I find me when I fall apart

I Find Me When I Fall Apart 

Why in the world did I think I could
Only get to know you when my life was good
When everything just falls in place
The easiest thing is to give You praise

Now it all seems upside down

‘Cause my whole world is caving in
But I feel You now more than I did then
How can I come to the end of me
And somehow still have all I need
God, I want to know You more
Maybe this is how it starts
I find You when I fall apart

Blessed are the ones who understand
We’ve got nothing to bring but empty hands
Nothing to hide and nothing to prove
Our heartbreak brings us back to You

And it all seems upside down

‘Cause my whole world is caving in
But I feel You now more than I did then
How can I come to the end of me
And somehow still have all I need
God, I want to know You more
Maybe this is how it starts
I find You when I fall apart

I don’t know how long this will last
I’m praying for the pain to pass
But maybe this is the best thing that
Has ever happened to me

My whole world is caving in
But I feel You now more than I did then
How can I come to the end of me
And somehow still have all I need
God, I want to know You more
Maybe this is how it starts
I find You when
You will find me when I fall apart

- Fall Apart by Josh Wilson 

The song began replaying in my mind as I was going to sleep last night.  There's often not great differences between what we go through Physically and what we go through Spiritually.  

I quite often cannot remember the big moments, the good moments, of my life.  I have a terrible memory in that regard.  The worst is that my sin nature has no trouble reminding me of my past.  It has no difficulty in pointing out my failures.  

Yet regardless of its ugly abilities, I know that I can see where God has lead me.  Where my sin nature points to my failures the Spirit of God within me reminds me that I am beloved of my Father in Heaven.  Whereas failures are a constant reminder, my life is hidden in Christ Jesus. 

Our priorities in life can be so messed up because of what we pursue.  We listen to the world and press on for health wealth and prosperity, thinking that in them is found happiness. 

We often get taught to turn a blind eye to the evil happening in order to satisfy self.

We get inundated so often we begin to believe what the world says and are incredulous when life falls apart. 

I am so so thankful that salvation in Christ Jesus isn't dependent upon any works that I can do or anything else.  It's not dependent upon my goodness or level of faith. It's dependent entirely upon the work of Christ Jesus on the cross. 

I struggle most often in the realm of the mind.  People cannot see the battlefield that I face daily.  It's a constant thing.  Many times Jesus breaks through the lines of my mental imprisonment to set me free once more. 

I have often remarked that I think too much.  My brain multi-tasking thought and ideas. It's hard sometimes to shut down thoughts.  Some mistake what they see of me as my being angry or distant.  Truth be known to get me truly angry takes a lot. I will indeed be more angry at myself than others.  When I make mistakes it essentially haunts me for possibly days.

My hope is to glorify God in my works that I do, from my thinking to my doing, but I will be the first to admit my world sometimes does feel upside down and falling apart.  I know that I cannot see what God sees.  He sees the end from the beginning.  He sees every option not taken and the results of them all.  I often never see it coming but when something does go wrong and the end result is what is right I know it's a God thing.  

There's indeed a war going on for your mind.  You often might not be aware of it or how heavy the fighting is but my Friend it's there and it's very real. Know your enemy was something said of physical warfare.  It's more relevant to Spiritual warfare.  Knowing about Satan and his tactics, not dwelling on them but being aware of them.  Knowing what Ephesians 6 says about the whole armor of God and how to use it. Understanding of Spiritual matters comes from learning from the Spirit of God.  

Life might seem like it's falling apart, but if God’s behind it, it very well might be falling together.   We find ourselves the best when it's the good things that God's done and is doing in us that are seen for what they are...wrought in God.  God has said in His Word that the enemy of God will try his best but He will turn it for good.  Our job is to continue pressing on in obedience regardless of what our eyes see, what our hearts experience.  We get knocked down, and we will, get back up and keep moving forward.  Soldiers in battle always must press on in order to achieve victory.  

There's those who don't and won't understand me and that's ok.  I know that God does.  He loves me with an everlasting and unconditional love. He's forever at my side and in my heart because of everything He went through to save me.  I may not understand all things that permeate my thinking but I don't have to.  Satan doesn't attack people who are already his. He doesn't have his demons waste time on people already heading for Hell. He does not want anyone rescued out of the jaws of Hell.  He wants believers consumed with selfishness and self-interest in order to keep them from doing the works that God prepared beforehand that they may walk in them. 

I learn more about me when I do fall apart than when life gives the appearance of going right. 

We learn through our struggles as long as we understand that there's something to be learned and we are seeking to know.

Think about what interests you and see if those things align with what God says is God honoring.  Think about where your mind goes.  Think about what motivates you.  You may indeed feel like nothing is working and life is a never ending attempt at finding happiness that's out of reach.  Guess what? It will be until you submit to what the Spirit is teaching you about you.  You will find you too when you fall apart and it's God putting you together the right way. 

Where Did the People Go?

Where Did The People Go?

By David Brenneman 

1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 NASB "5 Now as to the periods and times, brothers and sisters, you have no need of anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord is coming just like a thief in the night. While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction will come upon them like labor pains upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness, so that the day would overtake you like a thief;  for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then, let’s not sleep as others do, but let’s be alert and sober."

It's a day that is coming that's been promised and prayed for for several generations. Often referred to as the Rapture of the Church, that moment referred to when Jesus comes to take those who have placed their faith and trust in Christ Jesus alone for salvation. It's also when those who have died in Christ receive new glorified bodies. 

Millions if not maybe upwards of a billion people will be disappearing in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.  One second they are there and another they won't be found.  

This is the beginning of the end of mankind on this Earth.  The Bible says that 7 years of Tribulation are determined, and indeed will happen.  Followed by a reign of Jesus Christ on this Earth personally for 1,000 years. After which a final battle between good and evil culminating in the Great White Throne Judgment. What is seen and known of this universe will pass away heralded by the coming of a new Heavens and new Earth. 

You might think this to be too far fetched. Impossible even.  Yet remember that every single prophecy concerning Jesus came true in the person of Jesus.  Not simply a few but hundreds.  

You might be thinking that you've got time. You still want to live your life your way first.  So did those who are dying this very minute.  Yet they who die without salvation in Christ Jesus find themselves waking up in Hell, not Heaven. 

The life of those left behind after the Church is taken up to Heaven will be harder than modern minds can grasp.  Hatred for those who believe in God and of His Christ will be off the charts.  Full scale worship of a world Leader will be mandatory.  It's coming.  We see previews in what Hitler wanted in the World Wars.

This time will be incredibly disastrous at the same time.  When all the Believers vanish, it won’t matter what they were doing at the time.  Driving cars, planes, trucks, heavy equipment or machinery all will either continue with horrific results or cease to function at very much the wrong time.  When the video footage of the planes hitting the Twin Towers in New York comes to mind it will be that all over the world. Those newscasts of 50 car pileups will be small potatoes compared to it happening everywhere that vehicles of all sizes are used.

I hold to the belief of the age of accountability.  That up to a point a child knows enough to discern good and bad they aren't accountable before God concerning making a decision about salvation in Christ Jesus.  Millions of children will vanish from the unborn to whatever age that child might be.  Great grief will pour over this world as the world seeks to know what happened to the children and everyone else. 

You who read this are indeed being forewarned.  This day is approaching.  A significant event that truly began the prophetic time clock was when Israel became a nation again.  Even today now going on the 74th birthday of when Israel did become a nation again its among the world's most powerful.  Medical and industrial progress the world over is attributed to the  innovation of people in Israel.  There are those devout followers in Israel today who are working towards the day a new Temple is built in Israel.  People are being trained in Temple service.  The utensils required are being made.  The supplies to build are accumulated.  The time is coming.  Unlike the previous Temples this last one will not take years to accomplish. 

It's no insignificant matter concerning Russia and Iran rearing their ugly dispositions towards Israel.  This too was foretold in the Bible.  They will join together along with Turkey to try to assault Israel.  The Lord God Himself will intervene.  

The signs heralding the beginning of the end of things are indeed happening.  The rise in attacks upon Christians as well as Jews is increasing even though the mainstream media won't report it.  Reports from missionaries all over the world confirm it.

Today indeed could be that day of the return of Jesus Christ.  In all reality there is nothing left in prophetic world events between now and that moment occurring that needs to happen.  Nothing. 

Today is absolutely the best day of your life compared to when that day happens if you are not yet considered to be a Child of God in Christ Jesus.  You will not get a second chance to join those who left this world with Jesus.  You indeed might finally be convinced of your need to be saved but the 7 short years ahead will seem like forever.  You will quickly become an enemy of the state.  If you don't confess your undying allegiance to the cause of the world Leader ad he attempts to guide humanity after the Rapture you will be killed.  He will be that serious about following him.  You think that what we all went through in recent years was bad in supply shortages, try not being allowed to buy or sell if you do not commit your life to this new World Leader. 

Too farfetched for you?  Impossible you say?  Look back a few years.  Everyone thought what we just experienced was impossible a few months before it all came down.  There were no signs of it approaching.  Nothing to give away it happening soon, yet it hit everyone like a 2 x 4 between the eyes.  Now we all live in its wake. 

Every single prophecy concerning the coming of Jesus Christ was fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ at that singular moment in all human history.  Hundreds and hundreds of prophetic points that came together.  Nothing could prevent it and nothing was ever going to be like it again.  There are no coincidences in human history only Godinstances.  Those moments when God Himself steps down into time to reveal Himself and His Will.  The Will of God is to seek and save the lost lives in this world.  To make a way where once there was no way to get to Heaven.  When Jesus arose from the dead over 500 came back to life and testified to what had happened.  It wasn't just the word of a dozen people starting the Church. 

What must you do to be saved?  I included a picture to help.  In Romans it says it well enough that a child could understand it.  Jesus didn't make it complicated.  

Romans 10:8-13 NASB "But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Ephesians 2:8-9 NASB "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

Grace means unmeritted favor.  It means that there's nothing a human being can do or has ever done to earn that gift of Salvation in Christ Jesus.  It's free because Jesus paid the price for you.  

The only way you will not be left to wonder about where did the people go is either to die before the Rapture of the Church or after it happens.  To die in the here and now without salvation in Christ Jesus means immediately opening your eyes in Hell. Painful torment awaits all who go there.  

Again Jesus Himself tells you. Luke 16:19-31 NASB "Now there was a rich man, and he habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, enjoying himself in splendor every day. And a poor man named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores, and longing to be fed from the scraps which fell from the rich man’s table; not only that, the dogs also were coming and licking his sores. Now it happened that the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s arms; and the rich man also died and was buried. And in Hades he raised his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his arms. And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus, so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set, so that those who want to go over from here to you will not be able, nor will any people cross over from there to us.’ And he said, ‘Then I request of you, father, that you send him to my father’s house— for I have five brothers—in order that he may warn them, so that they will not come to this place of torment as well.’ But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ But he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent!’ But he said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’”

Don't wait until you die to discover the real truth about life. 

Don't be among those living in what truly will be the Hellish aftermath of the Church leaving to be with Jesus forever to that place He's prepared for those who believe.  

Lastly consider more words from Jesus. 

John 14:3 NASB "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will take you to Myself, so that where I am, there you also will be."

Do You See What I See?

Do You See What I See?

I'm captivated, I'll say it
I'm on a whole new intrigue
My space invaded, upgraded
I hear You talking to me
It's in the boom of the thunder, it's in the cool of the rain
And I'll say I don't ever want to get away

Tonight is beautiful
It's got my mind on You
And everywhere I turn is a reminder (reminder, reminder)

I see You in everything, all day
And every beat of my heart keeps reminding me
I see You in every little thing, all day
No matter where I go I know Your love is finding me
I see You in everything
You're all up in everything

My soul's awaken
I'm taken by all the beauty You bring
You got it blarin', I'm starin'
Love watching You do Your thing
There's no mistaking Your style
No mistaking Your touch
I see the grand, I see the subtle of Your love

Lord, I see You in everything, all day
And every beat of my heart keeps reminding me
I see You in every little thing, all day
No matter where I go I know Your love is finding me
It's finding me in everything, all day
And every beat of my heart keeps reminding me
I see You in every little thing, all day
No matter where I go I know Your love is finding me

Tonight is beautiful
It's got my mind on You (got my mind on You)
And everywhere I turn is a reminder (ooh, ooh)
From the sparkle in her eyes to the starlit open skies
You bring my heart to life, fill me with wonder (with wonder, with wonder, with wonder)

I see You in everything, all day (all day!)
And every beat of my heart keeps reminding me
I see You in every little thing, all day (all day!)
No matter where I go I know Your love is finding me
I see You in everything
You're all up in everything
I see You in everything
You're all up in everything

Oh, I can see Your love, Your love in everything
And that's why You'll always be my everything
Yeah, I can see Your love, Your love in everything
And that's why You'll always be my everything

- TobyMac - Everything 

Do you look at all for Jesus in your day?

Philippians 4:6-7 NASB "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

Jeremiah 17:10 NASB "I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, To give to each person according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds"

1 Peter 4:12-19 NASB "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though something strange were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that at the revelation of His glory you may also rejoice and be overjoyed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory, and of God, rests upon you. Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God are to entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right."

1 Thessalonians 5:18 NASB "in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus."

Even in the perceived good, even in the perceived bad of the day you live today, the day you lived yesterday.  I say perceived because your perception is what matters way more than what might be actually true.  

Jesus commended the Centurion for his great faith, in believing at a distance. That no where in Israel had he found such great faith.  What about you in your life?  Does your heart look for Jesus in your day, in your life?

Are you attempting to leave Him at home while you go out and do life?  Many do.  

1 Timothy 6:10 NASB "For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."

For you to live life, claiming the name of Jesus Christ as your Savior, yet leave Him behind to live as you please is not right. 

He searches the hearts, as we read earlier.  He knows what really motivates you.  

He knows where every decision you make will end up.  

I woke up with that song we began with playing in my mind.  Interesting, as a good friend puts it.  I was reading in my Bible plan of Elijah running at the threat of Jezebel.  He was asked twice why he was where he was.  Elijah wasn't seeing God in what was happening in his life at that moment. 

We can easily treat Jesus as our Butler.  He's not there to be our Savior every time we choose to sin and need a bailout either.  He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  He indeed taught servant leadership, however, He taught it to be perpetuated, not to have it end with Him. 

We as Christians need to look at life differently.  We need to be aware of the impact of our choices and see to it that all are God honoring.  Selfish choices and self-centered living have really no place in the life of a man or woman of God.  The Bible says we are aliens in this world. Visitors if you will.  Visitors do not consider what they do with any significant degree of permanency.  You visit a theme park it's not for you to go in and change it to suit you. You go with the idea of enjoying what has been there. 

We often try to live life trying to create Heaven here on Earth.  We try to be Creators rather than subject yourself to your Creator. We get so busy doing this we don't see God in our lives. 

What do you think of most often after getting up?  Do your thoughts at all consider God's plans for you for today?

Do you talk with Him during your day?

Do you smile at the things you see and know were Him working in and around you?  Are you thankful for what He is doing?  Both for what we think is good and bad?  That IS part of giving thanks in everything. 

Yesterday was a hard day for me.  Confronted with a mistake that I had made at work.  It certainly was a hard thing to receive but I thanked God for it.  

Looking for Jesus in your day is often very revealing.  The Scriptures say that we are in His hands. We ought to be sure of looking.

Depression and sadness often are found in life because of where our eyes are. 

Are you thankful?  It's easy to pray prayers that ask for things or things to happen or not happen.  But after you do, are you looking for His hands in your life to see what Jesus does?

Do you at all find yourself simply thinking "What He's Done, What He's Done, all glory to the Father and the Son.".

Read in Psalms about what King David experienced.  Another song comes to mind "Give thanks with a grateful heart

Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given
Jesus Christ, His Son… And now let the weak say, "I am strong" Let the poor say, "I am rich" Because of what the Lord has done for us."

Jesus lamented Israel for having eyes that didn't see and ears that didn't hear.  What would the result have been if they had?  It would turn their hearts to God and He would heal them. 

Your challenge today is to be grateful. It is to be turning your eyes towards God with the idea of seeing. To open your ears with the idea of hearing.  It's to take Jesus with you during your day as your friend, not your Butler or Genie. You will then have opportunities to see life in a different way. 

Not What it Seems

Not What it Seems 

"… that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 1 PETER 1:7 

Charles V was a teenager when he became the most powerful man in Europe, and almost immediately he faced a vexing problem. What to do with Martin Luther? He summoned Luther to the city of Worms in 1521 for a hearing on his radical teaching. Luther traveled the 300 miles to Worms expecting to be condemned there and perhaps executed. The hearing was tense and emotional, but Luther’s ringing affirmation spoken that day is famous: “Here I stand,” he said, “I can do no other. God help me! Amen!” Even though Charles V was a devout Catholic, he allowed Luther to leave unharmed to continue his work. In times of stress, strain, challenge, and trouble, we have to take our stand in the truths of God’s Word. Troubling times reveal in Whom our allegiance truly lies. The psalmist said: “The Lord also will be a refuge… in times of trouble…. For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion… He is (my) strength in the time of trouble…. (Psalm 9:9; 27:5; 37:39). In times of trouble, we can take our stand in Him—He never fails us. 

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing! MARTIN LUTHER

- Dr. David Jeremiah Journey Moments of Guidance in the Presence of God 

Perhaps you are familiar with the phrase "The only exercise some people get is jumping to conclusions".  The same can be said of incorrectly interpreting what we as Christians go through in this life. 

Certainly in many cases the difficulties we experienced are self-inflicted. It's really our own fault for them happening.  A great deal are Spiritual in nature.  When we walk with Jesus expect the enemy of God to not like it.  Expect him to seek the permission of God to mess with us...because as we read in the book of Job, he indeed does!

Often times, however, it's not Spiritual warfare against us but rather it's the Spirit attempting to change us to be more like Christ and we are fighting it due to our sin nature. 

We often fight the will of God because we like what is comfortable.  We like what is familiar.  We would rather do nothing but enjoy life rather than go through the things that would make us more sanctified. 

It's just the truth typed out. 

.

Nobody likes going through hard times. But as the opening verse eludes to, it's inevitable.

We come to Christ not to be left as He found us.  We came in the first place because of the recognition of the sin within us and knowing we needed what Jesus offered to fix it.

There's no person who's ever lived who's had a grave illness who wanted medicine just to keep on being terminally ill.  They put their hopes in medicine that would make them better.  

There's freedom in Christ Jesus, but it requires our giving over our rights to Him to do as He sees fit to do in our lives.  We are His workmanship.  We who are His workmanship are being changed and there's work for us to be doing that He's prepared beforehand that we would walk in them.  When we resist we cause problems for ourselves. 

Life isn't about us after coming to Christ in as much as we live for the one who saved us willingly.  We can easily find stories of people publicly declaring their life-debt towards another person who saved their life.  That they were now going to live from that day forward attempting to repay them for what they did. 

1 Peter 4:12-19  NASB "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though something strange were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that at the revelation of His glory you may also rejoice and be overjoyed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory, and of God, rests upon you. Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God are to entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right."

We can sit and sulk or we can indeed give thanks for what we are going through.  

1 Thessalonians 5:18 NASB "in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus."

Ephesians 5:20-21 NASB "always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to our God and Father; and subject yourselves to one another in the fear of Christ."

Now, we have God repeating Himself n saying this same thing more than once.  Giving thanks for the things we go through is as important as being thankful for the blessings of God. 

Moaning and groaning about our present condition isn't God honoring.  Willfully not obeying God isn't God honoring.  Willfully not being with other believers isn't God honoring.  Intentionally participating in sinful ways and actions isn't God honoring. 

It always, always, always finds us in a life of turning up heat until we finally agree that the Spirit of God is right. We certainly have a difficult life if we choose sin over our Savior.  In the book of Romans Paul specifically speaks concerning practiced sins.  Those we intentionally do that are quite literally in rebellion to the Word of God. Call it what it is. It's never boded well for anyone who has come to Christ yet embraced sin. It's never ever been an acceptable practice in the early Church let alone throughout the Bible for any to twist the Word of God in order to keep on sinning without repercussions.

We come to Christ, we let go of our sin nature.  We don't bring it along for the ride. 

So look at your life and what you are doing.  If you're miserable and certainly not happy, make sure first and foremost that you're living in obedience to God's will for you.  God's will is your sanctification. Your becoming more like Christ.  It isn't necessarily your comfort and ease going through life. The Bible tells us that the knowledge of God is worth more than gold. 

If things are rough, keep praying and keep persistent in obeying God.  It's for your own best interests to grow in Christ Jesus. 

Where Would I Be

Where Would I Be 

Quite often the Spirit brings thoughts to my mind as I wake up of songs. Sometimes the song seems to make sense other times not really.  This instance it does make some semblance of sense. 

Toby Mac "Without You"

Raindrops
Rolling off my brim
Streetlights
Got the pavement glistenin'

Touchdown
I fall into your arms
Right where I belong
Your everlasting arms

And where would I be
Without you

I'd be packin' my bags when I need to stay
I'd be chasin' every breeze that blows my way
I'd be building my kingdom just to watch it fade away
It's true
That's me without you, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
That's me without you, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
That's me without you, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Don't know where I'd be
Without you

Woah, without you

Flashback
Stepping through the scene
There's you
And there's a very different me

Touchdown
You had me at believe
You had me at believe, you did

And where would I be
Without you
Without you

I'd be packin' my bags when I need to stay
I'd be chasin' every breeze that blows my way
I'd be building my kingdom just to watch it fade away
It's true
That's me without you, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
That's me without you, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
That's me without you, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Don't know where I'd be
Without you

Where I'd be
I was so deep
So incomplete
'Til you rescued me
Yeah, you rescued me

You rescued me
You are mine, I am yours
You rescued me
And I am yours forever
You saved me, remade me
Where would I be

I'd be packing my bags when I need to stay
I'd be chasin' every breeze that blows my way
I'd be building my kingdom just to watch it fade away
It's true
That I'd be packin' my bags when I need to stay
I'd be chasin' every breeze that blows my way
I'd be building my kingdom just to watch it fade away
It's so true
That's me without you, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
That's me without you, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
That's me without you, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Don't know where I'd be
Without you
That's me without you, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
That's me without you, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
That's me without you, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Don't know where I'd be
Without you

Where Would I Be without Jesus? 

I know that I have met people who think that I am beyond nuts for believing what I do about Jesus Christ, about God, about life, and that's ok. The world that's in darkness cannot understand the things of God, that's what it says in the Bible.  1 Corinthians 2:14 NASB "But a natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned."

The natural man or woman is one who stands outside the salvation of Christ Jesus.  It's anyone who lives and claims to know good from evil in their own merits and in their own eyes.  Sin came when Adam's and Eve's eyes were opened, knowing good and evil. 

I sometimes look at my life and indeed wonder if it could have been different.  Wonder if I had turned left instead of right. If had backed up and changed direction, of what would have become of me.  The thing is, I can really never know.  The only one who knows my end from my beginning is Jesus.  The only one who knows every possible outcome of anything that I face is Jesus.  

I have been at a crossroads in career choices for several times in as many years. I have achieved what I had thought I wanted out of life.  Still don't know lol.

Where would I be without Christ Jesus?  I would most certainly be living a selfish life. I wouldn't really care about what happens to others as long as my happiness and contentment were secured.  It's not really rocket science, if there's a right way and a wrong way, look at what the Bible says, everyone will do what is right in their own eyes. 

I was rereading Romans 12 this morning after my normal Bible reading plan.  Was reading Colossians 3, the latter half of it as well.  

I can't help but try to do my best at what I do.  Whether it's building something, fixing something or helping someone.  For me, that's what I get out of the last parts of Colossians 3. That's what I get out of Romans 12. In 1 Corinthians 12:6 NASB "There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.".  God works all things in all persons. Romans 8:28 NASB "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.".  Ephesians 2:10 NASB "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.".

There's a direction in the life of a Believer. It's taking a person from what they were and making them more like Christ Jesus.  That's what is supposed to be happening in the life of a Believer anyways.  It's interesting of what Paul wrote about in 1 Corinthians 12 about the body of Christ.  Evidently there were indeed people thinking that things that came with a title were more important in the body than others.  That if they weren't displaying certain Spiritual gifts that they weren't a part of the body such as the modern incorrect interpretation of speaking in tongues.  

Just as it's written, the Spirit places people in the body of Christ as He sees fit.  It's not on us to fit ourselves.  

I know some of what evil that I am capable of.  There's been more than a few times it's sort of come out of me at some of the worst times.  I indeed have caused the Spirit many a grief because of my actions and thoughts.  I thank God for the forgiveness of my sins.  For never stopping at making me more like Christ Jesus.  For never giving this often wayward mind of mine condemnation for what passes through it.  

Galatians 2:20 NASB "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me."

I remember the times growing up where I had been encouraged by others because of being found doing what I was doing and had been doing correctly.  

In recent months it's been a very important burden on my heart and mind to be found doing what it is that God's wanting me to be doing.  There's warnings in the parables of Jesus concerning His returning and finding people who claimed to be His not being found living in obedience.  Where would I be without Christ?  Quite realistically I would have been dead a long time ago.  I would most certainly have pushed the envelope in selfishness.  

I have indeed been through a lot in my life.  Jesus is still working, still removing things, adding other things to my life to grow me in Christ Jesus.  I will still stumble and fall short.  I will still make mistakes and still sin.  He is faithful and just to forgive me and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9.

You cannot know what your life can truly become without coming to Christ for salvation. 

You cannot know what potential for a true life is waiting to be revealed in you without Christ. 

You cannot know if you don’t surrender your life to Christ and make Him Lord of your life. 

You may think your life is good and that you don't need Jesus.  In an instant you can find yourself on the other side of the land of the living.  If you don't know Jesus as your Savior you will find yourself in Hell.  Everything you worked for will go to someone else. Your belief system will indeed change in that you indeed will understand, only too late, that you made the mistake of rejection of Christ Jesus as your Savior and Lord.  Striving after things in this world is like trying to capture the wind.  It's futile.  My times of selfishness are futile.

Where Would I Be? I would certainly be in Hell without Jesus. Either before or after dying I would be in either a Hell of my own making here or find myself in that eternal place of punishment called Hell after dying.  Truth is truth.  Nobody in Hell wants to be there. Nobody in Hell has any doubts to the reality of God’s Word concerning sin or that God is real. 

You have before you life and death each moment you take a breath.  

Over Thinking

Over Thinking 

"For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith." Romans 12:3 NASB 

I don't know if it's a blessing or a curse to think on things as much as I do.  I constantly evaluate situations or reevaluate to see if I didn't do something quite well enough.  In my former work experience I was considered one of the top people in presenting continuous improvement ideas.  In any work that I do I learn it as taught then can't help myself in trying to improve the process.  

Thinking...it was an interesting Bible Study this last Saturday night. The speaker from the video pointed out just how many times the word think was used in verse 3 alone. 

I took it upon myself this morning to take a look at verse 3 in the original language. For sure the NASB interpretation of it is correct.  It was interesting as well that the message Sunday went to 1 Corinthians 12, a bit more from Paul on the workings of the body.

Several denominations today put way too much emphasis on aspects of the body, ironically, the same as why the chapters we read were written. They emphasize things like speaking in tongues or other manifestations of God. Yet they miss out on the last verse of 1 Corinthians 12. "But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And yet, I am going to show you a far better way."

We are indeed given special God bestowed abilities upon coming to Christ as given by the Spirit. The important thing is to identify what you were given and to utilize it as the Spirit sees fit.  Not to attempt to claim gifts that aren't yours.  To not be doing the work of a prophet if you aren't one. To not be attempting to speak in tongues if another language isn't what God's needing.  In fact the speaking in tongues was to be done away with.  It wouldn't be necessary as it was at the beginning of the Church. 

I have written on other occasions of the parable of the talents, of that which we have been entrusted with being used properly in service to God because we will indeed give an account of how we did use what we were given.  We won't be judged on sin because our sins were forgiven and remembered no more. 

We read in 1 Corinthians 12 of the thoughts that the parts ought to nurture in thinking of their part of the body in relation to the other parts.  Accepting who you are in Christ and what it is you were meant to be doing is your identity.  

I admit that I other think a lot.  It takes me time, especially in social situations, to digest what some don't consider or think about.  I am not used to social situations involving some kinds of people.  I indeed am an introvert.  I need to be comfortable before relaxing in social settings.  Until then I keep thinking about everything in that environment.  

I probably caused more than a few gray hairs at the Church we now attend in seeking to have a more concrete idea of my Spiritual Gifts.  To be honest they brought it up as part of the next steps to take after becoming members.  To discover where it is you have been gifted and to serve there.  I wanted to be sure and to be honest I don't think like most people.  Some tests taken wanted answers that were on a scale of 1 to 5.  The questions asked, in my mind-set were only seen as yes or no.  Which caused problems in determining what the evaluation part was covering. 

I look at Colossians 3:23-24 as not just about a work ethic. "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.".  I want to be as sure as I can be that I am doing what it is God wants me to be doing.  I am a worker in His fields.  All Christians are workers in His fields.  Some are watering, some are weeding, some are pruning.  Some are harvesting.  We should be doing what it is we have been chosen to be doing.  Not what the world thinks we should be doing, not what others think we should be doing, and especially not what we think we should be doing. What the Spirit says is what it is we should be doing. 

We indeed may find it difficult but it should indeed still be on us to do our best at it.  We may see success as the world defines success or we may not.  

As the Scriptures say may all that we do be for the glory of God. 

I often probably irritate some Godly men that I speak with concerning my life's direction.  But that is part of their role in the body to help people like me.   Seeking Godly counsel is Biblical.  Proverbs speaks to this.

Thinking on the right things is sometimes a struggle but the results are worth it.  I shared Saturday night that my hope is to be found doing what it is that God's given me to be doing.  I certainly and absolutely do not want to be that servant that buried the talents given to him and did nothing with it until his master returned. 

Consider your ways the Bible says.  Do you? Do you consider how it is you who are in Christ Jesus are to be serving?  Are you going to the Church you are supposed to be?  Are you intentional on learning more about Jesus?  Are you thinking about the right things?  

Reason for Doing

Reason for Doing 

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men. Colossians 3:23 

There is an important difference between doing something for people and doing something for God. God always deserves our best effort. People will disappoint us, betray us, neglect us, and mistreat us. Some will constantly ask for what we can give while offering nothing in return. From our human perspective, these people deserve our minimal effort at best. What then should motivate us to serve people, except our love for God? God deserves our love, and He demands that we love others in the same way He does. We are to love our spouses, not as they deserve, but as God commands (Eph. 5:22–33). We are to treat our friends, not as they treat us, but as Christ loves us (John 13:14). We are to labor at our jobs, not in proportion to the way our employer treats us, but according to the way God treats us. God is the One we serve (Eph. 6:5). Mediocrity and laziness have no place in the Christian's life. Christians must maintain integrity at home and in the workplace. Working for God, as opposed to working for other people, changes our perspective as we view our endeavors in light of what He has done for us. Our toil then becomes an offering to God. We not only worship God at church on Sunday, but our labor throughout the week is an offering of worship and thanksgiving to the One who has given us everything we have. When people do not measure up to our expectations and we feel our efforts are being wasted, we must keep in mind that we are toiling for holy God. He is worthy of our best effort." - Blackaby Experiencing God Day by Day 

It's wonderfully interesting when God takes 3 days to show you a passage.  Several days ago I had been asked what my Life verse was.  A significant passage to me in life has been Colossians 3:23-24. So this is what I mentioned.  Yesterday we were sharing at a group meeting and I was sharing about that passage. Then today it comes up in my reading of devotionals. 

Think maybe it's important?

Let's read.

Colossians 3:22-25 NASB "Slaves, obey those who are your human masters in everything, not with eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.  For the one who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality."

This passage outlines my work ethic in its entirety.  It behind when I work on anything for anyone.  Be it building something from scratch or repairs.  Perhaps you have heard the phrase "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right the first time." A version of that is attributed to Philip Stanhope 4th Earl of Chesterfield. 

It brings to mind several hymns about whether or not your all is on the altar. 

Jesus never gave anything less than 100 percent to His time on Earth for the Father’s business. He taught the Disciples to do the same both in word and by example.  

Something that's been somewhat of a conviction to me is to be found doing what it is that God's given to me to be doing when He returns and be found doing it well.

If you knew in advance that while doing something that there would be a test concerning it, would you give it greater thought and effort?  

Romans 14:12 NASB "So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God."

There's your warning.  Think before you do what you do or say or think.  Think?  Yes even our thoughts.  Jesus said there would be nothing hidden that wouldn't be revealed.  Sobering isn't it?

Don't take my word for it. Luke 8:17 NASB "For nothing is concealed that will not become evident, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light.".

Belief in Jesus Christ is technically only temporarily optional. As is our consideration of our ways.  We can choose to consider our ways or not.  We will still indeed have that final exam at the end which the works done in the body will be revealed for all believers. 

We won't be judged on account of sin but on what we DID for Christ Jesus.  We who are claiming to be in Christ Jesus are stated in more than one place in the Scriptures as being a part of the living body of Christ.  A living body has body parts that DO things. Both small and great. The purpose of the body of Christ is to glorify God the Father in Heaven.  

Look in the mirror and take time to reflect.  That's not just a pun but a factual action to take.  Stare at you for some time. Think on your week you just had.  Look back on your month, your year. Does it show you doing anything with the body of Christ?  

We who are in Christ have reason to be found doing by Him engaging in that which we were entrusted by the Spirit to be doing. Our works will be tested and all that doesn't survive that test will be burned up. 

Are you so busy with life that you pushed God aside?  Hmm. 

Are you still not attending a Bible believing Bible preaching Church? Hmm.

Are you still absorbed in your desires in life that God only gets minutes of your day if He’s lucky? Hmm.

Are you more knowledgeable about the things of this world, movies, songs, sports, etc than you are of Jesus? Hmm.

What you discovered says a lot about you doesn't it?  

Lastly...

1 Thessalonians 5:12-24 NASB "But we ask you, brothers and sisters, to recognize those who diligently labor among you and are in leadership over you in the Lord, and give you instruction, and that you regard them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. We urge you, brothers and sisters, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek what is good for one another and for all people. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit, do not utterly reject prophecies, but examine everything; hold firmly to that which is good, abstain from every form of evil.

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will do it."