Finding Me - Day 7

September 16, 2014

It wasn’t a love like you and I know.  I love my friends, my family and my wife – but what is the greatest gift I can give them?  Perhaps my time; my attention, my presence in times of sorrow and hurt.  Perhaps my words; encouragement, advice in times of worry and need.  Perhaps the comfort of my arms; hugs and holding their hand when they are afraid.  I can’t stop them from dying.  I can’t provide an eternal sanctuary for their soul to rest in.  The limited number of people I know in this world is in the hundreds, and my ability to love each of them varies dramatically.  There are probably less than 100 that I would stop everything I am doing and run to their side in the event of a tragic event. 

Why would the Creator of the Universe care about me?  There are over 6.2 billion people in the world today.  Over the course of time there have likely been well over 10 billion people that have walked the face of the earth since the moment God placed His breath into Adam and Eve.  Of these billions of people, only one man walked perfectly righteous, without blemish, sin or fault.  God’s own son, Jesus Christ, lived for 33 years upon this earth to bring God’s love to us, and provide a path of salvation for our redemption.  In doing so, God expressed the greatest love possible to mankind.  He alone loved all 10 billion of us so much that He created a way for us to live eternally within His presence, and thereby avoiding the eternal Hell created for Satan and his followers.

Day 7: Accepting Love
“But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior” – Titus 3:4-6

We all will die.  You cannot save your soul.  I cannot save your soul.
The wonderful things we do for others in our daily walk are just that, nothing more.  These acts will not get you into heaven.  The hundreds of people you know, you work with, you laugh with and you play with cannot redeem your sinful actions.  They can provide advice, guidance, comfort and a warm hug; but nothing more.  We focus so much on how we feel today, without concern for the infinite time spent after we have passed away.  Accept the love of the Father, for in it, you will find eternity and peace beyond your life on this earth.  That is why God cares about you and I.

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Finding Me - Day 6

September 15, 2014

Fear controls my mind in so many ways.  Fear of failing at work, fear of financial loss, fear of losing those who are close to me, fear of hurting those around me and fear of disappointing others.  When the struggles of the day surface I often find myself jumping to the conclusion that in one way or another I have failed and have caused the situation.  I am my own biggest critic and end up beating myself up over the simplest shortcomings in life.  Achieving perfection has always been the target, but you and I both know that is impossible.  For my definition of perfection and yours are very different I’m sure.

When you look upon me or others are you seeking perfection in that individual?  The likely answer is no.  Each of us are capable of offering a perspective of grace and understanding when others around us fail.  The problem isn’t in my ability to forgive or allow others to fail, but in recognizing my own failure.  It all comes down to a lack of faith in the bigger picture and the redemptive blood of my Savior.

Day 6: Overcoming Fears
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,  being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus” – Romans 3:23-24

The Lord tells us that not one, no not one is righteous and worthy of redemption.  But, by His grace we are forgiven and made righteous in His eyes through the blood of the Lamb.  Living in it, trusting that this above all else is truth and that no matter what we think of ourselves or our shortcomings, this cannot be taken away.  We, who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior, are able to rest in the assurance that our fears and failures are not of His perspective but of the worlds.  God sees me as a perfect child, spotless, righteous and worthy of His love. 

The world has placed this struggle within my soul to seek perfection.  Today I focus my attention on the realization that I belong to the Creator of the world and He sees past any fault I may see.  I am forgiven, redeemed and blessed by God Almighty, and by accepting this, my fears can subside and be replaced by faith in His perspective of me.

Prayer:
Father,
You are the fresh water that cleanses my spirit.  You are the manna, the bread of life that fills my soul with love, confidence and strength each day.  Calm my spirit to recognize You as my source of strength and peace.  Press down upon me Father the realization that I stand before You alone forgiven and righteous through the blood of Your Son, the Lamb, the sacrifice for my sins.  Restore my faith to rest in Your grace.   – Amen

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Finding Me - Day 5

September 12, 2014

Every single one of us will leave a legacy.  You are influencing people each and every moment in either a constructive manner or in a destructive manner.  Those around you are watching and learning from your actions, your words and your mannerisms, and long after you have passed away they will be carrying on what they have learned.  This I’ve learned over time as I watch my children, my grandchildren and my friends and see small characteristics show up in their lives that remind me very much of myself.

I’ve come to face it there are truly only two major decisions in life: “Will I follow Christ?” and “Will I live for His purpose or mine?”  The decision on marriage is a really close third, but falls short of deciding your eternal fate and serving the Lord.  As I near another pinnacle in my life I ask myself, have I truly lived for God or has my life been focused on obtaining my goals, my dreams and my comfort.   I look at those around me and ask if I have had an influence on them and helping them draw closer to God.  For you see, when it all comes down to it, I don’t want my children to be like me; I want them to be like Jesus.   If indeed it is my desire that they grow up and serve Him in a manner that He deserves, then I ought to demonstrate that for them. 

Day 5: Choose to Serve
“Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:14-15

God has placed within each of us a purpose on this earth that can only be fulfilled by exercising the gifts and talents He alone has placed within us.  We must choose to be faithful and serve Him by using these gifts for His purpose.  In doing so, He will take the little bit we bring to the table and use it in mighty ways to influence those around us to do even greater things long after we’re gone.  To our children’s children and their children the influences of our life will have lasting effects.  Leave them something worth holding onto.

Prayer:
Father,
You have given me grace and mercy, that I may one day be with You in heaven.  I pray today that Your words are upon my lips and that my actions represent Your love for mankind.  Help me to overcome the selfishness, conceit and ego that stand between me and the purpose You have called me into.  I want serve You and bring You glory through my actions.   – Amen

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Finding Me - Day 4

September 11, 2014

Worshiping God brings me joy.  I realize that it’s not “cool” to like Christian music, but I always have.  From the days of my youth I’ve always been drawn to the art of singing out praises to Jesus Christ and my Father in Heaven.  I was 16 years old and listening to David Meece, Glad, Michael W. Smith and Sandi Patty when most of my friends were into Metallica, 38 Special, Van Halen and AC/DC.  Over the years, my taste in music has expanded, but I’m still drawn to the Christian Music artists of today’s generation including – Casting Crowns, David Crowder, Matthew West and Chris Tomlin (just to name a few).

What is it though that draws me to enjoy praise and worship?  Emotions, I suppose.  The words feel like a prayer when lifted up and as I reflect on their meaning in my life, I often find myself connecting with God on a more intimate level.  For the brief moment of lifting my worship to my King, I escape from the problems and struggles of the day and focus on how much He loves me.  In a simple manner I am trying to express to the Lord my absolute love for Him through the words that come from heart to a melody that bring Him joy.  So when you see me lifting my hands in church, or singing in my truck on the way to work, just realize it is my love for the Lord that moves me in such ways.

Day 4: I will Praise Him
“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father” – Ephesians 5:18-20

Throughout his life David found joy, pleasure and strength in singing praises to the Lord.  Praises of thanksgiving, praises of triumph, praises of sorrow, praises of forgiveness and praises of celebration.  Though he often times failed to live up to the expectations of a “Man of God” he never lost the direction of his purpose, and drew upon the grace, mercy and love of God the Father through his worship.  Psalms is filled with examples of David’s pleading heart in worship and praise to the Father for peace, purpose and passion to lead the children of Israel.  He knew exactly where his strength came from and Who was in control of his life from the moment He stood before the giant to the moment He passed away, David looked to God and God alone for acceptance.  We should all take note that we are only here to serve God, and in doing so love those around us.  As such, we ought to spend a little more time praising Him for His goodness and sovereignty.

Prayer:
Jehovah,
My God – you alone are worthy of my praise.  I fall down before You and lift my words to Your ears, that they might bring You joy and pleasure.  You are my King, I live to serve You and fulfill Your purpose in my life.  Center my heart, my mind and my actions toward You calling and let my feet fall upon Your path.  Bless me oh Lord that I my bring You glory through my actions and my life.   – Amen

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Finding Me - Day 3

September 10, 2014

I am a work in progress.  The simple truth of the matter is that I have many weaknesses that overwhelm me at times.   Through the day small things pile up and are stored in a virtual to-do list.  I have an extremely hard time accepting when things aren’t completed by the end of any given day.  The list will continue to get longer the next day and within a very short time I am feeling behind on everything I try to accomplish.  This leads to the fear of failure, and a shortened temper when someone asks for help, regardless of how simple the task may be.

I’m not seeking perfection, I’m simply seeking completion.  It provides a sense of accomplishment, small wins in life.  The problem is that as the list, in my mind, of unaccomplished tasks grows longer, many things become overlooked or forgotten.  Now comes the guilt, the disappointment and wallowing in the reality of failure.  Often times others are impacted, thereby increasing, even more so, the feelings of inadequacy and failure.  This is a highly destructive cycle, that destroys a man’s confidence and self image over time. 

Day 3: Trust In Him
“And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life’s span?  If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters?” – Luke 12:25-26

The reality that I must remind myself of every single day is that I am God’s child, made in His image and formed by His perfect hands.  My life is not purposed to please others, but to please the Creator alone.  He calls us to rest on His promise that He is Sovereign and will provide for all that we need each day.  It’s when I take my list of problems to the Lord that I find peace, direction and clarity on how to focus.  I know it seems like a simple answer, because it is.  He has a deep desire to help you overcome this world and bring joy into your life.  Accepting that is step 1, then trust in it and act upon it.  Join me today in coming before your Father in Heaven and laying your burdens down before Him.  Breathe and trust that He will help you take on the days challenges.  If, by the end of the day you’re list is not completed, it’s okay because He’s still in control; and that’s all that really matters.

Prayer:
Father,
You have provided for all of my needs.  You have given me a mind of wisdom, a heart of love and a peace to take on the challenges before me each day.  I ask for Your grace and mercies to be with me throughout this day, so that I may accomplish all the You have for me today.  Help me to shift my focus away from myself and onto You, so that I may serve You more completely.   – Amen

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Finding Me - Day 2

September 9, 2014

Just shift your eyes, don’t look and they will never know.  It’s amazing how easy it is to be tempted in this world.  The sexuality, the lasciviousness and the acceptance of all things carnal has reached an extreme and I have become numb to it.  Because it is so commonplace today, I have come to expect it, rather than repel it.  How will this impact my children?  What values, morals and character are they going to emulate when they observe their own father being drawn into the world’s acceptance of immorality.  Has the shame and decency been completely exhausted from our presence or is it still a minority of those who live on the edge? 

Let’s face it, for all time man has found the forbidden to be exciting, challenging and enticing; but that doesn’t make it right.  As a husband and as a father I am called to be a representative of a moral and just character that instills values and righteousness in my family.  I am not the man the world wants me to be, I must be the man God wants me to be.  This means turning off the crap and turning away from the nonsense that the world wants me to become addicted too. 

Day 2: A Strong Character
“Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart” – 2 Timothy 2:22

God created us to be righteous and has provided His Son as an example of holiness, perfection, love and purity.  The earth is filled with the forces of evil, lust and wickedness, but we serve a higher purpose and must continue to strive for what He has called us to become.  Through studying His word, through prayer and through blatant obedience we are capable of overcoming that which is in the world and living a just life, filled with His peace, purity, love and righteousness.  I know He is my strength to overcome the power of Satan in this world, but I must learn to turn to Him and trust that He is enough.

Prayer:
Father,
You have given me the authority over the evil in this world and the impact it will have on me and my family.  Help me then to live in this authority and draw from it the strength I need to overcome it in my daily walk.  I trust in You and You alone for my salvation, and my purpose.  You have called me and my family to be above the sinful ways of the world, let us walk in Your purpose.  Holy Spirit, I call upon Your strength and guidance to turn from that which is unholy and live in righteousness.   – Amen

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Finding Me - Day 1

September 8, 2014

If they knew the real me, they would see the ugliness that resides within.  They would hear the words, witness the temper and suffer the selfishness that has been built up over years of feeling sorry for myself.  Some look upon my story and turn away believing that I have been blessed and they would be right in their assessment.  But the blessings go much deeper than any other could ever realize or visualize.  For you see, the life that others witness is nothing but a front for the fear, helplessness and worry that rests just beneath the surface.  In this life I have discovered how to hide behind this image of strength and confidence so that the world will not see the weakness within.

Within the last few months I have taken a sabbatical from writing, to seek the truth of what is underneath the exterior persona and attempt to find the root of who I really am.  Many of you may not want to follow along my journey and I understand that.  We are all pressed for time and it only makes sense that you have many other things vying for your attention and precious moments throughout each day.  If this is you, simply shoot me a message and I’ll take you off the distribution list, no questions asked.  Those of you who want to follow along, I ask for your prayers and patience as the Lord walks me through this valley.  If you want to forward this to others, please feel free.  Perhaps they are going through similar self evaluations.

Day 1: Unconditional Love
"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." – Romans 5:8

God knows exactly who I am.  Unlike you and your opinion of me based on who you see on the outside God has known me from the moment I was conceived in my mother’s womb.  He knows of my strengths, my weakness’ and my failures, and despite all of this He has still granted me the opportunity of eternal life with Him one day.  Nothing can ever compare to His act of sacrifice offered to save my soul from eternal Hell.  I start my journey by realizing that my God loves me, even when others don’t.

Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for loving me, even when I don’t.  Thank You for the grace and mercy You have provided through the sacrifice of Your son, Jesus Christ.  Help me, Lord, to put away the past, the unrighteousness and focus on the path You have laid out for me.  Holy Spirit, speak through me, guide my footsteps to fall upon the path of righteousness and let my words edify Your glory.  I humbly lay myself before You and seek Your truth.   – Amen

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