A Few Degrees of Seperation...

 Revelation 3:16 So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot or cold, I will spit you from my mouth.

 I got revelation of what this meant one day while I was working. The funny thing is that sometimes people need a "physical example" to help them understand a statement or a verse in the Bible. I recently learned the degrees of seperation that brings either enjoyment or a bad taste in the mouth. It's pretty amazing how a few degrees can change the way something tastes.

 At the Baristo Bar, we serve our drinks a different temperatures. For a hot cup of black coffee, we brew the water to 210 degrees. The lattes are made at 154 degrees. But if you want a cold drink, we serve iced coffee or tea at 34 degrees. It amazing to see the degree difference and how some people like their drinks. But then again, there are people who like their drinks at certain temperatures. I am going somewhere with this, just hang with me. 

 Did you notice that there are degrees that cause a taste difference? Let me show you! You have coffee that can be served ice cold, lukewarm or melting hot. The temperature that it's at determines whether or not you will like the drink. The same goes for Revelation 3:16 and how Christ himself said it is better to be hot or cold instead of lukewarm. So why is it bad to be lukewarm? Look at it like this. When milk is steamed, it is cooked at 154 degrees for lattes. The "lukewarm" degree is between 100-105 degrees. This is the point where milk will start to sour. It's too cold to use, but not hot enough to fully make a drink. If you drink it at times, it will make you sick to your stomach, that will cause you to possibly "vomit" for awhile.

 "Are you catching the point?"

 Look at it like this! You are a cup of coffee, and Jesus is the customer that is drinking you. When he gets His drink, it might not be hot enough or cold enough. So that means, it's kind of lukewarm. He takes a drink of it, swallows it and then all of the sudden, he spits it out because the milk is bad. Then it starts to make him sick at his stomach. Then Jesus goes into a "vomit rage." The undecisiveness, or the lukewarm-ness of our life, is literally making Christ "sick to His stomach."  I am not saying that it is okay to be one way or another, but I am sure that He wants you to be hot. So the question remains?

 "So how do you get to that point, and if so, how do you change it?"

 Well the truth is that there are a few ways that you can check yourself on your level of "hot or cold." Obviously staying in the Word is one way of stoking the fire within you. That will always help you maintain that fire . "Purpose brings desire that will burn your fire." There are also a couple of other ways that you can keep yourself in check. One of the biggest ways that I have found is actually answering the call that God on my life. By simply being obedient, stepping out in faith and doing the Will of the Father will re-direct that lukewarmness in your life. This is a good way to measure our walk, our faith level and our desire to chase God during these times. You may not get it right everytime, but the effort and stepping out will cause you to be more "open to the things of God."

 Being lukewarm is a state of condition that your heart is in towards Christ. Look at it from the this perspective. Lukewarm is the same as being gray, not black and white. I am not saying it's okay to be gray in some areas when it comes to parts of the Bible. There are alot of things that we may not get to understand on this side of heaven, but we can't let that unknowing be the center of our undecisiveness towards Christ. God not only wants a relationship with us, but He wants to believe, live and recieve all that Christ himself lived and died for. But also wants us to make a decision. He wants our heart to FULLY believe in Him, not just halfway. If you believe in God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, then your halfway there. But take a step further and believe that you can do so much more in Christ.

 1 John 4:4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is GREATER than the one who is in the world.

 Jesus himself doesn't wish to "vomit" anyone from his mouth. But He knows that there are people that have not fully made the decision to follow him. Simply believing what He did for you at the Cross is the best decision that you will ever make in this life. But take it a step further, and actually take part of what of what He has called you to do. When you start ministering to people, encouraging them and helping them grow in the things of God, that is when your fire will burn so hot, that the world will see that God himself has empowered you in all that He has provided for you.

 Believing is a good thing. Participating is even better. Believing and not participating is halfway.

 Revelation 3:16 So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot or cold, I will spit you from my mouth.

 So ask yourself this question?

 "Do I make Jesus sick to His stomach, or does he enjoy what I do everytime He drinks of what He has given to me?"



 

The Illusion of Happiness...

  Harry Houdini was and still is today considered to be one of the greatest illusionists that ever lived. He performed tricks and feats that sent your mind to another place. To actually think that someone could dissappear in thin air, is mind boggling. To escape from a watery grave while chained at the hands and feets, was thought to be impossible. He was a "grand illusionists."

 Many Christians are trying to pull of the same illusion...

 I find myself at odds on some occasion where I show how God is doing great things in my life and that I love Him with all my heart. But that can be an illusion at times. Like many people today, the appearance that you see at work or at church, may not be the same that you see at home. Everything in a person's life can be totally destroyed, whether it's spiritual or physical. But when you see them on the outside, they look as if they lead the "perfect life." A great family, good kids and  the appearance that they love God. But the truth is that many people today, believers and non-believers are fighting for their lives today. The families are being attacked by the enemy on a daily basis. Even if a single person seems to be happy, he can be secretly battling behind closed doors.

 That is the "illusion" that we have to put on so that people don't see us a being "un-spiritual." That is the greatest form of deception that we use everyday. That, is the weapon of the enemy. To use deception is a way of fooling others, instead of asking for help or seeking some sort of counsel, is decieving yourself. Jesus said that we would go through "trials and tribulations in this world." But He gave us a way these to defeat these deceptions that the enemy has used against us over the years. But unless we use them, we are only fooling ourselves and living in the "illusion."  I will give you an example.

 For years, I battled with addictions. No one ever knew that I was secretly struggling with such addictions. But on the outside, I was happy, healthy, had a great job, great friends and family. But when I got home, that battles and the stronghold would take over. Whether I was dealing with an alternative lifestyle, drugs or pornography. No one ever saw that! That is where the illusion was used. I was busted on some ocassions, but for the most part, I had alot of people fooled. Now with all of that being said, how was I able to overcome all of these things?

 The truth is, I battle everyday to overcome these strongholds. I have been able to talk to friends and family to help me overcome these things, but the truth is that I would not have been able to overcome these things without the help of the Holy Spirit, that Christ sent me after He died for my battles. There are times that I might give into the flesh and let him win the battle, but I have not lost the sight of the victory that Christ gave me to overcome such things through the Cross. I don't want to give off the perception that I live the perfect life if I am not. If people see me struggling with some strongholds, they would question whether or not if I really had a relationship with God. That is the illusion at it's best. That I have been so decieved to the point that now, my strongholds have come to surface, therefore having an impact on my job, friends and family and even my faith. It would get me to the point that I would even question whether or not I am truly delievered from these things. Now, I have the revelation in my head that God has delivered me from such things, but it hasn't dropped in my heart yet. This kind of revelation can only come from God himself. Only He can reveal that to you through the help of the Holy Spirit and His Word. If you wanna decieve someone, then decieve the enemy and show him how your are able to no longer live in the illusion. That God Almighty himself has provided a way for you to deal with such things. Jesus overcame the world so that you and I both could overcome all of these things. He left us great tools and helpers behind that would only deliever us from the illusions.

 Some of these tools come in many forms and designs, but they are all of God. First and foremost, seek God in all things. Not one person can give you the answer that you need to overcome such things in this life. The Word of God is health and healing to your soul. Prayer. It's your only way to talk to God and listen to the things that He has to say. Another tool is the Holy Spirit. He will lead and guide you in the things of God. If you become dull and quench the Holy Spirit, you won't be able to hear what He is saying to you. But, you can become so sensitive to the Holy Spirit, that you will hear everything that He is saying and you won't miss a thing. Another tool is Godly counsel. Talk to the pastor or a fellow church member that you have a bond with, that will tell you the truth in love, encourage you and minister to you when needed. If you have a strong church family, you should be able to reach out to them and talk to them about some things that are bothering you.

 Illusion is a form of deception. Deception is the enemy's greatest weapon. If you are living in the illusion that everything is okay in your life and not trying to deal with the enemy's attack, then you are allowing the deception to overtake you and your life, family and friends. Seek out the love and the life that God has intended for you to have.

 Proclaim the love and the victory of Jesus Christ over your life today. Seek after God like there is no tomorrow!!!

 SEEK GOD!!!

A Hypocritical Christian by the Name of Jeremy...

 It's not often that you will hear someone say this, but in regards to myself, I can say it only because I find myself at ends with such a complex thought.

 Hear I sit and try to encourage people in the things of God, chase after Him like there is no tomorrow, get into your prayer closet and do the things that God has called us to do. But unfortunately, I don't follow through on these things myself. I claim and say that I am a man of God, who loves nothing more than to witness to the body of Christ and to the lost. But in some respect, I don't always talk or act like a man of God. I still have issues with cussing, acting un-Godly, speaking of worldly things and dealing with fleshly issues. I give into the temptations on most ocassions and tell people that I have overcome them. I don't walk the talk that I preach. Therefore, I am a hypocrite.

 Some people have their own ideas of what a hypocrite is. But simply in what I believe, it means to simply walk in the opposite direction of God's Word or the path that He has laid for me. Some people say that it's acting one way on the outside, but secretly do another behind closed doors. Now, this may sound like that I am beating myself up. But honestly, I don't think that this is farther from the truth when it comes to most Christians.

 "What? Jeremy, you have just passed judgement amongst an entire faith!"

 Honestly, Christians happen to be the biggest hypocrites in the world today. Christianity has become more of an idea versus a lifestyle. If you are a good person that simply loves Jesus, confesses him as your Lord and Savior, and not fulfilling the call that He has placed on your life and chose to live your own, in some idea, that is hypocritical. It is a direct contrast of what God has called you to do with your life.

 My Pastor made a statement the other night that I was thinking about. When the Rapture occures, not every Christian that has confessed Jesus is Lord, will be taken. Jesus said it is better to be "hot or cold than to be lukewarm." In my eyes and thinking, He is saying, "you people had a chance to believe and you didn't. You who said that you believed, you were the hypocrites who confessed me before men, but did not walk as I had called you." That almost makes me cry for myself. Only because I have not really done what I have been called to do. He said that we will be "mocked" as an individual if we are the ones left behind. Here I was claiming to be a man of God, and I didn't do everything that I said that I was doing. That, in my eyes, is a hypocrite.  

  I have lied, cheated, murdered and lusted after the things of the world. Now, this may sound like that I am beating myself up, but I want people to know at the same time that the best example for people to look at as far as being a man of God was the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

 Jesus was the example of a Christian. "Well He was the Son of God, Jeremy!" Yes, he was, but He was so much more than that. Jesus pointed and called out the hypocrites back in the day. But when He did it, He did it with love and encouragement. He rebuked, corrected and encouraged them to change their ways and how they lived. Now we have the love, grace and mercy of the Heavenly Father, but we can't use those things as a crutch to get us through this life until Jesus returns. Repentance is a way of beating those old issues out of ourselves and not condemning others for the way they live when we are doing the same thing. Repentance is simply having a change of heart. Do I want to continue living the "hypocritical life" or the "God kind of life" that He has promised me.

 I am a liar, a thief, a murderer. I am an adulterer and a child of the Most High God. The fact that God himself said that there will be none of those things in the Kingdom of Heaven brings great concern to myself and my walk with God. I strive only to overcome the things of this world by the Blood of the Lamb and the Word of my Testimony. Now with all of this being said, this doesn't change the fact that I love God and that I am constantly walking like this. This for me simply encourages me and hopefully others in recognizing some of the wrongs in our lives. And this may even sound judgemental, but I hope that some people see this simply for what it is. That living in such a way is only going to bring harm and destruction to yourself, your family and friends and ultimately, your relationship with God. There is a verse that always comes to mind when I think about the my "hypocrisy."

 Numbers 32:23... But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the LORD, and be sure your sin will find you out.

 This was a command given by Moses to his people so that they might reach the inherited Promiseland. But if they don't follow the way and the command that they were given, then they would only bring harm upon themselves. They would not reach their inheritance. That is the same thing today. Not following the commandments that God has placed in and on your heart and saying that you will, that makes us hypocritical.

 I'm not trying to sit here and start beating people up for their lives. I can only speak for mine. But I can continue to strive. Ask God to change my heart. Ask God, through the Holy Spirit, to show me how I can change these things through His Word. People cannot see Jesus Christ in me if I am not doing it at home. Most of all, it only hinders what God can do inside of me.

 My name is Jeremy. I am a child of the Most High God. I am deeply loved and highly favored. I am blessed and annointed from our Heavenly Father. Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. I am Blood washed and Spirit-Filled.

 This is who God says that I am...

 This is not who I am if I am not accepting those things that He says about me...

The Encouraging Men of God...

We are come from different walks of life. We are hunters, pilots, cowboys, truck drivers, movie producers, construction workers and a lonely baristo.

 These are the type of men that you would see and come to know in the church that I attend every Sunday and Wednesday. In the outer appearance, you would only see them as simply, "common men." But there is something special inside of these men. They hold a secret within that unites them. A thread that binds them. A love that surpasses all understanding. These men unite together in good times and in the dark times. They are tried and tested almost everyday. Sometimes they win, sometimes they fail. But they never faulter in their "faith."

 Men over the dawn of time have been described and taught to be the "bread-winners" and "head of the house." There is alot to bare as a "man of God" when you are the head of a family. But, I am sure at times, they get overwhelmed. They lose their patience with the wife, kids and the bills. But I would like to think that in those times, that even if someone is suffering outside of their own family, they would step in and encourage the ones that are hurting. A couple of the men that I go to church with have been great encouragements to me in the past. Some have really encouraged me in the things of God. Most men today wouldn't take the time to even talk to you and help you learn how to deal with the temptations. As men today, we are constantly tempted by the things of the world. Whether it's toys, women or money, we are constantly thrown into the ugliness of temptation. But it's up to us whether or not we rely on God or ourselves to deal with such thoughts. Being a single man myself, I cannot even think of the temptations that married men face today. I can only assume that it is worse than the single men. But, I have been blessed and encouraged by some of the men in church. I have one friend that I have become very close to. We enjoy the same things pretty much, but he is married with a beautiful family. He is in a business that he is constantly surrounded by temptation or the ugliness of sin. But he always encourages me by how he deals with those things, even if he fails, he learns from it and goes forward. But he also stands of what God has placed in his heart. Another friend, looking at him is a big ol' country boy that is married with a beautiful family that is a mechanic on semi-trucks. But when he speaks of God, the discipline that has been embedded in him, I can't help but think, "how is it that a guy like this is a man of God? How can he teach me anything?" But the truth is that Chad and Josh both have taught me alot in my walk.

 Now the older generation has taught me quite a few things as well. I have talked to the older men on a few occasions on how to deal with sexual temptation and what they did to overcome it. They have encouraged me on how to deal with those things, feed on the Word of God, get into my prayer closet, take on the accountability of your actions and ask for help when you need it. It's okay to talk to the older generation. We should always feel free to receive the advice or counsel when we need it. These are great times of fellowship.

 But here recently, I have been encouraged by the way some of the men in our church have been allowing God to get on them, and for them to soak in His Presence. As a singer on the Praise and Worship team, there are times that I see people that are drawing in on the Presence of God. I saw one in particular one night when another man of God was just basking in His Presence. Chad was simply standing there and soaking in the love and joy of God. If you look at Chad, he's a construction worker with a beautiful family as well. Chad is tall, couple of tattoos and very quiet most of the time. But when he got into the Presence of God that night, he was like a child that was being embraced by His Father. He just took Him in.

 Throughout the Old and New Testament, the definition of man has never changed. The responsibilities have not changed. The calling of God that has been put on the lives of men have not changed. The only thing that has changed within men, is the men. Nothing else. Men of God should encourage one another in all things. But we should just stop there. We should encourage those that are lost in the things of God. Alot of us are around other people that need witnessing to or encouragement. The Disciples of Jesus prayed for "boldness" when they went out and ministering to the people. As men of God, we should be encouraged and chase after such an example.

 So how do we encourage one another?

 My thought is this. Our lives for one should be an example. The greatest form of encouragement is the life that we live according to God. Men today are so burdened by the things of life today, that you can see it when they come to church. Some choose to feed on it and some let it go. Those are the men that you need to encourage in the things of God. Telling them to release those burdens and cast off those cares. Show them how to deal with things they way God would want you to deal with them. But first and foremost, Seek God on the care. Get into your prayer closet. He is our "safe refuge, strong tower, my hiding place." Encourage them to praise God not only in the good times, but in the bad times. The enemy wants nothing more than the men of God to fall away from Him for the mere fact that it will not only destroy them, but their family as well. Most men today would kill a person if someone harmed their family in away. The same should go when it comes to dealing with the devil. He is out to destroy everything that God has blessed your life, your family and friends with.

 Men of God, it is time to rise up and defend the Gospel. Proclaim and encourage the things of God to one another and to the lost. He is our God to share with the world, with each other and our family. This is not the time to be greedy and keep Him to ourselves. It is time to "spread the love."  This is the time to seek and devour the goodness of God. Have the "God-like Boldness" today that the Disciples had back in the day. I have one last thing to say on this.

 Men, our lives, families and friends are being attacked by an invisible enemy. He is there to destroy everything that God has blessed us with. Defend your faith, your family and your God with every ounce of your being. Satan isn't going to stop attacking us. We should never stop defending what God has given and promised us.

1 John 4:4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

 We have the power and ability to overcome these attacks.

 But are you willing to use it?

 That is the question...

The Tattoo of Revelation...

 I have to admit that there are many things in my life that I find to be addicting. Movies, food and so much more. But there is one that I have always loved getting from the time that I got my first one.

 Tattoos!!!

 I don't know why they are so addictive, but from the time that I got my first one, I was hooked. It cracks me up because my little sister got one before I did. I was jealous!!! But when I was stationed in California, I knew that it would be just a matter of time before I got one. My very first tattoo was Marvin the Martian with a Pearl Jam lyric around it. It has a meaning to me personally, like everyone of my other tattoos. But then I got one tattoo that has caused my some pain and joy in the same breath. It's on my right forearm with a Cross with the verse "Isaiah 53:5" inscribed across it.

But he was pierced for our transgressions,


he was crushed for our iniquities;

the punishment that brought us peace was on him,

and by his wounds we are healed.

 When I got this tattoo, I just really got the revelation about healing that Christ had provided for me at the Cross. I wanted a reminder of what He did for me on that Glorious Day. Some would see that as a "weird way to remember", but it was very special and important today. I had a friend go with me so that he could see what it was like. I looked at it, and it was exactly what I wanted. So after awhile, people would start asking me what it was, what it meant and what did it mean to me. That tattoo would lead to some great and horrible conversations. Mostly, it was great moments of sowing a seed into someone that may not know about the Cross of Christ. Now, tattoos are not "biblical" in the eyes of God. Our body is a temple that Houses the Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit." We should treat our bodies in such a way that is honoring to our Father. Obviously, I have not. But that doesn't mean God is mad at me. I just have a really colorful temple. But this tattoo has caused me to fight for what I believe in as well.

 When I started working at the Baristo Bar, they had a policy that no tattoos were to be displayed due to being offensive. I understood the rule and did my best to follow it. But there were times that I didn't and it caused some trouble for me when it came to the point of me getting fired over it. Now, in my mind, a tattoo is the last thing that I would fire a person over. But this amongst other things, was just the icing on the cake. I cried, moaned and complained to get my job back and after a week and a half, I was back working. Since then, I have followed the rules to the top. But when people see that my arm is covered, they always ask what it is. That is where the good and bad conversations. Some people believe it and receive it. Some do not. But over time, things just died down.


 That was until a couple of months ago...


 I was informed that the company had produced some T-shirts that endorsed a specific group of people, whose lifestyle I have fought long and hard to get away from. When I lived the "alternative lifestyle", it was everything that consumed and became an important part of me. But when I got born-again, I fought and died to that old-self. It still haunts me at times, but I fight to stay away from that lifestyle. I don't hate gay people for what they are doing. I hate what kind of person that it had made me at the time. I can never go back to that ever again. So when the company started producing the shirts, I got angry. I mean here is a company that hires people for their "diversity" and yet they put restrictions of that diversity in the name of being "offenseful." Now the same company is telling me that I have to support a "group of diverse people", and make a way to be supportive. Really?


 Here's a question. If there was a reformed alcoholic that had been clean and sober for a couple of years, would you take him to a brewery and then ask him to help you serve it to others?

 I became very angered to the fact that the company wanted me to hide my faith and support another. Then it became clear to me. This is "fighting the good fight of faith." Never have I fought so hard to stand up for what I believe to be right and true. Never have I had to take so many beating by co-workers, customers and more simply because of what I believe. Jesus said "if they hate you, it's because they hated me first." Most people don't want to talk about their faith. It's very personal and powerful to most. To me, it's very personal! And at times, it can get ugly! We are faced with the same things that the Disciples faced early into their ministry. Persecution, ridicule and death. I pray that it doesn't come to that, but the truth is that most people are willing to die for what they believed in. Jesus did. Why wouldn't I do the same thing that He did for me?

 The Truth is Worth dying for if you are willing to make it real not only to the people, but to yourself. Until you have that revelation of how powerful the Word of God is,  you will always question if it is real. And when it comes to that point, then you won't have any problem standing up for what is true. You will start operating your life, your business and your family and friends on a different level that can only bring you joy and peace. I battle alot of times of the Word. There are alot of things that I hate about it because it points out my faults. But that is revelation or correction that I need to know about. My Pastor always says something that I don't agree with. But He preaches from the Bible. The Bible is never wrong. NEVER!!! We just say that it is!!!

 Revelation is a great way to become free from strongholds, bondage, sickness and alot more. When people ask of my tattoo, I reveal to them the power and meaning behind the verse. They may not get it at the time, but the chew on it for awhile. Whether the swallow it or not is up to them.  When I first got saved, the biggest revelation I got was that Pontius Pilot didn't want to crucify Jesus. But, he bowed under pressure from religious leaders and the higher government. Had Pontious not crucified Christ, he himself would have been fired or killed. He didn't stand up for what was true and right. Today, many people are like that. We talk about Christ, but alot of us really don't defend Him. Why are you willing to lay your life down for someone, but not a person that gave you life.

 I have no regrets in getting any of my tattoos. All of them hold a story that is very close and personal to my heart. But when you get a revelation of who you are in Christ, how loved and special you really are, then that opens up your heart to receive so much more of the things of God. It's like when someone tells you a secert.

 The look on your face is pure shock of either joy or sadness. You rejoice or cry.

 With God, there is only love and peace when He whispers that into your heart.......

 Get Revelation...

My Imaginary Friend?

  "Jeremy has an imaginary friend called God."

 This is the statement that I hear on a consistent basis from one of my co-workers. She is the kind of person that doesn't know how to talk quietly, louder than the music playing in the coffee shop and then some. She is your typical loud-mouthed California liberal. I love her to death, but like many of us, there are things that some people say that can rub us the wrong way. Her and I are no different.

 She is under the belief that God is an imaginary person that people need to have to believe in something. That if you are a good person and live a good and moral life, then that should be good enough. Organized religion is a way of getting your money. As long as you don't kill anybody, your doing okay.

 I am under the belief that there is a God who has a Son that loved you so much, that He layed down His life for all of man. That I have a relationship and not being religious. That I honor God with my tithes and offerings. That I know there is no such thing as a good person and that hating someone is the same as killing.

 These are the differences that I have with her and that we always but heads. But when I think about her at times, it pains me to see that someone has rejected or so decieved to the point to think that they are a good enough person that they need nothing other than the family and friends to get them through this life. But then again, this is what is going on in the world today. She has a "perception" where I have "faith." Those two words have been enemies for over thousands of years. The "perception" belief has what kept people at ends of reaching their potential with God. "Faith" has given me the hope and the promise that can only be fulfilled by God. So why do people believe that God doesn't exist?

 For some, it's simple. For other's, not so much.

 Those who believe that God exists, believe that He exists for only one reason, to love us. For those who don't believe, they have to see it to believe it. Believers know that He is there just by believing. Non-believers need to touch God and see Him to know that He is real. They need proof. The Disciple Thomas was shown what a "true believer" really when Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to His Disciples. In the Book of John, Jesus told Thomas, "Blessed are those who believe, because they have not seen." Thomas himself said "I will not believe until I have put my finger in His side. Only will I believe then." I mean, here is one of Jesus's disciples who was with him, taught and preached to and yet he still didn't believe that Jesus was alive and kicking. Thomas need something to touch in order to believe. Like much of society today, that is why people don't believe. Not because of the lifestyle or what the pastor on TV says. They need to touch God in order to believe.

 When Jesus said "blessed are those who believe because they have not seen" He was teaching them the "core of faith." Simply believing is the heart and soul and Jesus, the Father and The Holy Spirit. Believe what the Blood of Christ did for you. Believe that the Heavenly Father loves you so much and that the Holy Spirit lives in you so that you are enpowered by Him.

 Simply Believe...

 Now this is hard for some people to grab onto but the truth is that simply believing in something that you can't physically touch is one of the easiest things to do. Walking by faith in something is a little harder. I believe the Mona Lisa exists, but I haven't touched it. Walking by faith in something that can't be seen, some find that more difficult. People these days are tossed by the cares and worries of daily life. That is what makes people disbelieve in God. Not because the can't see Him, but they see others that do believe go through "tribulations." And they think to themselves, "what kind of God allows that to happen to a good person like Bob?" The truth is though when God himself said that the trials and tribulations of life were overcome when Jesus went to the Cross, He simply stated that He can helps us even more today because of what Jesus did. If we only believe and rely upon Him to get through those times.

 But there is a God that loves you, wants to help you through this life, bless you with His Promises and so much more. But He also wants something in return. It's called honor. When giving thanks and honoring Him for what he has done for us, "He gave His only begotten Son" that you can't help but want to give praise and honor. But many people have a tough time giving thanks to something that they can't see. Most people believe that Jesus existed and did some really cool magic tricks. Or they believe that He just died for our sins. They believe!

 Going back to Thomas though, he became the identity of most people today. "I have to see to believe, I have to see." Only after Thomas saw Jesus, did he repent and get the revelation that God exists on a much bigger scale, that just because we can't touch him doesn't mean He's not there. But God also lives in us and through our lives and if people can't see that, then we are only helping them disbelieve what is true. God lives in us, Jesus lives in us, the Holy Spirit lives in us. We have to show people that they do exist through our faith, our lives and so much more.

 God is not imaginary people. He is alive and well. But if I believe in something that is good and wholesome, full of love, riches and glory, where is the harm in that?

 My last imaginary friend dissappeared years ago, but my new one lives, loves and reigns forever...

My Drunken Past, My Drunken Spirit...

  It's cold and refreshing. It's soothes the back of your throat. It gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling over the course of 5 or 6 of them.

 What is it you ask? Simple...

 "BEER!"

 Many of days and nights I spent drinking my life through-out my military career and and long after that. I would hang out in the bars or a friends and drink an ice cold Corona until the lights in my eyes would fade and the sunset was about to come. I would end up either butt-naked or worse. I admit there were some really good times when I was drunk, but I can also admit that there were some really bad times. Some that were so bad, that even writting this gets me a little emotional. Most of us have been there though. One night-stands, talking to the Porcelain King and late night fights. I remember my first drunk was at my sister's 16th birthday and my mother had gotten her a keg of Coors Light for her present. Mom was not your typical mother!(Love you mom). We played quarters until I puked all over the place. I ended up walking around the house in my underwear. That was the very first time that I got drunk. I also remember the last time that I got drunk as well. August 21st, 2007 was the night that I proceeded to drink Corona, Bud Ice and Hot Damn!!! Needless to say, I puked my brains until there was none left and the hangover that I had was by far the worst I have ever had.

 But when I woke up the next day, I knew that in my Spirit, I was done drinking. I was tired of the hangovers, trying to get people saved off the "drunken witnessing"(and yes, I did witness to people while I was drunk), puking to no end, tearing up people's house and being butt-naked when I woke up each morning. I even remember attending church drunk at one point and time. It was time for all of this to come to an end...

 The day that I woke up, my friends were already drinking and I didn't even want to think about having another beer. I was so sick, that I wanted to throw up just looking at them. But I also knew that I was done drinking. I just knew it and felt it in my Spirit. My Pastor for years had always talked about getting drunk and it how "strong brew was a brawler." A friend of mine Brandy reminded me of that not to long ago. Drinking and partying was about to be over with me in the blink of an eye. When I was sitting on the porch that day, I just kept thinking to myself, "I am so tired of this." Waking up and feeling like crap almost every weekend. And in that moment, I made the decision,

 "I quit!"

 I can honestly say that my road to stop drinking has been a really easy road. I just so tired of it, my flesh and Spirit said "no problem."  Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

 Now for the longest time I really never argued that issue, but then I came across another verse that just blew my mind. In Acts 2, it talks about the disciples being filled with a "new wine." They were seen as being drunk by other people. But they were actaully "drunk in the Spirit" or otherwise known as being "Baptised in the Holy Spirit." They were talking in "different tongues" and acting like crazy people. The last time I talked in different tongues, it was Heineken's fault. Now being "drunk in the Spirit" is so much better than being "drunk in the world."  Now most of society thinks that being "drunk in the Spirit" is barking like dogs, running around the room screaming or a weird laugh. But here is the truth...

 

 Being drunk in the Spirit is like being on the ultimate drug. Bad term for such a good feeling. The first time I got drunk in the Spirit was in church during a mid-week service. God had been dealing me on some issues and when I felt His arms around me, I just went limp to the ground. I just layed there and thinking of only God. He was sitting there right beside me and just put His hand on my heart. I can't think of any other way to describe it. From that point on, I was able to experience more of God's Presence on my life. I was sitting at Mug's one day and me and a friend were watching a video that was making fun of people being "drunk in the Spirit." But when we watched it, we knew what it was and it started to get on us. I had boldness, got excited and couldn't stop thinking of God. Let me explain what I mean.

 Being "drunk in the Spirit" is being so immersed in the Presence of God, that you lose sight of time, surroundings, people and so much more. Everything that is happening in the world you are oblivious too. I feel a sense of warmth at times, but then there are times when I feel like laughing my head off. There are moments of great silence and some of great worship. Being drunk is a worldly term that can only describe odd behavior, but to me it's just like acting goofy. I can't really explain the feeling. The twelve disciples were made fun of by others because the appeared to be "drunk." The people who didn't know had a misconception because they saw things in the natural. That is the way people see and think about the "charismatic movement." We simply see this as being nothing but "so sensitive to the Holy Spirit" that we lose ourselves, our flesh. We become like God wants us to become.

 Now this is not to condemn people of drinking . I have slipped on many occassions and have had a couple of beers. Now, does God hate me because I fell off the wagon, absolutely not!!! I just know in my heart and Spirit that my drunk days are long over. Drinking is not the end of me, but could be the beginning of something that I have tried to stear away from. Each person has to come to this own revelation on their own. But this is going to sound bad. I don't believe in what Alcoholics Anonymous says. "Once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic." I refuse to accept that.

 God says that I am a new creation, "behold all things have passed and I have become new creation." I will not let the world tell me who I am or who I used to be. I have overcome because Jesus overcame it first. Don't let the enemy also beat you up for it as well. He will use everything in his power to make you fall. Keep reminding yourself who you are. "In our weakness, He is strong." Our strength to overcome doesn't come from ourselves, but that we call and answer God's Promise on our lives. If you are having difficulty overcoming this and need help, first pray and seek God on all of this. Then go to someone that you can talk to and get help with. But talk to God, look at the Scriptures, start proclaiming that you are free of this stronghold.

 A glass of wine or a cold beer is not the end of the world, but over time it could be the end of you. Being filled or "drunk" with the Presence of God is the end of you as well. Choose which glass you want to drink from.....

A Tarzan Inspired Moment from God...

 This is going to be a very weird Blog for me tonight because I was watching a Disney movie that had a "God-themed" idea to it.

 I just recently watched the Disney movie "Tarzan" and noticed something that many people would not have noticed through-out the movie. In the movie, as a boy, Tarzan did everything he could to "fit in" so that he would be accepted by the leader of the gorillas, Kerchak. Now, in the beginning, Kerchak had lost a child and was resentful of Tarzan being in the family. Tarzan's adopted mother nursed, cared and fed him like he was her own. Kerchak wanted nothing to do with the boy. After Kala, Tarzan's adopted mother, showed him that even though they were different on the outside, they were the same on the inside. The same love and compassion that Kala had, Tarzan had that as well.

 So in one moment, Tarzan decided that he was going to do whatever it takes to get Kerchak's approval. He was going to try and earn his approval no matter what it was gonna take. SOUND FAMILIAR? When I was watching this, I thought to myself, "how many people are trying to earn God's approval?" Alot of people are always trying to "work or earn" their way into the Kingdom of God. I mean, here is Tarzan risking his life for the mere approval of someone who wants nothing to do with him. Now, God doesn't want us risking our lives for the sake of His approval. We have already recieved His approval through the Cross.

 I mean, this guy killed the enemy of the tribe, and the father still would not approve or find him worthy enough to be called "son." So here is the question. Why are we always out to try and prove ourselves to someone or something in order to fit in? Why do we feel that we have to "prove ourselves worthy" to the Heavenly Father, when in all actuality, we are not worthy? In the Old Testament, God required a yearly sacrifice to account for the sins of man and to approve them worthy of a relationship with Him. But, when God came to the Earth in the flesh, Jesus Christ, God had given us a way to be called "son or daughter." We were worthy of a relationship, entering His Presence and inherited the blessings of our Heavenly Father. So why are people still earning their way into the Father's grace?

 Here's the answer..................condemnation.

 Now some people may teach that you still have to prove yourself in order to gain the Heavenly Father's love. This is a false teaching. If we still had to prove ourselves worthy, then Jesus wouldn't had to lay His life down for you and me. I did a study within the church last year that proved to myself that I was the kind of person that needed to "buy friendship." Now, I couldn't do that with everyone I went to church with, but the truth is that most people will do whatever it takes to either make a friend or make an impression. We have to find "acceptance" in other people so that we can feel good about ourselves. But there is a way that we can avoid all of these traps.

  It's called finding your self-worth in Christ. Many people today do not see the way God sees us. That is why we are always trying to do something to make us fit in whether its at parties, workplace or CHURCH!!! Yes even in church. My example of that is that for the first couple of years in attending church, I lied to fit in! Not the greatest place to lie in, but the truth is that I was alone with no family or friends around the area. I was also homeless and somewhat ashamed of my living conditions. As I grew in the things of God, I began to figure out who I was and could care less about what people thought about me. But that doesn't mean that I have completely gotten over these ideas.The truth is that we seek the approval of everyone these days. No matter who it is. Kids will always try and do something for their parents approval. Employees will always try and work themselves to death to earn a promotion, or a believer trying to earn the love of the Heavenly Father.

 God proved His love for us when His Son went to the Cross and died for our sins. In the Scriptures, it says that "it pleased God to bruise His Son." What Father would be proud of beating his son to death. Jesus saw the Cross as a joy, because He wasn't seeking His Father's approval. He was seeing the approval of all man, not just Jesus. Through the Blood of Christ that was shed, Jesus had made a way that God had approved each and everyone of us through His sacrifice. Jesus became the approval of the Father.

 For years I have battled with seeking approval of my own father because as a son, we want nothing more than to just honor and make them proud, but the truth is that my own dad loves me know matter what I do, say or what. I will always correct me and teach me in a strict way, but it doesn't change the love that he has for me. God is the exact same way. He loves me beyond all sins, past, present and future. And if I do make a mistake, His love never changes. Through the Blood of Jesus, God approved us to have a relationship with Him at anytime, no matter what. But like any good parent, we have to be open to receive the correction that He has for us. A like any son or daughter, we have to choose whether or not to receive that correction. Plain and simple...

 So the next time you feel as if you need to "fit in", ask yourself this question? "Why am I seeking the approval of someone that did nothing for me in this life?" What did this person do for me?"

 "When you see and hear what God says about you, then everyone else's opinion doesn't matter anymore!"

 The end of the story of Kerchak and Tarzan came to the end when Kerchak realized that even though Tarzan was not like him, Kerchak had to die to come to that revelation. Don't wait that long or go to that extreme to find out who you are.

 You are a child of the Most High God, who loves you deeply and wants nothing but the best for you and your family. See yourself the way God sees you.

 That's all that matter in the End...

The Drama King...

"Jeremy, you know that you live for the drama. You can't help but be around it and just become part of it. You are the biggest drama king that I have ever seen."

 The downside of literally being the only man that works at the Baristo Bar is that I have to contend with about 15 women. Now, I have dealt with women my entire life on so many different scales, that you think that I should be able to handle it. But the the truth is this, each woman brings a different drama to the world. What's even worse is that there are men that are just as bad as women are. I have seen "manangement" go into a "tizzy" over something that a woman has said or done. Drama has become the way of dealing and talking to people these days. I was just recently involved in some drama that involved 4 different people.

 "Jeremy, everyone has drama in their life. Your not any different!"

 I agree to the extent that people have alot of issues that they can bring home or work. But there is a choice of not bringing it, not dealing with it and better yet, not allowing it into your life.  I have tried very hard over the years not to bring my personal life and work life into each other's arena. Now, there are some people that I work with or know that I feel comfortable enough to tell them some things that maybe going on in my life and for them, I could be the same thing. But there has to be a line. You have to know when and where to draw that line. Even more so, you have to cut people off before it get's to the point of getting out of control. Now there are times when I even get caught up in it and totally get a "high" off of it. But the truth is that I hate it just as much as the next person. As a man of God, we should want nothing to do drama in our lives, much less in anyone else's. With drama, that means that a door can be opened for Satan to just come in to our lives and just make an even bigger mess of the situation.

 I like to think that Jesus caused some drama while He was walking this Earth. Now, don't take what I just said the wrong way. He simply revealed to them their issues or thoughts and how to deal with them. When Jesus was attracting the "lost" to Him, the pharisee's of the day I am sure went into "drama overdrive" in dealing with Him. They lied about Him saying that He was using demons to cast out demons. Here Jesus was, simply spreading the love and peace of our Heavenly Father, and the people around Him or the priests of the old day were causing drama around Him. But, He was also quick to shut it down too. He wasn't going to give the devil any place that try to ruin and wreck  His ministry. The people of the New Testament were still living under the "old law of the Ten Commandments" and were captive to that thought. But Jesus, the Son of God came to stir up and reveal to the people that there was a way to come back into God's presence and to have a relationship with Him all over again. If you don't think that it didn't cause some drama back in those days, you need to think again.  I like to call Jesus "The Drama King."  I don't mean that in a bad way either. i am just clearly saying that Jesus came to "set us free" from the bondage of the law, reveal our sins and to teach us the authority that we have because of His sacrifice.

 So guys and gals, learn to recognize the truth behind drama. Learn to cut it off and to stop it before it gets out of control. Especially among believers, it can do even more damage than we would be able to recognize. It brings "discord" when there should be "harmony." 

 So the next time someone comes up to you and says "Jeremy, you are not going to believe what happened to me last night with Bob!" Learn to shut it down. Become the "Drama King" or "Drama Queen" by knowing what Christ did and showed us how to deal with it. Otherwise, just live with the "world's drama."

The Men of the Old Testament Versus The Men of Today...

 "Jeremy, let me show you what a real man looks like" a customer says...

  These are words that I have heard a million times over as a young man. As a matter of fact, there isn't a man that hasn't heard this at least one time in their life. Over time, the identity of "men" has changed due to societies take on the responsibilities of men and women having a significant place in the workforce today. When women became part of the workforce, some men I am sure felt a little insecure or even attacked by that move. Woman today as just as important today as men are today in the workforce, at home and in society itself.

  But the side-effect of that is that men have lost themselves and who they are because of such changes. As a young boy, I was raised with my sister by a single father most of our childhood. Our dad was our world. I saw how much he sacrificed for me and my sister. My greatest and best childhood memories are living with my dad as a young boy. Now, my father is not a "believer," but he certainly instilled "biblical morals and principles" to me and my sister. He was a typing shadow of the Old Testament men of the Bible. He was willing, able and ready to defend his family and friends at a monents notice. He worked hard to provide, sought out ways to teach his kids and was a strong disciplinarian.

  The men of the Old Testament have always fascinated me to a great extent. These men were nothing but farmers, carpenters and mason's. But in their greatest moments of strength or weakness, they relied not on themselves, but on the Heavenly Father. Alot of them made some mistakes along the way, but the truth is that they knew that God was there to guide them. All men of the Old Testament were warriors and soldiers. They fought battles for years upon end, and returned home to the wife and kids. The women were charged for taking the "reigns" while the men were off fighting. Have you ever noticed that women took the "reigns" while men went into battle everytime? From the dawn of time and even today with the War in Iraq and Afghanistan women have fulfilled the call on their lives. That is an amazing testimony to how God works and gives strength to those who need it during difficult times. But the times have changed. Men go off to battle in many different ways these days. We work, play ball with the kids and sleep, leaving all of the decisions to the wife to make. The Old Testament men were head of their household, made all of the decisions, and still provided for his family during times difficult times. Abraham is a good example of the "Old Testament Man."  He was a tent maker that was called by God to lead his people to the land of Caanan. Abraham was called "the father of a multitude" meaning that he waas going to be an example of what Godly mean should be like. But, like most men, Abraham made a few mistakes along the way. Even though he made those errors, he never lost sight of his responsibility and love for God. He is probably the best example of a Godly man that went to work, went off to war, tested by God and was counted by God "unto righteousness."

  The men of today are so consumed with the things of this world, that we have lost sight of what God has called us to be and to do. Today, most men don't even recognize that we are truly the "head of the household." As men, we are to discuss with our wives anything that could arise under his "authority." Now, you may find it disturbing or even insulting that a single man is discussing the things or giving advice to the "married people." NOT TRUE AT ALL!!! I have the ability and honor of seeing some great marriages through family and friends. But, I also have to prepare myself for the time when God calls me to be a husband and father to a family. By studying His Word and seeking advice of Godly counsel, I can try and act on the things of God and what He has called me to be. Being financially stable is great, having a Godly woman as a wife is even better and knowing the foundation that Christ has given us is the key to all marriages. Men throw that verse "wives, submit to your husbands" so many different ways, that many men are single because of that thought. The truth is this. When Paul is talking about being "submitted" , he is saying that we are first and foremost to be submitted to Christ who is the example of how He loved, adorned and presented the Church to the Father without spot or blemish. The Blood of Jesus washed the "true church" of any issues. What is the "true church?" That's for another day. But back to what I was saying...

  Men, when are we going to see and do what God has called each and everyone of us to do. "Well Jeremy, I work alot of hours and I come home to a house of screaming kids, a nagging wife and a pile of bills. You just don't understand!"

  "Your right, I don't!" I have none of those things that you have mentioned." But be an example to me and other men of how you put your faith and trust in God to evercome those things. To guide your family not only through the good times, but even more so through the bad times. Encourage us single men in relying on God and not of the things of this world. Call us out if you see something that may harm us in our lives. I have a great brother in Christ, Chad who has no problem calling me out on alot of things. He is a great man of God, great source of encouragement and a good example of a Godly husband. A couple of years ago, I did something that I thought was okay to do. But, in a loving manner, he called me out on it. He didn't do it out of hate or spite for what I did. He did it, because he thought that it could be a stumbling block to myself. Chad is one of few people that I can count on one hand that can do that to me and I wouldn't take it in a bad way. But, most men wouldn't have done what he did. Most men would have said, "I wanna see more." Chad was watching out for me and encouraging me not to go down a path that could lead me into a much "deeper and darker place."  This is an example of "Godly men."  On the Day of Pentecost, men were empowered by God, through Jesus's sacrifice and resurrection and baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit to go out and fulfill the call on everyone of their lives.

The men of those days had such a boldness and a fire for God, that most of them died in proclaiming the Gospel. These men did nothing but taught, spoke and preached what Christ had revealed to them. In times of great struggle, they "encouraged those" that needed it most. They were not moved by the "wars of this world" and walked in the God-given authority that they received through Christ. That is the power of God. That is how we should be today.

Men, I just want to encourage you today to seek after the things of God. Don't let these things of the world beat you down or try and overtake you by force. Be strong, run the race, endure the persecution, but always keep the faith. Lean on God, take back what God has already given you. Proclaim the victory that Christ has given you already during the battles. Most of all do this....

 Praise God in All things...

The Cold, The Fire and Coffee...

  "Yes people, it is still cold outside!"

  But that has truly never stopped me or anyone else from driving or walking a couple of miles to get a cup of coffee. Here reccently, the state of Texas experienced some of it's worst weather in 20 years. The ice was the worst of it really. Texas people claim they know how to drive in this weather, but the truth is, THEY DON'T!!!

  It all started on early Tuesday morning with freezing rain. I heard it coming, but the result of the rain came the next day with alot of ice. Every bit of it was frozen like Lake Placid. I woke up that day and bundled myself up really good. The wind was blowing hard, the roads were solid ice and the snow was coming in.

  Now, I walk to work just about everyday. I have some great friends that have helped me or have offered to help me get home or to work in the past. Most of the time, I walk because that is my little alone time with God. One friend asked me, "Jeremy, why did you walk in this weather?" The truth is that I was the safest one on the road because of the weather. I saw cars, trucks and semi-trucks go into the ditch because of the weather and the roads. But here is a funny truth about walking in the cold. I never felt warmer walking in walking to work in the cold...

  "Jeremy, you are messed up in the head! It was so freaking cold, I didn't leave the house!"

 The truth is that when your in the Presence of God, you really have no idea what is going on around you because your not focused on the surroundings. You are focused in on God. I always put my praise and worship songs on while I am walking to work. It helps me get in a better mood if I am in a bad mood. It re-shifts my focus onto God instead of myself. Once I get myself out of the way, then that allows God to do a work in me. I have rebelled so much here lately in the things of God, that it has literally robbed me of some great things that God has for me. But I noticed that when I was walking to work in the bad weather, that there was an "inner fire" that burned within me. The internal thermometer in me never got cold or "hypothermic." I was in His Presence...

  Now your thinking, "God is with us always." And that is true. But we are not always in His Presence. I think back to Old Testament times where the high priests had to dress a certain way in order to enter into God's Presence. Yet here I was bundled up in some old work clothes, gloves and a scarf and I was still able to enter into God's presence. I like to think that the "fire of the altars" burns in me today.  If I am willing to sacrifice myself and lay down my needs versus the needs of the Father. Now the real reason that the fire that burns in me is that once I felt a touch from God.

 Now there is nothing that could ever compare to the warmth, the Presence and a touch from God. When I say nothing, there is NOTHING!!! To sit here and say that there is a "warm, fuzzy feeling" when God puts His arms around you, it's a lame term to use. Walking to work in this bad weather may have sucked in the natural, but the truth is that God kept me warm the entire way to work and going home. Now even though it was great to drink a cup of coffee when I got to work or when I got home, it doesn't compare to the feeling of love and warmth to our Heavenly Father.

I liked the story of the "Burning Bush and Moses." The fire and warmth of God was so pure, that the bush did not burn nor did it bring harm to Moses. It was a symbol of God's enduring fire and Presence in our lives. Moses entered  into the Presence of God and was told to remove his sandals for he was walking into His Presence. But Jesus provided a way for us to enter into and leave our sandals on. When the Blood was shed and then poured on the Mercy Seat, Jesus tore the veil or opened the door for us to enter into the Holy of Holies or His Presence. That is how awesome God really is.

So it's okay to sit by the fire and get warm, drink a cup of tea or coffee to help you feel better. But when it comes right down to the truth, the "enduring fire and warmth" that burns within us can only come from God. That fire can only come from God and the desire to chase after Him. I like to use this term, "the desire brings and burns the fire." But the desire and the burn can get cold and slowly die when we don't chase after Him. Chase the desire and keep the fire. That's what is going to keep you warm.

So when you go home or go to work, look at your coffee cup and ask yourself this?

"What is keeping me warm these days?"

Holding Fast to the Resolution...

Well it's that time of year again, "The New Year's Resolution?"

 We all go through this every year. We try and "hold fast" to the changes that we think can or will effect us for the rest of our lives. Whether it's losing weight, trying to be a better person or whatever it is, we so much want to stick to the "CHANGE."

 But I often ask myself, "why don't I hold fast to the change that I want so much to make?" Is it laziness, timing, job or families. What is it that makes us just give up?

The definition of resolution is "the act or process of resolving." Resolution is an "act." How many times do we act on the things of this world that will satify our flesh, our checking accounts and or our families. Some great "heroic acts" have been made throughout history that has changed the course of our world. But we have also had some "terrorist acts" that have changed the course of the people of this world. The one thing that is common in both of these events is this, the people "held fast" to the idea or the cause. Throughout the course of history, "holding fast" has been cemented into our minds that if we want something so bad, that we stick with it.

 The same should go when practicing our faith. Even if you don't lose all the weight that you want, you shouldn't waver from the idea or your CONFESSION!!!

 I like the verse in Hebrews 10:23 where it says "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful."  Why would he say something like this? Because he knew that people have always been tossed by the ways of this world when it comes to there faith. I am no stranger to being a "backslider" or allowing myself to be "shifted in my faith" over the years. Like many of us, I have always confessed that Jesus is my Savior and Lord. But I have allowed circumstances or even my job defer me from sharing the Gospel. I have not "held fast" to my "act of faith." My "act of faith" is not sharing the Word of God like I am supposed too. I am not fulfilling my "New Year's Resolution."

 Now this year, I make the same resolution. That I obviously want to grow and prosper in the things of God. But there are also some personal changes that I want to make in my life and walk with God. One of them is to "be still and be quiet." I have for far too long allowed people to tell me what I need to hear. It is time for God to tell me what I need to hear. Another one is to "be slow to anger." Obviously with my job, I have customers that will always complain and try to rub you wrong when it comes to their drink. I learned a long time ago from a friend this verse, Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Many times I have to say this in my head while they are complaining. I hate being angry and allowing people to get the best of my anger. That is not who I am created to be. That is not the "new creation" that Jesus called me to be. We are to walk in love to each and every person that comes across our path. That is part of "holding fast to our faith." Treating people the way God treats us. That is one of the weapons that the enemy uses against people all of the time. By planting thoughts in our heads about something or someone. Working in the retail and food industry, there is someone that will always be unhappy or make a complaint. ALWAYS!!! They will try and plant bad thoughts into our heads about something, whether its their coffee or something that is going on in their life. The enemy will use them as a weapon. Believe it or not!!!

 In Matthew 16:20-25, Jesus starts talking about the prediction of His death and ressurection. Peter starts yelling "never Lord, this shall not happen to you." I like what Jesus says in response, "Satan, get behind me. You are a stumbling block to me, you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but that of men."

 Satan will use the people that you are closest to or even those we see everyday to become "stumbling blocks." That is when we "hold fast" to our confession and our faith. Our faith teaches us that we have defeated the enemy already. We have to walk in that victory over him.

1 Peter 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

 But take comfort in this, 1 John 4:4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

 You have already overcome your resolutions and everything that has come against you through faith in Christ Jesus. "Hold fast" to your confession and the "faith" that powers you to do those great things for the Kingdom of God.

 So when you set your sights on your "New Year's Resolution" this year, proclaim, speak and hold fast to the victory that Jesus Christ was born to provide, walked in the victory, and died in the victory so that we would be victorious!!! I pray that each person that reads this has a great, blessed and prosperous New Year and to encourage you to chase after God like you have never done before.

 God Bless you All,

Buckwheat...