Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Dropping the Complain Game

Daily Thoughts and Encouragement for January 29, 2015 

Dropping the "Complain Game"

We all know that person who just can't seem to find the good in anything. Maybe it's a parent, sister, friend or even us. The person who seems to focus on the bad in everyone and anything. The one who uses Gossip in an effort to rebuild self-esteem. 

To someone who lives outside of this lifestyle- the solution seems easy. But to those who live it, it is almost an addiction; one that takes time and incremental steps to overcome. It is not something that can simply be undone. It is a process that requires accountability and regular self-assessment. 

The bible addresses having a "critical spirit". Philipians 2:14-15 is direct in addressing this issue. It says: 
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless
and pure children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation. 

Further, Ephesians 4:2 states:

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

When we carry negative attitudes, it keeps us from learning and growing as Christians. It keeps us from enjoying the positive aspects of our lives. If we dwell on the negative- it will be only the negative that we see. Additionally- it reflects negatively on the Kingdom. When Jesus called us to bring people to the kingdom of God- I am sure that he wasn't calling us to nag them to death. 

To overcome this obstacle to faith, we must adjust our focus. Focus instead on the good and simple things in life. Appreciate the beauty of nature on your ride home from work. Laugh with small children, give love to an animal. Take the time to slow down and to focus on all that is good and in all that you are blessed to have. In this you will learn a healthy and peaceful mindset.  For some this may be difficult, but it is possible. It may even seem foreign or weird to do. In time, your mind will match your efforts. All that is required is that you take the first steps to change your attitude in life. 

In dealing with the negative person in your life- Show that individual love, patience and understanding. You may be the only beacon of hope for that person. Refuse to engage in gossip and negative talk, instead focusing on building up the strengths in the individual, and provide lots of opportunities for positive conversation. If this person has started the efforts to overcome the negative attitude, offer to lovingly hold the individual accountable. 

Remember, in Christ, all things are possible. 


God Bless!
-Alan 

Sunday, January 25, 2015

How to Spot a Real Christian

Daily Thoughts and Encouragement for 1/26/2015

How to spot a REAL Christian 
Clearing the air for the non-believer

If I had a dollar for how many times I have come across pure hate being spewed on the internet or in person from people who identified themselves somewhere in the conversation as a Christian, I would have ended world hunger. The amount of times that Christians have turned someone away from faith or given them a bad taste about it is unrelenting and endless. It sickens me- I won't be quiet about it or roll over or ignore it any longer. 

Let me say first that I am not the judge of "whos who" in the Christian world. Only God is the judge of that. But I will say that over the years there is a clear difference between those who have embraced their Christianity and thrive in it- to the people who are luke-warm or are Christians in name only. If you are on the outside looking in, let me say this: There are no prerequisites to becoming a Christian. The important thing to understand about Christianity is that we meet people where they are in their lives. If someone is a jerk, then has some warm feelings and accepts Jesus, he can start calling himself a Christian. It doesn't mean he won't still be a jerk. He'll have to work on that. Growing spiritually is exactly that. Growing. It's a process that takes time. 

Secondly, take notice of the Disciple. In my mind, there are some levels in Christianity. Like earning a black belt. There are Christians, who believe, and there are disciples. If you want to talk to someone about the faith, talk to a disciple. Those are the people who speak with love instead of judgement. The people that work the trenches. The people who work as missionaries. The ones whose lives seem "different". Start with those people. If you are judging the faith on some joker on a youtube comment, you are misleading yourself. 

I did some research and found this interesting article on "Authentic Christianity" at http://www.jesus.org/following-jesus/discipleship/what-makes-for-an-authentic-christian.html. I am not the writer but I can agree with what it says: 

Let's take a look at five earmarks of authentic Christianity, taken from 1 John.
First, an authentic Christian confesses Jesus Christ as Lord (1 John 4:15). Christianity must begin with a verbal acknowledgment of Jesus Christ as the Lord of your life. The Bible says that even the demons believe and tremble (James 2:19). True Christians should be able to say that Jesus Christ is their Lord.
Second, if you are a true Christian, you will be unhappy or miserable when you're sinning (1 John 3:9). This doesn't mean you will never sin if you are a Christian (1 John 1:8). But there is a difference between recognizing that we will fail in some way, shape, or form in the future and going on a willful, continual track of sin. If you really are a child of God, you will have a sense of discomfort when you sin, because you know in your heart of hearts that what you are doing is wrong.
Third, an authentic Christian enjoys fellowship with other believers (1 John 5:1). A true Christian will want to be around other Christians. Those who isolate themselves from other believers do so at their own peril, because the Bible tells us that it is important to get together, encourage one another, and correct one another (Hebrews 10:24-25). After all, why should God go to your house if you won't go to His? A lot of us want all of the fringe benefits of Christianity without applying ourselves.
Fourth, an authentic Christian obeys the commands of Jesus Christ. If you are a true believer, then you will obey the commands of Jesus Christ (1 John 5:3). I will not deny that the Bible is filled with so-called rules, but their purpose is not to make our lives miserable. Rather, they protect us from potential harm. The person who blatantly and continually breaks the commandments of God simply does not know Him.
Finally, an authentic Christian loves and obeys the Word of God (1 John 2:5). You cannot effectively live the Christian life without a love for, and obedience to, God's Word. All true disciples of Jesus Christ will be students of Scripture and will walk according to its teaching. This is vital to authentic Christian living, because the Bible is indeed the very textbook of life (2 Timothy 3:16). Yet so many believers will not read the Bible. They don't realize that success or failure in the Christian life depends on how much of the Bible they get into their hearts and minds on a regular basis. We have to do it.
Taken from "Authentic Christianity" (used by permission).

To wrap it up- Christianity is real. Christianity can be an incredible, life-altering journey. The kind of Christianity that was born at the time of Jesus is alive and well- you just need to discover it for yourself. God Bless and enjoy your day! 

-Alan 

Thursday, January 22, 2015

What footprints will you leave behind?

 
Judge Me by the Footprints I Leave Behind
an Inspirational Story
 
A story is told about a soldier who was finally coming home after having fought in Iraq.
He called his parents from San Francisco.
“Mom and Dad, I’m coming home, but I’ve got a favor to ask. I have a friend I’d like to bring with me.”
“Sure,” they replied, “we’d love to meet him.”
“There’s something you should know the son continued, “he was hurt pretty badly in the fighting. He stepped on a land mined and lost an arm and a leg. He has nowhere else to go, and I want him to come live with us.”
“I’m sorry to hear that, son. Maybe we can help him find somewhere to live.”
“No, Mom and Dad, I want him to live with us.”
“Son,” said the father, “you don’t know what you’re asking. Someone with such a handicap would be a terrible burden on us. We have our own lives to live, and we can’t let something like this interfere with our lives. I think you should just come home and forget about this guy. He’ll find a way to live on his own.”At that point, the son hung up the phone. The parents heard nothing more from him.

A few days later, however, they received a call from the San Francisco police. Their son had died after falling from a building, they were told. The police believed it was suicide. The grief-stricken parents flew to San Francisco and were taken to the city morgue to identify the body of their son. They recognized him, but to their horror they also discovered something they didn’t know, their son had only one arm and one leg.

The parents in this story are like many of us. We find it easy to love those who are good-looking or fun to have around, but we don’t like people who inconvenience us or make us feel uncomfortable. We would rather stay away from people who aren’t as healthy, beautiful, or smart as we are.

Thankfully, there’s someone who won’t treat us that way. Someone who loves us with an unconditional love that welcomes us into the forever family, regardless of how messed up we are.
Tonight, before you tuck yourself in for the night, say a little prayer that God will give you the strength you need to accept people as they are, and to help us all be more understanding of those who are different from us!!!

There’s a miracle called -Friendship- that dwells in the heart. You don’t know how it happens or when it gets started. But you know the special lift It always brings and you realize that Friendship Is God’s most precious gift!
Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their hearts to us.

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Planning to Sin

Daily Thoughts and Encouragement for January 22, 2015
 
Planning to Sin
 
Daily Reading: Romans 13: 11-14.
 
 
Yup I didn't put the "daily thought" on. Its important for this blog that all the thoughts come from you. And I like to shake it up.
 
Today I want to bring up something rarely talked about in Churches. Sure, they all talk about sin and not to do it and etc. I want to discuss something more pressing. Something that so many churches are avoiding.
 
I was not always Christian. I lead a very secular life. I get it. In fact, when I started deciding to take this Christian thing seriously, this topic hit me square in the face. You see, while most Christians are doing their best trying to avoid sin, the rest of the world embraces it. Enjoys it. I mean, we didn't just sin. We planned on it. Friday night rolls around and we were out in full blown Sin mode. We even dressed up for it. It was fun for us. Getting drunk? You betcha. Sexually Immoral? With any luck. Its what society calls fun and a good time.
 
When your caught in that life, it is hard to break from. It really is. It is like trying to reprogram yourself. But it is possible. As much as it is hard to believe, I am telling you that if you are in that life now- there is another life that will make you even happier and be twice as rewarding. But the steps to get there are yours to take.
 
 
 
 


Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Loving All Your Parts

Daily Thoughts and Encouragement for Wednesday, January 21, 2015.
Make Sure to Love All of Your Parts
Daily Thought: To appreciate is to encourage
Daily Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-22
The Pastor finishes his sermon, making his way to the back to stand in reception as the people exit. Handshakes are given- thanks for the great sermon provided this week.
I have always personally enjoyed this moment in preaching. Its not about being boastful, although it can be for some, but for me has always affirmed (or not) an outcome. It answers the questions in my head if whether or not I have been effective in my ministry. If people's lives were somehow changed or altered in the slightest bit by my work for God.
Sadly, Not everyone reaps the same benefits.
I found myself reflecting in today's verses, which point out that every person serves as a "part" on the body of God. I found myself appreciating the people that don't get the same kind of affirmation as often as they should.
Churches have many parts. From the Pastor, to the ushers, to people doing the bookkeeping and mowing the lawn, there are a lot of parts! Todays message from Paul to the church in Corinth is a good one. Love all of your "parts". No part can operate without the others, and all parts are equal and important in the eyes of God. 
Take a special moment today to pray for and thank all the people who make contributions to the body of Christ. In particular, try to thank someone who receives very little recognition. These are the behind-the-scenes individuals that keep the clocks ticking and the lights turned on. It's in blessing these individuals that we bless the church. 
God Bless
-Alan 

Monday, January 19, 2015

Learning to Forgive

Daily Thoughts and Encouragement for January 20, 2015. 

Forgive & Forget- The freedom in forgiveness

Daily Thought: I can learn to forgive
Daily Reading: Matthew 6:14

50. That's how many verses I reviewed on forgiveness before writing this blog. It seems to be pretty important to God to really reinforce this idea. In fact, in His wisdom, it's mandated. If you have read today's reading, you will see that God takes it pretty seriously. 

Why? Among the many reasons, God knows what harboring anger, resentment, hostility or bitterness does to a person. Quite literally, harboring these emotions is toxic. We might as well be drinking bleach. It takes a lot from a person. You could literally take before and after pictures and notice the difference. Not to mention that stress can literally take you to the grave. 

It's not easy to let it go. I get that. I was a person that could hold a grudge like no other. I couldn't imagine letting it go. If I did, it felt as if I were letting the person off of the hook! The only thing that I didn't realize at the time, is that the only one that I was still keeping on the hook was myself.  You see, forgiveness is a two-way street. Its as much of letting the other person go as it is letting yourself heal from whatever it is that alienates you. 

When I decided that I would start forgiving, it went slow at first. If its not something that you've done, you have to get used to it. I actually would google "how to forgive someone" and read up various strategies.. If you wish to start forgiving- you have to figure out how to do it for yourself. Everyone is different. Work at it, and you can get on the forgiving train.

What I want you to take from today is the knowledge that forgiving will change your life. It will brighten your days, your relationships, your outlook and even lighten the weight in your chest as you breathe. It will bring you closer to God, and mature your faith as you begin to understand the immense blessings that come with it. 

Jesus said in Matthew 11:29, "Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light."
Jesus has given you rest from your burden. As painful as it is- don't hold onto it. Give it to Him and trust that he will handle it justly and righteously. Trust Him and the plan that he has for your life. Trust him and follow a road of healing that will bring countless blessings to your life. Someday you will look back, astonished that you hadn't let go sooner.  

Go forth in peace and love, 
-Alan 


Wednesday, January 14, 2015

A Life Free of Worry

Daily Thoughts and Encouragement for January 15, 2015

A Life Free of Worry 

Daily Thought: I choose to worry, and I can choose not to
Daily Reading: Matthew 7:25-34

If you believe and follow Jesus- life will be worry-free and perfect. Not likely. In fact Jesus promised that we, as Christians, will face trials and hardships, just like anyone else. Jesus did, however, promise us a special refuge and strength found in Him that is not found anywhere else in the world. 

In fact, Jesus made a particular point to address worry. I imagine that he did this because of His understanding of how destructive worry can be. Worry robs us of enjoying the here and now and from cherishing the little things in life. It commands our minds into focusing on the bad instead of focusing on the good. It carves a quick and painful path of destruction in our lives and serves no purpose. 

Luckily, God knows and loves us and has given us some important guidance on dealing with worry. Jesus points us to some specific solutions, as outlined in today's reading. They are: 

1. To have faith. Above all else, you must believe that our Father in Heaven has our best interests in mind and has a plan for our lives. Jesus says that if we "Seek the Kingdom of God and live righteously" that God can and will meet our needs. Do note, however, that our "needs" and "wants" are often two very different things. 

2. Refuse to worry. Jesus says to "Leave tomorrow for tomorrow, for it will have its own struggles". Jesus is saying two things: The first is that worrying does not solve problems. If anything, worry creates problems. Think about that time you stayed up half the night worrying and how exhausted it made you when you actually had to deal with the problem. 
The second is that we should "worry about" overcoming the problems that are right in front of us in the moment. In focusing on improving ourselves and the life we are living, even moment by moment, we create opportunities for growth and build an attitude for overcoming obstacles. In other words, focusing on and overcoming the challenges that lie in front of us builds up the steam to overcome the challenges that are yet to come. Like creating a winning attitude. 

You see, if we approach our problems as obstacles to overcome instead of harboring stress through worry, we live a healthier life. If we are living a healthier life, we are more likely to overcome the obstacles. We, in turn, create a cycle of positive energy in our lives instead of spinning into a negative one. So as we go on today, lets us commit to refusing to worry. Instead, we will leave the future in the hands of God and focus on solving the puzzles that are before us in the moment. Peace and grace be to your all and God Bless!

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Peaceful, Not Boring

 
Daily Thoughts and Encouragement for January 14, 2015.
 
Christianity: Peaceful, Not Boring
 
Daily Thought: My life as a Christian can be exciting and thrilling
Daily Reading:2 Peter 3:14
 
 
 
Its funny how the images of the Christian life and the Secular life are so skewed by popular media and entertainment outlets. The representation of the Christian life often goes one of two ways: either we are depicted as being "haters", or that we live these mundane, boring lives while the partiers and jet-setters experience the world in all of its glory and go on fabulous vacations and etc. Not often does the news go into the stories of Christians dodging bullets for Christ on mission in Pakistan or saving the lives of children in the epicenter of the Ebola outbreak. Conveniently, the parts of the interviews that individuals discuss their faith are edited out. They also don't talk about how 70% of all non-profit community service organizations are faith-based, or how "the church" is leading the effort to fight the orphan population in China. Don't worry- I'm not going to go on a political rant or anything. But I do want to set the record straight.
 
Being a Christian and becoming a Christian should be the least boring that our lives have ever been! Just think about it a second! Undergoing dramatic self-growth, feeling the fire and passion of new belief, visiting the world in missions and experiencing dramatic different and new cultures, having positive activism, celebrating the joy of a new extended family. This life is one that leads to excitement and intrigue. If you are Christian and have begun living a stale life- it is time to re-evaluate! Jesus gave us the command to go out into this world and get our hands dirty!
 
 
You see brothers and sisters, we are indeed called to strive to be peaceful, as indicated in today's reading, but we were also called to be do-ers. We are called to not quarrel with non-believers, because in doing this we actually turn them away from God. This is a call to be peaceful, not boring. Use the example of the apostles in the early formation of the church: they were arrested, flogged, shunned. They traveled and planted churches. They hid out like "James Bonds" planting undercover church seeds. Being peaceful didn't mean that they didn't live extraordinary lives. More often than not, it meant that when they were caught- they didn't duke it out with authorities. Instead, they greeted suffering with gladness. They rocked the boat.
 
 
Let us go today with the mindset that we should not survive as Christians, but thrive! Let us go and be intentional and purpose driven, and win back the hearts and minds of the world that has deemed us as archaic. God Bless You and Your Journey!

Monday, January 12, 2015

Christianity 101: How to Pray

 
Daily Thoughts and Encouragement for January 13, 2015
 
HOW TO PRAY
Daily Thoughts: Prayer is an essential and will strengthen my relationship with God.
Daily Reading: Various
 
We sometimes take for granted what we have learned in our walk with Jesus. There are brothers and sisters among us who don't experience the blessings of prayers simply because they "don't know how" or aren't comfortable with it.
Does it matter if I pray standing up, sitting down or kneeling? Should my hands be open, closed, or lifted up to God? Do our eyes need to be closed when we pray? Should we pray in the morning when we get up or at night before we go to bed? Are there certain words we need to say in our prayers? How do we begin our prayers? What is the proper way to close a prayer? What is the proper way to pray anyway? These questions are common questions asked about prayer.

 Some believe that if we do not say exactly the right things, or pray in the right position, God will not hear and answer our prayer. This is completely unbiblical. God does not answer our prayers based on when we pray, where we are, what position our body is in, or in what order we word our prayers. We are told in 1 John 5:14-15 to have confidence when we come to God in prayer, knowing He hears us and will grant whatever we ask as long as it is in His will. Similarly, John 14:13-14 declares, “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” According to these and many other Scriptures, God answers prayer requests based on whether they are asked according to His will and in the name of Jesus (to bring glory to Jesus).

So, what is the proper way to pray? Philippians 4:6-7 tells us to pray without being anxious, to pray about everything, and to pray with thankful hearts. God will answer all such prayers with the gift of His peace in our hearts. The proper way to pray is to pour out our hearts to God, being honest and open with God, as He already knows us better than we know ourselves. We are to present our requests to God, keeping in mind that God knows what is best and will not grant a request that is not His will for us. We are to express our love, gratitude, and worship to God in prayer without worrying about having just the right words to say. God is more interested in the content of our hearts than the eloquence of our words.

The closest the Bible comes to giving a “pattern” for prayer is the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13. Please understand that the Lord’s Prayer is not a prayer we are to memorize and recite to God. It is an example of the things that should go into a prayer—worship, trust in God, requests, confession, and submission. We are to pray for the things the Lord’s Prayer talks about, using our own words and “customizing” it to our own journey with God. The proper way to pray is to express our hearts to God. Sitting, standing, or kneeling; hands open or closed; eyes opened or closed; in a church, at home, or outside; in the morning or at night—these are all side issues, subject to personal preference, conviction, and appropriateness. God’s desire is for prayer to be a real and personal connection between Himself and us.
 
Start simply by expressing your inner most feelings to God. As foreign as it may seem at first. Soon you will not only feel more comfortable with prayer, but will enjoy it and the many blessings that come with it. It is a practice that cannot be overlooked by any believer. 
 

Sunday, January 11, 2015

I wept when I saw this.

 
 
Daily Thoughts and Encouragement for January 12, 2015
BAPTISM
 


 If you attend a mainstream kind of church (if you attend church), chances are that this Sunday you talked about baptism. Today, I would like to share Stasias story- because pictures are worth a thousand words.

New Life Through Baptism- Stasias Story

Maybe God has been nudging you to take the step of faith to become baptized. If this is the case- act on it. Let yourself share all the burdens and hurts of the past to begin a new journey with Jesus Christ.

Be blessed!
-Alan

Friday, January 9, 2015

Updates & Information On the Five Minute Connection

 
 
Updates & Information
 
Blog Schedule: The blog is a supplement to enhance and uplift your work week. It will be available Monday through Friday (each day's blog is published the night before for early readers). The exceptions of course are occasional holidays, illnesses, etc. that might arise (I'm only one man after all).
 
How to best use the blog: You will notice that I don't always put the scripture into the blog. This is intentional and is a way to help you get into the habit of reading the Bible.  The best use is to take a special part of your day (ideally the beginning but it can be anytime) and set it aside. Give this time to God, reflect in the word and the message presented. This small step goes a long way.
 
Name Change?: You will see that our Facebook name changed from "Five Minute Ministries" to "The Five Minute Connection". As we develop our home church we thought it to be more fitting to call it the latter to avoid confusion regarding the actual ministry. We haven't set a name for the home church ministry at this point. Additionally, referring to the ministry as a "connection" feels more comfortable to our non-church friends.
 
If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact me anytime at ammcormick607@gmail.com
 
-Alan
 
 
 
 

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Be A Baby

Daily Thoughts and Encouragement for January 9, 2015
 
BACKSLIDING- Lessons from Infants
Daily Thought: Its up to me to keep moving forward
Daily Reading: 1 Peter 1:13-20, 2:1-2
 
So you did it. You became a Christian. Maybe you got connected, found a church home, really gave yourself over to God. But, in time,  you missed a day of church here or there, that then became missing half the time, and now you struggle to make it on the holidays.  Chances are that you have really good excuses too, like that person who really ticked you off or your simply "too busy" to make it. I've been there, I backslid. Even went back to fully living by societies standards. Luckily, my life as I knew it fell apart, and I endured great pain. I can say luckily because it caused me to rediscover my faith and Christian life and fully commit to it this time.
 
In fact, backsliding is easy. Christianity has become counter-culture. Its often not a popular thing to go to church and its difficult to live this life in a world that views Christian morals as archaic or old fashioned. God never promised us an easy ride as Christians. Still, we have to hold God close to our hearts and press on. God calls it to live holy lives as Christians (verse 16). But how can we hold on to it?
 
I wrote a blog entitled "GROW" on this subject as well. In our reading from today, Peter tells us to be "like newborn babies craving spiritual milk so that we can grow into a full experience of salvation". Let us reflect a moment on this great analogy. How often to babies drink? Having a baby home myself, I can say that it seems like all the time. It is constant. So this is how we should approach our faith. With a ceaseless thirst for learning, growing and experiencing God. If we remain stagnant- we will undoubtedly fail to grow. And if we do not grow- we will not thrive.
 
 If you want more of your faith than just to survive it- If you want to thrive in it, then its up to you to consistently and earnestly seek God and dive into the incredible adventure that is being a Christian. Think "girls night" or "guys night out" was awesome? I dare you to really dive into this life and to compare those feelings to the ones you'll feel in wide-open worship. The feelings that you will have when you work for two weeks to restore water to a village in Haiti and watch the children take the first drink. The feelings you will have when you help a homeless person into a home, or provide food to the hungry. Or when you walk hand-in-hand with your soul mate to the alter for your fiftieth wedding anniversary. God is calling you to a journey of a lifetime. Will you accept his invitation?
 
An idea for the "Converted Christian"
Luckily, when I first accepted God and surrendered my pride and will, there were some keepsakes that I had saved that reminded me of it. Notes, a card from my pastor, and little objects that bring me back to the time and place. I had done this from advice I received from another believer and I am glad that I did. To this day, when I am feeling down or persecuted, I open the binder I made and reflect on my life and how it felt those first moments as a Christian. It always lifts my spirits and keeps me focused.
 
 


 

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

YOU REPRESENTIN????

Daily Thoughts and Encouragement for January 7, 2015
 
ARE YOU REPRESENTING?
 
Daily Thought: Does my private life reflect Christ?
Daily Readings: Matthew 6:1-3, 5-7, 16-17
 
Have you ever met the all-to forward "super Christian"? The one this spits talk of Gods love; telling you about your need of saving? The one who has all the scriptures memorized and pulls them out of a hat for every occasion? We are talking about the ones that just can't wait to tell you about the child they sponsor from Haiti but have never invited you over for dinner. We all have. Then some time later you learn the couple is up for divorce after a long-standing affair, or that they lost everything to a gambling addiction, or someone got arrested for drinking and driving or domestic violence. The amount of detriment this causes the faith is unparalleled. Think about it- we are still apologizing for the crusades!
 
Today I would like to encourage reflection. As "good of a person" as we think we are- do we reflect the love of Christ in the deepest and most personal aspects of our lives? Do we live humbly, pray in private and give anonymously? Where can we enact new spiritual disciplines that will help us to focus where it matters most?
 
You will find in todays readings that Jesus spoke about this specifically. If we want to bring people to God we must fully represent what he does. And this starts in the hidden corners and closets of our lives.
 
Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the infinite teachings found in your word. Help me today to start to life my faith from the inside out, so that my life will shine as an example of your endless love and grace. Amen.
P.S.- It makes no sense to wear this much jewelry while working out (gym in background)

Monday, January 5, 2015

ARE YOU LISTENING?!

 
Daily Thoughts and Encouragement for January 6, 2015
 
ARE YOU LISTENING!?
Does God hear and answer prayers?
 
Daily Reading: Luke 7:21
Daily Thought: God answers every prayer
 
It's easy to ask this question, especially for the new Christians, when the going gets tough.  Wait- I'm putting it lightly. It can be easy to ask this question after a job loss, or after your relationship falls apart, or when the lights are shut off, while your sitting in a jail cell or in recovery, or when someone close to you DIES. I will admit that I have not only felt this way- but questioned my ENTIRE BELIEF in God during some of my difficult and early trials as a Christian.
 
First, know that you are not alone. Nearly every Christian has battled this question at some point in their faith. And the ones that haven't probably either will at some point or are delusional (but that's another topic). Second, I want to assure you that he has heard you.
 
Not enough? - Stay with me.
 
Let me start by saying that God clearly cares about us. Demonstrated in our reading from Luke 7:21, Jesus spent a ton of time- you could say most of it- curing and healing individuals from ailments of every kind, including death. As amazing as it is in itself, it sends a message. God DOES care. In fact, throughout the ENTIRE BIBLE are references and examples of God saving, helping or somehow delivering people in everything from famine to war. God loves us enough that he took away the finality of death. I say that's a pretty good God.
 
Next is coming to terms with the answer God is giving you to your prayer. We, as a society, have turned prayer into some kind of old school episode of I dream of Jeannie.
 
Remember this phrase: God answers every prayer with a YES, a NO, or a NOT YET. Repeat it a thousand times if you have to. Truly understanding this phrase may have literally saved my life- and it can save yours. As simple as that phrase is, there is much depth and truth to it.
 
You can begin to understand this phrase if you start a prayer journal- which is (you guessed it) a journal of the prayers that you have offered to God. Do it regularly and for a long time. Then sit down and read your prayers of the past. God's purpose for you during your toughest times can suddenly become clear and evident. This practice holds tremendous value. Not only can you experience healing and gain understanding of God's plan for your life, but you will start to see him in a very clear and real way- trusting and leaning on God in a way that you have never experienced before. After all, hindsight is 20/20. Remember, God has already dealt with it on your behalf (there are no surprises for God).
 
Believe that you can and will make it through your situation, one way or another. Luckily- we serve a God that cares for and loves us. God conquered even the grave for us so that we may live in Him. Keep praying, and strive to learn and develop in your faith so that when testing comes- you will choose to cling tighter to God instead of letting go. This is an important step to experiencing the love and healing power of God that few have. God Bless.
 
 
 

 


Sunday, January 4, 2015

Bringing Power Back to Prayer

Daily Thoughts and Encouragement for January 5, 2015 

Bringing Power Back to Prayer

Daily Thought: Prayer is Powerful!
Daily Reading: Matthew 6:5-14

Lets start with using a little bit of imagination. Picture yourself as a person brand-new to church. You don't come from a Christian background. You don't know the Christian lingo or the ways that services are conducted. You don't see God in a personal or even real context. You are "going in blind". As you enter through the doors, what you know is what you have seen on television or heard through the media (and it is not typically the good side of it). You have basically already counted the whole thing out. But your there. 

A handshake is extended at the door. Then you take a seat. You can't figure out why an older couple just coming in is now scowling at you. The services start. A few announcements of programs and desperate urging for assistance and commitment emits from a few tired looking and clearly overly extended individuals. Now its time for joys and concerns. The first woman stands up and asks for something called "travel mercies". You think to yourself- is she really asking for people to pray for her two hour trip to see her family?! Another stands to brag about her children making honor roll yet again and hopes that they will get into an expensive college. Then a third man stands to condemn the "government liberals wrecking the nation". You shut down. "Are these people serious?" You ask yourself, suddenly unsure if you said it aloud. Someone then speaks on behalf of a woman who just lost her husband of fifty years. You are touched and expect someone else to say something. Then the Pastor ushers the people into prayer, saying something like this: "Lord God, thank you for the blessings we have in our lives, please be with those who are hurting, and those in leadership, and bring people to you. Amen."

That's it?! You ask yourself. You now spend the rest of the service justifying why the media is right about church. 

You don't need a M-Div to recognize that there are a lot of problems in the example above, but to keep it short and simple, I would like to tackle prayer. Or the lack of true, meaningful prayer 
in so many of our churches. Forgive me for being bold- and then let me tell you that I was once guilty of the same thing. Then I changed how and for what I prayed for- with life-altering success. 

There are countless studies on "how to pray". I can't possibly cover it here. But what I want to cover is this: we should know to make it count.  As a whole, the Christian community has devalued prayer. So much in fact, that saying the words "I'll pray for you" is used condescendingly by some. If we are "doing our jobs" right as Christians, those that prayers are offered for should feel uplifted and loved by it. Even knowing that you are in prayer can bring healing, hope and peace!

Make a commitment to bring power to your prayer. Try this for even thirty days: Only pray and ask for prayers on things that are significant and have a profound impact on your heart and attitude. Likewise- do not offer prayer without the same. Do not tell a single person that you will "pray for them" unless you are going to be on your knees crying out to God on their behalf. Next, if your bold enough or can muster the courage to be, when prayers are asked for, offer them up on the spot. That person will, in turn, know that they were/are indeed prayed for, which helps to feel validated and loved. 

As you can imagine, there are countless scriptural references on prayer, the purpose, and how to do it. Today's reading discusses what is referred to as the Lords Prayer, and is a guide on some of the how-to. But read and reflect on the words. Do so especially if you have recited these words for a long time. Take a time out to rediscover what it means. 

We can do this! We can bring value and power back to prayer. The Bible tells us that prayer is so powerful that it can change our hearts and minds towards even our greatest enemies. We owe it to God, to HIS people, and to ourselves to make prayer count