Going somewhere?

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 

a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a TIME TO KEEP SILENCE, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace."

As I reflect on the year that is closing I am left determining if I was a "GOOD" steward of the time GOD granted me.   The writer of Ecclesiastes tells us that there is a time for everything.  

The thing I have the hardest problem with is BEING STILL!   Listening to GOD sometimes requires complete silence and meditation. I have to remove ALL distractions!  Psalms 46:10 says to "BE STILL, and know that I am GOD; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth".   

There is a time for being "BUSY", but you have to have direction and purpose in your life!  In order to live a VICTORIOUS life, you must yield to SOMEONE who is bigger than life's problems!  

There indeed is a time for everything.   LORD, I pray that I will prioritize my life in YOUR order and live by YOUR plan!  

SPIRITUAL WORLD!

Sometimes, I get so "busy" with life in general that I have to get alone and meditate!  GOD speaks in such sometimes "in a still small voice" (1 Kings 19:12) and I have to remove all distractions before I can focus on HIM!

When my quiet time is the best,  I sit here and earnestly "wait on The Lord".   Sometimes it seems as though I have to wait longer to hear from HIM.  But when HE speaks, it is the sweetest, most fulfilling thing!  My mind goes to the song by Chris Tomlin "Indescribable"!   

A lot of people haven't experienced what I am talking about.  JESUS said in Matthew 13:10-17 that some people cannot see!  In verse 13 (ESV) HE explains "This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand."  

I am learning not to be so judgmental when folks don't "see or hear" the way scripture says they should.  Their spiritual eyesight may not be real keen yet.  GOD is still working on mine!  And I am HIS greatest challenge!   

You HAVE to run!

I have been listening to The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir sing a song called "Use Me".   The words are inspiring and moving.   The song can prepare those called by GOD to look for opportunities to serve in whatever capacity they are being called.  

To be "USED" of GOD one has to be "Sanctified" by HIM.   In Joshua 7:13 GOD instructs Joshua to "sanctify" the Jewish people.  GOD tells them there is "an accursed thing" (Sin) in their midst and HE warns Israel they cannot be successful standing against their enemies with unforgiven sin in their midst.  

GOD can do no less for me!   I have to purify and cleanse my life of anything that is impure in order for HIM to use me.  HIS Holy Spirit convicts me and will not let me rest until I am clean.  I have a friend who says "You're like the rabbit, you've done jumped up now....you HAVE to run"!!!

GOD, I pray that you continue to show me the things in my life that need to be removed FOR YOUR GLORY, that I may be "USED" by YOU!  

"I can't see!"

My oldest son got married on May 15, 2009.  About six months later, he and his wife acquired a "puppy"!  The puppies name is "ROME", for he was named after the city in which my son proposed to his wife! (Rome, Italy!)  My wife describes ROME as a 65 lb. "LAP DOG"! 

ROME grew larger than was expected, and mom and dad "inherited" him!  ROME is as loving a pet as anyone could ask for.  He is "energetic" (especially when a frisbee is involved) and "docile" all at the same time.  There is little doubt his love for me and my wife.  His tail wagging as fast as it can when we come home is EVIDENCE!  

GOD is "Spiritual" therefore the things of GOD can not be seen with "earthly" eyes.   Hebrews 11:1 says "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the EVIDENCE of things not seen."   Even though GOD cannot be seen, neither can air!  But just because I can't see air doesn't keep me from breathing it!  I have to have it!!

Just as I get to see the "EVIDENCE" of ROME's love for me every day, I pray that my love for GOD is so EVIDENT that it cannot be hidden from HIM.  My FAITH in HIM should be EVIDENT in my life.  I may not wag my tail or lick my owners hand, but my love for HIM should be just as EVIDENT!  Just like air, I HAVE TO HAVE IT!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Luke 2:7

"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."

Today the world celebrates the birth of a KING!   Over two thousand years ago NO ONE would give up their room or facilities for the LORD OF ALL CREATION!   Everyone was TOO ___________ (fill in the blank) for a poor pregnant girl in labor from Nazareth to give up their comfort.  

I wonder if I had been there if I would have been talking about Mary behind her back?   Was she treated rudely because she was a pregnant youth?  Would I consider them a drain on society because they needed assistance?  Why do you think that a GREAT ANNOUNCEMENT proclaiming the birth of The KING was not made to inform the world of HIS presence?  

The answers to these questions may not be known until Eternity.  I can only PRAISE HIM that HE chose me as a servant!  Ephesians 1:4  "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:". 

It is difficult to fathom someone who always has been, coming to Earth to MANIFEST Himself to a vastly unbelieving culture, and then returning to HIS home, only to return later for we who believe.   I understand that is what FAITH in HIM is all about!?!?!

Meditations!

While meditating this morning my mind kept on going to the scripture in Jeremiah 17:9 that says "The heart is deceitful above ALL things, and DESPERATELY wicked: who can know it?"  

I think about tragedies that America has suffered during the past 100 or so years.  Pearl Harbor, 9-11, Columbine, and now Newtown, CT are just a few of the atrocities we have faced.  I am not a member of the NRA, but they have a point!  Guns do not kill or injure people!  

SIN destroys!   Anybody or anything that exalts themselves or their ideology in front of CHRIST is a false religion and must be dealt with accordingly.  If you allow sin (through complacency or in an effort to appease) to survive, it will DESTROY!  

SIN is anything that replaces "YAHWEH" as god of our lives.   Your car, your job, your family, your sports team, anything that you worship ahead of THE ALMIGHTY is a false god!   It is a wonder that the United States has not experienced more calamity in recent years.  

The USA has fallen into the trap of trusting in presidents, money, power, Supreme Courts...... anything BUT GOD!  Is it any wonder HE has turned us over to our own desires? Job 16:11 reports "God hath delivered me to the ungodly, and turned me over into the hands of the wicked."  

The children of Israel had just crossed the Jordan River on their journey to the Promised Land.  Joshua had succeeded Moses as their leader.  GOD instructed Joshua to have the males circumcised as they had neglected to do so at birth since leaving Egypt.  Circumcision was a sign of God’s covenant promises to Abraham. 

Israel had forgotten to honor GOD! I am afraid that, similarly, America has forgotten (or rejected) to honor GOD!   There are those who say that GOD has NO part in politics or governing of the people.   I submit this is GOD's world....... and we are only here by HIS grace and mercy!   I pray that others see history as it is and we learn from it.  If not, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus.!"

This is WAR!!

Ephesians 6:10-13

"Finally, be STRONG in the Lord and in the strength of his might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the SCHEMES of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present DARKNESS, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to STAND FIRM."

The devil never rests!  Sometimes he allows me to think I should expect certain symptoms of what today's medical society defines as "depression" because some stroke victims are said to battle "depression". 

Why do I allow satan to win this battle?   Scripture says I am to "be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might"!  I am not to allow satan to win any battle!  The SCHEMES that he will try to influence my life with, I am to allow NONE of it!   

I need to realize that satan wants to prevent me from being the Christian that Paul wrote about in 2 Corinthians 10.  Verse 4 of that chapter states "For the weapons of our warfare are NOT OF THE FLESH but have divine power to destroy strongholds."  

LORD, protect my mind from satan's attacks!  I know he will try to use anything he can to win a victory in my life.  I want to be used of YOU and for YOUR glory!

Whoooaaa!

I recently received an email from a business acquaintance who apologized for being tardy for her response to me.  It seems a family member had passed away and she had understandably been out of the office.   No doubt she had been out making arrangements for the funeral of her loved one!  

That stopped me in my tracks!   I had emailed her about a RELATIVELY small issue that I was experiencing.   We need to slow our lives down and realize that the "IMPORTANT" things in life to us may not be so "IMPORTANT" to someone else.   I let her know that my problem could wait and that I was praying that GOD would be near her family during this time.  Her response was very gracious and thankful.  

LORD, help me to slow down and remember that others may have "VALLEYS" in their path and that they may need an ENCOURAGEMENT  instead of just another "HURRIED" response!  

CHRIST's Birthday, not mine!

@louiegiglio: Christmas is not your birthday.

The "tweet" from Louie Giglio above has me thinking.  I tend to make a big deal about what I will get others for Christmas.   How much should I spend to show I really care, yet not break the bank?   Do I give without expectation of receiving?  What if the "loved ones" I give gifts to could never give me anything in return?  

But it is not about me or others receiving gifts.   It is all about "CHRIST"!   The reason for the season is NOT about gifts I get for others, it IS about the gift that GOD gives to ALL who believe on HIM!

Father, help me to celebrate CHRIST-mas this year!  

Away in a MANGER!

Luke 2:7

"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."

Dictionary.com defines MANGER as:

manger

noun

1. a box or trough in a stable or barn from which horses or cattle eat.

While growing up, my grandfather had a barn that had six "stalls" in it.  The "stalls" were where the animals were fed, milked, medicated and generally taken care of.   The cows, horses, and even some pigs, were afforded a place to be tended to. 

The King of Glory left HIS throne in a glorious heaven to come to earth and be born in a manger!  Can you even FATHOM Bill Gates letting his wife have his firstborn son in my grandfather's barn?  Or say, one of Sam Walton's grandchildren being born with livestock near by?

Yet GOD chose to make HIS earthly entrance in the lowliest of settings!  Could it be that this was done to set an example to me that I have to allow myself to "be abased" to come to HIM?  JESUS says in Matthew 18:1-4 "At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,  And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

GOD desperately wants us to come to HIM.   But we have to do it on HIS terms.   I have to come to HIM as a babe in a cattle feeding trough, with no ability to walk, talk, feed, drink, no ability to do anything but love and be loved!   

FAITH is believing the unbelievable. It is hard to believe that THE CREATOR loves me enough to allow HIS only SON to be my sacrifice.   I am so thankful HE did!  

I remember when my first child was born.  He had no means of livelihood, yet he was loved with ALL of my heart!!  GOD loves us even more!   The only way I could get to HEAVEN was for HIM to send JESUS to conquer sin.  And HE chose to do that in the setting of a manger!   

IN LOVE!

Last Thursday morning the lives of the families of at least 26 people in Newtown, CT was brought to an abrupt halt by person breaking the law!  The law he broke DID NOT help the defenseless children nor their teachers!  Congress, in all of their limited abilities, cannot change ONE heart!  

People keep blaming society by saying we have to toughen this, or be more strict, or not sell so much ammunition, but that is NOT the problem!   The problem is we have over and over IGNORED the FACT that we have a HIGHER AUTHORITY we answer to.   

In the book of Luke, chapter 13 verses 13-15, JESUS reminds his disciples that some people don't get it.  Scripture states "Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they UNDERSTAND.  And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them."

Folks, until eyes and ears are opened to the things of GOD, moments like last Thursday will continue to occur.  The coming of the LORD cannot be be far away.  I know, us BIBLE thumpers have been crying "wolf" for ages, but we live in "perilous times!"  I realize that some may be offended by my words, but the TRUTH divides!  WE MUST turn back to GOD so these words may be true ....... "at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them!"

Newtown, CT

While I am sickened by the tragic, senseless events in Newtown, CT recently, I am likewise sickened by the politicians wanting a discussion about Gun Control!  Folks, those guns didn't kill or injure a single person!  A mentally deranged person killed the students and adults.  

How many people have to die or be injured before the United States of America realizes that we have turned our backs on GOD and now HE is letting us reap our rewards!  My former preacher used to say "A lot of Christians want to sow their wild oats while they are young, and then spend their latter years praying for crop failure".  

I hurt for the families affected by the murderer in Connecticut.   As a nation I pray that we will head the words of GOD spoken to Solomon in 2 Chronicles 7:14 that says "14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."  Sooner or later we MUST realize where our strength comes from.  

"Garbage in, Garbage out!"

Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)

"I beseech (beg) you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your MIND, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

The more I study scripture, the better my spiritual vision becomes.   The lines that previously were blurred become more and more defined.  The more I am exposed to the things of this earthly world, the more likely I am to succumb to earthly desires.  

The old idiom "Garbage in, Garbage out" is a very true statement.  If you fill your mind with filth and vile thoughts, destruction is sure to follow!  On the other hand, if you fill your mind with things that are "good, and acceptable, and perfect", GOD will be able to gain glory from your life.  

FATHER IN HEAVEN it is my desire to " present your (MY) bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God! "

GOD's Recipe!

My wife is the BEST cook in the world!  To be fair she is, without a doubt, the best cook in MY world!  Her pastries are EXCEPTIONAL!  Her fudge, Pecan pie, Dressing, broccoli and rice casserole, and on and on make my mouth water!  When our family has a get together, the food is taken care of.  We KNOW that!

While cooking she occasionally has to make some adjustments to the recipe to assure that what she is cooking comes out just right.  A pinch more salt, a dab more butter, whatever is needed she adds to the recipe.  

GOD knows just what and who I need in my life to assure me becoming EXACTLY what HE has for me!  Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV) says "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."  

If GOD has a plan and HE is in control of my life, concern about the future should not be an issue.  

I TRUST IN YOU GOD!!

IMPOSSIBLE!!!

Many times in our lives we have to accept things that cannot be changed and move on.   Sometimes we don't want change simply because we are unwilling to pay the sacrifice needed to achieve the desired change.   

The disciples of JESUS were faced with a DILEMMA of not really believing that they could fix a problem.  But JESUS could see past the man's infirmities and HE healed him.   Matthew 17:20  "He (Jesus) said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you."

Sometimes I have a "belief" problem!  GOD gives me a vision and I fail to act on it because I say "that can't happen" or "there's no hope"!!  GOD says there is "NOTHING" impossible with HIM!!!  NO--THING is impossible with GOD!  I don't see miracles because I DO NOT expect to see them!  

FATHER GOD, cause me to be more trusting in YOU!  When YOU give me a schematic, let me start building!!!

NEGLECT!!

My kids are both grown young men now, living their own lives in their own homes.  I love them and their wives beyond explanation.  All of the discipline and tough love is long gone.  Even TURBO-MAN is a thing of the past.  

I have been pondering something for a day or so though.  Why do we place such an emphasis on "physical" neglect, when the "spiritual" neglect is SO much more damaging.  You see articles in the paper about someone being "charged" with neglect.   We can't understand HOW anyone could not meet a child's needs.  

But, the "Spiritual" needs of a child are often overlooked.  The act of praying WITH your children, reading the Bible with your children, living "IN THE SPIRIT" in front of and around your children is something that you can never get a "Do-Over" on.  

As I am older, I am convicted that I could have done a better job as a Father.  Sure, we provided all of my kids physical needs, but I could have done a better job making sure they experienced how to REST in the LORD!   

Please know that TODAY is all that you guaranteed.   You aren't guaranteed tomorrow to "do better"! If your kids only way to Heaven were what they have seen you live, would they be able to follow in your steps to meet with JESUS?

What AMERICA needs!

When will America realize that the last GREAT President the United States DID NOT waiver in HIS faith to The ALMIGHTY.   The following are excerpts from "THE FAITH OF RONALD REAGAN" written by Chuck Donovan:

“Whatever happens now I owe my life to God and will try to serve him in every way I can.”  President Ronald Reagan. 

The entry for April 11, 1981, contains a much longer statement about what went through President Reagan’s mind as he lay on the operating table at George Washington Hospital. It says a great deal about the nature of his faith and its impact on him as well as others:

"Getting shot hurts. Still my fear was growing because no matter how hard I tried to breathe it seemed I was getting less & less air. I focused on that tiled ceiling and prayed. But I realized I couldn’t ask for God’s help while at the same time I felt hatred for the mixed up young man who had shot me. Isn’t that the meaning of the lost sheep? We are all God’s children & therefore equally beloved by him. I began to pray for his soul and that he would find his way back to the fold."

The faith of Ronald Reagan was evident in both his DEEDS and his WORDS, as anyone who ever had the honor to work with him rapidly recognized.

In my observations,  all Presidents since have some characteristics that are admirable.  But none of them, with the exception of President George W. Bush, afforded credit to OUR CREATOR for how the USA has been blessed!!  President Reagan won his election with over 59% of the vote in 1980 and 58% in 1984!  Why do candidates fear being thought of a CRAZY!  GOD is not something to run away from!  Humbly acknowledging that The ALMIGHTY is LORD would reap America great dividends!  "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."  2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV).  

WISDOM?????

I "SHARE" a lot of items on Facebook.  Pictures, quotes, Funnies, inspirationals, what ever I feel is worthy is my "FRIENDS" seeing!  From time to time it is something that has happened to or about someone that I know. 

When you think about it, the BIBLE is an historic account of actual things that has happened to actual people throughout history.   Edmund Burke (1729-1796) said "Those who don't know history are destined to repeat it." 

If 'ole Edmund Burke was correct, and history seems to support his assertion, why do we not study history (HOLY BIBLE) more?   If we would learn from the mistakes of others it would save us a lot of grief.

King Solomon has been described as the WISEST of men ever.  2 Kings 9:22 states "Thus King Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom."   He is credited with writing most of the Proverbs.   I have listed just a few of his comments;

Proverbs 26:11

Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly. 

Proverbs 18:2  

A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. 

Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. 

I am not a "Solomon", but I am wise enough to know that when I "need answers" in life that I will look in the book.....the HOLY BIBLE!  

LORD?????

It is MORE than evident that America is in ICU!  A few years ago I was in ICU for a little over three weeks!  My doctor (and more than a few others) say "it was a miracle from GOD" that I even survived!  America needs a "miracle from GOD"!   

I look at our leaders and NO ONE admits or acknowledges the USA's problem.   I am not sure they know what our problem is!!  Democrats and Republicans, left and right, liberal and conservative...no one admits where our REAL problem is!   

In the Bible in 1 Kings 11:9, GOD deals with King Solomon rather forcefully  for turning his back on GOD.   Scripture records "And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him...."

You may call me an old "Bible Thumper" if you like, but I believe it is history we are dealing with.   Folks, the United States has been more blessed than any other nation in history, with the possible exception of Israel.   Yet America murders millions of babies per year,  states are re-defining marriage, rape, murder, incest, theft, and on and on, the list of crimes against GOD and humanity is becoming more accepted by our citizens.   

Is there hope for America?  I believe that until we as a country return to acknowledging The Lordship of Jesus Christ that we will be like King Solomon in 1 Kings!  The only hope for America is JESUS!  Carman Licciardello sings it best.....and we had better listen AND CHANGE or suffer the consequences!  

 http://youtu.be/Ovq6gP2x9vc

LORD?????

It is MORE than evident that America is in ICU!  A few years ago I was in ICU for a little over three weeks!  My doctor (and more than a few others) say "it was a miracle from GOD" that I even survived!  America needs a "miracle from GOD"!   

I look at our leaders and NO ONE admits or acknowledges the USA's problem.   I am not sure they know what our problem is!!  Democrats and Republicans, left and right, liberal and conservative...no one admits where our REAL problem is!   

In the Bible in 1 Kings 11:9, GOD deals with King Solomon rather forcefully  for turning his back on GOD.   Scripture records "And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him...."

You may call me an old "Bible Thumper" if you like, but I believe it is history we are dealing with.   Folks, the United States has been more blessed than any other nation in history, with the possible exception of Israel.   Yet America murders millions of babies per year,  states are re-defining marriage, rape, murder, incest, theft, and on and on, the list of crimes against GOD and humanity is becoming more accepted by our citizens.   

Is there hope for America?  I believe that until we as a country return to acknowledging The Lordship of Jesus Christ that we will be like King Solomon in 1 Kings!  The only hope for America is JESUS!  Carman Licciardello sings it best.....and we had better listen AND CHANGE or suffer the consequences!  

 http://youtu.be/Ovq6gP2x9vc

ANXIOUS!!!

Philippians 4:6

"do not be "ANXIOUS" about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."

According to dictionary.com, the following is true about ONE specific word:       ANXIOUS

adjective

1. full of mental distress or uneasiness because of fear of danger or misfortune; greatly worried; solicitous: Her parents were anxious about her poor health.

The mere fact that we want to know how our lives will "pan out" is the antithesis to "FAITH".   JESUS told HIS followers in Luke 12:25-28 (ESV) "And which of you by being "ANXIOUS" can add a single hour to his span of life?  If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you "ANXIOUS" about the rest?  Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!"

FAITH that totally trusts in GOD is not something you are born with.   It is something you have to grow and cultivate.   

We have a HUGE shade tree in our yard.  I played in and on this tree when I was a kid.   This tree is Big (shade is over 100 feet wide at top) and Strong and did not just appear overnight.  It must grow through rain, drought, wind, lightening and numerous other assaults to mature into a wonderful blessing.  We have to grow, through many storms and turmoil, into a vessel that GOD can use.  I pray that I will TRUST in HIM for everything!   

BRIDGE OUT!

This morning I observed in the local newspaper's opinion page a comment  from a person saying that "same sex marriages" were here to stay and we should "get used to it"! Their "opinion" was that the lifestyle in question was not hurting me, so I should let them do what they want.  It is THEIR life and THEIR choice and THEIR consequences if they were wrong!  

I sat and pondered that for a while in quiet.  I try to live my life so everyone knows that I am a follower of CHRIST.   I realize that all will not believe the way I do.   I attempt to live my life according to scripture.  Notice, I said ATTEMPT to!  I fail everyday and ask forgiveness for my faults. 

GOD ordained marriage in Genesis 2.  GOD made marriage so only HE can set the rules for marriage. 

With that said, scriptures says in Romans 10:17 (ESV) "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."  If a man is driving down a road that has bridge out and the bridge covers a VAST gorge, I would be negligent (AT BEST) if I just let him drive into the gorge with no warning?  The person needs to "hear the word" that the bridge is out!  On the other hand, if I stand on the side of the road and shout to the top of my lungs "Bridge Out" yet he refuses to heed the warning, I have done all I can do.  

Some people will NEVER agree or understand.   1 John 2:11 (KJV) says  "But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes."  Some cannot see because their eyes are blinded.   Those are ones that are free to choose to drive on, ignore the warning, and suffer the consequences.  

I used to DESPISE broccoli.  I would not think of eating it.   Conversely, it was never prepared for me by my wife.   But I started on a low carbohydrate diet some years back and broccoli was one of the vegetables that I could eat.  Now, I LOVE broccoli and eat it weekly.  

My opinion changes daily on some issues........Broccoli being one of them.  But the WORD OF GOD never changes.  We (BELIEVERS IN CHRIST) are commanded to try to alert all to the bridge being out.  We are NOT commanded to force someone to listen to us and heed the warning!  

HOLY LIVING!

Does my behavior leave an impression as to WHOM I belong!  If others do NOT think I am peculiar, I may need to re-evaluate my life!

1 Peter 1:14-16 says "As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance,

but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,  since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."

Living "holy" caused JESUS to be hung on a cross!  I should be willing to die as well!  

BLUEPRINTS!

From the beginning of time, man has made excuses.   Even Adam and Eve, the first of creation, BLAMED anyone else they could for their SINS!  

Genesis 3:12-13 (KJV)

"And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.  And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat."

It seems so lame for Adam to take the GIFT that God had given him and blame the GIFT for his own weakness.   But I do that all the time!  I always have an excuse or reason why I fail in GOD's plan for my life!  Why don't I just fall on my face and ADMIT that I am vile and self-centered and need forgiveness?   

GOD's mercy is unending!   HIS grace knows NO boundaries!  HIS forgiveness is indescribable!  Don't let pride or perceived self-worth prevent you from being what HE has called you to be.   

FATHER IN HEAVEN, help me be JUST what YOU desire for me to be!  Nothing MORE, nothing LESS!