Nothing is Impossible

How many times in your life have you come up against something that you thought was impossible? What did you do? Did you try to work on the situation yourself? Did you worry about it? Or did you take the problem to the Lord? I think that should be the first course of action. The prophet Jeremiah was told that Jerusalem would be taken captive by the Babylonians. God was quite angry. As I read what the Lord told Jeremiah, my mind fell on one particular verse which has given me hope and encouragement through the years.

Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?
(Jeremiah 32:27) KJV

The reason I use this verse today is because it is my favorite verse in scripture. I claim this verse often and use it sometimes in my prayers to God. When I see this verse. My heart is moved. My soul is encouraged. Is there anything too hard for God? Of course there isn't. I may not see one way out of a situation that I am in. The Lord probably knows over a thousand ways out of any given situation. Maybe more! I remember one time I was looking for work a long time ago, and our creditors were really giving us a hard time. We turned the phone off to keep from hearing the phone ring. This was bad since the phone was the only way that I could get a call back from the applications that I had turned in. A job was the only way that I would be able to pay these bills that I had accumulated. My wife and I talked about calling one potential employer back and we prayed and put it in the hands of God. I picked up the phone to make the call, and the potential employer was on the other end of the line. I had picked the phone up at the right micro second that they called! I got the job by the way. Now what is it that God cannot do? If you know, please tell me. I am all ears. That is just one of many examples that I could give. You see, God takes care of His children just the way you would try to take care of yours. He loves them, just like you love yours. He just happens to have more of a capacity for love than we do. There is no doubt in God. There is only love and perfect knowledge. He knows your situation and He knows your concern. He knows how you plan, and He knows if you don't plan at all. He knows you! He loves you! So the next time you have something that you think is too hard to overcome, take it to God first. Is there anything to hard for God?

Father, I praise you for who you are. The fact that you are able to do above what I ask for is beyond my limited comprehension. I thank you for your love and care of me. I thank you for having my best interest at hand. Let me never, O Lord, be afraid to take anything to you. No matter how big or small the problem, help me to bring it before you. I praise you and thank you this day in the name of Jesus, the name above all names. Amen.

A Divided House

I am currently in the process of looking for another church. Once in every great while, I sense a strong impression from the Lord that it is time to go somewhere else. It is hard for me, on an emotional level, to do this. Usually, I have made dear friends where I was at, and hate to leave. Not leaving would be going against what I believe is the will of God in my life. I consider my background unusual to say the least. I didn't have much time at church as a child, but I was taught a reverence for the Lord. I have never doubted His existence.  I never doubted His virgin birth, or His resurrection.  My dad was Southern Baptist, and my mother was from The Church of God of Cleveland, Tennessee. That explains why I didn't get to church very often. I would hear lots of arguing about different denominations and things that really did not pertain to salvation. As a matter of fact, the salvation message was the same.

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
(1 Corinthians 12:13) KJV

I was saved in an Independent Baptist church and was married in a Pentecostal Holiness church. I married a girl whose father was a Nazarene minister. My ministry with music began in a Wesleyan church. I have went on visitation with Southern Baptists. I have walked the Roman Road, and been Slain in the Spirit. While some see this as confusion, I see it as a blessing. I have been able to have friends from all areas of the Body of Christ. Sometimes the hand, sometimes the foot, sometimes the mouth. Well, you see what I am saying. This petty bickering denominations do back and forth is useless, and discouraged in the verse above. I refuse to take part in this bickering. I will not argue with other Christians on this! I will walk away first. There have been wonderful friends in all of these denominations that come to my mind. There are also those, in all of them, that are destructive to their own kind. Their own kind being other Christians. As long as a denomination doesn't change the way in which a person comes to Christ, which is my litmus test, they are my brothers and sisters. Do people that are not Christian notice these disagreements between God's Church? You better believe it! They not only notice, but avoid it like the plague! This can greatly reduce the impact we have for God. Let us this day, walk according to the Spirit of God. Let us walk in love for one another now the way we will have to be with one another in heaven. Surely, we can put our differences aside for the common goal of reaching those that need Christ.

Father, thank you for letting me tell of this. It is an important issue that faces our effectiveness as Christians. I thank you that I have experienced many of the differences of the Body of Christ. Do not let the differences,  which should make us stronger, make us weaker. I bless each and everyone that reads this Lord. May your love penetrate each and every heart and soul and fill them with your presence. I offer this praise and request before you in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Religion? What is that?

Sometimes I am asked questions on religion. I have to admit, I don't know much about religion. I only know about relationship. I know some about relationship with my my wife, my daughter, my friends. I know about my relationship with Jesus. I don't consider it religion. I am also still learning on a daily basis. This blog is listed in a category: religion/Christianity. It was the closest I could get to the truth, but it was not the full truth. A true listing would be: Jesus/relationships/personal.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (John 1:12) KJV

You know, there is enough wisdom and knowledge in the opening verses of John's gospel that I could blog for a long time, and still not tell everything I want to say. I will reflect on being a child of God today. This is an awesome verse! If you are a Christian, this is a wonderful fact! I have prayed with people to receive Christ and they would tell me: "I don't feel any different." That is because it is a fact, not a feeling. Our feelings are deceptive at best. Just ask someone that has been through depression. Facts are facts! They are unchanging from day to day because they are true day after day. If you mean it with all of your heart when you pray to receive Christ, it will be reflected in you soon enough. At this point, you become a child of God and you enter into a family relationship with Him. God takes care of His own. He leads His own. It is a lot like that post I had about my father. My dad said for me to do something and I did it. He took care of me the best he could. I loved my dad. I love my God! It is not religion! It is relationship. God was there when I got saved. He was present for my baptism. He was there when I witnessed to someone for the first time. He was there when I got married, and when my daughter was born. He is family. He wants to be a Father to you just like He has been to me. Won't you give Him the opportunity?

Father, I thank you for the opportunity to share this. I know that I cannot do this subject justice on my own. I know that you can. I ask that you would do so, and give people the desire of a relationship with you. You do this daily. Show yourself to those that read this the way you have shown yourself to me. Bless them I pray, in the name of Jesus, Amen.

A Praying Wife

There was a period in my life in the early 1990's where I did not walk with God. I was in a backslidden condition and very angry at God, the church, and hated life in general. My temper had a short fuse and I always had a chip on my shoulder about something. We are not always promised an easy walk as a Christian. We are tested and tried to make us stronger. As long as the person is walking in the Spirit, all is well. It is when we try to do things in our own strength, without consulting God, that we run into problems. I am so grateful for a praying wife, and a God whose love for me knows no bounds.

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. (Ephesians 5:22) KJV

My wife would remind me from time to time about the fact that I had given myself to the Lord and that I should go back to church with her. This angered me to no end! I was extremely bitter and wanted nothing to do with it. I felt that no church would accept me as I was at that time, and this nagging wasn't helping anything. The Lord told her to leave me alone and just pray for me. The Lord then set into play a set of circumstances that led to my coming back to Him. Thank God for the obedience of a loving wife! She was at that time a much better wife to me than I was a husband to her. He did bring about my restoration over the course of about a year and I have tried to serve Him since. Some days are more successful than others for me, but I love Jesus without limitations. If it had not been for the quiet obedience, love, and prayers of a devoted wife, my life would have probably been over by now. If you find yourself in a similar circumstance, just remember, you are never beyond the reach of a loving God.

Father, thank you for not giving up on me. Thank you for the wife that you gave me. Help me to be as much of a blessing to her as she is to me. I praise you for your mercy and longsuffering towards me. Help me to serve you in a way that is pleasing to you. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Awards--off topic

Vespa Blogger Award Friendship



I received this award from Kay at:
http://www.kayschristianblog.com/

Thank you Kay! I appreciate you!


I in turn award the following people, that have been friendly to me, to receive this award:


AnonymousDrifter
http://unknowndiarist.blogspot.com/

Uga68LV
http://www.motivationalthoughtsblog.com/

scmcqueen
http://scottmcqueen.blogspot.com

Carriejw
http://www.nuggetsofgold.wordpress.com

nonanita
http://blog.nonanitasnook.com/

DonaldSwarbrick
http://insightsofnostalgia.blogspot.com

askcherlock
http://www.askcherlock.com

fruitcake
http://findingfruitcake.blogspot.com

Grumpy1
http://ahouseholdhere.blogspot.com




Rules:
1. Put the logo on your blog
2. Add a link to the person who awarded you
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs
4. Add links to those blogs on yours
5. Leave a message for your nominees on their blog

I know this was more than 7, but I am feeling generous today. :) All of these people are deserving of much more than this!

Small Voice

Life gets hectic. There is no doubt about that. We have things in our work, family, and even our leisure that require our attention. I am as guilty as anyone when it comes to not slowing down or letting God get my attention. I don't intend this as disobedience, I just get other things on my mind.

And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. (1 Kings 19:11-12) KJV

Elijah had been through a rough time. He was depressed and looking for answers. God instructed him to stand on the mount and He would speak to him. He expected, I am sure, God to arrive in great fashion. He looked in the great wind that came, and God was not there. He looked in the earthquake that came, and God was not there either. He looked into the fire that came, and still the same thing. After all of this, a still small voice. A whisper, if you will. This was the voice of God.

Life gets hectic, and we sometimes go through things where we need God. Sometimes it is in a great revelation. Most times, in my case, it has always been that still small voice. The quiet time I spend with the Lord recharges my life. He wants me to do this, and I need this. I believe we all do. The Holy Spirit will sometimes give you just an urge to do something or say a kind word to someone. He doesn't ask the world of you, but if everyone is obedient, the world will change as a result.

Father, help me to slow down from time to time and listen for your voice. Grant me the wisdom to discern your voice and act upon it. Thank you for your instruction and care for me. I pray this in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Father

I remember, when I was very young, nothing could harm me as long as my dad was around. I really felt so safe and secure. He gave me confidence to do things that I would not have done on my own. He was there for my first fishing trip, hunting trip, and my first day of school. I was, and still am, a terrible hunter. :) I lost my father when I was 17 and I miss him very much. I still have all of those memories that he left me with though. Thinking of him reminded me of something.

But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 19:14) KJV

Being with my father brought out the best in me. The faith I had was pure and undefiled. My heavenly Father, through Jesus, brings forth that same pure faith. The faith of a child. When I am walking in communion with Jesus, all is right with the world. I can attempt any task, and He gives me the confidence and assurance that He is right there with me. I personally try not to over think this with a lot of theology. I want to keep my faith in Him like that of a little child. Simple and pure.

Father, I thank you for being my father. I thank you for Jesus and the fact that I can come to you with anything that is on my mind. For the fact that you are there with me through all of the things I face in life, the good and the bad. Help me to keep my heart pure before you like that of a child. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

To Paint the Sky

About ten years ago, my wife and I were driving from one town to another locally. I do not recall where we were going or if we were on our way back home. I do remember that it was warm weather and it was late afternoon. She said, "Look at that beautiful sky!" And it was beautiful! Shades of orange and pink, purple and others arranged in a swirling and layered fashion. It was memorable. I told her, without thinking twice, "God painted that sky just for you." I don't know why I said that, it just sort of popped out. I saw her eyes fill with tears for the love of a God that would do that for her. Her very expression showed her love. She took my word as truth. To this day, I still believe that He painted that sky for her.

In the book of 1 Peter we have this verse: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1Peter 5:7

My wife did not ask for that sky that day. I just believe that He gave her that because He cares for her. He cares for me. He cares for you too. Jesus is capable to to take care of all we need for this day and for every day for the rest of our lives. What is in store for the person that chooses to love Him with all of their hearts? The sky is the limit.

Father, thank you for allowing me to tell of your many mercies that become new each morning. To tell of your kindness towards me and all that believe. Bless each and every one that reads and pour out your love upon them this day. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Compassion

What goes through your mind when you see a homeless person on the street? How about a child that has a birth defect, or cancer? Or what do you think when you meet someone who has no hope? For me, my heart is filled with compassion. Seeing people that hurt tends to be unsettling to me. I am moved with compassion for them. This is a normal response from one human to another. As it should be.

In the book of Mark we have these verses: And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed. (Mark 1:40-42) KJV

Never in scripture do I ever recall seeing where Jesus did not heal, teach, or raise the dead. He broke up every funeral he came in contact with. Compassion is a motivating force. It stirs in your very soul and begs to burst forth. It is a God given desire to empathize with those that are hurting. We are given a command and desire to share the gospel of Christ with others. It is an act of love and compassion for a Christian to do so. For we know that to be without Christ is spiritual leprosy. While we cannot heal this condition, we can point the way to the One that can. Jesus is still moved with compassion towards those in need.

Father, grant me the compassion for others as Jesus taught we should have for each other. May I be a blessing to someone you send me to today, and have the opportunity to share your truth and message of hope to someone in need. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

God's will

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Knowing the will of God should be paramount in the life of a Christian. Sometimes that is easier said than done, but it is not near as difficult as it sounds. God does not work according to our time schedules and sometimes we don't know what to do until the task is at hand. Much of this is done according to faith. Some is according to obedience of what we know is the will of God. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a part of every true Christian helping them stay in the will of God. He comforts us, guides us, warns us, and convicts us of sin. He tells me when to witness and tells me to shut up when it is time. To grieve the Holy Spirit is a gut wrenching experience at best. It should be this way when we have stepped out of the will of God. He only does this because of his love for us. No one can ever love you the way that God does. Being in his will is really natural for the Christian because of the new nature that we have in Christ. Refer to 2 Corinthians 5:17, it is a wonderful passage as well as a comforting promise. Praying is part of his will. Studying the scriptures is part of his will. A genuine concern for the welfare of others is part of his will.

You do however, need to realize that you cannot be everything for everyone. It is important to not make yourself feel guilty or weary because you cannot do all of the things someone wants you to do. Remember, it is God's will we are concerned with here. Not man's. There is so much more that I could say, but really the best way to know the will of God for me is to just ask him. He wants you to be in his will. He will help you by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Thank you Father for who you are. Thank you for having my welfare at hand and guide me in your perfect will this day. May I be a blessing to you, and to the people I meet, by the way I conduct myself according to your will. May the Holy Spirit empower me and guide me with what is needed in these encounters. Be with those that read this message and impart to them your blessings. In the name of Christ Jesus I pray, Amen.

Making decisions

How do we make important decisions in our life? I am sure most of us weigh them out carefully, but do we seek guidance for them? A doctor or perhaps a lawyer? What about asking God in these situations? Do we even consider it?

One of my favorite passages of scripture is found in 2 Samuel 5:17-25. The Philistines have come to make war with Israel's new king David. David asks the LORD should he go out and meet them in battle. The LORD tells him to go and fight for He will deliver them into his hands. David does this and the enemy scatters and regroups again. David asks God again should he attack? God tells him yes, but surround them from behind and wait. David was supposed to wait until he heard the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees. This would signal that God had gone before him in battle. David did this and defeated his enemy.

I think we all would do well to inquire of the LORD when we have an important decision to make. Asking in itself is not all there is to it. Listening and obeying are just as important. When God tells us to do something, we should do it just like he wants. He will go before us into battle. He will never ask more of you than He will give you the ability to do. Just like He did for David, He will go before you in whatever problem or task you face.

Father, remind me today to seek your help in all matters. Guide and direct me and help me to listen for your answer. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

About this blog

I have been a Christian for many years now. Much of that time I have served Christ with music, testimony, and help to those that are in need. However, I had grown to become a complacent Christian. This is a difficult thing for me to admit, but admit it I must. Many times I have been lacking when it came to fundamentals like faith, love, and sharing the gospel of Christ as I should. Today, that changes! This is the blog of a man. A simple man that struggles with life as any man does. Being a Christian does not exempt you from the problems of life. Sometimes the problems are multiplied because you are a Christian. That should not keep me from walking by faith in the truth of Christ as I know it. I plan to share scripture and my interpretation thereof, maybe a story. Perhaps I will share the innermost part of my being. That is still nothing compared to what Jesus has done for me. I will end with prayer at the end of each post. We are promised that if we ask, we shall receive. I really believe this will be a blessing to me being able to share the various things in my life. So now, let us end in prayer.

Father God, I give thanks to you for all that you have provided to me today. I thank you for being the one true God that cares for all of his creation. I ask for the wisdom to carry forth this plan you have given me and may it glorify your Kingdom. May it comfort those that hurt, help those that need, and carry forth your Word with honor. I ask these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.