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Whirlwind Affair

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I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth? Luke 18:8 NIV

Have you ever fallen in love with someone at first glance? Or have you engrossed yourself in a relationship with so much energy that it teeters on chaos and confusion? This is the kind of rush people can feel once the Holy Spirit intervenes. God has this spontaneous obsession, and patient expectation for His children simultaneously. Much like true loves with distance between them God’s love is both energized and calmly observing. He often will allow His own child feel His presence and encourage them to wait on him. This is what the verse atop this page sounds like to me.

Jesus walked in humility and purpose before He was crucified. After the crucifixion Jesus ascended and is in a glorified body. He longs to show us Himself much like a groom longs show himself to his bride during the wait before the wedding nuptials. Can’t you see Him? Seated on the Throne of Heaven, observing His bride with eager expectation. He is wanting everything to be just right for the wedding. Jesus love language is faith in Him. The wedding will be grand! However, in order to please Him we have to exercise faith. How? Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: Proverbs 3:5 NIV And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6

How do we seek such a great God, who is owner of the universe? The bible is full of stories of people who did seek him and honored him. They trusted him and were interacting with the King of Kings. We also must look to our King and find the victory in Him. Pray saints, and keep your Holy expectation on His immanent return. His loving eyes are on you. Declare, He will find faith on the earth upon his return. His love is unstoppable, and yet patiently waiting for all to receive. His commandment to fellowship with him in prayer and in faithful service to Him sets the right atmosphere for the wedding banquet of the Jesus,(Rev. 19:9), Amen.

Be found in faith, because no one knows when Jesus will return.

Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.

Mark 13:33 NIV

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For Rich or Poor

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Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you. James 5:3-6 NIV

I must confess my pursuit of pleasure verses pursuing God, pleasure often won. This is a sign of the end times. God is not impressed with our pursuit of luxury and riches. My pursuit of the luxury and riches made me unavailable to God. The terrible prophesy of the end of the age is only mirroring the pursuits of the the world. Have any of us considered why it is so difficult to follow Christ? Perhaps our comfort and wealth have replaced the voice of the loving God, who gave his best for you and me.

Jesus is God’s best. Jesus’ value is infinite. His place in heaven is the highest. He is Love and gives love on an infinite scale. This is whom Christians have placed our hope in. The gods of excess, status, and comfort cover the pure light of Jesus. My worldly dreams ought be dashed and destroyed, in light of Jesus’ commandments and fellowship. Cars, houses, and the pursuit of pleasure are distractions and strongholds of the enemy.

Statistics on the gap between the wealthy and the poor all point to a disregard for our poorest neighbors and an obsession with the material wealth pursuits. The rich are not the only ones blinded by the pursuit of wealth and luxury in this age. The poor and displaced people are often whipped into frenzies of discontent over their lack of wealth and luxury. The tragedy of pursuing the unprecedented wealth in the world has caused families and whole nations to disconnect from the virtues of their culture and consequently lose the noble life of an industrious yet contented common life. The violence and destruction in the wake of the poor and disenfranchised is evil and sad. Jesus knew poverty and lack as he walked on earth. He never let this lack dissuade him from his mission.

We are often moved off the path by worldly pursuits. If God is aware of our needs and promised to provide as we pursue the Kingdom of God, why do we behave like He can’t be trusted? I found myself subtly drawn away from obedience by the rugged independence of my American culture. This is where I missed God’s Holy Spirit gently cautioning me. God must be given room to rule over our financial pursuits. The desperation in the world is because we have come to realize (or we will soon realize) the unstable nature of our personal economy. People of faith ought to be peculiarly confident in the face of money highs and lows. Let’s hope in God, not money.

Look around and see all the pursuits and material wealth and repeat the verse atop this blog. God is able to keep us in the path despite our constant wondering eyes. God helped us and is with us who believe. Be encouraged my friend. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 NIV

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Sacred Peace

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John14:27 NIV

God is not a liar. You might be wondering why I would write down the obvious about God. , I must confess ,I am prone to call God a liar by how I act. I remind myself that God is bound to the truth because He is truth. Let’s look at the verse atop this blog. Jesus said it. If we believe it, we can experience His peace now. However, many others don’t live out or pronounce peace, many of whom profess to be disciples and believers in Jesus, the God of peace. God has blessings for anyone whose faith is undergirded by their actions. This is why faithful witnesses of God’s blessings acted on His word before the miracle or blessing manifested. Let’s suppose the Peace of God is a blessing that has the same prerequisite. If so what hinders us now?

Unbelief and lethargy in the sacred. Unbelief starts once we interject our reasoning and natural life tendencies. Jesus speaking in scripture can feel to distant. Let’s determine to cling to the truth with immediate vigor. Our faith is one of obedience and trust in Jesus. Faith in God honors God.

The chaos in the world today can overwhelm the coolest soul. Do your issues plague your mind? Late night thinking sessions with ourselves can be dangerous. 1 Peter 5:8 warns us to be “sober minded”, because the warning is about the devil or evil spirits prowl and take advantage of those of us who don’t heed the warning to be sober minded.

Peace is and state that is hard to obtain without the presence of the the Prince of Peace. Our sins and sin nature disrupted the peace in the garden. Looking back it was God who made peace with us after the fall. Knowledge never will help people gain the the peace God offers in Jesus. Jesus offers peace with a Holy God who has forgiven us and is waiting for us to choose His gift. Let’s believe God and receive His gift of love ,joy ,and peace in Him.

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The Impossible Love

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is Love.

1 John 4:8

“It is impossible to love and be wise.” Francis bacon, Essays

Like oil and water the 2 quotes don’t mix. The nature and wisdom of God is to high to compare to human philosophy. I can agree with both, but am only responsible to the first. If we find ourselves stuck between mankind’s words and God’s word, lean into God’s word. Mr. Francis Bacon has limited his essay to human standards. He is using his mind extraordinarily well. This is the problem with the wisdom of people. The wisdom of God is going beyond into the realm of spirit and outside all known and unknown dimensions(Spirit). God has not only loved us but he has kept his integrity in character and strength. As the earlier verse proclaims God acts out His love and He is LOVE.

The issue we all have is we are confined to our own humanity. We have a difficult time keeping our wits once we fall in love or decide to love. Our limitations show our humanity in a weak and unflattering light. God, though, displays His power and strength in His love.

Puppy love is and expression that is great for distinguishing between mature love and the love of 2 smitten teenagers. But, no matter how experienced we are in dating and in marriage relationships ; we can be foolish. I heard it said that when we love someone, we can’t be happy. We become consumed with their well-being. We become unwise.

There is a King who loves so much that he had become foolish to those he loved. His foolish love proved wiser because he made them eternally well by saving them. This love in Jesus is not rational or logical. Yet it is wisdom from heaven. How can God love me like that? I have no rational for it but I believe it.

His love is for all of us. We fail to be wise once we deny it. God loves with the passion of a smitten teen. He demonstrates His love with the wisdom of the ages in Jesus. “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him! Mathew 17:5b NKJV

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What Is Ugly?

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“God don’t like ugly!”, can be heard in our neighborhoods across America. The question is what does it mean to you and me? If God don’t like it, we ought not like it.

“and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any blemish, but holy and blameless.” Ephesians 5:27 NIV

“Christ’s love makes the church whole. His words evoke her is dazzling white silk. radiant with holiness.” Ephesians 5:27 MSG

The above scripture puts beauty into proper perspective. God has a very definite eye for beauty. Those who dare enter in a relationship with such a purveyor of beauty ought be clear on beauties definition. Beauty in contrast to the ugly expressed in our colloquial phrase mentioned above seems to be an expression of holiness. Since God by nature is holy and can not be anything but holy; beauty is also an characteristic of God himself. The Church and everything in creation receives it’s beauty from the creator and God himself. The church however, is distinctly beautiful because of what God pronounces over her. God has cleaned her and set the church apart from the rest of creation for himself.

The church has to play a major role in Jesus return. The confession and testimony of the church is where the beautification began. The culmination is Jesus return for his church. It will make the glory or beauty of this relationship evident to all people. The revelation of Jesus will also expose the ugliness of unbelief and blasphemy.

God really does not like ugly. The ugliness we see in people today is only the tip of a large iceberg of the ungodly forces at work today. No matter how powerful and supernatural the evil is in the world today; it is no match to King Jesus. It is true God don’t like ugly, but he is patiently gather a church out of every culture, tribe and language. Those who observe the church and never believe on Jesus will find themselves among those who will be without God eternally. God don’t like ugly, but he surely loves ugly people like you and me. All the ugly need for beautification is to believe on Jesus and be saved. Please don’t get caught in the hype of our times. It will leave you ugly and without hope. Trust Jesus and believe. His beauty and what you long to see.

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes to take the free gift of the water of life. Revelation 22:17 NIV

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Watch Your Mouth

Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. Luke 17:1 NIV

Jesus masterfully taught the disciples how to navigate church life. He taught them to be servers to the weak and poor. Children are the best example of how good shepherds ought regard the church folk. The contrast to worldly leadership is very stark. However, it is not because Jesus is some touchy feely impotent philosopher. No. Jesus is sure to avenge and rightly judge anyone who mishandles or speaks ill of His Church.

People malign the church because of church hurt and church inadequacies. However, we (the church), ought not let the flippant mouth of the world go without a warning. I confess I have stood by and listened to people say like Mahatma Ghandi’s quote, “I like your Christ , I do not like your Christians.” I can relate to this perspective but I must defer to what Jesus desires. Jesus calls us to be merciful and gracious to His church. He claims all His children no matter how much they may stray. Talking about church ought be reverently brought to Jesus. He is intimately involved with the church. The weakness and dysfunction can be addressed and even discussed, but none believers are not welcomed to malign the King’s subjects. God is not playing when he says he will repay all who attack the church verbally or physically. He is true to His word He will repay for every offense of those who are unrepented. “They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 1 Peter 4:4-5 NIV

Many people have claimed they are not a part of the church because they are not willing to subject themselves to the flawed leadership and congregations. This is a flawed perspective because the sheep are not the Shepherd. The sheep know and believe their very life is in the Good Shepherds hands. The Good Shepherd is more than capable of dealing with those who pose threats and traps for His sheep. You who are not part of His flock watch how you treat His sheep because He is watching. “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 1 Peter 4:18

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Double Minded?

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. That person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. James 1:5-7 NIV

If you have any love for your neighbor please heed the preceding warning. The wisdom of God being available to common people like you and me is astonishing. The promise is ironclad, and yet the wisdom of His love and grace are often absent in our lives. The theology of many Christians fall short of divine wisdom. The effects we have in the Spirit come up short because of our handling of God’s invitation to trust. I confess ,I often don’t even ask God for wisdom. Once I do ask I am astonished just how much a difference faith makes once I recognize what God has already provided His people in Jesus.

The world is reeling from all it’s troubles and uncertainty. The Kingdom of God does no sway up and down like we see nations do. Faith in God ought govern our conduct. Once we seek the Kingdom of God, the affairs of our neighbors ought be impacted by the wisdom of God. Jesus preached and lived out the way we ought represent God. Observe how Jesus had an effect on His neighbors. Let’s purpose to ask in faith for wisdom.

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Paupers and Royalty

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“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Mathew 23:12 Niv

The Kings of old had many ways to intimidate anyone one who found themselves in the company of the royal crown. The story of Ester the Queen shows the ultimate power and sovereignty of the King. Despite being Queen the King could still reject her request to approach him on his throne. If the king didn’t give the sign he would receive her she could have been executed. Esters asked for a fast and PRAYER, of all Jews on her behalf before she would go to the King,(her husband). She said,” and if I perish, I perish.” Ester 4:16b NIV. The approach prayer taken by Ester and the who Jewish community was heart felt. Ester must have felt the weight of her predicament. Ester couldn’t pray “Now I lay me down to sleep..”. Did she kneel with her hands clasped in the traditional prayer posture? Perhaps she sweat blood and tears as she prayed. What is sure the prayers were powerful because Ester and the Jews saw the Hand of God move according to their prayers. We may not find ourselves on the pressure of surviving an evil plot to kill us off, but we need prayer for our spiritual survival. The prayers of the saints of old bear out the principal of heartfelt interaction with God.

I often fell reluctant to pray. God may be waiting for me to tell him what He already knows, my heart. God may know it, but I am ignorant of just how unbothered I can be about my relationship with Him. We ought to confess in prayer about the things our heart is holding. This is the reality of who we are. God lives in reality and supremacy eternally. This is why lies and lack of conviction in prayer are not prayer at all.

Lord help us to allow your light to illuminate our soul as to the condition of our heart. May we approach you with reverence in your Glory. Thank you for receiving our prayers because of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. May we never be reluctant to pray, and never utter empty words to Heaven.

God we come confessing our sins and faults. Clean us and draw near with your loving kindness. Amen

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Judgement and Healing

“…Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” Revelation 5:5b

It is overwhelming the sins and evil in our lives today. Yet Jesus has remained the authority and power of all creation. Imagine seeing what John saw in the passage above. The scroll seems to represent the Judgement in finality for all. No one is Holy enough to save like Jesus did and does. The fact of His position of Judge and savior is a source of confusion and frustration to the the natural mind.

Perhaps, you and I have these competing themes of God in our minds in order to make it clear as crystal Jesus is Holy and unique. The war of our thoughts can be healed with just one touch from Jesus healing hand. However, the peace and healing can fall away in the Holy light which exposes our true selves. God is gracious and good, but never fake or small. The horror of His judgements and the healing of His love come together in the Cross. He over came death! He reigns FORVER! Bow before Jesus. The horror of our deeds in the darkness are no match to His Majesty. Come into His kingdom just as you are.

JESUS IS ABLE

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On Edge?

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“….Do not be afraid I am the First and the Last.” Revelation 1:17b NIV

…”In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33b NIV

The world seems to be pressing toward a disastrous end. I was reminded of Jesus’ comforting words as I contemplated the reelection of Donald Trump to the presidency of the United States of America for a second time. Friend, if you voted for him, you stay at ease. I am not going to throw any stones in your direction. This is an observation of the world Jesus is referring to in the preceding verse, the contrast between Kingdom of God and the United States. The politics and actions of the past few months have made it abundantly clear; the sins of our nation are compounding and the church is caught up in the midst.

Sin is not just an action it is also the motive and origin of a thing. The righteous acts are not only contrary to the sin of the world but also originate from a totally different place. We leave God out and then make judgements and act out based on someone or something that is opposed to God and His Kingdom, knowingly or in ignorance. We SIN! The world has many diverse ways in which to leave God out. America has always displayed an inclination to be religious and yet sin in religious garb.

The religion of America today has taken on an grumbling vitriol of mega proportions. The speck in our neighbors eye moves Americans to pronounce our religion is greater and more righteous than our neighbors. Sure there are believers with contrite hearts who allow God enough room to be their judge and savior, but the noisy world of the religious have drown out their voices. The world and the devil have always opposed God, but God is able to not only deal with them, but He has already defeated them and their tactics. The decay of America and it’s society is not the story of Christianity. The victory of Jesus is never going to be interrupted or delayed based on America or any countries sins or back slidden people.

Jesus walked on earth in humble circumstances many years ago. Out of those humble circumstances came the best preaching and demonstration of Godly behavior the world has ever know. America, you are not the worlds example of the Christian life. Jesus is and forever will be the Author and Finisher of our faith( Heb.12:2) KJV.

I made the title of this blog, On Edge?, because if we answer that question without acknowledging the truth of Jesus’ Lordship, we are in danger of missing God. Friend, repent with me so we might see the Kingdom of God.