Changing Tunes….

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I have been thinking lately. That can be scary my husband says but that is not the point.

It has come to my simple mind that many have the idea of becoming one with Christ, one who asks for  forgiveness to follow Jesus and accepting his gift of salvation leads to a dull, boring, mediocre existence. Years ago I did. And I understand why.

Going to church was given a bad rap from having to dress a certain way, look a certain way and hearing “hell fire and you know what” being preached. Not that those are not very important issues because they are, but could have been taught differently? Does that make sense?

There were preachers I heard at times as a child that scared me to death. Others made it easy to nap. I am not knocking preachers! I have 2 in my family who I adore and admire!

Allow me to say that maybe it wasn’t always the preachers undoing: it may have been me. Maybe it was because I didn’t want to hear what they were preaching…..anybody out there? Are you with me? Just checking.

Like so many others I didn’t like what they had to say because I didn’t want to have to change. Fun was the name of my game and following Jesus was not fun…..or so I thought. It ain’t always easy, in fact it is often hard, but considering the alternative? Well I’ m sure you can figure that one out.

This has led to the great misunderstanding about Jesus and the lie we have been told of what Jesus expects from us.

He wants to give, not take away. (John 10:10)
He wants us to love each other and our enemies. (Matthew 5:44)
He wants us to give out of a giving heart, not to be forced to. (Proverbs 3:9)
He wants us to learn his wisdom and knowledge. Doing so teaches you right verses wrong. (Proverbs 2:9-10)
He wants us healthy. (3 John 2, Isaiah 53:5, Matthew 9:22, Matthew 15:36, Mark 16:18)
He wants us prosperous and successful. (Proverbs 3:10)
He wants to save us more than anything. (John 3:16, Romans 6:23, Romans 3:10)

God wants to be close to us in every way. He is interested in every part of our lives from the food we eat, to the friends we have to picking out our mates. Believe me if you don’t let God pick out your husband/wife you will wish you had.

We are flooded with entertainment, books, movies, television, music, vacations; etc. Not all are bad or wrong. We are under the impression God wants to rip those things away from us. The enemy has come at us with every possible maneuver to keep us busy so we won’t get close to God and anything that takes us away from God is hurting us.

The truth of what happens when you come to a heart felt knowledge of the Lord is your desires become his desires. You are changed within and what seemed important, exciting or fun before  can often become a lot less desirable. That is not to say they are all wrong or bad! It is to say your desire has changed to what is important, exciting and fun for God.

Inserting here the valid injustice that God has been given as a bad rap for being God. Yet he is more creative, humorous, fun and a lot move loving than anyone I know!

Once you have a personal, close relationship with him, he will show you his expectations of you. His expectations may differ from one person to the next, depending on his goals for each one so that is between you and him. You can rest assured though, he will only want his best for you.

Finally more than anything, God wants you saved. Jesus died and rose for each one of us because his blood shed on the cross was the only way it could be done.  He paid more than we will ever know for our sins. You know when I first realized this? In 1986 watching the movie “The Ten Commandments” with Charlton Heston. It wasn’t  in church, or Sunday School. It was a movie on TV.

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So to help you further understand why God wants you saved, please go to the following link,
“What happened, Jesus Happened.”

His explanation tells it like it is people!

http://thewayeverlasting.com/2012/02/03what-happened-jesus-happened.

Copyright @ 2012 All Rights Reserved

Falling Off A Cliff Backwards

Do you ever feel like this picture? Ever wonder how life got that way?

Do you think about the journey ahead from the trail you left behind?

As you get closer to the cliff, dirt begins to fall before we do. That is when the cliff gets too close for comfort. What is worse is if you are heading there backwards. I think that might be a good place to stop. Don’t you? OH, it is like a signal; a sign; a moment of truth.

As my dad has always said, “when you play with fire, eventually you will get burned.”

The same happens with a cliff. The closer you get the more likely you will fall off. And if you are heading that way backwards you can’t see the end of the cliff. Whoa.  Is that 2 signs or signals?  I remember some cliffs I almost fell off of.  I am thinking right now “what in the world was I not thinking?”

Cliffs are like finding “the end of the rope” or “you’ve come to the end of the road.” That poor old goat had no idea where he was headed. But he is a goat. Not that the end result there isn’t the same, but at least he has an excuse for getting there.

The truth is we have no excuse. God gave us brains to figure this out. Well, most of us. The truth is we rebel. Truth. Truth. Truth.

Why do we rebel? Did the goat rebel? How did he get there backwards?

We rebel because we think we know better than God. What? No. Would we do that?

Yes we would and present company included.

The definition of rebel is: To refuse allegiance to and oppose by force an established government or ruling authority.  To resist or defy an authority or a generally accepted convention. To feel or express strong unwillingness or repugnance.

I do not recommend rebelling against God. I tried it and it simply doesn’t work.  Thankfully he showed me how to put both oars in the water instead of  one before it sank. OK! I hear those snide remarks! Don’t make me come looking for u!

Actually, falling off the cliff is like rebelling. And for some of us we get right to the edge before we allow our broken or hardened hearts to see the rope God is throwing us. He was throwing the rope all along; we were too stubborn and full of pride to reach for it.  It doesn’t take “Rocket Science” or the brain of a genius to let go of pride. It has nothing to do with  intelligence or smarts or even the lack of it. It is a will or a choice one has to make of their own accord.

For those who refuse to let go of their pride but are headed for the cliff, wise up. Humble yourself. Let go of your stubbornness. Realize what is at stake which is your life.

If you don’t get hold of God, surrender to Jesus Christ as your Savior, you might end up like this goat; only you won’t be falling into Heaven.

Copyright @2012 All Rights Reserved

Do you know a Secret Santa?

I just watched a movie titled “Secret Santa.” A story about a journalist who has been given an assignment to find the Secret Santa. A man who worked in a nursing home for years had been left with money from those who died. The first time he received a gift, he decided he couldn’t keep it for himself so he started making toys, gifts and bequeathing the money each year at Christmas to unsuspecting souls in need. No one knew who played this grand part except the local lawyer, until the journalist stumbles upon him in his backyard workshop. As she walked in she saw all kinds of toys, bicycles, and presents. She knew she had found him. She wrote her story without revealing this beloved man’s dream of fulfilling others dreams.

Would you be able to keep a secret like that? Would you be able to live with yourself for revealing such an anonymous gift?  Or would you want to get the credit by announcing to the world, “I know who Secret Santa is,” even if it meant it had to stop if you opened your big mouth?

When I found out the truth about Santa Claus I was devastated. My best friend told me and she couldn’t believe I didn’t already know. I ran in the house and confronted my mother who tried to calm me down. When she confessed the truth I started crying because I really didn’t want to know the truth. I wanted to believe in this fantasy as long as I could because if the fantasy wasn’t real it would change everything. And it did.

Isn’t this the way many people think about Christ? Some may think he is a fantasy or some man who walked on the earth for 33 years and did a lot of miracles but he wasn’t the Savior.

I have had conversations with  people who doubt because if they were to believe in Jesus Christ, they would have to change everything they believe in, think, or do. The thought of having to admit they have been wrong about their entire life is more exhausting and prideful than for them to change.

Image by busy.pochi via Flickr

Oh, if they only knew. Once you sin, repent and become saved you don’t have to change; you want to change. The change becomes a natural walk with God led by his guidance and peace. A change that is automatic because you choose to serve God with your whole heart that has been filled with his unconditional love. Once you make up your mind to accept it, the change becomes your way of life.

God, the Angels in Heaven and Jesus may be singing for joy that another one who was lost has been found, but we don’t announce it on the loud speakers here on earth. Or maybe we should.

“I want to know what I am doing here! Does anyone know?

Fire in the Sky

•Now that I have your attention have you ever asked yourself that question? Are you one of the many on this planet who wonder if we are the only people in the universe? And if we are, what are we doing here?

In the last week I have heard 3 people who do not know each other speak this same question. OK.  My brain may not be what it use to be but I don’t know a coincidence when I see one because I don’t believe in them anymore.  The skeptic might, but God could care less. God works in mysterious ways..not coincidences. In fact he doesn’t need them to fulfill his plans.

He is creative, rarely if ever does anything the same way twice and takes you on journeys you don’t expect. Some you wish you could forget! This is definitely not a question I can ignore so I am asking you! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?

My answer is God only knows. He put us here for his own purposes; I do know that. I know why I am here, but it has taken many years, much pain, suffering, and resistance on my part to find that out. God never said it was easy, especially if you are like me and pull a Jonah on him. I don’t recommend that route; it is no fun. I didn’t end up in a whale but I am not going to tell you where I ended up. Just don’t go there.

Now I can tell you where to find it. The answer is in the Bible. At least that is what our Pastor said this morning. I can vouch for him as he is a well-educated man who seems to know what he is talking about most of the time.

What I find so amazing is he gave reasons today to read the Bible to find out what we are doing here. I already knew this because I have been reading and studying the Bible for years and it really works. The more time I spend alone with God, the more he speaks to me even telling me what I am doing here.

It really isn’t that hard. You just pick up your Bible, say “Speak Lord, I am listening,” and start reading. I am not telling you to read it all in one day, two days maybe. NO! lol. Take your time. 

Allow God to speak to you; just be open and realize he doesn’t usually write it on the wall. I have lost count of how many times I have asked him to write it on the wall, but the good news is when I don’t know which way to go, he SUDDENLY! reveals it to me. I have even offered to buy him a chalk board with the chalk to speak to me. The problem with that was he let me know in no uncertain terms he is a lot more creative than a chalk board.

I thank God literally that his thoughts and ways are higher and better than mine. (Isaiah 55) This is a touch of who God is. A small portion of his character. It is fairly simple; he is a lot smarter than we are!

I can’t speak for you, but if you really want to find out what you are doing here, ask God. Read the Bible. Study it. God created us for his purposes, for his kingdom. It is up to us as individuals to seek him to find out our personal story. A good place to start is Acts 17:22-28.

We are not accidents. We did not just appear. We did not evolve.

We were created individually by the most loving, caring Father to be here, at this time, at this place, for his reasons. Jesus Christ is the center of everything. Once you allow God to place this in your heart, he will lead you to your purpose.

I am writing mine.

“You’re on this planet for a purpose. Find it.”by Grantley Morris. netburst@net.burst.net

Photograph by John Randolph Harrison

http://www.pbase.com/jrandyh/image/20091540

When it Becomes Personal, Not just Business

I must be doing something right.  Joyce Meyer spoke that maybe God brought that person into your life to shave the outer crusts off of you.  Well, I feel shaven.  Just when you least expect it, someone shows up that you believe will  make a great friend or neighbor, only to find out it is all about them.

How do I deal with this person? What does God want me to do as they pursue relentless persecution and constant attacks to get what they want? How do I react when they walk out the door with a face of contempt and say, “Don’t worry, it’s nothing personal. Just business.”

I guess I should feel like Jesus did. He did nothing wrong. He stood there while being questioned about claiming he was the Son of God and gave no response. His heart was in the sacrifice he knew he would give to receive the love of the children of God in return. He knew it would all be worth it.

Just as Jesus felt for us as sinners, I feel the same for those who don’t know him, or have no desire to know him. They are lost in a sea of themselves; their pride does not allow them to see they are not the only ones in the universe. The veil has not been lifted because they do not even know it is covering their eyes.

Returning to me doing something right. I kind of like the sound of that.  A few years back I would have reacted completely different towards someone who is sitting beside me throwing their verbal animosity and hostility in my face. This is a christian site so I won’t announce my declaration of war that I use to have because it would land me in jail but I also know it is not the answer.

Instead God has taught me the meaning of forgiveness which gives me freedom.  God has taught me to pray for my enemies. This releases me from trying to find the answers and let God take care of it. He has taught me that those who hurt, hurt others.  He has taught me that those who have repressed emotion have a great, spiritual need. He has taught me if I pray for those against me, he will fight for me. (Isaiah 49:25)

During this time of spiritual shaving the Lord showed me two verses in the Bible that lead me to believe he is not only in control, he is my vindicator.

Luke 21:14-15 But make up your mind not to worry before hand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.

Proverbs 16:7 When my ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even my enemies to live at peace with me.

The truth always stands for itself. The real truth that is. I would like to think those who “contend” with us may be angels in disguise God has sent to do something other than shave us.  The shaving is painful, often annoying and bothersome to put up with. Unfortunately it works.

The flip side of this is at least you know those attempting to sliver into your life for whatever reasons are an application of God’s discipline even if we don’t like it. The result is God helps us separate the sin from the sinner and to view that sinner as God sees all of us including ourselves. That makes it all worth it.

This Dream…

Something I never thought I would be doing is owning my own business. I guess it was an underlying dream but never really said it out loud or verbalized it even to myself. It just seemed right considering my experience as a Property Manager working for other people. Been down that road enough; this is great!

Actually getting into this field was an accident, although I don’t believe in accidents. God obviously had something to do with it. I have a degree in Social Work; now that I think about it being a Property Manager is Social Work. I can say that because I deal with people’s problems including helping them find a rental home. lol.

After 4 years it is showing promise; the recession is actually good for this kind of business because people are not selling their homes. Don’t get me wrong I dislike the recession and want good for people.  But if I can offer them a way out of not selling their homes and losing on that transaction by renting for them then I would say it is good for all involved.

Guardian Property Management, LLC is a work in progress. God has no limits so I run with that to see where he wants it to go. After all, I work for him. How does the saying go?

“MY BOSS IS A CARPENTER.”

From No Room in the Inn to No Room at the End to Dwelling in the Shelter of the Most High

We have been blessed to own a Property Management business.  I have often wondered after doing this for many years what kind of house would Jesus want to live in if he could have had the choice.

 Here is an ad from the Salvation Chronicles:

House Wanted:

For whom? The Messiah

Type: 2 Story made out of stone with open roof.  Mark 2:3-5

Bedrooms: 1 (Needs a place to rest his head) Matthew 8:20

Bathrooms: 1

Kitchen: Full with all appliances especially a microwave for quick meals

Pantry: Large enough to hold food to feed 5,000 (5 loaves and 2 fish) Matthew 14: 13-21

Media Room: Get the message out. Matthew 28:19

Dining Room: Large enough for 12 guests. Luke 22:1-23

Laundry: The River Jordan

Garage: No (Walks everywhere)

Wine Cellar: (no) Uses water from kitchen sinks  (John 2:1-11)

Closets: (minimal) Personal appearance not an issue

Garden:  Prayer time (Matthew 26:36)

Courtyard:  Activity center for weddings, receptions and family gatherings

Workshop: Carpentry business (Mark 6:3)

Location: Subdivision:  Jerusalem Heights

 Near schools: Loves children (Matthew 19:13-15)

Churches:  Teaches Sunday School

Shopping:  Sandal and Cloak Shop

Typical housing in Jesus day consisted of one long room in the front and one right behind it. This was a result of the tents that were used prior to this time. Housing developed bringing about villages. Most homes had a courtyard with small rooms off of it and very few windows. Most windows were built on the second floor for a number of reasons. It was safer, and weather played a big factor. The houses were supported by wooden beams from one wall to the other.  Inside was constructed out of clay or plaster and often decorated depending on your family income.

A ladder was built leading up to the roof which was often used for sleeping when the weather was warm or for drying food. The rooms were usually small and dark so the roof and windows offered light.

Some used it for bathing; we all know who did that! (2 Samuel 11:2-4)

Jesus made use of the hole in the roof when they lowered the paralytic down to be healed.  I wonder how often that happened.

The Courtyards had various uses.   A Mikveh was like a pool of clean rainwater used for ritualistic cleansing. There was a cooking area with a fire and often a place to store utensils.  A covered area was built for animals. An open patio served as the center of activity for fun and festivities.

Only the well –to-do had furniture like beds and chairs.  Most sat or slept on cushions on the floor. Joseph of Nazareth was most likely as much a builder as carpenter since furniture was not in great need at that time.

Once Jesus began his ministry his life became almost nomadic. He and his disciples left their families and friends to spread the gospel. They didn’t have a Holiday Inn on every corner or a Chrysler 300 to cruise around in. Forget the specials at the local Applebee’s or even a burger and fries; food was not packaged in the grocery stores for a quick pickup after a hard day of preaching.

Life is hard enough without having a home to go to and that soft pillow to lay your head upon.

I guess in a way you could say Jesus became homeless but he knew his life as a peasant was temporary.

His palace was already built awaiting his arrival.

Oh, and one more thing. This palace of his is decorated with a pillow lined, golden chair that no one else has ever sat in but him.  The throne built only for the Messiah.

John 14:2 “In my Father’s house are many mansions…”