Razor Ray’s World

I do not usually go any a direction that might go political, however, something has been bothering me greatly of recent.

Many people are focused on what is going on in Washington. Everyone seems to have an opinion of the president and his policies. People get up in arms over things like health-care, Cap and Trade, and other policies which lean toward socialism coming to America.

However, I believe all the above things mentioned and all the other economic woes and “fixes” are all just a smoke screen to keep us from seeing a much bigger threat. That threat is one of national consequence and if not addressed, will take this nation by storm.

What is it you might ask?

The growth of Islam in America and the ignoring of Jesus the Christ.

While we are all focused on Washington and policies, a storm is surging, and sadly, I believe we are all unaware.

Good news is, we know the King, and no matter what happens, He still Reigns!

Once upon a time, in a kingdom far away, there were stories spread far and wide about a Kings son who was so great and mighty, that he was unparalleled by any other man in the world. Dignitaries from all across the kingdom heard of this son and wished greatly to come and see him. So the King set a date and sent out messengers to all those who wanted to come and see the greatness of his son.

As the day drew close, governors and dignitaries came from everywhere to see the son of the king in all his greatness. Many of them brought their sons in hopes of showing them a son whom they could strive to be like. Each man was given a pass to the castle and room and board were offered to them anyone with them.

Each one arrived and were greeted at the Castle door by the kings head servant. The servant was a young man and humble in all his mannerism. He served each guest with grace an dignity although most of them looked right past him and paid him little attention. He did his job with great care and saw to it that each guest had all they needed. He never went out of his way to call much attention to himself, just simply went about his chores and service.

As the day arrived and each guest was present and accounted for, the servant saw to it that each had their finest clothes pressed and ready. He served each guest with great care and detail, and in turn was the receiver of some unwanted attitudes and words. Some guest in their frustration to please the king became vile in their attitudes and took it out on the lowly servant. However, the servant never responded with in kind, he simply did his best and served his king to the greatest of his ability.

The moment arrived and the guest were ushered into a great banquet hall where they would feast prior to the King presenting his son. The servant did his part to see each guest had their meal and it was just to their liking! The king looked on all that was taking place before him and was pleased with all he saw.

Now it was time, what everyone had waited for. The King arose and spoke to the guest, thanking them for coming. Dignitaries scanned the room hoping to catch an early glimpse of this son of the king whom was so great. Little boys eyes widened with anticipation as they leaned forward poised to see this man whom they could strive to be like.

The King swelled with pride and said, “Behold, my son whom is greater than any other in the land!”

And to the great amazement to all who had gathered, The servant who had served them all week long stepped forward and took his place next to his father, The King!

Last night I was reading to my girls from their story Bible and we were looking at the Sermon on the Mount. As I read, I came to these words:

“Do not store up wealth here on earth…..”

Now I know we have read this many times, but it suddenly jumped off the page at me. is this a command we have been breaking as a bride by saving up, or storing up, wealth and money? Is this a simple rule we have missed based on the fact that this world is infinite and we are eternal beings? Is it why God/Jesus told us on multiple occasions to trust Him for our daily needs. Yet we have determined to store up “wealth” to ensure our own future. Have we lost a sense of trust in God by storing up riches here on earth, or by making that our goal (aka, saving up for retirement or a life of ease?”

Now let me say, I have not made a determination on the issue, it just kinda caught me like a left hook. We spend so much time, energy, and our resources seeking to save up for tomorrow and for our future, that we oft times seem to miss today. I see Jesus constantly living in the moment as He walked with Father here on earth, and He did not give much care or attention to things or money. Yet we seem to live and breath wanting that next payday or promotion at work that will better place us for our future here on earth.

I am not sure why this so grabbed me after having read it hundreds of times before, but it did. So, using it as a spring board, I would like to see how this command of Jesus’ sets in with all the other teachings we find in Scripture when it comes to money. Cause after all, is not our ultimate goal to glorify the Father by being transformed into the image of his Son, into a Little Jesus?

Your thoughts and Scriptures are welcomed on this topic!

Ray

Awhile back, I started having some very serious questions about some things going on in my life. I was really enjoying my walk with Jesus, but was silently struggling with some issues regarding things in life. Finances, relationships, giving, being a new dad again, and the list goes on.

My greatest concern however was coming in the area of finances/giving. Having not been in an organized “church” culture for several years had brought us to a place of waiting and trusting Him to show us where to give. Our walk in this matter had somewhat evolved as the months wore on as we strove to simply see Him at work and give as He led. However, this old nag kept bugging me regarding 10%. I did not know if it was just the old hag of religion, or Him speaking. I thought about asking the opinions of several people, but something Craig and I had discussed before came to mind!

“Just ask Him!” Taking the question to the Scripture and simply seeking His words on the subject matter. So I did. I started in Matthew and was looking to see what Jesus had to say about money and giving.

But, I was not finding “the answer” I was looking for. Several weeks in and it just wasn’t coming to me. There were not a-lot of Scriptures screaming out at me, and I was still be nagged in my heart that maybe there was something aloof with my search.

About a week ago it HIT me, and Hit me hard. A quite voice rocked my world and said, “Why are you looking for ’something’ when I AM the answer?”

It all came back full circle. There are topics in Scripture from which we can learn, however, HE in his person is the answer to all our questions. It is in our walk WITH him and listening to His voice that we know where to go and what to do. It is NOT found in the letter of the law but in the ONE who fulfilled the law.

SO here I am again, staring once again at Jesus in all his beauty. And in staring at Him, my issues have found rest in knowing he will direct me in His paths. My only “job” is to Listen and OBEY! aka, Follow Him!

John 5:19-40

Ever had those moments? A time your not really into talking to much.

Well just to let you know, that is kind of where I am right now. Thinking through a few things and also staring at a great (full) schedule leading up to the birth of our son!

So till something just has to be said, I will just keep walking ahead, following Jesus!

Ray

Yes, in case you missed it on Facebook and Twitter, we are having a Son! VERY excited! Katie is already seeing blue!

We do not have a name, but will be thinking that through and will let you know when we do!

All boy votes are being saved and the winner will be announced in Dec when he gets here!

Thanks for your participation!

This is a video of a young lady who Katie and I grew up with her and her family. There are 4 kids and all were deaf. Amy as a teen really wanted little to do with God. But how He can work in our lives! Congrats Amy on all you have accomplished!

please pass along this story of His greatness and glory!

Okay, Katie and I wanted to have a little fun with the whole “sex of the baby” thing. So we thought we would offer a competition, with the prize being a $50 Cheddars gift card, or, $50 to your charity of choice!

Here is the deal! Whoever correctly guesses the gender of the baby AND the birth date will win.

Rules, simple! Place your guess in the comment box prior to July 29th at noon! We will announce the sex that day via Twitter and Facebook, and here as well! Then, the race will be on for the date of birth. Key is, it has to be the exact day! Not looking for time, YET!

Phase two will narrow down to those who have chosen correctly on Gender. Then we will have a time of day to add to this in case we have multiple correct dates!

So have fun and post those guesses in the comments below!!

Read this today:

“The Lord often permits His children to be despised and rejected by the world, that being liberated and cleansed from its pollutions, we may cultivate holiness. We must love those who do not love God, but conforming ourselves to their standards FOR their approval and acceptance is disastrous!”

I would highly recommend you visit www.persecution.com and sign up for their free book, Tortured for Christ, and to receive their magazine Voice of the Martyrs. It is a great thing that we have a proper world view of what our brothers and sisters in Christ endure as we enjoy our current freedoms!

^7-9 And then he prayed, “God, I’m asking for two things
before I die; don’t refuse me—
Banish lies from my lips
and liars from my presence.
Give me enough food to live on,
neither too much nor too little.
If I’m too full, I might get independent,
saying, ‘God? Who needs him?’
If I’m poor, I might steal
and dishonor the name of my God.” (MSG)

I was reading through the other day and came across this passage I have read many times before. But, this time it stood out, blaring like a referees whistle. What an amazing prayer for the follower of Jesus.

This passage is intertwined in my mind with God’s promise to “meet our daily needs.” We so often want the security of MORE than our daily bread. I know I am the type who wants to know my bread is already stocked for tomorrow. So I plan and work to that end. Don’t we all? Isn’t this human nature? To secure our own nest egg through planning and saving so we can enjoy “peace of mind.”

I know people all agree to disagree when it comes to planning your money and for retirement. There are as many theories on it as there are people it seems. But is there any real formula to it? We got his plan or her plan, this formula and that one, but what about God? What about the Holy Spirit?

I think these verses show the heart of a man truly after Gods own heart. First there is the request for lies to be banned from both his lips and presence. Integrity! Next is this prayer for “just enough.” Why? Because if I have too much, I may see myself as independent and say “Who needs God?’ and if I have too little, I may do something that would dishonor God.

SO the writer ask for what God has promised already! Daily bread. So that he could remember his place and also not be tempted to dishonor his King!

Oh that we would be a people who seek God for what we need today and today only! To trust Him for our every need knowing He will supply! To be as Paul, “Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.” (Phil 4:11-12)

p.s. Isn’t it ironic? We strive for security, working our hands to the nubs to make it on our own, when true security is found in resting in Him and His promises?