ENTER INTO YOUR REST

 

It was a beautiful day yesterday. I stood there at the top of that hill looking out of stretches of green grass. Trees were blooming, and the sun gave of its warmth, as breezes came and went around us. Yesterday was the funeral of Bobby Stone.

I first met Bobby and Patsy 4 + years ago. I wasn't aware at the time of the health struggles that Bobby was dealing with. He was a fighter in the truest sense of the word. I never heard him complain about anything, and he seemed to have a permanent smile etched upon his face. But that was just Bobby. Always looking toward the positive, and grateful for another day.

I got to sit with the family during our time at the funeral home, and I heard story after story about the incredible life this man had led. Oh, he won't be found in any history book, but I guess one could say that his name was written down in the only book that truly matters........The Book of Life. 

I chose the picture above because you can't have Bobby without Patsy. If ever there was truth to the statement that when man and woman become husband and wife they become one. Tomorrow, April 1st, would have been Bobby's 81st birthday. But somehow, I think Bobby has a new birthday. The day he passed from the bonds of this world into the arms of His Savior. You see, on March 27th the day we view as the day he died, I think this was his first birthday of truly being born again.

I know that the coming years will be a hard one for the family. Such always is for anyone who has lost a loved one. It will be a year of firsts. First birthday, first Thanksgiving, first Christmas...and on and on. There will be times of great loneliness. Time of tears. But also there will be times of laughter as memories come to remind us of the good things and the good times.

While Bobby is safe and home in the presence of His Lord and Savior, you and I must still navigate this thing called life, all the while headed to where Bobby has gone. I pray that we can carry the sweet spirit and attitude that was a part of Bobby.

Please pray for this family that God would strengthen and comfort them for what lies ahead.

Bobby, I will miss you, but I will see you again.

God on you...

mbb

PALM SUNDAY PLUS TWO

 

Tuesday --- Two days after Palm Sunday. I'm sure that at some churches people stood and waved palm fronds during the worship service and cried out "Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna to the Lord!"
The first Palm Sunday was a bit unusual in that it reveals the best and the unstated worse in mankind.

When Jesus entered into Jerusalem, the people came out and celebrated. Each one with an idea of what this even meant to them. Some had visions of a new dynasty of King David with Jesus ruling from a throne there in the city of Jerusalem. The dreaded Roman presence in the city would be cast out and driven from their country. There would be peace and prosperity just like when King David ruled. Jesus would usher in a new time and era of peace. Some weren't sure about this Jesus. They had heard stories and had followed him around listening to His teachings and watching His healing. Even with all this demonstration, they found it hard to believe that such man could command that a kingdom be established under His rule. Rome wore a hard boot and they like to keep it on the throat of every country they occupied. This coming king, this Jesus, might do more harm than good.

Out of the homes and shops they came to celebrate. As Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, coats and cloaks were laid in the patch and palm branches were waved as part of the celebration. Funny part was that in less than a week these people who were crying, "Hosanna, Hosanna!" would be the same ones crying, "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!"  The real heart of mankind would be uncovered as the perfect sacrifice for the world's sin allowed himself to be lead to the slaughter. Isn't that way of Jesus? He merely has to be in our presence and we uncover ourselves because of the magnitude of purity and righteousness He possesses? I think maybe it is.

So as we move through this Passion Week of Jesus' last days before his death and resurrection, I am reminded that there will be another Palm Sunday in the future.
Revelation7:9-10
After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands, and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation to out God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."

This celebration will be for all the right reasons. The main one being that Jesus is worthy of any and every praise and worship we give Him.
Maybe Palm Sunday down here on earth is for practice for when we stand before the real deal.
Jesus the Christ.
Jesus the LORD.

God on you....
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An Easter Hallelujah - Cassandra Star & her sister Callahan

We are entering Easter week....The world sees bunny rabbit's and new clothes. It proclaims that Easter is a time of new birth.....of spring.......of casting off the winter dust that has gathered on our thoughts, and see life in a fresh new way. A time of colored eggs and baskets filled with candy for the children.

I see Easter as the ultimate defeat of everything wrong with humanity. A time when God himself came down and took on the form of man, walked among us...did things that went beyond the laws of nature and of this world. All the while knowing that a cross filled His future during His time here. 

More than a cross was the physical pain and suffering...the humiliation and abuse that came with being identified with a cross. You see righteous people did not hang on crosses. Good people never found themselves nailed to the cross beam of such a thing as a cross. Only those who had been judged and found guilty of crimes were relegated to such a place.

Those who had defied the authorities and sought power for themselves were candidates for the cross.....thieves, low-life's, murder's, the one's deemed as being a threat to the Roman rule of that day. These were the rabble that was herded outside the city to a place where sentence could be carried out.

This was the place that my Jesus chose to go.

Not because He was guilty, but because I was. He went because you also were guilty. You see, it was the Romans who place Him on that cross. It wasn't the Jews who were responsible for His death. It was you....and it was me. My sin placed Him there. Humanity was born with a debt hanging over their collective heads. A debt that could never be paid by any one of us. 

Jesus, in obedience to His father, became the payment for that debt. He took my place on that cross....He took my sin, your sin, and as the Bible says "The sins of the world" and received the wrath of His Father in heaven to satisfy that debt. Such a deed was so horrible that darkness covered the earth so that no one could lay eyes upon what took place on that hill where Jesus hung between heaven and hell. So this week, I am overwhelmed by this thought of the love that God has for this world, that He sent His son to be the source that opened the door so that I could have relationship with Him.

When I got home yesterday from Northside, Vicki called me into the office to show me this video of these two sisters singing a version of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah.

As the song played, tears welled up inside of me and I began to cry. Not tears of sadness, or grief, or pain......but tears of joy and gratitude for what my Jesus had done for me. 

SO I will move through this week, carrying with me the thoughts of the victory that came through the darkest of times. A victory that came when a stone was rolled away and the impossible happened. He walked from that tomb resurrected and ready to assume His place as Lord and Savior. What a morning that was. Never been one like since. 

Find Christ today and let your hearts embrace the joy of Easter as only a believer can.

God on you....

mbb

HERE'S MUD IN YOUR EYE

 

John 9:1 / And as He (Jesus) passed by, He saw a man blind from birth.

Jesus was always following the Spirit. Listening for His Father's direction and instruction.

This may not be a bad way for me to live my daily life. I seem to waste too much time not listening for God.

Jesus is suddenly aware that His disciples were asking questions.

"Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he should be born blind?"

Isn't that the way we view most things?
We look to the negative rather than the positive.

The disciples made a rationalization about this man....who sinned?

Jesus makes a wonderful statement that does not fit in with the way some people view life and theology of the this age.

Jesus gave no answer as to what was the reason the man was born blind, but gave a greater reason that would bring glory to God.

This man would be healed by God and it would lead those around this man to be confronted with the truth. Either Jesus was who He claimed to be or..................He wasn't.

It wasn't the fact of his blindness as much as it was here God had an opportunity to reveal himself.

I need to remember this.
Every bad thing that happens to me really isn't about me as much as God wants to reveal Himself through healing or salvation or a demonstration of power.

So......

What does Jesus do?

He spits on the ground and makes clay or mud from the mixture. (Good thing this guy can't see what is going on or else he might have bolted.)

Jesus applied the clay/mud to the man's eyes and then gives him some instructions that seem rather harsh.

"Go---wash yourself in the pool of Siloam". 

"Excuse me...I'm blind. I am not very well equipped to make my way around town to this pool."

You know what....
If you're desperate enough, you'll do whatever it takes to be healed.

Sound rather "AA Big Bookish" Doesn't it.
IF you are willing to go to any lengths.......Here are some simple steps.

This blind man was desperate enough to make the trek to the pool.

Don't you think he looked foolish (here again, the blind man can't see himself)?
What do you think people passing him by thought about his appearance?
"Excuse me...can you help me here...I need to find the pool of Siloam."

Giggling to himself, a man gives him directions."

"Hey buddy, you've got a little something on your face."
"Really? Is in mud?"
"Why yes it is."
"Thanks...I'll be on my way."

We read later in the chapter....the blind man left to go to the pool......he washed himself....and came back seeing. He was blind and now he can see.
How did this happen?
He simply did what Jesus told him to do.
DO you think that maybe.....

just maybe.....

Our lives would turn around in a miraculous fashion if we simply did what Jesus instructed us to do?
I think so.

A life changed by the power of God...
A life taken out of the bondage of addiction and sin....

Always points to and brings glory to God....

You know....
I'm just crazy enough to believe this stuff......

God on you....

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TWO MEN---TWO DIFFERENT OUTCOMES

 Two men go into the same treatment program at the same time. They both sit under the same teaching. The both work the same workbook. Both of them attend the same services during their time there. One of them gets it.....the other doesn't.

Ten plus years pass and these two meet up. During their conversation, the one who is still running the streets searching for that high, confesses to the other that he is angry with him. The other man who has lived not only a life of sobriety for the past ten years, but also has a growing relationship with Jesus, tells him, "You had the same opportunity I did.........you chose not pursue it. You chose to follow your own desires. You didn't really want to stop using, you just wanted some time off so that the pain and all the things weighing you down would stop.

I know both these men, and I confess that it truly has always puzzled me as to why some latch on to Christ and His offer of salvation, while others sit stone cold never moved by anything they hear or read that would cause them to change.

I know that there are a million factors involved here. I know that those who live outside of the will of God and relationship with Jesus are spiritually blind and deaf. As we read in II Corinthians 4:3-4...But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. Whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God should shine on them. 

I know that to some, when you refer to God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit, they automatically thing "church"....or "Denomination". They usually have a check list in their thoughts that reject anything to do with either of those. One of the reasons that our services at the ReCovery Church look and sound the way they do. Going back to 1998, I always felt that if you brought someone into a meeting who was in addiction, and the place didn't look like what most churches look life, and the music didn't sound much like what you'd find in most churches, then that person may, for just a moment, drop their guard down and something that was said may strike their hearts. At the least, a seed may have been planted that would turn them toward Christ at some point in their life.

So whenever we hold a service I always pray the same prayer. "Father, let those who hear the word and experience the worship do so with the ability to hear and see. Come and break off the blindness of their spiritual eyes, and remove the hardness from their hearts. Let the word strike them through Your Holy Spirit that they may come to a saving knowledge of You."

What's more, since the pandemic I pray over the live stream that goes out from our meetings. I ask God to use it for His glory, and to bring those who are watching into His truth. A place where we can confess, repent and find healing for the deepest, darkest places inside of us.

Not real sure why I wrote this post this morning. Just felt a kind of weight to do so. Maybe someone out there needs to read it. I let God use it in the way He desires to. Have a great weekend, and if you free come and visit us @ The ReCovery Church located on Broad Street, downtown Gadsden between 4th and 5th streets. If you can't make it, catch us on Facebook on the ReCovery Church on Broad Street page.

God on you this day

Mbb

DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR

 

Luke 23:34

And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

Hanging on the cross, his body racked with pain, the first words that Jesus says is about forgiveness. How incredible is that?

Jesus could have prayed that His enemies be instantly put to death.

He could have prayed that the earth open its mouth and they be swallowed into hell.

He could have prayed that they all be placed on crosses and made to suffer as He was. Instead, He prayed that they would find grace in the eyes of God, and that God would forgive them for their sins.

Jesus demonstrated what He had been teaching His disciples all along. That we are called to respond differently than the world does when we are wronged. Jesus modeled a lifestyle that was not bound by the dictates of this world, but rather by His father in heaven.

On the cross, Jesus practiced what He preached. Jesus loved His enemies, blessing those who cursed Him. Doing good to those who hated Him, and praying for those who despite fully used Him and persecuted Him. Jesus demonstrated something that we all need to realize today. Contrary to the writings of modern day psychologists, man's two main needs are not "security and significance," But rather forgiveness for sin and redemption from sin.

Think on this today....

Romans 4:7 -

Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven and whose sins are covered.

Ephesians 4:32-

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

He is risen!

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CAN'T STAY IN THE PAST--LIVE THE DAY AND FOLLOW GOD INTO THE FUTURE

 

John 14:1
"Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe in Me."

Seems to be a season of great uncertainty in the lives of many I come in contact with.
The uncertainty of what to do....All fueled by the pandemic that has been going on for over a year. A change in leadership of our government has certainly added to the concern. Lot of questions hanging in the air out there.
Where should we go from here?
What is waiting for us out there?
Live has seem to reach a point where God is "stirring the nest", or making things uncomfortable. so that we will move forward.
A time between season's in our life.
We don't know what to do next, so we hold on tightly to where we are today. We find ourselves growing anxious and confused because we won't turn loose and take that step into the uncertainty that lies before us. 

To me, and believe you me I haven't arrived at some sort of being a expert on this, every moment should be steeped and focused as like the words of John 14:1 . Our belief in God and His faithfulness should permeate every decision we make. Our energy should be poured out on hearing Him and following what we are told. If you really want to get down to it, all life is uncertainty. We do not know what is coming next. Here, this morning, sitting at my computer, I have no idea what truly will happen today. Oh, I have a schedule to keep and places to go, but no knowledge of what will interject itself into my day. I have to trust God.

Now, think about this? Why would Jesus say those words we read in John 14:1? Why would he make such a statement about "troubled hearts"? Because He understood the human condition. He knew how the human heart works, that it is has a natural penchant to be troubled by the future and the uncertainty of life. He knew that left unchecked, the human heart would be fearful to the point that it would put a halt to everything. He knew that this was a dangerous way to live and that it could eventually become a prison that kept us in bondage. 

God never called us to live life on these terms.
Trust and obey....
Trust and move forward....
Believe and be free.....
Don't let fear and uncertainty lock you away from the blessings of God.
Hold to God's unchanging hand...

NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO BE WISHY-WASHY!

 

Daniel 1:8
.......But Daniel made up his mind.......

Daniel made up his mind.
That verse speaks volumes about a person.
There was a decision to be made.
Two choices.
In this case, one of the choices could have cost him (Daniel) his life.
But Daniel made up his mind.
He resolved the dilemma and then followed through with it.

Daniel's situation was not exactly listed in the "good" category.
Daniel's life wasn't exactly peaches and cream.
He was a slave.
His country had fallen in defeat to Babylon, one of the great military powers of the day.
As was the custom, the people were taken away by the victorious country, to serve and fill the positions of servants and workers. Daniels very being was under the authority and whims of governement that was not very tolerant or forgiving.
But Daniel made up his mind.

I like the way the Recovery Bible writes about Daniel.
Daniel experienced the turmoil of transition from one culture to another, yet he recognized that God was in control. He knew that no matter what happened around him, God and his will would remain the same. Daniel knew what God expected of him and remained faithful to the God's program, despite the opposition and temptations he faced. So God blessed him, and Daniel became a great success in the courts of Babylon and Persia.
In other words...."But Daniel made up his mind."

Recovery is no different, as there is great turmoil (physically, emotionally, and spiritually) in the transition from your old lifestyle to this new life of sobriety. The key focus for us should be the recognition that God is in control. If we want to truly live a new way, then through step #3, we keep before us always the thought that we turn our life over to God once (Salvation) and our will daily. We must rely on the fact that no matter what happens today, God's will and purpose for us remains the same. It isn't changed or thwarted by anyone or any situation. God's will is the one true unshakable fact we can stand on. So if God's will in my life is the great stabilizer against any storm that comes my way, then I should stand on this knowledge. I should commit myself...spirit, body, soul, mind (and a few other parts that I may not have thought of)  to this great truth.
I do not need to return to my old ways and habits of trying to control things through my own will or strength. Remember that "God does for me, what I could not do for myself."
I need to make up my mind, or as the Bible puts it, I need to set my face like flint to follow this Jesus.

But Daniel made up his mind.....
And when he did, God blessed Daniel.
God blessed Daniel even though his circumstances were less than wonderful (I mean...C'mon...he is a slave)
God broke through all the baggage that comes with being a slave and lifted Daniel up to a life that he never could have attained on his on.
How?
But Daniel made up his mind.......that's how!

When God begins this work in you, as you make up your mind to follow, then you will be given the gift that will sustain you through every trial and temptation.
As the Big Book puts it........"You will know peace!"
Go out and enjoy this day.....

God on you....
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THE SIMPLE THINGS

 

Psalm 119:130
The entrance of Your words gives light. It gives understanding to the 
Simple.

adj. sim·pler, sim·plest

1. Having or composed of only one thing, element, or part. See Synonyms at pure.

2. Not involved or complicated; easy: a simple task. See Synonyms at easy.

3. Being without additions or modifications; mere: a simple "yes" or "no."

4. Having little or no ornamentation; not embellished or adorned: a simple dress.

5. Not elaborate, elegant, or luxurious. See Synonyms at plain.

6. Unassuming or unpretentious; not affected.

I do consider myself to be a simple man. I don't take that as a put down or a criticism at all.

I lead, what I consider to be a simple life. I don't  need a lot of stuff to feel good about my existence. I find joy in what some refer to as life's simpler pleasures.

I love a good cup of coffee. Coffee that doesn't have to be flavored or dressed up. Don't mind others who like theirs that way, but it's not for me.

I love me some "grand children" hugs. Never tire of them. I love to hear my grand kids call my name when they come  through the door. Nothing like having a lap full love when they crawl up to hug your neck. Only now such is relegated to memories and good ones they are. My grand kids are no longer "kids"...Tyler at college and Ashley in high school. Spending time with them brings me great pleasure.

I like a firm handshake. A good hug. A backs slap. A hand on the shoulder. All good because of human contact. 

I like hearing my wife's voice before we drift off to sleep, and then see her face first thing every morning.

The smell of Honeysuckle is good also. I especially like it when the day is over and the sun is going down.

Freshly mowed grass and freshly turned earth are the two best smells in the world, because they represent work that has been done.

I like a good laugh, even at my own expense. If you can't laugh at yourself, you better go sit in the corner and do some thinking.

Thunder and lightning are the best show ever. Standing on the porch waiting for the rain. You can smell rain. My wife taught me that one. Bless her heart, she can sniff out a storm a hundred miles away. 

I love to see my wife in new ways. You know what I mean. I'll be going through my day doing all the little tasks that have to be done to keep a household running, and I'll  be walking through a room and catch a glimpse of her. And for a brief moment, it's like I'm seeing her again for the first time. It kind of catches your breath and makes your heart skip a beat. I silently throw up a prayer thanking God for the life He has given the two of us.

I love to worship.

I love to sing and pour out my heart to God. I love to worship when Debbie Handy is leading. She can take us into the presence of God faster than any other person I know of.
I love it when God comes down and fills the room with His presence during worship. I simply love to get lost in worship. Get lost to the point that there doesn't seem to be anyone else in the room except for God and me.

I love it when the Holy Spirit lets me see a verse in a new way. One that is applicable to me. One that I need to read and apply. It's like the verse stands up on the page and screams my name out..."Michael! Pay attention! You need to understand this."

I love a good sermon that is filled with God's word. Not much for what I call "pop self-help" kind of messages. I love it when the Holy Spirit moves me during a sermon.....moves me to consider my own life and the way I've lived it. To show me things that are not pleasing to God, so I can repent and rid myself of these thoughts and behaviors. Nothing like being free from all the old junk.

I never tire of seeing someone saved. Of seeing that "light" come on in their hearts that truly reveals that they are the problem and Jesus is the answer. 

I appreciate you letting me ramble this morning.

I was feeling grateful for all that God has allowed me to see and experience.

It has been a great ride so far, and I look forward to seeing it all the way to the end.

In case I haven't told you lately....
I love you and so does God.

God on you...

mb

THE POWER FROM GOD TO MAKE US FREE

 

Ephesians 1:7
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our sins, according to the riches of His grace.

I played a worship song during the first meeting of the ReCovery Church. Not your typical feel-goose-bumps-love-you-Jesus song, but rather a gut wrenching, let's get real, down to the raw, kind of worship song.

Suzy Wells was the composer and worship leader singing this particular song and from the very beginning the words tell you that this isn't going to be like any song you may have heard before.

"I killed my children.........You forgot that."
"My fornication.......You forgot that."
"My prostitution.....You forgot that."
"I left my husband....You forgot that."

She goes on to talk about her addiction. Her worship of idols. How she stole God's glory and trampled on it through her lifestyle.
Like I said, it wasn't your typical worship song.
But here in those brutal words of truth lies the incredible power of God.
How could someone sing those words about their own life unless they truly had experienced the forgiveness of God?
How could a person lay themselves bear and reveal things that, in church, you're not suppose to talk about. If you do talk about it, it is in the context of speaking about someone other than yourself.

Yet here in this declaration of her past, Suzie goes down her life revealing each sin and wrong she has committed against God. As you listen to her voice, you don't hear pain or regret. You hear the voice of someone who has been forgiven and healed from all the damage that sin has brought to them.

This is the thing I want you to hang on to this morning.
Memories are forever.
They don't go away.
They don't fade over time.
They will pop up for no reason at the most inopportune times.
When they do, they usually bring what I refer to as the toxic emotions of shame and guilt.
Here is where the power of God comes into play.
How can Suzie sing this song and not come undone by the shame and guilt? Because her receiving the forgiveness of God has eliminated those emotions from the memory. All it is now is just a memory.
I'm sure that if she let herself, she could dredge up those emotions, but she won't.
She has been set free...
She has been given the most incredible gift of all....forgiveness.
Forgiveness all wrapped up in God's love...His mercy....His grace...and His presence in the form of the Holy Spirit.

Don't let the enemy keep you from growing in Christ by dredging up memories laced with those toxic emotions. Take everything to Christ and get rid of it....
Every foul deed you ever did...
Every curse that ever fell from your lips...
Every sexual act that you ever committed outside the boundaries of marriage.
Every bit of unbelief, doubt, and fear...
Take it all and lay it at the feet of Jesus....
Ask Him to take it, and in its place, ask Him to grant you forgiveness.
Ask Him to pour His peace over you.
Then receive it!
When the devil comes at you and tries to get you to remember all the vile things you have done....
Rest in that forgiveness.
That's some kind of good stuff...

God on you....
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RISE!

 

I Corinthians 1:3-4/ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Seems to me that our nation...this country...my home, has reached a point of no return. I do not wish to boil down God to a list of rules and commands, but you cannot escape the simple fact that God has laid down the way life will go, according to the choices you make.

I have watched over some 20+years as people have rejected the wisdom, council and directions given by God, to pursue their own leading's and decisions. In this time, I have seen people go "off the rails" and their lives tank. In the mess they created by their own choosing, they have cried out to God for help. (Isn't it funny  how we don't really need God until life goes all kaflooey.  I have watched God come to their aid, and at the same time, these same folks who cried out for God, once again turned and pursued their own decisions.

Why this post? Because I see a nation that has become fearful, doubtful, angry, and divided. Now I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I do believe that our enemy (the devil) is working overtime to make sure that God is eliminated from the collective conscience of this nation. Oh, he doesn't mind if God is turned into a fairy tale.....he doesn't even mind if people go to church and hear a watered down version of truth. But never doubt that the devil isn't working overtime to keep people from not only believing in the truth, but also living it....walking it out.....living by faith in the simple truth that God is who He claims to be, and will do what He has promised He would do." 

SO why do we cower in fear at the attacks that are hurled at believers today? Why do "circle the wagons" and believe we are making a last stand? I believe that this day could be the greatest time for the church of Jesus Christ to rise up and be who God created us to be. Love Him........Love others as we love ourselves. Not just say it, but demonstrate it. Love with not strings attached. Love in truth...speak truth....point to the only source of truth there is. That would be God Himself, and the Word He has given to us.

I know that the catch phrase "social justice" is thrown about like candy from a float at Mardi Gras. We couch our phrases in slogans and vision statements that seek to appease the flesh rather than reveal the truth. Does this mean that I'm against social justice? No...but what passes for social justice in this day and time if far from what the real deal is. Did God tell you to become a part of this movement, or did you get on board because it seemed like a good idea. Why doesn't social justice begin first in our hearts, then in a demonstration of reaching out to others as the Holy Spirit guides us? It is a futile attempt to legislate morality or fairness....the heart must change in order for real change to happen. Only the Holy Spirit can operate on this level. Conviction for wrong done....confession as to our part in the wrong....repentance by turning away from old view, old attitudes and old behaviors....and lastly, seeking the guidance that only God can give to a heart surrendered to His care and His will.

I think I've rambled enough....

God on you....

mbb

SPRING FORWARD----- FALL BACK

 

Time Change....More daylight....More time in the evenings to get out and do whatever needs being done. Actually no. There isn't more time. We get the standard 24 hours a day no matter what. But man came up with the notion that he could reset the way life moved in order to take care of whatever plans he may have.

No, I'm not a daylight saving times renegade...running around screaming "keep the old ways and leave time alone." I'm not a big fan of DST but I can live with it. What I find interesting is that God is the one who sets times and seasons. He doesn't manipulate anything. He decrees it, and it is so. Very simple.

This morning as I got up, I had this whole "time" thought running in my brain. One of the first verses that came to me is found in Job Chapter 38. Job has been asking a lot of questions to God, and now it is His time to reply. The chapter  opens with these words: "Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!"

Pretty heady stuff. Mankind with his storehouse of knowledge, or maybe I should say limited knowledge", becomes puffed up thinking that he can solve every problem humanity faces. Science replaces God. Opinion is passed off as truth that should be followed without question. I am not  anti-science---I marvel at the things that have been invented since my birth. The list is pretty impressive when you stop and look at it. But it pales in comparison to what God has brought forth. Those words of Genesis 1:1 set the rule and reign of God in place to show us who it is we are dealing with. "In The Beginning God Created". Creation was an act which brought order out of Chaos. Such is the heart of God. He brings order to my life out of the chaos i have created. No wonder that He is referred to as "The Highest Power". 

Such power has been directed to pull mankind out of the miry muck and mire of a fallen world. to lift us up to a new way of living. To give us life here, life abundant...and eternal life once this old mortal coil plays out and our hearts no longer beat. Not trying to be glib but God is the answer to everything wrong in my heart and in my life. He is not Santa Claus......or the Easter Bunny....He's not the tooth fairy, or Mr. Sandman. He is the living creator of all we can see and comprehend. We can scream all we want to about how unfair this world is, and where was God when disaster struck, but the bottom line is we truly do live in a fallen world filled with sin and self. There will be some who will say that I am naive and a simpleton. I'm o.k. with that. Your unbelief doesn't make God any less real.......or any less powerful.....or any less loving. For God so loved the world that He put in place a plan to reconcile the sin of humanity so that relationship could be restored. All I can say to that is an enormous "THANK YOU GOD!" for saving me.

I've rambled on enough here on this Monday morning. Thanks for stopping by and checking out the Greene Street Letters.

God on you...

mbb 

 

Jude 24-25
Now to Him, who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy....To God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever...Amen.

This should be the motto for every believer that draws breath...
This should be the proclamation for those who are following Jesus....
He is able.
Because the lie the enemy wants you to buy into is "He isn't able to rescue you this time!"
Or..."Well aren't you just the black sheep of God's family. If He truly loved you, you wouldn't be going through what you're going through."
Divide and overpower ...
Divide and conquer....
If he can divide your thoughts so that the truth is mixed with his planted doubts and half-truths, then he can knock you off track.

I love the opening words to the verses from Jude.
"NOW"-----that would mean present, right here, at this moment. You see, God is a present/presence. In other words, He is working, moving, touching, speaking to me every moment of every day. He isn't seated somewhere on the back side of the moon watching everything. 

"Who is able to keep you from stumbling".....That means that no matter what the obstacle is........no matter what the roadblock is that is thrown in my path....no matter whether I see it in time or not....God is able to not let me destroy myself because of it. That is the king of God we serve...One who is able to keep His own no matter what the world or devil throws in our path. 

I guess the biggest thing I see people struggling in addiction do is to buy into the lie that they can never change. That they are beyond the reach and scope of God's power to be rescued. In other words, God is not able. With this incredible road block of a thought planted firmly in the mind and the heart of the addict, I have seen God's Holy Spirit break down this stronghold thought and bring the truth of what He is able to do. That is the kind of God I serve.

This is another reason why we are meeting on Saturday nights. To introduce our God to those who are living under the lie that their very lives are beyond the reach of Him.
More than that, I want those who attend to know that Jesus is offering life, abundant, here and now. Abundant in the love and promises that are found in scripture.
Abundant peace....
Abundant grace....Grace? Yep! Grace: The empowering presence of God in my life that enables me to be who God created me to be, and to do what He has created me to do.......Grace!
Abundant love....
Abundant mercy...
Abundant, over flowing presence of His Holy Spirit taking up residence in me to guide and teach me what I need to know to navigate life here on this side of heaven.

So if you're struggling today...
Remember these words from the book of Jude.
In fact memorize them...get them all down inside of you, and the next time life is hard or the enemy is whacking you left and right...then say them out loud....
Because they are truth, and the devil hates the truth.

God on you....
mb

THERE IS A CROSS FOLLOWING ME

 

Matthew 2:1-2
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."

Springsteen sings "Born To Run"....
The Bible declares Jesus as "Born to Die".
Isn't it funny how we separate the babe from the man.
We embrace the baby Jesus as one who was innocent and in need of being taken care of.
When you think of Him this way, you can see why God was so particular about who He wanted to raise His Son.
In my mind, Mary was the ultimate Mother.
She may not have understood all that was going on as Jesus grew to manhood, but she knew that God had picked her for this incredible task.
On this side of the cross, we can rationalize and pontificate the death of Christ. Yet the truth is, it was a mother's heart that had to be present in the death of her son. It didn't matter at the moment that Jesus would rise from the dead. First he had to die, and he had to die in front of the woman who had carried him for nine months and had given birth to him.

All those names we bandy about so easily today....
Messiah...
The Christ....
Redeemer.....
Was He all of those to Mary?
Sure He was....
But He was also her son.

Do you think that His followers grasped the whole "Dying for the sins of the world" thing? I think they heard Him speak on this several times, but I don't think they fully understood the twist and turns this journey to the cross would take. But yet Jesus walked it out all the way. From the cradle to the cross...
From the stable to the tomb, Jesus never wavered in His commitment to do the Father's will.

Shouldn't that be my commitment also?
To "Do the will" of my heavenly Father?
I think maybe the answer is yes.
To come to the complete understanding of the price that was paid for me to experience real freedom, real life with God, and have the hope of glory that in the end, when I die I will be present with Him.

That my highest calling in this life is to worship God with everything I have, and everything I am.
I owe Him everything.
He laid hold of me and brought me out of sin darkness into the light of real life.
No longer do I need the things of this world to entice me or trap me.
I choose to give will and life over to His care as I understand Him to be today.
And I pursue this God to know Him better.
Not a knowing that is found in collecting information...
But the knowing that comes from an ongoing relationship with Him.

I have celebrated a few Easter's....
And each year, I determine to see it differently.
This year, I have been trying to read and understand what it was like to have been a follower of Christ during His lifetime.  To have heard Him speak fully about the cross, His death and resurrection, yet not understand what was going to take place. I think I have touched the place where the human heart lacks the ability (unless given by God) to comprehend the ways and plans of God. Looking at my own life, there have been times where God has called me into a new direction for my life, and even though I have the written promises of God that tell me He has my life in His hands, I am stilled filled with fear and doubt. I know that He would not call me to a place and not see me through. I know that He would not call me only to drop me like a sack of tater's, as if this were some sort of cosmic joke. I know that this isn't God's plan for any of us.

So just as Jesus had a cross in His life...
So do I....
I take it up daily as a reminder that I have given my life to Him.
Physically, I will never have to hang on a cross.
But because He did, I need to remember the price that was paid for me.
That my sin account had been emptied out and stamped "paid in full".
He did that for me...
He did that for you....

I am reminded of the words to "What Child Is This?"

This, this is Christ the King,

whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
haste, haste to bring him laud,
the babe, the son of Mary!

Nails, spear, shall pierce him through;
the cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail, the Word made flesh,
the babe, the son of Mary!

God on you.
mb