Hate 2 C U Coming - Proverbs 27:6 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Proverbs 27:6 (NIV)

“Hate 2 C U Coming”

Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

------------------------------------------------------------

As I was walking the hall at work, I saw a friend whom I had not seen in a few weeks.  I asked him how a certain situation turned out since the last time we talked.  He was surprised I remembered and said, “You remember everything!”  I replied with, “Not according to my wife!” (I love you babe).  But he began to tell me some of the choices he had made and the things he was going to do.  He sounded really confident and sure of what he was going to do, but he knew it was wrong.  As he was talking, I could tell he was starting to hear himself!  Man, I hate when I hear myself saying something stupid! Can I get an “Ouch” from anyone?  I listened to him until he gave me that look and said, “What!”  He knew from our previous conversations that I was going to start out with, “Well, you know what GOD’s Word says . . .”  I shared with him what he already knew of GOD’s Word, but just like me . . . sometimes we need to hear others share it!  As we came to a close in our conversation, we shook hands and he said, “I hate to see you coming, but I love it when you leave!”

I’m thinking, “O.K., that’s not cool!”  But he went on to say that he was just asking GOD to help him do what was right, and no sooner he got that short prayer out, I was walking up to him and asking how the situation was going (only GOD can do that)!  He hated to see me coming because he felt that GOD was going to use me to give him the truth.  He knew I wasn’t going to give him a right answer, but a true answer from GOD’s Word (of course I did not know his prayer, nor did I know GOD was using me at that time for that purpose).  He went on to tell me that even though he hated to see me coming, he knew that he would receive a good word before I left!

This was a powerful testimony!  It reminded me of all the times I hated to see GOD’s Word coming into my life, because I knew it would speak truth to change my ways (thoughts)!  Sometimes it is hard to receive truth.  There are the times when I want things to feel right, not be true!  You know the medicine is good for you, but sometimes we hate the taste! But just like GOD’s Word . . . you know that if you receive it, you will be better off in the end! JESUS is truth, and no matter how much you may hate to see HIM come into your life, you will be better off when you receive HIM . . . and HE promises that HE will never leave you nor forsake you!  Although my friend really didn’t hate me . . . he wanted to hear, “Man you are right!”, but he needed to hear the truth!  Proverbs 12:25 says, “An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” If you have a friend in need of the truth . . . speak a kind word into their situation this weekend!

Please check out our new site (http://christianlivinginwaldorf.blogspot.com/) and share your comments/thoughts/suggestions!

Rejoice In HIS Blessings Today!

Don't Talk Back - Proverbs 18:6 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Proverbs 18:6 (NIV)

“Don’t Talk Back”

A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.

-------------------------------------------------------------

O.K., let’s start with the obvious! Many of our children talk back . . . a lot!  Especially when they feel they know more than we do.  As if they have been able to pack more experience into their young life than we have in our wise age!  I can’t remember the comedians name that said, “I’m not saying it right, but I understand!”  However, in this case . . . GOD’s Word is right!  Sure . . . you can try the “time-out” approach!  Maybe even stick them in the corner for an hour!  But my NIV bible says, a fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating! I see it as . . . if their mouth keep asking for a beating, let their behind (backside) receive the gift!  He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him (Proverbs 13:24)  Meaning . . . you don’t beat your kids for everything!  Discipline will always go further than beatings, however, it may take a beating to get them focused on discipline! I often refer to this as “Beat Them”  Again, this does not mean you put the belt to the backside . . . it means that your focus is always on directing and guiding them back to being CHRIST-Like!  Use the wisdom that GOD has given you as a guardian.  Every fist starts from an open hand . . . think before you strike . . . but if their little mouths keep inviting a beating . . . have a belt party!

Now, for us adults!  Some of us have the same behavior towards GOD as our children have towards us!  Especially when we feel we know more than HE does!  As if we have been able to pack more experience and wisdom into our small timeline of life!  You may think you have it all figured out and feel you have found the loop-hole (alternative) to Salvation!  You may think your ways are better than HIS ways!  Some of us have literally talked back to GOD as if HE is getting it wrong! Ouch!  Then there are those times when we don’t talk back with our mouths, but we talk back with our behaviors! Ouch again! I understand how we can do that, but it is not right!  Trust me . . . GOD’s Word will give you a spiritual beating that you won’t soon forget!  So don’t try to break off the small switch from the tree . . . because HE has the tree of life that convicts the soul!

You’ve heard that song, “Yackety Yack . . . Don’t Talk Back!”  Listen to the LORD!

Opening The Flood Gate - Proverbs 17:14 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Proverbs 17:14 (NIV)

“Opening The Flood Gate”

The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Although this is really good advice for those who desire to maintain a godly marriage of respect and love . . . I suggest we all take heed!  We must keep the flood gate of our mouth under control!  It is so easy to “Go off” on someone!  I’m sure it feels great to give people “A piece of your mind”  Just remember, every time you give someone a piece of your mind . . . you lose the peace that surpasses all understanding!  Don’t be so quick to open the flood gates of anger, rudeness, disrespect, etc.  just for the sake of winning an argument!  And just because you are talking louder than everyone else does not mean you are winning the argument . . . it just means your flood gate is bigger!  James 3:5-6 says, Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.  The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.  Ain’t that something!  The tongue can actually open up the flood gates to “H”, “E”, “Double Hockey Sticks” on your life!

Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue (Proverbs 17:28).  I am sure many of you have heard me say this before, “It is better to keep your mouth shut and let folks only assume you are an idiot, verses opening your mouth and proving them right!”  Opening the flood gates of wickedness can corrupt the whole person, but opening the flood gates of love for one another is right in line with GOD’s Word . . . but that’s another SOD!

Be Blessed & Speak Kindly!

I Know It Was The Blood - Exodus 24:6-8 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Exodus 24:6-8 (NIV)

“I Know It Was The Blood”

Moses took half of the blood and put it in bowls, and the other half he sprinkled on the altar. Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people. They responded, “We will do everything the LORD has said; we will obey.”  Moses then took the blood, sprinkled it on the people and said, “This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words.”

----------------------------------------------------

In the beginning of this chapter, Moses gives the people all the LORD’s words and laws.  The people responded with one voice, Everything the LORD has said we will do”.  The next morning Moses built an altar at the foot of the mountain and set twelve stone pillars, which represented the twelve tribes of Israel.  They offered burnt offering and fellowship offerings to GOD.  Moses took half of the blood and sprinkled it on the altar.  Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people . . . again they responded with, “We will do everything the LORD has said; we will obey.”  Moses then took the blood, sprinkled it on the people and said, “This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words.”

The people accepted the Word of GOD and HIS law!  And it was the blood that was sprinkled on them that sealed the covenant between them and GOD!  If just the sprinkles of blood from the young bulls could seal the covenant of GOD to the people who accepted then, how much more do you think the Blood of CHRIST will seal the covenant of Salvation with those who accept HIS Son?  Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. (Matthew 26:27-29) I know it was the Blood of CHRIST JESUS that has sealed the covenant of Salvation for me!  Have you accepted HIS Son? I know it was the Blood that changed me!  Have you been changed?  Be changed in the new covenant of GOD!

Love Sincerely

Wor"Ship" Wreck - John 4:23-24 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day
John 4:23-24 (NIV)    
“Wor”Ship” Wreck”


Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is Spirit and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
-------------------------------------------------------------
Now anyone who knows me should have been expecting this one! I love to Wor”Ship” and praise GOD! Do you want to know why! I am so glad you asked! Because, this is our opportunity to do what we were made to do! The Wor”Ship” has taken me places I could have never dreamed of! The Wor”Ship” sets the atmosphere in my day! The Wor”Ship” has gotten me through the battles . . . through the storms . . . through the pains in my life and those of my family! I’m about to start worshiping right now! My Wor”Ship” falls into two categories: war ship and PT cruiser! Yeah . . . PT stands for “Praise Time” We can worship through the trials and tribulations! We can praise HIM in advance! Our worship is the time we give ourselves to GOD in a reverential way, yet we can be undignified! We can worship through song, dance, poetry, prayers, tears, laughter . . . but worship must always come from the heart! It must be done in the Spirit and in truth! This is the kind of worshipers GOD seeks!

Listen . . . you may think you were born to be a leader . . . but you were made to worship! You may think you were gifted to sing or act . . . but you were made to worship! You may think you were called to preach and teach . . . but understand this . . . You Were Made To Wor”Ship” first! GOD would not call anyone to preach, minister, deacon, etc. then take their Wor”Ship” away so they could remain dignified! You better be like David when he danced out of his clothes! He said that his worship would get more undignified! Just thinking about the LORD makes me want to give HIM undignified worship!

I don’t even know where to began when it comes to Wor”Ship” wrecks! The very thing we were made to do, we wreck! Many of us have abandoned our Wor”Ship” Some of us have deliberately ran our Wor”Ship” into the rocks! We even cause mutiny aboard others Wor”Ship”!! Listen, Wor”Ship” wrecks don’t happen on Sunday mornings during worship services only! No . . . many wrecks happen before we even get there! Some wrecks even keep us from actually getting to church! Our Wor”Ship” is wrecked when we get up in the morning with a heart full of despair, instead of realizing GOD woke us up! Our Wor”Ship” is wrecked when someone cuts us off in traffic on the way to church! Our Wor”Ship” is wrecked in the parking lot of the church when we see the person who has been back-biting! Our Wor”Ship” is wrecked when we see someone sitting in the pew-seat that we have been sitting in for the last 10 years! Here is the funny thing! This is the wreck that keeps us so busy putting water in the boat, that we can’t raise our hands and thank GOD for rescuing us with a Wor”Ship”!

I know I got kind of long winded on this one . . . but we must understand the importance and the purpose of our Wor”Ship” Romans 12:1 says, 1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. I know we can give an Amen to that! This is our act of worship! This is how we demonstrate our love! This is our sacrifice to the Holy GOD! Our Wor”Ship” is pleasing to GOD! I have been called a “hype-man”, “cheer leader”, "Shouting John" and a few other things . . . but I can’t let anyone drop anchor on my Wor”Ship”.  Don't let anyone drop anchor or stop your Wor"Ship"

Oh, I’m not done! Hebrews 13:15 says, 15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name. I can’t stop praising HIS name! I don’t want to stop praising HIS name! Last Sunday, I was told I got too loud . . . but I don’t think I was loud enough! I see parents at their kids football games . . . they are loud! But when we get to church they want to go into “Silent Praise!” Well, that’s not my culture (quote from a movie)!

Now, I know that GOD doesn’t need me to praise HIM . . . but HE made me to worship HIM!  HE made all of us a Wor”Ship”  I hope you didn’t miss that!  All the other “Ships” we climb aboard!  But we are the Wor”Ship”  We can put our hands on the helm of all the other "Ships" guide them!  But the Wor"Ship" is guided by the Holy Spirit!  HE should be at the helm of your Wor"Ship"  You don’t need to experience a Wor”Ship” . . . you need to be a Wor”Ship”  Its called a worship service, because we are suppose to serve HIM with our worship and praise!

I want to ask every Wor”Ship” to read this out loud and from the heart! All the earth shall worship YOU and sing praises to YOU; They shall sing praises to YOUR name. Selah (Psalm 66:4)

I can hear Sis Sneed leading us in song . . . “Ain’t no rock . . . gonna cry in my place . . . as long as I’m alive to glorify HIS Holy Name!”

Steward"Ship" Wreck - Luke 16:10-12 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Luke 16:10-12 (NIV)

"Steward"Ship" Wreck"

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?
--------------------------------------------------
This is a “Titanic-size” ship wreck! A Steward”Ship” wreck can destroy lives! The other “Ships” may rock back and forth, but this “Ship” will capsize and turn your life upside down! You may be thinking why is Steward”Ship” included with our fleet of Relation”Ship”, Partner”Ship” and Companion”Ship”, but if you think about it . . . they all can be destroyed if Steward”Ship” is capsizing! Relation”Ships” can be torn apart! Partner”Ships” can go under! And Companion”Ships” can be thrashed into unrecoverable pieces! Money is not the root of all evil! The love of money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10). Trying to keep up with the “Jones” can capsize our Steward”Ships” and many times we don’t realize that the Jones’ Steward”Ship” has already wrecked!

A Steward”Ship” wreck will not only leave you capsized, but it can leave you too deep to swim without any life savings! It will leave you drowning in sorrow and unable to keep your head above water!


Yes, a Steward”Ship” wreck will destroy more than your financial credit rating! It can destroy your family! This is taken from the pamphlet that GOD gave me to put together for a men’s study group on discipline: “If you think being a faithful steward means tithing 10% of your income, you are wrong! A faithful steward understands that all we have comes from GOD. Therefore it is not a 10% devotion, but a 100% devotion of everything back to the LORD. This includes our time, talent and treasure! As the priest of the home, man has been given stewardship of the family! This is the very reason satan wants men out of the house. If we look at everything we have (including life) as a gift from GOD, we will realize that it is not ownership . . . it is a stewardship discipline.”


We cannot let our Steward”Ship” go down like the Titanic! We must stay at the helm! Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Hebrew 13:5-6) Be trustworthy with the things GOD has already given you, and don’t expect more if you have not been trustworthy with little! You cannot use credit to get out of debt, however, debt will destroy your credibility (you might want to write that down!)


I know it is hard, and will take a lot of work, but we should not allow ourselves to be in so much debt that we become Steward”Ship” wrecked! If you are finding it difficult to keep the “Ship” steady . . . turn it over to GOD! HE will never let your Steward”Ship” capsize . . . even in the mist of the storm and raging waters . . . HE will never leave nor forsake you! HE will do more than keep your head above water, HE will keep you dry above the crashing waves!


This Sunday purpose in your heart to turn all your “Ships” over to the CAPTAIN of the Heavenly Kingdom Fleet! In fact . . . do it now!

Fellow"Ship" Wreck - Acts 2:42 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Acts 2:42 (NIV)

“Fellow”Ship” Wreck”

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

-------------------------------------------------

I had no idea there were so many types of ships!  I only thought of them as “Ships”  But as I continued to briefly study about ships, it makes sense that we categorize them as cargo ships, war ships, mother ships (just kidding)!  I would say most of the ships in our lives can be categorized as cargo (relationship, partnership and companionship) that carries our compassion, empathy, burdens, etc.  Then we have a war ship (stewardship), and of course the mother ship (just kidding)!  And today we have a Fellow”Ship”, which would fall in the category of being a cruise ship.  I guess this one would be more like the Titanic!  See we must not fall in the trap of thinking Fellow”Ship” is all about a party!  If so, we will only consider going aboard the Fellow”Ship” when someone gets promoted, wedding receptions, men/women breakfast, etc.!  We must be devoted to fellowshipping with the LORD and each other in learning HIS Word, in breaking bread together and in prayer!  See sometimes we will have to fellowship in teaching and learning HIS Word that will convict us!  We can’t decide to abandon the Fellow”Ship” because we don’t like what the preacher says!  Sometimes our breaking bread together is not a banquet or buffet!  It is about bringing in from the harvest to share with those who don’t have . . . even when you are scraping the bottom of the barrel yourself!  We can’t abandon the Fellow”Ship” because we are ashamed of what we don’t have!  There will be times when our Fellow”Ship” will be on a journey of petitioning before the LORD in prayer with one another and for one another!  Don’t abandon the Fellow”Ship” because it is not always a praise and worship party!

GOD has called us into fellowship with HIS Son JESUS CHRIST our LORD! (1 Corinthians 1:9)  We cannot abandon the Fellow”Ship” which we were called to do by GOD!  Our Fellow”Ship” is wrecked with thousands of excuses!  Too much on our plates!  Can’t find the time or we feel it is a waste of time!  We won’t let anyone on our Fellow”Ship” and we refuse to take a cruise on another’s Fellow”Ship”  What if the CAPTAIN of the Heavenly Kingdom Cruise Line (GOD) refused your Fellow”Ship”  Don’t allow your Fellow”Ship” to be wrecked because of bitterness, hatred, anger, despair, misunderstanding, etc.

Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints send their greetings. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:11-14)

Amen!

Companion"Ship" Wreck - 2 Samuel 23:13-17 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

2 Samuel 23:13-17 (NIV)

“Companion”Ship” Wreck"

During harvest time, three of the thirty chief men came down to David at the cave of Adullam, while a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. At that time David was in the stronghold, and the Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem. David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” So the three mighty men broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the LORD. “Far be it from me, O LORD, to do this!” he said. “Is it not the blood of men who went at the risk of their lives?” And David would not drink it. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

I was asking GOD what is the difference between relationship, partnership and companionship?  And our Awesome GOD gave me the story of David and his three mighty men!  See the difference between this and the other two “ships” is the size of the waves!  Some waves will rock the boat . . . but when the waves begin to thrash our “ships” against the rock . . . who is going to stay on board!  These three men were close enough to David that they did more than hear his desire in a time of distress.  You see, in a relationship we hear and listen . . . in a partnership we are in agreement . . . but companionship has deep feelings!  When one hurt . . . we all hurt!  When one cries . . . we all cry! Think about this!  The three men heard the desire of David’s longing for a drink from a specific place, while they were all in a cave hiding from the Philistines.  Although the cave is dark and damp . . . I’m sure there was enough water to quench a thirst . . . but David longed for a drink of water that was on the other side of the danger!  A drink of water that would taste like freedom!  Of course it would take a victory to get to that water!  The three mighty men not only heard his desire, but they felt his desire!  They fought through the lines of the enemy to the place where David wish to be . . . free!  Listen!  These three men were free!  They could have celebrated a victory . . . they had broken through the lines of the enemy . . . but Companion”Ship”  took them back to the place where their friend was!  Let me put it this way . . . Companion”Ship” is getting in the mud with them instead of reaching out across the mud for them!  Even when you find yourself clean and safe . . . you are willing to get back in the mud to lift your companion up!  After standing in freedom, the three mighty men returned to their companion, their friend, and their king.  Check this out!  David was so overwhelmed by what his three mighty men did, he could not bring himself to drink the water!  In honor of what they had done for him . . . the risk they had taken on behalf of him . . . David could not bring himself to drink it! David saw his three mighty men . . . his three soldiers . . . as three mighty companions!  David put aside his desires to drink freedom in order to honor his companions!

GOD’s desire is that none of us should perish (2 Peter 3:9). Do we hear HIS desire?  Do we feel HIS desire?  Are we willing to break the enemies line and retrieve what the LORD desires?  When Companion”Ship” is being thrashed against the rocks, do we jump “ship” or do we ride the waves knowing that GOD is in full control!  David would not drink from the cup of water that had been sacrificed by the lives of his three companions!  JESUS said, “Drink from it, all of you. ²⁸ This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom.” (Matthew 26:27-29)  Now these are the words of a true companion! JESUS put aside HIS cup until the day we can all drink with HIM in HIS FATHER’s kingdom!

When the waves begin to throw water over the port (left side) and starboard (right side) of companion”ship”  will you stay the course?  Will you be there as a companion or will you look for a one-seated lifeboat?  JESUS came from the throne to be in Companion”Ship” with me and you . . . don’t bale out on HIM!  Remember this . . . JESUS will never throw you into the sea . . . HE will lift you up above the roaring waves!

Partner"Ship" Wreck - 1 Samuel 18:1-4 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

1 Samuel 18:1-4 (NIV)

“Partner “Ship” Wreck”

After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father’s house. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.

-----------------------------------------------

Many businesses end up Partner”Ship” wrecked because someone is no longer willing to abide by the agreed contract.  There is no longer a mutual cooperation to achieve a specific goal!  This is when someone will say something like, “I’ve out grown you!”  This can literally run a Partner”Ship” in the ground!  But as Christians, our Partner”Ship” is a covenant! It’s not a written contract!  It’s a contract that’s sealed with a handshake and a man’s word!  It’s when a man’s word is bond!  You don’t have to refer back to a paragraph on a page of a contract!  In fact, you could refer back a few generations and say, “Our fathers had an agreement!” and it meant something!  Now days, we must be sure to have a legal document in place to ensure all partners receive what was promised! 

Jonathan and David were partners!  They had something stronger than brotherhood or friendship!  It says they became one in the spirit, meaning they had a kindred spirit!  They had a covenant with each other!  It was a verbal agreement!  No lawyers needed!  Their Partner”Ship” was so strong that long after Jonathan had died, and David became king, he remained true to the covenant and became partners with Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth!  Again, no lawyers needed!  We allow some of the smallest things to wreck our Partner”Ship” with others!  We see it with churches and ministries all the time.  They start out with a common goal, and somewhere along the line the covenant is broken and the church is separated or the ministry fails!  A house divided cannot stand, nor can a Partner”Ship” divided!  I have literally seen families . . . brothers . . . sisters . . . friends . . . stop talking to each other over Partner”Ship” wrecks!

GOD called Abraham a friend!  HE said David was a man after HIS own heart!  GOD is at the helm of the Partner”Ship”  between you and HIM!  The same covenant HE made with Abraham, HE has kept with us!  GOD said that HE will never leave nor forsake us, and HE has not broken that covenant yet!  What a Partner!  Although GOD’s investment is much larger than ours . . . we are still a “Part” of the kingdom!  Is your Partner”Ship” wrecked?  Maybe with the spouse, the kids, on the job, at the church or more importantly with GOD?  You have taken your hands off the helm, yet you expect everything to stay on course!  If you are looking for a good Partner”Ship”  accept JESUS!

Relation"Ship" Wreck - Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV)

“Relation”Ship” Wreck”

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

--------------------------------------------------

Many of us are familiar with this passage, and many of us will agree that love is an action that builds relationships!  But some of us have put it on auto pilot!  It has been diluted to a simple “love ya” as you walk by or at the end of a voicemail.  We may put “Lv Ya!” at the end of a text message, and I’m sure we could abbreviate it to be even smaller!  Although it is great to have this availability when our relationship is long distance due to separation, we must put our hands back on the helm of our Relation”Ship” before we wreck our marriages, families, friends, etc.  Can you think of the last time you said “I love you” and actually meant it?  I mean, actually heard the words you were saying to someone else?  I will be asking questions like this all week.  Can your cell phone hug you?  Can your iPad pat you on the back and say “Well done!”  Will your T.V. kiss you on the cheek before you dose off to sleep?  No!  It takes a relationship to feel that kind of love, and it takes a relationship to give that kind of love!

A few years ago my youngest son dropped anchor and saved our Relation”Ship”  Every morning before he goes to school he would say, “I love you dad!” and I would hit the auto reply button and respond with, “Lov Ya too”  I didn’t realize he was looking at me as I responded, because I was busy doing something else!  He said, “No dad . . . you need to say it back!”  Of course I said, “I did . . . I said lov ya!”  (I love how GOD can use our kids to get a message across!)  As I looked at him, he repeated, “I love you dad!” as he was looking at me . . . and for the first time in a long time I heard the words come out of my mouth when I said, “I love you son!”  Now we all make it a habit to say, “I love you” instead of a quick, “Love ya!” and move on!  Now it has evolved into, “I love you!” with a hug attached to it!

Have you told GOD that you love HIM?  Or has it been a quick “lov ya” at the end of a prayer!  Many of us have been Relation”Ship” wrecked with GOD.  Look to the hills from which cometh your help and say, “I love you FATHER!” . . . trust me . . . HE will reply!  HE will embrace you with peace and say, “I love you first!”  Our Relation”Ship” is so important to GOD that HE sent HIS only begotten Son to die for our sins!

Ship Wreck - Acts 27:29-32 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Acts 27:29-32 (NIV)

“Ship Wreck”

Fearing that we would be dashed against the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight. In an attempt to escape from the ship, the sailors let the lifeboat down into the sea, pretending they were going to lower some anchors from the bow. Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.” So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it fall away.

-------------------------------------------------------

Family,

We are going to park here for the week!  We are going to talk about a few “Ship” wrecks in our lives!  Due to the dangers of social networking, texting, online tithing, T.V. churching (I just made up that word) we are starting to abandon the “Ship!”  We are taking our hands off of the helm (that’s the steering wheel for a ship) and letting the “Ship” run-ground out of control!  We may think that by abandoning the “Ship” we are not responsible for the damage!  Wrong!  If you jump out of your car while driving and it crashes into a wall . . . you are still responsible even though you abandoned it!  The same thing is true with a “Ship” Wreck!

O.K.  you are asking yourself, what kind of “Ship” is he talking about that can wreck our lives!  Glad you asked!  I’m talking about Relation”Ship”, Partner”Ship”, Companion”Ship”, Steward”Ship” and Fellow”Ship” . . . to name a few!  Technology is a good tool for research, but we cannot abandon Relationship, Partnership, Companionship, Stewardship and Fellowship to jump in the lifeboat of cell phones, laptops, and high definition television!  Pray for me this week as we sail the scriptures to avoid being “Ship” Wreck!

Love Language - Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)

“Love Language”

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

---------------------------------------------------

As I continue to seek GOD’s advice on communicating with my spouse, I am starting to realize how much I have just read over the book of Proverbs!  I have been missing some sound communication advice from GOD’s Word!  Not that me and the little lady is having any problems . . . GOD has put the  desire to communicate even better with her on my heart!  Again, this is some good marriage 101 stuff!  

These two words can start some serious arguments and debates!  We found this out early in our marriage and we still make the mistake from time to time!  For example, I could say something like, “You are always complaining!” Now it didn’t matter that she would actually be complaining at the time, but we would have a long “debate” over my choice of using “always”  Then there are the times when she would say something like, “You never say that you love me!”  This would get the tea pot steaming!  It didn’t matter that I didn’t say this on our anniversary . . . how could she use the word “never”

I would argue the fact that I have said it before and she is wrong to use the word “never” And like an idiot, I would purpose in my heart not to tell her I loved her for a long time!  Wow . . . we really did struggle in the area of communication!  We didn’t curse at each other (much), but we did use “trigger” words like “always” and “never” to stir up anger.

Thank GOD that HE has given us a new language!  You see, GOD’s love language teaches us to use gentle words and give gentle answers.  We have done our best to eliminate all “trigger” words.  Here is the key to that success!  We both love GOD!  We both tell each other what words “trigger” that anger!  We both respect each other’s transparency and don’t use it as a tool to strike at each other!  And we use the love language as much as possible, so that it doesn’t sound foreign!  Many times, we don’t want to speak from GOD’s love language until we have done something wrong!  Not only do we do this to each other, but we do it to GOD too.  When we need HIM, we speak gentle and with compassion!  But as soon as things are not going our way . . . here come the harsh words!  Here is another key to success that we have learned from a dear friend . . . speak in the form of a gentle question! She would never tell someone that they are going to hell, but she would ask the question, “Do you know that GOD loves you so much that HE doesn’t want you to choose a place of eternal fire?”  What a wise woman!

I speak this to everyone who is reading . . . I Love You . . . And GOD Loves You More!

Honeycomb Hideout - Proverbs 16:24 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Proverbs 16:24 (NIV)

“Honeycomb Hideout”

Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

-----------------------------------------------------------

This verse is really good marriage 101 advise!  When is the last time you whispered sweet-nothings in the ear of your spouse!  You know . . . that something that makes them smile, and no one else knows what you said.  That sweet-nothing that reminds them that in spite of . . . you still love them!  That something that makes them feel like they still got it!  I am always trying to take my spouse to the Honeycomb Hideout!  I will whisper in her ear, she will laugh, and my sons will say, “I don’t even want to know what you said to her!”  And in her own way, she does the same for me!  Her words (sometimes) are like honeycomb!  We talk about the days of yesterday . . . the good and bad ones, and it helps us appreciate where we are!

Encouraging words are sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.  When you see that your spouse is having a ruff go at it, take them to the Honeycomb Hideout!  Better yet, next time GOD moves on your heart to encourage one another . . . take that mini vacation to the Honeycomb Hideout!  I can hear the background music playing . . . “turn off the light!”

Blind Date - Proverbs 31:30 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Proverbs 31:30 (NIV)

“Blind Date”

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Proverbs is full of sound biblical advise and wisdom!  This verse reminds me that flattery gets your foot in the door, but kicked out of the house (that’s old school) and beauty is only skin (that’s a song).  But love for the LORD will earn praise (that’s HIS Word)!  I want you to think about the last time you got ready for a date . . . that you actually wanted to go on.  What kind of preparation did it take?  How long did it take you to choose an outfit, because you wanted to look your best?  How much cologne did you put on because you wanted to smell good?  Did you spend any time in the mirror to make sure everything was flawless?  Tell me this . . . was your preparation for the last date you went on anything like the last time you prepare to have devotion with GOD? We go through a lot to make sure we look perfect and present ourselves flawless for someone we really don’t know . . . but we spend very little time preparing for the One who knows all about us! 

Let me share with you the Blind Date that changed my life!  I couldn’t find the perfect outfit, but I was clothed in HIS righteousness!  I had the smell of stench, but I was showered with HIS love!  I didn’t have time to look in the mirror, but my reflection was of HIS grace!  I wasn’t prepared at all, but I am so glad HE met me where I was!  Listen, I was blind with fear, but now I see!  I saw HIS flawlessness and knew I could not compare, but HE took me on a Blind Date anyway!  It was the moment I gave my life to CHRIST!  Now when I prepare myself to go before the LORD on a date (devotion) . . . HE doesn’t see my sins, but HE sees HIS Blood!  Have you been on a Blind Date yet?  If not, HE is knocking at the door of your heart . . . won’t you let HIM in!

Why Did I Do That - 1 Corinthians 6:18 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

1 Corinthians 6:18 (NIV)

“Why Did I Do That”

Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Does sexual immorality leave you in a state of “Why did I do that!”  No matter how handsome or pretty the person is . . . when we know it is  wrong, we ask ourselves “Why did I do that!”  We try to mend broken relationships with “that” and we try to convince someone of our love with “that”.  Sometimes we do “that” to try and make ourselves feel better about ourselves, but truth be told, “that” leaves you feeling worst about ourselves!  We do it to feel powerful, but truth be told, “that” leaves us weak and vulnerable!  As Christians wanting a true relationship with GOD, it’s hard to get past “that” without realizing we are sinning against our own bodies!

The reason we ask “Why did I do that” is because we realize that we have sinned against GOD and ourselves.  Have you ever asked “Why did I do that to GOD”  You know it’s not a coincidence that this sin has caused so much damage in our lives!  It’s hard to recover from it and it can be even harder to move on!  You began to beat up on yourself because you did “that” again.  You know the intentions were wrong . . . you know how it is going to end . . . yet you find yourself asking again in frustration “Why did I do that!”  It’s like playing that old game called Russian roulette with your body!  You are hoping you don’t get hurt . . . this time!  You are hoping you are not pregnant . . . this time!  You are hoping you don’t contract a disease . . . this time!  But you are sinning against your own body . . . every time!  Please, don’t try to convince yourself “that” is O.K.  Try looking at sin the same way GOD looks at sin . . . and you will realize HE loves you too much.  HE doesn’t want to see you hurt yourself with “that”

I can’t answer for anyone on why, but I do know that GOD’s Word says that our bodies are temples for the Holy Spirit!  With JESUS as your Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit lives in you!  Before you open your heart to man (human), give your heart to JESUS, and HE will let you know who to let in!  We can abuse someone else physically and emotionally . . . but we always hurt ourselves with sexual immorality!  Wrapping it up does not protect against the emotional damage.

Then there is the area of sexual immorality that we will refer to as "Self Gratification".  It is also a sin against our own bodies!  The mind should never go where the body is not allowed to follow!  If you know that your body is not suppose to be in the bed with someone other than your spouse . . . why would you let your mind go there?  We are to keep our beds pure, so if your mind goes there in self gratification . . . you are still sinning against your own body and your bed!  You think you are not cheating or sinning, because no one else is involved, but that is so far from the truth!  Not only do you sin agianst your own body, but you put a huge strain on any physical relationship!  No one will ever live up to your standard of self gratification!  So, don't be fooled . . . self gratification is still a sin against "self"!

Tipping The Scale - Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV)

“Tipping The Scale”

 ⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

----------------------------------------------

I always hear or read about “balance!”  We must have a balanced diet!  We must have a balanced life!  So now I am visualizing a “Balance Scale”  One side has to equal the other side in order for the scale to be balanced!  If you put a 10 pound weight on one side, you have to put two 5 pound weights on the other side!  That’s balanced!

What does this have to do with the passage?  We can get caught up in focusing too hard on balance!  We can become so anxious, worried and concerned about life and all the things of this world, that we end up tipping the scale towards the spirit of depression, anxiety, etc.  Then when we feel the scales are tipping in the wrong direction, and then we try to balance it with GOD’s Word!  We go to church and bible study just long enough to feel better and have a balance.  But this will not give us true joy!  We have to tip the scale in the direction of GOD!  We have to think on whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable.  Those things of excellent and those things that are praiseworthy!

I always say, “It takes more preparation than participation”  You can’t balance your efforts with your results.  You will always have to give your best effort to get any result.  Tipping The Scale towards GOD will always outweigh the bad!  It only takes One love to tip the scales away from haltered! 

I began tipping the scales towards GOD when I purposed to have more Christian friends in my phonebook for advise then those who would advise me of what the world would do!  I tipped the scale when I chose to stop watching “R” rated movies and have more Christian DVDs in my library!  I tipped the scale towards GOD when I eliminated worldly music CDs and began to purchase Christian CDs.  I use to try to balance them all, but now I realize that GOD tipped the scale on death when HE gave HIS only Son . . . so surly I can do my part to keep the scale tipped towards GOD in my life!

We can’t stand “On the Fence” and we can’t “Balance the Scale”  Be full of HIS Love!

Note:  If you prepare yourself all week with GOD’s Word, your participation during the Sunday Worship Service will be awesome!  More preparation than participation!

Rejoice In HIS Blessings!

Action Speaks Louder - 1 John 3:18 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

1 John 3:18 (NIV)

“Action Speaks Louder”

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

----------------------------------------------------

It’s amazing how we (our country) can spend millions of dollars to campaign, but we can’t invite a hundred homeless folks over for a BBQ!  We can start programs that sound good, but have no impact on those who truly need it!  Of course I am not beating up on our country, nor can I admit that I am doing all that it takes. But ¹⁵ Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. ¹⁶ If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? (James 2:15-16)  Action Speaks Louder than words!

As Christians, who say we love the LORD, must always be in action!  We are to pray without ceasing, but that doesn’t mean you don’t take action!  You have heard the “Whistle while you work”, well we should “Pray while we work”  but we must always be in action.  ²¹ Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? ²² You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did (James 2:21-22). Action Speaks Louder than words.  If you don’t believe me . . . give one of your family members a hug without saying anything!  That action will speak!  Try giving a homeless person on the street a blanket and a pair of new socks!  That action will speak!  Now tell someone that JESUS loves them, and then show them how active HE has been in your life!  That action will speak louder than words!  Just imagine if you could not speak any words . . . how would you show love?

Be Active!

Divided By Water - Acts 11:16 (NKJV)

Scripture of the Day

Acts 11:16 (NKJV)

“Divided By Water”

Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’

--------------------------------------------------

Two men are talking on the subway, and the conversation about our Great GOD began!  They had a wonderful time talking about HIS goodness and blessings.  They shared their testimonies of what GOD had done for them and their families.  They spoke on spiritual, theological and practical aspects of the relationship with CHRIST!  Even after the subway ride came to an end, they realized that they were getting off at the same stop, and both agreed that it had to be the divine intervention of the Holy Spirit that brought them together!  Then the discussion took a sharp turn when the subject of baptism came up!  One did not believe the bible said we had to be completely submerged in the water.  In fact, he pointed out this verse and said that it states John baptized “with” water, not “in” water!

Wow!  How many of us are divided by the water?  Now as the other man continued to say he had not given that much thought, the arguing man continued on with stating his case that we did not need to be completely submerged in the water.  As the new friend continued to listen, he finally asked this question, “How much does it matter?”  The other man shouted, “What do you mean how much does it matter!”  His friend responded with, “JESUS died, JESUS rose, JESUS lives . . . and we are saved!  How much does the water matter?” 

John 3:16 tells us why we are given salvation.  Romans 10:9-10 tells us how we are saved.  And JESUS demonstrated that baptism is important, for HE HIMSELF was baptized (Matthew 3:16).  Although this topic does develop some interesting conversations, I don’t think it should divide our love for GOD and each other!  Many friendships have been dissolved over this topic and many like it!  Keep the main thing the main thing!  If we all agree that GOD so loved the world, and that if we confess with our mouth and believe in our heart, then we are saved . . . why would we let anything divide us!  For we are all baptized in the Holy Spirit!

Let us all wade in the water together and live by the Holy Spirit as one! Amen!