The Key to Victorious Living – Galatians 2:20-21

20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.   The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.   

21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"
– Galatians 2:20-21

The Key to Victorious Living
Can you remember back when you first became a Christian?  If you were like me, you were so enthusiastic about your new life that you would have laid claim to being willing to be right there with Jesus, taking every lash of the whip, enduring every thorn as it was being pressed down upon your head, and ultimately hanging on the cross . . . in fact, willing to hang with Christ on the opposite side of the same cross!  Yeah . . . Peter claimed the same thing – until the time came where it was actually a possibility.  How quickly we can change the tune we are singing when adversity smacks us right between the eyes.

It's easy to be a Christian when things are going great – especially in this country, where we have an abundance of luxuries and we can choose where and how we want to worship.  I've often fantasized that I was on the front lines of "life-and-death/in-the-jungles of evil" evangelism, standing firm in my faith and shielding the unfortunate peasants from the on-rushing rebels (oh the stories that would be written).  Then I remember that I am still anxiously afraid to go downtown and share my faith with a stranger!  Earth to Richard . . . time to come back to reality!

The good news is that God knows our weaknesses, and He knew that we would need a Savior, so . . . He sent Jesus, who willingly, and with much love, and forgiveness, accepted His role in the reconciliation of all God's children.  He knew what He was walking into, and He even had 32 years to try to get out of it, but His love for us was (and still is), so strong, that He took every taunt, and jeer, and slap, and spit, and lash, and thorn, and nail, until He died – but that's where the real story begins!

Because Jesus died, we, who are called by His name, are alive!  We have Christ IN us.  We have the secret of the power of the universe coursing through our veins!  We ARE victorious Conquerors because of the new life we have been given!  But here's the rub . . . we must CHOOSE to take advantage of everything that Christ is.  In order to be victorious we have to choose to live victoriously.  In order to conquer our demons, we must choose to put on the armor of Christ and to live as conquerors.  In order to realize the power of Christ that each of us has at the mere whisper of His name, we must choose to live by faith in Him.  We must have faith in the fact that by His choosing to go to the cross for us, we, who are called by His name, have the ability to love the unlovable, forgive the unforgivable, move the unmovable, and speak life into those who would oppose us.

We have Christ IN us!  Let's think on that today!  Think about what that really means!  Ask God to show you how to tap into that power – that love – that life . . . in, through, and with, Christ.

Prayer
Father I thank You that You gave us Your Son in order that we might live.  I pray that as I draw closer to Him and to You, that I will be able to increase my faith and start living beyond my own understanding.  I need Your Spirit Lord, to grow beyond the limitations of my simple mind so that I can live in the fullness of the power of Your Son.  I thank You for the work that You are doing in my brothers and sisters and I pray blessing over each one of them as they also draw closer to You. I thank You in advance for the victory that is on the way for each one of them.

Have a blessed day everyone!

–Richard

What Are You . . . Anyway?

1  If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 

2  If I have the gift ofprophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge ; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 

3  And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.
– 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

What Are You . . . Anyway?

Are you a lover? Or a "clanger?"  Are you something?  Or are you nothing?  I must admit that I am still a bit "clangy," and the Bible says that makes me "nothing" and that the work that I do, even though through my obedience God can do miracles so that others may benefit from it . . . I don't benefit at all.  Pretty harsh you say?  I don't think so.

Before I became a Christian I was not a nice person at all.  In fact, I pretty much hated everybody.  The events of my childhood and the consequences of my behavior as a youth, and on through my early 30's, left me with a warped view of the world, and an especially twisted opinion about God.  Basically I was full of hate, especially for myself, and I was headed down a steep path of destruction.

When God decided it was time, and He called me out of the "cozy" little hate-filled life that I had made for myself, He healed me of many things, and He delivered me of my 15-year drug addiction.  He left many things for me to work on though, and one of those was learning how to love . . . but first I had to learn how to forgive.  Forgive the priest for molesting me when I was 8; forgive those charged with protecting me and nurturing me in my childhood, but instead ended up hurting and scarring me both physically and emotionally; forgive my "friends" for all the things they convinced me to do that caused me to make bad decisions (hey, I had to blame somebody right?); but mostly I had to forgive myself.  I had a lot of self-hatred to deal with.  It has been a process, but now, with forgiveness from my past taken care of, He is continually working with me on learning how to love . . . everyone.

Everyone?  Are you kidding?  How can you possibly love everyone?  To tell you the truth, I don't have the answer to that one, but the Bible tells us that we are to love as Christ Loves us – and that means everyone.  In my own capacity it is impossible.  In my own limited understanding of "humanity" and what makes us tick, it cannot be done.  But God!  God can show us how, if we let Him.  He can bring us to a point of seeing beyond the obvious; seeing past the exterior; seeing His children (everyone), as equal to ourselves and equal in His eye.  He can show us how to love because He IS love.

So how about it?  Is there someone out there who just rubs you the wrong way?  Do you start to get angry at the mere mention of their name?  Clang! Clang! Clang!  Every time you call on God, He has to listen past all the clanging to hear what you are trying to say to Him.  I struggle with this Clang-itis every day, and I'll bet that most of you do too.  It's just our humanity, and our sinful, and selfish nature that we need to learn how to control.  We need to learn how to let God turn even the slightest bit of dislike into a pure and holy love – for everyone – even those who in our eyes, don't deserve it.  They are the ones who need to experience God's love the most . . . through you and through me.  Then, we will be Clang-Free, and that, will truly be something.

Prayer
Father forgive my prideful and selfish ways.  Forgive me for the times when I see Your children as enemies, and for thinking evil thoughts about them.  I need You to help me see them as You do.  I need You to show me how to love because I must admit that I am having a difficult time trying to do it on my own. I don't want to keep hurting You and sinning against You Lord, and I pray that I can start showing Your love to everyone, and that by doing so, it might just turn them towards You.  Thank You Lord, for loving me despite my clangy nature.

Have a blessed day everyone!

– Richard

Would You Be Invited? – John 2:1-2

1 On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee.  Jesus' mother was there, 
2 and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding.
– John 2:1-2

Would You Be Invited?
As Christians, it is our responsibility to show the light of Christ to the rest of the world.  From everything I have read in the Bible, Jesus was a fun guy to be around.  He liked to tell great stories, He liked to work hard, He liked to go fishing, He served His friends by feeding them, He enjoyed a good stroll, He wasn't judgmental, and He always had compassion for people – even the people nobody else cared about.  It's no wonder that he would be invited to eat with sinners, to stay at their home, and to be invited to the most important of celebrations – the joining of a new couple in marriage.  People just wanted Him around – I'm sure He just made every gathering better.

How about you?  How about me?  Are we good to have around?  Do we make the atmosphere better wherever we are?  Oh, I know that at church we are all at our best and we love everybody, but what about when we are not at church?  Would your coworkers invite you to their parties and gatherings?  Here's the kicker – would you go?  Would you be willing to subject yourself to crude language and possible drunkenness?  Would you be the life of the party or would you make everyone feel uneasy because they know you are a "Christian?"

"What would Jesus do" is a popular saying these days but we need to apply it in all situations because if You take the Bible as truth (and I know you do), then Jesus would be the guy at the party that everyone wants to talk to.  He would be serving the dip and starting the conga line, and finding chairs for all the ladies.  He would be helping to clean up after everyone else has gone home, and He would be the first one on the next invitation list.

I think we need to start being a part of this world.  Otherwise, how is anyone going to see Love in action?  How is the myth that Christians are uptight and no fun going to be busted if we keep ourselves safely cocooned within the Christian community?  The bible tells us that we need to shine our light from the hilltops but for some reason we hide ourselves away and the only light we shine is towards those who already have their own light.  We need to be willing to let our light expose us to some things that maybe we are uncomfortable with so that Jesus can be shared – with everybody.

I'm not suggesting that we go out drinking and partying all night, but I am saying that we need to be such positive forces in our circles of influence that our un-churched coworkers and acquaintances want to be around us and they want their friends to get to know us.  We should be such a good thing, maybe the only good thing, in their lives that they would make it a point to add us on their invitation lists.  When we can do that, then we will show Jesus the way He deserves to be shown – as The God who loves people and desires to be involved in every aspect of their lives.

Prayer
Father thank You for the example that Jesus set for us to follow.  I pray that I can be a very good influence in the lives of my coworkers and friends.  Forgive me for not being willing to expose myself to things outside the church.  How selfish I have been!  Thank You for opening my eyes so that I can see that this world needs to see You through my willingness to be there.  Help me to love like You love so that the light of Christ can shine brightly in my life - for everyone.

Have a blessed day and a great weekend everyone!

– Richard

Reach Up! – 2 Corinthians 1:8

9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.
– 2 Corinthians 1:8

Reach Up!
When I was a kid, my brothers and my friends and I would all gather in front of my house and we would sit on the curb on summer evenings and we would play the "cut" game.  We would all take turns "cutting each other down" to see who could come up with the funniest "cut" line.  It was ALWAYS funny when someone else was the target (not so much when it was my turn), so when it was my friend Alex' turn, someone came up with this line in reference to how short he was (and he was VERY short):  Alex is so short - he has to look UP to see DOWN!

For some reason, that line has always stayed with me and it came to my mind again when I was doing my devotion time this morning and I read this scripture.  In order to have to look up to see down, a person would have to be at a real low point – I mean rock bottom – having to look THROUGH themselves in order to see themselves. I picture it as someone who has been slammed down so hard that the force has jammed their top side down past their bottom side, and now they are inverted by the shear power of the slam.

Ever felt that way?  I have.  What did you do when it happened?  Did you wallow around in the muck of your own self pity like I used to do?  I was a champion at it – oh, poor me . . . I might as well not even exist because nobody loves me . . . wah, wah, wah – whine, whine, whine – boo-hoo, boo-hoo!

So what changed for me?  One day, when I was in a particularly low-low-low spot (I had to get a step ladder so that I could climb to a place where I could look up to see down), I noticed that despite my best efforts to convince them otherwise, nobody would climb down to join me in my pity party.  So instead of trying to see down, I decided to look up to see up.  I decided to cry out to Jesus.  You know what?  He reached down and He pulled me out of my despair.  He changed my heart and He changed my mind.  He changed the way I looked at my situations.

Notice that I didn't say He changed my situations.  We are ALWAYS going to have situations.  We are always going to face adversity and we will ALL always have to go through our trials.  He changed my attitude and my outlook when I am facing those situations, and adversities, and trials.  He let me know that when my world comes crashing down around me and I am feeling pressed down to a point where I feel as if I've been handed a death sentence, all I have to do is look up – and reach out – and call on Him.  He raises dead people up, and He can, and will reach down to you, and He will be your portion in time of need.

He is Jesus!  He is the risen King!  He is Lord, and He loves you so very much!  So next time you are feeling your world crashing in around you, look up to see Jesus – HE IS ALL YOU NEED!

Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for always being there when I call Your name.  Thank You for being the one constant in my life, and for showing me the way to overcome my trials.  I pray for my brothers and sisters who are going through adversity right now.  I ask Lord, that You would put an urgency in their heart to look up.  Compel them to reach out and take hold of Your hand.  Show them that they can move up out of despair, and into the abundance of Your wonderful blessing. 

Have a blessed day everyone!

– Richard 

Laughter - It's the Very Best Medicine! – Genesis 21:6

6 Sarah said, God has blessed me with laughter and all who get the news will laugh with me!

– Genesis 21:6

Laughter – It's the Very Best Medicine!

Sarah had two laughs – one was in quiet disbelief, but the one that mattered resulted from the miracle that God gave her – a son.  I think God was laughing harder than Sarah when He saw the joy that was flowing out of her.  He knew how she would react to His blessing, and I have to believe that as the end of her pregnancy drew near, He was beside Himself with excited anticipation to see her face light up when she first gazed upon the face of her newborn.

Have you ever laughed to yourself in disbelief at a promise that God has given you?  It doesn't have to be a personal visit and an audible promise, but what about the promises from His Word?  Have you ever thought to yourself, 

"I know the Bible says that I can have victory over my sin – but I just can't hep myself – I've been at it for too long and it's just too hard to change."  

Or how about, 

"I know the Bible says that I can move mountains with a little faith – but that's just crazy!  It must be for someone else because I could never do that."  

Here's one more, 

"I know the Bible says that I can be healed, but I don't really think I can."

Our faith is so small and incomplete sometimes but when God decides to move – when He sets His mind to pour out  a blessing, you will be overflowing with joy and your laughter will not be contained.  He will be glorified by it and others will see and hear the joy of the Lord and they will be drawn to you because of what He has done.  It is then your job to proclaim His goodness and His grace so that they can come to know Him as you do.

So stop doubting.  In fact, if you must doubt something, doubt your doubt.  God can and will do miracles in your life.  He will bring joy from your mourning, and laughter from your tears.  He will do what He promises in His Word and He will be overjoyed with your joy.  Our God is good and He wants to bless you today.  So when He does, laugh so the whole earth can laugh with you.

Prayer

Father I thank You for being so faithful to attend to my needs.  It is so humbling to know that You care so much for me and I am so insignificant and unworthy of your attention.  You bless me everyday, and I know that sometimes I don't acknowledge all that You do for me, and for that I am so sorry.  I pray that I can be a blessing to someone today - that I can laugh with a holy laughter so that they can see and hear how great You are!  You are my joy and I will proclaim You with my laughter!

Have a blessed day everyone!

-Richard

The Devil likes to Fish! – James 4:7

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 

– James 4:7

The Devil likes to Fish!

My brother and I used to go fishing all the time when I lived in Dallas.  We would get up so early and we'd be on the lake at sunup.  We had some good times but at first it was just plain frustrating.  You see, before I moved to Dallas, my brother used to tell me about all the fish he would catch – sometimes 30 to 40 in one day!  I don't care who you are – that's good fishing.  The frustrating things is that when I moved and we started fishing together, we didn't catch anything – nothin – nada – zilch – zero!  I began to question his stories of abundant fishing.

After about a month or so of getting "skunked" every outing, we decided to change our bait.  We switched to live minnows on a double rig – in no time we were catching limits of hybrid and small striped bass.  Fishing was fun! 

As we had more and more success, we moved on to Black Bass and we learned all we could about how to catch them – we bought topographic maps that showed the underwater structure where they lived, we could see where water channels and deep  pools were located so we could strategize our trips.  We checked out the different lures and techniques and we learned what was effective and what wasn't.  Soon we were catching good size keepers.  I really miss those days fishing with my brother!

The enemy uses the same techniques on us – trying to lure us into sin by presenting us with things that are appealing and seem good.  He knows what whets our appetites and he watches our reactions to each attempt.  He is patient and quiet, and he knows just how to dangle that hook right in front of our faces so that when we get hooked, we don't even realize what has happened.

The Bible tells us to be big, mature fish (Christians).  A fish only gets big and mature by avoiding the temptation of the lure – in fact, most times, when a lure is dropped in the water, the mature fish will swim the other way.  It won't try to get a closer look (it has already seen others get yanked out of the water too many times), it won't dance around the lure or even try to smell it - the mature fish knows that the lure means danger and it avoids it at all cost.

As you run away from sin, the devil will try to find less experienced fish to prey on – oh, don't be fooled – he will NEVER leave you alone because he wants to bag the trophy fish, but he will turn his attention elsewhere until you make a mistake and he will try out a brand new and shiny lure to get you when you are at your weakest.

So if the devil won't ever completely leave us alone, what chance do we have to get big and fat (so to speak)?  The key is to stay where the devil won't go – in the Word.  You have to be so into God's Word that the devil will run away when you come around.  The power of the Word is such that the enemy MUST flee, he has no choice.  You also have to put on your armor every day – the day you forget is when a dart will come flying in from a distance and you will be vulnerable to attack.

The Word of God and the Armor of God – the best things to put in any tackle box!

Prayer

Father, thank You for Your Word.  I submit myself to You today and I ask that You lead me in the way that I should go.  I look to You for every direction and I submit every thought and every action to You.  I need Your Word to protect me against the attacks of the enemy and I will put on my armor every day so that I can stand with my brother and sisters against his attacks.  Thank You Father!

Have a blessed day my Brothers!

– Richard

Hey! Watch Where You're Steppin! – Proverbs 4:26

26 Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. 

– Proverbs 4:26

Hey! Watch Where You're Steppin!

"Ponder the path of your feet..."

When was the last time you actually thought about the path you are walking on?  I'm not talking about concrete or asphalt or dirt - no, I am talking about your spiritual path.  What path are you taking to the Lord?  Is it a path full of detours and distractions?  Maybe a boulder or two to climb over and a couple of creeks that take you off-route until you can find a good place to cross?  Or . . .  is your path well thought out, and you are taking steps of purpose,  and you are one of those people that like to get from point A to point B as quickly and with as little stopping as possible.  I have found that I'm a little bit of both at times.  

I'm happy to say that it's getting much easier for me to walk on my path with purpose and I am finding it easier not to get distracted by funny billboards or interesting or odd scenery, but it has taken a lot of practice.  I was really bad at first - I would zig-zag all over the place and I would find myself taking avenues I never thought I would take, and ultimately I would find myself lost and confused.  I still have that potential in me, so now I try to stay on the routes I know best.

I try to use my GPS - God's Path System.  It's kind of reversed from the usual GPS that are in most cars today.  In those systems, you enter a destination address and "The Voice" tells you step-by-step how to get there.  In my GPS, I do all the talking along the way . . . it goes something like this:

– "Lord, do You want me to go here?" 

– "Father, I'm feeling lost - can You help me get back on the right path?"

– "Jesus, I know there's a road block up ahead, can You help me get around it?"

– "Holy Spirit, I need You to drive right now because I'm starting to feel a little lost!"

Not only does this work for me, but it has the added benefit of always being in communication with God - and THAT keeps my mind clear to hear from Him throughout my day.  I also try to only listen to praise music or Teachings of His Word so that my soul is constantly being fed.  Are ALL my ways sure?  Not always.  Am I getting better at staying on my path?  Absolutely!  

How can you do it?

The Bible tells us to think on (Ponder) THESE things:

    Whatever is Pure

    Whatever is Holy

    Whatever is True

    Whatever is Honorable

    Whatever is Just

    Whatever is Pure

    Whatever is Lovely

    Whatever is Commendable

    Whatever is Excellent

    Whatever is Worthy of Praise

Basically . . . whatever is Jesus!  

That's the best way to ponder your path!  Your path will take care of itself when you think on Him and in all things and in all ways, if you acknowledge Him, He will make your paths straight and He will keep the darkness from in front of you!  You will never get or be lost again!

Prayer

Father, I thank You for the Light that is Your Son Jesus.  Your Word says that He is the Lamp for my feet and the Light for my path and I rely on Him to keep my way to You clear.  I pray that I will always think on Him as I navigate through my life.  You have made a way for me and I am loving the journey Lord!

Have a blessed day my everyone!

- Richard