The Battlefield of Life

When you think about the "battlefield" of your life, what do you think of?
Many of us would say: what is going on around us.
Our job, our family, our future, our finances, our economy, our community, or our relationships; the storm raging "all around me".

And rightly so ... there will be many battles that we will fight "around us". But in the face of lifes challenges and in the face of these battles, the primary battle that we will fight will not take place in the storm raging around us, but the storm raging within us; The Storm that takes place within our own heart and deep within our own mind.

The "battlefield of our life" isn't ouside of us ... rather it is within us.
The "battle" isn't other people, unfortunate circumstances, or tough scenarios; The battle is "me".

Stop for a moment, and before reading any further ask yourself: How do I see my life? Is my life focused around my desires and my wants for my greatest good OR is my life focused on what God wants for God's desire and God's greatest good in fulfilling His purpose and plan?

You might say, "I could careless about what God wants" or "I don't believe in God ... so I'm trying to milk my life for all its worth", but reflect on your answer ... and see what it reveals of you. I know before "knowing Jesus Christ" I had dreams and aspirations that were centered around "me" and that focused around "maximizing my benefits through life". The problem with our thinking is "its all about me!". "What do I want" is usually completely contradictory for "what does God want for my life?" And within that statement lies not only the problem but the solution: Our life isn't about us; We (our sins) are the problem. Our life is about loving and glorifying God in a relationship; Jesus Christ is the solution.

The problem within the hearts of all people is sin. Sin is "me" centered thinking; Sin is choosing what I want, whats best for me, and my way over God's way, what's best for His purpose, and what He ultimately desires for me.
Sin divides the mind. Sin removes all peace and purity within the heart. Sin leaves us empty ... and chasing after more and more and more. Sin is a fruitless journey that leads to confusion, destruction, and demise.

So ... moving on to application. What should we ask? What should we do?

Ask: Is my life driven by my desires Or is my life driven by God's love and what He wants of me? Is my life driven by my way (sin) or by God's love (surrendering).

Do: I can't tell you to do this or do that ... but this atleast I know: Christ showed us the way to victory over this life ... and it starts within us.
Transformation of our heart, our mind, our body and our Spirit ... "IN HIM"; IN the LOVE OF Jesus Christ.
Jesus not only shows us the way ... but He invites us to ...
(Jesus said), "Come ... follow me ..."; "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls (in Him). " [Matthew 11:28]

Victory over "the sin within" comes only through a choice to surrender your heart and follow Jesus Christ in love. For the victory we all seek can only be found "In Him" ... in the transformational love of God -- Jesus Christ.

When we choose to remove ourselves, our desires, and our ways and CHOOSE to allow Christ to sit atop of the throne to our hearts, focusing on "love" and "eternity", ... we will no longer struggle with "our sin within" ... but we will begin to finally "live" with God, for God, and in the love that He has for us.

Ending on this ... You might ask ... "Why do I need to be tranformed from within ... I'm fine the way I am?"
Am I right? The truth of the matter is that God reveals to us that ... "we are far but fine ...that we are diseased, that we are saturated in Sin ... The awesome thing about this is God is prepared. He reveals to us that this life is only the "preface" to His great story of your life ... a story about hope, redemption, and eternal love and relationship with Him.

The beginning of the 1st chapter to the rest of your life .... begins with Jesus.
The answer lies in "the kingdom of God" ... what we all were destined for!
Jesus says that "the kingdom of God is not here nor there ... rather the Kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:21); A choice of Faith in Jesus and Love for God.
The reason why we need to be tranformed within, is to wash away the old and allow God to make us into something new. For instance a caterpillar can't even begin to imagine what it will be like to "fly" the heights as a butterfly ... until the caterpillar is tranformed. When you were in the womb of your mother, you may have been only inches away from the world that awaited you upon your "transformation" (your birth) and there was no possible way for you to conceive all the glorious things that God had for you, that awaited for you once you were born.
That's why Jesus callx this transformation process ... "being born again" ... washing away the old ... and living life transformed in a way unimaginable ... living life through Him and with God :)

Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15"The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" [Mark 1:15]

20Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, 21nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you." [Luke 17:20-21]

Jesus transforms lives. Jesus gives eternal life to all who believe ... starting the moment they believe. Jesus is the victory on the battlefield of life ... over the greatest battle we will ever face ... ourselves (our sin). :)

[John 3:16]

16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[a] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

[2 Corinthians 5:17]

The Roots of Stability: Roots or Shoots? Being well-rooted

In the life of trees, one key to survival is having more roots than shoots.

In his book Oak: The Frame of Civilization, author William Bryant Logan says, "If a tree puts on a lot of top growth and few roots, it is liable to be weak-wooded and short lived ...
If a tree puts down a great deal of roots and adds shoots more slowly, however, it is liable to be long-lived and more resistant to stress and strain."

People and organizations can be a lot like trees. The rise to prominence (in a relationship, in an occupation, in life, etc) is exhilarating, but anything that puts "shoots" faster than it puts down "roots" is fragile and in danger of breaking, falling, or dying.

Jesus used a similar analogy in His 'parable of the sower'. Jesus said people who hear the Word and receive it joyfully are like seed sown on stony places; they spring up quickly but endure only a short time because they have no roots (Matthew 13:6, 20-21)
[Matthew 13:6] - "Because they had no root they withered away!"

Roots aren't at all glamorous, but they are the source of our strength (in adversity, in relationships, and in life, with God).
If our roots go deep in the knowledge of God (Jer. 9:24)** and our lives are rooted and built up in Him/His love (Col. 2:7), .... we'll be strong ... resistant to blight, and more likely to survive the storms of adversity.
For blight is "something that impairs growth, withers hopes and ambition, and impedes any type of progress or prosperity in living".
Being resistant from blight cannot come from our own resources or our own strength; For when our strength, our hope, and our resources are found in something beyond us ... God's love ... Jesus Christ ... it is then that we can face the storms of adversity with assurance and faith that the Love of God is with us, helping us; Strong roots in Jesus Christ eliminate all dangers of breaking, falling, or dying.

What are your roots? Are they strong enough for the adversities you will face throughout your life? HOW DEEP ARE YOUR ROOTS?

My prayer today: That I (we) will use the resources of God to put down roots that will make me (us) strong, rather than branches that will make me (us) attractive in the eyes of others.

Trees are supported and held up by the roots we do not see underground ... likewise ... no one will ever see your heart, your situation, and your faith ... the way God does :). Jesus is our root system.
The Roots of Stability come from being grounded in God's Word and in Prayer; In Jesus Christ (God's love).

Do you "know" Jesus Christ? Are you "rooted in Him? Do you want to be?

Jesus said -- [John 15:5-6]
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. No branch can survive by itself ... it must remain in the vine"
Are you connected to the vine?

(integrated from Daily Bread - September 5, 2008 --Roots or Shoots? -- and also what God spoke to my own heart) **(also Psalm 25:10)
(suggested scripture for "strong roots" verses - John 15:1,4,5-10; Colossians 2:7; Ephesians 3:17-19; Jeremiah 17:7-8; Philippians 4:11-13)

Spiritual warfare -- Getting rooted in Christ

I apologize for disappearing for the 10 days or so ....
I've been going through some adversities in my life and I've realized my inability to address the adversity properly and move forward in Faith, had been strongly connected to certain things going wrong within my own heart. Struggling with the "spiritual warfare" that has been going on within me and around me had a lot to do with aspects of my relationship with Jesus Christ that I have overlooked or thought that I HAD covered but I guess not completely -- specifically being "well rooted in Jesus Christ".

I will go on to explain what this means in the following blog, but I hope you can understand.
Rather on thinking "what about me", I've been working on focusing on "what about the Lord and what He wants to do through me and for me in my life".
Finally getting a grip on the truth: that my life isn't about me but serving Jesus Christ and sharing the "good news" in love ... I've been doing what I can to "strengthen my roots in Jesus Christ" and to use this time of adversity to draw me closer to Him and to focus on what He desires for me to learn and to grow from the storms of adversity.

So ... anyone who would feel up for praying for me, I would be very thankful.

Moving forward: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your OWN understanding, but IN ALL THINGS acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path and make it straight" [Proverbs 3:5-6]

I have faith that His love will carry me through all adversities in my life ... and all will turn out for good; that every little thing that occurs in my life ... will be all right :)
For His plan, His purpose, and His Glory -- in loving me and all those that are His will never fail. Amen

Letting Go ...

Do you have something in your life that your still holding on to ... that you know you should just let go of?

I know I do. (Later in the blog I will reveal to you what I still lack to let go of...)

Whether it is a person, a lifestyle, pride, a grudge, or some thing ... it isn't easy to let go, but it surely doesn't benefit us by holding on to "it" either. Matter of fact, many people forfeit the blessing they could have received if they just trusted in God and let go. I wonder how many blessings people miss because they are unable to let go of something God is trying to pry out of our fingers for the sake of His love toward us?

Sadly, probably too many blessings. So the question remains ... Why don't we let go?
Fear of Change? Habit? Comfort? Uncertainty? Feels Good? Feeling in control?
This list goes on-and-on. Now the next question I pose is possibly one of the more important questions ... so think about this ...

What would you let go of (exchange) for eternal life in heaven?
What I mean is, what would you let go of here, now ... in order to receive an eternal reward, later?
What I'm leading at is: Would you be willing to let go of "You"?
I mean your lifestyle, the way you talked, the way you walked, the way you thought, the way you spent your time, etc.
Would you be willing to give up everything you are (leading up to this moment) if God wanted to make a "new you" (starting this moment) ... in exchange for the promise of eternal love-n-life in Heaven?

Tough questions ... I know ... but I just lay em out, for you and God to play em out.
The fact is one day we were born ... brought into this world and one day we will die ... be taken out. The bible tells us how all people will live forever ... either With God (In Heaven) or Separated from God (In Hell). And the ticket to heaven or hell is not based on being "a good person" or "deserving it" rather its based on "God's love and a choice". Love cannot be forced ... for love is a choice.
God allows us to make the choice ... either to live with Him in Heaven .... Forever OR to live without Him ... Separated... Forever (in the place people don't like to think about or talk about ... yet is very real).

The only choice that will matter in your life is this: Your way or God's Way.
Our way says ... I'll take my chances elsewhere. I choose to live for me and by me
God's way says ... All you have to do is place your Faith in Jesus, God's Son, and Love Jesus/God and others ... (The choice to live for God and by God).

WHY... Jesus? You might ask?
Because God is perfect. And to live in God ... forever (heaven) ... we need to be perfect to (meaning NO SIN in us ... not one). Which is impossible ... correct?
That's why God came down as a man named Jesus, and died for the sin of the world. (John 3:16)
The only hope of "forgiveness of sins and eternal life with God". No other "religion" out there offers this hope. And either Jesus is a liar or He truly is the Son of God and God himself who died for the worlds sins so you and me could be seen as "perfect" in God's eyes, through Jesus ...
Jesus said, "No one comes to Heaven (God the Father) except through me" [John 14:6]
I abuse this verse because it summarizes the entire bible, faith, and hope.

So the fact of the matter is ... we all have a choice ... love cannot be forced.
As for me ... I told you earlier I had trouble letting go of something and I do.
I have trouble "letting go" of "all of me". Its when I let go of "what I want, what I hope for my future, what my dreams are, what I'm worried about, what's bothering me" ... that I find my purpose, my peace, and my identity in the Love found in Jesus Christ.

Its when I let go of me, and fall into the arms of Jesus ... that I "don't worry ... about a thing ... and I know that ... every little thing ... is gonna be alright".

Jesus said, "If anyone desires to "come" after me (follow), he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it (let go) and whoever loses (let go of) his life for my sake will save it (find it). What good is it for a man to gain the whole world yet lose/forfeit his very soul?" [Luke 9:23-25]

What are you not letting go of ... that may be blocking the blessing God is trying to give you?

Will you let go of you and fall into the arms of Jesus (God's love/Heaven)?

The Importance of Prayer and Faith in God's Love to Answer -- in recognition of National Prayer Day (05/07/09)

Do you believe in God? If you do believe, do you believe God cares about you? If the answer to the 1st two questions is 'Yes' ... what about this ... do you believe that if you pray to God that He is not only able to hear your prayer, but also willing/able to answer your prayer?

Many people have an easier time saying 'Yes' to the first two questions, yet are skeptical upon how to answer the third. Many people are uncertain, unsure, and doubtful that God not only hears their prayers, but "cares" enough about them, to answer.

Whether you believe in God or not ... the fact remains that everyone looks to God for help at some point-in-time throughout their life. No matter who you are or what you believe ... its ironic how most people turn to God and cry out for help in moments of complete desperation.
I wonder if you have ever heard someone do this or perhaps maybe you have even done this yourself?
Having talked with many different types people who held different beliefs and different personalities throughout my life, one thing I find that many people ask of me, time and again, is a simple request: "Can you pray for me?"

Not only do we all "need" prayer, but we all "seek" prayer.
Church go-er or a non church go-er, Religious or non-religious -- means very little .... for all people are wired to "seek" God (for companionship, assistance, guidance, and love) and usually it comes in the form of our "prayer".
All people are created to have a relationship with God and prayer is the unconscious mechanism within us that "seeks" God and that relationship (in good times, bad times, or at all times).

Do you ever pray? Have you ever prayed? I wonder, if you do pray or have prayed, ... at what times or moments in your life do you find yourself praying or asking for prayer?
Do you pray only during tough times ... when bad news arises?
Do you pray during times of confusion ... when seeking guidance or direction for the next step?
Do you pray when things are going well ... when you just received Good news or when filled with a great joy and thankfulness?

When do you pray? Why do you pray? And to whom do you pray to?
What is "prayer" anyways?

Prayer is our way of reaching out to God. Prayer is the essence of having a relationship with God (through Jesus Christ).
When someone prays, they share their heart with God and reach out to Him for His love, for His guidance, and for His assistance. Men and women were designed for a relationship with God ... and prayer is our way of communicating with God in that relationship.

When I used to pray to God ... I usually only prayed during a major dilemma in my life. And in that moment of prayer, I rarely ever believed that God would hear my prayer and help me. I thought things like, "I don't deserve his answer/help" or "He probably has more important things to deal with than my problems", yet all these were deceitful lies from within myself. God always cares! God is always willing and able to help!
A faithless prayer is just words ... an empty shell. The reason why it is an empty prayer is the fact that a relationship with God rest on two pillars of choice: "Faith in Jesus and Love for God". Faith is essential to knowing God and therefore essential to prayer. A prayer that "hopes" God will hear you and "hopefully" will answer ... is a defeating prayer of uncertainty and doubt.

"If any of you lacks wisdom (guidance), he should ask(pray to) God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. **But when he asks (prays), he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord" {James 1:5-7}

Prayer is reliant on Faith ... that God loves you... hears you, cares for you, and will help you (answer). Faith is the basis of our relationship with God.

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." {Hebrews 11:1}

Faith and Prayer go hand in hand. Its not about what words you say or how you pray, but prayer is about your faith in God ... to not only hear your prayer, but to answer yout prayer in His timing, in His way, out of the endless love He has for you. There might be moments when you "feel" God isn't listening or isn't responding, but we can rest on God's Truths that:

"In all things we know that God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose, his plan, and his love" (Romans 8:28).

God hears all your prayers and He answers ever single prayer in His timing and in His way ... knowing what is best for you, for Him, and most importantly for your relationship with Him.

" The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.

The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.

The eyes of all look to you (LORD), and you give them their food at the proper time.You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.

The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

He fulfills the desires of those who fear him (loving awe); he hears their cry and saves them.

The LORD watches over all who love him."

{Psalm 145:13-20}

Take the time and talk to God in prayer. Share with Him your heart. Tell Him what your thankful for, tell Him what you need, ask all types of requests ... for God made you, to love you, and so that you could love him back.
Branching from Faith ... prayer is the next step to a growing relationship with God.
Have Faith in all your prayers ... because God not only hears you, but loves you ... desiring to help you in all you do. God will answer you, when you call on Him.

Do you "know" God personally?
Closing on this ... Jesus says... " No one knows the Father except the Son and to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him" [Luke 10:22]. What does this mean? My interpretation of this is that Jesus is saying there is only one bridge to a relationship with God and He is the bridge. God does not withhold His love from anyone ... but He makes it very clear that there is One God, One Love, One Creator of all, and One way to Him. You may here me say, "I have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ" ... because Jesus states that He is "the gate", the "only way" and that "no one comes to God the Father except through Him"(John 14:6). Therefore, it is only through Jesus Christ, by Faith, in Love, that I have a relationship with God.

My relationship with God is based solely on: Faith in Jesus and Love for God.

Can you send e-mail's without logging on to your e-mail provider?

Jesus is our e-mail provider ... are you logged on?

Back in Action -- School Behind Me, Jesus in Front of Me

So ... the blog is back up and running. Had some distractions the past few weeks, but expect the consistency of old to return.

Bottom line -- The Love of Jesus Christ will continue to be shared through this blog, from here on out.

Thank you all for sticking with me, exemplifying the meaning of patience, and for all your prayers, encouragement and support.

Now ... I'm ready to allow the Lord to work through me ... through this blog ... and change the world and hearts of others in His love in Hopes of drawing others closer to a knowledge and loving relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

His love never fails ... Jesus never fails :)

Lets do it!