"The Letter from Jude"

  "This letter is from Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ and a brother of James. I am writing to all who have been called of God the Father, who loves you and keeps you safe in the care of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more mercy, peace, and love." (Jude 1-2 NLT)

  "Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given onto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:16-20 KJV)

 As many of us should now, this Jude that has written this letter is a brother of Jesus; who identifies himself as the brother of James: James is the author of the Book of James. Both James and Jude identify themselves as, "Servants of Christ." There are a few scholars that identify this Jude as the Apostle Judas (not Iscariot) in Matthew 10:2-3, also called Lebbaeus or Thaddaeus (Lk. 6:16 & Acts 1:13). 

 I really don't believe that this Jude was one of Jesus' disciples; but that is coming up in a different message. What I do believe is that both James and Jude were brothers, that had the same mother, who was Mary; the virgin mother of Jesus Christ. As that is the case, I also believe that the term, "Slave, or Servant" used by both brothers is given to mean, "His Bondman"; which, if you don't mind me saying, that it means, it was their way of saying that they were very sorry for the way they treated him, before He was crucified and rose from the dead! 

 Which is precisely the reason I doubt that this Jude was one of Jesus' Apostles. However, for the sake of knowing nothing, let me make it perfectly clear: both James and Jude were brothers of Jesus! Which, for the sake making my point, before I even try to go into the Book of Revelation, I felt as though I needed to do this Book first.

 I believe that there is good reason for this Book to come before Revelation; why that is, I have yet to figure it out; but I am truly convinced that there is a good reason...

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby, know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: and every spirit that confeesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already it is in the world." (John 4:1-3 KJV)  

"That Which Affords Joy!"

 "Grace be with you all. Amen." (Hebrews 13:25 KJV)

  "Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God's right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in his glory." (Colossians 3:1-4 NLT)

 There are some things in this life that can bring us joy, regardless of whatever it is that we might be going through; just a special word from a friend, or the celebration of new life when a baby is born. These things are well and good, but that kind of joy will only last for a moment.

 The joy we are talking about here is something totally different, as it is based upon something we have for ever and ever! No matter what situation we might face on this earth, the grace that we have been given is something that overshadows even the worst thing that we might be going through; even the thought of death! 

 I know it might sound simple, just saying it; but what else can you do? There are some circumstances that you just can't change or get out of; but there is something you can always look forward to, and it can and it will change your perspective; I guarantee it!  

 Having a little difficulty choosing what is next. I am really considering Revelation; but I know that it will require more time and quite a lot of research. Whatever it is, it will be that which affords joy! Yes, that is what grace is meant to be, as it brings pleasure, happiness, peace, and everything else that is a delight! The whole meaning of grace is that of getting something you could never afford, not even in a thousand lifetimes...

"Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil - the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God's anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God." (Ephesians 2:1-8 NLT) 

"All the Saints!" - Too

 "Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you." (Hebrews 13:24 KJV)

  "For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless Lamb of God. God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but he has now revealed him to you in these last days. Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory. You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart." (1 Peter 1:18-22 NLT)

 Before I go, I would really like to do something real meaningful, besides whatever this 'living journal' might accomplish; if anything, worth talking about. My desire is to travel around to RV Parks that have senior saints, to share the importance of never forgetting their Wedding Vows, no matter what state or condition their better half might be in!

 To be completely honest, I do have days when I might challenge the situation we are in, wondering if it is all too weird or if she is actually not meant to live in the condition she is in. Every time I go there, I have to fall on my knees, asking God for forgiveness! He alone is the one that decides who stays and who goes; we have no right to take a life; especially not the life that obviously wants to keep living!   

 We had a chance to pray over a friend, that has great concern for his grandson, who has yet to be born. The baby has already been named, and needs to have spinal surgery, while he is in his mother's womb. Just before we started to pray, I had to tell him about the fetus that I posted a picture about, shortly after I started this blog. The little unborn baby was having a spinal surgery, one just like his grandson might be getting; and during the surgery, the child's little hand reached up and grabbed the Sergen's pinky, from out of the womb! 

 If you didn't know, Matt Drudge was fired from Fox News for making a big deal about this photo; mainly because he was pressing the point about real living life in the womb! Something we all should know and believe, based upon what we have learned in the Bible; the Living Word of God!  

 Anywho; we are either a Saint or we aint, but God is the Judge! We are only given a chance to prove to ourselves that we believe in what we believe; making every effort, as best as we can, to share the gift that we have been given...

"But suppose we seek to be made right with God through faith in Christ and then we are found guilty because we have abandoned the law. Would that mean Christ has led us into sin? Absolutely not! Rather, I am a sinner if I rebuild the old system of law that I already tore down. For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law - I stopped trying to meet all its requirements - so that I might live for God. My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die." (Galatians 2:17-21 NLT) 

"All the Saints!"

 "Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you." (Hebrews 13:24 KJV)

  "You see, we don't go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let there be light in the darkness," has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our power is from God, not from ourselves." (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT)

 Well, I was going to share more about, "Set at Liberty," but I thought I had said enough about myself, even if it was part of the journey. But that doesn't stop me from sharing about the reason I used that title in the first place. As it was, Paul is talking about Timothy being released from jail, as being, "set at liberty," because he is no longer locked up. But my story was meant to be one that was about me being "set at liberty" even though I was still in jail! 

 Yes, I was incarcerated, but I felt absolutely FREE! That is what I meant about having real true faith; because, as Jesus said, "So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free." (John 8:36 NLT) To be perfectly honest, I really prefer the KJV of that verse, which I would use to share with anyone who is tied down, but has been saved: "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."  

 Before I was saved, I felt as though I wanted to be set free; as it was, I was told I would be able to just serve on weekends, (which I never really believed would happen,) but instead it looked like I was going to stay for at least eight months. But, once I was saved, on that great and glorious day, I felt absolutely free! It was as if I had something important to do, right where I was; even though I still desired to be home with my wife and son, it pretty much just felt as if I needed to be where I was, as long as the Lord would have me there. 

 The reason I prefer that verse about being set free in the old KJV, is because it uses the word, "make," which is also in the NKJV and several others; but for some reason the NLT version uses "sets," which doesn't really make the point of how we got saved in the first place! 

 Without a doubt, I believe that it was God that made me move; it get up, off of my bunk, and to go down to the cafeteria room, in order to hear that message! I surely wasn't about to do it on my own; but it was the work of God that made me want to hear what was going to be said. Maybe that is not a thing you could believe; but when God calls you, it is not until you allow Him to change you, that you are really chosen...

"Oh, foolish Galatians! Who has cast an evil spell on you? For the meaning of Jesus Christ's death was made as clear to you as it you had seen a picture of his death on the cross. Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ. How foolish can you be? After starting your Christian life in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? Have you experienced so much for nothing? Surely it was not in vain, was it? I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ." (Galatians 3:1-5 NLT)  

"Set at Liberty" - Too

 "Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you." (Hebrews 13:23 KJV)

  "But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles. When this happened, I did not rush out to consult with any human being. Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to consult with those who were apostles before I was. Instead, I went away into Arabia, and later I returned to the city of Damascus." (Galatians 1:15-17 NLT)

 As it went, after a small stay in the County Jail, I was sent to an Honor Ranch, up by Majic Mountain. It just so happened that this Honor Ranch had a Church; not just a building, but an actual Church that was very similar to one you would see in any small town in America; with a bell and steps that went up to the door. 

 I did everything I could to avoid going into that Church; even though the chow-line was pretty much right in front of it, it was hard to not be close to the front door. I did however have a little New Testament that I read every day, usually at least a Book a day; and on the weekends I would read almost the whole Book. 

 One evening, after dark, I was sitting out in the field about 50 yards from that Church, and I starting to pray for the inmates that were in there. I could see them through the windows; raising their hands and singing songs. I started to weep and thought that I was crying for them; as crazy as it might sound in reality, I believe it was myself that I had pity on! 

 Anywho, long story short, I had a 'store', which basically means that I sold things to certain inmates that couldn't get anything do to their work duties. Mostly just cigarettes, candy bars, and instant coffee. I did pretty good; and would usually make at least $50 a week, sometimes more. Actually, the instant coffee was one of my biggest deals; as the only coffee available at night was in the Officer's dining room.   

 One Sunday, I was having a visitation with my wife. The visitation room was rather large, and there was probably 20 guys at a time that were visiting with someone. I handed my wife a fist full of money, without realizing that someone could see me. After the visitation was over, I went back down to the barracks and was jump for my money. Unfortunately for them, I only had $10 left; but regardless, the guy that had his hand on my windpipe wanted my Bible; and I wasn't about to let go of it. 

 When the ordeal was over, I was called up to the Office over the loudspeaker. When I arrived at the Office, the officer told me that he had heard I was jumped, that he knew who they were, but that he also thought they would think that I finked. So he told me that I was being moved to another facility. 

 The place I went to did not have a church, of any sort. I felt safe, because I really had no respect for organized religion or churches. You might say that my guard was down; because it wasn't long after I got there, that one Sunday morning the loudspeaker came on, and a Chaplain was making a seemingly serious call for men to come down to hear something. 

 Seriously, I really didn't know what it was he meant, but I had a certain need to go check it out. I started out walking down to the cafeteria, where the event was; but before I knew it, I started to run. When I got there, they had already started worship, so I stepped inside and took a seat towards the back.

 After worship, a black man came up to the podium and took off his watch. He held it up and made sure that everyone saw it, and he said, "Do you see this watch? This watch tells me that somewhere out there, is a Watch Maker. And you, me, and all that we see, tells me that there is a Creator! And I have come here today to tell you, that Creator is Jesus Christ!" 

 When I heard him say that I was overwhelmed; I actually closed my eyes and started to cry, as I saw a vision in my mind of Jesus on the cross. It was like something I could have never known on my own, even though I had been reading that little New Testament, every single day! As I envisioned Jesus on the cross, I thought to myself, "The Creator of heaven and earth died for me on that cross!" 

 As the Pastor made the call for those who wanted to be saved to raise their hands, I raised both hands, and that was the day I will never forget! That is when I discover what real true faith looks like...

"For the time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you." (2 Timothy 4:3-5 NLT) 

"Set at Liberty" - To

 "Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty: and whom, if he come shortly, I will see him." (Hebrews 13:23 KJV) 

  "Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." (Hebrews 10:23-25 NLT)

 If you didn't know, or haven't heard, I was totally against any and all religions; having no desire to even think about going into a church. I was pretty much settled with reading the Bible on my own, praying to God, in my own way, and having my own private fellowship, with a God I really didn't know! If that sounds strange to you, that is totally fine; because it really was strange; and it was wrong! 

 After I was arrested, back in the day, I focused quite a bit on getting things in order; as it was, I felt that I was going to prison, as the judge who sentenced, me back in the late 70's for dealing drugs, came out of retirement to put me away. However, there was about 5 or 6 of us that were getting tried, and everyone had a lawyer, except me; I thought I would defend myself, because I felt that I wasn't doing anything wrong, selling drugs to my friends. 

 When we rented a place to stay, the guy who owned it had a termite company, and I started out working on his rentals; but he saw that I was a hard worker, so he trained me to do termite work. I had another job, which was driving a truck for Napa auto parts; but on January 1st, 1981, I was totally working for him, at least 12 hours a day, six days a week. 

 Early in the spring he sat me down and asked if I wanted to be licensed to do inspections, and he began to get me ready for the test I would be taking. The day we were filling out the application, we were sitting on his Livingroom floor, and he was filling out the questions, as I answered them. When it came to the spot where it asked, "Have you ever been convicted of a felony?" I told him that I had not yet, but I was going to court for a felony charge. 

 When I told him what the charge was, and that we had been going to court for at least eight months already, he asked me if I had a Lawyer. I told him I did not, and that I was defending myself. So he asked me what my defense was going to be; and I told him, "I believe in the Bible, and in the Bible, it says that God created the Herbs, and He said it was good; and I was just about giving good Herbs to my friends." 

 Well, that didn't go so well; as he instantly jumped up off the floor, and said, "I am getting you a Lawyer!" He put a $5,000 retainer down for some hotshot Lawyer, and in May of 1981 I was sentenced to one year in the County jail. The new judge we had, (because the first one gave up trying to convict me, as the trial just kept dragging on and on), gave me a lesser sentence, because I was gainfully employed; he even gave me a month to get my affairs in order; and on June 15th, 1981, I got a ride to the L.A. County Jail...

"Once a religious leader asked Jesus this question: "Good Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?" "Why do you call me good?" Jesus asked him. "Only God is truly good. But to answer your question, you know the commandments: 'You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother.'" The man replied, "I've obeyed all these commandments since I was young." When Jesus heard his answer, he said, "There is still one thing you haven't done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."" (Luke 18:18-22 NLT) 

"Set at Liberty"

 "Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you." (Hebrews 13:23 KJV)

  "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. But you, Timothy, and a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, alone with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses." (1 Timothy 6:10-12 NLT)

 Well, I must say that I am not sorry for missing a chance to share this yesterday; we had to get ready for the final meal, and breakfast was going to be at 6:30, so I felt that I needed to be there between 4:00 and 4:30. Men at the Cross will be this coming Saturday; which is when I wake up at 2:30; but since I am at home, I feel more comfortable to pray quicker and have had at least 45 minutes to do this blog. 

 Having shared this before, it might seem as though it's old news; but the more I share it, the more I feel as though I keep holding tightly to the eternal life I have been given! We need to make every effort to keep the faith; and when I say, "the faith," I am talking about that moment when we accepted Jesus Christ into our hearts; which is the moment that you were actually saved!

 Faith is not just what you believe, but what you know! I know, 100%, that my life was changed on that special day; there is no doubt, whatsoever! Don't ever forget, because that is the real true faith that Paul is talking about...

"Dear brothers and sisters, I want you to understand that the gospel message I preach is not based on mere human reasoning. I received my message from no human source, and no one taught me. Instead, I received it by direct revelation from Jesus Christ. You know what I was like when I followed the Jewish religion - how I violently persecuted God's church. I did my best to destroy it. I was far ahead of my fellow Jews in my zeal for the traditions of my ancestors." (Galatians 1:11-14 NLT) 

"Word of Encouragement" - Three

 "And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words." (Hebrews 13:22 KJV)

  "So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone - especially to those in the family of faith." (Galatians 6:9-10 NLT)

 Just to inform you, if you didn't know, the four Books, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians, or easier to find in order if you can remember: Gentiles Eat Pork Chops. Just in case you didn't know that I thought you should know...

"For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ's blood on the cross. This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault." (Colossians 1:19-22 NLT) 

"Word of Encouragement" - Two

 "And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words." (Hebrews 13:22 KJV)

  "Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But - "When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth, and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life."" (Titus 3:3-7 NLT)

 If you take just a moment to search out some of the words that are being said, some of what is meant will look totally different than what you might think. Take the word, "suffer," as a good example of what I am talking about. Just taking that word in the context it is shown, it would seem to be something of a burden or anguish; when it actually is talking about endurance and to forbear. 

 Much of what is being said, if it is taken in context with what was previously said, is all about positive things, whether or not they are good or bad, whatever there is that we go through, God will make a way for the bad to be good and for the ugly to be beautiful; everything, no matter what it is that might seem as though we are suffering, will not hurt us: we are special, indestructible, and no matter what, we will be ending up totally fine! 

 When Paul was shipwrecked on the island of Malta, as he was gathering up some firewood, and he was bitten by a poisonous snake. He should have been killed by the bite; but he actually just shook it off and went on gathering wood. If you don't know the story, it is Acts 28. But the point I am trying to make is about why Paul was not concerned about dying from the snakebite; it was because the Lord told him that he would be going to Rome, and to minister to the Gentiles. (Acts 23:11) 

 Maybe that isn't enough to convince you; but I know for a fact that Jesus saved me! That is something I will never forget; and yes, I have had some ups and downs; but no matter what, I am fully confident that I will be making it to the other side, because Jesus told me so...

""I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd."" (John 10:14-16 NLT) 

"Word of Encouragement"

 "And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words." (Hebrews 13:22 KJV)

  "And all of this is a gift from God who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, "Come back to God!" For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ." (2 Corinthians 5:18-21 NLT)

 More than anything else, I want to finish well! Yet, the more I persevere to be holy, the more I feel that I am not; as weird as that might sound, it just is what it is! To be totally honest, I think that is how it is meant to be: We are what we are, and whatever we try to do to correct ourselves, we seldom can make it happen. It's like when you tell yourself, 'Don't think of pink elephants,' and you struggle to get the pink elephant out of your head! 

 So, this is what I believe, whether it works or not, it is something we must strive for and make every effort to make it our goal...

"Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again - rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:4-7 NLT) 

"Wellpleasing in His Sight" - To

 "Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13:21 KJV)

  "So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transformed us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins." (Colossians 1:9-14 NLT)

 I am sorry if I offended anyone with my closing statement. It is something I felt strongly about when I left the church I was a pastor at, back in 2018 or 2019; actually, I don't remember when; except that my niece was going to start going to Country Christian School, and I used that as a way out; bring her family to LCC and making it my opportunity to go there also. If you don't understand what I mean, it is really not that hard to understand: You shouldn't leave a church simply because you might have been offended; but you could leave a church if you have a good reason, that is justifiable. 

 Maybe you still didn't get the point; but it is really more about structure than anything else. We are not really meant to rebel against anything we might have issue with; especially anything that might cause others to also be concerned or upset about. I have seen that happen too many times in certain churches, and it is ugly and causes many to actually fall away from church, all together. 

 My leaving was done in a celebratory manor; where everyone prayed over me and my family, as we were departing to be a part of another fellowship. Believe it or not, it was all about tithes and offerings; as crazy as that might seem. I believed that it should be out in the open and structured; where there is actually a passing of the plate or bag. As it turns out, that isn't what we do at the current church either...

"Let the message about Christ in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father." (Colossians 3:16-17 NLT)  

"Wellpleasing in His Sight"

"Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13:21 KJV)

  "Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowances for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful." (Colossians 3:12-15 NLT)

 I have a feeling to not spend any time doing this blog during Man Camp this weekend. I have always committed myself to do this as much as I could; these last few visits in the hospital have given me the opportunity to slip away from this, a few days at a time; even not feeling guilty! That said, this has been something that causes me to dive into the Bible, each and every day; something that I failed doing prior to starting this journey, back on January 1st, 2010. 

 Before my first hospital visit, I had never missed a day; even though I might have had to be late, I still made every effort to stay committed to not missing a single day. As I have said before, there are times when I feel as though I am too committed, as if this has been too much of a journey. But since my first stay in the hospital, I feel that two or three days off is really actually refreshing. 

 Anywho, this passage reminds me of a message I heard back in the late 90's, which was a time I felt as though I needed to go to a Calvary Chapel Conference, in San Jose. It was a very critical time in my life, as the business was having financial issues and the IRS was pressing me to get caught up on my taxes. I almost had another side that didn't want to go; but my heart felt that it needed to happen. 

 The first speaker was Pastor Damian, who I had never heard before. As he opened up the message, he asked us to open our Bible's up to a certain Scripture, which I can't recall. But as soon as he read the very first word, by heart was broken, and I began to weep. As much as I have been to many different gatherings, this was the very first time that this had ever happened. 

 As Pastor Damian continued, my mind was focused on everything he had to say. He began speaking about this passage that I typed out this morning, from Colossians 3. As he was illustrating certain actions, involving laying out clothes, he was actually motioning out what it might look like to lay out clothes on a bed. There were a couple other Pastor's nearby, who were laughing to each other, as if what he was demonstrating was a joke. 

 My heart felt a little broken, for a moment; but I soon realized it was actually not that unusual for some Pastor's to mock each other's teachings...

"And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight. And remember, our Lord's patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him - speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture. And this will result in their destruction." (2 Peter 3:14-16 NLT)    

"Our Great Security!" - Too

"Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd on the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant," (Hebrews 13:20 KJV)

  "Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls." (1 Peter 2:25 NLT)

 Maybe I didn't make my point strong enough, seemingly the way I explained myself wasn't fit for some, shall we say, that might not believe that our eternal Salvation is something that can never be taken away, even if we might fall away! If that might be something you can't except, that is totally up to you; but I feel sorry for you, if you think that falling away is a deal-killer, and that is enough to cancel your Salvation. 

 Over the last 45 years, I might have fallen away at least half-dozen times; each and every time, there has been something that has caused me to come back; each and every time I have learned that I am always welcomed back: His arms are always wide open, ready to hug me and welcome me home! 

 This fallen away I am talking about is not really about turning my back on the Lord, if you think that is what I mean. The falling away that I mean is that of doing things that I should not, things that cause my fellowship with the Lord to draw distant, for a season. I am just being honest, because I know it isn't just me; there are several people I know that slipped down that slippery slope from time to time. 

 One thing is sure; I have never really forsaken fellowship! I might have missed a few services from time to time; but I truly believe that we must not quit trying! Even if we fall, we must aways get up and stay loyal to Christ and our fellow believers! Whatever it is that has caused up to slip away, however you think that looks like, we are always still part of the family of God, always! 

 I remember a Men's Meeting we had back in the 90's, out in Palo Cedro. Pastor Bill was sharing about the fact that we were all members of the Body of Christ. There was a brother who stood up, who didn't think he was good enough to be a member of the Body of Christ, saying, "If I am a member of the Body of Christ, then I must be a Hemorrhoid!" 

 Hopefully that doesn't offend anyone, because we all got a kick out of the way he said it. None of us are perfect! We all mess up from time to time; but we also have one great thing in common: We are saved! As long as we have been saved, we have been given eternal life in Christ! This eternal life can never be taken away, because it is secure, waiting for us in heaven...

"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance - an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see." (1 Peter 1:3-5 NLT) 

"Our Great Security!"

 "Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant," (Hebrews 13:20 KJV) 

  ""My sheep listen my voice; I know them, and they know me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from my Father's hand. The Father and I are one."" (John 10:27-30 NLT)

 Because we aren't perfect, yet, we have some difficulties trying to live perfect lives; which is a thing, pretty much everyone has to deal with, from time to time; we struggle now and then with doubting our security. It's not that we don't feel saved, because I believe all of us that have been saved remember that day of our salvation; but we feel unworthy from time to time, as if we don't fit the mold.

 When I first got saved, both my wife and I would go forward if an alter call was given, just to renew our commitment to follow Jesus, probably once or twice every other month or two. Call it being cautious, if you will. But the only reason we did was because we weren't feeling perfect! 

 In this world there is nothing that is perfect; the whole world has been cursed ever since Adam did what God told him not to do. Before that time there was no cancer, no dying; everything was perfect in that Garden; even all the animals got alone and lived together, as it was, the lion and the lamb would hang out together, (so I have been told.) 

 My point is very simple, and I will hold onto it with all my heart: Jesus is my Savior, He died on that cross to pay the penalty for my sins, (even the sins I do now and the sins I will do tomorrow,) and He rose from that tomb as the First Born to eternal life; and He is coming back to get me, whether I am alive or in the grave, to take me with Him, for all eternity! 

 Now, if you have an issue with that, you can take it up with the Father, and see what He has to say about all of that; because it was the plan of both the Father and the Son, to get it done...

"How are these things possible?" Nicodemus asked. Jesus replied, "You are a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you don't understand these things? I assure you, we tell you what we know and have seen, and yet you won't believe our testimony. But if you don't believe me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man has come down from heaven. And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life. "For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him."" (John 3:9-17 NLT)  

"Benediction"

  "Now may the God of peace - who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood - may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.

 "I urge you, dear brothers and sisters, to pay attention to what I have written in this brief exhortation. I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released from jail. If he comes here soon, I will bring him with me to see you. Greet all your leaders and all the believers there. The believers from Italy send you their greetings. May God's grace be with you all." (Hebrews 13:20-25 NLT)

  "We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: but in all things approving ourselves as ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; by pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things." (2 Corinthians 6:1-10 KJV)

 For what it is worth, there are so many things that we go though in this life, whether we win or lose, in the end, we are still winners! As I have said, several times, over and over: When Jesus says we are going to the other side, we are going to the other side; regardless of the storm and the threat of death or despair; nothing, absolutely nothing, can keep us from making it to the other side! 

 Whatever you think that looks like, if your heart is set upon believing in the salvation you have been given, then nothing in this life can take your salvation away! You are the only one that can make any sort of harm to yourself; and even then, He still loves you! Never stop believing...

"This then is the message we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. I we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." (1 John 1:5-10 KJV)   

"The Rather" - Two

 "But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner." (Hebrews 13:19 KJV)

  "Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith. I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!" (Philippians 3:8-11 NLT)

 If I could, I would do whatever it takes to be a missionary or serve somewhere that gives me the chance to minister to those who feel as though their life doesn't matter; because we must all believe that our lives matter to God! To be more positive and direct, our death also matters to God, because death is our door that opens to fellowship with God in person; which is what faith and hope is all about! 

 As it is, my purpose in this life right now is caring for my wife, which is something I have been doing for over 23 years now; and I am willing to do is another 23 years, if the Lord keeps us going. At that time, I would be 91 years old, and my wife would be 88; but I would rather the Lord come back much sooner than that, then we both would be perfect, in every way! 

 Today I am taking my wife and her mother to the movies; which I really enjoy doing, as Marianne will be super attentive to the big screen; and her mother will also enjoy hanging out with us. It really isn't about enjoying the entertainment, but more about just having some time together and relaxing from the rigors of life. My wife's mother is also busy at home taking care of her husband; besides putting up working for me, 30 hours a week.

 All that said, I feel blessed, far more than I deserve! God keeps providing more and more; even when I think it is time to quit, He gives me the strength and desire to keep on going! We must believe that our lives matter! We are here for a reason, and rather you believe it or not, the Lord is working through you, even if you don't realize it, He will never give up on us...

"LORD, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance! I will bless the LORD who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever." (PSALM 16:5-11 NLT)   

"The Rather"

 "But I beseech you the rather to this, that I may be restored to you the sooner." (Hebrews 13:19 KJV)

  "Several days later a man named Agabus, who also had the gift of prophecy, arrived from Judea. He came over, took Paul's belt, and bound his own feet and hands with it. Then he said, "The Holy Spirit declares, 'So shall the owner of this belt be bound by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem and turned over to the Gentiles." When we heard this, we and the local believers all begged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. But he said, "Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus." When it was clear that we couldn't persuade him, we gave up and said, "The Lord's will be done."" (Acts 21:10-14 NLT)

 When we might ever get a chance to be pressed, it is very important that we make up our minds about how far we are willing to go, even if it means losing everything, possibly, even our freedom or our lives. I know that might sound a little extreme, especially in this country we live in; but there are several countries where that is actually happening, where people that confess to be followers of Christ are put in jail or killed, just for proclaiming that Jesus is their Lord!  

 We are not there yet, but I am sure that it is bound to happen, sooner or later! And if it does, we need to be ready and willing to go all the way; meaning that we must never stop saying that Jesus is our Lord, no matter what the consequences might be; we must be prepared for anything! 

 I know that might sound pretty harsh, but it is happening in several places all over the world; it could happen here too, without much effort. Things can change without much opposition; we should have figured that out, back in 2020. I remember planning a trip to Mount Rose with some family members. As I checked with the park a few days before we were going, they said that there was no place cleaner than 8,000 feet in the air. Yet, when arrived in Reno and checked into the hotel, Mount Rose was closed, and things got really weird. 

 People started telling other people to put on a mask, saying, "Don't you care about spreading Covid! Don't you care about the people around you!" It was really hard to resist, being shunned and put on the spot. There are still some people wearing mask even today; I have even seen people driving alone in their cars wearing a mask! It is really not that hard to turn the world upside-down, in hardly any time at all.  

 That said, "The Rather," is basically the same as saying, "What come what may!" Meaning, no matter what, Hold Your Ground...

"Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love." (1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NLT) 

"Accountability" - Too

 "Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly." (Hebrews 13:18 KJV)

  "Dear friends, I warn you as temporary residents and foreigners to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world." (1 Peter 2:11-12 NLT)

 As far as the world goes, there are certain things that are totally upside-down, when it comes to family matters and the things which the secular world allows; most of which is due to the fact that the church does not get involved in what the world does. The school system, which was once founded by churches, is now almost completely against anything that has to do with God. 

 Not that it wasn't meant to happen, because we all should know that it is all listed in the Bible, as all the things shall be in the last days! Whether you can except it or not, we are actually living in those days, waiting and expecting for the Lord to come and take us home! At least that is what I am waiting for, because I believe that it is going to happen, very soon! 

 That said, I pray that I am found worthy to be taken; not because of something I did, because I believe those things are already forgiven; but because of what I might do, that might not be right, something that does not please the Lord. I have seen to many that have fallen from grace, who I pray for to be made right again. It is just too easy for some to stumble, taking worldly desires over living honestly. 

 If we think that we are strong enough to not fall, we are going to find out that we are weak and frail; hopefully it will only be a lesson learned, and we recover. But there are some that don't recover and think they are doomed! It is never ever too bad that you cannot be forgiven, ever! The Lord is always willing to forgive us, no matter how bad we have been! 

 We must realize that we are all vulnerable; that we must depend upon the Lord to keep us on the right path! The moment we might think that we have won the battle and have what it takes to live rightly, is the moment we will discover that we don't have any strength at all...

"You adulterers! Don't you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God. What do you think the Scriptures mean when they say that the spirit God has placed within us is filled with envy? But he gives us even more grace to stand against such evil desires. As the Scriptures say, "God opposes the proud but favors the humble." So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners: purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor." (James 4:4-10 NLT)  

"Accountability"

 "Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly." (Hebrews 13:18 KJV) 

  "This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don't participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don't let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires." (Romans 13:11-14 NLT) 

 This might not be a good time to bring this up, but this is another part of the book where Paul shows us that there is more than one person who is taking part in writing this; of which, as I have said before, that Mark and Luke were both with Paul while he was being held in prison. You might not think it matters much, but they were both not actually Apostles of Jesus, yet they ended up as two of the four Gospel messages, which were sandwiched between Matthew and John, who were His Apostles. 

 Don't try to figure out what that all means, because there were banners in the wilderness which had representation of all four of them, "The Four Gospels." I do believe I shared on that before; but there was also a formation the children of Isreal march through the wilderness in, and it was in the shape of a cross! 

 Anyhow, this is about accountability, not about history or who is what and why. Each and every one of us should have a good conscience when it comes to walking with the Lord. As I have shared before, and I will share it again, I probably ask the Lord to forgive me, at least six or more times a day. I don't even need to do anything wrong; but just thinking about something wrong is enough to ask for forgiveness. 

 Hopefully, this is something we all have some basic rule for, to ask the Lord's forgiveness when we might do something or think of something that is wrong. The thing about "willing to live honestly," is that which means that we are living the truth; meaning that there is no room for blame! 

 Don't get me wrong, I have many things in my life that I blame myself of doing wrong; but isn't that what asking for forgiveness is all about? We can count our blessings, naming them one by one; but we should also make sure we eliminated those things which we need forgiveness for, one by one; as soon as possible...

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If any of you wants to be my followers, you must turn from your selfish ways, pick up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds. And I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom."" (Matthew 16:24-28 NLT) 

   

"A Servant's Heart" - To

 "Obey then that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch over your souls, as they that must give account, that they do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." (Hebrews 13:17 KJV)

  "Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on that day of Christ's return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless." (Philippians 2:14-16 NLT)

 Most all of us know what it's like to feel discouraged about failing to do something that you feel God has given you to do; even though we might try, we will sometimes give up, thinking that it is too much; as if there is just no way we can work it into our busy lives. Believe me, I have known what it's like, having wished that I did what I felt God told me to do; instead, I found an excuse, like providing for my family, or making my business work, in order to pay the bills. 

 All that said, I must not be discouraged about that which I cannot change or do over! Doing so is not good; nothing is good about feeling sorry for not doing what you thought you should have done. But if you really want to know, there are several ways that we can serve, without having to give up on our life of family, business, and whatever else is keeping us busy.

 We must be faithful in giving our tithes and offerings! Most of us don't really know, but there are only 5-10% of those in churches who actually tithe 10% of their income to their church. That is not an easy thing for a pastor to share about, because those who don't or won't give at least 10% will feel offended if the subject even comes up.

 Don't doubt me on this, because I was once in charge of counting the offering and doing the banking; it is pretty easy to see who pays a tithe and who does not! That said, we should all be willing to give what we can; it is not only Biblical, but it is the caring thing to do. You would be surprised to know how many senior Pastors actually have to work some sort of secular job, just to feed their own families. 

 What a difference it would make if the church had enough to spare and do things for their towns and families! What a difference it would be to have everyone giving a tithe; think of all the different things that could be offered and provided for the poor and the needy, instead of them having to depend upon the government; who will just keep them, shall we say, dependent and needy.

 All that said, I seriously doubt anything will change. Those who don't give, won't, because it is all about money! More than you know, God really does bless those who give; giving is also being a servant...

""I am the LORD, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already destroyed. Ever since the days of your ancestors, you have scorned my decrees and failed to obey them. Now return to me, and I will return to you," says the LORD of Heaven's Armies. "But you ask, 'How can we return when we have never gone away?' "Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! "But you ask, 'What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?' "You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do," says the LORD of Heaven's Armies, "I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won't have enough room to take it in! Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease. Your grapes will not fall from the vine before they are ripe," says the LORD of Heaven's Armies."" (Malachi 3:6-11 NLT)    

"A Servant's Heart"

 "Obey them that have rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." (Hebrews 13:17 KJV)

  "For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body." (2 Corinthians 5:10 NLT)

 Good to know, who it is the rules over us, because we all must serve somebody, one way or another! As Bob Dylan said in a song, "Gotta Serve Somebody!" For whatever it's worth, I spent several decades being a servant of sorts; even during the first decade of my wife's condition; which has been the last 23 years. After having been discouraged in leadership, I decided that I would just chill out and focus on taking care of my wife. Yet, I still enjoy serving whenever there is an opportunity; never asking or expecting anything in return.  

 That isn't bragging, it is me telling you what it should be like for anyone that is in the ministry; no matter who you are or how hard you work; when it comes down to serving in the ministry, your real purpose is to serve the Lord! Even though you might be serving someone else, the one who holds you accountable is Christ Jesus; He is the judge who has the final say, whether we are good or bad, we will all stand before Him, and be judged accordingly, no matter who we are and what we have done.

 Having a servant's heart, although it doesn't always appear noticeable to some that we serve, it is always noticeable to the Lord! So don't complain, not even to yourself, because He will be listening; even if you just thought about it, even for a second! Always be grateful and ready to serve; knowing that it is the Lord you are serving, more than anyone else...

"As the Scriptures say, "If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD." When people commend themselves, it doesn't count for much. The important thing is for the Lord to commend them." (2 Corinthians 10:17-18 NLT) 

"Well-Doing" - Too

 "But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." (Hebrews 13:16 KJV)

  "Don't be misled - you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone - especially to those in the family of faith." (Galatians 6:7-10 NLT)

 I know that I have shared on this verse before, several times already; but it is important that we always remember that we must be busy about our Father's business, in season and out of season! If you don't know what that means, it simply means, whether you feel like it or not, you should always be ready to do whatever the Spirit prompts you to do!

 If you want to know, one of the things the Holy Spirit prompts me to do, is to pray for someone, especially strangers. As I am having conversations with them, I feel the Spirit telling me, "Pray for this person," and it will be my duty to find an opening in the conversation, when I just simply say, "Can I pray for you?" Hardly anyone refuses to be prayed for!  

 You must understand that the Holy Spirit will not make you do things; but He will prompt you and guide you along the way. However, if you refuse to do that which He tells you, then He will simply leave you alone; and what a waste that will be! Think of all the characters that the Holy Spirit represents; each and every one is to be meant to strengthen us and make us useful, in one way or another. 

 The "but" in this verse is not meant as an exception, but is meant for motivation, to mean, "and" "now" "also" "nevertheless" and "moreover"! In other words, there are greater blessings in store for us, the more we do good and share the Good News! You don't really need to be well-taught to share, you just need to be willing...

"The woman said, "I know the Messiah is coming - the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us." Then Jesus told her, "I AM the Messiah!" Just then the disciples came back. They were shocked to find him talking to a woman, but none of them had the nerve to ask, "What do you want with her?" or "Why are you talking to her?" The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, "Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?" So the people came streaming from the village to see him." (John 4:25-30 NLT) 

"Well-Doing"

 "But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifice God is well pleased." (Hebrews 13:16 KJV)

  ""Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.' "Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?' "And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'"" (Matthew 25:34-40 NLT)

 This might seem judgmental, or at the very least, something to think about, as you ask the Lord for opportunities to share and care for others; because I am certain that many of us don't do it as often as we should. Most of the time I am so busy just trying to keep up with my own busy schedule, that I do forget; even though I asked the Lord in the morning for opportunities and special encounters with people. It's as if the race I am running is not the race I wanted to run in! 

 Maybe it's just me, but if I could only slow down time, there might be more I could do that involves the work of sharing the Good News! But maybe that is the whole problem, making it work! If it is made into work, we can sometimes have a tendency to feel burdened by it, as if it is something we have to do; when in reality and in the way it should always be, it is a blessing! Just knowing Christ and sharing His love to others, is something that makes us have Running Water the flows through us, every time we share...

"On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, "Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, 'Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.'"" (John 7:37-38 NLT)     

"Sacrifice of Praise" - Two

 "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." (Hebrews 13:15 KJV)

  "So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 5:15-20 NLT)

 Just to be clear, that message yesterday was meant primarily for me. It is not that I don't try to plan things out, because there are certain things that need structure and accountability; but when it comes to serving the Lord, each and every step is given to us one step at a time. Those who try to think they know what God has planned for them, as if they say, "I got this," risk the opportunity to be blessed by waiting and listening to God, by thinking they have it figured out! 

 That might not make sense to some, because this current world teaches us to plan and make things happen on our own; instead of waiting on the Lord and listening for Him to give us instructions. Whatever we do, we need to do it as unto the Lord, with His guidance and by praying for doors to open or shut, giving God the glory in everything, even those things that might not turn out well; everything counts, both good and bad, somehow or another! 

 Anywho; the thought I was looking to share about was based upon the word, "continually," as if it was not just thrown into the verse, but that it actually means something very important. Everything isn't always going to be roses and candy; there will be times where we are overwhelmed and feeling as though life is too hard, that we are being tormented, or nothing is working out the way we thought that it would. Even then, we need to give thanks! 

 Believe it or not, but even the hard things we might go through, as terrible as they might seem, they build character and cause us to draw closer to the Lord...

"Look here, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit." How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog - it's here a little while, then it's gone. What you ought to say is, "If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that." Otherwise you are boasting about your own plans, and all such boasting is evil. Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it." (James 4:13-17 NLT) 

"Sacrifice of Praise"

 "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." (Hebrews 13:15 KJV)

  ""Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High. Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory."" (PSALM 50:14-15 NLT)

 There are certain times when we feel totally useless when it comes to being useful to serving the Lord, even in the ministry or in doing things which we are actually felt called to do. It is really not that we are useless or incompetent, but it is more about letting go and letting God work through us, not us trying to work through God! 

 The thing that makes this seem easy to understand, is not really a plan or making a list of what you should do; because those are the things that we have been taught through secular understanding. God's way of doing things in our lives are simple, one step at a time; where He makes the way, even when there is no way; because it is His plan and not our own. 

 Hopefully that makes some kind of sense to someone; because it is not us that has the wheel; thankfully! If there is anything that goes wrong, and it is not us trying to make things happen, then it will be God's fault; but His faults, (so to speak,) are always for good reasons...

"In that day you will sing: "I will praise you, O LORD! You were angry with me, but not and more. Now you comfort me. See God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The LORD GOD is my strength and my song; he has given me victory."" (Isaiah 12:1-2 NLT) 

"God-Pleasing Sacrifices"

  "Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don't forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit. Pray for us, for our conscience is clear and we want to live honorably in everything we do. And especially pray that I am able to come back to you soon." (Hebrews 13:15-19 NLT)

  "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8 KJV)

 Hopefully I haven't complained too much about the trials of the journey, because in this world, as the Lord has said, we will have trials and tribulations. But what we do while we are faced with anything that is overwhelming, is to give it completely over to God, look for the good in every situation, and for whatsoever it's worth, let joy come forth from your heart, so that others will know that you trust in your Heavenly Father!   

 After all, those are the chances and opportunities we get to show our faith is real and certain...

"Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless." (2 Peter 3:13-14 KJV) 

"Undone!" - Too

 "For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come." (Hebrews 13:14 KJV)

  "For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down, (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. We grow weary in our present bodies and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies. While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it's not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit." (2 Corinthians 5:1-5 NLT)

 As I was pondering the thought of what I should follow up with, the Lord spoke into my heart about the things that we see in the Scriptures about the bad things and wrong choices many have done; and yet, even though these things were bad or wrong, God was able to use what they did for something good. We are only able to see certain things as if the glass is half full; not in our lifetime will that which has been turned from bad to good, be something always for us to see, at least not in this life.

 To give you an example of what that looks like, Abraham had done wrong when Sarah asked him to use her handmaid to fulfill God's promise, as if that was the means for a child to come through her. The birth of Ishmael was not what God promised; it actually was thing produced by human means, not by the will of God! 

 Yet, a few generations later, a band of Ishmaelites, who happened to be slave traders, had shown up when Joseph brothers were going to kill him; making a way for Joseph to be taken to Egypt. I guess we all know what happen with that! So even that which was wrong, God used it to do something good! The whole human race of Isreal was saved...

"But now that their father was dead, Joseph's brothers became fearful. "Now Joseph will show his anger and pay us back for all the wrong we did to him," they said. So they sent this message to Joseph: "Before your father died, he instructed us to say to you: 'Please forgive your brothers for the great wrong they did to you - for their sin of treating you so cruelly.' So we, the servants of he God of your father, beg you to forgive our sin." When Joseph received the message, he broke down and wept. Then his brothers came and threw themselves down before Joseph. "Look, we are your slaves!" they said. But Joseph replied, "Don't be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. No, don't be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children." So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them." (Genisis 50:15-21 NLT) 

 

"Undone!"

 "For here have we continuing city, but we seek one to come." (Hebrews 13:14 KJV)

  "But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control." (Philippians 3:20-21 NLT)

 Okay then, having thought this through, with a very sincere heart, there is really nothing I can do to undo what has been done. It is just the way things are in the world; you create something that is, shall we say, a mess, and we pay the price for it, one way or another! This is the complete and tragic lesson we must be aware of, here in this broken world in which we live. Because it has been broken, we too are broken along with it; at least that is the case for us, as long as we are here!

 The Good News, is, none of that really matters! Like that racer in the 60's movie, who breaks off his rearview mirror, and says, "What's behind me is of no concern!" or something to that effect! The whole point to the title, "Undone," is that all of our sins and things we have done that were wrong, they have been UNDONE! Jesus has washed them all away, and forever more that which was, is no more; we will be as white as snow, nothing to see here, that was part of all that went on in this broken world...

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, "Look, God's home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever."" (Revelation 21:1-4 NLT)

"A Gust of Wind!" - Too

 "Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach." (Hebrews 13:13 KJV)

  "So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people's affairs. But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! For the time has come judgment, and it must begin with God's household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God's Good News? And also, "If the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to godless sinners?" So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you." (1 Peter 4:14-19 NLT)

 So, the title that I went with yesterday, and today, was based upon the definition of the word, "bearing," which has several meanings, such as: "to bear up, to be moved inwardly, endure; to be conveyed or borne, with the suggestion of force or speed." What we are looking at is the opposite of sitting in church and trying to be the best Christian you can be; it is going out and fighting in the trenches, bearing His reproach, which was meant to be actually going outside the camp and making people aware of who you represent and why it is that your burdens are not the things that hurt you! 

 As I thought about this, crazy last couple of days, I couldn't help but remember: "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." (Romans 8:28 NLT) How that works out, we sometimes never know; but rest assured, we will one day know more than we could have ever imagined...

"For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory. What can we say about such things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?" (Romans 8:29-31 NLT)   

"A Gust of Wind!"

 "Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach." (Hebrews 13:13 KJV)

  "Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weakness, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:8-10 NLT)

 Where do I start? Let's just say that I should start by asking for forgiveness and for taking my hand off the wheel! Better yet, that I left thinking about the Lord's blessing, and focused more upon what I thought was my determination and quest to get back home, as quick as possible. Whatever we do in this life, we must always remember to ask for the Lord's direction, protection, and most of all, His anointing upon all that we do!

 When I left the lot on Wednesday, I just focused upon the journey ahead, giving the task all the energy and thought, I could do. Unfortunately, the task was blown apart at a Toll Booth, at about 4am Thursday morning! As I passed through the booth, I heard a crash, something that shocked me to my core. I pulled over to the side of the road and looked at the side of the RV, seeing nothing was damaged; but I forgot to look up! 

 Apparently, the awning was what made that noise, and seeing it was heartbreaking, to say the least; I was so overcome by what had happened, I wanted to cry but couldn't even get a single tear to come out. As I traveled down the road, really not knowing what to do, I heard another crash; it was the passenger side mirror, that was totally gone! Apparently, the head of the awning was disconnected, and it came down with force and literally took off the passenger side mirror.

 When I went to the first area I could to pull over to, I got out and saw all that had happened, and wanted to die, right there on the side of the road! There just so happened to be a sign with a number to call for help, and the dispatcher I spoke to called for Services and Highway Patrol. 

 The weather was so completely crazy; that there was actually a tonnato warning; and there was lightening, wicked winds, and sever rain dumping down. The service provider showed up first and tried all he could to help; but things just got worse. The awning unrolled itself, and we now were dealing with a sail! I quickly retrieved some bungy cords and tried to secure it to the cargo compartments.

 The weather continued to get worse, and the poor service guy was hiding behind the sail trying to keep it from breaking free. After the storm calmed, the Highway Patrol showed up, and we went through all the things that happened; which involved a situation for hitting the side of the toll booth.

 A tow truck driver arrived, and we slowly drove to the nearest gas station, where we actually took off the awning, and he ended up driving off with it on his flatbed. As I sat in the parking lot, seriously astounded and weak from the devastation, I decided to make some calls; and ended up talking with this wonderful person at the NEWMAR factory; which just so happened to be about 4 and a half hours away.

 On the way there, I went through several tolls, and I went through one where there as actually a person that collected the money. I pulled in and tried to get close enough to reach her; and as I pulled away, bang! The driver side mirror was taken out! I was overwhelmed and totally undone! I pulled over to the side of the road and cut to wires that were all that was holding it up; and stowed the mirror in one of the compartments.

 Crazy as it seems, when I got to the NEWMAR plant, I was totally and completely at peace! Within less than an hour they had the mirrors replaced; which actually look better than the first ones. They are coming back out this morning to calibrate and adjust the mirrors and take down what's left of the awning. That replacement will be for another day! 

 As I set in the parking lot, with at least 60 or more beautiful motor homes, this has turned out to be an experience, more than anything else! Whatever we do, no matter how much you might think you have even the slightest chance of being in control; make sure that you pray for the Lord's guidance and protection, for every bit of the journey...

"Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trails you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad - for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to the world." (1 Peter 4:12-13 NLT)      

"Wherefore Jesus!" - Thrice

 "Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate." (Hebrews 13:12 KJV)

   "But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God's right hand. And he told them, "Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God's right hand!" Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul. As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." He fell to his knees, shouting, "Lord, don't charge them with this sin!" And with that, he died." (Acts 7:55-60 NLT)

 Forgive me for having missed doing yesterday's post, as I was hardly in my right mind, driving in the early hours of the night, having rain and lightning flashing all around me, as I just tried to make up a little more distance, hoping to make another hundred miles of my trip. Just so you know, I didn't forget to do my blog, because I did actually think about all the things I was going to say. By the way, this post has been started basically yesterday, as of a quarter to midnight; so I will count it as a twofer, and that pretty much matches the "Thrice." 

 Most of you know this story of Stephen, and how he saw Jesus standing at God's right hand; there is something very interesting about that, Jesus standing, because to be absolutely sure, Jesus was honoring Stephen, as he was going to be the first Christian to be killed, for announcing Jesus on His throne! A throne that He would usually be seated at, at the right hand of the Father! 

 When I read this illustration of what they did, 'putting their hands over their ears and shouting,' it really reminds me of what would happen when I would try and persuade one of my J.W. relatives or friends about who Jesus really was and is; they cover their ears, as if what I said has the power to curse them, or worse than that, it might cause them to believe the truth! 

 As I was driving yesterday morning, I kept thinking about all those who Jesus dealt with, how were actually moved beyond and above, by just knowing who He really was; not just a man, but God! The woman at the well, as well as all of her countrymen; the man that had a legion of demons, who actually wanted to follow Him, but Jesus told him no, and told him to go home, showing his family that he was changed! 

 The one that really kept me thinking about, was Peter, the first to declare the He was LORD; and then, almost right away tell Him, "Not so, Lord," as Jesus was sharing the things that were about to happen! Three times Jesus asked Peter, "Do you love me?" As I thought of that, I was reminded of the three times that Peter denied that he even knew Jesus; he even cursed when someone said, "I know you were with Him!" 

 And then I thought about those times, (oh my goodness,) times of doing things that were totally wicked and perverted, even though I confessed to be a Christian! I thought it didn't matter, as if it was a private thing, and I wasn't hurting anyone, just myself! Even stupid fools can be forgiven! Thank God for that...

"So the LORD sent Nathan the prophet to tell David this story, "There were two men in a certain town. One was rich, and one was poor. The rich man owned a great many sheep and cattle. The poor man owned nothing but one little lamb he had bought. He raised that little lamb, and it grew up with his children. It ate from the man's own plate and drank from his cup. He cuddled it in his arms like a baby daughter. One day a guest arrived at the home of the rich man. But instead of killing an animal from his own flock or herd, he took the poor man's lamb and killed it and prepared it for his guest." David was furious. "As surely as the LORD lives," he vowed, "any man who would do such a thing deserves to die!"" (2 Samuel 12:1-5 NLT) 

"Wherefore Jesus!" - Two

 "Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate." (Hebrews 13:12 KJV)

  "It was now about noon on the day of preparation of the Passover. And Pilate said to the people, "Look, here is your king!" "Away with him," they yelled. "Away with him! Crucify him!" "What? Crucify your king?" Pilate asked. "We have no king but Caesar," the leading priests shouted back. Then Pilate turned Jesus over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus away. Carrying the cross by himself, he went to the place called Place of the Skull (in Hebrew, Golgotha). There they nailed him to the cross. Two others were crucified with him, one on either side, with Jesus between them. And Pilate posted a sign on the cross that read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." The place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek, so that many people could read it." (John 19:14-20 NLT)

 Well, we that have the truth within us, know that this was not just something that the Jewish leaders had plotted and carried out; as it was the reason Jesus came to this earth, to be nailed to a cross and to die for our sins! What makes this illustration from John so complete, is the way he describes everything in such detail, especially the other two that hung beside Jesus; one on each side of Him! 

 If you don't know already, all the other disciples were off at a distance, as they were afraid to be seen in the public, especially in the crowed of Jewish leaders. Only John was brave enough to stand at the foot of the cross, having Jesus' mother right beside him. There was something about John that made him, somehow, entitled to hang around those of authority; as he previously got Peter into the courtyard, because John was acquainted with the high priest. 

 Anywho! The two men on either side of Jesus is an illustration of "Right and Left." I know it might be a little hard to understand, but there are several religious groups that have the belief that, if you have not been baptized, you have not been saved. Well, there was one of those that was on the side of Jesus, who was saved; and the other was left! 

 You could probably make the case that his crucifixion was a form of baptism; but I would beg to differ, as there are many people I know of, who never get a chance to be baptized. They get saved at some sort of church or other way, and next thing you know, they have been killed in some sort of accident. Being baptized is only us showing the outer expression of an inner happening; or as they say, "It is an outward ceremony representing spiritual changes in a person's life." 

 Whatever the case might be, salvation is given to us by accepting Jesus Christ into our heart and confessing that He is LORD! Which is all that thief who was right had to do...  

"One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, "So you're the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself - and us, too, while you're at it." But the other criminal protested, "Don't you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn't done anything wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom." And Jesus replied, "I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise."" (Luke 23:39-43 NLT) 

"Wherefore Jesus!"

 "Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate." (Hebrews 13:12 KJV)

  "For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God's word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault." (Ephesians 5:25-27 NLT)

 It has been a little while sense I have spoken about this subject; mostly because I always feel as though I am the bad guy, who makes men feel like they are not treating their wives as they should. I'd like to be able to prove myself right, but to be perfectly honest, before August the 12th, 2003, I really didn't think I needed to give up my life for my wife! Now, I only weep over all the things I did to break her heart! 

 Don't get me wrong, I really thought we had a very pleasant and loving relationship; but truth be told, between work and online surfing, she probably only had 10% of my time; and in reality, I thought my time was more important than her. Even then, I thought that our relationship was good, better than most; that is, until one night, when she came into our bed, and broke my heart, saying, "Do you love me?" 

 It was really like a sting to my heart, I felt like Peter, as Jesus asked him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" It says in Ephesians 5:33, "Nevertheless, let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband." Must men think that that word reverence is a word that makes the wife worship or respect her husband, no matter what. 

 Unfortunately, it is meant to be a holy fear; which might sound worse, but in reality, it is the same holy fear that we have in our reverence toward Jesus Christ! He loved us first and foremost, above all else, He gave up His life in order to make us holy and pure; now we are His bride, and we must reflect the love that Christ has given us, with fear and trembling!

 I know, this might sound weird and over-the-top; but as I have shared with several men, (without much luck,) 'If your bride loved you on the alter when you got married, and she has fallen out of love for you, it is your fault!' I really don't get a lot of compliments when I say that, but is what I feel in my heart...

"Your unfailing love, O LORD, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the ocean depths. You care for people and animals alike, O LORD. How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. You feed them from the abundance of your own house, letting them drink from your river of delights. For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see." (PSALM 36:5-9 NLT) 

"Outside the Camp"

 "For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp." (Hebrews 13:11 KJV) 

  "Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, "Please give me a drink." He was all alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food. The woman was surprised, for Jews refused to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, "You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?" Jesus replied, "If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water."" (John 4:7-10 NLT) 

 Having shared on this before, it has entered my heart again, as I typed the title above, "Outside the Camp." This was the first message I gave to our Youth Group at church, back in the mid 90's; as a fellow brother and I took turns sharing with the High School kids; and I was the first to share. 

 Most people might not know this, but in the original King James, it says that Jesus "must go through Samaria," which was really rather odd, because the Jews avoided going through Samaria; even though it was actually a short-cut to Jerusalem. But, as I have said before, Jesus knew what He had to do, as He did, time and time again!

 Just as He did when Lazaras was ill, and He delayed going to him, because He waited for him to die; making it four days after he died, before He would show up and raise him up from the grave. In this instance, Jesus was going to minister to the Samaritan's! This encounter with the woman was the way, and He had planned for it to happen, even before she showed up! 

 How is it that I know? It is pretty obvious by the way He spoke to her and what He already knew about her; He was not just a man, as some might think! He is, and was, the Living God, the Great I AM! The One who spoke to Abraham and ate a meal with him, knowing that Abraham's wife laughed to herself, as He told Abraham that his wife would have a son! 

 What Jesus did on this mountain was something that He felt needed to be done, because these half-breed Jews needed Salvation, and He knew that they would be willing to receive it, even more than the real Jews; especially those that were Jewish Leaders...

""Please, sir," the woman said, "give me this water! Then I'll never be thirsty again, and I won't have to come here and get water." "Go and get your husband." Jesus told her. "I don't have a husband," the woman replied. Jesus said, "Your right! You don't have a husband - for you have had five husbands, and you aren't even married to the man you're living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!"" (John 4:15-18 NLT)