"Who's To Blame?" (Messages from the pulpit)

When we fail we look to find the root of blame. We've all heard of the saying, "The Devil made me do it."
Well the devil may have shown you one way to go and God has shown us another way to go but ultimately the choice is ours.
We may say, "My parents made me this way." Maybe our parents didn't raise us 'right'. Even mental illness or alcoholism can be passed down or at the very least the odds can be stacked against us but it's up to us to walk away. To put down the drink. To seek help.
In my years growing up my father was verbally, physically, and sexually abusive to me. He was a womanizer. The pain he caused me and my mom drove me to hate him.
Then I realized that hating him wasn't helping. Dealing with the pain he caused and making sure I didn't turn out like him was the answer.
And now as he looks down from Heaven and I'm sure he's proud to see how I turned out.
I'm not a womanizer and have found my soul mate. In fact my attitude concerning women is one of respect.
I could have let the 'I'll never amount to anything' message keep me from my dreams. But I didn't and with the support of my girlfriend and her family I'm on my way to getting my Associates Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling.
It doesn't matter whom we blame. The fact remains that we ALL have fallen short of the Glory of God.
God knew full well that even with our best intentions and our best sacrifices we wouldn't make it to Heaven.
But nonetheless God loves us too much to send us away without help.
God sent his only begotten son as a sacrifice for us. His blood washes away all of our sins. All we have to do to begin our journey to Heaven is to believe in the one sent from Heaven. We can trust in The Lord Jesus Christ. Just call out to him. Ask him into your heart. He won't turn you away.
Maybe your own father has turned you away. But God NEVER will. He sent Jesus to seek and save the lost.
It doesn't end there.
You must be sincere in your willingness to turn from sin.
Saying sorry is meaningless unless you change the actions that caused you to say sorry in the first place.
We might not all have the same religious background. We might not go to church. But God is everywhere. But you have to open the door if you want him in your life.
He won't force himself upon you. You have to invite him in.
Try not to hold painful experiences that people caused you in the name of God keep you away.
God's not to blame for what others do when they twist His words for their purpose.
It's not God's fault.
And you can call upon Jesus who not only died for our sins, he also faced sin when he went into the desert to face Satan while He (Jesus) fasted for 40 days.
Jesus' weapon against Satan was The Word of God. Even when Satan used scripture to try to trip Jesus up it didn't work because Jesus knew the scripture far more than the devil does.
Even if you don't know scripture well or at all when you invite Jesus into your heart you're inviting the one that scripture revolves around.
We all have access to The Holy Spirit.
But you have to work with God against the tempter. Together you can stand against sin.
After all God's desire is that no one faces eternal punishment. The punishment has been paid for. When you accept Jesus you can stand blameless before God.

Then their will be no sin to cast blame upon.

"Backstage Pass"

Luke 19: 1-6

This passage tells of a man, Zaccheaus who due to his short stature, had to climb a tree in order to get just a glimpse of Jesus. Many people say that Jesus was the original celebrity. The gospels say many times say that He was pressed on all sides. This passage is just one example. Despite his short stature Zaccheaus stands out. Jesus noticed the zeal of Zaccheaus and called to him and asked to stay with him.
The passage states how excited Zaccheaus that Jesus called out to him despite the throng of people in the crowd.

I've read this passage more than once in my life and yet the excitement of Zaccheaus stood out this time.
It made me think of different things. In this holiday season I thought about kids at Christmas getting excited about seeing Santa at the local mall. Even if it means standing in line to sit on Santa's lap to

tell him what they want for Christmas.

Another type of excitement is when a person gets a chance to go backstage to spend time with their favorite rock star/ band.

One of the newest forms of mass excitement is when people wait in line for days to buy the latest electronic gadget that promises the most up to date features and even though the newest iPad isn't going to go out of stock, and the current model is better than people really need people still get a rush when they acquire the newest model.

It's great to see people get excited about Jesus especially in a world where many people don't get excited about spending time with God.

After all you can't see God. You can't chat with Him online. You can't send Him a text.

But one of the many great things about God is He's everywhere. He's always available. The only thing you need to talk to God is...your heart and soul. And He can provide the best in updated data plans.

There is a free unlimited minute plan. You don't need a cell tower. God is always in range. Just open your heart. There are great APPS that come with an open heart toward God. Tools to enhance your experience. Open heart that The Spirit of God can access. Another tool is The Word of God. Open up The Word of God with an open heart and The Holy Spirit and you can be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

  A Backstage Pass to see your favorite Rock Star can be costly. And passes are limited. With God you have 24/7/365 access. And the cost? The greatest price was paid by Jesus on His Cross. The more you spend time with God the more your faith will grow.

And unlike Santa there is no line. No age limit. You can climb right up on the lap of Abba Father. You can tell him all your desires and you can sit with him and cry your eyes out. He won't push you away. He'll not only listen to you but He can do something about it. He can heal you. Free of charge.

 

"Bullies. An old problem in a new world."

Bullies have been around forever. Recently the problem has once again come to the attention of the

media. The main reason being that bullies have a new weapon to use in their arsenal of destruction.

The Internet.

The Internet has many purposes.

Blogging.

Shopping.

Watching Videos.

Downloading Music.

Playing Video Games.

Dating.

Advertising.

Social Networking. The most popular site being Facebook.

On Facebook people have a way to connect with friends and family. It is also away to torment people in a potentially anonymous means. Cyber Bullying.

You can set up an account and look people up. There are a great deal of ways to get around safety and privacy settings that even The FBI has trouble keeping up. So kids and even parents (I use the term loosely in this context) can get in on abusing people hiding within the internet highway which is protected by our first amendment. It guarantees everyone "Free Speech".

I'm not going to use this post to voice my opinions about what changes The Government should make to help create a safer world of everyone on the internet.

Here's what I feel.

Parents need to make a better effort to communicate with their children as well as their spouse/ partner.

Mind you I refuse to place the whole weight of the blame on parents. This would include the parents of the bullies and those who are being bullied.

Sit down to dinner. At the kitchen table. No TV. No texting. No iPods. Just family. Together. We have to be able to set aside our addiction to our electronic gadgets. Seriously. So much of it is unnecessary.

Especially 24/7/365. Especially now during the holidays. We are addicted to the virtual world and thus ignore the real world. The 11 o' clock News used to ask, "It's 11 o' clock, do you know where your kids are?" Maybe we need to ask that question ALL DAY LONG.

I understand monitoring kids internet use, (including cell phones) 100% maybe near impossible.

Perhaps parents need to peel themselves away from The Worldwide Web.

Also I think that if a compliant comes forward about bullying it needs to be taken seriously. By ALL parties. 

Let me now address people being bullied. It is hell. I know I had to deal with bullies for many years as I grew up. Much of it happened at school. But the bulk of it was after school. For me it took the form of violence. The result being visible bruises and scars. These lead me to believe I was weak and that I deserved to be beaten by my bully. Those thoughts about myself lead to deep scars in my soul which are still healing. 'Words will never hurt me' is a truly false statement.

If you are being bullied there are ways for you to react. Many easier said than done. Ask yourself does any of this really matter?

Let me explain.

Yes it hurts. Yes you may get depressed. You may want revenge. Or you may feel so worthless that you think killing yourself is the answer. As I said at the beginning of this post bullies have roamed the earth almost since day one. So unfortunately the problem will never go away. 

How do you fight back? Suicide or bringing guns into school isn't the answer. Sure it brings attention to the issue of bullies and laws are passed to try to help but the trouble will still be there.

We all need to find within ourselves productive ways to deal. You must find SELF WORTH. That too may seem impossible. Especially if no one at home to back up what is true about yourself.

You do have worth. Your existence is not an accident. I challenge you to make a list of good things about yourself.

Trust me I once laughed at the idea. But even if you can only think of 1 or 2 things it's a start.

You may be able to use the very insults being hurled at you to start your list.

Maybe as a boy your expected to be "one of the guys." Playing sports is what that might mean. But maybe playing sports isn't your thing. Maybe because your small or skinny. Or just maybe you don't find any enjoyment in it. Maybe instead you are in the Chess Club or Math Club. In the eyes of your classmates that makes you a wimp, a wuss, a dork, or a long list of other insults you may hear every time you go to school.

Well being good at chess and/or math might just stimulate your brain enough to become a doctor, or

scientist of some sort. (Just as an example) Maybe you will someday discover a cure for Cancer, A.I.D.S. or a host of other diseases. And then your discovery will lead to saving the lives of hundreds, thousands, or millions of people, bullies included.

Maybe as a girl you are teased by other girls for wearing "boys clothes" and playing sports. The other girls maybe suggest that you're butch and not really a girl. OK maybe you as a girl focus on physical strength instead of spending time and money on fancy clothes and makeup. In the process you eventually join The National Army Reserves and one day save lives in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

Maybe as a guy your teased for being artistic and sensitive. Perhaps you write poetry instead of playing Baseball or Video Games. Maybe because of this you are teased about being gay. Whether you are or not. Well maybe being artistic and sensitive eventually leads to you meeting a great woman and you have a wonderful lifelong happy and successful marriage.

Maybe you are gay and someday win an award for furthering the cause of human rights.

Maybe you are one of the jocks or "pretty girls" and actually turn the tide of bullying by standing up against so-called friends that tease kids that don't fit in.

As you can see I could go on and on about this. There HAS to be at least the beginning of such a list for you. Maybe you are a bystander and would never dream of reporting bullying whether in class after class or online. We need you too. Tragedies can be prevented.

Bullies are at school, home, church, and work. 

Maybe you are a bully. Ever ask yourself why? Are you bullied at home by your dad or big brother.

You feel helpless and in order to have strength you pick on someone weaker. You don't like being bullied so you should not pass it on. You too can make a list of qualities you possess.

Maybe you are a tough guy on the defensive line of your high school football team. It takes a lot of energy to work so hard. Maybe you dream of playing professional football someday. But maybe your grades hover just above failing. Maybe instead of picking on the dorky kid you can ask for his/her help with studying. Maybe then you will be a future hall of fame athlete.

Teachers also need to be proactive. Don't shrug off any bullying you may see on the schoolyard or abuse that is reported on Facebook. 

We all have a chance to make a difference.

Don't I know you from somewhere? (Revised Version)

Many experiments have shown that we sometimes miss what is right in front of us.
There is one where in a sea of activity many people a man dressed in a gorrila suit. How can that be?
Another one is when a famous musician dressed in shabby clothes and began to play in a crowded NYC subway station for an hour. In that hour he made $32. The night before he used a 3.5 Million Dollar Stadivarius Violin for a sold out concert where the seats went for $100 a seat.
Jesus had a simular issue. After 3 years with our Lord and Savior the diciples didn't recognize Him.
How could this happen?
How well do we know The Lord?
Do we speak to him on a regular basis?
Do we read his word?
When we go to church is it for show?
Do we act like his own?
If Jesus were to walk up to us on the street would we know him?
I mean really know him?
If He were to see a cross or crucifix around your neck he would know what it means to you even if no one else did.
God knows you more than you know yourself.
But how well do you know him?
If your answer to that question is not much at all then let me remind you it's not too late.
Go to a quiet place and speak to him.
He's never too busy. Are you?
Saying a prayer takes only seconds.
Find one of many free daily Bible reading tools. I have two right beside my bed. It never takes longer than 10 mins to pray and read the daily Bible meditation.
No matter if you've known God for 3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months, 3 years, 3 decades ect it's never too late to get to know the creator a little better. He's waiting.
Eternity has already begun.

"Why did God choose Salvation through The Crucifixion of His Son?"

Romans 8:31-34
People sometimes wonder why an all loving God would send His Son to die for no sins of His own.
He was crucified. On top of the beatings, scourging, and being crowned with thorns. He was spit on and mocked. If you have watched the movie, "The Passion of The Christ" you have a glimpse at what Jesus suffered to save our lives. We're sinners (redeemed sinners) He never sinned.
So why couldn't God find a peaceful way to save our souls?
Well God sent Jesus to be a human representation of God. The human bridge between us and God.
Jesus came as an infant. He learned as a child. Despite being God he was also man and even though He is all knowing he showed us that we too have to learn as much as we can in our lives.
With his human step father, Joseph he learned a hard work ethic.
Like us He faced temptation.
Even without sin He showed us humility by being baptized. Again a great example of how we are to persue holiness.
He faced the troubles of persecution.
He was betrayed.
He faced the agony of knowing He was about to endure the torment of dying on a cross.
He felt abandoned by God.
He died.
He even decended into Hell. Where He sought souls to save.
But He was raised from the dead.
So in most of those ways we go through the same things. There it is!
How easy would it be to follow someone who knows nothing of the human condition?
I assume for many of us it might be impossible.
He even looked into the depths of Hell. All so we wouldn't have to.
And as He was raised to Heaven after His earthly ministry so shall all of us who trust in Him.
But He didn't leave us with nothing.
He sent The Holy Spirit so His presence could be carried through out all the earth and be poured out on all mankind.
And if God is with us in unity with The Holy Spirit we can continue what He started.
God is truly everywhere.
If God is love than the troubles of the world can be faced with love.
The Holy Spirit was sent as a new comforter. We can comfort those who mourn.
Matthew 5:3-4
"Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn for they will be comforted."
And as Jesus faced the agony in the garden He sought God's will, not His own.
And with us we will face answers to prayer and the result may seem like a slap in the face. We will go through our darkest hours that are evil and what was meant for evil will be for the greater good.
It hurts that some of our trials may not make sense to us in our life on earth but they are not wasted.
Don't take my word on it.
Take God's Word on it.
It's The Gospel Truth.

"Attitude Adjustment"

Zechariah 8: 20-23
Luke 9: 51-56
In the reading from Zechariah the people are coming together to worship The Lord in joyful harmony with each other.
In the reading from The Gospel of Luke we see a different attitude. One of jealousy. Jesus wasn't welcomed because He was trying to pass through on his way to Jerusalem which was his "ultimate" destination.
Imagine what would have happened if the people in the Samaritan village had allowed Jesus to pass through.
Healing, deliverance, demons cast out, forgiveness, and a great move of God. Many disciples could have sprouted up and even more lives could have been transformed.
Do you ever believe that some people don't deserve the blessings that God has poured out to them?
Do you feel that God has passed you by in order to bless someone who is "A Sunday Only" Christian. Maybe they put on a disguise of being a good Christian at church and yet are open sinners the rest of the week.
Sure you go to church on a regular basis. You pray on a regular basis and with great fervor. You are dedicated to reading The Bible and Biblical devotions. And yet you can't seem to even make ends meet.
It isn't fair right?
Think of this,
God loved us all while we were still yet sinners. We first  loved God  because He first loved us. All have sinned and have fallen short of the Glory of God.
We have been saved. But maybe something will happen to that sinner we feel may be unworthy that will help that person and they'll realize that God had spared them during their lives of sin.
We all have a claim to The Kingdom of God. No matter what we have done or may be doing.
God is unwilling to see anyone perish.
So lets come together right now over Him.

"Modern Day Good Samaritan"

In the time of Jesus there was a group of people known as Samaritans that were "Non- Believers" or even heathens. So when Jesus tells the tale of The Good Samaritan it's a tale of an outsider, a heathen, a sinner coming to the rescue.
Today I learned of a slightly more modern story. A story that fits our own troubled times.
There was a Catholic missionary that was working in Africa. (I forget where exactly) This priest was on his way to celebrate Mass when a tire on his vehicle went flat.
Many people that were going to celebrate Mass, passed the very priest that was going to lead worship. Then out of nowhere came a Muslim man. The Muslim man stopped and helped the priest change the tire and then went along on his business. The priest was a bit late but nonetheless he made it.
So do we love our neighbor as we love "our own kind?" 
Do you judge a book by it's cover?
What assumptions are you making?
What assumptions are people making about us?
Would they know we are Christians by our love?