It’s happened to me a million times so I KNOW it has happened to you.  You’re sitting in traffic on the busiest day of your week.  You hit EVERY-SINGLE-REDLIGHT on your way to work.  Or how about this…you sit down to pay the bills for the month with a knot in your stomach.  You expect things to be tight but it’s worse than you thought.  You’ve gotten to the end of the funds in your checking account and you still have four more bills due next week that you don’t have the money to pay.  Or……you’ve been praying for a family member with a chronic illness for months expecting God to fully heal and restore them and He does…. but not in the way you preferred….BAM……He decides to take them home.  These things are just a FEW of the situations we all tend to deal with from time to time.  When we are in the middle of these situations it seems overwhelming, almost to the point of giving up.  I’ll be the first to admit—Been there, done that!

I’ve come today to encourage you but maybe not in the way you’d expect.  Interested?  Well, keep on reading.  I am a firm believer that there are lessons to be learned in each and every situation we deal with but sometimes we have to change our perspective.  What?  A perspective change?  Seriously, hear me out.  Rather than sitting in a space of fear and pity for yourself, lay all of that stuff (your frustrations and the like) on the table and step back.  Take a moment to step back and change your perspective.  I firmly believe some things happen because God allows it.  Remember Job?  Yeah, he had it all and in an instant it came crashing down around him.  Things didn’t go south because he was a bad person.  Just the opposite.  He was a man of integrity, a Godly man that lived his life as God had ordained.  Things went south because God was allowing Job to be tested.  Job’s life was certainly a testimony BEFORE his troubles and trials.  But imagine the testimony he had AFTER he went through it all and came out on top again.  Not only was he restored but with bonus.   

Now here’s the part you probably don’t want to hear so you may want to skip over this part [insert eye roll here].  Sometimes the things that happen to us are a direct result of our own doing.  Yeah, I said it.  We did it to ourselves.  We’ve set ourselves up to fail because we don’t prepare well.  We don’t, “count the cost…”  You choose to get a new car, purchase the latest and greatest cell phone with a 20GB data package, you went on a shopping spree you KNEW you didn’t have the money for….but since shopping makes you feel better, well, a few hundred dollars spent won’t hurt anything, will it?  Oh yeah, you also upgraded your satellite TV to have 200 movie channels.  WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WITH 20GB OF DATA AND 200 MOVIE CHANNELS?!?!?!?!?!?  It may sound ridiculous but this is the way many live their lives. 

Now hear me clearly, I FULLY realize there is another side to this same coin.  Sometimes things just happen and they aren’t a direct result of any specific doing on your part.  Sometimes things simply happen.  That’s the way life is.  There comes a point where we have to decide how we are truly going to live.  James 1:2-8 reminds us, “² My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. ⁴ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. ⁶ But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷ For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; ⁸ he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”  Whether it’s a God lesson, you’ve gotten yourself in a mess, or it’s just life happening—there is STILL something to be learned.  [insert the old children’s song, “He’s still working on me….to make me what I ought to be…”—you’ll have that stuck in your head all day long now, ha ha!]

This may sound weird and awkward but, don’t waste your hardships!  If you have given your life to God and asked him to lead and guide you…..guess what?!?  He’s going to do what you ask of Him.  We need to include God in EVERY part of our lives…the good, bad, AND ugly…not just using Him as a spiritual gumball machine.  Some only approach God when they need something.  We pop in a quarter and expect to get what we want…and there’s no judgment here because I’ve done it before myself but…..Shame on us all!!!  If you’re dealing with something today make this choice….as James 1:2 states, choose to, “COUNT IT ALL JOY!”  He said He would never leave nor forsake us.  Regardless of whether you feel alone…..you’re NOT!!!  Maybe you’re stuck in traffic because God is protecting you from a wreck a mile down the road.  Maybe you NEED to be late on some bills to teach you the importance of handling your money correctly BEFORE you end up in court having to claim bankruptcy.  He’s molding us and making us every day.  Let Him.  And again, “count it all joy…”  Let your perspective change today.  You’ll be amazed what God will reveal to you!!  Regardless of the situation, it’s never the end…..it’s only the beginning….He makes ALL things new.   

Years ago I was hanging out with a friend.  After just a few short minutes of being together I heard him refer to one of his children using some not-so-nice terminology.  A few minutes later, in the midst of fussing, he used this title again.  Rather than using the child’s given name he would always call out or refer to the child using this same title, almost like it had become a nickname—and a bad nickname at that.  This child was strong-willed, mischievous and, if I’m being honest, could be a challenge at times to deal with.  If you’ve ever seen advertisements or watched it yourself the movie “Problem Child” was a close comparison.  Throughout the day I kept hearing him using this negative name over and over again and I cringed inside every time he did it though, after a while, I didn’t notice it as often as I became accustomed to hearing it.  I wasn’t this child’s father and really didn’t know what went on behind closed doors, though I suspected it was much of same behavior and activities I had experienced during my few hours with them.  Now, quite a few years have passed and that child, well they’re not a ‘child’ anymore, physically embodies the title that was given so long ago.  If someone recognized that child as being ‘challenging’ back then, those old assumptions were NOTHING in comparison to how they act now. 

I told that story to make a valid and valuable point.  There is power in what you say.  There is power in every word that comes out of your mouth.  While I understand my friend’s frustrations, as I’m sure he had a lot to deal with every day, I can not condone the title he labeled his child with.  Even in those moments of hearing him use it I knew it was wrong and somehow I knew it would have a lasting affect…..and sadly, it did.  In Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV) Solomon states, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.”  Like all of us, Solomon was far from perfect but he is considered one of the wisest to ever grace this earth.  He knew this to be true, no doubt, because he had experienced it.

I could ramble on but my message today is simple — watch what you say!  Sometimes (and sorry for being so forceful but some of us require it) we just need to put the SHUT-to-the-UP!!  The next time you decide to say something negative about or over someone, especially those closest to you, just….DON’T!  The next time you decide to complain about how bad your day is or how crazy and terrible the coming week will be just…SHHHHH!!!  Rather than concentrate on how sick you have been or how bad you have felt remind yourself, “…by His stripes [I] am HEALED!”  Rather than fuss about how your boss doesn’t respect you and treats you badly, turn the tables and shower him/her with kindness—after all, we are suppose to “Do unto others as we would have them do us,” aren’t we?  The moment you say “I can’t” or “I don’t” is the moment you purposefully paralyze yourself.  Why would you do that?!?  As a worship leader I have people constantly approach me and ask, “Do you write any worship music?”  My response is always, “Not yet!”  I make that statement in faith that some day God will give me with songs that will usher His people into His presence.  Not for my own recognition but that He might be glorified. 

Why choose to place limitations on yourself or those around you?  I don’t know about the God YOU serve but, “I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength!!” [Phil 4:13]  Be purposeful in how you live your life.  Speak life, not death, over yourself, family, and different situations you may find yourself in.  There’s ALWAYS a ‘silver-lining’ forming around those storm clouds.  The ‘silver-lining’ we hear so many refer to is the sun attempting to shine through or over those storm clouds.  The sun WILL shine again but until then, PRAISE HIM ON CREDIT!!!!       

Today is our anniversary and that fact makes me happier than you could ever imagine.  I look around us and realize we are surrounded with stories of those who have chosen to throw in the towel.  Together we have chosen to get up every morning and fight another day for our love.  I feel blessed to have you by my side every step of this journey we are on together.  I’m not sure what methods others have employed when looking for a mate but I was always very aware I was in search of the other half of myself…..that half that made me a want to be better.  I knew the traits that were most important to me and I searched endlessly until I was able to put a face to the image I had already created of you in my head.  I continued this same route unapologetically and felt blessed beyond measure when we finally decided to share our lives together.  Upon realizing you were the one I had prayed for I discovered God had given me everything I asked for, quite a few things I had forgotten to ask for, and a lot of things I never knew I needed. 

To know that we have now survived yet another year of battles makes me even more thankful.  I love living life with you.  The late night conversations about life and the future, your reassuring touch in the middle of the night, the way you always make me feel like the most important person in the room are just a few of the things I have come to appreciate.  As time has passed we have both experienced our own share of war wounds and have the scars to prove it.  We have traveled roads I never expected to travel yet emerged even stronger.  We have dealt with hardships that would have made others give up.  Yet again, we chose to press forward.  Among the ashes we have found great beauty.  These bodies may be weary from battle but our foundation remains strong simply because we have Him.  He is that hidden, yet not so hidden element that urges us on and provides us with strength during those weaker moments.  If given the chance to do it all again I would choose you over, and over, and over again.  You are my choice every time. 

I have listened intently as you have spoken of the gray hairs that have appeared as of late.  I have watched as you viewed your reflection and complained of the lines that are now beginning to appear around your eyes and on your face.  These things, my dear, make you even more beautiful to me.  If I am being honest I never knew that was even possible.  I pray you learn to wear these marks you don’t seem to care for with honor.  They are truly the sign of a greater beauty that is to come and is currently blooming into fruition.  I admit you were gorgeous the day we married but your beauty today is so much greater.  Even better, tomorrow’s beauty will eclipse todays.  I don’t know what tomorrow or the next day holds but with you by my side and with God leading us it doesn’t matter.  While I am thankful for yet another year to share and celebrate with you I am even more excited I get to experience this next year, and again the next.  I firmly believe the best is yet to come and I could not imagine anyone else but you by my side till death parts us.

I look forward to forever.

All My Love,

B

I have been in full time ministry for over 15 years.  Recently, I found myself reminiscing over those years.  Some things I came across, maybe the way I handled a certain issue that came up, I was somewhat pleased with.  At the same time there were other things, well, I was down-right embarrassed by.  In my defense (I roll my eyes as I even type those words ‘in my defense’), I was young and immature and still had a lot to learn.  I think the biggest change I have seen over the years is the way I build and maintain relationships.  There are certain people who have come into my life and maintaining a relationship with these folks–whether it be a friendship, confidant, mentoring, familial, minister to congregant, etc etc—has been easy.  While on the other side, there are some relationships I have had to work at.  Admittedly, in all of the relationships listed above (and even the ones I failed to list) any time I ran into someone who brought me stress or just mentally wore me out (you know what I’m talking about because we’ve ALL had ‘those’ people in our lives) I would avoid that person like they were carrying the plague.  It was easier to ignore them rather than invest time and effort that would most likely end in greater frustration on my part. 

I truly think the change in me came around that seventh or eighth year mark of being in full time ministry.  Truth be told, I underwent a mental/spiritual transition/transformation of my own which led to my eyes being opened.  Anyone who is a part of my inner circle knows my past and will tell you I was a handful to deal with at times (I know you all read this in shock, ha!).  Seriously, I had experienced a lot of hurt in my life which had led me to live in a way that truly prevented anyone from getting too close.  The ones I allowed to get close me would only hurt me in the end, or so I thought.  I was extremely mouthy and hard-headed (I know, another shocker—just stick with me J), could be mildly manipulative (though I attempted to do so secretly and became pretty successful with it), and so much more.  Those who were able to get into my inner circle loved me anyway.  They saw Brian for who he really was.  When I fussed and ran my mouth, they heard my hearts cry and hurts rather than the biting words I spewed.  When I pushed them away, they only pushed back and loved me even harder.  It was those relationships that can be credited for the transformation that has taken place in my life (though I can still be a little mouthy at time, lol). 

Those folks took the time to see through all the baggage and mess I carried.  They allowed me a place and a space to receive my healing from God free from judgment.  They gave me a swift but gentle kick to the backside when I needed it but loved me unconditionally regardless of my shortcomings.  Reminds of my/our Heavenly Father.  He knows how screwed up we are or even how screwed up we’ll become and He loves us anyway.  Even knowing this He sent His son anyway to pay the ultimate price.  Romans 5:8 states, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  So…..I said all that to say this…..the next time you get the itch to label someone as a nuisance, pest or any number of negative names just…..stop!!  Take a moment and well…..open your eyes.  Try to listen with ears of love, mercy and compassion—hear the unsaid words BEYOND their complaints or grievances.  Rather than turning your back and running in the other direction, cover them in prayer.  I can tell you from experience the very people who use to drive you crazy, you’ll discover a love for them you didn’t know existed.  And realize, they may still tap dance on your last nerve from time to time– but your ability to have love and compassion for that person may be the very thing they need to receive healing from the hurts they carry.  Show them the same love God showed you.  Stop looking at people with your own eyes.  Use His eyes.  His vision is MUCH better!!

When I was in high school I remember a specific instance during one of my classroom settings that recently came back to mind.  A friend of mine, a ‘hard-head’ (I know hard-heads because I am one, LOL), was having an argument with one of our teachers.  Truth be told, the teacher was right and he was wrong but in this instance he was so frustrated he wasn’t going to hear any truth in what she had to say.  His mind was set and, even knowing he was wrong, he was going to stick to his guns.  I specifically remember hearing her say, “Honey, you need to fix your ‘stinkin’ thinkin.’”  We all know, that statement had nothing to do with odor and everything to do with his negative mindset. 

If we’re being honest we will admit we’ve all been there.  Things around us will take a turn for the worse and it consumes our thoughts.  We get a bad report and we launch into “what if…..”  We run out of money before we run out of bills to pay and the freak-out ensues.  If this doesn’t apply to you now it will in the future.  Hear me today when I say, “Fix your stinkin’ thinkin’!!!!!”  The word of God reminds us in Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you.”  This scripture doesn’t tell us that everything in our lives will turn out perfectly.  There is no assurance that you will never have to deal with hardships.  BUT is DOES remind us that even in the worst storm we may ever face we MUST choose to set our focus, trust, and thoughts on Him (I’m noticing a trend with my blogs lately). 

We’re not promised the perfect life but we are promised His peace in the midst of the storm.  Might I add it’s a, “peace that passes all understanding.”  If you’ve ever experienced it, you know what I’m talking about.  It can’t be explained, only experienced.  Luke 12:25-31 reminds us, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?  Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?  Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!  And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.  For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.  But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” 

Take a deep breath today, my friend(s).  Allow Him to help you change your thinking (trust me when I say you won’t be able to do this on your own–I speak from experience) and bring you peace.  In the midst of that peaceful moment you just may begin to realize that He really is working out all things for your good.  It’s just like the old hymn says, “Oh, what peace we often forfeit, oh, what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!”  Break out the tools and lets fix that ‘stinkin thinkin’!!!!

This past week our little family went on our first official family vacation and had a blast.  Our goal was to plan activities our kids would enjoy and we tried to cater to their interests as much as possible.  Since they are 2 & 5 years old knowing what they like isn’t hard to figure out right now.  Our goal was to give them as much of our attention as we could as our lives stay pretty busy on a daily basis and we all just wanted to get away and reconnect.  As I watched them over those few short days I have to admit I was both pleased and dismayed all at the same time.  Let me explain. 

If you’re a parent you’ll understand what I’m talking about.  Parenthood is an extremely humbling experience.  Raising your kids can be difficult and frustrating yet extremely rewarding all at the same time.  I learned something very early our parenting journey and that is, watching our children is like looking in a mirror—and that scares me to death!!  Most who are reading this know that both of our children are adopted from birth.  I know there’s a lot of speculation out there about the ideal of nature vs. nurture.  [Simply stated there are many in the scientific world who question whether the environment a child is raised in or someone’s heredity (their DNA makeup) most impacts their development psychologically.]  It’s apparent by looking at my children they look nothing like us.  My wife and I both are ghostly white while our children both have beautiful olive complexions.  But when it comes to how they act/react……Lord help them both, they act JUST like us.  My daughter is me in female form while my son is a mix of both my wife and I.

On this little vacation we took I was able to watch their every move.  The ‘dismay’ I spoke of earlier came from the negative ways they would react to certain things.  A split second later it felt like I was getting a slap to the face as I realized, in the middle of fussing at them, they were reacting the EXACT same way they had saw me react in certain situations.  The way my daughter gets apprehensive and frustrated when she doesn’t know what to expect because she wants to be made aware of every detail….yeah, that’s me.  The way my son has to have the last word every time we’re fussing about something….yep…me too.  The way my daughter is hard-headed and wants things done her way, right then….me.  The way my son fakes bravery in situations where he’s unsure of himself…..you guessed it….me.  (you’ll have to get with my wife about the characteristics they have picked up from her because I’d prefer to stay out of trouble, ha!!!)

All my life I have heard Proverbs 22:6 which states, “Train up a child in the way they should go and when they are older they won’t depart from it.”  The older I become and the older my children get the more I become aware of this fact and also a duel meaning that exists in this scripture (though I’m sure there may be more should someone choose to delve into it).  In example, our kids love to listen, sing along to, and worship with praise and worship music.  No doubt they love it because of the love they have seen their mother and I display toward it.  The bad habits they are forming, well, unfortunately, they’re picking up on that stuff too.  The book of Proverbs is filled to the brim with wisdom and this short verse is no different from the rest.  For years the ideal I have heard being portrayed by ministers is that of encouragement for the parent of the wayward or prodigal child.  And that is, if you have done your best to bring them up in a Godly manner you have to rely on God to bring them back to what they have been taught should they ever choose to turn their back on it.  Unfortunately, the same can be said of your negative actions.  If a man chooses to abuse his wife, not only is he teaching his son to hit a female but he’s also teaching his daughter she should expect to be hit thus leading them both down a dangerous road for their futures.  If I choose to raise my voice at my wife my son, no doubt, assumes it’s okay for him to do the same towards his mother or even his own future bride.

I cannot control how my children are going to live their lives once they leave my household but, as a parent, it is my job to teach them right from wrong in ALL aspects of life.  My son needs to know how to treat his future wife and that will come from watching me as he sees the interaction between his mother and I.  My daughter needs to learn how her husband should treat her, and that too will come from the very same interaction.  Parents—only YOU can choose how you are going to ‘train’ them.  You’re going to make mistakes—count on it.  But I want to encourage you today to take an inventory of how you’re raising your kids and ask God to help you make the proper adjustments.  I watched today as my son walked around the house in my shoes…..literally, in my shoes.  He did this for about 10 minutes.  Every so often he would fall because the shoes he was trying to fill were too big for his tiny feet.  All too soon his feet will be just as big as Daddy’s and he will then fill the very same shoes that were once too large.  My kids are following my every footstep. I need God’s help because, to me, it is a NECISSITY that I get this parenting thing right.  Not only will these traits be passed down to my children, but ultimately my grand’s and great-grand’s one day.

It’s never too late to make adjustments.  My kids are watching me and following my every footstep.  While I follow the footsteps of my own earth father I pray they will realize that I am attempting to follow in the footsteps of One who is much greater than my earthly father or me.  He is the ULTIMATE Father.  I won’t always get it right but I’m going to try to give my kids the best of me simply because they deserve it.  Your own children are following YOUR every footstep.  What do they see?  Whose footsteps are YOU following?

Let me begin with a disclaimer.  It is NOT my intent to come across as someone who is using this blog as an outlet to sling mud at others who upset or bother me.  I would, however, like to take a moment and bring attention to an issue that has troubled me and continues to dance in the forefront of my mind.  For years I have watched at secular news outlets and others have advertised the shortcomings of those claiming to be Christian.  I think my first experience with this was during Jimmy Swaggart’s fall from grace.  I was around the age of 9 when it happened but I still remember watching him on TV will tear-filled eyes reciting his famous words heard around the world, “I have sinned.”  I really didn’t understand everything that was going on but I do remember hearing those around me complain how the media was crucifying him.  A few years later we had the Jim Bakker fiasco.  Since that time there have been too many scenarios such as the two I just mentioned to even begin to keep count of and, quite frankly, that saddens me.

For a while, in my youthful immaturity, I would secretly point my finger back at the media as if what was happening was their fault.  It seemed like they were being so horrible to those who had been caught in their sin.  As I grew older my perception and view of things have changed quite a bit.  I now hold the following opinion: Christians—you’re giving God a bad name.

I am fully aware that the word teaches us, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”  We have all screwed up at one time or another.  If we hadn’t messed up once or twice then there would have been no need for Christ to die on the cross paying the ultimate sacrifice for us all.  Humor me and, just for a moment, let’s take what we consider the big stuff off the table (i.e.-Christians involving themselves in extra-marital affairs and the like).  [Side note:  Sin is sin—there are no levels– aside from blasphemy of the spirit spoken of in Matt 12 which is the ‘unforgivable/unpardonable sin.’]  Let’s talk about the stuff that doesn’t make the news.  Let’s talk about how those who claim to be Christian slander one another with their gossip.  Let’s discuss how ‘Christians’ involve themselves in questionable practices (drugs, alcohol, telling dirty jokes, gossip, cussing, pre-marital sex etc.).  Let’s talk about how those who claim to be Christians bash and degrade our President because they don’t agree with his decisions in leading our country.  Regardless of your personal opinions about the man we are to submit to those in authority over us unless they are requiring/requesting us to do something that is against the Bible or unethical in some way.

Let’s face it, we don’t need the media to make Christians and/or God look bad.  We’re doing that all by ourselves.  The word reminds us if we pay attention to how someone is living their life you will know them by the fruit they bear (I recently posted a blog with material related to this very subject and it can be found below).  Let’s look at social media for a moment.  I appreciate having the ability to sign on to Facebook and get back in touch with long-lost loved ones and friends but Facebook has become a horrible place to be at times.  I see how those claiming to be Christian blatantly degrade and talk down about others who may not believe as they do or live their lives in the same way.  Some are posting pictures glorifying unclean acts they’ve involved themselves in.  In example, the Bible doesn’t specifically say “Thou shalt not watch a Rated R movie,” but we all know the things that are shown in movies with that rating are not good for our spirits.  Again, please don’t think I’m judging because that’s not my intention here.  If you can involve yourself in certain practices you believe are okay that is between you and God.  I am not the Holy Spirit and I have no desire to judge your choices.  But I will say this, and I believe I have mentioned this in prior posts.  We have been called to be ‘salt and light.’  God expects us to set ourselves apart.  If we are blending in with cultural norms then we just become another face in the crowd.  It is better to be hot or cold, saved or unsaved.  The Bible reminds us that He will spew out that which is lukewarm.  Matthew 6:24 also reminds us we can’t serve two masters.  It’s time for Christians to ‘choose this day whom you will serve.’

Now realize, I’m not instituting that we turn our back on the unsaved or judge them for the way they live their lives.  Be aware how you judge others because you too will be judged with that same measure.  However, I AM encouraging you to live your life as an example of who He is.  If you claim to be a Christian, EXPECT to be watched by those around you.  We are to live our lives pouring out his love, grace, and mercy.  Don’t live your life in excess trying to ‘one-up’ those around you.  It’s not about placing yourself at the front and attempting to get all the attention.  It’s about serving others and being humble, admitting when you’re wrong, and dealing with the consequences of your actions.  I think it’s fair to say, if you’ll stop making bad decisions you won’t have to keep apologizing.  Guard your testimony because it’s all you have.  Filter those FB posts, guard that tongue, shove that judgmental spirit in the back seat (better yet—throw it out the window), ‘stray from appearance of evil’.  Keep your mind set on things above and watch God use your life to bring Him glory.  Lead people to God, don’t repel them away from Him.  Don’t bring shame to His name.  Live your life as a GODLY example to those around you or it’s quite possible YOU will be the one making God look bad.

In recent months and years reality television has thrust one specific mental illness to the forefront that, until now, many tended to overlook.  We’ve all known ‘those people’ and have quite possibly been placed in that group at one time or another.  The more kind terminology would be a “pack rat” or “clutter bug.”  These specific terms imply a more mild issue.  Though, in severe cases we come across what has now been termed a ‘hoarder.’  This title is given to those who it is believed have a mental disorder.  This disorder is a branch of another more well-known disorder called O.C.D. (for short) or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.  This disorder causes the person to engage in activities that are repetitive and don’t seem normal to anyone who doesn’t suffer from it.  Hoarding can become a very serious issue that can lead to severe physical sickness in many situations due to unsafe living situations.  If you’ve never seen it you need to watch it at least one time.  The show is simply titled ‘Hoarders.’  It’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced.  The show begins by introducing you to a man or woman, sometimes a couple who have been recommended for the show to which they have agreed– with a little bit of arm twisting, no doubt.  They immediately begin introducing you to the person and begin showing the viewer rooms in the person’s home.  The camera pans the rooms and normally there are items of clothing, books, magazines…..ANY number of things that litter the room and I’m not talking just a few items here and there.  Many times there will be things that completely cover the floor and fill the room from floor to ceiling.  It almost seems like a joke……like really?!?!  How does this happen???  If you feel like your house is a mess, after you watch this show you will most likely feel like your house is IMMACULATE.  It really is sad to see these people have such a hard time letting things go.  Over the course of an hour they begin to reveal things about the person…issues that existed that caused them to most likely become the way they are today.  After watching one of these shows I began to think……I think I’m a hoarder.  Not necessarily in the tangible item category but in the emotional category.  Like everyone else I have had my share of hardships and trials.  While I could have moved on and allowed God to heal me of those things I decided to hold on to them and pack them away in one of my rooms….simply because the closet is full…yikes….here’s your sign!!  There have been times I have chosen to hold on to heartache, fears, worries and more simply because I just couldn’t seem to let them go.  Why?!?  Truthfully, I’m not really sure.  It SURELY wasn’t because it brought me comfort.  It tortured me more than anything but I allowed it.  My ‘house’ might have looked nice and put-together on the outside but inside I was deteriorating.  I guess I said all that to ask you this, are you moving forward or backwards today??  There’s nothing wrong with reminiscing about the past.  The past has led you to where you’re at today and has essentially made you who you are, good or bad.  Many times the past will become a road map and learning experience if you will allow it to be.  It will serve as a warning about what roads NOT to take in the future.   BUT, if you are wallowing in the past and aren’t able to let go of yesterday…that’s a problem.  You become paralyzed and unable to move through the present or into the future.   Maybe it was the loss of a loved one, a failed relationship of some type, a job promotion you didn’t receive after you thought you deserved it or any number of things.  Be reminded today of His promises.  Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.“  John 14:27 reminds us, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”  You can’t control the things that happen to you but you DO have the power to control how you are going to react.  I’m not trying to downplay your hurts.  I have my own and have dealt with those paralyzing moments myself but, quite frankly, the messes we pile up and have to walk around will drive you crazy after a while.  We’re not pigs so why do we wallow in our mess??  I leave you with this question, what will you choose today?  Will you move forward or backwards? 

A few weeks ago I spoke on a Wednesday night at one of our midweek services.  During that message I began bringing out some very specific information in relation to living the Christian life and keeping our focus placed on God.  I wanted to take a moment and share it with you as I feel it was given not only as a reminder for me but for anyone willing to read this blog {and I know there are millions of you who race to read it 🙂 }.  We can turn on the nightly news and instantly know we are living in a crazy world filled with so much negativity.  We see and hear about so many things that blatantly go against how the word of God teaches us [Christians] to live our lives.  Even worse, many of the things that tend to draw the biggest audiences are the numerous stories involving those who call themselves Christian and involve themselves in some very questionable activities.  Sadly, Christians are the very ones who are tarnishing the name of God.  You all know who and what I’m talking about so there’s no need to bring out names and point fingers.  The main question I want to pose today is this, what type of fruit are YOU bearing…..are ARE you bearing fruit? 

In relation to living the Christian life the word of God reminds us in Psalms 1:1-6, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; ² But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. ³ He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. ⁴ The ungodly are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind drives away. ⁵ Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. ⁶ For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”  We are given specific promises from God but they are only legitimate if we are living under His covering and abide by the road map He has provided for us via His word.  This portion of scripture above warns us of some very important things that we would do well to remember.

As Christians it’s important to be aware of who we allow to speak into our lives.  You know who I’m talking about—those people we go to for counsel.  Personally I have only about five people who I will actually go to for guidance and I chose them simply based on the fruit they bear.  Their lives have proven to me that I can trust them and go to them for guidance when I can’t seem to find the answers to questions I may have.  The scripture above also warns us about the type of lifestyle we live, as we have been warned against, “…standing in the way of sinner.”  What do you base your habits or moral character on?  We also must guard against sitting, “…in the seat of the scornful.”  Better expressed, what type of company are you keeping?  Chances are, if you are hanging around negative people—most likely you will or have already become a negative person.  We all know the old adage, “What you put in is what you get out.”  Now, hear me LOUD AND CLEAR as I say this—I am NOT encouraging the Christian to shun the unbeliever.  By doing so it becomes impossible to fulfill the Great Commission.  The idea I am presenting and that is being portrayed in the scripture above is this—We MUST guard our hearts, minds, the way we live our lives, and our belief systems lest the world begin to influence our thinking rather than the other way around.  This can come in the most unexpected ways through television and movies, the music we listen to, the books and magazines we read and in MANY other ways.  If we don’t guard ourselves we may stumble into many of the same traps others have fallen into.  Rather than being salt and light we begin to blend in with our surroundings.  If we are not setting ourselves apart in how we live our life then it can very well seem like we are condoning the wrongdoings of others.  And hear me when I say I’m NOT encouraging you to judge others.  I’m talking about YOU setting YOURSELF apart.

We are reminded in that same scripture blessed it the man/woman who ‘meditates on the law of the Lord—day and night.’  There are blessings associated by living a Christ-focused life.  The Christian life is LESS about rules and regulations and MORE about the divine protection that comes from abiding in Him.  By ‘meditating’ we begin to better understand why those prohibitions were put in place thus allowing us to have a deeper relationship with God.  It is then we realize He’s trying to protect us rather than prevent us from ‘having fun.’  If we understand why the law is there it will change how we respond to it.  We will then become, [v. 3] “..like a tree planted by rivers of water {a reference to the Holy Spirit/God} that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither and whatever he does shall prosper.”  By heeding this warning we become more grounded and rooted in Him and receive our nourishment from the proper source rather than searching for earthly things to fill a void on HE can fill.

The fruit we bear was never intended for our enjoyment or nourishment to begin with.  An apple tree doesn’t gain nourishment from the apples it bears but rather from the soil, sun, and water through its roots.  Our fruit is there as a testimony to others around us of who God is.  Side note:  New Christians [and even those who have been in the faith for quite some time] would do well to remember fruit doesn’t appear overnight.  There’s a process, and sometimes it’s not an easy process as we have to endure the elements associated with those harsher seasons like summer and winter to get to our harvesting season.

If you claim to be a Christian, you wear His name.  You are either bringing exhortations or reproach to His name.  What kind of fruit are you bearing today???

PS—Please overlook any typos as I didn’t have the same amount of time as normal to look over and correct any existing issues. 

If you have friends or family that enjoy gathering for special occasions you have probably heard the question, “What are you bringing?”, at one time or another.  This past Sunday our pastor was telling a story, using it as an object lesson.  I must admit the story has remained with me all week and inspired this blog.  He told how a family member had contacted him and asked him to bring buns to the next family reunion.  That was his job.  Bring the buns.  Simple.  While he felt okay with that he remarked, “Buns?  Well that doesn’t seem important.”  He wasn’t asked to bring anything else.  Just…buns.  Now, here’s the kicker, he was asked to bring them for everyone.  He has a large family so, while that would be a lot of dough (both figuratively and literally) he still didn’t see very much importance in what he was bringing.  As he showed up he saw another family member manning the grill and cooking a pig.  In his opinion, this seemed a more worthy offering to bring for everyone but, as he had been asked, he brought the buns.  He continued telling the story of arriving and watching as everyone brought their assigned item and by the end of the day everyone was full and happy as they sat around and enjoyed each others company.  Everyone had pulled together, brought their item, and it formed a complete and fulfilling meal for everyone in attendance. 

While my pastor admitted his item didn’t seem like much by itself, when everyone put their items together it formed an entire meal for all in attendance.  Had he chosen not to bring the buns, it would not have stopped the gathering though, admittedly the meal most likely would not have been as fulfilling.  Common sense tells you it’s hard to pile chili on top of a hot dog wiener.  If the person assigned to bring the plates and napkins had not done their job, well, that meal would have been a mess.  They could have used their hands or eaten straight from the containers but the meal would have been a little less sanitary.  During his story my mind began wandering (sorry, pastor) and I was reminded of a portion of scripture.  1 Corinthians 12:12-27 reminds us (it is a little lengthy, just a warning, but it’s worth the read): 

¹² There is one body. But it has many parts. Even though it has many parts, they make up one body. It is the same with Christ. ¹³ We were all baptized by one Holy Spirit into one body. It didn’t matter whether we were Jews or Greeks, slaves or free people. We were all given the same Spirit to drink.  ¹⁴ The body is not made up of just one part. It has many parts. ¹⁵ Suppose the foot says, “I am not a hand. So I don’t belong to the body.” It is still part of the body. ¹⁶ And suppose the ear says, “I am not an eye. So I don’t belong to the body.” It is still part of the body.  ¹⁷ If the whole body were an eye, how could it hear? If the whole body were an ear, how could it smell? ¹⁸ God has placed each part in the body just as he wanted it to be. ¹⁹ If all the parts were the same, how could there be a body? ²⁰ As it is, there are many parts. But there is only one body.

²¹ The eye can’t say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” ²² In fact, it is just the opposite. The parts of the body that seem to be weaker are the ones we can’t do without. ²³ The parts that we think are less important we treat with special honor. The private parts aren’t shown. But they are treated with special care. ²⁴ The parts that can be shown don’t need special care. But God has joined together all the parts of the body. And he has given more honor to the parts that didn’t have any. ²⁵ In that way, the parts of the body will not take sides. All of them will take care of each other. ²⁶ If one part suffers, every part suffers with it. If one part is honored, every part shares in its joy.  ²⁷ You are the body of Christ. Each one of you is a part of it.

I understand what my pastor was talking about.  And if you’re willing to admit it, you’ve been there yourself.  Some times we don’t feel like we have much to offer.  Sometimes we don’t feel that our ‘offering’ is worthy by most standards.  So, rather than share, we decide to withhold it or bury it (refer to the Parable of the Talents –Matthew 25:14-30).  Even worse, sometimes we feel like our offering is better or more worthy so we discount the offerings of others and push ourselves to the front as if we’re more important.  There is a lot to be learned from these portions of scripture but I’ll try to keep it short.  God had gifted everyone with specific talents/giftings/anointings.  Regardless of whether you’re leading at the front or supporting from behind the scenes, your offering IS worthy……and NEEDED!!!  We are the body though we are MANY parts.  Not only in the local church, but the body of Christ as a whole.  In this local church I am a neck.  I support my pastor (the head) and help him fulfill his vision.  In the state of SC I may serve a smaller, somewhat insignificant purpose.  As a Christian in the United States or even the world I may have a seemingly even smaller purpose.  The point is this….no matter the size of the offering or the level on which you serve, your offering is worthy, needed, and necessary.  No matter the denomination you are a part of we are ALL still serving the SAME GOD and attempting to fulfill the same mandate (a.k.a. the Great Commission).  You can disagree with the way I do things but it doesn’t give you the right to discount my offering, and vice versa. 

We ALL have something to offer the kingdom of God.  Your offering is important.  If you choose to hide or bury it you’re hurting everyone.  I can function with a broken arm but it will put more stress on the other parts of the body to function in the place of that broken arm to continue to fulfill the duties before me.  The body of Christ can continue on without you but we’re not complete until you bring YOUR offering—and I hope you’ve realized by now I’m not referring to money—though that helps sometimes too, HA!!!!  We’re all a part of a MUCH bigger picture.  Stop staring so hard as your little 25 piece puzzle.  If you’ll back up and refocus you’ll realize your little puzzle is a part of a MUCH BIGGER work of art.  If you’re missing a piece of a puzzle, it will be forever incomplete.  Get involved.  Do your part.  No matter how big or how small, it’s ALL important.  I end with a question…………..what are YOU bringing?!?