...I took a month off...

OK time to play catch-up here... lost touch by email because I'm not mobile: I choose to keep the email time at home. And that my frineds is a challenge too. I try to keep facebook to a minimum... cool as it is. But I like the blog as a "backboard", and also a "blackboard" of life.

So, in catching up, we joined a small group for fellowship, worship, and study, and we're praying for so much as the school year is kicking in, work, the economy, world leaders, friends and family's needs... I've spent so little time with my guitaring and exercising, things I love to do, well, I've sacrificed some major hours (that used to be dedicated to the NFL this time of year) so I could maybe focus on better stuff... and believe me, big step. The girls are back in school, choir, and keeping us busy. Those of you who are stuck working with me, well, enough said. :)

I Saw this Verse of the Day on Aaron Shust's blog (his video is below), and then I came to mine and saw it there too (umm yeah, we have the same Verse Engine...) anyway, as always, powerful verse...

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4) and I love verses like this because humility can fly out the window without God at the wheel, in this case, in the form of poignant scriptural guidance... I love when scripture just pokes me in the chest. Don't you?! Iron sharpens iron, well in my case, flab that needs to become iron...

Ok, in closing... Question of the week/month/whatever (I'd love to know...) What are your "prayer habits?" I'd like to open up the comments to that, let's collaborate. What hinders your prayer life? What do you do to enhance it? I am a late night quiet prayer guy... but I like to split sometimes and just listen too, more on this later, but send me some stuff! Love yall.... keep me and my family in prayer too, and same to you...

Halftime

Dearly beloved in Christ:
The First Half

The first half of 2009 is long gone, whether we like it or not.
There is nothing we can do to change the result at half time.
The half time break is a time for us to reflect upon the happenings of the first half.
Some of us played well during the first half, scored vital goals and are leading the game.
Others did not play so well and conceded some goals therefore are losing.
Whichever position you find yourself, I have good news for you!
It is the 2nd half that determines the final result.
Every good coach understands the importance of good tactics.
The half time break is a crucial opportunity to review the team's tactics.
Listen to what the 'CHIEF COACH' is saying to you at half time: HE says

"I AM giving you a new beginning, your latter shall be greater than your former.
I WILL restore you to health and heal your wounds."
Therefore, arise and shine for your LIGHT has come and the GLORY OF GOD is risen upon you.
Behold I do a new thing … (Can't you see it?), I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. "
No matter how many goals you conceded in the first half,

you can equalize and still WIN the game.
Remember that the BEST form of defense is attack.
Go all out in this second half,

attack the enemy knowing full well

that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal

but MIGHTY through GOD to the pulling down of strongholds.
Arise and let's take the battle to the gates of the enemy

because the VICTORY is sure.
Maybe you have been winning, the second half is not for you to relax.
Remember that the adversary goes about like a roaring lion
seeking whom to devour.
It is a time to double your efforts.
It is easier to fall than to rise.
To maintain your victory, you must 'STEP UP' the attack.
Know that the devil will never give up on you, he'll keep trying to pull you down.
Let us take up the sword of the spirit and keep attacking the enemy

so that we can have a convincing victory at the end of the game.
In every game, it is important to study your enemy and know his tactics.
What weapon has the enemy used to keep you down in the first half?
Who are the enemies' attackers that must be marked out? Remember that…
Identify your weaknesses and ask the Lord for strength in that area - He said

His STRENGTH is made PERFECT in your weakness.
If the devil's attack on you has been fear, bind that spirit of fear in the name of our Lord.
Confess the scripture that says God has not given us a spirit of fear

but of love, power and a sound mind.
Get the strength that you need from the WORD OF GOD.
GOD ALMIGHTY will definitely give you the WINNING STRATEGY

for the remaining part of this crucial match.
I see you rejoicing in Victory at the end of this match called Year 2009.
GOD BLESS.

Happy 2nd Half.

big church (does size matter?)

Yeah, I guess I'm pretty happy with my church's size. It seems there's always someone that God has richly blessed to my left, to my right, and all around. There's typically a message in the air that is either challenging or comforting, and fellowship happens all the time. I get to celebrate God, talk about him freely, share the blessings and the joy, and live out my freedom in Christ is so many ways. I get to express, without a word, the fruits of the Spirit, and when I stumble, I know right away, because He is right there with me. I even get to see folks who never met Him yet, and hope to make the introduction as the Lord directs the time and my words (if I keep still and LISTEN...!)

And, yup, all of this happens Monday through Friday, and sometimes Saturdays..! (but I rest up on Sundays). And, of course, on Sundays my family and I fellowship with friends, new and old, and celebrate the Love of Christ we were all so priveleged to live in all week long. And, just maybe, we'll pick up some "new" wisdom from our pastor to apply to our lives, and pass along too.

Guess it's fair to say that all our churches are as "big" as we want them to be, Monday thru Saturday, and it all depends how much we serve, unconditionally, to everyone around us all week, because I think that's what Jesus meant us to be for Him... That, to me, "the seven day deal", is the church... life to the fullest!

Answers

Last night I was talking to the Lord, but said nothing of my anxieties that, frankly, I was in denial about. It seems, in retrospect, that I thought I had enough faith to handle just about anything. So I kept my fears to myself and went ahead to pray for things like prosperity and health issues and the continued blessings that flow so abundantly from Him all the time. And then the download hit me. I was, deep inside, really thinking that He wasn't blessing me or answering me but my cheerfulness and martyrish ongoing was covering what would otherwise appear to be a lack of faith... In a prideful way... As I continued to take in just what God had to say to me in that moment it became very clear: I was praying out of order...

The message was clear: He said, "Everything's under control, and I have been answering your prayers, but you need to have faith. You need to grow. The answers are just flying over your head because you're not really ready for them. Grow in faith and then you will understand"...

I didn't hear an audible voice, but I didn't have to. It was like the message was unpacked in a way I could understand it, in a flash. And it was comforting. I understand it. And it's true. So I pray for Him to help me grow in faith, and instantly, the answer is, "I will"...

Where Art Thou?

I have a brother who is involved in the prison ministry. I also have a brother who is in Haiti serving God in a different sort of prison. We all have these prisons we can serve in, right where we are, but there are also those self imposed kinds. What's got you locked up? Would you recognize the key, or even the bars, if they were pointed out to you? If only we took more time to look around, take a deep breath, and ask God to show us not only the way out of whatever keeps us from serving Him, be it worry, business, or fear, but to also show us how to be the best servant cellmates on this here planet the best we can. Pastor pointed out another famous acrostic this Sunday, FEAR: False Evidence Appearing Real. That's all it is. So break out of that cell, you are free in Christ to do just that, and serve Him with all you've got. May God bless you, talk to ya later...

True Christianity by Stephen Hill

For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself,

so that you may not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:3, NASB

The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis exposes the true grit of Christianity as few other works have. Take heart as you consider this encouraging discourse about the burden of tribulation and the confidence of divine comfort.


Christ’s whole life was a cross and martyrdom—yet do you seek rest and joy for yourself? You are deceived if you seek any other thing than to suffer tribulations; for this whole mortal life is full of miseries and marked on every side with crosses. The higher a person has advanced in the Spirit, so much the heavier crosses he often finds. Nevertheless, this man, though in so many ways afflicted, is not without refreshing comfort, for he understands that great benefit is accrued to him by the bearing of his own cross. All the burden of tribulation is turned into the confidence of divine comfort.

It is not man’s natural inclination or ability to bear the cross, love the cross, chastise the body and bring it into subjection; willingly suffer reproach, despise oneself and wish to be despised; endure all adversities and losses and desire no prosperity in this world. You are not able to accomplish anything of this kind alone.

But, if you trust in the Lord, strength shall be given you from heaven, and the world and the flesh shall be made subject to your command. Set yourself, therefore, like a good and faithful servant of Christ, to boldly and courageously bear the cross of the Lord, who out of love, was crucified for you.

"trinity of values"

"Lord, Help me to learn this trinity of values:

...first, let me live Christ,

...then, let me hear Him with a "fast" ear,

...then, let me speak with a steady tongue.

Guard my tongue lest it should bring You shame.

May every word I speak exalt Your name."

...taken from a Bible devotion

Always and Forever... whoa dude!

What a mind blowing thing to imagine... "always and forever"..! Can we really and truly expect our minds to be able to envision all that God can do from His perspective? I mean, we would not need the Word, we would not need faith, and He would not have had to send Jesus to show us just what trust is all about...

If we doubt that the Infinite and Eternal is possible, well, what are we left with?

Probably this : All that exists is limited to what we can understand, making reality a mere opinion.

Let's think and pray on that, and then realize just how awesome God is to have all this going on around us without us having to know too much!

Here's another snippet from Steve Hill's devotional on the subject, God bless you and enjoy His presence and power in your life today. Agape ~ Eric

"Live eternity-conscious"

Before the mountains were born, or Thou didst give birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God.

Psalm 90:2, NASB

Have you ever tried to imagine eternity? Of course, our finite minds tend to understand things better when we are able to compare the concept to something we already know. For instance, it would be difficult to describe how chocolate tastes to someone who has never tasted it. Similarly, eternity is not a concept easily grasped by humans, whose days are numbered. However, Samuel Davies, a Presbyterian evangelist during the 1700s, relates a beautiful comparison in this passage.

Eternity! We are alarmed at the sound! Lost in the prospect! Eternity with respect to God is a duration without beginning, as well as without end. It is a duration that excludes all number and computation. Days, months, years and ages are lost in it, like drops in the ocean. Millions of millions of years, as many years as there are sands on the seashore or particles of dust in the globe on the earth, all these are nothing to eternity. They do not bear the least imaginable proportion to it, for these will come to an end, as certain as day, but eternity will never, never come to an end. It is a line without an end; it is an ocean without a shore.

As many times a day as you can remember to do so, ask yourself this question: How will my words and deeds today affect eternity? ~ http://www.stevehill.org/ (daily awakenings)

Daily Awakening, a devotional by Stephen Hill

February 8
A Word from Heaven
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Luke 2:8, 10

I wonder what these shepherds had been discussing just prior to that “heavenly interruption.” Perhaps they had just finished counting the sheep and were discussing one that was missing. Or, one of them could have been commenting that the shepherd’s pie he’d eaten for supper had given him indigestion. Of course, the new tax census Caesar Augustus ordered may have dominated their conversation.

You see, man spends much of his brief earthly sojourn choking on the smog of senseless speculations when what he needs to take in is a fresh word from heaven’s throne. Being consumed with current events can lead us to be so engrossed in earthly things that when God does come on the scene with a fresh word, we often get frightened or angry. Be it a word of instruction, a prophetic word or a rebuking word—our reaction is pretty predictable. We are often startled and afraid, as were the shepherds, or we may become religious and offended like those of the synagogue in Nazareth (see Luke 4:28). Some even shake with conviction as Felix did after hearing the words of Paul (see Acts 24:25).
The shepherds stopped their chitchat long enough to hear a fresh word from heaven and it changed their lives forever. Do you find yourself buried in the deluge of worldly words? Shake them off and seek the fresh breath of heaven for your life and the lives of others.

Remember, we live in a world that desperately needs to hear these heavenly words:

“Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy!”

Sail On

In the name of the best within you, do not sacrifice this world to those who are its worst.

In the name of the values that keep you alive, do not let your vision of man be distorted

by the ugly, the cowardly, the mindless in those who have never achieved his title.

Do not lose your knowledge that man's proper estate is an upright posture,

an intransigent mind and a step that travels unlimited roads.

Do not let your fire go out, spark by irreplaceable spark,

in the hopeless swamps of the approximate,

the not-quite, the not-yet, the not-at-all.

Do not let the hero in your soul perish,

in lonely frustration for the life you deserved,

but have never been able to reach.

Check your road and the nature of your battle.

The world you desired can be won,

it exists, it is real,

it is possible,

it's yours.

Ayn Rand

Testimony Part 2 : narrow path...

...it is. But it leads to great things.
Mat 7:13
"You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose the easy way.
Mat 7:14
But the gateway to life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it.
Luk 13:24
"The door to heaven is narrow. Work hard to get in, because many will try to enter...

We, in the natural, want to believe, and often times convince ourselves that we can always have whatever we want on our terms. Is this ever really the case? This hard truth caused me to stop the excuses I made for myself and do what I learned I should. Anything else is less than sensible. And more and more I love the truth, tough as it is, because it gets us right through our wrongs.

My lying, cheating, stealing, cussing, lusting, whatever... list goes on, all I can say is nothing is as exciting and fulfilling as depending on God to break these chains. Defeating sin is life at it's best, and to God be the glory!

Amen, Agape, Adios.

Testimony Project, I

Ok here goes... a little journey here... notes from along the road with, and without Christ in my life. In retrospect, He's always given me the parts I need, and the means to put it all together the right way, but the hard work, or lack thereof, was my part, and sometimes I failed to pay attention, and, thankfully, sometimes I didn't... But I guess the biggest question is: am I a Christian? I don't think that's a question I can answer to your satisfaction. I guess that would depend on you opinion of what a Christian is, or should be. I mean, you'd need to first define what kind of life a Christian lives, and then, more imprtantly, why...

When asked what the greatest of the commandments were, Jesus gave a shocker of an answer. As the legendary apologist Dr. Ravi Zacharias noted, "you'd think he'd have narrowed it down to one, but no, there were two, each of which hinged upon the other"... brilliant observation. According to scripture, He answered like this... "Listen! The Lord our God is the only Lord. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, all your strength... The second command is this: Love your nrighbor as you love yourself, there are no commands more important than these"... Mark 12:29, New Century Version

So, I think it's best to start at the beginning, at the source of it all, at the word of God, to see just what a Christian is, or should be... starting with Love. Love God, Love People. Without that, all else is senseless. And that is my first desire in life, enjoying life in Christ means that I love Him, and others just the same as myself... Easily said, but the path to walk lies before us.

But before I start, I'll humbly ask that you pray that we can do this thing together. Share stuff. Agree. Disagree. Grow in Christ. Unconditional Love. I have been meaning unpack this for a few years now but wasn't really sure how to do it. I'm still not sure. But, one thing's for sure, I don't want to do it alone, so I guess I'll just start right now. I have the lumber, some tools, and some kind of plan. Well, let's see where it goes... and thanks for coming along for the ride.

Relationships

It's all about helping each other up the slide of life. No matter who's looking, no matter what anyone wil say, and even if we are doing it the hard way, it's all about a helping hand. :)

(photo courtesy of JF & JF)

Just Thinking

As I look back at the last decade or so, there is nothing more strikingly noticeable than the effect of the person and the power and presence of Jesus Christ on and in my life. To me, at least... I look at the refining fire of Christ in how it did not lay unbearable guilt upon me in the recognition of my own sins, but (super)naturally exposed them along with the "why", and the "way out" so that understanding from His point of view could be seen. Be it idolatry, gluttony, alcohol abuse, lust, selfishness, the list goes on, each & every incident was easily traced to a step not in line with His purposes.

Not only that, but His presence on the scene in my life has served as a "sin alarm system" of sorts. Hitting the snooze bar has become less and less an option, and waking up and walking His way has become the powerful way to live in integrity, closest to Him and loving life to the fullest. There is nothing greater thatn the love of the Lord.

"Bless the Lord, O my Soul, and al lthat is within me, bless His Holy name...

Bless the Lord O my soul, and forget not all His benefits..." from Psalm 103

So, I wish to thank all of you for your support and prayers over the years (you know who you are!) and I am excited to see just what the Lord has in store for all of us in days to come. Mostly, thank you Jesus for your power, which guides us in the way that is awesome and indescribably rich. Blessings...

The Economies, ours and His

Greetings gang! Thank God His economy is nothing like ours, as He is always the same, and is faithful. Even knowing this, has it affected your faith for a season like it has mine?

As I pull out my pocket liner just to check if it's really emptying, with no end in sight, I find myself asking God: how can it be? Thankfully, the Word tells us to walk by faith and NOT by sight.

"For I know the plans I have for you. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope" Jeremiah 29:11

So, after riding my rollercoster of self-imposed doubt and fear, I came to the realization that my comfort zone is always a season. We train, we play, and, win lose or draw, we must focus like a laser on next season. Remember the lessons of this one, and keep moving.

I don't think God can make us the "spiritual brats" we can become, that is our doing, straight from the lap of luxury. Let's put down our spiritual remotes, and get up and turn off the machines that cause us to become Godly couch potatoes. And if we are in the midst of the battle and suffering loss, I guess we just need to focus on God more than our circumstances.

I pray we can take my pastor's advice and do these three things in all seasons:
Live Passionately (John 10:10) Love Completely (John 13:1)
and Learn Humbly (Phil 2:5-8) Then our true pockets will be overflowing !

...yes, I was a First Round Draft Pick

This weekend's NFL Draft brought back some memories, one being something that you may not know about me...

I was actually a First Round Draft Pick!

(that's me holding the ball)

Ok, ok, I was more like the character of "Rudy" in the film about the undersized guy who wanted nothing more than to just "make the team". But something amazing did happen about a decade ago...

I realized that I needed to be on Team Jesus, and as soon as I got serious and applied, BAM, He snatched me up in the first round! It's been a real run for the goal ever since. But you know that already, because you're my teammate...

Sometimes He has us on the sidelines, sometimes He gives us the ball and tells us to RUN!, and, sometimes, perhaps we just want to run to the water cooler fast as we can 'cause the oppossing team always has fresh players and lots of trick plays...

...and as you already know, we have great seasons, and some where we can't even seem to hang on to that ball. But folks, ain't it great just to be alive knowing The Coach chose you, shows you what to do and what not to do, and keeps you in the rotation even when you fumble?

Run a few laps and you're back on the roster. It's just awesome! You might even get benched for awhile, but The Coach knows what's best, and He'll use you for the benefit of The Team, and even teach you how to truly love being the best waterboy, because what matters most is you are on The Team.

So, ladies and gents, it's an honor to be on The Team with you. Now let's get out there and play like it's our last shot at the championship.

Strong week all! And remember, ...this train is bound for Glory, This Train!

Indy Jim's Thought for the day : SUBMISSION

1 Peter 3:22 ...who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

So many are looking for worldly power and a feeling of pleasure from the things of this world. We work our fool heads off to get things we don’t need and just want. We strive so hard to keep up appearances and false fronts, we neglect the real and important things that brings real success.

Look at the Scripture, it is what we really should want? Setting in heaven with angels and power and authority? To me this Scripture tells me that what I need is to be submissive to Him. I don’t think this means to be submissive when I feel like it or when it doesn’t get in the way of me doing what I want to do. I believe it is to become submissive to Jesus all the time. If you don’t know what it means to be submissive then you haven’t been in your Bible much. The Word of God tells us all what God expects and how it takes submission to achieve it. Take the weekend and force yourself to study how to be approved!

In Jesus name and power
Jim

Living The Word Today? (PG13)

...so I call this site "Living The Word Today..." what does that mean anyway? This week, Pastor Rick taught on bible study and quiet time, and the difference between them. And the importance in both. I have not been living the word that way... but more like, "a quick psalm will do". Maybe a "quick prayer". We said grace. Great message today. You know what I mean... The confessional booth is open now.
The world as we know is full of bad stuff, and the Bible tells us that as believers, we are in it, but not of it... Simply stated, wrong sex, wrong drugs, and wrong rock and roll is just bad news. No kidding. This week, Pastor Rick outlined a great tool that would kick this kind of life abuse out of the world, if only it were applied as "living the word, everyday!"

So, here's a method of doing so... getting our faces out of the TV and back to The Book.

• Pray First ~ "Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law" Ps 119:18


• Picture it: the scene you are reading about, and put yourself there


• Pronounce it: (say the verse aloud, each time emphasizing a different word, and then


• Personalize it: God so loved (you), for God so loved (you), for God so loved (you)...


• Probe it: (try using Pastor Rick's "S.P.A.C.E. P.E.T.S." as a guide) when studying the Word, ask yourself... is there a SIN to confess? a PROMISE to keep? an ATTITUDE to change? a COMMAND to keep? an EXAMPLE to follow? a PRAYER to pray? an ERROR to avoid? a TRUTH to believe? or SOMETHING to thank God for?

I hope this helps us all, starting with me, live the Word everyday

Obedience is deep

Our pastors message this week* was on serving in obedience, and he made some outstanding points, some that caused me to cringe. He comedically referred to washing feet, but then challenged us to look for opportunities to serve. He talked about how some can complain that a message's content isn't "deep enough", then stated the truth that OBEDIENCE IS DEEP.

I could totally relate to his confessions of blaring imperfection, choosing convenience over service, and wanting the perks of the faith (eternal salvation, God's presence, forgiveness, fellowship, you know...) without really serving. You know, the stinky-foot-washing kind. (John 13:1-15)

YES, OBEDIENCE IS DEEP.

I looked at my own life, which can seem pretty "vanilla" from the outside, but when I really examine myself before God's light, I must ask myself...

"am I truly obedient" ? (Mark 9:33-35)

~

Do I pray for all my enemies, always look for opportunities to serve, and do my absolute best to keep a gentle spirit? No.

But, does my spirit grieve when I pass up thet heroic opportunity to be humble, to turn the other cheek, or hold back that tongue? You bet.

I pray that wherever you are right now in Christ,

comfy and salty or new and discovering... that you will examine your motives as God has led me to do myself, and ask yourself a question:

Do my lifestyle choices reveal that I serve from obedience?

As for me, it is time to take inventory, because I am sure there is more that I can do for the One who gave all. (Mark 10:45)

May God bless you with His power and presence as you keep Him first in all that you do.

"If you try to keep life for yourself, you will lose it.

But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will find true life".

~Jesus~

Mark 8:35 (NLT)

(*) Shoot me an email and I will email you the link to pastor Doug's sermon video.

Thorns

As I was trimming back this winter's Bougainvillea overgrowth in the backyard, the thorns got me.

I wondered if the crown of thorns were of this kind of plant, and the very thought of that pain was unimaginable, as I had only take a few spikes to the fingers thru the gloves. Serious nerve shots.

As I continued to snip back the branches, easily 10 ft. overgrown, a pattern of failure in my method began to surface: I was going for the big vines and ignoring the small ones, and pulling those out was extremely labouring, inefficient, and caused more pain. Literally. I got to thinking that sin is like that. Unchecked and unattended, if you will, disobedience can grow reckless and wild, while still showing the most beautiful flowers and leaves on the outside. So beautiful that you ignore the choice to tackle the problem and wait for another season...

So, as I am cutting away, I change my methodology. As the living parable continues to defeat me, I, instead, now go for the smaller outer branches, hundreds of them, small branches that must be cut away so that the main vines can then be then exposed and properly removed.

Like sin.

I began to make progress with this beast, and realized that this time of wrestling with ugly brown branches, cutting me here and there, was truly time well spent in the Lord. The message was clear to me: take care of the little things, going for the big fix out of season is impossible, without getting things in order and being obedient when the time calls for it, as a lifestyle, and not as a crisis plan.

Now the bush is still standing, but it's proper. Will I repeat this all over again next season? Only time will tell.

The King’s Business

I am a stranger here, within a foreign land;
My home is far away, upon a golden strand;
Ambassador to be of realms beyond the sea,
I’m here on business for my King.

This is the message that I bring,
A message angels fain would sing:
“Oh, be ye reconciled,
”Thus saith my Lord and King,
“Oh, be ye reconciled to God.”

This is the King’s command:
that all men, everywhere,
Repent and turn away from sin’s seductive snare;
That all who will obey, with Him shall reign for aye,
And that’s my business for my King.

My home is brighter far than Sharon’s rosy plain,
Eternal life and joy throughout its vast domain;
My Sovereign bids me tell how mortals there may dwell,
And that’s my business for my King.