You ever have one of those days…when you feel like you can’t go on? Where you can’t go one more day. You feel defeated…and you are ready to throw in the towel. Well recently…that’s been my attitude. But God. Yes…God. God knew and God saw my defeated spirit…and sent just the right message, at the right time. He did so in the form of a message from Focus on the Family.

On Wednesday, March 15th, Focus on the Family aired a broadcast with Pastor Herb Lusk…from Greater Exodus Baptist Church in Philadelphia. Pastor Lusk was speaking at a Focus on the Family event…about staying in the fight. Defeated, knocked down, bludgeoned, bloody…but get back up and go one more round.

Well…it was just the message I needed at the time. I was driving to work, listening to that message…and was bawling like a baby. It really touched my soul deeply. So…I listened to the program again…and this time I jotted down some notes from Pastor Lusk’s speech. So…for those of you who are feeling defeated…read the notes below then click over to the One Place to hear the Focus on the Family broadcast from March 15th. You will be encouraged.

The church…must have the Zeal of a Zelig.

Everywhere Christians go…you have to make a decision. Don’t be passive about what you believe. Christianity today involves confrontation.

The church today is not in the defensive mode, but offensive.

Matthew 6:18 – And I tell you that you are Peter,[a] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades[b] will not overcome it.[c]

Have you ever seen a passive gate? Gates don’t attack somebody. The child of God today…must rush the gates of hell. Have the spirit of a soldier. We wrestle not against flesh and blood.

Time to take things back. The devil has set up strongholds…even in our churches. The devil is crazy enough to come into our homes and churches. Are you crazy enough to stand up against him?

Ephesians 6:11-13 – Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Unlike boxing…wrestling is up close and personal. In boxing you jab and get out. Wrestling you’ve got to get close. Hand to hand combat. You can’t get in and get out anymore. Have the spirit of a soldier and take back our country and our families from the enemy.

We need the guts of a gladiator. Be prepared to die. For me to live is Christ…to die is gain. We need to die to self. Be prepared to die. You can not hurt a man who believes that death is a positive option. There is nothing you can do with a man or woman like that. You can’t bribe them, you can’t buy him, you can’t turn him off, you can’t break his spirit, and you can’t take away his spirit.

Think of the story of Jacob…who wrestled with an angel all night. He wouldn’t let go. And the angel tried to call a time out but Jacob said no. Jacob wouldn’t let go until the angel blessed him. The kingdom of heaven needs to advance forcefully.

Are you willing to struggle? Paul said I press towards the prize of the high calling of Christ Jesus. To press means you have to push, bear down…it requires effort to press.

Like an athlete…we judge the effectiveness of a running back by the yard he makes after he’s been hit. YAC yards…yards after contact. Anybody can gain yards running through a large hole unopposed. How many can you make yards after you’ve been hit? When the bottom falls out? How many yards can you gain after you’ve been hit? When the bottom falls out, the road get rough and the going gets tough? And the hills are hard to climb and folks start calling you names and the crush is on…how many yard can you make then?

Every child of God ought to be able to make YAC yards. After you’ve been talked about, after you’ve lost your job, after your sickness. Job did this…after he lost it all he said, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him.”

Years ago there was prize fighter called John L. Sullivan…the best heavy weight champion of the world at that time. He went up against a pipsqueak…given a thousand to one odds to beat John L. Sullivan.

Round one…he was hit so hard his whole body shook. He went over to his corner and his trainer asked him how he was doing and he said alright…but that first shot he hit me with I could feel it from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet…but I said to myself…if I could go just one more round.

Next round…John L. Sullivan hit him so hard he came up off the ground…and he came down hard. He fell on his back…and was saved by the bell. They drug him over to his corner again. The trainer said…you want me to throw in the towel? He said no…let me see if I can do it one more round.

He came back out on the next round and John L. Sullivan hit him and cut his eyes. His eyes were so filled with pus that he couldn’t see. He went back over to the corner…and they took razor blades and slit his eyes so he could see. The trainer said…do you want me to throw in the towel? He said…no, no, no…just one more round.

He went out the next round and John L. Sullivan hit him so hard that literally he was praying that it would be the knockout punch. But the punch didn’t knock him out and he said to himself…if I could just make one more round.

It was the longest prize fight in history at that time. He went back out again the next round…and got knocked down three times. And guess what he said? Just one more round.

He came out in the twentieth round…bludgeoned, standing and trying to cover himself. And guess what he said? Just one more round.
Twenty five rounds of fighting…and over and over again he said to himself…just one more round. Over and over again he said to himself…one more round. Bloody and bludgeoned he said to himself…just one more round. Eyes cut…but one more round. Legs weak…but one more round. Too tired to stand…but one more round.

That last round he came out and hit him…and knocked John L. Sullivan out.

Church we have a John L. Sullivan in our midst. He is the devil…and he is a liar and the truth is not in him. When he hits you…say one more round. Just one more round, just let me stand one more round. Give me strength, just one more time. One more round…one more time.

And you will knock him out!

Waves of Mercy…Waves of Grace…

As a follow up to my recent article on forgiveness…I wanted to throw out a few more reflections. This has been a challenging area for me…for a multitude of reasons. God is definitely working on my heart…and for that I give thanks.

When you hold on to unforgiveness, anger, bitterness and resentment…your hands are full and unable to accept or receive something good or new that God wants to give you. Until you are willing to lay it down…and give it over to God…you will be unable to receive goodness and mercy from your heavenly Father.

When I forgive someone for a hurt, it means I’m giving up my right to get even or take action against someone for a wrong suffered. It also means I’m trusting God. I’m trusting that he knows best. He knows the persons involved, motives and the reason something happened. If God finds it necessary to bring punishment, he will, in the appropriate and perfect time. However…he may also choose to demonstrate mercy…even to one who is seemingly unworthy. All who are saved…can say a big Amen and Thank You!

Forgiveness means trusting that God will redeem bad circumstances or wrongs done to us. Romans 8:28 – And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

God alone is able to bring good out of bad. It may not be immediate…it may not be in the form that we are expecting. It will likely be from a different person than the one who harmed us. But He will give us beauty for ashes.

Isaiah 61:3
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.

Forgiveness for a wrong suffered also demonstrates confidence that person who hurt us will be punished for what they did. At the appropriate time…and to the measure that God deems just…they will be punished. Sometimes it seems as if people get away with wrong doing and are not punished. But we can rest assured that our God is just and will bring justice on our behalf. They may even get away with sin and evil in this life…but a price will be paid…even if it’s the eternal life to come.

Remember that God’s mercy demonstrated towards sinners is a tool that he uses to draw people to himself. If a person rejects God, does not accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and the sacrifice for their sins…they will be without excuse.

Sometimes it’s tempting to remain in unforgiveness until such time as the person who hurt you acknowledges it and apologizes. Then of course you can be magnanimous and forgive them. A few things wrong with this approach. What happens if they don’t acknowledge it and don’t apologize? Just how long are you willing to wait? How long will you remain in unforgiveness? Should you forgiving another person be predicated upon their repentance? Was God’s forgiveness withheld and the payment for our sins paid only after we repented? No…God had a plan in place from before the foundation of the world.

God’s forgiveness was given…now our choosing to accept and receive it…that is another matter.

When I remain unforgiving towards a person who hurt me…I’m the one that’s miserable…not them. They are off and on their merry way…living their life. And there I am miserable and still hurting…taking a double hit on pain. However, if I had forgiven the hurt I’d be over it…and on to something new in my life. Life is to stressful on it’s own than to add to it…when in fact there is a simple solution. A solution called forgiveness.

When you focus on a hurt and the pain and remain unforgiving…you are unable to move on. You are focused on the past. Not the present…and not the future. You are not looking at what God is doing in your life. You are not looking with expectancy at what God can and will do in your life. Instead you are caught up on a moment in time…and not even a good one at that. Why would you want to relive over and over and over again bad things? I can almost understand the temptation to relive good things…but bad stuff? That doesn’t make a lot of sense now does it?

Sometimes unforgiveness can be used as a barrier to keep you from being hurt again. You have that permanent wall up that keeps people away. Not willing to suffer again…and be deeply hurt. So rather than take a risk…you keep people away. Does that mean you are not hurting? No…you’re just picking your poison. In exchange for what? Nothing good…that’s for sure. In your attempt to kept the bad and hurtful stuff at bay…you keep the good stuff away too.

But in doing that…what are you missing out on? You are missing out on the chance that someone will truly love and care for you. A chance to build a life together and have a love deeper than you could have ever hoped for.

If you take that risk…does that mean everything will be sweetness and light…and you won’t be hurt again. Not a chance. Of course you will…but isn’t that kind of what life is like? Now hopefully you are more discerning and making better and wiser choices along the way. But you can be sure…you’ll get hurt again.

That’s why…it’s good to be practiced up on that forgiveness thing. You’ll have many opportunities to put it to good use.

Part of being able to forgive is being able to trust God. Trust that he has something better for you. Trust that he is able to use even the bad things in life and bring good out of it. Maybe even trust him that he has a good, needed and valuable lesson in it for you.

Goodness only knows that this forgiveness thing…is part of life’s adventures. The more you do it…the better you get at it. And each time…it gets a wee bit easier to promptly forgive an offense. It holds true that when we grasp how much God has forgiven us…that we find grace to forgive others. We have no better model of forgiveness than Jesus.

Will you choose to follow his example? Will you choose to receive the healing that can comes from God alone? Will you choose to live in the present and look forward to the future and what God will do in your life? Will you choose to trust God? Choose to trust that God is just and will bring about justice however and whenever he deems best? Will you daily recognize that God has forgiven you? Will you challenge yourself to daily follow his example? When stretched to your limit…will you turn to God and ask him to give you the grace you need to forgive? To fill you with his mercy…so you can in turn demonstrate it towards another?

Will you choose to take a risk today, and tomorrow and the day after that? Risk being hurt…and having to forgive again? Great will be your reward when you walk in grace and mercy…both here on earth and in heaven to come.

Dear Lord…enable me to walk humbly in your grace and mercy…and demonstrate it toward others daily.

Below are notes taken from Bob Kraning’s message on March 19th as he continued in the study of the Beatitudes.

“Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the sons of God.” – Matthew 5:9

From the Message Translation…Matthew 5:9 “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.

Amplified translation…Matthew 5:9 Blessed (enjoying [a]enviable happiness, [b]spiritually prosperous–[c]with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the makers and [d]maintainers of peace, for they shall be called the sons of God!

New Living Translation…Matthew 5:9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.

The Bible begins with peace in the garden…and ends with peace in eternity. Jesus on the cross bought and made peace with sinful man and God.

“Peace is when everyone stops to reload” – Author Unknown. In every age of history, the greatest heroes have been warriors.

When self is first…peace is last. God calls his people to be peacemakers. Unresolved conflict blocks peace and relationship with God. Peace is God’s call to us. He expects us to bring peace to our world.

1) Meaning of peace…is more than the absence of conflict. Presence of righteousness. Righteousness without prejudice, aggressiveness…but pursues peace.

The most people can offer is a truce…which only ends up buying cold war. Instead we need to bring people together in mental peace, love and harmony. Righteousness, holiness, purity, love and harmony. These attributes should make up a Christian.

James 3:17 “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”

Purity of motive. Can’t be at peace without resolving a wrong attitude. Righteousness and peace and caring for others. Lack of harmony with God will mean lack of harmony with each other.

2) We are to be the messengers of peace. How do we do that?

Jesus Christ is God’s divine and eternal peace child. God gave him so you can be at peace with God in heaven.

Messenger of Peace

P = Plan a peace conference…resolve conflict…if only for the sake of the kingdom.
E = Empathize with their feelings. Look out for one another’s interest.
A = Attack the problem and not the person.
C = Cooperate as much as possible.
E = Emphasize reconciliation…not total resolution.

Fixing the blame won’t fix the problem. It’s beautiful thing to fix the problem.

Romans 12:18 “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Peace always has a price. Must let go of ego, selfishness and pride. Words like “I’m sorry”, “I’m wrong”, and “You were right”…are part of our regular vocabulary.

Unlike the stupid movie line…love is all about saying I’m sorry.

Reconciliation focuses on the relationship. Resolution focuses on the problem. “If you can’t solve the problem, save the relationships.” That’s what’s valuable and what it’s all about.

Colossians 1:19 “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him”
Making peace though his blood she on the cross. Jesus modeled what God would have us to do.

3) Merits of Peace

The greatest human heritage can not match our inheritance with God. We are joint heirs in the Kingdom of God. Peacemaking is the hallmark of God’s children.

Are you critical or thankful? You will know as you get older. Are you divisive, critical or critical? Take a personal inventory.

God asks us to be peacemakers. Shall we be called the sons and daughters of God.

God cares for us. So much so that his word tells us that he put the tears of his children in a bottle. He remember our problems because his love for us.

John 15:15 – “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”

God tells us he is changing us. There is never an accident in the family of God.

We need to make a difference…and bring forth fruit. How do I find the missing peace? Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart.

Like a referee in a soccer game. The may be conflict and dispute. But when he holds up the yellow sign…it calms things down real quick. Why? Because they team knows that the next sign is a red sign. At that point, not only does the game end…but so does the tournament.

So let conflict act as your yellow sign. When you see it…calm down…resolve the conflict and make peace.

Peace with God
Have the peace of God
Peace with other people

Harry Reasoner…comments:
“I’m not a happy man.” When asked why not he went on to expound that he was not happy because he had not found what he was looking for. Peace. Peace with myself, the world, people and God.

John 16:33 – “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

In the world you will have trouble. But Jesus has overcome the world. In him you will have peace. To get thing right in our life with God…we need to also have things right with people. Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart.

The above picture of our beloved former Pastor, Chuck Obremski was done by Lyn Ferdig…a member of Kindred Community Church. Chuck’s work and life inspired many, including Lyn.

In talking about her art work…Lyn said that she likes to draw but doesn’t consider herself an artist.

As you can see God has gifted and blessed Lyn with artistic talent. She really captured Chuck’s spirit of happiness, joy, peace and love of life.

Thanks Lyn for letting me share your work with others!

So you’ve been hurt, somebody did something or said something and it hurt your feelings…or you were “offended”. And now you’re angry…and feel quite justified in being angry. After all…look what this person did…or didn’t do. Right?

Wrong…not when you are a Christian. If you think that God will leave you alone…in your unforgiveness, anger or bitterness…you’ve got another think coming. God will not leave you alone. When you are his own…he will deal with you. Just like a parent disciplines their own child when they misbehave…God will put the pressure on and deal with you.

I’d really like to say I got the inspiration to write this…out of the “clear blue sky”. That God inspired me…but then…I’d be lying in addition my recent failure of being slow to forgive.

I’m a bit of a “bonehead”…a slow learner sometimes…and can be quite willful. Not a good combination when God desires obedience and repentance when I fail.

Recently…I had the opportunity to be offended. Now I know I should have forgiven the offence immediately…and moved on. But I didn’t. I didn’t reach out and try to communicate and clear up any misunderstanding. And when an apology was forthcoming…I did not respond kindly. In fact I was downright ugly and stated “I don’t care that you’re sorry.”

You can be certain that the Holy Spirit started dealing with me right away. I knew I was wrong, I knew I responded wrongly…I knew I was being unforgiving. Something that God has quite clearly made known as wrong.
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. — Matthew 6:14

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. — Matthew 18:21-22

Following my disappointing failure…the pressure started. Here’s some of the dialogue that ensued:

“Susan…you know when I died on the cross…I forgave the very people who beat, mocked, flogged and put me to death. And you are being unforgiving over what?”

“Yeah…you’re right they may have done wrong…but even so…you forgiving someone is not based on them being worthy or deserving of forgiveness.”

“Now have you even considered whether they did this intentionally or not? Perhaps they didn’t really mean to hurt you.”

“Have you ever hurt someone unintentionally? Didn’t you want to be forgiven when you did that?”

“Do you think that perhaps you are little less than perfect…a sinner that I had to forgive? Did I withhold my forgiveness from you? Susan…I forgave you before you ever sinned…or before you were even born.”

“Susan…I died on the cross to pay the penalty for this man’s sins. I…Jesus Christ have forgiven him of his sins. And you are holding something against him for which I have forgiven him.”

Of course…God brought all sorts of things into my path to remind me and reinforce His message. One was a sermon on mercy. You know the scripture. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”

And then there was Bible Study Fellowship…and seeing the life of Jacob and Esau. Seeing how Jacob schemed against his brother…and his brother was unforgiving. Going down this avenue was not one that produced good fruit in the life of Esau.

So even this slow learner got the message and apologized for not being quick to forgive.

Now I wish I could take it take it back…or have a mulligan. I failed a test…which of course means I’ll be repeating that test in the future. I pray that I will not fail and disappoint my Savior again. I brought reproach upon the name of Christ by acting in an unrighteous and un-Christ like manner.

Now if I had acted rightly…and forgiven the offense immediately…not only would I have spared myself the other person the consequences of my wrong action…but I would have also been developing a habit of being forgiving.

Good habits make right action easier to obey, quickly and consistently. Part of developing good habits is right thinking. Right thinking for a Christian is found in the Word of God. Nowhere can we find better examples than in the life of Christ. So if I’m consistently reading the Word of God…filling my mind with godly examples of right action…I will increase the likelihood that I will be obedient to God.

Another benefit to filling my mind with God’s Word…is that it gives the Holy Spirit some tools to aid me in my daily walk. By bringing to mind God’s Word and his wisdom in how I should respond or handle life’s events and people.

So if ever I’m tempted to get cocky and think I’m better than someone else…I just need to remind myself that if I was the only person ever created…would Jesus still have had to die on the cross to pay for my sins? And the answer is a resounding yes.

How can I a sinner…forgiven much by my Savior…remain in unforgiveness towards another for whom God has died?

Sermon notes from March 5th.

“Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy.” – Matthew 5:7

How much damage is done to the body of God by bitterness that is held onto?

If you are merciful…you will be shown mercy also. Mercy is forgiveness and pardon to another one who is totally in the wrong.

Micah 6:8 – What does the Lord require of you?
Act Justly
Love Mercy
Walk humbly with your God

What you are is more important than what you do. Character will guide what you do. Character controls us and our actions.

Christians have experienced grace and mercy and we are to walk in the world with grace and mercy. God enables us to be merciful and act in way which is not natural. The Holy Spirit is always there…pressing and pushing me.

“Beatitude” – something at the center or core of our being. We have been reborn. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Everything changes when we understand God’s grace and mercy. Redone…rebirth.

What do you do when you’ve been seriously wronged? What is your attitude? Do you feel and offer forgiveness, love and mercy?

Grace is freely given by God. It’s giving me what I don’t deserve. Mercy is something we ask for. Mercy is withholding from me what I really deserve. It’s compassion to those who are hurting and struggling. Mercy…is compassion in action.

A Biblical example of mercy is the “Good Samaritan”. Which of these three was really a neighbor to the man who had fallen into trouble? The one who had mercy.

Jesus tells us to “go and do likewise.” Compassion in action.

Example of compassion in action. A poor man’s horse drops dead in the middle of the street. The people standing around offer him a word that they are sorry for his misfortune. One man…instead of offering words says “I’m sorry five pounds worth.” His puts his money…and starts passing the hat. Before long others have put in enough money to help buy the poor man a new horse. The one who was merciful…the one who showed compassion…is the one who helped with the dead horse.

Our actions should change because of the mercy that God has shown us. Old Testament example is Joseph. He was sold into slavery by his brothers. When tempted to sin…he responds, “How could I sin against my master? How could I sin against my God?” Finally he became the Vice Pharaoh in Egypt and his brothers showed up to buy food because of a famine in their land. Joseph had the power to repay them for what they had done to him. Instead he responded by answering, “What you meant for evil, God meant for good.” Kindness…compassion and love…in action.

Respond in love when hurt. A merciful person always remembers his own sin and God’s mercy towards him. Matthew 18:21-35

How many times shall I forgive? Seventy times seven? Mercy…is an attitude of your heart…one in which you loose the accounting of wrongs done to you by others.

Matthew 18:35 – This is how my heavenly Father will treat you unless you forgive you brother from your heart.

We are to make things right…before you offer up your sacrifice.

Mercy…compassion in action…needs to be way of life. This is who you are. “I have shown you mercy and given you grace…now go and do likewise.”

Do you have a death grip on a grudge and have no intention of letting it go?

Be merciful…and mercy will be extended to you. You can…and will forgive.

“Jesus had died for this man…was I going to ask for more?” — Corrie Ten Boom

Forgiveness is possible. It’s possible to show mercy. By God’s grace I can forgive a wrong. The authenticity of our faith is seen in the beatitudes. It’s also an indicator if our spiritual health.

Fall in love with mercy. Show it all your life. God can do a work in your heart…and also in the heart of the person who did you harm.

If this is an area that you need help in…pray to God for you to help you demonstrate mercy. Go and be merciful…get involved with those who are hurting.

Mercy can bring new life into all you encounter and mercy and brings health.

Below are notes I took from Bob Kraning’s sermon about being pure in heart giving on March 12th.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” – Matthew 5:8

When you read this verse…everyone should stop, think and examine themselves.

The story of the woman names Anna who was blind for the last 46 years. When her sight has been restored…she says, “Look at the world that has been invisible all my life.”

Seeing God in heaven…surpasses our physical sight.

David said, “Create in me a clean heart.”

What does pure mean? Internal cleansing. Clean hands and a pure heart. God alone can give clean hands and a pure heart. God will put a new spirit in you. Longing for a new heart? Go to God.

Pharisees said blessed are those who are clean outwardly. But Jesus said to clean the inside…your heart…and the outside will be clean.

Outward clean…Jesus says be clean from the inside out.

What does it mean to be Pure in Heart…a heart that does not bring insincere motives and divided longings to your relationship with God.

Pure: 1) Concentration – fix one’s mind totally upon God; 2) Sincerity; 3) Singleness of mind.

Pure is impossible on my own. “I don’t know what the heart of an evil man is like. But I do know what the heart of a good man is like…and it’s terrible.”

Jesus has called us to perfection. I know I can never achieve that on my own. Instead I need to throw myself upon the grace of God.

John Newton cried out to God when his ship was sinking in the storm, “Oh God, save us and I will serve you.” God gave him a new and clean heart…and changed his life forever. Character of the Kingdom of God…God can place it in my heart.

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? – Romans 6:1-2

Like the pig when cleaned up…he is still a pig and seeks out and returns to the mud. Or we can have the nature of the sheep…who seeks out the grassy, green hill. The sheep doesn’t like the mud…he has a different nature than the pig.

How’s your nature? Have you been given a new nature? Is my heart clean? Truly clean?

God demands a new character and give us the new character by his grace. Before Jesus our vision is narrow. How does it change after Jesus?

The reason? Blessed are the pure in heart…for they will see Jesus. This seeing is continuous.

“It is better to be blind and see with your heart than to have two good eyes and see nothing. – Helen Keller

Max Lucado reminds us that we may have constructed a temple and forgotten why? The church has both temple builders…and Savior seekers. Do you say, “What a great Christ” or “What a great building”?

So how do you improve or purify your heart?

Be honest with God about the condition of your heart.
Acknowledge it’s only God who can make your heart pure.
Allow God’s Word to do the work in your life. That means…being in the Word of God daily.
Think about where you are going and who you will be with in eternity.
Remember…God’s grace will get me home.

Anna had lived 42 of her 60 years blind because she didn’t know about the surgery…the cure for her blindness.

Our cure is 2,000 years old…and is 100% effective.

God will bring together and merge the old me and the new me. Then he will start removing anything that is not of God.

Probably not to many you would imagine your pastor telling the following story. But not so with Chuck Obremski. He would be the first to call a spade a spade…especially if that person was a Christian or a Pastor.

One of Chucks favorite sayings was, “May the tongue of you mouth and the tongue of you shoe…be going in the same direction.” A definite challenge for Christians in today’s society.

Hope you have great week…and may the trials, tribulations and successes that you have this week reveal a godly character that would pleasing to God.

God bless…and enjoy the audio clip below.

13. Life is just too darn hard to face on my own.

12. I need that goal in sight…an eternity in heaven…where there is no more pain, sickness or sorrow.

11. I need someone who will never leave me nor forsake me…for man is not so faithful.

10. I need an example on how to live…and forgiveness when I fail.

9. I need to an example how to forgive others…and help to do so when the hurts just seems too darn big on my own.

8. I need great wisdom from the Holy Word of God…for “In the beginning was the Word…and Word was with God, and the Word was God”.

7. I need strength for today…and bright hope for tomorrow…and please…be sure to send the blessings all mine with ten thousand beside.

6. I need help in the spiritual battle…for the battle is not against flesh and blood.

5. I need that firm foundation…upon which to build my house.

4. I need the healing balm of grace and mercy…poured out upon me daily.

3. I need to sing praises to my Savior…and let my spirit soar.

2. I need to remember that there is Holy, Righteous, Just, Gracious, Merciful, Faithful and Loving God…who choose me…a foolish one to confound the wise.

1. I’m a sinner…saved only by the grace of God…and the sacrifice of my precious Lord Jesus Christ on that cross a Calvary.

In surfing the blogasphere I recently discovered a website called She Live’s. Carol’s website will draw you in…first with the lovely picture with Carol among flowers…and keep you coming back…with some posts that will challenge you…or bring you peace. On today’s visit…I found Thirteen Thursday’s Challenge. So with just a couple hours to go…here’s my first Thirteen Thursday post. Thanks Carol!

Recently, while listening to the Judgment Seat of Christ from the heaven series “Destination…Heaven” by Chuck Obremski I was once again struck by the description and thought of what it will be like to stand before Jesus and be judged for my works after coming to Christ.

Please listen to the audio clip below…and think what it will be like for you on that day.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. – 2 Corinthians 5:10

You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. – Romans 14:10

It’s easy when looking at others…especially unbelievers…to stand back and say “Gee wiz…I sure wouldn’t want to be them and stand before Jesus on judgment day.”

However…I really need to look at own life and see if how I am living my life now…will my Lord commend me and praise my works…or will it bring displeasure? What will I see in Jesus’ eyes on that day?

Am I living my life…in light of eternity? Does the end game influence how I think and what I say? Does it influence my actions towards others? How do I react when I’m treated unfairly or rejected by man? Am I expecting my rewards this side of heaven? Am I expecting things to be fair and made right on this side of eternity? Do I trust God to make things right, in his time and in appropriate measure, taking into account those things of which I’m ignorant?

What a challenge. I truly believe that if I can fully grasp this concept…and cling to it daily that it will indeed influence how I act each day. Hopefully with the end game of my Lord and Savior welcoming me with the words, “Well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your master.”

However, if you don’t yet know Christ…if you haven’t yet accepted the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross as payment for your sin…you will stand before Jesus and account for your sins. You won’t be judged in how you compare to the guy that went before you. God doesn’t grade on the curve. But you have the opportunity today to acknowledge your sins…and receive the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. The one sacrifice that God has accepted as payment for the penalty for your sins and my sins.

Don’t delay…for today is the day of salvation.

If this story doesn’t bring a tear to your eye…check your pulse…because you have no heart. Click on the link below…to view the video of this exceptional young man. This boy…is the kind of boy that heroes are made of.


Autistic basketball player creates mayhem at game


To read the AP story…click on the link below:

Autistic high schooler scores 20 in debut
Team manager McElwain finally plays, and becomes instant superstar

Extracted from Gordon Kirk’s sermon…on God’s Love…here’s what some kids think about love.

Harlan age 8 – Why does love happen between two particular people? “I think you are supposed to get shot with an arrow or something, but the rest isn’t supposed to be so painful.”

Mike age 10 – What do most people do on a date? “On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go on a second date.”

Jim age 9 – When is it okay to kiss someone? “You should never kiss a girl unless you have enough bucks to buy her a big ring and VCR because you will want to have videos of the wedding.”

Judy age 8 – What’s the proper age to get married? “Eighty-four, because at that age you don’t have to work anymore. And you can spend all your time loving each other.”

Ted age 7 – What is falling in love really like? “If falling in love is anything like learning to spell I don’t want to do it, it takes too long.”

Roger age 9 – What is falling in love like? “It’s like an avalanche where you’ve got to run for your life.”

Jan age 9 – Why then does love happen between two particular people? “No one is sure why it happens. But I’ve heard that it has something to do with how you smell. That’s why perfume and deodorant are so popular.”

Tom – How do you make love endure? “Spend most of your time loving, instead of going to work.”

Bart age 9 – What’s a sure fire way to make someone fall in love with you? “One way is to take the girl out to eat. Make sure it’s something she likes. French fries usually work for me.”

Eva age 8 – What does it take to be a really good lover? “Well one should know how to write a check because even if you have tons of love, there is still going to be a lot of bills.”

When listening to Gordon Kirk’s CD about God’s Love…one thing stood out to me.

Gordon has a real love for God and for people…and he is very tenderhearted. One thing he mentioned towards the end of his sermon on God’s love was that some of us grew up in homes where “I love you” was not said.

When hearing that I was gripped with a deep and profound sadness…because as a kid growing up the words, “I love you” were not uttered. Not by my mother, nor by my father.

My dad was a rather harsh individual…especially so with my older brothers. My mother was not so much harsh…as just not very maternal. Neither was her mother.

Not only were the words missing…but so was the affection. Hugs, kisses and a gentle touch were absent too.

Do I think they loved me? Yes…I think so. It was perhaps a different era…and emotions were not spoken of so freely. But at the same time…it strikes me and stunning that parents would not tell their kids that they love them.

They provided a good home, shelter, clothing, food, education…and more. But three simple, little words…did not come from their lips.

Even though intellectually I can say I think they loved me…there will always remain that nagging doubt. You can be certain that an absence of an express loved has impacted my relationships…past and present.

How could you love someone…and not say it? Especially your children? I don’t understand.

Now as an adult…I hope that the man I marry has a loving family. That his parents might embrace me as their daughter whom they love. As I love their son…and the man whom he has become. And that he might have brothers and sisters that would welcome me and love me as their sister.

I do find that love in several places…one of which is my church. I’ve never known a more loving church family than Kindred Community Church.

While my dad died…almost 37 years ago…my mother remains alive. However her mental capacity has diminished through Alzheimer’s. She is not able to answer the questions that I have. The one thing that has changed…she is now somewhat affectionate.

As a child growing up…there were not hugs and kisses and I love you. But now…when I see my mom each week…she likes her hugs.

Maybe in her diminished mental capacity…walls have been torn down. Walls that prohibited her from expressing and verbalizing love.

I don’t know the answer. But I do know this. Parents…tell your children that you love them. Don’t miss a day in which you hug them, kiss them and tell them that you love them. Let there never be a doubt in their mind…even when they behave badly…make sure they are certain of your love for them.

Remember…your love for your children…and their ability to feel, know and grasp that love…will directly influence how they perceive God…and their relationship with God. No doubt…a heavy responsibility…but one that is most important and will impact your children forever.

Now go tell your child “I love you”…daily!

In November…Gordon Kirk was the guest speaker at Kindred Community Church. He did and excellent series about God. About God’s Omniscience, Omnipresence and Omnipotence…all of which are incommunicable attributes belonging solely to God. The last week he spoke about God’s love…which is the one attribute of God that is communicable. One in which he expects us to have and grow in and act upon in the power of the Holy Spirits. Below are some of the notes I took from this message.

The theme of the series was “It does make a difference who you know”.

God is love…what does that mean? Love is one of the most misunderstood words in the English language…or misused. From I love my spouse to I love rocky road ice cream.

How do we understand a God who says he is love? 1 John 4: “God is love.”

It’s a fact…not a definition. Love is an essential attribute of God. Love is something true of God. But love isn’t God. Love expresses the way God is. As does holiness, righteousness and justice.

Because God was self-existent…God’s love had no beginning…and his love will have no end. Because God is infinite…his love has no boundaries. Because God is holy, because he is immense, his love is incomprehensible, vast, and bottomless and shore less.

Here are some kid’s definition of love:

Harlan age 8 – Why does love happen between two particular people? “I think you are supposed to get shot with an arrow or something, but the rest isn’t supposed to be so painful.”

Ted age 7 – What is falling in love really like? “If falling in love is anything like learning to spell I don’t want to do it, it takes too long.”

Love’s Realities:

1) Love is a choice. Love is not uncontrollable or something that happens to you. Love is a decision.

Roger age 9 – What is falling in love like? “It’s like an avalanche where you’ve got to run for your life.”

Jan age 9 – Why then does love happen between two particular people? “No one is sure why it happens. But I’ve heard that it has something to do with how you smell. That’s why perfume and deodorant are so popular.”

The most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. God wants us to dress for success…clothing ourselves with love. You need to do it…put on love. The most important piece of clothing you can wear.

Love is a choice…everyday…24/7, 365…we have choice, after choice, after choice if we are going to act in love. Every moment you have a choice if you are going to put on the clothing of love…that represents God’s people.

2) Love is an attitude and an action. Love impacts our emotions and attitudes.

Tom – How do you make love endure? “Spend most of your time loving, instead of going to work.”

Love results in an action, how we respond and how we live our lives.

1 John 4:7-8 – Beloved, let us love one another, for love is (springs) from God; and he who loves [his fellowmen] is begotten (born) of God and is coming [progressively] to know and understand God [to perceive and recognize and get a better and clearer knowledge of Him]. 8He who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love.

Four standards to evaluate if our love is empowered by God and whether our love for others represents God’s love

1 John 4:9 – In this the love of God was made manifest (displayed) where we are concerned: in that God sent His Son, the only begotten or [f]unique [Son], into the world so that we might live through Him.

1) God’s love, true love, seeks the best interest of others.

How are you able to share that love? Ask yourself what are you doing in the best interest of others? So often our love isn’t God’s love, but instead a narcissistic love.

Bart age 9 – What’s a sure fire way to make someone falls in love with you? “One way is to take the girl out to eat. Make sure it’s something she likes. French fries usually work for me.”

God’s love seeks the best interest of others. That may mean tough love. People know when it’s about them and about their best interest or you…and because you are embarrassed.

In Gary Chapman’s “Love Languages”…he teaches each of us has an internal love language. When someone else speaks that language, we do feel loved, appreciated and valued. 1) Quality time spent together; 2) Gift Giving; 3) Physical Touch; 4) Acts of Service; and 5) Words of Affirmation.

One of our problems is that we try to give others what we like. We don’t sense what they need…but instead give what we need.

2) True love takes the initiative.

1 John 4:10, 19 – 10 In this is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (the atoning sacrifice) for our sins. 19 We love Him, because He first loved us.

Some three word statements that seem simple, but they are really tough.

First one to say, “Can we talk?”
When asked what’s wrong…do you try to express what’s wrong…as opposed to making them work to draw it out of you?

“I am sorry.” After an argument or difficult moment, the person who says “I am sorry” first, is the winner.

“I was wrong.” If God’s love is empowering our lives…we will be willing to step out and admit when we were wrong or made a mistake. Real and authentic.

“You were right.”

“Please forgive me”.

Some of you grew up on homes where you never heard these kind of words. Everyone was fighting for their turf and trying to prove a point. Being able to say, “I was wrong, please forgive me” really helps to build trust and opens us opportunities.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean you diminish the wrong. It may not mean you forget the wrong. Instead it means we do not continue to try and get even. We give up our right to get even.

God forgives us…he doesn’t try to bring back what he has forgiven us for. He doesn’t try to throw it in your face or hold it against you or bring it back. Some of you have gone through some very difficult moments.

“I forgive you.”

“I love you.”

Take the initiative to say, “I love you.” Some of you have grown up in a home where that wasn’t said often. I hope that God can provide a relationship for you where that can be a very constant, continuous thing for you.

Are there some areas in your life you’ve been waiting for someone else to take the initiative? Don’t wait. God’s love will empower you. From Genesis to Revelation…God repeatedly says, “I love you, I love you, I love you.”. Nothing you can do to make him love you less. Conversely…nothing you do can make him love you more. God loves you with a deep and passionate love. He wants to fill your love.

3) God’s love is self-sacrificial.

1John 4:10 – In this is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (the atoning sacrifice) for our sins.

Eva age 8 – What does it take to be a really good lover? “Well one should know how to write a check because even if you have tons of love, there is still going to be a lot of bills.”

Do people in your life sense that you are self sacrificing?

4) God’s love is transferable.

This is one of God’s attributes that is transferable. God is Omniscient, Omnipresent and Omnipotent. God does not ask us to be all knowing, everywhere present or all powerful.

Love is communicable, catching, and infectious. He wants us to be known by love.

Mark 12:30-31 – And you shall love the lord your god with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ “the second is this, ‘you shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ there is no other commandment greater than these.”

“Let’s practice loving each other for love comes from God. Those who are loving and kind show that they are children of God.”

Excuses…

“What if I show that love and they don’t return love?” How often does that happen to God?

“Love is sort of a risk, I sacrifice and put myself out there and they don’t respond.” True…but God’s our model.

“Love is dangerous.” Yes…but it’s worth the risk because God says clothe yourself with love and watch your relationships grow strong.