Saturday, June 26, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Fearless!
2 Timothy 1:7
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of POWER, of love and of self-discipline.
Apprehensive, nervous, hesitant, fearful, anxious, timid. These words should be nonexistent to a man who follows Jesus Christ. When I approach any circumstance in my life that way, the outcome is always failure. There are so many scriptures in the Bible about this, you could almost open your Bible to any random page and find one.
Psalm 56:3-4 When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?
Hebrews 13:5-6 For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"
Psalm 46:1-2 God is our refuge and strength. Our very present help in trouble.
Therefore, we will not fear.
WE WILL NOT FEAR!
We all know the ‘David and Goliath’ story (1 Samuel 17), - David, who is just a teenager, shows up at the battle lines to deliver food to his three brothers, soldiers of Israel. He hears the Philistine Goliath hurling threats and insults at Israel daring anyone to fight him. The result, “When the Israelites saw the man, they all ran from him in great fear.” Keep in mind, this had been going on for 40 DAYS! – 40 days and not ONE soldier in the entire army of Israel had enough courage to even try. King Saul had even offered wealth, his daughter in marriage, and exemption from taxes (how nice would that be?), but still no one. David on the other hand, hears Goliath’s taunts and without hesitation tells the King of Israel, "…your servant will go and fight him.”
“The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." (v 37). What’s even better, is after declining to wear armor and packing only five stones for his sling shot, the Bible says, “As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. (v. 48)
David RAN!
And not just ran, but ran ‘quickly.’ In other words, he was in an all-out sprint. It’s not like David was sitting there thinking, “Oh crap, what did I do?” He didn’t hesitate to think, "Okay God, you are going to be with me, right?" No way– David RAN to meet his opponent.
This is what faith does for a man who trusts in God!
I love the pride of David’s relationship with God. He knew he would kill this Champion Goliath…Not an OUNCE of doubt. And what did God do? - He blessed David. I can imagine God sat back watching David and said, “That’s my man!” with a huge smile on his face. This is how Christians should attack life and every circumstance that arises. Throw your hands up and shout,
I TRUST YOU! BRING IT ON!
Romans 8:31 If God is for us, who can be against us?
Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of POWER, of love and of self-discipline.
Apprehensive, nervous, hesitant, fearful, anxious, timid. These words should be nonexistent to a man who follows Jesus Christ. When I approach any circumstance in my life that way, the outcome is always failure. There are so many scriptures in the Bible about this, you could almost open your Bible to any random page and find one.
Psalm 56:3-4 When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?
Hebrews 13:5-6 For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"
Psalm 46:1-2 God is our refuge and strength. Our very present help in trouble.
Therefore, we will not fear.
WE WILL NOT FEAR!
We all know the ‘David and Goliath’ story (1 Samuel 17), - David, who is just a teenager, shows up at the battle lines to deliver food to his three brothers, soldiers of Israel. He hears the Philistine Goliath hurling threats and insults at Israel daring anyone to fight him. The result, “When the Israelites saw the man, they all ran from him in great fear.” Keep in mind, this had been going on for 40 DAYS! – 40 days and not ONE soldier in the entire army of Israel had enough courage to even try. King Saul had even offered wealth, his daughter in marriage, and exemption from taxes (how nice would that be?), but still no one. David on the other hand, hears Goliath’s taunts and without hesitation tells the King of Israel, "…your servant will go and fight him.”
“The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." (v 37). What’s even better, is after declining to wear armor and packing only five stones for his sling shot, the Bible says, “As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. (v. 48)
David RAN!
And not just ran, but ran ‘quickly.’ In other words, he was in an all-out sprint. It’s not like David was sitting there thinking, “Oh crap, what did I do?” He didn’t hesitate to think, "Okay God, you are going to be with me, right?" No way– David RAN to meet his opponent.
This is what faith does for a man who trusts in God!
I love the pride of David’s relationship with God. He knew he would kill this Champion Goliath…Not an OUNCE of doubt. And what did God do? - He blessed David. I can imagine God sat back watching David and said, “That’s my man!” with a huge smile on his face. This is how Christians should attack life and every circumstance that arises. Throw your hands up and shout,
I TRUST YOU! BRING IT ON!
Romans 8:31 If God is for us, who can be against us?
Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Only God can judge me...right?
Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Jesus Christ made you and He made me. He knows everything about you…absolutely everything down to the exact number of hairs on your head. (Matt 10:30) It makes no difference if you know Him intimately or not at all. He knows every struggle you have (Matt. 11:28) …He knows every strength and every weakness, the deepest desires of your heart and your darkest secrets. And despite it all, He loves you…whether you like it or not. You are His; you have been His since you were in the womb. (Psalm 139:13) It was His love for you that brought Him to this earth…It was for you that he endured torture and it was for you that he hung on the cross (Ish 53:5). He is ALL about you! Jesus Christ desires a personal relationship with you. He wants you to grow and follow His ways. He does not want to condemn you:
2 Peter 3:9
He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
John 3:17
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
THIS is how Jesus Christ was and is. The only people that angered Jesus when He was here on earth were the self-righteous; the people who thought they needed to judge others and make them feel low and unworthy of God’s love. In Christ’s day, they were called Pharisees. Read Matthew 23 and you get some idea of how disgusted he was with these self-righteous hypocrites. You could spot a Pharisee from a good distance off. They would wear elaborate clothing, pray loudly, fast openly and draw attention to their religious actions. Jesus saw right into their corrupt hearts. “Pharisees” still exist today. You may have come across one at church, at work, or in your neighborhood. We can often recognize by their condemning words and hypocritical lifestyles. Comments like “he’s going to hell,” or “there’s a place for people like that.” These modern day Pharisees will swear they read the Bible but it seems like the red ink was completely overlooked. Let me make this clear: Jesus Christ was 100% against judging others especially if they were unbelievers.
Matthew 7:1-5
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
Listen - None of us, not ONE, has it all together, no matter what someone would try and make you believe. We are ALL sinners! Please do not turn away from a life with Christ because of a bad experience with a “Pharisee.” You will know a true Christian, by their demonstration of LOVE to others – not how well they know the Bible, how often they go to church, or how articulate they are when they pray. Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."(John 13:35)
Nobody has the authority to judge you, NOBODY! Your life is between Jesus Christ and you. Here is a parable Jesus used to demonstrate this point:
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about[a] himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'
"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'
"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
- Luke 18:9-14
If you have turned away from Christianity because of an encounter with a “Pharisee,” then turn back! Do NOT let some self-righteous hypocrite tear down your relationship with Jesus. There is way too much at stake for you to lose your focus on Christ because of an ignorant person. Forgive the person…laugh it off and get back down on your knees. This life is between you and Jesus. He hates pride. He loves you and he wants you as you are. You are His Joy. Oh, how He loves us!!
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,
- Romans 8:1
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Jesus Christ made you and He made me. He knows everything about you…absolutely everything down to the exact number of hairs on your head. (Matt 10:30) It makes no difference if you know Him intimately or not at all. He knows every struggle you have (Matt. 11:28) …He knows every strength and every weakness, the deepest desires of your heart and your darkest secrets. And despite it all, He loves you…whether you like it or not. You are His; you have been His since you were in the womb. (Psalm 139:13) It was His love for you that brought Him to this earth…It was for you that he endured torture and it was for you that he hung on the cross (Ish 53:5). He is ALL about you! Jesus Christ desires a personal relationship with you. He wants you to grow and follow His ways. He does not want to condemn you:
2 Peter 3:9
He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
John 3:17
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
THIS is how Jesus Christ was and is. The only people that angered Jesus when He was here on earth were the self-righteous; the people who thought they needed to judge others and make them feel low and unworthy of God’s love. In Christ’s day, they were called Pharisees. Read Matthew 23 and you get some idea of how disgusted he was with these self-righteous hypocrites. You could spot a Pharisee from a good distance off. They would wear elaborate clothing, pray loudly, fast openly and draw attention to their religious actions. Jesus saw right into their corrupt hearts. “Pharisees” still exist today. You may have come across one at church, at work, or in your neighborhood. We can often recognize by their condemning words and hypocritical lifestyles. Comments like “he’s going to hell,” or “there’s a place for people like that.” These modern day Pharisees will swear they read the Bible but it seems like the red ink was completely overlooked. Let me make this clear: Jesus Christ was 100% against judging others especially if they were unbelievers.
Matthew 7:1-5
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
Listen - None of us, not ONE, has it all together, no matter what someone would try and make you believe. We are ALL sinners! Please do not turn away from a life with Christ because of a bad experience with a “Pharisee.” You will know a true Christian, by their demonstration of LOVE to others – not how well they know the Bible, how often they go to church, or how articulate they are when they pray. Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."(John 13:35)
Nobody has the authority to judge you, NOBODY! Your life is between Jesus Christ and you. Here is a parable Jesus used to demonstrate this point:
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about[a] himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'
"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'
"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
- Luke 18:9-14
If you have turned away from Christianity because of an encounter with a “Pharisee,” then turn back! Do NOT let some self-righteous hypocrite tear down your relationship with Jesus. There is way too much at stake for you to lose your focus on Christ because of an ignorant person. Forgive the person…laugh it off and get back down on your knees. This life is between you and Jesus. He hates pride. He loves you and he wants you as you are. You are His Joy. Oh, how He loves us!!
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,
- Romans 8:1
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Training for Christ
1 Corinthians 9:25-27
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Every athlete who faces competition knows the importance of training, both mentally and physically. If you plan to win, you must prepare yourself for your opponent. The same principle applies to the spiritual battle we are all in.
Think of your spiritual life as the Super Bowl, the World Series, or the Stanley Cup. The Bible is your playbook and the source of all your offensive and defensive strategies. Think how long pro-football players spend in training camp memorizing plays through practice and repetition. Perseverance, discipline, attitude, strength – your spiritual life requires the same kind of intensity. It requires daily training like prayer, reading the Bible, loving, and forgiving, even when it’s hard; especially when it’s hard. Why? Because the more you spiritually train, the more you are empowered by God’s spirit. And that power is NO JOKE-
II Cor. 10
3For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
Today I am the strength & conditioning coach at Richard Childress Racing. My livelihood is physically and mentally training pit crews for race day. They have to be faster, stronger and tougher than everyone else. We train extreme, to the point that some quit and others puke, but through consistent training we discipline our bodies to push through physical pain and mental barriers. As a Christian, we need to be training just as hard.
If I can discipline my body to get through a workout of Air Dyne, burpees, rope pulls, kettlebell swings, tire flips and kettlebell push squats, I should certainly be able to pray and study my Bible. It can seem mundane and tedious to read scriptures, but how many songs do you hear on the radio that you sing along with without even thinking? If we can remember the words to countless meaningless songs on the radio, then we are definitely capable of memorizing a few scriptures. The Bible refers to God’s word as our “sword.” God’s word is our weapon. It is alive and it empowers us!
Hebrews 4
12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow;
Look at the example of Jesus in the desert when he was tempted by Satan. After fasting for 40 days, and at a moment of extreme physical weakness, Satan appeared to Jesus, tempting him with food and offering him all the kingdoms of the world if he would just bow and worship him (Matthew 4). Knowing how bad it feels to skip even one meal, I can’t even imagine what kind of state I would be in after 40 days without food. With every temptation, Jesus used scripture to defeat it.
II Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”
As a Christian, you will face constant adversity – Believe me, you have a spiritual enemy, but you are also in a battle against yourself, and the sinful nature we were all born with. This struggle, however, isn’t for a trophy, a ring, or a medal. It is a fight for your soul and it doesn’t end until death. We have to be in constant spiritual training and actively pursuing a closer relationship with Christ.
Matthew 7
7"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
To that end, I am adding a section to my blog where I will post a work-out for that week, a spiritual “work-out,” and I invite you to do it with me.
OOH Rah!!
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Every athlete who faces competition knows the importance of training, both mentally and physically. If you plan to win, you must prepare yourself for your opponent. The same principle applies to the spiritual battle we are all in.
Think of your spiritual life as the Super Bowl, the World Series, or the Stanley Cup. The Bible is your playbook and the source of all your offensive and defensive strategies. Think how long pro-football players spend in training camp memorizing plays through practice and repetition. Perseverance, discipline, attitude, strength – your spiritual life requires the same kind of intensity. It requires daily training like prayer, reading the Bible, loving, and forgiving, even when it’s hard; especially when it’s hard. Why? Because the more you spiritually train, the more you are empowered by God’s spirit. And that power is NO JOKE-
II Cor. 10
3For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
Today I am the strength & conditioning coach at Richard Childress Racing. My livelihood is physically and mentally training pit crews for race day. They have to be faster, stronger and tougher than everyone else. We train extreme, to the point that some quit and others puke, but through consistent training we discipline our bodies to push through physical pain and mental barriers. As a Christian, we need to be training just as hard.
If I can discipline my body to get through a workout of Air Dyne, burpees, rope pulls, kettlebell swings, tire flips and kettlebell push squats, I should certainly be able to pray and study my Bible. It can seem mundane and tedious to read scriptures, but how many songs do you hear on the radio that you sing along with without even thinking? If we can remember the words to countless meaningless songs on the radio, then we are definitely capable of memorizing a few scriptures. The Bible refers to God’s word as our “sword.” God’s word is our weapon. It is alive and it empowers us!
Hebrews 4
12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow;
Look at the example of Jesus in the desert when he was tempted by Satan. After fasting for 40 days, and at a moment of extreme physical weakness, Satan appeared to Jesus, tempting him with food and offering him all the kingdoms of the world if he would just bow and worship him (Matthew 4). Knowing how bad it feels to skip even one meal, I can’t even imagine what kind of state I would be in after 40 days without food. With every temptation, Jesus used scripture to defeat it.
II Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”
As a Christian, you will face constant adversity – Believe me, you have a spiritual enemy, but you are also in a battle against yourself, and the sinful nature we were all born with. This struggle, however, isn’t for a trophy, a ring, or a medal. It is a fight for your soul and it doesn’t end until death. We have to be in constant spiritual training and actively pursuing a closer relationship with Christ.
Matthew 7
7"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
To that end, I am adding a section to my blog where I will post a work-out for that week, a spiritual “work-out,” and I invite you to do it with me.
OOH Rah!!
Friday, November 27, 2009
The Reward
The reward from Christ is like no other…nothing else can come close to the joy of knowing Him and feeling that love. The understanding of this life and the purpose of my existence; and the result is peace and contentment. As if His love was not enough, he has blessed me with a wonderful wife and beautiful kids. I have been blessed with a job I love and the privilege to work with people I consider friends and brothers. I could not ask for more; but what’s crazy is that my reward is not even close to being complete. When I take my last breath, it will be that moment that I truly reap the benefits of what the King has in store.
1 Corinthians 2:9
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" —
Although the ultimate reward is defeating death and living eternally in Christ's kingdom, there is also a reward we reap now: real joy, lasting happiness, peace, and contentment. There is no substitute; there is no filler that can come close to the satisfaction of the love of Christ. I may not have tried every option this world has to offer but I have heard enough accounts from people who have. We are all looking for something, for a “Christ” to bring us happiness. While some turn to sex, drugs or alcohol, others obsess over their careers, or expect other people to fill their emptiness. Many are miserable in unhappy, unsatisfying relationships, disappointed with their spouse or girlfriend's inability to bring them happiness. Watch the video embedded below: It is the powerful testimony of Brian Welch, former band member of the group Korn. His testimony includes an all too common tale – Despite the crowds, fame, money, houses, cars, and women he was tormented by emptiness. This is a story we see play out on the news almost daily. Kurt Cobain, Owen Wilson, Chris Farley, Heath Ledger, River Phoenix, Anna Nicole….I could fill this page with a list of the famous, wealthy and talented that died or almost did at the hand of drugs, suicide or both. These people had everything one could possibly desire from this world. Why wasn’t it enough? Why are people who have “everything” on countless pills for anxiety and depression?
Philippians 4:12
12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
If you are lost and searching for some sort of lasting happiness, if you feel the hole in your soul and the aching emptiness that you can’t seem to fill…Look no further than Jesus Christ.
Matthew 11
28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
The temporary happiness the world can provide is nothing – It will never satisfy you. No amount of money, women, fame, houses, or cars will fill the hole. If you want real, lasting joy, if you want to feel contentment and peace, if you want to feel the deep spiritual love that satisfies your soul, you can find it with Christ. You were created for that purpose – He created you to have a relationship with him. If you want to experience a love that never changes, that will never leave you or betray you, that never ceases and never disappoints, then surrender yourself to the King of this universe and ask him for it.
Philippians 1:21
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
1 Corinthians 2:9
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" —
Although the ultimate reward is defeating death and living eternally in Christ's kingdom, there is also a reward we reap now: real joy, lasting happiness, peace, and contentment. There is no substitute; there is no filler that can come close to the satisfaction of the love of Christ. I may not have tried every option this world has to offer but I have heard enough accounts from people who have. We are all looking for something, for a “Christ” to bring us happiness. While some turn to sex, drugs or alcohol, others obsess over their careers, or expect other people to fill their emptiness. Many are miserable in unhappy, unsatisfying relationships, disappointed with their spouse or girlfriend's inability to bring them happiness. Watch the video embedded below: It is the powerful testimony of Brian Welch, former band member of the group Korn. His testimony includes an all too common tale – Despite the crowds, fame, money, houses, cars, and women he was tormented by emptiness. This is a story we see play out on the news almost daily. Kurt Cobain, Owen Wilson, Chris Farley, Heath Ledger, River Phoenix, Anna Nicole….I could fill this page with a list of the famous, wealthy and talented that died or almost did at the hand of drugs, suicide or both. These people had everything one could possibly desire from this world. Why wasn’t it enough? Why are people who have “everything” on countless pills for anxiety and depression?
Philippians 4:12
12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
If you are lost and searching for some sort of lasting happiness, if you feel the hole in your soul and the aching emptiness that you can’t seem to fill…Look no further than Jesus Christ.
Matthew 11
28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
The temporary happiness the world can provide is nothing – It will never satisfy you. No amount of money, women, fame, houses, or cars will fill the hole. If you want real, lasting joy, if you want to feel contentment and peace, if you want to feel the deep spiritual love that satisfies your soul, you can find it with Christ. You were created for that purpose – He created you to have a relationship with him. If you want to experience a love that never changes, that will never leave you or betray you, that never ceases and never disappoints, then surrender yourself to the King of this universe and ask him for it.
Philippians 1:21
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Chest-Kicking Satan...
Peter 5:8-9
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith…
I remember when I first turned to a life with Christ… I was so fired up about the new direction my life had taken. My life had purpose, hope, and meaning it hadn’t had before. But slowly over the weeks and months, my new car was loosing its new scent…if you know what I mean. One day, after temptation after temptation, I finally caved. And caved hard. Overwhelmed with guilt and feeling like a failure, I threw my hands up and said “I can’t live this Christian life…it’s impossible.” What happened next…submission! I submitted to the roaring lion and fell back into my sinful nature….back into the same habits that give immediate temporary highs, and then have a funny way of always leaving you lonely and empty. I had been down this road before and knew it led absolutely nowhere. Fortunately after experiencing Christ in my life I now knew what it felt like to be free. So I picked myself back up and got back in the fight.
It never fails, as soon as you make a conscious commitment to live your life for Christ it seems like you get hit with more temptations than ever before. Making that initial decision to follow Christ puts a spiritual bull’s-eye on your back. Then, when you fail, and you succumb to that same old sin again, Satan taunts you with guilt. Of course, the awesome thing about Christ – and the very thing Satan doesn’t want you to believe - is that He is ALWAYS there to take you back, no matter how many times you think you’ve “failed.” His death on the cross was for you - and covered every sin you will ever commit - past, present and future.
“Being a Christian doesn’t make me perfect, it just makes me forgiven.”-Mark Hall, lead singer of Casting Crowns
I remember, right after making a commitment to stop sleeping around, I went out with some of my buddies to the local Hooter's restaurant. Our waitress, one of the hottest girls I had ever seen, hands me her number on a piece of paper and says she wants to hook up later that night. It's not a coincidence this happened within 24 hours of me making that commitment; Satan will do anything in his power to knock you off your path, especially at the beginning - And he knows your biggest weaknesses.
I remember walking into the men’s room with that little piece of paper and slowly, very slowly, dropping it in the toilet. Ripping it up wasn’t good enough, because I knew I’d be taping it back together eventually. It wasn’t easy - I think my hand was shaking as I dropped it in the bowl, and for a split second right before I flushed, I even considered scooping it back out of the water. I literally felt queasy. But at the moment it was gone, I felt such a sense of relief. When I look back on that decision, who knows what different course my life could have taken, or what terrible consequences there might have been in exchange for a few hours of “fun.”
Submission to sin doesn’t make you a man, it makes you weak. Submitting to every impulse that brings immediate pleasure is weak. But more importantly, giving up on a life with Christ because it’s “too hard” is weak. If you fail, SO WHAT?! Welcome to being human – You are in a war, literally, and just like any battle you are going to take some hits. You will be knocked down to your knees. But I promise, if you stay in the fight, you will also have some awesome victories. If you stumble, get up! Slavery to sin can not be an option!
That’s why I love this clip from 300. Leonidus, the Spartan king, is confronted with a proposal from a Persian messenger, submit to Persian rule or be destroyed. The messenger further explains that resistance is pointless, that there is no choice. (A feeling you often have when you are a new Christian). Leonidus pauses to weigh his options and makes his decision. Realizing his decision will make war inevitable, Leonidus stands firm. He refuses to submit to a life of slavery and without hesitation, chest-kicks the Persian into the abyss.
The same holds true for us… The only way to encounter sinful feelings is with pure violence. Satan is always there, whispering in our ear that you have no choice, that resistance is pointless, that living the Christian life is too hard, and his way is the only way…. Refuse to submit! Refuse a life of slavery and weakness! Don’t cave to minutes of pleasure in return for a lifetime of emptiness and pain… Stand firm and don’t submit to the worldly pleasures that you crave. Be strong and violent against Satan and anything that comes in the way of your relationship with the King. He loves us and gave his life for us…he is the big picture…living eternally is the big picture…being reunited with loved ones for eternity is the big picture. Don’t trade that for minutes of false pleasure… Break out of your chains and chest-kick Satan.
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith…
I remember when I first turned to a life with Christ… I was so fired up about the new direction my life had taken. My life had purpose, hope, and meaning it hadn’t had before. But slowly over the weeks and months, my new car was loosing its new scent…if you know what I mean. One day, after temptation after temptation, I finally caved. And caved hard. Overwhelmed with guilt and feeling like a failure, I threw my hands up and said “I can’t live this Christian life…it’s impossible.” What happened next…submission! I submitted to the roaring lion and fell back into my sinful nature….back into the same habits that give immediate temporary highs, and then have a funny way of always leaving you lonely and empty. I had been down this road before and knew it led absolutely nowhere. Fortunately after experiencing Christ in my life I now knew what it felt like to be free. So I picked myself back up and got back in the fight.
It never fails, as soon as you make a conscious commitment to live your life for Christ it seems like you get hit with more temptations than ever before. Making that initial decision to follow Christ puts a spiritual bull’s-eye on your back. Then, when you fail, and you succumb to that same old sin again, Satan taunts you with guilt. Of course, the awesome thing about Christ – and the very thing Satan doesn’t want you to believe - is that He is ALWAYS there to take you back, no matter how many times you think you’ve “failed.” His death on the cross was for you - and covered every sin you will ever commit - past, present and future.
“Being a Christian doesn’t make me perfect, it just makes me forgiven.”-Mark Hall, lead singer of Casting Crowns
I remember, right after making a commitment to stop sleeping around, I went out with some of my buddies to the local Hooter's restaurant. Our waitress, one of the hottest girls I had ever seen, hands me her number on a piece of paper and says she wants to hook up later that night. It's not a coincidence this happened within 24 hours of me making that commitment; Satan will do anything in his power to knock you off your path, especially at the beginning - And he knows your biggest weaknesses.
I remember walking into the men’s room with that little piece of paper and slowly, very slowly, dropping it in the toilet. Ripping it up wasn’t good enough, because I knew I’d be taping it back together eventually. It wasn’t easy - I think my hand was shaking as I dropped it in the bowl, and for a split second right before I flushed, I even considered scooping it back out of the water. I literally felt queasy. But at the moment it was gone, I felt such a sense of relief. When I look back on that decision, who knows what different course my life could have taken, or what terrible consequences there might have been in exchange for a few hours of “fun.”
Submission to sin doesn’t make you a man, it makes you weak. Submitting to every impulse that brings immediate pleasure is weak. But more importantly, giving up on a life with Christ because it’s “too hard” is weak. If you fail, SO WHAT?! Welcome to being human – You are in a war, literally, and just like any battle you are going to take some hits. You will be knocked down to your knees. But I promise, if you stay in the fight, you will also have some awesome victories. If you stumble, get up! Slavery to sin can not be an option!
That’s why I love this clip from 300. Leonidus, the Spartan king, is confronted with a proposal from a Persian messenger, submit to Persian rule or be destroyed. The messenger further explains that resistance is pointless, that there is no choice. (A feeling you often have when you are a new Christian). Leonidus pauses to weigh his options and makes his decision. Realizing his decision will make war inevitable, Leonidus stands firm. He refuses to submit to a life of slavery and without hesitation, chest-kicks the Persian into the abyss.
The same holds true for us… The only way to encounter sinful feelings is with pure violence. Satan is always there, whispering in our ear that you have no choice, that resistance is pointless, that living the Christian life is too hard, and his way is the only way…. Refuse to submit! Refuse a life of slavery and weakness! Don’t cave to minutes of pleasure in return for a lifetime of emptiness and pain… Stand firm and don’t submit to the worldly pleasures that you crave. Be strong and violent against Satan and anything that comes in the way of your relationship with the King. He loves us and gave his life for us…he is the big picture…living eternally is the big picture…being reunited with loved ones for eternity is the big picture. Don’t trade that for minutes of false pleasure… Break out of your chains and chest-kick Satan.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Return a King
2 Timothy 4:8
"Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."
When I saw this clip from the movie “300” it jumped out to me as a perfect metaphor for our journey as a Christian in this world. A young boy is sent out into the wilderness to prove himself worthy. He will likely die in the wilderness, but should he survive to return to Sparta, he will be proven worthy to claim his crown. It’s ultimately his choice to give up and die, or to bow up and recognize that if he returns from this fight, his reward will be great. It’s the same encounter we are engaged in as Christians…only our reward is eternal…forever and ever and ever.
I can remember back to when I was a brand new Christian…fresh in the faith. I made the decision to leave my lifestyle of sin behind me and live for Christ… No more wild nights, no more wild women, no more fuzzy mornings. Full of piss and vinegar, I thought I was invincible. I was reborn and nothing was going to stop me. …Let me tell you, I was one of those annoying Christians who talked too much and probably drove everyone crazy. But I was a War Horse and I was ready for any fight…or so I thought. I mistakenly thought that life would be a cake walk from that point forward. All was going to be wonderful and God had my back. Satan was not an option anymore…all of my temptations would just disappear. My desire to be out all night with the boys looking for “fun” would just dissolve. I was a Christian! Well…it didn’t dissolve – the temptations were still there, and I found myself still succumbing to them. What had changed dramatically however was this annoying conscience that I had developed. All of a sudden, I cared about my actions. I knew now that my life was not right…and this was the moment my initiation as a Christian began. I had the spirit of Christ in my body flowing through my veins and I knew his rescue would be there if I called to Him.
1 Corinthians 10:13
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."
But did I want to call on Him? Did I really have the strength to stand strong for Him when faced with adversity, when faced with my worst addictions? It was time for my faith to be tested.
1 Peter 1:6-9
"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith... may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."
It was time to see the degree in which I wanted Christ to invade my life. The trial had begun and I was out in the wilderness of this world. I knew I had to survive this because my life was going NOWHERE!! I had no other option. I read my Bible like I only had it for a day…I would fall back, get kicked down by the enemy, but then bow back up. It was an initiation of epic proportions. This parable from Matthew 13 was a constant motivator for me:
"Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."
After reading this parable, I was determined to be "good soil." The message of Christ's kingdom would not be wasted on me.
I was not going to be weak in my faith anymore. I knew I had all I needed to push through. I made it through my year long initiation but the battle continues on; and it will until my dying breath. I refuse to be a half-attempt Christian. With all this known…I humbly understand that I can fall any day and I better stay in training to prevent a catastrophe in my relationship with my King. But I also know that He is ALWAYS with me.
Psalm 46:1
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
Soon…just like you, I am going to die and I will lie in my casket, my body cold, my brain dead, and my heart on permanent vacation. What is going to happen to ME??
I will enter into my eternal dwelling place, proven to my King Jesus Christ. I accepted his blood offering, acknowledged his death and resurrection for His people and me. I fought the fight and I will return from this life to my home and receive my reward. A reward that will dwarf any reward in this life time.
Revelation 22:12
12"Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done."
Return from this wilderness worthy of a crown. Return a KING!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Wanted: Soldiers
Real men are needed to spread the truth about our King Jesus Christ. Real Men! No phonies...phonies are who put Christianity where it is right now. The people who talk the spiritual game but do not have the courage to walk the spiritual life. The phonies who completely destroy the testimony of Christ purely because of their ignorance and pride. We need men who will carry the correct message of Christ. Not something the church and its members have watered down and made feminine. The message that Christ is for the regular people...he is for the poor the weak. He is not a front runner...he spoke so people understood; he did not speak to impress. People need to know the true and accurate testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ. The world needs to know how much Christ loves them and loves all he created. They need to know that no matter where they are at in their life, no matter how bad they think they are, no matter how many times you have been told you were going to hell by a "Christian"...you need to know that Jesus does love you. Jesus Christ IS love! He is also wrath however. Read Revelation...the Jesus I read about in that book is not the guy who people illustrate with his fingers up in some sort of sign with his other hand over his heart. He is bringing the noise when he comes back...he is bringing it against the wickedness that Satan has orchestrated.
We need real men...not men that fold to this world and what this world has to offer. We need men who can put the beer down when it is time to put the beer down. We need men who can walk away from the computer when certain images begin to appear. We need men who can tell their buddies bye when at 1 a.m. it's time for everybody to go to the titty bar. We need men who respect women and can tell a woman to have respect for herself and "don't do that." We need men who understand that living this Christian life is a battle and it is not easy. We need men who are not afraid of being made fun of...men are needed who get pissed when someone drops Christ's name in vein. It's a man's job...men step out of line and do not go with the flow. Check your priorities - what do you think makes a man? If the ability to drink multiple alcoholic drinks in one night, having sex with many woman, and if jail time are any of your requirements of a "real man" you are sadly lost. This is a battle for your life, the life of your family and your eternal destination. This is not a joke...if you are afraid to represent Christ because of how others will take you...you're missing the only real call you have. You were made to represent Christ...you were made to be a soldier in His army.
Rev. 19:11-16 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter."[a] He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
II Tim. 2:3 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Man of God
Pretty much…my number one goal every day is to live and conduct myself like a true man of God. Do I fall short?...By a large degree. Yesterday I came across a particular scripture that reminded me just how much I fall short. Most Christians have a slightly different definition of what the term “man of God” means exactly but the core is to glorify Christ and no one else. I am reading a book right now called “Twelve Ordinary Men.” This book is about the disciples of Christ and it defines just how ordinary these men were. These men came from working class back grounds…no one was a theologian, a priest, a pharisee or had any type of religious background. These men were fishermen, tax collectors and a strength coach… (That’s a joke,but you get the point). They were blue collar men with one physician in the mix. It makes it crystal clear to me that Christ has no requirements in who he chooses. I heard a good, old saying “Christ does not want a perfect vessel, he wants a willing vessel.” These men had many faults and shortcomings but by following Jesus Christ their hope was completely fulfilled. They immediately left their life behind and followed Jesus and how they were rewarded. However, they were not rewarded on earth; they were hated on earth because they followed Christ. Many of the disciples died terrible deaths…most were burned at the stake, a couple beheaded and Peter was crucified upside down. He was to be crucified on a cross but Peter felt unworthy to die like Christ…so they turned his cross upside down. One disciple died of old age…John. If you need a faith check look no further than these followers of Jesus and how they died. You figure one of them before burning to death would have yelled “okay, I was joking…Jesus was a fraud…you can put the fire out now.” Not the case! They took their faith to the other side and all believers will party with them one day. Believe it! These men just gave their hearts to Christ and the rest was taken care of. That’s what we need to understand. CHRIST REQUIRES NOTHING!! If you don’t believe me read it EVERYWHERE in the bible. I don’t care who you are…how much money you have…how cool you think you are. We all have a Christ sized hole in our hearts…and the more you put him off the bigger that hole gets and the worse you feel. I am a disciple of Christ right now - I fall short every day, but where I am inadequate Christ makes up the difference. He has blessed me so much and I will do whatever I can for him out of gratitude…I will get made fun of for him…I will be dismissed for him…it makes no difference. Why? Because this world has nothing for us!! This time on earth is flying by…think back to when you were in high school. I graduated in 1997 which doesn’t seem that long ago, but wait…that was 12 years ago!! Ha…it’s crazy. This will all be over soon and we will stand in front of the King in judgment for our life here on earth with no one around us or beside us. Just you and Christ…the judgment for eternity… peer pressure is really not that big a deal, is it. You can be a disciple of Christ, the recruitment happens every day - You do not need any Biblical knowledge, any church history or anything - There are no prerequisites. All you need is a willing heart…and I 100% guarantee Christ will make you everything you want to be.
Monday, May 4, 2009
ex-treme
1. of a character or kind farthest removed from the ordinary or average: extreme measures.
2. utmost or exceedingly great in degree: extreme joy.
3. farthest from the center or middle; outermost; endmost: the extreme limits of a town.
4. farthest, utmost, or very far in any direction: an object at the extreme point of vision.
5. exceeding the bounds of moderation: extreme fashions.
6. going to the utmost or very great lengths in action, habit, opinion, etc.: an extreme conservative.
7. last or final: extreme hopes.
8. Chiefly Sports. extremely dangerous or difficult
Nowadays extreme sports or extreme (anything) is very popular with most men. By extreme I mean…well, refer to the above definition of the word extreme. I myself love extreme events. I love to workout in the weight room and I try to do it in an extreme manner. I am always intrigued by t.v. shows and movies that involve hand to hand combat; I love to watch MMA, UFC and my new favorite show on Spike “Deadliest Warrior.” As a matter of fact there aren't too many days that pass I don’t find myself wishing I could be a Spartan warrior and fight next to King Leonidus (maybe too personal…but I’m not afraid to say it). I work for Richard Childress Racing in NASCAR, which I consider to be a very extreme sport. I love going to the track every weekend and witnessing the action that takes place. Men as a whole are especially attracted to extreme people or events…it’s just who we are. That’s why my I am dumbfounded by the amount of men who are not attracted to Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ wrote the book on extreme! These boys who call themselves “extreme” today…let me tell you... Men in the bible were parting seas, killing giant warriors (during teen years), calling down fire from heaven, single handedly killing thousands of warriors, leading armies outnumbered by thousands to overwhelming victories; it goes on and on and on. Still…even these events pale in comparison to the extreme nature of my King Jesus. Jesus lived a life of severe intensity - there wasn't a single part of his life that was 'blah.' Even before the birth of Christ his parents were on the run…Why?…because before he was born there was already a warrant out for his death. That’s extreme…you know you’re a bad dude when before your birth people want you dead. But even before that…you have to understand: Jesus was in heaven, on his heavenly throne, and he chose to descend to earth for one reason…to die for us, to give us life. That’s extreme! When his parents finally found a barn, the King of the World was born there…Jesus came into the world on straw next to goats, cows and sheep. At the age of 30 Jesus began his ministry. He was often cornered by the “religious leaders” of that time and put on the spot with some sort of question regarding scripture. Jesus never turned away and often retorted answers that were unpopular and habitually infuriated the self-righteous Pharisees. But Jesus also loved people in an extreme manner. Jesus loved the poor and he sought the individuals that were beat down from life. Jesus was NOT a front runner, he did not have to be seen at all the “hot spots” or with the “hot people.” Jesus was love…extreme love. “of a character or kind farthest removed from the ordinary or average: extreme measures.” This is the first definition of extreme listed in the dictionary. I cannot tell you how many times in my life I have been hurt by this world, how many times I have been hurt by death around me, how many times I have been on my last leg. Then when Christ came into my life…I found this Extreme love. The hurt goes away, the voids are filled…just with the presence of His spirit. All because one night in Jerusalem, the most extreme event in the history of our universe happened. A King…, who formed the world and everybody in it, was found guilty of blasphemy against God. (Pretty ironic) His jury spat in his face, slapped him, kicked him and sentenced him to death by crucifixion. First they took him to be beat, and by beat…I mean not being able to recognize the man...Bones visible, complete devastation. After that he was mocked yet again by the people he had so much love for, they crowned him with thorns, placed a robe on him and bowed at his feet. Finally, my King carried his own cross to his death. That is EXTREME! But that’s not it…while he was being nailed to the cross by the men most likely who had beat him…Christ yelled out to his father “Father forgive them, they know not what they do”. WOW. He did not yell to them “it’s okay, you will surely burn in hell for this with your family.” Jesus actually felt compassion for these men while they were nailing him to his cross. The word "extreme" should never be used again after these events. But that’s not the end of the extreme life of Christ. The most extreme is yet to happen. While Christ lie in his tomb (the tomb donated to him by some man) on third day of his death he arose from his grave and conquered death. Words cannot do it justice. The most extreme part of it all was...Jesus did not do this just to say “Hey look what I did”. He came to earth to defeat death so that we can live eternally. So that when we pass from this earth we will have life, that the end will never happen. He died so we can rejoice with our loved ones that have passed before us. To Jesus…its all about us! His love for us is best described by Paul in Ephesians 3:17
"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—"
Jesus lived an extreme life just to illustrate to us his love. Christ wants us to give everything to him... All our worries, all our problems, all our joys - he just wants to be a part of our life. I am telling you…Christ is everything to me. He is what I am. I am nothing without him and I have no idea how I would ever live this life without him. The blessings he has given me often bring me to tears of joy and praise. His extreme love for me has captured me and I have not been the same since. If you love extreme, learn about what Jesus did for you - my words cannot come close to doing it any justice. If you know me, chances are I care you for your deeply…I want you to have what I have…Christ’s love in your life. It will change you, it will bless you, it will bless your family. Live for Christ!
Romans 8:35
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Friday, April 24, 2009
The Battle...Why I love Christianity.
Ever since I have decided to live for Christ there has not been one day that I have not encountered a battle of flesh. Since accepting Christ life has been tough and nothing has been easy. I compare it to when you have a floatation device of some kind that has a hole in it. Well, you want to find the hole…so you submerge the devise in water and behold…the hole(s) are exposed under water. When you submerge your life in Christ your holes (sin) will be exposed. Your downfalls will be present and you will be faced with the battle of defeating your addictions and bad habits. This is clearly no job for Ned Flanders. No…you need to be a man. It is so easy to live a life of deception, to completely surrender to your flesh and live your life the way the “world” wants you to. It is easy to not make a stand for your King, it is easy to hang out with the guys and check out the strip clubs and watch an immense number of porn’s. It is so effortless to degrade females and then…ACT like you are the man. Where is the battle in that? That is easy to do…that is what our flesh wants. “Christianity requires violence against yourself” -John Piper. Through Christ we now know our imperfections. We must deal with this head on. We can defeat our flesh with the power of Jesus Christ. I love Christianity because this is an ongoing battle. When years have passed and you have finally slayed an addiction…guess what, here comes another. We are a constant work and we must wage war on these sins. We will never be able to be victorious over sin with a timid approach. We must be violent! It may sound gay or cheesy but when I watch that awesome fight seen from “300” (see the video clip below) when Leonidus is cleaning house, I see Leonidus as myself and the enemies are warriors of my flesh. They attack constantly and I must be on the offensive or I will fall to the sin. There is so much at stake here. We only have one life to live…how do you want to spend it? Do you want to live your life eaten up with sin and being a puppet to your own flesh. Do you want to live day to day and experience these temporary highs? Do you want to continue to put these “band aids” over a soul that is hurting? Or do you want to live the life God intended for you to live…a life full of victory with a great reward at the end of it. As I mentioned before the Christian life is tough but the presence of Jesus is so much more fulfilling. He will fill you up and satisfy your needs, you just have to be willing to walk out on the battle field and fight for the Cross.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
NFS (Ned Flanders Syndrome)
Have you ever watched The Simpson's and saw this character “Ned Flanders?” Ned Flanders is the Christian guy on the Simpson's and my…how they make fun of him. They use Christian jokes, gay jokes and other stereotypical forms of humor to expose Flanders as a “dork.” Let me tell you, the writers of this show have it completely figured out. The writer’s of the Simpson's have completely captured the personality of the Christian man today. Weak, timid, nervous, weird, different and nerdy! I know so many Ned Flanders today. I thought this was a dying breed of Christian men but somewhere they are being produced in mass quantities. It is so bad that when I see a really dorky man I think to myself “well…that guy has to be a Christian”. My question is “Where did this originate?” It cannot be from our scriptures, it can’t be! Who is translating this to produce an army of nerds? There are so many men in our society who need Christ in their lives but they are so distorted by individuals who preach against masculinity…people who preach “you have to change many things in your life to be a Christian.” What?? I often hear Christian men boasting “I don’t drink and I don’t curse”…so…good for you! “You can’t do this and you have to stop that.” More phrases that I hear from men who claim to be Christians on the front line…What a crock! It is a tragedy that this has become a cornerstone for men who consider Christianity. The Army of God could be recruiting more men if we had better recruiters who were preaching what Jesus Christ is all about instead of a list of "rules". Let me give you my side of it. Jesus Christ is a King, he was a King long before we existed, long before the words of Genesis were written and he is a King that will be recapturing his land and people soon. As this all powerful King he choose to come down from his throne and live the life of a regular blue collar man. The King came down and was born in a barn and grew up as a carpenter. Jesus was broke he did not have an earthly daddy to pay his bills or pay for his education. He was a homeless man. Jesus walked everywhere he needed to go. He faced off with Satan on multiple occasions. Who would want to do that? Jesus also never missed an opportunity to face off with the religious leaders of that time. Often calling their bluff, he would fire those Pharisees up on a daily basis. He did the job he came to earth to do…preach. He did not look for the high class citizens with clout, he found the people who were sinners, low class, poor. The people no one else had time for. When it was time for his death he did not run, hide or try to avoid the soldiers at all. When the soldiers showed up Jesus stood up and went quietly to face his brutal death. He was beat unmercifully mocked with a crown of thorns and then hanged on a cross to suffocate on his own blood. Did I mention he did nothing to deserve any of this? Then on the third day he defeated death and arose from his tomb. Tell me what is soft, timid, dorky, and nerdy about that. This is the King I want to follow. This is the King that I would die for. This is the King that I would love to get ridiculed over. He talked the talk and walked the walk! Why have men polluted this? Why do we feel as though we should be weak? It takes a strong man to make a stand against Satan today…what is so hard to understand about that. Live for Christ and he will shape you the way HE wants you. Don’t listen to other people who think they know you and how you should be as a Christian. Ask those people why Moses, David, and Paul were murderers and yet God used and loved them. Ask “Ned” why Peter sliced a soldiers ear off when they came to arrest Jesus and why Jesus put so much trust in Peter. Live for Christ! You will keep your testicles and your manhood will actually GROW. Live for HIM and only HIM and listen to how he will shape you. You will finally be ALIVE.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
“It hasn’t sunk in yet”
Every time I watch a championship game in professional sports, collegiate sports or high school sports they interview a player on the winning team that played an important role in the victory. When the interviewer asks the question “How does it feel to be a champion?” The player always answers the same way “it has not sunk in yet.” I was part of a national championship team in 2000 at LSU. We won a very close game and it was a magnificent feeling to have accomplished the goals we set for ourselves at the beginning of the year. But when someone asked me that question “How does it feel to be a national champion?” I answered the same way “it has not sunk in yet.” The funny thing is, it never set in! In reality your championship lasts about two weeks then it is back to work for the next season. When I received my championship ring it was the prettiest piece of jewelry that I had ever laid my eyes on. Nowadays it’s just a nice memory, and it has lost that pretty shine it once had. I dedicated my life to playing Division 1 baseball, I refused to sign with a college in the north because I knew they had no chance of winning a championship. I went to a junior college in Florida to improve my chances of signing with a big school in the south, it worked. I worked very hard to make it in the starting lineup, I did. It all worked out and I praise God that it did. The problem was that I expected this championship to be so much more exuberant…more fascinating, I expected it to be a life changer. A month after the championship I remember saying “this is it!” “This is how it feels to be a champion?” The jubilation was very short lived and although it is nice to have the memories my life was back to normal soon after. I remember an interview I watched a couple years ago with Tom Brady the quarterback for the New England Patriots. Brady has won multiple super bowls, one of the biggest achievements in all sports. He said the same thing to the reporter after his third championship “there has to be something more, is this it?” I was stunned that he felt the same way especially being that he has won a super bowl and I won a little college championship. It was very clear to me that most people try so hard to be happy. “If I do this…if I accomplish this…if I buy this I will be happy.” I used sports…people use cars, money, electronics, women, whatever…just to be happy. When I die and stand before Jesus Christ I am certain he will NOT say “hey…nice catch in the world series game in 2000.” I will not have my championship ring, I will not have a checkbook and I will not be able to pack a u-haul. All I will have is my soul and my relationship with Him. I have also concluded that this world has nothing to offer in terms of true life happiness. Jesus Christ has filled my voids he has given me eternal happiness. There are very bad times, difficult times and to be honest I have been challenged more so living as a Christian than I have been living for “me.” My God has never let go of me, he has never left me, and he has always been there for me. My biggest victory…championship, is when I beat death. That is the championship that brings me joy…that HAS sunk in. Life cannot beat me, death cannot beat me! When I accepted Christ the game was over…I WIN!! It almost seems to good to be true! A King came down from Heaven died for his people to save their sins and all we have to do is believe it. That is happiness and with this…all the other things that happen in this world are a little sweeter. When our central focus is Christ…life tastes better. Remember you will stand before God and you will have nothing with you…nobody will be with you. It will be you and your Creator…all he wants to know is if you have lived for HIM.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Keep Diggin’
Some months after the passing of my brother I refocused my life towards Christ. There was nothing I could do to fill the void left from my brother so I answered the door and accepted Christ. It just so happens that this void or hole was Christ shaped. Jesus completely lifted me up and took away my hurt and started something new in my life.
I do not want to understate the hurt that was in my life at this time, I was in bad shape, it was hard to get through the days and I resorted to awful things to fix my heart. So when Christ intervened, this was big! I had new hope, new life, new promises and everything was going great. I started going to a new church and met new people, my new life was so fulfilling. I had put a stop to all things I did previously and concluded relationships with people that could pressure me. At my new church I had run into an old friend from high school. She was done with college as was I and we were both attending this church. How great this is I thought. God has rewarded my transformation and now I have met my wife!! Little did I know, this was a test that I failed miserably. I thought because I met a girl in the church we would have a Christian relationship. Well, no need to get into any details, but when I came out of this pit I had fallen into so quickly after my resurgence for Christ. I felt worse than any time before. “How could I have done this to God so soon after he healed me from my life?” “God has been so good to me, what is wrong with me?” The usual self beat downs the enemy puts on Christians after we fall. During that time I read more about Peter because I felt like I had denied Christ by my lifestyle. Peter denied Christ three times during the death of Jesus and Peter was supposed to be the “Rock” the church was built on. So I wanted to know what Peter did after that to get back right with God, if he even did. Christ assured Peter that he was forgiven and that "he still had work for him to do.” Wow…what a loving King. I made the decision not to date for about a year. I was too new and too weak to put myself against any temptations so dating was over. A little over a year later I was stronger and better prepared for the enemies tactics so I allowed myself to venture back out. The next girlfriend I had was my wife. God rewarded my effort, growth and dedication to him with an awesome wife who I love so much and now we have a big family as well. The point is; it does not matter where you are in life right now, how deep in sin you are right now. Stop! Turn back to God he will always take you back. Rest assured that he has a better life for you if you allow him to control your life. There is way too much proof of this by me and other believers. Now remember it takes a man to stop the sin he is in and turn back, it is extremely hard so pray and pray and God will reward you and rejuvenate your life. You are never too bad for Christ’s love; you are never in too much sin to receive what our God has for you.
Romans 8:39-39
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[m] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I do not want to understate the hurt that was in my life at this time, I was in bad shape, it was hard to get through the days and I resorted to awful things to fix my heart. So when Christ intervened, this was big! I had new hope, new life, new promises and everything was going great. I started going to a new church and met new people, my new life was so fulfilling. I had put a stop to all things I did previously and concluded relationships with people that could pressure me. At my new church I had run into an old friend from high school. She was done with college as was I and we were both attending this church. How great this is I thought. God has rewarded my transformation and now I have met my wife!! Little did I know, this was a test that I failed miserably. I thought because I met a girl in the church we would have a Christian relationship. Well, no need to get into any details, but when I came out of this pit I had fallen into so quickly after my resurgence for Christ. I felt worse than any time before. “How could I have done this to God so soon after he healed me from my life?” “God has been so good to me, what is wrong with me?” The usual self beat downs the enemy puts on Christians after we fall. During that time I read more about Peter because I felt like I had denied Christ by my lifestyle. Peter denied Christ three times during the death of Jesus and Peter was supposed to be the “Rock” the church was built on. So I wanted to know what Peter did after that to get back right with God, if he even did. Christ assured Peter that he was forgiven and that "he still had work for him to do.” Wow…what a loving King. I made the decision not to date for about a year. I was too new and too weak to put myself against any temptations so dating was over. A little over a year later I was stronger and better prepared for the enemies tactics so I allowed myself to venture back out. The next girlfriend I had was my wife. God rewarded my effort, growth and dedication to him with an awesome wife who I love so much and now we have a big family as well. The point is; it does not matter where you are in life right now, how deep in sin you are right now. Stop! Turn back to God he will always take you back. Rest assured that he has a better life for you if you allow him to control your life. There is way too much proof of this by me and other believers. Now remember it takes a man to stop the sin he is in and turn back, it is extremely hard so pray and pray and God will reward you and rejuvenate your life. You are never too bad for Christ’s love; you are never in too much sin to receive what our God has for you.
Romans 8:39-39
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[m] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Start Your Engines
A couple of us went to the DCB (David Crowder Band) concert last Friday night and to say the least we had a blast. I am always in awe of the atmosphere at a show put on by DCB, the hands in the air, terrible voices in the crowd shouting lyrics at the top of their lungs to our God unapologetically. Teenage kids and adults who refuse to grow up (guilty) slamming into one another as Crowder belts out “Oh, Praise Him, All this For a King.” I got a laugh out of a girls shirt that read “I mosh for Jesus.” You could actually see the Spirit pouring out of people’s ears. It was quite the site. When the show was over we loaded up in route for Winston and a common theme that ride home was the revival of souls in all three of us. I personally felt that I was entering this concert on a spiritual high note but my limitations proved to be inaccurate. My soul was hungry, my heart was quiet and reserved, like a racehorse in a stable dying to get out on the track to sprint and race. As the lyrics of praise flowed from my mouth sent by my heart it was a healing to my soul. The only remedy available to cure such a dilemma for me was song. What is it for you? Psalm 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. How did I think I was spiritually right before the show? Was I way off? That is a little frightening to me personally. Or, was it that I just needed a “race.” Working in NASCAR I often hear the drivers say “I am tired of practice, I want to race.” Well practice is the same as a race, same track, same car, same crew. The only difference is anticipation, the curiosity of the unknown. That is when our hearts and souls come alive. We were worshipping Christ in a way that was completely undignified. Our hearts were wide open! Sometimes in this walk we must throw caution to the wind and just lose ourselves in Christ’s presence. Lose the front, drop your guard and allow your heart to do what it is supposed to do. Worship its maker! You will be rewarded with so much more than you know if let yourself go. There comes a time when we have to turn our back, cross our arms over our chest close our eyes fall back off our heels and let Christ catch us. HE WILL! Church is great, small groups are great, but “race” with your worship one day. When nobody is home get in your room lock the door and turn on some good ole Jesus music and sing till your voice is gone. Or don’t sing, get on your knees or better yet get face down and meditate on Christ and devote that time to Him. I always think about a fantastic song by DCB regarding this matter. The title is “undignified.”(check it out in the video above) It’s about King David when he arrived in the city of Israel to begin his reign as king. God was the one he chose David to be king and for this David was grateful, very grateful. The passage from II Samuel explains the story:
16 As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him in her heart. 20 When David returned home to bless his household, Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, "How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, disrobing in the sight of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!" 21 David said to Michal, "It was before the LORD, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the LORD's people Israel—I will celebrate before the LORD. 22 I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes.
16 As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him in her heart. 20 When David returned home to bless his household, Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, "How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, disrobing in the sight of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!" 21 David said to Michal, "It was before the LORD, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the LORD's people Israel—I will celebrate before the LORD. 22 I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes.
Guys, in order to stay on the right path your heart has to be right in you. You have to keep your walk fresh. Ask God to help you with that in prayer. This kind of worship will fill the voids in your life, the depression will not be as familiar, the lack of hope will be substituted for anticipation of another day. “What does God have for me today?” It will be a crazy voyage of blessings, still tough days but not as tough and not as lonely. Optimism is now in the picture. God has so much for you if you are man enough to follow him in a selfless way. IT ONLY MATTERS WHAT GOD THINKS, NOT ANYONE ELSE!!!!!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Dedication
I started this blog for a couple reasons. One, my mom in law started one and I am copying her. Although, this blog will pale in comparison to the articulate and inspired work she will do I hope to come close. The other reason is for my boys who I left at FCDS. These young men in Christ are enduring the battle of a life time (whether they know it or not). Their souls right now are in a battle for ownership and I hope to provide some ammunition for the good team. We started something so good over there I do not want to conclude the "feeding." I heard a man say once, "there are two dogs in me fighting, one a good dog and the other a bad dog and the one that wins 100% of the time is the dog I feed the most." You guys have to feed your soul with prayer, bible, music, whatever your soul delights in. The title "Daily Deliverance" is not because I will post a blog that is so good, so inspired that you will never have to read another verse again. It is to remind you that EVERYDAY you will have to call on Christ to be delivered from your life. As you guys move onto college and participate in your sports, life will get fast very fast. That is not a good thing, you will get wrapped up in all the extra "drama" that this life provides. Slow it down, devote time to the person who got you that scholarship and gave you that ability. It is because of Him that you are there. Make Him happy, be delivered from your world.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)