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!

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

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!

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

I sent this to some friends via email today and wanted to share it with you guys as well.

“If Jesus is powerful enough to save a wretch like me, then His power exceeds all impossibilities that one can imagine. He can heal broken families! He can heal broken bodies! He can move the immovable! He can do the impossible and make far fetched dreams come true.”

We believe in Jesus, but yet are afraid to believe He can do what we consider impossible. What have we placed out there and said it was impossible, and therefore have made our hearts unwilling to believe in what only He can do?

The only thing Jesus will not do (notice it does not say ‘cannot do’), is what you are unwilling to let him do by the attitude of your heart!  ( Mark 10:27, Matthew 13:58)

Absolute surrender can accomplish more than dogged determination!

Have a great week!

God has been speaking to me lately through a few verses. Here are some of them.

Luke 9:23-24 (New International Version)”

²³Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. ²⁴For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.

and Luke 14:26-27

²⁶“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. ²⁷And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

Matthew 10:37-39

³⁷“Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; ³⁸and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. ³⁹Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Matthew 16:24-25

²⁴Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. ²⁵For whoever wants to save his life^[a] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.

Matthew 8:21-22

²¹Another disciple said to him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”

²²But Jesus told him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”

in the Message 8:22 says, “Pursue Life! Follow Me!”

Matthew 6:34 (MSG)

³⁴“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

James 4:13-15 (English Standard Version)

Boasting About Tomorrow

¹³Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— ¹⁴yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. ¹⁵Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”

Psalm 90:12

Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

What I have started to see is a focus on the words “daily” and “right now”. “Cross” and “Follow”. This got me to thinking maybe it wasn’t in “changing” what I am doing presently and living differently as if I had just a few days, weeks, or months to live. But rather, more of walking daily in fellowship with the Holy Spirit and giving Him (Jesus/God) my all in every moment I was presently living. Maybe it wasn’t so much of doing more service or giving more to ministry, or sharing my faith more. Maybe it was more in living every moment for His glory and knowing He was going to guide me to the perfect situation to give him glory (playing kickball with the kids in the neighborhood. Making an investment with His money. praying with a friend, Having lunch with a fellow believer. being a husband. Typing a blog on my computer. etc.etc.etc….) Learning to live a life in tune with the Holy Spirit! Hearing His words and obeying Him!

Everyday is but a gift from our Creator. And not just a gift of mercy, for I have come to see mercy would be to have me with him NOW. But rather, the gift of today is a gift of Grace. A gift to give to my Daddy, my King, My Lord, My Redeemer, My Savior, to give Him my very best in my service to Him in order to glorify His name. Every breath I breathe on earth is an opportunity to bring glory to His name and to serve Him in gratitude for His gift to me, which is a relationship with Him.

Therefore, I see everyday as an opportunity to live as if it is my last. Not by selling off everything I own and living a life of poverty or in ministry as we define it. Not a chance to do more good deeds to my fellow human beings. Not to give “more” to his work, but rather this:

It is an opportunity to do my absolute best in what He has placed before me that day/moment. If it is service in missions, give it my best for His glory! If it is service in Real Estate, do my very best for His glory! If it is in being a father to my children, do my absolute best for His glory. If it being a husband, be my absolute best for his glory. A friend. Auctioneer. Son. Brother. Companion. Helping Hand. Steward. Whatever it is, doing my best in the moment I am in, ALL for his Glory.

and why?

Because this day, this hour, this moment, might be my very last chance to glorify Him before eternity. My last day to serve Him here on earth. And I believe what He is looking for in my heart is, did I give Him my all, my absolute best, today? If so, glory be to God. If not, may He give grace for the next moment.

I do not think He would have us chose a path this world considers religious, but rather, give Him our absolute best in the path He lays before us today!

I pray He will continue to draw me closer and allow me to give Him my best Right Now!

Thanks for reading!

This might sound like a sermon you are bound to hear eventually from any pulpit, so for that I apologize. But there is an amazing revelation coming to light in my own life that I thought I should share.

In the course of a relationship with Jesus, we are introduced to Him as our Savior! He is the one who “wants to save us from our sins.” We are told of our need to be cleansed from our sins so that we can “avoid” the eternal pits of hell and enjoy eternity in the bliss of heaven. That is who Jesus has become to our world, a Savior!

Now granted He is that very thing, and he did die to offer us redemption from our sins and life everlasting in heaven. BUT, is he only our Savior? I know we hear the word KING and LORD a-lot, so those make a little sense (would make more if we had a real grasp of a king and lord and the meaning of those words.) In our churches today we hear the word “friend” alot. But the reality is, He is SOOOOO much more.

Growing up, there were books on the names of God and the meaning of them. I remember reading one by A.W Pink on the “Attributes of God.” All good books and good for your studies. But one thing I have SLOWLY learned about God and His Son Jesus is, they desire to teach you about themselves through personal revelation. In other words, you can study names and attributes till your blue in the face, but God prefers to work in “personal revelation.” In His realm, He would rather you learn about Him by spending personal moments with Him. Like:

To learn He is Provider, He will put in in a place of need so you can watch him provide.

To learn He is Almighty, he will put you in a place of weakness to show yo His strength.

To learn He is Love, he will show you your unholiness and then hold you tightly in his arms of love.

To learn He is Patient, He will endure our slow path to learning.

But in every facet, He is doing it through PERSONAL TRAINING. Each individuals path different from the rest. There is no one size fits all training pattern in learning God and His ways. His desire is a Personal Relationship. You can study all you want, but knowledge can only take you to a certain point, it is not until you experience His attributes and Names that you can ever fully KNOW GOD!

He is your Savior, but friends, He is SO MUCH MORE! Please take the time to stop, stare (Focus), and Follow! Your life will be transformed! I promise!

Dear Family (and Myself),

Please stop and realize there is more to life than being important, having money,  holding grudges, and storing up bitterness. There is SO much more.

Life is too short to fight for a position that will never be available, the Top! It was taken over by a carpenter many years ago, and He is not giving it up! Sorry.

Although we think we have this all neatly tucked away in a family closet, it appears the world has watched and figured it out. They have seen and are not interested in being a part. Time to let our troubles be known  and be honest with each other, especially when it is someone you love. If we can’t tell them they have hurt us or are doing something we don;t agree with, who can we tell? The shrink?

The world is watching to see if we really believe what we say we do about Jesus and wanting to be like him. There lives and eternal souls may depend on it.

Jesus would love for our bitterness, pride, arrogance, anger, bickering, and fighting to be behind us. We are making a mess of His image to our world! He prayed for us to be one as He is One with his Father. Why do we insist on standing alone or standing out from the rest? What a mess!!!!!!!!!

We only have one life to live, I think it would be better if we live it for him and not some dream of being the best or in control, or having the most money, or being the most important, or having the recognition of some group or the public, or mad at the ones who have messed up! Time to lay aside our egos and be ONE as He is ONE!

With all my Love,

Ray