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Devotion for the week of July 24, 2011

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25 NKJV)

God desires that we live in His Spirit. We must eat, breathe, and move in Him. When we do, things work out. When we don't, we are on our own.

God promises us peace, truth, joy, freedom, righteousness, life, and victory over the flesh in His Spirit. That's a great package. It's everything we need.

Walking in His Spirit involves a conscious decision to acknowledge Him in everything we do. His Spirit does the work, all we do is receive Him.

Father I receive your Spirit in my life today. May, I walk in close communion with You. In Jesus Name, Amen.


-Come Lord Jesus Come

Trust in the Lord

Trust in the lord with all your heart and acknowledge Him in all of your ways, because He is cooler than you and still hangs out with you.

When life punches you in the face

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Some say that life throws curve balls. I guess that's true. But, life punches me in the face. Punches hurt when you're expecting them. But, they really hurt when you get caught off guard. So what can we do?

1) Remember that God is not surprised.

Just because we are caught off guard, doesn't mean He is. Sometimes, He warns us of coming trouble, and sometimes He doesn't. Either way, He knew it was going to happen and He is in control.

2) Use your faith not your eyes.

A punch in the nose makes your eyes sting and can make you blind. Life's punches act the same way. We get stunned and knocked off balance. Keep trusting God. It's your only option anyway.

3) If you fall, Get up.

A good punch in the face can knock you off your feet. Get up quick. Don't wallow in self pity or fear. Stand up as soon as you can. You may be to weak to fight, but you can always stand in your faith.

4) Let God take the next punch.

Don't fight back against people who hurt you. Let God handle them. He hits harder. Just continue trusting Him. Use God's strength and not your own.

5) Look towards the future.

It will get better, or it may get worse. Life will always have its ups and downs. But, all this is temporary. If you know and trust Jesus, you have an inheretience in heaven.

Please feel free to share this with someone who needs some encouragement.

God WANTS to bless you.

The Spirit's Mission

God's Voice Test

If God is really speaking today, then we should be able to recognize Him.

Not everyone who thinks God is talking to them is right. If they were, then God is bi-polar and a liar. And, He isn't. How can we tell if we are hearing God? How do we know that we aren't making stuff up, that we didn't eat some bad sausage, or that we aren't off our rockers?

Is there a test we can use?

1. God doesn't contradict Himself.

Everything that's in His Word should agree with whatever we think we are hearing. Use this simple test, "is this thought leading me to love God or people more?" If it is, you're OK. If not, junk those thoughts.

2. God doesn't waste words

God loves you, but He probably doesn't care if you wear a blue or green shirt. He will talk with you often, but He is not "chatty." He is God. He's not a 12 year old girl.

3. God is not weird.

Jesus is the clearest picture of God that we have. He wasn't a weirdo. He is naturally supernatural. We should be too.

4.We don't hear perfectly

Even biblical characters didn't always fully understand what God was saying to them. Paul was called to minister in Macedonia through a dream about a man. But, when he got there, he met a woman. Abagus prophesied that Paul would be bound and tied by the Jews, but the Romans bound him.

Practice Test

Let's see if you learned anything. Here are a few "possible" words from God.

1. Roger, you should rob a bank for My glory.

Answer: Not God. God has golden streets. He doesn't need you rob a bank or rip off a 711.

2. Sandra, lend that man $20. He needs it.

Answer: If you have $20, do it. If you're wrong in giving someone $20, you'll be OK. At least, you're being nice. If you keep your $20 and it was God, you'll both miss a blessing.

3. Hector, wear a bow-tie today.

Answer: If you normally wear bow-ties, go for it. If you are like the other 99.9% of the population who think bow-ties are for wierdos, don't do it. It's probably not God.

4. Tammy, divorce your husband and marry your brother.

Answer: This definitely isn't God. You need prayer, and you may need counseling.

5. Jerry, tell your waiter that Jesus loves him and remind him that God will workout every troubling situation in his life.

Answer: Likely God. God loves your waiter. God can workout everything in his life. Go for it. Take a chance and share your faith.

6. Mike, tell your waitress that God loves her instead of leaving a tip. Jesus' love is what she really needs.

Answer: Probably, Not God. You're a cheapskate looking for a way to save a few bucks. Tell her God loves her and tip her 20%.

7. Jan, dance around your neighborhood with a large sword while shouting, "I am a knight in Jesus' army!"

Answer: Please don't do this. Chances are this is not God, and you will be committed.

8. Kristin, you need to be kinder to your husband

Answer: If you are married and named Kristin, it's God.

9. Gary, leave your job and preach my word in Africa.

Answer: Maybe, God. Speak to some people you love and trust. Examine some missions agencies, make sure you aren't in debt, and ask for confirmation. God says things like this, but make sure it's Him. And, wait for the right timing. Don't try to go preaching around Africa if you have unfinished business or obligations. Be a person of integrity. But, don't be afraid to go for it either.

10. I should share this post with my friends

Answer: Maybe God. Go for it and see what happens. Some people need to hear this


-Come Lord Jesus Come

Devotional for Sunday July 17, 2011

Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And ado not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord (Eph 5:17-20 NKJV)

God's plan is that we are all filled with the Spirit. 'Be Filled' in verse 18 is in the plural case. It's like Paul said, "ya'all be filled." We are all to be filled with God. God's plan is that everyone of us is filled with Him.

It's not the responsibility of one man or woman to be full of God. It's the responsibility of every man and woman to be full of God.

God's not about a one man show. He is about Himself expressed in His people through His Spirit. Unity doesn't come from us trying to be One, but from all being filled with the One.

Father, help me to be full of God's presence today. May I overflow with Him. In Jesus, name Amen.

This is the Day that the Lord Hath made

Devotion for Thursday July 7, 2011

For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. (1 Thess 5:9-10 NKJV)

God's plan is simple. It's easy to understand because it has never changed. God's plan is that we "live together with Him."

The Garden of Eden was designed for God and Humanity's relationship. It was a place where Humans could interact with the Divine. Our sin brought some challenges. We messed things up. But in Jesus, He fixed it all.

God's plan isn't for some far off distant spiritual existence with Him. Yes, He wants a future relationship with us. But it is supposed to begin here and now.


Father, I want to walk in your plans for me. I want to walk in relationship with you. Help me to realize you are near me always, and that Jesus makes the way for us relate to each other. In Jesus name, Amen.

-Come Lord Jesus Come

Devotion for Tuesday July 5, 2011

We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man. (Hebrews 8:1-2 NKJV)

A priest is a mediator between the human and the divine. We have a very capable mediator in Jesus Christ. He is capable because is fully human and fully divine. He, alone, can mediate between us. He knows the frailty of our human reality, and He know the glory of the Divine Majesty.

He is able to bring us together with the Divine nature. Through Him, we have redemption and forgiveness. Through Him the divine enters our reality, and humanity can contact the heavenly.

Only the Heavenly One who came to earth could make our connection with God possible. Only Jesus unites us to the Divine.

Father, I thank you for Jesus the Christ. I thank you that you sent Him to restore that which was lost. He being fully God and Fully man makes the restoration of my relationship with God possible. May I walk in that relationship. In Jesus Name, Amen.

If this devotional speaks to you please feel free to 'share' it on Facebook.

Devotion for Monday July 4th, 2011

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (Rev 12:11 KJV) 

A Persian Christian was being threatened with torture and loss of  property. He could avoid it all if he would just worship the Sun once.  He refused and told his captors that, "Even the Sun mourned when its creator died on the cross."

Persecution against Christians is not new, and it hasn't stopped. Christianity is diametrically opposed to this world's systems.  You may suffer persecution, but Christ suffers with you. Persecution comes from living for and like Jesus, and it is an honor. Find your strength in Him.

"The blood of the Martyrs is the seed of the church." Tertullian.


Father, may I live my life completely for you. When persecution comes, may I stand strong. May I recognize that you are with me. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Devotion for Thursday, June 30 2011

Give us this day our daily bread. (Matthew 6:11 NKJV)

When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He a used combination of words that has puzzled translators for centuries. What exactly does "our daily bread" mean?

For one, it show us our need for continual nourishment. Jesus is available for us here and now.

It can also refer to the bread which sustains us. Jesus is the Bread of Life, and He is the one who sustains us.

A third rendering is "our bread for tomorrow." So the verse can be translated as, "Give us tomorrow's bread, today." We have an unspeakable glory waiting for us in heaven. We have peace, joy, wholeness, purity, victory, and love waiting for us in heaven, and we are encouraged to ask for some of it today.

In Jesus, we are given the chance to ask for some of tomorrow's blessings today.

Father, You are wonderful. I come humbly before you and ask for my daily bread. You are the one who sustains me, You are everything, and I need You today. Please, give me my daily bread. In, Jesus Name

Devotion for Wednesday June 29, 2011

Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the
knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss
of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain
Christ...that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and
the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death
(Philippians 3:8 & 10 NKJV).

Keep first things first. Jesus is the First, and He is the Last. He is
the source of our Life, and He is that Life. It's easy to forget about
Him. He rarely forces Himself into our lives.

Relationship is central to the message of Jesus. We are called into an
intimate conversation with Him. Conversing with God is the chief way
that we can interact with Him.

Take a risk today. Talk to God, and listen for a response. Listen for
His voice. He may speak or He may not. But remember, He isn't a liar
and won't contradict His Word. He probably won't tell you what shirt
to wear or what type of tooth paste to buy. He also won't direct you
to sin, but He can definitely speak.

Father, I love You. I would like to know You better. I'd like to hear
Your voice, and know where You are leading me. Please speak to me, I
am listening. In Jesus name, Amen.

Devotion for Monday, June 27, 2011

Don't be a jerk. Be generous with your time. Don't let deadlines make you a deadly person. Frustration and anxiety can make us rude to those we love. (and we should be loving everyone) Proverbs 18:21 (MSG) says, "Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit - you choose."

The anxiety and fear caused by an approaching deadline doesn't come from the deadline. It comes from our misplaced trust. Instead of trusting God to work all things in our favor Romans 8 style, we are believing that things won't work out when we live in anxiety and fear.

"Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad."Proverbs12:25 (NKJV). Countless people are suffering emotional torture right now because their depression is being caused by their anxiety.

There is only one cure. "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." I Peter 5:7 (NIV).

Throw all of your worries on Him because He cares. God hasn't forgot about your or your deadline. He cares.

Father, I trust in You. I give You my worries, fears, and anxieties. Please
strengthen me through Your Spirit. In the Name of Jesus, Amen

The #1 reason Jesus is not returning today!

You are expecting it.


You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.
Matthew 24:44

To the 'Christian' Homosexual

This is a follow up to a previous post I made a few months ago. That
one is found here
http://jesusjiujitsu.blogspot.com/2011/02/homosexual-thoughts-about-dadt.html
It focused on accepting the person struggling with same-sex
attraction. Please read both before you comment.

More Thoughts on Homosexuals

Homosexuality is a sensitive subject. Pastors take two approaches with
it. Some preach vehemently against it, and others won't even touch the
subject. They are to afraid to offend someone who is gay or has a gay
loved one. I'm not a gay basher and I'm not afraid to say it's wrong. I don't
want people thinking that just because I love people who are gay that
homosexuality is "No Biggie" with God or in the church.
I've heard a lot of reasons why people think gay is ok. I've heard....

Homosexuality is a gray area in the bible
Some people think homosexuality is one of those "go with your gut"
type of things like listening to secular music, the version of the
bible you use, or dancing in church. Umm... No, it's not even close to
those. It's clearly wrong. (See I Corinthians chapter 6, Romans 1, and
Matthew 19 to see New Testament examples of God's plan for sex)
Whenever Jesus or Paul spoke of sexuality in any context they always
related it directly back to the beginning of creation. Adam and Eve
themselves are the blueprint. There is something good in the male
female relationship.


You can't choose who you love
Really? I choose to love people all the time, and my wife chooses to
love me everyday. Love is a choice. Love has always been a choice. Be
friends, buddies, confidants with the same sex, but not lovers. If
were honest lovers is just code for "lusters" regardless of the
context.

I can't choose who I'm attracted to
This is true, but you can choose who you have sex with. I can't change
the fact that extra-large pepperoni pizza always sounds good to me,
but I don't eat it every day. Just because I'm attracted to a woman
doesn't meant I sleep with her. I'd die if I did. I make a choice. We
get to choose who we have sex with. We aren't dogs, we aren't robots,
but we are people who can make choices.

I've always been this way
Probably, but we are all messed up. We all have our problems, and
everyone is in need of restoration. A struggle is not defeat. There is
a difference between fighting something and surrendering to it. (see
earlier post for more on this)

If it makes you happy go for it
Not a good life philosophy. It sounds good, but it doesn't make sense
like the Black Eyed-Peas. If we all just did what made us happy this
planet would suck worse. Just because you want to do something doesn't
mean you should. I forgot life was all about you. I forgot that this
whole thing was built for your eternal pleasure. Forgive my ignorance.
People spend to much time seeking happiness and miss it because
self-centeredness makes us blind. Selfishness is destroying this
world. Only Jesus message of selflessness can help.

I know gay people who are more like Jesus then some Christians.
I know cats that are more like Christ then some Christians. Just
because some Christians are idiots doesn't mean God is. It's true
claiming Christ doesn't make you like Him, but it's not about who is
more like Christ. It's about who is like Christ. Let's not judge each
other on percentages of Christ likeness. It will get ugly and we will
all lose.

Sex is just for fun
Sex is not a "just for fun" physical activity. It's not like playing
cards, or watching a movie, sexual activity impacts us physically and
emotionally. You can tell what something is for by what it does. Sex
can be fun, sex is for making babies. There is no mystery, and He made
it enjoyable because He loves people. When you have sex God's way, He
is pleased because you may be making another person for Him to love.
God is ok with Homosexuality now because we have too many people
Really? I've done my share of justifying my own sin, but even this is a stretch.


It's not hurting anyone
Are you sure about this?

Final thoughts...
No one is trying to say you can't love someone. Love is good. We are
supposed to love everyone. Sex is reserved for use in a marriage
between a man and a woman. No one is saying it's the worst sin in the
world, but it is on the list of the sins that have some dire
consequences. No one is saying you can't be happy. But, for some
reason, focusing on others is the real way to happiness.

Death of a Salesman

My cousin is a great cellphone salesman. He is always putting up amazing numbers and outselling his coworkers.

I could never do that. I would probably give them away. I asked him how he does it. Why can he put up amazing numbers when others can’t?

He said, “I know the phones, and share them with the customer. I know what every phone can and can’t do. If someone has a question, I have an answer.” He continued, “if you know something well and are excited about it, people will buy it.”

Duh <--was my internal response. Of course, this is what the Gospels have been saying for 2,000 years. Jesus knew the Father. He shared Him with the first believers and they couldn't get enough. The first believers knew Jesus, shared him with others, and they couldn’t get enough of the Son.

It’s still the same today. If you know Jesus, and share him with others, people will want him. How many of us take the time to get to know Him? Do we know Him inside and out?

One day we will hear 1 of 2 things. Well done, good and faithful servant..or Depart from me. I never knew you. People aren’t judged for their lack of service, but it matters whether we know Him or not.

7 Habits of Spiritual Fitness

1.) Trusting Jesus.

Trust God as you understand Him. This doesn't mean I understand God to be Jesus and you understand Him to be a lollipop, and as long as we have equal faith we will get equal results. This would be trusting in faith not—trusting in God. Not all gods are equal. Only 1 came back from the dead. The more you understand about Him (Jesus), the more you will grow spiritually. His is the name above all names. Accept nothing less.

2.) Helping Others

Do something nice for someone. Pay someone’s bill. Listen to their stories. or take them to lunch. Encourage someone. Be good. Lend a hand. Say a kind word. Compliment their hair or their outfit. Weep when the weep, and rejoice when they rejoice. Caring for others changes us like no other. Offer someone help. You both will be blessed.

3.) Praying Often

Talking to God does wonders for your spiritual life. He is your heavenly Father, your Counselor, and your Friend. Talk to Him about anything and everything. He is not pushy, and He always has great advice. Be real with Him and speak often. Thank Him when you’re happy, and plead with Him when you're in pain. Prayer works. It either changes your circumstances or it changes your heart. Most of the time, it changes both.

4.) Having Good Friends

Some friends are givers and some are takers. Some will bring you closer to Jesus and some will draw you away. Find some friends that will lead you the right way. Hanging out with good people will change you. You don't always have to be praying or singing praise to God. Anytime spent in the presence of a good person helps.

5.) Reading Good Things

Reading scripture and godly writing works on your mind. Scripture is life. It energizes and teaches you. Start with the Bible’s stories. Don’t get bogged down in biblical genealogies or obscure prophecies.  We remember stories better than lists of facts. Begin with stories about Jesus and His followers in the New Testament. The stories about God working with His people in the Old Testament are good.

6.) Confessing Your Junk

Yeah, I said it, confess. You may not go to a  priest to share your dirty laundry but you need to confess. Confession in scripture means, "To say the same thing." Acknowledging our wrongs is liberating. God promises if we confess we will be forgiven and cleansed. It works every time. Look for a godly person to confess to. Find someone trustworthy.  It may be a neighbor, spouse, pastor, or godly friend. Don't just spring your "junk" on them. Give them fair warning. Find the right time and place, and watch God work in you.

7.) Forgiving Others

It is easy to get stunted spiritually when you hold un-forgiveness. People waste their lives holding on to hate. We are called to love others, even if they don’t deserve it. We don’t have to trust them, agree with them, or have them in our house; but, we have to forgive them. Forgiving others brings freedom to ourselves. Forgive others and let God do something special in your life.

6 Ways to Win in Your Marriage

Love Each Other

This sounds easy, but it’s not. Love your spouse the way they want to be loved. Don’t love them way you want to love. For instance, a wife who loves quality time with her man, won’t be satisfied with little gifts. She’ll probably appreciate them, but they aren’t what she really likes. A husband, who likes having fun with his wife, won’t be satisfied with love notes. It will do more for him, if she does something with him that he finds fun, even if it bores her to tears.

Make A Budget

Money problems kill marriages. Make a budget and stick to it. Making a budget can be about as fun as a root canal, but the stress caused by making a budget is less than the stress caused by unpaid bills, and out of control spending. Don’t buy stupid junk, unless it is stupid junk you both want and can afford.

Love Your Kids, but LOVE each other

You have to love your kids, duh. But, your kids will grow up and leave one day (hopefully). You need to have more in common than just your kids. Your kids need your time, love and devotion, and so does your spouse. Don’t neglect your spouse for the sake of your kids. They can’t divorce you and take half of your things. And, they won’t be there for you like your spouse. They’ll have their own lives, their own kids, and their own careers. The last thing you want is for the kids to move out and be stuck in a house with a stranger.

Make Time for each other

You can’t make time, but do it anyway. Find time for each other. Every week make some time, and every year do something special. It doesn’t have to be expensive or long, but it has to be special. Take time to do things you both enjoy. Play a game together, watch a movie, go for a hike, rob a bank, or whatever excites you. Do something special with your spouse. Time is to short, make the time.

Be nice

Don’t make fun of your spouse or put them down in anyway even though it’s easy. You know each others darkest secrets. You know how to hurt each other and how to make each other feel good. Don’t mock each other, put each other down, or be rude. You can be honest without being a jerk. If you have to say something pointed, put it in a nice way at the right time. Don’t tell your husband that your mad about him not feeding the dog when he’s working on the car, and don’t tell your wife she’s behind on the laundry when she’s slaving over dinner. Be nice. Say something nice for no reason once in a while.

Put Jesus in it

Jesus is awesome, and He makes a great addition to any marriage. He’s a great conflict negotiator, and He even helps with the bills.  He will show you both where you need to change and help you do it. Lifeless religion won’t help, but a living relationship with Jesus is the foundation to every great relationship. Pray for each other. It works

Is Charlie Sheen Jesus?

Charlie Sheen is saying some very “out-there” things. Is he Jesus?

Charlie

“I am on a drug. It’s called Charlie Sheen. It’s not available because if you try it once your face will melt off and your children will weep over your exploded body.” – to 20/20

Jesus

Jesus said he was the Light of the World who came to show people how to be others-centered. He did say that when you love it will be like rivers of water that bring refreshing to others, but He mentioned nothing about our faces melting off.

Charlie

“The nights I don’t sleep it’s because there’s a higher calling telling me to stand guard.” – to Howard Stern

Jesus

Jesus stayed up all night once in a while too, but he was praying for others not fighting off giant cockroaches who were trying to steal his stash.

    

Charlie

“I healed in like two days.” – to Howard Stern

Jesus

It took Jesus three days, but He was dead-not addicted to crack, coke and porn stars.

Charlie

"I’m different. I have a different heart. I have a different type of blood."

 Jesus

Jesus said that too, and He proved it. A million men sleep with hookers and do coke everyday. I'm not really convinced Charlie is different yet.

Charlie

"We win so radically in our underwear before our first cup of coffee, it’s scary. People say it’s lonely at the top, but I sure like the view."

 

Jesus

Jesus wasn't worried about winning. He lost His life to make others winners. He encourages us to do the same.

Charlie

“It’s a metaphor for having absolute rocket fuel in my veins. When it comes to getting focused and delivering things in a way…” – to Howard Stern

Jesus

Jesus said His blood was life, and would bring us back to God.  He delivered on that one.

Charlie

“What’s not to love? Especially when you see how I party, it was epic. The run I was on made Sinatra, Flynn, Jagger, Richards and all of them look like droopy-eyed armless children.” – to 20/20

 Jesus

Jesus did go to a few parties, but He was loved because He loved, healed, and cared for others when one else could.

Charlie

“The last time I took drugs I probably took more that anyone could survive. I was banging seven gram rocks because that’s how I roll, I have one speed, go. I have a different constitution, a different brain, a different heart. I got tiger blood man.” – to 20/20

Jesus

Jesus was beaten, stabbed, and abused more than His body could take. He willingly laid down His life for us all.

 

Charlie

"Dying is for fools. I’m proud of what I created. I exposed people to magic. I exposed people to things they would never see in their normal lives."

Jesus

Jesus thought that dying to our selfish desires was the key to seeing supernatural things take place in our lives. But, what does He know?

 FINDINGS:

Charlie Sheen is not Jesus. Charlie cares about Charlie and a few people who are close to him, and Jesus loves everyone. Case closed. But, I like Charlie Sheen. He is very funny.

I'm not trying to judge him. We could all be him. I am just showing the ridiculousness of our own thinking. We all make dumb mistakes. He, unfortunately, choose to make his in public. But, I am praying for him and hope to see him a little more stable for his family's sake.

Please Pray for this guy...He is losing it.

quotes from Examiner.com

Spiritual Johns and NSA Christianity

NSA Christianity is killing the church. NSA is an acronym that means No Strings Attached.  People use it when they want sleep to around.  It's creating a church full of Spiritual Johns---not the John the Baptist kind of John. A John is someone who pays a prostitute for intimacy. They give money, and they get intimacy. They have no commitment. They get their rush and  leave. Real intimacy is costly. It requires commitment and time. It only exists in true relationship.

Spiritual Johns thrive in NSA (No Strings Attached) Christianity, and by thrive I mean die. They go from church to church, meeting to meeting, and event to event looking for an intimate experience with God without relationship. They never find it so they are always seeking. They never become conformed to His image because they never live in community.  God is Trinity. He exists in community. If you don’t exist in community you are not like Him. In the Trinity, there is no “me”. There is only “us.” He says, "Let us create man in our image". The Trinity is not narcissistic, it looks outward. For God so loved the world, is at the heart of His essence.

Saul

Saul was a Spiritual John. He practiced NSA religion. He would encounter God’s Spirit, but he never had relationship. He never fully submitted himself to other Godly people.  In 1 Samuel 19 we read that he wanted to kill David. He was full of jealousy, envy, and hate. In verses 23-24 the Spirit of God comes  and he prophesied. He is so “moved” he even laid all day and night before the Lord. Spiritual Johns would rather get laid out than have their lives changed.. If he lived in relation with Samuel and even David, he may have been restored. But, that would have been humbling. It would have been costly.

He had no commitment to the Lord or Samuel. If he did, he may not have had the Kingdom taken from him. Saul was only committed to Himself. When it served his needs, he came into God’s presence. But, he never let that presence into him. He never re-committed himself to Samuel. He was an island to himself.

It’s easier to lay down on a church floor than it is to be committed. Saul's story has all the makings of a great testimony without the life change. It would have been a great service. Videos would be posted online, revival would be proclaimed, and everybody would think God was pleased. Still, NO LIFE CHANGE HAPPENED. Saul was “spiritual” as long as he was in God’s presence. As soon as he left, he was the regular murderous and envious Saul.

Intimacy has Strings

Spiritual Johns are at the center of their own spirituality. It’s not a spirituality focused on Jesus or others. It’s a pseudo spirituality focused on “me”. Many Charismatic/Pentecostal Christians refuse commitment and treat church like a prostitute. They come and seek God for their own happiness and fulfillment. They give to get. They sow seeds because they want some magic for their finances, not because they care for others. Spiritual Johns lack true anointing because anointing in birthed in intimacy. Intimacy is nurtured in commitment.  

Spiritual Johns are destroying our church. Lack of community is producing ungodly people. When you live in community, you can’t hide your ugliness. You can’t fake it with people who know you.  Intimacy is built on trust and honesty. There are no secrets in the Trinity. There is openness and honesty. There is self sacrifice and love. There is no self-seeking. Many of today’s ministries are built on the sand of self satisfaction.

Attach strings to your spiritual walk.

George Wahsington Carver's Keys to Greatness

George Washington Carver was awesome. Here are some of his keys to success.

Be clean both inside and out.

Neither look up to the rich nor down on the poor.

Lose, if need be, without squealing.

Win without bragging.

Always be considerate of women, children, and older people.

Be too brave to lie.

Be too generous to cheat.

Take your share of the world and let others take theirs.

Thoughts on Homosexuals

After speaking with some people who struggle with this subject, I figured I’d weigh in. I will let the generals and legislators decide the Don't Ask Don't Tell issue, but, I figure that if we are going to make sinlessness a prerequisite for serving in the military, it’s going to be a small Army.

I was born this way

I have to apologize to all of my Christian friends. I am going against the flow and saying, “Yes, some people are born gay." Many of you won’t agree. In fact, some will be extremely upset. Being born gay makes sense to me. I have never struggled with homosexuality, but I have met Christians who do. It’s a real battle they face, and not all of them caught it through an act of molestation

I was born with the desire to have things my way. Since I was little, I wanted to play the games I liked with my rules. I didn’t like to share my toys. No one taught me that. It came naturally. I was born with the desire to lie when threatened. It’s not a learned behavior. It comes easily to me.  I didn’t learn this. It comes from the inside, but that doesn’t make it right.

With all due respect, just because you were born with same-sex attraction doesn’t make it acceptable. Were people born that way? Sure. Is it ok? No. I want to be more than my natural desires. I want to rise above this lifeless existence and experience the beauty, truth and grace that are in Jesus Christ. 

Animals are gay so I can be gay too

People say that since there are homosexual tendencies in the animal world,  we should accept them in ours. They even note dolphins who have blow-hole intercourse.  My dog is fond of a stuffed lion, and she poops in the closet. I don’t poop there, and I am not friendly with the lion. Animals do a lot of stupid things that we should avoid.

Sodom was destroyed for homosexuality

Read your bible. I might have been just because of homosexuality, but I read in Ezekiel that it was much more than that. They were destroyed for being arrogant, overfed, and unconcerned with the poor and needy.

"Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. They were haughty and did detestable things before me." Ezekiel 16:49-50

When was the last time the Christian right protested arrogance and selfishness? We get bent out of shape over gays in the military, but we are OK with people starving and freezing to death. We won’t picket the arrogant or selfish. We’re never seen standing outside a mall on Black Friday protesting the greed and selfishness that is destroying society. We don’t line up in front of The Golden Corral and blast the countless overweight Americans gorging themselves while others starve in the streets. But God forbid, a homosexual grab a riffle. Are we arrogant, overfed, pride, and unconcerned for the poor? When was the last time you head that preached?

No Offense

If you’re gay. I don’t mean to offend you. I don’t think it’s an acceptable lifestyle, but I don’t blame you. I won’t reject you. It’s a personal issue you will have to work out with Him. For me, it's like other life choices. You don't have to agree with my religion for me to love you, and you don't have to be like me for me to like you.

Homosexuality is not the worst thing in the world, by any means. Selfishness, arrogance, and ignoring the poor are far worse. I don’t have to agree with your choices, and you don’t have to agree with mine. You may think believing in Jesus is a moral travesty. I've been told that. And if you would like help dealing with some issues, let me know. I can get you in touch with some very confidential people who know what it's like. Let’s focus less on arguing and more on helping those in need. God likes that.

Yes, Offense

If you hate gay people. I'd like to offend you. You are probably more wrong than they are. Stop being an idiot and love people. I mean to offend you only to the point where you will look at your hate and change. I mean to challenge you to love people more than you hate them.