Razor Ray’s World

Back in Middle/High School I played a little basketball. Actually, I played a-lot. My coach was a man by the name of Steve Holloran. He was seemingly just another guy in the church, father of a couple of my school mates, and a guy who knew a-lot about the sport of basketball. I still do not know where he learned all he knew, or why he took the time out of his life to be our coach. He did not have a son who played (he had two daughters) and as far as I know, he wasn’t getting paid much if anything to give of himself and his time. But, he did.

Truth is, Coach and I butted heads for our first few years together. We saw things differently, and being a hot headed fellow, I often let him know of how I thought things should be run. He was seemingly harsh sometimes. He yelled at us alot when we had mistakes in practices and games. He easily was frustrated by our inability to simply do as we were told. I mean, we were a rough bunch of kids who did not have a ton of talent. And for the first few years, we took some real beatings in games we played, sometimes losing by 60+ points. I know it was tough on him. He would tell us, “If you would just do what you were told, it would all work and we could score baskets and win games.

I started playing in 6th grade, and I suppose my most bull headed years was freshman and sophomore years. I remember literally screaming at coach about his backwards ways in coaching. How zone defense was from the old days and we needed man to man Defense and some better offensive schemes. I was a real jerk to him many times, trying to usurp his authority in front of the rest of the team. I had developed into a decent player, and I had decided to take charge. But Coach never backed down and he persevered with the same mantra, “If you will do what I have told you, we will score and we will win.”

Sophomore year passed and we placed second in the state tourney. As my Junior year rolled around, Coach had spoken to me some and had told me he needed me to be a leader on the court, but in order to do that, I would need to submit myself to his authority. For some reason, against my true nature, I decided to just do it his way and work with him instead of against him. Amazingly, things started clicking. We started to score, and we started to win. We gelled as a team, and my last two years in High School, we placed first in the state and placed in the top 8 nationally. And coach and I developed a real close bond.

As time passed, and I graduated, I was honored to assist him in coaching some. About five years ago, Coached passed away somewhat suddenly. Before he died, many of the old players got together and went down to visit him one night. It was an amazing night to remember as we talked about old times, and coach shared his passion for why he had given of himself. It was simply this, He wanted to show us Gods love by giving of himself to us. That night, coach spoke to each person, and I was the last out of the room. I will never forget that night, as coach recalled our first struggles with each other, but how over time, we had grown close and accomplished some really fun things together. Those days as his player are truly some of the fondest I have.

Here is what God has been showing me recently through Coach (RIP). You see, Coach was not a man “allowed” to be a church leader because of the legalistic system in which our church functioned. By wrongly using verses in Scripture and through sad misinterpretations, Coach was never to be allowed as a deacon or elder in the midst. But now I see, how this man was used to show me God himself, and Jesus Christ and his love, more than any other man in that congregation. And here is what I mean:

You see, coach had a goal for us as a team and individuals. He wanted us to “learn” a game, and he wanted us to “score” so that we could “win.” His whole passion was so that we could be more than just a simple player, he wanted me and the others to be all we possibly could be. And here is how he accomplished it:

1. Sometimes he had to be harsh! Yes, I mean coach could really let you have it. If you screwed up, he could reign down on you with fury. BUT, it was not because he was mad at me, it was because he knew by doing it wrong, I would never accomplish what he really wanted for me!

2. His ultimate goal was for me to be the best I could be. That meant sometimes being gentle and repetitive in his teaching. Sometimes that meant discipline by running sprints or even sitting out a game. BUT, none of his disciplines were to hurt or destroy me, but rather to guide me toward what he ultimately wanted for me, TO WIN!

And God is much like what Coach showed me. God has an ultimate goal for my life. He wants me to be perfect for his son. He wants me to be the very best I can be, all He created me to be. Along the way, sometimes I think I have a better plan, and I screw up. And guess what, He, out of love, disciplines me. Not because He is mad or angry, but because by heading down the wrong path, I am destroying the opportunity to be what He really has for me and experience the JOY he has set aside for me. Sometimes, His methods may seem harsh, like running sprints. But even the harsh methods actually help accomplish the ultimate goal!! Every sprint coach had us run built our endurance for the “fourth quarter.” So even the “punishments” accomplished the ultimate goals he wanted us to experience.

I am so thankful to Coach, Steve Holloran, for being this man in my life who allowed himself to be used to teach me so much about God and His desires for my life. I am thankful that Coach did not let the judgment or condemnation that was placed on him by the legalistic system of our church to keep him from offering himself for the benefit of a bunch of knuckle headed teenage boys. I mean, he could have sulked in bitterness over not being allowed to be a deacon or elder. Many felt this decision was a farce (secretly for the most part because of fear of saying it aloud), but Coach sacrificed even that on the altar and gave himself, and how amazing was his impact on an ole, hard headed, egotistical, know it all, red headed boy, who gave him such a hard time, yet he never gave up, coach never quit on me, and in the end, we had a great bond that even now cannot be broken.

And I know, that God, much like Coach, deals with this knuckle headed, thinks he knows it all, bald headed fellow,  but by his Grace, and His unwillingness to quit or give up on me, in the end, will be able to use me and accomplish His purpose of making me like His Son! (Romans 8:28-29)

Coach, thanks! I look forward to seeing you again! R.I.P.!

Well, most of you from FB world probably have already heard about Hailey breaking her arm yesterday. As her dad, who watched it all from mere feet away, I can say that as her arm snapped, my heart snapped as well. But just as her face showed a determination to face the facts and move forward, I knew there was no room for panic or for fear in the moment. Hailey taught me so much in the hour that followed about faith, trust, courage, and bravery. She also made me laugh, even though inside I was wanting to cry for her. She was and is so amazing.

Today, I was thinking through many different things. I was able to share her story of courage to some folks. Then I received a text message from a friend asking how Hailey was. This was my response:

“She (Hailey) says she is doing okay, just a few short weeks, but to dad it feels like forever.”

At that moment the Spirit let me in on a little secret.

God loves us so much that while we toil through the pain of this world, and in reality it is only a few short weeks, because of His intense love and desire to be with us in a the fullness of His intimacy, these few short “weeks” seem like “forever” to Him. That is how desperately He loves his children/bride.

How amazing His love for me! Amazing love, how can it be?

Thanks Daddy!

So, I watched one of my favorite movies last week, Luther.  To be honest, I have been intrigued by the life of this man ever since childhood. My father used to play the older version of this mans life when I was just a wee young’un. This mans life was riddled with fear and doubt for so long, until, get this, He read the New Testament and the full story of Jesus.

You see, he was kept captive in a state of mind due to the fact he was unable to read the Scriptures for himself. His bondage was due to lack of knowledge, which lead to a life entrapped in a pack of lies.  He was trained in the abilities to read the languages of old, but he was never allowed to get that far in his studies, until…..

In the movie, a scene displays Martin speaking with a cardinal of the church in regards to his 95 thesis he had posted showing lies in the teachings of the catholic church. That moment was one in which Luther was to admit his wrong, and recant from his “beliefs.” Instead, he began to question the filthiness of the church and its clerics and mentioned that “if the Scriptures were available in the common mans language, that they could see the broadness of the churches interpretations of the Scripture. ” At which, the cardinal scoffs and says “The Scriptures are too difficult for an average priest to understand, let alone the common man!!!!!”

This phrase has been revolving in my head for a few weeks.. You see, today, we have the Scriptures available to us in our own language. It is at the very tips of our fingers. In fact, we so many different translations, anyone that can read can find a translation that suites their level of understanding or preferences. Not having them is not the problem, however, we do have another situation on our hands. ……

I know, you think I am going to talk about the need to be more disciplined in daily devotionals or quiet times. How we need to spend more time in the Word! Well, I am not…….

I want to speak of a deeper issue. A deeper LIE that has led to a pack of lies that entangle us, that entangle me.

Over the years, our enemy, the Devil, has brought us to a similar place as in the days of Luther. No, we are not kept ignorant because we cant read the bible, BUT, we have been told that the Bible is hard to understand. Therefore, he has told us that there are only a few among us who have been given higher understanding or knowledge because they have a “degree” of some sort in translation or understanding of God’s word and hearing His voice.

We speak of the “dusty bibles” on coffee tables and shelves, and we accuse the person for not being dedicated enough to God. We put them down and then try to encourage them to “read more” and have their “quiet times.” But the truth is, the “common person” is under the pretense and the lie that he cannot understand this Word because ” it is too hard for even the trained man to understand, much less just a common lay person!” The devil has perpetrated this lie, and both the common man, and even the “clerics” of our day have bought into it for the most part. We are quickly slipping back to a time when it will be deemed that only the “wise” can interpret the Word, and the common man in the pew must accept it as absolute truth. History has proven that this is nothing more than a nightmare waiting to happen, as the evil in our hearts will lead those “wise” men to exploit the common man for his own selfish gain, and people will live under the assumption of a hard and harsh God who is only concerned with their loyalty in giving. This then leads to the practices of selling favors and entreaties for an audience before God.

Brothers and sisters, this is a LIE straight from Hell, and the outcome of such a lie has eternal consequences. Our enemy has slyly walked in our front door and even now has placed prominent men in our midst and in the pulpits to deceive the people in order to keep us ignorant. This ignorance is only to keep us from knowing exactly Who God is and who we are in Him. This lie is why Jesus came in the first place. This is the same lie our enemy has been spreading since the days of the Adam, and we keep falling for it, and PAYING for it.

I believe God is on the move and wants to reveal Himself in mighty and powerful ways in America today. I believe He is up to preparing a people to display His glory. He is choosing the most unlikely of people to share this power and might so that the truth of His glory may be made known.

The truth that destroys this common lie we are living under, is this – Jesus came to save, those he saves, He “fills” with His spirit, His Spirit is the author of The Word, and His Spirit reveals His truths to His disciples. Each and every one of them. God speaks to His children, if only we have the ears and are willing to listen and obey.

We are such suckers because we honestly think we need leaders. Remember the Israelite nation, how they wanted a king. We are no different, we want physical “kings” , because we are a people led by sight. We want a person to guide us. We have trouble trusting in the unseen, yet this is the very things God has called His people to do from the very beginning. This story is not any different through time, in fact, it is the same. The question is, when will His people “wise up” and “rise up” and embrace who He is and who we are in Him. Embrace our freedom from the chains of the lies of the Devil. Embrace the truth of His reality.

We are in times that call out for His people to humble themselves and pray, to sit quietly before our God, listen to His voice, and to watch Him move in His power through His people today.

He is doing mighty things all over the world, and He is preparing His people in small pockets in America today. And when He reveals Himself, the “church organizations” will be the first to rise against it, for it will bring freedom from the tyrannies placed on His people by the lies of the Devil propagated through these institutions. (and for my friends in these places, those who truly seek His face, I ask you not to see this as a generalization, but as a truth about the spies in our midst who are more numerous than we can fathom).

Yes, I believe a day of freedom is at hand, a freedom that will be bought with a price, much like the price that bought this freedom on Calvary.

Are you listening, really listening?

Now I am sure the title may give some the instant thought of “more of the American Dream! More money! More stuff! MORE” But that is not what I have on my mind.

Over the past few months, I have had a longing in my heart on which I could not put a finger. There is a insatiable hunger that continues to grow! The more I search, the more I hunger. The more I drink, the more  want. I want MORE!

As many of you know, Father has had me on what I phrase as an “interesting journey” the past several years. It is a journey which has had its many ups and downs. Many have said I was crazy, or just simply rebellious, as this journey has not included attending Sunday church services. Times of clarity, and times of cloudiness have been a part of this journey. But through it all, I have had one desire; to See Jesus the Christ and to become more like Him!!!

All along I have said this will be a journey, not a jump. This process is a lifestyle that will be completed when my days are through. HOWEVER……

I read in Scripture where the apostles and disciples looked so much like Jesus, that people literally saw Jesus in them. There was such a resemblance that people could not deny it. They could tell they “had been with Jesus.” And this is where the hunger grew stronger.

Jesus had said before leaving this earth, that his disciples would be given the Holy Spirit, and through that Spirit, would perform greater works than those they had seen him do. A few friends and I gathered last night, and this has been a common wonderment among us that presented itself in our conversation. Why are we not seeing these “greater works” in America? Why are we not performing them in the name of Jesus Christ through the POWER of the Holy Spirit?

This has been what has been bothering me for months! And to hear of other local brothers wondering the same thing, it led me to dig deeper into the book of Acts. Immediately, we read of how the Spirit moved through Peter and John to heal a man. How Stephen did mighty and wonderful works. People saw and were amazed. They were in awe! They were afraid. Peter and the others wondered why people were so amazed, and also, was quick to tell them trough whose spirit these works were taking place. Jesus Christ!

So to today! Why do we not see these works in America? Why are we content with our religious Christianity in which most people have not a clue what it means to “hear the Holy Spirit and obey, allowing Him to work through them.”  We are content to sit in pews, get smarter in Scripture knowledge, pay our tithes, do our service, yet, where is this power that dwells in us, yet is never seen of or heard of in America?

There are stories from all over the world, in this very day and age, where people are being healed, raised from the dead, walking on water, and so much more, but not here! Why?

There is a multitude of reasons, but a friend I have recently met, has said what I think is the MAIN reason. In Scripture, it mentions that “as they waited on the Lord, they were endowed with His power.” And, “they that WAIT upon the Lord shall renew their strength.” Our main downfall is that we do not Abide with the Father. We do not wait upon Him. We act and move based on education, not the leading of the Spirit. We are too busy chasing the life of prosperity as “Christians”, that we simply do not have time to ABIDE. To sit, to wait, to listen, and when He speaks, to obey.

After this time last night, we were led into a time of prayer, and it was AMAZING! Amazing because for the most part, it was silence! As we sat before God, only true prayers could be uttered. Prayers of promises! Prayers of yearning! Prayers of passion!

I do not know where all this is going, but I do know God is on the move. His Spirit testifies to this in His people. God wants to move in America in mighty ways. Like the days of Pentecost, I believe His Spirit will move through, like a mighty rushing wind, and when it does, we will be blown away. I do not have all the answers, but I do know, I am sick and tired of living this life and not living it to its fullest. I WANT MORE! I want to live in the fullness of who God is and allow His Spirit to flow through me and those around me. I want the world to be in awe of what God does in His people, even here in America, where we seemingly don’t need God anymore. But I confess, we need God more now than ever, and His people need to know him in His fullness.

I do not know when, and I do not know how, but for now, I am choosing to simply Abide in my Father.

Will you join me?

(ps. here is a link to another brother who was a part of this night. I think you will find his words very interesting as well!)

I received the following in an email from a friend of mine who has a phd in the subject of “this gift.” I HIGHLY encourage you to read through the whole thing. Used by permission:

Philippians 1 :29-30

“For to you it has been Granted for CHRIST’S SAKE, not only to BELIEVE in Him, BUT to SUFFER for HIS SAKE, EXPERIENCING the SAME CONFLICT which you saw in me and Now HEAR to be in me.”

Ther are two “gifts” from God in this passage,THE First Gift is – the Gift of SALVATION.

The word “GRANTED” is based on the word “Grace” and is a verb….WHICH MEANS “to give. To favor, to grant graciously….to render… Given freely, unmerited.” SALVATION – AND SUFFERING ARE BOTH GIFTS Unmerited , Unearned, Undeserved Gifts from God. Just as it is Gods Unmerited Favor to bestow salvation upon you, it is also His umerited Gift to GRANT You the PRIVILGE to SUFFER FOR “CHRIST’S SAKE”

ONE WRITER HAS PUT IT THIS WAY;

“Christ’s vicarious sufferings means , however, for His followers NOT DELIVERANCE  FROM Earthly Suffering, but Deliverance FOR earthly suffering.”… Having been tested by suffering and that without sin…He is our Pattern to follow in the way to Suffer that Honors God that enables us to WALK WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST.

The Essential Goal which the Christian suffers for is for  the Kingdom of God

. Like Bunyon, Like Paul and countless others before and since. Suffering is a GIFT FROM GOD ….FOR GODS GLORY AND IT HAS BEEN GRANTED – GIFTED….GOD HAS BESTOWED THIS FAVOR UPON THE CHURCH AT PHILLIPI not only to Believe in His Name- The Gift of Salvation but Secondly to “Suffer for His Name Sake.” Each Gifted by God. Salvation first then the suffering- But it has purpose. What are some of the POTENTIAL Blessings from the Gift of Suffering for  Gods People ….

One writer has said “The Christian waits not for the end of the suffering but the GOAL”- which is GODS GLORY…

Lets consider some of the “BENEFITS” of Suffering for CHRIST SAKE.

1. Suffering for Christ Sake is  - A Gift- Phil 1: 29- “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for Him.”

2. Suffering for Christ Sake is  - An Evidence of Salvation – Phil 1:28 – without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.”

3. Suffering for Christ sake is -An Opportunity to Spread the Gospel- Phil 1:12-13 –“Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard  and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.”

We also read in 2 Tim 1:8 Paul’s final words to Timothy in the midst of conflict “So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.”

4. Suffering for Christ sake is – A source of encouragement to strengthen other brothers to speak Gods Word more boldly – Philippians 1:14 – “Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.” AND IN VERSE 15 AND 16 we see their motivation –“ out of goodwill. The latter do so in love.”

5. Suffering for Christ’s sake- Brings about / a Deep Yearning to Know Christ as Master Passion IDENTIFICATION with Christ- Phil 3:7-10 – V 7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings,”

PAUL  when he writes the book of Philippians  it isThirty years after his conversion  and he wants to enter into the power of Christ and intimacy with Christ. His AIM is CHRIST.

6. Suffering for Christ sake  - Equips us to minister COMPASSIONATELY into the lives of others- 2 Cor 1:3-6 – “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer.”

So you see “SUFFFERING can be a Blessing and not a cause for Bitterness – when it is embraced as a Gift and “FOR CHRIST’S SAKE”. Suffering is a Gift, Suffering is an evidence of salvation when it is for Christ’s sake, Suffering is an opportunity to spread the gospel for Christ sake; Suffering can be a means to encourage the brethren for Christ sake; Suffering can lead us to Evaluate life and see that all that counts is Knowing Christ and produce that Master Passion- for CHRIST SAKE- Life is to be lived; Suffering Equips us to Minister Compassionately

Oswald Chambers wrote – “If you are going to be used by God, He will take you through a number of experiences that are not meant for you personally at all. They are designed to make you useful in His hands, and to enable you to understand what takes place in the lives of others.”

God bless-

Aidan

Recently I have been following Father through an overwhelming emotional situation involving some people really close to me. Through a series of events that have happened over the past several years, there have been some close bonds that were either strained or broken. As time has gone on, those situations have digressed and have hit what I call a “boiling point.” Everyone has come to wits ends and the over splash of emotions have begun to affect others around them. This is all very close to me and it has caused me great sorrow and pain as I have both watched, and been involved in these events.

I have been seeking Daddy about these things for several months, starting with a night I will never forget. Sept 11th, 2009. God moved in my life around 11pm and He stayed with me all night. I never slept a wink, but I had never been more refreshed. It was AMAZING. As an outcome, He led me to see some sins in my heart and gave me a prayer to pray regarding the a-fore mentioned situations. The prayer was simple, Lord, may we glorify You in ALL we do!

As time has moved on, He has kept me at bay from moving ahead on some things in my heart. I have a bull rush mentality and always want to gun ahead to get things done, But He had a timing He wanted to take place. The first of His timing came a few weeks ago, as I was approached by someone involved in this ordeal. The conversation was nothing short than a gift from God and I was flat out blown away. However, during the conversation, this person said, “Things can never be as they were before, although they could be better than they are now.”

The conversation ended, and I was on cloud nine, except for that one saying. I am a dreamer by nature and believe with God ALL things are possible. But what was I to do? The next day, I read these verses: Matthew 18:15-19

¹⁵ “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. ¹⁶But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. ¹⁷If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. ¹⁸Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. ¹⁹Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. ²⁰For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

Did you see that scenario? First, we have people who are at odds with each other. They have somewhat against one another. Then through a series of events, they are brought to a place where they are told to agree on something and bring it to the Lord in prayer. And then a promise, “if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven”

Wow! What an amazing promise! If God has put something on your heart, and as brothers/sisters in Christ, you approach the throne with your request, then God WILL do it for you. I know, you start screaming “name it and claim it”, but that is not the message. You cant just come up with something and ask for it. HOWEVER, if there is something that would bring God glory, and He leads you to pray, you are guaranteed that He will hear, and He will do!

So how does that fit in my story. Well, I believe God wants to receive glory from this situation and through it, draw His people together in a unity that will shock and shake up the world. Therefore, I have joined with another and have asked my Father in heaven to make this a reality. And slowly, I can see His hand doing the very thing that we have asked Him for.

I LOVE HIS PROMISES!

Well, I see it has been quite some time since I have written here, and with such a long absence, I imagine readers will be few, but I am writing this more for me probably than anyone else.

All around me, there seems to be quite the storm. Everything from nation to work appears to be headed in the wrong direction. Needless to say, it has been quite disturbing. I have been looking around and my heart has been troubled. But every time I come to Daddy seeking His direction, I keep getting the same answer……over and over again.

Q. Daddy, our nation is going in the wrong direction, what do you want me to do?

A. Follow Me.

Q. Every door I knock on for work seems to close, what should I do?

A. Follow Me.

Q. Father, there is turmoil in my family, what do you want ME to do?

A. Follow Me.

Q. Father, your bride is falling apart and chasing after worldly things, what do you want me to do?

A. Follow Me!

Eventually, I think I started getting the point. God wants me to simply follow Him. Every time I look at the problem, it seems to reason I am no longer looking at Him. Every wave that crashes, and I divert my attention, I lose sight of Him. He simply ask me to do one thing, FOCUS and FOLLOW.

But Daddy, dont I need to do……..

Son, follow ME!

I shared with a brother last night, in our lives, when we start diverting our attention to fixing a nation, fixing a church, fixing a family, fixing a problem, it bears to reason that we become entangled in the web of the problem and are no longer available to have a relationship with our King because we are working on something for Him. However, if we focus on Him, He tends to lead us in directions that allow for us to be an influence in the areas that need to be drawn back to Him.

I am afraid for our nation. I will not lie. I sense a heavy cloud of darkness settling in over our nation, clouds of pain and persecution driven at His people. Clouds of ungodliness like we have never seen. YET, I also see a simultaneous season of unparalleled times of the Gospel being spread and true believers being born. The latter excites my heart, and I am personally willing to bear the former to see the latter take place.

However, I know that the key to enduring will be found in two words, Follow Me. No matter where the road will lead, I will follow Thee!

During these very times, I have seen my Daddy do things in lives around me, and also been given Scriptures at opportune moments like I cannot explain. I am begging my true brothers and sisters to lift up your weary heads, look unto the hills from whence will come your help, and divert your eyes from the issues all around, and simply Focus on your Lord and Follow Him!

Pursue Life, Follow Christ!

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