Why I Quit Church, Part 2

As promised I wanted to post the second part of the topic on why people are leaving church.  In my world I meet many people who are just disinterested in church for a number of reasons today.  I want to thank my friend Damien "Chip" Dizard for being willing to share in my blog!




Many children grow up forced to attend church and it's not a pleasurable experience.  You know the line, "children should be seen and not heard” most churches give 10 to 15 minutes of a children's story and then expect children not to move, eat or do anything the entire time.  I find that utterly ridiculous.  That's why my family attends the church we do now.  Not because we are in love with the preaching, fellowship or even the facilities. Our children look forward to attending church and they actually learn something once they leave.   I didn't have this opportunity growing up and my wife and I wanted to give our children the best chance for success. Does that mean they won't get tired of church? Sure they may, but their childhood memories of church should be one of engagement activity and learning.

I have also heard stories of many families who never missed church but missed other important engagements for their children. Basketball games, musical recitals and more, but church, God's house is never put on the back burner. Families can argue all week long, but they will sit next to each other smiling and holding hands in church.

Have you ever felt guilty for not attending church?  More and people especially younger Seventh-day Adventists aren't attending church regularly.  I was talking with a friend recently whose sister who grew up in church who doesn’t attend or watch it online either. I think the story is similar to someone you know.  It's an epidemic that spreads deep and wide. You may know a person who is guilted into attending church because they feel inadequate and once they feel better they go right back and do the same thing.

James 1:23-24 says "Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like."

This text hit me because it is just foolish.  God doesn't take attendance, but he knows when you listen to the word and don't follow through.

How can you follow through with God today?  Tell us about your church attendance experience.  Leave in the comments below.

Chip Dizárd is a Christian, tech expert, author and blogger. He is passionate about his family and reaching people for Christ. His tech blogs are at chipdizard.com.

Why I Quit Church, Part 1

This blog was completed by Mr. Damien "Chip" Dizard, and after he sent it to me, I could not resist the urge to post to my blog.  Please feel free to give feedback!  Part 2 will be posted tomorrow.  Enjoy!





Church has been a mainstay in my life for years. I remember my dad parting my hair from east to west every week before church.  I remember being told when in church all the earth should keep silent.  



I remember church like it was yesterday.  I grew up at Liberty seventh day Adventist church.  I remember moving around from building to building until we finally left.



I remember my mom and my dad spending hours at church board meetings and then coming home frustrated with things. This is how I remember church.



I never had a bad experience at church. I just never had an experience.



In my college years I got tired of going to church.  Or if I went it was to check out a girl or grab a free meal. Back then, the hype church was Capitol Hill SDA where Wintley Phipps was the pastor.  I attended Columbia union college (now Washington Adventist university) and the fellas made sure we had the fresh cuts and suits in order to impress the ladies and be seen.



But I was tired.  I was tired of the same thing with no comittment. So I quit church.  I left without a trace.  I would show up for special days and to tell my parents I was going and I gave money occasionally.  But I had no real connection, and my friends which weren't into church didn't understand why I went to church anyway.



Years later, my big play sister Sharon invited me to  a church.  It was in the ghetto of Baltimore and the name was Miracle Temple. She said I should come and hear the preacher.  I wasn't really interested, but when someone you respect invites you and feeds you after, you oblige.   I went on the first Saturday of the year in 2000 and a preacher named Freddie Russell was talking about vision.  I was confused, I didn't think I was in a business setting, but he had a powerpoint and was stating where the church needed to go.  I was intrigued and wanted to know how a preacher could give a powerpoint and not a hell-fire breathing sermon on the first day of the year. It was Y2K and everyone was afraid that the end was near.  Pastor Russell may have missed that memo.



After church I introduced myself and I came back again and again.  I invited people. They came with me. I even attended prayer meeting.  This was different. This was the "unchurch."   In the next few years I joined and became lead webmaster and then in charge of media, but it was all because from an invite from a friend.



How can we use friendship evangelism in our local churches? In the next series of blogs I will lay out how to make our churches more "seeker" friendly and how to reclaim them for the 20-30 crowd.

The reason why I vote

Hey everyone, I thought the day before the United States elections for President I would just give my personal reasons as to why in my world...I vote.  I have actually never been into politics.  Though I have always liked and enjoyed serving people the political side often gets in the way of helping people who need help the most.  We often spend so much time trying to decide who to put into certain offices and no time is invested into determining how we are going to go about serving people.

It really bothers me though, when we do this in church.  When we spend time, dedication and energy in politics and positioning ourselves in places where we want to go instead of where God wants us to be.  In my world, I have never personally felt like we needed to follow a democratic system in church.  I guess maybe at times, because we don't trust the power of prayer, we would rather put everything to a vote.  Since we don't want to take the time to get on our faces to God and find out what he really desires, we are content to vote it out?  This is not to suggest that God works in the midst of us voting....however could it be possible that we vote something that God doesn't even want...for his people?

I'm sorry, I just had to get that off my chest about church...back to the nation.  My premise for voting within in the democracy of the United States is simple.  There are many people who gave up their lives so that I could.  They said to themselves: I will gladly die, if one day my great, great grandson will be able to vote.  So, out of respect to my ancestors and people who have paved the way for me...I vote.  I still understand that plight that African Americans have historically held in this country, and would honestly be ashamed not to vote.  Why not take an opportunity to do something, that for years my family could never do?

I have talked to many people who, for one reason or another are not voting.  They feel that President Obama has let them down.  They sense that Governor Mitt Romney is not the best candidate.  Since my world is governed by the word of God, let me remind us all that the bible says in Daniel 2:21, that it is God that sets up rulership.  Regardless of who serves or is elected, it is only because God wanted or allowed them, for that time and season to be in that position.  I think too often, we see ourselves as a god, and feel that we are in charge of what happens.  How about we exercise our right to vote and leave the bigger things up to God?  After all....I honestly believe He knows what He is doing!  

That why in my world...I vote!

Another Chance

In my world I am continuing to learn, know and understand how precious life really is.  Those of you who have been following my world and my blog know that in 2009 my life nearly ended.  I celebrated a birthday yesterday and continue to celebrate the fact that I am a walking miracle.  Lyme Disease was so heavy in my body, and had spread to organs so much so that my life was literally in question.  While going through my most painful moments I longed to die; however yesterday made me realize how blessed I am to be living.  It could have ended for me...

Every day when I open my eyes, its another reminder of what God continues to do for me!  Yesterday marked another year of time that God has given me to fulfill his purpose in my life.  I, by the grace of God am striving to not waste this second chance that he has given me.  I am really a walking miracle....BUT then again...SO are YOU!!!  I'm not the only person whose life was almost cut short.  There are more of you out there who are reading this blog saying to yourself I almost died too! For some of you it was a car accident, for others it was a disease as well.  I do know that there are countless numbers who, even though they are legitimately alive, because of everything you are going through, your spirit is dead!  You are tired of the stress and depression and feel like you wanted to give up...BUT in the middle of it all God showed up and caught you!

The reality is that we all could have been dead, but God has kept us alive because even though you almost died, his purpose never did.  God will continue to keep you until his purpose is fulfilled or until you decide to abort the purpose!  Don't waste the second chance!  Embrace the story, your testimony; for most of us, its the only thing keeping us alive.  If it is, so be it!  Let God's purpose become your purpose and the reason for your existence.  In my world God's purpose has pushed me on days when I wanted to die, nights when I wanted to give up, and mornings that I wish did not come...

It's not always easy, but the struggle will always make you stronger!  Until next time...in my world!

That's all you have

In my world I have learned that leaning on God is all you really have!  People can let you down, places can often get boring, and things don't always fulfill your desires.  If you are like me, you have tried to get things to replace God, you have gotten with people to fill your space for God, and gone to places attempting to take your mind off of what has drawn you away from God.

However at the end of the day, all you have is God.  You have tried a bunch of things, but that didn't work.  You have attached yourself to many people but you are still unsatisfied.  Nothing can fill your emptiness But God.  The new iphone won't do it; the newest gospel cd is going to do it, and even your spouse doesn't fill God's place. 

I'm learning that its not everyone else's fault...The problem in my world is often the problem in your world too, and that is that the more you fill God's place with other people, places and things you will ALWAYS feel empty.  The only thing that will cause you to feel complete is God.  You could have all the money in the world and still be lonely.  You could have thousands of relationships and still be empty.  You can fly around the whole world and yet feel as if you have nothing; because without God there is nothing.  You can go to church and still not have God; sing in the choir about God but God still not be in you!

At the end of the day, all you have is God!  Without Him, you have nothing.  Let Him be your EVERYTHING...TODAY!

Purpose

What is my purpose in life?  Haven't you asked yourself that before?  Doesn't it bother you sometimes that you don't know or haven't really found your purpose in this life? I have learned in my world that there is nothing more frustrating for a person who doesn't really understand or know their purpose in life.  When God decided to create you, what was on his mind?  Why in the world did He decide to create YOU?!?!?  Was there something that he wanted you to accomplish that no one else could?  Is it possible that other people are doing what you were/are really supposed to be doing, but because you are scared to walk in your purpose you aren't doing it?

What is your purpose in life?  In the last few years I have learned that sometimes your purpose is sometimes not the most comfortable place. Paul and Silas were in jail in the book of Acts.  They were not in the best surroundings and it was not the most comfortable place to be.  However, because of their presence in the prison-people were brought to Christ!!!  Other's I am finding are literally terrified to walk in their God ordained purpose!  They are scared that people will laugh and them and it will initially not be accepted.  However if you are like me, I've learned in my world that you can't live your life to please people.  If you live to please people....YOU WILL NEVER BE HAPPY!  I promise you!  Living to the approval of others makes you a miserable person.  Don't walk in a person ordained purpose, only walk in God's purpose for your life!

In my next blog, I will share some things that you can do, to live in God's purpose for your life.  God bless you...

He's Got It

I have learned a difficult, but wonderful reality in my world: God has everything under control!!!  My battle with Lyme Disease has made me realize that there are certain things that we have absolutely no control over!  We spend so much time trying to fix, change, and adjust things in our lives that we can't. We were not given power to change time, to go back in time, to fix choices that we have made...etc.

I used to spend so much time and energy thinking to myself:  If I only was, If this didn't happen then, Once I get here then...but those thoughts only seemed to make things worse for me?  Doesn't it do the same for you?  In my world I am resting in the fact now that regardless of what a face, see, and deal with in life....God has everything under control!  He really does!!!  I know it seems at certain points and time that the enemy is stronger than God and that your life just feels like a huge mess.  You may be dealing with something right now that isn't as favorable and doesn't seem to be working to your advantage.  What I rest in is the fact that the word of God teaches me that He has got everything together.  The reality is that you can't fix it; if you could, you would have done it long time ago right?  So why not trust the Person who is in control of everything?

Despite my bad days and regardless of my rough days, all I have, at the end of the day is a GOD who knows it all, has power over all, and who loves me through it all....

Resist

I'll be honest...I have been reading a particular scripture text for years and I just realized something about that text in my world.  The bible says in James 4:7 "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."  Maybe I'm slow (as I say often), or possibly wasn't paying attention to this text as much as I should.

James says when we resist the devil he WILL flee from us!!!  Do you realize how powerful this is!?!?!?   Right before this James first tells us to submit to God...How hard is this?  Real hard if you enjoy your independence.  Killing self will possibly be the toughest challenge you will ever have to face.  I'll be honest enough to tell you that in my world always saying: "Yes Lord" is something that I don't always love to do.  However James tells us that if we are going to cause the devil to literally leave us, the FIRST thing we have to do is SUBMIT to God.  If you have strong problems submitting to God, you will always have the misfortune of the devil hanging around...

Do you ever want to make the devil leave you?  Then you must resist him.  To resist something means to ignore, to push away, to leave alone.  This tells me that many of us invite the devil.  He doesn't leave us because he is invited in one way or another in our company.  Maybe by what we watch, possibly by the people we hang out with, or the places that we go...

We question or may ask: Why doesn't the devil leave me alone, why don't I feel guilty about disobedience to God?  How come I'm not the person I should be in Christ?  I have been frustrated sometimes with myself because of continued disobedience to God, haven't you? But God spoke to me this past week and let me know that the reason my struggle oftentimes with the devil is so real is because I NEVER resist him; instead I invite him...SMH!!!

Anyone want power to resist the devil today, so that he will run from you?  If we want this power, then we must submit to God.  Ask him for the power of being obedient.  If we are obedient to God, we will always cause the enemy to run!

Why can't I move forward?

Over the past few years I have really enjoyed Mac products.  Macbook, Mackbook Pro, Ipod, Ipad, IMac, Iphone, etc; I just love the way that they work!  A few years ago Apple came out with an upgrade that allowed you to take off apps that you would have open.  You could now close down your twitter app or your weather app.  You could close down the espn app or a game app that you had open that allowed your battery not to drain as fast as well as allow your device to run faster!  So that once you close out things that you no longer have use for it allows your device to run a lot smoother.

            I can’t help but to liken this to many of our relationships.  One of the reasons that some of us are stuck, stagnant, and extremely slow with moving on is because we have so many people, or apps that are open in our lives that have not been closed.  There are relationships that we have had in our past that we have become attached to so much that even though the communication, recreation, and interaction between us and the other person may have ended…our attachment to them continues to be open.  Something still jumps in our spirit when we see their picture on Facebook; we still catch an attitude when someone tells us that they have seen the person with another person; and we continue to think in our minds what we may be doing with the person if we were still dating them.

            Some of you reading this have been thinking to yourself: why am I having such a difficult problem moving forward in my life, my relationships, and in life in general? Why is it that I sabotage relationships?  How come I only feel normal when people treat me negatively?  Why am I attempting to move forward while still attached to my past???  May I suggest that even though two people have physically gone their separate ways doesn’t mean the relationship has ended.

            Before I give some solutions on how you can truly move forward, let me give some suggestions on why many of us cannot move forward:

1.    The relationship ended sooner than we wanted it to.  We thought that this was the person that we would marry and spend the rest of our lives with, but instead of a wedding they walked away.  Instead of a marriage, you guys moved apart.  So you can’t move forward because you are still mentally thinking…what if?

2.    You guys got physical in the relationship.  During the relationship, there was not just hugging and kissing, you guys actually engaged in sexual activity; maybe even on a regular basis.  Scripture teaches that sexual activity leads us to becoming attached to another person.  That’s why the bible even cautions people who are married-to agree on when they will abstain from sexual activity for times of prayer and then return to it.  Engaging in sex with another person is meant to be addictive, that’s why its best reserved for married couples.  However, with couples who are unmarried, you may not be able to move on because you are still attached to the other person.

3.    There was some type of abuse in the relationship. Some people can’t move on because there was sexual, mental, emotional, or physical abuse in a past relationship.  This may cause a person to either withdraw from having future relationships OR jump into many relationships.  Some people pull away from relationships in fear that what happened to them will happen to them again while others seek out many relationships in hopes to find that one person that will treat them right!  Still there are others who won’t allow themselves to move forward in a healthy relationship because since there was so much abuse they strangely only feel comfortable in an environment that allows abuse to continue, these people are extremely hard to love because when you love them…they kick you so you can kick them back because abusing them allows them to feel normal.

This is not an exhaustive list, but just a few things that won’t allow a person to move forward.  Now, let me offer some things that a person can do so that they can positively move forward.

·      To fully break free, its probably best for the time being not to communicate with the person you need freedom from for the time being.  You need time to heal, and oftentimes healing will not take place if you are still communicating with them.  If you continue to communicate with them, you continue a “what if” cycle in your mind about a future relationship with them.

·      Lay before the Lord!!! I honestly believe that the only way to be fully free and move forward is to lay it before the Lord.  Ask God for forgiveness of anything that you did in the relationship that caused problems.  Ask God to remove the unhealthy connection that continues to attach you to the person.  While I believe God’s power can, the breaking point usually doesn’t happen after we lay this before the Lord on one occasion.  It happens after continued prayer, fasting, and dedication to His will and way!

·      Don’t get in another relationship until you a free from the last! There are countless people who believe that they can just jump into one relationship after another.  Since you are often not free from the previous relationship, you bring the attachment from the last relationship into the present relationship.  So much so, that the person never meets the real you…they get connected to the countless number of people who you are attached with.

Jesus told the Jews in the first century, whoever the Son sets free will be free indeed!  Don’t you want to be free today?  Allow Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit to free you in mind, body, and spirit so that you can be all that he has destined to be!

What are you thinking about?

      In my world, I am realizing more and more that many of us have things going on in our lives right now that we don't like and are just not feeling.  Whether its a relationship, our job situation, our singleness, our financial situation, or a health condition; we all have some things going on in our lives that we wish were not there.  We wish that things had not worked out the way they did and oftentimes are envious of other people's seemingly great situation in life.

      There are so many of us who are fighting just to keep our sanity.  We can smile much and appear that everything is great and nothing is going wrong, but if the truth be told we are suffering much.  If you are like me, you can go through experiences where it seems like talking to someone won't even help much because no one truly understands what you are going through.  In fact you have tried to talk to someone, and because your situation was seemingly dismissed, ignored, or the response was unsympathetic then you withdraw even more.  In my world I felt all of these things and more.  I didn't want to be around anyone, I desired to talk to no one, and began to settle into the thinking that God must not like me.  I was content with this way of thinking until I realized something that changed my perspective: I realized that I was in a process!  In other words things in my life were going to change, I wasn't going to be where I was forever, and at some point in time there would be a shift in my situation.  However while in was in process, I could not see beyond what I was going through.

       The other problem I had (and maybe you are experiencing this now) while I was in process is that I realized it appeared easier to be depressed than it was to think positive, and Godly thoughts. For many of us, and it helps if we are brutally honest, we remain where we are because of what we allow ourselves to think about and dwell on!  The bible says in Philippians 4:8 the things that should dominate our thoughts.  Sometimes our continued cycle remains because of what we continue to think about; insomuch that the process seems so much longer because we don't have any thoughts in our mind that can pull us out.

       I challenge you today to put something positive in your mind.  Open the word of God and allow it to speak to your mind.  The word of God is so powerful that it can literally change your mind!!!  So....What are you thinking about today?

Young Adults

Last week I talked about why young adults are not really feeling church anymore and the issues they have with attending church as well as the issues they are dealing with personally that keep them from church.
This week, I want to suggest some possible elements that will help young adults find there way, first and foremost, back to God and then to the church. These are some helpful hints that I have found practical in my world that will help in this regard.  I realize that some of these are not readily accepted because they go against what some call: Traditional Church.  With some who embrace traditional church as the ONLY way to do or have church, what I am suggesting may be looked at as not of God, but hey, this is not about people who are already in church...its about those who aren't.  So here they are some practical, helpful hints on how to reclaim or get young adults back in the church.


1. When they come back please don't judge them; instead of judging them, take that energy and love on them!  They have been dealing with things that many of us have never dealt with and don't even understand.  So to judge where they have been, how they look, and why they are wearing what they are wearing as they come back to church is not the best place to start.

2. As they grow, allow them a place of service in the church.  Young adults, I believe perform best under responsibility.  If we allow them areas within the church to lead out, serve, help and function, I believe that they will not only come but bring others.

3. The worship service must change!  Before you crucify me, please understand that nowhere in the bible are we told how to have church on the weekend.  There are no instructions that you MUST have a call to worship, repeat an affirmation of faith, place a song here, and preach there...Its all either tradition OR opinion on how the community that worships together should worship.  However, with young adults "HIGH CHURCH" pushes them away.  They literally cannot understand the 'why of some of the elements in some of our services.  Most people will say things like: "We shouldn't change our service to fit a particular group of people".  However what makes that service holier than another when none of it is necessarily biblical prescribed?  Do you want young adults back?  Change the worship service...

4. Hold them accountable.  Believe it or not, young adults want to be held accountable, but they enjoy it more from people who they can trust and who they know genuinely care about them.  Generation X'ers can sniff people who they know don't really care about them.  But when you care, they want you to hold them accountable to what God expects from and of them.  Encourage, encourage, encourage...If you only see them once a month right now, let them know how much you have missed them, and that you have been praying for them (this means you have to pray for them...remember if you say you are, but aren't...they can tell...LOL)

These are not exhaustive, but just some tips in my world I know will help to reclaim young adults back to church...

Young Adults

As promised, wash's world blog will come at you EVERY Monday.  I will continue to blog about my health as it relates to Lyme Disease but will also blog about current events, the church, and life in general.

Most of you know that a have great passion for youth and young adults.  I came across an article by a ministry magazine that talked about why young adults leave the church.  This is the age group of around 19-35, and it was addressing how many people who have grown up in church, begin quitting church during this time frame in their lives.  I think many of us who are in church assume that the devil has fully gotten hold of people, they don't want to take responsibility, or a shaking within the church is happening and people are leaving.

I would suggest, that there are issues much deeper than what we may see...that are NOT being addressed.  So, take it or leave it...I'm giving you the reasons, from this ministry magazine as to why young adults quit church...Its definitely something to think about.


1. Young Adults have been hurt.  They have been hurt by families as well as the church.  Many young adults who have been hurt by the church, because of decisions they have made in their adolescence, have scarred them tremendously.  Their thinking is...if these are the people who hurt me, I don't want any parts of church...

2. Adult Life or College Life doesn't mix with church.  As young adults get older, they love to try new things.  The new things that they want to try do not mix with church.  So instead of going back and forth between the new things and church, they just settle into doing, the new things.

3. There is no natural bridge to church.  When young adults leave home and either go off to college or change scenery, there is often nothing where they land at, that helps them navigate through life's waters.

4. Young Adults are distracted.  Oftentimes, its not that young adults don't care, its just that they are dealing with SOOO many things and going to church is the last thing on their mind.

5. Young Adults are skeptical.  Young adults as well as generation x do not have loyalties to institutions.  This is extremely crucial in our understanding of what is going on in their minds.  Because they don't have loyalties to institutions they rarely accept things that represent institutional living, which oftentimes the church is guilty of.
6. Young Adults are exhausted.  More young adults are going to college than previous generations.  They are busy paying back student loans and credit cards.  They are working full-time jobs, trying to maintain marriages as well as parenting...they are tired.
7. Young Adults don't get it.  Young adults are the MOST unchurched generation in a long time. In many cases they are not guilty of quitting church...they never started in church.  Many young adults are discouraged because they churches in their neighborhoods or the ones that they have grown up in are NOT addressing their needs and position in life, so they don't understand or don't get why they should waste their time going...it doesn't help them.


Food for thoughts...

Gossip...

Why do we love to spread gossip?  Is it that we love to tell the untold?  Is it that we enjoy seeing people's reactions to the information that we are telling them?  What is it about us that enjoys tearing down people's character, and whispering about them instead of talking to them.  In case you didn't realize it, I would argue that gossiping is not of God!  What pains me however is that in a lot of churches, we will discipline and look down on people who may have a child while not being married, yet we say nothing to the millions of people who go around gossiping and talking down about people.  The bible says that: "A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man [or woman] who talks too much” (Proverbs 20:19).


I have realized a couple of reasons why people gossip.  These reasons of course are not exhaustive, there definitely could be more.  Let me share them with you.


1.  Some people gossip because they literally have nothing else to do.  Some people's lives are so uneventful that they get enjoyment out of talking about the events in other people's lives.  If you enjoy gossiping, I would encourage you to get active in something so that you won't have time to think about and talk about other people.


2. Some people gossip to mask all of the dysfunction in their own lives.  Some people have so much stuff going on in their own personal lives that they gossip to deflect attention to someone else.  Its almost a defense mechanism as to not deal with the issues in their life.


3. Some people gossip because they think they are better than everyone else.  Some of us believe justified in our gossip, because we somehow feel that it is our duty to share the untold.  We think everyone should know whats going on and feel because we are not as bad off as them that means we should share it.  The bible warns us that before we start doing this, we should take the plank out of our own eye...The reason we can gossip so easily is because when we look at other people we are actually seeing a reflection of our own dysfunction.


4. Lastly, some people gossip because they have honestly allowed the Enemy to use them.  The bible tells us that the devil is the father of lies.  It also teaches us that it was the devil who first started discord in heaven.  He LOVES to cause confusion, disruption, and discord!  Did I say he LOVES to do it?  If he can use a person to spread information, regardless if its true or not, he will do it!  Don't allow yourself to be used be the enemy!!!




Lets not allow the enemy to get glory by gossiping, but instead seek to lift someone up!  Lets help, not hurt people!  After all...thats what Jesus would do, wouldn't he?

Change your thinking...

I have realized in my world that the way I think towards and about certain things means a lot.  The bible also says: As a man thinks in his heart so is he.  Another way of putting it is, what you think about often can likely happen.

The last couple of weeks I have had to ask myself: "Why is it that most of us think more negatively on the outcome of situations than think positively about them?" All of us go through difficult situations.  If you are breathing right now, there is something going on in your life that is probably not ideal and that you don't like.  However I have come to know, learn, and understand that there are always more than one possible outcome for situations that we go through.  For example:  Someone has been in a really bad car accident and it doesn't look good, and the doctors say, then people around the situation say:  There's a chance that he may not make it.  As a believer, I HAVE to assume, that if there is a chance that he may NOT make it...there is also a chance that he WILL make it!!!  I don't know why, but it seems to me that as people of God, we have to stop this negative thinking about every single situation in life.  I don't know about you, but its annoying for me to hang around negative people!!!  People that usually and often think the worst about every situation.

Do you realize that its also possible to dream up your own disaster?  As a man thinks in his heart so is he! If you keep thinking death, its possible that death will happen; but what if you begin today to start thinking life?!?!  WOW....Start believing that there is always another option, something else that could take place.  Don't start believing the devil that negative experiences will always happen to you.  Besides, Jesus didn't lie...He did tell us that we would have tribulations...BUT be of good cheer because I have overcome the world!

Can I suggest that you change your thinking today?!?!  Can I suggest that you switch the outlook that you always have on every situation?  Start today...

Scarred but Saved!

In my world, I have definitely learned that there are things that happen to us that we may never know why until we reach heaven.  I have stopped placing my energy into why things happen and have placed more energy into what my response is to what has happened.  Those who have been following my blog have read about the ongoing experiences that I have had with Lyme Disease.  I praise God for progressive healing as well as lessons that I have learned through the process.  I have also learned in my world that sometimes our healing is not in a miracle but in obedience!  Sometimes our obedience my not come in a miraculous way but may come in our obedience to a doctor that He is going to use; sometimes it will not come through a mesmerizing testimony that 'wows' people when they hear it, but it may come in our obedience with changing our diet...

Yesterday marked another milestone for me.  Another landmark that I can look back on and see the grace of God!  I was on my way to the store yesterday and found my way in the parking lot looking for a place to park.  As I was just about to exit the particular area of the lot and go to another to find an empty space, a county bus turned into me....and hit me.  It seemed like it all went in slow motion.  As the bus is coming towards me, I'm saying to myself: "Is this guy really about to hit me?"  After calming down, I realized one thing...I am maturing in God!!!  I walked out of the car saw the scratch and said to myself: "My car might be scarred but at least my life is saved."  I remember some years ago being in a car accident and my reaction was saying some words that are not recorded in scripture.

Despite our frustrations, disappointment, and difficulties in life, God uses every experience to, in some way, bring us closer to him and help us realize how much He really loves us!  There is something that you are going through RIGHT NOW, that I know is probably causing you much pain; but even though it hurts, please know and understand that you have some help!

God bless you, at the beginning of this week as you grow closer to God through your painful experiences, that you can realize how much he loves you!

The weight of waiting

Some year ago I had a personal trainer that I went to three times a week.  It was something that I somewhat enjoyed and yet there was so much pain involved.  Anyone that works out and lifts weights knows that there are days you don't want to go to the gym.  There are times when you trainer (if you have one) gets on your nerves that may cause you to say some words to them that are not found in the bible.

Its difficult at times to lift weights and keep pushing the weights off of your chest, legs or back in order to get desired results.  As I reflect on my grueling experience of having a personal trainer and lifting weights, I can't help but to also think about how waiting can feel like a weight!  Have you EVER had to wait on God????  Anyone who says that its easy to wait on God has either never waited on God...or is lying!  The bible tells us that the secret things belong to God.  Which means that you and I could think of 1000 different reasons why we are waiting and ALL of them could be wrong!  Is God trying to build your character?  Are you waiting because you are not ready to receive what he has for you?  Do you have to wait because of disobedience?

I do know that God is a God of timing.  As much as it sometimes may feel like it, I do not believe that God enjoys watching his children suffer.  I just don't believe that God sits in heaven laughing while you and I struggle through waiting for our jobs, our homes, our relationships, and our healing.  In fact there are many of you that are going to read this blog and while you are reading it you WILL be thinking of what you specifically are waiting on.

As one who has waited on God before, can I suggest to you some things that help, while you wait, so that it doesn't seem as much of a weight?

1. DO NOT hang around negative people! I truly believe that what you spend the most time around you end up emulating
2. Find bible texts that encourage you.  I great one is: Isaiah 40:28-31.  Go ahead and read that RIGHT NOW!  I know you could do other things to seemingly help you through the pressing weight.  I just know from my experience that reading the text really does help!
3. This one is real difficult: Go and be a blessing to someone. Get the focus off of yourself and go and be a blessing in the life of someone else.  Our blessing often comes in blessing someone else!
4. Exercise.  I know what your saying. I'm already sweating from waiting on God!!!  I don't feel like exerting more energy!  I have found, and others have told me as well, that exercising helps your positive attitude
5.  Lastly, while you are waiting: DON'T stop worshipping God.  When things get bad, you tend to walk away from the only person who can really help us: God!  I am not saying this is easy, because we feel like why should we sing, why should we pray, why should we fellowship with other believers when we feel that God hasn't done anything for us.  Well I hate to disrupt your thinking, but He has already done something.  You think its really bad?  It could be A LOT worse (His mercy and grace is whats keeping it from really going out of control).  Draw closer to God while you wait.

There are definitely more things a person could do while they wait, but I wanted to pass on these key things that I believe are essential and helpful!  Be blessed!

Preparation is Key

Those who have been following the blog know that I have been having more than a difficult time over the last three years.  Back and forth to the hospital.  In and out of doctors offices.  Taking medicine, too many to name, and just overall adjustments to life.  When you have a lot going on: physical pain, mental discouragement, and no immediate answers as to why what is happening is happening, its easy to throw pity parties and continually feel sorry for yourself.  I will admit that what I have gone through and what many of you may be going through now, can be an extremely lonely time in your life.  Regardless of what people see you look like they have no idea of the rough road that you have been traveling.  A smile can definitely say a thousands words...one of those words it could say is that: I'm smiling just to cover up the pain.

Feeling alone in your experience though, is not an altogether bad thing.  Remember, it was John's isolation that brought about his glorious revelation of Jesus Christ.  I really do believe that God can show you more by yourself than he can in a crowd.  As I claim healing for myself and am what I believe to be on the other side of my valley, I have learned that preparation is key.  There is so much that God wants to do in our lives that if we would be honest with ourselves...we are not really prepared for.  We are currently NOT prepared for many of the things that God wants to accomplish through us!  As much as we would like to believe we are...We are NOT ready for marriage, NOT ready for that job promotion, NOT currently prepared for the move...and what God is trying to do now, is prepare you!  Preparation is KEY!!!

If you are like me then you oftentimes don't like waiting.  However what God is trying to do in you, because of you...takes a process, it takes time.  So God works on your character so that when you get to the place that he wants you to be you have the character to keep you where the assignment of God is trying to take you.  It would be a terrible thing if we didn't have the character to keep us where God ultimately wanted us to be and in order for that to happen, it takes preparation.

I have learned in my world, in this season of illness, to not magnify the illness but magnify the preparation. In other words: God what do I need to learn during this season of my life?  What area in my character are you exactly working on?  What needs to be accomplished now that I can't accomplish later?

Don't worry about the pain...its just preparation!

Trayvon Martin

There is no way that I could let time pass without saying anything about this terrible situation that has happened.  We have all been watching, listening, and participating in what has become a tragic event  surrounding one young man and his family to people protesting all over the country about justice for this young man who was gunned down.  What is causing people to be extremely upset and irate is the fact that all Trayvon had in his hand was a can of Arizona Ice Tea and a bag of skittles, that the gunman, George Zimmerman felt was a threat enough to kill him.  Regardless of Zimmerman being told to stop following Trayvon and leave him alone he continued following this young man and later killed him for being a 'threat' to the community.  The nation is in an uproar, while wearing the gear of Trayvon Martin, a hoodie; because while Trayvon's family is planning a funeral, George Zimmerman has been allowed to seemingly walk away from this crime...FREE!!!  Are you serious?!?

What kind of world do we live in where you can now kill people just for looking like they are a threat?!?!?  What kind of world do we live in where you still get nasty looks and bullet wounds just for the color of one's skin??? Be honest with me for a moment...Soon after 9-11 happened, every time you saw an Arabic person, your thoughts turned to anger and annoyance because they had the appearance of a threat!

I'll be honest, as a pastor, who feels called to address and speak on social concerns will no doubt this week at church be in a hoodie while I preach!  Though there had been much discussion on what will wearing hoodies do, or information surrounding how Trayvon died is not really an issue for me.  The facts are clear that Zimmerman was told to STOP following Trayvon, and I would suggest that if he was obedient to police Trayvon would still be alive.  I do however want to post something that I find extremely shocking yet eye opening:

George Zimmerman, after his shooting was allowed to walk around like nothing happened.  Despite reports that he has feared for his life because of threats on his life, he still has his life.  I want to focus on the FACT that it was almost like he carried on like nothing happened...DESPITE his shooting and killing Trayvon Martin....BUT (and I know this is rough to compare) isn't that was God does for us?!??!  We do crazy crimes every day against God...and yet He allows us to go around like everything is fine.  His grace toward us is crazy isn't it?

I do however long for the day, when these situations won't happen.  When we all get to heaven and true justice will always be the rule of the day.  Be blessed!

Waiting

One of the most difficult things for us to do is wait on God.  Most of us are right now, waiting for God to do something specific in our lives.  I continue to wait for 100 percent healing in my body.  For some, you may be waiting for God to give you a much needed job.  Others may be waiting on him to bless you with a life partner in marriage.  Still others may be waiting on God to work out particular situations in your life that no one knows about but it definitely keeps you up at night!  We are all waiting on God for something...

If you are like me, especially because its something I feel every single day, you get frustrated, disappointed and wonder at times if God is even listening to your prayers.  If you are like me there are, if you are honest with yourself, times when you don't even feel like praying because you have been praying the same thing for so long and you haven't seen any desirable results from your prayers.  Its at this particular time that I have learned in my world that the Enemy loves to come and play the most mind tricks with you.  He will literally talk to you and say things like this:  God is lying to you.  You know its because of something that you did as to why God hasn't answered your request yet right?  You are not good enough for God to answer that prayer!  You should just stop praying and do something better with your time!  Anybody ever felt or heard these things?  They came from the devil!  I hate him and and now realizing more than ever that for many of us, we have listening to the devil for so long that we have forgotten what God has told us already:

They that wait on the Lord
He will renew their strength
They will mount up on wings as eagles
They will run and not be weary
They will walk and not faint

I'm not that young and I'm not that old, but I do know that God has never lied to me.  If he said it, I know that one day, and it could be just around the corner, that God WILL make good on His promise!  Besides, there's something that you learn about yourself while waiting on God.  You learn how far away from him you currently are.  When you wait it reveals how many of his promises you may not know, which allows the enemy to tell you something that God hasn't said.  Can I encourage you that while you, like me, wait on God to perform something in your life:  Find as many promises in His word as you can.  Memorize them, Read them back to yourself and Remember how powerful our God really is!!!  Thats what I've learned to do...In my world, in wash's world!

Inhale

A few years ago, I was pumping gas at a station on a chilly fall day.  I stayed outside of my car while I filled up my tank even though it was rather cold.  Just across from me there was a car with a lady who was filling up her car as well, but because of the chill she decided to wait inside while her tank was filling up.  While her tank was filling up I noticed something extremely sad but also interesting.  A young man, who appeared to be her son, was inside the car sitting in the passenger seat.  While he sat there, the lady proceeded to pull out a cigarrette and began to smoke.  I have probably seen it before, but this time I watched it with fresh eyes.  Here was a mother who was smoking with her son sitting there inhaling everything that she was putting out.  The windows were rolled up and there was no escape from him inhaling ALL of the nicotine that she blew out.  Whether or not he wanted to smoke didn't matter.  He was smoking, just because of his proximaty to his mother.  Because of how close he was sitting to her and the fact that there was no other ventilation, he was taking in everything.

While driving home, God gave me this revelation:  Wouldn't it be great, if I was so close to Jesus that I inhaled everything that He put out?!?!?  Every blessing, every miracle, every instruction, every direction that I needed to be absorbed in my life would be received because of how close I was to him!  What usually happens to most of us though is that we end up chocking and coughing terribly in life because we are inhaling the wrong people, places, and things.  We get so close to certain people that we inhale every bad habit that they give off.  We get extremely close to certain places (not for the sake of ministry lol) that the poor stench of remains on us for years!  We get too close to things that we wonder why is so hard to shake bad habits!

However the word is clear: By beholding we become changed!  Our behavior really reveals what we are inhaling!!!  Are you chocking your way through life?  Or do you breathe easy?  iNHALE Jesus today!

Jeremy Lin

I couldn't resist the urge to blog about the person who many people are talking about in the sports world...Jeremy Lin.  This guy can shoot, pass, dribble...He does it all!!!  Who would have thought that mid way into the NBA season for this year that we would be talking about this guy?  Last year he couldn't even get on the court.  He averaged just under 3 points a game last year with the Golden State Warriors but this year he is the starting point guard on the New York Knicks and is surpassing everyone's expectations of him.

He graduated from Harvard University, a school not noted for sports but for academics and almost slides his way into the dream of his lifetime...playing in the NBA!!!  With poise, grace, and a winning record he continues to WOW audiences, fans, coaches, and players who almost look forward to what will be the next thing he will surprise them with.

As I think about Jeremy Lin, I can't help but to think of the fact that last year nobody talked about him, but this year people can't stop talking about him!  What excites me about Jeremy Lin, is not his popularity...its his will to keep pushing to be better!  Most of us would be content with just being in the NBA, making a lot of money, and having people call your name.  Many of us would be fine with just having said that we got on the roster of a NBA team; but what I like about Jeremy Lin is that he is not content with staying where he is.

As believers we can NEVER get comfortable with where we are with God!  There is always more bible to ready, always more time that can be spent, always more prayer and communication that can be done...There is always something that we as believers can improve on!  Don't become satisfied with status quo living!  Don't get happy or satisfied with where you are!  Don't be ok with being in the same place this year that you were last year.  There should be something different in your game; improvement in your speed; and what most of us have a problem with...BEING MORE COACHABLE as a believer!

Lets improve!!!  Lets grow!!!

RSVP Believers

My apologies for not blogging in a while.  I have been investing most of my time trying to finish my book, and last week I actually finished so thank you for those who have been praying for my completion!

Before I begin today's blog, I want to place a disclaimer and say that this blog is specifically directed towards believers.  Its directed toward people who profess to believe in Jesus Christ and desire His presence in their lives.

That being said I wanted to reflect on some events that have happened in recent history.  This past weekend people all over the world started mourning the loss of an African-American and music icon: Whitley Houston.  With shock people took in the news on this past Saturday night, as reports were spread throughout the news, social media networks, text messages, and phone calls about her passing.  As you can remember, it was similar to what happened when another African-American and pop icon, Michael Jackson died.  Please, don't misunderstand me, I am not in any way minimizing their deaths.  Anytime ANYONE dies its another sign of how much of a punk the devil really is!

However this blog is directed toward believers, and I must say that I am a bit confused...While I was shocked to hear the news of the passing Whitney Houston as well; I was also a bit shocked at the response of most believers.  People were crying and giving commentary about how much she would be missed.  Believers, Followers of Jesus were, it appeared so overcome with every conceivable emotion.  As I stated before, I am not minimizing or disregarding her death at all, but this is directed toward believers: Why is it that we as believers can get more emotional about people who we don't personally know and yet we seldom get excited, emotional, or enthusiastic about Jesus who we claim to love so much!

Maybe thats why the world has rejected Jesus so much, His representatives are so poor!  Please understand that God's will is always accomplished, however aren't we oftentimes such poor representatives for him?!  We, as believers, will shout, scream, cry over celebrities that we've never met.  We will run around, cheer, and wear clothing, representing our favorite sports teams....AND yet  it seems that Christ seldom gets glory from our lives.

Many of us waiting up on Sunday night to watch the Grammy Award Show, a show that many of us haven't watched in years.  We waiting up and sat on the edge of our seats to see how they would pay tribute to our beloved Whitney Houston.   We went to sleep extremely disappointed as the tribute was, to us, not a good representative of her lifetime accomplishments.  We then, as believers, were upset at the seemingly demonic performance by Nikki Minaj.  We sat there saying to ourselves, what in the world is this?!?  But why wouldn't secular programs have a secular influence?  We shouldn't get mad at her.  My anger is with myself that my Holy Ghost influence isn't at most times as influential as her demonic one was.  When is the last time that people talked for weeks about the performance of God in your life!  Will the real believers please stand up...RSVP!

Encouragement

I have learned in my world that EVERYONE goes through low moments of despair.  Sometimes there are things we go through that we would have never dreamed that we would experience.  For some of you, our lives have been so difficult that they would pay you to make a movie out of your life story.  It doesn't matter who we are or where we were born; anyone who is alive has gone through at least one thing that causes you to question things, cry much, or drop to your knees in prayer.

As I've talked about in earlier blogs, one of the things that really helps in our moments of despair is when we surround ourselves with people who we know have encouraging spirits.  There are far too many of us who actually begin enjoying our moments of despair and will invite thousands of people to our pity party because we don't have people in our lives who encourage us.  One of the things that has been rather difficult for me when I was at my lowest points of health was hearing people who really knew how to encourage me.  There are times when we definitely have to do like David and encourage ourselves in the Lord; but there are other times when we find ourselves in a garden of gethsemane and look for people who can just pray for one hour!

I encourage anyone who is reading this blog right now to make sure that you have in your life right now at least ONE person who will do the following:

1. Who will NOT co-sign on your mess.  Don't crowd yourself around people who keep you where you are.  Stay away from people who tell you that its okay to stay stuck on stupid and parked on crazy.

2. Who will be honest with you about who you are.  Don't accept people's lies about yourself.  Don't tell me stuff that will allow me to stay beneath my potential

3. Who love you unconditionally.  Oftentimes relationships are based on ifs. Some of the people in your life are only there because of something, and if that something wasn't there neither would they be.

4. Who know how to encourage you. We all hit low moments and need people to speak peace and a Word from God into our lives

Lost

I had the privilege this week to go to New York, NY and visit in Manhattan.  It was great catching up with good friends and seeing sights and watching a play and just enjoying each other's company.  Its been a while since I experienced New York traffic (which is like none other) and so I was cautious when driving around in the city.

While leaving the city in the evening I had an unexpected revelation from God that I wanted to share.  As I was pulling out, I had my gps out and ready to show me how to get out of the city.  Traffic wasn't too bad as it was around 10p.  As I was driving out of the city though, for some reason the gps was not giving me proper directions.  Even when I thought it was showing me the correct way to go, I ended up in another area trying to find my way out of there.  I would circle around and then hear on my gps what we all hear from a gps when we have made wrong turns: "recalculating".  I was hearing that a little too much on this night!  I finally pulled off to the side, but because of traffic and some cars not moving I found my way still basically in the middle of the street, but because I didn't know where I was going I said to myself: "I'm not going anywhere until I know where I am going".  Despite the constant honking of horns (for some reason the horns in NY seems so much louder...lol), the hand and verbal gestures and even police cars telling me to move on; I told myself that I wasn't moving until I knew I was going to be headed in the right direction.  What's the use of going around in circles, burning up unnecessary gas, and getting more and more frustrated...when I don't have a clue where I'm going.

I was able to finally get my bearings and gps got on track and I found myself on the correct way home.  God taught me an extremely valuable lesson through this.  Most of us are going around in circles in life, frustrated on our jobs, fed up in our relationships, and are oftentimes very moody people because we are literally LOST and don't have a clue what we are doing or where we are going!  Do you often always find fault with everyone else but yourself?  Do you spend a lot of time critiquing other people's lives and how they are living them?  Do you often get frustrated in your position in life and know that you are smarter than your current bank account?  Be honest with yourself today and understand and realize that you may actually be lost...Lost in your purpose and direction in life and what you were actually created for.

I want to encourage you today, and let you know that its okay if you are lost, because if you feel that you are lost today, recognizing you are lost is a great step in finding out how you can get on the right track!!! What most of us have to understand though is that you can't get on track constantly hanging out with people who are lost and off track as well.  Get in His word, Listen to His Spirit, and allow Him to show you what the next move is.  Pull over, take some time, get refocused...and allow Jesus to get you in Purpose!  God bless you as you get where you need to be in God!

Hearing from God

Today's blog post is going to be extremely short.  Just recently I have gone back to church since being away since October because of my health.  When I woke up this morning, in a very intimate way, God asked me a simple question: "Have we talked today?"

I was about to plan out my day, week, and then look at some other things, and God said to me (and I know you have heard him say the same thing to you): "Unless we have talked, all of your activities, plans, and appointments are not going to mean anything!"

Its interesting how many of us make plans and think about how we want to do things, but if you are in relationship with God, the most important thing that you could ever experience is to experience God speaking to you.  Whether through his word, an impression, a Godly person, or you hear him audibly...Its a wonderful and amazing thing when God speaks to his children, because unless He says something to you....what are you really doing, where are you really going?!?!?

Have you heard from God today?

Do you need stronger faith?

I have realized that there are many people who struggle with exercising their faith.  People who have been in church for years; holding leadership positions in ministry for years, and sing in groups and choirs about faith for years....BUT struggle with exercising faith.  I'm still in study about it fully but I think part of the issue is that as much as we would like to believe we do, we don't know God like we think we do; and our ignorance of God keeps us from placing so much trust in Him.  I do know though, that for everyone we all have different reasons as to what is keeping us from trusting God with our finances, with our relationships, with our lives...
Be honest today, whats really keeping you from trusting God?

So, I thought today about helping some people out based on what I have learned in my world.  I want to give some tips on how to have more faith in God.  These are not exhaustive AND trust me, I don't profess to be any type of guru with exercising my faith...LOL (God's still working on me!).  However I do believe that my faith is definitely stronger based on things I have experienced that I can pass on to others.

So here it is...How to strengthen your faith:

1. Read God's word.  How will you know what God has promised you if you don't know what he has said?  There are MANY of us who expect things from God that he hasn't said, and don't expect things from God that he has said.  So, find out for yourself what you can expect from God by reading what he has said.  I have learned that on the days when you don't feel like reading, just stay in the habit of reading something.  Get in the practice of hearing what God has said on a regular basis.  I can't stress this point enough, it is key to strengthening your faith.

2. STAY AWAY from faithless people. I have learned that it helps when you are around people who speak faith.  Many times, God will only give you a word, not your entire group of people that you hang out with, and when you speak what God has said it can sometimes be met with much misunderstanding or even jealousy from people who are both family and friends.  However when you need to exercise your faith you don't have room for people who are not in agreement with what God has said.  This is extremely crucial because I have learned for many of us, that people can talk us out of a promise!

3. Don't run from moments of pressure.  This is extremely hard but it helps!  Most medicine doesn't taste or feel good but...its ultimately good for you.  For most of us, as soon as we see trouble coming we run!  Anyone who works out regularly in the gym knows that in order to gain muscle and take away fat, you have to sweat.  The workouts aren't fun and at times you want to give up, but when you start looking in the mirror and seeing improvements...when you try on clothes that you were about to give away because you couldn't fit them and realize that you can wear it again; you realize that pain has a purpose!!!  Allow the times when you want to give up and run be used and times to push, to sweat, to exercise your faith!


God bless you today as you become stronger in Him!

Get Close!!!

I have at many times wondered to myself: "Do I often keep my distance from God because I am scared of what He wants to tell me about myself?"  Am I afraid that He is going to tell me to stop hanging out with certain people, doing certain things I love that I don't think is a problem for me?  Am I worried that I will have to do something that I really don't want to do?  What is keep me or maybe you for that matter away from drawing close to God?  If you are reading this, you could be honest in saying that you have at certain points and times in your life been in a place where you just felt SUPER close to God!  You were reading your word, fellowshipping with other believers, sharing your faith...You just felt that you were really close to God!

However (somebody say however), there have also been times when you can admit that you have felt far from God!  Maybe you feel far from Him now...You have felt in your life when your decision making was ALL WRONG!  Your finances were a mess, your relationships were pointless, and your life was meaningless.  When you compare the two, even though sin does have as the bible says, pleasure for a season, you would have to admit that its far better being closer to God!

I have found in my life that one of the reasons I tend to stay away from God is when there are things in my life that I am doing or thinking that do not line up with His word.  I already know I should forgive that person, I know I should not be mean-spirited, I know that I should not be cussing ( I know its cursing, but those who do really cuss, know that its CUSS not CURSE..lol); but oftentimes I allow my comfortability of where I am to outshine where I should be in God.  We will often let this ride to the point where its okay to be away from God.  Yet when there is no known sin in your life, and you are abiding in His word...You literally are rushing to wake up because you can't wait to see what God is going to reveal to you next.  He wants to take you from faith to another level of faith and from glory to another level of glory.

So what are you waiting for? You are scared because there is sin in your life?!?!  So what!  Let God worry about your issues...You focus on just getting close to Him.  Besides...if you could fix yourself, wouldn't you have done it already?  God bless you as you get close!!!

Its Always Time

January is usually a month when most people make resolutions to do different things for the new year.  Its a time when people who are in school, return after the holiday break and those who have traveled because of the break return to their normal routine.  However many people use this month to make decisions that they hope will carry them through the rest of the year: spend more time with God, better eating and exercise, more time with family, and so on and so forth.  Some suggest that the book of Genesis is the most widely read book of the bible because so many begin the year trying once again to read the bible through in a year and yet by February we usually sink back into our former routine of things, only waiting until the next January to do it all over again.

I was however thinking of the fact that there is no 'clock' in heaven.  God is not constrained by time, yet he is so powerful and loving that he dips down in our 'am and pm' schedules just to bless us!  I was thinking as we have just started a new year, what "January" really means to God?  The reality is that it is ALWAYS time to do for God!  I wonder often if I am sometimes reluctant to get close to God because I am scarred about what He will reveal about me?  It seems that we, all too often, wait for the right moment, or the right circumstance or environment to do certain things.  We won't start exercising until we have a workout partner.  We will wait eat right as soon as this week is over.  We won't share our faith with anyone if other people are looking and for some of us, we will stay in an unhealthy relationship until...( You are still in...GET OUT NOW!!!)

Yet because God is not boxed in by time, its always time to do for him.  I have learned in my world that time is too short.  We really don't have time to be stuck on stupid and parked on crazy!  You could have died in 2011...still talking about what you would have done, or should have done or in most cases should have stopped doing.  Stop waiting, stop wondering....just do it, because its always time!