If I convince myself I’m right, I must be…even if I’m wrong.

We’ve all been there. We know inside our heart we are wrong, yet we convince ourself and justify our actions. Some of us go as far as “fighting” just to be right, knowing the truth. We’re only hurting ourself when we deceive, and that’s exactly what it is. We’re placing the truth behind a clouded glass only to clarify in our own way. That’s no fair to the people around us as they’re affected-but it’s no fair to us. Like domino’s, once one lie is told, lies must follow to cover up the original lie. At some point and time, the truth will come to the light and be revealed. Let’s face it, if we believe a distorted truth, then that’s what we become and what we believe about ourself.

You know the distortions you’ve been told all your life: “You’ll never amount to nothing, you’re a failure, you’ll never do it, you’re so stupid to do that, fat people like yourself will never be successful.” Make it more personal, insert you’re distorted truth here and listen as you say it. It hurts like it did then right? Hopefully it doesn’t as time and God can lessen the pain, but if you’ve tried to handle it on your own-it hurts. Look at what David tells us in Psalms:

For in his own eyes he flatters himself too much to detect or hate his sin. 3 The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; he has ceased to be wise and to do good. Psalm 36:2-3

That’s what happens as we lie and deceive ourself, we begin to become deceitful, wicked in thought and words and you begin to think of yourself in a different light; deceptive light. When you sin and deceive, you think little of it if any at all, you have to keep doing it to catch up with the last one. Truth be told, the more right you convince yourself you are, the more wrong you become.

Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” 34″I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered,” this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” 35But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you…” Matthew 26:33-35

Ironic the very thing Peter told Christ he would do, he failed. Christ even told Peter he would disown him, but Peter insisted.  The good news is, Peter repented and later Christ gave Peter a second chance when He asked Peter if he loved Him 3 times. (3 times Peter denied, 3 times Christ asked him if he loved Him.) The good news is, there is hope because we have a merciful and gracious Saviour who loves us so much, he sacrificed His life for us.

Pray:  We must talk to God on a daily basis, hourly-even every minute if we can. Praying is just that, talking to God-no specific ‘way’ or format we follow, we just speak from the heart. We must speak to God, and then we have to do the hardest thing afterwards-wait. We have to wait to see what or how God responds. Maybe he grants you extra time with a friend or spouse, maybe blessing you with financial success or even saving your marriage which is falling apart. By waiting, we can accept His answer or silence in order to follow His guidance.

Listen: Listen to God and see what He has to say to you and your heart. Look at Proverbs 8:33:

• Proverbs 8:33 NIV
  Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it.

Change:  You have to make the move and change your ways. Whether it’s removing yourself from a friendship, changing jobs or just removing yourself from the “crowd” of those around you.

• Matthew 18:3 NIV
  And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

You have to change your ways in order for anything to take place. It’s like talking about church, saying how good it is, how you’d like to go-but never attend. You have to take the first step and take action-to make it happen. When Christ enters in, the Bible tells us we are “new creatures,” so make the change. You wouldn’t put dirty clothes on after a nice hot bath would you? What would be the point right, so why do we keep putting the dirty ‘sins’ back on our life when we have a new life??

When you convince yourself you’re right even when you’re wrong, the path you head down is treacherous. It’s a road of deception, lies and hurt to yourself and the ones you love. It’s not worth it, you are better than the lies you are believing or have believed over the span of your life. Satan loves to stir up trouble and tell you what you’re worth. Yet don’t forget, God is the one who created you so you are worth a Savior’s life.

I’m not sure what lies you’ve been told that you believe, lies which you are telling yourself because you’ve listened to the wrong people in your life or it’s something you’ve fought all your life, let it go.. You have to let it go and give it to God, allow Him to empower you with the understanding you ARE someone and you ARE worth more than you give yourself credit.

 

Never Loose Heart..

Church at the Highlands did a sermon I was looking over and I would love to share it with you. It discusses the fact of when we loose heart over things, our family, our jobs and even our own life. We end up hating our self or what we’ve become along with taking it out on others around us.. So, I want to give Church At The Highlands, (Chris Hodges) credit for this sermon and what I’ll do is turn my words RED so you’ll know where I added.. Enjoy and I hope you get as much out of it as I did.

So I Hated Life

I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun… So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 2:10-11, 17

I’m frustrated.

…Life is useless, all useless. You spend your life working… but what do you have to show for it? … The world stays just the same. Ecclesiastes 1:2-4 GNT

This is probably the one I battle with a lot. I’m frustrated over the things I can or can’t have. I get frustrated over the smallest things and sometimes the biggest things. What DO we have to show for everything we do here on earth-it won’t matter when we get to Heaven.. Frustration is a widely used level of anger which often times brings about bad decisions, lack in judgement and hurt feelings; that’s not the physical side effects we would experience! Frustration is not worth it but how do we deal with it-how do we manage the stress and frustration level?? (Manageable and do-able-not just say what sounds good but an action.)

I’m tired.

The sun still rises, and it still goes down… the wind blows… round and round and back again.  Every river flows into the sea… [then] the water returns to where the rivers began and starts all over again.  Everything leads to weariness – a weariness too great for words… Ecclesiastes 1:5-8 GNT

I’m unfulfilled.

…No matter how much we see, we’re never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we’re not content. History merely repeats itself… Ecclesiastes 1:8-9 NLT

Focus on the Eternal

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Our goal to reach is eternal, NOT earthly and many times we get these two paths crossed. We fight for what we think God wants but we’re not in His will. Therefore, are we really “fighting for God’s desire of our heart?” No, let’s be honest with ourself…I don’t believe you can know God’s will in your life/heart if you’re not IN God’s will. If you’re not living like God’s in your heart/life, how can you be following and trusting Him?? We’ve all been there but the point is to recognize it and correct it the best we can. We must die to ourself, our faults, failures, habits, hang-ups etc. every day, and allow God to work in our life.

Pray.

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Colossians 3:1-2

Serve.

Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life... John 6:27

I think this is a vital part and heartbeat of our walk with God. Why? Simple, Did Jesus not walk around and serve others? Did Christ not walk around and spread/share the gospel, healed the lame, opened the blind eyes, turn on deaf ears and made the dead rise again?? Not saying we can go around raising people from the dead even though we DO have that power, check out Proverbs 18:21: Death and Life are in the power of the tongue. Bottom line-Christ served others and if we’re to follow His example, that’s the way we need to go.

Give.

They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor.  Psalm 112:9 NLT

Share Christ.

…Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…  Hebrews 12:1-2

So, what have you lost heart about and you need a “heart to heart” with Christ? What changes can you make in order to increase your walk with God? It’s not easy nor is it popular, but truth be told, Christ wasn’t too popular either. He was hung on a cross by Roman soldiers and given a death sentence when He didn’t deserve it nor was He guilty. What can you do to not “loose heart” when the trials and temptations come in your life? Maybe there’s nothing significant going on in your life and you just feel “blah.” Is that God wanting to spend time, talk or maybe he wants to hear from you. Are you listening?

Waiting here for you…

Have you ever waited on someone? Sure, we all have and usually in the waiting, we find either anxiety, peace, comfort, discomfort or many other adjectives depending on the situation. Waiting, let’s be honest, is something we don’t want or enjoy. We live in a “NOW” society with “lightning fast-instant internet, drive through restaurants, printing” and we could continue on and on. However, with God, time means nothing and is nothing. Bible tells us to Him, a day is like a thousand years and a thousand year is like a day. Therefore, time means nothing to God but to us, it’s a necessity of life, an everyday driving function and it defines what we can and can not do or say.

I love this song by Christy Nockels-”Waiting Here For You” because in the waiting, there is something to do-which is to lift our hands in praise. Christ tells us to Praise Him in the morning, in the noon time and at all times THROUGH all things.. Boy, you have to read that again because that one not only hurt but seems difficult. You’re right, it’s difficult to praise God when watching a loved one pass on, child strays away from home to do their “own” thing and it’s not following their raising.  It’s difficult when you’re faced with loosing a job and have a family, when you’re not sure where the next meal may come from.. However God tells us not to be worried about these things-the birds of the air do not worry about food or shelter and aren’t you more important than they?? Trusting God is so difficult to an extent because it causes us to trust in God, trust in things we can’t see because of things we can see. It causes us to not know what’s ahead or what’s going on yet placing our hope/faith in something out of our hands.. God created us though, He knows our heart, He loves us no matter what we do, where we go and what we say.. Look at the lyrics and let me know what you think..

 

If faith can move the mountains
Let the mountains move
We come with expectation
Waiting here for you, I’m waiting here for you

You’re the Lord of all creation
And still you know my heart
The Author of Salvation
You’ve loved us from the start

CHORUS
Waiting here for You
With our hands lifted high in praise
And it’s You we adore
Singing Alleluia

You are everything You’ve promised
Your faithfulness is true
And we’re desperate for Your presence
All we need is You
Here’s the video to match so listen to the words.. Find out what God is wanting you to “wait” for in your life. Is it finances, marriage, partnership, serving in your church, going back to church…What is it in your life that you praise God for not what ISN’T done-but what God HAS done right now at this very moment..

 

Difficult People-Hypocritical

Let’s face it, we are all hypocrites at one time or the other and we know someone who IS a hypocrite.

hupokrites (hoop-ok-ree-tace’); an actor; stage-player, one who hides behind a mask, hypocrite.

There’s no doubt that the meaning of hypocrite is an actor or one who hides behind a mask. It’s much like a movie I saw where a mom was teaching the kids in the neighborhood to stay drug free; yet at night she was a drug dealer. Her son confronted her and said: “This is what you do? So you preach to us in the neighborhood about staying drug free yet you sell drugs at night-to some of the same parents!?!” Needless to say, he was very upset. He went on to call her a hypocrite and she couldn’t live a double life. Now we may not be that extreme be let’s be honest-we’re like that in some aspects. You know, the movies we watch, yet we tell the youth of our day to “not watch those kinds of movies.” We get on the computer and look at things, videos and websites we should stay away yet when confronted or given the chance, we condemn others or judge them. When you tell your kids not to lie yet you find yourself lying to them or they watch you lie; “I don’t feel good, I have to work, I’m soooo busy.” Yea, I’ve used those lines before-being honest here and that’s what we have to do. We have to confront it so it doesn’t stay in the darkness and the enemy can’t use it against us. That’s the vital piece which is missing-darkness to light. Satan will use that to his advantage and cause you to justify your behavior and justify why it’s ok that you are doing it but if anyone else is, it’s against God’s will. Well, let’s see what God says about handling hypocritical people.
HOW DID JESUS HANDLE HYPOCRISY?

…”you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices-mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law-justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.”
Matthew 23:23-24

JESUS CONFRONTED HYPOCRISY.

JESUS MAJORED ON THE MAJORS.

You see, God confronted hypocrites and He wasn’t afraid to get into the mix so to speak. He tells of people who are speaking one way but their actions are showing something different.

“In every age and in every movement of God’s people, it seems that the biggest struggle we have always faced was the problem of “majoring in minors.” It is so incredibly easy to get off track and find ourselves pursuing good minor pursuits at the exclusion of the important and major ones.
Jesus does not criticize the religious leaders of his day for taking scrupulous care of God’s laws. What really irritates him and brings his condemnation upon them is that as they took minute care with small matters, they also completely abandoned the key matters, the core issues. You see, discipleship has always been about character and concern: reflecting the character of our Lord and being concerned about the same things that concern him. Unfortunately, we find it easy to fight over these gnat issues and swallow the camel issues. Jesus reminds us what is central: justice, mercy, and faithfulness!” (http://www.heartlight.org/wjd/matthew/1031-wjd.html) I love the way heartlight describes it; irritation, condemnation and how we think we know what’s right and what’s wrong. If we’re truly connected with God, then the issues He’s concerned with-will be our own concerns. In other words, we spend more time chasing these gnats of the church; music too loud, preacher not preaching out of the right version or bible, the church didn’t come see me when I was sick, (yet you never come to church except on Sunday and you’re never involved in any event, program or the church as a whole) everyone is so casual when we should be dressed up.

Now, let me clarify, some of these things I’m not knocking but what I do believe is wrong, is when we look for things or find things in the church to knit-pick and fuss about yet there’s people out there who are looking to us-Christ followers-to spread the gospel and be an example. How can we be an example if we’re complaining all the time, fussing about the small things which fit OUR needs and do the things we WANT too because we’re comfortable or it’s familiar?? It’s time we represent the church instead of representing the world..It’s time we BE the church instead of going TO church and it’s time we step up and stand up for Christ. There’s major issues in our church and I’m not talking about just hypocrites, drugs, alcohol etc. but real issues like people hurting in the church, broken from past failures, hurts or hang-ups, people searching for God, Peace and Forgiveness…Issues like the men not standing up and being the men they should be in the church and allowing the women to be the leaders of the household when God CLEARLY named the man of the house, the leader. Over 90% of families are saved, attend church regularly and are involved in church/community when the dad/man/husband is receives Christ first. Men, we play an AWESOME part in our family and a heavy load is placed upon us-but God is faithful to the end and He will help us.

Ok, so I didn’t mean to get on that kick so…let’s continue to see how to handle hypocrites..

1.  Confront with Caution.

…restore him gently.  But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Galatians 6:1b

2. Confront with the goal of Restoration.

Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. Galatians 6:1

3. Confront with Commitment.
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

carry: bastazo (bas-tad’-zo); to lift, to sustain, take up.

WHAT IF YOU ARE THE HYPOCRITE?

David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, “As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this deserves to die! He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity.” Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! 2 Samuel 12:4-7

Even David, a man after God’s own heart who sinned knew what it was like to be a hypocrite. I think this prayer from Psalms 51 should be our daily prayer; that God would create in us a pure heart and a steadfast spirit. If we don’t, we may find ourselves lost on a daily basis and struggling.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:10-12

So, what is it you’re “hiding” in the darkness? Maybe it’s what you see, what you hear or even what you do when you “think” no one is looking. Truth is, God knows and He wants to help you bring it out of the darkness and into the light. If it’s in the light, it can be brought forth, removed or dealt with and your life will be more fulfilling and peaceful. The next time you begin to “talk about something or someone,” ask yourself if you’re Helping the case for Christ or Hurting the case for Christ.. It’s you’re call to do what God has called you to do..What’s it’ gonna be??

Difficult people…They aren’t so bad are they??

Wow, I bet when you saw the title of my newest series, DIFFICULT PEOPLE, your mind drifted to at least one individual who is difficult or brings difficulty to their relationship.. (Or yours). Fact of the matter is, difficult people are needed for order..order in our life. I know, it makes NO sense what so ever but think about it…If we didn’t have difficult people in our lives, it would taint our character and who we are. Let’s face it, we need difficult people but it happens to be how we handle the difficult people which makes all the difference in the world.
Over the next 4 days or so, we’ll be looking at 4 different stages of difficult people: 1.) Critical people, (2.) Overly needy, (3). Manipulator and (4). Hypocritical. Now, right off the bat you’re already nailed down the people who fit in this category but what does God say about these types of people? How should we handle these types of behavior especially when they’re dealing with us right? Let’s start off by the most common one I believe-Critical People..

PRAISE AND CRITICISM – WINDOWS TO THE HEART

“It is better to be criticized by a wise person than to be praised by a fool!”  Ecclesiastes 7:5 NLT

Praise –           often reveals what you value most.
Criticism –      often reveals your deepest insecurities.

“How can you think of saying, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye?” Matthew 7:4 NLT

WRONG RESPONSES

1)FIGHT
2)   FLIGHT

RIGHT RESPONSES

1) LISTEN.
2.) When their motive is to help not hurt.
3.) When the person can help.

If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. If you reject criticism, you only harm yourself…Proverbs 15:31-32 NLT

2) ANSWER.
When the person is missing information that would change his perception.
When the person is open to change.

The Ephraimites asked Gideon, ‘Why have you treated us like this?…’ And they criticized him sharply. But he answered them… Judges 8:1-2a

3) DISMISS.
When the person is characterized by being overly critical.
When this person emotionally unhealthy or wounded.

Jesus replied, ‘Every plant not planted by my heavenly Father will be rooted up, so ignore them. They are blind guides leading the blind…they will both fall into a ditch.’  Matthew 15:13-14 NLT

WE CAN’T PLEASE ALL PEOPLE,
BUT WE CAN PLEASE GOD!

For we speak as messengers who have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. 1 Thessalonians 2:4 NLT

See, difficult people are not meant to run your life, ruin or control it, but we allow them too. We are far too often found worrying, scheming or trying to control these people when we miss out on the very thing we’re suppose to see: us.. If we would criticize ourselves as closely and vividly as we do others, I think changes will take place on a more broad yet specific basis. We we allow ourselves to be critical of others, it often turns into jealousy, rage and judgement. We loose sight of what’s important within our ownself and how we can correct it. God is clear in I Thessalonians our purpose is for Him, NOT people and others. God created us FOR Him-BY Him to serve, love and obey Him. The bottom line is people are critical no matter where you go, who you are or what you do. We are critical at times and we have to learn how to be critical towards others showing guidance and love to improve their situation-NOT harm or hurt it. Critical people can be helpful in what they bring to the light; whether or not it’s true or inaccurate. You have to take everything critical people are throwing at you, with a grain of salt yet on the other hand, find the truths within so you can make the changes you need.  No one likes critical people and esepcially if it’s us being on receiving end. So think about that next time you decide to be critical with a wrong heart/motive.. It’ll make you think..

(Courtesy and in part by Lifechurch TV.)

It’s All In Your Mind-Attitude of Gratitude (pt. 4)

Most of us wouldn’t sell our soul for any amount of money – but many of us give it away one day at a time.

“What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” Mark 8:36

“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions”. Luke 12:15

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy”… John 10:10

CONTENTMENT THIEVES

1)      COMPARING.
“So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But when each one of them received a denarius…they began to grumble against the landowner.”
Matthew 20:10-11

It’s so sad in this day and age, we have to compare ourselves to someone else instead of the individual who IS the standard, Jesus Christ. Christ tells us, it doesn’t matter if you come first or last, the blessings and grace are given out accordingly. We always look to someone else and “compare” ourselves to them, their lifestyle and what THEY are about. What’s so funny is the fact we look at people who are in debt up to their eyeballs, trying to make a show on the outside yet on the inside, they’re dying. If that’s happiness, I don’t want any part of it..

2)      COVETING.
…“Do not covet the silver and gold…or you will be ensnared by it, for it is detestable to the LORD your God”. Deuteronomy 7:25

EXPOSE ANY DISCONTENTMENT:

First thing we need to do is expose our discontentment. Rather this be with money, marriage, school, children, parents or whatever or whomever the case maybe. We must learn to expose it. Christ tells us the light doesn’t hide anything and when we expose our sins and darkness into the light, they no longer have chains around my life.

ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

1)      CHOOSE CONTENTMENT.
…“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation…I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:11-13

Could this verse not hit home any better. “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” I’m going broke and loosing my job? Be content in knowing God is on your side and you still have health.  I really want the boat, car or play toy “Sam” has? Be content in what God has given you and use it to His glory. You get the picture right? Too often we “wish” or we “want” something else someone has or even what the stores/others have to offer. In reality, is it a need we’re willing to go off into the deep end with, struggle or is it a want that could be held off until a later date? Only you know the answer but Christ tells us we should be content in WHATEVER we do.

“Contentment makes poor men rich.  Discontentment makes rich men poor.”

“Better what the eye sees than the roving of the appetite. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind”. Ecclesiastes 6:9

2) CHOOSE GRATITUDE.

“…the cheerful heart has a continual feast.  Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil.” Proverbs 15:15-16

 

Wow, cheerful heart has a continual feast. I must admit, this is hard for me sometimes. I want to be thankful and show gratitude, but I don’t. I catch myself taking my life, wife, son etc. for granted and never just thanking God for everything I do, say and for the things I have. Look what I Chronicles 16:34 states:

• 1 Chronicles 16:34 ASV
  O give thanks unto Jehovah; for he is good; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever.

We must learn to be content so God can work in our lives to give us what we need and so we may serve Him with an open heart. So, is your attitude one of gratitude-or one of bitterness? Why live your life in bitterness, hatred and holding grudges you can’t handle? Allow God to come into your life or work in your life to increase gratitude in your life. See how it changes your outlook and I almost guarantee, you’ll feel better, heart will be healthier and so will you. Gratitude..Showing thanks or appreciation for something; being gracious. What is your attitude?

“Better one handful with tranquillity than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.” Ecclesiastes 4:6

Life is so precious..

I’ve been worn out the past 2 days.. Between the weather change, school change, financial needs, my sister’s cancer return..It’s been all overwhelming.. It’s ironic all of this is happening and I shouldn’t be surprised.. I knew when I started changing things and we started changing things in our life, things would get rocky so now WE MUST BE on the right path.. Lol..

Jayden left for Alabama tonight to stay with my parents so Kim and I will have an “us” weekend with Saturday spent with some friends so it’ll be nice. Then the busy week follows with Amy’s scheduled surgery on the 15th and we have a writing assessment to grade all day on the 17th.. So remember my sister Amy in your prayers please.

Our neighbor who was just 17, (maybe 18) who’s battled Leukemia over the past year and a half, earned her wings this evening. She was an inspiration and touched the lives of the community and the school she attended; when she could. Her impact was felt beyond the neighborhood but around us as well. Her legacy as a fighter, a daughter, a friend will be felt for years to come. So, the question remains about our own life. Are you doing things in your life which are beneficial or burdensome? Are you going to leave a legacy or just leave? Life is what you make it- especially if you have Jesus Christ in your life. See, Jesus was God’s Son who left the kingdom, left His power-left it All behind to live on this earth. He was crucified, beaten, made fun of and yet on the cross, “Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do” were His words. Later, He cried, “Father, into your hands I commit my Spirit.” Three days later, He arose again but before He left, He gave us the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, to guide us and to aide us in our walk of this life. See, His legacy or His life is still be discussed today-well over 2000 years ago. Know anyone throughout history who’s made such an impact? Know of any other God who’s died and rose again on the third day? His legacy was one of consistency, standing up for what was right no matter the situation, true to Himself.. Are we true to ourself? Do we stand up even though it causes us trouble, makes us uncomfortable, unpopular or do we “justify” our actions and give reasons why it’s right or wrong?

I’m not saying it’s easy nor is it possible to do everyday but the point I want you to take home tonight, is how precious and sometimes short life is that we live. If we want to impact others, we must first impact ourselves.. Listen, we have to make a change or an impact on ourself before we can go out and “impact the world.” Just like revival or change-it must first start within us and then it can impact others through our example. I’ve made a promise to God and my family, from now on I’m going to have an impact on me and allow it to run through me to others. I want my son to say not only he loved his mom and dad but they always tried to do what was right, they loved God and they loved people. They gave as an example to me and they’re the ones I look up too.   Not because we want any recognition but it’s the impact you make on those around you which cause other perceptions to be made. Whether we like it or not, perception is what people think of us but Character is who you are when no one is looking. As I’ve heard it say before, “Reputation is what others think about you, character is who you really are.” Who are you when no one is looking? Are you leaving a legacy or a positive life behind or are you leaving? I hope your plans are to change the negative in your life-make them positive.. The only way I believe you can do that is through Jesus Christ.

Sorry if I’ve rambled tonight, a lot of things are running through my head so I’m trying to get them on blog.. I hope you take life serious, love your family and love Christ.. He can do so much if you just let Him.. Please, let Him take away your pain, your past, your hurt, hang up and habit..

Identity Theft PT.II: That’s Just The Way I Am..

How many times have we said that before. “That’s just the way I am, I can’t change or I was born this way, my parents were this way so I want to break the cycle but just can’t.. We’ve all said that a time or two and heck, it sounds good doesn’t it.. If we’re honest with ourself however, it’s a justified excuse.. It’s an excuse because we know if we change, it’ll take some work, making some changes etc.. A smoker in order to break the habit effectively, must change their whole routine.. Yep, their WHOLE routine and why must you ask? Well, it’s what you’re accustomed to, use to so when you don’t change going outside with the fella’s or gals, when you always go outside on the back porch when you arrive home…all of it must change some how or the other.

Years ago I struggled with smoking on a consistent basis. Meaning, I was a smoker..When Jayden was born my perception changed of my life and family but some of my “old” habits were still the same. Therefore, I would dabble here or there with smoking but would tell others I’ve quit.. I was lying to myself and basically saying: “I can’t stop, that’s just the way I am.” In order for me to beat it, God had already taken it from me and He was waiting on me to give it up. I knew in the past I had always kept up with when I quit so this time, I vowed not too.. To this day, I don’t know when I “stopped” so to speak but I do know that I’m healthier and more refreshed than I have been. It took God, a loving wife and friend as well as seeing my son for me to make that decision.. It’s not easy and I still have to battle it everyday but I continue to lean on my wife and more importantly, lean on God and give it to Him daily.. So, enough of Andy, let’s see what God says about loosing your identity because….”That’s Just The Way I Am.”

A LIE BELIEVED AS TRUTH WILL AFFECT YOU AS IF IT WERE TRUE.

“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-4

ochuroma (okh-oo’-ro-mah); to fortify, a strong castle, a prisoner locked by deception.

See, our lies will cause us to become prisoner to our lies, we’ll believe everything we think no matter what the reality maybe. Sometimes we have to take a look at what we’re fighting because it’s not of this world, it’s not of our own strength but spiritual. Spiritual/emotional is more difficult  handle or deal with than anything else.. It’s all internal and within yourself therefore, no one can truly “know” what to say, what to do or how to handle it the correct way. God can and He will but only if you let Him.

CAPTURE WRONG THOUGHTS.
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5
I think this is one of the most important verses in the Bible yet it’s overlooked so many times. We must get rid of or do away with any arguments or pretensions towards God, His ways or His Knowledge..We have to capture those thoughts which tell you: “You’ll never amount to anything, you’ll never have anything, you’re worthless, you’re helpless, you’re hopeless, you’re too far gone to be saved, I am what I am or it is what it is-I’ll never be or go anywhere…” We could go on and on but you get the point..

…“whatever is true…noble…right…pure…lovely…admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.” Philippians 4:8.  Christ tells us in Philippians to think on those things which are true and pure, praiseworthy and excellent..Not worthless, trash or full of lies…

RELEASE RIGHT WORDS.
“The tongue has the power of life and death”… Proverbs 18:21. This is one of my favorite verses in the Bible and it’s because God shows us here HIS true power that WE can have.. We have the power of life and death in our tongue but let’s face it, we’re good at the death part.. We “kill” each other with our words, say and trash others to the point, it kills their spirit. Once a spirit has been broken, like a horse, it’ll become content and never return to its own ways..

“May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalms 19:14 NLT

ATTACK AND WIN.
“To this end I labor, struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully works in me.”
Colossians 1:29-2:1. We have to work hard at ridding our heads and more importantly our heart of all the trash and filth that we are so good at speaking. We have to begin working hard and believe that God is working in your life and He wants the best for you. He didn’t make you mediocre, a second place or an individual who is worthless.. He said He loves you and created you for GREAT things and to give you life more abundantly.

agonizomai (ag-o-nid’-zom-ahee); to struggle, to compete for a prize, to contend with an adversary, and win. (Word sounds familiar? Agony or agonize..)

…”But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14. We have to continue looking ahead, not behind us. The only reason we should look behind is to remind us of our mistakes and what NOT to do in the future. A runner is to never..never look behind when they are running, a baseball player is suppose to always..always keep their eyes focused ahead and that’s what God is telling us to do.. Keep our eyes “straining” toward what is ahead, the prize or the goal of God’s love and His calling.

I heard a pastor say one time, to use the line, “That’s Just The Way I Am” is saying God is the same as you.. Ask yourself, I have an anger issue and that’s “Just the way I am.” Are you saying God has an anger problem? “Well, no I’m just saying that’s the way I am..” Yet, God created us in HIS own image therefore, whatever we are is a represenative of WHO God is.. Think on that one.. Whatever we say we are, is a represenative of WHO God is.. So what do you need to get rid of in your life which is toxic in your life and walk with God? What is it that you can and maybe should change to truly have a life that you want? It won’t be easy and truth be known, you’ll be challenged..You have to take it to the next level, give “it” up, break the cycle of just being the way you are but BE what GOD wants you to be..

Vow Of Partnership

Once you are married, your promise to yourself must change. It is now: “I promise our marriage will be about WE and not me. You are now instead of 2 people, one. ‘Echad (ekh-awd’) means united, altogether, completely joined as one. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says it best: “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” See, marriage is not a contract between you and your spouse nor is it to be taken with the intentions that it “may” work and we’ll have to “see.” More importantly, it’s a covenant to God and Malachi 2:14: “because you have broken faith with her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant.” See, contracts can and are often broken with little to no thought. Matter of fact, if a contract isn’t thought out completely, most or the majority have loopholes somewhere causing insecurity and instability.  Example: A contract is based on mutual distrust while a convenant is based on mutual commitment. Think about it, when you draw up a contract it’s not because you want to, but because you may “trust” the person but you really don’t…in the back of your mind..They don’t trust you either or else no contract will be drawn so contracts are based on distrust. Covenant: beriyth (ber-eeth’); cutting, a binding agreement, a blood covenant. In other words, there is no distrust because it’s based on mutual committment. You both agree to make things work with trust-not distrust. How does a covenant work? Well, first of all, there must be one between you and God as well as your spouse. It requires “Godly Leadership and Mutual Submission.”

Ephesians 5:21-24 says: “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.”  Now before we get caught up with the word submission, we must understand what submit means in this context. It actually means to willingly submit or volunteer.. Meaning, it’s not the way it sounds rather it’s totally different; we should submit willingly and voluntarily to one another..You must work together to make it work or you must both submit to one another as Christ gives Himself to the church, we should to each other. Luke 11:17-18 warns us: “Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined and a house divided against itself will fall.” Many marriages today are all about the “ME” syndrome.. She doesn’t do this or she doesn’t act like that or he use to always or he never….. you fill in the blank. Instead of working together, compromising and doing whatever it takes to make things better but without God involved, it may not be all it can.

Before Honda, I worked at a gas station and it started off rather easy and I worked 30-40 hours a week.. Made good money and everything seemed to go well however, I was transferred to a different store. This store had its issues but it was a job, I needed money so I gladly accepted the now 5 minute drive from home. However, my 30-40 hour week turned into a 65-75 hour week. By the time I arrived home, I would only get about 5-6 hours sleep, then head back to work until 5-6 that night well over 12 hours everyday. In my mind, I was doing whatever it took to support my family but what I didn’t see, was the stress it was putting on Kim and Jayden. I was rarely home and even though the money was nice, time away from my family wasn’t. I took a lot of heat because I was “working too much when I should have been home with my wife and son!” So I arrived home one evening, Kim and I had a big argument and I walked outside to cool off. The more I thought about it the more I struggled-what DO I do?? If I quit, we’ll loose everything but if I stay I’ll loose everything. My daddy told me growing up, “Son, do whatever it takes to support your family. God created the man to take care of his family but sometimes that same very job, play toy, hobby or otherwise can sometimes interfer and cost you everything.” Long story shorter…I walked in, apologized, we settled down only for me to receive a phone call to come back to work.. That was my last night/day at that job because as I walked in, I knew I would survive somehow but it would take God to do it.. So I quit.. Yep, took a bunch of heat for that as well, but I kept my Daddy’s advice close to my heart and never looked back.

Today, we’re blessed to have a healthy young boy who just turned 5, home, job, vehicles to get us back and forth to work and we have a family totally dependent on God and one another. I’m so thankful we came through those times and didn’t give up, but rather chose to be partners.. So, is your marriage a contract or a covenant? If it’s a contract, can it be turned into a covenant? Sure, but you’ll have to make some changes, decisions need to be reconsidered and your life changed.. But don’t worry, God will take care of that, just follow Him and He’ll show you how..

Beautiful Vision

I believe everyone has those “days” we don’t like or struggle throughout. Sometimes the answers and reasons are clear while other times, it’s foggy or unseen. What do you do in those days? How do you grasp the handle to pull yourself back up? The thoughts that reverberate through your mind, ideas which are lamented in your brain but it seems there’s no outlet. Things are just a struggle and you can’t place your finger on it.

There are days which I struggle and I can’t place my finger on the things which rassle my mind. I struggle with my attitude being less than what it should not only to my family, but to others and myself. I’ve been thinking about all the changes, challenges and hang ups I’ve (we) been having and it’s pretty overwhelming. Maybe that’s it or maybe it’s the fact I run into people everyday who have terrible manners or none at all?? Somedays I wish I could change who I was but my dad taught me better than that. As I was speaking to my mom the other day, I’ve noticed that dad has changed a little as he’s getting older. I inquired about this change and all mom could really say was, “he’s just getting older son, I guess all of it’s finally catching up with him.” This is the man who’s my hero and will always be. However, I hope I can deal with these feelings of anger at times, discontentment, confusion and uncertainty. It’s so sad too because I have a wonderful wife who loves me unconditionally, who’s been there with me through the thick and the thicker, sickness, health and my own stupidity. I have a wonderful 4 year old son who’s the apple of our eye, he’s smart, healthy and belongs to God.. So why the discontentment and all the other stuff?? I think for me, it’s the “psychological/spiritual” thorns that I must face. I’ve asked so many times to have it removed or show me how to take it away. What I’m finding, are better ways to handle it AND it brings me back to my knees. For whatever reason, it seems I have to be brought to my knees before I’ll listen to what God is trying to tell me. I mean, I wish I would begin to listen to God and save Him the trouble from having to move me.. Lol.. Let’s be honest, aren’t we all that way??

Well, as you can see I’m trying to get back into blogging again.. I’m kinda all over the place with my thoughts because I have so much locked up inside, so many emotions and so much confusion/disappointment within myself. However, I know I have plenty of things to rejoice about and it’s my Wife and my son along with my God who keeps me from loosing the few remaining brain cells. Lol..