Do I have true freedom?

Not only has He healed my heart, He has set it free. That freedom leads me to run in the path of His desire for my life. His freedom leads to my commitment to do what He wants for me.

Freedom leading to willing obedienceis His way. And I run in it!! Willingly. Gladly.

 I run in the path of your commands,
for you have set my heart free. Psalm 119:32

"You don't make your words true by embellishing them with religious lace." ~~Jesus

Jesus challenges us to make sure our words are clear and genuine. They should reflect all of His love. Embellishing what we say with religiosity is useless. Being religious isn't being genuine in God.

Sounding religious doesn't make us religious.

"You don't make your words true by embellishing them with religious lace." ~~Jesus

"They act like they are worshiping me, but they don't mean it." ~~Jesus

Jesus challenges us to stop acting. And, He is serious. He means it.

How many times do we just go through the motions? What about our prayers at meals? What about how we sing (or don't sing) the songs at church? What about our "gifts" at the offering time?

Are we just acting? Do we really mean it?

May we worship God like we mean it. May we be head over heels in love with Jesus and let our worship show it.

"They act like they are worshiping me, but they don't mean it." ~~Jesus (Mark 7:6 The Message)

Atlanta Braves History: Dan Uggla 2 run home run

Atlanta Braves' Dan Uggla follows through with a two-run home run in the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Saturday, May 26, 2012, in Atlanta.

Am I astonished or afraid?

Am I astonished or afraid? Those who simply follow get afraid. Those who are following Him and the new plan are astonished. His peace drives out fear all together. He is leading us. He knew what was going to happen. He let it be plain to His followers. He gave them hope. He would rise from the dead. This was good news.

It still is!!!

They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him. "We are going up to Jerusalem," he said, "and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise. Mark 10:32-34

Memorial Day

These heroes are dead.  They died for liberty - they died for us.  They are at rest.  They sleep in the land they made free, under the flag they rendered stainless, under the solemn pines, the sad hemlocks, the tearful willows, and the embracing vines.  They sleep beneath the shadows of the clouds, careless alike of sunshine or of storm, each in the windowless Place of Rest. 



Earth may run red with other wars - they are at peace.  In the midst of battle, in the roar of conflict, they found the serenity of death.  I have one sentiment for soldiers living and dead:  cheers for the living; tears for the dead.  ~Robert G. Ingersoll

"Unless you people are dazzled by a miracle, you refuse to believe." ~~Jesus

You come to Jesus. Your son is sick and is going to die. You ask Jesus to come and heal him. Jesus puts you off. That's right, Jesus doesn't just hop to it to do what you want. In fact, He challenges your motives. This is your opportunity to slink off or stand firm.

Jesus challenges us. Do we believe in him or will we give up?

"Unless you people are dazzled by a miracle, you refuse to believe." ~~Jesus John 4:48 (The Message)

Expect nothing in return

Sometimes I am so very tempted to get upset with the "ungrateful". OK, truth be told, I do get upset. I succumb to the temptation. I feel justified. I blessed them and they didn't respond. I gave and they weren't thankful. I go out of my way and they don't notice. How righteous I feel. What is wrong with them? Oh my goodness. What is wrong with me? Really. I have been ungrateful to my heavenly Father. What is His response?
 
To show me mercy. To be kind. To love me. To lavish His gifts on me. To put His best clothes on me. To give me my inheritance. To prepare a feast for me. To go find an amazing ring and put it on my finger.
 
He does good, is good and is in a good mood. He doesn't get offended at all. He is God. He is stunningly great. How amazing? Amazing gifts in spite of my ungrateful heart. He is absolutely perfect.
 
May I be merciful like my heavenly Father. REALLY. My reward will be huge. I will be His son.

If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:34-36

"Go and do the same."~~Jesus

Jesus challenges us. He tells us stories to shake us up. He wants us to love like our heavenly Father loves.

There is the story about a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man. A Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man's condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable. In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it on my bill—I'll pay you on my way back.'What do you think?

So Jesus tells this to a group of religious leaders. He asks, "Which of the three became a neighbor to the man attacked by robbers?"

"The one who treated him kindly," the religion scholar responded.

Jesus said, "Go and do the same." Luke 10:37 (The Message)

Does God have enough?

This seems pretty timely. The economy goes up and down. That creates a lot of uncertainty. A lot of us trust in it our 401K. Better to trust in God who provides for us according to His richness. We should be rich in good deeds. We should be generous. We should share with those in need.

Then there is God's economy. It is certain. It will never evaporate from in front of our eyes. God's economy doesn't need a bailout. He is in a good mood. He is generous. He has plenty to go around.

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19

"If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life." ~~Jesus

It happens all the time. Someone uses us for their own advantage. We get upset. It's just not right. We plot how we can get even. We put them in their place. We feel better for a while. But we are not at peace.

Jesus challenges us to not see it that way and act that way. It shouldn't be about who is right. We are here to love and serve. That is the "Jesus way".

"If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life." ~~Jesus 

Is God a liar?

Am I going to lay a stake in the ground, claiming that I have never missed God's goal for my life?

I could but I would be claiming that God is a liar. Now that is something to think about.

Claiming that would show my ignorance. Do I really want that?

No, I don't.

If we claim that we've never missed God's goal for our life (sinned), we out-and-out contradict God—make a liar out of him. A claim like that only shows off our ignorance of God. ~~Apostle John (1 John 1:10)

Atlanta Braves History: A long haul (1931)

Well, it got worse in 1931. Rather than finish sixth like they had in 1930, the Braves finished seventh. Bill McKechnie continued as the manager. They had a record of 64-90 and were 37 games behind the leader.

They had played pretty good until August and September. Hard to overcome a 17-43 slide in those two months.

They were in for a long haul with McKechnie at the helm. It would never get too much better.

Is it counterfeit?

It is all about love!! May our Father’s HOLY Spirit bring more love!!! How powerful is that?

 "The Pentecostal power, when you sum it all up, is just more of God's love. If it does not bring more love, it is simply a counterfeit."
----- William J. Seymour (quoted in “Apostolic Faith”)

 

 

"Are you being willfully stupid?" ~~Jesus

Jesus explains so many things to us. He challenges us to hear, really hear, what He is saying. He is blunt. He is straightforward. He really want us "to get it". He has given us the Holy Spirit to help.

May we listen and understand. It is important.

"Are you being willfully stupid?" ~~Jesus (Mark 7:18 The Message)

" How do you expect to get anywhere with God when you spend all your time jockeying for position with each other, ranking your rivals and ignoring God?" ~~Jesus

Jesus challenges us to stop being competitive. We are always comparing ourselves with others. It is a serious problem. It makes us feel better that we are better off than someone else.

We have all fallen short of what God has in mind for us. We miss the mark. Worrying about how we compare to others has us ignoring God.

"How do you expect to get anywhere with God when you spend all your time jockeying for position with each other, ranking your rivals and ignoring God?" ~~Jesus (John 5)

Is this just a promise for heaven?

Our God is. He is now. His promise is now. His presence is now. He is!!

The future is going to great. But so is now. His offer to me isn’t the distant future. “Just keep slogging away and I will reward you in heaven” kind of world. It is in this age as well in the age to come. Many times more now that I can expect.

First in the physical world. Then in the spiritual world. Many times more in the physical now.

Paul talks about the same thing. The promise is for now and for the future.

“Godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come” 1 Timothy 4:8

"Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way." ~~Jesus

God is God. He does things that don't make sense to us. We clearly wouldn't do very much the way He does. He doesn't need our permission or approval. How He does things pleases Himself.

Jesus challenges us to understand God, what He wants to do and accept His way.

"Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way." ~~Jesus (Luke 10)

Who understands me?

Wow. Now here is a thought. How much of our current culture is built around trying to understand ourselves. Way too much and not the way things are in God's world.

“We have to get rid of the idea that we understand ourselves. That is always the last bit of pride to go. The only One who understands us is God.” ~~Oswald Chambers

They were worried, Jesus wasn't at all

Here is a lesson in worry from our Master Jesus. He wasn't worried. He wasn't anxious. He was just doing what He knew to do which was be in His Father's house. So, his parents were worried. He was not. I should be concerned about doing my Father's business and not worry about anything else. And, he continued to grow this way. Stuff just didn't faze Him because He was listening to His Heavenly Father and just doing what He heard Him saying.

May I be about my Father's business and grow in His favor. May I worry about whether I am pleasing him.

When they saw Him, they were astonished ; and His mother said to Him, "Son , why have You treated us this way ? Behold , Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You." And He said to them, "Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father's house?" But they did not understand the statement which He had made to them. And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Luke 2:48-52

 

 

Will I obey God?

Am I willing to let others experience pain because I am following Jesus?

"If we obey God, it is going to cost other people more than it costs us, and that is where the pain begins." ~~Oswald Chambers http://ow.ly/Vfdi

"Don't say 'God be with you,' and not mean it." ~~Jesus

Jesus challenges us to mean what we say. Religious jargon and trite sayings are useless. It is the power of the risen Lord and Savior that means something. Jesus challenges us to understand what action God wants us to take not say some religious saying. The action Jesus took was always specific. He healed the blind but never exactly the same way.

May I live the life Jesus wants me to every day. May my life speak his power.

"Don't say 'God be with you,' and not mean it." ~~Jesus

Where does all my planning get me?

A friend sent me this quote. I have reading it over and over. Not sure who to attribute it to but thought it was worth sharing.

"You will not find My Peace by engaging in excessive planning:  attempting to control what will happen to you in the future.  This is a commonly practiced form of unbelief.  When your mind spins with multiple plans, Peace may sometimes seem to be within your grasp; yet it always eludes you. Just when you think you have prepared for all possibilities, something unexpected pops up and throws things into confusion. 

I did not design the human mind to figure out the future.  That is beyond your capability.  I crafted your mind for continual communication with Me.  Bring Me all your needs your hopes and fears.  Commit everything into My care.  Turn from the path of planning to the path of Peace. "

 

"These people make a big show of saying the right thing, but their heart isn't in it." ~Jesus

Jesus challenges us to have our heart in the right place with God and everyone else. It is all about our relationships. It isn't the "big show" we make of saying things. Do we do the right God-things? Is our heart in it even if no one knows about what we do?

May my heart be in it every day!!

"These people make a big show of saying the right thing, but their heart isn't in it." ~Jesus (Mark 7:6)

 

"It's who you are and the way you live that count before God." ~~Jesus

We get caught up in the wrong things. What church do we go to or what denomination do we belong to. How good is the worship team or choir. What school did we graduate from. What neighborhood do we live in. What is my title at work. How much money we earn. What car do we drive. The list goes on and on.

Jesus challenges us down to our core. What is my relationship with our loving God and Father? Do I love Him and Him only? Do I seek with all my heart to please Him every day? Do I love the people in my life the way He loves me?

That is all that is important. Jesus challenges us to live that way.

"It's who you are and the way you live that count before God." ~~Jesus (John 4:24 The Message)

"Too many of you are using doing things 'legally" as a cover for selfishness and whim, pretending to be righteous just because you are 'legal.' ." ~~Jesus

Jesus challenges us to look at whether meeting the "letter of the law" means we are living right in God. God's right way of living has nothing to do with "not doing" things but has everything to do with loving Him and others every day.

May I be right in Him doing His right things everyday.

"Too many of you are using doing things 'legally" as a cover for selfishness and whim, pretending to be righteous just because you are 'legal.' ." ~~Jesus

Is He always faithful?

I live in a hostile world. I call to God. To my heavenly Father I cry out. He hears me. He answers my prayers. My cry brought me right into His very presence. I can have a private audience any time I want it. He is ALWAYS faithful.

He is my rescuing knight. A mighty warrior strong and brave.  I can run to Him for my dear life.

I am an open book to you

I am an open book to our heavenly Father. He knows everything I am going to say before I even say it; before I even begin the first sentence. He knows what I am going to think before I even think it. I can't go anywhere to avoid His HOLY Spirit.

This is too good. He is always with me. That is so wonderful.

Where can I go from Your Spirit ? Or where can I flee from Your presence ? Psalm 139:7

God's goal for my life

Dear God, there is your word. If I was to hide it, where would it be? It should be in my heart. That is what is important to God. If it is in my heart, I will not miss God's goal for my life.

"Give her something to eat." ~~Jesus

The events of the day had been stunning. A 12 year old had just been raised from the dead. What is Jesus first concern? She is hungry. Get her some food. Jesus knows what is important and when it is important. He never ignores what we need and when we need it. That is just the way God is.

 "Give her something to eat." ~~Jesus (Mark 5:43 The Message)

"I have food to eat you know nothing about." ~~Jesus

It can be confusing to talk with Jesus. We're talking this world and He's talking about God's world. He challenges to see things from God's perspective; from His world. So, when we talk about food that isn't the kind of food He is thinking about. This seriously confused His disciples when He was here. It can confuse us today if we aren't careful.

May I see things His way and not my way.

"I have food to eat you know nothing about." ~~Jesus (John 4:32)

"Most of all, are you mis­nam­ing oppor­tu­ni­ties and call­ing them risks instead?" ~~Seth Godin

"Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful face on an empty head." ~~King Solomon

God wants us to be wise. He has given us His Holy Spirit. Pursuing beauty at the expense of His wisdom is like .... Well, we get it. No point in it at all.

"Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful face on an empty head." ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:22)

No fear

In our Father's house there are many, many rooms. But the one thing there is no room for is fear. Every room is filled with His love. In fact, the more His love forms in me and matures, this love just pushes out all fear. It is banished!!

Fear can cripple me and my faith. So I pursue my Father's love. I seek to have it mature in me. Be well formed. That pushes out the fear.

There is no fear in love ; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. 1 John 4:18

"Las Vegas and New Orleans will have it easy on Judgment Day compared to you." ~Jesus

Tyre and Sidon were well known pagan cities in Jesus time. It might be like saying Las Vegas and New Orleans will have it easy on Judgement Day. Jesus is in our midst performing amazing miracles. Do we see Him? Do we hear Him? Do we believe Him?

It is easy to judge places like Las Vegas and miss what He is doing in Dallas. May I see Jesus here and respond to Him.

"Tyre and Sidon will have it easy on Judgment Day compared to you." ~Jesus

"I'm not here to demolish God's Law or the Prophets but to complete. " ~~Jesus

Jesus, God's Son, shows how He completes what was started in the Old Covenant (Testament). Everything in the Old Covenant pointed to Him. He completed everything through His life, death for us having missed God's goal for our life, glorious resurrection and ascension to rule with God. As He said on the cross, "It is finished".

"Don't suppose for a minute that I have come to demolish the Scriptures— either God's Law or the Prophets. I'm not here to demolish but to complete. " ~~Jesus

Power and love

I don't have to be timid or shy. Fear can't grip my heart. He has given me His HOLY Spirit. The Spirit gives me power that I have never known. I can be bold.

I have His love drenching my heart and soul. With His sensible care I persevere. His love is a gift to me.

The discipline He brings into my life makes a difference. I can focus on His daily direction. I can move according to His long range goals for me. That direction and focus drives out all fear.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

"Little girl, get up." ~~Jesus to a dead 12 year old girl

She is 12 years old. She got sick and died. Everyone is beside themselves in grief and horror. Jesus arrives on the scene at the request of the father. When he goes in to the room where her dead body is lying, He says very little other than "Little girl, get up". At that, she was up and walking around! They were all beside themselves with joy. Amazed. Stunned. Ecstatic.

This is stunning. This is the power of God in Jesus. We have the same Holy Spirit in us. May I live my life knowing of this stunning power.

"Little girl, get up." ~~Jesus to a dead 12 year old girl

"If you knew the generosity of God and who I am, you would be asking me for a drink, and I would give you fresh, living water."~~Jesus

Jesus knows first hand the generosity of God. When we ask for a drink of water, he reminds us (challenges us) to focus on what is important. Water will quench our thirst for a brief period of time. Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit (living water) who empowers us for all of eternity. We have that now.

May I drink from the living water of Jesus and realize the power of His Holy Spirit. May I realize that now.

"If you knew the generosity of God and who I am, you would be asking me for a drink, and I would give you fresh, living water."~~Jesus (John 4:10)

Atlanta Braves History: Fred Tenney as an old timer

Prior to the Braves-Giants game on September 30, 1921‚ the Giants Old Timers take on the Giants regulars in a 5-inning contest. Twenty thousand fans cheer as former stars‚ Christy Mathewson‚ Roger Bresnahan‚ George Wiltse‚ Art Devlin‚ Larry Doyle and Fred Tenney (a Brave from 1894 to 1907) whip the current Giants‚ 2-0. The regular game is called because of rain after one inning‚ but only 4‚000 fans ask for a refund.

"You feed them." ~~Jesus

Jesus challenges us. It had been a long day. It was beginning to get late. His disciples came to him and said to Jesus, "Dismiss the crowd so they can go to the farms or villages around here and get a room for the night and a bite to eat. We're out in the middle of nowhere." You feed them, he challenged them. They came to him with a problem and a simple solution. They knew they couldn't feed them because there were close to 5,000 men and there was no food. No one was prepared to be there so long with Jesus.

They also should have known that God can provide food when there is none. They had been around Jesus long enough to know this. Our faithless solutions don't allow God to shine through.

And so ... Jesus challenges us to seek God first, don't depend on our own solutions even when we have one and let Him shine through.

"You feed them," Jesus said. (Luke 9:13)

How powerful is that?

Here is a really amazing thing about our heavenly Father. He spoke to us directly through His Son Jesus. Just reading what He said blows me away some days. He still does it today. Through His HOLY Spirit, the words come alive.

And, it was through Jesus that God created the whole world in the beginning. And because of what Jesus did, the world and all that is in it, will belong to Jesus at the end. He truly is the beginning and the end.

So ... this is stunning as well. Jesus perfectly mirrors our heavenly Father. He is stamped with God's complete nature. He is so powerful that He holds everything in the entire universe together by what He says. How powerful is that?

"You can't get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others." ~~Jesus

Jesus has set the bar high in some cases. We all want to be forgiven. To receive that in all its fullness, we need to forgive others. We can do that through the power of His Holy Spirit. We are the forgiving people!!

"You can't get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others." ~~Jesus

New baby

Meet our new grand daughter, Aubree Kate Hoegger.

 

"Tell me your name." ~~Jesus to the demons in a man

Imagine this. One day Jesus arrives in the country of Gerasenes by boat. As Jesus got out of the boat, a madman from the cemetery came up to him. He lived there among the tombs and graves. No one could restrain him—he couldn't be chained, couldn't be tied down. He had been tied up many times with chains and ropes, but he broke the chains, snapped the ropes. No one was strong enough to tame him. Night and day he roamed through the graves and the hills, screaming out and slashing himself with sharp stones. This is one terrifying dude.

When he saw Jesus a long way off, he ran and bowed in worship before him—then bellowed in protest, "What business do you have, Jesus, Son of the High God, messing with me? I swear to God, don't give me a hard time!" (Jesus had just commanded the tormenting evil spirit, "Out! Get out of the man!")

Jesus asked him to tell Him his name. He replied, "My name is Mob. I'm a rioting mob." Then he desperately begged Jesus not to banish them from the country. A large herd of pigs was browsing and rooting on a nearby hill. The demons begged him, "Send us to the pigs so we can live in them." Jesus gave the order. But it was even worse for the pigs than for the man. Crazed, they stampeded over a cliff into the sea and drowned.  Those tending the pigs, scared to death, bolted and told their story in town and country. Everyone wanted to see what had happened. They came up to Jesus and saw the madman sitting there wearing decent clothes and making sense, no longer a walking madhouse of a man.

Those who had seen it told the others what had happened to the demon-possessed man and the pigs. At first they were in awe—and then they were upset, upset over the drowned pigs. They demanded that Jesus leave and not come back. As Jesus was getting into the boat, the demon-delivered man begged to go along, but he wouldn't let him. Jesus said, "Go home to your own people. Tell them your story—what the Master did, how he had mercy on you." The man went back and began to preach in the Ten Towns area about what Jesus had done for him. He was the talk of the town.

Jesus is in control, always. There is no nasty demon that He can't send packing. They obey him and we must know it.

 "Tell me your name." ~~Jesus to the demons in a man. (Mark 5:9-10)

"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." ~~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Crazy Stats From Last Night's Braves-Phillies Game 18-13

The May 2 Braves Phillie game was crazy.  We won in extra innings. Here are some of the stats.

• It was the highest-scoring extra-inning game in the Major Leagues since 2006.


• It was the highest-scoring extra-inning game in the National League since July 4, 1985, when the Mets outlasted the Braves, 16-13, in 19 innings.


• The only other major-league team in the past 30 years that won a game after rallying from a deficit of at least six runs and overcoming a separate disadvantage of four or more runs was the 1997 Mariners, in a 12-11 victory against the Rockies.


• The last team to lose an 11+ inning game while scoring 13+ was the 116-win 2001 Mariners.


• The last team to win in 11+ innings while scoring 13+ was managed by... Charlie Manuel, tonight's losing manager.


• This was the Braves' 4th win since 1918 when allowing 13+ runs, and the 2nd in the last 60 years.


• This was the first game in MLB history to end 15-13 in 11 or more innings (since 1918, anyway).


• Roy Halladay gave up eight runs, the most he had allowed since surrendering nine on May 5, 2007 against the Rangers.


• This is the first time in Halladay's career that he's given up more than 6 runs to an NL team.


• Halladay was working with a 6-0 lead when he gave up six runs in the fifth inning and then two more in the sixth. He was 107-0 in his career in starts in which he was given a four-run lead. The Phillies, though, let him off the hook by rallying in the seventh.


• The Braves had 3 bases-loaded hits all year coming into last night. They had 3 bases-loaded hits in the 5th inning of last night's game... off Roy Halladay.


• Brian McCann hit just the fourth grand slam ever given up by Halladay (Evan Longoria hit the last in 2008).


• The I Hit A Slam Off Roy Halladay Club: Evan Longoria, Alfonso Soriano, Andy Sheets, and now Brian McCann.


• That was the first homer allowed by Halladay in six starts this season.


• Chipper Jones and Jason Giambi each hit game-ending home runs on Wednesday. It was the first day in major-league history on which two players age 40 or older hit walk-off homers.


• Never before had two men, each with at least 400 career home runs to their credit, hit walk-off round-trippers on the same day.


• Jones’s walkoff was his first since May 17, 2006 against the Marlins. It was the eighth of his career.

via Crazy Stats From Last Night's Braves-Phillies Game - Talking Chop.

"Would you give me a drink of water?" ~~Jesus

Jesus asks a question. Simple and to the point. He was thirsty.

Jesus also knew where the question would lead and that the conversation would change this woman's life.

It really didn't matter what her answer was going to be, He was going to have the conversation. So, it isn't about the question as much as it is about the conversation. True with Jesus. True with us. But it did start with a question.

A woman, a Samaritan, came to draw water. Jesus said, "Would you give me a drink of water?" (His disciples had gone to the village to buy food for lunch.)  (John 4:7-8)

"I've been given it all by my Father! Only the Father knows who the Son is and only the Son knows who the Father is." ~~Jesus

Oh my goodness. Jesus has everything. It is a great gift from His Father. All authority, power, love. Everything!! Nothing is lacking in Him. Their relationship is like none other. Only that kind of love can produce a world for us that is different than what we know today.

Jesus has it all. Nothing is impossible or lacking. May I know it and live that way.

"I've been given it all by my Father! Only the Father knows who the Son is and only the Son knows who the Father is." ~~Jesus (Luke 10:22)

"Isaiah was right about frauds like you, hit the bull's-eye in fact." ~~Jesus

Jesus spends special time with religious people. He is direct always. Are we frauds? It is a question to ask ourselves. In this situation, it was a statement not a question.

The Pharisees, along with some religion scholars who had come from Jerusalem, gathered around him. They noticed that some of his disciples weren't being careful with ritual washings before meals. Seriously, this is all they had to think about. The Pharisees—Jews in general, during that time—would never eat a meal without going through the motions of a ritual hand-washing, with an especially vigorous scrubbing if they had just come from the market (to say nothing of the scouring they'd give jugs and pots and pans). Of course, we have our religious ceremonies now. We pray before meals, even when we eat out. We go to church. We tell people we will pray for them when they are sick or someone in their family dies.

So, on this occasion, the  religion scholars asked, "Why do your disciples flout the rules, showing up at meals without washing their hands?" Jesus has questions for me.  Am I more concerned with saying the right thing than doing what God wants right at that minute? Is my heart not in it? Do I just pretend to worship God? Do I use Jesus? Do I ditch God's commands? Do I only care about the latest religious trend or fad?

Jesus looks me in the eye and asks me these questions. He isn't cruel. He just confronts me.

May my love for God and what He wants in my life rule every day. May I fulfill His goal for my life. May I do what He wants.

Jesus has an answer, "Isaiah was right about frauds like you, hit the bull's-eye in fact: These people make a big show of saying the right thing, but their heart isn't in it. They act like they are worshiping me, but they don't mean it. They just use me as a cover for teaching whatever suits their fancy, Ditching God's command and taking up the latest fads." Mark 7 (Message)

"Faith doesn't deny a problems existence. It denies it a place of influence." ~~Bill Johnson

"The nature of the spiritual life is that we are certain in our uncertainty." ~~Oswald Chambers

We live in a world where the conventional wisdom is that we must have goals and will only be successful if we achieve them. Really?? Is that all there is to life.

Jesus demands we don't see it that way. He knows we only have today and that is devoted to doing what our heavenly Father wants us to. Tomorrow will take care of itself.

. . . it has not yet been revealed what we shall be . . . —1 John 3:2

via My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers.

Today God is First

The list of things I can worry about is pretty long. My heavenly Father knows I need stuff. I have to have faith. It is all about faith. Do I believe He loves me and has every good thing ready for me? Will He not do His best for me? I have to be going after His Kingdom. I have to seek the right standing He can bring to me. The other stuff will come.

May I pay attention to what He is doing now and not worry about what may or may not happen tomorrow!!!

For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life .... But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will wear for clothing?' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow ; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:25-34

Chipper Jones: 1992 baseball cards

1992





That awful yellow classic card from 1990 is almost the worst Chipper Jones card produced. How could a card that ugly not be Chipper's worse card? Well, the 1992 Bowman card is simply baffling. The very idea of baseball cards featuring players in "regular" clothes is ridiculous. Is there anyone who wanted to see Chipper Jones dressed in shorts and a long sleeve shirt standing in front of cacti? This is another bad baseball card.


Coming into the 1992 season, Chipper Jones had solidified his standing as one of baseball's top prospects with his outstanding season at Macon in 1991. Topps and Upper Deck were both looking to get him into products again. Upper Deck released a minor league product in 1992 that was, shall we say, underwhelming. Like most products of this type, the set featured card after card of players that would never wear a major league uniform. The set may not be that great, but Chipper's card, featuring him in the great Durham Bulls uniform, is outstanding. The pose is variation of the pose on the 1991 Score card, but is far more effective.


Topps would include him on a four prospect card in their 1992 base set, but it was his Stadium Club card, one of three "First Draft Picks" cards inserted into Stadium Club Series 3, that makes the better impression. It features the crisp, photo quality stock that made Stadium Club such a sensation in the early 90s. The photograph itself is a great shot of Chipper's batter's eye. Well, as good a shot as you could get with a posed photograph.

Do I need wisdom?

There are times that I seem to know what I am doing. There are other times I don't. I need wisdom. When I need it, I can simply ask my heavenly Father. He loves to help me. AND, I can count on His help. I won't be condescended to when I ask for it. I need to ask boldly. I need to believe he will give it to me. I can't have any second thoughts.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:5-6

"The business of America is not business. Neither is it war. The business of america is justice and securing the blessings of liberty." ~~George F. Will

"One man practicing sportsmanship is far better than a hundred teaching it." ~~Knute Rockne

Is God two-faced?

He isn't fickle. No way at all. There is nothing in Him that is two-faced. He couldn't be deceitful if He wanted to. It just isn't in His nature. He isn't wishy washy. He doesn't say one thing and do another.

What He says is true. He has brought me to life using the true nature of His word. When He says it, I can count on it. That's good stuff to be sure.

"Our work is not to save souls, but to disciple them." ~Oswald Chambers

"We shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty." ~John F. Kennedy

This doesn't sound liberal or conservative. It sounds right!!

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty." - John F. Kennedy

"Who touched my robe?" ~~Jesus

Jesus is wired with the power of God. God's energy flows through Jesus continuously. So much so, when a sick woman touches His robe, the energy flows out. What happens? She is healed instantly.Jesus senses this has happened. He knows it is an act of faith.

We have the same Holy Spirit in us. Are we in tune with His power, His energy?

May it be so.

At the same moment, Jesus felt energy discharging from him. He turned around to the crowd and asked, "Who touched my robe?" (Mark 5:30 MSG)

"The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller." ~~King Solomon

Solomon nailed this one dead on. Generosity begets generosity. The more you give the more you like to give. It just gets better and better.

Being stingy gets you nowhere.

"The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller." ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:24)

"If you won't take seriously what Moses wrote, how can I expect you to take seriously what I speak?" ~~Jesus

The religious scholars and the average Jewish person of Jesus time on earth thought they took "the Law", what Moses wrote, very seriously. Jesus knew that Moses wrote about Him. He also knew they didn't take that seriously and so discounted much of what Jesus had to say.

We read the Bible but do we always take it seriously? Jesus demands that we take the Bible and what He says seriously. It is a matter of life and death.

"If you won't take seriously what Moses wrote, how can I expect you to take seriously what I speak?" ~~Jesus

"If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you?" ~~Jesus

Jesus doesn't want us to play a game of hide and go seek. Now think about it. He is light. He wants us to be light-bearers. He wants us to tell everyone that He is the Master. He has Good News. God's government is here, right now. There is nothing to hide. Not at all.

So .... let us shine His light and don't hid a thing.

"If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you?" ~~Jesus

“Simplicity in character, in manners, in style; in all things the supreme excellence is simplicity. “ ~~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

"Why all this busybody grief and gossip?" ~~Jesus

We get consumed our feelings. Jesus challenges us to move beyond that and see His world. He can provoke us to sarcasm. We see and feel reality. We are sad beyond belief. Jesus is abrupt with us. We need Him to challenge us. We tell Jesus He doesn't know what He is talking about. We really say that to Him.

He doesn't listen to us, thank God. He knows what His Father wants to do. He does it. In spite of us and all our sarcasm. He raises the girl from the dead. That is what God wanted to do. He is God. He has a plan.

He permitted no one to go in with him except Peter, James, and John. They entered the leader's house and pushed their way through the gossips looking for a story and neighbors bringing in casseroles. Jesus was abrupt: "Why all this busybody grief and gossip? This child isn't dead; she's sleeping." Provoked to sarcasm, they told him he didn't know what he was talking about. Mark 5:37-40

Staying on my feet

He can keep me on my feet. I will never fall when I am in Him. I will stand tall in His bright presence. I will do the happy dance for sure and celebrate without end. There is no blame or fault finding in Him.

He is able. And He will.

 

To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy. Jude 1:24

 

Passionate Patience

What is it that challenges bring to me? What does all the trouble mean? I get to shout praise. I get passionate about being patient. Not just patient but passionately patient. I go after the patience in new and deep ways. There aren't enough containers to hold the patience that is mine through the HOLY Spirit.

There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit! Romans5:1-5

Atlanta Braves History: Jason Heyward’s fourth inning blast (2012)

Jason Heyward of the Atlanta Braves hits a fourth inning home run against the Milwaukee Brewers at Turner Field on April 15, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia. All uniformed team members are wearing jersey number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day.

Chipper is back

Chipper Jones hit a three-run homer in his return after missing two games, Brandon Beachy pitched seven strong innings and the surging Braves beat the Milwaukee Brewers 7-4 on Sunday for a three-game sweep.

Jackie Robinson Day 2012

Braves outfielders Michael Bourn and Jason Heyward were honored to once again wear the No. 42 on Jackie Robinson Day on Sunday.

Can I help where help is needed?

I know sometimes I am trying to help with the wrong thing. I think I understand the problem but I have somehow missed the real issue. Jesus is able to help where the help is needed. Not missing the mark at all. He experienced it all himself and has gotten rid of our missing His goal for our life. He is our High Priest.

May I rest in the knowledge that He helps me where I need the help.

It's obvious, of course, that he didn't go to all this trouble for angels. It was for people like us, children of Abraham. That's why he had to enter into every detail of human life. Then, when he came before God as high priest to get rid of the people's sins, he would have already experienced it all himself—all the pain, all the testing—and would be able to help where help was needed. Hebrews 2:16-18

What is my job?

Well, this is a pretty simple job description. What is my job? It is to bless. That is it!! When I do, I am a blessing to others and I also get my Heavenly Father's blessing.

May I bless others at every turn today.

Bless—that's your job, to bless. You'll be a blessing and also get a blessing. 1 Peter 3:12

Movie: We Bought A Zoo

Family movie time. I like Matt Damon. This should be fun.

Are we bold enough?

The apostles had already received the power of the Holy Spirit after Jesus was raised from the dead and ascended to Heaven to rule with His Father. The were arrested when a crippled man was healed. They were released from jail and warned not to talk about Jesus. The were bold beyond believe already.

Yet, they prayed for more boldness and fearless courage. And God gave it to them.

We may think we have enough. We don't. May God give us more. May God give it to us now.

"And now they're at it again! Take care of their threats and give your servants fearless confidence in preaching your Message, as you stretch out your hand to us in healings and miracles and wonders done in the name of your holy servant Jesus." (Acts 4:29 MSG)

Am I being encouraging?

I must embrace life. I want to see my days fill up with good stuff. So, here is what I must do. I must say nothing evil or hurtful. Oh the times I have said something and immediately wished I could take it back. The better way is to not say evil and hurtful things.

I must cultivate discipline in my speech. I must be uplifting and encouraging. Then my days will fill with good.

For, whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. 1 Peter 3:10

"Do you wish men to speak well of you? Then never speak well of yourself."--Blaise Pascal

"Count on this: The wicked won't get off scot-free, and God's loyal people will triumph." ~~King Solomon

Sometimes it seems like doing the right thing is not being rewarded. Solomon reminds us this isn't true. God is God and there will be a day of judgement. God is the judge. We must trust him. We must be loyal to Him. He will be loyal to us. We will triumph in His power.

We can count on it because we can count on God. End of story.

"Count on this: The wicked won't get off scot-free, and God's loyal people will triumph." ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:21)

"Gratitude changes the pangs of memory into a tranquil joy." ~~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"The time is coming when everyone dead and buried will hear his voice." ~~Jesus

Jesus lives. He is resurrected. God is a God of resurrection. We will live a resurrected life with Him. That is His promise to us.

He also clues us in there will those who live a resurrected life of judgement. We need to choose Jesus.

"The time is coming when everyone dead and buried will hear his voice." ~~Jesus  

"School's out; quit studying the subject and start living it!" ~~Apostle Paul

There comes a point where we know enough to move forward. We need "to ship" the product and move on.

Good advice in Jesus. We know we are to love God. We know we are to love our neighbors. I need to start living that. It is enough.

"School's out; quit studying the subject and start living it!" ~~Apostle Paul (Colossians 2:7) via Colossians | YouVersion.

What is an hour of my time worth?

Periodically this circulates the internet via email or blogs. It is very telling whether it is true or not. I will not, on my death bed, wish I had worked more. I know I will want to have spent more time with family and friends in loving relationships. May I keep that in mind every day.

A man came home from work late, tired and irritated, to find his 5-year old son waiting for him at the door.

• SON: ‘Daddy, may I ask you a question?’


• DAD: ‘Yeah sure, what it is?’ replied the man.


• SON: ‘Daddy, how much do you make an hour?’


• DAD: ‘That’s none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?’ the man said angrily.


• SON: ‘I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?’


• DAD: ‘If you must know, I make $50 an hour.’


• SON: ‘Oh,’ the little boy replied, with his head down.


• SON: ‘Daddy, may I please borrow $25?’

The father was furious, ‘If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I don’t work hard everyday for such childish frivolities.’ The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door. The man sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy’s questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money?

After about an hour or so, the man had calmed down , and started to think: Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $25.00 and he really didn’t ask for money very often. The man went to the door of the little boy’s room and opened the door. ‘Are you asleep, son?’ He asked. ‘No daddy, I’m awake,’ replied the boy. ‘I’ve been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier’ said the man ‘It’s been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here’s the $25 you asked for.’

The little boy sat straight up, smiling. ‘Oh, thank you daddy!’ He yelled. Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled up bills. The man saw that the boy already had money, started to get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his father. ‘Why do you want more money if you already have some?’ the father grumbled. Because I didn’t have enough, but now I do,’ the little boy replied. ‘Daddy, I have $50 now. Can I buy an hour of your time? Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with you.’

The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little son, and he begged for his forgiveness. It’s just a short reminder to all of you working so hard in life. We should not let time s lip through our fingers without having spent some time with those who really matter to us, those close to our hearts. Do remember to share that $50 worth of your time with someone you love.

"If Tyre and Sidon had been given half the chances given you, they'd have been on their knees long ago, repenting and crying for mercy." ~Jesus

What if Jesus said this to Dallas? I can imagine it. Jesus is in our midst. He is performing great and mighty acts of God right now. Do we see it? Do we change our minds and ask for mercy?

We should. Jesus demands it.

"If Tyre and Sidon had been given half the chances given you, they'd have been on their knees long ago, repenting and crying for mercy." ~Jesus

"God gives every bird its food, but He does not throw it into its nest." ~~J. G. Holland

""All heaven is interested in the cross of Christ, all hell terribly afraid of it, while men are the only beings who more or less ignore its meaning." ~~Oswald Chambers

"Jesus cannot forget us; we have been graven on the palms of his hands." ~~Lois Picillo

How puzzled would I be?

After Jesus was crucified, he was hastily buried as the clock was ticking moving toward the Sabbath. No work could be done. So they had to wait. And wait. And wait. It must have seemed like an eternity that long Saturday. On Sunday they were up and at it at the crack of dawn. When they got to the tomb, they couldn't find Jesus body. And they were puzzled. I know I would have been as well. Probably more than puzzled.

But they moved on from being puzzled into belief. The angels explained it all to them. Jesus wasn't there but raised up from the dead. And they remembered Jesus' words.

Belief. Faith. Joy.

At the crack of dawn on Sunday, the women came to the tomb carrying the burial spices they had prepared. They found the entrance stone rolled back from the tomb, so they walked in. But once inside, they couldn't find the body of the Master Jesus.

They were puzzled, wondering what to make of this. Then, out of nowhere it seemed, two men, light cascading over them, stood there. The women were awestruck and bowed down in worship. The men said, "Why are you looking for the Living One in a cemetery? He is not here, but raised up. Remember how he told you when you were still back in Galilee that he had to be handed over to sinners, be killed on a cross, and in three days rise up?" Then they remembered Jesus' words. via Luke 24 MSG | YouVersion.

Who is in charge?

Who is Jesus? The very Son of God who, as man, died for us and is now resurrected. But in His resurrection, God has put Him in charge of everything. Nothing is exempt at all. Not a single thing.

So, how long will he be in charge? Imagine billions and billions of years. Imagine it never ending. That is hard to get my mind around some days because this is a world where things come to an end. In Jesus, who is in charge of everything forever, I live and have the same life. This is His gift to me.

All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. Ephesians 1:20 via Ephesians | YouVersion.

Atlanta Braves History: Opening Day 2012

Tommy Hanson's first opening day start was pretty good. Unfortunately Johan Santana, the Mets starter, did better as the Braves lost 1-0.

Santana was making his first start since September 2010 and as usual, he was stingy, allowing only one hit through the first four innings. The Braves threatened to score in the fifth, loading the bases on a double and two walks, but Santana escaped. They also put two on base in the sixth, but again failed to score.

The Braves were 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.

That pretty much sums it up for the day. Great pitching, no hitting.

Is there a plan B?

There is no plan B. There is no backup plan. Contingencies are out the door.

The enemy lies to me leading me to believe if I don't do what my Father wants, then someone else will do it. That isn't the truth.

Here is the truth. God created me to join Him in the work He is doing. This is the good work He has gotten ready for me to do. This is the work I had better be doing. He doesn't have anyone else in mind to do it. He doesn't have a plan B. There is no backup plan. It is His plan for me.

God is ready. Am I?

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

"God is never in a hurry." ~~Oswald Chambers

Anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination - "Play it real pretty"

MLK was an amazing man of God. You never know what your last words will be. I'm sure he didn't. Like him, they were great.

King's last words on the balcony prior to his assassination were spoken to musician Ben Branch, who was scheduled to perform that night at an event King was attending: "Ben, make sure you play 'Take My Hand, Precious Lord' in the meeting tonight. Play it real pretty."

Then, at 6:01 p.m., April 4, 1968, a shot rang out as King stood on the motel's second floor balcony. The bullet entered through his right cheek, smashing his jaw, then traveled down his spinal cord before lodging in his shoulder.

via Martin Luther King, Jr. - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

"Daughter, you took a risk of faith, and now you're healed and whole." ~~Jesus

With faith comes a risk. What if, we think. What if God doesn't answer.What if we look silly. We can have a whole bunch of "What ifs" rattling through our thoughts.

We need extraordinary courage to believe God will intercede.  God is faithful. When we step out in faith, take a risk, show extraordinary courage, He responds. God is God, good and great. What an amazing God we serve. All we need to do is believe Him. He will heal us and make us whole.

"Daughter, you took a risk of faith, and now you're healed and whole." ~~Jesus

Compassion in the heart

Now this is amazing. One of God's gifts is a sense of compassion in the heart. Even if I don't always feel it in the natural, when I am living God's way, it is a gift He gives me. That is His goal for me and He gives me the power to live that way.

The key is to live God's way. The fruit of compassion will come. That is how I learn to love more like our Father. He gives me a sense of compassion in my heart.

May I live God's way. May the fruit of compassion in the heart be mine.

But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like .... a sense of compassion in the heart. Galatians5:19-26

I don't believe ....

I don't believe He brought me this far to leave me now. I am in no ways tired. Don't leave me Jesus.

Am I open to God?

I am open to God and what He wants to do. That is all that matters; what does God want? My soul thirst for God like I am living in the desert and need water to survive. Without Him and what He wants, I will die of thirst.

"Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can't lose." ~~Bill Gates

"Take your stand with God's loyal community and live, or chase after phantoms of evil and die." ~~King Solomon

There is a way to live and there is a way to die. Living comes from aligning myself with God and His loyal servants. Dieing comes from a phantom life of evil and their friends. Wisdom knows the difference.

I will take a stand with God's faithful. That is the way to life. That is the way of Wisdom.

"Take your stand with God's loyal community and live, or chase after phantoms of evil and die." ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:19)

Let's start the coalition of Yes!

This is a very powerful concept. It seems some days, we do live in a culture of No. I don't want to live there. I want to be able to be able to say yes. Let's start the coalition of Yes!!

It's easy to join.

There are a million reasons to say no, but few reasons to stand up and say yes.

No requires just one objection, one defensible reason to avoid change. No has many allies--anyone who fears the future or stands to benefit from the status quo. And no is easy to say, because you actually don't even need a reason.

No is an easy way to grab power, because with yes comes responsibility, but no is the easy way to block action, to exert the privilege of your position to slow things down.

No comes from fear and greed and, most of all, a shortage of openness and attention. You don't have to pay attention or do the math or role play the outcomes in order to join the coalition that would rather things stay as they are (because they've chosen not to do the hard work of imagining how they might be).

And yet the coalition of No keeps losing. We live in a world of yes, where possibility and innovation and the willingness to care often triumph over the masses that would rather it all just quieted down and went back to normal.

Yes is the new normal. And just in time.

via Seth's Blog: The coalition of No.

"The Father who sent me, confirmed me. And you missed it. You never heard his voice, you never saw his appearance." ~~Jesus

God sent Jesus. Jesus is His plan. There is danger in missing all of this. Jesus warns us.

We must listen for God. We must see His appearance. He sends Jesus.

"The Father who sent me, confirmed me. And you missed it. You never heard his voice, you never saw his appearance." ~~Jesus