No longer!

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:26-29)

There is no longer room for biases, bigotry, or separation within our churches . . . agreed? We are no longer simply Jew, Gentile or any other culture. We are no longer to be labelled by color, social status, title, or job description. Once saved, we have a new nature . . . one in Christ!

The Body of Christ has been charged with getting racism under control and expelling it from its membership. We need real talk with real education and training. Are we welcoming to this or not? If not, then are we really the Church?

Racism and Church? (Part I) WHY . . Eracism????

Racism is nothing new . . . yes it was addressed in the bible, even though we may not seek out those pages!  Moses family did not appreciate his marrying interracially. Peter was out right prejudice/discriminating at times. Will racism ever go away . . . or even be properly addressed?

Why is racism reflected in the Body of Christ? How can it be? Are we all not all made in the image of God? (Genesis 1:26-27) Are we all not going to present in eternity? (Revelation 7:9)

The bible sees skin color and gives hope. The scriptures present varying cultures and offers hope. So why are we in the Body not reflecting what we are supposed to be living out? We are more than skin color and cultural beliefs now that we are under Christ and in Christ. We are one Body and one Spirit with one Father that has been saved by one Savior and Lord to represent Him in this world and share His message everywhere we go.(Matthew 28:18-20)

So why . . . ERACISM? Let's talk!!!!

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

Let's tell our fears to go to . . . . JESUS!

 New challenges ahead . . . expect them and meet them head on! Courage is facing fear with a confidence that only Jesus can supply. His Spirit is within us to face down any fear with courageous actions. 

Let's tell our fears to go to . . . . JESUS!

Let's not ask God to bless our plans, but let's do what God is already blessing! Let's keep our hearts and minds focused upon His will and courageously get out of our boat and onto the water . . . onto the water, not into or under the water! Keeping our focus upon His will will keep us from going under! That takes courage!

And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14: 28-30)

The world will stress us and depress us. Jesus will rest us! We will be able to navigate life courageously! Go to Jesus fears . . . I am walking with courage today!

The end of "The Journey" (Part XIV)

 The end of The Journey, this journey, has come and God has God has replanted the Carroll Family Outreach! We are so amazed and grateful to so many, but especially our great God, Father, and Savior! He has so provided!!! Our labor continues . . .

We had no idea that we would even be moving . . . just wanting to refinance and adjust our finances a bit to be better stewards, yet God redirected everything. He literally moved mountains! All we did was follow.  

We have found these words to be true . . . so true!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;6

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

If you have never tried God . . . do it today. If you have been doubting Him, don't doubt anymore. I dare you!!!! 

Never in my nearly thirty years as a Christ follower have I seen Him work so unbelievably! He is not simply a Rabbi, a Teacher, a Healer, or a Preacher. He is GOD! Just ask me and I will gladly tell it all!!! 

On to the next Journey!

I KNOW He has been praying for us! (The Journey Part XIII)

 I always thought it was awesome to know that Jesus prayed for each of His followers in the garden (John 17). However, during these past few weeks I KNOW He has been praying for us! Yes, He knows all things . . .  past, present and future. He knew this day would come. He knew we would be able to get things in order and be able to settle into a new, albeit smaller, home! Yes, He did it!

I am so indebted to so many . . . my wife, children, our cousin, our Pastor and church family, our real estate agents, and many more who worked and sacrificed on our behalf. Most importantly, I am so very thankful and indebted to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for knowing what we needed!

Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. (Romans 8:34)

In the middle of it . . . The Journey (Part XII)

 In the middle of it . . . that is right where Jesus is! He is right in the middle of all of our celebrations for sure . . . birthdays, weddings, graduations, championships. However, Jesus is also right in the middle of our failures, our illnesses and yes, even in the deaths we mourn!

He is the center of the storm . . . like the eye of a hurricane . . . calm and peaceful. Yet we forget that fact. If we would only focus upon Him, things may seem a bit more calm and controlled. We tend to focus upon the trees and not the entire forest! Step back a bit!!!

Check this out. Read how Jesus got right in the middle of the storm:

Now when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea; and He was alone on the land.  Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by.  And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out;  for they all saw Him and were troubled. But immediately He talked with them and said to them, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled. (Mark 6:47-51)

What if we allowed Jesus right in the middle of our lives . . . storms and celebrations? How would our lives change? I am learning to do just that in our JOURNEY.

Stay in touch with Him (Jesus) . . . . The Journey (Part XI)

 Jesus knows what we are going through. He cares enough to empathize and even help us through. Yet we have to stay in touch with Him and ask Him for help! You see, He knows our struggles but will not butt in to help. 

Do you and I realize He is watching? Do we sense His attention to our personal lives, even our emotional struggles? Do we grasp just how much He wants to walk with us through the valleys (Psalm 23:4) as well as the mountaintops?

We do not sense His presence and we become afraid, alone, anxious, and stressed. God knows when we are tired, weary, upset  . . . even when we have had sleepless nights or even just an upset stomach or headache!

Read this from Job:

Does He not see my ways and count all my steps?  (Job 31:4)

He counts my steps? I don't even do that! As we have gone through this house sale/purchase Journey, we have experienced His hand in every aspect. 

When will I start trusting Him more in the everyday? 

It is all about respect . . . The Journey (Part X)

 It's "my way or the highway" . . . that's what I heard a lot growing up. We really had no voice as kids . . . we spoke when spoken to, if we were asked for a reply! My how days have changed! Children and teens actually believe that they have a right to their opinions . . .  and they do! It is all about respect however!

Ten days since I have journaling our journey to a new home and I am learning a lot myself about respect . . . respect of our time and others' time . . . respect of others' opinions . . . respect of others' gifts, talents and experiences . . . and most importantly, respecting and obeying God's timing and wisdom!

I have been so humbled through it all. I have seen God act the more I give in to Him. He has placed so many in our path and I have adapted . . . rather uncomfortably at times but I am learning! So many things are out of my hands. So much is being done in the background, yet I know God is at work!

Peter, the veteran fisherman, respected the authority of Jesus, the Master Fisher of men:

When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.  (Luke 5:5-6)

Respect others who have more wisdom. Respect the process . . . it has been proven to work. Above all else, respect the hand of God . . . He knows best!

God continues to take us through The Journey . . . Part IX

 It is a challenge to take Jesus everywhere we go. Even though we realize the Holy Spirit is with us, living within us, we do not always act like it, do we? Yet to really experience the CHRIST-centered life . . . more abundant life (John 10:10). . . we need to allow Him to take total control; at work, at school, at home, at the store, as we drive on the highway (now that IS a challenge) as we wake up and as we lie down. 

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:5-9)

As we get closer to settling on and in our new home, we are challenged to keep His Spirit close. Every day could be a challenge as we receive email after email requesting data. Then there are challenges at the job, ongoing family needs, and oh yeah, the surprise car accident where a vehicle is totaled! God continues to take us through The Journey . . . Part IX.

We simply cannot leave God out if we want to succeed in this journey.

Nothing can separate us from the love of God . . . The Journey (Part VIII)

💘 His love doesn't stop just because things go wrong! God's love is perfect and pure. He loves us despite us! Nothing can separate us from the love of God.

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 day long;

We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35-39)

On this Valentine's Day 2022, we find ourselves counting down the days to our Journey toward our new home, yet we still face some bumps in the road. Things have gone wrong, even within the past twenty-four hours! Yet we see these things as opportunities to praise God anyway and watch Him still be God! 

He loves us so much that we desire nothing less than to bring Him glory in all circumstances. We do not always succeed, but today especially we want to say: 

I love you Lord!💗💗💗

Waiting for what? The Journey (Part VII)

 Have you ever sensed something big is about to happen? Excitement is brewing . . . tension is escalating . . . maybe nerves on edge? God is up to something but He seems to be waiting. Waiting for what?

He just may be waiting for you and me to act . . . to ask . . . to do something on our part! Many times we procrastinate. Other times we play the blame game and pass the buck. How many times do we simply waste time worrying? 

He spoke another parable, because He was near Jerusalem and because they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately. Therefore He said: “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business till I come.’ (Luke 19:11-13)

God may just be waiting for us to get up and do something first . . . show some concern and some initiative . . . before he steps in and does His thing! He wants us to take responsibility. He is not going to simply step in and bail us out time after time! It was that way with our house situation. We were waiting, worrying, and wondering for years how we could do better and we finally took the first step and wow . . . God stepped in big time!

As we take take one step, God takes a giant step! Don't hesitate. Don't procrastinate.  Don't make God wait!

It is easy to judge people by first sight . . . The Journey (Part VI)

 Do I see others the way Jesus does? In our journey to a right-sized home, we are encountering many different types of people . . . some nice, some polite, some shrewd, some cunning, some CHRISTian, some Muslim, and everywhere in between. It is easy to judge people by first sight. Yet Jesus calls us to see deeper into a person . . . to see into their soul and into their needs and value.

Jesus sees us all as valuable, acceptable, and lovable, not irritations and burdens. People are not our enemies or even our competition. Everyone matters to God no matter what they have done or what they believe. He desires relationship with everyone! There are many lost sheep wandering around without a shepherd today and we need to widen our spiritual vision to see their needs. 

And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things.(Mark 6:34)

Despite the fact that He was tired and the people were hungry, Jesus took time to see to their needs. It is easy to judge people and selfishly meet our own needs over others. Can we try to see others the way Jesus does?

Live forward . . . The Journey Part V

 It is not so much about today, but tomorrow. While we hear that God warns us about worrying about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34), we should not dwell so much on today's or even yesterday's issues either! As believers, we have to learn to live forward, with the finish line and eternity in mind!

God desires for us to dwell upon character more than comfort and holiness rather than happiness. Instead of thinking, "What am I doing?" we must ask ourselves, "What is God doing?" While see the impact of today's decisions, God wants us to see the eternal effects. 

But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened? Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?”         (Mark 8:17-19)

It is not about today's meal, but how God will provide always! How is God building your future? Can you see it and begin to live forward? 

It has nothing to do with me . . . The Journey (part IV)

 Do you ever catch yourself giving yourself too much credit? It happens quite naturally. I have a great wife and family. I got a new job. For us today it might be, "We just sold our home!", or "We can't wait to move in to our new home!" 

Honestly, it has nothing to do with me! Welcome to The Journey, part IV. Yeast is put into dough to cause it to rise . . . to swell up and give us the fresh, fluffy bread right out of the oven . . . can you smell it? It just takes a little yeast . . . maybe a pinch or two. It is the same with pride . . . it only takes a little bit to begin to swell us up and begin to think it is all about me.

Pride cause us to not see God at work. Yes, we did some things to sell our home (repairs, repainting, removing old items, re-staging, etc). We also did some work and research in finding a new right-sized home. However, we realize we had lots of help! God initiated the whole thing with a knock at our door collecting for a local food pantry. He put people in our life to remodel our home and allowed for a competition as to who would buy our home! To top it off, He pointed us to the home He wanted us to have in a rather unusual way for this market!

Now we trust He will make it all happen, not us! Why should we be believe anything else? He is working on a miracle!

And He left them, and getting into the boat again, departed to the other side. Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, and they did not have more than one loaf with them in the boat. Then He charged them, saying, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” (Mark 8:13-15)

 Jesus had just finished feeding thousands with just a few pieces of bread and fish, yet the disciples thought they did not have enough bread! We can never forget what God has done and will do! It has nothing to do with me!

In a state of stasis. . . the countdown is on . . . The Journey (Part III)

We find ourselves in a bit of an unknown . . . basically in a state of stasis. You see we have sold our home of twenty-three years in an effort to right-size and open up more avenues to serve. We were presented with an awesome opportunity and God blessed up greatly. We have gone through the process of seeking a home (the ups and downs were crazy!) and God seems to have hand picked one for us!

Now we are in a state of stasis and the countdown is on! The next few weeks will be filled with emails, paperwork, forms to fill out and waiting . . . waiting . . .  waiting for everything to be approved. God's grace and the sacrifice and kindness of others has gotten us this far and we continue to trust Him to work things out.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; (Philippians 4:6)

Where God guides . . . He provides. In one situation after another, we can see His hand at work. You may call it coincidence . . . we call them unbelievable . . . but for God! He is doing miraculous things!

The days ahead may be a bit uncomfortable and rather non-sensible, but we trust Him and Him alone! I am praying that along the way we can share and show Christ so others may see Him too! ♰

Many times help does not come from our sources : The Journey (Part II)

If we just ask God and let Him work . . . . He really is able to supply our needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). Many times help does not come from our sources, hard as we might try. We say we can do all things through Christ, (Philippians 4:13) but often we try so hard on our own first, until He is all we have left! What if we really did this:

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)

I am just as guilty as anyone else . . . most times I ask God to bless my plans rather than asking Him what He wants me to do . . . so I can bless Him and His plans.

What about you? We all have needs . . . big and small . . . immediate and long range. Ever find yourself trying to help God along . . . give Him some ideas . . . encourage Him to do this or that? 😏

If we are to truly trust God and expect Him to work, than we must get out of His way. It will be in His timing and to His glory. No one can take credit for it except to say God did it through you, me or someone else.

We must leave room for God! We are learning this throughout the journey!

Going though a move . . . what a journey! (Part I)

 Have you ever been going through something and then right in front of your face you read or see a word or two that hits right to the heart? That is me today!

As you know, we are going though a move.  .  . what a journey!

God granted us an opportunity to right-size concerning our home and we took Him up on the offer. It was sudden to say the least! One Saturday morning we were planning out our normal weekend and received a knock on the door. A real estate agent was collecting for a local food shelter and we gladly donated some non-perishables. He then asked if we ever considered selling our home. The ball started rolling . . . .

We set and appointment to have a conversation that week and after much prayer and consideration, we made the decision to sell and right size! About a month later and after a massive remodel, our home of twenty-three years has been sold and a new family moves in today! We have looked dozens of homes on line and visited about six . . . even put down offers on three, yet nothing has worked out for various reasons.

So here we sit, living with our more than gracious cousin in his basement as we seek a new home. We do not know where God is leading us, how long it will take to get there, or what is going to happen along the way. I have to remember that no matter the uncomfortable feelings, God is still working things out! Thank God for our cousin, but we do not want to wear out our welcome! We simply want a nice place to relocate, reset, and right size for the next stage of our journey. I am reminded of several passages in the bible where God said to go and He provided; Abraham, Moses, David, and here concerning Elijah.

Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “Get away from here and turn eastward, and hide by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. And it will be that you shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” (1 Kings 17:2-4)

Elijah had to walk a distance through rough terrain and during a drought, yet he made it. The widow he would encounter later was challenged too as Elijah would be led to her to provide food. Yet she and her son made it through challenges beyond human understanding.

God works in uncomfortable territory. Miracles are called miracles for a reason. Things are unsettled . . . life is on the edge . . . insecurity sets in . . . we become a bit nervous. It's where we are today!

Yet we trust Him! We are going though a move.  .  . what a journey!

 

 

Trust God when no one else will!

 Anyone can accomplish the easy tasks. It is the challenging task that takes courage. 

Doing the right thing when everyone seems to be doing wrong. 

Saying "yes" when most are saying "no". 

Go left when the world turns right. Have faith when everything is hopeless. 

Trust when it feels like you are abandoned.

Be bold when everyone else is in hiding.

Trust God when no one else will!

This is when the blessings come . . . when it seems like they cannot come! Go the extra mile. Take the extra step. Stay the extra hour. Put in the extra work. Get up extra early. Stay up a bit later. Finish the task!

It is what Jesus did . . . and look where we are today! He finished the work that was set out for Him. He trusted . . . He stayed the course . . . even when abandoned . . . 

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46)

He finished!

So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” (John 19:30)

https://youtu.be/eEiFSrBwIjk

Commitment

 Commitment: a promise to do or give something . . . . a promise to be loyal to someone or something . . . . the attitude of someone who works very hard to do or support something. This is a word that is fading today. People run to the next best thing way too often in today's society . . . a job, a team, even a relationship! Promises are not kept and loyalty has disappeared. 

Thank God Jesus kept His commitment! He followed His promise to redeem us all the way to the cross, even when very few supported Him! Remember how many fled? Judas betrayed Him. Disciples ran and hid. Peter denied Him. We only see His mother, Mary Magdalene and John at the cross. He did quit nor did He waiver when things became challenging.He finished the course! A few followed through with Him.

It is easy to walk away from a challenging circumstance. It is even easier to go where the grass may seem greener! There is something to be said for loyalty and commitment. It shows character and integrity! It will be rewarded. 

Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. (Matthew 28:1)

Mary was loyal even to the grave, or so she thought. She was rewarded by being the first to see the Risen Savior!

As Christ followers, even in our most challenging days, commitment is vital. We must stay the course and help one another do so! Allow God to pull us through.