"To be is to do, or do is to be, or do be do be do"

"To do is to be"--Descartes

"To Be is to Do"--Voltaire

"Do be do be do"-Frank Sinatra


OK< you can stop laughing now. Why did I copy these quotes? Because I thought they were funny, plus they made me think. Why are we here? What is the meaning of "Life"? Questions mankind has been asking since the beginning of time. Some of us, it seems, think we are here to make as much money as possible before we die, "He who dies with the most toys, wins". Some consider our family as our goal in life, to enjoy it together with good friends and family. Still others think that by staying busy, wither in business, hobbies, sports, whatever, is the meaning of live, to enjoy things you enjoy. So what is the answer? Is it: "To do is to be" or "To be is to do" or just "Do be do be do"? We don't have to climb that mountain and approach the Guru on top to find out the answer to the meaning of life. It's easy. It is to Live a life for God, a good and clean life serving Him and living by His example to show others HIM> Yes in doing this, we also do all the other things I just mentioned. We interact with friends and family, we enjoy doing the things we like, we supply for our family, we enjoy the company of others. We know what is right and what is wrong base upon God's word and nothing else. We stand by our principles, yes we have those, and we do not negotiate

Principles, do we actually have them? In today's world, it seems, not to many do. I support Politicians who really have them, and are criticized at every turn because they won't bend, and stand on them. Sometimes, actually, most of the time, a politician is ruined because of this. Most Politicians are criticized for "Flip Flopping" ,or changing their mind on a certain thing. If they "Flip Flopped" by realizing that they were not standing on their principles and what they were backing was wrong, then I applaud them for this "flip flop". There is nothing wrong with admitting you were wrong and changing your mind. In fact, isn't that exactly what we do when we ask God for forgiveness? "Lord, I am sorry, I have sinned, help me to turn from my sins and live for you"



Ecclesiastes 3:22
So I saw that there is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work. That is why we are here! No one will bring us back from death to enjoy life after we die.

So, the meaning of life is "Our Work"? Yes, it is, our work is not what you think, though. Our work here on earth is to serve our Lord and to reflect Him, so that others will see Him through us.

I have had many jobs in my life, some I enjoyed, some I did not. But God placed certain people at everyone of these jobs, that I was to reflect Him to. I would like to say I did a very good job at this, but that would not be true. I did for some, but not for all. Our "Work" is for the Kingdom of Heaven

1 Timothy 4:10
This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.

OK, let's talk about "Work". At your job, who are you working for? Sure you have a boss, you have a supervisor, you have responsibilities, you have co workers. But your not working for them if you are a Christian. Your working for God. You see, if you are professing Christianity then EVERYONE is watching you. They are trying to find a "nick, a hole," in your armor. They just need to see "one more christian who is not what they claim to be", to doubt a little more in God's love. Don't be that "One More" be that One who instills true belief in Jesus Christ our Lord. Be that one who "lives what they talk", that "Real Deal", shine on for Him. Don't take shortcuts, don't take extra long lunch breaks, don't take advantage of the company you work for. Stand by YOUR principles, which are laid out in the Bible. Do a good job for your earthly boss, and show everyone watching what a true Man or Woman of God is all about.

I actually think Frank Sinatra got the above quotes right. I had rather be "Do be do be doing" taking life as it comes, enjoying my part in it, and "going with the flow" instead of trying to figure out if "doing is being" or "being is doing". But, I must admit, to Be is to Do, and to Do is to Be. If we want to Be Christians, we must Do what Christ said for us to Do.

So, take that "Do be do be do " attitude and enjoy life, and all God has in store for you. I wonder if Pandora has an Frank Sinatra Chanel? Think I will look, I'm in the mood for a little: "Do be do be do" by "Ole Blue Eyes."

I gave myself Life.

Have you ever been in jail? No, not a physical building with razor wire on the top of all the fences, but a "Mental" Jail, a "Jail" of results of wrong decisions, a "Jail" of doubt, of troubles, of unforgivness, of unbelief, of sin? You feel trapped, you might as well be "Locked Up". You feel like there is no escape, that your doing your time in Solitary. No, your not physically in Jail, but you live your life in bondage. This bondage controls every aspect of your life, like a "Jail Guard" letting you go eat, go take a shower, go to the "Day Room" on their orders, when they want you to your freedom is gone, you are serving someone, something but it is not you and it is certainly not God.

I was watching the movie: "The Great Escape" over the weekend for about the 100th time, I guess. It is one of my all time favorite movies. All-Star cast, great suspense, action, and of course Steve McQueen riding a motorcycle over a fence, what more could you ask for in a movie? As I watched it this time, though, I had a different thought then the many times I watched it before. Why did they go to so much trouble to try and escape? Dumb question, they were POW's, in a war, and being held by the Nazi's, the most brutal, dictatorship ever in the history of the world. The premis of the movie was that this was a new POW camp, in which they put all the "Trouble" POW'S, that had tried repeatedly to escape. So, what else would they do? The plan was to dig tunnels, not just one but 3. They go into the trouble with digging the tunnels, the problem with were to put the dirt they remove to dig the tunnels, the task of getting fresh air, light, support inside the tunnels, all kinds of problems all kinds of trouble. Why did they do this? No one was going to break them out of the prison they found themselves in, they were on their on.

Like I started , have you ever been in Jail? You feel no one is coming for you, there is no bail to get you out. Your trapped because of what got you there. You made bad decisions and the result is to be locked away and have your freedom taken from you. What do you do? Relax, just live and let live, be as good of a prisoner as you can hoping for Parole? Or do you devise a plan to escape, knowing that if your caught your sentence will be extended and you could spend the rest of your life on the "Inside"? There are those that are very comfortable in jail. They would not know how to live or what to do if released. I have even known some who get "Paroled" and commit a crime very soon after just so they can go back to jail. It is what they know best, where they feel at "HOME".

Have you ever felt at "HOME" in your bondage? I have, it is fun, it is what I know, it is where I think I am the happiest. It is comfortable to be somewhere where we can feel at HOME> Why would we want to escape? Here we get "3 hots and a cot".

There is one solution to both of these ways of life. One for the ones that want to escape, get to freedom and get out of jail, and the same one who feel comfortable on the "Inside" and would do anything just to stay there for the rest of their life. The solution is: " Let God" He can and will, help us break out of our bondage's, sin, self. He will help us take control back of our own lives. He will send an Angel to open the gates of our cell like He did with Paul and Silas.

Acts 5:19
But an angel of the Lord came at night, opened the gates of the jail, and brought them out.

God will help us, but we have to want the help. What about the person, (I used to fit into this category), who does not want help? The guy who is happy in his sin? The person who loves the feeling bondage gives them? God can and will help them too, but there has to be a change of heart. You see, that is where prayer comes in. Those that know your situation and pray for you, and the Father who loves you can and will help your heart to change.

To escape our bondage, our prison, our cell, we must trust in the Lord, and we must want to escape. There are so many sins, bondage's that completely control our lives. The Alcoholic who looses his job because of his drinking problem, then his wife and family leave, then he goes to jail for DWI, then he gives up, "Why go on?" Those are decisions made, that Alcohol was more important then anything else in their life. It is also the same with any other addiction, Drugs, Porn, acquiring Wealth, gambling, acquiring "Things" , Power..............the list goes on and on and on.

Before God can enter the situation and help us, we have to want that help. Many times, more then naught, we have to hit "Rock bottom" before we finally give up and let God take over. And even then, and I speak from experience here, we do fine for a while, and then when everything is going well, slip back into that old jail. "What are you doing back here?" Says Ralph, the guard. "Just shut up and let me back in". We remember that old comfortable feeling and think we need it again. All the while God is waiting with open arms to take us back again. He never gives up on us, even when we give up on ourselves.

We don't have to gather wood for support in our tunnel, we don't have to figure where to spread the dirt so that the guards won't suspect anything, we don't have to spend hours and hours digging through dirt and trying to figure out how far the trees are. We don't have to steal a motorcycle and get caught in a razor wire while trying to escape. All we have to do is ask the Maker of the Universe for help. We must WANT that help, have reached the bottom and give up. "Lord, I can't do it anymore, please help me" I have prayed that prayer many times, and yes a few of them where inside a holding tank, or jail cell.

The only thing you need to remember is that God WILL NEVER give up on you. No matter where you find yourself, whatever you have done, whatever trouble your in, whatever kind of mess your addiction has gotten you in, turn around, ask God for help. Tell Him your ready to let Him have control, you cannot escape this Jail by yourself, you need HIS help. You won't need to fabricate shovels, the gates of your prison will just swing open, and maybe like Paul and Silas an Angel will appear and lead you to freedom.

Freedom, what a lovely word. We put ourselves into bondage, but God is willing to help us to FREEDOM. FREEDOM in Him. FREEDOM from Jail. Think about it, it is awesome.

"Good Morning Class"

" For Every Person who wants to teach, there are approximately 30 who don't want to learn"--WC Sellar and RJ Yeatman (Interesting how 2 people are credited for the same quote?)

"I would like to volunteer to help in the Sunday School department any way I can." "Well, the Boys 6th and 7th grade class needs a teacher", "Did I say I had a allergy to middle school boys?"

Teaching, it seems is a calling. My daughter is a High School Algebra 2 teacher. She wanted to be a teacher since she was about 7 years old. She gets complimented all the time for how good of a teacher she is. Why? Because she is doing something she loves. She loves math, she loves teaching, so she is where she wants to be.

Have you ever taught? Sunday School, Scouts, Bible class, home session, you know things like that. Or maybe, like my daughter, you have taught in a professional capacity. It is not easy. As a teacher you have to have the answers. I don't mean JUST the answers, I mean the process to those answers. My Daughter usually tells her students to turn in ALL their paperwork at the end of a quiz or test, you know the old: "Show your work" statement? It's hard to cheat and show your work, you might see someone else' answer for a question, but copying down all the process to how they got that answer is not quite as easy.

Who is our "Teacher" in this walk of life? Come on, raise your hands, OK, you Jeffery, go ahead. Yes, your right, it is Jesus. (Well it should be Jesus, it depends upon us, doesn't it?) Next question: "What is the best way to learn something new? I don't mean math or dates in history: I mean like you have a new job and you are being trained how to do it. OK any answers? It is by repetition. Someone may first show you how to do it, then you start to do it, and do it, and do it, and do it, and before long you are a pro. BUT you have to have a Teacher to show you the process the first few times, and to tell you how to do it. This is the best way I learn, by sight. The guy or girl who is showing me how to do it has done it and done it and done it , so they know it backwards and forwards. In other words they have experienced the thing they are showing you.


A teacher went to school too. They went to High School, College, taught as a "Student Teacher" and are very experienced in the field of study they teach. Much more experienced then the students they are teaching. They know how to use the formulas to arrive at the answers they are asking. They can show their students step by step how to work the problems. The key word is EXPERIENCE. They have experienced the same problems, asked the same questions, been just as confused as their students, at one point. BUT they had a teacher to help them through the tough times, just as they are now helping their students.

Jesus, Gods Son, came down from Heaven to EXPERIENCE in every way what it was like to be human. The Bible tells us He suffered in every way what we as human beings suffer.

Luke 17:1
[ Teachings about Forgiveness and Faith ] One day Jesus said to his disciples, “There will always be temptations to sin, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting!

See? Jesus could say these words because He had been tempted just as we are, by satan. Satan had tempted Jesus in every way, more then likely, more then the average human because of who He was.

Think of the best boss you ever had. Why do you consider him/her the best? Was it because they understood how it was down on your level? Was it because they did not mind rolling up their sleeves and getting dirty when needed? When I was in the Navy, there were two kinds of officers we had the most respect for. 1: CWO"S (Chief Warrant Officers) and 2: "Mustangs" A CWO is a officer who "Warranted" being promoted to officer. They spent years as enlisted and were now given the respect and duties of an officer. A "Mustang" was an officer who spent years as an enlisted, also, but was recommended to become an officer, completed OCS (Officer Candidate School) and were given the rank of an "Zero" or officer. Why did we enlisted men have such respect for both of these Gentlemen? Easy, because they had been were we were. They understood what it meant to be a "Squid" and not always able to eat in the "Officers Only Wardroom". With this respect came appreciation, we would do anything for them, they had earned our respect. Not that "Regular" officers didn't get our respect, but they had to earn it. (My Dad was a "Mustang" in the Marines, he retired as a O-2, 2nd LT., but spent 18 years as a enlisted, a "Gunny" when he was promoted.)

Experience, something we gain with age, repetition, and wisdom. What would we think if Jesus had NOT come down and took His place right along side us, and died for our sins? Would it be harder to "Respect, Love, Serve............" a God who seemingly had no idea what it was like to be human? God showed us how much He loved us, by sending His Son down here to experience what we experience and to show us we can overcome.

Life is a hard lesson, most of the time. Yes, it is rewarding, very rewarding, but it is HARD. We have a teacher, a counselor, a Father, all in one. Jesus experienced everything we do, He knows what we go through, He is our "Accountability Partner" our "Mentor". His voice of reason, of experience, of love help us, bunches. God is our Father, His wisdom, His leadership, His Power, His Love keep us strong, He does things for us and to us to keep us along the correct path. The Holy Spirit is our counselor, our strength, our friend. He is the one who warns us when things aren't right, or when things are really right. He keeps us close to the other Two in the Trinity. You see all three together make up our teacher. Experience, Power, Love and Compassion. Wow what teachers!!

Now, I want you all to do the even numbered problems at the end of chapter 23. Show your work for all problems, and turn it in next class. You have about 10 minutes till the bell, so start to work on this now, and no talking.

The Amazing Cloud

These days, it seems, "The Cloud" can do anything. You know, most of our portable devices can download, upload, from the Mysterious "Cloud". I have often wondered what happens if it is not a cloudy day? If there are no clouds in the sky, then what? I recently saw a ad for a new E-Reader that can store your books on this "Cloud" until your ready to read them, then when your done with that particular book, put them back in the Cloud and get another one. This whole thing kinda reminds me of George Orwell's book of years ago" 1984" But instead of "Big Brother" could "The Cloud" be watching?


Did you know there has been a Cloud type person that has been around forever? This "Person" can upload our request, download answers, and support, send literally tons of information to us all wireless? (No, I am not talking about Terabytes, or even the next whatever Bytes there is, I am talking about a unlimited data stream.) This "Person" actually made the "Cloud".

I know, I know, you think I have gone a long way for a point, but you see my point, don't you? Since the beginning of time, since God made this whole thing, we have been able to talk to our creator, unseen by us. We don't need any wires, a router, a connection to the "Net". All we have to do is mention the name of our God. Let's try it out, shall we? "Lord, our Father, we come to you this morning with praise for all you have done for us. We love you and want to serve you more. Help us to realize that just by the mere mentioning of your name, we can approach your throne room and petition you for our needs and requests. Thank you Lord for your amazing love for us." There, see as I thought those words, and typed them, the Lord of the Universe listened to me. The God of the Clouds, the Father who sits on the Throne, His Son who died for me, heard me, no wires, no internet, no router.............just because He wanted to.

It's easy for me to get excited about new technology. I love computers, personal devices, cell phones.......they have really changed our world. But, God, the maker of everything, has had this "Technology" forever. Have you ever been in a accident, where you only have time to think, or yell Jesus' name? Did you need a piece of equipment for God to hear you? "Sorry, son, there was a Sun spot at that time, and your message wasn't received, good luck". No, God hears everyone who calls out to Him. Bad reception? No such thing, NO "Bars", No Service, Interference? I don't think so. God's "Net" is the very best, the most amazing thing ever. Not only is it wireless, but it can be used just by Thinking something. God hears our THOUGHTS. Wow, how does that work? Easy, He is GOD, that's how.

Hebrews 4:12
"For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires"

How can God's word "expose our thoughts and desires" unless God already knows them? God knows everything about us, more then we know ourselves. He knows why we do certain things, He knows our fears that keep us from doing other things. You know "those" fears that we push away, the ones that we don't even admit are there? Yeah, those, God knows about them. He knows the "Secrets" hidden away in our minds and hearts, He knows where they are, and that we think they are hidden from Him, but they are not.

Yes, "The Cloud" is pretty amazing, even on sunny, clear days we can upload or download straight from it. But we know who made the Clouds, the Earth, all the planets, the Sun, the Moon............... Sometimes we, Mankind, think we are pretty slick. We get so arrogant and proud of ALL we have accomplished. I am sure God tires of our patting ourselves on the back, and sitting ourselves up as "Awesome".

Just by saying the word; "Jesus", or "God" or "Father"..........and He will turn His ear to us and listen. We don't even have to say it out loud, just by thinking His name, and He will answer. "Jesus",,,"Yes" He will be there.


Now, how do I upload this to the "Cloud" for safe keeping?

We know what is Good, so why don't we do it?

No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

~ Micah 6:8, NLT


I was reading a devotional this morning and this verse hit me right where I live. There it is, the key to living with God: Four words: Good, Right, Mercy, and Humility. The key to life, if you will. That old question that, it seems if you read books, watch movies, or anything else, we all ask. "Why am I here?" The answer it there in Micah 6:8. "NO, o people, the Lord had told you what is good, and this is what He requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God" There it is, the meaning of life.

What is Right? It seems, it is not always the easiest thing to know. We get mixed signals all the time from this world. But, hey look at the first line of Micah 6:8 ".....the LORD has told you what is good,,,,,,,,,,,," Do you see anything about the world telling us what is good in that verse? No, so that means only God can tell and show us what is really GOOD. OK< then stop listening to the world for the answers to our question of what is good. Now next we read what God requires of us. Let's stop a minute right here. When you truly love someone, do you do what they "require of you?" Yes, and no. Yes, because we love them, but the word "require" bothers us, doesn't it? God is our Father, He has position over us, He is in charge, and yes He does love us more then we could ever imagine. I love my Father, but he is my Dad, and therefore I respect his wishes, or requirements. See, we are obedient to God both because we love Him, and also because we acknowledge He is in charge of our lives, we have voluntarily let Him in to our lives. So if we truly LOVE our Father, Jehovah, God, we will do what He requires out of respect and love for HIM> So what is the first thing He requires of us? To do what is right. OK, we already recognized He has told us what is good, therefore doing what is right is JUST obeying Him, right? How easy is that? Actually it is easy, we are the ones who make it hard. We have that old Lucifer syndrome, you know, PRIDE. WE want the power, the praise, the credit, did I say POWER? Yes, we know what God told us is good and right, BUT, why would we want to do that? If we did it that way we wouldn't get any of the credit, God would. Now of course we never say this out loud or even to ourselves very loudly, I mean God can hear our thoughts, He is everywhere. BUT is this sometimes how we actually feel? I do, and then I feel guilty for feeling this selfish. Have you ever confessed this feeling? I have. God listens and understands.

Now that we have the "Good and Right" things down, what is next? To love mercy. What is mercy? Chris' definition is: To NOT give someone what he has earned, but to show him that you realize he is human, and give him another chance. OK you want a "real" definition, don't you well here you go: a : compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power; also : lenient or compassionate treatment

I don't like the word "forbearance" used there. I had a student loan years ago that was in forbearance, which meant that I was given some time off from making payments. This is in a way Mercy, but God does not "call in " the Judgement later. When He gives mercy it is for all eternity. "All (that is you and I) have sinned.............." so ALL should die. The penalty of sin is DEATH, But God in His MERCY, let's us live. THAT is the REAL meaning of MERCY. So the second thing God Requires of us is to love Mercy. I love it when I am shown mercy, but what about ME showing others mercy? Yes It does work both ways. I believe this is one of the reasons God is so merciful to us, so that we will show mercy to others. "Pass it Own" if you will. (That was a great movie, check it out sometime). God loves us, so that we can and will love others, God shows us mercy so that we will show mercy to others, God wants us to SERVE others by loving, showing compassion, showing mercy, caring, waiting on, being examples to, meeting the needs of, helping, and many other qualities. Mercy comes in many forms, giving a dollar to that guy on the street corner, volunteering to work with "Meals on Wheels", cleaning the bathrooms at church, mowing a shut in's lawn, visiting folks in Nursing Homes or shut in's. Mercy is not always about forgiving someones debt to you, it is sharing what you have with others, it is showing compassion. Have Mercy.

OK here is the last thing in the scripture (Micah 6:8) that God requires of us. .....and to walk humbly with your God. If you are regular reader of this blog, then you know I have covered "Humility" several times. Humility is helping a friend who lives in a Mobil Home. His sewer line under his home has come out of the sewer output pipe. Sewage has leaked for several days before the smell warranted an investigation. You volunteer to crawl under there with a can of PCP glue and fix it for him. You crawl into raw sewage for your friend and take care of the problem. I believe that is a definition of true humility. And no, this is not something I did, or anyone I know. I did this for my own home years and years ago, I would have never asked or allowed anyone to do this for me, it was disgusting and I got bit by ants all over my body. But it is the most disgusting thing I could think of, and if someone had offered to do it for me, I would have been astounded, by their humility. Humility is putting yourself on a lower rung on the ladder then others, on purpose. It is serving and not caring about your clean shirt or jeans. It is caring more for someone else then yourself. BUT notice the last two words of the above scripture: ........with God" See, when we do what God requires, He is there with us. He will never leave us or forsake us, especially when we are doing what He requires. Crawling through sewage to help a friend? God, the maker of the universe is right there with you.

Let's all go out there and do what God requires. He requires us to: Do what is Good, Right, love Mercy, and walk with HIM in Humility.

Why Should the Devil have all the good>>>>?

A friend of mine just recently posted a video of the Great Larry Norman singing his "Legendary song" : "Why should the devil have all the Good music". Back in my day, growing up in a Preachers house, this was sacrilegious. Rock and Roll had no place in christian music. But Larry had a point. His point? We don't have to conform to this world, but we can have fun while serving our Lord.

I have been thinking about Larry Norman's message in this song since watching that video of him performing it back in 1999. Christians have embraced Larry's message, it seems, and been very creative with music. "Don't Get me wrong, I love a good hymn, but why ..........." Yes, their is a place for worshipful music, honoring our God, praising Him, raising our hands to Him, the creator, our Father............But there is also a time to tap our toes, clap our hands, "bang our heads" and rejoice in gladness, have fun, and show the world that Yes, we are proud to serve Him who sits on the throne, and we will enjoy ourselves.

What about other arts? "Why should the Devil have all the good movies?" Over the past few years, churches, organizations, actors, pastors, youth groups............have started to stand up and make movies that have a simple message: "God Loves us". It seems we Christians have tired of waiting for Hollywood to give us movies with a good theme. We tire of the "Garbage" that is coming from California, and started to take up that challenge ourselves. The message in many Hollywood type movies is always the same, it seems. Political motivated, wordily agendas, trying to show us "tolerance" toward different lifestyles, regardless of what the Bible says, should be tolerated, even praised. I applaud these many people that have taken on this challenge. I have heard some say that this is good and all, but we should be completely separate from the world. (Reminds me of a Christian Rocker, forgot who, who sang a song about: "Drinking milk from a Christian Cow" ), No, we are part of this world, and to totally try and isolate ourselves from it would be wrong. Yes the scripture tells us: "1 John 2:15
[ Do Not Love This World ] Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you."

But I am not talking about loving this world, I am talking about opening our minds, hearts, souls, and emotions to serving Him in ways that are different then: "The ways we have always done it"

What about TV? There is so much garbage on TV these days, The Show "Family Guy" has a theme song that says, among other things: ".....Violence in Movies and Sex on TV, but we're an old fashioned family............." That is very ironic as the show "Family Guy" is one of the most disgusting shows out there. But they have hit the nail on the head. We, as Christians, as parents, as moral individuals tire of the garbage we are getting into our homes. There are very good Christian TV stations out there, there are very good Networks that show good clean TV shows, But most of these shows are from the era when all TV was clean and morally good. TV Land shows some great old shows, some that I love because I grew up watching them. The TV Networks as "TBN" have good things on it, but I tire of watching people talk, preach, and sing. What about good clean, morally right, enjoyable "SitCom" type TV shows that were made in this decade? They may be out there, and if so I apologize, I do not know about them. I don't mean the "Lifetime" Movie of the week, I mean enjoyable to everyone. (Sorry if you like "Lifetime" I just don't care for most of the stuff on there.)

Hey, what about Broadway? I would love to see a morally, christian based, play very professionally done. I must admit, I have not seen but one "Broadway Type" play in my life, so I am pretty uninformed, these may exist. I love the old musicals. My daughter enjoys them as well. But, to tell you the truth, the very well done, professional ones are just to expensive for me, normally.

My point is this: Larry Norman hit a nerve in me regarding Music Styles. We don't have to sing the "Country and Western" style hymns that were based upon songs sung in bars, and "Honky-Tonks" of our fathers and grandfathers to be christian. My Mom and Dad grew in their thinking to this "Garbage" as the years went on, realizing, these songs still had a message, but just not in the style they preferred.

We all have different tastes in everything. I love very spicy food, most of my family does not. (As I get older, I must cut back on it though, it's rough, because I do love it so:}} My daughter reads a LOT, and loves movies based on some of the books she reads. I don't always enjoy these movies as much as she does, but will go to see one with her, now and then. I love Christian Rock style music, if it is done well, my Dad, on the other hand loves "George Beverly Shea" and the style that takes 5 minutes to sing the chorus. (Sorry Dad, just not my cup of tea.) But yes, there are wonderful legendary praise songs out there sung by Mr. Shea among MANY others that are wonderfully worshipful, and at the right time I do worship and praise God while singing them. The right time, though, is not in my car going to work, usually then I need to Rock Out to some "Third Day", or "Tenth Ave. North" or "Larry Norman"

I guess my whole point here is that we are individuals, God made us that way. We all have our different tastes, we all enjoy praising the Lord in OUR way. Guess what? He enjoys this also. When we praise Him in OUR way, He loves the variety, the talent each of us has that He gave us.

I am so glad other Christians are traveling out side their "Boxes". Branching out and letting their creative juices flow for the Glory of the Lord. But here is THE QUESTION of the Day for each of us: "What is your creativity?, What could YOU be doing for Him"? Think about what you love, your talent, what you enjoy. How could you use it for the Glory of God? The Sky is the Limit, there are no boundaries, ANYTHING . A while back in my church they had artists paint on a canvas what they were feeling, or sensing while the service went on. At first I thought this was kinda strange, but sensed God in it. They were very talented, and were using their talent to praise ans worship Him. Their paintings were then sold to benefit a Kids Camp for Foster Kids our church is a part of every year, (Royal Family Kids Camp). What a wonderful way to serve Him

Years ago two friends of mine and myself formed a "Christian Comedy Team" we called ourselves "Dry Bones". We toured the world of Central Texas and had maybe 5 "Concerts" We made millions, ( I believe one church gave us $20 to help with gas). We based ourselves on the '70's/'80's Comedy team: "Issac Air Freight" but had all original skits. We had fun, and brought a smile on some others in a good clean christian way. I think we three had the most fun, though, writing the skits, cutting up and letting our creative and insane juices flow. I will never forget the skit: "McChurch" (Likely because it was my idea:))

Sometimes we limit God by doing the same ole thing. God wants us to experience Him in a NEW way, but we are still singing three hymns, taking the offering and listening to the Pastor preach his sermon, shake hands go to Luby's. This is NOT a Christian life, this is a RUT. Be creative, let God know you want what He has today that is NEW, Refreshing, over the top, and distinctively YOU>

God loves originality, He invented it when He made each of us. Let's use some of it to worship Him

Romans 8:26

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not
know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit
Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot
be uttered.

NKJ
About 6 years ago or so, I am not good with time passed, my wife and I divorced. It was my fault, I was living a lie, and pretending I was a christian while doing non christian things. I was using her, and manipulating her. She filed for divorce, and looking back, I do understand. But when I moved before the divorce was final, it hit me what I had done. I remember sitting on the bed at this "Extended Stay Hotel" and crying, bawling, snot running down my cheek, just crying. I would have cried out to God, if I had known what to say. I would start to say: "Oh God....." and then just cry some more. I told Him how sorry I was that I had allowed "it" to come to this., I would confess, then I would just cry. Here I am about 6 years later, and just thinking about it makes me tear up again. I was so weak that day, I went to work, but was pretty useless. I did not talk to any of my co workers, I did not say any thing more then I had to. Inside I was still crying. I could not cry out to God, because I had sinned, I had done wrong, and now was feeling the effect of my sin. I was the problem, I was at a point where I could not do anything but cry. Sure, I was devastated, but I had made choices and had to live with them. God, the Father, God the Spirit and God the Son all came to me over the next few months and comforted me. They knew exactly what I was feeling, and knew what I needed. It was not, and still is not, easy. Sometimes I get all sad, depressed, and lonely. But you know what? God still answers my prayers, He still comforts me, He still sends my friends my way, maybe just a text message of: "Hey, how ya doing, just thinking about you. We need to get together for lunch, how about Thursday?" You see, God KNOWS. He knows because His Spirit is active in this World, going to and fro and reporting back to the Father. But I had to confess to Him my sins, I had to show Him that I was truly sorry and not just sorry I got caught. I had to do a "180" and start living for Him and not for myself. Something I still struggle with daily.

As Romans 8.26 tells us above: ...."the Spirit also helps in our weakness. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." What does that mean? It means that when we do not know what to say , we cannot do anything but cry, we are so devastated we are just in a state of mind, a weakness, hurt, feeling alone.....that the Spirit of God will intercede for us with "groanings" which cannot be uttered. Groanings that cannot be uttered, wow that is confussing, isn't it? How can you "groan" something that cannot be uttered? You see, I believe, the Spirit of God, part of the trinity of who God is, has a way of communicating with The Father and the Son that is not understandable to us. (They are the same person, three in one and all that:)) We don't know how to express our hurt, our sadness, our guilt, our problems, we just HURT. The Spirit of God (The Holy Spirit) intercedes for us and tells God and His son, exactly what we are feeling, even though we do not realize it. He, the Spirit, knows what we need, He knows what we are feeling, He knows what we did, and how we feel about it. When you are in this situation, you are weak, very weak, emotionally, spiritually, even physically. The Spirit of God approaches the Father on our behalf, and requests what we need right then. This works just like when the Son, Jesus, approaches the throne of God on our behalf and requests our sins be washed away when we ask, by the power of His blood on the cross.

Do you realize what this means? God wants us to ask Him for the things we need, He WILL answer. He also wants us to ask for the things we want, sometimes, and He will, not always, not everything we want, but He will give us the "desires of our heart". BUT, more importantly, when we do not know what to ask for, when we are in such a state that we can only cry, and FEEL hurt, pain, remorse, did I mention PAIN? His Spirit comes and not only comforts, but "Groans" our "groans" and approaches the throne of God the Father on our behalf and tells Him exactly what we are feeling, and what we need. God knows what we are feeling even when we do not. God made us, so He knows our emotions. He knows when these emotions overwhelm us. He knows what we feel, He knows when we are feeling such remorse, such shame, such stupidity. He also knows when others hurt us, the pain we feel. He suffered terribly on the cross, His closest friends turned their backs on Him. He knows the feelings we have, personally.

I love that last line of Romans 8:26: ".....Groanings which cannot be uttered". This is a statement only God could make. It does not make any sense to us, it is impossible to groan something or say something that cannot be said. But not with God.

How can anyone live without God? I have in the past, and look what a mess I made of my life. BUT when I turned and started relying on Him, my life changed. Yes, I still struggle, as we all do, but I have a advocate to approach the throne of God on my behalf, and argue my case, when I ask Him to.

If your going through something today, and you don't even know what to say, or to ask for. Just "Groan" cry, yell, ask......God. He'll get the message. AND He will know what to do.

Humility is a Verb.

" The trouble with true humility is you can't talk about it"---Michael Thomsett.


"I am so humble, you could learn a lot from me." "If it were not for me, there would not be humility" Sound familiar? Does a true humble person think like this? Of course not, humility is just that humility. Being humble means you don't think about being humble. What is the opposite of humility? That good ole word, PRIDE. In the same way we ask God for patience, and I want it right now!, do we ask for humility so we can show everyone how much better we are then they? But believe it or not there is also good Pride. Pride in our family, our team, our church, our job, our friends, our GOD.

Humility: a trait that many politicians tell everyone they have, but lack in just that. What is humility? Well good ole Webster tells us that "Humility" is: "The act of being Humble" (Don't you hate it when the dictionary does that, makes you look up two words when you just needed the definition of one?{ Anyway "Humble" means:not proud or haughty : not arrogant or assertive . OK so humility means not being proud, or haughty, not arrogant or assertive. I do not really agree with that definition completely. Because I believe you can be humble and still be proud or assertive. But that is as close to a good definition as I could find. You see to the world, being humble means to be a meek, quiet, unassertive, in the back ground, out of the picture, not wanting to argue with anyone about anything even though you may know more about the subject, a wimp, in other words. That is totally wrong.

To me being humble means caring, not puffing up your self, your accomplishments, putting others before yourself, serving others, helping anyone in need, giving time, money, anything you can to help. It does not mean quietly sitting down and letting no one know right from wrong.

Matthew 18:3-5

New Living Translation (NLT)
3 Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. 4 So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.

5 “And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf[a] is welcoming me.

I love this verse, it give me an excuse to act as a little child! But seriously think about how children play, they don't argue over race, color, economic standing, education, politics, they just play. When your playing Cowboys and Indians no one is better then anyone else your either a Cowboy or an Indian. There is innocence in children, there is compassion there is wonder, there is love, yes these things are what Jesus was telling us what humility was through this kids.

Humility is an attitude. It is a way of life. It is a verb. I know a verb is an action word, you see to be humble you have to act. Take action today, care for others, concern yourself with others problems, you will be amazed at how this turns your attention off your own problems.

My Dad has a neighbor, across the street. Very nice man, loves to talk!! But he has been retired for a number of years and likes to stay busy. He mows all the elderly peoples yards on the street. I believe at last count he was mowing 5 yards, front and back. He told me the other day he had both his riding mower and his walk behind mower all tuned up and ready for the summer. He explained to me how he goes through the process of mowing all these yards. First he gets his rider and mows all the front yards all at once. Then he gets the walk behind mower and does each back yard individually. Then he comes back and weed eats, and does the edging in each front yard individually. Finally he gets his blower and blows all the trimmings out in the street. He is retired from the City Parks and Recreation dept ant he calls his buddy who drives a street cleaning truck to come and make a pass up our street to suck up all the yard trimmings out in our street. A few of these neighbors got together a few years ago and wanted to pay him about a couple hundred dollars for doing this so faithfully, but he refused. He said he does it to keep busy and to help, he cares how the lawns on our street look, and knows most of his neighbors are just getting to old to do it themselves. He is not a Christian, just a caring man who helps. Me and Dad invite him to church, talk about the things of the Lord with him all the time. Humility in action by a non-believer.

Humility is a verb, it is acting, it is doing, it is caring, it is showing by our actions our love for others. Say hello to that guy or gal on the street corner asking for a handout, keep bottles of water in your car and hand them out. If you have it, and feel so led, give them a dollar bill or more. BUT just acknowledge they are part of the human race. Show your humility,. See that goes against every definition I have ever heard for humility. Show it, by your actions, not your non actions.

Stand up for what you believe, get in others face if you have to. Is this humility also? Not according to Webster, but I believe it is. Being humble is not being a wimp. It is knowing what is right and what is wrong and pointing it out to people. Humility is a attitude, a lifestyle, a calling. If you see someone living in sin, knowing they are going to hell, telling them this is caring for them and therefore being humble. You care for them and do not what them to suffer a horrible eternity in hell. This is humility in action.

Let us all take action and be humble.

"Remorse: a miscalculation of the chances of detection"---anonymous .


Are you really sorry, or sorry you got caught? This is what my Mom asked me when I was a kid. having just been caught stealing money from the "missions jar". My Dad was in Vietnam, and me and my sister were under the supervision of just my Mom. Mom was feeling the challenge of discipline by herself. I was a boy, always getting into more trouble then I should, getting hurt, doing things I shouldn't do, you know a BOY> When my mother asked me this, of course I was really sorry, I knew what I did was wrong, and I knew I was in Big trouble. I had to go to bed every night that summer at 8:00!! I will never forget that summer, there were so many good movies and shows on TV after 8 o'clock!!:) My Mom for years after I was grown up, would apologize for that punishment, she always considered it to be to harsh. My Dad thought so too, he would always tell her that. But Mom was doing what she could, she had never been the parent that handed down punishment, that was always Dad's job. But the point is: Was I REALLY sorry for my act, or just in getting caught?

Ever gotten a speeding ticket? Were you sorry you were breaking the speed limit, or that you did not see the cop before it was to late to slow down? How about when shopping and the cashier forgot to charge you for that certain item? You realized later that she forgot to ring that one up, just missed it, I guess. What do you do? Go back and show her the mistake and pay the extra amount, or think: "Wow, I got lucky, free stuff!"? It seems in today's world, our "Moral Compass" is all messed up. Yeah, all those years ago that I got caught stealing money from Missionaries, I was sorry I got caught, but I was also sorry for stealing. Look around the world today, do you see remorse? Maybe a little, but not much. Maybe that celebrity makes a speech at a press conference where he tells the whole world how sorry he is, and apologizes to his family especially his wife for the affair that was found out. Is he really sorry, or like most of us believe, just trying to make us, and especially his family, think that he is Truly sorry? If he was truly sorry, he would have confessed a long time ago, not waited until he got caught.

It is so easy for us to be cynical when we hear of those who get caught and then start crying and apologizing to the whole world at a specially called press conference. I mean how many times have we seen it? It seems, most of the time, in a short time, those same individuals are caught again. There are very few who actually come forward before being caught and confess their sins.
Recently Josh Hamilton, baseball player for the Texas Rangers, did exactly that. He is an recovering drug and alcohol abuser, and I might add, a christian. He called a press conference to announce he had had a relapse. No one had said a word about seeing him drinking in a local restaurant, no "Breaking News, Josh Hamilton off the wagon" headlines had been written, he just needed to get this off his chest and confess to his fans, and family and friends that he had messed up. I really admire him for that. The Rangers Manager, Ron Washington, who is also a recovering drug user, said that his respect for Hamilton went up quite a bit after that. See? He was REALLY sorry for his actions, not for being caught, because he wasn't caught.

James 5:16
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

Notice that one word that is very important? ......earnest........... You can 'confess' all you want after being caught, but somehow it doesn't seem quite as "earnest" as when you confess when no one already knows your sin. What happens when we are honest and come forward to confess? Others see us as vulnerable, transparent, human. Maybe they are struggling with the same type problem, and by confessing they see you as approachable and realize you could help them with their own struggles. They realize they need to come forward also and make their struggles public. Hidden sins, "faking" it, is where satan thinks he has us. Satan uses these hidden sins to taunt us, and because of them we cannot get as close to the Lord as we need to be. There seems to always be a barrier between us and God. That "barrier" is hidden sin.

So, what is the REAL definition of Remorse? Good question, let's look: " A gnawing distress arising from a sense of guilt for past wrongs : self-reproach".

Did you notice something in that definition? It does not say a thing about being sorry or knowing you sinned. It seems even Webster has "changed with the times". I don't want to have a "rising distress arising from a sense of guilt" I want to feel sick, to know that I have sinned against the throne of God. I want to cry out to approach God's throne and ask forgiveness, because He will. Do I deserve forgiveness? No! How does He forgive? Through His Son's (Jesus Christ) sacrifice on the cross of Calvary. Jesus took on EVERY SIN ever committed or ever to be committed while He was hanging on the cross. Why? For you and me.

"Remorse: a miscalculation of the chances of detection" is funny, because it is so true and how many of us go through life. The funniest things are the ones that are so true. But while we laugh at them, the truth in them sometimes cause us to see actual truth in our lives.

Let's all be remorseful, but truly remorseful. Yes, I am sorry I got caught, but I am more sorry I did the act in the first place. Lord forgive me, and use me for You.

Look where your going, dummy!

2 Corinthians 5:7

For we walk by faith, not by sight.---New King James version.



How are we supposed to walk, if not by sight? If we cannot see where we are going, won't we bump into things, walk out in front of cars buses and trucks? If someone doesn't have sight, that is what "seeing eye dogs" and those long white canes are for, right? You know that feeling when you first get up and you walk around feeling for the light switch? Or maybe a storm has knocked the power out and it is SO dark, so you start feeling around looking for a candle or flashlight.

It seems stupid to "Walk by faith, and not by sight", why would anyone do that on purpose? Let's look at that good ole definition of Faith, you know the "The evidence of things NOT seen..." See there we go again, talking about Not seeing something. How can you Not see anything? You either see it or you don't. To See something is to see it, to NOT see it is, well a stupid statement because you didn't see it.

Did you know our physical eyes cannot see everything? Of course you did. Our bodies have wonderful senses, that God gave us, and they are a miracle in them selves. But we have limitations.
We cannot see the future. All we can see is the past. So by relying on what we can see, the past, it is easy to understand how we get depressed. If we have failed God, our families, ourselves, our friends, everyone around us, then this is what we see. But God, through Paul in the above passage tells us we don't walk by what we see, but by faith. Remember Faith is the absence of physical vision. Wow, now I am confused. Were talking about Seeing what we cannot see, and not seeing what we can. See:) That is where the faith part comes in. Faith is a much more powerful tool that God has given us then physical sight. "But, you say, why did God give us physical sight, if were not going supposed to use it"? Good question, thank you for responding. We need our physical sight to help us get around, drive, walk, you know do about anything. But, we can not, as I said before see with our physical eyes, the future.

Can we see the future with our faith? Well, not really, not actually "See", just "Know". Wow, this is turning out harder then I first thought. As a parent, especially a Mother, you sense when something is wrong with one of your kids, you know the "Mothers Intuition" (I think it is also a Wife's intuition, I speak from experience for both of these>) OK, when we are trusting God for something we have not seen with our physical eyes, how do we know it is going to happen? Well, how did Noah know that if he obeyed God and built this huge boat that he and his family and about a million animals, would be saved? Because God told him he would. No other reason, just faith. Faith is more then a feeling, it is a knowing. No, we don't know how it is going to happen, but we KNOW, it will, because God told us it would. God cannot lie, He cannot manipulate us, He can not speak anything but the truth. All those other things are the Devils department, and he is pretty good at them. Notice, I did not say God Would not do these things, I said He Could not. They are against His very nature, He is a God of Truth, honesty, justice........not lying, cheating, stealing, manipulating anyone.

Sometimes it seems, it is easier to have faith in the weatherman then God. The forecast for tomorrow is 80% chance of rain, better bring an umbrella. But God, Jehovah, the maker of the whole world tells us that He will take care of a certain situation we are facing, and we have trouble believing Him. We cannot see the rain clouds with our physical eyes,yet, but we believe because some guy on TV told us they are coming then they must be. But God tells us to have faith and trust in Him and because we cannot see with our physical eyes anything out there, we have trouble believing? What percentage is the weatherman right? He has to give us percentages of chance of rain, snow......to cover himself. God's record is perfect, He has never said something would happen and it did not, that is 100%. What weatherman would not like those odds?

So, "Walking by Faith.........."what does that mean? It means, that no matter what we see with our physical eyes, we believe our Spiritual eyes more. It means if there is a huge dark cloud coming at us in our lives, that we believe God will take care of us. We bring our problems, our worries, our frustrations, our needs to Him and then have faith. We pray, and then we open our eyes and everything Seems the same, but it is not. The answer to our prayers has already been put into motion. No, the answer will more then likely not come in the form we think it will, God is neat like that, He answers in HIS way not ours.

Sometime when you can try this: Close your eyes, or turn out all the lights if it is dark outside and walk around you house using your other senses. It's hard, isn't it? You even know pretty well where the furniture is and how far to the wall.....But it is still hard. You have to rely on your other senses to help you get around. The world does not recognize "Faith" or "Trust in God" as another sense, but I think that what we, as children of God should. We must use our Faith in Him, to KNOW He will answer us. Just because we cannot see with our physical eyes, doesn't mean the answer is not out there. Do you bring your umbrella to work, when the weatherman says there is a good chance of rain, even though you cannot see any rainclouds?

If God has promised you something and you have not received it yet, the you better get prepared. God NEVER promises and does not deliver. If He told you that you were going to relocate and that He has a ministry He is preparing for you, start packing, because it WILL happen. Do you see anything happening with your eyes? No, more then likely not, BUT if God told you it WILL happen.

Walk by faith, not by sight. Does this mean go around with our eyes closed all the time? Of course not, it means don't believe everything you see. If you see a loved one dying with a terrible disease, it means, pray for God's purpose, and healing. You don't see it, but does that mean it won't happen? Again, you cannot see any storm clouds, but the weatherman says they are coming. Can he see the future? No, but he can see a radar scope. God not just sees the future, but He KNOWS the future for each and everyone of us.

So "Walk by faith, not by sight" Easy to say, but, it seems, hard to do. Where is your faith? My faith is in God, ABBA, JEHOVAH, my Redeemer, my Father, my deliver, my LORD, MY HOPE> It is not in what I see with my limited physical eyes, it is with HIM, and through the work His Son did on Calvary.

Luke 1:37

God is able to do the things he promises."

Klingensmith

Did you read that verse? Did you really hear what it was saying? Read it again, do you get it? Really think do you understand what is being said, here? I like inserting one tiny little word in this verse and have it read: "God is able to do (ALL) the things He promises (and then personalize it) for ME" God will NOT do SOME of the things He promised to do, He will not do them part way, He will not change His mind, He will not forget. God WILL do the things He promises. End of Story, put it in the Bank, send it to the publisher, go to Disneyland, bring down the curtain, head to the parking lot and find your car, it is done. "God said it, I believe it so be it" Remember that saying? Saw it on a few bumper stickers. But actually you could omit the "I believe it" part, cause it don't matter if we believe it or not, God does it.

Here is a question for us: "What has God promised us? That He would never leave us or forsake us, that He would carry us when we could go no further, that He would bless us, that He would provide everything we needed.................?" Why do we worry? Do we not believe Him? Are we actually calling God a liar? I understand how God would be offended by our lack of faith, I don't know if He can be offended, but play along with me, OK? By NOT trusting, by worrying about If or when He will answer, by trying to do it ourselves and ending up in more trouble, we are, basically calling God, Jehovah, the maker of the Universe, a LIAR. We are saying we don't think He is Big enough, or that He doesn't care, or that He is using us for His on fun. Now, read Luke 1:37 again. "God is able to do (ALL) the things He promises, (for me)" Is there any maybes in there? Are there any negative statements there? Do we see a God of limitations refereed to here?
There is one limitation refereed to here. The verse does not say God WILL do all the things He promised, just that He is ABLE. God is able to do anything, but the only limit to this is US. Our faith, our trust that He can do what He says He can.

I love college basketball. This is MY time of year, "March Madness" has begun. My daughter graduated from Baylor University several years ago, and since I have been following the Baylor Bears in every sport almost. The Bears Women's Basketball team are 32-0 right now. Number one in country with a average of 21 points of victory for each game. In other words, they aren't just good, they are head and shoulders above most teams they play. They are the odd on favorite to win the national championship. The Baylor fan base has grown and grown over the last few years, especially with the Heisman Trophy won by Baylor QB RG3, last year. We like winners, and Baylor has proven that they can and do win.

What is God's won loss record? Why are there any doubters out there? Everyone in the world should be a "Fan" of God, because He has NEVER lost a battle. We love winners, God is a winner, WHY does the whole world NOT believe in Him? God represents truth, life, love, all that is right, and this world does not adhere to those principles as we once did. The world follows Satan and his agenda: Sin, darkness, hatred, lies, disgust, greed, lust, ....all the BAD things he brought with him into this world through the Garden of Eden. Satan lies, manipulates us, wants us to fail, whispers lies to us, wants to use us, to defeat us, and yet the world follows him.

I KNOW God is able to , and WILL keep every promise He has ever made to this world, and especially to me. He has no limits , He is not bound by the laws of this world, I mean He made this world.
God, the maker of everything, is limited by only one thing and that is us. He is limited by our choice of "knowing" Him or not, trusting Him or not, loving Him or not.........you see He made the choice along time ago to let us decide to serve Him or not, and He will not force Himself own anyone.

Has God made you a promise? Maybe healing, salvation for a relative or friend, a job, restoration of a relationship, financial blessings..........? He WILL keep these promises, there is nothing else He can do, He only does what He says He will do. He is God, that is His nature. Don't limit God, receive His blessings, by trusting that He is ABLE to do what He says He will do.

This is where my heart has been lately. I have been preaching to myself mostly in these last few posts. He uses the words He puts into my brain and onto this blog to show me my self, my thoughts, where I need Him. It's hard to trust completely, there are so many scenarios that go through my mind, what if's. I just want you to know, I struggle with each and everyone of the problems I blog about. I know what I need to do, and God helps me through these words to see that. I hope they help you see as well. Thanks for reading.

Jesus washes our feet, too.

This is an excerpt from Max Lucado's book "The Extraordinary Story of Jesus". I was reading it this morning and it touched me so. I thought I would share it with you, my friends. Read and be amazed at who Jesus is.


Jesus Washes the Disciples Feet

It has been a long day. Jerusalem is packed with Passover guests, most of whom clamor for a glimpse of the Teacher. The spring sun is warm. The streets are dry. And the disciples are a long way from home. A splash of cool water would be refreshing.

The disciples enter [the room], one by one, and take their places around the table. On the wall hangs a towel, and on the floor sits a pitcher and a basin. Any one of the disciples could volunteer for the job, but not one does.

After a few moments, Jesus stands and removes his outer garment. He wraps a servant’s girdle around his waist, takes up the basin, and kneels before one of the disciples. He unlaces a sandal and gently lifts the foot and places it in the basin, covers it with water, and begins to bathe it. One by one, one grimy foot after another, Jesus works his way down the row.

In Jesus’ day the washing of feet was a task reserved not just for servants but for the lowest of servants…The servant at the bottom of the totem pole was expected to be the one on his knees with the towel and basin.

In this case the one with the towel and basin is the king of the universe. Hands that shaped the stars now wash away filth. Fingers that formed mountains now massage toes. And the one before whom all nations will one day kneel now kneels before his disciples. Hours before his own death, Jesus’ concern is singular. He wants his disciples to know how much he loves them...

You can be sure Jesus knows the future of these feet he is washing. These twenty-four feet will not spend the next day following their master, defending his cause. These feet will dash for cover at the flash of a Roman sword. Only one pair of feet won’t abandon him in the garden. One disciple won’t desert him at Gethsemane—Judas won’t even make it that far! He will abandon Jesus that very night at the table…

What a passionate moment when Jesus silently lifts the feet of his betrayer and washes them in the basin!

this is love.Jesus knows what these men are about to do. He knows they are about to perform the vilest act of their lives. By morning they will bury their heads in shame and look down at their feet in disgust. And when they do, he wants them to remember how his knees knelt before them and he washed their feet…

He forgave their sin before they even committed it. He offered mercy before they even sought it.


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From This is Love: The Extraordinary Story of Jesus
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 2009) Max Lucado

OH Mighty Fortress is OUR GOD.

The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.

~ Proverbs 18:10, NLT

You know something I just noticed? Proverbs 18:10 above says: "THE NAME of the Lord is a strong fortress......." Got that, His NAME, Not His person, not any physical thing,but just HIS NAME. The bible tells us that just using HIS name will cause demons to tremble, to flee, Satan to run away with his tail between his legs. All we have to do is mention the NAME of the Lord and evil MUST flee. I have read this verse many times in my life, but somehow I did not focus on the NAME being a strong fortress, but I just assumed it was the PERSON of God. Wow, this really blows me away, that just His NAME is all we need to profess.

Now let's get to the real cool stuff: ....."the godly run to Him and are, and are what? Scared, shaking in our boots, hoping that the evil one will not see us, hiding under the bed or the covers, trying not to breath to heavily so no one will hear us? NO, when we run to HIM we ARE SAFE. We are SAFE, WHEN we use the LORD'S NAME.

Have you ever been in a situation that happens so fast all you have time to do is say "Jesus", not "Help me Jesus" or " Our dear heavenly Father, I come to you now, in your wonderful name asking you to intervene in this situation I have found myself in.............", BUT just "JESUS!!!!" He hears you, He sees what a mess your in, He cares for you, and He helps, He sends His angels to help, you don't have to explain the situation your in, He knows all about it. God is so all knowing, so all powerful, so all caring, so all loving, that all we have to do is mention His name, and .................whatever we need He will provide. It is not a "get out of jail for free card" to be used for whatever we WANT, but for whatever we need. God knows better then us what the difference is.

I was in a roll over years ago, I was driving a garbage truck. The truck was full of well , garbage, heavy and therefore took a little longer to come to a stop. I was heading down a long hill with a traffic light at the bottom. The light turned yellow, and I began applying the brake slowly as I knew it would take a while to stop, just a little pressure I had plenty of room, or so I thought. I pressed harder on the brake, no slowing down, I pressed even harder, just a little effect. We, ( there was one other in the truck with me, my helper, Greg) were getting closer and closer to the bottom of the hill and the cars stopped at the red light. I yelled to Greg: "Hang on we're not going to make it!!!" I had to make a decision, to plow into the back of those cars and possibly hurt a lot of people, or take the turn to the right and hope for the best. I turned right, the truck's right side came off the ground, and at that instant I yelled: "Jesus!!!!" Or maybe I just thought His name, I really don't remember. All of a sudden everything slowed down, the truck rolled onto it's left side, then onto the top and then onto the right side, all in slow motion. I do not remember hitting anything, (neither me or my helper had seat belts on), I don't remember my lunch box flying through the air and landing on me, but when we came to a rest it was on top of my head. The truck stopped, and I heard Greg screaming in pain. I had blood dripping from a gash in my right hand, it had evidently hit the drivers side glass. The ambulances came, the police came......we were taken to the emergency room. I was fine, 3 stitches in my arm, a few in my eyelid that got cut somehow in the whole mess. Greg, though, had two broken vertebrae, and is paralyzed from the waist down. This all happened about 15 years ago and I still do not have any memory of what happened between the right wheels coming off the ground and us coming to a rest on the right side of the truck. Greg does though, he told me that his whole top half went flying through the open window on his side and was crushed by the weight of the truck when it rolled over. He has memories as if slow motion also, but of our lunch boxes flying through the air, of me reaching out to try and stop him from flying out the window, of garbage coming out of the back of the truck and flying through the air........I think, sometimes he thinks I am lying when I say I don't remember any of this. He also more then likely questions why he was paralyzed and I was fine. I have not seen or talked to Greg in years, but I still remember his screams that day. I pray for him and hope he is doing well. But the point of this story is this: Just the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I believe, is why I am fine, barely a scratch. I have a faded scar on my arm from that day, it reminds me of the experience every time I look at it.

That day I ran into the strong fortress that is Jesus' name and I was safe.

God hears us when we call His name. Go ahead give it a try, He will hear you and He will come to you. If you ask Him to forgive you for all your doubts, sins, problems you've gotten yourself into, He will help with those to. You see, when we call His name, we are surrendering to Him, confessing that we know He exists, that He does care for us and that He is powerful enough to get us out of any situation.

Go ahead, don't wait for that "Situation" to come along where you in deep despair, facing death, or pain, call on Him now, He is waiting patiently.

Many promises, Many Yes'

2 Corinthians 1:20

For however many are the promises of God, in him they
are "Yes." Therefore also through him let the Amen be
said by our voices to the glory of God.

Montgomery

Has God ever made a promise that He has not answered? Yes, but they haven't been answered YET. If God were a baseball player his average would be 1.000, if He were a football QB his QB rating would be, I am not sure the highest here, but He would have no interceptions, and have the highest rating possible, a pitcher, a perfect game every time He pitches. I thank you get my point, God is perfect, did you hear and understand that God IS Perfect. He never lies, He never fails, He never get's discouraged, He never quits, He never looses faith in us.

I was talking to a guy the other day, who told me he thought God failed when He created Mankind. His reasoning was that we did not turn out the way God wanted us to, we failed, therefore God failed. I explained to him how God had made us with "free will". That God did not want a bunch of robots serving Him because He made us or programmed us, He wanted us to serve Him because we WANTED to, Therefore WE failed, not God.

The point is: God NEVER fails, never promises something and doesn't deliver. Have you ever made a promise and not kept it? Yes, I believe we all have. Sometimes we get to busy, we just don't have enough time, we have responsibilities that over rule our wishes. Times like this are hard, decisions must be made, do I keep my promise or do I make my boss mad at me and possibly get fired? You make a promise that you will take your son to a baseball game, or attend his little league game, and work is crazy, you cannot leave your boss is "riding" you about deadlines and such. This is life, but your son only knows you promised.

We are God's sons and daughters, He makes us promises, and He keeps them regardless. He promised us that if we acknowledge our sins, turn from them and acknowledge His Son Jesus died on the cross for those sins, He will be with us, lead us, and never go away. Does He have other responsibilities? Wow, about, what 3 and half BILLION other people on this world He has made the same promise to? BUT He keeps every promise.

Notice in the above scripture God not only says "Yes", but He says "AMEN" (so be it, I agree, said to emphasis the point) The song "God says Yes, Yes and Amen......" comes to mind. He is not only saying "Yes" to his promises, He is saying "Yes, and Yes and Yes, and Amen" I heard a sermon Sunday where the minister used the phrase: "Permission Granted". We ask God for something He says Yes and Permission Granted. When God says either of these things it puts the gears in motion. The permission has been granted, the answer is YES, so the angels start to work on that answer. God caused everything to come together he sends His angels to make things happen. The request has been approved, the planning stage is over it is time for action.

I can just see as the angels wait with eager anticipation near the throne of God, as we pray. They know God is going to answer this prayer, and they are ready to do whatever He needs them to do. They cannot wait until He orders them to take care of a situation, or battle the enemy in our behalf. I can see them standing, because they cannot be still, they cannot sit down, "I am ready Lord, send me". They have no doubt that God will answer, they just don't know how yet, but they do know they will more then likely be involved in the answer.

Why do we pray and pray and pray over and over for the same request? Is it because we thank God did not hear us the first few thousand times? No, I believe, it is because we need to. When we first go before the Lord with a request He hears us, and He sets the wheels in motion, He says "Yes, permission granted" sends His angels to wherever they need to be, and the answer is on it's way. But we, as humans, are so impatient, praying over and over helps us to feel more confident. God has the answer in motion, but He doesn't care that we keep asking, He knows we haven't seen the answer yet. But when we do, all praise, glory, honor, worship......belongs to Him who sets on the throne.

I am so grateful to God for answering my prayers. He answers them in His way, and sometimes it makes us think in our human condition, that He did not answer, but He always does. My Mom had prophesies of healing when she was suffering with cancer, we all thought God would heal her in a miraculously way and she would have such a testimony. He choose to take her to Heaven to be with Him, and healing her that way. I still believe God gave her the choice of healing and remaining here on this earth, or going on to be with Him in paradise. Who would want to stay here if given that choice? But see, God kept His word, her healing was done, she is dancing in front of His throne right now, completely free of any pain rejoicing in His presence.

If God says it you can put it in the bank. There is no "if's and's or but's" with God. If He has promised you something and it has not happened yet, don't worry, it's coming. It may mot be in the form of what we can imagine, but It WILL be answered. God answers many times or should I say every time, in ways that are far above what we can even imagine.


Go ahead, continue to pray for that answer, it is already on it's way, in God's timing it will arrive.

Ingegrity, what is it?

Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord.

~ Psalm 119:1, NLT

I believe the above verse is a great definition or maybe outcome is a better word for Integrity. "Joyful are people of integrity, (which people?, those) who follow the instructions of the Lord" (That's which people!!)

So Integrity is following the rules of the Lord? What are the rules of the Lord? The Ten Commandments. Wow, so here we are thousands of years removed from Moses receiving the 10 commandments from God, and I am saying they are still relevant? You bet your John Deere Tractor, they are. In my days in school, they , the ten commandments, were posted in every classroom in the country. They were in many, if not all courts of law. The ten commandments are what all of our laws are based on, Every single one of them.

So what is the Psalmist saying in this verse? What is this "Joyful" of which he speaks? I don't know the original Hebrew the bible was written in, I haven't gone back and analyzed the meaning of the words they translated into "Joyful". But, I DO know that when I am obeying God, doing what He tells me to do, following the 10 Commandments, I am joyful. You see, by following God's rules, you are in "sync" with the maker of the Universe. His Son, Jesus Christ will walk with you, talk with you and treat you like his on family, because you are. (What Song was that? "Walk with me and He will talk with me, and ......., I digress}. I believe whatever word they translated into "Joyful" here in this verse, is exactly right. Here is the formula: Integrity=Joy. Pretty easy isn't it? Do what is right in the eyes of the Lord, and the outcome, the product, the result, the sum, the finished product, the ANSWER is JOY>

So we should obey Gods rules just so we can have Joy? Sure, if that is the angle you want to go what is wrong with that? Selfish? Maybe a little at first, but you see, when we obey all the rules, and realize the Joy we receive, it makes us WANT to live for God and His son Jesus, because of the Love we feel along with the JOY.

Remember when you fell in love? You know you are pretty sure that this was the "ONE"? (No "Matrix" pun intended here). You felt different, life seemed better, you had a spring in your step, you knew who you would spend the rest of your life with. People around you noticed a difference. Well, God is in Love with us, He would do anything in His power for us. We should have this same feeling everyday of our lives, Because the God who made us, loves us so much, He sent His Son to die for us,(The ultimate sacrifice, to lay down your life for a friend). God, Jehovah, thanks of you and me as His Friend, His Sons and Daughters, His family.


Yes there are Rules. There are rules in every part of life. God made us with a sense of right and wrong, thus rules. "Gum chewing in MY CLASSROOM is not allowed!" that is a rule. "Speed Limit 65 MPH", another rule. Murder, assault, stealing, .....yes these are all rules, and we know it,no one has to tell us. What about "coveting your neighbors wife"? That is not against the law, but it is a commandment from God. Coveting, wishing you had her instead of your neighbor, "undressing" her with you eyes, thinking sexual thoughts toward her. You haven't done anything to her, you haven't broken any laws, so what is the harm? Because it is against God's rules. Think about what this type of thinking does to a Man The thoughts can grow, you concentrate on these thoughts and the outcome could be very bad, rape, attack, sexual advances. See, following God's rules in the first place, will take care of it, as Barney Fife said: "Nip it in the Bud" take care of it right away before it has a chance to grow.

What about "coveting your neighbors "stuff""? " Wow, look at that new car Tim has, that is NICE, I want one." So it this proud for Tim, or something deeper like jealously? I used to be so bad at this I would look at something someone else had, and figure out a way to get it. I did not care if it caused my family to have less, I did not care about anything else then acquiring what I wanted.
Is this illegal? Are there people in prisons across this country that are guilty of "Coveting their friends "stuff"? Yes there are. Not the coveting, but what they did to get that stuff. Theft, murder, any crime can be brought down in it's lowest form to one thing : Lust, the wanting of something you don't have and your obsession of getting it.

Enough about this, what about Integrity? Integrity by definition (that is Man's definition)
firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility

: an unimpaired condition : soundness

: the quality or state of being complete or undivided : completeness

My favorite word in this definition? " Incorruptibility" We hear almost daily of the "corrupt-ness" of our politicians, sports celebrities, just plain ole celebrities, ......So the word: "Incorruptibility" really hits home with me. It is easy to think that there is not a politician alive today that is incorruptible.

But, by definition, to have Integrity, means to be incorruptible.

Remember when God decided to flood the world? He was going to destroy everything, then decided to save Noah and his family. Why? Because Noah had integrity. He was the only person on the face of the earth, at that time who was not corrupt. How many people can we say that about today? Maybe about the same percentage?

Integrity will bring JOY, Life, abundance, love, but also threats, anger, finger pointing, acquisitions, lies...People see someone who has integrity, and they know something must be hidden. No one believes there is anyone without a past a skeleton in the closet somewhere.

Yes, we are all sinners, and we all have "skeletons somewhere" But, we have a God who has forgiven us those past mistakes. Integrity is not what you did yesterday, it is what you do today and tommorow. I know the world does not see it that way. If your running for political office, and you broke a window with a baseball in 1960, somehow they will find out and try and use it against you. But God won't, He loves you, and when you ask for forgiveness He grants it, and forgets it.

Integrity, the way we all need to live. I believe the highest honor someone can say about a person is: He/She is a person who has integrity. I don't see how anyone can be this way without knowing the Lord as their personal savior.
Be a person of integrity, let your light shine, show the world that you serve a God who cares about you and them. Be the "real deal" not just another "fake" Christsian.

Ecclesiastes 3
A Time for Everything
1 For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven.
2 A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
3 A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.

Most of know this verse, there is a famous song written from it, people quote it all the time. But what does it really mean?

"Cow Dung at 5 feet"--Abraham Lincoln when asked his choice of weapons after being challenged to a duel.

See? Abraham Lincoln knew when to fight and when he had more important things to do. Someone who was angry with him, angry enough to challenge him to a duel to the death, had asked him to choose the weapons. Lincoln, did not have time to play silly games, he was a busy man.

Ecclesiastes tells us that there is a "Season For Everything" and then goes on to explain the different "Seasons" of our lives. I really like how every "activity under heaven" pretty much sums up the whole thing, But "A time to tear down and a time to build up" is one of my favorites from this verse.

Lincoln knew when it was time to fight and when it was not. He put the person who challenged him in his place. I imagine there were laughs, giggling, pointing of fingers by those who heard Lincolns response. I mean "WHAT A COMEBACK" Today there would have been "high fives" all around.

"A time to tear down and a time to build up" What is there in our lives that we need to tear down? Lack of Faith, Dishonesty, untruth, waste of time, waste of talents, gossiping, anger, hatred, prejudice of anyone different from us, lack of compassion, selfishness, unconcern, pride let me repeat that one: PRIDE, .................that Pride thing covers most, I think. I believe these are the things that need to be torn down and gotten rid of. But what does God want in their place? Everything opposite of these things, Faith, Truth, accountability of our time and talents, loving everyone, compassion, sharing, concern, and what about that PRIDE? Replaced with humility.

Yes, there is a season for everything under heaven. God knows the seasons, but they are just that SEASONS of our life. That means they will pass, just as Spring turns into Summer and Summer turns into Fall.....CHANGE is coming. We will not always be were we are right now, in our walk with Christ. That means more opportunities , more challenges, more triumphs and yes more failures, we are human after all. And it means more love, more compassion, more humility, more joy, more happiness, more security in HIM and what we are doing for HIM>

Right now I am going through one of those seasons. My Mom died almost 2 years ago, and I have been taking care of my Dad. He has gotten weaker and weaker to the point that he is now in a Rehab Hospital to try and gain his strength back. For 4 years this "Season" has been going on for me, 2 years while my Mom suffered with Cancer, and the almost 2 years since. I tell God all the time how tired I am, and He sends me His strength. I complain to my Daughter, Son, and Sister, all the time about what Dad does, or says. He is not a easy person to take care of, he is stubborn, well so am I. We bang heads some, but I love my Dad I mean he is my Dad. But this is why I am close to him right now, it is a season that God knew was coming in our lives. It is challenging, but God knows me and knows Dad and know the situation. He has helped like you would not believe in me, and Dad. You see, Dad and I are very much alike, believe that, a Son and Father alike!!. So we get on each others nerves allot. But in this Season of my life, I have become the Adult, if you will. Dad takes my advice, and sometimes agrees, not always but at least he doesn't just dismiss it like when I was a kid. See a different Season for him as well? I know this season will pass and there will be another waiting for me, and I know God will be there as well.

In all of nature nothing stays the same, there is always change, time always passing, seasons changing from one to the other. Weather changing along with the seasons, the sun rising the sun going down the moon doing the same. The Earth rotating on it's axes, and in motion around our son, our solar system as a whole in motion around the universe. The universe just a part of the vast milky way........Motion, changes, seasons, all around us. God is a God of change, constant change. I love that about Him. I hate "sameness" I have to have change. The best way to clean my apartment is to change the furniture around so that I have change and that I can clean behind, and under where things used to be.

Are you in a new season of your life? It is hard, that transition, as much as I like change, I love routines. My cat knows my routine very well,
she leads me from one room to the other knowing exactly where I am going next. I like change, but not in my day to day schedule. Weird huh? But God brings change/seasons to our lives all the time. Without them we would grow bored, not challenged ,lackadaisical and God knows this.

I was born into a military family, my Dad a retired Marine, so change was part of life growing up. We moved, it seemed all the time. (Maybe this is why I need change, so much, just seems unnatural without it?) But I can make friends fast, I can relate to people very well, I love others, I don't need to take 1 or more years to start to talk and get to know someone new. I start up conversations with people in elevators, on the bus, in the bathroom (and usually get a grunt of a response:)) But, I believe, this is from all the Changes or Seasons in my early life.
I am not saying quit your job every 3 years and move to a new city to start over so you can have a new season. I am saying let God bring the change, the seasons. He loves to bring opportunities your way and let you interact with others, usually when you and they need it most.

I guess what I am saying here is: Change is good. There is a season, and the seasons never stay the same (wouldn't that be boring?) Don't worry about the little things, the guy that challenges you to a duel and wants to know your choice of weapons. We have a job to do for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If someone does challenge you to a duel to the death, you could always talk to them about death. "where will you spend eternity if I beat you?"

There is "A time for everything, For everything there is a season, A time for every activity under heaven, a time to be born, a time to die. A time to plant, a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up.." We are all at different seasons in our lives, where are you?

One of the coolest things about our Father, Jehovah, is it doesn't matter where we are in our lives, He is there. For every person alive today He is right beside them, ready to help them in what ever Season we may be going through. He is there. If you find yourself in a tough, hard, season, don't worry He is there with you, and the seasons will change, it will get better. If you find yourself in a good season, on top of the world, don't get used to it, seasons will change and problems will come, but He will be there.

Whatever season you find yourself in, God is there. Always.

Come on "ASK", test me......

John 16:24

Up to now you have asked nothing in my name; ask, and you will
receive, that your joy may be overflowing.

Phillips

I love the wording in this translation, I can just hear Jesus saying this: "Come on "ASK" you haven't asked for anything at all, test me, let me show you what I am really capable of." I read this verse and the first thing I think is: "Lord, I have asked a bunch of stuff from you and you have delivered, what do you mean?" But God doesn't see the little things we have asked for as a challenge, (of course that is our human way of understanding God, He is NEVER challenged by anything!) We limit God. This is what this scripture is all about. In the back of our minds, we limit God. When we ask God for things, it is always things that we KNOW He can do, because He has done them for us before, things like healing, help, circumstances,..........BUT God is saying, "That ain't nothing, let me show you what I CAN REALLY DO! I am pointing my finger right now at myself and saying "Stop limiting God!!"

What reason does God give us for asking Him to do bigger things in our life? "...so that our joy may be overflowing". That's all, so that we will be happy. God loves us so much He wants to do the things we ask Him to, but, I think He is tried of us asking for little things. "Up to now you have asked NOTHING in MY name............."

I remember when I was a teenager, a friend of mine had a new bike. It was really cool. It was a Schwinn, the best their was, as far as we were concerned. My buddy let me take it out for a spin. It was a 12 Speed racer. I took it down a long steady hill, and WOW could you move on this thing. Then I had to turn around and ride it back up the hill. I had a 5 speed "Banana Seat" bike, so I knew a little about changing gears to help climb hills. I was struggling with all the levers and the sprockets were making noises as the chain was trying to decide what gear I wanted. My buddy ran down the hill and said : "Get off, let me show you this baby can really do". So he got on put the bike in the lowest gear, (or is that the highest?) and pedaled like a mad man to the top of the hill. That gear (1st or 12th?) made it almost effortless to pedal up a steep grade, you had to pedal about a million times, hardly covering any ground with each stroke, but it was really easy. We took turns the rest of the day flying down the hill and riding back up. Wow, that was fun, I will never forget it. I had tried to pedal that thing up that hill in the wrong gear, and could hardly push the pedals down it hurt my legs, I was getting no where. BUT my friend came along and basically said: "Let me show you what this thing is capable of", got on and took off. I had no idea you could do that.

See? God is saying:" Here let me show you what I am capable of." We cut God short, we limit Him in His power, His Love, His knowledge, His compassion and His patience. Patience to Judge this world, that is patience. But God wants us to ask Him for the unimaginable , the unthinkable, the unbelievable, the impossible, the unattainable , the things that we never ever ever even dreamed of. No, I am not talking about winning the lottery, becoming a millionaire, having "It All" as the world defines it. I am talking about God's best. The best He has to offer, which is "over the top", "beyond our comprehension".

When I was growing up, my folks always bought appliances at Sears. They had that famous warranty, and we always had "Kenmore" appliances. We always had the ones that said "Sears Best" on them somewhere. My Dad figured if your going to buy something, make it something that would last. He felt Sears made the best stuff, had the best warranty, so why not get the best they made? I understand his feeling, buy quality that will last and thereby save money in the long run. He still has a Maytag washer in the garage that runs like it was brand new, and it is about 20 years old, I believe. See, only the best. This is what God wants for us, His best. But God is limited. What, you think I am speaking garbage, that I am a hypocrite? No, God is limited by our faith, and our wants and requests. He can do ANYTHING He wants to, But He needs us to ask Him for things. He will never ever force His way into our hearts, we have to request Him to come in. He will never ever answer our prayers if we don't pray. He is a gentlemen, and He made us with a choice, a choice to serve Him or not.

Man am I talking to myself here: "Don't limit God". I have had some real doubts, questions, had my faith tested, wondered "WHY" ....this week, so I need to hear this. I know you need to hear it as well. By NOT asking God for the things we think are impossible, we are limited God.

Remember, God wants us to have "Joy Overflowing". When is the last time you could not contain your joy? That there was so much love, so much joy, so much peace in your life that you wanted to just dance and run and jump for glory? That is what God is offering, IF WE JUST ASK Go Ahead, ASK, He is waiting patiently.