Razor Ray’s World

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?

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!

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?

I know I have been absent from RazorRays World for about 3 weeks. I am sorry! Just been busy with life, work, and

ANNOUNCING KATIE IS PREGNANT!

Yes, you read it right! We are having a baby!

She is 3 1/2 months along and due Dec 29th. We are hoping the Lord will shine down favor and send the baby a little early, preferrably before Christmas. But we will be thrilled no matter what.

Yes, we are going to find out what we are having, and the news will be broken most likely over Twitter and Facebook. So if you are not following us there, here is where we are.

Katie Twitter: http://twitter.com/sharpkiddo

Ray Twitter: http://twitter.com/TNAuctioneer

And on Facebook, just look us up by name in Nashville area and “lets be friends!”

We are scheduled to find out what “it” is on July 29th. Keep your ears perked up!

I have just finished reading a book my Joseph Stowell entitled “Following Christ: Experiencing Life the way it was meant to be!” I have to admit, this was a very challenging book to me in every aspect of my life. It also was enhanced by a sermon I heard Sunday (will be available here soon)  from my dear friend Adian McKenzie.

Needless to say, the author of the book made the final point of the need to count the cost, much as Jesus did. Before we go picking up crosses, we must always remember there is a price in toting that thing around. Sadly, here in the United States, and many other places, we have lost all sight of what true cost is. We think having to wait an extra 10 minutes to get out of the church parking lot is paying our cost. Or, we think chipping in our portion of the offering out of our hard earned money to keep the system up and running is our cross. God forbid some of us actually step out and sell a prized possession (boat, car, vacation house, etc…) so we can donate our earnings to help build a building or support a mission. I mean, that is really stepping up to the plate, right?

Now, I don’t mean to make light of those who do these things, or offer their time in acts of “service.” I have sat in your seat and I have done those things. And in our perception, these are “sacrifices” to the cause. However, I think we fail to grasp, or even consider the truths and realities facing our brothers and sisters across the world.

Mr. Stowell published this book in the 1990’s. What seems like forever ago. In it he says that the number of martyrs for the faith is higher in our day than in all of history combined. And I can say that statistic is still true today! Have you read The Voice of the Martyrs lately? Have you seen what is happening to our fellow believers in 2009? It is shocking!

And yet, inside of me, I still think we truly would prefer not to know. There is a reason these sites are not commonly frequented when they tell of stories of murder, torture, rape, and pain. It does not fit into our current world view and it would detract from us actually enjoying some of the luxuries we have come to believe we deserve.

I will admit, my heart cries inside me tonight at my own personal neglect of my fellow man to the enhancement of my own life. I am saddened that I have chosen to turn my back on the realities in the fellowship of the brethren in order to accommodate my well being and that of my family! I have replaced prayers for them with prayers of blessings for my own small world! I have neglected them before the throne of  Daddy and have chosen to ignore the truths that stand in front of me.

Why?

Because truth would require change! Truth would require action! Truth would require more than the sacrifice of time, money, and pleasures. Yes, truth would require far more! It would require tears, and gut wrenching prayers for the suffering my brother endures. It would require my all in service to my fellow Follower of our King! It would mean choosing to face head on the realities that this world is much more cruel than Christians being ridiculed or this country seemingly turning to socialism in its government. It would mean facing the truth that no matter how bad I have it presently, no food, no money, no job, no support, etc…., that my world is still far more merciful than that of my fellow man who suffers and dies the cruelest of deaths simply because he loves my Daddy as well!

I have to say, when I lost Rylan, or I have “suffered” financial struggles, I honestly thought I was bearing a great burden. But in light of the TRUTH that this day is seeing the persecution and execution of more believer in Christ than ever before, my crosses seem more like feathers instead! I pray God gives me the courage to not only bear my burdens so light, but that I also would seek where He may allow me to help me fellow man, near and far, to carry their crosses as well. For I believe that is what He would do if He were here today!

Mr Stowell I thought finished the book with a resounding statement that would even make the greatest of crosses seem as light as a feather, even when one is carrying it alone. He said,

“Those who follow Christ never pay a price, not really. They invest the weight of their cross in the GLORY of the King and the GAIN of His everlasting kingdom!”

May God give me the grace to invest in His Glory and carry His cross with Great Joy so that His kingdom may see the gain in more who follow my Lord!