Don't be that guy.

I just listened to a very inspirational message about taking a leap of faith.
I didn't know who I was listening to, but it was very much something I NEEDED to hear.
Then I found out who the speaker was and I was surprised. But not in a good way.
Because the speaker seems to have slipped from the godly person who spoke those much needed words.
It made me sad (a little).
I'm not saying that this person is bad. Maybe just a little just in the midst of a backslide. I'm not passing judgment, I've been there, done that.
What I'm saying is this; many people are surprised at the man of God I've become.
I'm shocked at who I am versus who I used to be.
And it's by the grace of God that I'm here at all.
God can use anybody to inspire people.
That means you.
You don't have to be a preacher to share the good news of God.
You can be a teacher, comedian, football player, banker, janitor, recovering addict, etc....
Wouldn't it be nice for people to see how far you've climbed instead of people gossiping about how far you've fallen.

What's Been Started

When you look back The Kingdom of God started in The Garden of Eden.
Adam and Eve sinned and things went downhill.
The human race became so sinful that only a chosen few were saved.
Prophets came and went up to the time of John the Baptist.
The enemy of God thought that killing John would be the end of his message.
A message and warning. Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand.
Then Jesus took his place as prophet, teacher, healer, and messiah.
The words and actions stirred the hearts of the people. Some loved him and some hated him.
The enemies of The Christ, thought that if they killed him then that would be the end of the supposed great and powerful new kingdom.
Not true. Oh  sure Jesus did die. But He didn't stay dead!
He's alive to this very day! And he's coming back to destroy the devil once and for all!
What I'm getting at is this;
The plans that God has for you can't be stopped by our enemies.
The good work that God began in you will be accomplished!
The devil stalks the earth like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.
But like Daniel in the lions den, God shut up the mouths of the lions.
So don't listen to Satan, a loudmouth and a liar.
Listen to God who speaks to us in a still small voice.
His voice can calm any storm.
Life isn't perfect. And there will be pain.
But lean on the shoulders who took all our pain, and conquered the grave.
For with God all things are possible.
We can do all things through Christ that strengthens us.

The Same Sin Over And Over

Do you struggle with one particular sin over and over?
And for Catholics, do you go to confession for the same thing nearly every time?
What gives right?
You know it's wrong and you keep slipping in the same way.
So why bother asking God for forgiveness?
The good news is that no matter what sin you've committed God forgives it and forgets it EVERY time.
Especially in sincerity.
More good news.
God will give you grace to overcome.
If God weren't inside you, you wouldn't know right from wrong. And you wouldn't care.
God will provide a way of escape for every temptation.
We may fall but God will pick us back up.
Don't let the excuse "I'm too embarrassed to ask God for forgiveness" keep you from God's everlasting love and grace. After all pride leads to a fall.
Seek out God.
Seek out support groups.
Seek out counseling.
And be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

He Made Me Do It

 God created everything. The universe. The galaxy. The earth and all that lives in the earth. He also created the angels. God created us. He gave us and the angels free will. One angel in particular was the most beautiful. He was strong. He thought he could rise above God. He tried and failed. The light bearer became the adversary, the devil.
  The devil isn't everywhere but he has plenty of helpers.
Sometimes without being fully aware, we become our own worst enemy.
Oh sure a fallen angel may point something out to us that catches our eyes. "Hey look that person over there. In the next cubicle. They're quite good looking aren't they? You should say
hi."
  You admit they are attractive. You say hello and hit it off. You feel a connection. Your co-worker wants to hang out after work. You may be single but your co-worker isn't.
  Reactions may differ at this point.
Would you purposely hang out with someone that's married?
One thing can lead to an other and next thing you know you're having an affair.
Or maybe you back off.
 Choice is yours.
The devil can't force your hand and neither can God.
Be assured that we may not want to face our sinful choices right now but one day we will.
Besides saying yes or no to sin is up to us so is repentance.
You choose to sin. You choose to go before God and not just say "sorry" but take it further and to "Go and sin no more"
Saying sorry and being sorry are two different things.
Don't stop there.
Don't let your resistance to sin fill you with the feeling of being invincible.
You're not.
As you rely upon God to say no, you must remember that it's Jesus that was tempted in every way and yet never sinned.
Remember God pours his spirit upon all who call upon him and who do so with sincerity.
God spits out what's lukewarm.
God rejects the proud.
God will never reject a humble and contrite heart.
Even the angels rejoice over a repentant sinner.
And it's through the willing sacrifice of Jesus that our sins are wiped out.
Recognize your sin. Believe that Jesus is The Son of God. Believing in Him as The One who faced sin and yet lived without falling. Running into the arms of Jesus makes sense.
Jesus pleads before God on our behalf.
Run to Jesus.
He will help you overcome the call of sin.
When you're forgiven of your trespasses is when the greatest healing begins.
When Jesus forgave and healed those who came to him they jumped for joy, sang, and ran.
Confession and healing go together.
Keep your eyes on Jesus, the man without sin.
   

"Communion Every Day"

Acts 2:46
"Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and breaking bread in there homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart."
  I'm glad the church I attend not only has service every day but also offers communion.
  Jesus said to partake of the body, blood, soul, and divinity of his sacrifice.
  Why wouldn't you? When you partake of the hosts you are joined with our savior.
  Of course many churches only have Sunday service. Some of those churches only offer communion once a month. The reason being that the leaders don't want communion to become "a ritual or just a somewhat trivial routine."
  Some church leaders want to distance themselves from The Catholic Church.
  In that scense I understand but at what cost? Our relationship is with The Lord and we are to examine ourselves before we partake of the body and blood of Christ.
  The church (in my opinion) shouldn't decide for us when we can join ourselves with God and each other. We should take ourselves before God in repentance of our sins prior to joining our souls with The Lord.

"Miracles and Hardened Hearts"

Gospel of Mark 6:45-52
  "After the five thousand had eaten and were satisfied, Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side toward Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And when had taken leave of them, he went off to the mountain  to pray. When it was evening, the boat was far out on the sea and he was alone on the shore. Then he saw that they were tossed about while rowing,for the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them. But when they saw him walking on the sea they thought is was a ghost and cried out. "Take courage, it is I. do not be afraid." He got in the boat and the wind died down. They were completely astounded. They had not understood the incident of the loaves. On the contrary, their hearts were hardened."
   What can be made of this?
   Why is it that the hearts of the disciples became hard?
One thought has popped into my head, Jealousy. And confusion.
    This band of travelers and friends meet this guy who is only 30 years old. To some of the followers of Jesus they may have thought that he was just young and arrogant.
   But I'm sure some were indeed jealous.
   In my own life I get angry when someone (especially fellow writers) can sit down and write effortlessly. I applaud their gift but then get into a brief depression because I often struggle to write a single well written paragraph.
  So now put yourself in the mind of the disciples.
   They're hanging out with Jesus. He effortlessly heals the sick, cast out demons, and take a small amount of food and feed 5,000 people just by praying. Now this guy can walk on water and calm the storm?
   Some might say Jesus was a show off.
   How can a mortal man do such things?
  Think about the account of Peter walking on the water to meet Jesus. But when he sees a huge wave and takes his eyes off of Jesus, Peter begins to drown.
    Have you ever thought that you don't measure up to God. Truth is you never will.
   But there's good news.
     Chances are you'll never walk on water but you may save a life as a skilled surgeon.
  Your kindness toward a beggar may give the person who has next to nothing a new spark of hope.
 As a counselor in Substance Abuse Counseling I hope to reach at least one person to never again pick up their drug of choice.
    Your prayers will show a desperate person that in deed God not only exists. He is in the miracle business and above all he loves us.
    Let go. Let God.
  And may you be filled with the spirit of understanding that comes from knowing the creator who is the author and finisher of our faith.

The Coming Of The Lord

Well next Sunday is the official beginning of Advent.
  Advent is the celebration that culminates on Christmas.
  We rush around looking for the perfect gifts for our loved ones.
   How about we slow down.
   Take a breath.
    And like Martha when she poured out expensive perfume onto the feet of Jesus.
    She took time to be with The Son of God.
    What will it cost us to lavish our love upon The Lord?
     I guarantee every second spent waiting for the Lord will be worth it.
     Yes Jesus is coming one day in the clouds.
    But never forget that The Holy Spirit is already here. He prepares us to bring Jesus to those who don't know Him.
    For them it's a personal advent.