Through thick and thin

You know people are quick to forsake you for various reasons. On my facebook page this was a status that I posted

"I've tried my hardest to connect with them, I have reached out with countless idea's expressing various ways of making it work filled with my deepest feelings. BUT because I could not be what they wanted me to be, I could not do as they wanted, I did not act as they thought I should have, they have forsaken me. When you don't jump the way people want, nor reach their expectation they are quick to let you go."

I can't disclose the situation, although I wish I could. I can tell you this, we loved each other. A people who got together for a common cause, carried for one another, and would be willing to do anything no matter the risk, because we believed God was directing our paths according to His will. We encouraged one another, we shared life.

Then some grew up, some moved on thinking that the love and connection would remain in our hearts until Christ returned. I remember asking the question, "if I was not here (physically in their presence, would that change our relationship?" I pleaded for us to stay in touch. I know things change we distance is between people, but this is different.

No calls, no letters, and when there was any brief communication some would try to make me feel guilty for going where God is leading me. Others would avoid me.

Side-note

It is funny how people delete you from Facebook or their social-networking pages as if to say now we really aren't friends anymore.

End Side-note

It is very interesting how people, people who claim what they claimed will choose to live. I would say choose to act but this is there lifestyle. So with all that has been said and done, I am left with this...

"I thank God for His strength, my life (which is blessed beyond measure) is for His glory, and I pray that He will continue to lead me according to His perfect will."

I am not sorry if I haven't been who you wanted me to be, that I didn't mold according to your will, or if I'm not doing what you thought was best for you/or me.

I am doing what God is requiring of me. I have trying my best to be faithful to His word, sensitive to His Spirit, and diligent in His calling. If your endeavors are the same then we can connect, if not then you are in my prayers. For years I have tried to become what people would like. Now I only try to please one Person and let Him open doors for me.

I pray that you remain faithful, I pray for your strength, I pray for your happiness.

God Bless and Stay Faithful friends.

Worshiping with all 5 senses... Can you Hear Him?

Many people at one time or another mention how they are looking for direction in life. What exactly are we looking for? In Christian circles we often refer to waiting to hear God on any given issue in order for us to make our move. If we are playing a chess game (which can be extremely complicated if playing the right opponents), we are waiting for God to tell us our next best move, now we can just make a move if we are impatient but we will not be making the best choice. I once heard a professor say our view is connected to that of a young child watching a parade. They can only see what immediately in front of them, maybe a glance down the street. God, on the other hand is the blimp up top who has the whole view of the parade and can better see it. By way of illustration I hope those work for you.

Now how does one hear God? Many people make choices saying they prayed to God, but does that suggest that you've automatically heard from Him. Of course not, but what then, does put us at ease? Often times we are looking for the exact answer we want.

"OK GOD, I need you to do this for me, and do it just like this, I know what's best, therefore I'm asking for it, and I want it." No we wouldn't say that, we would say "Your will be done" meanwhile we are complaining when His will is being done.

Scripture tells us that that God is unlimited in His wisdom (Psa 147:5)(Rom 11:33)SO what's UP!.

Well I'm going to suggest that our ears are broken.... Not really broken and they aren't the only things that needs to be adjusted, but this is where we will start.

So again I ask how does one listen, or hear from GOD!!!!

First, I want to suggest that one must trust HIM. The scriptures given speak to His wisdom, but unless you trust in God, and truly believe He is who the scriptures say He is, you can never hear from Him, rather you won't except it.

Second, one must understand the importance in reading/trusting in His word. The bible tells us that it is the very words of God (2 Tim 3:16-17), well if this is God's word we need to be seeking it for answers.

Third, pray according to God's will for our lives (1 John 5:14-15). Now I know many things can be going through your head about now, "How do I know God's will, That's what I'm already praying for", calm down and take a deep breath. This can be frustrating especially when you feel you need and answer and have been doing what you believe/know is right. Might I suggest rereading steps 1 & 2 and working on that? I must be honest it took me time to understand the difference between head knowledge and my heart actually believing things. We often know things about God but live slightly different. If you trust in HIM, and trust HIS words well then, praying HIS words or seeking HIM out through HIS words becomes more doable. Remember the parade illustration, we don't want to think more of our perspective then we should.

Fourth and this is not exhaustive in any way, "BE PATIENT". If you are looking to hear from God, and truly hear His answer, then you have to wait for it. Taking matters into your own hands doesn't make things better. Getting upset when you don't hear what you want to hear from God doesn't help either. John 10:14, 27 suggest that if you belong to Christ then you will know when He speaks.

Each of the five senses are deeply connected to each other, so use the God given abilities that you have wisely. If you are truly seeking His voice, seek it with a sincere heart, as you search through the scriptures letting the Holy Spirit guide you.

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:20

Blessings, Stay Faithful Friends

Emotional Endurance

The heart is able to endure the worst of circumstances. Our emotions can find themselves on a roller-coaster ride in which we are not in control. Or are we? When do we get off? When do we decide that the up & down motions has made our hearts so sick that each valve is being chocked with unhappiness. Its like ever part of your body cries out for relief and doesn't find it. What do people do in this state? What do you do in this state?

Church - Is it really necessary? (Intro)

So my brother in Christ put up an interesting status on his Facebook account and it got me thinking about how serious of an issue this is. This post had many comments and seemed to express many of the concerns I have heard from other people. Here is the status as written on his Facebook page:

"Question! This is to all my friends out there, who are so anti-church, can you give me your reasons why you despise church. This goes for the atheists, agnostics, those who profess to be christians, but say things like " I JUST DON'T GO TO CHURCH"....please enlighten me."

So this got me thinking... Why is it that people are against church? What is that people are against God? I would love to explore these questions and the various issues they bring up.

Let me know your thoughts and we will take time to chat about them.

Blessings to all.