New Year's Resolutions for Christians...

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Romans 12:9-18 NKJV

I awakened early on this CHRISTmas morning. So far, it seems like any other day. I've made my coffee, read my paper, fed & walked the dog--just like so may days before. I've thought of memories of CHRISTmases past, filled with the joy & excitement of young children and of family and friends who are no longer with us. I've pondered my life, regretted my mistakes and celebrated my victories.

2010 will soon come to a close and a New Year will begin. With that comes a time of reflection of the year's events and the anticipation of what the New Year holds in store. 2010 held both good and bad--my family saw GOD work in miraculous ways restoring my wife after a near-death experience. We saw new families started through marriages & the addition of new family members through the birth of children. We saw lives negatively affected by the loss of loved ones, divorces, job losses and the like.

What does 2011 hold for us? Only GOD knows. While we can't see into the future, we know we can expect negative and positive events to unfold. As we make our usual New Year's Resolutions--you know, lose weight, exercise more, take better care of ourselves, etc.(for the record, we should maintain our physical body--it is the temple of GOD--we just don't need to be obsessed with it)--let us also resolve to be better Christians.

What does that involve, you might ask. As for me, I think it begins with LOVE. Not love for self, or money, or possessions--but love for our Saviour and love for our fellow man. Seek GOD's Will for your life. Ask Him how & where He would have you serve. Spend time with Him daily in prayer & Bible reading. Show Him your love for Him by sharing Him with others.

We work and worry and fret over insignificant things, like our feeble attempts to "keep up with the Joneses" in this live fast, do more & have more society that is our world today. In the passage above from Romans, we are told how to live in love and at peace with our fellow man. James 1:27 NKJV tells us, "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." It's not about us--it's about how we interact with others.

One of my favorite scriptures is 1 John 4:7-11. It was the text of my first attempt to proclaim GOD's Word to His people many years ago at Eastern Valley Baptist Church in Bessemer, AL. It reads, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another". Simply put--GOD loves us, therefore if we call ourselves Christians, we are to love each other.

We are to give to our church and to our fellow Christians. We are to give to those less fortunate than we are. Giving does not always involve money. GOD has gifted each of us differently and we should use those gifts and talents to reach a lost and dying world--a world starving for the love and peace only GOD can offer. We also have time to offer--volunteer to help in the church office, visit the sick in the hospital, visit a nursing home or veteran's facility, prepare food for shut-ins, intercede in prayer for pastors, teachers, missionaries, etc. The list is endless. You know what you have to offer--resolve to make a difference in the Kingdom and in the lives of those around you. This world truly is not our home--we are but pilgrims passing through--we must shine the love of GOD into the darkness of this sin-filled planet called Earth.

In the words of John Lennon, "So this is Christmas, what have you done? Another year over and a new one just begun." Ponder & pray about what GOD would have you do and what your ministry might be. He'll open the doors, just ask Him & see. Make being a better Christian your #1 New Year's Resolution!

May you be blessed with GOD's richest and best in the coming New Year!

Blessings!
Tony

The Story/Spirit of CHRISTmas...

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" Luke 2:1-14 NKJV

CHRISTmas is almost upon us. With that comes tremendous commercialism, an outright perversion of the true meaning of the holiday. CHRISTmas isn't just about giving and receiving gifts as the department stores would have you believe. It is a time to reflect on GOD's love for mankind, a love that would cause Him to send His one and only Son into the world to redeem our fallen race.

That being said, I believe the Spirit of CHRISTmas is best reflected in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life". In that single verse lies the meaning of GOD's love. A love that warranted the sacrifice of His Son in order to provide the atonement for our sins.

Jesus offered Himself--no one took His life, He willingly gave it. He left the glory and splendor of Heaven, came as a helpless baby, lived a sinless life, and surrendered Himself to the Will of the Father to the point of a cruel death on the cross. This was His mission--from the time of His birth, each step took Him closer to the cross.

As a father, I cannot imagine loving anyone so much that I would willingly sacrifice my child to save them--yet, GOD did. As mankind strayed farther and farther away from His Commandments and became increasingly vile, He loved us enough to give His very best--JESUS! Now, that is love!

As you make preparations for your holiday festivities, remember to make room for CHRIST in your CHRISTmas. He is after all, the real reason for the season...

Merry CHRISTmas!

Blessings!
Tony

Be Thankful!

"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations." Psalm 100:4-5 NKJV

We're approaching the Thanksgiving holiday. Although we should be thankful at all times, now it is especially time to express our gratitude to GOD for His blessings and provision in our lives. We have so much to be thankful for.

True, there is much amiss in the world today. However, if we take time to look around--there is more to be grateful for that gripeful about. Remember the old song, "Count Your Blessings"? We should take the time to list what all GOD has done for us. In doing so, we will see just how much we have to appreciate.

As Christians, we are to be a joyful people. How often do you encounter sad and sour people who claim to be followers of Jesus? It is a sad state of affairs when we, as GOD's people, can't be happy. We've read the end of the book--we know how it ends, we win! Regardless as to what life throws at us, we are victorious! We have peace that surpasses all understanding. Colossians 3:15 reminds us, "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful". We have no business being anything but thankful and joyful!

As I look back over the past year, I know I have much to be thankful for. I have a wife who loves me, a great family, I am gainfully employed, and am truly blessed beyond measure. Additionally, as I look towards the future--I know I am secure in GOD's love and that He has reserved a place for me, a mansion in Heaven.

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Take time to count our blessings and be thankful...

Blessings!
Tony

The Poor Among Us...

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound... Isaiah 61:1 NKJV

Lately, I have found myself preoccupied with thoughts of what ministry GOD has for me. I have to say, at this point, I am still uncertain as to what direction He is leading me. However, my mind seems to return to the needs of the poor around us. We are constantly bombarded with images of starving children in third-world countries, various areas of the world plagued by natural disasters, etc. Don't get me wrong--these are all worthy causes and I am certain there are many good Christian folks supporting them through the leadership of the Holy Spirit. I know that GOD wll reward them for their efforts.

My issue is simply that there are hurting and needy people right here--right outside our doors--that need a touch from GOD. I am reminded of the saying, "Charity begins at home." Within walking distance of my home there are many in need. There are multitudes of financially depressed people hurting and doing without basic necessities due to the economic crisis. There are widows and orphans. There are senior citizens and veterans from many wars. There is a local drug and alcohol rehab center and a work center for inmates doing what they can to help. All these people and more need to know of GOD's love. What are we, as GOD's ambassadors here on earth, doing to meet their needs?

A friend recently made a post on FaceBook that caused me to think. His question simply asked what your church would look like if everyone there was just like you? Would the offering plate be full? Would it be a missions-minded church? Would it reach out to those in need? Or, would it be a place of mediocrity, more of a country club than GOD's House...?

That same friend--Matt Armbruster and his lovely bride, Tara--recently opened Ransom Cafe, a place where any & all are welcome to eat and pay as much (or as little) as they can. This is their ministry to the area. They are living out Luke 14:12-14, "When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just." I find it inspiring and I know GOD is proud!

As we approach the holiday season, let us be reminded of GOD's commandment to love our neighbor. During His time on earth, Jesus went about ministering to the poor and destitute. His mission was to take care of their spiritual needs but He also provided for their physical needs. If we are His People, His Children, His Church--shouldn't we be doing the same?

Blessings!
Tony

Spiritual Warfare?

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:12-13 NKJV

I am understanding more, day by day, that many of the problems and perils we accept as part of living in a "fallen world" are much more than that. We have become so desensitized by what has become the norm and so accepting and tolerant of blatant sin, that we have allowed ourselves to be fooled. Who has fooled us? Why, Satan--of course! How? By slowly introducing sinful elements (through media, government and education) and making us think they are acceptable, and through seemingly normal issues like family, health and finances.

America, as a country, must wake up and return to the GOD of our fathers if she is to survive and thrive. We need to get back to the basics and restore morality. The family unit has fallen apart. Most children no longer grow up in traditional two-parent homes. Frankly, it appears that more children are born out of wedlock these days than are born to married couples. Families no longer look to GOD for strength and guidance as they did when I was a child--many never darken the door of a church unless it is Christmas or Easter, some not even then...

As a people, we struggle with more and more health maladies daily. Where do they come from? GOD's desire is for us to live a full and abundant life. How can we do this when we struggle with bodily disease? Satan knows how to hit below the belt & he pulls no punches. If he can convince us that sickness is part of our lives and we are to put our trust in modern medicine rather than GOD, he wins.

What about finances? Isn't that also part of the abundant life? Isn't this America--the Land of Opportunity--The modern-day Promised Land? Why then are so many out of work, facing foreclosure, struggling to survive? My thoughts are because we have turned our backs on GOD. He is a GOD of mercy and grace, but unless we repent of our ways and return to Him--He can & will remove His hand from our lives and leave us to our make our own destiny.

My wife & I have had our share of hard times. We've dealt with family issues, where we made mistakes. We've struggled with lots of health problems, and still do. Financially, we've had our ups & downs. Recently, I missed a good deal of work due to Dee's health & hospitalization. As a result, I lost a good deal of pay. We had to hit our savings account pretty hard, money we wanted for our retirement years and for our traveling pleasure. Yet, I count it a blessing we had savings to fall back on--in earlier days, this episode would have bankrupted us. I know we are in spiritual battle. We attempt to die daily to self and live our lives for GOD. Satan doesn't like that & he throws everything he has at us. Frankly, it makes us all the more reliant on GOD & determined to live accordingly. When our earthly lives end, we want to be able to say as Paul did, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day..." (2 Timothy 4:7-8 NKJV)

Father, may we live our lives in accordance to Your Will and Instruction, so that You may be glorified. Help us to stand on Your Word and Your Promises. AMEN.

Blessings!
Tony

Does Healing Come?

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 NKJV


On occasion, I am asked why some people receive healing and others do not...that's a tough question. We all go through periods of pain and suffering in life--it is part of the human experience. GOD's Word tells us that if we pray in faith, GOD hears our prayers. It also says He desires to prosper us and give us an abundant life. Why then must people endure sickness and pain?

I believe we all go through times of testing & trial. It is during these times that we learn to lean more heavily on GOD and depend less on self. GOD uses these "valley experiences" as teaching moments. After all, we are to cast our cares on Him and trust Him to handle the daily events of our lives. Additionally, I believe healing always comes. It may not come in the manner we want it to and it may not happen in the timeframe we desire. Sometimes, the healing is there & we--for whatever reason--will not receive it. Sometimes, GOD instantly and completely heals. Sometimes, He uses Doctors & modern medicine to bring about healing. Sometimes, death is the ultimate healing and a saint is ushered into the presence of GOD for Eternity--forever free of pain & earthly cares.

I recently witnessed a true healing. My wife, Dee, was hospitalized with heart issues after going into full cardiac arrest. It was a frightening time. She was treated by Doctors, nurses, EMTs, ICU Staff--all of whom gave their best possible care. I was told the situation looked bleak & I should call the family in. Ultimately, she was in GOD's Hands. I wandered the halls of the hospital praying, reciting scriptures, etc. (I'm certain others thought I was an escapee from the psych ward!) Many, many friends & family joined with me in prayer for healing and restoration. While I was prepared for the possibility of her passing--in my heart, I knew it wasn't time. I knew GOD still had work for us here on earth. GOD heard our prayers & gave my wife back to me.

Granted, she still has a ways to go in the healing process. There will be Dr's appointments for followup from her surgery (defib implant) and she'll have to take it easy for a while. But, she's still here. Man (dr's & nurses) thought she'd never make it but GOD proved Himself and restored her. The ICU Staff called her a miracle and well, she is!

Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, 'Here I am.' Isaiah 58:8-9a NKJV

Never take for granted the blessings GOD gives us. I know my perspective has changed immensely. I witnessed a miracle!

Blessings!
Tony

A Heavenly Perspective...

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 NKJV

Recent events in my life have caused me to stop & ponder exactly where my priorities stand. My wife & I both had a birthday recently, she had a stay in the hospital, and we're expecting our first grandbaby in a couple of months. Obviously, we're getting older...

Our earthly lives should reflect our heavenly perspective. Does it? I often find it easy to get caught up in the stress of family, finances, work, etc. Even church involvements can sometimes feel burdensome, although they shouldn't. Don't get me wrong--we have an obligation to our families, we must be financially responsible, work is a necessity of life, and we should be play a part in our local church. But, how do we balance it all? How do we tend to GOD's business without becoming overwhelmed by the busyness of life itself?

Matthew chapter 6 tells us we are to rely on GOD, to trust Him to meet our needs, and to not become a slave to riches (or the pursuit thereof). It further states that we are to be a charitable people, putting the needs of others before our own. The final verses (33-34) read, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble". So, I suppose that means I should seek GOD's Will first and foremost, and He'll take care of the rest...

My prayer today is that GOD will use my life to reflect His goodness and cause others to see Christ in me. My main priority should be to develop a heavenly perpective and not sweat the small stuff, to simply trust Him.

Yeah, I'm getting older but I'm not dead yet!

Blessings!
Tony

Forgiveness

Forgiveness--now there’s an issue that has destroyed friendships, torn families apart and split churches for years—actually, the lack of it is the problem. We walk through life carrying unforgiveness and hatred like chains that grow heavier and heavier as time passes. If we can learn to rid ourselves of this excess baggage, our lives can be used all the more to share GOD’s love.

Forgiveness is actually threefold—spiritual, relational and personal.

In the spiritual aspect, we must seek GOD’s forgiveness. 1 John 1:9 tells us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” You won’t tell GOD anything that will catch Him by surprise—He already knows. Confessing it to Him releases you from its hold.

As for the relational aspect--in the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus instructs us to pray in this way, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12). We cannot harbor malice in our hearts towards another person without it impacting our relationship with GOD. If GOD is able to look past the ugliness of our sin and forgive us, we should be able to move past petty hurts and differences to forgive one another. Therefore, it is important to forgive those who have offended you and to seek forgiveness from those you have offended.

Now for the personal aspect—this is the area where I myself struggle the most. Once we have sought GOD’s forgiveness and asked for and imparted forgiveness to others, we must then forgive ourselves. All too often, we confess our sin to have it cleansed by the shed blood of Jesus only to pick that suitcase up again and limp along allowing it to still weigh us down. There’s no reason for it--it’s forgiven, it’s done away with and GOD Himself remembers it no more. Why do we do it? Because guilt is one of Satan’s best tools, he is constantly throwing our past up in our faces in order to keep us from attaining what GOD has in store for us. Don’t let the devil fool you. Ephesians 1:7 says, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.” Satan has no hold on us if we truly are the children of GOD, purchased by the precious blood of Jesus. Move past self, turn it over to GOD and let go of it. We cannot change our past but we can look to GOD in the present and thereby impact the future.

The question now is, Is there anyone you need to forgive or seek forgiveness from today? Loose those chains, seek freedom and see how GOD can use you! He will, if you'll allow Him to...

Blessings,
Tony

Surrender--a poem by yours truly

I wrote this some time back, earlier this year anyway, and posted it on FaceBook. Regardless, I wanted to include it here as well...


Surrender


In the stillness of Your presence,

I humbly bow before You--

I give You honor, give You praise,

Know that I adore You--

I place my life in Your hands,

I know nothing else to do--

I pray for wisdom, ask for grace,

And mercy to see me through--



For my sin sent Jesus to the cross,

He went there in my place--

As He looked out across the ages of time,

I'm certain He saw my face--

Yet willingly He gave His life,

As a selfless act of love--

To show wretched sinners--such as me,

The way to GOD above--



Now take my life and use it--Lord,

Only for your glory--

Give me courage and opportunity,

To share the Gospel story--

Help me know when to act,

And when I should be still--

My heart's desire, my loving Savior,

Is to humbly do Your Will--

His Purpose...

August 28, 2010

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 NKJV

OK, so today is my birthday--49 years ago, I made my appearance into this world. Birthdays have a way of making you think about what you have & have not accomplished in life, choices you've made, a past that one must live with and a future to live for...

Long ago, I adopted Romans 8:28 as my life verse. It speaks to me. I think of where I've been and what GOD has delivered me from, wrong turns I took on this road called life that GOD used for good still the same. Satan constantly reminds me of years of drinking, drugging, promiscuity--horrid things I allowed into my life, a failed marriage, damaged relationships, the list goes on & on. Looking back, I recall those things--but am forgiven and can also see where GOD used them ("all things") to shape me into the man I am today. I truly believe that the life experiences we have, whether good or bad, shape and mold us for the purpose GOD has for each of our lives. After all, our real purpose in life is to glorify Him and reach others with the gospel. Our experiences allow us to relate to and empathize with those going through difficult times, to show them love and acceptance and illuminate the pathway to GOD.

Today, I am thankful for a Christian upbringing that kept me grounded even when I was far away from GOD. I am grateful for Christian family & friends who loved me in spite of myself and continued in prayer for me. I am thankful for a loving wife, who supports me in all ways. Most of all, I am thankful for a GOD of second (third, tenth and hundredth in some cases!) chances who never gave up on me--who has secured my place in Heaven. I pray that those I come in contact with can see past me, with my human frailties and failures, and see The One I serve. My desire is to fulfill His Purpose for my life, whatever it may be and wherever it may lead...

Blessings!
Tony