http://www.mediafire.com/?prixmnelkgt74ih
This features Minister Kimberly Jones, Minister Brian Malone, and myself. God Bless and Thanks!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Friday, December 17, 2010
Wax On, Wax Off
I know it seems like I am really into movies involving martial arts but generally some good metaphors come out of these movies. I wonder do you remember a movie called "The Karate Kid". (the orginial one with Ralph Macchio and Pat Morito) The main chacter was "Daniel" or "Daniel-son" who was the pupil of an immigrant from Okinawa named Mr. Miyagi. Daniel so desperatly wanted to learn martial arts in order to defend himself and prove he was tough (self) but Mr.Miyagi wanted to enrinch his mind and heart so he had a different plan. In the first movie Mr.Miyagi would have Daniel perform tasks like painting his fence, waxing his car, washing the windows. Mr.Miyagi's most classic when teaching him the way he wanted to perform these tasks was "Wax on, Wax off". As one would expect Daniel grew impatient because it seemed like every day it was the same thing, there was no actual "moves" being taught. Daniel began to grow angry and think Mr.Miyagi was a joke and finally Mr. Miyagi reminded of when he taught him to paint the fence, he kicked at Daniel and by reflex daniel blocked the kick. The motion of painting the fence was teaching him to have correct technique, when he threw a punch the motion of cleaning the windows taught Daniel to deflect the punch. The lesson happened repeatdly to ensure that Daniel was learning from it what Mr.Miyagi wanted him to learn.
When God has made up in his mind that he wants you to learn a lesson, he will like Mr. Miyagi give you a series of lessons designed to teach you the skill NEEDED(pay attention to that word) to learn. You come to him and you say " I want to be better" so he makes you better he just uses his own tactics because he knows they are sure to work. Like Daniel you began to feel like a servant boy, as if your doing things that serve no purpose or perhaps why do I constantly have to go through this. Until you see the lesson being taught you will never learn and move on. It's so hard for you because you won't sit down and learn, God isnt putting too much on you its just your flesh not wanting to move out of the way. My biggest problem is getting too frustrated too easily. I'll get so frustrated I am unreasonable and even harder to reason with, so my first thing is to blame the thing that is frustrating me not asking myself "why is this frustrating me?" James 1:14 clears this all the way up "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed."So it's not the situation its really ME! I found that my anger comes from my own selfish desire in other words what I wanted, or because I didnt like how something turned out. Refusal to learn to the lesson of how to control my anger keeps me in a perpetual learning cycle of dealing with situations where I am forced to control or Im forever taking the same text. We often forget that the lesson is to get you where God wants you to be, in order to do that somethings have to go. So yes you will find yourself like Daniel in this movie doing the same thing over and over until you get the lesson. Picture it like this learning this lesson could be the pathway to a better job, better marriage/relationship, better life. 90 % of the time its yourself that makes it so much harder for you. When you won't yield to God's plan your plan conflicts with his drastically so the friction you feel is his plan working against yours. Refusal to yield makes him repeat the lesson over and over and over. 2 step process, Teaches the lesson ( his statues found in his word), applies the lesson (the test or experiences that try you.) This part is personal because it is just you and God, family, friends merely can pray but you and God have to work this out together. When you finally grab ahold of the lesson and past the test like Daniel-son you are ready to move to the next thing. Ask yourself this question if you need "What am I not seeing that you want me to see Lord?" I promise you wont have to look hard it will be clear. God Bless Beloved...and thanks for reading.
When God has made up in his mind that he wants you to learn a lesson, he will like Mr. Miyagi give you a series of lessons designed to teach you the skill NEEDED(pay attention to that word) to learn. You come to him and you say " I want to be better" so he makes you better he just uses his own tactics because he knows they are sure to work. Like Daniel you began to feel like a servant boy, as if your doing things that serve no purpose or perhaps why do I constantly have to go through this. Until you see the lesson being taught you will never learn and move on. It's so hard for you because you won't sit down and learn, God isnt putting too much on you its just your flesh not wanting to move out of the way. My biggest problem is getting too frustrated too easily. I'll get so frustrated I am unreasonable and even harder to reason with, so my first thing is to blame the thing that is frustrating me not asking myself "why is this frustrating me?" James 1:14 clears this all the way up "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed."So it's not the situation its really ME! I found that my anger comes from my own selfish desire in other words what I wanted, or because I didnt like how something turned out. Refusal to learn to the lesson of how to control my anger keeps me in a perpetual learning cycle of dealing with situations where I am forced to control or Im forever taking the same text. We often forget that the lesson is to get you where God wants you to be, in order to do that somethings have to go. So yes you will find yourself like Daniel in this movie doing the same thing over and over until you get the lesson. Picture it like this learning this lesson could be the pathway to a better job, better marriage/relationship, better life. 90 % of the time its yourself that makes it so much harder for you. When you won't yield to God's plan your plan conflicts with his drastically so the friction you feel is his plan working against yours. Refusal to yield makes him repeat the lesson over and over and over. 2 step process, Teaches the lesson ( his statues found in his word), applies the lesson (the test or experiences that try you.) This part is personal because it is just you and God, family, friends merely can pray but you and God have to work this out together. When you finally grab ahold of the lesson and past the test like Daniel-son you are ready to move to the next thing. Ask yourself this question if you need "What am I not seeing that you want me to see Lord?" I promise you wont have to look hard it will be clear. God Bless Beloved...and thanks for reading.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Who's The Master?
Remember that movie The Last Dragon that to me was an instant classic, in that movie it featured a character played by Julius Carry by the name of "Sho'nuff". His classic line in the movie was "Who's The Master"? His crew would respond by saying "Sho'nuff!!". Though it was just a movie I began to wonder to myself who is really your master? Fact is most of us don't even know the answer to the question because we are not paying attention. Read a great entry in Our Daily Bread the author of the article Anne Cetas made mention of the scripture Romans 6:16 " Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey..." Whomever your master is essentially is the one whom answer when they call. If it's God ultimately you follow his lead, you go where he tells you to go, and will generally live the life he tells you to live no matter the cost. If it's self (believe it or not) you generally do what feels good for you and comfortable for you, God is a master to you but not the master over you, meaning you will hear what he is saying and IF you want to submitt than you will which is a haphazard approach in it of itself. If it's another person, they generally can do whatever they would like whenever they would like and you will submitt generally in this case out of fear of losing them, being hurt by them, or lack of concern for yourself due to being so heavily invested in them, once more God is a secondary choice so that when he serves notice that you in too deep you will MAKE A CHOICE (very important) on weather or not to heed his advice. As we all know money, the need of to fulfill physical desires etc.. all will control you as they have power that you have given to them when you submitt to them. Here is the thing, everyone of these alternatives are imperfect in every way so they are bound to let you down, thing is because they are your master and you their slave (in essence) they have no desire to be concerned with your feelings about the issue. After all YOU CHOSE TO SUBMITT!!!! When you choose God, he won't let you down and when I/You/We feel as though he has he will understand how you feel (though he know he hasen't let you down at all). It makes sense why God would inspire Paul to right that verse in Romans, because in his infinite knowledge he knows the danger in that. He knows that no matter how loyal those other things lay claim to be they will let you down. He in essence is protecting you from that, but when your lured away from him by enticing pleasures its your own fault and unfortuantely you will reap the consequences. I was most convicted by this because I realize how often I would be reluctant to follow God's orders that were so specific because he was my alternative. I would let my drums, money, and people steer me, and the minute I was let down I was upset or mad when I had no right to be. Let us be clear on this God will not fight for our attention ever, if I would rather push him to the side than he wouldnt fight to be first because than my free will would be taken away from me, it has to be my choice to put him first. The bible is so well put together because not only is it the written inspired word of God, its also God's way of saying "Hey!!! I'm just trying to look out for you" Love my family to death, my music, my church, my girl, my life but guess what they cant be master over me, it's not their place. I have to call into account that God is faithful, just, and righteous and if I submitt to him he will elevate me to my rightful place. The bible says in James 4:10 "Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you" Why this can be challenging because of the comfot in those things and search for validation, and catch this (just fell on my heart) If you know that your having that much power over someone and/or taking advantage of them STOP!!!! As a believer I cannot allow you to submitt to me before God, now don't get it in twisted in marriage the bible is clear that a woman is to submitt unto her husband but the idea is not before God ever!! That example is the divine order in which God addresses the house but if that man is clearly not following God you are still loyal to him and submitting but never denying or not living for Christ rather be the light in the dark place. (my pastor broke that one down..thats the marraige guru) . I am no one's master and no one master's me but God. I have to be conscious daily of this and now even more pray that my focus be turned back to God. God bless you beloved...thanks for reading.
Monday, November 15, 2010
My Sin is not like Your sin!!
"When the scribes of the Pharisees saw that He was eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they said to His disciples, "Why is He eating and drinking with tax collectors and sinners?" -Mark 2:16.
The Pharisees who were our traditionalist, the one's who favored a man made tradition to God's word. These were the ones who believed it to be more important to outwardly appear to be righteous but inwardly sinful. Quick to point out who was unlawful, and to declare their righteousness because they followed the law and knew the law so well. In the scripture above Jesus is seen here eating at a table with "sinners and tax collectors" and the Pharisees with malice and contempt in their heart for Christ (already) began to question why he is sitting amongst sinners and tax collectors. Understanding the setting, Jesus is seen sitting with those who are typically see as not aligned with God and perpetually in sin, and then tax collectors who were always then (and now) viewed as thieves and crooks because of the high taxes they levied on the people. The Pharisees bring into question why this man who claims to be the Son of God dines with these people. Let stop right there and establish and deal with this issue of self-righteousness. In their own carnal and self-indulgent minds these Pharisees truly believe they are in a position to judge as if they are the Chief Judge(God). They didn't sit and look to see what was going on? Or. Sit down and listen to see what this man who clearly has more wisdom than they have has to say. They merely began the act of chastising and questioning him, had he committed a Sin? No, but once again those traditions of looking the part of the righteous one takes over and they come down on Christ because he is doctor coming with good medicine for people who want to get well. Beloved, believe this, no matter how saved you think you are, you were sick and Jesus came and healed you right where you were. I'm not talking about physical sickness (but that too) I mean sick from plague of sin, the evil that so easily controlled and kept you from God. Sometimes if your not careful while even being saved you fall back into old habits, but a self-righteous man who sins is still a sinner. The bible says in Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God" NOT fell short but fall short that means even now. Prove it? Paul writes in Romans 7:19-20 "For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me." Paul knew better than to think he was immune from sin, and we should do the same. The idea is not to feed into your own hype, recognize that any opportunity to sit down with someone who is not saved or is struggling with sin is a prime time for God to get glory. Philippians 2:4-5 "do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus" Jesus sat the table with these people because his focus was bigger than their status according to man, he saw a need and he met the need. Their souls were crying out for help, he sat with them as to be amongst them not above them. He never compromised who he was but he illuminated them with his character, that light shined so bright that they had to come out of that dark place into the brilliant light of Christ. When you become so self-righteous and think so above people you forget your human values and sometimes it takes you having to fall to realize that. Self-righteous can land you around hypocrites, those who want to appear right and that can lure you away from God easier than anything else because your being un-reasonable with yourself and others. Ultimately we have a duty to present ourselves before God as a living and holy sacrifice (Romans 12:1). But none of us goes a day with sinning, weather in thought or deed so we are constantly in sanctification , repenting and turning away from sin back to God. When we forget that we get lost in ourselves, and God's not getting the glory. Your witness is ineffective when you are consumed with self-righteousness, your unapproachable and utterly hard to deal with. When your heart is for God's people and to seek out lost souls for Christ you move, do, and say what God tells you to say.
"And hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Humble yourselves daily before God, consider the walk you made and if I'm certain still making with God. You may not be as you were (grace) but you know we can always do better. If you Love God, than you should love all his children (saved and un-saved). You may hear some thing or see things that are not pleasing to God and that may invoke a self-righteousness in you but recognize that if your in the midst it could be an opportunity for God to shine through you, and then you may not be the vessel to be used to do the work so don't let it taint your walk. Pray with out ceasing. But don't condemn and surely don't hesitate to tell the truth. Be overcome with Love, always speaking the truth (in Love) never compromising the Savior for Sin, remaining ever faithful to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Satan's biggest weapon against us is not the world rather its our self, none of us can save anyone, it is God who saves we are the vessels or tools he uses to do his work. Ultimately if we won't humble ourselves he will find someone who will. Blessings...
The Pharisees who were our traditionalist, the one's who favored a man made tradition to God's word. These were the ones who believed it to be more important to outwardly appear to be righteous but inwardly sinful. Quick to point out who was unlawful, and to declare their righteousness because they followed the law and knew the law so well. In the scripture above Jesus is seen here eating at a table with "sinners and tax collectors" and the Pharisees with malice and contempt in their heart for Christ (already) began to question why he is sitting amongst sinners and tax collectors. Understanding the setting, Jesus is seen sitting with those who are typically see as not aligned with God and perpetually in sin, and then tax collectors who were always then (and now) viewed as thieves and crooks because of the high taxes they levied on the people. The Pharisees bring into question why this man who claims to be the Son of God dines with these people. Let stop right there and establish and deal with this issue of self-righteousness. In their own carnal and self-indulgent minds these Pharisees truly believe they are in a position to judge as if they are the Chief Judge(God). They didn't sit and look to see what was going on? Or. Sit down and listen to see what this man who clearly has more wisdom than they have has to say. They merely began the act of chastising and questioning him, had he committed a Sin? No, but once again those traditions of looking the part of the righteous one takes over and they come down on Christ because he is doctor coming with good medicine for people who want to get well. Beloved, believe this, no matter how saved you think you are, you were sick and Jesus came and healed you right where you were. I'm not talking about physical sickness (but that too) I mean sick from plague of sin, the evil that so easily controlled and kept you from God. Sometimes if your not careful while even being saved you fall back into old habits, but a self-righteous man who sins is still a sinner. The bible says in Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God" NOT fell short but fall short that means even now. Prove it? Paul writes in Romans 7:19-20 "For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me." Paul knew better than to think he was immune from sin, and we should do the same. The idea is not to feed into your own hype, recognize that any opportunity to sit down with someone who is not saved or is struggling with sin is a prime time for God to get glory. Philippians 2:4-5 "do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus" Jesus sat the table with these people because his focus was bigger than their status according to man, he saw a need and he met the need. Their souls were crying out for help, he sat with them as to be amongst them not above them. He never compromised who he was but he illuminated them with his character, that light shined so bright that they had to come out of that dark place into the brilliant light of Christ. When you become so self-righteous and think so above people you forget your human values and sometimes it takes you having to fall to realize that. Self-righteous can land you around hypocrites, those who want to appear right and that can lure you away from God easier than anything else because your being un-reasonable with yourself and others. Ultimately we have a duty to present ourselves before God as a living and holy sacrifice (Romans 12:1). But none of us goes a day with sinning, weather in thought or deed so we are constantly in sanctification , repenting and turning away from sin back to God. When we forget that we get lost in ourselves, and God's not getting the glory. Your witness is ineffective when you are consumed with self-righteousness, your unapproachable and utterly hard to deal with. When your heart is for God's people and to seek out lost souls for Christ you move, do, and say what God tells you to say.
"And hearing
Monday, November 1, 2010
Generation XXX
I remember right around the year 2000 I think it was Pepsi was doing these commercials and in these commercials it talked about Generation X. It was the slogan they were using to mark our or my generation of kids. The idea is that were the future and the generation and that it was no in our hands to move things forward. The truth is our generation is a blessed generation, because of our parents generation and how they grew up most of our parents made sure we could live an easier life. That was a great thing and still is, its just that our generation got use to being spoiled and that easy that we didnt get some things that maybe could've gone a long way for us in the long run. Our parents didnt fail us as a matter of fact they slaved for us (most of us anyway) they just didnt want that strict doctrine that forced them to serve God they still taught us Jesus was the only they werent as hard on us as their parents were on them. They didnt give room for anything else but they didnt force us either. Unfortunately the world grew to embrace Jesus less and less so that our generation began to seek out new replacements for God and the knowledge of the bible grew less, the desire for God grew even lesser. Eventually habitual lawlessnes took its place, a desire to be "free" became the new motto of this age, and church if attended at all was a favor to God instead of an oppurtunity for growth for us. Eventually, the bible just wasent enough and the thirst for something "new" came into place so the discovery of different versions of the gospel or turning to an all new religion became the next move. As the world became more and more distant and resistant to Jesus so did this generation. A generation where the children were taught that sex was ok so that young men and young women were virtually using each other up play toys and throwing each other away like old clothes you never wear any more. Wasteful with each other's hearts and a general disconcern with the risk we were putting each other in. Marriage was least desired and monogomy (even if married) was "tiresome and boring". Perversion over conversion was the mindset and the this generation is having it pumped into them a mile a minute via devices that were to be used for positive purposes, thus the creation of Generation XXX.
This generation actually is no different than any other generation, as a matter of fact it's just the same, the difference is its no longer masked as it used to be. If David (in the bible) was commiting acts of adultry, Moses committing murder, or Noah being a drunk then there is nothing new under the sun. The deal is "back in the day" people hid it better but the same the hearts haven't been changed so the sin is still the same. The crazy part of this is that now we live in such a world that embraces sin all the more that now more than ever its hard to get this generation to turn from it but this is no surprise Paul warns of this in 2 Timothy 3:2 where he wrote "People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy" The change that our generation could make and actually is being called to make is to live for God anyway. During a great conversation with my brother he said something profound "our generation suffers from being the most biblically illterate generation" that seems offensive but its truth. The knowledge of the bible is severely lacking and it is that knowledge that empowers us to grow closer to God. Often times its heard said that "I am still young and I just want to enjoy my youth, God know's my heart" My brother again said it like this "That is a stupid position and arrogant position". I know that sounds rude but it's an excuse to continue you like you were before. I'm not saying I am perfect because God knows I am far from it but knowing you can do better and choosing not too is foolish. The reality is our generation no longer are kids we are the one's having children, starting families, and we are expecting raise to another generation of children that equally have no knowledge of the true and living God. Demonstrating to them that its ok to live as free as you want or live anyway you want in a pursuit to "enjoy themselves". God's ultimate plan for us is Sanctification. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 "For this is the will of God, your sanctification;" That word sanctification simply means to be set aside for use or special purpose, the process of becoming holy like God. We are on this earth for that purpose and that purpose only, that is Goal number one. All of our goals like careers, and marriage, and family are things that through the scope of sanctification to God we do. That means its all from his perspective first. This is not to bash or push anyone out it's to help you and me out, most of us will be parents one day and we need to have the tools needed in order to teach our children to be followers after Christ. The message or gospel of Jesus Christ was sent to bring good news of salvation and forgivness of sins. The idea is that we are made right through Christ through grace. We are still young but are held responsible for every action that we make, and while striving to be young and wild hell is still burning. I'm not saying you can't have a social life but the real question is when this is all over do you know where your going? That conversation is scary but this world is not the final resting place, we are here to do one thing work for God we labor for him. The reward for the diligent and true believers of Christ is rest in heaven. I'm not saying will cease as a matter of fact the more that turn to God the worser the times will get. It's not Generation X its Generation NEXT. WE are up to bat and I'm sorry I want to spirtually equipped to lead a wife and father Children. The reality is this will be offensive to someone who is in opposition to this, to those who want after God this will be the message to encourage you to fight for Christ. If your not saved this could be the message to lead towards steps to salvation. We are not the lost generation, God has big plans for us, we have to run after those plans and live boldly for God.
This generation actually is no different than any other generation, as a matter of fact it's just the same, the difference is its no longer masked as it used to be. If David (in the bible) was commiting acts of adultry, Moses committing murder, or Noah being a drunk then there is nothing new under the sun. The deal is "back in the day" people hid it better but the same the hearts haven't been changed so the sin is still the same. The crazy part of this is that now we live in such a world that embraces sin all the more that now more than ever its hard to get this generation to turn from it but this is no surprise Paul warns of this in 2 Timothy 3:2 where he wrote "People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy" The change that our generation could make and actually is being called to make is to live for God anyway. During a great conversation with my brother he said something profound "our generation suffers from being the most biblically illterate generation" that seems offensive but its truth. The knowledge of the bible is severely lacking and it is that knowledge that empowers us to grow closer to God. Often times its heard said that "I am still young and I just want to enjoy my youth, God know's my heart" My brother again said it like this "That is a stupid position and arrogant position". I know that sounds rude but it's an excuse to continue you like you were before. I'm not saying I am perfect because God knows I am far from it but knowing you can do better and choosing not too is foolish. The reality is our generation no longer are kids we are the one's having children, starting families, and we are expecting raise to another generation of children that equally have no knowledge of the true and living God. Demonstrating to them that its ok to live as free as you want or live anyway you want in a pursuit to "enjoy themselves". God's ultimate plan for us is Sanctification. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 "For this is the will of God, your sanctification;" That word sanctification simply means to be set aside for use or special purpose, the process of becoming holy like God. We are on this earth for that purpose and that purpose only, that is Goal number one. All of our goals like careers, and marriage, and family are things that through the scope of sanctification to God we do. That means its all from his perspective first. This is not to bash or push anyone out it's to help you and me out, most of us will be parents one day and we need to have the tools needed in order to teach our children to be followers after Christ. The message or gospel of Jesus Christ was sent to bring good news of salvation and forgivness of sins. The idea is that we are made right through Christ through grace. We are still young but are held responsible for every action that we make, and while striving to be young and wild hell is still burning. I'm not saying you can't have a social life but the real question is when this is all over do you know where your going? That conversation is scary but this world is not the final resting place, we are here to do one thing work for God we labor for him. The reward for the diligent and true believers of Christ is rest in heaven. I'm not saying will cease as a matter of fact the more that turn to God the worser the times will get. It's not Generation X its Generation NEXT. WE are up to bat and I'm sorry I want to spirtually equipped to lead a wife and father Children. The reality is this will be offensive to someone who is in opposition to this, to those who want after God this will be the message to encourage you to fight for Christ. If your not saved this could be the message to lead towards steps to salvation. We are not the lost generation, God has big plans for us, we have to run after those plans and live boldly for God.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Mediocrity is A- Ok with me.
I remember when I was a teenager and during that time I was a part of a youth ministry that had sunday services called J.A.M.(Jesus and Me). This service was designed to keep the youth focused on Christ and providing a confidence in being young and a Christian. I remember the youth pastor at the time used this as focus always " Mediocrity is unacceptable." It was to teach us to never live beneath our means, and to encourage us to live for the best that God has for us. To be mediocre is to be "barely adequate", that means your it's just enough to make it but only just that. Imagine now if your whole life is in that way, that means everything you are doing is barely enough to make it. For the Christian believer this is dangerous, that means your worship is barely adequate, and the same with your service, praying, bible reading, belief, and even your every day dealings with everyone. It causes tension in your life constantly because you realize that everyone around you is not settling or no longer settling. Mediocrity causes you too sink, it causes your living for Christ to be stagnant and your concern for your own self to be the same. It usually starts when a comfort level has been reached with just making it. Imagine if Christ had been mediocre, I know that's kind of deep but this issue is really that DEEP! If Christ lived a mediocre life he would not have cared too much about certain issues, he would not have worked so hard preaching sermons, performing miracles, or even worse dying on the CROSS! Think of it like this, What if God is trying to birth something in you that will bless many and even more bring people to the light of Christ, but because you won't come out of a mediocre attitude they are not getting that message. Ultimately God will get the message across but you will not be the vessel he uses(that should not be ok for you). Your life is just as valuable as the person to your left or right, when you live beneath that your slapping God in the face. Your telling him that this gift he gave you is barely adequate and that it will JUST do. You cannot maintain healthy relationships, live a healthy life, or worse experience the fullness of God with a mediocre attitude. You will never be able to enjoy your life because your stagnant--that means your not moving your standing still. A Dream is just a dream, but our friend Joseph in the bible had dreams that came to past, they were more than just mere fantasies. So if your tired of mediocrity than talking to God about it is the first step, and then walking out that change. You want something different on the job than get there on time, do the job your paid to do, and avoid complacency even if others are encouraging it. Push for more and challenge yourself always. Want that relationship to be more I suggest you stop doing the same thing if you know its not working and if that same thing that your doing is SIN than STOP! Live for God in everything you do and stay in constant communication with God. You should be tired of how it feels every morning and every night if your living this way. You should be tired of watching everyone live out their dreams and following God's plan and your not. The clark sisters had a song they sang that asked a simple question "Is my living in vain?". Live for Christ always his approval is whose you want to gain , no job, no significant other, no person, no family member will ever give you the approval that God is only able to give. Those things are imperfect and will sometimes let you down. That means that people patting you on the back should not be the goal of doing well, but the achievement and the work you did to get there should be the peace of mind. If your desiring change and you don't know how I direct to you as it was directed to me by a good friend James 4:7a "Submit therefore to God. " Until you decide enough is enough it will never change for you...this is your life and in this instant it has to be about you and God. No one else no matter how much they care for you and even love you can help you with this and that might create even more frustration because of that dependency but the idea is this you need to face yourself in front of God and submit to his plan and flee from this disease known as mediocrity. In the words of my old youth pastor "Mediocrity is Unacceptable". A sick person won't get better until they take the medicine prescribed by the doctor.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Helping Goes Both Ways
What an interesting quote right? I know what it seems like but honestly have you heard the saying "too much of anything can kill you"? Or how about this saying "everything must be done in moderation"? Christ made his life and his ministry (really one in the same) about helping humanity but at no point did he compromise his character or his standard of life. Sometimes when you want so badly to help others you get so caught in the help part that you forget about the purpose. Helping them simply means your aiding them and not hindering them. When you reach the point when you have traded places...and you are where they were and they are now where you were there is a problem. At no point where you to downgrade to help they rather the idea was for them to raise themselves up to where you are. That is how you elevate them, your not helping them when you take on their characteristics in order to "relate" to them. The true mark of the Christian believer is the model that Christ set. Christ met Mary Magdalene after she had been caught in the act of fornication, but surely he didn't engage in the act with her did he? John 8:1-11 "1But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group4and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" 6They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."8Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.9At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"
11"No one, sir," she said.
"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin." The premise is he overlooked her sin and then even helped her out and sent her on her way encouraging to repent from sin. I can say that my testimony is this...I have spent most of my young adult life helping or trying to help people desiring for people to know Christ in a very real way. I realized that I had exerted so much energy into seeing people with God that I start slacking, not reading, not praying, as much because I was too busy trying to give them advice. The most effective part of Christ ministry was that he was living out his ministry. Helping ALWAYS GOES BOTH WAYS. The inability to lead by example enables a position when you being to slack in your walk. Funny thing is when your focus became about helping people for gain because honestly that's what it is about, you wanted them to say "look how much you have done for me" the whole time they were learning the lessons of the bible. When Peter saw the wind he got scared and begin to sink. Not only was his faith lingering but his focus was on the wrong thing. When you get distracted by doing a good for the wrong reasons your not helping yourself. God is using you even still to bless them. You end up frustrated and questioning whats going on with you? The idea is everything you do is for God. The minute you allow yourself to be led away from God even when doing his work you need to stop and readjust your focus. If the only way someone will listen to you is if you meet them at the club, smoke with them, go to compromising places then they don't really want the help. You don't want to wake up one day and see your growth come to a halt, because the reality is if your not careful everyone your helping may end up in heaven as you head straight to hell. My brother told me all the time and still does "the road to hell was paved with good intentions". I currently was convicted by this and am now in a position where I have to steal away from people to study, and pray because I noticed I was not in the right mind or living as I used to. It is truly to possible to be out of fellowship with God even when you look like (outward) you aren't. 1 Samuel 16:7 simply says this "But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, (A)
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