Don't get comfortable...

At work today, I went to the job site with my boss.  I have only known her a couple weeks, and there were a few moments of awkward silence here and there.  I was a bit outside my comfort zone.  Then we started talking.  We talked about a few different things, when the subject of this blog came up. (I hope if she is reading this, she finds it fulfilling.)  I texted her the site so she can read it whenever.

So, after work, I was unable to get into my locked car.  I put the key in and it would not turn.  My boss tried, to no avail, it simply would not turn.  So here I am tired after a long day of work, trying to "fix" my car with my boss helping.  Finally she offers me a ride home.  On the way, she mentions she has to pick up her pre-teen daughter.  Sure, not a problem, she was offering me the ride out of the kindness of her heart.  So, riding with 2 people I hardly know, embarrassed that my car wasn't working and I don't have roadside assistance, I guess you could say that once again today, I was outside my comfort zone.

That got me thinking about Christ's prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. Not once but 3 times Jesus prays (and I am paraphrasing)  "If there is another way, let it be done that way.  This thing that is about to happen, I would rather skip it.  Not by my will, but Yours Father."  So three times Jesus prays that He would rather let the cup pass by Him.

So my question is this.  Did Jesus go a bit outside of His comfort zone for us?  Did He even have a comfort zone?

I do know that God uses us better when we are outside of our comfort zone.  If we are in a comfortable place, then we are not in the process of ongoing sanctification.  If we are comfortable, we are not experiencing the growing pains we need to experience to live and learn. When we get comfortable, we can get lazy.

Read the following verses, and let me know if God's Word does not instruct us to operate outside of our comfort zones.  Christ Himself said that it won't be easy!  I for one am looking forward to the next time that I am in an uncomfortable situation, for that means God is working!

Joshua 1:9
2 Timothy 1:7
2 Timothy 2:15
James 1:22
Mark 16:15

Is it just me, or do none of those verses say "If you feel like it and are comfortable."?

So, next time you are uncomfortable, remember to ask yourself, "How is God using this?"

Is the end near?

I have always had a bit of an issue when preachers speak that Jesus is coming soon.  You see, I was always taught that even Christ didn't know when He was returning.  (Matt. 24:36)  So, in my youth I was confused.  Soon is a relative term, so we can understand why it confused me and that message may still confuse some.

The Bible gives us some insight as to the end times.  I never cared much for the "doomsayers" that would preach that we are living in the end times.  However, as I got older, I am convinced that no matter if we are or aren't we still have a mission set forth before us, and when the General arrives, I do not want to be caught away from my post!


You see, today I came across 2 Timothy 3:1-7 and it really opened my eyes.

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud,arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 6 For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, 7 always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.

I don't know about you, but to me that all sounds very familiar.  I have seen so many in our modern society that fit more than one of these.  I find myself had difficulty abstaining from some of Paul's descriptors.  (I thank God that in Christ I am a new creation!)

So is this post just reiterating what I myself have had a problem with?  No.  I can honestly say that now more than ever people are hungry for God, and the fields are ripe!  There are too few workers!  

Since 2005, there has been a steady decrease in seminary enrollment across multiple denominations. (Appox. 20%) 

So, if we are seeing more of the warning signs as dictated by God's Word, then shouldn't we see an increase in seminary enrollment?  Who is taking the place of retiring church leadership?  Who will go?

It is not as God is not calling more people.  The fact of the matter is, we may not be listening. (Or we are listening to the wrong source.)  The enemy would like nothing more than to hinder more from entering seminary and dedicating their lives to full time ministry.

Are we in the end times?  As Christ had said, nobody knows but the Father.  (He also said don't worry about tomorrow.)  So, all we can do for now is be ready if we are.  

Time is money

You have probably heard the expression time is money.  So, let's take that a step further. Picture you have $86,400.00.  What would you do with that money?  Sure, we all like to pretend we hit the lottery and know what we would do if we had that much money just sitting around.  I would pay off bills, and invest.  The Bible says a lot about money, and most of it is not good.  Because I think that people in general have a problem with money.  Sure, I am generalizing, however think about it.  How would you spend 86,400 dollars?

This post is not actually about money.  Sure, I could talk on how the ancient Israelites gave  65% of their income back to God and to the Temple, but Jesus addressed tithing and spoke of giving with the widow's mite.  No, this post isn't about money, it is about time.  God grants us 86,400 seconds every day.  How are we choosing to spend that time?  Is it God honoring?  Philippians 4:8 tells us to only think about honest, good things.  (I have heard it said as garbage in, garbage out.)  I Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us to pray without ceasing and to rejoice always.  So, we have a good guideline of how we should spend our time.

Does that mean we sacrifice relationships and earthly things?  No, I think the heart of the matter is the Heart of the matter.  How you feel in your heart, is the true you.  Jesus spoke a lot of the heart. Proverbs says, "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he."

So, are you doing what you can for God in the time He has for you?  I know for myself, I feel there is sometimes not enough time in the day to get done what I want to get done.  But that is the key.  Are my desires matching up to what God wants?  Am I doing what He has in store for me that day?  Are you?  Are we using our time wisely?

Next time you find yourself with a few "extra" minutes, I would challenge you (and me) not to jump on social media, not to turn to Facebook, but turn to THE Book!  Spend some extra time in God's Word, or praying.  I know I am going to be more careful with my 86,400 seconds.

"Yellow Car!"

My family likes to play games.  Usually these are board games or various types of tabletop games.  "Sheriff of Nottingham", "Munchkin" a few others.  But what does a family do when they can't play games and have a 40 minute ride to church?  Enter car games!

So there is one game in particular that is always being played.  It started out as "Yellow Car"  you see a yellow car, you yell out "Yellow car!", you get a point.  Pretty simple.  If you tied with someone saying yellow car at the same time neither one gets the point.  Points are only awarded while the car is running and are reset when the car is shut off.

One of the things I noticed while playing yellow car is there are a lot more yellow cars on the market than I thought.  Was this because I was now paying closer attention to how many yellow cars are on the road?  Or are there really more yellow cars on the road?

So, somewhat sick of "Yellow Car" my oldest son and I switched the game to "Orange Car".  As an experiment of sorts. Which is more of a challenge since some red cars look orange until you get closer, and then they wouldn't count.

We were trying to see if a.) you see more of a color of car because you are paying closer attention, b.) if there are really more of those cars on the road, and c.) how long would it take for the rest of the family to catch on once we changed the color.  (It took them about 3 days.)

So, sure enough, I have been seeing a LOT of orange cars lately.  It couldn't be because the color is more popular than it was 3 months ago!  Could it?

No, I think it is because we have been paying attention to the orange cars.

Isn't that how God speaks to us?  We sometimes get wrapped up in our lives and pray out of habit or for something to do, but how often are we listening?  A few days ago, I had posted about listening.  Listening to God is part of that.  We need to pay attention to Him, not just listen for Him.  Notice what He has for us, not just "feel" it.  Are we hearing His voice? Or are we just hearing what we want to hear?

John 8:47
Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”

Pretty clearly we are told that if you belong to God, you will hear the words of God.  Will God ever reveal a new truth? NO.  But, times I have heard the Holy Spirit talking to me, it has been through His Word, and it re-enforces what has been written.  Jesus tells us in John, that we will hear His voice and follow!

John 10:27
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

Are you hearing God because you are paying attention?  Or because it is something to do?  Perhaps you aren't listening at all?  What "orange cars" are you finding in your spiritual walk?

Temporal Circumstances

How often are we faced with a seemingly difficult situation and when looked at in the grand scheme of things is not that bad?  I went through a divorce a few years back and when I was going through it, I had a mantra if you will of "It's only temporary."  That works in relation to so much.  The apostle Paul had taught me that no matter what we can praise God, because this life is only temporary. (I Thess. 5:18)  Paul is also quick to remind us that we are just "passing through" this world if we are saved. (Phil. 3:20)

Today I cut my foot badly.  I had a moment of panic, then of self loathing. Then I realized, this will heal.  Kind of like the time a few months ago I stepped on a nail. (Stupid me, ya know?  Fearfully and wonderfully made though!)

Well, in comparison, it's not that bad.  Even if I had to lose my foot, it's not that bad.  An eternity without God, that's bad.

Do we think Joseph thought this way in the pit, or in jail?  Is that why the Bible doesn't really mention if he was downcast?  No, the Bible tells us that God took care of him.

Paul and Silas worshiped God while in prison.

So, whatever circumstance you find God has you in, you can praise Him.  Whether it is a punctured foot, or prison, it is only temporary when viewed through Heaven's eyes.

Praise GOD!

Laughter

After yesterday's post, I decided to lighten things up a bit by posting an excerpt from my book

entitled "Stuff in my Attic". 

“A day without laughter is a day wasted.” – Charlie Chaplain

I chose to open this section with a picture of Charlie Chaplain.  There are few on this earth who do not know of the comic genius of Chaplain.  He could single-handedly take a few moments on film and make you laugh and cry, and laugh again without thinking twice about it.

How is it that someone who had such a hard upbringing become a great icon of humor?  Raised in poverty, he entered a workhouse in London at age seven. 

Chaplin's first stage appearance came at five years old, when he took over from his mother one night in Aldershot. Hannah had been booed off stage, and the manager chose Chaplin, who was standing in the wings, to go on as her replacement. The young boy confidently entertained the crowd, and received laughter and applause.  It was an isolated performance, but at nine years old Chaplin became interested in the theatre. He credited his mother, later writing, "[she] imbued me with the feeling that I had some sort of talent." Through his father's connections, Chaplin became a member of The Eight Lancashire Lads clog dancing troupe.  He began his professional career in this way, as the group toured English music halls from 1899 to 1902.  Chaplin worked hard and the act was popular with audiences, but dancing did not satisfy the child and he dreamt of forming a comedy act.

Bottom line: Chaplain realized at a young age the importance of laughter.  (I challenge you to watch “Kid Auto Races at Venice” and not laugh.  While only his 2^nd film, Chaplain utilizes some trademark comedy that the world comes to love and adore.  “Kid Races” is available for free download here.

Perhaps you have heard the phrase “Laughter is the best medicine.”  God created us in a way that laughter actually helps you, below are some health related benefits to laughter.

• Laughter relaxes the whole body.  A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.
• Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.
• Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
• Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.

Physical Health Benefits: Boosts immunity Lowers stress hormones Decreases pain Relaxes your muscles Prevents heart disease	Mental Health Benefits: Adds joy and zest to life Eases anxiety and fear Relieves stress Improves mood Enhances resilience	Social Benefits: Strengthens relationships Attracts others to us Enhances teamwork Helps defuse conflict Promotes group bonding

So, laughter is a great stress reducer.  Remember that next time you’re stressed.  Laugh.

I remember that when I was younger, my older sister would love tickling me.  I recall laughing so hard, because I was so ticklish.  One particular instance of tickling happened when I was about seven years old.  My sister was tickling me and I had a hard time breathing I was laughing so hard.  I recall I had warned her several minutes earlier.  “Stop! Hahahah, I’m gonna pee! Hahahaha!”  Then it happened.  I peed myself. To which my sister stopped tickling me and said, “OK, I’m done.”  (She was mean that way sometimes, but as soon as I got bigger than her, she got her comeuppance.)

Have you ever laughed when you “weren’t supposed to”?  I find this happening a lot.  Especially now I am a father.

Parents understand that sometimes your child does something so outlandish, and silly, that it is hard not to laugh.  You need to maintain that stern face, because they are supposed to be disciplined for their crime, and yet, it is just too funny…so you laugh keeping your lips together, trying not to belt out a huge “guffaw”, and say, “I’m not laughing!”  (Though you really want to.)

Or worse, when a funny tale is related at a funeral.  Everyone else looks nervously around before deciding it is ok to chuckle.  I remember I was at my aunt’s funeral, and a funny story was told regarding her past, and I was trying so hard not to laugh out loud.  I took a tissue and bent over, convulsing with “silent laughter” and my dad thought I was really broken up by the loss of my aunt (which I was, just not as he thought at the time).  “That poor boy, he must of really loved her.”  (Either that, or the story was completely hilarious.)

My sister once told me a story of my brother-in-law’s uncle passing, and how the memorial service was in the Grand Canyon.  The departed was cremated, and it was his wish that his ashes be spread into the Grand Canyon.  Here they are in a very somber moment, and some solemn words were said, then the plan was to open the urn, and let the ashes drift down into the Canyon with the breeze…except there was a snag.

The urn would not open!  Several men tried to open it, and it just wouldn’t budge.  At which point my brother-in-law’s father was trying to help him open it, and he said (referring to the urn lid, not the contents) “No, there’s a lip in there!”  At which point my sister had to turn away because her thought was, “Yep.  There’s a lip, and a leg, and eyes and liver and…etc..”  She was convulsing laughing so hard...(That poor girl, she is so distraught, did she even know him?)

My sister and I still share a hearty laugh over that tale.

Have you ever laughed at work because something struck you and only you as funny?  Then your co-workers think you’re nuts.  Let me say, this is great.  Not only does it allow you to reduce stress, it is fun to see where the rumor mill starts at work, and possibly get some extra vacation time because of it.

My family loves telling stories and jokes.  We have heard a ton, and sometimes we recall them just to get a good laugh.  This is accomplished by merely reciting the punch line.

“This guy was ok until we turned his head around.” Is a favorite.

The funny thing about the jokes my family tells isn’t necessarily the punch line, but when my sister tells a joke.

I love my sister, and she is very intelligent, just not so bright sometimes.  She will sometimes tell a joke that she will mess up, or not understand herself.  The former is understandable, and makes it even funnier when she says, “No, wait, that’s not it, let me start over.”  While already laughing herself!  The latter however is rare, but extremely humorous, in as much as when she tells the joke, we all laugh at the punch line, and as she is laughing with us, she will say, “I don’t get it.”  Yet, she is the one who told it!   At least she can have a good laugh.

In order to traverse this life with any success, you must learn to laugh at yourself first, then others. 

Growing up, I often would hear, “It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt.”  To which I often added, “Then it is hilarious!”

It’s funny when friends get hurt.  That may sound harsh, but how many groin shots are featured on “America’s Funniest Home Videos”?

I myself laugh when I get hurt.  That’s how you can tell I am really hurt because I laugh.  I stub a toe, and it is funny.

When I broke my arm, the tears in my eyes weren’t from the pain,  (OK, maybe somewhat) but because I couldn’t stop laughing.

Many comedians use laughter as self-medication.  Much of their comedy comes from a dark place.  I find that to be true for myself as well.  

As of writing this I recently started regularly posting to my Twitter account.  I am using as a platform for my comedic therapy.  If I am being honest (which I am) I have no idea where most of my twitter posts come from.  I know that I feel bad some days, and I like to make people laugh.  That being said, I don’t foresee a comedy tour in my future, I don’t think a comedy club would be my forte.

Sometimes I find myself trying hard and struggling to feel funny, or to find humor in something.  There is a lot of humor in the world when we care to look.  Just be willing to look.

The bottom line is, whether you are laughing at someone or with someone, it can really be the best medicine.

The Bible has quite a bit to say about laughter.  Some of my favorite verses are;

Luke 6:21 

Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied.  Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.

Job 8:21

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting.

Psalm 126:2 

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them."

Laugh today, don’t waste it. 

You mad bro?

Ok, so I was going to write about the downfall of sexual sin and lust.  But, as I write this, I find that I am troubled.

You see, I had to deal with some issues at home that are upsetting and as a parent, you sometimes can't help but be angry at your kids.

But, is this what God wants?  Short answer.  NO.  Disciplining your children should come from a place of love, and not anger.  Is it ever OK to be angry?

There is righteous anger, but I don't think anyone but Christ could accomplish that.  In one of my favorite books, (James) we are told "human anger does not produce that righteousness that God desires."  It turns out that the Bible has a lot to say on anger.

Psalms tells us to refrain from anger.  Is that even possible when anger is such a common human emotion?

Well, if we are casting all our cares upon him, then I believe it could be possible.  I used to have a problem with anger.  Since then, I have been asking God to allow me to be an example of His love.  If we are reflecting God and how He views others, then why isn't our first reaction to pray for those who cut us off on the highway.  Why isn't our gut reaction to feel sorry for those who really upset us?  Well, the simple answer is because we live in a fallen world.

So, when circumstances upset us, and we get angry perhaps by following these simple steps we can avoid sinning in anger.

1. Pray
    Somebody cuts you off? Pray for them.  Maybe their loved one is dying or there is some sort of           emergency.  Kids upset you? Pray.  Pray for patience and the best way to deal with your children.
2. See others how Christ would see them.  He would love them unconditionally.  Nothing can separate us from Christ's Love. Shouldn't it be the same for us if we are to reflect Christ?
3. Be still.  Psalms 46:10 God is still in control.

I challenge you next time you are mad, follow these steps and see if it helps.

25 Verses on anger

Listening

The other day I wrote that James reminds us to listen, and be slow to speak.  Today I would like to focus on the listening part with an excerpt from my book.

Listening.  How many times have I told my son, “You’re not listening.”?  Does listening take practice?  Is it something we learn?  Is not listening a learned trait?  How often do we “not listen” because we are disinterested, or bored.  How often do we pretend to listen?  I am guilty.

Most men have “selective hearing”.  I however think this would be a rather sexist thing to say, no matter how true it is.  I think that it is a human trait that we develop over time.  To “tune out” things we don’t want to hear.

Though I have a small hearing problem, I try not to let my hearing problem become a heart problem.  What I mean is, though I may be hard of hearing sometimes, I cannot allow that to be a metric for my response. 

Hearing is not the same as listening.  This nearly goes without saying. However stop and think about it for a minute.

How many sounds do you hear throughout the workday?  Short answer is lots.  If you think about how many sounds you actually hear, and tune out automatically, it would be in the thousands.  Our brain could still handle all of these sounds without going into meltdown.

Take a moment, just a moment sometime, and actually listen to all of those random sounds.  Concentrate on what is actually going on with each sound.  An office environment, or a hospital are ideal locations for this little experiment.  The ambient noise in both places is very active.  As a side note; my friend Mike and I agree the best sleep we get is in the hospital, because even with all the noise, it is still quieter than home or work!

Now, once you have processed the sounds, analyzed and categorized them.  Think about all you had been missing when you just heard the sounds, but did not listen to them.  We take most of these sounds for granted, but stop and think about them.  Think about the motivation behind the sound, think about the reason the sound is there.  Be thankful the person in the cube next to you at work is constantly getting phone calls.  This may mean that 1.) They are busy, and it helps pay your check.  2.) They have a hectic personal life, be glad yours isn’t like that.  Or the third option, if you are that busy, be glad that you are not out of work.

So, listening is important.  We have already looked at all that can be missed by simply not listening, what happens when we actually take time to go beyond hearing, and start to listen?  I think this story about my grandpa can really help us with that question.

My grandfather was a very loving and quiet man.  He was the epitome of “a man of few words”.   (This is really saying something given the noisy nature of our family.)  I remember that we were all gathered around the table for Christmas Dinner one particular year conversing on various things that seem to inevitably pop up when a family gets together.  Politics, gas prices…etc…  I was enjoying the moment of the family carrying on a few separate conversations about these or similar topics.  Just to the right of my Grandpa who always sat at the head of the table.  And I looked around the table just enjoying being present at this event.  As I looked at my Grandfather, I realized he was doing the same thing, and listening.  (Guilty!  I wasn’t listening in on the conversations.)  While my grandpa was listening, he was looking on in love at his family.  And then, the unthinkable happened.  He spoke!  He was able to quiet our clan down with 6 simple words.  He succeeded, with these 6 words in calming 24 people to a silent, quiet moment.  Others had tried and failed to quiet our mob with banging of pots, and whistles, and even shouting…but in his quiet dignity, grandpa was able to silence us all with his wisdom, and command of respect.  The words he used were few, but powerful.  “Do you know what I think?”  The stillness was amazing.  Here we were complaining about gas prices just a moment before, and now we were all looking at him with respect and admiration.  “I think we should be thankful we have cars to put gas in.”  My grandpa was never much of a “Pollyanna philosopher.”  And rarely, did he stoop to the obvious.  I don’t remember him ever being a “glass half full” type.  But, he had a point.  Stop arguing about politics and gas, and such, and be thankful for what you have.  It was cliché but in that moment, it was quite profound.

We ended up losing grandpa to a tragic accident a little less than a year later.  His words stuck with me.  Why?  Because he was a man of few words, what he did say really had more meaning than if he was constantly talking.

There is a famous quote from Larry King.  “I never learned anything while I was talking.”

Think about it.  How much more can we accomplish in our spiritual, professional and personal lives when we listen?  There are plenty of books on the art of listening.  And, I won’t go into too much detail here.  I could write a list of listening advice, but I don’t want to be one of “those authors” who gives you too much information that you already know, and just don’t tend to put it to use, so when you read it, you think, “Gee, he’s right, I do need to do ‘x’!” 

So, I’ll just say do it.  Listen.  Listen to those around you.  (No, don’t eavesdrop)  Listen to all the little noises in life.  Listening can be more than a conversational tool.  Listen to the rhythm of life.  Listen to the birds singing in the morning.  Take a moment to listen.  Listen to God.   Listen to what God is telling you.  Listen to what He wants for you.  Just be still and know.  Be still and listen.  

In a world where we try to “tune out” the noises, I think of grandpa’s words, and how to listen. 

As Americans, we tend to listen to music while working, or doing chores, exercising, etc…but have you ever taken a moment to stop hearing the music and actually listen to what the artist is conveying in their message? 

How much harder would my life be without the ability to listen?  Even if you are hard of hearing, even if you have no hearing, you can listen.  Listening is deeper than hearing. 

True listening is connecting.  Connect with God, connect with your loved ones, connect with a stranger.  Truly listen.  You may find a need there that is begging for your attention.  You may find one of your needs being met just by listening.

“Tune in” It is amazing what you can “hear”, when you connect, and there is only a stillness in your mind. 

Planning

I love Chinese food.  What I don't like is the fortune cookie at the end of the meal.  Sure they taste just "ok".  But, the "fortune" they contain is mostly useless "fun".  Empty words.  I often wondered who wrote the fortunes for fortune cookies.  Then I thought, "Wouldn't it be cool if someone took the book of Proverbs and put them in fortune cookies?" Then I thought, "No, the Bible is God's Word, and shouldn't be subjected to a snack every now and then.  Although, certainly God could use it to bring Himself glory.

Yes, the Bible isn't a fortune cookie, it is the unerring Word. It is everlasting and steadfast.  If I were to say that the book of Proverbs is like a list of fortune cookies, that would belittle the Word of God, and the wisdom and love contained within.   So avoiding the cookie altogether, let's see what wisdom we can glean from Proverbs 27:1.  "Do not boast about tomorrow, you do not know what the day will bring."

So, as I try to balance life, ministry, family, job, this blog...etc.  I find that I am making plans for this blog for the rest of this year.  Sure, it's good to have plans, but where do we draw the line?  Jesus said, "Don't worry about tomorrow, tomorrow will be anxious for itself.  Sufficient is it's own day for trouble."

So what does God mean by that?  Should we never make plans?  I think like most instruction of Christ, it is a heart issue.  Don't get so wrapped up in making plans, that you lose focus of the present.  As we plan, we tend to get caught up in the details, and soon we get a picture or expectation in our mind of how things should go.  Then we get upset when things don't go according to plan.  So what do we do?

I think the key is to make plans, but not to worry about the minute details.  God is in control, we just need to let Him work.

If we worry about tomorrow,  we are not focusing on what we be focused on, and are missing out on being a blessing or receiving a blessing in return.

Plan, don't get stuck there.

The tongue rodeo

I once had a dog that had a huge tongue.  She would allow it to hang out of her mouth like a giant pink towel emanating from the depths of her throat.  We thought it was great fun to try and grab it, and she would suck it back into her mouth and promptly stick it back out because she was hot and panting.  No matter how hard we tried, we couldn't hold her tongue and neither could she.

That's how we as humans sometimes are.  James 3 tells us that even though the tongue is small, it can be a grave danger.  James uses a lot of analogy to tell us that we shouldn't worship God with the same tongue that we use to curse and belittle other people.  Proverbs tells us that the power of life and death is in the tongue, and if you keep your mouth shut, you preserve your life, but he that opens it wide comes to ruin.  Also, Proverbs says that even if you use your tongue in a joking manner, it is like throwing fiery arrows of death!

Earlier on James says to be quick to listen, and slow to speak.

So, in turns out the Bible has a lot to say on the tongue, most of it not good.  So how do we go about taming our tongue?  Doesn't God know we really have a hard time controlling our tongues?  Sure He does that is why there is so much written about it.  Are we to cut out our own tongue in order to avoid sin?  Well even though Christ had mentioned plucking out your own eye, and cutting off your hand, it is more of hyperbole, and less about the actual physical act.  The principle is to control yourself.  Using the doughnut analogy again, don't go to the shop if you are diabetic!  I think the key to control of the tongue lies in everything the Bible says about it.

Step 1. Psalm 46:10 - Be Still and know He is God.  First two words, BE STILL.  Then meditate on the character of God.
Step 2. Let your words be few.  The less we talk, (and I love to talk) the less chance we have of sinning.  Ecclesiastes 5 tells us to let our words be few, and not to be rash with our heart.
Step 3. Breathe and then speak.  I think this boils down to think before you speak, but more importantly, this gives us a chance to listen.  Which is what James had said. Quick to listen, and slow to speak.

So let's all try to lasso our tongues and get them under control!  Think, then speak.

Spiritual Workout

Do you workout? Are you pumped? I can freely admit I am not.  I don't workout, I don't exercise often, but when I do, I feel good.

The same is true of working out spiritually. James 2:14-26 gives us the consequences of poor spiritual health. It is easy to fall back on Ephesians 2:8-9, and say I am "saved" I am good. "I've got my fire insurance." This is a dangerous mindset for a Christian to have. You see Paul wanted to make sure the church at Ephesus knew you couldn't earn your salvation. Jesus tells us that many who will claim to know Him, yet by their fruits we can tell them apart. Paul goes on to say what those fruits are.
When Jesus performed miracles He often said, "Your faith has made you whole." Yet quite a few times the miracle was performed with some sort of actionon the part of the recipient of the miracle. Time and time again we see evidence in God's Word that our spiritual walk is an active thing. How can you be actively  exercising your spiritual health?

Here are a few suggestions to help you get started.

1. Volunteer at a shelter to feed and clothe the more unfortunate.
2. Offer to help a stranger load their groceries into their car.
3. When you can tell someone is having a bad day, ask to pray with them.
4. Try not to ocomplain.. At all!
5. Only make fun of the devil. (Don't mock anyone but the enemy)
6. For one week be up a television show you watch regularly. Use that time to pray instead.
7. For one day, only post spiritual applications to social media.
8. Pray before replying to someone's post on social media.
9. Get up 15 minutes before you normally do to "be still and know He is God"
10. Pray for the presidential candidates.

Who are you working for?

Colossians 3:23

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as for working for the Lord and not for human masters."

For those who don't know, I love comic books and comic book movies.  I would say the list of my personal favorites are; Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Flash and the rest.  But, not all my heroes wear capes.  My personal favorite real life hero is the Apostle Paul.

I  once wrote a letter to my sister in the style of Paul's writing just to see if I could do it.  (She loved it.)  One of the things Paul had written to the church in Collosae was to live as Christians.  Chapter 3 in particular speaks of living as those made alive in Christ.

Then we get to verse 23.  I have always struggled with that verse, because I always struggled with work, and holding a job.  Perhaps due to my attitude, perhaps due to a medical condition, I always seemed to find myself employed and promptly fired.  As a result, it made it difficult for me to keep employment because I had anxiety about work. "Would this be my last day?" I would often ask myself.  If I didn't get fired, I would quit.  I would feel that if I didn't quit, I would be fired.  So, in order to save myself the embarrassment and heartache, I would self terminate.  So the God's word tells us we shouldn't fear over 50 times!  Paul also tells us (in Philippians) to "be anxious for nothing but in everything give thanks."  So why did I have a problem with work?

I said "did" past tense.  Because today I started a new part-time job.  With a new attitude.  I decided that no matter what, I wasn't working for a check, I wasn't working for a boss, I was working for THE boss.  I would work for Christ.  How much did He give up for us?  Surely working a full day and scrubbing out old appliances is not glamorous, but does it have to be?  Didn't Christ go outside His comfort zone for us?

Even if you are "retired", what are you doing with your time and money?  Are you serving to build the Kingdom?

Yeah, I admit, I was tired and hungry and cranky when I got home, but deep down I felt good because I worked for Jesus, and not me.

Who are you working for today?

Waiting for the Anvil to drop

I used to love the old Roadrunner and Coyote cartoons.  I still laugh at them to this day.  Sometimes the Coyote (who was just hungry and trying to get a meal) would come up with these elaborate schemes and knowing the moment when they would fail, wouldn't (for comedy's sake) do anything about it.

I feel that is how we sometimes act when God allows evil doers to continue without any seeming punishment.  It is like we are just sitting there and wondering what went wrong.  David tells us in Psalm 37 not to fret about evil.  And just like the coyote, is there some way we could have prevented things from happening by showing love to someone who we would think is evil? What do we do when we encounter evil?  What should we do?  Is there anything we can do that will make them change?

Example:  I was married to the wrong person for many years.  She abused me emotionally, physically and controlled every aspect of my life.  When she filed for divorce, she lied to the court and convinced them I was the abuser, and the courts believed her.  I was so angry for a long time because it meant I couldn't be with my son, and I felt I was getting unfairly and unjustly punished by the courts.  I asked God in my anger to make her pay. The answer I got was from Romans 12:19 as Paul quotes Deuteronomy 32:35.  James and John had said the same thing to Jesus regarding smiting a Samaritan town that would not welcome Jesus in Luke 9:54-55.  Jesus' response was swift and He rebuked them.  Even on the night He was betrayed and arrested Jesus was still a shining example of love. He rebuked Peter for using his sword, then healed Peter's victim.

Since the divorce, I have been blessed with a new family, and an awesome wife.  As for my ex, her health has not been well, and I know that God is punishing her for how she treated His servant.  I feel bad for her, and am continuing to pray for her, that God will open her eyes, and soften her heart and heal her.  Could I appeal the divorce settlement so I could have joint custody of my son? Sure, but that is not God's Will for my life.

Turning back to Psalm 37, David tells us not to fret for that is evil itself, but to wait patiently on the Lord.  To be still.  David knew a thing or 200 about having enemies.  He was hated and hunted by Saul, and yet he still learned to trust God. Even if there were a few bumpy times in the road!

So today, if someone at work has it in for you, or you have a toxic relationship with a narcissist, or someone just cuts you off in traffic.  Remember to be still, and know God has your back!  He never has failed me, He never will!

Walking in the Light

Have you ever gone camping and had to find your way to the bathroom in the middle of the night in the wilderness, not being able to find your flashlight, you move slowly, hoping not to stumble?  Yeah, me neither.

Sure, we have all had those toe-stubbing instances when walking through a darkened room.  If not, I would not suggest trying it.  The point is this.  In 1John 1:7 the author offers us how we can walk in the light.  The flashlight is the Son of God, and if we are in fellowship with one another and we are in the blood of the Son, then we are switching The Flashlight on!

When you walk in the light, you are less apt to stumble or cause others to stumble.

"Anger Issues"

Exodus 32

"I am so angry I could kill him!" I said one summer night at the end of my 8th grade school year.  I was bullied bad throughout most of grade school and it culminated in Jr. High.  I went to a Christian School which in a lot of ways made it seem worse.  The cost of tution cost my parents a small car payment each month.  On the last day of the 8th grade I was in a small fight with one of my tormentors.  As he punched me in the stomach, I stood my ground. 

When I left school that day, another bully put a wad of contraband chewing gum in my hair and one of my favorite teachers helped me out.  Next year would be different (and it was!) I was going to public school! And would you believe it? Not one fight in 4 years at public school! That last night of 8th grade however, my abdomen was in excrutaiting pain.  (Which is a story in itself of false appendicitis!)  And that is when I killed my tormentor.  Seriously.  God's Word tells us, if we think it in our heart, we have committed the act itself in God's eyes.  So, I guess I am a murderer.  I am ashamed to admit that would not be the last time I thought about harming or killing someone.  I am certainly glad that through Christ Jesus, I am a new creation!

Another flawed person from the Bible actually did commit murder and was transformed by God into one of the great leaders and heroes of the Bible.  He was raised under a foreign roof by a family not his own.  He stuttered. (or had some sort of speech impediment) He might have been as powerful as Joseph – until he killed an Egyptian overseer and Pharaoh sought to kill him.  I am speaking of Moses. 

In the Fall of 2000, I had my own “burning bush” experience.  At that time, I drove various cars on a route to test the fuel in them.  (It was a temporary position) As I was driving one gloomy day I was approaching the stretch of the route that was out in the country and you could see (on a clear day) the trees in the distance on either side of the road.  Suddenly, the sun shot through the clouds illuminating the trees making them look like they were on fire.  And clear as a bell, I heard the small whisper of God say, “Mark, I love you.”  Audibly so I of course said, “Yeah, I love you too.” Then again, I heard the same voice that spoke the universe into existence speak my name with affectionate tones.  “No, Mark…I love you.”  Tears started streaming down my cheeks as I understood.  I pulled the car over right there and gave myself over to God.  I would be remiss if I didn’t say I hadn’t slipped up from time to time. (And still do!) But, as we will see, so did Moses.

Exodus 4:1 Moses questions the Almighty saying “What if they don’t believe me?” So, God gives him some miraculous signs.  Moses 0, God 1.  Verse 10 chapter 4 of Exodus Moses comes up with another excuse which angered the Lord.  Moses says “I am not a good speaker.” So God says, “Duh, I’ll fix that!” (Paraphrasing again for humorous effect) “Where is your brother Aaron? I’ll tell you where he is, he is on his way to see you.”  So God makes it safe for Moses to return to Egypt.  Moses 0, God 10,000,000,000!  A few times along the way Moses complained to God (with good reason, the Israelites were whiny jerks sometimes!)  Then came his temper.  This is a great passage of scripture in Exodus 32.  I used to have a temper.  (Yes even after my burning bush experience.) I used to yell and throw things (Much like Moses at the base of Mt. Sinai!)  OK, to be fair, he was exhibiting righteous anger, I was just an under medicated jerk.  You see one of my flaws is that I am bi-polar.  For the record, that does not mean that I believe I like brown bears, and polar bears.  It is also known as manic depressive disorder.  Which is a rather unfair assessment as well as it contains the word “disorder” or the absence of order or the spirit of chaos.  If Jesus left us saying "Shalom", which actually translates to “I leave you with the spirit of the Destructor of chaos.” Then I don’t believe that manic depressive disorder is a good diagnosis either.  I think it should be called “happy sad syndrome” but I guess that is why I am a writer and not a doctor.

Now what exactly happened at the base of Mt. Sinai?  Exodus 32:18-35 tells us the account.  I’ll wait right here while you go read that passage.  While we are at it read Matthew 21:12-13, John 2:13-16, and Psalm 69:9.

If you learned like I did, there is a big difference between righteous anger and anger.

Have you killed anyone lately? What are you angry about?  Is it justified by righteousness?  Is it holy anger? 

The Yokes on You

“Trust Issues”

Genesis 12

One particular Friday night I remember staying at grandma’s and grandpa’s house and I woke up in the middle of the night extremely thirsty.  Rather than trust grandma to wake up I snuck out of my crib and in my footie pajamas made my way to the kitchen. Once there, I opened the fridge and took out the full half gallon (in a glass bottle) of orange juice. It must have been very hot, because it instantly accumulated condensation on the outside of the glass container.  With the weight and the water it became slippery and I dropped it, shattering it onto the linoleum.  I froze.  A few seconds (What seemed to me like hours) grandma appeared at the door to the kitchen and her hands flew to her cheeks and she exclaimed, “OH Sparky!” (Her pet name for me.)  Stepping over broken glass and in a large puddle of orange juice she picked me up, carried me to safety and gave me a sippy cup of orange juice from the second bottle in the fridge and sent me back off to bed.  Little did I know then that she would have to stay up and clean up my mess.  I look back now   and realize she did so out of love.

            There was a time that God had to clean up Abram’s mess because he didn’t trust God not once but twice!  In Genesis 12:10 God’s word tells us there was a famine in the land.  So, without consulting God, or trusting he and his wife Sarai would be taken care of by God, they journeyed to Egypt.  Just outside of Egypt, Abram took his wife Sarai aside and told her, “Look, I know you are awesomely hot and if I tell the Egyptians that you’re my wife they’ll fit me for a pair of cement sandals!” (I am paraphrasing a bit for humorous/dramatic effect.) So strike two, he tells his wife to help him lie because he doesn’t trust God to protect him in Egypt.  Strike Three he convinces Pharaoh that Sarai is his sister so Pharaoh gives Abram a bunch of possessions and wealth.  (A dowry, as was the custom and still is in many parts of the world.) So God comes in and says “OH Abry!” (OK, not really!) He does cast a plague on Pharaoh’s household though Pharaoh then sends his guard to escort Abram and Sarai out of the country, allowing them to keep their stuff. (God allowed Pharaohs heart to be lenient for the future of the Hebrew nation) Which means God pulled Abram from the puddle of the proverbial orange juice as it were, and sent him off with a “sippy cup” of wealth cleaning up his mess.  Once again we see that what flawed man meant for evil, God used for good building His kingdom!

Now flash forward a few years.  My first day in Kindergarten.  I trusted my parents would not throw me to the wolves, but I hated it the first few days.  Kids were mean to me because I was left handed, I wrote backwards.  I got in trouble for not staying in the lines when coloring.  But through all of it, I trusted that my parents would be there for me at the end of the day to wipe my tears, give me a hug and help pick me up.

Flash Forward a few years in Abram’s life as well.  (Now called Abraham) God had promised him that He would make his descendants into a great nation.  In Genesis 22 that promise is seemingly called into question when God tells Abraham to sacrifice his one and only son. (Which is a great thread directly to the Messiah!)  Completely trusting God, Abraham obeys without question and is rewarded when at the last minute, God provides a ram.  I do wonder if Isaac had some PTSD after that incident though.  Or maybe it was a story that told his kids.  “Hey boys, did I ever tell you about the time grandpa nearly sacrificed me?”

<sigh> “Yes Dad!!!”

“No, That’s Love”

Genesis 3

A brief Introduction.  (Who is this Mark guy anyways?)

The following is an excerpt from my novel "Broken Bricks - How God uses flawed people to build His Kingdom!"

I was born March 5^th, 1976 at 6:00 (something) pm, in the semi-small town of Ypsilanti, Michigan.  (Matter of fact my parents have never moved and are still in the same house they got when they were first married!)  I remember the delivery room as being very bright, cold and scary.  Just kidding! I don’t remember anything about my birth.  I do know that I was born to two loving parents.  Both my mom and dad worked very hard. (Which they learned from their parents.) So, after a time my mother returned to work and I stayed with grandma during the day and occasionally on weekends so mom and dad could have some date time.  How I love and somewhat miss those days at grandma and grandpa’s house in Belleville Michigan.  Mom would drop my sister and I off very early (6:00am or so) and I would sleep in my footie pajamas until grandma would wake me up to see my “sissy” get on the bus.  After seeing my sister off to school, we would sojourn to the kitchen for breakfast. 

This usually consisted of Rice Krispies^TM containing a sliced banana. While grandma made breakfast, we would play a game I came up with called noisy/ quiet sheriff.  You see my grandma had standard cupboards under the counter that had doors on them. I would open two of them back to back, (or technically front to front) and pretend they were saloon doors.  At this point my grandma would say, “Here comes the quiet sheriff” Now I need to break here and preface that my grandpa worked afternoons and was sleeping and grandma would much rather keep it that so early in the morning!  So grandma would emphasize quiet sheriff in her sing song voice and I would slam through the “saloon doors” doing my best John Wayne impersonation walking bowlegged and firing off my finger guns loudly. “BANG BANG!” Of course grandma would then say, “That’s not quiet!” So I would say, “Then say here comes the noisy sheriff.” She would and I would quietly tiptoe out of the cupboard doors and whisper “Stick ‘em up!” then I would giggle.  We loved this game, at least I did.

After breakfast grandma wanted some time to do chores, bible reading, and prayer so she would turn on the TV. (For further information regarding my TV viewing habits at grandma’s house, please read my book “Stuff in my Attic”.)

As I had mentioned before, I would occasionally spend a Friday night with grandma.  After a banana shake. (A grandma specialty) and “The Muppet Show” it was time for bed.  The crib I slept in was in what was known as the “front parlor”.  It was an old farmhouse, and grandpa’s desk was in there along with grandma’s sewing desk, my crib and an authentic cuckoo clock that I just loved that came from Germany. 

It also contained a picture of the Good Shepherd that would light up.  Grandma would use this picture (Shown right) as a night light.  Nearly every time I would ask her, “Why is he carrying that sheep?” Then the following conversation would ensue.

“Because the sheep has a broken leg.”

“But why?”

“Because He broke it so the lamb wouldn’t run away again.”

“That’s mean”

“No, that’s love.”

Sometimes God allows us to run and hide for His purpose.  What is meant for evil, God uses for good.  Looking at our first flawed individual, the “Flawed Father of Sin” if you will, Adam.  Adam was flawed when he put his wife above God.  After that he tried to hide from God.  Did Adam actually think he could hide from his Creator?  Pretty absurd.  Yet, because of that incident God put the Adamic Covenant into place and gave us the very first prophecy concerning His Son, the Lamb of God, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Emmanuel Christ the one and only Messiah!  Through this, God set a principle for priority that echoed throughout all the generations and continues to this day!  He removed them from the danger of the tree of life by “kicking” them out of the garden and guarding the way.  Remember if they ate from the tree of life (which they were allowed to prior to their sin) they would have lived forever and ever, eternally separated from the love of God.  God said, “NO, I have a better plan.”

Sometimes I feel like I am playing the noisy/quiet sheriff game with God.  Like I am a flawed person and angry at Him for choosing me, (noisy) then I realize that God always uses flawed people because besides Christ, nobody is perfect! (Quiet reflecting sheriff)

Are you playing games with God?  Noisy Sheriff?  Hide n’ Seek?