It’s not my Fault

We are where we are because of our thinking. Our thinking dictates our decisions. Decisions are choices. The words “It’s not my fault!” should never come from our mouth. The words “it’s not my fault” have been written symbolically on the gravestones of unsuccessful people ever since Eve took her first bite of the forbidden fruit. Until a person takes responsibility for where he or she is there is no basis for moving on. The bad news is that the past was in our hands, but the good news is that the future is also in our hands. Wonder who taught Adam and Eve to say “it’s not my fault?” Maybe the same one that taught each one of us!

The Adversity: Gen 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

The Answer: Gen 3:2 And the woman said unto the serpent, we may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:

Gen 3:3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

The Allurement: Gen 3:4 And the serpent said unto the woman, ye shall not surely die:

Gen 3:5  For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

The Act: Gen 3:6  And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

The Action: Gen 3:7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

Was Eve Forced into her Action? No! It was her choice, she was the one who made the decision; and the cost was great.  We all have made our Choices, no one forced us, we made the wrong choices too, and we must not blame others.

The Accusing:  Gen 3:11 And he said, who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?

Gen 3:12 And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.

Gen 3:13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, the serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.

Accept with understanding that we are responsible for our own problem; don’t blame your parents, spouse, boss, or anyone else for your present situation. It is not your education or lack of education, your color, your circumstance or how much or how less you have in the bank. These are all negative outlets for your decisions. Don’t allow your history to control your future. The attitude should be   I ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR MY PAST; I AM ALSO REPONSIBLE FOR MY FUTURE!  I am where I am today mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially because of decisions I have made. My decisions have always been governed by my thinking. Therefore I am where I am today because of how I think. Change the way you think and change where you’re at.  Understand that God didn’t put in us the ability to always make the right decisions. He did put in us the ability to make a decision and then make it right.  

Surf and Turf

As I was reading my Bible I noticed something; I had read it many times but this time I thought of it in another light. John 3:16 tells us about God’s love for us as well as His gift of His son that our Salvation could be complete. In verse 19 of that same chapter we read these words.

John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

Those words “men loved darkness” jumped out at me and here is why. I have noticed that I notice more darkness; let me explain. I have slowed down to see wrecks on the highways, everything get’s delayed in my life. Just a few days ago I was disappointed at a company because they didn’t deliver my product by the time they had promised, I wanted to write them and tell them how awful I had been treated. Then I got to thinking what if that company had gotten the products to me ahead of schedule, would I have written them a letter telling them what a 5 star company they were? No! I just finished reading a book “The Noticer” and in that book I realized something that had been written in the book. It was a memory of a meal with the main character that was called “Jones.” On one afternoon Jones invited a young man he was building character in to have a feast on a sand dune near the ocean. The feast turned out to be Vienna sausages and sardines. They began eating and Jones asked the young man what he was eating. The young man annoyed said I’m eating sardines and Vienna sausages. Then Jones asked him where? Still annoyed he answered in the sand. The way Jones answered the young man caused me to think. Here is the way Jones answered; Young man you see only the sand at your feet and what you are eating. You wish it was something else. Most people are just like you, disgusted with themselves for what they are and what they eat and what they drive. “Most of us never stop to think that there are quite literally millions in this world who lack our blessings and opportunities, have not food to eat at all, and no hope of ever owning a car.” Then Jones said, “You ate sardines and Vienna sausages in the sand. I dined on surf and turf with an ocean view with a friend.” We call it the nursing home why not the retirement home. When we hear the word hospital we may think the worst, but what if we called it a place of healing with kind and loving people who want to take care of us. You say it is just a play on words and words that don’t change the facts. Really! What would you rather a person say to you “you are beautiful or handsome, or would you rather someone say you are just dog ugly? It’s just a play on words. It’s how we see things; when you got up this morning were you glad, happy and excited or were you dreading the day that was head of you. Complaining about your aches and pains? Are you having a sardines and Vienna sausage day or are you seeing the surf and turf with an ocean view. It’s all about perspective. We can look at the dark or we can change our view and see the smiles on the faces around us instead of pointing out all the mistakes. I noticed a plaque in a home not long ago which simply read “Never go to bed without kissing me.” Did you kiss your children last night or were you too busy? Did you kiss your wife or husband last night or were you too busy arguing? Look for opportunities, be grateful for the life you have; don’t be so busy wishing for the golden pond that you miss the happy life that’s been given to you.   

Our Dwelling

When we were children we more than likely memorized the prayer in Matthew 9:9-13; many call it the Lord’s Prayer. As Church members we recited it. As students we may have even studied it. In these verses we have been provided more than a model for prayer. These words do more than tell us what to say to God; they tell us how to exist with God. Psalms 90:1 We see a prayer of Moses the man of God and this is what he had to say: Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.  Moses didn’t say in his generation but in all “generations;” and that my friend includes the generation that you and I are living in. In other words “Our Home!” There are three things about our home that’s like no other place.

1-     It’s a Private Place- Where we can relax and be comfortable and not worry what others might think. It’s a place where we can talk Freely, a place where we can tell how we Feel, and place where we can talk about our Failures and not be judged.

2-     It’s a Familiar Place- It’s a place where no one has to tell you where things are for it is a place you know very well. The same should be true about God for with time we can learn where to go for nourishment, where to hide for protection and where to turn for guidance

3-     It’s a Place of Refuge- Just as our home is a place of peace so is our God for He told us this Himself.

It is God’s desire to be our Dwelling place. God is not interested in being a weekend getaway or a Sunday cabin or a summer cottage. He wants to be our point of reference. I’m afraid that too many times we think of God as a deity to discuss, but not a place to dwell. We think of God as a mysterious miracle worker, and not a house to live in. We think of God as a creator to call on, not a home to reside in. You may ask, where did I get that crazy idea? In our Bible here let me let you read and you decide for yourself.

Acts 17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being;

When God led the children of Israel through the wilderness, He didn’t just appear once a day and then abandon them. No! He was seen in the presence of the cloud by day and in the night in the fire; God never left His children. He never leaves us now.

 Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

There may be days we go without thinking of Him, but there is never a moment when He is not thinking of you and I. I can’t understand with my little tin cup mind how that God knows me and what’s going on in my life; He never leaves me or you for that matter. If you and I could understand God then He would be just like you and I and who wants that. This weekend be thankful and praise the Lord for His goodness and mercy for He doesn’t just love you and I He likes you and I. 

My Way

Doing things your way? Having thing your way? We must ask the question is my way the best way. It’s my way or the highway attitude could lead to many a wrong decision. The song “My Way” was written by Paul Anka expressly for Frank Sinatra at Frank's request here are some of the words in that song.

And now, the end is here

And so I face the final curtain

My friend, I'll say it clear

I'll state my case, of which I'm certain

I've lived a life that's full

I traveled each and ev'ry highway

And more, much more than this, I did it my way

It’s that final curtain, it’s I did it my way, that concerns me.  There was a man in the book of Genesis by the name of Cain and we read of him doing it his way and his way cost his brother his life.  Then in the New Testament we read of a man name Judas and he too did it his way. He received some money for doing it his way but it also cost him his life. I’m not sure that doing things my way is the correct way of doing things. There are plans for almost everything I can think of. If one is to build a house there is a plan to go by it is called a blue print? If a large sky scraper is to be built there are also blue prints that those who are building it must go by. Why should we think that there’s not a plan or blue print for our lives as well? God has left us a plan book called the Bible and in our Bible we shall find the answer to our most difficult problems. Unfortunately if we decide to do thing our way we can only expect misery.

Exodus 32:8 They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

 Here we read of a group of people who had seen God at work but we read that they quickly got out of the way that God had planned for them and began to worship a molten calf; in other words they did it their way. Then there were some that when they had an opportunity they returned and corrupted themselves by serving other gods; they too did it their way.

Judges 2:19  And it came to pass, when the judge was dead, that they returned, and corrupted themselves more than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down unto them; they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way.

It looks to me when people start doing things their way it always leads to trouble. When you and I take advice from ourselves and do things just because we want too we are headed in the wrong direction. I can remember in my teen years my brother and I with some other boys said some things to a teacher; without doubt we were in the wrong. My Dad was very upset with my brother and I; he punished us for our actions which we rightly deserved. After many weeks of not doing or going anywhere my Dad came to my brother and I and told us that if we would go and apology to the man that he would return our freedom. My brother did but I refused to because I wanted it my way and my stubborn way cost me many more weeks of punishment.   God gives you and me a choice.  We can do it our way if we like for He loves us that much or we can do it His way which is far more rewarding.  Which path are we on “my way” or “God’s way?” 

Happy

Happy: Webster says it means; Lucky; fortunate; successful. The word “fortunate” jumped out at me. I was fortunate to have been born in the United States and I was fortunate to have been brought up in a loving home. I was fortunate to have met a man named Ken who talked me into going to Church where I asked the Lord to come into my heart. I am fortunate to have a wife who loves me; I am fortunate to have children and grand children that love me. I’m not only happy, I’m blessed! I hope I got your mind thinking about how fortunate you are. The word happy is mentioned 28 times in our Bibles; in First Kings chapter ten and in verse eight we read these words.

1Kings 10:8 Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom.

If you will take the time to look at that chapter you find that the queen of Sheba when she had heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to see for herself and ask questions. When she came to Jerusalem and had seen all Solomon’s wisdom, the house that he had built, and the meat on his table with the sitting of his servants. She then told him that it was a true report that she had heard in her own land, but she said I didn’t believe what I had heard until I came and mine eyes had seen it and the half was not told me.  I see that your servants that stand continually before you are happy. Was the Queen of Sheba happy? We are not told but here she comes after hearing about King Solomon and find that his servants are happy. Can you and I be happy? Is happiness just some emotional thing that floats in and out or our life? No, happiness is a choice that you and I make daily. Did you awake to be happy or did you awake and your mind drift off into all the things that might go wrong? Who makes that choice? We do! Make the choice today; I will choose to be happy. I will smile at every person I meet. Our smile is the key to our emotional makeup; just as a fresh breeze cleans smoke from the air so does our grateful spirit remove the cloud of despair. Seeds of depression can never take root in a thankful heart. Now what are you thankful for? Today I will choose to be happy; now smile and get going!

Gold

Gold; its value is at an all-time high, but the process for getting to this precious metal isn’t easy. You don’t mine gold nuggets. It’s found in microscopic particles, mixed into the dirt. On a recent news show, one mine worker said, “You can’t tell by looking at it that there’s gold in it.” The NBC News reporter said, “Getting the gold out is a massive task. They grind it, treat it, and heat it until they can literally squeeze out the good stuff. They’ll move 190,000 tons of dirt a day; they’ll get a few thousand ounces of gold.” But here’s what makes it all worthwhile. All this produces a 90% pure bar of gold which weight around 2.2 pounds a precious metal, getting more precious all the time.”

Webster tells us that the word Precious means of great price; costly; as a precious stone. 2. Of great value or worth; very valuable. 3. Highly valued; much esteemed.

But there are other things more precious than gold; how about your life, your family, your faith? Do you remember the Apostle Peter? You know, the man who felt overconfident when danger was near, he rushed ahead when he should have waited; he slept when he should have prayed; he talked when he should have listened. He was courageous, but carless. But what interest me about this man Peter is he learned what was precious and he wrote and told you and I so we too would know what is precious. In 1Peter and 2Peter he used the word precious 7 times telling you and I what was precious. He tells us that our faith is more precious that gold; why because gold is real but one day it will perish. I have never heard anyone say when they were dying “I’m rich” no there is not enough money in this world that will mean anything when you’re dying.

1Peter 1:7  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Then there is the Blood of Jesus Christ that saves us from a devil’s hell.

1Peter 1:19  But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Then there is the Precious Promises;

2Peter 1:4  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

There have been many who have given you and I promises, but their promises were worthless even though they were made with good intentions, but the promises that Christ has given you and I are precious. Remember the night Peter was in prison?

Act 12:5  Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

Act 12:6  And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. Herod had all intentions of killing Peter just as he had killed James. Put yourself in Peter’s place; would you have been sleeping? Not only sleeping but he had made himself comfortable.

Act 12:8  And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

Why wasn’t he pacing the floor; oh he couldn’t, he was between two soldiers and chained. Why wasn’t his mind running wild on how he was going to get out of this; he wasn’t even praying. Have you ever thought why? What would you have been doing? Here is why I think Peter was so calm; because he had the promise of God. Let me show you. Jesus gave Peter a promise;

John 21:18  Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. Peter didn’t know what was going to happen but he knew that this wasn’t the night he was going to die nor was it going to be the next day either. That’s why Peter could write and tell you and I about the precious promises because he had experienced them. So don’t worry because what God has done for others He will do for you. What He has done in the past He will do in the present.

Busy Talking

We live in a day that is fascinating; we can talk to someone on the other side of the world like never before. I remember when I was in the military I would call home and I can remember what my Dad would say, I can still hear him as he said "you have 3 minutes so talk." As I would talk he would remind me of how much time I had left then he would finally say time up good-bye. But now 3 minutes means nothing. As I was sitting at red light I noticed something very interesting as I looked beside me I saw husband and his wife his wife busy texting someone else. Then I saw a car with four people and all four had their phones texting other people somewhere else. All these people were busy communicating but not with anyone that was with them. A husband and wife the wife busy talking but not with the one she was with. As I was thinking on that as I asked myself have we become so involved with others who are, who knows where that we miss the opportunity that is in our presences? Would this in reverse be what happening in many a Christian’s life? We're busy talking to those around us and not talking to the Lord whom is not visible. Are we to busy with the things going on around us that we don't spend time with our Lord? Kind of like the wife with her husband, he was there but not being talked to. 

Focus

Proverbs 15:15 All the days of the afflicted [are] evil: but he that is of a merry heart [hath] a continual feast.

All; not some, but all of the days of the afflicts are evil. Therefore if I allow things to build in my mind, stay on my mind, then all day long my thoughts will be consumed with evil and wrong thinking. Why did he/she do, say what they did, that is wrong thinking for no one can know why others say or do anything unless they tell them why.

From book "The Noticer" by Andy Andrews

Here, for you, young man, is a law of the universe — one of many, to be sure, but one that is especially applicable to your life at present. Remember, whatever you focus upon, increases.”

I frowned, trying to grasp the meaning of his words. Fortunately, Jones didn't leave me guessing.

“When you focus on the things you need,” he went on to explain, “you'll find those needs increasing. If you concentrate your thoughts on what you don't have, you will soon be concentrating on other things that you had forgotten you don't have — and feel worse! If you set your mind on loss, you are more likely to lose … But a grateful perspective brings happiness and abundance into a person's life.”

The same is true also if I think on having a Merry Heart I’ll have a continual feast. In other words it would be like going to the table to eat and all that was on the table are the foods you love. The next day you return only to find the same things; continual feast. Let’s make sure that today we focus on things other than our needs, let’s instead focus on the things that we already have. It may seem that the grass is greener on the other side but if you ever get to the other side you’ll find that the grass is just as brown as where you left.

Doubt

Doubt-  A fluctuation of mind respecting truth or propriety, arising from defect of knowledge or evidence; uncertainty of mind; suspense; unsettled state of opinion; 

Doubt is an unsteadiness of the mind in respect to truth. There are some things that look so real to the eye but the mind will say that it’s impossible. One night I was watching David Copperfield and it appeared that he caused the Statue of Liberty to disappear. To the eyes the Statue was gone but the mind says wait that Statues is 305 feet tall and weighs 450 thousand pounds it’s not what it appears. Now I don’t know how in the world that Magician in front of 200 people caused an illusion such as that, but he did. Doubt; an unsteadiness of the mind in respect to truth. Now let’s think about that unsteadiness for a moment. We read of great men in the Bible that God used greatly and had good things to say about them. Like Job;

Job 1:1  There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed (avoided) evil.

Job 1:8  And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?

Here we see a man that feared God and avoided evil.  God Himself said so but there was a day that Job got unsteady in his belief and cried out:

Job 23:3  Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat!

Then there was John the Baptist that said this;

Matthew 11:2  Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,

Matthew 11:3  And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?

We might not like to admit it but there has more than likely come a time in all of our lives that we doubted our beliefs and believed our doubts. We can have that self-pity party. You know the ones where we cry to ourselves why me! I have them from time to time myself. Every time I begin to have one of those real good self-pity parties here comes my wife and just destroys it for me; I mean she just wrecks it. The bad part about it is after she reveals the truth I feel bad that I was even thinking like that, let alone trying to get her to get a hat and horn. It is verses like we have just read that reveal to me that there were others and are others that from time to time had the same troubles and look how God used them. God not only loves you and I He likes us.  

Danger; Being Content

If God knew that man would sin, why did He create him? That is a negative approach. The positive approach is If God knew that millions would find and enjoy eternal happiness, would He have been justified in not creating man. There are two sides to every picture. We have a free will. Varying circumstances may influence us; strong pressures may bear upon us; but we always have the power to choose.

Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. Noah was asked by God to build a ship, the question is was he a fool? He worked without wages for many years. He served an employer who never came to see the job or send money to the worker. That's the way it looked but Noah kept working. When he did take time off he preached. The people listened to this old man and many must have decided he was good fun! When he rebuked their sinfulness they tolerated him; when he spoke of the holiness of God, they probably frowned and denied their sinfulness. When he told them the time of punishment was at hand they undoubtedly laughed at him. When Noah's predictions came true, they were dumbfounded. Yet they let the last seven days of priceless opportunity pass by. At anytime during that period, if any had walked through the door they would have been admitted. They let the opportunity go by. Have you ever stopped to think why? I mean out of all those people no one believed what Noah was saying; not one person. Were these people content with things the way they were? Was what Noah was saying so unbelievable? Then we read about another group in Matthew 25 we are told that there were ten virgins who all planned on meeting the bridegroom. In verse 2 we read And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
There were five wise and five foolish. What amazes me about the five foolish is that they were content and at ease. They were not fussy or fearful they fully expected to be there. Then we read

Matthew 25:6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. (They thought they had plenty of time; they were wrong)

Matthew 25:7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

Matthew 25:8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

Matthew 25:9 But the wise answered, saying, not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

Matthew 25:10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

Matthew 25:11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

Matthew 25:12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
These five virgins had let some very important details slide. You might ask what? I think it was readiness. They came they knocked but it was too late. When they had time they took it easy they were sleeping. Then the Lord tells us

Matthew 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. We must be ready for when that day comes we will not have time to get ready!

1Corinthians 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. Think you'll have time? Don't be fooled you will not if you are not ready get ready now don't delay.

Trouble

As I read Psa 107 1-43 I noticed that the Psalmist repeated some things over and over. The first thing that he said was found in V-1 "O Give thanks unto the Lord," the reason being "for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." Then he says because of that V-2 "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so," So we are told to give thanks to the Lord because of what He has done for us. Why? Because we should be thankful that others may hear so that they may find Him dear to their life as the redeemed has.  In V6,13,19,28 "Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble" Each time the Lord delivered them out of their distress. We all want the view from the top of the mountain but we must all remember that mountaintops are rocky and cold there is not growth on the top of a mountain. The view is great but a view just gives a glimpse of the next destination; in order to get to the next destination we must come off the mountain, go through the valley, and begin to climb the next slope. It’s in the valley that we go through the lush green grass and rich soil, learning and becoming what enables us to reach the next mountain top. Trouble will come to us all, is that not where we learn? The trouble came and then they cried out unto the Lord. Had no trouble came into their lives then there would have never been a need to cry unto the Lord.  When trouble comes into mine and your life it is not time to get discouraged but time to pray. When was the last time you "cried unto the Lord?" He hears and responds to the cry of His children that is why the Redeemed can say so! Did I ever tell you about....and how the Lord delivered. There was a time when all looked hopeless, and the Lord...... Has anyone heard you talking like that lately? Giving thanks is much more than a view!

Worry

My Pastor preached this past Sunday night on worry. Wow, who preaches where people really live now days? Anyways, as he preached the Lord began to show me that the things I was busy putting energy toward were not worth my time for there was nothing my worrying would do. Now I am sure that those reading this probably don't worry much at all but let me tell you what the Lord showed me. My Pastor preached a great message and the Lord did speak to me. I went to the altar prayed and asked the Lord for forgiveness and asked Him to help me as I trust Him with what I was worrying about. Came home went to bed and had a good night sleep with all that worry behind me right; not so quick for the Lord had more to teach me. Got up early, spent time in my Bible, journal and all was well. I had time to read another chapter in the book I have been reading.  I read about a man who had more than one marriage that had failed. He was raised in the home of an alcoholic; one failed job after another with the thoughts of ending his life racing around in his mind. He meets up with a man who helped him greatly. As I read what do you think surfaced? You got it worry. I read this; worry, fear is just a misuse of the creative imagination that has been placed in each of us. I then read that 40% of the things we worry about will never occur anyways. 30% of things we worry about are things that have already happened. 12% are needless imaginings about our health. 10% are petty little nothing worries about what other people think. Which leaves 8% for legitimate concerns and these legitimate concerns are things that can be dealt with. The problem is most people spend so much time fearing the things that are never going to happen or can't be controlled that there is no energy to deal with the things that can actually be handled. Whether all those percentages are right or not after thinking about them they do make sense. Worry will wreck our health, destroy our lively hood and cause us to think wrong and badly toward others. Thanks Pastor and thank you Lord for showing me what worry will do to me.  When will I ever learn that I am to trust the Lord!

Proverbs 3:5  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Proverbs 3:6  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

2Corinthians 3:4  And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: 

The Controller

Self-Mastery Technology can help you achieve just about any goal. Whether you want to attain greater wealth, improve sales performance, enhance your learning, master your sports, or get super fit; Self-Mastery Technology provides the right mental rehearsal and mindset to get you there faster and with less effort. Could this be what they call self control? Is it really possible for you and I to control ourselves? My first car was a 1963 F-85 Oldsmobile it had a V-8 engine and a manual 3- speed transmission; now what I would have rather had was a GTO but that was to never be. No matter how much I wanted my Oldsmobile to be a Pontiac it was what it was, an Oldsmobile. Self control without help is a result of our own ability of what we can do for ourselves. Whatever controls us has us. Let me explain, if one consumes too much alcohol then the alcohol is the one that becomes the controller. It could be drugs, pornography, infidelity, anger, gambling, gluttony and on and on the controller takes over. 

Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; Why such a warning? Because of that word "excess" Webster says that this word means Super abundance of anything. A super abundance means overload and when anything is overloaded it gives way, too much time spend with the opposite sex will lead to problems in your marriage which could lead to infidelity. Long ago cities were protected by a wall around them, for the enemy to get in they must first get through the wall. It is also true today in our lives we need to build walls so we might keep the enemy at bay. If the enemy gets through them we have made a decision to open the gate a let the enemy in; wrong choice!

Pro 25:28  He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

Self control is not self mastering neither is self control self improvement. I personally believe that self control is impossible without the Holy Spirit living within us. Just as Ephesians 5 and verse 18 tell us “be not drunk with wine” don’t let alcohol become that which controls you that verse ends with these words “but be filled with the Spirit; “ What is Paul saying? He is saying just as a person allows alcohol to become the controller in the same way the child of God is to let the Holy Spirit become the controller of their life.

Proverbs 3:5  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Proverbs 3:6  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

He, the Holy Spirit, will become the controller of our life; now would you rather be the one doing the controlling or would you rather put your trust in the Holy Spirit and trust Him with it all? It’s your call! Have a great week!

Test

I really don’t like to hear the word “test” but we have had them all our lives. There were test in school, at the place where we work and then those test at the hospital or doctors office; I really want to pass those! How does Mr. Webster explain the word test? This is what he has to say… To compare with a standard; to try; to prove the truth or genuineness of anything by experiment or by some fixed principle or standard;   So with a test there is also some type of grading, standard or fixed principle. When I took a math test there was an answer sheet and as long as my answers were the same as the answer sheet then they were correct according to the standard. In medical test as long as my blood pressure is in line with the normal set of numbers then according to the standard all is well, I passed the test. But in order for there to be a standard there must be first a teaching for if we are not taught how can we know the standard? In Mark chapter 4 we read these words

Mark 4:1 And he (Jesus) began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.

Mark 4:2  And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine, You can be sure that when we are taught something there will come a test sooner or later. I hated to hear the teacher say “we’re going to have a pop quiz today.” But this is the case as we read on into Mark chapter 4 we read that on the same day that Jesus was teaching he also gave his disciples a test. We find the test in

Mark 4:35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, (His Disciples) Let us pass over unto the other side. What was the question dealing with? “Trust” have these men learned anything? Were they ready to put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ? Let’s see! They passed the first part of the test without a problem; they got into the ship and left for the other side. All was well until   Mark 4:37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. Sailing was not good now, the ship was filling up with water and they were fighting to keep it afloat. Here is where they missed the answer. They began to look at what was happening at this very moment and forgot about what was said by the Lord before they shoved off. Two things #1 didn’t the Lord Himself say they were going to the other side? He didn’t say there wouldn’t be storms along the way. #2- The Lord Himself was on board and was not worried at all, why He was so sure that the ship was going to the other side that He Himself was fast asleep. So they ran and woke Him up; read what they said “they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? “ He stills the storm and then He says Mark 4:40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? Well, what happened? Mark 5:1  And they came over unto the other side of the sea  Now before we look down on those disciples there are those in the day we live in that don’t believe what the Lord says. So what will be your test today? Will you pass or will you almost pass! The disciples almost passed but instead they let the fear of the storm scare them into thinking they were all going to die. So what’s your storm? As we journey toward heaven there will be many storms we will feel like at times we are about to perish. But stop and see what the master is trying to teach you in the storm for it will help you become stronger in the next storm. You are either today in a storm, come out of a storm or you are headed for a storm just put your trust in the Captain of the storm the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s either Faith or Fear and fear is only false evidence appearing real!

Decisions

Always remember that today’s decisions will always affect tomorrow’s experience. That being said do you ever feel defeated? May be you feel you’re not hitting on all cylinders. Do you want the best at everything all the time but have come to realize that it’s just not possible? In the book of Daniel, there is a story in the first chapter that addresses these concerns.  We are told of four young men who have had their entire lives turned upside down.  They have been taken from their home, they are in exile in Babylon and they are having a new lifestyle forced on them.  They’ve had their names changed and their whole lives upset by new standards and expectations.  In the middle of the first chapter, Daniel has to make a choice about eating the king’s food. Among all the pressure to yield to a long list of new expectations, Daniel chose to say “no more.”  In doing so, he chose faithfulness to God and was blessed in the process. You and I face similar situations daily, not with food from the king’s table, but with our time. We have to decide on a daily basic who or what is going to get our time. We all have the same amount of time each day as we are told in

Ecclesiastes 3:1   To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: The choices that we make today will either bring us in line with the life and will of God and draw us closer to His purpose or they will move us further from Him. Invest in the choices today that will fulfill God’s purpose in you. Have you taken the time to pray today? Will you have the time to see what God has to say personally to you form His word today? What about that friend that needs a kind word? Do you think you’ll have a few minutes for him or her? Think! What will you spending your time on today? I hope you will be like Daniel as you decide today. It may be time to say “no more!” These are hard decisions to make, to be sure, but you, like Daniel, will find yourself blessed. It's going to be a great day because you are here.

Not Free

Tomorrow we will celebrate July the fourth which we call Independence Day or the birthday of America. We live in one; if not the greatest nations in the world; people are trying their best to get here. As I view over our great leaders of the past I have to stop and ask myself how many great leaders are there in the day you and I live. I have found some quotes of great men of the past and what they said. Where are the John Hancock’s of our day? The Samuel Adam’s, the Benjamin Franklin’s, the Patrick Henry’s? Read what they said and remember what they stood for and then ask yourself do you agree or were these just men with the gift of speech. Read of their life stories and what they sacrificed! Then there are the men who gave their lives on the battle fields so you and I could have freedom. Remember freedom is not cheap and it is not free!

"The jaws of power are always open to devour, and her arm is always stretched out, if possible, to destroy the freedom of thinking, speaking, and writing."
John Adams

"If ever time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in Government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin."
Samuel Adams

"Every step we take towards making the State our Caretaker of our lives, by that much we move toward making the State our Master."
Dwight D. Eisenhower

"I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth--that God Governs the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?"
Benjamin Franklin

"Freedom is not a gift bestowed upon us by other men, but a right that belongs to us by the laws of God and nature."
Benjamin Franklin

"The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government -- lest it come to dominate our lives and interests."
Patrick Henry

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here."
Patrick Henry

"When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends."
Japanese Proverb

Never

We live in a day where to many are giving up and quitting, they feel they can’t reach the goals they have been setting for themselves. I am reminded of this saying I read not long ago. “Many of life’s failures are men who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” In 1441 Christopher Columbus was forty homeless and broke. Christopher Columbus was an outstanding sea captain that nobody took very seriously, his idea of sailing west in hopes of discovering a new route to the Indies. Columbus didn’t give up. He once wrote, “Our Lord made me skilled in seamanship, equipped me with the sciences of astronomy, geometry and arithmetic, and to me that it was feasible to sail from here to the Indies and placed in me a burning desire to carry out this plan.” Five centuries ago people had a certain map that reflected their understanding of the world at that time. It wasn’t changed until the courageous Columbus challenged the conventional wisdom by sailing to the West Indies. His “never give up” attitude resulted in one of the most significant breakthroughs in world history.

Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Winston Churchill (the great political statesman of Great Britain) was once invited to speak to his old alma mater boys school. Churchill, now one of the most famous men in the world and also one of the world's greatest orators, had done very poorly in this school. He approached the podium. All the boys were sitting up straight, totally quiet, waiting for great words of wisdom. Churchill stood behind the podium looking in the eyes of each boy. Then he quietly said, "Never give up." He stared at them again and shouted "NEVER GIVE UP" Next he pounded the podium and at the top of his voice he screamed, "NEVER, NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP!!" Winston Churchill then sat down. His speech was made up of just one piece of advice never give up. I'm not sure what exactly you are going through, but this I know: the people who make a difference in the world, and in their own lives, decide to never give up. How close are you to success? Don't know do you! Then my advice is that of Churchill "NEVER GIVE UP!"

Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

Don’t trade tomorrow’s dreams for yesterday’s nightmares