Christmases Don't Just Happen

There are certain things you just come to expect at Christmas. Stockings hung on real and imagined fireplaces. Presents neatly wrapped and heaped underneath an adorned tree. The lights, the decorations, the music, but I think it is the smell of Christmas that seduces me into my love affair with the season. The combination of fresh cut pines and pumpkin spice candles produce a heavenly aroma. Still, nothing smells quite like Christmas as grandma`s kitchen. If southerners had their own version of The Twelve days of Christmas, there would be eight maids a baking...five pecan pies. Everyone wants Christmas to look just right, sound just right, smell just right, and feel just right. As any seasoned celebrator can tell you, Christmases don't just happen. Presents don't wrap themselves and homemade red velvet cake doesn't apply it's own cream cheese icing. A tremendous amount of preparation and planning goes in marrying our old family traditions to our new ones. It's truly a magical thing to tie our past to a vision of the future.  It`s a tiny symbol of the same sort of plan our Heavenly Father had that first Christmas so long ago. 

This year, like so many of the past, many will break open their bibles to read Luke chapter two or Matthew Chapter one and tell the story of the first Christmas. It is a story I hold dear to my heart and one I love to share. I only wish, for once at Christmas, we would tell the story from where it began.

The essence and mission of Christmas does not begin in Matthew chapter one. The beginning won`t be found in Luke chapter two. If you want the Christmas story, as told from it's beginning, read John chapter 1: 1-17.  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.   There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe.
 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.
He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.   The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.   (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ ”) Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. Verse nine ties this passage to the Christmas story, telling how the true light, Jesus, was coming into the world. You see, Christ took one foot off the throne in heaven and stepped onto a mission field. A mission, to save us.  It is a mission He has commanded us to be a part of.
In Matthew Chapter 28: 19-20 Jesus said this Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
These words convince me of 4 THINGS.
1. HE IS COMMANDING THE CHURCH, BECAUSE THE TASK WAS TOO LARGE FOR THE DISCIPLES AND HE KNEW THEY COULD NOT FINISH IT.

2. THE CHURCH`S MISSION IS TO BE OBEDIENT  and to TEACH OBEDIENCE to Christ.  The great commission, is a great commandment, not a great suggestion.

3. WE CAN`T BE OBEDIENT, UNLESS WE TAKE THE GOSPEL GLOBAL. THE GOSPEL IS A UNIVERSAL MESSAGE FOR ALL PEOPLE. HE TELLS US TO Go To all nations. Two thirds of God's name is Go!

4. GOD IS WITH US. It's the essence of Christmas.  We remember every Christmas season, ISAIAH CALLED Jesus IMMANUEL which means  ``God with us" 

When God is with us,

it's sort of like showing up at the Christmas party and all the work has already been done. All you have to remember is the time. Consider these words from the prophet Isaiah. 46.9-11.ESV remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me,   declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’   calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it

 These verses illustrate, the plan of God involves not only the calling of man, but also the minute details of nature.  Since, even the birds have a role to play in God`s plan. The only part that God has asked us to do is to remember who He is. If we can do that, He has promised to do the rest.

There is another misconception about Christmas. Christmas began when Christ entered our world that is a celebration that doesn`t just come and go with a season. It is an owngoing celebration to those of us that belong to Him. From our point of view the story isn`t finished, yet. So, what part will you play in the Christmas story. Will you bow before the Christ? Will obey Him, and help spread the story to all nations? Come let us adore Him, and let us remember, Christmases don`t just happen.

The Broken Vessel: Are You Ready For Christmas?

The Broken Vessel: Are You Ready For Christmas?

The Broken Vessel: 7 Things I Learned Praying for ISIS.

The Broken Vessel: 7 Things I Learned Praying for ISIS.

7 Things I Learned Praying for ISIS.

When I was kid, my grandmother read to me often. Tales of witches and dragons never caused me any nightmares. Maybe it was because the heroes always win in those stories. Of all the stories she ever read, the only nightmares I ever had came from the story of  "The Three Little Pigs". Depending which version you read, the pigs suffer tragedy and loss before their victory. Through the years, I've lost count of how many dreams where the Big Bad Wolf, with flaming eyes, has been outside my bedroom window, trying to get me to let him in. I'm well into my forties, and still, occasionally, he shows up. Lately, he's been showing up in a new place. In a reality where I am wide awake. It's a real nightmare. It's as if, ISIS is saying, "open the door and let me in." Yet somehow, in this world of ultra tolerance for the bazaar and insane, anyone who replies, "not by the hair on my chinny chin chin" is a racist discriminator of religion. Go figure.
 Despite how you might feel about the Syrian refugees, you'd have to be naive to think there isn't wolves in sheep's clothing among them. Americans, including Christ followers and especially the politicians, as with many other issues, are divided. "Christ has told us a house divided will not stand." As a follower of Christ, I've never struggled so much with how to respond to a situation in my life. How do we do what is commanded by scripture in this case? Clearly, we not only have a responsibility mandated throughout scripture to protect our homes, families, and friends, but also have been commanded to love our enemies,and to live sacrificially and fearlessly. Giving to those in need is certainly required. I've been torn between the two concepts for awhile, prayerfully seeking wisdom to give me peace. Searching the scripture and praying, so as to, not trust my personal feelings to draw a simple conclusion, has been a daunting task. Those times in prayer and scripture, I have been reminded of the simple order of my allegiances. My obedience and obligation lies in order to God, spouse, family, church, community, state, nation, and world. Here's what I've discovered so far.

1. Loving the enemy means praying for them. Even from Christians, there hasn't been much of a call for prayer for ISIS or the refugees. It's important to remember the population of Syria is about 10% Christian. Our brothers and sisters are among the refugees . The Bible tells us to pray for our brothers and our enemies. It won't cost us anything to pray. Pray for their salvation, and our protection.

2. I don't have to separate logic from a spiritual decision. God is the inventor of common sense. It tells me so in Proverbs 2:6. I won't pretend otherwise. Sure, sometimes the Holy Spirit asks us to do what seems crazy to us. That doesn't mean everything He asks us to do should seem like suicide. I can share my resources, but not to the point that I've divided them so thin I, along with those I'm trying to help, perish. In order to help, I must preserve myself. Loving all people makes me find creative ways to help from safe distances whenever possible. There are better ways to help without opening our borders.

3. Never forget what sacrifice is. Never forget what sacrifice does. Every call for self-sacrifice by God's followers has been for the salvation of others, mostly in conjunction with destroying the enemy. Even His own sacrifice. Still, He did so willingly. I believe the litmus test for self-sacrifice is the preservation of life for others by a willing participant. Otherwise, it maybe martyrdom but not self-sacrifice. In the case of our nation, it would mostly be neither. Rarely, if ever, does God ask us to gamble with other people's lives, and or souls. This scenario puts the lives of both parties at risk. I am unaware of any place where God included the unwilling in sacrifice. Likewise, we shouldn't expect those who are unwilling to take in refugees to do so. In weighing the possibilities, our decision should be made by how we can best positively impact all parties. Relocating Syrians to areas with similar culture would best serve and protect the majority.

4. We should not let those without a connection to Christ, being used by Satan, to lecture us on the merits of Christian charity. Here's why: 2Timothy3 1-7" But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth." It's tragically funny, those who have made every decision, based on logic, now suggest we aren't following scripture. Making cautious decisions, to preserve as much life as possible and to avoid conflict, is Christ like.

5. Be true to the teachings and example of Christ. All of it. Christ is so compassionate and forgiving, we sometimes forget, He called His enemies a bunch of snakes. He told His disciples to be "shrewd". Defining enemies as those who are not with Him, Jesus plainly points them out. Moreover, He instructed disciples to value a weapon above clothing. (Luke 22:36) Clearly, a weapon can be used by a Christ follower for noble purposes. Don't forget Jesus ran people from His Father's house. It leaves me little doubt I shouldn't do the same. Don't disconnect from Christian charity but be shrewd.

6. Neither view things optimistically or pessimistically. Be realistic in whatever situation you find yourself in. Ask yourself, what is our best chance for reaching the most lost people already here? Adding an extra 100,000 lost people here will make the task much more difficult. However, if the Church finds itself in that circumstance, we will have an incredible opportunity.

 7. God is in control. I'm trusting not in my ability to build a house of bricks the Big Bad Wolf can't blow in. I stand on a foundation built upon God's promises of a grace I can fall back on. His word will be my lamp, His hand will be my guide. He will cause what comes to work out for our good. Come what may, I will not be afraid.

If you have struggled, with the complexity of this issue, I hope this will give you peace in rejecting a threat. Just to be clear,  we must always be ready to listen individually to the Holy Spirit. I expect there will be exceptions where God will intervene.  I'd never claim we should stay inside of our comfort zone to serve God. I only ask, are you trusting God? Or just your feelings? I hope you join me in praying for ISIS and the refugees as well as for the protection of our nation.

7 Ways To Beat Fear

To date, the scariest thing I've faced since battling cancer has been the dreaded post op follow up. Imagine the relief I felt when my first post treatment MRI came back clear. The bible teaches us to not be anxious over anything. It also teaches us not to lie. I'd be lying if I said this Dr. visit wasn't a source of more than a little anxiety for me. When I'm scared, I do the things you'd expect from a Christ follower. I talk to brothers and sisters in the faith, read the word, meditate on scripture, and focus on things eternal.  I think Jesus and myself have handled the whole Big Bad Brain Tumor pretty well so far.  Still, there have been times where I felt as though I were hiding behind a mask.  At times, I have, if only briefly, faked the whole "brave" thing for my family, friends, and for myself. It seems, battling demons with pen and paper is quite easier than dueling the devil in person. 

Fear, the most primal of all emotions, ironically, is an instinct designed to prevent what we really fear the most. Pain. Sometimes, pain is brought on by another thing many fear, the truth. The truth that whatever fears we succumb to defines us. Physically speaking, fears might prolong your life, while simultaneously preventing you from living abundantly, spiritually.  The spiritual fears we succumb to are the boundary lines where our faith stops. The entertainment industry has made billions on our addiction to fear while derailing truth.  Convincing the populace of a huge lies, such as, evil isn't attractive.  Instilling notions that demons aren't real, but if they were, they could be defeated by superstitious rituals.  Teaching salvation from evil can be obtained from accessing the goodness inside us. I find it strange some actually enjoy being made afraid by make believe while they avoid facing their real fears. Wondering why, in a world filled with suffering, some have convinced themselves of a reality where monsters do not exist. I've tolerated Halloweens year after year, perplexed over the delight some find in being made afraid. While, almost no one wants to talk about the truly scary things. Things like disease, death, heaven, hell, and of course, God's judgment, often create silence. Until fate, destiny, or divine providence forces you to face the music.

Each of us have our own unique fears. God's people have an arsenal against fear found in his word. 

Here's 7 weapons He has given us against fear.

Fear itself. Fear is the first tool God uses.  Since FDR uttered the famous words "we have nothing to fear but fear itself", America has been forgetting how to fear God. He uses fear not only to keep use physically safe but to keep us spiritually safe. Jesus said in Mathew 10:28 " And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell" The bible teaches us over 40 times to fear God. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."

 Proverbs 9:10

Fear in God is the first step in overcoming all other fears.  Embrace the fear of The Lord.

Belief: apparently a little bit of this goes a long way. According to Jesus, faith in the amount of a mustard seed can move mountains. It is also the prescription  for fear. But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” Mark 5:36

Trust: it goes one step beyond belief in the capabilities to change things. It allows for acceptance with the way things are. It requires knowing God is good, has a plan, and is always right.

When I am afraid,

I put my trust in you.

In God, whose word I praise,

in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.

What can flesh do to me?  Psalm 56:3-4

Praise: is a weapon against fear. I believe it is impossible to overcome true fear without praising God. Consider the words of David

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,

my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,

my shield, and the horn of my salvation,

my stronghold and my refuge,

my savior; you save me from violence. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. 

Praise God, our enemies hates it.

Service: most of us had an early healthy fear of darkness. So much so, that we associate darkness with fear and vice versa. You probably never thought of service as a weapon against darkness .  The bible teaches service creates light  if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. Isaiah 58:10. 

Power: so often we forget the power that created the universe lives inside us. 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us: for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.  God gives us power to control and overcome our fears.

Love: causes us to do strange and wonderful things. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because he first loved us. It was love that caused Jesus to leave heaven for us, die for us, and give us the tools to live boldly.

Life is too short to live in fear.

The epitome of someone living in fear is a person unwilling to connect to a creator willing to sacrifice himself for us. It makes you wonder what are they afraid of?

5 Ways Heaven will be like a High School Reunion

Recently, I attended my 25th high school reunion. To be blunt, I had a blast.  I would imagine, it wasn't unlike the typical high school reunion for small towns. Everybody knows everybody. Not to sound cliché, but the more things change, the more they stay the same. If you tried hard enough , I guess you could find something wrong with it. The food was good but it wasn't fantastic. It wasn't a spectacular venue. I'm told we didn't have the budget for the Taj Mahal. It was less than perfect. Not the sort of atmosphere where you would expect to catch a glimpse of heaven. But, like so many spiritual lessons, God's truth parallels much of our everyday lives. Here's some ways heaven will be like our high school reunion.

There's a lot of planning involved: These things don't just happen. Every celebration event involves a great deal of planning. It is where the guest list starts. The celebration in heaven won't be an exception. The banquet in heaven was planned from the foundation of the world.

A sacrifice must take place to accomplish the setting: At most high school reunions,  people get to attend an event that most put no effort into creating. Don't overlook this. Someone sacrificed their time and energy for your benefit. Even though, you didn't ask them. Likewise, Jesus has sacrificed everything so we can come to Him.

Everybody was invited, but only a few come: Only 20% of our original class showed up. I bet that's about normal. The 80- 20 rule works in about everything. I hope Jesus does better with his party. The word is it will be "few". For just a moment at the reunion, I was kinda sad. I wanted to see some people I hadn't seen in awhile. That  didn't prevent us from having a great time. To be clear, there will be no sadness in heaven. So, I probably won't know if you don't make it, but indulge me the similes. At the reunion, people I thought wouldn't make it came while others I was sure would be there, were not.  I bet heaven will be the same.

Excuses will be made for missing it : Life has to take precedence over a reunion. There were some legitimate reasons for not making them. I get that. Still, let's be honest, some people just don't want to be there. Pick any excuse you want. If you'd like, you can double down with them for not attending church as well.  Does this sound like them? " There will be hypocrites and fake people there." "I don't make enough money". "I don't have the time." "I need my rest". My personal favorite is" I haven't forgiven so and so for what they did to me." That one could keep you away from a reunion and out heaven. We don't force people we love to spend time with us. Neither will Jesus. He will let you miss heaven if you want to.

If you want to attend, you need to RSVP: You can't just show up to a reunion. Preparations need to be made to accommodate you. Simply put, you'll have to respond to the invitation. Heaven's RSVP is done in the form of rebirth. It comes  through repentance and confession of a faith in Jesus Christ. There's no other way to attend the grand celebration. You coming? 

Little Things Learned

A year ago today, I underwent brain surgery and was diagnosed with a rare cancer. It's an odd blessing, a brain tumor. Here's some of the year's revelations and lessons.

People will surprise you. You'll never know how caring or how inconsiderate some can be until you are sick. I promise you'll cry tears of joy and sorrow.

Miracles still happen. Too many to count. Here is the top two. A tumor they said was too close to the carotid artery to resect is a 100% gone. Our financial needs were met miraculously. Praise God.

God will send you. Sometimes, where you don't want to go. I would never have went to Boston except for this tumor. There were people who were saved and lives changed because of it. I'm still humbled by that.

Make God sized Goals. The Broken Vessel has had 10,000 or so page views in the past 12 months.  My testimony of Christ has been shared in 25 nations so far. Speaking has been the icing on the cake. God makes BIG deals out of simple obedience.

Expect God sized test if you make God sized goals. Expect Satan to show up. Praise God for every obstacle he brings. Read Romans 8:28 for why.

Pray Big Prayers. The way God may answer them might be overwhelming. It might scare you half to death. But it will be worth it.

The Secret Weapon

Pardon the pun, but a year ago, I spent this week wrapping my mind around a brain tumor. First, they said it wasn't cancer. Then, they said it was. Since those days, the only certainty has been uncertainty. 

Few things in life are certain. For the most part, what we call a sure thing is just an illusion. What it really is, is a life most of us take for granted. 

I spent most of this year slaying the invisible monsters and battling the one I can see in the mirror. Cancer is a  disease certain to challenge your faith over and over. You might eradicate it from your body but it will plague you in the constructs of your mind. Satan will attempt to torment a soul in this life, even if can't in the next. Just ask Job. This week, I make an appointment for another MRI to see if the tumor has regrown. Last year they couldn't find any trace post surgery.  Praise God! In spite of that great blessing I've been given, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little anxious.  It's a new spiritual battle I face everyday.  Like all spiritual battles, it's  one I can learn from and one I'll be victorious in, through Christ.

The monsters aren't the only thing invisible. There are battle scars you just can't see. No one can tell by looking, I've had brain surgery. Yet, I can assure you the scars are there, on the inside. They are still a source of pain, despite the fact that you can't see them. Reminding me, we can't see the scars on people's hearts. Especially those camouflaged with smiles and wit or the ones heavily armored with rudeness and indifference. Constantly now, God reminds me we were made from the dirt and I was always broken. Even before the revelation of this disease.

 Besides the spiritual armor discribed in Ephesians 6, Christ followers have a secret weapon to deploy in spiritual battle.

It's a weapon of mass construction. The only solution I've found. Praise. Thanking God in all circumstances. Praise reminds us of not only who is our Father, but also, who our Father is. Our creator, sustainer, defender, and redeemer. Our friend.

The enemy can't stand it. Can't stand for it. Can't stand up to it. Can't stand around it. 

Jeremiah 17:14 says"Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise."

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says

give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you 

Praise changes everything. Praise leads to service. Service is just praise on steroids .

If you are in any spiritual battle , I encourage you to share them. Don't battle alone. Let's praise Him!! And serve Him!!! What are someways we can serve Him together?

Why God Doesn`t Have Grandchildren.

A while back, my girls and I attended a real Indian pauwau. Amid the festivities, one of the chiefs offered beautiful words of prayer to a creator deity they refer to as Grandfather.

During the prayer, my youngest daughter tugged on my hand and found my eyes open. In a confused little whisper, she asked "do we pray ?" "No," I whispered back," God's our Father not our grandfather.

Some might find this trivial. Others might

consider it dogmatic. I guess, God could be mistook for a grandfather. Especially by those of us, who visualize God as, some benevolent old guy who stays out of the way. For sure, too many of us have reduced our visits with God to brief encounters over the weekend. Sort of like spending the weekend with grandpa. I mean, you got to maintain somewhat of a relationship to get the good stuff at Christmas, right?

 To be clear, it is not my intention to split hairs or to slay some invisible dragon. Neither is my intention to insult Native American traditions. My intention is to kill a wolf in sheep's clothing, a heresy, disguised as multiculturalism.While the world embraces multiculturalism, we must remember God did not create the various cultures, man did. Lord knows, I aint trying to deliver a southern fried version of the gospel, neither y`all.  Multicultural ideas are bound to find their way into Christianity. It's not some mysterious phenomenon. Since Jesus created all of mankind, He resonates with men from all cultures. It's why Christianity is able to cross borders and appeal to even those belonging to other faiths. As platonic as some multiculturalism seems, if the ideas are contray to biblical teaching, they must be rejected. 

Here's why it matters. Satan's methods are subtle. Left to our own imaginations, we will invent our version of God. I found this quote from C. S. Lewis researching for this blog.

“What would really satisfy us would be a God who said of anything we happened to like doing, ‘What does it matter so long as they are contented?’ We want, in fact, not so much a Father in Heaven as a grandfather in heaven — a senile benevolence who, as they say, ‘liked to see young people enjoying themselves,’ and whose plan for the universe was simply that it might be truly said at the end of each day, ‘a good time was had by all.’”

— "The Problem of Pain"

The concept of a grandfather god leaves us with either another god, which is idolatry, or an absentee father. An absent father is either dead or has abandoned us. Those are ideas Satan would love to convince us of.  God chooses His children and the heirs to His kingdom. Unlike grandparents, it's  the exclusive right of a parent to choose the creation and number of their children.   Ephesians 1:4-5 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will. Fathers have a responsibility to meet the needs of dependant children. A tasked not assigned to grandparents. For example, grandfathers are not expected to discipline children in the way a father should. Make no mistake, our Father loves us and will discipline us. Hebrews 12:6 tells us because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son." By taking on the roll of Father, God has agreed to meet our needs and began an exclusive relationship with us.

Christ paid the ultimate price for us so that we might be called the sons and daughters of God. We are children because of His will and called to a holy inheritance. It is so important to realize we cannot create relatives for our Heavenly Father by procreating. Our children are not automatic heirs to our Father's kingdom. They too, must be adopted like all our brothers and sisters. Make sure your children know they must have an exclusive relationship with a Heavenly Father, because God has no grandchildren.

Karen DeAngelo Another Broken Vessel

Testimonies are one of the weapons we use to combat the enemy. When we testify, we join the supernatural power God has displayed throughout our lives with the natural world in the present moment.  The bible says "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death." Rev 12:11

After salvation, our greatest weapon against our enemy is our testimonies. One of the most inspiring testimonies belongs to Karen Miller DeAngelo. She's another broken vessel pouring out the living water of Christ.  She's definitely done battle with the enemy and continues to be a warrior for the kingdom of God. Her telling of her story influenced me to tell my own. It's my hope she might influence you to tell yours.

I consider Karen Miller DeAngelo, a close friend. There's nothing odd about me being friends with the outspoken wife of a pastor. Except, we've never met. In fact, I've never even heard the sound of her voice. Yet, I know intimate details of her amazing life.

I met Karen's daughter, and would be son-in- law in South Africa in 2008. I fell in love with them. After hearing part of Karen's story, upon returning to the states, I reached out to her via the internet. I began reading her blogs and was hooked. Thanks to the age of social media, Karen and I have cultivated our common interests into a friendship through Facebook since August 2009. 

During my fight with cancer, Karen was as  very supportive. She and her church  lifted my name to the father.

I just finished Karen's autobiography, Yellow Fields of Grace, published this  year by Tate. It's a hilarious tale with an inspiring testimony, heart breaking struggles, bold confessions, and victory in Jesus. One that will have you cheering for her and Christ. Karen's story is one of triumph over tragedy that you won't want to miss. You'll laugh and cry as you get to know her as well as I do.

About that Flag. Thoughts From A Southern Christian

   I've never thought of the Confederate flag is a symbol of hate and racism. My father is a history buff . He taught us early on there was a rosey version of American history taught in the classroom and then there was the truth. He never candy coated any history to make it easier to swallow his point of view. He taught me,  in most conflicts blame lies on both sides. That flag, to him and many of us, is our heritage. Still, as I explained to my daughter of twelve, I've never been dragged from my home and beaten by people waving that flag.

No matter how true or beautiful a picture heritage paints it can't erase those kind of memories etched into the minds of the victims. I've struggled with how a Christ follower should respond to this controversy. I'm still struggling. Some think a Christ follower has more a responsibility to be kind than to be right. I believe we can and should be both. Jesus said " blessed are the peacemakers". There's no getting around that. Peacemakers are what we should be. Peace is built on the truth. If we aren't sure about what is right, we should at least be honest about how we feel and what we do know.  Here's some honesty in things I can and cannot reconcile. 

It's not the flag coming down but what came down with the flag that troubles me. Even though I think the photo of a police officer in confederate boxers dishonors it, I can't help but be concerned. This guy 's first amendment rights seem to be infringed. The first amendment is a right trumping political correctness. The rationalization used to remove the Confederate flag could be used against the American flag and national monuments. I believe a more extreme application of this rational

will eventually call for the removal of crosses from churches. 

Some of the wisest words a dear pastor friend ever said were "there are no political solutions to spiritual problems". Politics rarely breeds peacemakers but it does well with hypocrisy. If symbols of injustice should be absent in America, why was the Chinese flag raised at the White House in 2009 and in Washington state this April? Remember Tiananmen Square? 

 In perhaps the most unified moment in history of our state, politicians managed to divide people. For political gain. Sadly, that division has even made it's way into some churches. Especially Perry Noble's Church.  Click here for the story. For the record, I disagree with Noble's take on the reason for the War of Northern Aggression was fought. I believe the war like most wars was fought over greed. However, I'm inspired enough by his confession of racism to look over his naive view of history.  Don't let satan use your southern pride, or your support of removing the flag, to divide your church. Jesus said "a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand." There are true believers on both sides of this thing. Don't roll up this controversy into God's sleeve.

Paul taught us to keep our eye on the prize and to press forward. I see the flag controversy as a distraction to more pressing issues the enemy would love the church to ignore. People are lost. People are hurting. God's people are his flag.

Zechariah 9:16 (NKJV)

The Lord their God will save them in that day, As the flock of His people. For they shall be like the jewels of a crown, Lifted like a banner over His land.

 

The flag is down and God is going to cause that to work for the good of his people. Romans 8:28 says so. God never fails to keep any of His promises. He's proved this one over and over in my life. I've no doubt he will prove it  to every believer. My hopes are healing will come through this.

 Here's what I do know.  God loves us even though we get things wrong. Our opinions about the flag may or may not be right, but we can respond correctly. We can respect other opinions. We can love people we disagree with. The bible teaches we don't have to have our way in personal grievences. Check Out 1 Corithians 6:7. Symbols change. We know nothing worldly last forever. Once the cross was a symbol of death. Christ made it a symbol of eternal life . That's what He does. He change things. There's a few flags I hold dear to my heart but His banner over me is love. Is that the flag flying over your heart? Christianity is a major part of not only the South but our nation's heritage. Are you as passionate in waving that flag? The only heritage that last forever is one found in Christ. 

What I Have in Commom With Bruce Jenner

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, right and wrong still existed. Normal was king. Well, it wasn't so long ago. In 1977,  Star Wars debuted and the athlete formerly known as Bruce was on the Wheaties box. Crazy fantasies used to be expressed on screen. Now, they take on reality. Or at least, the cover of Vanity Fair. Today, nothing can be wrong unless it's right. It's a warning sign from the word's of Isaiah 5:20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Those who dare celebrate Bruce Jenner's decision are doing just that .
 People used to say, "have you had your Wheaties, yet?" If you answer, " yes", it will now be followed with "can you keep them down?"  The controversy has sparked all kinds of opinions. .Click here to see these from A Different World , where Bailey admits despite how he was raised, once the new wears off,  he can get used to Jenner. A different world?  Indeed not, just the same old fallen one. A world gone mad. Bailey's right about one thing. "people will adjust once the novelty wears off".  As they adjust, it will take stranger things to stun them. As we slide further down the slippery slope, what new version of iniquity will America embrace as normal?  The situation brings curiosity and many questions come to mind. Many want to know why a man like Jenner would do such. Could it be an addition to media attention? Was this a breakdown or a publicity stunt designed to generate money?  It doesn't matter. What matters is it was a desperate cry for help that went unheard except for those ready cash in on Jenner's insanity. Since the love of money is the root of all evil, from the mad scientist, who call themselves surgeons, to the magazine companies, all were lining up to sale their souls. As long as, they get their piece of the pie.
Many theories have been tossed about on what might have caused this disorder. Understandably, more than a few have compared Jenner's ordeal to self mutilating. When the novelty wears off, even if the majority accept Jenner, I wonder if he will accept himself? Apparently, Jenner, has never been able to feel at home in his own skin. Apparently, something is missing. Something he needs to fill. Where Jenner went wrong was he tried  to fix the inside by changing the outside. I guess Jenner took the "less is more" quote seriously. The reason this will never work for him is it isn't real. It's just worthless pieces of plastic.
Every believer knows there is a God sized hole in your soul that only God can fill. Every child of God, has this much in common with Jenner, at one time or another, all of us have tried to fill that hole from the outside.

 So, how should a child of God respond to Jenner and others like him?
By:
1. Teaching others the word of God and by walking it out. What we are for, is more important than what we are against. Offer as much grace as possible without compromising our principals. We should never celebrate sinful behavior.
2. Resisting the temptation to laugh at people like Jenner. Sin isn't funny. It cost Christ his life. Proverbs 14 teaches us "fools laugh at sin"
3.Praying for Jenner and others like him, no one is not beyond redemption.
4. Remembering that rebellion has been our normal since the garden. A world gone mad was exactly what Christ died for in the first place.Everytime we sin, we break what Jesus said was the greatest commandment. It doesn't get any worst than that and we all have done it. Their are plenty of "normal" sins. We should find our own sins just as sickening as Jenners.

When in Doubt, Do.

Each time I speak or write, I take time the next day to reflect on the message I've delivered. In hopes that the next time I'll be better. No matter how fancy it sounds or how excitedly it is delivered, it's the same 2000 year old message. We are hopelessly lost without Jesus. In the back of every speaker's mind, who loves and fears God, is the hope the Holy Spirit moves people and not their delivery, or personality. There's always a doubt a little too much of the flesh got out in your message. It's sort of chaotic. I'm not sure it should be any different. I've come to trust that doubt as the only sign of my sincerity. 

Beyond my sincerity, is the call I received from Him. I only know of two things each God calls people to and from. He calls us to Himself and life and away from sin and death. These reflection moments have taught me my doubts are not an excuse for not continuing but a reason to continue to "press on".  We are "saved by grace through faith."and "faith without works is dead." God might call us to a different location or vocation but it won't be a vacation.There's a lot of things yet to do.

We shouldn't let doubt stifle the spirit.

God does gives us "a peace that  surpasses all understanding". It comes from the fact  while we have no power to change things, He can change anything. He can and does use anything or anyone to do it. Even us.

 Pray God will use us to change lives by engaging and impacting the community.  Share how God helps you overcome doubts in the comments below .

 

Six Things You Should Reject About the Bible

There are six things about the bible every Christian disciple should reject.

Reject the bible is just a book. 

It is the eternal holy communication between God and man. Psalms says it's a" light unto my path". John said the "Word was God "and the "Word put on flesh". Getting God's into your heart and mind is the closest we will come this side of heaven to touching Christ. When the word touches us, we  become the hands and feet of Christ by doing the things He taught us, putting flesh on the word today. 
Reject the bible is wrong.  The bible says the "...word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. (Psalms 119:160 KJV)" Either it is the word of God or it isn't. If it isn't, why should anyone listen to anything a bunch of dead guys from 2000 years ago say? If it is, we should treat it as such. The Word of God isn't a recipe book you get to customize by substituting ingredients. Isn't it convienant how some can quote those cotton candy verses from Paul's letters that melt in your mouth but can't stomach the verses where he qualifies pastors, church leaders, or speaks to discipline. If it is the Word of God, and we reject any part of it to make us more comfortable, we have traded the cross for a couch.

Reject the bible is at odds with science. Theories definitely, but not provable observational science. The bible encourages us to learn about God 'a creation. See Psalm 111.2  Whatever natural laws exist, it is God who creates and enforces them. The bible never called us to ignorance. Likewise, it never called us to arrogance. It's a spiritual book. Science is limited to the natural. 

Reject the bible shouldn't be taken literally. Sure, there is some figurative language used in the bible. Still, when the bible calls something a sin that is what it is. When the bible says for us think a certain way, act a certain way, operate our homes and churches a certain way, we should do it. 

Reject the bible doesn't apply to today. Jesus said that "man doesn't live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. "The bible has always been spiritual food. Now, just as much as ever, man needs to be spirit fed.

Reject the bible's authors don't speak with the authority of Christ. Including but not limited to Paul . Many people in church today reject the teachings of Paul. Paul's tough! On at least one occasion, Paul corrected Peter. If Paul's teaching is so controversial, why don't we just forget about it? There's a good reason and it isn't because he wrote most of the New Testament. It's not just because he was excepted by the disciples. Though he was the greatest covert, pastor, missionary, and church planter in the history of the world,  though he endured chains, stones, and lost his life in his service to Jesus Christ, Paul's accolades should not inspire our obedience. In Galations chapter one, Paul says the gospel he preached was the only gospel there is and that Jesus Christ had revealed it to him. To reject Paul's revelation means also to reject his  conversion, something those who knew Jesus best did not do. Here's why that's a big deal. Jesus said to his apostles in Luke 10 :16 “Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me". 

We can reject the bible just like we can reject Christ. Those, who respond to His word through repentance and growth, will never know His rejection. How do you respond to His word?

The Tomboy I Call Moma.

Proverbs 31 best describes the type of mother I have, except additionally she's a tomboy. I'm so thankful for that. Not just for teaching me how to dig for fish bait. Oh, she was pretty enough to be a southern belle but she just wasn't prissy. She'd catch tadpoles or lizards. As a child, she taught me to embrace diversity in work and people without abandoning my heritage or principals. So, making and keeping many deep relationships have been the rewards for the variety of hard work.  She is tough.  Tougher than a lot of guys. You get that way working on a farm and running a hardware store. She picked butter beans and turned bolts. She'd cook breakfast and supper and still managed to make life interesting in between. I don't know how she did all she did. She has this knack for growing things. People as well as plants. I could tell you how incredible it was to have her for a mother but you wouldn't believe me. So, I won't bother with telling you how multi-talented and resourceful she is or how she has an underdeveloped artistic flair. I'll tell you some things I picked up from her.

 Brutal honesty, a trait that's as much a liability as it is an asset. That's not an apology, like it or not it's the truth. Her love of life and nature, creating my obsession for scuba diving. Her love for stories. My bedtime stories were the heroes from the Old Testament. These created a boldness and craving for adventure that can only be satisfied by living the Christian life and the telling His story through my life. She taught me her: fear of The Lord, furious love, determination, dependability, loyalty, and compassion without forgetting of justice.   Mom and I have done everything from fishing to sewing, cooking to constuction.  We even fought a war with cancer. And won. From guns and hammers to brooms and spoons my mom taught me to use the right tools to get the job done. She taught me a lot. But to be brutally honest, as a mother, she has been far from perfect. She has just been simply the best . Happy Mother 's Day.

The Unknown Artist

Some people question the existence of God. They love to pressure believers for evidence. Since they can't hear the still small voice of the creator, anyone that can must be delusional. Unbelievers say logic is on their side. Yet, if I suggested no one created the art pictured below, anyone would call me absurd. To illustrate the importance of faith in an absolute truth that cannot be proven, the artist purposely created the painting below in such a way it can never be proven he created it. He can reveal himself as the artist but since no original copy exists, it will always take faith in the artist for the observer to believe he is the creator.

Would you believe paint spilled across the canvas and this painting spontaneously appeared? Me neither. How about if we did it 14 billion times?How logical is it to believe a vastly more complicated, detailed work of art, the universe, spontaneously appeared by means of a comic accident?  Just as the evidence for the artist is the painting, so is creation the evidence of a creator.  The bible says: The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. (Psalms 19:1-3 KJV).

Suppose you look at the painting and said to yourself, " I've never seen the face or heard the voice of the artist. There is no signature. It's impossible to prove who painted this. Therefore, he might not exist". Would that be logical ? Do you think that makes him less real? What if a friend said he knew the artist and offered to introduce him to you?  If you said, " I don't like his work", would that make him less of an artist?  Turning a blind eye to the artwork or finding distaste for the artist will not change the fact the painting belongs to the artist. Turning down a chance to meet the artist means you'll never understand the painting. The artist alone interprets the art's true meaning and purpose. Jesus Christ is the ultimate artist and you are His masterpiece. You are the only evidence you need to respond to Him. Will you allow Him to finish decorating?

Keeping it Real

Overall, walking in the light has been nothing short of exciting. In the past two years, I have witnesssed the sort of supernatural phenomenon and miracles that a TV evangelist dreams of. I have grown spiritually.  Still, along my walk, I've wandered into the desert and a valley or two. Unsurprisingly, I keep bumping into those well meaning brothers and sisters who seem uninfected from malignancy of mundane circumstances that often accompany this life.  While knowing Jesus as my personal savior excites me, I confess sometimes life gets me down. After a huge spiritual growth my walk feels more like a crawl. Not unlike the past three weeks. Sometimes, no matter how hard I try to spice it up, life is just boring. Worst, sometimes life is painful. Many Christians believe showing negative emotions are a sign of faithlessness. Where did the notion Christians have to always act pleasantly excited come from? Certainly not from Christ's example. Follow Jesus from Bethany to Jerusalem and you'll see His sadness, anger, and disappointment. Yet many Christ followers will force that smile no matter what.  If Jesus doesn't hide His humanity, why should we? Sometimes, I think some of us are false advertising. Odd behavior for people claiming to spread the truth. Pretending your at the top of the spiritual food chain is sort of like lip syncin and dancing to someone else's song doesn't make you a star. It just makes people question is this stuff for real.

The bible teaches us to expect hardships to even rejoice in them. It doesn't say pretend they aren't happening. We need not be ashamed of the hardships. Hope comes from those experiences.  Nothing points it better than Romans 5

 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

When we pretend our lives are perfect , we cheat God, others, and ourselves. We cheat others from the opportunity to grow by helping us. We cheat ourselves of healing and strengthening that can only come from God working through others. We cheat God from the glory He deserves from showing His power at work in people. Some people say, "God never promised us a rose garden." Promised or not that's precisely what we get. Life often shows some occasional beauty while continually surrounding us by plenty of thorns. Christianity isn't pretending the thorns don't exist. It's enduring the thorns for the opportunity to smell the roses. We can allow our experiences to bring hope not only to ourselves but to others but only if we  "keep it real". Let's be honest so we can bear one another's burden. How else are we ever going grow?

Easter Bargain

According to a CNN's website,  the average American will spend over $140 on Easter.  The US alone will spend an excess of $16 billion. There have been some pretty "egg -travagent" Easter gifts ( I know it is corny but I'm just using the made up word CNN did) . A chocolate egg sold for over ten thousand dollars. Trust me, milk chocolate can melt in your mouth for way less. This weekend retailers are discounting merchandise to get you in the door. Easter, like Christmas , has become way too commercialized. Know what else  Easter has become? Despite what America's spending this Easter, we've made it too inexpensive. 

Grace has always been free but we've managed to cheapen it by how we view the cross. There are plenty of commentaries on Jesus's death you can check on the net. Knowing details of His suffering is important but different than connecting yourself to the cause of it.  We simply cannot afford to discount the price Jesus paid for our sins. There wasn't a buy one get one free sale on souls 2000 years ago. Jesus paid the full price for you and me.

The cross proved man had not only brought death into the world, it invented and prefected cruelty to satisfy his lust for power and entertainment.  Still, the  horror of Jesus's death goes beyond the crucifixion. Imagine having every negative emotion you've ever experience happening  to you all at once. Multiply that by 14 billion. Every painful breath, He must have faced the temptation of proving who He was. Worst, He endured this to save those who had brought this injustice on. His first taste of shame and guilt was married to abandonment.  This is emotional agony Jesus must have felt as the Father turned away.

We view the agony Christ suffered as a collective sacrifice for mankind instead of an individual sacrifice for each of us. We tend to forget the cost to save just one person would have been the same to save all. We don't want to see our connection to the cross. We are individually guilty as if we nailed Jesus to the cross ourselves. I'm convinced when Jesus said, " forgive them Father, for they know not what they do " He wasn't just talking about the Romans but all of us.

 Our only salvation is found in the fact that Hope was birthed on the cross. Through Jesus 's pain  "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8 ) God died to connect with us. We are that important to Him. What a cure for low self esteem.  Easter doesn't end in death but starts a new beginning in life. Christ arose! What a bargain for us to trade death for life. But the only place you can get this deal is at the foot of the cross. Have you been there yet?

What's Missing In Inspirational Words?

"Inspiration for 2015" was the the title of the calendar buried underneath the seven months of neglect piled on my desk. Twelve photos of adventurous locations with sportsmen engaged in extreme activities were setting the illustration for each month's  inspirational one word headline. The calendar used the words ambition, strategy, leadership, excellence, integrity, energy, precision, teamwork, vision, execution, and inspiration all aimed at keeping people focused on achieving success. A caption followed every headline highlighting the importance of each motivational word.  Yet no matter how success is measured, one word was missing. Sacrifice.
Whether the religious or metaphoric sense of the word, a sacrifice is giving up something for the sake of something else. Little can be achieved without sacrifice. It unlocks the full potential of every human gift. Sacrifice separates greatness from mediocrity while bridging victory to those still defeated.  Even the gift of love's ultimate token, is sacrifice. Nothing can be more inspiring.
Our souls yearn for sacrifice. We crave it so much it lines the pages of our favorite novels and finds its way into of our art, music, and films. Sacrifice transforms all the words of my calendar into "service". Perhaps, the soul knows its addiction to self can only be cured by sacrifice.
Although we all seem to know we need sacrifice,  many aren't sure what to sacrifice or to whom. Ironically, many think the Christian life is too much of a sacrifice. As if, they are missing out on something. Other than regrets all "Christian sacrifices" amount to quantity. I have no problem sacrificing quantity for quality. Sadly, most of humanity's sacrifices are offerings to the gods of self worth, preservation, and acceptance.  But, once a man got sacrifice absolutely right. Jesus said, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13  
Jesus was the perfect sacrifice. Bloody, broken, and neglected He was buried under a pile of our ambition, He died to save us. However, He would rise to illustrate our lives with an adventure. Now, you can make a sacrifice for any god, but I bet you can't find another God who will make a sacrifice for you. Happy Easter.