A Dedicated Life

Moving On Up

2011-07-26T14:37:00.002-04:00

To all readers: in case you did not know, I have moved my blogging to a different site.

Please click the link to be directed to my new site. Feel free to follow me on the new site from now on as I will not be posting here anymore. http://www.adedicatedlife.com/

Thank you and God bless.

J.H.

Keep Your Focus

2011-06-15T14:35:00.010-04:00

"Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished the race we're in. Study how He did it, because He never lost sight of where He was headed (He. 12:2-3 The Message).

I have been thinking about the word focus for a few days now. There are so many things going on in my life, sometimes it's hard to remember why I do what I do. My wife and I are in the middle of a big transition. Moving is hard, but moving out of state is even worse. I'm surrounded by boxes, I have to get things done before a certain date, must get the Penske truck, got to take those bags in the office to Goodwill for a donation, have to schedule a shut-off date for utilities, etc.

I feel like my life is in the middle of a whirl-wind and I cannot do anything to stop it; but if I ever forget why I'm doing all this, trouble awaits me.

We're moving to a new city, well, new for me anyway. My wife was born and raised in Walnut but it's all new to me. We're not going for jobs, friends, or anything like that, but we are going to help the church, be leaders, and walk through the door that God has opened for us.

How easy would it be to lose my focus right now?! So much is going on each day and I forget to brush my teeth some days... I know, gross!

The opening to this post is a Scripture from Hebrews. I read that today and it just hit me like a ton of bricks! Most of us know the Scripture in the KJV version: "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God (He. 12:2 KJV).

What that means is to look to Jesus. He has been where you and I are right now... and He finished the race! Jesus was on this earth for a reason; "... to seek and to save that which was lost (Lu. 19:10).

Jesus kept His focus. He knew what He was put on earth to do and He did it. I would say Jesus had a lot of distractions while on earth. If you study the life of Jesus, you'll find that there were many times that He could have given up. However, Jesus kept His focus and did not let anything stop Him from finishing His mission on earth.

We must look unto Jesus! He knows what you're going through... He's been there. He knows your pain, He knows how you feel and what questions you have. Jesus knows.

When you feel like giving up, just look to Jesus. Keep your eyes fixed on Him and what He has for your life.

In my life, there are many things that try to distract me. Right now there are so many things that could take my focus off of my real purpose; but every time I feel that way, I look to my Jesus.

I was reminded today of something my mother said a few years ago while I was going through a battle in my life. "We have to remember why we're really here." We must stay focused on what we are here to do. Keep on going! Don't slack off of your prayer life! Keep pressing on! God knows and He has a plan for you! Keep your eyes fixed on Him and let Him guide you!

Don't lose your focus!

Think about it.

J.H.

Made to Worship

2011-06-14T13:37:00.006-04:00

"I will praise thee with my whole heart... I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth... (Ps. 138:1-2).

I am all about missions work! I support world-wide missions through my local church. There are so many missionaries out there, some even putting their own lives on the line to preach the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ.

I have talked to several missionaries about how they got started, how it is for them in these foreign countries, what barriers they encounter, how long it took to learn the language of the country in which they now reside, etc. I love talking to men and women of God and just picking their brain... can't you tell?

One missionary in particular that stands out and that has my attention a little more than others is Bro. Tony Adams, a missionary to Krakow, Poland. He has such a strong desire and burden for the people in that country. Talking with him, I have felt his burden and gained some insight to missionary life as well. A great man of God indeed.

Bro. Adams and I have messaged on Twitter and Facebook several times. I remember one conversation in particular that was entirely in Polish. I learned the language at a previous job and I feel a strong desire and burden in my heart to go to that country one day.

I've talked with several other missionaries around this world. There are so many different countries out there that need men of God like Bro. Adams to have the discipline to learn about a particular country and the courage to go out there and do a work. Missionaries inspire me greatly! I'm sure there's a ton of things that come with being a preacher in a foreign land... the language barrier alone could be a long and brutal process to overcome.

Think about this: no matter what country, no matter the language or dialect, there is one word that is the same all around the world.

Each nation has its own language. Some countries around the world have several different dialects for just one language! It can get confusing I'm sure, but there is still one word that remains the same for all. The one word that is the same for an American, Russian, Polish, or Italian... Want to know what it is??? Let me tell you...

"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard" (Ps. 19:1-3).

Hallelujah is the one word that is the same in every nation. Specifically, the one word that everyone can say, despite their predominant language is a praise unto God. Anyone can praise the LORD. Everyone can lift up His name! It doesn't matter where you are, your praise is still heard!

My associate pastor, Bro. Erickson, told of a time that he was in Chile. In the service, the audience began chanting, "Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!" in their native tongue. They had to have a translator for the preaching because their languages were different. Associate Pastor Nate Whitley in Knoxville, TN was preaching in Africa... he too had to have a translator. BUT ONE WORD IS THE SAME!

A praise to Jesus Christ is the same no matter where you are. No matter what language you speak or where you are in this world, you can praise God.

It's really something how the one word we can all say, the one thing we can all do despite our background or language is to praise God. It seems like we were all made to praise the name of Jesus.

"There is none like thee, O LORD; neither are there any works like unto thy works. All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O LORD; and shall glorify thy name" (Ps. 86:8-9).

Yep.... It sure sounds to me like we were all made for worship. The Scripture I used earlier in Psalms 19 shares more later in the chapter. The Message Bible puts it this way: "The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together" (Ps. 19:7).

We were all made to worship. The glory of God draws us all together, to unite and praise our God as we were intended to do from the beginning.

Like the lyrics to a song by Chris Tomlin; "You and I were made to worship..."

Think about it.

J.H.

Carry the Weight

2011-06-13T17:27:00.009-04:00

Yesterday, the religious world celebrated Pentecost Sunday, and what a Pentecost Sunday my church had! Four were baptized, all of which have the holy ghost, several were refilled, God was pouring out His spirit all over the place. My pastor mentioned that our church has Pentecost Sunday 52 weeks out of the year, that is, every Sunday.

Before the evening service, I was in the prayer room. I heard the voice of my pastor and associate pastor as I always do. These two men are incredible prayer warriors and their voice exceeds everyone else in the prayer room. I also heard a few others that were a little louder than the general hum of voices. I began thinking about how these people seem to carry the tone of our prayer room every single time before service.

Someone is always taking the lead and stepping up to the plate. Spiritually, someone has to carry the load, the burden, and the drive that will excel the church forward. So many of us seem to think that it's our pastor's job to do this. True, our pastor is the leader of our church, but we all should take the initiative to propel our church forward.

Think about this: what if those voices that override everyone else in the prayer room weren't there anymore? What if the fanatical praisers and leaders in worship didn't exist? Would the prayer room become silent? Would the praise die down? Would the songs cease?

The future of ourselves and our church belong to us! It is up to each one of us individually to carry the load and to see the vision of what God has in store.

Purpose to be the one who carries the load. Whether you have a large church or not, there is always someone that has to step up, be a leader, carry the weight, etc. Why not you? If everyone has the idea, "Someone else will do it..." then nothing will be done at all. Never dismiss a biblical command or an opportunity to do something for God by making something you're "not called to do."

We are all called to win souls, to share this gospel truth, to help our church, to get behind our pastor and support his vision.

It's time we step up and do more. Purpose in your heart to carry the load. Step out and be the one who makes a difference. If we all do that, think of what we can accomplish! Isaiah talks about the LORD looking for someone to send, asking, "...who will go for us. Then I said, here am I; send me (Is. 6:8).

Think about it.

J.H.

Why We Live

2011-06-11T16:09:00.004-04:00

This thought has been in my mind for quite some time. It became more relevant to me the other day when my job ended. Don't worry, it's all for a reason and everything is already working out. So let me tell you about it...

Everyday I get up and do the same thing. I even talked about this a little in a previous post, "Tools of the Trade". I get up, grab my favorite large cup and pour the auto-brewed coffee. Take a sip and off to the study I go. I pray, study God's Word, finish getting ready, and go to work. That's basically my morning routine.

Now, as you may know from my last post, my wife and I are moving. It was really something how it worked out. I even asked God if it was really His will for us to move to take away my job. To be completely transparent, I was reluctant to say that. I really liked my job and it's probably the best one I've ever had. Well, I went in the next day and was given a final working date. In other words, I was laid off. My last day went from the 21st, to the 15th, and then to, "Hey your last day is tomorrow".

I really had mixed emotions. I just lost the best job I'd ever had, but at the same time, I was being shown God's will for my life and reassured to go ahead with a move. In a sense, I felt like I lost my reason for my morning routine. Then I about slapped myself...

Sure coffee, work, school, and daily things we do are why we get out of bed each day, but is that really why we live? I almost slapped myself because the answer is a big NO.

I still get up every morning, grab the coffee and come into my study. My prayer life, my devotions, my LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ is the reason I live.

Like I said, I felt mixed emotions about losing my job. I was a little hurt by the way things turned out with a few people, I was excited to do what God wants, I was dreading the move and all the packing, and I really didn't know what was going to happen next. Ever felt that way?

The point is, I lost my job, not my reason for living. The reason I get up every single day is to live that given day to God Almighty! It should be the reason we get up whether we have a job, go to school, or not. Jesus should be the reason we live. I'm reminded of that song that says, "He's the only reason I live, but oh what a reason!"

There's nothing that this world can offer you that even comes close in comparing to Jesus. This world will leave you lonely, empty, and wanting more; but Jesus will always be with you, always give you what you need, and never leave you wanting.

Your real reason for living should not be found in your job, school, or friends. What kind of purpose do you have? Why are you getting up every day and going to work? What are you living for? If your answer is anything other than Jesus, it's probably hard to get up and be motivated to go and to do.

I remember when I was young and starting to date; I would say things to my 'girlfriends' like, "You're the only reason I live." Besides being 15 and not knowing what in the world I was talking about, I was saying something that shouldn't really be said. The reason we live should not be anyone or anything. Sure, I live to take care of my wife and family, but the ultimate reason to live is Jesus.

What is your reason for living?

Think about it.

J.H.

My Study

2011-06-10T11:47:00.010-04:00

My wife and I are in the long and brutal process of moving. Not only moving, but moving out of state. All the packing, lifting furniture, Penske truck rentals, etc. while working and doing everything else you have to do can really take a toll on you.

Last night, I was reminded of when we first moved in to our first place as a married couple. We have a spare room that I made into a 'man cave'. A few days afterward, it was filled with all sorts of my wife's belongings... Anyway, I made this room my study or office of sorts. In this room is my desk, computer, Bible, notes, books, etc. I have made this room my prayer and study room which I visit on a daily basis. I guess you could say I have made my study my altar.

The LORD began speaking to my heart last night as I was going through this room. Seeing all the clothes, boxes, and miscellaneous things laying around makes it look chaotic in here; but in the midst of the mass confusion that is in this room, I made my way to my altar.

The Bible says, "Study to show thyself approved, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (II Ti. 2:15). The Message Bible puts it this way, "Concentrate on doing your best for God, work you won't be ashamed of, laying out the truth plain and simple".

Could it be that the studying part is the prayer, fasting, and dedication that comes with a life of consecration to God? I have made my study my place of prayer and devotion, so this scripture comes to a new life to me. My 'study' is my dedicated life.

A life that is filled with prayer, fasting, dedication, and sacrifice will be the most rewarding life anyone could ever live. In our 'study' we show ourselves approved. Whether our study be beside a chair, bed, couch or whatever else, we must show ourselves approved unto God.

I've made my study my personal place of dedication. Where is yours? A study is not a fun place to the flesh... trust me. I wake up and go directly to the coffee pot that has been set on auto-brew to wake myself up, then make my way to my study. It takes extreme discipline on my part because I am in no way a morning person. Like I said, a study is never fun or appealing to the flesh, but it is most rewarding to the spirit. A dedicated life... it takes a study.

Think about it.

J.H.

Taking Jesus to All

2011-06-02T13:33:00.015-04:00

Yesterday, I saw something that made my heart hurt. I turned into a gas station and pulled up beside the pump. A lady was filling her car in front of me. She had this look on her face that made me know there was something wrong. Her eyes were tearing and her hands were starting to shake. As I went inside to pay, I really began to wonder what was wrong. When I came out, she was driving away... then I was angry at myself for not reaching out to her.

I was reminded of an encounter I had with a homeless man not too long ago... He was sitting on a curb playing the harmonica around Market Square in Knoxville. He would talk to people as they went by. I told my wife we should get him some food and maybe talk to him a bit... When we passed by the spot again, I had forgotten about the food and didn't have time to go back and get some... again, I was angry at myself.

Last story: My friend from Texas experienced a similar situation, only he actually did something. Pulling up to a red light, Lee saw a homeless man on the side of road. He got out of his car, and sat beside the man. Lee talked to him about Jesus and shared with him the Word of God, gave the man some money for food and after a little while longer, left and went on his way.

Oh how I wish I would have been like Lee!

You see, the gospel is for everyone. God promised the Holy Ghost to all... "For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off... (Acts 2:39). Just because we have it, doesn't mean we should keep it to ourselves.

I kick myself when I think about how I let those opportunities pass by and how I didn't do more. Who am I to withhold the news of Jesus to myself?

These situations lead me to ask this question: how far will you go to reach a complete stranger? What are you willing to do for someone you don't even know? Matthew says to ...go into all the world and teach all nations... (Mt. 28:19). All nations would cover everyone in the world, wouldn't you say?

People pass by strangers without so much as a nod or even a smile. There are lost and dying people out there in our world... what are we doing about it?!? We should be taking Jesus to everyone around us, showing people His Word, telling them that there is hope, healing, and salvation! We should share this gospel!

Matthew 25 talks about the King being hungry and receiving food, thirsty and getting a drink, being a stranger and receiving hospitality, naked and being clothed, sick and in prison and having visitors. The righteous ones reply when and how did we do all these things? The answer sums up this whole post: Jesus answered in verse 40 and says, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me (Mt. 25:40).

Can we take that literally? When we pass strangers or homeless people and ignore them, are we doing it to God Himself? I think this is a call to do more, to reach out to people no matter who they are or what they look like.

Hebrews says it like this: "Don't forget to show hospitality to people you don't know. By doing this, some have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it (He. 13:2). Could we be entertaining angels when we talk to a stranger? How about that man or woman on the street corner? Is this a test to see what you will do for someone you don't even know? If we don't share the gospel with our world, our city, our street... who will?

I ask again; what are you willing to do for a complete stranger? How far outside your comfort zone will you go? The gospel is for everyone... will you share it with those around you?

Think about it.

J.H.

God's Way

2011-05-31T12:28:00.009-04:00

College is killing me! Don't get me wrong, I don't regret enrolling in school, but sometimes it is so frustrating! I attend the University of Phoenix (online) and it has recently become a lot harder than I thought it would be. I work full-time, I have a wife, I'm involved in church, I'm getting ready to move, etc. Please understand I'm not here to complain... I am indeed going somewhere with all this...

After completing my first class at UOP, my instructor noticed what he said was, "an extremely bright and ingenious individual". Yeah, I thought that was a little over the top too. I mean really, me? I'm not smart! Well, through a process of days, the president of the university was hearing about me. Long story short, I was the top student in the class and the university and the president wanted to recognize me for my efforts, blah, blah, blah.

Now think about this: I am just a common man. There are so many people out there that excel so much higher in academics than I. Individuals all over the nation that are just pure geniuses... people that work at places like NASA and Dawson Geophysical Inc.

Now imagine: the brightest minds around, the smartest people on earth, the quickest thinkers, the ingenious levels of intelligence... No matter how smart those people are, there is one that knows and sees so much more.

Isaiah puts it this way; "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Is. 55:8-9).

You see, no matter how smart we think we are, God knows all. His thoughts are higher! His ways are higher! Our thoughts cannot even be compared to His.

There are some things in this life that we weren't meant to understand. That is why we should put our trust in the One who does know and who does understand.

See, God is not just a man or someone who can predict the future... He's GOD! He knows everything about you and your life. He knows what is best for you and sees what you can't see. I know, sometimes it's hard to trust in another... especially when you can't even see them. But I challenge you to give Jesus a chance. Trust in Him and He will never let you down. He will never fail.

When we can't see what's going on, when we can't see a way out, God does. He knows what to do and He knows what you need. Trust Him. Trust His ways; they are higher and much better than ours. God sees the end from the beginning. He created you and knows what's best for your life. He also gave you a will to choose. So it's up to you. Will you follow His ways or try and make it on your own?

Think about it.

J.H.

This is the Line

2011-05-25T15:20:00.007-04:00

I absolutely dislike my nose... Wait! Keep reading, I'll explain. I have this very annoying line across the bridge of my nose from where it was broken many years ago. When meeting new people, especially when I was younger, people would come up to me, introduce themselves and ask, "What's that line thing?" looking at my nose while pointing to theirs. Grrr!

It annoyed me a lot in earlier years. Now, not so much... the glasses usually hide it. You know, it's a funny thing about scars, lines, and other marks you may have. When I see my annoying little line, I remember what happened, where, how bad it hurt, etc. Also, I remember not to do what I did to get the scar in the first place.

Much like our lives today, scars have a way of reminding us of what we have been through. We may be bruised, cut up with lots of scars, but we have come through.

Back to the line; on my face there is a line. The line reminds me of some pain I endured, but it also reminds me not to cross the unforeseen line to what led me to be hurt.

A line in your life could be more of a blessing than you might think. The line is where you stop serving the enemy and letting him have control of your life, where you stop serving your flesh and giving into your desires... not crossing that line anymore.

Jesus endured much pain and had many lines on His body. Calvary was not pretty. Jesus did not deserve to die or to be in pain. The cross is a picture of a man that knew no sin, but He became sin and was crucified so that you and I could live and have a chance. What are you doing with that chance?

The lines in your life are there for a reason. Don't be so disgusted with lines that are on or around you. I can deal with my line, my nose isn't that big of a deal to me. More importantly, the lines in my life are another reminder of what God has brought me through. He said that He will never leave me nor will He ever forsake me (He. 13:5). If God brought you to it, He will bring you through it. The Scripture says, Yea though I walk through the valley... (Ps. 23:4). Notice that word... through. You will have things that come your way, you will have troubles and circumstances, but God will bring you through!

I go back to what I stated previously in this post; Jesus gave you a chance, what are you doing with that chance? How long will you go? How far will you run in fear? Where and when will you draw the line?!

We're in a battle. We will fight the enemy until we reach heaven. Have you had enough running, being in fear, and constant strife? The devil cannot stand against the Most High God! Our lives are what we build upon the solid rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail... (Mt. 16:18).

God is on our side! He is our refuge against the enemy (Ps. 61:3) His name is a strong tower that we can run into and be safe (Pr. 18:10). Nothing formed against you shall prosper (Is. 54:17). You see where I'm going with this?

Nothing the enemy throws at you can keep you down. All that he tries to do to you and build up against you will break and crumble with God on your side! Enough is enough! Draw the line!

Think about it.

J.H.

Throwback

2011-05-20T11:03:00.006-04:00

As I've stated in previous postings, I have a daily routine. I know, I'm a creature of habit. I'll save you the morning habits and skip to the part where I get to work. I get all my things I need at the time and all pressing matters that need attended to first. When I'm ready to get started, I bring up Pandora on my computer or iPad. As I did this routine yesterday, something caught my attention; I saw a picture of an old Pepsi can. I guess I noticed because I have been on a Pepsi kick for over a week for some reason.

What really did it for me was what the ad said on the can and the sign below. It really bothered me. Throwback! You moved on but the past is back! Really irritating.

Now I'm not saying that Pepsi is of the devil, but does this ad remind you of anything the enemy tries to tell you? Yeah you tried to move on, you thought you kicked that bad habit, you thought everyone forgot about that really bad thing you did a few years ago, but WRONG! Anyone besides me ever get told this by the enemy?

Even when the devil tries to throwback our past mistakes, our messed up situations, and so on, we do not have to take it! Okay so you made some mistakes... who hasn't?!?! So you did some things that people won't let you forget... I have too!

Listen, no matter what the circumstance or what the enemy may try to tell you about your life, your past is gone! When you go to Jesus and ask for forgiveness, He forgives you! Micah says that God will have compassion on us, stomp on our sin, and throw it into the depths of the sea (Mi. 7:19). Psalms say that He is slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy (Ps. 103:8). A few verses later it says as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our sins from us (Ps. 103:12).

So let me sum it up for you: when you go to God and ask Him to forgive your sins, He does! Your previous life is over, your mistakes are no more, your past is gone! Don't let the enemy tell you any different. When God forgives, your sins do not exist anymore!

I'm sure we have all had experiences where we were reminded of something we've done or said in our past, and sometimes that happens; but you don't have to dwell on it. We can learn from mistakes, but we don't have to live in them.

When you're surrounded by people who constantly remind you of 'what you did' or when the enemy whispers in your ear that you will never be anything because of that mistake you made, you remind the devil that God forgave you! Don't let the enemy sing you that old song when God gave you a new song to sing. You don't have to live in your past. It's gone!

You are a new creature in Jesus Christ (II Co. 517). Don't let that lying, deceitful enemy throw your past back in your face. Your past is over. Jesus makes all things new!

Think about it.

J.H.

Nighmares and Dreamscapes

2011-05-05T11:24:00.014-04:00

As a kid, I used to have this reoccuring dream that I was lying down in a field looking up at the sky. I would lay there and watch the clouds roll by, making shapes and pictures out of each cloud. I knew the grass was tall because I could always see it while looking up at the coulds. It was as if I was deep in the ground somehow.

Then the worst thing happened; I was gazing at the sky and the grass beside me began to move. Thinking it was the wind, I ignored it. Until a man dove on top of me and began to choke the life out of me. It didn't matter how many times I had this dream, he always took me by surprise.

I'd wake up in a cold sweat, breathing heavy, feeling nauseated. It always took what seemed like forever to fall back asleep and sometimes I didn't go back to sleep at all.

This went on for a long time. I had this dream maybe once or twice a month, sometimes more. However, no matter how many times I had this nightmare, I'd always wake up. It might've gotten to the point where I didn't think I was going to make it, or I may have felt like giving up, but I always woke up.

Nightmares are horrible! A living nightmare is even worse. Sometimes these are referred to as dreamscapes... it's a dream-like sometimes surreal scene one encounters.

I call dreamscapes 'living nightmares'. It's those circumstances that life gives you that make your world feel like a living hell. Torment, in a trance-like state, the enemy has a hold on you and you feel like you can't break free.

If you are in this sort of situation, or just going through something where you need to just break free and feel peace, I invite you to read Ps. 30:5 - "... weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."

It doesn't matter how bad your nightmare or how unrelenting your dreamscape, there is joy waiting for you. Your night may be filled with terror, weeping, confusion, and fear; but God did not give us the spirit of fear; but of power, love, and of a sound mind (II Ti. 1:7). That sound mind part is your peace, and God is not the author of confusion, but of peace (I Co. 14:33).

There is hope. You can have peace of mind. You can lay down at night and sleep without fear; for He gives His beloved sleep (Ps. 127:2).

Your peace is through Jesus Christ. He is a loving God and the author of our peace. He can take your nightmare and your dreamscape and turn it around for your good. He will be your strength and refuge. Turn to Him! Trust Him! It's not over for you. There's more to your life than what you're currently going through. He will turn your mourning into dancing, and your sorrow into joy (Ps. 30:11). Just hold onto Him... joy awaits you.

Think about it.

J.H.

Tools of Trade

2011-05-03T13:58:00.021-04:00

Every morning I have basically the same routine. It includes the usual getting up, dressed, prayer, brush teeth, etc. Before I leave, I go to my office and grab my bag which includes a laptop, notebooks, pens, files, papers, adapters, keys, an ipad, and more. These are all things I use for my job on a daily basis; the tools of my trade.

I get to work and have even more things I handle. A desktop computer, work books, an array of cords, different adapters for various machines, projectors, miscellaneous computer parts, and the list goes on.

Everyone has their specific tools for all that we do. A carpenter has a tool belt, a teacher has books to teach from, a mechanic has an entire tool box, etc. Each specific tool of our trade enables us to fulfill what we do on a daily basis; what we have spent time, energy, and even money on doing. Our tools aid us in operating in our particular field in which we spend our 40 hours a week.

So what's the point of all this tool-talk here? Am I trying to be the next Bob Vila? No. What I'm going to do is show us some other tools of a trade... His trade.

The majority of people may think of God and automatically think of the Bible as being the tool of trade. Not wrong, but there's more to it than that.

Ephesians tells us to put on the whole armor of God (Ep. 6:11). It goes on to tell us just what that armor is and what we use it against in verses 13:17(NIV). We don't fight against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil authorities that are unseen. So put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to stand strong in battle. After you've done everything you can, stand your ground. Stand with the belt of truth, body armor of right living, shoes of peace from God's Word so you're fully prepared. Then grab the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit which is the Word of God.

You see preachers are not the only ones that have to fight against the enemy and use the Word of God to do so. We all have battles. Everyday. Sometimes we may feel like we can't make it, like we should just give up, throw in the towel, quit; asking questions like, "What's the point?" or "Who cares?"

Do not give in to the lies of the enemy! God's Word is telling you to go forward, there is hope, and you have what it takes to make it. The words above are written in red to show that those words are coming directly from the Word of God. You do have what it takes, you can make it, and you will get through!

This is our true trade; His trade. These are the tools for it... truth, righteousness, peace from God's Word to prepare us, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. These tools will never fail us. They'll never get old and worn out. They'll never crash, lose data, or break.

Now I ask, how prepared are you? Do you have truth? Do you have the peace from God's Word? Do you read your Bible? When you begin your preparation for the battle of life, make sure you have your proper tools. Dive deep into God's Word. Being prepared makes a world of difference. Try out II Timothy 2:15 (AKJV) Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Don't quit. Don't give up. You can make it. God handed you the tools to get through it. Are you using the tools of His trade?

Think about it.

J.H.

Smokin Praise

2011-04-27T10:31:00.008-04:00

Severe weather always interests me. I keep telling my wife that I could be a storm chaser like on the T.V. show, but I don't think that will happen, especially when she gives me that "don't even think about it" look.

Speaking of severe, weather, I received an alert, via Blackberry weather from the local news station, that there are thunderstorm warnings and tornado watches for my county. This should be an interesting window view.

No sooner had I received this alert, I saw a door open just outside my window in my office. The door was to the offices beside me that share this building. Three women came out the door, quickly went to get under an awning, and began to smoke. I'm sitting here thinking, seriously!? It's pouring outside, there's a tornado warning, and people are going outside, just to smoke!

I've heard people say they smoke when they get stressed, angry, when things get rough, or just need a break. So no matter what it looks like outside, people are going to go out and smoke. In the middle of a storm, literally, people go and kill themselves with each drag.

So if they can take a smoke break, how about I take a praise break!?

Whether our lives are filled with storms or surrounded by circumstances that are out of our control, we should praise the most High! God is worthy!

Don't base your praise and worship on how your day is going or what you're facing in your life. God is worthy no matter what! Psalms says, "Give unto the LORD the glory due unto His name;"

People are entitled to take breaks on their job. Breaks that damage their body, breaks where they are slowly killing themselves. how much more should we take a praise break to give God glory!?! Praise is good and is good to do. When you praise Him, your spiritual and even physical body improve. Praise strengthens your spirit, soul, mind, and body.

God deserves the glory. Despite your situation, no matter what your circumstance, praise Him! Look at it this way: you're breathing, you have life, you have food, you have shelter, and you always have Jesus!

Despite your circumstances, no matter what your situation, take a praise break. No matter what you're going through, praise your way out of it! Keep going! God has control! No one said it'd be an easy road, but you can praise your way through it!

Think about it.

J.H.

The Day After

2011-04-25T15:18:00.007-04:00

Yesterday was Easter. A day to celebrate one of the greatest events in history; Jesus rising from the dead. The grave could not hold Him, He arose just like He said He would do. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of the greatest events in history! Not only an event, because the Resurrection lives in us when we die to our sin and rise up in Christ!

Churches, mine included, across the nation were pushing to do everything they could to invite more people than ever to attend their Easter services. We were doing so much to invite the people of our city to come to our special Easter Celebration services; made special invitation cards, put out signs, posted on Twitter and Facebook, and so much more to get the word out about this one service.

So here we are on the day after the Easter services. Does that mean that we stop reaching and pushing to get people to come to our church services?

Today is another opportunity to win the lost, to reach out to our community, to show people God's love and to share His Word.

We went to such great lengths and did so much to get people to come to our Easter services. Now that Easter is over, are we done reaching for the lost? We were all on our best behavior, looked our best, greeters wore extra smiles, we all shook all the hands we could, and showed God's light to our guests, but now that Easter is over, will we continue to make the same effort?

There is still a lost and dying world out there. There are still hungry people searching for something and someone to show them. Matthew has a very familiar verse that says, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations..." I didn't see a timeline in that verse. It doesn't say 'Go teach everyone about God until after Easter.

There is still a lost world that needs to be taught about God and His Word. Just because Easter is over does not mean that we should stop reaching for people and showing God's love.

Like I said, we all made such a huge effort to get people to come to our Easter services. It was all about souls, winning the lost, showing our guests the love of Jesus, etc. Will you continue to make the same effort on the day after Easter? Will you still show the love of Jesus and continue to witness with the Easter effort on the days after?

Think about it.

J.H.

Master's Degree

2011-04-19T19:51:00.006-04:00

Last Sunday morning, I was in a church service at the First Apostolic Church in Maryville, TN... as I always am. Standing in the congregation, singing, and offering up praises to the most high God, something caught my attention. Now, please realize, I do not go around looking at people and letting my mind wander off in the distance... not in a church service anyway; but on this particular morning, I noticed something and I could not pull my gaze away from it.

I noticed a man sitting down and looking at a copy of the recently published Apostolic Witness magazine. It was just an ordinary thing. I mean, how many people do you see looking at a magazine? This particular instance, however, was interesting to me. You see, it was not the man looking at the magazine, rather, it was what was on the back of the magazine that caught my eye. I couldn't see the entire page, but at the top was labeled, "Master's Degree."

Immediately my mind started working. Things like, "What's that about?" & "I wonder what is says." began to come in my mind. Later in the day, this thought still had not let go of me. I began to wonder if it was talking about a degree in education, a pedigree of some sort, etc.

You see, I am currently pursuing higher education. My first thought about this page on the magazine was of a Bible College... being as how it was on an Apostolic magazine and all; but throughout the day I began to see it in a new light. What if it was about The Master?

Whether or not the magazine page was about college, pedigree, or something else, I kept thinking of the title, Master's Degree, in a new form.

In any form of education, you must dedicate your time and even sacrifice your desires in order to achieve a degree. How much more should we sacrifice and dedicate our time, efforts, and energy for a greater cause? What if we pursued what the Master intended for our lives?

So many of us, myself included, have tried to earn education, titles, respect, etc. Spending hours in front of a computer or head-first in a book, but for what? A man's approval? Where is God in this picture? Instead of trying to please everyone around us, why not purpose to please Jesus? He is the Master and He is calling us to a higher standard, a higher purpose, a higher... degree.

Friends, the Master is calling us. He wants to bless you and fill your life with joy unspeakable. The Master's Degree is what Jesus wants you to be.

Even as a child, Jesus was found in the temple amongst doctors, teachers, etc. He was teaching them not the other way around. Jesus was educated and purposeful about His Father's business. That is a prime example for us to follow. We should be about our Father's business, sharing God's Word, teaching others about Him, letting everyone know that there is hope, there is a better way, there is love, and God does love you!

When I receive my Master's Degree from a University, I'll basically have a piece of paper saying that I'm educated in a particular field. What I really desire, what I dedicate my life to, is the the Master's reward. His 'degree' will be words filled with power and life; "well done." It's my desire to be with people of like precious faith that have made their way through this life, throw my graduation cap up in the air and enter into glory!

I long to achieve my Master's degree.

J.H.

Change - Yes We Can

2010-10-25T14:46:00.006-04:00

Finally, an update. Haven't been on here in a long while. A lot has been going on lately. We're coming up to a date that will surely change our country (as if it hasn't been already). We here of all this change about to happen, things will be different, things will be better, etc. Our newspapers tell us what our president is saying, what democrats are railing republicans about and vice versa. It's all about to change... It's been said since even before the current president was elected... Change. Yes we can!

Ok enough politics. There's lots more that I could say, but lets just leave that alone for now...

However, there does need to be a change. Our states, our country, our world is falling apart. Haiti is covered in Cholera, the streets of France are filled with protesters, death tolls are rising in Afghanistan, Indonesian islands have endured a 7.7 magnitude earthquake, young men are killing in New York because of a different life style lived by another... the list goes on and on.

We need a change. We must have a change in our world. But how can we change the world...?

Simple: Jesus. His love.

How can we show this broken, lost, and dying world that there is hope... true hope...? We must show them Jesus. People need to see Jesus in us. We may be the only form of Jesus, church, or love that some people ever see.

It might seem like an unreachable goal, an impossible task, but it can happen. One day, one step at a time. This world needs Jesus. So where do we start?

Lets change the world... but, we can't change our world unless we change our country. We can't change our country unless we change our state. We can't change our state unless we change our city. We can't change our city unless we change our county. We can't change our county unless we change our neighborhood. We can't change our neighborhood unless we change the street on which we live. We can't change our street unless we change our own home. We can't change our home unless WE CHANGE! We do that through Him!

The point: We can change this world, but it has to start with us individually. We must make a difference and a change in ourselves before we reach out to anyone. For if we are not right, how can we show "right living" to others?

This post may be just to wake us up a little. Is our heart right? Are we really showing God's love to others?

Listen world changers: You want to make a difference and a change... it all starts with you. Get ahold of God like never before. Jesus is the only hope for any change. There's no time to waste. Jesus is soon to return and this world will be no more. The time is now. Take a deep look inside your own heart and into your own life... Are you ready to change the world?

J.H.

Dude, You're Weird

2010-04-23T09:32:00.004-04:00

I took a trip to Mississippi for engagement pictures this past weekend. On the way back, I stopped in Nashville for some coffee and to stretch a bit. Got back in the car and was back on my way. Trying to get back to the interstate, I saw a man walking on the sidewalk and he appeared to be shouting something. His hands were raised and from what I understood of his shouts he was saying, "You're my God! You're my God! Thank you! Thank you!" I guess he was just walking down the road praising God. I thought that was pretty cool that someone would praise God without reservation, without caring who's around or who may be staring.

Now to the average person, that man walking down the street would be considered weird or strange. Some crazy dude walking down the street shouting gibberish at the air... Be honest here, what would your first thought be? To be transparent, mine was that he might be in trouble, or crazy. But no matter how strange it appeared to me at first, the fact was that he was a man simply praising God for all He has done.

Personally, I've always been a little different than most. People call me strange, weird, and other names that aren't worth mentioning. However, the difference between me and them is that I'm supposed to be different. It's safe to say that I'm supposed to be weird. My Bible tells me that I'm supposed to come out from among them and be separate (II Cor 6:17). So there's my calling to be different... to be weird. God's Word also tells me that God did not call me to be impure, but to be holy (I Thes 4:7). One more step further is that the gifts and callings of God are without repentance (Ro 11:29). They're irrevocable, they never change, they never expire...

So I'm supposed to be different because it's my calling that never changes or expires. When I separate myself from this world, I become closer to God, and nothing can separate me from Him or His love (Ro 8:38-39).

There are a lot of times that I've walked the opposite way of the world, didn't follow the crowd and I've been called weird, strange, stupid, etc. But the thing is, I'm supposed to be different. I'm a child of God. His Word says to be separate and I am totally cool with following God and not this world. God has too much in store for us to just walk away and be with the IN-crowd, the cool kids, etc. Being separate has benefits that are far better than anything this world could ever give us. Blessings follow people that are holy and separate (Nu 6:24-27).

Some people may see this whole "separate" thing as weird or having no fun, but God called us to be a holy and separate people. Separation is not isolation, but insulation. It's a protection from ungodliness. Being separate... being weird is the coolest thing you could ever do.

J.H.

Happy Valentine's Day, Jesus!!!

2010-02-17T13:05:00.004-05:00

A few days ago we celebrated Valentine's Day. I was fortunate enough to spend it with the one I love. We did the usual V-day date and such... we did some not-so-usual things that just describe "us" fitting perfectly together.

I just wonder if any out there know what Valentine's Day really means or where it came from.

The Romans called it the festival the Lupercalia. The custom of exchanging valentines and all the other traditions in honor of Lupercus - the deified hero-hunter of Rome - was also linked anciently with the pagan practice of teenagers "going out". It usually led to fornication. Today, the custom of teenagers dating only one person on a regular basis is thought very modern... But is it? Or is it merely a rebirth of an old custom handed down from the Roman festival of the Lupercalia, celebrated in the month of February, when names of young women were put into a box and drawn out by men as chance directed?

The pagan Romans celebrated February 14 as an idolatrous and sensuous festival in honor of Lupercus, meaning the "hunter of wolves". Emperor Claudius II of Rome, also known as Claudius the Cruel was having a difficult time recruiting men as soldiers. He believed that the men did not want to leave their sweethearts and cancelled all engagements and marriages throughout Rome. St. Valentine, a priest of Rome at the time, secretly married couples. He was eventually caught, arrested and condemned. He was beaten to death and beheaded on February 14th, around the year 270.

Lupercalia was a feast to a heathen God. Pastors and priests of the early Christian church did away with the pagan custom by replacing the names of the girls with the names of saints. They chose St. Valentine’s Day as the day of celebration for the new feast.

Interesting. Today we use this pagan tradition as a day to spend with the one we love and have hearts, flowers, candy, etc. Don't get me wrong... I love my valentine and enjoyed spending the holiday with her. I just wonder if anyone thought about a greater love...

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (Jhn 3:16). You see, God loves us so much that he died for us. No heart-shaped holiday will ever compare to that. He is our first love and will always be. No matter what we do or where we go God will always love us. That's no excuse to go out and live it up... however, God's love for you and I is forever.

I wonder why... Me? A sinner, a common man, at times a fool, etc. God tells us My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord. 9- For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts (Is 55:8-9).

So why does God love me...? I have no idea. We may not be able to explain it, understand it, or comprehend it, but it's true. Nothing compares to the love of Jesus. Nothing will ever take the place of His love for you. There is no greater love than Jesus laying down His life for you... His friend (Jhn 15:13) God calls you friend (James 2:23). God calls you His children (Rom 8:16). And nothing will ever separate you from the love of Jesus. For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39- nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom 8:38-39).

I know it's late, but Happy Valentine's Day to my first love! Jesus. The greatest love I've ever known.

J.H.

Ready, Set, GET MOVIN!

2010-02-05T13:28:00.004-05:00

As a young man in school, I entered into our school's competition for several events. One of which was track. I remember it well... one reason is that I pulled a muscle a week before the competition. I ran in the event anyway. Walking down toward the starting line to take my place, I wondered how I was going to run, let alone finish. To me, I was doomed to fall down and possibly take others with me and make a complete fool out of myself.

Arriving at the starting point, a man with a small gun began talking to me and my four opponents. He told us what to expect; he'd say ready, set, and fire the gun. He explained the penalties if we drifted of into another running lane and so forth.

About to start, I took a deep breath and tried to relax. I felt my right leg sting with pain where the pulled muscle was. I focused my mind and ignored the pain. I heard the man with the gun, "On your mark, get set..." FIRE! I bolted off the line in front of the others. Twenty yards and still in the lead. Then the sting of pain shot through my leg. I pushed on, but slower. One runner passed, then two, then the others. I was dead last. Fifty yards to go and one runner was a few feet from the finish. I heard cheering for the winner and then saw all the others cross the finish line. I kept running... in pain, breathing hard, upset at myself, but I kept running. Finally, I crossed the finish line and collapsed on the sideline.

You see, I purposed in my mind and my heart to run the race before me. I hoped to be first, but in the end I was last. The point is, I finished.

God has placed a purpose and calling on each and every one of us. There is a particular call on all our lives. God has given us the opportunity to go and live the life He has called us to live. Judges 18 tells about a group trying to possess a land for an inheritance. It says, Arise, let's go. The land is good. And will you sit still? Don't be slow to enter and possess the land. 10 - When you get there, you'll find people living carefree lives. God has given it to you. It's a place where you will lack nothing (Jgs 18:9-10).

God has given your calling to you. Go get it! Your destiny awaits you. What are you doing for your calling? In some way, everyone has a calling on their life. I'm asking you, what are you doing to pursue it?

Prepare yourself. God has placed in you a purpose, a plan, and a calling that no one can keep you from. Pursue it! Your destiny is in your possession. Pursue it with everything you have. Soon it will come to pass.

Like my track competition, the race is to be finished. You might have some pulled muscles, you may be sweating, in pain, and feeling faint. But KEEP GOING! DO NOT STOP! Your calling is at the finish line waiting for you. You've got to keep on moving. ...The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong... (Ecc 9:11). You don't have to be the fastest or the strongest. Things will happen, trials will come, people and things will make you second guess your call, but persevere. You might have a rough road, but he that endures to the end, the same shall be saved (Mt 24:13).

You don't have to wait anymore. Step through the door God has placed in front of you. Pursue your destiny. If you want what God has for you, you better get moving! If you want things to happen, you have to get moving! You want it, go get it, in Jesus name.

So, you ready? You set? Go!

J.H.

God of Wonders

2009-12-28T14:31:00.006-05:00

Ever look around and think, "How'd all this get here?" Things we see everyday we pass up and don't even notice. Things that are unseen don't even occur to us. Do you ever think of all that God has made? He holds time in His hands, the entire world is His footstool. The stars and galaxies, heaven and earth, etc. It's an amazing thing that all things were spoken into existence by Him.

I've heard some people say, "If God is so wonderful, then why doesn't He work things out for me?" Well, God can and God will. He can do anything. His Word says to cast your problems on Him and He will take of you (Ps 55:22 NLT). If we would just pray and tell Him our problems and our situations, He would answer our prayer. He knows what we need before we even ask (Mt 6:8). So what do you need? What are you searching for? What kind of miracle do you need in your life?

I'm reminded of a story in Joshua. The children of Israel were about to cross over Jordan and take the city of Jericho. Joshua told them to sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you (Jsh 3:5). Before you can expect wonders, you must live right. Sanctify yourself, live the way God wants... not what you want. His will, not your own.

In the next chapter it tells of the priest who carried the Ark of God stood in the Jordan river and all the people crossed over. What stands out to me in this is that it says that when the waters parted, the people hastened and passed over (Jsh 4:10). When you arm yourself with God's Word and He begins to work in your life, you can run full-force into what lies ahead. Rise up and hasten to your season! Your new beginning is on the other side of the river in front of you. Run and pass over it. Pass over your problem and leave it behind.

Joshua and the children of Israel walked around the walls of Jericho once for six days. On the seventh day, it says they rose early about the dawning of the day and marched around the city just like before; only this time they walked around the walls seven times (Jsh 6:15). When they finished walking, when the priest blew the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, Shout; for the Lord has given you the city (Jsh 6:16).

Sometimes this life isn't easy. Sometimes you feel like you're walking in pointless circles; but just hold on. God is with you. When you don't know what to do, when you don't know how the bills will get paid, just take the hand of God and walk with Him... wherever He leads you. God will lead you and guide you and never lead you wrong. He's put you in this place for a purpose. You may not be able to see how things are going to end or where you'll end up, but remember God is leading you. He will place you in His perfect plan, and you can shout because God has given you your city. He will give you the answers to problems, to whatever is hindering you and holding you down.

Just think about it... the same God that created the universe, the same God that brought an entire city's walls down flat, that same God is with you and will work for you in your life. He is going to do something great in your life and in the upcoming year. We simple humans cannot fathom what God can really do for us. He is our God of wonders! He is a wonderful God!

J.H.

A Mile-Long Walk

2009-12-03T13:27:00.004-05:00

It seems that every time you find something good, there is something bad to try and stop it. People talk, situations arise, things happen. But isn't it said that everything happens for a reason? I wonder why sometimes... What reasons are there for certain things that happen? There are things in this life that just do not make any sense at all.

We've all been at this point at some time in our lives. We feel the hurt, experience the pain of this life, we get cut down and stabbed in the back by so called friends, etc. We don't understand some things, we can't put our finger on exactly why some things happen. Have we put our faith in our wandering eyes? What we see and experience happening around us isn't always for the reason we think it is.

Before the threads of time began, before any of us were even here on this earth, there was a pre-ordained plan. There was a man to be on this earth and do something no one had ever done or ever will do.

Jesus came to this earth on which we live. His purpose for being born was to die... we know this story, but do we really grasp what happened while He was here??? Jesus came and experienced every single thing a person could go through. He did more than die for us... He came and walked a mile in our shoes. He has been through everything we go through. He did so that He could know just exactly what we feel and what we go through.

We were made in the image of God (Ge 1:26). We were made to serve Him. This was all foreseen before the earth was hung in the universe. I don't know about you, but my life went in a different way for a time. I went astray and I violated the bond that God and I had. I'm not proud of it in any way, but I'm forever grateful that Jesus had already walked down that road I was on. He knew what I felt and what I was going through.

He walked down a dusty road for you and me, forgiveness was His anthem. He experienced all pain, all suffering, and everything imaginable so He would know how we feel. Scientists say that Jesus carried the cross just about two kilometers; that is equal to one mile... think about that; those same feet that walked a mile in our shoes were later nailed to a cross for our salvation, His back beaten for our healing.

So when you think you're alone, when you're hurt and everyone seems to be against you, remember Jesus has already been there. He sees your hurt, He sees every tear you've cried. Remember that He went through it all just for you. He didn't keep Himself away from anything, He is no stranger to the pain you go through.

When you're at your wits end, when you don't know what to do or where to turn, remember that road has already been taken. Give your hurt and your problems to Him. He's already been through it, so He knows exactly how to fix it. Cast your cares and worries on Him, because He cares for you (I Pe 5:7). He's already walked a mile in your shoes.

J.H.

Flesh Denied

2009-11-21T11:55:00.006-05:00

I remember getting my first car... the one in my name and that I was paying for. It was a 2006 Jeep Liberty, dark navy, grey leather interior, power everything, 6-CD player, the works. I was unaware how involved getting the new car really worked. I found out quickly that you need a lender and then have to work out all the many details. I was thinking, "People get new cars all the time. This should be a quick and painless process". Little did I know, the next day I went to the car dealership only to see my stack of papers that said, "Loan Denied". I couldn't believe it!

Well, the story goes that I eventually got the car and enjoyed it thoroughly. I kept thinking about the first lender we tried to use... why did they deny me? What did I do wrong? I wanted that new car, but it seemed like I was looking in the wrong places.

This got me thinking... we have all this 'stuff' we can buy and it supposedly makes us happy, but give it time... when the new wears off, we go right back to getting that new car smell in our lives. It's the same with religion and churches today. We live in an age where Christianity has become a product. From Christian mints, to bobble head Jesus figurines, the faith has been commercialized to the point that we go to the church of our choice, we rate the preacher or music, we'll even opt for online community because sacred space and live people seem to be too inconvenient. We've created consumer Christians who are more dissatisfied their spiritual walk than ever.

However, the true Christian message is one of denial, not convenience. A cross-less church becomes stale bread and cheap wine. It has no power and therefore can be easily parodied and marketed.

Jesus said it this way, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself or be cast away? (Lu 9:23-25)

Looking for that new car smell in your life? You must deny your flesh daily. It's not about all the things we want, rather what God wants for us. His will and His timing is perfect. If we deny ourselves, lose our lives, and follow Him, then we will find our whole life and our entire reason of existence in Him. What good are material possessions? It's just stuff... you can't take it with you when you leave this world.

If you're in the market for something new, or the honeymoon stage in your life is long gone, I challenge you to give Jesus a chance. If you give up living for yourself and deny yourself, then your life will really be saved in Him. Deny yourself, and save your life.

J.H.

Genesis II

2009-11-13T12:05:00.004-05:00

I've been reading in the Old Testament lately. Reading and rereading to understand God's Word more. As I was reading I was thinking about how all this began. The Bible days, the first man and woman, the very beginning. The first book of the Bible is Genesis... where it all started. "In the beginning..."

Genesis is where it all began. I'm sure at some point all of us have thought about going back and redoing certain things in our lives. Reliving those times where we've made wrong decisions and bad choices... a new beginning of sorts. I wonder how we could have a new beginning...

I looked in John 1:3 - All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made. So God made everything. This tells us Jesus' creativity. All things were made through Him and nothing was made without Him. He was involved of every aspect of creation. The Greek word for "made" is "ginomai", from which we get the English word "genesis". It means to come into being, to happen, or to become. God brought everything into being out of nothing. Everything in this universe was spoken into existence by God Almighty.

So if God made everything, that means He made you too; and if He made you once, it is safe to say that He can make you again. All throughout the Bible there are people who failed and sinned greatly, but were still made something great for God. David had an affair, Saul killed Christians, and the list goes on. In the end these men and women in the Bible were still used greatly for God and His kingdom.

Putting this all together... God made you in the beginning. He can make you again. He can and will give you a new start. The mercies of God are never consumed... they are new every morning (La 3:22-23). If you've fallen (and we all have) don't stay down. You're not forgotten and you are not alone. Get up and go on. Your past is over. You can have a new start today! The making of you life story has just begun. Pick yourself up and move forward with your new beginning in Him!

J.H.

Rise Up

2009-11-09T13:43:00.006-05:00

As a young boy I had a tendency to fall a lot... Yes, I know it's funny. I usually fell while playing sports or something, but there were those random times I'd just trip and fall for no apparent reason. Now that I'm older, I've graduated from falling to just running into things. You know, doors, walls, etc. I realized as kid that if I didn't get up when I fell, I'd never get anywhere. I would just lay there defeated and never get any better or get past what made me fall in the first place.

Going through this life, we all have our times when we fall down. We face situations and circumstances that test us and put us through what we think is the worst thing ever. However, the Word of God states that tribulation works patience (Ro 5:3). Did you ever think that what you're going through is just God trying to teach you something? It's the testing and trying of our faith that make us strong.

What you have to do is remember what God said in His Word, "I will never leave you, nor forsake you" (He 13:5). God is with you no matter what. No matter what situation is staring at you, God is right beside you.

Bounce back from your circumstance. You have the power, God is with you, and no weapon formed against you will prosper (Is 54:17). You don't have to sit silently while the enemy screams lies in your ears. You don't have to sit paralyzed with fear of what the devil tells you. RISE UP! Stand on the Word of God, claim His promises, stand against the enemy and he will be brought down by the power that is in Jesus name.

God has a plan and purpose for you and your life. The callings from God you feel on your life are irrevocable. They never change or expire. You're not here by accident. You are here to fulfill a divine purpose that God Himself has designed for you.

Wait on God's timing, listen to His voice and follow His instructions, then watch what He does with your life. We pray and ask God to guide our steps, but we have to be willing to move our feet in whatever direction He takes us.

You are here for a reason. Don't doubt that for a second! Don't question what God has already told you. You may slip and fall, but don't stay there. Get up, dust yourself off, and rise above it. It's time to rise up!

J.H.

You Got The Right ONE Baby

2009-11-05T10:42:00.004-05:00

When I was 16 years old, I had a job working as a pharmacy technician. I loved it! It was so cool all the things that are involved in medicine and the medical industry as a whole. One of the things I learned was reading scripts. A doctor would write an order for a patient and then it comes to us. After all the information is entered in the system I'd have to see which drug to dispense. On the order would say, "Dispense as Written" or "Substitutions Allowed". This was for generic or brand name medicine.

I was thinking yesterday about how people have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof (II Ti 3:5). Basically they're substituting things for God and the things of Him. They're sacrificing things instead of having the whole gospel and the whole truth. Instead of having Jesus and Him crucified (I Cor 2:2), they have a 'substitutions allowed' form of God and church.

The title of this post probably makes you laugh... It refers to the familiar 1991 jingle of Ray Charles about Diet Pepsi. They sing about having the right one. It's irresistible, simply sipable, etc. Still, to me something is wrong with this. It's DIET Pepsi... it's just a form of the regular Pepsi. Same with Coke, Dr. Pepper, or any other diet drink. No matter how many commercials say that Diet Dr. Pepper taste the same as regular Dr. Pepper, it still doesn't compare to the real thing.

Same with God!!! There's nothing that compares to Him! Nothing comes close to being the real thing. You can try different things in your life to try and make it sufficient, but at the end of the day it's still not the real thing. There is only one God, there is only one way to heaven, and it's the real thing!

The only thing that will save you, the only thing that will help you and turn your life around is Jesus... The real thing. The one, true, genuine God Almighty and His holy ghost in you. There's love, joy, peace, and power in the holy ghost. If you don't have it, you can get it. It's promised to you by God Himself in His Word. It says to repent, be baptized in Jesus name, and you will receive the holy ghost. It's a promise to you, your children, and to everyone that's far away (Acts 2:38-39).

Jesus and His holy ghost! There's no substitutes for that. You can try other things and try to fulfill your life. No matter what, drugs, sex, money, alcohol... none of that will ever compare to Jesus. He won't make you feel empty and alone. He will never leave you or forsake you (He 13:5).

Try Jesus. With Him you got the right One baby... uh huh.

J.H.

Just Like You

2009-11-02T13:13:00.004-05:00

A lot of times people come up to me and tell me I look like someone they know. I've been told I look like Vince Vaughn, the guy off the E channel, and a few others. Then there are those people who could swear that I'm their long lost third cousins brother's wife's step-nieces great uncle... twice removed. The fact still remains that I am just plain ole me... no matter who people say I look like.

I could be like a lot of people. I could mimic their actions and how they talk, even dress like them. It's safe to say that I could be just like them, but then I wouldn't really be myself. The truth is that we're all alike in some way or another. Whether a little or a lot, we all resemble someone else. The choice of who we resemble is ours. Who will you look like?

Everyone has their share of life's problems. There are people who do you wrong, there's things that happen that can't be helped, and there are things that the enemy uses to attack you and your life. What you will do when this happens makes the difference. You could be mean, angry, fake, cold, ruthless, weak, senseless, etc. Or you could be different...

I've always tried to live by a simple question: "Why blend in when you were made to stand out?" The reality is that God called each and every one of us to be different. We are told to come out from among the world and be separate (II Cor 6:17). You could be like those that hurt you and take advantage of you, or you could be like Jesus and turn the other cheek. You could be vengeful and to those that harmed your life, or you could forgive.

We could all be just like them or just like Him! We are made in the image and likeness of God (Gen 1:26). It's said that if you get close enough to a person and look in their eyes, you can see a reflection of yourself. We are the apple of God's eyes. We can see ourselves in Him because we were made in His image... but can He see Himself in us???

Jesus overcame the world (John 16:33). So that tells me no matter what your situation, no matter how your life seems right now, you were made to overcome! You were made to rise above! You can do it, you can make it, and nothing formed against you shall prosper (Is 54:17). It's time to rise up! You don't have to stay in the same situation you're in. You will have problems, but you don't have to stay down. When you fall, you will get back up (Mal 7:8).

Take courage, child of God. There is always hope in Him. It's time to rise up and be like Him! Let it be said that you are just like Him!

J.H.

Passion for what?

2009-10-27T08:45:00.007-04:00

I'm sitting in a local cafe at the same table I always get. This place is ideal for studying, writing, etc. Something I've noticed this past week is the same older men here everyday. I feel like I should know all of them by name. I would say these guys are all around 65 or older. Their topics of conversation range anywhere from politics to family and so on. Today's topic is football.

I can't help but overhear their conversation. Some take UT's recent loss better than others. Some, however, want to take action against the entire opposing team. One even said that they should take the player who blocked the field goal attempt and throw him into a raging river. It's only football dude... seriously.

This makes me think. Sitting in this little nook the past week I've gotten to know these guys a little... whether they know it or not. I listen to them and their life stories. The majority have lived in this town since they were born. Some of their parents were pillars in this community. So when their team loses, they get upset, they want to do something. Maybe they can't actually do anything about the loss, but they sure do want to do something!

Initiative. Passion. You want to do something... anything... but you just don't know exactly what to do. Does anyone besides me ever feel that way? Your life doesn't really have anything bad to speak about, but no great good to be proud of either. This takes us beyond having nothing to be ashamed of to being ashamed if we do nothing.

Our lives for God should not just be simply lived. We need to do something... anything! The passion these guys here have for a team or their belief in politics is amazing. They've actually done something to determine their town's Mayor, Governor, etc. It may have been small, but they did something. In I Samuel 14 Jonathan and tells his armor bearer, "Come, let's go over to the Philistines..." A few verses later, the two slaughter about 20 Philistines. It may have been only 20 men, but they did something.

As Christians, we know what the Word of God says. We have the knowledge in our minds but sometimes lack the passion in our hearts. Knowledge isn't power until you act. Even waiting on God is proactive activity. God designed us to move through this life intentionally, to live life on purpose, to make each day count.

Where is your passion? Where is your purpose? What drives you to get up everyday? Are you living or simply existing? I challenge you today to live your life on purpose. God has a plan and a purpose for you. Why settle for less when God has more for you? Even if you think you've messed up or gone too far... what are you doing about it? People's response to having done something wrong is not to do something right, but to do nothing at all.

There's more for you. God has a purpose for you and your life. You are here for a reason. Take action in your life. Do something. Even if it's small at least you'll be doing something. We have put so much emphasis on avoiding the bad that we have become virtually blind to the endless opportunities for doing the good God has for us.

Today, live on purpose, take initiative, and see what God has waiting for you when you actually do His Will. Three words that separate Jonathan from most of us is, "Come, let's go". He simply acted on what needed to be done.

J.H.

BOLO

2009-10-23T10:35:00.004-04:00

Sometimes late at night when I can't sleep, I'll turn on my tv and try to find something boring to watch and fall asleep. People tell me to read and I'll fall asleep, but I'm an avid reader and will try and finish the book before sleep hits me. One of those sleep-deprived nights was just a while back. Looking for a boring show I have no interest in, I came across a cop show of the world's most outrageous car chases... or something like that. The police put out a BOLO on a particular suspect. Apparently the man fleeing from police was of great importance for seven sheriff cars to be chasing him.

I got to thinking about what BOLO means. The police put out these BOLO's because they are trying to find someone and want everyone else to be aware of whoever they're looking for. BOLO stands for Be On the Look Out. This intrigued me even more...

The Bible says to, "Watch and pray..." (Mt 26:41) Maybe we should all put out a BOLO on Jesus. Be on the look out for Him and His Will for our lives. If we seek Him we will find Him. If we draw near to Him, He will come near to us (James 4:8)

On my run this morning I was reminded of a place in the Bible I read recently... Psalm 23. A familiar passage. Notice that there is constant movement in this chapter... He leads me beside still waters... He leads me in the paths of righteousness... Walk through the valley of the shadow of death... Goodness and mercy shall follow me... There is constant moving here. So living for God is constant moving... That means God will not let you be comfortable, stale or complacent. He's more interested in your growth than your comfort.

Tying this all together... God speaks in the Old Testament, "For I am the Lord, I change not;" (Mal 3:6) If God is perfect and He never changes, that must mean we need to change. Forget your past and leave it behind. Be on the look out for Him and for His Will. Prepare yourself and get ready. Your destiny awaits you and it's coming. Just follow Him into the future He has for you. Be on the look out and move into His perfect Will in His perfect time.

J.H.

Worthy Or Not, Here He Comes

2009-10-21T12:08:00.004-04:00

I've been listening to some good preaching this morning. Turned on the radio and there it was. The man on the radio was talking about the coming of Jesus. I had never heard of this man before, but it intrigued because he was preaching Jesus name and straight up truth. The man (Mike) was talking about the return of Jesus and something he said triggered something in me.

We're all human and we make mistakes. We strive for excellence and struggle to be found good enough in the sight of Almighty God. We often become discouraged and frustrated with ourselves when we try so hard and still fall short. Our desire to overcome is often overtaken by the ever-present law we find within us that takes us into captivity. Paul writes of this in Romans 7:23 - "But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members." Though we battle to put this law of sin away for good, it just seems to pop up somewhere else; but hey, we're human right...?

Sounding familiar to you yet?

In Luke 21:36, Jesus speaks and tells us to, "Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man." The fact that Jesus advises us to pray that we be counted worthy only suggest that we will not fully succeed in overcoming all the sin we're in by ourselves. His words indicate that if we remain humble, continue to try to grow, improve, and overcome, then our faith in His grace, given through the sacrifice of Christ for each of us, will cause us to be "counted worthy" to be saved.

Jesus is coming soon. His Word is being fulfilled and the stage is being set for the second coming. No matter where you are or what you're doing, when God comes back you will not be excluded from judgement. We have to check ourselves daily. Watch and pray always. There will be no time to pray and get right when Jesus comes back. He will split the sky wide open and ready or not, He will come. Be ready.

J.H.

Take A Walk

2009-10-20T12:16:00.004-04:00

Around this time last year, I started going to a local park and walking. I usually start out walking then I run. It clears my head, puts a lot of things in perspective, and just makes me feel better. I like doing this and it really does help me... yes even in the cold temperatures of the early morning that have been here lately.

However, I did not go today. For some reason I was just unmotivated or something... I sat in a local cafe and wondered why I wasn't outside at that particular moment. I thought about why I run. I do it to stay in good health and all those reasons, but I was thinking about where I get at the end of my run. I go down the path, around the bend, and back to the starting point. I have a destination in mind. I have a goal to get to the end of the pathway and back, and I often miss the beautiful scene that surrounds me... I don't really enjoy the things that are around me because I'm focused on simply finishing and that's it.

Often times we take our walk with God this way. We have a destination in mind and are constantly striving just to get there. Yes, heaven is our goal, but that doesn't mean we have to continually struggle for a finish. Instead, why not walk with God in a way that does not consist of simply an end?

I run with a purpose and a destination, but I don't want my walk with God to become such a thing. Instead of striving to just survive and get to our final destination, sit back and enjoy the life God has given you. Instead of a destination, have a relationship. Again, heaven is our goal, but we don't have to rush and miss out on everything that God has in store for us.

Enjoy the life God has given you. Take advantage of the opportunity that presents itself to you. Don't miss out on the things He wants for you because of your tunnel vision. Rather than just, "God save me and get me into heaven" try "God, I love you. Thank you for another day. I'm gonna do all I can for you today and enjoy everything you've given me".

Do you just have a destination, or do you have a relationship?

J.H.

Breaking The Code

2009-10-19T14:49:00.002-04:00

Ever watched the show about the magician that shows you how he does all the tricks? I stumbled upon this show the other night. Didn't really mean to, just kinda happened. I was sitting there watching this guy show exactly how a magician does the 'magic'. Someone said that a magician will only let you see what he wants you to see. As a spectator, you don't see what's really going on. Your mind is being tricked to think that what you see happening in front of you is in fact reality.

No surprise here, but it got me thinking of this in depth... The devil is a magician in his own form. He plays tricks on you and me and only shows us what he wants us to see. He shows the parties and how much fun in can be to experience drugs, sex, alcohol, etc. He doesn't show the messed up minds, the diseases, the car wrecks that takes lives, etc. He's trying to fool us into believing that we can live it up with no consequence.

WE MUST BREAK THE CODE!!!!

The devil is a liar and the father of all! We have to see past what he shows us. The enemy would love nothing more than to see us fall into his trap, but knowing that he is out to make us fall and to get us away from God is our advantage. We know what he's up to and we know what we must do.

Break the enemy's code! See through the tricks he is trying to play on you and the trap he wants you in. Look to Jesus, look to His Word. What does He have to say about what's going on in front of you? Trust in the Almighty God! Don't be swayed by the tricks of the devil. Look not to the left or the right and keep your foot from evil (Pro 4:27). Just keep pushing past the enemy and you will overcome! You can do it... Break the code in Jesus name!

J.H.

What A Day That WON'T Be

2009-10-08T18:39:00.007-04:00

"What a day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see..." Every time I hear this song it just makes such an impact on me. Thinking about that day when I see my Saviour face to face. Thinking about being with my God for eternity, walking on streets of gold. The song talks about what a day that will be...

It's a great song with a great message, but I got to thinking about it a little more... What a day that won't be. There won't be anymore hurt, pain, sorrow, tears, dying, etc. In heaven with my sweet Jesus, there will be no more fear of what may happen. There will be no more crying and worrying about situations that cause us so much strife down here. There is not going to be anymore loved ones dying, no more dealing with the troubles and trials of this life, no more temptation, no more sickness, we'll face no more darkness...

Jesus Christ will be the light and we will be with Him for eternity! What a day it will be when we don't have to face the things of this life. Don't get me wrong, it's not so bad down here on earth. God has given us so much, such a life and so many things to be thankful for. We are blessed beyond measure. I'm just saying that it will be so much better when we're with Him.

In the meantime, why not enjoy the life we have? God has given us so much opportunity, yet so little take advantage of it. We have the great opportunity to witness and to show people Jesus everyday. Let your light shine, let your life be a witness to those around you. May people see Him in you and all you do.

He is coming soon and what a day it will be! But as soon as we get to heaven, there will be no more opportunity to share God's Word with this world, no more chances for people to be saved. That's the main point of this blog post... Let's take our God-given opportunity and win this world for Him. Then they too can enjoy that wondrous day of our Lord!

J.H.

LifeLock

2009-09-30T13:20:00.003-04:00

There is a company out there called Life Lock. It is supposed to prevent identity theft and secure your good name... as their slogan states, "Guarantee Your Good Name". I've seen the commercials for this company... I believe it's the CEO that has his actual social security number posted everywhere throughout the commercial. I'm not sure how accurate this is, but I was told he got his identity stolen.

Whether or not that last sentence is true, there is something much better than Life Lock out there for you and me. It's not an insurance company, but it offers the best coverage. It's not a retirement plan, but has the greatest rewards. It's not an identity theft corporation, but has the best protection. It's called prayer.

My pastor has really been teaching lately on the subject of prayer. I got to thinking about this more in depth... We have the greatest thing at our disposal, we have a way to go straight to God Himself, yet a lot of times we don't take advantage of it. Prayer is a way we can get answers, healing, deliverance, etc.

There's something about the power of prayer. If you talk to God, He will talk back to you. It's sweet communion with Jesus Christ. There are some who just want the "perks" of living for God, the blessings and good things but they don't want to live the life and dedicate themselves to Him. It takes work... it's a sacrifice to your flesh.

There is nothing better than having a relationship with Jesus. He is the only one that can take your life and make everything better. Dive into a relationship with Him. It can only get better when you have Him as your number one priority. You'll have security beyond your imagination. You'll not only "guarantee your good name", but guarantee a great life and a wondrous eternity. Push past your flesh and carnality, and lock your life in Him.

Rocket Science

2009-09-15T10:48:00.005-04:00

I am currently in school for Accounting. It gets frustrating and I feel like throwing my textbook across the room and never picking it up, but what normally happens is that I just walk away and do something to get my mind off school. Afterwards, I go back to studying because I want a good education and that textbook is helping me get it.

Sometimes the ins and outs of so many different types of accounting gets hard to me and I say things like, "What's the point?" I'm sure all college students feel this way at some point. I'm required by my university to take biblical classes also. Those are always easy for me... then I got to thinking...

The Word of God, Jesus, living for Him, etc. It's not hard at all. It's so easy to love Him and to serve Him with my whole heart. I think about how God came down as a man and died just for me, how He saved me when I was a young boy, how He has healed me time after time, how His mercy has spared me and His forgiveness gave me a new start... How easy it is for me to love Him! Everywhere I go, no matter what I do, He is always there.

You see, people use the cliche, "It's not rocket science" for things that are simple. This is one of those things. This life of mine, serving my God, it is so easy and so simple. Jesus loves each and every one of us and desires to do good for us. All we have to do is surrender our will to His and live our lives for Him. He died for us, the least we can do is live for Him.

It's not rocket science here... Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb. 13:8) His Word never changes, His promises are sure, they are yes and amen (IICor 1:20) After everything that my Jesus has done for me, I find it so easy to love Him, so easy to live for Him. It's so easy.

J.H.

Never Forget

2009-09-11T17:39:00.005-04:00

Today is the anniversary of a horrific event that happened just a couple years ago. 9/11... a date which will always live in infamy just like December 7, 1941. The tragedy of so many lives lost in the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the lives that were boarded on each plane. Everyone remembers exactly where they were when they heard the news of 9/11. We will always remember what happened to our country.

There is another event in history that stands out to me. It was about 2000 years or so ago. Jesus Christ came to this earth as a man. He was tempted in all ways just like you and me, but He was without sin. He was tried, convicted, and sentenced to death. A gruesome death... He was beaten, bruised, crowned with thorns, and hung on a cross.

Two events here... Today it seems that only one is getting attention. The attacks of 9/11 were tragic and horrible to say the least. We always remember, especially on this date. How much more should we remember what Jesus did for us some 2000 years ago?!

Everyday it should be remembered. Jesus died, but He died for you and me. Where were you when Jesus found you? When He came to you in the midst of you distress, just when you were about to give up, He found you and saved you... do you remember?

I remember where I was when the World Trade Center was hit, but more importantly I remember the night God came down and saved me. The greatest thing in this life is when God comes straight to you and saves you. No greater love than a man that laid down His life for us. Now that's something to remember... NEVER FORGET.

J.H.

Be The Quiet

2009-09-10T14:30:00.004-04:00

In our daily lives we all have problems and situations we face. Some we can't avoid no matter how hard we try, but there are some that we alone are responsible for. We can get so angry and cold-hearted to the person or people who try to help us. Kinda like, biting the hand that feeds us. We run into oceans of problems and it simply drowns us, but remember that we chose to run into it ourselves. Sort of cliche' but it's true.

If we choose to keep doing the same thing over and over, keep pushing away the people that try to help, ignoring ones that give good advice, etc. we will soon break down and crumble. When you push and push someone or something so much and so far, pretty soon there won't be anyone to help you anymore.

Same with God... The Bible says that His spirit will not always strive with man (Gen 6:3). In other words, He's not going to struggle with us as humans forever. God is a perfect gentleman... He's not going to force anything on us.

The choice is up to us. Why should we choose anything other than God? We have this All-powerful, Almighty God that is reaching out to us, offering help, He wants to take our problems and fix them, and we turn away? Why would we ever turn God away and not accept His help? Problem is we tend to think we have it all under control. We think we can do it all by ourselves and be okay. That is nothing short of a lie. We can't do it alone. We won't survive if we try to make it without God.

We create problems by not trusting God and letting Him lead our lives. We rely on ourselves and it never ends up good. God knows best and His ways and His will is perfect. So in the trials of your life, will you let God be the peace that passes all understanding? Will you let Him fight your battles and take your burdens? Will you let Him be the quiet in the storm that you created?

J.H.

Beautiful

2009-09-02T14:04:00.006-04:00

I was recently on the coast of California. For a solid week, I woke up to the sound of ocean waves crashing against the rocks. One day I got up really early and went to the end of the pier. I sat there and watched the horizon as the sun slowly started to appear. The light hit my eyes and I just took in the spectrum of wonder. It was an incredible sight to witness. I remember thinking, "how could something so spectacular happen everyday, but people miss it and take it for granted?"

The sunrise on the Pacific was a great sight to say the least. So beautiful. But something else takes precedence here. The fact that our Father God created us all in His likeness and in His image. Spectacular? You bet. Even more than that, Jesus came to this earth and died for us. He was beaten for our healing, He died for our sins so that we could be saved. How beautiful!

We all have our life's problems we face everyday. Things happen and we don't have control over them. We have those things that we even try to hide from everyone else. But the great thing is that we have one we can run to and be made free from all of our problems.

Jesus came to this earth and died for you and me. What is more beautiful than that? Here's the thing... We are made in the image and likeness of God. So with Him living in us, we too are beautiful. Despite what others try to tell you to tear you down and make you feel like you're nothing, you are God's child, His creation. You and everything you do can be beautiful in Him... and let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish the work of our hands (Ps 90:17). That lets me know that we have the beauty of our Creator and it can come out in our lives.

Whatever your situation, no matter what people try to tell you, you are made in the image of God. Despite what you've done in your past, the ugliness and the horror of those things that used to be have been washed away by His blood. The darkest of nights disappear when He comes in the picture. He made you beautiful. Rise above those things that try to keep you down. Come out of your situation and let God see what a beautiful thing He made when He made you.

J.H

Tick Tock

2009-09-01T13:57:00.005-04:00

Time. Since the beginning of mankind, time has always been running out. Time is short. It doesn't wait for anyone. No matter what you think about it... like there's not enough of it, etc. time just keeps ticking and ticking away. Notice how people always say time is ticking away. It never comes toward you.

Time is a luxury that none of us can afford to waste. It's too precious and valuable too just do nothing with it. We all have this gift called time. How we choose to use it is up to each of us as individuals.

We can look at time a couple ways here... People say that they "don't have time" for certain things. For instance, people don't have time to attend church, or pray, or live for God, etc. But what does that really mean? You don't have time for church because you work on Sunday's. So really you have time, but you just choose to spend it at work on Sunday. Get it?

On the other hand, we can view time a different way. I don't have time to: gossip, ridicule people, live the way I want, back bite, fade away from God, etc.

We have time in our hands. We just have to choose to do the right thing with it. We can choose to succumb to the things of this world like jobs, money, things that keep you away from God and the church... Or we can say that we don't have time for anything other than what God wants for us.

You choose what to do with your time. Whatever you do with it is up to you. But think about this: Jesus is soon to return. The time clock of this world and this life is winding down and will soon be no more. Time is a luxury that none should waste. Get busy doing the things for God. That's the only things that will last. Sure we might have to work hard and fast, but that just means we'll be doing a work for God and spending our time wisely. In doing that, our minds and lives will be occupied with Him and His work and we won't have time to be distracted or swayed by the things of this world.

We can spend our time foolishly or we can spend our precious time spreading God's Word, doing His work, and helping others... the choice is yours. How will you spend your time...?

J.H

Mind's Eye

2009-08-29T18:50:00.000-04:00

One of the hardest thing to do for some people is to trust another person. To truly trust another human takes a lot. To our humanistic way of thinking, we always have that thought in the back of our mind that the other person is going to end up being a liar and betraying us. We hope that we're not going to be made to look like a fool or regret it that we trusted in another, but there's no doubt that it crosses your mind when you give in and truly trust someone.

There are individuals, some I know personally, that think this way: If you can't see it, feel it, have it proved then it's not real or not gonna happen...

It's hard to believe in what you can't see, but that's exactly what faith is. Can you catch the wind? Can you see the breeze? Of course not, but you know it's there. You can't see it, but you know it's there.

You can't trust only what you can see with your natural eyes. Trust and faith in God is what it's all about. Your mind's eye can show you more than what you see with your natural eyes. A mind's eye is defined as being able to see things with only your mind and not your eyes. Example: Have you ever actually seen a million dollars? No? That doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

Same way with God and things of the supernatural. In my mind I can see the face of Jesus smiling down on me. Despite my problems or fears, in my mind's eye I can see that I'm where I belong because I'm wrapped in His arms. I can ride the storm, endure the pain because He is my comfort even in the worst hurricane of my life's troubles.

Like the million dollars; have you ever seen God? No man has seen God, but it does not mean that He doesn't exist. Faith is believing what you cannot see. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (He 11:1).

We can't just trust and hope in what we can physically see with our human eyes. Rather, see and believe what is in your mind's eye. A spiritual vision of sorts.

Despite your situation or problems you may have, trust in the Almighty God. Look in your mind's eye and see yourself healed, see yourself saved, delivered, free, etc. In your mind's eye you can walk through anything and climb any mountain that you face. Your mind's eye is simply your faith.

You're not alone. Jesus is with you. You may not be able to physically see Him, all you may see is what's going on around you, but check your mind's eye and see and believe what He has for you.

J.H.

Bye Bye Bye

2009-08-28T13:10:00.000-04:00

Today marks an important time in my life. I've had some real battles the past year. It's only by God that I've made it through and that I'm still going forward. I look back over my life in just the past 365 days and I am amazed. There was time when I didn't think I was going to make it. My life fell apart and I've got some scars to prove it. More and more my demeanor looked like quicksand. The pain kept going deeper into my soul. The problems I had were pulling me under, they had a tight grip around my throat trying to choke the very life out of me. My life was overwhelming.

But God was there! I look back and even though I didn't understand then, God had me in the palm of His hand the entire time. Even when times came that I made some progress and I felt like giving up everything I'd worked for, Jesus would pick me up and set me straight.

My past is gone! Your past is gone! There's no need to go looking for your past or the mistakes you made in it. The future is wide open for you. God is with you... don't turn your back on the greatest thing that you've ever had. Jesus is the only hope we have!

Embrace a new start today. Whatever you have in your past, forget it! Leave it behind you and move on... Move on in Jesus. Shake it off, pick yourself up, remember what you just learned, and move forward. It's time to gain some good ground.

Whatever is in your past, God forgave you and forgot about it. You have a new start, a second chance! Take this chance and see what God has in store. You don't have to live with the regret and pain of your past. you've got your own life to lead. You've got a new start. You've got Jesus!

Wave goodbye to the past and keep moving forward!

J.H.

Missing Pages

2009-08-27T11:31:00.000-04:00

Ever been reading a magazine, book, etc. and discover that somethings missing? A page or two torn out... it drives me absolutely crazy. I just can't stand not knowing what was supposed to be there. I think about what the pages might have said, what information would be given to me if I had what was written on the torn out pages. The book or magazine obviously appeared worth reading or I wouldn't have picked it up, but now I'm at a loss because there is something missing.

We could relate our lives somewhat to this. On the outside people see the facade, see the clay that hides the true light of who you really are. No one knows the pain you feel, what you're up against, and how bad it really hurts. It's like you're fading away from your family, friends, church, and even your true self. There's nothing anyone can do to bring you back. The addictions you have and the black hole you've dug yourself into is just a symptom of a lost and dying soul.

You may feel that no one even knows you anymore, that you're lost inside the walls you've built with your own hands, feel like prisioner deep within your soul... There is hope. But there is only hope with Jesus.

There is so much more for you. This is NOT the end. There's hope in Jesus, but it's up to you. It's all in your hands and you have to choose not to throw it away... a chance, a hope, a light at the end of the tunnel. Despite what people may say or what you may think, you and your life are beautiful. You are God's child and His image, His beauty is underneath your skin.

Whatever situation you are faced with right now, there is one who sees it all. Jesus knows what you're going through. He sees the pain you have, He knows your thoughts and how you feel... He wants you to be free. He will give you a life that you've never even dreamed of. God has so much in store for you... all you have to do is let Him have control. Give your life and all your problems to Him and He will take care of it because He cares for you and loves you.

This is not the end of the rope for you. There's a beautiful life with so much to give inside you. God can still use you. All you have to do is let Him. Don't give up. The pages of your life's book may be torn out by your past, but God can fill your life with so much... Love, peace, forgiveness, and so much more.

Despite your current situation, let go and let God have control. He can and will fill the missing pages.

J.H.

Break Free

2009-08-26T12:13:00.000-04:00

Those days of feeling down and out come to us all. There are times when I don't even feel like getting up in the morning. It's then I have to remind myself of something I already know and understand. God is on my side and I don't have to feel the way I do.

Every time I start to feel like a failure or like my life is going nowhere, I just have to shake it loose. I remind myself that I'm a child of the King and He still has a plan for me and my life. No one can take that away from me because only God gave it to me.

I think of how Pharaoh kept telling the children of Israel to go but then change his mind. It had to be hard for the people. Moses kept saying to let the people go so that they may serve the Lord their God. They were bound and trapped by the enemy and could not go and serve God. Anyone besides me feel like that sometimes?

The enemy may have you bound, you may think you're nothing and that there is no point in trying anymore... just shake it loose! Shake those chains off and be free. Break free from the disease of sin and what the devil tries to tell you. He is a liar and the father of all. Don't give in to what the enemy tries to whisper in your ear.

You have power over the enemy, God's Word says so... "God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, love, and a sound mind" (II Ti 1:7). You have power so use it against the adversary. You have love and perfect love casts out fear. You have a sound mind... that's your peace.

Shake loose everything that tries to bind you up. God said you can make it so why listen to anything that tries to tell you otherwise?! You've got the power and the enemy knows that. Use the power that God gave you and break free!

J.H.

Makes Me Wonder

2009-08-25T15:22:00.000-04:00

Ever had those days where nothing you did was right? The days that seem like you shouldn't have even got out of bed and that nothing you do matters? You ask yourself things like, "What's the point?" or "Why try?" You find yourself questioning things like God and if He's even there, questioning your calling, your purpose, and even your very existence.

We've all been there I'm sure. We all wonder when the hurt will go away, when the situation will resolve, etc. It just makes you wonder where God is in all your dilemma and why He's not running to save you.

Don't get me wrong here, I've not had a bad day today. I'm just thinking of when we do feel this way, what we do about it and how we look at it. We can sit in our sorrow and blame everyone else, feel sorry for ourselves, or we can have a different outlook.

Romans 5:3 puts it this way: ...but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience. One version of this replaces 'tribulations' with 'suffering'. You may see what you're going through as suffering, but maybe God is trying to teach you something. Trials and things of this life come to make us stronger and to see what we're made of.

Things happen and situatinos come our way, but it's what we do with what we're faced with that will determine the outcome. You can take your problems, give them to Jesus and watch them turn around for the good.

When you get through your situation (and you will), you'll be better, smarter, stronger. Instead of thinking how bad everything is for you, take it like this... trials come to make us stronger and perfect us. It should make you wonder about what a great blessing that God has in store for you when you come through your problems. Yes, I said when because you will get through whatever comes your way with Jesus. Let Him take care of you. Then you can sit back and just ponder the great things He has for you after your storm.

Kinda makes you wonder now huh...

J.H.

Hoot!

2009-08-24T11:22:00.000-04:00

Well an interesting title to say the least. I recently got back home from being in Arizona for almost two months. One day I was there, me and some of my family were watching my nieces and nephews as they enjoyed one of their movies. A particular part of this flick had a tree, yes a tree, that said "hoot". It was pretty funny... Then, my three-year-old nephew, Andrew, started repeating it. Not the rest of the movie, just the hoot part. I even have a recording on my phone of him repeating that over and over.

The next few days went by and my family and I still had one word going over and over in our heads. Andrew kept saying "hoot" so much that we just couldn't forget it. What a three-year-old boy said affected us; our conversation, our thoughts, etc. We just could not get away from "hoot".

Don't get me wrong here, this was funny in all sorts of ways, but it got me thinking... One little guy said something so much and in such a way that it affected the people around him. Honestly, I still have "hoot" in my head.

Think about this... what if we were to do something similar to Andrew? Instead of saying "hoot" repeatedly, what if we were to say things and do things that had to do with God?!

I wonder if all we said had something to do with giving God glory and praise, how would it affect the people around us? How close would we be to Jesus if everything we said and did had to do with Him in some way?!

If we would all just have Jesus in our speech, our actions, our thoughts, etc. I believe that we can affect people around us... at school, work, restaurants, in everyday life, etc. Andrew kept saying one word that I don't think my family will ever forget... what if we spoke Jesus and His Word with everyone around us?! Just think how that would affect the people around us for the good. We have the ability to change things around us for the good. If we just speak Jesus. We do that by the things we say and do. People must see Him in us.

Think about it... just reflecting Jesus in all we say and do. The affects will be a hoot!

J.H.

Mirror, Mirror

2009-08-21T11:14:00.000-04:00

The use of the mirror has evolved for me recently... I turned 23 a week and a day ago. Some tell me that I'm young, others tell me I'm old. When I look in the mirror, I see a guy who's getting older yes, but not one who is that old... even though I did find a grey hair.

We all use a mirror to see how we look. It's like the mirror is something we go to and say, "Am I good enough?" or "What do I need to change?" The mirror has always told us in sense who we are. But if we rely on a mirror, we will soon find it's not easy to try and be perfect.

Let's take a deeper look into our life's mirror... Take a look at your reflection. We need to remember the one who made us and look into His eyes. Because despite what we may see or think of ourselves, to Him, we have beauty beyond compare.

We look in the mirror and see all those little imperfections and start thinking of how to fix them. I believe in self-help and all, but when we become so obsessed with what we look like on the outside, we may be lacking in how we look to God on the inside. It may be a little disturbing seeing the flaws that you may have (inside and out), but the beautiful thing about this is knowing that God can fix us... whatever the need, whatever the situation.

What is a mirror to tell us that we're less than what we should be, or to tell us a long list of what to do for our self-improvement? A mirror does not define who we are. Jesus made each and every one of us. He is the one that tells us who we are, where we're going, and what to do.

Our life's mirror should be reflecting not how good we look or what a great person we are, but the mirror of our everyday life should reflect Him and His goodness. As Christians we are called to reach our world and show them Jesus, but how can anyone see God in us if we are too concerned with ourselves?

Jesus is the one who can take care of our problems, our flaws, failures, and whatever life brings us. He is the one who created us in His own image. Don't give in to the impression the mirror gives you. Despite what you me see with your physical eyes, you are beautiful and you are fearfully and wonderfully made by a God who loves you and sees you through the eyes of a Saviour.

Sorry mirror, you don't define me.

J.H.

Falling For You

2009-08-20T18:32:00.001-04:00

I am so in love!!! It's a great feeling! To think that I have someone that I can run to, depend on, and share my deepest feelings with is so amazing. We could run through anything together and if I fell behind, they would be right there to pick me up and help me along the way. I have a child-like love and it keeps on growing.

As great as this sounds, there was a time that I went my own way, away from the one I loved. I walked away and bought the lie that I didn't need them anymore. Even with that being said, they waited for me like a lover that wouldn't go of their bride. Even though I'd turned my back on them, they didn't seem to shed a tear about it. I think it's because they knew me so well that they knew I would be back.

When the storms of this life get to tough, when my feet were bruised from walking through rough terrains... when my life's winter season left me cold, lonely, and broken, they were right beside me.

In the midst of my troubles, I remembered my love. I came to my senses, came running back to the place where we had started. It was for real this time. I was falling head over heels again and it felt so right.

As some or all out there may think, I'm not talking about a girl I'm crazy about or even a person. No, I am talking about the one and only Jesus Christ. He is my life, my world, and my everything. I went astray in my past; but once I realized that He had never left me, once I figured out that He was right there waiting where we parted, I came running back to Him.

Jesus is all I need. I am a blessed man and it's all because of Him. I'm falling for Him over and over. My Jesus is the best thing that has ever happened to me. It feels so good to be wrapped in His arms. He never left me, it was me that chose to stay behind. His love gives me freedom to run back to Him when I fall.

Jesus. The greatest love that I've ever known!

J.H.

SAFE!!!

2009-08-18T13:50:00.000-04:00

Some of you out there that know me well know that I'm a baseball guy. I enjoy all sports, but I really like my baseball. I was watching a game last night. I wasn't all that into it because I was about to fall asleep. A player hit a grounder toward third, defense picked it up and threw to first. Usually this would've resulted in an out, but this batter had ran so hard he made it to first and was safe. This was right after he fouled the ball off his foot. This got me thinkin...

This player was hurt, but he played through his pain. You could say he was down, but not out. He made contact with the ball and took off hard and straight towards his goal. He had nothing on his mind except getting to that base to be safe.

How alike is our lives today, in a sense like this particular situation? We might get hurt and stumble along lifes journey, but we persevere. We finally see our problems start to resolve and get a little better. What the difference is between people who make it to first safe or get thrown out is our desire. Desire makes a way, lack of desire makes an excuse.

We are human. Problems come and life just happens, but it's what we do with the situations we are faced with that will make the difference. Will we give up, say it's too hard and get thrown out? Or will we run hard, straight, and with our eyes on the prize?

Unlike the player last night, our race is not for the swift or the really fast people, but it's for the ones that will endure. Our race toward heaven is a straight and narrow path, but if we keep our eyes on the prize as we press toward the mark of God's high calling (Phi 3:14), run steady and stay focused, we will be safe.

Jesus is our strong and mighty tower. The Bible says that His name is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe (Pro 18:10). He is our strong tower, a shelter, a fortress, a place where no fear, no doubt, and no evil thing can enter. The name of Jesus is our refuge.

Friends, run steady and straight. You may run into bumps in the road, you'll face things of this life that aren't so great, but just keep your eyes fixed on Him, keep your heart focused, and your mind made up. Run to our Jesus who is our strong tower, and you will be safe.

J.H.

3, 2, 1...

2009-08-11T14:49:00.000-04:00

It's a countdown people! God is soon to return! Any minute, any second now... Pretty soon we'll see the eastern sky split wide open. I can't help but feel like shoutin right about now!

Sometimes I wish I could've been alive and seen Jesus walk this earth when He came here before. It would've been great to see Him perform miracles and just be around Him. But I think all of us today will get the better end of the deal. We get to see Him come again in all His glory to take His people away.

When Jesus was on this earth before, He had a plan. His sole purpose was to die for you and me. He was born just to die. But because of His death, we can live. Our sins are forgiven, we are healed because of what He came and did for all of mankind. The three nails and a piercing in His side made a way for us to live. We all know how this story goes, He died and rose three days later. But it was definitely not an easy road to travel for a man...

Three nails in His body, two outstretched arms (for you and me), and one crown. I really don't believe that it was the nails that kept Him there on the cross. He could've saved Himself yes, but His everlasting, uncomprehensible love for us is what made Him stay.

Jesus rose from the grave... but He had to go through a whole lot before that happened. Friends, it might be hard at times, but there is hope and there will be a better day for you. Jesus died for our salvation, He was beaten for our healing. Stand on His Word and claim your promise!

Things may get rough at times, but if we just take His hand and trust Him, He will lead us through it. We might have to endure the pain of this life... hey, we're human and things happen. But just like Jesus went to the cross before He rose from the dead, we can endure the hardships of this life. There's a blessing at the end of your hard road, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, but there's not a crown without a cross.

Stand strong, push through your problems and situations. Soon, everything in this world will blow and be no more. We will be in heaven with our Saviour! Stand strong child of God. Jesus is soon to return for us! He's gonna split the sky wide open! Watch for it, He will come down undefeated, undisputed, in 3, 2, 1...

J.H.

Man Down

2009-08-08T15:47:00.000-04:00

Ever felt like there is no point in getting up in the morning, going to work, or even living? Ever felt like, "What's the point?" or "Why am I here?" I'm sure at some time or another all of us have felt a little like this. Well take courage my friends... God has a plan for you and your life. You are here for a reason. No matter what happened in your past, no matter what mistakes you think have driven you too far away, God can still use you and make something great out of you.

You have a reason to live. God can and will make a way for you. But there's some things you have to do to prepare yourself for God's move in your life... The carnal man has to die. A man cannot serve two masters, so says the Word. You can't live the way you want and serve God at the same time. Surrender your life to the hands of Him. Your flesh will try to tell you otherwise and attempt to convince you that you're nothing and it's just not worth it... But keep that carnal man down. The old man has no reason to exist in your life. God gave you a brand new start. Die to your flesh, and live forever. (I Cor. 15:31 - ... I die daily.)

Your past is gone. It has no place in your life and the only one who will tell you otherwise is Satan himself. You are free from your sin! The carnal man has no reason to exist anymore. Crucify your flesh with a daily walk with God. Leave your burdens at the feet of Jesus like He says to do in His Word. (Ps 55:22) Keep that carnal man down, rise up and live forever! It's worth it all when we get to see Him.

J.H.

Looking For Angels

2009-07-27T13:53:00.000-04:00

Everyone out there in this world today is searching for something. You see people in the store, you pass by them on the street, you may even talk to them face to face... whether they know it or not, they are all searching for something.

People turn to drugs, sex, money, alcohol, suicide, and the list goes on. They are all looking for their own form of angel to swoop down and take them away from their problems, their heartache, and their struggle; Looking for a problem solver, miracle worker, get out of jail free card, clean slate, etc. People out there are just dying to find a light at the end of the tunnel. I wonder what some of them think... "Will it ever end?" "I don't know what to do!" "I wish someone would just help me!"

The 'something' that they need is Jesus. They may not know it, but it's God that they need. Passing by people with so much anger on their face, some with tears in their eyes... THEY NEED GOD! They're crying out inside to someone, anyone to help them!

We should be their angels! What we are called to do is to be a light and a witness to this lost and dying world. They need it! They need us! They need more than what they have now! They're looking, they're wondering what the point is... We should show them.

We are called to reach the lost. We are ALL called to show this world Jesus! We need to reach our city, our state, our country, and our world! God is coming soon. People are out there looking for something... why not do what we are supposed to do and show them Jesus!?

What will you do to make a difference, to make a change, to help someone along the way? A handshake, a smile, picking up the check at a restaraunt.... They're looking! They're looking for something! Be their shining light. SHOW THEM JESUS! In a sense, we can be their angels.

J.H.

Star Light, Star Bright

2009-07-25T15:54:00.000-04:00

Ever been lost in the woods or seen a tv show where people are lost and trying to find their way? What's the first thing they usually do? Look for the North Star right? They find the one thing that's always there to find there way out of the woods and to find direction to where they need to be.

I discovered something a few days ago about this North Star. One scientist and researcher said that one scientific meaning for the North Star actually means three stars in one. Think about that...

Jesus, the same yesterday, today, and forever! He's God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost! ALL THESE THREE ARE ONE! I John 5:7-8 puts it this way: For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8: And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

So in a sense, Jesus is our North Star. He is our guiding light and He stands out from among the rest. If you're lost you can look to Him for guidance and direction. Look to Him to tell you where you are, where you're going, and how you're going to get there. Trust in Him with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path (Pro. 3:5-6).

No matter how far you've ran from God, no matter the problem you face, no matter if you think you're too far gone, look to God for your help. He is our strength, our provider, and our hope. God can make a way where there seems to be no way. Through Him is love, peace, and life more abundantly. God will be your direction. He will guide you and keep you on the right path. With God, all things are possible. There are no wrong turns when you trust Him.

Look up, find Him, and follow.

J.H.

Can You Hear Me Now?

2009-07-23T20:33:00.001-04:00

I would venture to say that all of you out there know the story behind the man in this picture here. Verizon wireless is known very well for this guy and all of his commercials. Just saying six words... "Can you hear me now? Good."

These kinds of commercials are always a bit amusing to me. People all around are in competition to get the public to have their particular brand of clothing, kind of car, and even phone service. No surprise here, but this makes me think of my spiritual life...

There's a story in I Samuel about a man named Goliath. Not your average Joe here by any means. This guy was a giant. The problem I have with Goliath is the same problem David had with him. Goliath defied the army of Israel and cursed the Lord Almighty. We all know the story... David had God on his side, went out and slew Goliath.

Let's jump to present day: Our enemy (or Goliath) is in fact ole slewfoot himself. The devil wants nothing more than for you to be afraid just as the Israelites were. Satan is trying his very best to get you to remain quiet and just do nothing about the problems and torment he tries to bring on you and your life. He's shouting at you, defying your God, telling you that you can't make it, you'll never be good enough, and you'll always be bound to your problems.

Friends, we have to shout back at the enemy! MAKE SOME NOISE!!! David was only a shepherd boy tending to his father's sheep. Had some problems (a lion and a bear) but he trusted in God and was able to conquer those battles. When it came time for Goliath, David knew where to turn... Just like before, God brought him through because he was not afraid to shout back at the enemy!

Young people (and old, middle aged, etc.) MAKE SOME NOISE! Let the enemy know who you are, what you stand for, and that you're still here and not going anywhere! Make sure the devil knows you exist and that you're not going to sit down and take his junk anymore.

David shouted back at Goliath letting him know that God is on his side and that he would prevail. He ran to the battle line, shot his stone and won the victory. Now YOU: Shout at the enemy! Let him know that nothing formed against you shall prosper. Stand on God's Word and His promises. Make yourself loud and clear. Then run full-force to the battle line, pull out your sword, which is the Word of God, and kill your giant!

No more settling for what trouble the enemy hands you! No more dealing with the torment he tries to bring on you! Sing it, "No more chains holding me, from now on I am free. I'M GONNA SHOUT IT OUT LOUD!!!" Make yourself heard! Run to the battle line and take back what's yours! Take it! Take it by force! It's YOUR lost family, it's YOUR relationships, it's YOUR victory! Take it! Take it! Take it!

The enemy has been waiting for you to just give up. Just curse God and die, like he tried on Job. Well, after you've made yourself heard, after you've done so much for God and dove so deep into a relationship with Him that nothing the enemy tries against you can prosper, turn and ask him... "Can you hear me now"?

J.H.

Wanted - Dead or Alive

2009-06-10T14:36:00.001-04:00

WANTED: Single Mom who doesn't know what the next move is. WANTED: Dad who doesn't know how the bills will be paid this month. WANTED: Young adult struggling to find their place in this world. WANTED: Teenager thinking of giving up morals just to fit in with the 'in crowd'.

Ever heard the term, "Wanted - Dead or Alive"? Usually something you hear on a t.v. show about the bad guy. The law wants him in their custody... dead or alive, doesn't really matter to them. They just want the assurance that they have the bad guy in their possession.

Well there are two that want YOU! No, you're not a bad guy or a villan... You are a child of God. Whether you serve Him or not, He created you and you are still His child. But there are two that have you on their Most Wanted list. Yes, you are at the top of that list. It's not the FBI, America's most wanted, etc. It is God and Satan... and the reward is far more valuable to both of them than money... their reward will be your soul.

Let's look at both here:

The devil wants you... BAD. He will try to trick you and make you slip and fall. He will make your life a mess. He wants you to give up, he wants you run from your problems. He wants you to face the same problems over and over, continually struggling to find peace and some kind of relief from your burdens, but never succeeding. He wants you to face the same situations... everything the same except the names and faces of people involved. He wants you to give up and waste away to absolutely nothing.

Jesus wants you too... even more than the devil. Jesus died for you... what has Satan done for you? God will take you just as you are (dead or alive). You feel like you can't go on, feel like you can't take another step, feel as if you're already dead... Whatever the situation, whatever the struggle or pain, Jesus will take you and wipe all your tears away. He will take the pain, the struggle and make you brand new. Jesus wants to enter your life and come into your heart and change your life for the better.

In a sense, you are the cowboy riding off into the distance. You're being chased by two things here... one good and one evil. You're a wanted man (or woman). The difference between you and the cowboy in westerns is that you have a choice who catches you.

You can go the way of the world and be caught by the enemy. You can give up and just be shot down off your horse, be beaten down and left for dead... OR, you can hold on tight to the reins, give a shout and ride hard. Through the darkest night, through the struggle and through the situations you face. You can take the hand of Jesus, put your trust in Him and watch Him take care of the enemy.

One thing is for certain, YOU ARE WANTED! Dead or Alive. The choice is yours so which will you be? Will you die in your sin or die to your sin? Will you live for God or away from Him?

Sometimes this life gets hard, but it doesn't have to be the same ways as before. You can have peace, you can have it better. There is one who can change your life for good. Jesus can and will take you under His wing, take your burdens, your pain, and your whole life; turn it around and make you a brand new creature... if you'll only let Him.

The choice is yours. You will be caught eventually, but you have the choice of who catches you. Make the right turns as you ride through your storm. Remember you are a wanted individual... Dead or Alive... which will you be in the end?

J.H.

It's My Life

2009-04-15T12:35:00.000-04:00

IT'S MY LIFE!!!! I hear that a lot... I have this habit of trying to figure people out. I find myself eavesdropping on people's conversations. I just can't help myself sometimes. Don't get me wrong, it's not a hobby or anything, what usually happens is without warning I find myself listening into a conversation of people I've never seen or met before. Most of the time they're talking about a problem they have, or some big event coming up that stresses them out, etc.

For some reason, those discussions I listen in on seem to end with the people actually talking to me. I do think God puts people in our path for a reason and I always try to bring Jesus in a conversation when I meet new people.

Something I hear quite often is the phrase, 'It's my life'. Well, technically it is our life to live and to do what we want... but think about it; who gave us life? Who breathed into a man's lungs and created life? God right...? So if He is the lifegiver, is it really truly our lives?

To me, my life belongs to God. He gave me life and then gave me the promise of eternal life, so the least I can do is live this life for Him... to be totally sold out to Jesus is the very least I could do for all that He's done for me.

I'm just a man and I do make mistakes, but I wonder if after Jesus saving us from our sin, does it hurt Him when we sin? Does it break His heart when we turn our backs on Him?

I for one am puposing in my heart to be even more sold out to God than ever before. He died for me, so the least I can do is to live for Him. I will reject all I am and all my earthly desires, because He did the same for me. I'm sure as a man Jesus didn't actually want to die, says so in the Bible, but He put His desires and hopes aside... just for me and you.

It's easy for us... Jesus had to actually die, but all we have to do is to die to our sin. Crucify the flesh and live in Christ. Like the Word says, 'To live is Christ, but to die is gain'

I have a new outlook about life in general... I want God's will, not mine. His ways are far above mine, He knows what's best, and will never lead me wrong.

This is NOT my life.

J.H.

A Thiefs Perspective

2009-04-10T08:28:00.002-04:00

A Good Friday to all out there... I have something on my heart for this day and for this Sunday on which we celebrate one the most beautiful events in history we call Easter.

The man Christ Jesus was a perfect man. He came to earth, obeyed everything that the Father told Him to do. The only man that knew no sin. We all know the story... Jesus walked this earth and did no wrong, but still he was crucified. He died so that we could live. On the cross there were two men beside Him. Thieves, sinners. I want to share something that God gave me about this...

In a sense, we are the two thieves. We can choose to be like the one that said, ‘save yourself and us’ Selfish, didn’t really care if He was actually the Messiah, he just wanted to be saved… his own gain was more important than anything at that moment. On the other hand, we could be like the other thief, the one that said ‘remember me’. On the cross, Jesus looked at the second thief and said, ‘Today you will be with me in paradise’.

Now think about this, Jesus hanging on the cross… arms stretched out wide. One arm toward the second thief that knew he deserved to be there, and one arm toward the first thief that was only looking out for his own goodwill.

You see, Jesus Christ died for each and every one of us. He was beaten and bruised for us, took an undeserved punishment so that we could be saved.

The two thieves represent you and me. They saw the situation from two different angles. We can be like the first and think that we don’t deserve what life brings us, cry out and blame God for the mess the we created, saying 'if you're really there SAVE ME'! OR… we could be like that second thief. The one who realized that he is a sinner, he deserved to die, he knew that he should be punished for what he’d done. He also knew that Jesus did nothing wrong and just asked one thing, to be remembered. One humble question, gained him paradise!

But one thing still makes me think differently about this… the two men beside Jesus were saying two different things. In a sense, one was still in his sin just asking to be bailed out one more time, the other just asked to be remembered (forgiven). But still, Jesus had His arms stretched out to both men.

Whether we choose to stay in our sin and live for ourselves, or choose to surrender and live for Him, Jesus still has His arms stretched out wide for us. He died so that we could live… there is no greater love.

On this Good Friday, will you choose to be the first thief that stays in sin and blames everything and everyone else for your problems and misses an opportunity to be saved? Or will you be the second thief, who realizes that you’re nothing without Jesus Christ. He is our only hope, our strength, our salvation. Without Him, we are nothing.

Praise the Lord, Jesus died for us… but three days later, He rose himself from the grave! Death has no sting, the grave has no victory… Jesus is alive and waiting for you to come to Him. He died for us, we all should live for Him.

Which thief will you be?

J.H.

The Keeper

2009-04-07T13:23:00.000-04:00

I heard a very disturbing thing recently... A radio station played a part of a call that came in on a late show. It was a girl battling a feeling of oppression. She began talking with the host and told him about how she felt everyday. How she hears voices and just has to do what those voices tell her to do; cut herself, lash out against family and friends, etc.

When the host began to tell her about Jesus, a low, growling voice came over the airways. The young lady started crying, asking 'What's happening?' The scruffy voice started to speak... said things to the host like, 'you can't have her' and 'she is ours'.

The host happened to be a firm believer in Jesus Christ and was well prepared for this call. He asked the voice his name and it replied, 'I'm The Keeper'. As soon as the host heard what the voice called himself, he demanded in the name of Jesus that he be silet.

He rebuked the spirit and quoted scripture to the young lady... Psalm 121: 5, 7 The Lord is the keeper; the Lord is the shade on your right hand. 7: The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

When the demon heard what the Word of God said, HE HAD TO LEAVE!!! Praise God!

Verse 1-2 of that passage of scripture says, I will lift mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 2: My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

Jesus will preserve your soul! Nothing formed against you shall prosper!

You may be in your darkest night, but lift up your eyes unto Him! He knows every tear you've cried, every prayer you've prayed... He never left you and He never will. When your strength is gone, when you don't know what else to do, lift your eyes and see that your help is on the way!

The Lord will preserve your going out and coming in from this moment forward, and even forever!!!

J.H.

Disguises of Sin

2009-04-05T15:15:00.001-04:00

Some things in this world can be very appealing. Peaople, places, and things can be attractive to us and lure us into something we never wanted. It's called sin...

It wears many faces. Sin can make itself very appealing to our natural eye. If we're just looking with our human eyes, then we can see sin or even the action it involves as harmless and even want it. But there's a saying that I've heard and try to live by... Sin = DEATH!

If we could only see sin for what it really is... there are those who try to justify whatever they're doing as, 'not that bad' or 'just a little thing that doesn't really matter'. But sin is sin... there's no big or little sin in God's eyes, and again, SIN = DEATH!

Sin will take you much farther than you want to go and will keep you much longer than you want to stay. People try to justify there actions and try to make themselves feel better about it... but here is a simple statement that should clarify some things... If it's in the Bible, and you disobey it, IT'S SIN! Pretty plan and simple, but true.

Don't see whatever you're doing as something that you feel bad for a little while and then it goes away, see it as death. If we have an outlook that tells us 'sin will take us to hell' then I bet we wouldn't try to justify things as much.

The enemy has a counterfeit for almost everything... one example in the old testament, Exodus to be precise, Moses & Aaron threw down there rods and they became serpents and Pharaoh's magicians did likewise... the Bible said they did it by their enchantments... In other words, it wasn't the power of God, it was, in a sense, a disguise.

Sin wears many faces... it makes itself look harmless and can even look like the real thing. If we would only live by what the Bible says and nothing else, there would be a lot less falling into sin.

Friends, SIN = DEATH! Plain & simple. Don't fall into the devil's traps. Be on your gaurd and stand firm on the Word of God... It says in Mt 7 to beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. You shall know them by their fruits.

Always be on your guard... watch out of the wolves in sheeps clothing, inspect the fruits, and do not be fooled by the disguises of sin.

J.H.

Choices

2009-03-28T15:29:00.000-04:00

Lost inside a world of sin now way to break free. You feel the pain, you think of the "what if's" you can't understand how it all came to this. A place where you don't even recognize yourself anymore... Trying to figure out who you really are, but something is blinding you to reality. You push & pull, sruggling to break free, you reach for something, anything that would help. Your friends are long gone, deserting you to live in your misery. You were done with this lifestyle long ago, but little did you know that when you had enough, it was only just beginning.

What is this, you may ask... How can a person end up in this situation... SIN! Plain simple... SIN! It takes you farther than you want to go keeps you longer than you want to stay. When you've had enough, it's only the beginning with sin.

There is a way to escape this fate. The way is straight narrow, it may not be easy at times, but has eternal rewards. Choose to follow Jesus Christ. His way is the only way to make heaven your home. Sin has absolutely nothing to offer you. You may choose to go the way of the world, but you will only enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.

When you feel like your trapped in a world of sin, your all alone left for dead, reach up grab the Father's hand. He's reaching down for you, waiting for you to make the choice to follow Him.

There's a spirit of rebellion in our world today. Our generation has closed their ears to the teachings of God. We're running out of time... Jesus is soon to return. What choice will you make?

J.H.

Infected

2009-03-28T15:18:00.000-04:00

What is going on with our generation today?!? I see more and more people slip and fall away from God and the church. Little by little... slowly fading into the exact opposite of what God really wants them to be.

The question is, what are we putting into our lives to have this happen? It's commonly said, 'what goes into a mind, comes out in a life' A very well-said statement... what you put in your heart will come out in your everyday life. If you put bad things in your mind and in your heart, that's how you will live your life.

I sometimes wonder what people think... when Jesus is soon to return, some still choose to be infected with the things of this world and the things of sin.

An infection is a nasty thing... a cut on your hand can turn into an infection if left untreated. It starts out as a simple cut, but over time that cut can get things in it and make it worse... pretty soon you have a nasty infection, have to go see the doctor, get meds, etc...

Much like our spiritual life... one little thing that you try to justify becomes easier to do each time you do it. Just a little bad music, just a little bit of images on the internet... pretty soon, your 'little justification' turns into your life being controlled by your infection. The injection you made in your life when you chose to live away from the things of God has left you paralyzed... you hear the lies of the enemy in your head... is there a cure? Will any kind of medicine take affect?

YES! Instead of being infected with the things of the world, choose Jesus! Become infected with Him and His Word... The more you take a stand for Him and choose to live your life for Him, the better your life will be.

Pull the plug already... get bad things out of your life and become so infected with God that nothing of this world can touch you! Be like Job in the Bible... the devil could not touch him at first because God had placed a hedge about him.

You cannot do it alone... You must have Jesus in your life. He will protect you, He will lead and guide you... if you will only let Him. Do not die here in your current condition... it's not your time. It might be dark in your life, but the sun will shine again. Jesus will make everything alright in your life if you just surrender to Him... become infected with Him.

J.H.

I'll Be Waiting

2009-03-23T13:01:00.001-04:00

Some of us run so far from God and think that He will never find us. There are those that are lost in their sin and either can't break free or don't want to. People run from their problems and all that life brings them, but somehow the burdens always seem to catch up with them.

Why would you wanna turn your back and run away from everything you face when you know it will eventually catch up to you? The smart thing to do would be to stand up and face your problems, your fears, etc.

However, you cannot do it alone. If you try to overcome things on by yourself, it will end up a mess... but there is one that can help take all your problems, fears, doubts, etc.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is waiting for you to come to Him. His Word says to cast all your burdens before Him because He cares for you. Give your troubled life, your broken heart, your unstable mind to Him. He can and will change your life if only you will let Him.

Even when you cannot see how things are going to end up, when you can't see because of the blackness of sin surrounding you, just reach up and take the hand of Jesus. He is ready with open arms to take you and your life in His hands... the hands that were pierced with nails when he died for you.

It's true that God knows all... He knows what decisions we will make and where we will be at any given time. He knows that we will be exactly in the position we're in one second from now or one year from now... but I wonder if He's up in heaven, thinking of the place we will be when we finally surrender to Him, sayin to Himself, 'I know that you'll be there, and I'll be waiting.'

J.H.

Nothing Else Matters

2009-03-12T13:04:00.000-04:00

Lots of things in this life have meaning and value to us all. Material things that have some kind of meaning in our families, friends, etc. We are all going to be remembered for something... the question is, what will you be remembered for? What kind of legacy will you leave behind?

Whatever may happen in your life, whoever may come into your life, the thing that matters the most at the end of the day is if you know Jesus. Things happen and people come into our lives for a reason... whether we know it or not, everything happens for a reason. But the question remains... do you know Him?

Each one of us will spend eternity in one of two places... some think that this life is ours and we can live it however we want, but what you do right now will determine where you will be when time is no more. So what are you doing for your eternity? If we just surrender our lives to Jesus and let Him lead us, our lives will work out for our benefit.

As human beings, we engage in conversation and seek trust from the person we're interacting with... some people can be trusted and others will turn their backs on us. That's just life. But there's one that will never go back on his word... Jesus. Trust we seek, we can find in Him. He died just to save us... why wouldn't anyone want to serve Him?

Our lives can get pretty rough sometimes, we might feel like our prayers don't even hit the ceiling... but everyday we have a new start... because His mercies are fresh and new every morning... If we have Him, we're so close to Him no matter how far we may feel. Don't give into the lies of the enemy... even if you're in a testing time, hold onto God and do not let go!

What will matter at the end of our lives, when time is no more... do you know Jesus? Now is definitely not the time to play games with God... time is short and He is soon to return. Yeild your life to Him, forever just trust in who He is... because nothing else matters.

J.H.

Scars Remain

2009-02-10T14:51:00.000-05:00

We all have things in our lives that have brought us pain. A past failure, the loss of loved ones, a friend that turned on us, etc. The question is, why? When we serve an Almighty all-powerful God, why is there so much hurt and pain sometimes? We ask ‘what is all this’ and ‘why me’…

Let’s go back a couple thousand years… When Jesus was first born, there was already someone trying to kill Him. Through His life we see people accusing Him of things and finally crucifying Him. They nailed him to a cross and watched him die. Later in the Bible, we read of a story about Thomas and his unbelief. He had to feel the scars of Jesus’ hands and side.

Funny thing about scars… they never go away. I think there are situations put in our lives for a specific purpose... situations that leave us broken and bruised and that leave us with scars. But every time we see those scars on our lives, we can be reminded that yes we went through something, but we came through it. The only way we get through this life and all of it’s troubles is with God.

Our lives may leave lacerations on us, we might have some cuts and bruises on us, but trials only come to make us stronger. In a way, God treats us like silver… a lot of work is put into silver. It’s put through fire and sifted until a reflection is seen in it. Much like our God that puts us through tests and trials to perfect us and make us stronger… puts us through the fire until He can see His reflection in us. Oh to be like Jesus…

The scars of our lives will always remain… but we can look at our scars in a different way now. When we see our scars, we can look to Jesus and see that He’s got scars matching ours. He knows every hurt, every pain, every scar… What we go through and what we feel, He already has… He knows exactly what we go through and He will never leave or forsake us.

I’m looking at the scars of my life differently… my scars are just another way that I look like my Father.

J.H.

Red Letters

2009-01-23T12:58:00.000-05:00

This world is coming to an end... the economy is worse than it's ever been, jobs are being lost, financial trouble is everywhere. It seems everything in this wolrd is being turned upside down right before our eyes.

It's just a sign of the times. Jesus is soon to return. We can't allow ourselves to get distracted with the things of this life. Keep your eyes on the prize. Our goal here is heaven... not material possessions or things that are not profitable spiritually.

We have hope. We have a game plan. We have something that is a solid foundation in this uncertain time in which we live... the red letters.

Red letters in the Bible signify the words of Jesus. When everything around you is falling apart, when you don't know what to do or where to go, turn to the Word of God. There's no one better to listen to than Jesus. His words are forever, His promises are sure, He's the same yesterday, today, and forever!

He came to this earth to seek and save those that are lost. He came to this earth and forever changed the course of history. The pages of the Bible are filled with His holy message. They're not just words on paper. It was sent down straight from heaven for every single one of us.

God's Word is the only thing that will last. We can turn to it for help and direction. There is love, truth, healing, hope for the hopeless, peace, forgiveness, there is life eternally in the red letters.

It's comforting to know that in these changing times, we always have the Word of God. It never changes. Trust in the promises of Jesus... trust in the red letters.

J.H.

Don't Get Comfortable

2009-01-17T15:00:00.000-05:00

When you think everything is as it's always going to be, when you think your mountain will never move and you'll always be in the same position you are today, think again! Trials will come to all of us. We will all have problems in this life. But do not make the mistake of believing it will never be better. Our problems and trials come to make us stronger and to teach us something... tribulation works patience.

Troubled times will come your way, but don't think that it's over for you. Don't settle in just yet. God can take whatever situation you are in and turn it around for your good. He works everything for the good to those that love Him. We are His children, therefore, He is responsible for us. He will take care of us.

People are losing jobs, people all around are struggling with sickness and disease... cancer, kidney failure, etc. Jesus said to cast ALL our cares before Him because He cares for us. He wants our cares, our problems, our sickness.

Don't get comfortable with your situation! You don't have to be afraid, you don't have to settle for less, you don't have to stay in the same situation you're in! No matter what you've done in the past, God remains the same yesterday, today, and forever!

Don't settle in just yet... God is about to move the mountain in front of you and move you into His perfect will! Don't be satisfied with sickness, no job, etc. Have faith and trust our God to do what He says. Have faith in God... whosoever shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. (Mark 11:22-23)

Believe and trust in God. He is our strength, our deliverer, our redeemer, our hope! With God all things are possible! Don't get comfortable with you problem. God is about to do the miraculous in your life. Just trust and believe in Him and His mighty power! We have Jesus... through Him we will overcome!

Don't get comfortable... God's about to take you on the journey of a lifetime and take you deeper in Him! Everything is going to be alright! We have the victory in Jesus name!

J.H.

Crumble and Fade

2009-01-14T12:21:00.000-05:00

We live in a world of material things. We find ourselves struggling to get an extra dollar on the hour just to spend it on something that we don't really need. This 'right now' society we live in is growing rapidly. We want, so we get... helping ourselves to everything that leaves us empty.

But what really matters here? Cars, houses, boats, computers, tv's, etc... What is it that really matters? We should ask ourselves if what we are gaining in this world is helping or hindering us.

We are living in uncertain times. Now is not the time to put your trust in material things. None of us can afford to stand on sinking sand. We must trust the Word of God and stand firmly on it! We can't hold on to the things of this world. Eventually, everything of this world and this life will be gone. So why try to gain what will not matter in the end.

What matters in the end is not that you were a good person, how much money you had, or how well-known you were... we've got to look deeper into this. Jesus is the only thing that matters! Serve God, live for Him, walk with Him daily, do His work... that's what will matter in the end.

Trying to keep up with all the things of this world is near impossible. It's too much to handle. Things of this life will pass away... but it's not bad news... the former things will pass away, but Jesus makes all things new.

To this world and everything in it, I say we just let go of it all. You cannot take anything on this earth to heaven with you. All the money, houses, cars, computers, recognition, and to everything else in this world... let it fade. It will be forever gone when the trupet sounds!

We must be ready for the second coming of Jesus Christ! We can't stand on our own. We need Jesus... if you've been carrying a weight of your past, running from the call that God's given you, you can find rest in the arms of Jesus. You can hold onto Him and trust Him... He will never leave nor forsake you!

There is more to this life than material things... there's a new offer on the table for you; eternal life with Jesus. He is all we need! So let this old life crumble, forget about the things of this world... let it fade, and make Jesus your everything!

J.H.

Revolving Door

2009-01-13T11:03:00.000-05:00

This is as new year. I have been constantly reminded that this is a year of new beginnings. The future is wide open. The things of the past are gone forever. What matters is what you will do with this new start. We all have a clean slate, but there are some who will not take advantage of 2009 as their year...

Some will pursue their destiny, ministry, and calling God has placed in their life. But sadly, there are some who will just stay the same and do the same ole things like they always have. Some have come accustom to the way their lives are and will choose to do nothing to try and change it.

It's like a revolving door in a mall or grocery store... you walk in, get what you need, and go right back out. But has anyone ever noticed that the door never moves??? It's always right there for you to go back to.

The trouble with this is that there is always a way out... a way to go back to your problems and old habits... you get in the church, get a touch from God, and instead of letting your past go and diving deep into a relationship with God, you fall back on old habits from the past and go right back out the same door.

You see, a revolving door isn't really a good thing... it stays in the same place and just goes in circles... (you see where I'm going here)

Our lives can be as a revolving door... stays in the same shape we've always been in, go around in a circle with the same problems, the same pain, and the same disappointment. But there is another way... you can choose to walk through the door God placed in front of you and never look back!

It's called the road less traveled. It's not popular, it may not be appealing to the natural eye, but it is a pathway to your destiny. Choose to walk on the road less traveled. God will lead you and guide you. He will be a lamp to your feet and a light to your path... He will never leave you nor forsake you.

You don't have to stay in the same situations you've always been in. You don't have to be the same way and deal with the same problems. Cast you burdens on Jesus because He cares for you... leave your problems with Him and let Him take care of them. Take this new year, lay your problems at the feet of Jesus, walk that road less traveled, and move forward!

J.H.

Sacred Hideaway

2009-01-08T10:39:00.001-05:00

For the past month, I've been seeking the face of God in a different way. I want to know Him and be as close to Him as possible. I've been asking God to just tell me where He is... I want to run to Him and escape from this world and all it has in it.

This morning in prayer, I discovered something I hadn't before. I found a place in God like I've never known. A secret place where I can go to hideaway. I'm safe inside that hallowed space, concealed by saving grace. The only way I got there, was to continually seek the face of God; not what He can do for me, but simply seek Him... to know Him.

You see, to the natural mind and humanistic thinking, we can't logically define a love so divine as God's. A love that covers us, takes away our sin, and saves us. There's refuge and safety under His wing.

It's a place where you can run and be safe, where you find your strength, where you can just be with your creator and hear Him speak and discover what He has in store for you. It's sweet communion with Jesus.

Your life may be in a mess, the things of this world might have taken its toll on you. The enemy may be shooting flaming arrows at you, your so called friends may have disappeared... but there is a place where you can be safely out of sight of everything the enemy is throwing your way. When darkness tries to prevail, devils fight you tooth and nail, run away to your secret place. It's a place that lies just beneath what is real and what is seen, a shadow you can't see when you're underneath His wing.

When you wake or when you sleep, when you're strong or when you're weak, Jesus is always watching over you. The battle is His and He will keep you safe under His wing. Psalms 91:1-1,2,4 'He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2: I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. 4: He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.'

The only way you will find that secret place is to seek the face of God. Seek Him, not what He can do for you, but perhaps what you can do for Him... to know Him and to be close to Him. Everything you need is in Him. Listen to the voice of the Lord. Do what He says regardless. He knows what's best and He will take care of us. Don't set yourself up for a fall by going back to old habits and past mistakes; rather live a life committed to Him. Find strength, comfort, and safety in your sacred hideaway.

J.H.

Hold On Tight

2009-01-06T13:50:00.001-05:00

Economy economy economy... something we all are hearing a lot about these days. We're all hearing of companies closing, people out of work, etc. There's lots of talk about who was elected in office, what their plans are, etc. But what are we trusting in??? The economy? The president elect? What are we really putting our hope and trust in?

It needs to be God. He's the only One that has control... not a man that's elected into office. It doesn't matter the situation or circumstance, Jesus is in control. He has each of us in the palm of His hand.

I'm not trying to be antagonistic to anyone in the White House, but our faith and trust should not be in 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. We should all put our trust in the only one who can bring us through any problem, any job or financial situation, anything we face! Our economy may be bad, but hold on tight child of God... our Father has everything in control.

Problems will come... some may lose jobs and struggle financially, others may face health situations; but whatever the case, GOD IS IN CONTROL!!! He never promised it would be easy here on this earth, but if we hold on tight to Him and His Word, we will be alright.

We will struggle and face circumstances in our lives, but don't give up. Proverbs says, 'Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not to thine own understanding.' Hang onto God's Word and His promises. Jesus has you in His hand. He knows everything you're going through and He knows just what we need. You are not forgotten... God knows your name.

Put your trust in God. He will come through right on time for you. Earthly things don't matter... if we would just know Him, (In all our ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Pro 3:6) Jesus will work everything for our good. God is good, He never fails. Hold on to Him and never let go.

J.H.

Heart Strings

2009-01-05T14:52:00.000-05:00

It's something buried deep within your past, you're hoping it doesn't last. You've dealt with this before. The person you used to be. You've tried to put it behind you and move forward, but it just seems to keep coming back... your past creeping up behind you, old thoughts of what used to be... but it's just a the enemy trying to trick you and make you fall.

Do not be deceived! The devil wants you to fall back on old habits and go back to the way things used to be. If you've already dealt with past mistakes, gave it to God, then MOVE FORWARD! You don't have to chase those mistakes you made and try to fix them. The past is gone and there is no need to go looking for it. What matters is what you do about your future right now.

None of us are perfect, but we serve a perfect God. If you've truly repented then Jesus has forgiven you. You have a brand new start in this brand new year! Don't fade out... know that God loves you and can make something great out of you.

God has a plan and purpose for you. We all have a special calling that God has given us... start seeking it. Don't lose focus or get distracted. Be patient and let God open the doors for your ministry.

All throughout the Bible, it talks about being patient and waiting on God. You may think you're ready for whatever God has for you, but God's timing is better... His ways and thoughts are better than ours. Habakkuk says it this way... 'For the vision is yet for an appointed time... though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come...'

Hold onto God's promises and don't try to rush into your calling. Take the time that God gave you to wait on Him and prepare yourself. The vision God gave you and the ministry you have will always be there (the calling of God is without repentance).

You may be playing the song of your calling on the strings of your heart, but again, wait on the Lord. You still have your calling... the time spent waiting may be for fine tuning and preparing... His ways and timing is perfect. Let Him open the doors. A door that you have to blow open, isn't worth walking through.

So when your heart strings come undone, wait on Him.

J.H.

Red Sky

2009-01-02T12:33:00.000-05:00

'Red sky in morning, sailors take warning; red sky at night, sailors delight' A quote I heard as just a young boy in school... It's probably a good thing someone explained it to me because I thought something was wrong with the earth if the sky was red; but after I paid attention and remembered how the saying went, I found out that it was a true statement. As I grew up, the sky tended to capture my eye. I found myself drifting off in thought as I would stare at one of the wonderous things God had made.

What continues to play over and over in my mind is that when I was very young, the sky used to scare me if it was any color other than blue. So perhaps in our spiritual life, we're young kids with a scary red sky.

Whatever you're going through, no matter what problems you may be facing, God has everything under control. It may get rough at times, especially when you don't have the answers and don't know how things will turn out... but look to the Word of God; Jesus said in Malachi, 'I am the Lord, I change not...' So if God never changes, His word never changes. 'Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever' (Heb. 13:8)

Jesus cannot fail or lie. If God has spoken to you, you can firmly believe that whatever He said will happen. He speaks to us through His Word. Hold onto the promises God has made to you! He does not change and He will always stand by His word.

You may be (in a sense) a young child afraid of the big, red sky... but take courage!!! God is bigger than any problem or situation in your life. In the middle of your dark night with a red sky, take courage... a red sky is actually another promise of God. A red sky is just a promise of a better day to come. Weeping may endure for a night, (with a red sky) but joy comes in the morning!

Take courage child of God! Your red sky is a promise that your morning will be beautiful! Enjoy your red sky, for it is nothing more than another promise of the Father.

J.H.

Walk With Your Eyes Closed

2008-12-31T14:25:00.000-05:00

Well here we are... the last day of 2008. I find myself looking back on this past year in amazement, wondering where time went and how I made it through this year with my sanity. For me, the past year has been quite a rough ride, but thanks and praises be to God I made it through.

We all find ourselves here at the beginning of a new year... resolutions are made, goals set, and minds are made up. A new year is like a new beginning, a clean slate... you haven't messed up or made a mistake in 2009. It's a new start!

Personally, I'm determined to be closer to God and dedicate myself daily to prayer and fasting like never before. One big step for me, maybe for others out there too, is to walk by faith.

As humans, we're all guilty of judging situations and circumstances by what we see with our natural eyes. Things don't really go our way, don't see the light at the end of the tunnel, can't figure out how certain situations will end... that's the time we normally panic. We can only see what's happening around us and therefore, we respond to those circumstances with nothing in mind except what we are seeing.

One question has been on my mind for quite some time about this... why not just walk with your eyes closed??? It might sound strange, but I think it will work.

Instead of trusting our human eyes, why not trust in the supernatural power of God Almighty? Don't put your trust in what you can see with your naturl eyes. I believe if we allowed ourselves to be led by God and totally depend on Him, our lives would be in a lot better shape.

Walking by faith can be rough sometimes to our natural instincts... we can't see how things are going to pan out so we try to take control of the situation. That's not what faith is... we have to totally depend and trust God. Faith is believing when you can't see and trusting that God will work it out for you.

Jesus said that He would never leave us, nor forsake us... so even though we may not be able to see how our problems will be solved, how the bills are gonna get paid, or what path our lives are headed down, we can all just shut our eyes and walk by faith. Even if we can't see, we don't have the answers... we should just get our minds off everything around us, close our eyes and walk. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding... Put your life in the hands of Jesus. Close your eyes, reach out and take the hand of the only one who will NEVER lead you wrong!

J.H.

A Heart of Gold

2008-12-19T08:24:00.000-05:00

As we approach another christmas, I can't help but notice all that comes with this holiday... lights, decor, fund raisers for charities, etc. It's a time where most people put aside differences and pursue peace and love just a little more than usual. This is a great time of year.

So what do we do the rest of the year??? I'm sure we'd all love to take the christmas spirit everyday into next year, right? But of course like years past, we all remember christmas, but fail to take the spirit with us. I'm sure we all want to have that special kind of christmas cheer throughout the year, but we let things get in the way and we soon forget how great it feels in this season.

I'm positive that we all want peace, love, and happines... but our intentions will not get it done. There are those people who have a good heart, but do not let it show. We as common people want to be a good person... go to church, do the right thing, etc. but a lot of times what's on the inside doesn't come out of us.

The Bible says, 'the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak' We should all take a closer look at ourselves and see exactly what our outward appearance looks like. People say that it's what's on the inside that matters... so no matter what you say, do, or how you act, you're still a good person because you have a good heart??? WRONG! I go back to the Word... 'out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks'

What's on the inside will come out. If you have things in your heart, it will show on the outside. People think that they can put on facades, but the inward man will show.

As a christian, I try as much as possible to be a witness to all those around me. But if my inward man is corrupt, what kind of witness will I be? People can't see inside my heart... all they see is what's on the outside. So if my heart is pure, my appearance will show it. People see me, but if I have the right attitude and spirit, they will actually be seeing what's inside me.

The Bible says, 'as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.' So how do we get a good heart? It's simple really... pray every single day. If you talk to God, He will talk back to you. Pray for help, read His Word for direction, live the life He wants you to live. Surrender your will to His, and you will have a heart of gold.

J.H.

Everything

2008-12-02T12:33:00.001-05:00

Life comes at you fast... sometimes too fast. There's so much that can happen in our lives. One moment can change the rest of your life. Tragedy can strike at any time. Things can and do happen to all of us. But what do you do when the storms of your life rage? Where do you run and who or what do you turn to?

Some turn to drugs... trying to get to that 'high' place where they're above all their troubles and problems. But the simple law of gravity defies the assumption that drugs can take care of your problems... what goes up, must come down.

Others turn to alcohol... feeling that buzz and on the way to being completely out of control, people think drinking can somehow solve the troubles of their lives... trying to escape from life itself, some slip into the numbness from intoxication.

And who could forget the infamous dollar sign!?!?! People love money so much and turn to it to fix their problems. The Bible says 'the love of money is the root of all evil'. How could the root of evil possibly fix anything in your life? Trust isn't in God anymore, instead there are those who trust in the almighty dollar!

There's so much more that people do and rely on when troubles come their way. Here's my question to all of you out there... WHAT ABOUT GOD!?!?!?!?

Where is He in your troubled life? Jesus can fix it... whatever the problem, whatever the situation, God can take care of it. His Word says to cast your cares on Him, because He cares for you! Instead of turning to drugs, sex, money, love, alcohol, etc. why not trust God and let Him take your burdens and do what only He can do?

If we would all just realize that God really does want to help us and can mend our broken hearts and troubled lives, I highly doubt that we would turn to anything else for help. He is waiting with outstretched arms... How can we stand still and not be moved by that? God's arms are wide open... We should run into His arms and let Him take care of all the hurt, pain, and troubles of our lives. Think about it... a God that wants to take care of us and protect us from all the enemy has up his sleeve. A God that has open arms for us to run into and be safe. He will calm your storm and give you rest, hold you in His hands and will not let you fall. How could it be better than that?!?!

Drugs, money, and all the things of this world will not do anything to help you. Jesus can give you strength to keep walking, hope to trust in, light to lead you, a purpose and a reason to live! Make Him all you want, all you need... make Jesus your everything!

J.H.

Put On Your Game Face

2008-11-18T12:51:00.000-05:00

Interesting story...

I was in a mall and there was a weight lifting competition going on. Several guys were in the competition and were going head-to-head in this battle. Most of them were very well built... I mean, I know I'm out of shape, but these guys made me look down right puny.

Most of the guys were older men that had been doing this kind of thing for a while. However, there was one participant that was still in high school. I watched this young man while he sat to the side with his head down, paying no attention to the other competitors. Continuing to observe him, I saw his head begin to bob... I realized that he had a pair of headphones in. Apparantly, he was getting himself pumped up for his turn to lift the weight that no one in the competition had lifted... it was to be a record breaker.

The announcer began to introduce the young man, but the headphones were still in and his head bob had turned into an all out head bang. All of a sudden, he jumped up, threw his headphones down and walked to the platform. He took a breath and lifted the weight with what appeared to be ease. He let go of the weight and lifted his hands in victory... he won!

We all have battles to face... because of our walk with God and our spiritual life, the enemy will attack us. But like the man in the competition, we need to put our game face on!

Get ready for the battle. Anytime you take a stand for God or do what's right, prepare to get fought by the devil. The enemy knows his time is short and will stop at nothing to try and defeat us. But be of good cheer, God is on our side. And if God before us, who can be against us? No weapon formed of the enemy shall prosper! (I'm gettin pumped up in here)

We must prepare for the battle that faces us... plug in those headphones (the Word of God) and get pumped. The Bible is our adrenaline music; Athletes listen to their music and get pumped for battle in the game ahead of them... So we can listen to the Word of God and get prepared for the battles that we face.

How awesome it is to know that God is on our side... nothing can stop us when we have God with us! That gets my spiritual adrenaline pumped!

There will be battles... rest assured. We need to put on our game face and get ready. Be prepared; plug in God's Word and get so prepared that NOTHING will stop you, and run full force into the battle and take back what's rightfully yours! Then raise your hands because you have the victory in Jesus name!

J.H.

Oldies, Blues & Nu Jazz

2008-11-13T12:20:00.000-05:00

Music... we all love it and have our own preference. Someone once told me that music breathes life into the soul... true in a sense, but let's explore it...

Blues: The phrase "the blues" is a reference to the the Blue Devils, meaning "down" spirits, melancholy, and sadness.
Nu Jazz: Nu Jazz is to traditional Jazz what punk or grunge was to Rock. The songs are the focus, not the individual prowess of the musicians. Nu Jazz instrumentation ranges from the traditional to the experimental, the melodies are fresh, and the rhythms new and alive. It makes Jazz fun again.
Oldies: Oldies is a term commonly used to describe a radio format that concentrates on a period 15 to 55 years before the present day, catering to the parents' generation. In the 1980s and 1990s, "oldies" meant the 15 years from the birth of rock n roll to the beginning of the singer-songwriter era.

Now let's jazz it up a bit... (couldn't resist)

Jesus said, 'I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end' God was with you from the beginning. He was there in the 'oldies' generation with all the people of the old testament and is still with you. Get back to your roots... get back to that place where God first saved you. The same God that brought Noah through the flood, Joshua through the battle of Jericho, and Daniel out of the lions den, can and will bring you through your situation. Hebrews says, 'Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever'.

Whatever you're going through, whatever situation God will see you through. You my be hurt, frustrated, don't know what to do, you may be singin the blues... but look up! Look to the hills from which comes your help! Do not give up! No matter what your problems are, help is on the way!

Do not believe the lie of the enemy that you're too far gone. You're never in a place where God's hand can't reach you and his grace won't keep you. Get into that 'nu jazz'... Jesus makes all things new! He will give you a new start. Psalm 100 says, 'His mercy is everlasting' Lamentations says, 'His mercy is new every morning'. So everyday is your chance... A new day and a new start. Forget about the past, forget about the mistakes of yesterday... God's mercy is fresh and new every morning. Let the past be the past... you can't change it, you can only learn from it. START OVER! With God's grace, forgivness, and mercy you have a brand new start.

Remember Jesus is the same God that was in the old testament and His Word is forever. Stop singin the blues of your life because your help is on the way. Turn up that nu jazz and claim your new start today!

J.H.

Game On

2008-11-07T12:58:00.000-05:00

Go ahead with all you got! Try to break me down til you think you can hurt me... All the pain you inflict will make me stronger!!!

Some of us need to shout that at the devil as loud as we possibly can. In our christian walk, we must realize that there will be struggles, battles, disappointments, etc. But have faith child of the most high! We have to realize that Jesus is coming soon and we cannot let ANYTHING stand in our way of making heaven our home.

We all have and will go through things in our lives. I've found out that whenever you take a stand for God or anything that pertains to Him, you get fought tooth and nail by the enemy. Satan doesn't like it when we stand for Jesus and live right. He knows his time is short and is doing everything in his power to stop us from getting to heaven. But trials and tests come to make us stronger. Remember that God allows things to happen... maybe to see what we're made of. To see if we're gonna plant our feet and stand for Him, or jump ship.

The enemy is out for our souls... So what are we doing about him? To that low-down dirty devil, I say, BRING IT! We must realize we have power with the Holy Ghost and through Jesus name! Deuteronomy 20:4 says, For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory'. The enemy knows he's gonna lose... he's just trying to make you lose too.

God is on our side. He will fight our battles and carry our burdens if we'll only let Him. James 1:2 says, 'My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations'. In other words, consider it a gift when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.

Paul said in II Timothy 4:7 'I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith'. That's what we must do... KEEP THE FAITH! It's not the end! God has you in the palm of His hand. This is not your time to give up. Even though it may be dark, the sun will shine again. It will pass in time... you're not forgotten. God has you in His hand!

Fight the good fight, keep the enemy in your sights, and NEVER give up!

J.H.

Behind Closed Doors

2008-11-05T13:01:00.000-05:00

"You are who you are, when you're by yourself"

A person's life isn't always what you may think it is... What you see, is not always what you get. People act one way in public but are totally different when they're alone. When you are this way, it's called being a hypocrite!

Let's take a look... You may be 'in church' and seem like a good christian person. You may even have a position in your local church... The family, the friends, the reputation... it's all good.
But when you're not in front of your church, friends, etc. you're a different way... and sad to say, but that is who you really are. The person that comes out when no one else is around... the person who is a God-fearing christian in public, but puts God and church on the back burner the rest of the time.

We should exam ourselves here... What is hypocrisy: much of the nature of a thing is many times discovered in its name; the name is a brief description. The word hypocrite properly signifies "an actor or stage-player, a personator of other men in their speech, habit, and action." The Hebrew word signifies both "a wicked man" and "a deceiver." And it is observed that those whom David, the devoutest man, called "wicked," Solomon, the wisest man, calls "fools," and Job, the most upright man, calls "hypocrites."

FAKE! That pretty much sums it up... hypocrisy is being a fake. One way in front of people, and another way when you're alone.

Now that we've looked at a hypocrite, let's go in a different direction...
You may be able to fool people. You might even be able to fool your closest friends and family... but you cannot pull the wool over God's eyes!

The Bible in Genesis tells about the serpent deceiving Eve to eat the forbidden fruit... God called out to Adam... Adam could not hide from God.
Jonah ran from God and in the belly of a whale, God found him. He couldn't hide from God.
You see the pattern here???

You can't hide from God Almighty! You can try to fool people, but you can't fool God. He knows your heart... he knows your ways. Whether you're genuine or just a fake. God knows how you truly are...

Behind your closed door where no one else is around, you're by yourself and no one knows what you're doing and how you are... except God! You're not gonna get back to that place in God by living the good life in front of people. Appearance is not what counts here... If you're trying to regain your position or trying to prove yourself, it's not gonna work by showing the pastor or church how you are... it's not gonna happen if you're not truly living the life you profess. YOU CANNOT HIDE FROM GOD!

We shouldn't live our lives for God just to be seen... Jesus deserves more than that! When you are truly genuine in your walk, that's when you'll be used again. When the secret door of your life can be opened to find a person that has a daily prayer life, that's close to God, and is living right... that's when you're truly genuine and that's when things will fall into place.

God will not bless unrighteousness! But when He can push the closed door open and see a man/woman of prayer and righteous living is when the blessings will come.

You are who you are, when your by yourself... but just remember, you're never really alone. God is always watching and you can't hide from Him.

J.H.

Skeleton Song

2008-10-28T17:20:00.000-04:00

Everyone has a past of some sort. It could be anything... something you're not proud of whether the situation be big or small. But whatever the case, there is no reason at all to go looking for your past. What's done is done and we can only learn from it.

If you've dealt with your past, great! But for those who still have skeletons in the closet, this is for you.

If you don't deal with your past, your past will deal with you. You must pray and ask for forgiveness. But do not stay in the same place... don't go back to the same old things that God forgave you of and delivered you from.

Things of your past may be dragging you down. If that's the case, get those things out of your life! The enemy will try to throw your past mistakes in your face; but, 'Resist the devil and he will flee from you' (Ja 4:7) You don't have to stay in your current condition. Let it go and move forward!

How do we get bad things out of our lives and move on? Prayer. How do we get prayers answered? II Chr 7:14 - If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

To get prayers answered, we must..
1. have a humble spirit. God puts us in situations so we have to look to Him for help... to humble us.
2. Pray...pretty self explanatory. Talk to God about your problems. He will talk to you if you talk to Him.
3. Seek the face of God. Not just His hands and what He can do... but His face.
4. (this is vital) Turn from wicked ways. We can't keep on doing the same old things. We've got to get the bad things out of our lives. THEN God will hear us, forgive us, and heal us.

Stop letting the skeletons in the closet of your past sing their song and have rule. Bury your past, leave it behind, and MOVE FORWARD!

J.H.

Friends In High Places

2008-10-22T15:15:00.000-04:00

In my experience in job searching, I've come to know certain people that have authority to make things happen. I would always call on these people to help me find a good job or in the job, make something happen for me. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't using them to hand me everything I needed. I was, however, leaning on them for help because I knew that they could make things happen.
The same principle applies with our spiritual walk, wouldn't you say? We all have mentors, role models, etc. I have people I look up to and are always there when I need them. It's all well and good to have friends that can help you, but we ALL have one friend who sticks closer than a brother... Jesus.

I look at the life of Abraham. In James it says, "And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God." Abraham's faith reposed in God Himself. He knew the God he was dealing with. It was a personal confidence in One whom he could utterly trust. The real secret of Abraham's whole life was in his friendship with God. He knew God to be his good and faithful Friend. Taking Him at His word, he stepped out from all that he knew and loved and went forth upon an unknown pathway with none but God. In addition to trusting in the Word of God, have we learned to lean our whole weight upon God, the God of infinite love and power, our covenant God and everlasting Friend?

We are told that Abraham glorified God by this life of faith. The truest way to glorify God is to let the world see what He is and what He can do. It's not about us, it's about Him... all we do must be for His glory. Not to be seen or heard, but for Him. God does not so much want us to do things as to let people see what He can do. God is not looking for extraordinary characters as His instruments, but He is looking for humble instruments through whom He can be honored throughout the ages.

A very wise evangelist once told me a quote... "God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called." We are not perfect, but we serve a perfect God. And the reason He can still use us and work with us is because we aren't perfect. A relationship with our God is the best thing that could ever happen to us. A gift from God is an offer we can't refuse!

We must be careful; we must not have a relationship with God just to get the things we want. James 4 is a great chapter in the Bible. It says in verses 3 and 4, 'Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.'

We must be close to God and listen to His voice and not our own selfish thoughts. Sometimes we can pray for the wrong things... we may think it's the best thing, but our Friend knows better... and I would hate to be the enemy of God.

Draw close to God, and He will draw closer to you. If you talk to God, He will talk back to you. Seek His direction and not what you think is the right way.

Verse 10 of James 4 says, 'Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.'
IT'S NOT ABOUT US... IT'S ABOUT HIM!!!!!!!!

J.H.

Devil's Puppet

2008-10-17T21:17:00.000-04:00

Fingers in strings, connected to your hands... Is it good, or is it evil? Something has control. You feel it as it takes over your every move and thought... causes you to act on impulse.

Evil. It comes from the enemy. The evil one is aware of you and he seeks to destroy you and all you do. You must know you are a target. The enemy knows you and will try to confuse you and make you live in fear.

But your life cannot be controlled by fear. Fear is of the enemy. God is not the author of fear or confusion. Do not let Satan tell you lies... You are not alone, God will NEVER leave you. His promises are sure... They are yea and amen!

God is fighting for you. When the enemy comes at you like a roaring lion, God will be your shield and defense. He is our refuge and strong tower.

But what about that evil... Ever notice how evil is just 'devil' without the d?
Evil starts in the heart. Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts... (Mt 15:19) If it's in your heart it will come out in your life. To be controlled and consumed with thoughts, words and acts of evil is to be the devil's puppet... to do what he wants and not what God wants.

Legion was controlled... Did exactly what the enemy wanted. Listened to what the devil told him to do... Luke 8 says he was driven by the devil. But when Legion saw Jesus, he cried out... Personally I think he knew that he wouldn't be rid of the demons by himself...

Do NOT believe the lie that you can make it on your own and that you don't need God. You're being a puppet... doing exactly what the enemy wants and believing what he wants you to believe. He's got you strung up and he's controlling your every move. He's only using you. He poisons your mind with what he desires. He cares nothing for you or the people you may hurt!

The mind is a powerful thing. It can play tricks and cause us to think the wrong things... Is it just human reasoning or is it evil? The devil will attack your mind & try to convince you into believing his lies... but be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Rom 12:2)

Make no mistake, the devil is trying his best to steal our souls... (our love & walk with God) How much more should we hit our knees and die to our sins? What we must do is what apostle Paul said... die daily.

Our lives will have problems, troubles, etc. but give it to God! When you talk to God, He will talk back to you. When you're sure it's His voice speaking, listen immediately, lest humanistic reasoning set in.
Do not be controlled by your own thoughts or what the devil tries to tell you.

What you must want is for your carnal man to die and for the spiritual man to be alive! Crucify your flesh daily! (Ph 1:21) To live is Christ, but to die is gain.... no strings attached!

J.H.

Actions Speak Louder

2008-10-11T21:17:00.000-04:00

How many of us have heard the term, "Actions speak louder than words"... It's a true statement. You may say that you want to do something but your actions say otherwise... How can we apply that in a spiritual sense?

Once you have God's spirit inside your heart and you're living right, the enemy will try to attack you. Anytime you take a stand for God and try to do more for Him, the devil will try to make you fall. God allows the enemy to attack us to see what we're made of; to see if we are going to stand and fight or lay down and take it... and that my friends would be a bad mistake. We can't allow our lives to be controlled by fear... don't give place to the devil (Ep 4:27)

If we fall back on old habits, God is not going to bless us with more. His word says He will not put on us more than we can handle... we all hear that and think it just applies for the bad things; but wouldn't you say it includes the good things also?

For example, God will not bless you with a better job with more money until you can handle your current one. (tithe, offering, using money wisely) God won't bless you with a marriage until you can handle a regular dating relationship. God's not going to put on us more than we can bear.
God knows your every thought and He knows your heart; but God will not honor your good intentions, He will honor (and bless) your ACTIONS.

Everyone wants to be a good person, everyone wants to be a true christian; but what separates (for lack of a better term) the men from the boys is the ACTION.

All things you do for Christ will last. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Ph 4:13) Not what you want but what you DO.

Stop wanting and waiting and do something about your situation. You have the choice, you have the power... 'save yourselves from this untoward generation' (Ac 2:40) Let your actions speak louder than your words!

J.H.

Ghost Hunter

2008-10-03T21:07:00.000-04:00

I've always had an interest in hunting, but have never been. From what I've heard about it, hunting requires a lot of patience.

For example, if you go deer hunting, you may end up sitting in a tree waiting for a deer to come along & then take your shot. Sounds exciting I know! But sounds a little contradictary to me... A hunter is defined simply as 'one who searches for something.' So if you're sitting in a tree just waiting, are you really hunting? No offense to all you hunters out there...

But I'm thinking of a different kind of hunt. I'm talking about a ghost hunt...

It says in Matthew, 'seek and you shall find'. So if you seek (hunt) the Holy Ghost, you will find it. All throughout God's Word it talks about seeking & searching for God & after the things of Him. I believe if one seeks the face of God & the Holy Ghost, you will receive it. It is a promise!

Acts says that you shall receive power after the Holy Ghost has come upon you. 'Power to tread on scorpions and serpents and all power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.' (Luke 10:19) Sounds great right!?!

But you only have that power after you receive the Holy Ghost. So again I say, 'Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.' (Mt. 7:7-8)

Seek the Holy Ghost and you will receive it. God promised it to you & the power that comes with it. It's what will get you into heaven.

Seek the Holy Ghost like a hunter... not one sitting in a tree waiting, but rather one that goes out looking and does not stop until they find what they're hunting. Even if you already have it, you could always use more.

Are you a ghost hunter?

J.H.

God is not done!

2008-09-26T20:52:00.001-04:00

This is for all who have made mistakes...

First, we are all human and we are prone to fall & make mistakes. We are not perfect, but we serve a perfect God.

We read in God's Word about all kinds of people who fail & turn their back on God... Jonah ran from God & from what he was called to do. We've all heard the story... swallowed by a whale (sounds like rock bottom to me) but stuck in a whales belly God was still with him, & Jonah began to call out to God.

In the midst of your distress & your problems, remember that God is with you & He will always be no matter what mistakes you've made. Trials come to make us stronger. God wasn't done with Jonah and He is not done with you.

You may be at the lowest point in your life, (a whales belly) but God still has a plan for you & a purpose for your life. Do not give up & do not give in to the enemy!
God allows things to happen in our lives to see what we're made of... to see if we're going to trust

Him. James says, 'tribulation worketh patience' Don't listen to the lies of the devil about suicide or that you're nothing. You are a child of the King... You're not here by accident... God has a plan for you. Be patient & wait for His timing. He will lead & guide you through whatever comes your way... if you'll only let him. God will open doors none shall shut, & close doors none shall open.
HE IS NOT DONE WITH YOU!

J.H.

Slow Fade

2008-09-25T12:59:00.000-04:00

Most people today have heard the song, 'Oh be careful little eyes what you see'. Most likely in our Sunday School class as a young child. But in the very recent past, God let me hear it in a different way...

Be careful little eyes what you see, it's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings.
Be cautious of what you see. One look can cause you to lust. Ec 1:8 says, '... the eye is not satisfied with seeing...' A look at something inappropriate will cause you to want more, and eventually act on those thoughts and feelings.
A thought: Lucifer saw God & desired to be like Him & was cast into hell. Could it be, if he had not looked upon God in that way, (if he was careful about what he saw) would he have been cast into hell?
Look at the right things... have Godly role models and see the things God wants you to see.
Be careful what you see.

Be careful little ears what you hear, when flattery leads to compromise the end is always near.
Choose what you hear... choose not to listen to secular music, a dirty joke, etc. If you let flattery compromise your morals and your values, the end will be near. Listen to the things of God and what's in His Word.
Be careful what you hear.

Be careful little lips what you say, empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray.
Pro. 10:32: 'The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness'. Instead of speaking wickedness: gossip, lies, etc. speak about the things of Jesus. Someone may be at their breaking point... you can be an encouragement by speaking the things of God.
Be carful what you say.

Be careful little feet where you go, for it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow.
Your feet can take you places you don't need to be... A dark corner with a girl/boy, down a dirty magazine aisle, etc. Be careful where your feet take you. Whether you know it or not, someone is always watching you. Be an example... the example that God wants you to be.
Be careful where you go.

Is. 64:6 says, 'But we are all as an unclean thing, and our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away'.
People do not backslide overnight. People don't crumble in one day... it's a process... a slow fade.
The Bible is in black & white... none of it is a grey area. But when black & white turn to grey, when thoughts invade your mind, and you make choices, a price will be paid when you give yourself away to a slow fade.

Be sure that you're where you need to be in God, because if you think you're standing, you just might be sinking.

Be careful of what you see, hear, speak, and where you go... and DO NOT FADE!!!

J.H.