Joseph--husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus...

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus. Matthew 1:18-24 NKJV

I've been thinking some about Joseph lately as I prepared for the celebration of CHRISTmas. I've decided the man has been somewhat short-changed. We all know him as the earthly (step)father of Jesus but he really was a humble & godly man.

Think about it--he & Mary weren't married & he knew they had not been intimate so there was no chance the child she was carrying was his own. Imagine that--your fiancee is pregnant & you're not the father. Joseph & Mary lived in a time that was more then simply scandalous--that type of thing was not accepted and more than an embarassment. I'm sure they both endured much ridicule & were the subject of tremendous gossip. No wonder he considered "putting her away" to avoid bringing shame on either of them.

Yet, when the angel visited him and made him aware that Mary was indeed carrying the child of GOD and instructed him to take Mary as his wife--he obeyed. He did this knowing what people would think & say. He subjected himself to much in order to be obedient to GOD. Not only that, but after taking her as his wife--he restrained himself from "knowing her" sexually, until after the child was born that she would retain her virginal status.

Later, Joseph was visted again by an angel and instructed to flee to Egypt in order to protect the child from evil King Herrod. Again, he obeyed and did as instructed. When it was safe for them to return, yet another angel appeared to him to make him aware that they could in fact return to Israel. Joseph was visited multiple times by GOD's messengers. I take that to mean he was in tune, so to speak, with GOD--otherwise he wouldn't have been privy to those angelic visitations. GOD only communicates with those who know him. What a reward he got for his obedience--he got to raise the Son of GOD in his home. There is no mention of Joseph beyond Jesus' twelfth year. It is assumed that he died relatively young but what a reward he must have received at his heavenly homecoming!

Oh that I might be more of a Joseph! GOD--grant me the wisdom to be the humble, obedient, godly man that he was. Give me the strength and fortitude to endure whatever comes my way in this life that I might also bring honor to your name through my unworthy efforts.

Much has happened--much that is beyond my control--in many ways, I feel robbed, although I know that among men--I am truly blessed if for no other reason than that I am GOD's child and my future is secure in His hands.

Blessings!
Tony

Joyful Sorrow?

Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10b NKJV

Well, CHRISTmas is fast approaching--yet another "first" for me in life since Dee's passing. Frankly, I have good days & bad days still. I assume that is normal--whatever normal is. I'm attempting to continue on with my life--I know that is what Dee would want. I also know I can't be effective in GOD's mission for my life if I wallow forever in grief and self-pity. While she will ever be a part of me, I must continue this journey alone. That is evidently GOD's plan...

I've done most of my shopping, mailed CHRISTmas cards, decorated as much as I plan to and even gotten the gifts I purchased wrapped. Yes, I wrapped them--you'd have to know that being the perfectionist I am, gift wrapping would be something I do. I realize it's not exactly a manly talent but I'm secure enough in my masculinity to admit it.

I suppose I'll be creating some new traditions--I'm not sure what they'll be yet. Obviously, things will be different for me this year. I've given thought to volunteering at a mission or taking meals to shut-ins--I'm not certain what the final outcome will be. I try to live out the acronym for JOY--Jesus 1st, Others 2nd, then Yourself. Knowing and sharing Jesus is my first priority. I do my best to think of & do what I can for others. As for myself, I lack little materially--GOD has blessed me and my needs are always met.

I suppose it is possible to be both joyful and sorrowful at the same time. I possess the joy of the Lord. In Him, I truly do live and move and have my being (Acts 17:28). At the same time, I still grieve and have sorrow over the loss of my wife. Yet, even so--I know her pain and suffering are no more and she is happy and whole in the presence of our Lord and celebrating with the saints who have gone on before. So, my emotions are somewhat of a roller-coaster ride or like the ebb and flow of the tide. Granted, it is difficult to understand unless you've experienced it for yourself.

GOD has a unique plan for each of us and while we cannot fully understand it, He does what He does & allows what He allows as part of that great plan. Our part is simply to trust and follow Him in the good times and in the bad. I'm reminded of an old hymn, "Simply Trusting Every Day"...

1)Simply trusting every day;
Trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

(Chorus)
Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by,
Trusting Him, whate'er befall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

2)Brightly doth His Spirit shine
Into this poor heart of mine;
While He leads I cannot fall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

3)Singing if my way be clear,
Praying if the path be drear;
If in danger, for Him call,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

4)Trusting Him while life shall last,
Trusting Him till earth is past,
Till His gracious advent call,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Just take it one day at a time--that's all we really have so we need to make the most of it. May the warmth of GOD's great love lead, guide and direct you through the Holiday season and into a blessed & prosperous New Year!

Blessings!
Tony

"Thanksgrieving"

"Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. 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 NKJV

Well, here it is--Thanksgiving morning--yet another "first" in my life since Dee passed away. If I am honest, I'd have to say I'm struggling to be thankful today. Don't misunderstand that--I am grateful for GOD's blessings in my life, and there are many. It just feels like a part of me is missing. Part of me went into that grave last May--a piece of my heart that I'll never possess again in this lifetime.

Still, I have much to express thanks for. I have a loving family, great & supportive friends, I'm relatively healthy for an old guy, I'm part of an awesome church family and most of all--I am a child of the King! I smile as I think of those things yet it all seems overshadowed by a cloud of loss. I miss spending the holiday with my wife. We typically visited with her family on Thanksgiving Day & usually planned a little getaway for the two of us afterwards. While the memories are wonderful, the pain of losing her is still fresh...

I remind myself that I should really be thankful about her homegoing. She was so sick for so long--it was a terrible struggle for her. Still the same--she put on a smile & ventured out into the world as much as possible, loving & being loved by those she came in contact with. Few knew how difficult it was for her--she didn't want pity, she wanted to share life & share GOD with those around her. She was a kind & loving soul. I know she's celebrating Thanksgiving every day in the presence of our Savior. The thought of that makes me somewhat happy--sort of bittersweet at best.

I'm trying to make the choice daily to be grateful for the time & the life we shared together, rather than being bitter about her being taken from me so soon. We shared something that few find in this world, we were happy and we were in love with one another and jointly in love with GOD. I go back to my life verse, "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) I helps me remember that GOD truly uses all things and all events/circumstances in our lives for good and also to shape us into the person we are to be in His Kingdom.

I still don't know what the future holds in store--maybe ministry, maybe missions, maybe just living out life & offering support and direction for those dealing with life's harsh realities. Regardless, I am in GOD's Army for the long haul, for whatever time remains of my earthly life. For now, all I can do is take life one day at a time & attempt to live out another of my favorite Scriptures, Micah 6:8 "And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, To love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Happy Thanksgiving! Remember to let those you love know it and give GOD thanks for His blessings & provision in your life...

Blessings!
Tony

Complacent Christianity...Is it the Pastor's fault?

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 NKJV


Who is to blame for the complacency in churches today? While it is true that some preachers lose their zeal for the things of GOD, I propose that the real reason lies with the people--the members of the church body. You see, it doesn't matter how passionate or well-prepared a man of GOD is--if our hearts have grown calloused & we aren't "tuned in" to the things of GOD, the message will never penetrate our hearts.

It's important that we individually prepare ourselves for a time of worship. We do that by spending time in prayer, reading our Bibles and fellowshipping with GOD on a daily basis. We were created for worship but worldly things have distracted us from our original purpose. We've become obsessed with material things that have no place in the spiritual world. In our pursuit of alleged happiness & in effort to keep up with the Joneses, we've effectively sold our birthright to the devil.

Sure, we still go to church & go through the motions but usually it's more so we can check it off our list & say we met our obligation to GOD by attending a Sunday service & placing a check in the offering plate as it passed by. GOD is not satisfied with or amused by our feeble attempts to live a moral life. He desires a deep and intimate, individial relationship with each of us. Until we completely sell out to Him, that cannot be acheived. We must expect to have an experience with GOD if we are to have one.

So, before you accuse your pastor of failing you in his leadership, assess your spiritual condition & see where you stand with GOD. Each of us is responsible for our own relationship with our Creator. Philippians 2:12 tells us to, "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." Do you love Him? Do you seek Him? Do you obey Him? Do you worship Him?

If we, as individuals, line ourselves up with GOD & His plan for our lives--true revival will break out & a move of GOD such as has never been witnessed before will saturate these United States. Our daily prayer should be, "Lord, send a revival & let it begin in me."

Blessings!
Tony

Moving Forward--Trying to anyway...

Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him. He also shall be my salvation, For a hypocrite could not come before Him. Job 13:15-16 NKJV

I've been feeling a bit Job-ish lately. It seems that my life has been basically put on hold while I try to adjust to my newfound singleness. All the plans I had for my life were "we" plans. They included my wife. Her passing has left a huge hole in my life. We had hopes & dreams and plans for our golden years. Somehow, trying to readjust to life without her just seems wrong in my mind. I don't seem to have much of a purpose anymore.

I know that will change with time as I accept my life for what it is and allow GOD to open & close the appropriate doors to guide me where He chooses to lead. But for the time being, I simply wait. In my mind, I can see Job sitting in sackcloth & ashes mourning his loss. I can relate to him--I know of nothing I could have done differently. I try to live for GOD. I confess my many shortcomings to Him daily. I spend time in prayer & Bible reading every day of my life. Still I'm presently at a loss as to what my life goals should be anymore.

Dee & I had planned to retire to the country. I had hopes for a workshop, a garden, a flock of chickens--just living the simple life and enjoying our life together. I was sure GOD would lead me to a small country church to serve in some capacity. These were things I was certain I had heard from Him. Maybe the country church will still be. Maybe I was off-base with my plans. Possibly there is something altogether different in store for me.

Still, I trust Him. Still, I seek His guidance & direction daily. Wherever He leads, I'll go. I have trusted Him for years & I will not turn my back on Him now. I don't understand this turn my life has taken but I know He uses all things (Romans 8:28) for good. I'll not be a hypocrite, I will follow Him all the days of my life regardless as to how many or few may remain. I'll continue to live for Him & want nothing more than to show the way down the road of life for others and point them to Him.

GOD, keep me ever in the center of Your perfect will in spite of myself...

Blessings!
Tony

GOD's Amazing Grace

And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NKJV

I began this blog one year ago today--on my 49th birthday. Today, I'm 50 & I've been doing a lot of reflecting on my life. There's something about the realization that you are half a century old that makes you look at your life & evaluate the accomplishments and failures you've experienced through the years.

Much has happened in the past year. I welcomed my first grandchild into the world last November. I said goodbye to & buried my wife this past May. These things cause one to ponder his own mortality. Life is filled with both joys and sorrows. GOD is present through it all.

GOD's grace & mercy have sustained me through the years. On my own, I am nothing--yet with GOD in my life and at my side, I can accomplish anything. I've given a lot of thought to GOD's grace & have decided that, like a beautiful diamond, grace is multi-faceted. There are different types of grace made available to GOD's children, depending on what circumstances they are facing. He is always merciful & always faithful--even when we are not faithful to Him. He is an ever-present help in times of need.

Hebrews 4:16 instructs us to "come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Granted--when we are hurting, reeling from the pain and heartache of losing something or someone precious to us--it's difficult to feel "bold" at all. We feel vulnerable, yet GOD still extends His amazing grace. We're not promised that because we accept Christ as Savior, that our lives will be easy. However, we are promised that God will walk with us and carry us if need be through the difficult & painful times in our lives (Isaiah 43:2-3 & 46:4).

Once we experience salvation & make Christ the Lord of our life, the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our heart. Our body truly becomes the temple of GOD. GOD is triune--Father, Son & Holy Spirit. That being said, if the Holy Spirit lives within us, then GOD walks alongside us throughout life. GOD feels our pain, He witnesses our failures, He knows the temptations we face, yet His grace knows no limits. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly (Psalm 84:11).

Honestly, I still have questions, I still don't understand why my wife had to die. Still, I trust that GOD has a plan for it all and that He will use this in some way to bring honor & glory to Himself. I pray daily that He will use me in some way to point people to Him & that I will always be found in the center of His Will.

Where are you? What are you facing? Are you high on the mountaintop or deep in the valley of despair? Wherever you are & whatever your need, His grace truly is sufficient. Trust Him...

Blessings!
Tony

Spiritual Adultery...

Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. James 4:4 NKJV


Wow, that gets your attention now doesn't it? What does it mean? We Christians are supposed to be tolerant, forgiving & non-judgemental aren't we? As a matter of fact, we are. What we are not supposed to be is accepting of or participating in the sins of the world. We must reach out to those who are lost without allowing them to drag us into the things of the world. How? Well, let's see what the Bible has to say...Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (James 4:7-8 NKJV) How do we draw near to GOD? We spend time communicating with Him in prayer. We read His Word. We sit under annointed preachers of the Word. We choose godly friends. We're also told that a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways...(James 1:8 NKJV).

Often, we think we can dabble in sin and get away with it. GOD's Word says differently. We're told in Numbers 32:23b, "and be sure your sin will find you out". The fact that we've accepted Christ and committed our lives to Him does not give us a license to commit willful sin. When we do, yes when--not if, because we are rebellious children--there are consequences. One way being that our testimony is tarnished and our effectiveness for GOD's Kingdom is diminished. As for me, I never want to bring shame to GOD & I definitely want to have opportunities to serve Him and minister to others.

How can we be in love with GOD and in love with the world at the same time? There are no fence-straddlers. We are either being used by GOD or being used by Satan. Exodus 34:14 states, "for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God". You may be questioning that statement and thinking you aren't guilty of worshipping any other gods--how about money, possessions, popularity, a relationship, etc? Those things easily become idols in our lives if we aren't careful.

Jesus Himself said "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."(John 14:6) Notice He didn't say I am "A" way, He said I am "THE" way. Don't be fooled by those who say there are many paths to GOD--that is false teaching at it's best and a downright lie of the devil. Are you an Oprah fan? She subscribes to this doctrine. She has a great following--sadly, Satan is using her to lead people astray. But wait--she does so many good and charitable things...Yes, she does--but you can be a goodly person without being a godly person. I'm here to tell you that if Oprah is saved, she needs to repent and if she isn't--that she will bust Hell wide open regardless as to how much good she has done in the world.

I know for a fact that I have allowed worldly things into my life. I'm fully aware that I do & say things regularly that damage my testimony. I pray GOD will forgive my spiritual adultery and allow me to be useful in His Work. How about you? Where do you stand? Remember, a friend of the world is an enemy of GOD. Personally, I want to be called a friend of GOD...

Blessings!
Tony