor, and the only offensive weapon for spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10-17). Religion evolves, theologians change opinions, but the Word of God is Eternal, Incorruptible Seed (1 Peter 1:13-25). The Word is the source of faith, and its impossible to please God without faith (Romans 10:17, Hebrews 11:6). It is milk for babes in Christ, but meat for the spiritually mature. (Hebrews 5:10-14, 1 Peter 2:1-3). If you want to change someone’s fruit, you must first change their root. The only way that happens is by people hearing God’s Word.

Can two walk together, except they be agreed? — Amos 3:3 (<KJV>) 

So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free. — John 8:31-32 (<AMP>)

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Love

I Would Not Have You To Be Ignorant, Brethren

As a bored child in church, I would sometimes turn to the back of a hymnal to find anything to occupy my time. There you could find random lists of things like the corresponding dates to the next several decades or so of Easter Sundays. This was somewhat alarming because the list in one particular hymnal ended at the year 2000. In my youthful ignorance, I assumed that the hymnal manufacturer had inside knowledge of the End Times. Having sat through a few sermons on Revelation, and my own time in the book, this was a frightening prospect. Such is the power of religious tradition, and ignorance of God’s Word.

This is where knowledge of God’s Word, His Truth, is so very important. Faith comes from hearing His Word, not fear. If something in the Bible makes you afraid, you may have misunderstood, or failed to rightly divide the Word. The Word of God is Truth. It is meant to set you free from fear, bondage, and even the bondage of religious tradition. Since God has provided so many answers to questions concerning the End Times, its sad to see people ignore what is written.

For Part 1 On The End Times – Its The End Of The World As We Know It

 

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
(1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 <KJV>)

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Read The Word

To Suffer Or Not To Suffer

I recently took part in a discussion on suffering, specifically Christian suffering. All the usual anecdotes were offered, the unborn, the premature death, the physically disabled, those born into poverty, or living in war zones. The usual Biblical examples were dragged out – Job and Paul’s thorn. It makes you wonder what Bible people read. Let’s take a look at some of these examples.

In a passage often quoted from Job 1, Satan complained to God because He had placed a hedge around Job, and blessed all the works of his hands to the point that he was the richest man in the East. For Believers, this should be cause for hope. Instead, this passage is often misunderstood as either God, or Satan, removing the hedge and attacking Job. If this is what you have been taught, you need to dig deeper into God’s Word. The Bible tells you exactly what brought that hedge down, and hindered the Blessing. It definitely was not God, or Satan directly.

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A clip from XTCs Mayor of Simpleton video

My Favorite 80s Music Cover Songs

Cover songs for some of my favorite hits from the 80s. Featuring 311, Ace Of Base, Letters To Cleo, Alizee, No Doubt, Orgy and others.

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Ode To Blog Spam

Spam comments - the ridiculous and unusual in my spam comment folder.

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Where Was God During 9/11?

It seems every time there is a national tragedy or terrorist attack or seemingly any random act of violence, the question comes up, "Where is God?" A discussion of God's promises of protection.

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My Many Nicknames

I made a decision many years ago to only call people by the name they gave me – unless of course I gave them a nickname. This was the result of the many nicknames, some not so nice, I was given through the years. Here is a short list of some of them. It would take an entire book to reproduce them all.

Jolly Green Giant – At 10 lbs 1 oz, I was one of the biggest bundles of joy to ever hit Good Shepherd Medical Center at the time of my birth. The nurses gave me this name and told my parents that all I needed was a social security number and a pair of overalls and I could go right to work.

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Melissa Mars

I have always enjoyed other cultures and music. Even if I don’t understand the lyrics completely, if it is a good song, or an entertaining video, I like it.

Foreign languages have also been a hobby of mine. I am not fluent in any particular one. Well, I guess I do OK with English. I studied German for three years in high school. I took French one semester in college, as well as a half year of French in 7th grade as part of an advanced studies course. I have also had to work with many translators and foreign coworkers (Finnish, Japanese etc) over the years, so picking up a few words here and there has been pretty common. But mastery has alluded me. But I still like to try and decipher the meanings of songs I like.

Having given that long introduction, its on to the meat of this post. I came across a video by a French artist, Melissa Mars, and really enjoyed it. So I began looking up some of her other work. Some of it was really good, and of course some not so great. But the more I investigated, the more I became a fan. I especially enjoyed her work on a rock opera based on the life of Mozart that is running in French-speaking countries.

If you think you might be interested in this, you can learn more about her and see many of her videos at Melissa Mars. I hope you enjoy. read more

Writing Is Therapy

Writing for me is therapy. I’m a bit of a loner, in case you did not already figure that out. I have lots of friends and family, but I seem to keep most things to myself.

Men are taught to not show any weakness, as if emotions or honesty would be perceived as being weak. Conversations with other men tend to be about women, sports, women, cars, women, career, women, hunting and of course women. This would explain why I tend to prefer the company of women when it comes time to “talk.”

My mother was a great listener. I could tell her anything without any fear. She was the most loving and forgiving person I have ever known. Because of her, I understood God so much better. I literally could go on a murdering and raping rampage and she would still throw her arms around me and tell me that she loved me. Our relationship was always fun, honest and completely uninhibited.

My ex entered my life about the time I lost my mother. In a similar way we had a very honest relationship. She knew things about me that nobody else will ever know. It was actually a pretty smooth transition from my mother to her.

When I was single again, my Father did his best to fill that void. I have always had tremendous love and respect for my Father. But we never quite had that connection that I had with my Mother. Maybe because we were both men, or something else, but I kept many things from him and I’m not sure why.

He was a very perceptive man. He knew when I was happy or when something was wrong. I think I’m a pretty good actor, but he could see through my performances. Our relationship improved over the years and I am at peace about where we were when he left.

For the first time though, I found myself really missing him. You see I received some news yesterday that really hurt. It was nothing malicious and what it was really does not matter, but it opened a wound that I thought was healed long ago.

You may not believe in God or the devil. But let me assure you, they are both real. Satan is a mean SOB. He knows exactly where to attack to cause the most pain and destruction. His preferred battlefield is your mind and emotions, and he will use other people sometimes as proxies. That was the case yesterday.

I forgave my ex years ago and have forgotten everything. We must forgive if we expect to receive forgiveness ourselves. And if you claim you have forgiven someone, but say you will never forget, you really haven’t forgiven them. To forgive means to wipe the slate clean. It is an act of will, a decision that is made for good. If you are expecting some form of restitution, or for the offender to do something for you, your forgiveness is actually for sale. And that will not cut it.

So Sunday afternoon, after a fantastic Saturday and a very productive Sunday, I was on top of the world. And then the devil tried to bring me down. I was going to share what happened, but it is so ridiculously stupid I am ashamed to even admit that I took offense. But I wrestled with it for a couple of hours before finally letting it go.

I’m not sure where this blog is going. It seems now I’m just rambling. Hopefully someone out there is getting a chuckle or is being helped in some way by my words. If not, thanks for listening anyway.

In a totally unrelated train of thought, I have always enjoyed a good hug. My mother was a hugger, but my Father was more “dignified.” I was somewhat conflicted, but then decided I prefer the hugging.

The touch of another human can sometimes mean so much more than words. During my Father’s final days, I got to spend a whole lot of time with my 4 year old niece Rebekah (or Bekah). Now just so you know, my two nieces are the most beautiful nieces in the world. And Rebekah is at that adorable age where she thinks her uncle is the greatest thing ever.

Most kids have a fear of strangers or bigger people. Fear can be a bad thing, but caution can save your life. We don’t see each other often, so she was hesitant at first, but before long she was on my lap, with her hands around my neck and fast asleep on her big “teddy bear.” My other niece used to do that, but now that she is in her 20s, some people might find that creepy.

My uncles were all kind of “dignified” or just plain scary. Children are very perceptive, so its good that she felt safe and loved around me. Most people seem to be intimidated by my size – which in some situations is a good thing. But thankfully, I’m a hit with the kids. So I got that going for me!

Originally published March 2009. read more

Mothers

I do not think there is any job more important than being a mom. Yes, fathers are important too, but your mother is constantly there, nurturing and teaching in ways that men usually can’t.

I lost my Mother in 1991. I miss her so much. I have blogged about her before and so some of this may be repeated. She was a woman ahead of her time. She worked for the military during World War 2, graduated from Southern Methodist University and was a career woman when that just wasn’t popular.

She worked for the 4H organizing activities and then later as what is now called a welfare case worker. She was a compassionate Christian and did her best to improve the lives of her clients. This was back when the actual goal was to get people OFF of government assistance instead of keeping them in poverty forever.

She worked at Lone Star Steel in administration where she met my Father. Stopping briefly to knock out a few kids, she would always return to work once we kids were “weaned.” We even had a maid for a short time which is kind of funny – that lady was tough from what I can remember.

Before I started school, she was a stay-at-home mom. After my sisters left on the bus, I would sit on her lap and just talk for hours. No matter what off the wall question I asked, and I asked a few, she would have the perfect explanation. She had me reading and using math skills that would have embarrassed most kids three years my senior – which would prove problematic since I was bored for the first several years at school.

But what I liked most was the unconditional love. I never doubted that she loved me – I was told often. And even though I had a few rebellious episodes, she still loved me and prayed me out of several life threatening moments. Let’s just say after living with her, there was no doubt that God was real and He definitely answered faith-filled prayers.Frances Matney Woodard (1922 - 1991)

I was completely honest with her without fear. And she had a great sense of humor – which is good because she “got me,” a rarity indeed. As an example, at my first real job – an advertising agency – we used to have Friday happy hours in our parking lot. We grilled and vendors, radio reps etc would bring bands or radio remotes and adult beverages. My mother called me and she could tell I had been drinking – she tolerated it, but she would never condemn me.

I jokingly told her I had consumed 96 beers that day. Which I guess she actually believed me – I have come close to that number. But she made a call to my sister and instructed her to go rescue me. We still laugh about that.

During my last semester in college, I got behind on some papers. She drove to Dallas and typed two papers for me. She could type like a gazillion words a minute. She was always happy to help her kids out of a difficult situations. But that is just what a mom does, right?

I have a picture of her from college. She was tall and thin – she got heavier later. But she had long brown hair and was wearing a beautiful dress and sitting on the floor like a movie star. It was a professional photographer because this was definitely the “money shot.” It is gorgeous and I like to remember her in that moment and then sitting on her lap later on. Of course I was a wee bit smaller back then.

She was a dedicated Spirit-filled Christian who loved to sing, teach, write and serve the Lord in whatever endeavor He directed. I am still going through a multitude of files of poems, songs and other material she produced. I have posted some of her Christian poems. In time, I hope to get everything she wrote published.

I write this to honor my mother. But also to let current and future mothers know that every single moment you give your child is remembered and cherished. You are shaping their life by everything you say and do in their presence. Make each and every moment special!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!

Originally published Mother’s Day 2008.

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Why Do People Deny Spiritual Gifts?

After reading yet another article attacking various ministries and denying spiritual gifts, I felt the need to share some thoughts. I do not post the original article, because again my purpose is not to ridicule or embarrass the author. But hopefully this might help somebody with questions in this area.

You know its interesting, most of the Saducees and Pharisees, the church leaders and intellectuals of Jesus’ time, thought he was the devil, and did not believe in the resurrection, and claimed the miracles of Jesus were satanic. Sound familiar?

After the Holy Spirit was released, the established church persecuted the believers, even going so far as to round them up and kill them. It might be wise to remember Gamaliel’s wise words to the Sanhedrin in this instance: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men…I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” (Acts 5:34-39 NIV)

There are certainly devil-inspired charlatans and deceptive practices/movements in the world. But praying in the Spirit/tongues is scriptural. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is most definitely scriptural. Spend some time in the New Testament, especially Paul’s letters, and there is no denying this. In fact, it would take a theologian (a modern day pharisee) to argue against this.

Believe what you will, but here is my story. I grew up in a home with two loving, spirit-filled Christian parents. I witnessed many miracles and gifts of the Spirit operating in their life and my own through their intercession. It would take many paragraphs to share the miraculous events in my life. It was God moving in a spectacular way for my family in answer to prayer and in response to faith that He will do what we ask. As I have grown in the Word, I have been blessed many times by faith in God’s Word. God’s Word is true and full of life. But if you read it as a mental exercise and/or spend no time meditating on it, you will never truly HEAR it with your spirit and faith comes from hearing the Word of God.

Satan can operate even in Christians if they yield to his promptings and temptation. When I see articles like this or run across ministries that are completely focused on “exposing” other ministries – i.e. not walking in love, I question who is their spiritual father. It is definitely not the Holy Spirit because God is love.

And frankly, why be a Christian when you continually believe Him to be unwilling or unable to fulfill all of His promises in your life? What faith can you have in an impotent god? I attended a dead church for far too long. It sounded like God was a big lottery – maybe He will, maybe He will not, who knows what God will do? How can you have faith in that!? God wants you to trust Him and His Word. You can’t have true fellowship without trust (faith).

In John 10:10 – Jesus said Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy, but Jesus came to give me life in abundance, to the full, until it overflows (paraphrase of AMP). I take God at His Word and desire/want/enjoy everything He promises His children. He is my Heavenly Father. Why would He not want the very best for His kids including spiritual gifts to better communicate/interact/fellowship with God who is Spirit?

I guarantee you one thing, you will never receive what you write/speak/preach against. You will destroy whatever faith you might have that way.

Have you ever really read the account of Peter ministering to Cornelius and his household? (Acts 10)
Peter had a spiritual vision. He had been filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and was operating in the gifts of the Spirit. Cornelius had seen an angel. He was not born again or Spirit filled yet, that is why an angel had to visit him, but the angel could not preach the gospel. Cornelius had to send for Peter. Peter began preaching the Word and the entire household and guests, were born again and filled with the Holy Spirt – the evidence – Peter AND the Jewish believers HEARD them praying in a spiritual language and praising God.

Peter even says that God does not show favoritism after witnessing these new believers operating in spiritual gifts. Later Paul tells us that God never changes. If Cornelius and his entire household, including guests, could be filled with the Spirit with evidence of speaking in tongues, why could this same gift not be manifest in the present day? Has God changed? Has the Holy Spirit changed? Or has the church preached against it so much that few people believe anymore?

I find it a little funny that the Jewish believers that came with Peter were “astonished” that the Holy Spirt filled these new Gentile believers. Even born again spirit-filled believers still have to renew their mind and get rid of racism, religious dogma and other demonic influences that hinder faith and love. read more

A Thunderstorm Lesson

A Thunderstorm Lesson

Today, I found myself reading in my bedroom when a late summer storm hit. Boris is usually terrified by storms, but this time he came and crouched on my lap. As the thunder and lightning intensified, he would start to move towards the utility room, his favorite “safe” place during storms. But I would talk to him and get his focus back on me and he would settle back down. Then there would be another clap of thunder, or more intensity in the rain, and he would take his eyes and attention off of me and back on the storm. This went on for almost the entire duration of the storm.

This was such an obvious lesson from God I had to immediately post it here. All Satan has is fear, lies and deception. As long as we have God’s Word in our heart (the Truth) we can overcome his lies. The thunder was scary, but as long as Boris was focused on me, he wasn’t afraid. Likewise, as we keep our focus on Jesus (the Word) we have no reason to be afraid.

How about some examples from the Word:

Numbers 21 – The Israelites were complaining yet again about their journey to the promised land. They claimed that Moses had brought them out into the desert to die. The Bible said that God sent poisonous snakes, but that is a mistranslation. Their own words opened the door for Satan and allowed him to bring destruction. Remember Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10) And even God said that He put before them life or death, Blessing or the curse and then told them to choose life (Deuteronomy 30:15-20). How would they do that? With the words of their mouth.

When they repented and turned back to God, Moses placed a bronze serpent on a pole. All who looked on this type of Christ, were immediately healed. We are in an even better position after the resurrection because we have complete salvation through faith in Jesus.

Matthew 14 – The disciples were on a boat crossing the Sea of Galilee. A big storm threatened to sink them and they were terribly afraid. Jesus came to them walking on the water. Peter said, “Lord if its really you, command me to come to you.” Based on what he said, the only answer Jesus could give was “Come.” Otherwise, he would have been lying.

Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on the water! But the Bible says that he became distracted by the waves and the storm and took his focus off of Jesus. His fear caused him to start to sink. He cried out for Jesus who lifted him up out of the water and into the boat. Jesus asked him, “Why did you doubt?” Its a question we need to sometimes ask ourselves.

I recently had another experience that will help you understand this note. As we study God’s Word and confess His promises, Satan comes immediately to steal the Word. Why? Because God’s Word brings joy, salvation, deliverance, light and truth. Satan wants you in darkness, stumbling about and falling for his lies.

I was out with a friend when I looked down and saw her IPhone, which has a very large viewing area with the current time. It was after midnight and a thought came to me – its September 5th now. This was my parent’s anniversary and it just happens to have been my anniversary as well. Normally, this date brought about all sorts of satanic attacks and depression. But I’ve gotten better at recognizing his evil ways. A little while later a complete stranger came over and sat near me. The very first words out of her mouth were, “Where’s your wife?” My response was totally from evil inspiration as the devil had used this woman to speak words that might have been an innocent misunderstanding, but were like fiery darts that penetrated my shield of faith.

I repented and moved on from the experience, but it was a lesson well learned. Control your thoughts. Keep Jesus (the Word) in focus and inside you at all times. This will bring joy and peace. Remember the joy of the Lord IS your strength!

Originally published September 2010. read more

A Very Special Christmas Blog

A Very Special Christmas Blog

One of my favorite holiday movies is It’s A Wonderful Life. I’ve probably watched it 50 times and it never grows old. If you’ve never seen it, or just forgot the story, it involves a man named George Bailey. Now George has always wanted to do great things. But throughout his life, circumstances have caused him to settle for what he believes is a less than a wonderful life.

The pivotal moment comes when he is faced with a financial loss that will destroy his business and family. As he sits on the bridge considering suicide, an angel named Clarence intercedes to save his life. Since George thinks he is a failure, Clarence gives him the opportunity to see what his community would be like if he had never been born.

The next several scenes reveal that his quaint little town of Bedford Falls has turned into Pottersville, a crime-ridden cesspool full of depressed drunks. At first, George thinks it a trick, but as he retraces his life he sees the impact he has had on so many lives.

For example, Harry, his kid brother who he saves as a child, is dead because George wasn’t there to save him. As a result, hundreds of sailors die when Harry is not there to shoot down the plane that was attacking their ship.

The repercussions of George’s absence ripple throughout the entire community. It becomes obvious that George has touched almost every life in Bedford Falls and he begins to realize the difference he has made.

In the closing scene, he prays to live again and returns home to find the entire Its A Wonderful Lifecommunity rallying to his rescue. If the final scene doesn’t bring tears of joy to your eyes, you aren’t human.

I bring this story up because like George, I have been up on that bridge a few times in my life. One of my angels was my mother, who on more than one occasion was compelled to wake up and enter God’s thrown room and pray for her son without knowing exactly what was happening in my life. But she would not stop until she had divine assurance that I was safe.

Statistics show that contrary to popular belief, there are not more suicides during the holidays. But this season can be depressing for some. It does seem ironic that on the night we celebrate God giving us His very best, demonstrating beyond any doubt His profound love for us, that anyone would consider their life a failure. But it does happen.

If you know someone that has experienced a loss of a loved one, divorce, financial hardship, or just having a tough time, make sure you let them know that they are loved, both by you and by God. Tell them the profound difference that they have made in your life and that the world is a much better place with them in it.

Just like Clarence helped George realize how important his life really was, you may make a difference in someone’s life. They may be standing on that bridge and the only angel they have is you. Give them the same gift that God gave us on that first Christmas over 2,000 years ago. Give them your love. There is no greater gift than this.

And please know that I love and appreciate all of you! You are all very special to me. Thanks for being my friend!

And I know its not PC, but….

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

Originally published December 2006.

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God’s Little Message

God’s Little Message

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33

Have you ever wondered why God doesn’t send miraculous signs and messages to remind us of his love? I wondered that myself in the past. I rationalized the apparent silence to mean that there were more important things to attend to, or that maybe I wasn’t good enough.

Unfortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth. God is always there in the good times and the bad, waiting to provide comfort in the way you need it most. I know from firsthand experience. Let me explain.

A few years ago I was at a low point in my life. I was suffering from the big “Ds”: Depression, Debt, and Divorce.

My world, that had seemed so perfect, had turned upside down. Probably out of habit, I continued attending Church. Although, I often asked myself why.
One particular Sunday morning, I was on my way home from church. The events of the last several years bombarded my thoughts. One phrase stood out from the rest, “You are a failure!”

I may have muttered a prayer, I don’t know for sure. My emotions had taken over and I was not thinking clearly. I was fighting back tears as the negative thoughts continued their rampage.

I came to an intersection and waited for the light to change. It was a large intersection over a freeway. Normally, I would go straight to get home. For some strange reason, I decided to take the service road. I turned and found myself stopped behind an old pickup truck at the next light. In the back window was a homemade sign that read,

“No Man Is A Failure Who Loves Jesus!”

I couldn’t stop staring at that sign. And then, I just started laughing and thanking God for His little message.

When I got home, my mind tried to rationalize it, “A human painted the sign, it was just a coincidence that you saw it.” But I wasn’t buying that nonsense. God had inspired that person to create that sign. He had this person arrive at the exact intersection and at the exact moment that I needed to see this particular message. With God, there are no coincidences.

I doubt that person ever knew what impact his sign had on my life. And I wonder if it was created exclusively for my benefit. I’ll probably never know in this life. But what I do know is this, at the moment I needed God’s loving attention, I received it. And I thank Him for it!

The next time things aren’t going so well, don’t be surprised if God gives you a little “sign”. He loves and cares for everyone, even you.

Originally published October 2000. read more

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