“You Can’t Make Me”

“Servants cannot be corrected by mere words; though they understand, they will not respond”.Proverbs 29:19

“What Do I See”? is a question that Plays the part of a mystery when I’m concerned about…? 

People are first influenced by what they see. I’ve experienced this first hand as a coach and as a Teacher. If you have children, then you've probably observed this as well. No matter what you tell your children to do, their natural inclination is to follow what they see you doing. For most people, if they perceive that you are positive, trustworthy and have a commendable persona, then they will seek you as an influencer in their lives.

When you meet people who don't know you, at first you have no influence with them at all. If someone they trust introduces you to them, then you can temporarily "borrow" some of their influence. But as soon as they have some time to observe you, you either build or bust that influence by your actions. 

“Open my eyes that I may see    wonderful things in your law.” Psalm 119:18

I can’t stand to be in the same room., you often perceive this about people, especial a strong-will one with lots of opinions. Something happens with a strong-willed individual. The loving person says “Strong will means to me disobeying”.  Many people suspect the strong-willed person is deliberately trying to drive them crazy, you think they are not listening. Difficult to understand and seemingly impossible to motivate, these children of God present unique, exhausting, and often-frustrating challenges to those who love them. You may even think they only want to be served and not to be Servants! You don’t what to change the strong will. It’s not your aim I suspect, to get the strong will out of that person is figuring how to get the best out of that person for the will and glory for God,you see He wants to direct it and use it for His purposes. 

God gives us Free will, free will is reflected in the language of Jesus. Paul says this: The human will be free when it is not in bondage to prefer and choose irrationally. It is free when it is liberated from preferring what is infinitely less preferable than God, and from choosing what will lead to destruction.Being “free indeed” as scripture says (true freedom) comes by “God's changing our nature” to free us from being “slaves to sin.” and endowing us with “the freedom to choose to be righteous.”

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps”. Proverbs 16:9

At first glance, the strong-willed might seem like they’re just stubborn, defiant, difficult, augmentative only wants to be served, but that’s not actually the definition of strong-will God uses; those words describe bad behaviors as a result of strong will. “Strong will, in of itself, is a very positive trait,” To me. “A strong-willed person is not easily daunted or discouraged, holds firm convictions, and doesn’t often accept defeat

Whether an "everyman" like Jacob or a man of supernatural strength like Samson, the Bible tells the story of many strong-will persons used especially by God.A person using strong will in positive ways is fiercely loyal, determined to succeed, and often extraordinarily devoted to accomplishing goals.” The firm convictions, high spirits, a sense of adventure—all the makings of a great adult/child are wonderful qualities, I looked for those types especially on Defense as a football coach.

So easy to write so many tickets. Let me explain this as the imagery within their eyes as, “lectures and stop yelling at me”. Why not build a relationship with me to bring out the best in me, using the following as a guide?

1. Value my ability to see our world from a common perspective of spiritual likeness.
Find ways to appreciate and make the most of our strengths and gifts, even when I frustrate you.

2. Remember, we need captivating missional mindsets together, not just chores to do. Don’t be the “big boss.” I’ll respect your influence of words more when as you often remind me of the point of our daily lives,” as part of Jesus redemptive mission in our community.”

3. Ask for my input continually; keep me in the information loop in all fashions. Don’t lose hope even if I do not hear you but give me some ownership in the process and the outcome.

4. Protect our relationship—you won’t get much from me without one.
Respect and value who I am, and I’ll cooperate with you most of the time.

5. Smile at me more often. Keep your sense of humor and try to smile, even when you don’t like me.

6. Don’t let me push you around, but don’t push me around either.
Don’t be afraid to stand up to me; just don’t run over me. Remember the parable of the lose Sheep, 

(Luke 15:3–7). It is about a shepherd who leaves his flock of ninety-nine sheep in order to find the one which is lost.

7. Remind me how much you love me. Find subtle ways to keep reminding me your love will always be there.

 “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved; or on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the Lord has said, even among the survivors whom the Lord calls”. Joel 2:28-32

"One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.

In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was one only.

This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said to the Lord,

“You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there has only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?”

The Lord replied, “The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.” By Mary Stevenson

If your experience is like mine, sometimes it seems that God has left us alone to deal with the floods that occasionally sweep over us and we get an attitude filled with strong-will that blocks us from Listening. Let us reflect on the following questions together:

Who are You?

Whom Do You Belong To?

What is Your Purpose?

“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm”. Proverbs 13:20

PRAYER: Faithful Father, thank you for your constant presence in our lives. Sometimes we don't see, listen or feel that presence when storm clouds hang over us. In those moments remind us that nothing can separate us from your love. In Jesus Name Amen!

God Bless You and This Ministry!

“How’s Jesus Messing with You”

That phase is one that has been with me at a time of my life when I struggle with the, “Whom I Belong Too” question. Quite frankly, it’s a question designed to make you stop in your tracks and make you think! So, I ask you that question,” How is Jesus Messing with You”?

It’s amazing how we look at things, “I call this,” perception verse reality”, and really never see what it was we were looking at. Have you ever been walking and have someone said something like, “I was walking right behind you and saw the money just lying there on the ground. You walked right over it “? You sort of get upset with yourself because you had the opportunity to get it first, but you didn’t

I remember a few years ago several of the students at my school walked out the front door and went to the bus for a field trip. I was the last one to come out, but I went over to pick up this silver beer can someone had thrown away, only to discover it was a mini cam recorder in perfect working order. All of a sudden, all the students wanted my newly discovered device. Even though they had seen it first, they had not really seen it.

You see we must as Christians always keep in mind our conduct or sight for the Mission. In 1 Timothy, Paul writes a letter about God’s expectations for church conduct. In fact, in 1 Timothy 3:15, he gives three metaphors of the church—three ways God views it. The church is a family, the assembly of God, and the support (pillar) and bulwark (foundation) of the truth. What do these metaphors teach us about God’s mission for the church? How can we, as individuals and congregations, help the “Church” fulfill God’s directives?

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19 

In John 1:14,” The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood.” God has taken responsibility for saving by Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. He is on a grand adventure to redeem and restore human lives to the kingdom of his Father. This for me is nothing new.

My wonder is, “If that is what God is doing to us here at the Church, leading us to a vision but we just don’t see the sighs along the way. “For I know the plans I have for you, “declares the Lord,” plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” You see Jesus has a plan for all of us. But it is a mystery in how Jesus works out his plan in each person’s life especially when it comes to serving; some people resist, some are ignoring, some are oblivious and some are ready and fueled with the Holy Spirit. But as leaders, sometimes we hear so much negative talk from our sheep we forget, God has a plan for his Believers at his time!

And the Angel of the Lord appeared to [Gideon], and said to him, 'The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor'!" (Judges 6:12)

You see all leaders have vision. But all people who possess vision are not leaders. A compelling vision alone will not make someone a leader. Nor will a great vision or change automatically be fulfilled simply because it is compelling or valuable. My Grand Mother often would say to me, “If we always do what we’ve always done, we’ll always get what we’ve always gotten. Don’t be like me, “set in your old ways of thinking”. Then she would laugh, Old mindset, old practices, old results by yourself. Be willing to grow with a new mindset, new practices, and new results using it with wisdom! "Don't sell me a dog" was her fancy way of saying "Don't lie to me."

Followers need to buy into the leaders.

Once Gideon possessed the vision for change to deliver Israel from its enemies, he still needed to get the people to buy into his leadership and plan. Even though the vision was ordained by God, it still required time and action from Gideon. Ultimately, so many people bought into Gideon's leadership so completely that God had to send a bunch of them home to make sure He got the glory for their victory.

Just because a person has vision for change and occupies a leadership position doesn't necessarily mean that the people will follow. Before they get on board, they have to buy in. And that doesn't happen in an instant. Buy-in is an ongoing process. With that keep in mind the parable of the lost sheep in Matt 18:12-35 when it comes to implementing change. We as Christian leaders who have bought in must have intentionally, showing we care for all the sheep even for those who resist, who are ignoring, are oblivious and are ready. If not we may lose those lose sheep and then I'm afraid that helps Satan.

Our relationship must be viewed positively as caring. God expects us to reach with the Gospel of Jesus Christ working side by side together with him. Let’s start with people we know who are ready. It is up to us to constantly have an eye on them and fine ways to reach others especially the undesirables.

So, what’s the answer? The answer to me can be found in the following vision/change recipe:

1. One of Cup of: Prayer 5 cups: Serving
2. two of cups of: Patience 6 cups: Understanding
3. three cups of: Ministry 7 cups: Sharing
4. four cups of: Passion 8 cups: love mixed with Caring

Mix well eternally, sprinkle with love and joy, then go and serve the Lord. Now that’s a clear vision of change! Thanks be to God! So how is Jesus messing with You?

God Bless You and This Ministry!

“Wiggling for Christ”

“The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you”. Luke 17:5-6

Have you ever seen a mustard seed? The mustard seed is one of the smallest of all seeds. Here, let me show you one, “The children’s Message”.

You know one thing I miss the most during worship, is the children’s message. It gets children involved and provides adults with simple, straightforward, biblical applications. But while many children’s messages are actually object lessons like, “This object is like this truth.” The problem with most is the minister or Sunday school teacher does the talking and the children just sit and listen. 

You see as a former Teacher, I know kids like to talk, learn best when learning seems like a game and they’re always wiggling. So, encouraging children to join in the message, you can’t always control what they do or say, they will tell you exactly what they think truthfully . 

Come to Faith enjoy the body of Christ! let us have truthfulness with joy and nourishment for the Lord it gives us opportunities to swim in his promises lifting us to the sky because we are everything to Him! 

“We can count the cracks in our wounded Souls even when they are too small to see, Oh the pain beyond the sea”, Faithful is our God!

“Fear of Man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” Prov. 29:25

The most important message I can ever share with people is that God loves them and has good plans for them through life in Christ. 

Today think about what it means to have Faith, Joy and Trust in God. My friends God wants us to have faith and trust in him. Sometimes that’s hard to do or see because we can’t see how things will turn out for the good. But God can see. And he will never lie to you. Just as a friend with Christ I ask you to have faith. He tells us in the Bible what we need to know. When we do he will not disappoint!

When stages of difficulty appear - even anxiety we bring on ourselves - we must turn to God and wait patiently for His comfort. He'll never neglect us. Remember these truths about the God you serve, then proclaim them to everyone who will hear.

"I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps." (Psalm 40:1-2)

King David knew something about suffering, particularly suffering caused by his own actions. But he also knew to whom he could turn during those times of trouble.

What great comfort and joy come to us when we understand that God is rich in grace and mercy, that He not only forgives, but restores and redeems! The Lord lifts us up from our personal pits of despair and puts us in right standing with Him.

Finally, here is my board game titled, “Playing Life God’s Way” that we can play or post on the refrigerator. Take two pieces of cardboard cut in the traditional shape of two tablets of stone, and a heart cut out of cardboard. Write a brief version of the Ten Commandments on the tablet-shaped cardboard. On one side of the heart write “Love God” and on the other side write “Love others.” But where are the instructions?

You see Jesus said, “I’ve written the instructions of life on this heart because they should come from the heart”. On one side it says, “love God the most of all”, and on the other side, “Love others as yourself” Mark 12:30-31

God does not require us to submit because He is a tyrant, but because He is a loving Father, we choose to submit to God for the process of learning in order to grow spiritually with the help of the Holy Spirit. It is a process begun at salvation and ongoing with each and every choice that we make to submit ourselves to God. This process will continue until the Lord comes again or He calls us home. The wonderful thing about this is that, as the Apostle Paul so aptly states, "But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the spirit of the Lord" 2 Corinthians 3:18. 

God Bless You and This Ministry!

“In the Eye of the Storm”

Life Insufficiently For “I For One” think what is it! It only leads to, what did you say? 

“Jesus is the answer” is a popular slogan I use to hear from some of my old-school family members. I use to say to myself especially during times of misery, “missing is the question. Jesus is the answer to what? What are these people trying to convey when they claim that Jesus is the answer”?

Basically, as I continued on this journey of life questions, what is the meaning of life for You? How can purpose, fulfillment, and satisfaction in life be found? How can something of lasting significance be achieved? So many people have never stopped to consider these important questions as we do Ubuntu (Do Life). Do you every take time in your quiet moments and wonder about question like the above?

 As a former athlete who had reached the high points of sports in college, I was once asked what I wished someone would have told me when I first started playing the sport of football. My replied, “I wish that someone would have told me that when you reach the top, there's nothing there without Christ.” Many goals reveal their emptiness only after years have been wasted in their pursuit.

In other words, there is more to life than the physical dimension. Jesus stresses this point when He says, “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Not bread (the physical) but God’s Word (the spiritual) keeps us alive. It is useless for us to search within ourselves for the cure to all our miseries. Man can only find life and fulfillment when he acknowledges God.

I’m so discouraged. Somebody tells me they’ve found something good about life!Sometimes though, we lose sight of the good because of the pain that is screaming continually in our face. That’s when we have to look deeper. When life hasn’t been easy, we must look beyond this life. Sometimes when the mouth moves; but do we understand the words? 

If you’re perplexed about your being, your head is probably too cluttered with hopeless notions. Before you can understand this life insufficiently, you need to understand who you are, what is your purpose and whom you belong to. You can’t find anything good in life if your uniqueness is dispirited.

In Christ is life, which is the light of men (John 1:4). Jesus came that we may have life “and have it to the full” (John 10:10). All who place their trust in Him are promised eternity with Him (John 3:15-16). For man to live—truly live—he must know Christ (John 17:3.

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21

Paul is saying that Christ is everything no matter if he’s alive or dead.

Life, both now and in eternity, is found in the restoration of the relationship with God that was lost with Adam and Eve's fall into sin. That relationship with God is only possible through His Son, Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12; John 1:12; 14:6. Salvation and eternal life are gained when we trust in Jesus Christ as Savior. Once that salvation is received by faith, Christ changes us, making us new creations, and we begin the progressive journey of growing closer to Him and learning to rely on Him.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” Matthew 11:28-30.

What this verse is saying is that we have a choice. We can continue to seek to guide our own lives, which results in emptiness, or we can choose to pursue God and His will for our lives with a whole heart, even during those unfriendly life burdens.  

When we awaken each morning, it is with a clean slate. Time to focus on our gratefulness for the day. So, we make an appreciation list. Even when we do not feel grateful, we thank God for those things in our lives that are good. This sets the stage for a focus we can continue to seek to guide our own lives, which could result in a vacuum, or we can choose to pursue God and His will for our lives with a whole heart; which will result in living life to the full, having the desires of our hearts met, and finding contentment and satisfaction. This is so because our Creator loves us and desires the best for us (not necessarily the easiest life, but the most fulfilling).

 Remember God's faithfulness. The past is a cancelled note. The record is clean. It is ok to think of the past, but to obsess about it is to deny God's creative presence for us in this day. God is with us at this very moment. And for the Christian, the future can be faced without worry or fear. The same God who has been faithful in the past, will lift us to pass through any challenge. Our faith that he is ever-present in our day, enables us to face it with confidence and joy. The hairs of our heads are numbered (perhaps a few less than yesterday). He cares even for the sparrow. How much more will he care for us today? 

Find someone to hang out with just like Jesus did (Luke 7:36). Look for someone that you can make feel better today--every day. The spouse, the neighbor, someone on the sidewalk, someone in the nursing home or hospital. Build someone up. Tell them why you are glad God made them. Tell them that they have a special gift. Thank them for their gentleness with you. If there is no one present--then look for someone until you find them and then pray with them.

Thank God at night for every event in this past day. It was a part of your reality today, and you are grateful for it. You may not have liked all of it. But if you have placed every event of the day in the hands of your loving Father, then you are filled with gratitude that you were able to experience the joys, disappointments, and lessons of this day. Finally, we need to seek His peace daily by filling our minds with His Word that means daily reading of scripture in the bible, lifting all things to Him in prayer, and sitting at His feet in awe and reverence. It is only by His grace, mercy, and love that the stress in our lives can be managed.

"O Love that follows all my way, I yield my flickering torch to Thee. 

My heart restores the borrowed ray, 

That in Thy sunshine's blaze its day, may brighter fairer be" 

Sometimes I think the Christian life can be compared to the choice of whether to purchase the expensive seats at a sporting event that are close to the action, or pay less and watch the game from a distance. Watching God work “from the front row” is what we should choose but, sadly, is not what most people choose. Watching God work firsthand is for whole-hearted disciples of Christ who have truly stopped pursuing their own desires to pursue instead God's purposes. They have paid the price (complete surrender to Christ and His will); they are experiencing life to its fullest; and they can face themselves, their fellow man, and their Maker with no regrets. Have you paid the price? Are you willing to? If so, you will not hunger after meaning or purpose again.

Prayer: Loving Father, help us to look for joy and meaning in this day. Sometimes our days seem empty and without purpose. We know that even then you are with us. Help us to live in this day and see the way as we wait for the healing ointment of your presence in our lives, my good friend. Thank you for this day, strength and our redeemer. In Jesus Christ, Amen 

God Bless You and This Ministry!

You Are “Particularly”, Significant

  

Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
    and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3

In the past my deep inner questions use to be, “Will I be lonely forever even though I’m surrounded by a stadium full of 55,000 roaring Cyclone Fans?” 

We all want to love and be loved; and there’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, the ability to love comes from God Himself; a compassionate God who cares about you, know your heart’s deep longing for love and can fulfill that desire. The Bible explains that God is love 1 John 4:16, and as our creator, He transfers that love        to us. “we love because He first loved us” 1 John 4:19.

Perhaps the children have grown and moved to another part of the country, or you no longer have a spouse to look after due to death. Has there ever been a time in your life that you ever felt like everyone but you have someone to love? While others are spending time with someone special, maybe you feel lonely for that puppy you once had or Maybe your fill in the blank pays little attention to you or your loving family lives far away.

Or have you ever told yourself that you weren't good enough? That you just weren't smart enough, tough enough, or pretty enough? Do you ever feel like you just don't have what it takes to make it, that you don't have anything to offer the world, or that you don't deserve to be loved or respected by anyone? Or if you did, you don't now, and then a friend says to you, “buck up”? Wow does that hurt?

There's someone you might like to meet. His name is Gideon, and if ever there was someone who sold himself short, it was Gideon. When God came to him with a command--nothing less than to deliver the nation of Israel from its oppressors--Gideon's reaction was, "Who, me?" Surely God had the wrong person. Gideon was the least important person in his family, and his clan was the weakest in its tribe. In short, Gideon was a nobody. There were plenty of other stronger, braver, better-looking people God could have chosen. So why would He choose the lowly Gideon? 

Not even God's continual reassurances that Gideon was the right person for the job were enough to convince Gideon. He asked for all sorts of signs and miracles to prove that God meant what He said. Only after repeated miracles did Gideon accept God's chosen role for him--and he went on to become one of Israel's greatest leaders.

Then Gideon perceived that he was the angel of the Lord. And Gideon said, “Alas, O Lord God! For now, I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face.” Judges 6:22

And what about you? Do you believe that God loves you and can use you, no matter what you or others think about you? No matter what your age, social position, or finances? The Bible says that you are "fearfully and wonderfully made"--specially created by a loving Father to be a unique person with your own strengths and abilities. The God who knew you before you left your mother's womb has a special purpose in mind for you, even now (Psalm 139:13-14). Don't sell yourself short--like Gideon did--when God calls upon you to face a challenge. He knows that you can handle it with His help. And wouldn't your Heavenly Father know best? What do you consider some practical ways to accept our unique importance?

"Christ of all my hopes -- the Ground, Christ, the Spring of all my joy,

     Still in Thee may I be found,

Still for Thee my powers employ,

     Still for Thee my powers employ."

PRAYER: Oh, Heavenly Father, sometimes we feel so unimportant to anyone. Even if there are people in our lives who may love us, they seem so far away and often detached from us. Show us our unique importance----today----now-----here----where we are, and just as we are.  Amen 

As you travel your journey of Faith are there times, questions bounce through your mind like, “What if there’s no one in your life to give you direction or receive the kind of love you’re longing for?” or “it is too hard to find someone to meet all of the needs, it’s futile for me because no human can fully satisfy our desire for love; that intimacy and desire for something deeper-something that reaches our very souls.”

Only the depth of God’s Love can fill that empty space in our hearts. As this Faith journey matured, People would say to me, “We were created to be in relationship with Him, and without a relationship we are incomplete.” Those bill board answers would always end in question by me, “What does that mean?” Only through faithful study in the word would I start seeing, feeling, “the depths of God’s Love that can fill the empty spaces in the heart.” And God loves us, and He has given us the capacity to love Him back. But I realized that part is up to us with the help of the holy Spirit!

Are you ready to experience the unconditional, unmatched love of a perfect God who knows everything about you? Start a lasting and fulfilling missional life based on a relationship with God by:

Letting the Lord disturb you when we are too pleased with ourselves- “seek his Kingdom daily”.

Letting the Lord disturb you when we have lost our thirst for the waters of life- “listen/read God’s Word”.

Letting the Lord disturb you, to dare more boldly when the storms of life overwhelm- “communicate with people intentionally”.

Letting the Lord disturb you when you have fallen in love with self- “look to help or volunteer for others”.

Letting the Lord disturb you when you have lost your voice- “By praying often and out Loud for others”.

“For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened”. Matthew 7:8

God Bless You and This Ministry!