Sometimes You Just Got to..."Regroup"

Life can "take-off" on ya...if you know what I mean. It seems you can be "calm and cool" one minute, and then things happen, often bringing confusion and sometimes disappointments...because we are all caught up trying to figure things out in our daily lives and particularly when things do not turn out the way we had hoped...it happens to all of us.....

 Jeremiah faced these types of scenarios. He got to a point where everything he had wanted to happen...did not happen...and as a result, he felt his life was a complete failure. Jeremiah had been hoping the people of Israel would turn their hearts completely over to the Lord when Jeremiah spoke to them...but...that really didn't happen.
 As a result, doubt began to creep into Jeremiah's life. It's easy to do, and we all have done it...sometimes repeatedly. The problem with doubt is it allows other matters that we face in our daily lives...to take control of us. As a result, our trust in Christ Jesus is challenged, and we begin to focus on these "other matters", trying to look for our own rational reasonings on how to overcome these matters which are often some form of adversity we face in our lives.
 Jeremiah fought with these type of thoughts. It's a lesson in life every believer in Christ faces in their lives...sometimes multiple times. 

 Here is what I have noticed when I face those times: I get so focused on finding a way of success on a particular issue I am facing, the simple acts of obedience to Him seems to get "lost in the shuffle". In other words, daily prayers, a time of worship, pondering on Scripture...all that seems to get set aside as I only long for one thing....how do I make my efforts successful. 
 I'm not saying it's wrong to seek solutions to daily encounters or problems we face in life, it's just that when I sacrifice my obedience to Him...it only enhances the problem I face.
 When Doubt begins to take a foothold in life, he brings his "friends" along with him. Doubt often leads to disappointments, self-pity, and even bitterness..especially when the results don't turn out the way I think they should.

 So...I got to "regroup".

 First, I got to take a little time and allow God to find entrance in my heart...examine all the stuff in there...and be still for a time and allow His thoughts to penetrate into...my thoughts.
 I need to remind myself of all the great things God has already done for me...and how He has remained faithful to me throughout my years of knowing Him, and He will continue to do things for me...again and again. This is not a time for me to allow my "emotions of the moment" dictate any decisions I am about to make.
 Then, as I return my focus to recognizing my need and dependence on Him, I become more determined to trust and honor Him by placing all of my issues in life...back into His hands. My concentration is then to...worship...and find ways to honor Him.

 God is wanting me to find my contentment...in Him, no matter how bad the situation is at the moment or how bad I have messed my life up...His first requirement is for me to release everything...over to Him. Then, as I gather His strength and kind of relax in His Presence, I am much more equipped and in a better mental state to take on the issues I may be faced with.

Easier said than done?...Sometimes...but it is the best way to go, at least in my mind. And honestly, I think Jeremiah came to this conclusion as well....

                                   A Gleaning from Jeremiah 29:11-14

 " Here then is where we need to begin: First, establish this in your very hearts and daily lives..." I the Lord am very much aware of your thoughts and the things you are going through. What you are not aware of is this: I know the plans I have for you...and these plans are good..not plans that give you over to Evil. The plans I have for you are for your very welfare and provide you with My peace. Your future is secure... a future full of hope...a future that includes success...and not one that is of never-ending suffering.
 In the days that lie ahead, make it your highest level of calling to seek and ask for Me in your life, and do this as friends, putting some trust into this and having a grateful heart of worship.
When we enter this type of friendship, I will not only hear you...I will walk with you...every step of the way. Because you have looked for Me with all your heart...in the midst of trouble and confusing times...You will have found I am with you the entire time.
 When our hearts come together like this, Your trust will be in knowing the "time of release", these issues and problems you face will no longer make you feel your are a captive, rather, it will be a time things will turn around and you will find the comfort you so desperately seek...in Me, and before your eyes is...the very homeland (the answers to the issues at hand)..that I have already arranged and given to you."

NOTE: Years ago there was a song sung by Simon and Garfunkel named: " A Bridge over 
Troubled Water". It's a beautiful song, and I have heard many sing this song...even in churches like choirs etc. There are various ways to look at the meanings that can be applied to our lives through the words of this song...and yet one that stands out for me: Every time I come to a place of "troubled water" in my life, there never seems to be a bridge to walk over...Christ Jesus prefers for Him and I...to walk right through...the troubled water. I don't know if He just doesn't like bridges or what (lol), yet regardless, we seem to make it ok...to the other side.

 As for Jeremiah, he lived during one of the most crucial periods of Jewish history. He actually saw the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple. Much of his life he lamented over the terrible fate of his people, faced false prophets, and was physically persecuted. Through all this, Jeremiah still trusted the Lord and kept his heart focused on His promises.
 Although there are no real records as to when or where he may have died, it is written the Babylonians (who destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple) showed great kindness to Jeremiah and gave him his choice as to where he might have chosen to live.

Christianity..."How did this thing all start anyway?" part 2

Jesus...is the only founder of ancient religions...who is Alive.....

 One unique characteristic of Christ Jesus is His claim to: "He died for you." Buddha, Dragon, Mohammad brought examples on how to live our lives, and passed this information on to their followers, yet the responsibility was for each follower to live up to the standard that their founders had set. Yet, none of the founders of various religions could make right their followers relationship to God...it was the responsibility of the follower to turn from evil and to be good.

 Jesus said there is no amount of righteousness His followers could do to set their lives right with the Heavenly Father, it could only come about...through Him.  Mankind's sin was simply too great, and it can only be made right through the death and resurrection of...Christ Jesus.

 The transformation of the followers of Jesus...required His blood be spilled upon a cross, to face Death and break free from it's hold, and through His work we as His followers can come into the Presence...of God Himself.
 It's hard to understand the depth of this and almost has a "magical" allure...but in reality, this work at the Cross...is far from a fairy tale.

 In Saint Paul's letter to the Romans, Paul gives a brief description to what exactly has happened and the benefits Christ Jesus has made for us.
  
                                                      A Gleaning from Romans 3:21-24

 " For now we find God treating us much better than we ever deserve, and this has been made possible because in our very lifetimes something entirely new has happened! God has provided a new and different way to Heaven..a road that leads to His very Presence. This way is not based on "being good enough...like being good little boys and girls when in school", because it is obvious to us all no matter how hard we try, we fail at times and fail to meet the requirements. As a result, we disrespect the One we are trying to adhere to.
 Even the Old Testament prophets and writers...who actually wrote the Laws for us to follow....knew of something better that was to come!
 And here it is: We are now declared righteous and accepted by God...when we establish a personal trust and confidence in the Messiah...that being our Lord Jesus...who has no favorites!
 Reality is this: we have all sinned...and continue to do so. We have fallen short of God's ideals, and there is no amount of our own merits that can correct that.
 Yet, out of Heaven comes a new sound: "We are declared...Not Guilty! Our sin has been erased!" How can that of happened? Who could make this possible? The answer is the Lord Jesus. It has been His desire from the very beginning for each one of us to be a part of His Kingdom, and He fulfilled His desire....through the work He accomplished at the Cross, and now joyfully leads us...into the very Presence...of His Father!"


 Saint Paul, a champion of following "The Law", a great student of "The Commandments"...was thrown off a horse and brought to the ground...awoke with the starling reality how cruel a man he was...in the eyes of God...entirely missing the true meaning of the "The Law and the message of the Prophets." 
 If Paul, who thought he was doing the Will of God prior to the Damascus incident...do you really think we know the way to the Father...without Him? After all, how much good is required of us to do...to get God's approval? If Paul thought he was doing God a favor by destroying believers who had put their faith in Christ Jesus...what "favors" are we doing that rationalizes God will accept us? 
 Even when we see great and unselfish acts of those around us...to the point of giving their lives up for our safety and preservation...it is truly an appreciative time and an observance of others that should never be forgotten...yet even that is not the core of our belief...for God is after something much deeper...He wants our hearts, His desire to embrace us, and now...this has come to fruition through the Lord Jesus Christ."

Now...why was the Blood of Christ Jesus required? What is this deal about Blood...anyway?

Christianity...'How did this thing all start anyway?" part 1

One of my problems is getting a grasp on this whole Christian thing. I really don't have a good grasp on the background and the situations that were involved as to why Jesus came...when He did......

 One thing I have discovered is some of the phrases they used to speak of Jesus weren't always an "original thought or concept." Take the phrase: "Son of God". This phrase was already on certain coins that were used during the days of the Roman Empire. Octavius, better known as Augustus Caesar, had put his image on certain coins with the inscription: "A Son of God" because of his lineage to Julius Caesar, Augustus (meaning to worship) thought this had made him a Deity.
 "King of kings" was another term that was in use when Jesus was given this title. The Persian Empire, when they were in their prime, after conquering other nations, would allow the conquered nations to continue in their current lifestyle including having their own king... as long as they adhered to the laws of Persia and paid taxes to the Persian King...thus the "King of kings".

And miracles?

 Well, Elisha in the Old Testament had a few...

1. One day some Israelites were burying one of their own when some Moabite raiders came toward them. So, they took this dead guy and threw him in a tomb...it happened to be Elisha's tomb...and when this dead man touched the bones of the prophet Elisha...the guy came to life. 
II Kings 13:20-22

2. Elisha prayed an entire army would be struck blind...and they were. II Kings 6: 15-24

3. Elisha fed over 100 men... with 20 loaves of bread...and there was food leftover. II Kings 4: 42-44.

4. The prophet Elisha brought a boy back to life. II Kings 4: 30-36.

All religions seem to have saints including Buddhists, Muslims, and Hindus, and they all write of miracles and many carry the relics of their precious saints, much like Rome with the relics of catholic saints.

 So the question is...What makes Jesus so different? What is it that makes Him the true Son of God and the Only Savior of mankind? And, what was it that caused so many to give up even their lives in service to Him?

 One thing of notable difference...Jesus preached on matters concerning the thoughts of our hearts. He does not try to "control" us by rules and regulations, He doesn't preach a standard of morality that is necessary for us to do in simply to avoid punishment, and He gives us hope of a Kingdom that is based on our hearts...we are not to follow Him as mercenaries. he didn't even leave us a written manual written by Him personally giving His instruction on what we are to do (Yes, I realize the New Testament are instructions...yet these were written through men...His followers).

 Getting back to Augustus Caesar for a moment, who lived shortly before and into the early years Christ came to us through the Virgin Mary and Joseph. Augustus had become extremely popular throughout the Roman Empire in his later years in life (historians claim he lived to be 76 years old), mainly due to the "Pax Romana", a 40 year time of peace throughout the Roman Empire. Augustus was written of in the Sacred Scriptures in Luke 2:1-7. He was the one who caused Joseph and Mary to return home to Joseph's hometown of Nazareth to be registered in a census.
 Augustus, whose real name was Octavius Caesar, had given himself a new title, and from here I would like to see how Jesus and "Augustus" were similar...yet so different.

1. Octavius Caesar did indeed give himself the title of "Augustus", because of his uncle Julius Caesar. Jesus also had a famous lineage going back to King David and the father of the Jewish nation, Abraham.
2. Augustus gave himself this title at a later time of his life. Jesus declared His Divinity as early as age 12, when He spoke to His parents and said: "I must be in My Father's house." Luke 2:49
3. Augustus was popular with the masses, yet he feared his rivals. Jesus was also popular with the masses, yet did not fear any who might turn against Him.
4. Augustus...eliminated enemies. Jesus declared: "Love your enemies".
5. Augustus was famous for the "Pax Romana", keeping peace in the Roman Empire...for over 40 years. Jesus spoke of "Peace", yet the "Peace" He spoke of was between God and the rebelliousness of man.
6 Augustus feared betrayal of those around him and created the "Praetorian Guard", consisting of 5000 men. Jesus surrounded Himself with...12 men, of which one of the 12 would betray Him. 
7. Augustus sustained the "Pax Romana" through the strength of the military Roman legions. Jesus offers Peace to His followers...by dying on a Roman cross, and to put their trust...in Him.
8.Augustus had 28 Roman legions at his beckoned command, Jesus could call down 12 legions of angels ( in the Old Testament, one angel cut down 185000 Assyrians), but did not. His purpose for us was not by strength in numbers, rather by the surrender of our hearts.
9. Augustus controlled over 5 million Roman citizens, Jesus never sought to control us, rather, through His death and resurrection, we would give our hearts and lives voluntarily, and find our freedom in having full joy in this life...through knowing Him. His numbers...are still growing today...
10. Augustus and the Roman Empire came to an end in 476 A.D. Jesus and His Kingdom...has no end and continues to grow today.
11. Augustus remains in the grave, Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father....the grave was unable to contain Him.

 This is a simple comparison of the Roman Emperor...to Jesus. There are many others I could look at...the great Pharoahs of Egypt, the Persian and Greek Empires, and the great Empires of the East. Yet, none of these empires are here today...for the corruption and sin...got the best of them.
 As for Jesus, He is not only Alive...His church is as big as ever.

Still...what is so different about Jesus?.....

Everything as an "Appointed Time"..... "The Poem"

I am sitting here...wishing and hoping for Spring! I don't hear any woodpeckers yet, "drilling" away to mark their personal domain for this year...and of course, to "impress the ladies". I don't hear frogs beginning to croak as they come out of their mud of hibernation, I don't see the maple trees start to bud yet, nor do I see the birds here in mass quantities... like the ring-tailed ducks in flight, purple finches, sparrows, and of course...the "Red Red Robins" in the yard looking for earthworms (that would be kind of hard to do with 6 " of snow still on the ground).
 But I still hope...and I know Spring is coming!

 This week's forecast is a "cold one"...yet each day I know we are closer...to new life about to take place.

 In the book of Ecclesiastes, there is a famous poem that has been quoted for centuries...in books, songs, memoirs, and funerals. This famous poem is a strong reminder that...."Timing is everything...in this present life."

 The word "Ecclesiastes" means: "when one gathers a group of people together"....like a seasoned teacher or a philosopher, sharing their unique views on everyday life.
 King Solomon of the ancient times would certainly be a man with those virtues, and here, it is he who is the author of this well thought out and immensely powerful set of verses.
 King Solomon is toward the end of his reign as the great king of Judah, and writes of things we often wander about even today:
 1. We see people being cruel to others...and yet the ones who extended such cruelty...never seem to suffer for it.
2. People who work hard...never seem to receive the benefits...of doing so.
3. People who put their trust in God seem to suffer the most, and the "bad people" seem to get all the good things this life has to offer.
4. Bad and Good people die the same way, just as wise and foolish people do as well.

 It's a bold move by King Solomon, even though his own life is near the end, he is not afraid to express his real thoughts before others...and before God Himself. He seems to "tally" what he has seen in his own life, and now draws some conclusions....in a respectable and honorable way before God and man, with the freedom of expression that does not give any indication Solomon is in fear "God will smack him in the head" for expressing himself.
 Instead, it seems almost a type of confession with this thought in mind...."God, even though you have made me a very wise man, I still am unable answer the most basic questions of life", for You and You alone are the "Sovereign God".
 Solomon addresses the physical world we live in and hardships we face, then moves on to the thoughts that are deep within our own hearts.
 After all this "soul-searching" has concluded in the book of Ecclesiastes, he finishes his thoughts in chapter 12:13-14 with this: " For all wisdom comes down to this: Respect and Obey God! This is really what life is all about, and this is my final conclusion of which I share with you...now. That's it! There is a time...God brings everything out into the open, and will make His decisions on how we are in life....from the very true intents that we have formed...in our own hearts...whether we have chosen His Way of Goodness...or whether we have embraced The Way of Evil."

 In Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 is what many refer to as: "The Poem"....

                                 A Gleaning from Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8

" Everything on this earth...has an opportune time, a purpose or a season, under Heaven.

 There is a time we are born,
 And then comes a time we die.

 There is a time for us to plant, 
 And yet another time for us to harvest what we have planted.

 There comes a time we are forced to kill,
 And yet another time we must allow ourselves time to heal.

 There are times in our lives we break down and destroy what has been built,
 and yet another time we are to construct and build once more. 

 There are times in our lives we weep...and cry with deep emotion,
 And yet other times we find ourselves laughing and dancing with joyous celebration!

 There are times we lament...throwing stones wildly and aimlessly,
 And still...there are times we gather our stones in uniform and unique manners.

 Some times in life we wish to be left alone, refusing to be embraced,
 While at other stages in life we hunger for companionship... that warm embrace.

 There comes times in our lives we pursue and seek after things,
 While at other times we simply grow still, and entirely give up on any pursuit.

 There comes a time we are torn from another or from the things we do,
 And other times we are sewn together from wounds we have incurred.

 There are times we find ourselves in a position it is best to be silent, 
 And yet another time we need to express those things buried deep within our hearts.

 There are times in our lives we offer love and compassion,
 And yet other times we disdain and hate the very things in life that we see happen.

 There are times in life we approach others with our "war paint" on,
 And yet, there are those times in life we come in "Peace",
 Finding a way to live along side...one another."


 What is remarkable to me about "The Poem", is the fact much of what we do in life isn't really about God...it's about us, and the choices we make. When God's judgment does come upon us, it's not so much what we did to Him....it's what we did to each other.

"My Personal Take...on Lent"

In preparation of Lent 2014, the "Challenge of Lent" is becoming more of a serious issue with me... that being to consider my lifestyle in a way Saint Paul has written in his various letters....train like an athlete preparing for Olympic competition..........

 I think the Season of Lent has changed over the years since it's conception. The original thought was a 40 day preparation that would conclude with a water baptism at Easter, signifying a life that is publically noted to have been given over to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
 Today, although I am sure in some denominations this may still be going on, yet for the many who have already given their lives to Christ Jesus through baptism, what are we to do now...in observance of Lent?

 First, I think it is important to recognize why we are here...on earth. Is our top priority in life ... to help others?...give to others through numerous charities and fundraisers?...honor God through our church involvement? Although all these things have merit, and are actually commanded for us to do in the Sacred Scriptures, yet our top priority in life is...in whatever we do in our daily thoughts and lifestyles...we are to do so that all the honor...all the glory...is given to Him.
 There are numerous and varied Scriptures that point us in this direction...and I would just note a few:
 1. Psalm 34:3 " O magnify the Lord...with me!, and let us exalt His Name...together!" (Amplified version).
 The word "magnified" is from the Hebrew word "baruch", almost having a "boasting" meaning to this word. Here in this Psalms it signifies we are to let others know how great this God of ours really is...to make God even bigger! The truth is, we cannot make God bigger, yet what we can do is bring this great God of ours...closer for others to see His Goodness in our lives. The thing that really strikes me about this verse is the emphasis given...we are to do this thing together. So, how do we do this? One way is the recognition we are sinners saved by His Grace, and we can give all the glory in our lives through obeying what He has commanded us to do in the Sacred Scriptures, for it is when we walk in obedience to Him...we magnify Him... we glorify Him...and we assist others in coming to...Him!

2. Habakkuk 2:14 "The time will come when all the earth is filled, just as the waters cover the sea, with an awareness of the glory of the Lord." ( the Living Translation).
 Here the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk is amazed how the Babylonian Empire gets away with worshipping false gods, cruelty to others, and their selfishness to take from others and yet are never satisfied in having enough. Yet, in all this God assures Habakkuk the godless lives of the Babylonians will meet their end, and they too will come to the conclusion...all glory and all honor belongs only...to the Lord. We, as Christians today must continue to exercise our faith and give all the honor and glory to our God through our own lifestyles...regardless of what may appear before our very eyes.

3. Saint Luke 2: 13-14   " Suddenly, there appeared before the shepherds, along with the first angel, an entire company of angels, armed warriors of our great God, and the shepherds could hear them praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and He brings with Him Peace...to both men and women who have found favor in Him!" ( various translations).
 Again, what is the first announcement given at the time of Christ's birth as described here in Saint Luke? The first announcement is..."Glory to God...". That is the top priority in all matters concerning life...we are to give glory to God...above all else. We do with with our voices, our thoughts, our daily routines,...in everything we do...we are to give glory to the Lord. This, in my opinion is the true message...the real challenge of Lent. 

 One of my personal favorite things to do each morning, soon after I awake, is to allow the words of "The Doxology" to enter my thoughts and come from my lips. It seems to have a power for me that helps in starting my day right. I would challenge you as Lent approaches, to begin the day with the words written by Thomas Ken in 1674. It is based on the hymn "Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun".
 The word "doxology" itself is defined as an expression of praise to God, derived from Greek origin, "doxa" (glory, splendor, grandeur) and "logos" ( spoken word).
 I personally think it is a great way to start the Lent Season!

                                               The Doxology

 " Praise God from whom all Blessings flow,
    Praise Him all creatures here below,
    Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts,
    Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost! Amen"

Lent...Why? part 4 (conclusion)

In 2nd Timothy, Paul again uses the "runner training for the Olympics" analogy in describing how we are to serve Him and spread the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ....

 In chapter 4, Saint Paul is nearing the end of his life. He had recently travelled to Macedonia (near Greece in S.E. Europe), and some historians think Paul may have ventured into Spain during this time period.
 Now, Paul had been put in prison once again in Rome. It was most likely somewhere between 62-64 A.D., and this is where Saint Paul is eventually killed by the Roman Emperor Nero.
 Here in this second letter to Timothy, Paul expresses to Timothy his desire to see him one more time.  Roman prisons were often wet and cold, and Paul requests of Timothy to bring the warm coat with him that Paul had left in Troas. He also asks Timothy to bring along Paul's books and papers that had been left behind by Paul.

 Saint Paul writes this second letter to Timothy in a much more personal manner than many of his other letters. Here Paul encourages Timothy to continue to be strong in his faith with the Lord Jesus, and not to be embarrassed or ashamed of what Christians sometimes go through...like Paul being sentenced to a Roman prison. In fact, Paul goes on to write it should not be an embarrassment to suffer for the Lord Jesus...rather we as Christians must always be ready and prepared for it. 

 In chapter 4, beginning in verse 6....Paul is very much aware...he is about to die.

 Paul writes of how he has poured out his entire life in service to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and can simply...do no more. Paul recognizes he will not be free again, and will remain in the Roman prison until the time of his "departure". The Greek word used in "departure" denotes a successful journey, and Paul seems to look at Death as an escort...to a new and better life.
 Paul then in verse 7 explains to Timothy how this present life is a struggle, and the root cause being we as Christians have embraced the Lord Jesus Christ into our very hearts.
 It is here Paul once again uses the analogy of an athlete in training for competition in a race, and encourages Timothy to "run the race" in this life like a trained athlete in an athletic event, having trained for this "race" for many months and even years...in order to run the distance.
 As for Paul himself, he senses his race is complete, and is now fast approaching the "finish line". Paul writes to Timothy in this matter: " I have completed the race, and now await the Crown, provided by Jesus Christ...the Righteous!

                                           A Gleaning from II Timothy 4: 6-9(a)

 "Timothy, the time has come for you to take over. As for me, it has come time for me...to die. My life has been poured to all as a type of "Drink offering", and now I pour this out at the altar...of our Lord Jesus.
 This "race" that I have been so eagerly engaged in, is the only race worth running! For myself, I have run this race well, fought the good...the worthy...and the honorable fight, and now I have finished the race...keeping my faith in Him...firmly in tact!
 All that remains now is what I will receive in running this race...that being the "Victor's Crown"! Now I am about to hear God our Father shout!...and applause!...for all the work...He has done...through this earthen vessel. As for you Timothy, you too will hear the same from God our Father...you can depend on it!....as well as any who participate in this race....giving all honor...all glory...to Him! 
 Timothy, I only ask that you might make every effort to come to me...as soon as you can!"

 Lent is a time...to embrace Paul's challenge...to all believers!