Razor Ray’s World

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?

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!

For some reason, this site is having a few issues. I am working with the Guru (Craig Kendall) to see what we can do.

Till then, Follow Jesus!