The Big House

My wife and I had the opportunity to travel to Malibu California and attend the Pepperdine Lectures.  Pepperdine University is nestled on a cliff that overlooks the Pacific Ocean.  The scenery was breathtaking.  Every angle of the campus puts on a spectacular display of beauty. 

After the lectures were over one afternoon, we decided to take a drive around Malibu and into Hollywood.  We drove down Sunset Boulevard and made our way to the homes where the “stars” lived. Each house had their own unique beauty, but they all were big; I mean, huge!  It was enjoyable seeing the homes and how they were architecturally designed from the outside. 

Jesus told his disciples in John 14:2, “There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s home. If that weren’t so, would I have told you that I’m on my way to get a room ready for you?” (MSG) 

Ready?

For me?

Yes, ready for you!  Jesus gave his disciples a house.  Not just any ole house.  He gave them a house with a live in Jesus and God and Spirit and a host of others.  This house has lots of rooms and amenities and it is greatest architecturally designed place ever built. 

This house isn’t just for the disciples, but for all of us.  Jesus said, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NLT) 1^st John 5:11 says,  ^“And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” (NLT) and Ephesians 2:8 declares, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”

God wants everyone to live in the house, no exceptions.  The Apostle Peter wrote that God is not a slow promise keeper, he is patient with each of us and he wants all of us to be saved! 1^st Peter 3:9.  The house is being prepared for all believers who are engaged in the Jesus life.  House keys are given to those who are walking and living and speaking and sharing and giving and worshipping and praising and acting godly.  Matthew says it best in 6:33, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (NLT)  Everything we will we ever need has been put in the house.  God’s list of goods and services for his children are limitless. 

Don’t be troubled by your circumstances, Jesus has prepared a special place that will give you hope and rest and peace and joy and love and comfort.  Keep your eyes peeled on what is to come rather than what isn’t available now.  Keep your focus on what will be given out later, rather than how much money you have in the bank account.  Keep your loyalty to Jesus through the thick and thin of life so that you will enjoy a sit down chat with him in the house he built. 

Trust.  Never waiver on your commitment to serving Jesus.  Always be your best.  Serve others like Jesus.  Be content.  Be Kind.  Be Jesus! 

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

Suffering Hurts

Suffering is a huge emotional roller coaster.  It drains our mind and energy.  It gives way to solving problems rationally and it is hard to concentrate on daily tasks.  Mostly though, it hurts.  It hurts badly. 

Some of our suffering is due to a death of a loved one, a sick family member, or consequence to a mistake that has been made.  Whatever the suffering, it still hurts.  It cuts us to the very core and fills us will pain of missing someone or it wraps us tightly with regret of a mistake we’ve made.

No matter the type of suffering, God is aware and is on the scene.  He doesn’t jump ship when the going gets rough.  He is patient.  He is kind.  He is grace.  The most important step we must take is TRUST!  Trust God in the journey.  Trust him when you are wrapped with guilt and regret.  Trust him when you are feeling very lonely and missing the person who left this world to be with God or the one that says, I’m done, I want a divorce. 

One of the benefits of being a God child is that knows your name.  He hears you loud and clear.  He is aware of where you are and what you are doing with your life.  Life can be harsh and demanding.  Suffering seems long and drawn out.  Questions are asked:  Why do I suffer?  How long is this suffering going to last?  What did I do to deserve this suffering?

We suffer in a variety of ways:  Physical.  Emotional.  Financial.  Relational.  And, spiritual.  At times, there is no explanation to the madness.  Peter said, “Friends, when life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.” 1 Peter 4:12-13 (The Message)

At times, it is very clear as to why we suffer.  For some, suffering is the consequence of bad choices.  The suffering one experiences was not brought on because God hates or takes great joy in seeing His children suffer.  One suffers because of sinfulness.  When we go against God’s best for us, the results are not good.  Does that mean God doesn’t love us?  Not at all!  However, Galatians 6:7 says, “A man reaps what he sows.”

Many have asked me, why do “I” suffer when I try my best.  I read my bible.  I attend “church”.  I give to charities.  I help my neighbor.  I am a good moral and spiritual person.  So, why do I suffer?  Peter says, “…But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.” 1 Peter 2:20b.  Also, in 1 Peter 3:17 he says, “It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” Doing right isn’t always a smooth ride.  There are many examples throughout Scripture where the folks were doing right, but went through a very trying time of suffering:  Sharach, Meshach, and Abednego suffering – Daniel 3.  The Apostles suffering – Acts 5.  Paul’s suffering – 2 Corinthians 11:23-33.  Jesus suffering – Mark14-15.

The way we respond to sufferings is critical. We might have the tendency to play the “blame” game.  Or, we simply whine to God for “allowing” sufferings that we don’t deserve.  In the moments of suffering, it is difficult and is demanding of our attention.  But know that God is very aware of you.  God said in Isaiah 43:3 (The Message), “Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you.  I've called your name. You're mine.  When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you.  When you're in rough waters, you will not go down.  When you're between a rock and a hard place, it won't be a dead end—Because I am God, your personal God….” Jesus said, in John 14:1, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.”  God loves you deeply and forever!

Remember, Be God Controlled,

Brian 

Blessings to Tessa Shea McCutchen

Tessa.  Saying your name for the first time was priceless.  Though we didn’t realize your name spelled backwards was “asset;” you are truly an asset to our family and the world.  Jeremiah 29:11 say, “I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord….” God has   Your ability to stretch yourself, as a friend to others has been inspiring.  Your unquenchable spirit to protect others whom you love has been noted in the pages of our minds.  Your depth of courage and bravery to stand up for those whom you feel are being treated unfairly is a testimony of your loyalty.  And, your unwavering desire to be God’s lady even when you’re challenged with many pressures to do wrong has been another streng
created within you a strong-will, a compassion for others, and a determination that is unyielding.

God has never called you to be perfect; rather he expects your faithfulness.  In your imperfections, seek out the grace and mercy of God to its full extent.  Live out God’s plans of being his imitator (Ephesians 5:1), his grace to others (Matthew 7:12) his sermon (Matthew 5) his servant (Mark 10:45).

May you see clearly the value of the Holy Scriptures and how they will guide your path (Psalm 119:105).  May you use the Holy Spirit fully and without hesitation each day God blesses you to have (2 Timothy 1:14).  And, may you live out the morals that will attract others to see the very Jesus who reigns in you. (Ephesians 4)

Holding you for the first time was a magical moment.  You were a gift from God.  A child that God entrusted us to teach and mold and direct and then open the door for you to walk out so that you can begin to live your life.  Today is not an easy day.  Actually, this day is by far the toughest of them all.  Our once little baby has journeyed all the stages so that she can walk on her own without us to be there for every hurt or hold you when you cry or sit and watch our favorite TV show or tell you to turn off the bathroom light or pick up your clothes or put gas in the car.

You are loved beyond any words that can be written.  The door to our hearts and our house will never be locked to you. You will always be our daughter.  You will always be our baby girl.  The memories of your first eighteen years will be forever etched in our minds.  

Today is your day.  The day you say, I am ready and the day we say, blessings to you in your journey to pursue your education and a life God will reveal to you in his timing. 

I love you deeply and forever!

Love Trumps Hate

The following is a true story that was sent to me. I hope your faith is restored in people like mine was after reading it.

“In the fall of 2008, there was an unusual high school football game played in Grapevine, Texas. The game was between Grapevine Faith Academy and the Gainesville State School.  Faith is a Christian school and Gainesville State School is located within a maximum-security correction facility.

Gainesville State School has 14 players. They play every game on the road. Its record was 0-8. They've only scored twice. Their 14 players are teenagers who have been convicted of crimes ranging from drugs to assault to robbery.  Most had families who had disowned them. They wore outdated, used shoulder pads and helmets   Faith Academy was 7-2. It had 70 players, 11 coaches, and the latest equipment. Chris Hogan, the head coach at Faith Academy, knew the Gainesville team would have no fans and it would be no contest, so he thought, "What if half of our fans and half of our cheerleaders, for one night only, cheered for the other team?"

He sent out an email to the faithful asking them to do just that. "Here's the message I want you to send," Hogan wrote. "You're just as valuable as any other person on the planet."  Some folks were confused and thought he was nuts. One player said, "Coach, why are we doing this?" Hogan said, "Imagine you don't have a home life, no one to love you, no one pulling for you. Imagine that everyone pretty much had given up on you. Now, imagine what it would feel like and mean to you for hundreds of people to suddenly believe in you."

The idea took root. On the night of the game, imagine the surprise of those 14 players when they took the field and there was a banner the cheerleaders had made for them to crash through. The visitors' stands were full. The cheerleaders were leading cheers for them. The fans were calling them by their names. Isaiah, the quarterback-middle linebacker said, "I never in my life thought I would hear parents cheering to tackle and hit their kid. Most of the time, when we come out, people are afraid of us. You can see it in their eyes, but these people are yelling for us. They knew our names."

Faith won the game, and after the game the teams gathered at the 50-yard line to pray. That's when Isaiah, the teenage convict-quarterback surprised everybody and asked if he could pray and he prayed, "Lord, I don't know what just happened so I don't know how or who to say thank you to, but I never knew there were so many people in the world who cared about us."

On the way back to the bus, under guard, each one of the players was handed a burger, fries, a coke, candy, a Bible, and an encouraging letter from the players from Faith Academy. What an incredible act of Christian witness and kindness and goodness that was. Be kind to someone this week. Be kind to every person you meet. You might be amazed at what God will do with a simple act of kindness.  Proverbs 11:17 says, "Your own soul is nourished when you are kind." and Proverbs 3:27 says, "Do not withhold good when it is in your power to act."

This act of kindness and generosity of love from must be the model every believer lives by. 

Be kind.  Be gentle.  Be Jesus!  Everyone needs to see the best side of us all. 

FAITH DOES NOT BELIEVE THAT GOD CAN....  IT KNOWS THAT HE WILL!

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian