I am always amazed at how God moves in the lives of HIS children. During my mountaintop experiences HE is all I can think of, and rightly so. Even when am lost and confused in the valley of despair and death, God is with me. Why? Because HE loves me and nothing I can do will ever be enough to repay that love. His grace is beyond measure and HIS mercy goes beyond the debts of the deepest oceans. Just when I thought the battle was lost, HE proved me and the enemy wrong. To God be the glory. Enjoy this video.
http://youtu.be/CLbdBkONm20
Friday, July 27, 2012
Monday, July 9, 2012
HIS Rest (3)
My heart was pounding in my chest. One of two explanations was running around in my mind--atrial fibrillation or my heart was about to make a(n) surprise appearance in our church service, by jumping out of my chest. I stood there now knowing if I should flee? My feet were anchored to its spot and there was no turning back.
After a minute or two, I knew what I had to do. Humble myself, yield to the Spirit and ask for prayer.
Prayer. Spiritual communication with God.
My steps were slow and unsure, yet, I just knew without a shadow of a doubt i was being led by HIS Spirit. I lifted my hands in surrender. That being the most important--surrender. I had come to a point within and in spite of myself, that I needed to let God have the pre-eminate position (of master) in my life. Just like the people in the upper room in Acts chapter 2, when they were filled with Holy Spirit, I felt HIS presence and cleansing from within. Something was happening. I cannot call it a new-birth because that came with my acceptance of Jesus as my saviour, but I can call it a 'restoration' and returning to my first love. Oh, the joy of knowing HIM and having that constant fellowship with HIM.
During this time I said very little. What could I say? God knew my heart and I needed not add anything to the conversation. It seems a contrast from the old testament High Priests in the Torah and how often they made intercession for the people, going before God in the tabernacle. Now, Jesus is our High Priest and we can go boldly before the throne of God and make our requests know ourselves. What a privilege. What an honor. What a God!!!
God routinely asks His people to enter into His rest and not let the cares of life keep us from experiencing HIM.
Let me close on this note. We miss entering into God's rest because of unbelief. Hebrews 4:3 says, " For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he (God) said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world."
My life consists of much unrest, civil unrest if you will, and my soul was aching for rest and I found it in the Lord.
After a minute or two, I knew what I had to do. Humble myself, yield to the Spirit and ask for prayer.
Prayer. Spiritual communication with God.
My steps were slow and unsure, yet, I just knew without a shadow of a doubt i was being led by HIS Spirit. I lifted my hands in surrender. That being the most important--surrender. I had come to a point within and in spite of myself, that I needed to let God have the pre-eminate position (of master) in my life. Just like the people in the upper room in Acts chapter 2, when they were filled with Holy Spirit, I felt HIS presence and cleansing from within. Something was happening. I cannot call it a new-birth because that came with my acceptance of Jesus as my saviour, but I can call it a 'restoration' and returning to my first love. Oh, the joy of knowing HIM and having that constant fellowship with HIM.
During this time I said very little. What could I say? God knew my heart and I needed not add anything to the conversation. It seems a contrast from the old testament High Priests in the Torah and how often they made intercession for the people, going before God in the tabernacle. Now, Jesus is our High Priest and we can go boldly before the throne of God and make our requests know ourselves. What a privilege. What an honor. What a God!!!
God routinely asks His people to enter into His rest and not let the cares of life keep us from experiencing HIM.
Let me close on this note. We miss entering into God's rest because of unbelief. Hebrews 4:3 says, " For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he (God) said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world."
My life consists of much unrest, civil unrest if you will, and my soul was aching for rest and I found it in the Lord.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Rain Delay
Proverbs 18:24a "A man that has friends must show himself to be friendly..."
God continues to amaze me no matter what the circumstance is. Earlier this evening, I was racing home to try and beat the coming rainstorm. Needless to say, I did not make it home. However, as I was rushing from the south side of Hazleton to my home I noticed something that made me say "Whoa!"
Just before the rains came, they sky was an eerie green with a tint of blue, and all the clouds in the sky seemed to be turned upside down. Yes, upside down. Immediately I stopped in my tracks and reached into my pocket for my iPhone and soon realized I had left it at home. BUMMER!!! No pics to back up my story. Any who. Gazing up at this celestial phenomenon I easily cried out "Thank you Lord." For me this is a rare privilege because I had never seen this before and for the briefest of moments I ventured to think a tornado was emanate. The sky turned darker with wind and debris moving about in a circular motion 20+ feet in the air. Fearing the worst, I willed my feet to move and they did (without hesitation) and proceeded to make it to one of my safe houses. (Safe houses are places I know I can go to in an pinch or emergency.)s
As I sat out the rain delay, I got to talking to one of the residents of the safe house, a young lady Josephine, whom I had seen around town and in passing said hello to. During our time together we talked about the weather (oddly enough), sports (me mostly, wanting to get home and listen to the Tampa Bay Rays on the radio) and life in general. Over the next 30-40 minutes or so we also covered the Internet and some of its 'propietary issues', her hometown of Shenandoah, Hazleton and flowers. Truth be told I was quite taken by her and her story. What a joyous time.
The rain slowed to a crawl. I waited a few more minutes to be sure it was done(Texas weather in Pennsylvania) got up, said my goodbyes and wished everyone well.
Once again I thanked God for the rain delay because it afforded me the opportunity to spend time with someone who had shown herself to be friendly and in turn gained a friend--me.
Solis dios Gloria
(to God alone be the glory)
God continues to amaze me no matter what the circumstance is. Earlier this evening, I was racing home to try and beat the coming rainstorm. Needless to say, I did not make it home. However, as I was rushing from the south side of Hazleton to my home I noticed something that made me say "Whoa!"
Just before the rains came, they sky was an eerie green with a tint of blue, and all the clouds in the sky seemed to be turned upside down. Yes, upside down. Immediately I stopped in my tracks and reached into my pocket for my iPhone and soon realized I had left it at home. BUMMER!!! No pics to back up my story. Any who. Gazing up at this celestial phenomenon I easily cried out "Thank you Lord." For me this is a rare privilege because I had never seen this before and for the briefest of moments I ventured to think a tornado was emanate. The sky turned darker with wind and debris moving about in a circular motion 20+ feet in the air. Fearing the worst, I willed my feet to move and they did (without hesitation) and proceeded to make it to one of my safe houses. (Safe houses are places I know I can go to in an pinch or emergency.)s
As I sat out the rain delay, I got to talking to one of the residents of the safe house, a young lady Josephine, whom I had seen around town and in passing said hello to. During our time together we talked about the weather (oddly enough), sports (me mostly, wanting to get home and listen to the Tampa Bay Rays on the radio) and life in general. Over the next 30-40 minutes or so we also covered the Internet and some of its 'propietary issues', her hometown of Shenandoah, Hazleton and flowers. Truth be told I was quite taken by her and her story. What a joyous time.
The rain slowed to a crawl. I waited a few more minutes to be sure it was done(Texas weather in Pennsylvania) got up, said my goodbyes and wished everyone well.
Once again I thanked God for the rain delay because it afforded me the opportunity to spend time with someone who had shown herself to be friendly and in turn gained a friend--me.
Solis dios Gloria
(to God alone be the glory)
Thursday, July 5, 2012
HIS Rest (2)
My time was fast coming to an end, and I did not know what to do. Life was passing by, but slowly. In a room full of people I felt as if I was alone. Making my way to the exit I sneak a glance over my right shoulder and cross the threshold. Hoping, wishing and praying, I descend the stairs two, three at a time. What is the use? I've turned the corner in this relationship and the only benefit is NOW the healing can begin. Turning the page will be easier said than done.
Fast forward three months
I switched off my phone, radio and laptop, sitting in virtual silence with the only noise being life outside my house doors. Suddenly I felt the weight of life. You never know what you've got till it's gone. Life these past three months has been like night and day. Not a day passed when I did not awaken under the weight of the present, not wanting to face the cold fact that I had to make peace with God.
There had been moments of joy, sure. But they were few and far between the constant wrestling going on in my conscience. How much could a man take; literally, how much could a body and mind endure? In whom could I confide? What has become of me?
Raw truth was invading my reality and I tried to push it out of my mind. No! Now is the time to face myself and God. The hound of heaven was pursuing me and I would have to be foolish to think I could outrun him. God was now calling me.
Deep down within I knew I could no longer live with the person I had become these past few months. (Emotional, angry, irrational, fearful, frustrated.)
Seeking the peace that can only come from God, I bowed my head and prayed.
Feeling inadequate, I got off my couch and slowly made my way to the floor and lay prostrate. There were few words I could say other than , "Lord help me." I asked for HIS forgiveness and then I shut my mouth. It took some time to clear away the noise within my mind and spirit, but HE eventually won out and I found myself at peace.
Fast forward three months
I switched off my phone, radio and laptop, sitting in virtual silence with the only noise being life outside my house doors. Suddenly I felt the weight of life. You never know what you've got till it's gone. Life these past three months has been like night and day. Not a day passed when I did not awaken under the weight of the present, not wanting to face the cold fact that I had to make peace with God.
There had been moments of joy, sure. But they were few and far between the constant wrestling going on in my conscience. How much could a man take; literally, how much could a body and mind endure? In whom could I confide? What has become of me?
Raw truth was invading my reality and I tried to push it out of my mind. No! Now is the time to face myself and God. The hound of heaven was pursuing me and I would have to be foolish to think I could outrun him. God was now calling me.
Deep down within I knew I could no longer live with the person I had become these past few months. (Emotional, angry, irrational, fearful, frustrated.)
Seeking the peace that can only come from God, I bowed my head and prayed.
Feeling inadequate, I got off my couch and slowly made my way to the floor and lay prostrate. There were few words I could say other than , "Lord help me." I asked for HIS forgiveness and then I shut my mouth. It took some time to clear away the noise within my mind and spirit, but HE eventually won out and I found myself at peace.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
ROCK
Christianity has many words and phrases that seem to confound almost anyone not familiar with its lingo. I myself am one who is sometimes caught off guard and/or left scratching my head. Having immersed myself in the bible and its real meaning, in time, that confusion has been taken away.
Jesus, God's only Son, has many names. I will not name them, (the list would be exhaustive), but I would like to focus on one in particular and that one is ROCK.
When I think about a rock, I think of a stone that lodges itself in the bottom of my shoes and even gets in there and causes all kind of problems for my feet. After a while my feet hurt and pain is a byproduct until I do something about it. I kick off my shoes and begin the search for my enemy. Romans 9:33 talks about "a stumblingstone and a rock of offence: and whosoever believes on him shall not be ashamed." The first part of this speaks about a rock of offence, (the one in my shoe). In my case, the 'rock' had become a problem for me and my footing was not sure because of it. I had to stop whatever I was doing at the time and deal with it. The end part (HIM) speaks of Jesus Christ. HE is the Rock that is solid, unmovable, and sure.
Jesus is the foundation of our faith and in I Cor. 10:4 he is called our spiritual Rock. First Peter 2:6 labels him as, a chief corner stone and precious. Much amazement fills my senses as I look at the two meanings and try to compare and contrast them. How can this be? In my human mind, rocks are objects and projectiles that skim across the tops of water or can be used to break windows and hurt others. We all have done it.
CVS is rebuilding one its stores a few feet from my house and it is beyond belief, mine, at how fast it's going up. A couple of months ago there were only piles of dirt and rocks and other material along with heavy equipment used in the process. Unreal!!! Yet, after the foundation is layed and set, the first stone (that chief corner stone) is layed the building process can continue. Let's relate this to the Trinity, the Father, Son, and Spirit.
A. GOD--Our first and ultimate foundation. Meaning HIS love and mercy and
grace.
B. JESUS--The first piece in the rebuilding process of our spiritual condition.
C. HOLY SPIRIT--He adds to onto the corner stone by teaching us and guides
as we grow and builds our faith.
You are surely wondering, "How can this guy get all this from a rock?" Easy.
My rock (sins) were causing me to stumble and stammer through this life and I ofter became bruised and battered. After I found Jesus and discovered who God really is and what I mean to HIM, Jesus became my rock. My life is fuller and more complete. I am not saying i still don't have difficulties. I do. But, those little nuisances that once made my feet sore and ache are now crushed under the weight of my forgiveness and the Father's love for me. I no longer look down at what troubles me. I look to what the David says in Psalm 61:2 is the "ROCK that is higher than I." His name is Jesus.
Jesus, God's only Son, has many names. I will not name them, (the list would be exhaustive), but I would like to focus on one in particular and that one is ROCK.
When I think about a rock, I think of a stone that lodges itself in the bottom of my shoes and even gets in there and causes all kind of problems for my feet. After a while my feet hurt and pain is a byproduct until I do something about it. I kick off my shoes and begin the search for my enemy. Romans 9:33 talks about "a stumblingstone and a rock of offence: and whosoever believes on him shall not be ashamed." The first part of this speaks about a rock of offence, (the one in my shoe). In my case, the 'rock' had become a problem for me and my footing was not sure because of it. I had to stop whatever I was doing at the time and deal with it. The end part (HIM) speaks of Jesus Christ. HE is the Rock that is solid, unmovable, and sure.
Jesus is the foundation of our faith and in I Cor. 10:4 he is called our spiritual Rock. First Peter 2:6 labels him as, a chief corner stone and precious. Much amazement fills my senses as I look at the two meanings and try to compare and contrast them. How can this be? In my human mind, rocks are objects and projectiles that skim across the tops of water or can be used to break windows and hurt others. We all have done it.
CVS is rebuilding one its stores a few feet from my house and it is beyond belief, mine, at how fast it's going up. A couple of months ago there were only piles of dirt and rocks and other material along with heavy equipment used in the process. Unreal!!! Yet, after the foundation is layed and set, the first stone (that chief corner stone) is layed the building process can continue. Let's relate this to the Trinity, the Father, Son, and Spirit.
A. GOD--Our first and ultimate foundation. Meaning HIS love and mercy and
grace.
B. JESUS--The first piece in the rebuilding process of our spiritual condition.
C. HOLY SPIRIT--He adds to onto the corner stone by teaching us and guides
as we grow and builds our faith.
You are surely wondering, "How can this guy get all this from a rock?" Easy.
My rock (sins) were causing me to stumble and stammer through this life and I ofter became bruised and battered. After I found Jesus and discovered who God really is and what I mean to HIM, Jesus became my rock. My life is fuller and more complete. I am not saying i still don't have difficulties. I do. But, those little nuisances that once made my feet sore and ache are now crushed under the weight of my forgiveness and the Father's love for me. I no longer look down at what troubles me. I look to what the David says in Psalm 61:2 is the "ROCK that is higher than I." His name is Jesus.
Monday, June 18, 2012
HIS Rest (1)
I'm sitting outside my church waiting for men's prayer to start. The wind is blowing and cars are zooming by on the interstate and side streets. I am listening to music on my iPhone, "Majesty" by Delirious?.
In the span of about 3-5 seconds, it became totally quiet. I was so shocked by this that I took off my headphones and looked around. Kind of felt like 'the calm before the storm'. Yet, no storm came, just a peace that surpassed my understanding. A peace I did not deserve because of my sinful nature. Immediately two passages of scripture came to mind. One is from the gospel of Mark 4:41, when Jesus was in the boat sleeping and awakens to his disciples fearful shouting. Jesus got up, rebuked the storm and the wind and the waves obeyed. The second verse is the one I felt more drawn to use and it is found in 3rd chapter of Hebrews.
There are times I will search the scriptures for passages that encourages and up lifts me. So few times, I look for verses that speak to "my dark side", hoping for relief from the weight of the sting my guilt and shame. I tell myself that is the old me and he has been ex-sponged. But God's word is not to be handled deceitfully. While reading from Hebrews I was hard pressed NOT to feel the Spirit 's presence.
The phrase that kept pricking my heart was, harden not your heart. No pun intended. I found myself experiencing such hardness as I go throughout my days. Days where my actions, thoughts and deeds do little to belay my faith in the ONE TRUE GOD. My face blanched.
Yet, I could not deny what the WORD was telling me. How could I change? Nothing seemed to work. Then HE told me this. "Hold fast to my confidence in HIM, which I had from the beginning."
My grasp of reality was fading fast into an abyss the seemed to be bottomless. An intervention was needed. And God did. To my remembrance came the rebellion of the nation of Israel in the wilderness during their period of wandering. I thanked God because in that span of 5 seconds, HE showed me what I can have as a result of being in HIM--rest, or what I can lose because of my rebellion towards HIM--unrest. God's word does encourage but more importantly it corrects AND commands obedience.
In the span of about 3-5 seconds, it became totally quiet. I was so shocked by this that I took off my headphones and looked around. Kind of felt like 'the calm before the storm'. Yet, no storm came, just a peace that surpassed my understanding. A peace I did not deserve because of my sinful nature. Immediately two passages of scripture came to mind. One is from the gospel of Mark 4:41, when Jesus was in the boat sleeping and awakens to his disciples fearful shouting. Jesus got up, rebuked the storm and the wind and the waves obeyed. The second verse is the one I felt more drawn to use and it is found in 3rd chapter of Hebrews.
There are times I will search the scriptures for passages that encourages and up lifts me. So few times, I look for verses that speak to "my dark side", hoping for relief from the weight of the sting my guilt and shame. I tell myself that is the old me and he has been ex-sponged. But God's word is not to be handled deceitfully. While reading from Hebrews I was hard pressed NOT to feel the Spirit 's presence.
The phrase that kept pricking my heart was, harden not your heart. No pun intended. I found myself experiencing such hardness as I go throughout my days. Days where my actions, thoughts and deeds do little to belay my faith in the ONE TRUE GOD. My face blanched.
Yet, I could not deny what the WORD was telling me. How could I change? Nothing seemed to work. Then HE told me this. "Hold fast to my confidence in HIM, which I had from the beginning."
My grasp of reality was fading fast into an abyss the seemed to be bottomless. An intervention was needed. And God did. To my remembrance came the rebellion of the nation of Israel in the wilderness during their period of wandering. I thanked God because in that span of 5 seconds, HE showed me what I can have as a result of being in HIM--rest, or what I can lose because of my rebellion towards HIM--unrest. God's word does encourage but more importantly it corrects AND commands obedience.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
A slight nudge
Even when I am doing nothing and seem unwilling to 'do anything', God is always working. Case-in-point. I was in Walmart this afternoon waiting to buy a(n) money order and reading a book. (Not unusual because it is always crowded there and it was a payday.) On with my story. The gentleman behind me and the lady behind him, wait.... Let me just go with the young man first. The young man asked me, " What are you reading?" It was the third book from the Left Behind series "Nicolae", and I closed the book so he could see the cover. For a bit we talked about the concept of the book and series and he said he had just started reading the bible, starting in Genesis. That was a starter point to current and world events. From what I gather he was looking at such things and wondering, what does it mean? He is searching for the truth. I asked him about Jesus and salvation and what he thought it all meant. We talked a little more and I encouraged him to start reading the book of John and the gospels and he said he would. During the conversation I am silently praying to God that I would say the right words and I believe that I did. I offered to give him my number and said he could call me if he had any question. He did not, but that is OK. I know that we will see each other again.
Now as for the lady standing behind him, when I mentioned Jesus and salvation, she looked toward us and stepped closer, I guess to hear the conversation. I am not sure of her motives ,but, I would like to see the positive side and assume that she too was searching for truth. However, I failed to ask the young man his name to personalize the conversation, but I am more than comforted by the fact that God knows who he is and I will add him to my prayer list.
Someday I would like to address him in a future blog with the expectation of him having become a born-again believer in Jesus Christ. Glory to God.
Now as for the lady standing behind him, when I mentioned Jesus and salvation, she looked toward us and stepped closer, I guess to hear the conversation. I am not sure of her motives ,but, I would like to see the positive side and assume that she too was searching for truth. However, I failed to ask the young man his name to personalize the conversation, but I am more than comforted by the fact that God knows who he is and I will add him to my prayer list.
Someday I would like to address him in a future blog with the expectation of him having become a born-again believer in Jesus Christ. Glory to God.
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