Voices

There are many voices calling for attention ….. Social media, Christian ministries / Religion, Politics ….

Only one voice has our best interest in mind— Jesus is The Word of God

BUSY-NESS

A person can get so wrapped up in Christian activity that relationship with Jesus takes second place…

BUSY… BUSY… BUSY

This means Being Under Satan’s Yoke

Turned-Over

Money holds more power over people’s lives today than God does….

It was not money that delivered me from a forty-year addiction to mood-altering substances—no, it was Jesus, Son of God.

I will put my trust in Him…..

Turn-Over.......

Turn from self and think of God…..

Satan teaches “do what thy will” — do whatever feels good regardless of who gets hurt

Jesus teaches “Father, Thy will be done” — do what honors God and this will benefit the lives of those around

Inmate Turn-Overs

When I had lunch a couple of days ago with the woman I was handcuffed to in 2009, we talked of how hot it was inside the Texas prison unit we were on. There was no AC in the dorms of the Plane State unit—each of the metal buildings have a reverse fan in the top of the dorm ceiling, and a couple of fans high up on the walls.

From June to August those dorms are like a convection ovens, circulating extremely hot air.

We laughed as we realized the prison system is a giant bakery that sometimes releases “inmate turn-overs”.

I walked out of Plane State a turn-over to Jesus — I turned from sin and turned to God.

Sixteen Years

May 1, 2009……..Entered Austin Recovery Rehab facility to detox from Vicodin and Xanax

July 29, 2009……..Sentenced to 5 years in a Texas prison

Sept. 2, 2009……..Transfer from Williamson Co. Jail to Plane State Prison

June 21, 2010……..Walked out of Plane State Prison with Jesus as my new Lord

May 1, 2025……..16 years free from all mood-altering drugs

How did I celebrate? I had lunch with the woman I was handcuffed to during the 5 hour van ride from Williamson Co. Jail to Plane State Prison in Dayton, Tx……..

How can this be? With Jesus as Lord anything is possible…….

What I've Learned

I have not posted anything for over two years, however it is very important that I say something now to anyone who is on a sincere quest to know the true and living God—do not rely on what someone else says about Jesus, study God’s Word for yourself!

Four years out of a Texas prison I hoped to inspire others with my story of how Jesus had changed my heart, changed my thinking, and healed me of a 40 year addiction to drugs/alcohol, so………in 2014 I published a book to describe this 2009 life-changing encounter with my Maker. I wrote from what I had learned of Jesus from reading the Bible, and I wrote from what He had done in my own life.

Unfortunately during those early years, in my zeal to understand God better, I was also influenced by people in media-ministries. I am concerned to have included some of these names in my book in a way that could be interpreted as a recommendation of their personal beliefs.

I want to state today that I absolutely do not support or endorse the teachings of Kenneth Copeland, Andrew Wommack, Kenneth Hagin, Oral Roberts, E. W. Kenyon, Billye Brim, Derek Prince, or Smith Wigglesworth.

Through persistent cover to cover study of God’s Word, I realize these “teachers” are misleading people about The Lord God of the universe. Their teachings about our Creator do not line up with what God says about Himself in the Bible.

TO FIND OUT WHO JESUS REALLY IS, READ THE BIBLE FOR YOURSELF!

“Beginning at Moses and all the prophets, Jesus explained to them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself” Luke 24:27

God...Could You Have it Backward?

Those of us who love dogs believe there is no coincidence that dog is God spelled backwards.  These little creatures do a wonderful job of replicating our heavenly Father's unconditional love for us.

I presently have a dog named Maya, and oh, how I adore this beautiful little "rescue girl".  I know millions of people feel the same way about their dogs.  Time spent with these loving and loyal pets is often preferred to the company of other people.  Because we are grateful that these furry beings are part of our earthly family, loving gestures are lavished on them many times each day.  

Just think, without our Creator we wouldn't even have these awesome creatures, so.......doesn't it seem right to give Jesus even more acknowledgement?

                                         

Why Not Read It?

          "I have heard about You by the hearing of the ear,

                                               But now my eye sees YOU."         

Recently I was in a Christian gathering and someone mentioned a New York Times best-selling book that tells how to walk with Jesus.  Later, somebody asked if I remembered what the author's name was.  I held up my Bible, and said  "No, but the Author of this Book tells us exactly how to walk with Himself."  

I keep trying to figure out why people want another human being to explain God, and our relationship to Him.  Our Creator reveals Himself in the Word so that each person can have personal illumination of who He is.  As the Word gives us understanding about God, we also get a startling clarification of ourselves. 

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness that the person of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." 

Inspired by Holy Spirit, this amazing Book teaches us how to live on Planet Earth while we await the second coming of our Lord Jesus.    

scripture from Job 42:5,  2 Timothy 3: 16-17

It's Personal

    "...Abraham was only one man when I called Him, but when I blessed him, he became a great nation."        

Your walk with God is personal, so.....

if you're tempted to say,

"...Lord, what about this man?...,

remember Jesus' reply, " ...What is that to you? "You follow Me".

 Our society is a great encourager of competition.  It even honors "healthy" rivalry as it bestows monetary and status rewards upon the contestants.  If you listen to what the world is saying, it will interfere with your personal call from God.

Christians are supposed to act different from the world.  We should not be in competition for recognition, with the evidence of success being money and/or fame. 

There should be no comparisons among believers--no envy, no jealousy, no rivalry.  Nobody should be placed on a pedestal as if God made them some spiritual superior. 

The men and women in the Bible were just regular people (like you and me).  They were able to accomplish amazing things because they listened to what God was telling them, and then they obeyed Him.

The participants in the Bible could not have known that they would be written about in pages of The Book that would affect millions and millions of people.  They did not follow God's direction in order to become rich and famous.  His guidance was followed because they loved and trusted the God who had revealed Himself to each of them.

Today our personal dialog with God will revolve around close relationship with The Father, Jesus our Lord, and Holy Spirit our earthly guide.   As in any union, communication is key to maintaining a healthy connection.  Listening is a very important part of this association with our Creator.

Don't let yourself fall into society's leading, of "me", "me", "me", "look at what I can do!", instead.....

allow Holy Spirit to change your concentration from ''me" to "Jesus", so that Kingdom priority begins to dominate through your life.  

Jesus' agenda  is love through His believers.  He gives a special assignment to each of us so that His love can be demonstrated to a hurting world. 

What you hear will always line up with God's Word, and it will be unique to you.  Holy Spirit will use details from your own life that can help someone else.  Listen with your heart. 

Remember, it is your personal walk with God, so.....

It does not matter how HE is dealing with someone else--it does not matter what they are doing, or not doing.

The thing that is important is, "whatever He asks of you, do it!".

 

(Scripture taken from Isaiah 51:2, John 21: 21-22, John 2:5)

Coming Soon

"Creation looks forward to the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay." 

While driving in the beautiful Texas hill country, I was saddened by how many trees were being cut down to make room for several new housing developments.  I couldn't help but reflect on the wildlife being displaced, and how all this building will affect the surrounding streams. 

There were several real estate signs by the side of the road announcing the coming of these developments:

Hill Country Estates.........."Coming Soon"

Vista Ridge.........."Coming Soon"

River View.........."Coming Soon"

I mentally designed my own version of these signs as I thought of the following Word from our Creator God:

The trees of the field will clap their hands, the wolf and the lamb will live together, there will be a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb, so.............. 

Today on the United States' 241st Independence Day celebration, I want to announce the glorious celebration of eternal independence for all creation:                        

           JESUS CHRIST....."COMING SOON!"

 

scripture taken from Romans 8:21, Isaiah 11:6, Isaiah 55:12, Revelation 22:1.

Deed in Hand

                                               

 

                                               '..It is finished..'  

Jesus holds the title deed to every soul on Planet Earth.....

He purchased all of them with His blood.

 

 

scripture is from John 19:30

Balancing the Steps

                                                           The Lord says..........

"I will guide you along the best pathway for your life, I will advise you and watch over you."  Psalm 32:8

Will you let Him?

During my morning walks along the trails of the San Gabriel River, I encounter many people.  One day I saw a couple walking on cinderblocks, built into a part of the path's side to slow down any potential river overflow.

I knew at once that this man and woman were walking on these cinderblocks to practice balance control, and I decided that I would incorporate this into my own daily walk routine.

After I had done this for several days I began to notice the following things:

If I lost concentration of what I was doing and began to think of something else, I lost my balance and fell.

If I gave attention to either side, I lost my balance and fell.

If I looked too far ahead of the cinder-block I was stepping on, I lost my balance and fell.

If I glanced backward, I lost my balance and fell.

If I stopped in the middle of the cinder-block I was on, I lost my balance and fell.

I finally realized that if I just kept moving along the cinder-blocks, with an intent focus of the step I was on, I was able to maintain my balance.

Isn't this so very similar to a Christian's daily spiritual walk with Jesus?  

Of course instead of giving focus to man-made blocks, believers are supposed to give undivided attention to their Heavenly Lord.

In order to maintain secureness of the present moment, it is necessary to keep trust focused on your Creator's unwavering love for you.       

"I cried out, "I am slipping" but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me."      Psalm 94:18

If undue attention is given to circumstances around us, our footing becomes unstable.  Fearful speculation about what lies ahead, excess thought given to past errors, or worrying about present problems inevitably means a fall off the path leading to our destiny.

Stay in the moment--remember that Jesus tends to only give little glimpses of our journey, so do not lose balance if things are not going according to your plan. 

 When we start to doubt Jesus' ability to guide, and begin to say, "Does God really know what is happening here?  Will God be able to handle this issue?", we are actually losing sight of who He is as The Sovereign Lord God.  

If Jesus is your Lord, then know without a doubt that He is well aware of what you are experiencing now, and what you will encounter later.  Be assured that He has already made the perfect arrangements to take care of you, so.....

enjoy your journey with Him.  The present situations are the very opportunities that allow your faith in Jesus' love to write a divine production for your life.

 

 

 

 

 

Christian Fireflies

...Become blameless and harmless children of God, without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world....Philippians 2:15

I was sitting in the backyard early last evening watching deer and hummingbirds.  As the darkness of night set in, I couldn't help but notice how fireflies suddenly dominated the entire scene. 

 I was awed and inspired by their beauty.  A calming and healing effect came over my total being as I watched these tiny creatures in action. 

There were hundreds of them flitting around, and I never knew where one would turn up next.  The amazing thing was how they stood out in such contrast to the dark of the night.  No matter where the light came on,  my attention was automatically drawn to that location.

I started thinking that Jesus' followers are supposed to stand out in this dark world just like the fireflies stood out against the darkness of night.

People are hurting, people are lonely, people are sick,  people are dying---they desperately need to see Jesus in action. 

If you belong to Jesus, then you are a light.  Jesus told His followers, "You are the light of the world...Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."  Matthew 5:14,16

Ok, so how can we be Christian fireflies?

It isn't some complicated thing.  It is simple, really.  WWJD--What would Jesus do,

or say?

Every time our love contrasts against hate, the world is experiencing Jesus.

Every time our faith contrasts against fear, the world is experiencing Jesus.

Every time our gently soothing words contrasts against harsh angry words, the world is experiencing Jesus.

Every time truth contrasts against a lie, the world is experiencing Jesus.

Every time joy contrasts against gloom, the world is experiencing Jesus.

Every time peace contrasts against agitation, the world is experiencing Jesus.

Every time patience contrasts against irritation, the world is experiencing Jesus.

Every time healing contrasts against sickness, the world is experiencing Jesus.

Every time blessing contrasts against cursing, the world is experiencing Jesus.

Get the point?

If such a miniscule creature as the firefly can light up total darkness so that it draws attention, just think how powerful your positive words, heartfelt gestures, or sincere smiles can be to the dark world around.

I have no doubt that you will have an opportunity to be a Christian firefly today.