Bad Timing

There is a time for......EVERYTHING.  We read in the Bible that there is a time for everything.  A time to weep, and a time to laugh. A time to dance and a time to mourn. The list goes on and I am sure many of us have heard these types of references at some time in our life, but how much time have we spent thinking about these seasons of life?

One thing I have discovered in my quiet time with God and reading His word is that too often I misuse these truths to my advantage. In other words, I don't allow the natural consequences of my actions or decisions to be the seeds for growth that God intends. I know there is a time to weep, but I will cover that up to protect my false identity with the world. Or worse, I only have moments of sadness or disappointment when I get caught doing something wrong.  There is a time to laugh, but often times it comes at the expense of someone elses shortcomings or situation. There is a time to dance, but once again I'm often insensitive to others plight  when I should be mourning with them in their unfortunate circumstances. Too many times I find myself selfishly dancing in the pride of my own accomplishments with no regard for my immediate surroundings. BAD TIMING.

I believe God wants us to experience a full range of emotions in the right way so we can grow and become the spiritually mature people He desires. I for one need to have better timing in my seasons of the day, the month, or year as they relate to what is going on around me. I want to become a better follower of Jesus by being alert to my surroundings and thinking of others first even if it means putting off my season of dance, so I can join someone else in their season of mourning.

Jay

The Judas Effect

It's hard to look inward at our own hearts sometimes because we know we will see. As I read an exchange between Jesus and Judas in John's Gospel, I get very uncomfortable.  Jesus is flat out rejecting what seems to be a logical response that Judas makes in reference to the "wasteful" use of the perfume that has been poured on Jesus' feet. The point Judas makes is one that I hear each day in my ministry. Except, we call it good stewardship.  Judas notices how Mary took a pint of very expensive perfume and poured it all on the feet of Christ. The response Judas had is one that was quite obvious when he said, "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor?" (John 12: 5 NIV)

Ah, but what seems to be logical on the surface often reveals the hearts real motivation. This is why I get uncomfortable when I know there is a good chance that I have some of the same attributes as Judas. It's what I call the "Judas Effect".  So often, what we complain about in others is exactly what reveals our own selfish hearts motivation.  Judas could care less about the poor.  He was indignant at the lost opportunity to sell that perfume and keep the money. Judas wasn't trying to be a good steward or further the cause of Christ, because the truth is,his heart was divided.  Jesus knew this and exposed it by admonishing Judas and giving credibility to Mary for her willingness to love Jesus in an abundant sign of commitment to Him.

We know that Judas was on the fence with Jesus because soon after this incident he went and made at deal to turn Jesus over to the authorities. Judas had his heart revealed by Jesus in a way that only Jesus can do. But, Jesus still loved Judas. 

Take a look at your heart today. Don't be on the fence, or try to be a good steward for Jesus with your emotions, your finances, or your life. Spend it all on Him. He already spent His life for you.

Peace.
Jay

UNLEASHED

Think for a minute.  Actually, I wish I could think for only a minute because it seems like all I every do is THINK!

It starts in the morning when I wake up, and it doesn't stop until I fall asleep at night. But even then I don't even get the benefit from knowing I am not thinking. That's not even fair! So, in a sense I am always thinking about something.

I believe this is why God makes it clear in scripture that we are to transform our life by renewing our minds. (Romans 12:2) I also can't help but notice in the New Testament how often God uses words like remember, or don't forget.  Why?  Because our minds are always at work and it seems whatever we choose to focus on the most, becomes a part of who we are.

What about you?  Does your thinking get bogged down with worry or negative thinking? Do you constantly fill your mind with the "What If" scenarios and the "Who Wronged Me" file folders of the brain.  It is real work sometimes carrying around all that data. Especially when it does you no good.  When our minds are filled with the things that God says we shouldn't be holding onto then it becomes very difficult to see Him and to hear Him is near impossible.

There are several times that Jesus when talking to people, would focus on what was holding them back in their emotional state that caused them to not clearly hear Him and see who He was.  Jesus would very often address the emotional and physical and then come in to redeem the spiritual.

Are you are having trouble hearing Jesus like you used to, or even worse, maybe you have never heard His voice calling you. Lay down your desire to fight an emotional war that you can't win.  Unleash yourself from the things that bind you and take His hand. Let the renewing of your mind begin today. Your mind is always working, so why not Unleash it to think about the incredible Love that Jesus has for you and others.

Live Life to the Full!

Peace.

Simple Prayer

Have you ever asked yourself “Am I praying right?”  So many times we get caught up in trying to follow the “Rules” of prayer and forget why we pray.  Prayer is simply talking to God!  It’s about relationship with God!  And as you know, any relationship requires communication to grow.

It is through pray that we communicate and fellowship with God.  He does not care if you follow some sort of arbitrary guideline or rul.  In truth, it is your heart and sincerity that matters to him.

So through out the rule book…God wants you to pray anyway, anywhere, anytime about anything!