Adversity…

Posted: November 23, 2013 in Inspirational
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Adversity

Adversity….

We all face it…everyday…

It rises when we do each morning seeking to slow us down, or to knock us off our game. You see without maybe thinking about this, some of us like to get into a rhythm in our lives where we have a routine we follow each day which helps us know if we are efficient or not. For example, I know people who can tell what time it is each day by the task they are working on…seriously…

But when they hit a speed bump…an obstacle in their path…when they encounter adversity…everything; the routine and the rhythm all go out the window. Some of you practice fire management whereby you are dealing with the biggest fire at the moment…but let me remind you that the fires of the day and the problems you encounter all fall under the heading of adversity.

Adversity…I’m really not very fond of that word but I looked it up and found what the online dictionary said:

Adverse fortune or fate; a condition marked by misfortune, calamity, or distress:

A friend will show his or her true colors in times of adversity.

A condition marked by misfortune, calamity or distress…? When you put it that way it sounds terrible right?

So why does God allow adversity in our lives? Why can’t we simply face life without always having to deal with a problem or challenge? Wouldn’t life be far better if that were the case?

Let me easily tell you…definitively NO. Here is an example; When you find yourself in a scenario whereby you have to replace an employee because another one is leaving and you are faced with the choice of hiring a person with either experience or no experience…which one do you choose? This is a very easy question to answer right? You, like me, will pick the person with experience in order for the business to stay on track and not lose efficiency in training a new person etc. Well…Believe it or not, that is exactly how God feels too.

I have shared many times before about how this life, the one you and I are living right now, is preparation for eternity. It’s like a “dress rehearsal” before the main event. We get to live our lives, make mistakes, sin, figure out our problems, repent and do this all over again…time and time again.

My point is this; adversity brings us an opportunity to become battle-tested in this life. Are you going to fold your tents and go home at the first sign of trouble? Or are you going to simply say, “I have been here before with my God and WE CAN DO THIS TOGETHER”. That is what adversity brings guys.

Let me remind you of the story of Joseph in the Old Testament back in Genesis. He faced unbelievable adversity (and I thought I had problems) he was sold into slavery by his brothers, was falsely imprisoned for years in Egypt, was in the palace and kicked out of the palace for more false accusations…he faced nothing but adversity…

But he never turned away from God…he stood strong, not really understanding why all of this was happening to him but knew that God was still his best option…and as the story goes, God had NOT forgotten him but rather was with him the entire time while he was in trouble. Eventually, Joseph became second in command of all of Egypt because he was faithful to God…If you have never read this story, look up Genesis, chapters 37-45…

On the surface, this may seem hard to understand, but please know that God wants you to be a faith tested Christian and to do that you must face problems in your life. Without adversity, how will you ever become spiritually tough? As I mentioned before, God prefers battle-tested people who have faced challenges head on and were successful because only then are you capable to really help someone.

The reality is what is God preparing you for? What you are facing right now that may seem too difficult is simply preparation for your next challenge. He is always honing and sharpening you.

My challenge to you today is to stay strong in the midst of this battle you are facing. Yes, it is adversity and it may be very painful. Look up to Heaven guys, just like the greatest warrior in the Bible Joshua did and remember those words that God spoke to him…

No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Joshua 1:5

Hang in there guys; we are all in this together…

Top 5 reasons You should Consider becoming a Christian

Posted: October 11, 2013 in Heaven Bound
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top-10-list1Lists. The top 10 “this” and the top 10 “that”…We are surrounded by them. Some of them are great information or funny and I might even find them compelling now and then…but in thinking about “lists” it got me thinking about something else. What if I could create a list that was more eternal in nature? Maybe I could create a list why I think you should consider making a free choice that would affect your personal forever? So that is what this list is about…Give it a read and maybe even give it some consideration…so here are my:

Top 5 reasons you should consider becoming a Christian

1. It’s free…and YOU get to make the choice…

In this day and age of self empowerment, freedom of choice, self-help and the “just do it” mentality…Christianity offers YOU, the individual, the ultimate Free choice of your personal lifetime…You get to choose where you would like to spend eternity.

2. Salvation is an amazing thing…it gains you eternal life.

As mentioned above, you make a very free choice and personal for salvation and that choice gains you citizenship inside a heavenly kingdom…unmatched and incomparable to anything mankind could ever imagine…

3. When everything around you fails…Jesus never does

News Flash: You are surrounded by failure. The washing machine fails, the car fails and even your spouse fails now and then. But what if I told you that one person will never fail you even in the worst of times? Would you consider listening to me? This is a very simple answer to a very tough question…Jesus Christ will NEVER fail you…

4. We are never alone…especially during the tough times

Loneliness is the worst feeling. It will suffocate you if you can’t control it…With Christ you are NEVER alone. We are promised that He will never leave us or forget us…When the going gets rough (and it will get rough), sometimes we find ourselves all alone, deserted…It is right then and there that Christ will meet you…He will NOT desert you because He is your anchor during your storm.

5. It doesn’t cost you your life…it just saves it.

Do you know where you are going when you die? I mean definitively? Not what you hope…but what you know…? Can you answer that question honestly to yourself? If you say yes to salvation you not only saved yourself from a painful existence here on earth, but also guaranteed a forever that can’t be compared to anything you could ever think of on your own…

So that is my top 5. Simple, but hopefully effective. I hope you will take a moment to look at your own future and determine for yourself if my simple list above might be worth examining closer…

Until next time guys…

Why God…Why Joe?

Posted: September 27, 2013 in Inspirational
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Today is a sad day for me. One of my friends from work, whom I truly respect, announced to me recently that he has lung cancer…and his outlook isn’t good. He pulled me aside and shared this news with me personally and asked that I not tell anyone because he has requested privacy as he and his family battle this deadly disease. As a result, I will call my friend Joe to protect his anonymity for the reminder of this post.

I know that cancer has directly or indirectly affected just about everyone in this world. Cancer doesn’t show any favoritism whatsoever…it strikes whom it wants, when it wants without notice…and its effects are deadly.

As I sit here and ponder the why…why did Joe get cancer when he already has Type 1 Diabetes and suffers daily simply because of that ailment? Or why does he have to be the one out of all the bad people on this earth to suffer? Honestly, he is one of the good guys. I have this idea in my head whereby I have classified people over the years as I have seen the lengths these men have gone to save their families and I simply call them my heroes. I can name them off for you right now…why? Because when I happen to be feeling sorry for myself on any particular day, I think of my heroes and what they went through and that usually brings me back to earth.

Joe is my hero.

He grew up in a very tough neighborhood in New York City and he actually had mob ties early on in his life. He talks about these circumstances very carefully…never fully sharing anything other than he feels lucky to have survived his childhood and teenage years. What he did have however were very loving parents. He described them to me as always being there when he needed them and they provided him a shelter from all of the chaos that was outside their walls…and now as an adult, he appreciates them even more.

Joe got into graphics and it turns out, he had quite a talent in this area. In fact, not only was he an artist, but he also could run a business as well. As a result, he ended up with his own agency in New York working many hours but doing very well. Then one day his youngest son was diagnosed with a very rare immune deficiency disease and Joe’s life changed. He ended up losing everything he had trying to save his son…the good news is that after years of battling the disease, insurance companies etc. his son survived thankfully due to a very difficult bone marrow transplant from his older brother.

Fast-forward 10 years.

His youngest son, for many years has had to live inside the equivalent of a bubble due to this disease but over the last few years, things have improved. He even has fallen in love with one of his nurses…go figure.

However as the situation with his boys has improved, his own health is failing and although I understand the reality of cancer as mentioned above, I am still back to the why? Why Joe? Because as I’ve gotten to know Joe over the last few years, I’ve realized that I connected with him because he is good man at his core. Deep down inside, Joe has faith. In fact, his faith is what is getting him through this challenge right now…and frankly, Joe’s demeanor is one of positivity and grace. Joe is showing me, and all of his coworkers, why he is one of my heroes…If I ever find myself dying, I pray that I can handle things like Joe…pure dignity.

Guys…I know that God does NOT make mistakes because even now I can see the way that Joe is handling his own health problems he is an example to many people. I can also see where his behavior just might be the difference in someone else’s life…In other words, how Joe handles this adversity could affect another person…that is how truly admirable he is…but is that the reason why Joe was struck with this deadly disease?

Personally, I know this truth intimately because when I went through the death of my own daughter 9 years ago…and as I listened to people explaining to me what my daughter meant to them, I felt like I didn’t know her in that way and it changed me…which meant her death had an impact on people…but is that the reason why God took her? And…Is that the reason why my friend Joe is suffering right now in order that more people might come to know Him?

Think about this…I could be the “angry guy at God” right now but after 9 years…I have come to understand that is NOT who I am…

Why does God allow things like this to happen to good people? If I had the “God” answer, I would share it with you right now…however MY opinion is very simple…

I simply trust EVEN though I don’t understand the “why” of the situation. Joe is a close friend of mine and I am very worried that he isn’t long for this earth. I pray for him everyday and “trust” that God will heal him and will spare his life. However, if God chooses not to, it is HIS WILL and I simply trust Him that He does NOT make mistakes.

Guys…what else can you do? True..you can get angry, but anger has no end or purpose here because that kind of anger is from Satan and it will only destroy you and the ones you care about.

I repeat…being angry with God ultimately has NO value because NOTHING can come of it.

Ask any guy who has been angry towards God and he will tell you that he is NOT better off now BECAUSE he was angry. He will tell you he lost his wife and kids and wishes he would have listened to the person who told him to let go and TRUST God…

I know this is probably NOT the best answer you want to hear but this is where we are…God is NOT like you and me and therefore His ways do not match ours. Once we get that particular fact…then what I said above can make more sense.

I care a lot about Joe and pray that his outcome will be positive…but if it Gods will to take him home…Then Joe is in a better place and NO longer in pain and even though I will miss him…I’m ok with that…

Because I get to see him again…

I know this has been a much longer post than normal and for that I am sorry…but please listen to what I am saying to you…

Don’t get angry when you don’t understand what God is doing…

Just trust…

Until next time guys…

Grace 101

Posted: September 21, 2013 in Inspirational
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As I have gotten older, I have come to like Grace a whole lot. I like to hear the word, I like to see it carried out, but most of all I like to receive it. Usually, when I receive grace it is because I need grace. If I forget to do something on time and I find out I have been extended more time…I like that wonderful feeling of relief…of grace…

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness… 2 Corinthians 12:9

I have read these verses many times before but I think right now maybe some of you may need a simple refresh…The verse above are Christ’s words to the Apostle Paul as he wrestled with his “thorn in the flesh” which many scholars believe was poor eyesight. Even though Paul pleaded with God 3 separate times to remove this “thorn” from him, God chose NOT to do so…which is when we see Paul make reference to the verse above…why would God choose to NOT answer Paul’s prayer?

GOD WANTED PAUL TO TRUST HIM…

The “weakness” referred to here are the low points or the difficult times we experience along the paths of our collective lives. I know this isn’t a surprise to you but accepting Christ into your life doesn’t negate hardships…in fact, I believe we are presented with more challenges or “grace opportunities” as Christians simply because God wants us to learn to trust Him during the times we need Him the most. I don’t know about you, but I have a tough time with trusting. How do you handle adversity when it’s thrown your way? If you are like me, I am one of those people who have written about and believe that it is our Lords desire is to surround himself in heaven with people who understand and practice God’s power being made perfect in weakness (see verse above). In other words I believe that in eternity, God wants to hang out with the people who stood toe to toe against Satan during life’s battle and said, “Is that the best you can do?”…

And frankly, I have to admit, so do I…

But back to the beginning; if you recall, the first part of our verse talks about Gods grace being sufficient; sometimes I have struggled to understand what grace really means to me? Is it a “get out of jail free card?” or is it simply just a friend helping me get back up when I fall? Then I read recently an easier way to think of grace. Grace is simply the “presence of God” in our lives. So think of it this way, substitute the phrase “presence of God” for the word “grace” from now on and you will see what I mean. Grace is God’s physical strength from Heaven given to you, and to me, when we call on Him. I like that a lot. When I call on God you can bet I am wrestling with something and need His help. Isn’t it encouraging to understand and recognize that in our weakest points ever, God’s strength is made perfect in us? He is there! We are NOT alone…you are NOT alone. His grace, or His presence, is there to see us through our personal difficult path (whatever that is for you).

Brothers, I hope you can be encouraged by these words but even more important, consider extending some grace in someone’s direction that maybe needs it more than you do…

Until next time guys…

Am I really Intolerant?

Posted: September 14, 2013 in Heaven Bound
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There is a word the media is using today that is beginning to drive me crazy. It is a word that we all know and have used throughout our lifetimes but in the last few years it has come to be known as the mantra for everyone who chosen, as I call it,  a life of gray. The word I am referring to is tolerance, and if you aren’t tolerant, then you aren’t a good person…or at least, that is what we are being led to believe.

I actually had this conversation recently with a coworker who called me intolerant when I had the audacity to say, “that is wrong” about the subject we were discussing. As I queried him further, I realized that right and wrong were NOT definitive in his life…they were simply guidelines. In other words, if someone came along saying they believed in Zombies, rather than tell this person how ludicrous believing in Zombies really is, he simply says OK…if that’s what you believe then I am tolerant of that fact. I know this may come across as harsh, but I don’t believe in Zombies and in my life, there is a very clear black and white line in this world that equates to wrong and right…there is absolutely no gray involved.

As a Christian friend, if I share the truth with you as a brother about your life as I see it…about how you are moving away from God and going in the wrong direction, is that is an intolerant viewpoint? Because according to this “tolerance” way of thinking…that is not “being loving” towards you.

In my opinion, this “tolerance mentality” began with people only wanting to believe certain sections of the Bible rather than taking it as a whole.  We don’t like the part about judgment, or sin, and condemnation because some of it uses very strong language and frankly, it makes us uncomfortable…But we do like the part about love…only rather than the type of love Jesus refers to when He says “Greater love hath no man than he lay down his life for another”, we change that version of love into what we believe about God…not that God is Love but rather, love is god and when that happens (and it is happening), we also change how we define love…love becomes more tolerance than real love.

We Christians need to be careful that our definition of love is not like above, but rather, full of the examples of Jesus and what He did for us.

Remember that God loves us and He welcomes us to Him JUST AS WE ARE but His love is so great for us that He can’t let us remain that way. The “way” I am referring to here is “being in sin” which God hates but yet He loves you and me…and as we begin to experience His amazing love, we begin to change inside. God’s love doesn’t just tolerate us…it changes us. We become something that we couldn’t be on our own…someone who recognizes right and wrong yet can love unconditionally.

Believe it or not, those two can coexist…and when they do…there is real change.

Remember guys, it is NOT that I’m intolerant, but rather I only want the best for you…and when I call something out to you…It’s because I want you in eternity…

Until next time guys…

Satan has a plan for you…Part 2

Posted: August 26, 2013 in Heaven Bound
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the-stranger1(Continued from previous post)

We, you and I, can only grasp small fragments of who He is.

As I mentioned previously, what we see being put on display before our very eyes is NOT a mistake…it is a part of Satan’s master plan in the process of being unfolded. Did you know he has also has a plan for this world? It is a plan that you and I have the advantage of watching from ringside seats…and we are right in the center of the action. (Please note: I refer to above as an advantage simply because I believe I know how this story ends.) Let me just say very clearly that his plan does NOT have your best interests in mind. Remember what Peter said:

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

I don’t know about you but the word, “devour” is very clear to me what the end looks like for someone who stays on the path of least resistance, or in other words, the path that has no accountability. Guys, what do you see each night on television that gives you hope in this world? I am NOT trying to be negative but from my vantage point, there does not appear to be very much “positive” going on out there…and for that matter, coming in the future. So far, it looks the same to me. Has what I see now happened before?

Is History is repeating itself? Do you remember the Children of Israel?

Have you ever heard the word crescendo? Its definition is “the peak of a gradual increase.” Crescendo is seen mostly in musical pieces where the orchestra will start softly and gradually grow louder as they crescendo to the finish. If I were to apply the “gradual increase” to what I see going on today, I would say (and I think we would all agree) we are seeing the speed of the world-changing to a rapid pace. Look around you…Why is this happening?

A.W. Tozer quote from the “Spiritual Warfare” book:

“How different it is today. The fact remains the same, but the interpretation has changed completely. Men think of the world not as a battleground, but as a playground. We are not here to fight; we are here to frolic. We are NOT in a foreign land; we are at home. We are NOT getting ready to live; but we are already living, and the best we can do is rid ourselves of our inhibitions and our frustrations and live THIS life to the full.”

As mentioned above, we are all in a spiritual battle and frankly, if you don’t see that I am worried for you brother. Things may be going well for you now and I say, “good for you” but I also know, “This too shall pass”. Unfortunately, “things going well” may only be for a season and when the good is gone, then what? My response to you is look up and see what God has for you especially during this time of certainty. Jesus said, “if you seek me you will find me…knock and the door will be opened unto you” Please remember this;

This earth is NOT Gods plan for you!

Pastor Rick Warren said, “Earth is simply preparation time for Heaven” which means that Earth is not your final destination. There is something far more fantastic in your future than your existence upon this earth.

Right now, in the middle of all this chaos of the world, God is trying to get your attention but guess what? So is Satan…

I will end this post with another A.W. Tozer quote:

“There is a glorified Man on the right hand of the Majesty in heaven faithfully representing us there. We are left for a season among men; let us faithfully represent Him here.”

Guys, I know I gave you a whole lot in these last two posts or in other words, a whole lot of “meat” to chew on. I pray that His words will rest upon your hearts so the Holy Spirit can use them to soften your mind to His what He has for you…

What He offers is Eternal Life…

Until next time guys…

Satan has a plan for you…Part 1

Posted: August 22, 2013 in Heaven Bound, Tough Times
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NEWS FLASH…If you think that Satan is a myth…you are sorely mistaken. If you think Satan is a pacifist, you are dead wrong. If you somehow think that Satan doesn’t know who you are…that will be the death of you…

Do I have your attention?

What I am about to share with you is not a new revelation. These are NOT new ideas or concepts because I have found them written in the Bible. They are however, very important because they profoundly affect all of us. In the past, I have written about these topics in posts but today finds me more passionate and frustrated with the direction I see our country moving. To be honest with you, and please pay attention to me here because this is becoming more clear to me everyday why America is not mentioned in the book of Revelation…why?

Because, when Revelation finally happens…America is NOT relevant…

Does that matter to you? Have you ever heard someone say that before? Guys I have a sense of urgency as I write this to you. I believe that from my vantage point, America appears to be in some sort of trance. Things that should matter to all of us…things that we know are wrong…continue because there is no resistance.

So why don’t we wake up? What will it take before we care?

My diagnosis; this is all a part of Satan’s plan. Right now, he has man completely transfixed with himself. A.W. Tozer said, “The concept of Majesty has all but disappeared from the human race. The focal point of Man’s interest is in himself” as evidenced by the nineteenth century poet Swinburne who wrote, “Glory to man in the highest! For man is the master of things” we have become a race of self-absorbed, narcissistic humans with no other focus other than ourselves. We are so smart, talented and athletic that it almost seems like we don’t need God or maybe God isn’t the same as He was before. It almost seems like the smarter we get, the dumber God gets…like His power has been diluted.

Has God changed since I became an adult?

I believe that part of the reason is that man is trying to make God look like himself. As we continue to gain more insight into the world that is around us, we become more and more egotistical rather than humble. We try to fit God into something that He isn’t…Conceivable. I see this every time I hear an atheist speak. Because God does not humble himself down to their level whereby they can comprehend Him, then he does not exist.

God doesn’t need us…we need Him.

The God of the Bible cannot fit inside the human mind nor does He want to. Isaiah said, “His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts.” Psalms 50:21 says, “You thought I was altogether like you?” God’s job is not to bend down to us, but rather for us to reach up to Him. The Bible says “Humble thyself in the sight of The Lord and He shall lift you up.” NOT the other way around. The Bible also says “Pride goes before the fall.” Again, mankind’s view of himself is the reason why the relationship between God and man is broken. He is God and not us.

Please understand that I speak of a God who is the Majesty in the Heavens, God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, the only wise God, our Savior. Not the picture version inside the pages of your kids Bible.

(Continued in 2 days…stay tuned)

Breakfast for Dinner…

Posted: August 17, 2013 in Inspirational, Just for Fun
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I came across this very simple story recently and couldn’t help but think how this could apply to all of us men out there…we all can agree…sometimes life doesn’t go the way we want it to and our reaction may be the key to how the ones we care about think about us…

I have no idea who wrote this and would love to give the credit to who did but we can all still enjoy it just the same…

And so the story goes…

483269_4537104829000_1468935906_nWhen I was a kid, my Mom liked to make “breakfast for dinner” every now and then and we were ok with that for us. I remember one night in particular though when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my Mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage, and extremely burned biscuits in front of my Dad and I remember waiting to see if anyone would notice.

Instead of reacting, my Dad simply reached for his biscuit, smile at my Mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don’t remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that ugly burned biscuit and he ate every bit of that thing…never making a face or uttering a word.

When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my Mom apologize to my Father for burning the biscuits. And I’ll never forget what he said, “Honey, I love burned biscuits every now and then.”

Later that night, I went to hug my Dad good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. I remember him wrapping me in his arms and saying, “Your Mom put in a hard day at work today and she’s very tired, and besides…a little burned biscuit never hurt anyone”…

As I’ve grown older, I’ve often thought about that night because I have found that life is full of imperfect things and imperfect people. I’m not the best at many things; I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everyone else but what I’ve learned over the years is that learning to accept one another’s faults and choosing to celebrate each other’s differences is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and long-lasting relationship…or family.

That is my prayer for you today…that you will learn to look at life differently by taking the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and laying them at the feet of God. Because frankly, in the end, Jesus is the only one who can give you a relationship where a burnt biscuit isn’t a deal-breaker…

“Don’t put the key to your happiness in someone else’s pocket – keep it in your own.”
So, please pass me a biscuit, and yeah, the burned one will be just fine.

Until next time guys…

When will YOU decide to become disciples?

Posted: July 24, 2013 in Heaven Bound, Inspirational
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993638_698774176803550_1674023202_n (1)Pastor Jeremiah Steepek (pictured left) transformed himself into a homeless person and went to the 10,000 member church that he was to be introduced as the head pastor at that morning. He walked around his soon to be church for 30 minutes while it was filling with people for service….only 3 people out of the 7-10,000 people said hello to him. He asked people for change to buy food….NO ONE in the church gave him change. He went into the sanctuary to sit down in the front of the church and was asked by the ushers if he would please sit in the back. He greeted people to be greeted back with stares and dirty looks, with people looking down on him and judging him.

As he sat in the back of the church, he listened to the church announcements and such. When all that was done, the elders went up and were excited to introduce the new pastor of the church to the congregation……..”We would like to introduce to you Pastor Jeremiah Steepek”….The congregation looked around clapping with joy and anticipation…..

The homeless man sitting in the back stood up…..and started walking down the aisle…..the clapping stopped with ALL eyes on him….he walked up the altar and took the microphone from the elders (who were in on this) and paused for a moment….then he recited…

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?

When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?

The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.
After he recited this, he looked towards the congregation and told them all what he had experienced that morning…many began to cry and many heads were bowed in shame…. he then said….

Today I see a gathering of people……not a church of Jesus Christ.

The world has enough people, but not enough disciples…when will YOU decide to become disciples? He then dismissed service until next week…….

Being a Christian is more than something you claim. It’s something you live by and share with others.

Until next time guys…

Adding some Guardrails in your Life…

Posted: July 20, 2013 in Husband, Inspirational
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Have you ever listened to a podcast? I discovered podcasts a few months ago when I needed something different to listen to when I was working out. In the process of trying to find a podcast that actually might challenge me, I ran across Andy Stanley from North Point Community Church in Atlanta. After listening to him for a few days, he quickly has become one of my favorite pastors and one of the main reasons are the topics he chooses. For example, recently I stumbled upon one of his series called “Guardrails in your Life” that frankly has changed me and how I think about how close I want to live to the edge in this world.

Andy quickly established what guardrails are…Barriers that protect us from straying off into a danger zone. We see them all the time on the highway. They are strategically placed in center medians to keep us from crossing over into oncoming traffic. They are located on bridges where roads curve to keep us from losing control and falling over the edge. One critical point Andy makes is that guardrails are always located within the safe zone of the road only just a few feet from real danger. Have you ever seen a car that has hit a guardrail? The car is damaged; in some cases, severely, but the occupant is usually ok. The outside of the car takes the brunt of the collision; and there usually is always damage, but survival is the objective. Scrapes and bruises are ok if we live.

Guardrails in your life would function in the same way but the question is, do you have guard rails set up for your self to avoid you swerving over into your personal danger zone? In my own experiences with friends, I have watched them live right on the edge of the sin barrier of immorality. They literally balanced themselves with one foot on the line and the other moving back and forth from faith to folly. I believe all of us know guys who have fallen onto the wrong side when perched on this edge and as a result, lost their spouse and family.

Why is the danger zone so attractive? I will address that in another blog post but for right now lets talk about setting up a literal barrier for yourself so that when you run into it, sirens, alarms and red flags start going off inside you so you know you are close to going over…or at least in a place you shouldn’t be.

Let me give you some armor to put on to help you when you feel yourself swerving off into danger areas. Paul addresses this very issue in his letter to the church of Corinth.

Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20

Guys, I believe this is very simple to understand all you need to do is to claim it.

Paul was very clear when he said FLEE, RUN, GET OUT OF THERE…but there is more.

When Jesus Christ died on the cross, YOU were purchased from sin…which means SIN no longer has a claim over you.

You have power to resist the dangers in your life.

With this power…

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DO WHAT YOUR DESIRES TELL YOU TO DO.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DO WHAT YOUR APPETITE TELLS YOU TO DO.

As a Christian, you are the master of your body because your body is under the authority of a greater master.

I challenge you to honor God with your bodies as Paul says, by establishing your own guard rails to help you know when you are in the danger zone

You were bought with a price which gives you power and that power is what will help you overcome the wrong desires we all feel in our lives.

Claim this for you and your family today.

Who knew that guardrails were so important?

Until next time guys…

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