Some deep thoughts tonight

God will test your faith using any situation that a raises in your life!  Several  things can happen you don't agree with, or wish would not happen.  How we react to said situation says a lot about our faith.  Are you acting out in the flesh, or are you allowing the Spirit of God to speak through you.  Love goes way further than hateful, anger, condemning words and remarks.  People are more likely to see the truth when spoke in a calm, reassuring, and loving voice instead of a loud angry voice.  They are more likely to remember what you said when you speak it with love, rather they are ready at the time or not.  Praying and medatating on scripture before you speak thinking of what to say is very beneficial, Don't speak out in the flesh! Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you, He will give you the words to say that the person  needs to hear.

  Obedience, submitting to God as Lord. Have faith, trust God don't lean on your own understanding. Showing love to all brings peace to your life, when you have peace in your life, you have joy, when you have joy in your life, you have hope, and hope doesn't disappoint.
   Life doesn't go as planned often times it is turned upside down inside out and shattered to pieces!  God's ways are not man's ways, we should never lean on our understanding, but acknowledge Him in all we do and He will direct our paths.  Our faith would never increase if we didn't endure hard difficult times in our lives.  For it is at these times we turn to God acknowledging our weaknesses, crying out to Him Abba Father, I can't take this anymore, I don't know what I am going to do!  But Lord I know you hold me in the palms of your hands! Lord I know you have a plan, I know Lord you will never leave me or forsake me. I know Lord I am not fear what this world can do to me, for I know all things work for my good, for I love you, acknowledging you in all I do! I know your promises, for that I can give you praise!  As storms will pass by, so will this time of trail in our lifes. Pain and sorrow will last through the night, but joy comes in the morning!

Love

Love is the most precious gift known to man.
My wife is the greatest gift given to me.
Her love is something that I never deserved.
At times I still can't believe she has chosen me.
The look in her eyes, when she looks at me.
The touch in her hands as she embraces me.
The softness in her voice with the words I love you.
The selfless acts she does to bring me joy.
She is a woman that could of brought any man happieness.
But she is with me out of the billions of men on earth.
The family she brought me is still growing.
I still can't fathom she is by my side.
After all I have done, the times she could of left.
Her love never failed it never gave up on me.
She knew in her heart the man I could of been.
This godly women a gift from God, a gift that would bring me back to Him.
This women who I love this women who loves me, this women you loves me!  Who has chosen to grow old with me.
True love I found, it grew with the years.
Lisa you are the love of my life,

Sin is Sin, but Freedom is in Christ.

I am outspoken on my beliefs, yet I say all unrighteousness is sin! I can accept the person who are made in God's image yet I despise the sin. We tend to place sin on levels, but sin is sin except the rejection of the Holy Spirit. God desires all to repent of their sin no matter what it may be. We as Christians at times look down on other people's sin discounting the severity of our own sin.  We are to love all people no matter what sin they may be committing, showing them the love of Christ so that they may repent and turn to Him for forgiveness.  Those who continue in sin no matter what that sin may be are harming the relationship they have with our Lord and Savior.  I will call sin what it is yet not judge the person  who commits it, showing them the love of Christ.  I myself come across as being hard on some sin and relaxed on others I don't speak of as much. I tend to speak on the things that are most prevalent at the time, the things that this world is saying is good and acceptable, if murder and rape became acceptable I would speak out against them as well!  I take my stance because I wish to see all come to the knowledge of the saving grace found in Christ Jesus!  If we don't see the severity of sin we will never see the need for a Savior.  The law was given so that it would show us the need for a Savior, we can not keep the law on our own will or power! It is only through the Holy Spirit  we can strive to keep the law!  We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God! We all have sin in our lives that must be addressed, no one sin is worse than anouther.  Any sin you commit will keep you from eternal life, if you don't have Christ as your Lord and Savior.  When I speak and write don't ever think I am singling out any one sin or that I am judging the person for that sin. I want the world to see it needs Christ, or it will die in its sin!  I will love all people regardless of their beliefs or sins in their lifes, I will not look down on those you sin differently than I for I too was once lost in sin till someone showed me the love of Christ.

Lies of this world

The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:14-16 ESV

We that have accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior, who truly repented of our sins.  We that have a personal relationship with Him, we that spend time in His Word and prayer daily. Will have the mind of Christ!  We will judge sin for what it is. We will not make excuses or justify their actions or our own when unholy actions, or words are done or said. 
To many self proclaimed Christians are no more saved than a self proclaimed atheist, agnostic, Wiccan or devil worshiper. For if they truly believed than they would be obedient to what the Word of God says, not just what they like but all things written in it.  If you don't understand the words written within it, then I will just say that Christ is not living in you.  For it is the Spirit of Christ that givers us discernment and understanding, for the Word of God is spirit with out His spirit with in you, you will not comprehend the things within it. 

 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!
James 2:19 ESV

 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
1 John 2:4-6 ESV

 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 5:20-21 ESV

 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:1-4 ESV

 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:1-4 ESV

People listen it is time to wake up from your slumber, open your eyes to see what God is saying!  You can not say you know God and Christ is your Savior and continue to live in sin!  Stop cheating Grace!  That which was in you is now dead, if you have indeed been saved through the blood of Christ, you will see and know what sin is!  You will not find enjoyment in those things that dishonor God, you will not justify your own actions by saying I am free to live my life how ever I want, it is what ever makes me happy!  God loves me, He wants me to be happy, He will forgive me anyway!  If this is your mindset then Christ does not dwell in you! You have no new heart, your spirit has not changed, you are not walking in the light. 

I am crying out to you, praying you see that you need a Savior that you will no longer believe the lies and deceit in this world!  You must have a renewing of your mind, you must cast off the the ways you once lived, and now live as Christ has called you to live.

New mom

A single mom, a baby with no father by her side. The questions and uncertainty that lays ahead. It isn't suppose to be this way raising a child on your own. 
However God is Father to the fatherless He will be by your side never leaving you never forsaking you. Read His Word, study, meditate upon it.  Pray daily throughout the day, trusting in Him and He will guide your steps.  In time He will revile to you the man He has chosen for you before the foundation of the earth. Lean not on your understanding but trust in God and all He does in your life.  The days and nights ahead will have their difficulties, but always remember they are there to strengthen your faith and reliance upon God!  There will days when you think you can't go on anylinger, but at this time remember that when we acknowledge our weakness to God, and ask for His strength He will carry us through. For it is Christ's strength and not our own.  For I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, for when I am made weak I am made strong through Christ Jesus.  Remember God has placed family and friends in your life for a reason they will add you, help you in times of difficulty.  The road ahead will have valleys,  mountains, sunny days and storms.  But never forget Who goes before you.

 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 ESV

A Personal Revelation

I'm beginning to feel a disconnect in the theology that I have been taught! I feel as though there is something more a different direction I need to go in. I feel as though there is something missing something much deeper than I've ever seen.  I feel as though God is pulling me into a direction that I have never been.  What that is yet, I do not know but I feel as though there's something more he wants me to see.  Miss interpretation of scripture I know I have seen, I feel as though biblical truth that's not preach anymore. I am to speak the truth literal biblical interpretation, Spirit breaking, gut-wrenching truth. Anointing with oil laying on hands Healing The Sick prophetic speaking raising the Dead. These are not preached upon but should and should be taught, and believe they still happen today. The Church of today are lacking faith, in disbelief and disobedience. They are lukewarm at best.  The benefits of fasting the practice of speaking and praying in tongues using our spiritual gifts instead of suppressing them none of this is truly taught anymore!  People take the commands of Christ lightly! They are practicing cheap Grace!  The true effect of the Cross upon their lives is not shown.  People want to use well I'm a work-in-progress as an excuse!  Where are the true disciples? Where are the true apostles? Where are the true believers and not just a fan, who truly do not see the cross for what it really is! Where are those who truly believe and know the power that lies within them!  These verses  below have been working on me for some time.  

 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
1 John 2:15-17 ESV 

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2 ESV

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Philippians 2:1-8 ESV

 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!  And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!
Psalm 139:23-2

I can longer keep silent, the truth must be told! Today's church is luke warm at best! They have cheapened Grace as an excuse to live their lives the way they wish. "Who the Son has set free is free indeed"  this does not mean we can go on sinning!  It means we are no longer in bondge to that life style!  We now should be lead by the spirit, and not the flesh! If we walk continually in the spirit we will cease to sin!  We become more than conquerors! The power that raised Christ from the dead dwells in us!  This same power has the same effect through us as it did for Christ! This is a promise from Christ!    If anyone lacks wisdom let him ask and it shall be given to him, by God who gives to all without reproach, but he who ask let him not doubt But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.

Trust God lean not on your own understanding

In my own admission I have become discouraged, I have not been seeking God as I should daily.  Bringing a message tonight that was more for me than those who heard it.  I still have a hunger and desire to preach and Minister and serve God to lead a body of believers.  I have submitted countless resumes to several churches  even preached at a few but as of yet I've never got the call to return.

Joshua 1:9  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

To often I have attempted to make things happen on my own.  I have not stood behind the cross and allowed God to go before me.

Psalm 139:23-24  Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!  And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Praying this prayer and seeking God with all heart and listening to the Holy Spirit being obedient to what He calls you to do. 

God has called me to preach that has been confirmed by other believers.  However I have attempted to make this happen on my own instead of trusting in God's guidance. Becoming discouraged because it has not happen in the time frame I thought it should have, I have began to neglect reading, studying, praying and seeking God's guidance.

That will change a new fire has been lit with in, a new realization God will guide me God goes before me He will make away! His ways are not my ways.  He is my Lord, my Savior, my king, my God!  I will trust in His guidance and will obey his commands!  

It's not a right it's a Sin

It is not about if you are pro life, pro gun, hold the belief of one man one women on marriage or if you are pro faith.  It is that we believe and see things differently than the world. We are the ones being attacked for our beliefs and views.  But this no surprise for  it is written "Don't be surprised if the world hates you, for it first hated me."  I will not be conformed to this world or accept it's beliefs on what is right for all people.  There is only one right, only one that is good, and one truth! That is Christ Jesus and the comandments He gave to us.  The world rejects us because we stand with Christ.  It can not stand the light that we bring because it enjoys the darkness it is in.  It is not about gay rights, same sex marriage, transgenders using what ever bathroom they wish, abortion  the murdering of innocent life.  This all are an abomination in the sight of the Lord! I will not accept any of these views or beliefs.  I will openly speak out against such sin and the death it brings. Only through Christ can you find forgiveness for sins. True repentance brings new life!  I would rather die for Christ and my beliefs instead of being accepted by this world!  I will be one that stands up and out for what I believe we can not be silent any longer.  The world is falling further into darkness and we are not speaking the truth of life and death, the truth on righteousness and sin!  I can accept pro choice, same sex realationships, transgender lifestyles! These are not normally! These where choices made out of rejection to God and His Word.

 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:9-11 ESV

You can go on rejecting God if you choose and bow before Christ as a conquered foe or you can repent and turn from sin, and accept the free gift of God now and bow before Him as a loyal servant and follower.   The choice is yours! But I will not accept the things of this world as a right or something that is good! I will stand and proclaim the darkness it is and the death it brings!

Prodigal Daughter

Growing up is taking responsibility for our actions and decisions. We admit when we make mistakes and hopefully we learn from them.  One year ago my daughter moved out of the house in a fit of rage.  It was a very difficult time for all of us, emotions were hard to control. 
However we prayed we turned it over God  knowing that good would come out of this some how. 
Taylor admitted she made mistake, she admitted she should of listened to her mother and myself.  She has changed the ways she views things, something that took me a long time to do.  It took just 6 months for Taylor to realize she was not where she needed to be, even though she did not move back in with us she went to stay with her grandparents. She is expecting Isabell any day, she is about to graduate from vo-tech with her culinary art degree.  She did start going to church again.  It is hard to believe were we where one year ago!  However God is faithful, merciful, just, and holy!  Even during our rebellion God's Word is at work in us.  Much like the prodigal son when he came to his right mind he returned home to a loving and waiting father.  Taylor Houston I love you more than you know, allow God to always work in your life trust in His guidance and you won't wander far from His will.