Doubts, Questions, Challenges . . .

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it be tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, who having not seen, you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:6-9)

It seems to me that the closer I am to the Lord and more confident I am in Him, than the more I am challenged, by Satan and those under his influence. Ever felt that way? So . . . .

My brethren, count it ALL joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces faith produces patience, but let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:2-4)

It's rather weird that as God perfects us, we seem to feel worse, weaker, or less confident at times. But hang in, it is simply part of the humbling process, allowing us to see and experience just how much we really need the Lord and His Spirit within us to take over. We cannot walk a walk of faith in our own strength! As we have heard, the race does not go to the swift: this is a marathon!

...being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus . . . (Philippians 1:6)

God has you and me. As we look back on the footprints behind us in our journey and see only one set of prints, trust this: it was God carrying us, not you and I walking alone! Stay on the journey. Do not put the cross down just yet. It is not "finished" until God says so. Soon . . . . www.tsninthebeginning.blogspot.com

I DO Believe . . . I DO Believe!

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony . . . But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who who comes to God must believe that He is, and He is a rewarder of those who DILIGENTLY seek Him. (Hebrews 11:1-2,6)

Who is this God? Why do we believe? Where are the facts? Where is the proof? Well, facts are there that Jesus did indeed live on this earth as a man and died on a cross, was buried, and seen risen and truly alive. People saw Him lifted up to heaven in bodily form a little more than a month later. There are more facts as to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus than many other historical figures, yet many still choose NOT to believe. No one can be forced to believe. As with many believers, I have come to grips with what I believe rather than the things I may doubt! If one wants to NOT believe, I can't force them. Yet the amount of FAITH I have in the Savior is enough for me to BELIEVE! I realize the FACT that it is the Spirit which draws men, women and children to FAITH in Christ. It is the Spirit which enlightens one's mind to understanding the Gospel. Without the Spirit, there is no belief! May God give us the courage to keep sharing despite our failures, knowing it is not we who are being rejected, but Jesus. Never give up praying for the lost, especially our young ones! Hey, if the Lord could get through to me, than indeed anything is possible with God!

Looking Forward....

What shall we say then to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? . . . Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, "For Your sake, we are killed all the day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.(Psalm 44:22) Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us.(Romans 8:31-37)

Hope in what seems like a hopeless situation . . . how many need this today? A sick child, a broken relationship, faced with a tough decision . . . politics? As I look back on the recent past and wonder where our world is headed, I too wonder if there is any hope. I cannot help but imagine the next five to ten years, or the next fifty to one hundred years. What will this world look like? What will the politics resemble? What will the cities be like. Will our city, our state, our nation, our world look anything like it looks today? I cannot imagine having any real "hope" without the Hope of the Savior, Jesus Christ! Despite the changes and challenges this world may present, there is a definite hope, a real trust and belief in Jesus that gives me a peace beyond all understanding. What God has been and has done in the past, He will do again. The evil ones will face destruction and the righteous will NOT be forsaken! Even if there are just a few remaining (Genesis 18:20-32, Genesis 7:1, Psalm 37:25). So rejoice admist it all! Focus on the good things that we can discover. Practice real CHRISTianity. Rest in the peace of knowing God is in control and things are enfolding as He allows. (Philippians 4:4-9)

The Journey of Struggle

We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then, DEATH is working in us, but life in you. . . Therefore, DO NOT LOSE HEART. Even though the outward man is persisting, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. . . . the things which are not seen are eternal! (2 Corinthians 4:8-18)

"Manifest" is a strange word today, carrying the meaning of obvious, displayed, demonstrated, and noticed, among other meanings. Here Paul tells us that our struggles are actually revealing the Christ in us to others. As we stay faithful through the many challenges of life, Jesus' power is demonstrated through our actions. As we allow Christ to work in and through us, though we may not see any good coming from our trials and tests, others are witnessing the obvious presence of God before their very eyes! Don't give up . . . Don't give in . . . It's too late to quit now. We have been through too much! Jesus did not quit when faced with the cross. He envisioned pain, suffering, and more than we could even imagine as He looked to His death, yet He saw further to the resurrection and our salvation! Paul saw His suffering as gain as he made every effort to reach folks for the sake of Christ. Whatever we face, we must remember it is for a greater good . . . to lead others to the Savior we know, love and serve! Believe me, the struggle is worth it!!!!! www.tsninthebeginning.blogspot.com

Commission, Commandment, or Confused?

Then Jesus came to them and said,"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, GO and MAKE DISCIPLES of ALL nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and TEACHING them to obey everything I have COMMANDED you." (Matthew 28:18-20)

I am burdened this morning! In my dreams all night was a clear message to reach everyone I am able to with the message of salvation in Christ . . . before it is too late! The reality of the dreams was this: It is really, REALLY late already! Jesus, after sharing the Holy Spirit with His followers left a very clear instruction, marching orders if you will. Deliberately GO and MAKE DISCIPLES. We were not instructed to "get people saved" or "recruit new members", but to share Christ and teach them all we know about Him and lead them to repentance of sin and to be baptized as an outward statement of their belief in the Savior. We are to make fellow learners and students of Christ; others who diligently follow His teachings and are willing to share Him as well, living a life of sacrifice and obedience to His words. Why are so many claiming to be saved today yet walking in absolute contradiction to His Word? It is a matter of DISCIPLESHIP! We just do not take the time to build into fellow believers' lives. We simply do not care enough to commit what it takes. It is not about numbers, but DISCIPLES! As has been said: People do not care about how much you know until you show how much you care . . .Do we care enough about people's souls? So is it too late? Do YOU know Him? Are you able to state "why" with confidence? Would you like to get to know Jesus? Do you even care one way or another? Have you received the COMMISSION? Are you following His COMMANDMENTS? Perhaps you are simply CONFUSED! Let me know . . . I am here to help. www.tsninthebeginning.blogspot.com

A LIving Sacrifice

If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are NOT of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. . . . If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. . . . (John 15:18-20)

The more we love God and His ways, the more awkward the world becomes. Beginning with Jesus' own ministry, rejection, ridicule, isolation, hatred, false imprisonment, and yes, even murder was a common place for Christ followers. Many, in some cases as with the apostles, most were brutally hunted down and killed. It is no different today in many parts of the world. As my students research present-day persecution of CHRISTians for a bible assignment, it is my prayer that they not only pray for these fellow believers, but begin to grow deeper in their love for the Lord. One question I have been asking: If persecution would take place in our city, would we be found guilty of being a Christ-follower? I ask the same of you . . . As we get closer to the Coming of our Savior, I desire to become closer and closer to Him. What joy it would be to give my life for His cause as He gave His life for my salvation. What about you? Do you really, Really, REALLY love Jesus enough to LIVE and DIE for Him?

Prepare for the Future right NOW!

And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them: likewise as it was also in the day that Lot went out of Sodom. . . Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed . . . Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. . . . Two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. (Luke 17:26-36)

The days of Noah . . . He warned folks of the coming rains, yet no one took Him seriously. The days of Lot . . . Folks were warned to pack up and leave the city, yet only a handful took the warning and left. How many warnings, sign, disasters, fulfilled prophecies do we need before folks take the bible seriously. Even in our churches and families today, people are going about everyday life like there is no tomorrow, at least not the "tomorrow" of which the bible speaks. Oh for sure, we live for summer vacation, retirement, or even some "live for their children and grandchildren". We plan for next week, next year, the next generation by building up our retirement plans and trust funds. However, there is much more to life than this world! Who will be ready when He returns? Are we living a life for today, tomorrow, or eternity? Do we not see the forecast ahead? If we see incoming clouds, we prepare for a storm. If we hear news of snow, we rush to the store for eggs, bread, milk and water . . . and toilet tissue! Yet when we hear of the Day of the Lord, we take it lightly, as if it cannot happen today . . .NOW! We seem to have more pressing priorities in our daily lives. We must live expectant lives. We must anticipate and desire for Him to return! Like a child anticipating CHRISTmas morning or summer vacation, we should be counting down the days, wishing they would come sooner rather than later! Jesus is coming . . . and SOON!

A Different Sort of CHRISTian

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; 9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was. 10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them. (2 Timothy 3:1-14)

Do these verses, written from Paul to his young pastor friend Timothy, not fit today's world? In fact, it could also describe many in CHRISTian circles! But enough about what others are doing. . . . What about you and me? Are we blending into this world and the seducing spirits that abound? Though many of us can say we "used to do those things", are we condoning the very same activities without at least setting a better example? While we love the sinner, we still must hate the sin! Do we pray for conversion of souls? Are we actively praying and seeking imdividuals to disciple? Are we being properly discipled? Are we standing on the Truth or hiding behind it? Let's examine ourselves closely before pointing out the speck in others' eyes. Let's be careful to live an life whereby others can "see" Christ and His ways. Let's be a lighthouse in and dark and stormy sea. Be someone others can "follow" as we follow Christ!

Why Pray Together?

These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. (Acts 1:14)

We have all heard the verse " . . . but when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret . . ." (Matthew 6:6). However, be careful not to take it out of context! Jesus is telling to not be like the hypocrites, praying to be seen and heard by men, but to be heard and in fellowship with the Father. Prayer is a private conversation between those praying and God, whether it an individual or even a corporate gathering of thousands. Prayer is not a show, but intimate conversation! Group prayer not only unites us with God our Father, but with one another. We come to share personal triumphs and tragedies. We gather strength in knowing their is a common bond between believers. We grow in faith by understanding others' struggles and victories. Though alone in the world, we feel as sense of belonging when United in common faith to our one Father. A sense of family develops! So yes, go into your war room throughout the the day. But do not forget to assemble as an army on a regular basis as well. It's good for the troops and the individual soldier!

Vision Needed, Not Simply SIGHT

Write the VISION and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the VISION is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. (Habakkuk 2:2-3)

Never be impatient when it comes to God's promises. Trust them! It may seem as though following God's guidelines are not beneficial in this world, but adhering to His principles WILL pay off in the end. The Jewish people were growing weary of the success of their enemies (Chaldeans) and perhaps a bit in doubt. We too can grow a bit tired of what seems like the success of the ungodly around us. Hang in. God's promises are indeed true and one day we will see clearly! Stick with His vision for your life, our lives. It may take a while . . .even a l o n g while, but His reward will come and His will accomplished!

A Growing Faith . . .

In You O Lord I out my trust; let me never be put to shame. Deliver me in Your righteousness, and cause me to escape; incline Your ear to me and save me. Be my strong refuge, to which I may resort continually . . .for You are my Rock and my Fortress. (Psalm 71:1-3) Trust in the Lord, like with any relationship, builds over time. The more we trust Him and lean upon Him, the stronger the bond becomes and the more confidence we gain in knowing He will be there for us. It's not easy, especially today when everyone desires instant gratification in all areas of life. For the sold-out believer, living in this day and age, having a strong faith and trust in God is vital. As we observe so many prospering and yet so many in need, we often wonder "why?" So many in the faith struggle but others seem to be able to "have it all". I must remember, what God has for me is just for me! If I struggle, then I must struggle with God and not against Him. If I prosper, than I thank Him for supplying my needs and desires. I must admit, I am still growing in faith and trust in God. It is a process. I often ask Him "why". He lets me know that when others prosper, it is not always God. When folks are struggling it is not always Satan either. He lets me know that His grace is always sufficient! (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Give it to Jesus

And whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality. (Colossians 3:23-25)

All tasks, no matter how great or small, are a form of worship to our great God. Whether we are simply performing our daily 9-5, cleaning the home, caring for the lawn, doing household repairs, or even our physical workouts, all are forms of worship to a God who has provided us with health, strength, and a means to provide for our families. The more we see our daily life as a act of worship, the more we are conforming into His likeness and the more we glorify Him Who created us! (Romans 12:1-2) I have found that the most challenging tasks, when offered as a form of worship, become less burdensome and more of an offering to the Lord. On those tired days, my workouts are more energized. The honey-do list becomes an "I am serving my bride and family list". The job becomes ministry, not work. What is challenging you lately? Is it the job, a home in need of repair, or a need to get in better shape? Try offering it to the Lord. Ask Him to challenge you. Pray before, during, and after the task. Stay in close touch with Jesus throughout. He is there. He cares. He appreciates being involved. He will help!!!!

Do It Yourselfers . . . With a Whole Lot of Help!

One who is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. (Luke 16:10)

God granted us a home back in 1999 that was just perfect for our family. We never dreamed of having such a roomy home where the kids could have their own bedrooms, a spacious yard, and space to enjoy. As we committed to the Lord, He then called us away from our jobs into mission work locally with teens and families. We were obedient and resigned our "good government jobs" and entered into the Lord's employment. Through ups and downs of the economy, we found finances to be a struggle and trusted God to provide and He did. We were able to be employed as teachers/instructors at local CHRISTian schools and still serve the teens in ministry! Yet as we enjoyed our home, we realized quickly that homes do not repair themselves! So with my bride's encouragement and the aid of fellow believers, we received great advice and training to become a DIY family! I fought this new found lifestyle, but several mission trips later, I actually learned skills that became valuable to the family. I have to admit, my bride was a big "encouragement " too! However, as I look back I can actually experience the blessings of God as I have made feeble efforts to repair sinks, sump pumps, water filters, small car repairs, painting, and fence repairs. God is good and He is a rewarder of diligence! I say all that to ask for prayer as we enter our Spring Break . . . a week of DIY! I thank God for my bride, my sons, and those who have trained us up in DIY. I also thank God for those who allowed us opportunities to labor beside them in CHRISTian ministry. I love the Body of Christ and how it works. There is only ONE LORD . . .ONE FAITH . . . ONE baptism . . .ONE FATHER. . . . ONE BODY! Praise HIM!!!!!

Never "Break" from God

And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.(Mark 6:31)

It is clearly vital for everyone to rest. However, as CHRIST followers, we should never become too comfortable. We should always value kingdom work over rest and leisure. In fact, Solomon wrote that yes, even pleasure was vanity! (Ecclesiastes 2:1,9-11) So indeed take time time out to rest, vacation, and enjoy life's pleasures, but always have an eye and a heart for God. Be on the lookout to join Him at work, whether it be an opportunity to share a smile with one who seems a bit down, sharing a sincere "thank you" with the toll booth operator, or even in our Spring cleaning and household chores. After all, God has never vacationed on us and He is always on the lookout for each of us. Search for Him in the small things. Take the available time to begin a daily devotional study. Commit to a Bible-driven eating and exercise plan to improve the "temple". Dedicate thirty minutes a day to write, post, or call a distant friend or relative. Get back in touch with family . . . go on a peanut butter and jelly picnic or a long family walk! Use this time to get back in touch with the things that matter for God's glory! Please take time away from the norm, but not from God!

For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.(2 Thessalonians 3:11)

I BELIEVE

Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words shall not pass away. (Matthew 24:35)

The Bible is real and it is God's Word! Why do I believe it? From Genesis to Revelation, it begins with the beginning and ends with the end! It is unified: Though written by fourty men over 1,500 years, from all walks of life, and translated in over 2,200 languages, there is one purpose and one theme. Man has fallen and God has redeemed him. It predicts the future. It has survived despite many efforts to ban it and destroy it (AD 303 Emporer Diocletian). There is more manuscript evidence to support it than any other book in the world. The entire book testifies to one person: Jesus Christ. 380 fulfilled prophecies . . . 48 in the last week of Jesus' ministry. It has been proved accurate scientifically (Is. 40:21-22, Job 26:7) Historical manuscripts (Septuigant 285 BC, Sinai manuscript (4th century AD, Qumran Schrolls 1947) The Quran quotes it. Gandhi quoted it. Influential people throughout history believed it. There is one common theme. It meets the need of all mankind. It has power and changes lives. Do YOU believe it?

Growing up boys to men . . .

Husbands, likewise, dwell with them in understanding, giving honor to the wife, as the weaker vessel, as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. (1 Peter 3:7)

I am challenged this day both as a CHRISTian husband and as a CHRISTian male in general! I must admit, I fail in this category more than I succeed. However, that does not leave me without responsibilities to get it right! The bible is clear in stating the leadership responsibilities of the man in the family as well as the Church. We are to lead, guide, honor, protect, provide, secure, spiritually educate, and respect the women and in particular the precious one God has allowed us to marry. We are commanded to LOVE our bride with all we have, even giving our life for her as Christ gave Himself for the Church. Husband and wife are indeed one and the husband is to live in such a way. While I know this, I fail often. I get tired. I get selfish. I get lazy. I get greedy. I get prideful. "I" gets in the way of us often. So "I" must go to God and admit my failures . . . go to my bride and ask for forgiveness . . . and humbly seek the Father to get it right next time. Guys, no God-following female would ever criticize a God-following male. She would encourage him, pray for him, and admire him. Ladies, do just that. My bride knows I am imperfect and she loves me anyway! Thank God for that!!! However, I cannot and will not abuse that gift and that grace. I am striving to please God and her each day. Today is a new day . . .

What now Lord?

I am worn out , O Lord, have pity on me! Give me strength; I am completely exhausted and my whole being is deeply troubled. How long, O Lord, will you wait to help me? Come and save me Lord; in Your mercy rescue me from death. In the world of the dead you are not remembered; no one can praise You there. I am worn out with grief; every night my bed is damp from my weeping . . . the Lord hears my weeping ; He listens to my cry for help and WILL answer my prayer . . . (Psalm 6:2-9)

David writes this psalm of lament in times of great affliction, beginning with a heartfelt affliction yet it ends with praise for the God who knows all of our sorrows. Though he is going through a battle, he knows God will give him peace in the middle of it. Broken as he is, he can trust the God who has pulled him through time and time again. Though David was a mighty man of valor, he would go to the Lord weeping and pouring out his heart . . . his heart which we know was seeking the heart of God! As we go through, as we lean upon the Living God, we must look back at how God has delivered us previously. Past success brings present hope! Each test is a chance to bring God glory and strengthen our faith and the faith of those around us. Those in hell do not praise God, but those of us who know Him can choose to praise Him, even in the midst of troubles! Wait, I say, upon the Lord! (Isaiah 40:31)

Opening Day can be every day!

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected, but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended, but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14)

Though Paul has the highest of pedigrees, he realizes it all is lost if not for Christ. Nothing we have accomplished is in comparison to what Christ has done and will do for the believer, the one who loves Him. No matter how good or righteous our past accomplishments have been, they are no comparison to a life in Christ. However, the opposite holds true as well. Our past failure are also inconsequential!

. . .His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness (Lamentationas3:22-23)

As in opening day in baseball, life in Christ presents a newness each and every day. We are all on the same level playing field. It is a fresh start. Last year is over and a new year has begun! Through His grace, we have been made new. God's mercy offers a fresh start and His forgiveness gives us victory. So go for the goals Christ has set for each of us. Forget the past and focus on this day and days to come. We have VICTORY in Christ Jesus. Are YOU on HIS team?

God is Holy . . .Holy . . . Holy!

O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our hearts are wide open. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections. Now in return for the same, you also be open. DO NOT BE UNEQUALLY YOKED TOGETHER WITH UNBELIEVERS. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For YOU are the temple of the living God. . . Therefore, COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM and BE SEPERATE, says the Lord . . . (2 Corinthians 6:11-17)

In the world but not of the world . . . What a challenge for believers in Jesus Christ! I want to bring folks to Christ, but I do not want to act like the world or be so comfortable doing things like the world that people cannot see a difference. While I must use the tools and resources within this world to draw others to Him, it is still a HOLY God who does the work in and through me! People who do not know the Lord need to see a real difference between the world (Satan) and the Lord. There must be delineation! We must draw the line somewhere! I must be careful to not look so much like the world and sound so much like the world that no one can see Christ. Are we becoming so much like the world in our dress, our use of words, our choice of entertainment, our lifestyles, even our worship . . . that no one can see a difference anymore? Maybe we need to take a step back. Spurgeon said "Our lives must be such that observers may peep within doors and may see nothing for which to blame us." D.L. Moody wrote "A holy life will make the deepest impression. Lighthouses blow no horns, they just shine."

Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory! (Isaiah 6:3) God, help us to examine our lives and allow You to make us HOLY!