Influence

 "I believe that one reason why the church of God at this present moment has so little influence over the world is because THE WORLD HAS SO MUCH INFLUENCE OVER THE CHURCH." ~ Charles Spurgeon


    I think Spurgeon hit the nail on the head with that quote.  So many are more concerned with what our culture says is okay than what is Biblically correct.  We excuse bad behavior as just being a free spirit or that's just how things are these days.  No.. it's lack of teaching right from wrong and having proper expectations.
    The devil uses his influence best in areas where we are lukewarm.  We need to be bold and stand firm in our beliefs.  Politicians and the subject of gay marriage are a prime example of the sway in beliefs.  It is politically correct to be for it but there is no doubt it is Biblically incorrect.  'For what shall a man profit, if he gains the world but loses his soul?'  Mark 8;36
     Are you a light to others in this dark world?  Do you hide behind the curtain on sensitive topics?  It's important to be a guiding light and not a blaze burner.  We want to be contagious but not in a way that makes others avoid you and your 'soap box'.  Use your influence to build others up in Christ so they may see the world differently and not as their home.

No Where to Hide

    We have all wanted to hide and escape for awhile.  Not even the bathroom is safe for parents with persistant kids.  My friend tells her kids, 'unless you're bleeding, go away.'
    As the police search today for the second suspect of the Boston Marathon bombing, it is just a matter of time before being caught.  It's not 'if' but 'when' and lessening the threat of more harm.  The lockdown of Boston hopes to keep people safer and hinders the hiding in the crowd idea.
    We cannot hide from God.  He sees all, knows all and is everywhere.  The joke about 'whether the man in the woods is still wrong, even if he's alone' can remind us that if it's wrong in God's eyes then yes, it's wrong anywhere and everywhere.  Unless you are saved and your wrongs are erased then judgement day will recall all your hidden secrets and you will have no where to hide.
    Your attempts to hide anything from God are as obvious as an ostrich burying his head in the sand.

Tired

    Who hasn't said this?  I think I've said it my whole life.  Sometimes we just feel drained and need a little more time in the refueling station.  Have you ever felt that you've...talked your head off, worked your tail off, cried your eyes out, walked your legs off, or sang your heart out?  Then you feel there's nothing left of you.
     We are not all on the same clock or journey.  It is our job to encourage people in their walk with the Lord, but they must be ready.  We can't force people when they just keep hitting the snooze to life's alarm of their eternal destiny.
     Rest in the peace of the Lord but don't waste your days in slumber.  Romans 13; 11-12  'And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.'

It's a God Thing

    Sometimes when you feel blessed, you can't give anything or anyone the credit but God.  That is  what I've felt the past couple of weeks.  'It's a God thing' that I've been doing so well lately.  I wish I could say it's because of exercise, the time of year or my eating habits so that I could continue with it but I can't so I'm just going to take it and count it as a blessing.
    I'll mention a few examples.  I went to the George Strait concert the other night with friends.  Yes, I took my air but even then I usually need to cough.  This night was 4 hours with no cough, just a fun night.  I usually have to cough after I eat but I've enjoyed eating out a few times lately without the rush to get back home.  I've enjoyed being at church for longer than just the service and felt good enough to hang out and visit for an extra hour.
    I can't explain it so I just give God the glory and enjoy it.  'His love endures forever.'

Mirror, Mirror

    Most of us are vain and check the mirror for physical or cosmetic flaws.  It is good to check yourself but do you see past that?  God does.  What does your image reflect spiritually?  We too often see 'pretty' people in the world with an ugly attitude.  'God doesn't like ugly.'
    Our walk in this life is meant to transform us into the likeness of Christ.  Colossians 3;12  'Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.'  Our talk must match our walk otherwise others will see the hypocrisy in our reflection.  The impression you leave on someone is from your total package.  Some people look smart until they open their mouths and remove all doubt. 
    Your TOM's will do nothing to help your walk with the Lord, so make sure that what people really see in you will show them the Spirit of Christ.  'You may be the only Bible they see.'

No Fear

    Do you walk with confidence because the Lord is your Shepherd?  or... Do you walk around oblivious to the dangers around you relying on your own strength?  The former is much better and peaceful than the latter.
    This chicken, often like us, doesn't appreciate how death will come like a thief in the night and we must be prepared.  We just strut around living a life centered on our little coop.  Our feathers get ruffled when we end up in the valleys but do we praise our Protector?
    'Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.' Psalm 23;6
    If your trust comes from the Lord, your paths will be on the right direction.  If your trust is in yourself or your works, you will forever fall short.  We are saved by grace, not by works.

Giving Back

     What is a tithe?  A tenth part of one's annual income contributed voluntarily, especially for the support of the clergy or church.  Well that's the dictionary's definition but it's really a way of giving back to the Kingdom to show your gratitude to God.  It furthers the work of the gospel here in our local churches.
     Don't you think you've already got a good deal with all the blessings you've received?  Some people want to give little or nothing back in return.  Do you think that because tomorrow is tax day that you've given enough?  The Bible says 'So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”  The IRS nor does God accept a groupon or substitutes.  Cain wanted to give an alternative to a blood offering but that was unacceptable to God.
     It's important in this age of 'getting a free ride in life' kind of thinking to teach kids at a young age to not just be takers but more importantly to be givers of gratitude.

The Winds of Life

     Big winds have never been my friend.  I've been blown over once in Rochester, MN.  I also remember my UCA days and maneuvering myself down the sidewalk behind the science building.  It was kind of sloped and my heavy backpack helped to keep my balance but I stopped in my tracks when the wind blew.  It was just enough to tip me over.  It never did knock me down because I held on tight and believed I could make it.
     Change is not my friend either.  I like the patterns and routines in my life.  New people, new ideas, new routines do not come in easily into my life but transition in.
     So to say that big winds of change are not my friend is an understatement.  I cannot nor do I face them alone.  I believe God is always with me and I hold tight to His promises.  'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'  There have been times when we've all just assumed to have been swept away by those winds of life but I believe God will finish the work He began in us.
     It's a common reaction to lower our heads when facing a strong wind in our face so maybe we should also bow our heads and pray when the winds of life hit us as well.

Who Listens?

   Who hasn't felt like the yellow traffic light?  Kids are not alone in this, as adults also feel unheard in the workplace, the home, or even in church matters.  It is good to give advice as a warning but you are only responsible for what you say, not what they hear.  Selective hearing is a form of ignoring the precautious warning.  Just like the yellow light cautions us, we can choose to slow down and heed the danger or we can speed right thru the warning and risk the consequences.
   The Bible is our traffic light to life.  It tells us what we need to STOP doing.  It CAUTIONS us with the consequences to our sinful actions and thoughts.  It also tells us what to GO and do unto others and how to glorify God.
   Is God saying you never listen to Him?  Are you ignoring Him and paying the consequences?  I urge you to screech to a halt and stop living a life for yourself and go live a life that glorifies your Creator.

It's a God Thing

    One might think that because my body in general is not strong in the muscle department that my eyesight would be weak as well.  That couldn't be farther from the truth. I can't explain it because our eyes are dependent on the optic muscles.  Therefore, 'It's a God thing' that my vision is as sharp as a hawk.  Some people refer to me as 'eagle eye.'  I can see a black ant across the room on berber carpet, while others say where, where?  My eyes also see the big picture despite it's lack of presence before me because of my vision of faith.  My hope lies more in what I can't see yet, but it is backed by the proof I see now.
    People often have hardened hearts and don't see what is right before them.  Jesus reminded the witnesses of His feeding the thousands with 5 loaves of bread.  Mark 8;18  '' Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember?''  Some can't see the forest for all the trees.  Many get caught up in the details trying to explain it all and they miss the obvious work of God before their very eyes.
    One day the veil will be lifted and both the blind and the ones who can see now, will see it all clearly.

Cosby Says......

          I'm handing today's blog over to Bill Cosby.  I saw this on facebook and just thought I would share it with you.  Today's culture can limit you, even in the land of opportunity.


They're standing on the corner and they can't speak English.
I can't even talk the way these people talk: Why you ain't, Where you is, What he drive, Where he stay, Where he work, Who you be...
And I blamed the kid until I heard the mother talk. And then I heard the father talk.

Everybody knows it's important to speak English except these knuckleheads. You can't be a doctor with that kind of crap coming out of your mouth. In fact you will never get any kind of job making a decent living.

People marched and were hit in the face with rocks to get an Education, and now we've got these knuckleheads walking around.

The lower economic people are not holding up their end in this deal. These people are not parenting. They are buying things for kids.
$500 sneakers for what?

And they won't spend $200 for Hooked on Phonics.

I am talking about these people who cry when their son is standing there in an orange suit. Where were you when he was 2? Where were you when he was 12? Where were you when he was 18 and how come you didn't know that he had a pistol?

And where is the father? Or who is his father?

People putting their clothes on backward: Isn't that a sign of something gone wrong?
People with their hats on backward, pants down around the crack, isn't that a sign of something?

Isn't it a sign of something when she has her dress all the way up and got all type of needles [piercing] going through her body? What part of Africa did this come from??
We are not Africans. Those people are not Africans; they don't know a thing about Africa.

I say this all of the time. It would be like white people saying they are European-American. That is totally stupid.

I was born here, and so were my parents and grand parents and, very likely my great grandparents. I don't have any connection to Africa, no more than white Americans have to Germany , Scotland , England , Ireland , or the Netherlands . The same applies to 99 percent of all the black Americans as regards to Africa . So stop, already! ! !
With names like Shaniqua, Taliqua and Mohammed and all of that crap ......... And all of them are in jail.

Brown or black versus the Board of Education is no longer the white person's problem.
We have got to take the neighborhood back.
People used to be ashamed. Today a woman has eight children with eight different 'husbands' -- or men or whatever you call them now.

We have millionaire football players who cannot read. We have million-dollar basketball players who can't write two paragraphs. We, as black folks have to do a better job.

Someone working at Wal-Mart with seven kids, you are hurting us.
We have to start holding each other to a higher standard.
We cannot blame the white people any longer.'

Dr. William Henry 'Bill' Cosby, Jr., Ed. D.

WELL SAID, BILL It's NOT about color...It's about behavior!

Pause

    In this world, we often react too quickly to just about everything.  Pause should be a common word to us, not a foreign word.  What's the rush?  Where's the fire?  Taking a moment can prevent impulsive reactions that do more harm than good.
    Even in the Psalms, the word 'Selah' means pause and praise.  Selah occurs 71 times in the Psalms.  It means take the time to consider what you just read.  Pausing stresses the importance of the meaning of the words David wrote.
    If we would stop our own line of thinking and pause to get God's direction, then we would lead more peaceful lives.  I'm not saying it's easy not to be trigger happy with our words but it would be better.
    You can't spell 'pause' without the 'use'... coincidence, I think not.

Know the Difference

     Okay, I don't care what anyone says, now that's funny.  I love cool frogs and they are my theme in my room during the summertime.  I think this lil guy is pretty cool.
     The point of this blog post is the difference between confidence and arrogance.  Confidence is believing in yourself and trying despite the obstacles with a humble attitude.  Arrogance is a bragging persona that thinks too highly of themselves despite their obvious faults.  Confidence is respected while arrogance is a deterrent. 'Confidence comes not from always being right, but from not fearing to be wrong.' 'Arrogance is weakness disguised as strength.'  'Arrogance is knowledge without the wisdom.'  I would say humility is the bridge between the two and we must tread carefully.
    Who do you want in your court?  The one who can walk the walk but may fall or the one who talks the talk but can't walk at all?

Not Alone

   Sometimes we feel like whatever we are going through, we are all alone and no one else bears that burden.  It's not true.  I can tell you living with a progressive disease is an adaptive work in progress.  You encounter new struggles and have to figure your way through them.
   One of my obstacles is having to cough and getting back home in time to use my cough assist machine.  It limits your range of travel because it's a matter of how long you can wait or struggle till you can cough.  For example, I won't go to LR if I'm not doing well in general and Hot Springs is out of the question unless we take the motor home.  It's very frustrating to want to go but fearful to do so...and I'm not a fearful person without cause.
    We have searched and tried different battery power sources but they aren't pure or strong enough electrically for my power hungry cough helper.  Today, I searched the internet and found other people who have already traveled my road and shared their solutions.  It puts a hope in my heart and eases my mind for the future.  I'm thankful for those people who help others with their stories and advice.
    This is just another example of God providing and meeting my needs in His timing.  [No, I don't have it yet or worked out but I trust I will.]  God is good, all the time... and that's that.

Problems

    How true is this caption?  I think it hits home with how we often deal with the problems we face.  We feed the problem, we point blame for our problems and we replay them in our minds like a broken record.  Often our last resort is turning to God when we realize we are empty handed in our ability to fix anything.
   'Struggles are required in order to survive in life, because in order to stand up in life, you have to know what falling down is like.'  We are meant to learn from our trials.  God gave us the gift of memory to help us not repeat bad decisions but also to remember His faithfulness through those difficult times.  'Problems are not stop signs but are guidelines to a better future.'
    God wants us to 'Come to Him, all ye who are weary and burdened, He will give you rest.'

It's a God Thing

     Did you cringe when you saw or heard about the compound break of the Louisville basketball player's leg Sunday?   Oww, you know that had to hurt to the max.  The force on the bone from the fall was just too great a pressure for it to be absorbed.
     It made me think of all the falls I have had so far.  Yes there are too many to count but I can't count any as graceful.  'It's a God thing' that as many times as I've bit the dust, the only bones I've broken are my nose and little toe.  When I say 'only' I'm not discounting them as trivial because the pain was as real as anything else.  What often hurts the worst is our pride.  Good grief, did anybody see that?  Sometimes we need a little leveling to get level headed again.
    Psalm 34;19-20  'The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.'
    Proverbs 16;18  'Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.'

Friendship

'A friend loves at all times.'  Proverbs 17;17

     Friendships are a true gift from God, especially when we use our influence with each other to glorify Him.  Each friend has a special quality that encourages us in our daily walk.  'A friend gives us the total freedom to be ourselves.'
    As much as Snoopy or any other dog thinks they are man's best friend, there is only one 'perfect friend' that can and does meet all our needs.  God is full of advice, always ready to listen, available to lean on, will never leave your side, loves you, holds your hand with a smile, and is awaiting the time for you to be together.
    You have to be a friend to have friends.  I want my friends to know the Friend that will not fail them because I and other friends will fall short at times.  There is the One who we can turn to 24/7 and be lifted up from any trouble we encounter.  He is like the stars, we can't always see them but they are always there.

The Thoughts That Went Into It

    As we drove down a street adjacent to ours today, I could see the beginning processes of a new subdivision being built.  What has been a wooded area for all my years here is now being transformed with the power of bull dozers and saws.  The underground pipes wait their turn to be laid.  It is an overwhelming process beyond my thoughts of what, when and where things should go.
    Even more incomprehensible is God's creation of everything under the sun in this world, plus the heavens above us as well.  How can you look around on this gorgeous spring day and not see His handiwork displayed?  'How great Thou art' is the biggest understatement of all time but it's a praise intended statement.
   Psalm 14; 1-2  ''The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.''
   It's no joke to be the fool who believes and relies on his own understanding.

Teach Them

    It is up to you as parents to not only teach your kids about Christ but to show them how to live a life as a follower of Him.  They most likely won't learn it from school or television but will instead be shown a worldly, sin based lifestyle.  The liberal and atheist movement is in full force now but we must stand firm in God's way of living, not man's.  'Strive to be Biblically accurate, rather than politically correct.'
    Children are a reflection of us.  They are little repeaters and they will imitate what they see.  What is important to you, will plant a seed in them but you must cultivate it into their daily lives.
    We need to teach them church isn't a Sunday routine but it is something we apply into our everyday lives.  Build a foundation in them that will stand forever.  'On this Solid Rock I stand.'

Good Friday

     Today is Good Friday, so what does that mean to you?  A day off from work and a three day weekend?  A day that you hope will bring you good things?  Or the day when we remember Jesus sacrifice on the cross for our sins?
     He paid the debt for our sins because we had no way to bridge the gap between us and God.  Our sinful nature separates us from God.  ''God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.'' 2 Corinthians 5:21
    What a time of mourning it would be if we didn't know His Resurrection was coming in three days?  Jesus foretold them to ease their minds back then but they in turn had to believe.
    The same is true today.  The Bible tells us of both things of the past and the future but it is up to us to believe it.  Faith helps us to believe even when we don't understand.
    It is a Good Friday to me because my appointment in eternity is set and confirmed because of His blood shed for me.