Horoscopes, prophets and pizza.

These are all things in this world... but are they necessarily good for us?

I just played 2 hours of hockey last night, came home and ate 2 pieces of pizza. Yes, the pizza satisfied my stomach and my hunger... but, there was no nutritional value at all to provide my body w/ the essential nutrients that I depleted at the hockey rink.

There was this magician on cable that was doing unnatural things. People loved him. They were very astonished while I sat there wondering where this man received his wisdom in order to do such acts. Other than the fact of God making these tricks possible, in no way was he glorifying God in these tricks (not to say that these tricks were coming from God- I believe they weren't).

Horoscopes are none the less no different... people are putting hope into a person's wisdom. People are seeking this source of hope for information in how to live their lives. They don't need God... they put their trust in a person to tell them their fortune.

All three of these are feeding us some how... physically, entertaining and spiritual. How do we know what is right or wrong? The bible is the ultimate benchmark in how we should test the things of this world- even the words that are written in this letter. What we tend to believe in is how we are going to live our lives. How we train our minds is what we will become. What we 'sow'... is what we will 'reap'.

It takes discipline in our thinking to discern what we should act on and what to ignore. If I am at a Penguins/Capitals hockey game, I am not going to like Ovechkin's moves- no matter how sweet they are... I am going to yell when Crosby does a back-handed slapshot high to the glove side.

You shouldn't root for the other team. You shouldn't eat pizza as a post workout meal. You shouldn't praise a magician for his trickery. You shouldn't be seeking guidance through horoscopes... IMHO.

These are just my observations and some rules that I implicate into my daily routine and views of what happens in this world we currently live in. The bibles says we are just sojourners here, and we are given an opportunity to live in the Glory of God... or to the dismay of the prince of the earth- satan. We get to chose how we want to live- thats liberty. We are not robots being controlled by God to worship Him, it is in our control if we chose to do so or not.

Are you on autopilot fly out of contol?

Who is @ the controls?

As a radio control airplane flies, it is in perfect unison... flying through the air, being freed from the grips of this world... powered by a source and giving thanks to be able to do something that is awesome.

So, there are three things that are behind the concept of being able to fly a remote control airplane.
1. Theres the controller.
2. Theres the radio transmission.
3. Then theres the reception to be able to execute what the controller desires.

If any one of these criteria fails, the plane is going to do a nosedive into a big pile of destruction.

So, if the controller is perfect... and the transmission is perfect... what can fail?
- That would be the vessel.

If there is a malfunction in the plane, or if it becomes hijacked, or decides to fly independent of the controller- there is always a sense of rejection... or disappointment in not being able to control the airplane.

The controller is Jesus.
The radio transmission is the Holy Spirit.
The vessel is us. The ability to be able to receive the transmission is a gift.

Imagine all of us are flying around. Some of us are flying our own plane, captaining the flight making all the decisions and free roam. But, how many of us have given up our own itinerary to fly in accordance to a plan that is available and already predestined and set for us- if we surrender to it?

But, can't we just have fun and have the ability to have free-will? God gives us Liberty to go out on our own and live... to do some barrel rolls or flips. But w/out Love or radio transmission, we are just going about our own flight plan in self-righteousness. So, it is still important to be w/in range of the radio frequency, because there are going to be places where the controller just doesn't want us to go- though sometimes we go out of range and begin to live according to our own ways.

The transmission is always there- not to say that I have always been in range... even in recent history. And when I do find myself out of range (w/out knowing), I can testify that I have flown into a few trees here and there. So, I go back to say that I did a wrong and seek the correction to my faultiness in order to seek how the controller desires for me to fly in my free will.

But, who do you say that I am?

Matthew 16:15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

They were in a personal relationship w/ Jesus. Spending time w/ Him, seeking Him and His ways.

They did not go to the bars at night and return to Him the next day. They did not goto happy hour, then return to Him in the evening.

Peter said that He was the Christ, the Son of the living God. Peter could only know that by being in a personal relationship with Him. He surrendered his life to Him, following Him and His teaching. Christ 'revealed' Himself to Peter and the others- that is how they knew who He was in the response given.

Only a dedicated life will be blessed- nothing ritualistic... I only know from experience. Being careful not to walk in front of Him, letting your pride to lead you.

17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.

God is in control

As I live by faith, I can live in peace.

When I am at my weakest... I am my strongest.

I have been strengthened and have been delivered from the mouth of the lion.


As I look back to all the blessings that God has put me through- the thick and thin, I am forever greatful- praising the God most high.

I have been through the burning furnace that Nebegnego went through... I was not consumed by the fire, but sustained as Christ was with me in that furnace.

What am I missing when I am in disobedience... the ability to recognize His voice of reason. There is no dedication in seeking His presence. As He humbled me in quieting my spirit, I thanked Him for ALL that He has done, doing and going to do. He is my provider, my strength, my Savior. I am fully dependent upon His Love, His Grace His Mercy and I praise Him for being who His is... how much He Loves us.

I cannot increase the faith inside of me. I cannot love someone as He loves me, unless He grants me the ability to do so.

Lord, would you throw yourself into my face so that I cannot so no to You- in the name of Jesus I ask, amen.

"just saying"

23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

Of what can it hurt to be a witness for the Law of God before men?

Thats who Christ was before all of us. Thats whom I proclaimed before men this past weekend when I had a chance. But, as I look at that scenario... I ponder how much more can I be a better witness in the future?

It really doesn't take a whole lot... it just takes a ever slight correction. It doesn't have to be harsh, full of criticism. For starters... it could just be sharing SOME Truth. People are so resistant to God to begin with- I don't think that we can feed them whole food when they are still nursing.

"Just saying"

Eyes of lust. Thirst for alcohol. Reactions in judgement.

How do I combat these of which God has revealed to me through my thought, word and deed.



Character of the New Man

Colossians3:12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

All the sin that I cause and the sin around me, is spread with such venosity throughout. So, how do we combat this viral sickness that is shared everyday? By sharing His Truth... standing firmly.... not in haste- but in Love. In tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering.

We gotta start to share His Truth if we believe in it- just saying. Sharing a little Truth- just saying. By "just saying"... you are standing behind the gospel of Jesus and defending. If they are not receptive... let them be. By sharing... you are only sowing seeds whom God can nourish and feed.

I gotta say... I hunger and thirst for what is about to take place in next few months.

I want to know how you are doing and to see if you need any help with anything at all. I can say that I CAN'T do this... which is the reason why I want to. The reason why... is that I know by myself, I cannot... but I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. It is for His glory... not mine. Help me not to walk in front of Him, rather- to abide obediently to His guidance.

If you would like to get together, I can share some of what I am going through and what I've learned. Its a testament of the work that Christ has worked into the trust that we've built up through the faith-building trials I've gone through.

Drinks, bars and women

No matter what we have done... He still Loves us.

I went out bar hopping last night w/ my brother whom loves the night life. Thats his way of living. I partook in joining him through his journey of savoring the thirst of beer and girls. I caught my self staring at nothingness... a way of living through lies and not abiding in Truth. Yet, I also found myself enjoying the moment; but what did I see?

I know that what I partook in was wrong... but, how is God convicting me... how is He teaching and showing me this way of life? The word of God says to depart from evil... what is He telling me how I need to deal w/ people and their ways, making the right choices. If I am going to be a Truth bearer, I gotta know the enemy and how he deceives people into falsehood. He is also showing how disgusting the rituals people practice and live so... Lifeless.

So, the fruit that I have learned... is that, I can bear witness to my brother and those whom He brings across my path. There are sinners all around us (including myself), and they are going to have to make the right choices... of which means picking the right friends. Yes, Jesus is for the sinners... but that does not mean to go and party w/ them... but picking the right kind of friends whom you can fellowship with. Positive, encouraging... KKKKLLLLLOOOVVE.

This is a great learning point in my life... knowing how to be a bold witness before all; thats what I value more than anything. But, what's different is... the driving force behind it all. God the Father. He is the One that is going to use something bad... to turn it into something great- that's who He is and that's what He does. The desire that He has put into me... to fight prodigal living has increased... I was the blind being lead by the blind.... BUT, I SEE CLEARLY NOW, with gained wisdom to understand more of who He is in me.

Diamond in the rough.

We are all beautifully made. Made in the image of God. Created and given free will to live. And how we live, is according to who shapes us.

There is really only one thing that makes diamonds: carbon. But, it just doesn't appear out of nothingness. Its created by the process of mere pressure. There are natural diamonds... and there are unnatural synthetic diamonds that are man-made.

Its not about beauty or glamour as this world see it. Its not a diamond cutter that should be shaping you... its Christ. He is the one that shapes you. And when you are found in Him, you put away all your desires to become what other people want you to be.

There are all kinds of diamonds... big, small, clear, yellow, red, blue, green and pink. And millions of them.

So, what kind of diamond would you desire to be? One sculpted by the hands and imagination of man or that of which is of the unknown- but knowing that you are going to be awesome... through and for Christ. To Him, we are more precious than any gem or precious metal here on earth.

If you are already a fine-cut diamonds shaped by the hands of this world, don't worry... Christ is going to change you. He is going to change you in ways that will have real purpose. He is going to change you to refract His light and not your own. And that light is going to shine everywhere-but-loose. You gonna shine light where you thought you never could.

Our ways are not His ways. He is going to be dumping LOOAAADDDDS of diamonds into this place. Its going to be us to share our testimony to these "diamonds in the rough", exhorting one another, bearing each others burdens, growing together in our personal relationship w/ our Lord Jesus Christ.

...if God wont give up... neither will I

Everyone deserves the benefit of the doubt when they wrong us.

I faced some persecution that tried to pierce the armor of God. This time, I stood firmly. In my past, harsh words would be very hurtful and I wouldn't handle situations in Truth.

This time around, the lies and name calling had no ill effect in my walk that day. I didn't accept the attitude and tone that was being directed to me by someone that reminded me of how I used to be.

Despite how I was treated, I still give the benefit of the doubt. Sure, our friendship that took so long to build up was taken down in two days- it might be down... but its not out. There is still a remnant of our friendship that remains- but you gotta know where to find it. And when you find it, you can recognize more of who God is and how He is working in this scenario.

... forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors...

The forgiveness was already there! How much more is Christ revealing Himself in and through me? His mercy, grace and love is sooooo much more than hatred, destruction and a lot of words w/ the prefix of 'dis' in it. The accusations put no burden on me like they used to. Humbleness overpowered hostility.

That is not to say there isn't any pain or aftermath from this infraction. In our human nature, we still have to deal with the pain and consequences. The only way to understand this is through God- only He can reveal the problem, and only He can reveal the solution. His ways is not our ways. And when (I'm talking from experience)... we try and deal with it in our own fashion- pride, anger, malice, contempt... gets involved and takes over the situation. But, when you see it through the eyes of Christ, He shows you the problem- He's been there... and knows the solution- done that.

He doesn't value sin! He doesn't care what we have done.

Luke 3:8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance...

We are sinners and we are going to sin. We are but lost sheep, but those who know His voice, come back to Him.

How can I not have mercy on whom caused a wrong to me, when in the past, Christ forgave me of all the wrongs I caused to those... after I asked for it. I seen a bit of my past in this person's anger. I was there at some and many points of my life, but that is not who I am any longer. In fact, if Christ wont give up on him... neither will I.

I have a brother in Christ who once said... those who fail are those who give up. I give the benefit of the doubt in what transpired, because... God allowed it to happen. God is waiting to see if he'll respond to His calling. I certainly am waiting to act in responding to my friend and sharing the Truth in this trial. How amazing is that!

Grace, mercy and love is the driving force in restoration. Forgiveness has already redeemed in my life, by means of not feeding my thoughts... starving all the negative thoughts- you know what happens when we starve ourselves, we get skinny- and it takes a long time. The more we starve the bad fruits in our lives, the more good fruits we can produce. We do reap what we sow!

LGLG: Let Go, Let God.

WWJD: What would Jesus do?

Have mercy on those who wrong you... because you may just be practicing what they are doing to you. Don't let the world influence you... but, it is us that can influence the world.

I'm gonna fail you...

I'm gonna fail you. I have failed in the past... and I'm gonna fail in the future. That's whom I have become to know myself. If I haven't failed you yet, it eventually might happen.

I know that people put a lot of trust into people. I think trust is something that is earned. It takes time to gain ones trust and it takes strength to hold on to it. But, how much trust are you putting in me? Sure, there are different amounts of trust according to the relationship... spousal, parent, friend, fishing buddy, hockey teammate, etc.. But, how much invested is how much is garnered.

The question of the day is... how much trust do you put in Jesus Christ, our Savior?

How often do we go about living life, forgetting about seeking the glory of God. Seeking His provision for the path He has put before us? How often do we utilize Him in all that we go through. How many times has He tried to call out to you, only getting nothing back in return. Instead, we turn to gossip and malice seeking revenge for something that hurt us.

My main point here is that... we are going to fail each other.

So, I ask, have mercy on me. I'm human. I am not the most well put together person or the strongest. I am not very well spoken... but maybe well spoken for. I have failed people... and I feel people have failed me. I have failed my God... but, He is correcting and guiding me according to His ways.

As I look at the wilted hanging flower pot... its crying out for help... it cannot sustain itself. Do I have mercy to do my part in providing for it? So, I watered it. The word of God says:

Psalm 118:8 It is better to trust in the LORD
Than to put confidence in man.

In Him, I put my trust... not man... or woman. Aren't we to show mercy to others... as much as He has on us- EVERY DAY?

I remember a 'Far Side' comic of two critters sitting in a field, with one pointing to the other... the hunter has put his sights on me through his scope... well, I'm the one pointing to the other, saying shoot him! The other critter is Jesus... He wants to hear your story, and I am going to point you to Him. He wants to take that bullet- He already has. Heck, you can shoot at Him all you want! He's not going to die... He's already defeated death. He wants your attention. Heck, I'd be willing that, once you put your sights on Him, you'll lay your arms down. When you focus on Him, and talk to Him... you are building up a relationship w/ Him. You can put all you trust in Him... thats not to say that everything is going to turn out the way you want things to:

Isaiah 55:8 “ For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD.

Only He an truly help you- not others. Its been a long time coming for me to learn this truth... learning to put my trust in Him in all my ways. He is my provider, my comforter. His peace surpasses all understandings, and you too can be covered by it.

Isaiah 40:29 He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.

Victory in Jesus, my Savior in Heaven

All I can really see is victory on the horizon. I know it will be there... but, I don't know what it will be like.

It will be like going into the Promise Land... I am stepping foot into the river Jordan. This journey will be something new, it will be something renewing. A new beginning. A conquest not of my own, but recognizing and acting upon the Will of God- so to say that I do not know what to expect to happen.

One thing that I do know... what NOT to do. Been there, done that. God has His ways and intentions for how we are to live. We mix in liberty- our free will, into the mix... but, after we seek His Love and provision first. We are to conform into His mold of righteousness... as opposed to living as a loose cannon... free-wheeling.

I am done living for myself, He calls me His own... I am a man of God. And through this process, He has cut off the limbs that do not produce fruit and He has pruned my branches to promote growth. Hindsight... is 20/10. I see clearly now. I am no longer a deer in the headlights. I have promise and a future. I do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow worries about itself.

THE WORLD IS 'NOT' ENDING!

It would merely mean... the beginning of the end- IMHO. But, I personally do not think that it is going to happen- based upon the word of God. This man's prediction is contrary to the word of God. Are you being deceived by one man's words?

Psalm 118:8 It is better to trust in the LORD
Than to put confidence in man.

There will be a time when Jesus raptures His followers to take them out of this world- but, at that time, the end of the world would not take place. There are many more things to take place, that Christians will not have to partake in- the "Great Tribulation".

Granted, it is unclear of when the rapture takes place... BEFORE the 7 year "Great Tribulation", or 3.5 years INTO the "Great Tribulation".

There will be a great man to bring peace to all the world- he will be the anti-Christ. This time of peace will last for the first 3.5 years... many people will be deceived and worship him and his ways. But the second half of the "Great Tribulation" is described in the Book of Revelation... the last book in the bible.