Take me to the KING!

 

Wrong turns and back ups....

 

Choose today....

 

On our way home . . .

Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord.  For we live by faith, not by sight.  We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:6-8)

As believers, we are always on our way home! Once born again, we are now on a journey home . . . for some a short journey and for some a long journey, but on our way home nonetheless.

You see, once we belong to Christ, all we do is pointed toward eternity. It is like taking a long road trip. We are constantly asking, "Are we there yet?" Well, not quite.

We have some stops to make along the way. We have a break down here and there. We meet new friends. We are side tracked and take a wrong turn. Detours take us off track. Yet God, through His Spirit, always brings us back to the right road and we continue on our way home. 

Think about our personal journeys today. In which direction are we headed? Are we going in the right direction?

Take control!

 Take control! Yes, that's right . . . take control of your life. No matter what happens in life, how we deal with it matters. Paul really knew how to take control, saying:

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

Circumstances do not define us as believers. How we react to them does! Rather than give in to the circumstances, Paul decided to work within them! 

But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. (Philippians 1:12-14)

Everything that the prophets wrote about the Son of Man will come true. . . . all will come true!

 Prepping for Holy Week  ( Part I)

Jesus took the twelve disciples to one side. He told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem. Everything that the prophets wrote about the Son of Man will come true. He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will make fun of him. They will laugh at him and spit on him. They will whip him and kill him. On the third day, he will rise from the dead!” (Luke 18:31-33)

As we close in on the Resurrection Celebration in two weeks, let's not make this just another break. It's not a spring break as most see it. It is not a time to go away and go crazy. It is not a break for Easter either; a time to search for eggs with money and candy surprises. It is a break to focus (or re-focus) our attention on the Cross, the Sacrifice, the Atonement for our sin, and the eventually conquering of death and the grave. 

It all is true . . . and more will come true as we anticipate His return!  

What choices are you facing today

“I have written to you, young men (and women!), because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one.” (1 John 2:14)

 I realize living a Godly life is tough for our youth today . . . so many varied views of what a CHRIST-led life looks like and so many false images as well as outright lies. But here is a great story:

Right-hander Branden Kline, the Frederick, Md., native who overcame a litany of arm injuries to make 37 relief appearances for his hometown Orioles over the past two seasons, announced his retirement on Wednesday.

“Dear Baseball, we both knew this day would eventually come......Thank you for everything you’ve done for me, and my family, over the past 25 years!” Kline wrote on Instagram. “You’ve given me great friends, life-changing experiences, as well as a career that I’ve cherished for the last 8 years. I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family and being more involved in spiritual matters.”

This young baseball player struggled to make the majors and after just one full season, he had the opportunity to decide his path forward. He chose to follow God's path . . . not riches and glory. He chose faith and family over popularity and fame. He missed seeing his wife and children, attending bible studies and SONday worship. Imagine that . . . .

What choices are you facing today . . . tomorrow? Choose Christ!

A tribute to Rev/Dr. King: A believers responsibility to the poor.

In honor of Rev/Dr. King, I thought it would be appropriate to reference scripture as to a believers responsibility to the poor. As Dr. King's son talked about another dream (see link below), we should be challenged to care for the poor, the homeless, the hungry and those feeling alone and depressed.  Especially during this pandemic, with so many more experiencing poverty, hunger, unemployment and eviction notices, we as a CHURCH BODY are called by God to sacrifice and serve. It is not Washington's job to provide, but to protect. It is our job to provide, care, comfort and LOVE.💔 We have failed greatly! What will we do? 

My wife and I (Carroll Family Outreach) are missionaries/teachers coaching up teens to serve the immediate community and others, so we can ultimately reach others for Christ. The teens have served several families with food baskets this past Thanksgiving and sponsored fifteen children with CHRISTmas gifts this past year.  Our goal is to spend several days serving a local community this Spring/Summer in a community outreach. You may support the work through $Cashapp at $tadcarr.

Please prayerfully read the scriptures below and take a close and intimate assessment of how we have reacted recently. Have we been selfish or sacrificial . . . helping or hoarding . . . concerned or callous . . .? 

 

“[Jesus] stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.’”               (Luke 4:17-19)

.

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:8-9)

“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”(1 Timothy 6:18)

 

“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.” (Proverbs 19:17)

 

“Jesus replied, ‘Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.'”(Matthew 8:20)

 

Listen to the son of Dr. King: 

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/18/opinion/mlk-income-inequality.html 

God bless you as ! you give . . . .

Join us as we coach up teens for a life of service! $tadcarr!!!

Ahhh.....the election looms!

 

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6:33-34)

Ahhh.....the election looms! Many have already voted. Ads are running amuck! Who do we believe? Who do we trust? Who has our best interest as a Christ follower? Looking forward to election day? I am!

I saw these suggestions on line this morning from a post years ago. After reading it, I am still praying for God to guide my heart and hand next week as I ponder the election!

1. Vote for the man or woman who will seek to further God’s will on earth – In Matthew 6:10, Jesus directed His followers to pray for God’s will to be “done on earth as it is in heaven.” No one who follows Jesus should knowingly vote for anyone who stands for values, actions, or goals that directly oppose God’s will. In fact, we should cast our vote for someone who has clearly stated goals and activities that align with God’s will.
2. Vote for the man or woman who will work to secure religious freedom in our country – In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Paul told Timothy to pray for those in authority in order that Christians “may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” Christians must vote for leaders who will purposefully provide a government framework that allows Christians to openly live out the tenets of our faith.
3. Vote for the man or woman who displays godly character and values – It’s easy to talk a “godly game.” People can say anything they think the voter wants to hear. The proof is in their behavior. The candidate doesn’t even have to be a Christ-follower to have “godly” character. And on the flip side, the candidate can claim to be a Christian but not display godly character.(https://www.kathyhoward.org/3-biblical-principles-to-guide-your-vote/)

Even more confused? So what are we genuine Christ followers to do?  Pray . . . Seek facts . . . Seek God first . . . DON'T WORRY! Trust Him and Him alone to work it all out to His glory! God is in control of it all still . . . .

you will have great success

 I will give all of you every place you walk on, just as I promised Moses. Your territory will reach from the Negev Desert all the way to Lebanon. The great Euphrates River will be to the east. The Mediterranean Sea will be to the west. Your territory will include all the Hittite country. Joshua, no one will be able to oppose you as long as you live. I will be with you, just as I was with Moses. I will never leave you. I will never desert you. Be strong and brave. You will lead these people. They will take the land as their very own. It is the land I promised to give their people of long ago.

“Be strong and very brave. Make sure you obey the whole law my servant Moses gave you. Do not turn away from it to the right or the left. Then you will have success everywhere you go.  Never stop reading this Book of the Law. Day and night you must think about what it says. Make sure you do everything written in it. Then things will go well with you. And you will have great success.  Here is what I am commanding you to do. Be strong and brave. Do not be afraid. Do not lose hope. I am the Lord your God. I will be with you everywhere you go.” (Joshua 1:3-9)

 Funny, over twenty years ago, these were the words God spoke to my wife as we were preparing to begin ministry. Now, as we are transitioning to a somewhat different life, yet still a life of total dependence upon God, He now reminds me!

About a year ago I asked God to supply what was needed to allow Michael to attend Liberty University, our  alma mater. There was no way we could pay the costs. Many doubted. They doubted that God could provide so much money (really?), they doubted Michael (he's not academic type, just a normal teen), and they doubted even more when Covid-19 struck! Oh, but God!!! I never doubted Him. I kept quiet, but no longer!

He has supplied over $25,000 in aid and grants so far. While we still need a bit more, we are walking into the land He has granted us by faith (v.8)  . . . Liberty University . . . even for the following three years, not just 2020! He has granted us the opportunity (v.3) and we now must courageously walk into it! (v.9)

That's my God!!!!

This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.My soul shall make its boast in the Lord;The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me,And let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed.This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them. (Psalm 34:1-7)

More than four years ago when walking the campus of Liberty University with a group of our ministry teens, I asked the Lord to somehow allow our son Michael to be able to attend Liberty. You see, as missionary/teachers, we do not have the funds to pay for a college education. It would have to be God or Community College! Our son is a great kid, loving son, caring for friends and family, but is challenged in the classroom. Occasionally he would make honor roll. He would even take and do well in a few AP courses along the way. I must say, even while playing four years of varsity soccer, he made it through by the grace of God, servant prayers of his parents, and meeting some late night deadlines!

Yes, this poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him! Not that my prayers are any better than anyone else's. I often wonder why He even bothers listening to me! Yet He did! Now we sit here at the end of June 2020 and our son has been accepted, has enrolled, and will be attending Liberty University in the Fall of 2020, Covid-19 and all!!!! Look at my God!

So yes, magnify the Lord with me! Let's exalt His name together! Oh yes, I will praise Him and bless Him at all times . . .good and bad . . .but especially now! When I began to plead with the Lord, many in my circles doubted, but I said wait and see . . .

Well, now they can see! See what God can do! Eye has not seen and ear has not heard what the Lord can and will do for those who love Him. (1 Corinthians 2:9) This is all for the glory of God! 

«Now God, please continue to work in the life of my son as he travels along the path of life. Keep a watch over Him and as he stumbles and falls, and he will, please be there to pick him up and place him back upon solid ground . . .the solid Rock! (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Why?

“Cry aloud, spare not; Lift up your voice like a trumpet; Tell My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.Yet they seek Me daily, and delight to know My ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and did not forsake the ordinance of their God.(Isaiah 58:1-2)

Our Nation used to fear God. Our Nation used to honor His Name and seek His guidance. For the past fifty years or so we have stripped His name from our

government walls, taken His words from our public oaths, banned public prayers in His Name, and enacted laws contrary to His ordinances. And we wonder "Why?"

The United States is a Nation in turmoil. Our churches are confused. Our families are disjointed. Our society is in a uproar!  Go figure . . . . 

Why have we gotten to this state of confusion?  Here's a good starting point . . . Lets get back to basics! 

.parents, churches, school systems.

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)

Coffee with the Lord....Holy Grounds!

And when forty years had passed, an Angel [c]of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire in a bush, in the wilderness of Mount Sinai.  When Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight; and as he drew near to observe, the voice of the Lord came to him,  saying, ‘I am the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ And Moses trembled and dared not look. ‘Then the Lord said to him, “Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.(Acts 7:30-33)

Coffee with the Lord....Every morning I have a routine. It's been similar each morning form the past at last twenty years or so. I brew some coffee ( now k-cups rather than a pot) as instructed in the bible. (He-brews!) I thinnest and smell the grounds as they are roasting into my mug (not a cup!) I then open my bible to receive the fire of His Word to teach me. Thank God He is still an all-consuming fire yet He has mercy upon me                                           even this day!

God's Word is HOLY! Whenever we sit under His teaching it is a sacred time. His Word and His authority has not changed. He is immutable! Moses realized it. (Exodus 3:5) Stephen again mentions it here in Acts 7. I am so grateful the fire keeps burning , convicting, and purifying me! Yet He has not consumed me. His mercy is new every day!

Let's remain humble. God is HOLY. We must now at His feet. We must fall prostrate knowing He is Almighty God, King, Savior and Judge. When we read His Word we are on HOLY GROUNDS.

Good name or great riches?

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold. The rich and the poor have this in common: The Lord is the maker of them all. A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished. By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.(Proverbs 22:1-4)

A good name . . . integrity  . . . or great riches? 

What is it we are striving for anyway? Students are stressing over their future and how they will survive. Parents are slaving at jobs to build up IRA's and college accounts just to see the stock market siphon funds in a simple twenty-four hours!

CHRISTian, what are we doing? What are we teaching our young people? A good name . . . one of integrity . . . or great riches? 

When did money become the end-all, be-all? Why have we lost our biblical senses? Do we not know and trust the Creator, the Source of all resources? Are we leaning upon our own understanding?

The silver is mine the gold is mine says the Lord of Hosts. (Haggai 2:8)

Still true . . .

Customers tell the story!

Healthy things grow.......babies, plants, even businesses. Unhealthy things die off eventually. Everyone should want some sort of positive growth, although it may be unique to each individual. Each company desires growth and it comes from caring form the customer more than the business. Branding is key for a business . . . What do we want to be known for and what are we known for doing? Customers tell the story!

As believers, the world sees us with wide open eyes. We are a divided people! This is not what Jesus intended. . . .

I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me .  . . . (John 17:20-23)

Paul echoed these thoughts . . .

   . . . .fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind . . . (Philippians 2:2)

We are here to represent Christ, to being Him glory and to let others see Him in us! We are not here for ourselves! Are we growing closer together or dying apart? 

Perfect rhythm

Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you.  Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.”  Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? (1 Corinthians 1:10-13)

Perfect rhythm . . . . All in unison . . . Whether  it's a church choir, elementary school chants, or 50,000 fans cheering on a team, a large group that is unified is powerful and effective!  Imagine a football team clicking on all cylinders, all eleven players moving as one unit. Now envision the entire Body of Christ living out God's Word in one accord . . . What would our world be like in the Church was truly one as Jesus prayed in John 17?

I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. (John 17:20-21)

Paul pleaded with the Philippians and he pleads with Us today who call Christ our Savior and Lord:

 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,  fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (Philippians 2:1-

2)

Everyone huddle up . . . . Let's bring it in . . .  "TEAM" on three . . . 1 . . .2 . . .3.
Make no room for the enemy!!!

Flesh vs Spirit . . . A simple math equation.

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.(Roman 8:5-8)

Simple math today . . .Flesh + World = Death . . . Spirit + World =Life

Paul is very clear here. To live in the flesh and to please our carnal lusts and desires will lead to eternal death, or enmity with God. Life in this world and by this world's standards will indeed separate us from God eternally!

However, living by the Spirit of God and His desires will lead to eternal peace and life with Christ! To love free of all the anxieties and tensions this world places upon us we must live by Spiritual Truths of the bible! We need not be afraid (Isaiah 12:2) nor anxious for anything.(Philippians 4:6)

It begins in our thought processes (Romans 12:1-2) and leads to the heart! (Ezekiel 36:26) Believe and live!!!! (John 11:26)

Now that you know......but why?

Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” (Matthew 7:24-27)

Now that you know what to do . . . know why you DO IT! As I disciple young folks, my main concern is what they are doing with the knowledge they are accumulating and why. Many are seeking futures and careers and have them planned out already . . . NFL, MLB, NBA, law, medical field, business owners, technology gurus, etc. While this all well and good and commendable, I am deeply concerned about their whys more than their whats!

Why do they want to be what they are planning and chasing? Foundational truths in one's life motivate people to pursue things. If I believe money will provide all I need in life, then I will run acts the dollar. If I believe my success and stature is based on whom I associate with, then I will pursue those of influence. Yet if I truly believe my value is rooted in what God knows of me and has planned for me, then my desire will be to seek Him and His plans (Matthew 6:33).

You see, for a CHRISTian, the motivation is why I do things, not what I do! Whether I am a doctor, lawyer, teacher, pro athlete, graphic designer, or mechanic, my desire is to please God. This is the foundation for why I wake up every day and why He wakes me up! No matter what I face daily, me desire is to please the One who made me! I cannot allow the ups and downs of this world rock my foundation!

Flirting with Disaster!

What kind of friend will you choose?

Wise . . . .

She cries out from the highest places of the city,

“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
As for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,

“Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed.Forsake foolishness and live, And go in the way of understanding........

or Foolish . . . .

 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here”; And as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him: “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant." But he does not know that the dead are there, That her guests are in the depths of hell.

Many today are flirting with disaster! I was reminded of these words just yesterday (SONday) via my pastor. (It's ok to steal a Word by the way, when it can help others stay on track!)

Lady Wisdom cries out in our cities, towns, schools and churches but often is drained out by Lady Folly! Solomon lays out the pros and cons for his son here in Proverbs. In life we come to a fork in the road. There are two ladies soliciting our attention today. We MUST make choices; good or evil, right or wrong, wise or foolish! We can listen to good Godly advice or try the world's way, which always leads to spiritual failure. Oh, you might make money, gain fame, and win trophies, but what does it get you spiritually . . . eternally?

 New Testament writer Matthew put it like this from Jesus: "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon."(Matthew 6:24)

In summary, here it is again from Solomon: There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.(Proverbs 14:12) 

Are you flirting with disaster?