I am in the Prayer Room at IHOP in Kansas City, and it is a place filled with the glory of God. One thing that I have learned since I have been here is the importance of prayer. The things of the world fade in the light of His presence. There are different types of prayer and prayer focus, and I have seen most of them here, but not all. There are superficial prayers like "Lord Bless Me" or "Now I lay me down to sleep." Prayers of rote may be good for children, but God wants to take us deeper.
Leonard Ravenhill, Charles Finney, and a few more old time Preachers spoke of agonizing prayer. This is a very uncomfortable type of prayer, and it is gut-wrenching and when accompanied by the spirit of God, it brings much results and rewards. When we agonize over our sins, the sins of friends and family, over the sins of the past, over the sins of the nations, then we are beginning to tap into God. God is a loving Heavenly Father.
First the natural comes, and then the spiritual comes later. We begin with the known and move to the unknown. We begin by praying out of our mouths to God in times of need, in times of desperation, and then in friendship with God. Once we are Spirit-filled, the Bible says that we should pray in the spirit in tongues. We begin to groan in the spirit, things we do not understand but our Father (ABBA) knows and understands. No one ever prays too much. There are special callings in intercession, but everyone that is a believer is called to pray. God's Word tells us that HE "will never leave us, nor forsake us." (Heb.13:5b) God is our Father and our friend. He is not stuffy and HE does not judge as man judges. He loves us with an everlasting love. Man looks on the outside, but God looks on the heart.
Just what is this things that we call "Prayer." Prayer is communication (talking AND listening) to God. The Bible says that we should worship God in "spirit and in truth." His Word is God's law, "Thy Word is truth." The spirit of God is love, it is the very nature of God. The Bible says that "God is love." Love is not "self-centered" but it is "other-centered." It considers the needs and desires above the self desires and the needs of the flesh. Love sacrifices for the good of those around them. Love lays down His life for His friends and family.
Prayer is such a sacrifice. Prayer takes us from the "self life" and into the "Christ life." I guess it takes us from what we want, and it opens our eyes to the needs of others, and makes us willing to do it. When we become a spirit filled believer, the spirit of God or the spirit of Christ intercedes for others through us. Sometimes when we do not even realize it. The purposes and plans of God appear sometimes and we are caught unaware, because we are "busy" or because we are not listening. Nevertheless, God is faithful. If we are a child of God, a son or daughter of Zion, then the Shepherd is leading us and guiding us. Psalms 32:8 says that "God will lead us on the best pathway for our lives." God wants the best for His children.
We must cry out to Him. When we don't know what to do, we should pray in the spirit till a release comes in the spirit. If we cannot find God, then we need to Worship Him. When we Worship God, He finds us. The Bible tells us that "The Father seeks such to Worship Him in spirit and in truth" (paraphrased)
Intercession and Worship walk hand in hand, like male and female. Out of the heart springs "rivers of living water." These waters are the Word of God which springs up in Worship and via intercession. The Word of God erupts, it springs forth, it shoots forth through the lips and brings health, healing, produces joy unspeakable and full of glory, and in the church everyone shouts "Glory!" All of our springs are in Him.
My prayer for all of us is that we would know Him as the Son knew the Father. Jesus only did what He heard the Father do. Sometimes that means separating your "self of body" from the crowd. In Him, we follow the cloud and not the crowd. In Him, we walk to the tune of a different drummer. God speaks, then we move. We wait upon God. First comes the directions or instructions from God, then we follow His command. For some, like me and you, this is a life long lesson. It will all be worthwhile when we get to Heaven.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Does anyone care?
Have you ever been in the pits? The old timers might call it having "the blues." Have you ever felt so low that you know you could play hand ball against the curb? There are times in life where things don't matter, life doesn't make sense, and no matter what you do, things just seem to get worse. What do you do at these points in life? Some people give up hope, some blow their brains out, and some just get mad.
I've been going through one of these times lately, and it isn't fun. Your friends can't help you, and sometimes it feels like you can't even help yourself. Sometimes things just get bad, sometimes they get worse, and sometimes it is NOT your fault.
Who is in control? Do we blame God for times like these? Many people do, and they want nothing to do with God, church, or anything else to do with "goody two shoes." The problem is that we either get "better or bitter" during these times. What are the things that "get to you?" What are the causes of depression? How do we get out of these "holes" or pitfalls we find ourselves in? What is the answer?
Sometimes, there are no quick answers. We want to jump to a "quick conclusion" or make a "snap decision," but many times we later find out we didn't have all the facts. What is it about people that makes them (me and you) judge one another?
I don't know everything, but I know that God does NOT make mistakes. We cannot "blame" God for our troubles. Most of the time we get ourselves into "jams" and we look to "Mom and Dad," to friends, to a Pastor, to the government, or to anyone we can find to alleviate or cancel the problem. We do not like to suffer.
Growing has many "pains" that just come with growing up or getting older. Death is the "Final Exit" and we will all get there soon enough. Our ultimate "blow" or "Victory" will come in death. "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." We are all going to die, and those who live Godly lives in Christ Jesus are going to suffer with and for Him. I used to work at a cemetery and I saw death from 2 minutes old to 115 years old. We are all going to die. You are going to die. The question is "are you ready?," and do you know that for a fact? After you die, it is too late to make amends. (Note: If you are Catholic, this might not go with your "Theology," but is the truth.)
How can we "know" that we are ready to go? I heard someone say "Going to church doesn't make you a Christian, no more than going to MacDonald's makes you a hamburger" (Keith Green). If there is a God, an Uncreated One, the Grand Pooba, Big Daddy "G," the Man upstairs, or whatever you want to call HIM; if there is a God, then He determines who goes to Heaven and who doesn't - NOT you!!!
If we want to go to Heaven, it must be by His design and NOT according to what we think or how we feel. We cannot buy our way in, we cannot inherit it from our parents, we cannot get there by some magic formula (three "Hail Marys" and fifty bucks in the offering, etc...), nor do we get there by "being good enough." Then how does one gain entrance into this Holy Place called Heaven?
I'm glad you asked, it is only through the blood of Jesus, "by confessing our sins to God, by reading and obeying His Holy Word (the Bible), by Faith in God." We must realize that we are a sinner, and that we need God. We cannot live for God on our own strength. I have tried and many others too have tried and it does not work. Do we give up hope and throw our hands up in the air and say "I quit!" Many have, but God has a better way.
Who cares? God does. Why does He make things so hard? The Bible says that the way of the transgressor (or sinner) is hard. We do it to ourselves. Jesus cares! Your friends care too, but they cannot live your life for you. Your parents care too, but often they are too close to help. There are times when noone but God Himself, or Jesus, can help. Why? Because HE is the only answer, He is the Key to the door you are looking for, He is the bridge that gets you to where you "want" to go.
Know the plan and work the plan. Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans of good and not evil, to give you a hope and a future." Another place in the Bible, it says that God is on our side. God is for us, not against us. On the other hand, He gives us "Freedom" and we have the right to choose. Many people want to get wet, but they don't want to jump into the pool. That is like saying, I want to be a Christian without Christ. That is like saying "I want to drive the car, I just don't want to stop and put gas and oil in it." You cannot get to Heaven without Christ. The fuel to get there is His Word. His Word is called "Light." Light expels the darkness. Light literally pushes the darkness out. We MUST continue in His Word, then we are "truly His disciples."
Does anyone care? The answer is yes. The question remains "are we going to do things His way (the right way), or are we going to go our own way? Someone asked, what is the roadmap to Heaven? A child answered, "That's easy, turn right and go straight!" "And a little child shall lead them..."
I've been going through one of these times lately, and it isn't fun. Your friends can't help you, and sometimes it feels like you can't even help yourself. Sometimes things just get bad, sometimes they get worse, and sometimes it is NOT your fault.
Who is in control? Do we blame God for times like these? Many people do, and they want nothing to do with God, church, or anything else to do with "goody two shoes." The problem is that we either get "better or bitter" during these times. What are the things that "get to you?" What are the causes of depression? How do we get out of these "holes" or pitfalls we find ourselves in? What is the answer?
Sometimes, there are no quick answers. We want to jump to a "quick conclusion" or make a "snap decision," but many times we later find out we didn't have all the facts. What is it about people that makes them (me and you) judge one another?
I don't know everything, but I know that God does NOT make mistakes. We cannot "blame" God for our troubles. Most of the time we get ourselves into "jams" and we look to "Mom and Dad," to friends, to a Pastor, to the government, or to anyone we can find to alleviate or cancel the problem. We do not like to suffer.
Growing has many "pains" that just come with growing up or getting older. Death is the "Final Exit" and we will all get there soon enough. Our ultimate "blow" or "Victory" will come in death. "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." We are all going to die, and those who live Godly lives in Christ Jesus are going to suffer with and for Him. I used to work at a cemetery and I saw death from 2 minutes old to 115 years old. We are all going to die. You are going to die. The question is "are you ready?," and do you know that for a fact? After you die, it is too late to make amends. (Note: If you are Catholic, this might not go with your "Theology," but is the truth.)
How can we "know" that we are ready to go? I heard someone say "Going to church doesn't make you a Christian, no more than going to MacDonald's makes you a hamburger" (Keith Green). If there is a God, an Uncreated One, the Grand Pooba, Big Daddy "G," the Man upstairs, or whatever you want to call HIM; if there is a God, then He determines who goes to Heaven and who doesn't - NOT you!!!
If we want to go to Heaven, it must be by His design and NOT according to what we think or how we feel. We cannot buy our way in, we cannot inherit it from our parents, we cannot get there by some magic formula (three "Hail Marys" and fifty bucks in the offering, etc...), nor do we get there by "being good enough." Then how does one gain entrance into this Holy Place called Heaven?
I'm glad you asked, it is only through the blood of Jesus, "by confessing our sins to God, by reading and obeying His Holy Word (the Bible), by Faith in God." We must realize that we are a sinner, and that we need God. We cannot live for God on our own strength. I have tried and many others too have tried and it does not work. Do we give up hope and throw our hands up in the air and say "I quit!" Many have, but God has a better way.
Who cares? God does. Why does He make things so hard? The Bible says that the way of the transgressor (or sinner) is hard. We do it to ourselves. Jesus cares! Your friends care too, but they cannot live your life for you. Your parents care too, but often they are too close to help. There are times when noone but God Himself, or Jesus, can help. Why? Because HE is the only answer, He is the Key to the door you are looking for, He is the bridge that gets you to where you "want" to go.
Know the plan and work the plan. Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans of good and not evil, to give you a hope and a future." Another place in the Bible, it says that God is on our side. God is for us, not against us. On the other hand, He gives us "Freedom" and we have the right to choose. Many people want to get wet, but they don't want to jump into the pool. That is like saying, I want to be a Christian without Christ. That is like saying "I want to drive the car, I just don't want to stop and put gas and oil in it." You cannot get to Heaven without Christ. The fuel to get there is His Word. His Word is called "Light." Light expels the darkness. Light literally pushes the darkness out. We MUST continue in His Word, then we are "truly His disciples."
Does anyone care? The answer is yes. The question remains "are we going to do things His way (the right way), or are we going to go our own way? Someone asked, what is the roadmap to Heaven? A child answered, "That's easy, turn right and go straight!" "And a little child shall lead them..."
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Great Men of God
Over my lifetime, I have met many great men of God. I first heard of them when Mom and Dad would read me bedtime stories from the Bible (Harlbuts Childrens Bible). I heard of men like King David, Joseph, Abraham, Peter, Noah, and many others. All of these men had "failures" in their lives, but God made them great because they believed in Him. My hope is in God too.
We often sing "Give of your best to the Master, give of the strength of your youth, clad in salvation's full armor, join in the Battle for truth." However, are we willing to pay the price. There re many rewards for "greatness," but there is also a price to pay. If we are to walk with Him (Jesus) in His likeness and in His greatness, we must also be willing to suffer with Him. Are we willing to take up our cross and to follow Him? Do we even know what that means?
Every great man of God, except Jesus, failed God in some manner. If we were perfect, there would be no ned for God. He is our guarantee! He is the author (beginning) and the finisher (ending) of our faith. In Him we live and move and have our being.
All of these men were "chosen by God." That is to say, they did not choose God, but He chose them. David was called from the sheepfold, Abraham was called from the Ur of the Chaldees, Jacob was called, Isaac was called, Peter was called, and so on. Men of true greatness are called by God. Jesus is our anchor man, because men are going to drop the Baton, but God wins the race every time.
What is it that makes for greatness? We are called to be Kings and Priests unto our God, if we are called. Many say they know God, but does God know you. I have heard many people say I know this or that famous person, but when I've mentioned their name, the person says "I do not know them!" When God "knows" you, He knows how to get in touch with you. It is no longer you who leads, but God leads you on your pathway. (Ps 32:8) Believe me, God know how to get someone's attention, just look at Jonah. When we are called to greatness, God is able to bring us back into the fold. The Good Shepherd seeks out His lost sheep.
The Bible says, "Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me." (Psalm 23) Why is that? What does that have to do with greatness? If you are one of the called, you are one of His sheep (see Psalm 100). The rod was like a club that was used by the Shepherd to beat off the enemy of the sheep. The sheep didn't beat off the enemy, the Shepherd did. There was a "Ball" on the end of this rod, and into it were often driven nails. The shepherds would often beat off the attacker by a deathblow to the head with the rod. The nails would penetrate the skull and kill the animal. Even if they missed and hit somewhere else, the attacker would usually leave. David used this club or rod to kill a lion, a tiger, and a bear. He also used the sling (NOT a slingshot, that is something totally different). The rod was a tool that usually meant death to the enemy. It was used when the enemy attacked one of the sheep.
The other tool used by the Shepherd was the staff. The staff was used to draw the sheep close to the shepherd, or to tap the side of the sheep to get back on the right path. Sheep are prone to enemies of their flesh. One is the "Bot" fly. The Bot fly lays her eggs in the mucas membranes, usually in the ears or nose. The eggs have a barb that attaches itself to the sheep. It begins to suck out the blood. As it grows, it begins to twirl around, causing the sheep much irritation. The Good Shepherd knows about these pests and draws the sheep near to Him to check. He makes a paste or salve (one might call it a healing balm) and puts it in the ears, nose, and around the eyes. This keeps the enemy away. If you are called to "greatness," then you are called to be a lowly sheep in His fold. The Shepherd guides the sheep. Men of greatness fall when they get their eyes off of the Shepherd. This has happened to men like Abraham, David, Peter, and many more. Greatness requires that we learn from our mistakes and move on. When Jonah failed, God gave him another chance. When Peter failed, God gave him another chance, God is faithful!
If unattended, the sheep will die. They will usually kill themselves by beating their heads against a rock or a tree. If we are not protected by the Good Shepherd, we will go mad. To the Good Shepherd goes all the glory, praise, Majesty, and honor.
The rod is also used to mark the tenth of each in the flock for service, or for death. We serve the Good Shepherd by laying down our lives. Even then, He chooses the time. We are great in His eyes when we follow Him.
We often sing "Give of your best to the Master, give of the strength of your youth, clad in salvation's full armor, join in the Battle for truth." However, are we willing to pay the price. There re many rewards for "greatness," but there is also a price to pay. If we are to walk with Him (Jesus) in His likeness and in His greatness, we must also be willing to suffer with Him. Are we willing to take up our cross and to follow Him? Do we even know what that means?
Every great man of God, except Jesus, failed God in some manner. If we were perfect, there would be no ned for God. He is our guarantee! He is the author (beginning) and the finisher (ending) of our faith. In Him we live and move and have our being.
All of these men were "chosen by God." That is to say, they did not choose God, but He chose them. David was called from the sheepfold, Abraham was called from the Ur of the Chaldees, Jacob was called, Isaac was called, Peter was called, and so on. Men of true greatness are called by God. Jesus is our anchor man, because men are going to drop the Baton, but God wins the race every time.
What is it that makes for greatness? We are called to be Kings and Priests unto our God, if we are called. Many say they know God, but does God know you. I have heard many people say I know this or that famous person, but when I've mentioned their name, the person says "I do not know them!" When God "knows" you, He knows how to get in touch with you. It is no longer you who leads, but God leads you on your pathway. (Ps 32:8) Believe me, God know how to get someone's attention, just look at Jonah. When we are called to greatness, God is able to bring us back into the fold. The Good Shepherd seeks out His lost sheep.
The Bible says, "Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me." (Psalm 23) Why is that? What does that have to do with greatness? If you are one of the called, you are one of His sheep (see Psalm 100). The rod was like a club that was used by the Shepherd to beat off the enemy of the sheep. The sheep didn't beat off the enemy, the Shepherd did. There was a "Ball" on the end of this rod, and into it were often driven nails. The shepherds would often beat off the attacker by a deathblow to the head with the rod. The nails would penetrate the skull and kill the animal. Even if they missed and hit somewhere else, the attacker would usually leave. David used this club or rod to kill a lion, a tiger, and a bear. He also used the sling (NOT a slingshot, that is something totally different). The rod was a tool that usually meant death to the enemy. It was used when the enemy attacked one of the sheep.
The other tool used by the Shepherd was the staff. The staff was used to draw the sheep close to the shepherd, or to tap the side of the sheep to get back on the right path. Sheep are prone to enemies of their flesh. One is the "Bot" fly. The Bot fly lays her eggs in the mucas membranes, usually in the ears or nose. The eggs have a barb that attaches itself to the sheep. It begins to suck out the blood. As it grows, it begins to twirl around, causing the sheep much irritation. The Good Shepherd knows about these pests and draws the sheep near to Him to check. He makes a paste or salve (one might call it a healing balm) and puts it in the ears, nose, and around the eyes. This keeps the enemy away. If you are called to "greatness," then you are called to be a lowly sheep in His fold. The Shepherd guides the sheep. Men of greatness fall when they get their eyes off of the Shepherd. This has happened to men like Abraham, David, Peter, and many more. Greatness requires that we learn from our mistakes and move on. When Jonah failed, God gave him another chance. When Peter failed, God gave him another chance, God is faithful!
If unattended, the sheep will die. They will usually kill themselves by beating their heads against a rock or a tree. If we are not protected by the Good Shepherd, we will go mad. To the Good Shepherd goes all the glory, praise, Majesty, and honor.
The rod is also used to mark the tenth of each in the flock for service, or for death. We serve the Good Shepherd by laying down our lives. Even then, He chooses the time. We are great in His eyes when we follow Him.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Do you believe?
Do you have faith in the living God? Do you really love God with all of your heart? The older I get, the more I see that only God can change people. The older I get, the more I realize that our only hope is Jesus Christ, the living Word. Sometimes I ask myself, do you really believe God? There is a part of me that says "Yeah but" and that's the part that brings me concern. Why?
The Bible says "These signs shall follow those who believe.." and then it lists the things that follow those who "truly believe." So you say, "what's the problem?" I'm glad you asked! Do you see those things happening in your life. I don't, and that concerns me. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong place, but I want to see more; much, much more.
I don't want to come to the end of my life and say "I could have, but I didn't." I want to see the works and miracles in my life. I want to see the "miracles" that Jesus did. Did HE not say, "Greater things than these shall YOU DO because I go to the Father." I do not believe that this is just my desire, I believe this is the heart of God Almighty, the "Uncreated One."
The Bible says that "All things are possible to him that believes." Do we believe that? I do! I want to believe more, but I have this "stuff" that holds me back. I can't change it, but there is a God who can. How does one "tap in" to this Tree of Life? In order to get the sap, you have got to be connected.
How do we get connected with the eternal God? We "connect" with God in several ways: through prayer, through His Word, through Worship, and there are other ways - like obedience.
Are you a child of the King? If you are, "these signs shall follow those who believe." Jesus said, "I only do what I see the Father doing." Jesus only did what the Father told Him to do. It is interesting to note that everyone that touched Jesus, or prayed for by Jesus, they were they healed - ALL OF THEM!!!!
"All of our springs are in Him." It is only through the blood of Jesus, and only when His spirit is at work in our hearts and lives that we can be what God wants us to be in this world. We need to hear His Word and then do what He says. "Christ in you - the hope of glory."
The Bible says "These signs shall follow those who believe.." and then it lists the things that follow those who "truly believe." So you say, "what's the problem?" I'm glad you asked! Do you see those things happening in your life. I don't, and that concerns me. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong place, but I want to see more; much, much more.
I don't want to come to the end of my life and say "I could have, but I didn't." I want to see the works and miracles in my life. I want to see the "miracles" that Jesus did. Did HE not say, "Greater things than these shall YOU DO because I go to the Father." I do not believe that this is just my desire, I believe this is the heart of God Almighty, the "Uncreated One."
The Bible says that "All things are possible to him that believes." Do we believe that? I do! I want to believe more, but I have this "stuff" that holds me back. I can't change it, but there is a God who can. How does one "tap in" to this Tree of Life? In order to get the sap, you have got to be connected.
How do we get connected with the eternal God? We "connect" with God in several ways: through prayer, through His Word, through Worship, and there are other ways - like obedience.
Are you a child of the King? If you are, "these signs shall follow those who believe." Jesus said, "I only do what I see the Father doing." Jesus only did what the Father told Him to do. It is interesting to note that everyone that touched Jesus, or prayed for by Jesus, they were they healed - ALL OF THEM!!!!
"All of our springs are in Him." It is only through the blood of Jesus, and only when His spirit is at work in our hearts and lives that we can be what God wants us to be in this world. We need to hear His Word and then do what He says. "Christ in you - the hope of glory."
Thursday, January 7, 2010
The Kindness of Animals
Do you ever wonder, will there be animals in Heaven? Based on some scripture in Isaiah, I believe that will be a good possibility, but it is not conclusive. Animals often reveal to us the love of God in ways that friends and family should, but do not often give to us.
My first dog was named "Bullet" and he was just a "mutt," a Heinz 57 Variety, a little of this and that mixed into a bundle of love. I named him Bullet after Roy Rogers dog, I guess if I had a horse I would have named him "Trigger." I say I loved Bullet, I played with him but never took care of him, Mom and Dad did that. I fed him from time to time, but I was inconsistent and he was hungry on a regular basis. I gave the dog time, love, and someone to play with on a daily basis. He eventually contracted heart worms, so the vet put him down. He was a good dog and I missed him.
When I was eleven years old, I met a friend named Jay, he had a dog named "Smokey." Smokey was a "mean" dog and he would attack and bite. He bit me once, so I stayed clear from him. This dog sensed fear, and he would attack. Smokey was part German Shepherd and part Chow. He had the body of the chow, the thick hair and curled tail of the chow, but his face and hair color was that of the German Shepherd. Jay's father was a "Military Man," a career soldier and they had to move. One day Jay and I were in the back yard, I was on top of the dog house and I started playing with Smokey with a pine straw, and before I knew it I was standing on the ground petting him. Fear had been replaced by love. I cannot explain what happened other than it was a miracle. Fear was replaced by love, and Smokey and I became good friends. When Jay told me he had to move, He asked me if I'd take care of His dog. I accepted gladly (after getting permission from Mom and Dad).
Smokey was a unique dog. Smokey was a watch dog, he was a protector, and he was my friend. Smokey gave me everything the world did not give me. Smokey accepted me just the way I was, I didn't have to prove my love to him. He was my advocate and my protector. There were many occasions where Smokey came to my defense.
Smokey would never attack anyone when he was walking with me, unless they hit me. When Smokey was unchained, He went where I went. There were two bullies, the Crews boys, and the older boy loved to pick on me. He would usually wait till I was alone, and I couldn't get away from him. He pushed me one day when Smokey was with me. He thought I had a nice dog, because he had petted him before. When he pushed me, he found out that my dog wasn't so sweet. Smokey came to my defense. I'd like to think that God is that way toward His children. He never attacked me again!
Smokey would growl usually as a warning, but he had another type of growl that said "I love you", it sounded like "Gurrrrr" (like girl without the "l"). He would do this for me when I came home from school, and sometimes when I petted him. He was the only dog that I've ever heard do it, and he did it for me. He loved a good belly rub, and to be scratched behind his ears.
I learned a lesson about watching out for those you love with Smokey, and it was a tough lesson. I was supposed to cut someone's grass, but like many teenagers - I had something that came up. I don't remember the details, but I probably bailed because of the heat. My Father went to mow the grass for me, and he took Smokey with him. Some children got around my dog, it was hot, and Smokey bit a little girl. It was the Sheriff's daughter. The Sheriff, the law, came and got my dog and shot him. I guess that is why I respect the law so much, they killed my best friend. Smokey was running toward the house when they shot him - twice. He was the best dog ever, and he died for my sin. If I had been where I was supposed to be, If I was doing what I was supposed to be doing, then my dog would be alive. My dog is a pleasant memory, and I have a picture of him that I will keep ( my "Rosebud").
Animals serve us without pay, they give us love, and they usually carry in their body the spirit of their Master.
A Godly man or woman is kind to their beast. I guess sometimes animals see things we do not see. As for Smokey, I pray that I get to see him again. He was a good dog. He was mine. Like God, I belong to Him and HE is mine.
My first dog was named "Bullet" and he was just a "mutt," a Heinz 57 Variety, a little of this and that mixed into a bundle of love. I named him Bullet after Roy Rogers dog, I guess if I had a horse I would have named him "Trigger." I say I loved Bullet, I played with him but never took care of him, Mom and Dad did that. I fed him from time to time, but I was inconsistent and he was hungry on a regular basis. I gave the dog time, love, and someone to play with on a daily basis. He eventually contracted heart worms, so the vet put him down. He was a good dog and I missed him.
When I was eleven years old, I met a friend named Jay, he had a dog named "Smokey." Smokey was a "mean" dog and he would attack and bite. He bit me once, so I stayed clear from him. This dog sensed fear, and he would attack. Smokey was part German Shepherd and part Chow. He had the body of the chow, the thick hair and curled tail of the chow, but his face and hair color was that of the German Shepherd. Jay's father was a "Military Man," a career soldier and they had to move. One day Jay and I were in the back yard, I was on top of the dog house and I started playing with Smokey with a pine straw, and before I knew it I was standing on the ground petting him. Fear had been replaced by love. I cannot explain what happened other than it was a miracle. Fear was replaced by love, and Smokey and I became good friends. When Jay told me he had to move, He asked me if I'd take care of His dog. I accepted gladly (after getting permission from Mom and Dad).
Smokey was a unique dog. Smokey was a watch dog, he was a protector, and he was my friend. Smokey gave me everything the world did not give me. Smokey accepted me just the way I was, I didn't have to prove my love to him. He was my advocate and my protector. There were many occasions where Smokey came to my defense.
Smokey would never attack anyone when he was walking with me, unless they hit me. When Smokey was unchained, He went where I went. There were two bullies, the Crews boys, and the older boy loved to pick on me. He would usually wait till I was alone, and I couldn't get away from him. He pushed me one day when Smokey was with me. He thought I had a nice dog, because he had petted him before. When he pushed me, he found out that my dog wasn't so sweet. Smokey came to my defense. I'd like to think that God is that way toward His children. He never attacked me again!
Smokey would growl usually as a warning, but he had another type of growl that said "I love you", it sounded like "Gurrrrr" (like girl without the "l"). He would do this for me when I came home from school, and sometimes when I petted him. He was the only dog that I've ever heard do it, and he did it for me. He loved a good belly rub, and to be scratched behind his ears.
I learned a lesson about watching out for those you love with Smokey, and it was a tough lesson. I was supposed to cut someone's grass, but like many teenagers - I had something that came up. I don't remember the details, but I probably bailed because of the heat. My Father went to mow the grass for me, and he took Smokey with him. Some children got around my dog, it was hot, and Smokey bit a little girl. It was the Sheriff's daughter. The Sheriff, the law, came and got my dog and shot him. I guess that is why I respect the law so much, they killed my best friend. Smokey was running toward the house when they shot him - twice. He was the best dog ever, and he died for my sin. If I had been where I was supposed to be, If I was doing what I was supposed to be doing, then my dog would be alive. My dog is a pleasant memory, and I have a picture of him that I will keep ( my "Rosebud").
Animals serve us without pay, they give us love, and they usually carry in their body the spirit of their Master.
A Godly man or woman is kind to their beast. I guess sometimes animals see things we do not see. As for Smokey, I pray that I get to see him again. He was a good dog. He was mine. Like God, I belong to Him and HE is mine.
The Living Word of God
If God wanted to communicate with a man, or a woman, how would HE do it? How can you "know" that you have heard from God? Why would God want to talk to me? Why would God want to talk to anyone? If there is a God, and I know there is ONE, He would want to talk to His friends, family, sons, and daughters.
The Bible is called the "Word of God." Imagine that, we have a "clear WORD" from God and we can "know" that it is from Him. His Word creates light and life. If you want to get rid of the darkness in your life, I can personally testify that His Word pushes out the darkness. His Word brings hope, love, encouragement, peace, wealth, and a plethora of other "good things." God's Word was in the beginning of time, before there was a planet called "Earth" - God's Word existed. "In the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God, and the Word was God."(John 1:1)
Why read the Bible? Aren't you interested? What does God say about that? Why take someone else's word, when you can hear straight from the source. What does God expect from you? How can you hear from God? The Bible says that when we worship God, He seeks us. "The Father seeks such who Worship HIM with the whole heart, in spirit (love) and in truth (according to His WORD)." The Bible says, "And you shall seek me, and you shall find me when you search for me with ALL of your heart."
The Bible has 66 books, Isaiah is a "mini-Bible" within the Bible. It has 66 chapters, just like the Bible has 66 books. The center of the Bible is found in Psalms 118:8. The shortest chapter in the Bible is Psalms 117, and the longest chapter in the Bible is Psalms 119. The center chapter and verse is found in chapter 118. There are many interesting things in the Bible, but it opens the mind, it opens the heart, it pushes out the darkness.
The Bible creates hope. The Bible creates life. The Bible creates peace. It has been done by Jesus Christ (Yeshua Ha'Netzeret V'mlech Ha'Yehudim -aka YHVH), the at-one-ment or atoning sacrifice. The first statement made of Jesus by John the Baptist was "Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the Earth. Via the Holy Spirit, Christ is exalted to His rightful place in the heart and lives of men. God is like a multi-faceted diamond, One Diamond with many sides. There are numerous names for God, but HE is known as "The Living Word," or the "Word made Flesh."
Having a "feeling" or an "idea" that you have heard from God can be wrong? Mankind cannot "bank" on concrete evidence unless he "knows" Christ. If it is not backed up by the Word, then there is no foundation. Jesus (the Living Word) spoke of two men: One built his house on sand, the other on a rock. I suppose you know the story, if not read Matthew, chapters 5-7. God has many things to say to us. We need to know that God is on our side - His Word tells us He does. We need to know that He loves us - His Word tells He does (see Jer 30). We need to know that God cares for His children, His Word gives a clear history (His story) of His love.
In Genesis, He is the creator. In Exodus, He is the deliverer of His people. In Leviticus, He is the sacrificial lamb. In Numbers, God counts the family units, He knows His children and He counts them. In Deuteronomy, He is the giver of the law. In Joshua, He is the promise keeper, and leads us into the "Promised land." In Judges, He is the Father of Justice - the Righteous judge. In Ruth, He is the kinsman-redeemer. All the way through Revelation, HE is the living Word, the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last. "As far as the East is from the West, that is how far He has removed our sins" if we are His children. God is faithful, from the beginning to the end of the Book, The Bible is THE BOOK!!! Let God speak to you through His Word today, and every day. Never look to man for the things that only God can give you!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Family - Part 1
How does one "conceive" a child? Where does it begin? Life begins with a thought, with a need, most of the time with a plan, and ultimately with action. Babies are not born by accident. Families begin with a husband and a wife, the marriage union is the beginning of the family unit. Some people would say that "it is not a family until there are children involved." "Children are a gift from God," at least according to the Holy writ, the Word of God. The family is where children start, where they grow, how they learn concepts, where they are nourished, where they are nurtured, where they are "reared" and family is many units with many connections, yet one. With children, it has oft been said "more is caught, than taught."
There are numerous types of "families" and not all of them are human. There are families of instruments, there are families or schools of thought, plant families, animal families, there are good and bad families, but what constitutes a "family?" According to Merriam Webster a family is defined as (1) "a group of individuals living under one roof," (2) "a group of persons of common ancestry (clan),(3) "a group of things having common characteristics."
In music, there are several different families: the string family, this includes all instruments with strings. This would include instruments like the guitar, the harp, violins, violas, cellos, Double Bass, Banjos, Mandolins, etc, There is a large group of Instruments called the Wind Family, a it is divided into other family units called "Brass" and "Woodwinds". Under the Brass family is any instrument that uses a cup mouthpiece and the sound is made by buzzing the lips. The brass family includes such instruments as the trumpet, shofar, cornet, flugelhorn, french horn (or Horn), trombone, sackbut, Euphonium, Saxhorns, Tuba family, and others. Each family has certain characteristics that define the unit. The Woodwinds would include such instruments as the clarinet family, the saxophone family, the double reed family, and anything else that takes breath to make sound. There is another large family called "Percussion" which means to strike. In this family are instruments like the Piano, the marimba, xylophone, vibraphone (commonly called "vibes"), snare drum, cymbals, gongs, etc... ad infinitum.
In music, there are several different families: the string family, this includes all instruments with strings. This would include instruments like the guitar, the harp, violins, violas, cellos, Double Bass, Banjos, Mandolins, etc, There is a large group of Instruments called the Wind Family, a it is divided into other family units called "Brass" and "Woodwinds". Under the Brass family is any instrument that uses a cup mouthpiece and the sound is made by buzzing the lips. The brass family includes such instruments as the trumpet, shofar, cornet, flugelhorn, french horn (or Horn), trombone, sackbut, Euphonium, Saxhorns, Tuba family, and others. Each family has certain characteristics that define the unit. The Woodwinds would include such instruments as the clarinet family, the saxophone family, the double reed family, and anything else that takes breath to make sound. There is another large family called "Percussion" which means to strike. In this family are instruments like the Piano, the marimba, xylophone, vibraphone (commonly called "vibes"), snare drum, cymbals, gongs, etc... ad infinitum.
In human families, what make up "characteristics" that define each unit? Some families are Asian, some are European, Chinese, English, Irish, Jewish, Iranian, or such. Nationality helps to define the unit. Families are also set apart by class: some are very wealthy, moderately wealthy, middle class, lower class, and poverty, etc... Other characteristics of families would be described by their faith, or their lack of it. In the old days, people were usually Christian, Jewish, Hindi, Buddhist, Muslim, or such. Today, there are plethoras of various belief systems. Families can be held together or broken apart by belief systems.
There is an old saying that "blood is thicker than water." In the south, the "Bubba system" is usually a family system or nepotism. Regardless of what anyone else thinks, we cling to familial patterns. They are imprinted or ingrained in our DNA. Even thought patterns are passed down genetically (in the family) from one generation to the next.
In the Bible, the Jews were separated for service by family lines. The Levites served in the house of God. They were set apart from the rest. Some people are chosen by God for special service, and that usually follows a pattern or a bloodline. The bloodline of Jesus Christ is very interesting. In His bloodline was a prostitute called Rahab, Ruth - a Moabite woman, and many other "unseemly" people were in His bloodline. Why?
There are various families of animals: a "pride" of lions, a "gaggle" of Geese, a "school" of fish, Elephants, Giraffes, dolphins, whales, dogs, cats, snails, lizards, etc... Why are there so many families? Why are various families "connected" with other families? When various families come together, a "symphony" of sound is usually produced.
Around this time of year, as well as other times, especially at Christmas seems to be a definitive "family" time. Why? Is it just "tradition?" Around the time of Christ's birth, the census brought families together in the city of their origin, like salmon returning home. Christmas time has always been a special family time for my family, but it is no longer. When Mom and Dad are gone, the family often splits apart. There are family leaders, and there are family followers. Parents lead and children follow. At least, that is the way it is supposed to work. When children rule the roost, there is chaos and frustration in the ranks. There is no peace in such a family. Peace come to a family when the order is straight and is understood by all. Father, Mother, then the children in birth order. Eventually the children start their own families and separate from their family unit to start their own. Nowadays, we would call this the extended family. (More to come) "Whoever herd of such things?"
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