No Vacancy

No vacancy 

My dad taught me something years ago and I quote it a lot.  I just had a mess of a week.  Not every night when someone crashes into your parked car in your driveway.  I find myself praying a lot about the car being worked on, the motorcyclist who hit it and other things stressing out my wife and I. Sunday night I needed some reminders.  So for those reading waiting for what my dad taught and “for the thousands in attendance and the millions watching at home.”  Here are three fundamental facts.  

1.  There is a God

2.  You are not him

3.  There is no vacancy 

See part of my world has been falling apart and I’m having to pray and trust God a lot.  But Sunday night I was at work reading Growing in the Seasons of Life by Chuck Swindoll when I was pointed to Psalm 115:3.  “Our God is in the heavens, and he does as he wishes.”  Chicken Little said “The sky is falling.”  He was wrong.  Psalm 19:1-6 says an emphatic NO! 

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God.  The skies display his craftsmanship.  Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known.  They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.  Yet the message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.  God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.  It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.  It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.  The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end.  Nothing can hide from its heat.”  

See as I drove to work much too early in the morning I was praying a lot.  I remembered that God went before Israel as a cloud and a pillar of fire.  God always surrounded his people.  And He is non linear he already knows what and when and how.  I needed to remember he was still on his throne and he was not leaving any vacancy.  He’s still in control.  Doesn’t always have to make sense to us and until we reach Heaven it probably won’t.  I just pray that I respond how he wants me to.  Because I may say the sky is falling and He says it’s still where I left it.  Sun comes up, moon tags in.  Nope the sky is still there.  

“Though the winds may blow 

And though the floods may grow 

I shall not be moved

Because I am on the Rock!”

Psalms 24:1-2

“ The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.  The world and all it’s people belong to him.  For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths.”  

God of angel armies by Chris Tomlin 

How great is the love by Meredith Andrews 

My deliverer by Rich Mullins 

I am on the Rock by Petra 

You are God alone by Phillips Craig and Dean 

Glory to the King byHillsong Worship

So most all the songs here lyric wise have something to do with the blog posted.  But the last song here has been one I rediscovered after years and it is here because the song is so great I wanted to share it with others.  And one night Marion reminded me I just put links up for you the reader if I put a little or a lot it’s still your choice to read or listen.  It’s a blog designed for busy people and you get out what you invest into it.  I just have to be willing to post it.  

Only Jesus/ Calvary’s love by Steve Green

Minor note if I ever quote a song in the blog I will leave a link to it.  Unless it’s a secular song I won’t do that.  As Sean Connery said “Here endeth the lesson.”  

Living Water

Living water

In John 4:10 Jesus tells the Samaritan Woman he can give her living water.  And in verse 14 he says this “But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again.  It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them giving them eternal life.”  This portion of scripture came to mind as I read John chapter 2:1-12.  I want you to see something here that fits this all together.  

“The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee.  Jesus’ mother was there and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration.  The wine supply ran out during the festivities. Jesus’ mother told him.  ‘They have no more wine’.  

‘Dear woman, that’s not our problem.’  Jesus replied.  ‘My time has not yet come.’  

But his mother told the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’  

Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing.  Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons.  Jesus told the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water.’  When the jars had been filled, he said,  ‘Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.’  So the servants followed his instructions. 

When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over.  ‘A host always serves the best wine first,’. He said.  ‘Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine.  But you have kept the best until now.’  

This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory.  And his disciples believed in him.  

After the wedding he went to Capernaum for a few days with his mother, his brothers and his disciples.”

I want you to think about something here.  We as Christians are called vessels and people at first don’t see changes in us and then when the Living Water, Jesus himself changes us that’s when we become vessels of honor.  What kind of liquid comes forth when people see you?  

Psalm 23:5 says “You prepare a feast before me in the presence of my enemies.  You honor me by anointing my head with oil.  My cup overflows with blessings.”  See the living water God puts into us should overflow and splash out of the vessels that we are. In Jeremiah 18:1-17 God shows the prophet a lesson in pottery and clay.  God is constantly at work on us and our lives much like the vessels for water at Cana shaping us to be the people he wants.  See if God is not changing you then you seriously need to step back stop and ask questions about your salvation because you may still be an empty water jug.  Jesus also said this about our salvation.  

John 3:5 “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.”

Here is more about us being vessels.  

2 Corinthians 4:5-7

“You see, we don’t go preaching about ourselves.  We preach Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake.  For God, who said, ‘Let there be light in the darkness,’ has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.  We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure.  This makes it clear that our power is from God, not from ourselves.”  

Romans 12:1-2 gives us our flight path and contrary to Peter Pan and Captain Kirk it is not “Second Star to the right and on till morning.”  

“And so dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you.  Let them be a living and holy sacrifice— the kind he will find acceptable.  This is truly the way to worship him.  Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.  Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good pleasing and perfect.”

God wants us transformed into willing vessels to be used by Him.  

In the words of Optimus Prime “Autobots transform and roll out.”  

Where the Thunder roars by Whiteheart 

Acceptable by Charmaine 

Carry your love by Caedmon’s Call

Change me Lord by Shannon Wexelberg

Still useful

Still useful 

Sometimes my brain latches on to things.  We as humans are often stupid and make bad decisions.  Traffic in Corpus Christi can be a good example of that.  In the book of Judges you can find the story of Samson.  This guy messed up almost as many times as Peter did.  In Judges 13:6-7 we learn of what he was supposed to be.  “The woman ran and told her husband, ‘A man of God appeared to me!  He looked like one of God’s angels, terrifying to see.  I didn’t ask where he was from, and he didn’t tell me his name.  But he told me, ‘You will become pregnant and give birth to a son.  You must not drink wine or any alcoholic drink nor eat any forbidden food.  For your son will be dedicated to God as a Nazirite from the moment of his birth until the day of his death.’”  

Samson was a guy that messed up a lot but I want to show you something that my brain missed so many times reading before because Samson as flawed as he is somehow ends up doing what he is supposed to and it defies all logic.  He’s like Captain Kirk on Star Trek the Wrath of Kahn.  Samson just looks like he’s on a collision course with stupidity.  

Judges 14:1-4 “One day when Samson was in Timnah, one of the Philistine women caught his eye.  When he returned home, he told his father and mother.  ‘A young Philistine woman in Timnah caught my eye.  I want to marry her.  Get her for me.’  His father and mother objected.  ‘Isn’t there even one woman in our tribe among all the Israelites you could marry?’  They asked.  ‘Why must you go to the pagan Philistines to find a wife?’  But Samson told his father.  ‘Get her for me!  She looks good to me.’  His father and mother didn’t realize the Lord was at work in this, creating an opportunity to work against the Philistines, who ruled over Israel at the time.”

Now my first thing I want to say here and I speak from personal pain and experience when your family and friends warn you about a man or woman you’re interested in and tell you to stay away.  Do it!  Stay away!  Samson was about to embark on a path of destruction.  

Now that being said I am also in no way shape or form condoning or encouraging Samson’s approach to getting a mate.  If women complain about men now they would have plenty more reasons to complain about his attitude.  

But here’s what caught my attention reading this.  In verse four it says his parents didn’t realize God was at work in this.  So here’s a guy being stupid and making bad decisions and somehow God uses it.  You yeah you the reader I’m talking to you directly.  God used David, Peter, Gideon, Sarah, Abraham, Jacob, Elijah, Jonah and more they made bad choices like you and me.  God in his mercy used them still.  The question is with all your mistakes and mine and so much we’ve been forgiven of are you still willing to repent turn to God and like Isaiah say “Here Am I Lord send me.”  

Samson is a redemption story.  The Philistines meant so much harm and did so much wrong to him and the nation of Israel but God used it for his glory.  It reminds me of the story of Joseph in Genesis 45 when he reveals his identity to his brothers because all the harm his brothers did to him God ended up using it for good.  

See with all our sins and mistakes God ends up using us as flawed as we are to show our need for salvation and redemption.  

Years ago David Meece said it correctly in revealing our need for a savior.

“And we were the reason that he gave his life.  We were the reason that he suffered and died.  To a world that was lost he gave all he could give to show us the reason to live.  

I finally found the reason for living it’s in giving every part of my heart to him.  In all that I do and every word that I say I’ll be giving my all just for him.  For him.”  

Who you are by Unspoken 

We are the reason by Dave Meece 

Here I am by Rebeca St James

Diamonds by Hawk Nelson 

Heat it up by Degarmo and Key

Blessings by Laura Story

For a dream by Phillips, Craig and Dean 

Out of control

Out of control 

This blog has been called a weekly dose of hope and I try to give you the reader hope and kind words to help you keep your eyes fixed on God.  I mention kind words and encouragement a lot.  Someone may ask what fuels me to talk on such a subject with passion.  There’s not enough kindness and encouragement in this world.  I’m going to share with you something that happened years ago when I was young.  This kid who shall remain nameless said something to me that hurt.  I forgave him but that was hard.  He was talking with a group of kids and saw me and said “Why don’t you go stand in a corner and talk to yourself.”  Then I also spent 13 years at a call center.  I got called pretty much every thing a person could be called.  Over time I started to work on the media team at Real Life.  Aside from my own wife, and family,  Real Life was the rare place where I would hear kind words spoken.  I am passionate about encouraging you the reader because I know what it’s like to need encouragement in my own life.  

Proverbs 16:24

“Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”  

This past Saturday I came across some verses I wanted to share because when things get out of control in our lives we need to remember to turn to God and why we do.  

Psalm 9:7-12

“But the Lord reigns forever, executing judgement from his throne.  He will judge the world with justice and rule the nations with fairness.  The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.  Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.  Sing praises to the Lord who reigns in Jerusalem.  Tell the world about his unforgettable deeds.  For he who avenges murder cares for the helpless.  He does not ignore the cries of those who suffer.”

Psalm 10:17-18

“Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless.  Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them.  You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so mere people cannot terrify them.”

See when you need kindness, hope and encouragement God has provided it in his word.  

I’m going to share with you one of the most important scriptures you need to memorize.  1 Peter 5:7

“Give all your worries and cares to God for he cares about you.”

When things start spinning out of control turn to God because he is on his throne and he cares about you.  

I want to thank my friend Lynda because when I posted a teaser (something I post on facebopok to stir up interest in the blog.) for the blog this was her response.

Isaiah 41:10

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.  Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

I would also add to that

 Isaiah 52:10

“The Lord has demonstrated his holy power before the eyes of all the nations.  All the ends of the earth will see the victory of our God.”  

God’s not done with you and me.  Sometimes the harsh and unkind words said to us he uses in our lives so we can encourage and build up others.  

Just be held by Casting Crowns 

King of the Jungle by Steven Curtis Chapman 

Faithful God by Shannon Wexelberg

Honesty by Margaret Becker

Strong God by Meredith Andrews

Your great name by Natalie Grant 

God and God alone by Steve Green 

5210 by Rich Mullins

Come and See

Come and see

What do Christians and English Pointers have in common?  They both point to something.  A Christian should point others to the Cross of Christ.  

There’s a song by Don Francisco called I’ve gotta tell Somebody.  I use my Facebook page often to invite people to church.  I promote this blog a lot online because if I don’t there is no one to read it.  You walk outside you see billboards, signs, businesses all promoting something.  Do you promote the change God makes in you?  This past Sunday Pastor Micah read a passage in John 1:40-46 and it’s a story we need to remember.  When God changes your life your response should be “I’ve gotta tell somebody I’ve gotta tell somebody I’ve gotta tell somebody what Jesus did for me.”  I try hard to encourage the reader of the blog and equip them with God’s Word so they can go forth and encourage someone else and hopefully help someone else draw closer to God.  I want you to look at this passage and see how the dots connect.  Two weeks ago Aaron Paris said something to me that floored me it was almost prophetic.  “One day someone is going to come up to you maybe two years down the line and tell you that something you wrote in your blog really impacted their life and you probably won’t remember saying it.”  Some have heard me mention this.  There is a G.I.Joe graphic novel I have and Scarlett and Snake Eyes are behind enemy lines.  Snake Eyes is wounded and he’s a man who has been mute since his head was burned years back.  She asked him what he wants her to do.  He signs the letters CM or Charlie Mike meaning “Continue the mission.”  See just when hope seems gone I have to remember to Continue the Mission. You may not think your life intersects with many people.  But I want you to see what Phillip, Andrew and Nathanael did.  

John 1:40-46

Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one these men who heard what John said and then followed Jesus.  Andrew went to find his brother Simon, and told him, ‘We have found the Messiah’.  Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus.  Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, ‘Your name is Simon, son of John— but you will be called Cephas(which means Peter)’.  The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee.  He found Phillip and said to him.  ‘Come follow me.’  Phillip was from Bethsaida, Andrew and Peter’s hometown.  Phillip went to look for Nathanael and told him, ‘We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about!  His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth.’  ‘Nazareth!’  Exclaimed Nathanael, ‘Can anything good come from Nazareth?’  

‘Come and see for yourself,’ Phillip replied.”

The message was simple.  The effect on people’s lives wasn’t.  We connect and interact with others.  Are you continuing the mission and pushing people closer or farther away from God?  If you have some sort of social media do you leverage that technology to push others to God?  Micah also said something that hit me hard.  “The closer you get to Jesus, the more you care about people who are not close to Jesus.”

  “The truth is in.  The proof is in when you hear your heart start asking what’s my motivation.”

Galatians 6:9-10

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good.  At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.  Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone— especially to those in the family of faith.”

My dad has this saying he instills in the people at his church and I had to ask him what it was because I forgot but the church has a great commission found in Matthew 28:19-20.  When you go to church it’s not a social club.  

“When you walk through the door (of church to leave) you are entering your mission field. 

We are on mission with God to carry the gospel to the whole world.”  We have been told to go to the uttermost part of the earth and that is where you and I interact.  As a follower of Christ you are empowered.  

I normally don’t talk a lot about the music in the blog but I wanted to this time.  Back when I went to college I had this friend Sheryl Goza and we rode back and forth to school for a bit.  Now for years I had heard the band White Heart at Christian skate night in Annaville because someone always requested the song Desert Rose.  Well one day Sheryl and I went to the Family Christian store in Beeville and she bought the cd Highlands by White Heart.  Years later I get a copy of the same cd and for the first time I heard The Cry a song about God calling out trying to get people’s attention.  This blog has been about interacting with others and pointing them to God.  God is trying to reach people and we the church are sent forth in that effort. Get off the sidelines stop being a watcher and be a messenger.  

The Cry by White Heart 

Gotta tell somebody By Don Francisco 

Shine by Newsboys 

Live to Tell by Gmd 

Until the Whole World hears by Casting Crowns

Just reach out by Petra

More to this Life by Steven Curtis Chapman 

Simple heart by Gmd 

Burn Bright by Natalie Grant 

Dare to be Different by Degarmo and Key