tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11202178544669178542024-03-14T06:23:05.496-04:00Brian's Biblical MinuteReal life stories and biblical teachings to encourage, motivate and inspireBrian's Bibilcial Minutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263058824503188785noreply@blogger.comBlogger253125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120217854466917854.post-34083824444503874562022-11-09T16:44:00.006-05:002022-11-09T16:44:51.969-05:00My Joy is Zapped and God Doesn’t Care About Me!<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How can I experience joy that lasts, when...</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br /></p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
I’m feeling the effects of high inflation that results in high gas prices and
even higher food prices<br />
I’m unemployed </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’m dealing with a bad marriage<br />
I’ve just lost my spouse to death</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I feel so lonely<br />
I’m rejected<br />
I feel God doesn’t care about me<br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Joy and happiness are not the
same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Happiness seems to depend
on our external circumstances. If our circumstances are pleasant, our needs are
being met, and we have the approval of family and friends, we generally feel
happy.<br />
<br />
Joy, however, is a Spirit-fruit quality that sustains us when the storms of
life are raging and bad stuff happens and painful memories are experienced and
life is more of a challenge than joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Joy will fight for you and give you a spiritual perspective that will
calm the struggling spirit and turn you 180 to see hope in the fire.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Trusting God’s provision of joy is key to experience
calmness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">John 14:1-4,</b> Jesus said, "Trust in God...." I believe
that trust is earned. It takes time to trust someone. As we begin the
get-to-know-the person-better, the relationship strengthens and trust evolves. I’ve
talked to many people who have asked me, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>“How
can I trust God and experience joy when life is hard? When I’ve been abused?
Raped? Abandoned? “<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doesn’t God care
about me?”<br />
<br />
Mostly, my response is:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God doesn't do
bad things to people; people do bad things to people. Joy comes when we put our
focus on joy, hope and peace, rather than finding someone to blame for a
difficult life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God isn’t in the
business of making our lives miserable, rather he is rooting us on to see him
as one who deeply cares and loves each of his children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is sad when one of his kids hurt another
one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hurts deeply when we hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gets angry when lives are taken because of
selfish behavior of others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God does not
always stop the brutality his children experience, but he will always have a
solution to help each one through the difficult and painful experiences. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When abuse has taken its toll.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When rejection has been so hurtful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When a crisis overtakes our lives and there
seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel, you can trust God and experience
joy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>King David said it best, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“…weeping may stay overnight, but there is
joy in the morning.”</i> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Psalm 30:5</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God has many resources to sustain us, help us
and lead us to a better place. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God can
take our broken spirit and repair it with love and tenderness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joy will return and trust restored when you
get to know the God who is our…</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Jehovah Shalom - "God is our peace" Judges 6:24<br />
El Shaddai - "My Supplier" Genesis 17:1<br />
Adonai - "My Master" Genesis 18:3<br />
Jehovah Rohi - "My Shepherd" Psalm 23:1<br />
Jehovah Jireh - "My Provider" Genesis 22:14</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Remember, Be God Controlled!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Brian<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Brian's Bibilcial Minutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263058824503188785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120217854466917854.post-65487002412694049212022-11-02T14:43:00.001-04:002022-11-02T14:43:23.569-04:00Our Influence Matters<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus modeled influence effectively. Although some of the “so-called” religious
people felt his influence was being jeopardized when he spent time with the
“less than” people. In Luke 5:27-32 there is a conversation with “religious”
people and Jesus’ disciples about who Jesus was associating himself with. They
asked, “Why do you eat and drink with such scum?” Jesus quick on his feet shot
back, “healthy people don’t need a doctor, sick people do.”</span><br /></p><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<br />
Christians have an opportunity to demonstrate values that will influence our
communities for the greater good. In reading many surveys, without exemption,
the overwhelming view of non-churched people felt that Christians are
judgmental, hypocritical, old fashioned, and way too involved in church
politics. I’m sure some can and will argue the perceptions non-churched people
have of those of us who call ourselves Christians. Is it fair, maybe not, but
could there be some truth to how they perceive us? Absolutely!<br />
<br />
It is amazing to me that Christians can work together at their jobs. Attend
little league to watch their children play baseball. Cheer in the stands
together for the local high school football team. Eat together in restaurants
and have cookouts with their neighbors in their backyards. But come Sunday
morning, it becomes the most segregated time of the week. There are some
streets in communities that have at least two of the same type of church
because one thinks they are more right than the other. Or, we have churches
splitting over silliness, so they start another church across town. What does
this kind of behavior convey to the non-churched person? How are we as
Christians able to influence our communities for the greater good if we cannot
get along ourselves?<br />
<br />
Our communities need Jesus followers who are committed to living a consistent
spiritual life. Our communities need Christians who are bent on demonstrating
behaviors that are godly, holy, and right. Our communities need to see
consistency among Christians. They must see love demonstrated toward each other
regardless of their philosophies about salvation. Our communities need to see
unity between each Christian and not an “I’m the only one right” Christian
mentality. <br />
<br />
The best way to influence others is by living like Jesus. When we influence
Jesus’ way we will…<br />
<br />
Be positive – Philippians 2:14, Do everything without arguing or complaining.<br />
Be a builder – Ephesians 4:29, Build up others according to their needs.<br />
Be kind – Galatians 5:22, Kindness is a bi-product of a Spirit controlled life.<br />
Be friendly – 1 Peter 4:9, Offer up hospitality.<br />
Be lovers – 1 Peter 1:22, Love deeply from the heart. <br />
<br />
No theology or doctrine matters if our positive influence isn’t there to back
it up!<br />
<br />
Remember, Be God Controlled!<br />
<br />
Brian</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Brian's Bibilcial Minutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263058824503188785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120217854466917854.post-27244473292535776392022-10-26T17:05:00.003-04:002022-10-26T22:45:11.263-04:00God is More Than A Rainbow Maker<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">It was the last
day of the year in 1978.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
twelve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, it was my mother’s
birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a rainy day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The darkness shown its face as we were
traveling to a place to baptize my brother, Keith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was sitting in the back of the station
wagon that had a seat facing the cars behind us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had lots of fun in the back of that ole
station wagon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that night, I wasn’t
laughing or making faces at the cars behind me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was praying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, praying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thunder was loud that night and the
lightning was scary.</span>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I wanted to be
baptized, too!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember my prayer
forty-four years later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, “Dear
God (that’s how I thought I need to address God because everyone else did)
please get us to the church safely so that I can be baptized, too!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God did and I did!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I was told after
I was baptized that all of heaven is rejoicing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Truthfully, I couldn’t comprehend “all of heaven rejoicing” as a twelve
year old, but I could feel the peace of God deep within me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt a presence unlike I had ever felt in
my short life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was no longer afraid of
the lightning or thunder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew that a
power had entered into my body, but I couldn’t explain it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still feel that power forty-four years
later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The power is God’s Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The creator of the universe lives in me…ME!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, that makes me feel so good; yet, I feel nervous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to make him feel
unloved or unwelcomed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Apostle John
said, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“God so LOVE the WORLD….”</i> John
3:16.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At our worst, God is at his
best!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think about it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God loved the world before he gave us his
Son!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That means, he loved the thugs,
murders, kidnappers, gossipers, liars, cheats, bigots and the list is endless
so much more than we can ever imagine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, when I surrendered my life to King Jesus, that love God already had
for me is demonstrated by giving me more. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only Jesus, but his Spirit, too!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Peter
said to the mournful crowd, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Turn to God
and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the
forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”</i>
Acts 2:38.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ahhh, God is
masterful at gift giving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is more
than the creator of the universe and he is more than the rainbow maker and sea divider
and lion tamer, he is dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
protects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Provides. Loves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shows up at every event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He cheers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He cries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s a proud papa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">For forty-four
years, I have experienced a heavenly dad who doesn’t quit on me when I am bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually, he doesn’t call me bad he calls me
his son!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will call you his son…his daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He won’t bad mouth you when you cuss or drink
too much or lie or cheat, but he will show you how to turn away from sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He won’t move out and tell you he will never
come back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, he will say to you, I, </span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: small-caps; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lord</span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
your God will have mercy—[I] He won't destroy you or desert you.” Deuteronomy
4:31</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’m so thankful my heavenly dad goes
with me everywhere and I can count on him every day for a lifetime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I, we are blessed!</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Remember, Be God Controlled!</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Brian</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Brian's Bibilcial Minutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263058824503188785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120217854466917854.post-66311157692827766982022-10-19T12:45:00.001-04:002022-10-22T21:18:40.771-04:00I Want to Find God, Where do I Find Him?<div><div class="" dir="auto"><div class="x1iorvi4 x1pi30zi x1swvt13 xjkvuk6" data-ad-comet-preview="message" data-ad-preview="message" id="jsc_c_7q"><div class="x78zum5 xdt5ytf xz62fqu x16ldp7u"><div class="xu06os2 x1ok221b"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs x10flsy6 x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x x4zkp8e x41vudc x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1yc453h" dir="auto"><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">There was a young boy who had asked an old man, “I want to find God, where do I find him?” The old man took the young boy to the nearby lake. They stood in the shallow end of the lake and the old man said to the boy, “Stick your face into the water.” The young boy sticks his face in the water. The old man ever so gently presses the boy’s head further into the water. After several seconds, the young boy struggles and starts moving <span></span>his head back and forth because he wants out of the water. The old man finally releases and pulls the boys head up and asked the boy, “What did you desire when you were under the water?” The boy replied, “Air, I wanted air!” The old man said, “As soon as you desire God as much as you desire air, you will find God.”</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">God doesn’t play Hide N Seek where it’s too difficult to find him. God isn’t too far away where he is unreachable. God doesn’t disguise himself in camouflage where he can’t be seen. God is in plain sight. He makes himself visible and noticeable. God wants you, me, and us to find him. He is not interested in living as a hermit all shut up in his throne room; rather, he wants conversations with us. He wants to go on vacation with us and sit around the campfire and go for a hike and ride with us through the countryside admiring the beauty of the autumn leaves. God desires us.</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Countless people are searching for God. Their lives are turned upside down. Their life is a dead-end road. Hopeless. Fearful. Futureless. Lonely. Dark. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">“Where can I find God?” they ask. Moses said, “But even there, if you seek GOD, your God, you’ll be able to find him if you’re serious, looking for him with your whole heart and soul.” Deuteronomy 29:4 The simplicity in finding God comes from the pure heart. Jesus said, “God blesses those people whose hearts are pure. They will see him!” Matthew 5:8 </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">God is in love with us. He wants to be found. He wants to be loved. He wants us to search for him with pure motives. He doesn’t want to be used and abused. He doesn’t want a lackluster relationship. He doesn’t want a halfhearted worship. He wants us…all of us! The Proverb says, “I love everyone who loves me, and I will be found by all who honestly search.” Proverb 8:17</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">I found God early in my life. Not because my parents were “church goers” but because I desired to find him. I needed him. I wasn’t always the best at keeping my promises to him or faithful in prayer or bible reading or sharing my faith…I’m still not. However, I know where God is. He is deep in my heart. He is in my actions. He in my car, house and when I am sitting at the campfire. He is walking with me and sitting at the dinner table next to me. He is the sun, moon, galaxies and mountains. He is the wind, rain and snow. God is the face of every child, the touch of comfort and the hope in a crisis. God is the generous woman, the helping hand of a young boy and the tenderness of a thoughtful girl. God is in front of you; all you have to do is desire to find him. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Remember, Be God Controlled!</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Brian</div></div></span></div></div></div></div></div><p> </p>Brian's Bibilcial Minutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263058824503188785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120217854466917854.post-41982984595649209372022-10-13T10:38:00.002-04:002022-10-22T21:15:18.555-04:00Can You Tell Me About Jesus? I Want to Go to Heaven<p><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs x10flsy6 x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x x4zkp8e x41vudc x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1yc453h" dir="auto"></span></p><div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">She walked into the room where I was teaching. I immediately noticed her frail frame and her feeble walk as she held on to her cane. She reached her left hand out to grab hold of the church pew as she shuffled her feet towards the place she would eventually sit. She was exhausted. Out of breath. She sips on her water. She takes a deep breath and exhales slowly. She reaches for the pew bible and then looks up at me <span></span>with her tired eyes.</div></div><p></p><div><div class="" dir="auto"><div class="x1iorvi4 x1pi30zi x1swvt13 xjkvuk6" data-ad-comet-preview="message" data-ad-preview="message" id="jsc_c_fy"><div class="x78zum5 xdt5ytf xz62fqu x16ldp7u"><div class="xu06os2 x1ok221b"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs x10flsy6 x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x x4zkp8e x41vudc x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1yc453h" dir="auto"><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">“We are talking about the parable of the lost son in Luke 15” I said. She fumbles her way through the pages of the pew bible until she finds Luke 15. I continued to teach the class until the frail framed woman raises her hand. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">She clears her throat and says, “My name is Connie.” I said, “It is nice to meet you Connie.” She continues. “I have never been much on going to church. It has been years since I’ve been to church. I am thirty-five and have one son named Cody. My husband left me a few years ago. As you can tell by the way I walked into your class, I am sick. I have cancer. The doctors say that I might have two months to live. I don’t want to die. I want to see my son grow up. But, the doctors say there is nothing they can do other than make me comfortable. Can you tell me about Jesus? I want to go to heaven.”</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Holding back my tears I said, “Yes Connie, I will tell you about Jesus!” So, I did. I was teaching the perfect parable for the perfect person to hear it. God’s timing is incredible and a life was changed that day.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Connie lived four months from the time she walked into my class. Her life was changed. She no longer lived in fear. She lived in hope. She experienced peace. She was sad to leave her son, but couldn’t wait to live cancer-free forever. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Connie lived her last four months sharing her story…Jesus’ story! Connie’s parents, Bob and Ann surrendered their life to Jesus, too! Many of Connie’s family and friends began to change and live their life differently…better…Jesus focused. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Jesus wants you to come to him just as you are! It’s doesn’t matter if you’re broken, sickly or have lots of money and healthy. He wants you. He loves you. He doesn’t care if your life is filled with anger, bitterness or hate. Jesus wants you. It doesn’t matter if you have addictions to alcohol, pornography, gambling or drugs, he will open his arms to you and help set your life free. Jesus wants you. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t prayed, read the bible or attended church, he will open his house to you for you to experience a wholesome life. Jesus wants you just as you are. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Remember, Be God Controlled!</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Brian</div></div></span></div></div></div></div></div>Brian's Bibilcial Minutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263058824503188785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120217854466917854.post-16687442509377790802022-10-06T19:18:00.002-04:002022-10-22T21:15:32.814-04:00I’m Glad You’re Home!<div><div class="" dir="auto"><div class="x1iorvi4 x1pi30zi x1swvt13 xjkvuk6" data-ad-comet-preview="message" data-ad-preview="message" id="jsc_c_zq"><div class="x78zum5 xdt5ytf xz62fqu x16ldp7u"><div class="xu06os2 x1ok221b"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs x10flsy6 x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x x4zkp8e x41vudc x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1yc453h" dir="auto"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Finally. After decades of harsh words, rejection and loneliness, he is free. Free from hurt and pain. No more hearing “you won’t amount to anything” or “I hate you” or “you’re fat” or “I don’t love you” or “you’re full of crap” or “you make me sick” or “I’m going to leave you” and countless other defamatory words that are too explicit to write. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">He used to walk with slumped shoulders, but now he walks upright and proud. His self-esteem was shot, but <span></span>now he sees his self worth and knows God’s plans and purposes for his life. He desperately wanted to be loved, but now feels love all around. He once coward to the bullish people in his life, but now he is able to stand on his own two feet. He is confident, but humble. He is scarred, but not broken. He uses his scars to remind himself that no matter how deep the wounds, they will eventually heal. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">He learned that there are kind-hearted and grace-filled people. He learned that not all people hate and that most people will love you for you and that God was always at his side. He learned that he wasn’t inferior to anyone and that he actually has abilities that other people like. He learned that he could become anything he set his mind to become and that he is loved so very much. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">One day, he walked into the door of his house and his wife walked up to him and gave him a big hug and whispered in his ear, “I’m glad you’re home!” It was then that he felt more loved than ever before. He finally believed that he was wanted. He was welcomed home by the only one that mattered to him mostly. After the “I’m glad you’re home,” his wife gave him a soft kiss on his lips and together they were home. He was home! Loved. Valued. Welcomed.</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Many can relate to the true-life story of the man I wrote about. Countless men and women are abused mentally, physically and emotionally every day. They long to be loved, held and valued. They desire to be met at the door and hear “I’m glad you’re home!” Millions are broken and wounded and heartbroken. Their scars have not healed and they walk defeated and hopeless. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">The Psalmist said, “He [God] heals the broken-hearted and bandages their wounds.” Psalm 147:3. God is always on the scene doing what he does best…loving people and healing their wounds. So, if you have a wife or husband, meet him or her at the door and say, “I’m glad you’re home.” If you have children at home, go into their bedroom and say, “I’m glad you’re mine!” Part of God’s healing process is using us to be love and tenderness and kindness and gentleness and hope to every person he puts in our life or path. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Remember, Be God Controlled!</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Brian</div></div></span></div></div></div></div></div><p> </p>Brian's Bibilcial Minutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263058824503188785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120217854466917854.post-35547059433960487182022-09-29T11:39:00.003-04:002022-10-22T21:09:13.942-04:00God Loves Us More Than He Hates Our Sins<p>God is the perfect Father! He Cares. He is Patient. He is Forgiving. He is Gentle. He is Gracious. He is Merciful. He is snail slow to anger, but lightning speed to love. </p><p></p><div><div dir="auto"><div class="x1iorvi4 x1pi30zi x1swvt13 xjkvuk6" data-ad-comet-preview="message" data-ad-preview="message" id="jsc_c_1bs"><div class="x78zum5 xdt5ytf xz62fqu x16ldp7u"><div class="xu06os2 x1ok221b"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs x10flsy6 x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x x4zkp8e x41vudc x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1yc453h" dir="auto"><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">God loves us for who we are, not for what we do. His grace isn’t conditioned on our perfection, but rather on his love for us. God wants our best all the time. He desires our faithfulness. He expects our honesty, godly character and spiritual morality. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">In <span></span>our pursuit of living a godly life, we fail a lot. God never calls us to live perfectly, but he does call us to live righteously. We cannot make excuses as to why we can’t live godly; nor should we ever sugarcoat the importance of righteous living. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">The good news for imperfect people is that God is perfect. So, how can the perfect God be willing to have anything to do with imperfect people? Simple…he loves us more than he dislikes our imperfection. When John said, God so loved the world that he gave us his son….” he wanted us to know that God’s love is big, really big! </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">God’s love is so big it became sacrificial. The Apostle Paul said, “But God showed how much he loved us by having Christ die for us, even though we were sinful.” Romans 5:8</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">If you ever doubt God’s love, stop and re-read John 3:16 that says, “God so loved the world that he gave US His Son…” God’s love for us was not only giving his Son, but also eternal life through His Son. Jesus became the bridge builder for us to be saved. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">God’s love is so big that he forgives us. I John 1:9 says, “But if we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away.”</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Forgiveness is not always our way, but it is always God’s way. The Prophet Isaiah said, “But I wipe away your sins because of who I am. And so, I will forget the wrongs you have done.” Isaiah 43:25 God never holds a grudge or brings up our past after we have asked for forgiveness. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Does God want your best? Yes! Does God love us more than he hates our sins? Yes! So, will you give God your best? Will you love God more than you love anyone or anything else? </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Remember, Be God Controlled!</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Brian</div></div></span></div></div></div></div></div>Brian's Bibilcial Minutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263058824503188785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120217854466917854.post-48879625924083527802022-09-28T11:28:00.000-04:002022-09-28T11:28:14.549-04:00The Blessings and Difficulties of Being a Minister<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sharing Jesus’
story and helping others focus on living in truth and guiding a church to be
spiritually connected with God and encouraging men and women who have committed
to living the Jesus life not to slack up and loving the critics, the
unfaithful, the troublemakers and the lackluster Christian is a tremendous task
for a minister to take on day in and day out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I know for a fact
that God created me to be a minister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
knew and felt the calling when I was 9 or 10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What I didn’t know is the burden that calling of being a minister would
have on me mentally, emotionally and physically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I love being a
minister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoy preaching and
teaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am thrilled when one
surrenders their life to Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
overjoyed when the church is thriving and connected to the community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am excited when babies are dedicated to God
and children’s classrooms are filled with noisy kids and when those same kids
are running around the church house laughing and playing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">However, there
is a deep burden within me to ensure the church is always spiritually
healthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I struggle internally when the
church community doesn’t seem to care about their own spirituality, much less,
their neighbors, co-workers or family members.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know that I can’t make someone take ownership of his or her spiritual
walk with Christ; but it troubles my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">My life isn’t
perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am flawed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lack consistency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Disappoint God and others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Negative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Slow to forgiving, but quick to judge and anger at times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, my internal struggle shuts the door to
self-control and opens the door to overeating and anxiousness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ephesians
4:11-12 speaks loudly to me, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“</i></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now these are the gifts Christ gave
to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and
teachers.</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<span class="text">Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work
and build up the church, the body of Christ.”</span></span></i><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The calling to teach
and evangelize (disciple) and to spiritually lead is huge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are not meaningless task, but rather,
the spiritual fire starter and the fan to flame the longevity of ones spiritual
relationship that he or she committed to living out daily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being a catalyst isn’t a Sunday morning job;
rather, it is daily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Leading people spiritually who work
10 to 12 hours a day who have family responsibilities that include sports,
dance recitals, band or choir concerts, and drama plays and a host of other
obligations is difficult. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Helping people
balance and navigate the spiritual disciplines that will enable them to be
spiritually strong is challenging, but rewarding. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I take the calling God gave me
seriously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I am burdened, I am
also grateful that God chose me to be an ambassador for Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love preaching and teaching and spiritually
leading other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love experiencing the
blessings, for they outweigh any negativity by far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Remember, Be God Controlled!</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Brian</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Brian's Bibilcial Minutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263058824503188785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120217854466917854.post-27850418720122307732022-09-21T18:05:00.002-04:002022-10-22T21:15:49.093-04:00I’m in Room 108, Can You Help Me<p>Hello, Brian speaking:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His voice was calm, but a little shaken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Hi, my name is Terry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
just gotten out of the hospital and am trying to get back to L.A.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He continues, “I am a Christian and have
turned my life around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see, I went
to Baltimore to try to make amends with my family, but it didn’t work
out.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His voice softens and more timid,
but he continues, “I have HIV, full blown aids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have about five months to live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I turned my life over to God about six months ago and have never felt
freer in all my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have learned
about the grace and mercy of God from my new spiritual family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought that if I went to Baltimore, I
would get the same treatment from them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It wasn’t the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My dad walked
out of the room and never said another word to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I left the house and caught a ride with a
person who was traveling to your town.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He paused and let out a sigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’m in room 108, can you help me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A friend of mine in L.A. is sending me a bus ticket by mail and it will
arrive tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need a place to stay
for another night and some food to eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Can you help me?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">My first thought was about my brother, Keith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He died several years ago with full-blown
aids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terry’s voice was heart wrenching
to my soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His story brought back
memories of my own brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The way
Terry’s father and my own father treated each son, was drastically
different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terry will die alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No mom or dad at his bedside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No brothers or sisters praying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No family member to hold his hand or to sit
with him in his last days. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I thought how our Heavenly Father responded to Terry when he
surrendered his life to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With
compassion?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>YES!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With mercy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>YES!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With grace?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yes, yes, yes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I decided to
do something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told Terry that I would
meet him at the motel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said, “I am in
room 108.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I arrived and opened his
motel door, I found a man whose face was mangled hard living and HIV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His body is frail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His voice is weak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His days are numbered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw my brother all over again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do I do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What can I do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What would Jesus
do? </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I sat in a chair next to the door while Terry sat on the end
of his bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said, “I lived a rough
life of drugs and sex. I hooked up with a man who never told me that he was HIV
positive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, I have it too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Five months is all the doctor is giving
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave my life to Christ and now I
am preparing to die…alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you help
me?”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">What would Jesus do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus said in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matthew 25</b> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“that when we give food, water, or clothing
to the least…you have also done it unto me.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought, “food, water, and clothing is the
easy part, but what about being alone, who is going to be there for him?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>King David said in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Psalm 23</b> that God leads us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Restores us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Guides us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Walks with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Comforts us. Prepares for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anoints us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And, dwells with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Terry will never be alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God is right there with him through life, death, and life again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I left the motel room knowing that God is
truly leading the way for Terry just like he does for all of us!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Remember, Be God Controlled!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Brian</p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Brian's Bibilcial Minutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263058824503188785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120217854466917854.post-45670451869735854702022-09-14T16:35:00.001-04:002022-09-14T16:35:16.683-04:00God Turns Loneliness into Companionship <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are people
in life that captures our heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their
presence is an incredible blessing and it penetrates deep into the core of our
soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no other feeling as
powerful than the one who makes our heart feel sensational, calm and
joyful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">God never does
anything halfheartedly, nor does he make mistakes in placing that one person in
our lives who makes all the difference in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God
knows exactly what we need even before we know it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knows how to make the best connections,
the best conversationalists, the best spiritual partners, the best listeners,
the best friends and the best caregivers. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never question God’s timing because he
doesn’t view time as we do. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>Never underestimate God’s ability to
maneuverer his way through our lives in order to unite the very person who needs
to be there! Never doubt God’s decisions, for they are the perfect ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">God has his
radar on each of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He feels our
pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hears our cry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sees our brokenness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He cares.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He holds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He helps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He leads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He gives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is not a second
of a day that God turns himself off to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is never a moment when God says he is too busy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is always connected to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are a
countless people who fight loneliness every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are individuals who go through life
never believing that God is on the scene providing exactly what is needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many reject the people God places at their
door due to fear or outright disbelief or the person at the door isn’t the
right one or others convince them that there is someone better; you need more
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God holds the time card of our lives,
no one else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">When we become
vulnerable before God and surrender our imperfections, our lack of faith, our
opinions, our judgmental attitudes and our rejections of the person God sends
to us, it is in that moment we will experience calmness and be able to rest our
minds that there is someone who will walk life with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">God is in the
business of shielding us. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Psalm 3:3-4, 8 </b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“</i></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But
you, </span></i></span><span class="small-caps"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-variant: small-caps; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God</span></i></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, shield me on all sides;</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<span class="text">you ground my feet, you lift my head high;</span> <span class="text">with all my might I shout up to </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">God</span></span><span class="text">,</span> <span class="text">His answers thunder from the holy mountain.</span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Real help comes from </span></i></span><span class="small-caps"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-variant: small-caps; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God</span></i></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <span class="text">Your blessing
clothes your people!”</span></span></i><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you really want to feel safe, then trust
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you really want that one person
in your life that makes a difference, then accept whom God places at your
door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you want to experience a life
with someone, then be open to God’s timing. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our Heavenly Father doesn’t want
anyone to be alone or feel rejected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Scriptures declare that God “…<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">will never
leave us....”</i> God is always in the middle of whatever is going on with
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is our forever Father and
friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trust God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be happy for those whom God gifts with that
special someone in order to make their lives better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never take matters into your own hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never fight with God because of the choices
he made for you or someone else, you will lose every time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God is forever in love with
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Remember, Be God Controlled!</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Brian</span></span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Brian's Bibilcial Minutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263058824503188785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120217854466917854.post-69467570780316221932022-09-13T14:05:00.006-04:002022-10-22T21:29:59.709-04:00Brian's Sermons <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lS9_YmTflVI" width="320" youtube-src-id="lS9_YmTflVI"></iframe> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/poeq7O7X69A" width="320" youtube-src-id="poeq7O7X69A"></iframe></div> <br /></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KrbLIGVbprc" width="320" youtube-src-id="KrbLIGVbprc"></iframe></div><p></p><br /><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dH0Nv8eUJX4">Our Hope is in the Eternal Life</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zH9Sb1xwawY">Holding on to Integrity</a> <br /></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th2i5uB8D4o">The Boneyard</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBDlZRVL-uY">Love Matters</a> </p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4mF1kw_lFs">The Future is Full of Hope</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4mF1kw_lFs">Jesus Sacrificed</a> </p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFzBoMBU5g4">God's Abilities </a><br /></p>Brian's Bibilcial Minutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263058824503188785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120217854466917854.post-58332107359164100032022-09-10T18:05:00.001-04:002022-09-10T19:52:33.118-04:00Temptation Are Not From God<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Have you heard
the expression:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“God won’t give you more
than you can bear?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The truth is, God
won’t, but it does not have anything to do with trials or hardships or loss of
job or sickness or bad relationships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The misquoted
expression comes from <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1<sup>st</sup>
Corinthians 10:13</b> which says, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“</i></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No temptation<sup> </sup>has
overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will
not let you be tempted<sup> </sup>beyond what you can bear. But when you are
tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”</span></i></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The truth is; God will not allow us
to be so overwhelmed by any temptation that we will ultimately destroy our
relationship with him due to no alleyway to escape temptation’s grip. </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Temptation is real and we must never
think we have it conquered it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Apostle Paul made it crystal clear that arrogance about “spiritually arrived”
is dangerous when he said, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“</i></span></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you think you are
standing strong, be careful not to fall.”</span></i></span><span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1<sup>st</sup> Corinthians 10:12</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Satan is always looking for the backdoor
entrance into our soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He scouts out
our weaknesses and works overtime to infiltrate the vulnerabilities that are
exposed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus said, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“</i></span></span><span class="woj"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The thief comes only to steal and kill
and destroy….”</span></i></span><span class="woj"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">John 10:10</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, the Apostle
Peter warned us to </span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Be self-controlled and alert, your enemy
the devil prowls around like an roaring lion looking for someone to devour….”</span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">1<sup>st</sup>
Peter 5:8</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">God doesn’t
leave us stranded on “temptation island” to fend for ourselves while Satan is
attacking us from every angle. God provides the most powerful arsenal to
intercept the attacks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God equips us
with his Spirit to squelch any <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“gratifying
desire that is sinful.”</i> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Galatians
5:16 </b>and the Sprit will instill <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“self-control”</i>
over desires that has the potential to lead us to sin.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are three
important factors to know when dealing with temptation:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">#1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Temptations do not come from God; rather,
they come from Satan – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“When tempted, no
one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone….”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">James
1:13</b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">#2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God gives us his Spirit as a gift to lead us
spiritually <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">–<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“…You will receive the gift of the Holy
Spirit.”</i> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Acts 2:38</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">#3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you stifle the Spirit, it loses its power
to be effective in protecting us from Satan’s attacks – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“</i></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do
not stifle the Holy Spirit.” </span></i></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1<sup>st</sup> Thessalonians 5:19</span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Remember, Be God Controlled!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Brian </p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Brian's Bibilcial Minutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263058824503188785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120217854466917854.post-19564645463126523062022-08-30T18:05:00.001-04:002022-09-10T18:08:12.657-04:00Experiencing God’s Heaven<p> Looking over a mountain ridge and seeing the incredible, creative and masterful architectural landscape God so perfectly laid out for us, is a reminder that God can be experienced anywhere.</p><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">God can be experienced in the stillness of a night or through the beauty of the night skies as billions of galaxies are brightly shining or through the sounds of voices or musical instruments or through the touch of a loving hand or the first glimpse of the newborn <span></span>baby that is held for the first time. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">God sees us. Hears us. Understands us. Desires us. Loves us. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">When we pray for God’s intervention, we experience a Father who responds to us with the best solutions and answers to our requests. King David said about God, “I patiently waited, LORD, for you to hear my prayer. You listened and pulled me from a lonely pit full of mud and mire. You let me stand on a rock with my feet firm….” Psalm 40:1-2</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">When addictive behaviors are no longer our desire and we want something better, God perfectly set into motion a way for a better life to be experienced. “…While we were still sinners Christ sacrificed his life for us.” Romans 5:8 </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">All the materialistic things in life will never give us the eternal experience that God’s heaven will give us. God’s heaven is our eternal home. Jesus said, “There are many rooms in my Father's house. I wouldn't tell you this, unless it was true. I am going there to prepare a place for each of you. After I have done this, I will come back and take you with me. Then we will be together.” John 14:2-3 </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">And, in God’s heaven, we will experience a life free from the world’s burdens. John said, “He [God] will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">God’s love runs deep and his desire is for us to experience a life with him. You can experience a better life and an eternal life with him when you choose to live a life that is God controlled!</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Remember, Be God Controlled!</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Brian </div></div>Brian's Bibilcial Minutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263058824503188785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120217854466917854.post-30258384805795044782022-08-17T18:08:00.001-04:002022-09-10T18:10:41.198-04:00Love Matters<p>Love is a powerful word! Actually, it is the most powerful of all words. Love must never be jerked around as if it has no value or emotion or substance to it. Rather, love must be respected and taken seriously whenever it is felt or said.</p><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Without love, there would be an emptiness in every relationship and a void that could never be filled by anything else. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Love <span></span>matters! It matters because it guides us in our disagreements, hurts, pain and relational troubles. Love matters because it helps us look at every angle of a situation in which we struggle to compromise. Love matters because it opens the door to conversations with people who are hurtful, mean and bullies. Love matters because it is constant, unwavering and never compromises its effectiveness for any other alternative. Love matters because it breaks down barriers, brings people to the table for conversations and stops hate in its tracks. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Love is not a hoarder of past mistakes; rather, its shreds them and moves on. Love doesn't get all excited when someone fails; but rather, finds solutions to help pick the person up. Love does not bad mouth anyone; rather, it encourages everyone and demonstrates kindness, tenderness and goodness. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">We know how to love because God loved us first - 1st John 4:19. God showcased amazing love through demonstrations (Romans 5:8) and by gifting us with his one and only Son (John 3:16). We can learn a lot by the way God loved. He never stops loving us even when we are horribly difficult to deal with. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Love will never allow anyone to hate, disrespect or demean anyone at anytime no matter what. When we love people more than anything else, we will live in a world of peace! Love Matters!</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Remember, Be God Controlled!</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Brian</div>Brian's Bibilcial Minutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263058824503188785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120217854466917854.post-63052785337059231202022-08-10T15:00:00.001-04:002022-09-10T18:14:07.249-04:00How to STOP Anxiety in its Tracks<p> <span class="gvxzyvdx aeinzg81 t7p7dqev gh25dzvf ocv3nf92 b6ax4al1 gem102v4 ncib64c9 mrvwc6qr sx8pxkcf f597kf1v cpcgwwas f5mw3jnl ib8x7mpr k1z55t6l oog5qr5w tes86rjd pbevjfx6 ztn2w49o" dir="auto"></span></p><div class="m8h3af8h l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Matthew 5 records that Jesus nestled himself on the side of a mountain and began to teach the large crowd who had diseases, pain, demon-possession, seizures, and those who were paralyzed. </div></div><p></p><span class="gvxzyvdx aeinzg81 t7p7dqev gh25dzvf ocv3nf92 b6ax4al1 gem102v4 ncib64c9 mrvwc6qr sx8pxkcf f597kf1v cpcgwwas f5mw3jnl ib8x7mpr k1z55t6l oog5qr5w tes86rjd pbevjfx6 ztn2w49o" dir="auto"><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">In Matthew 6:25-34 Jesus is giving spiritual guidance to the thousands with the problem of a worried and stressed out life. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span></span>Anxiousness is gripping and it keeps us in a whirlwind of uncertainty. The Greek word translated as "anxious" is "to be pulled in different directions." Our fearfulness pulls us in one direction and our hope pulls us in the other direction; thus, we are pulled apart!</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Jesus lays out a stress reducer that will free anyone from the grip of anxiousness in Matthew 6:25-34</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">1. Don't fuss over food and clothes (Matthew 6:25) - While food, clothing, and water are important, the real substance in life is feasting upon the Word's of God. Matthew 4:1-11, "...not live by bread alone, but on every Word...." Life was not meant to primarily please ourselves, but rather, to bring glory and honor to God – Matthew 5:16.</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">2. Don’t forget who provides for you (Matthew 6:26) - If you ever watch birds, you will notice that they are not lazy. They are digging for worms and bugs and building nests out of scraps of tree leaves or other materials. Birds do not hoard a load of worms in their nest, nor are they concern if there will be any food tomorrow. They live as hard working creatures with no worries about the next meal.</div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Philippians 4:19 sums is up well, "You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus."</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">3. Don’t fight what you cannot change (Matthew 6:27) - Worry sabotages our joy, zaps our energy, and displaces our courage. Proverbs 12:25, "A worried heart weighs a man down...." and Jesus give the ultimate remedy to a stressed out life when he said, “Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30</div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Trusting Jesus will loosen the grip of anxiety and open the door to calmness and peace. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Remember, Be God Controlled!</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Brian</div></div></span>Brian's Bibilcial Minutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263058824503188785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120217854466917854.post-53986353458305315752022-07-31T16:30:00.000-04:002022-09-10T18:19:32.106-04:00Jesus Got a Pair of Pants Today<div class="m8h3af8h l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Today, we were approached by a man who was a bit desperate at about 1:30 p.m. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">He said, “sir, can you spare $10?” I said, “I don’t have any cash on me.” He said, “I have an interview at IHOP at 2 p.m and I need a pair of pants.” He continued, “If you can purchase the pants for me, I will give you the few dollars that I have!” </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">I <span></span>said, “we will get you the pants, but we don’t want your money.” </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">We go into the store, he picks out his pants and we get in line to pay for it. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">A lady in front of us in the checkout line overheard our conversation and very kindly said, “You go in front of me.” We said, “thank you” and moved ahead of her! </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">As we continued to talk while waiting for our turn to checkout, the man look straight in my eyes and said, “you believe in Jesus don’t you?” With a big smile I declared, “Yes I do!”</div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">I paid for the pants and the man gave me a handshake, along with a BIG thank you and rushed out the door. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">I am praying he gets the job at IHOP and thankful that I was not only able to give the needy man a pair of pants, but I was able to give a pair to Jesus, too!</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Jesus said, “…When did we give you something to eat or drink? When did we welcome you as a stranger or give you clothes to wear or visit you while you were sick or in jail?” The king will answer, “Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.”</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Matthew 25:37-40 </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Remember, Be God Controlled!</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Brian</div><p> </p>Brian's Bibilcial Minutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263058824503188785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120217854466917854.post-63154153530813291662022-07-27T13:00:00.002-04:002022-09-10T18:22:26.221-04:00When it is Hard to Trust God<p>The heart is heavy with disappointments, bad news and broken by the strains of life. I want the weight of the pain to be lifted so I can breathe and feel a bit of relief. </p><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">I want my faith in God to sustain me in the most trying moments, but it teeters on the brink of collapse. I hold on to a song. A friend's word. A hug. A hope. A photo. A promise that everything will be okay. </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">I do <span></span>my best to keep focused on God's promise that he will never forsake me or that I can come to him for rest, but there are times that the promise seems fuzzy to God's memory or that his lap isn't available for me to climb on and rest.</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Life storms are terrifying. They take a toll and it raises the anxiety level and getting out of bed is a chore and trusting God becomes harder as the storm rages on and on and on. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">I want to believe that everything will be fine, I really do. I want to know that a healing is possible for me. I want to trust that God will keep his promises. I want fear to leave me, along with doubt and hopelessness. </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">When I ask, "where do I find help?" I really mean, God, I need you. Like the Psalmist of 121, I will open my eyes and declare that my help comes from the Lord! I know that the Lord will help me even when my faith is shattered by doubt and when fear has taken control and when I don't trust him very much. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">I know that God is my protector. He will not doze off when I am talking him; nor will he dim the lights when I am walking through the most difficult storms of life. God will shine his light brightly to light the path and he will cover me with his hand to reassure me that I do not have to fear the storm. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">No matter when God answers or when God calms the storm, I will keep looking to the Lord. He is my hope and reassurance that everything will be okay.</div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Remember, Be God Controlled!</div></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Brian</div>Brian's Bibilcial Minutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263058824503188785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120217854466917854.post-67933333849543917982022-07-20T14:30:00.001-04:002022-09-10T18:27:16.378-04:00Will God Always Heal Us?<div class="m8h3af8h l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Praying for a healing miracle can be a challenging task for one's faith. I have prayed countless times for someone to get well, but it <span></span>seemed as if the prayer went unanswered! There were times that I chose not to pray because I thought it would not do any good! </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">I have often thought that God was too busy or didn't care or was more concerned about the "more important" people. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">The spiritual mature me knows that God cares. He listens. And, no one is more important than anyone else. God has the ability to be engaged with everyone at anytime no matter what need is being requested. </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">God's timing is solely at his discretion. God does not cater to the elitists, the loud mouths or the "holier-than-thou" people first. God is fair!</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">My stepmom has been praying for a healing ever since she found out there was a tumor on her brain. She was faithful to talking to God out loud. She prayed Scriptures. She was honest with God about her feelings. She was prayer-focused and saturated her mind with the Scriptures that gave her comfort and reassurance that God was on the scene doing big things in her life. She wanted and healing. A healing she got!! The tumor has been resolved according to the doctor. The doctor had no explanation as to why it is gone, but I can emphatically declare that God resolved it! </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">God does not always directly remove the tumor; nor does he fix the heart valve or liver disease, but he does provide solutions and resources that aid us in getting better. And, sometimes, he does not mend our hearts or cancers or diabetes on this side of life, but he does a complete eternal healing on the eternal side of life. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">So... </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Don't allow yourself to feel down and out; rather, trust God. Jesus said, "Come to him and he will give us rest. King David said, "The Lord is my shepherd, there is no one I want more than him...."</div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">No matter what you are facing in your life, God is bigger, stronger and he has all the answers to take care of you! Trust!</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Remember, Be God Controlled!</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> <br /></div></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Brian</div><p> </p>Brian's Bibilcial Minutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263058824503188785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120217854466917854.post-31370582116174045622022-07-11T15:00:00.001-04:002022-09-10T18:30:06.508-04:00Why I Follow Jesus<p> Being a follower of Jesus is not the easiest, nor hardest way to live life; but, it is the most rewarding! </p><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Being a follower of Jesus isn't for the complacent or the not-so-sure or the "ride the fence" person or the uncommitted; rather, it's for the one who is willing to sacrifice their own desires for the desires of Jesus. </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">We <span></span>can't engage is worldly living and still be a Jesus follower. Either we are fully in or not at all. I get what I am saying doesn't sound like a 2022 type of thinking. But, that has been the problem, we have sugarcoated commitment so much that we have lost the reality of living out the Jesus life full time.</div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">So, why do I follow Jesus...</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">I follow Jesus because I believe that he is truth. I believe that he is the Son of God. I follow Jesus because he is salvation and hope. I follow Jesus because his cross experience has forgiven me of my sins and because he showcases love for everyone and through him, I have eternal life. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">I follow Jesus because he is tender, grace, mercy and peace. He is calmness, helpful and insightful. He is caring, gentle and kind. He is generous and patient. He listens. He guides. He provides. I follow Jesus because he loved me so much that he sacrificed himself so that I can experience a one-on-one relationship with God. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">So, why do you follow Jesus?</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Remember, Be God Controlled!</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Brian</div>Brian's Bibilcial Minutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263058824503188785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120217854466917854.post-8619165057323905332022-07-08T18:33:00.000-04:002022-09-10T18:33:57.703-04:00How to Raise Children to Live Out the Jesus Life<p> <span class="gvxzyvdx aeinzg81 t7p7dqev gh25dzvf ocv3nf92 b6ax4al1 gem102v4 ncib64c9 mrvwc6qr sx8pxkcf f597kf1v cpcgwwas f5mw3jnl ib8x7mpr k1z55t6l oog5qr5w tes86rjd pbevjfx6 ztn2w49o" dir="auto"></span></p><div class="m8h3af8h l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Raising children is not easy. It is hard work. 24 hours a day work. We want the best for our kids. Parents want their children to be happy and to be involved in sports, theater, school bands, social clubs, debate teams, or whatever they set their mind to do. Our children also need our support and guidance on how to live out the Jesus life. The following are key principles for helping our children to live the best spiritual <span></span>life possible. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><span class="gvxzyvdx aeinzg81 t7p7dqev gh25dzvf ocv3nf92 b6ax4al1 gem102v4 ncib64c9 mrvwc6qr sx8pxkcf f597kf1v cpcgwwas f5mw3jnl ib8x7mpr k1z55t6l oog5qr5w tes86rjd pbevjfx6 ztn2w49o" dir="auto"><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Character Building: Abraham Lincoln said, “Reputation is the shadow. Character is the tree.” As one of my Drill Sergeants once said while allowing us an on-post pass for a few hours during basic training, “Right character is doing the right thing when no one is watching.” Our character defines us in every circumstance of life. Teaching godly character in our children will help them to always tell the truth, do the right thing with others are not looking and never compromise truth to be accepted by others. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Relationship Building: I Peter 3:8 "You should be like one big happy family ... loving on another with tender hearts..." Relationships that have a deep commitment attached to it will grow stronger and last longer both with people and Jesus. Jesus showcased relationship building by seeing past the “dislikes” of what others saw and accepted people no matter the flaws or past or struggles they were having in their lives. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Jesus Building: Knowing Jesus is discovering how to live, speak, love, or show kindness. The best way to teach our children about Jesus is to share with them what Jesus said in Scripture, take them to children’s bible classes and camps and activities with the church group and model Jesus’ life so your children will see firsthand how to be the best spiritual person they can be. Modeling truth, kindness, love and grace will speak loudly to your children. Praying with your children will teach them how to talk to God and being generous with your time will teach your children that they matter. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Remember, Be God Controlled!</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Brian <br /></div></div></span><p></p>Brian's Bibilcial Minutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263058824503188785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120217854466917854.post-25179405818831039132022-07-06T10:30:00.001-04:002022-09-10T18:45:36.637-04:00Why Was I Baptized?<p><span class="gvxzyvdx aeinzg81 t7p7dqev gh25dzvf ocv3nf92 b6ax4al1 gem102v4 ncib64c9 mrvwc6qr sx8pxkcf f597kf1v cpcgwwas f5mw3jnl ib8x7mpr k1z55t6l oog5qr5w tes86rjd pbevjfx6 ztn2w49o" dir="auto"></span></p><div class="m8h3af8h l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">As a young boy, what did I really know about being baptized? Well, I heard lots of sermons about it and I had been with my dad as he taught people about baptism and I read about it in the bible myself. </div></div><span class="gvxzyvdx aeinzg81 t7p7dqev gh25dzvf ocv3nf92 b6ax4al1 gem102v4 ncib64c9 mrvwc6qr sx8pxkcf f597kf1v cpcgwwas f5mw3jnl ib8x7mpr k1z55t6l oog5qr5w tes86rjd pbevjfx6 ztn2w49o" dir="auto"><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">As as young boy of 12, I knew the calling God gave me. It was strong and powerful. I knew that I was created to share Jesus' story and to help others experience the hope that Jesus offered.</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">So, <span></span>at 12, I surrendered my life to Jesus as one of his disciples so that I could experience a life of hope and peace and love and grace and mercy and forgiveness. Yes, at 12! I knew that the only way to heaven was through Jesus. I knew that one needed to live and act like Jesus before they were ever baptized. I also knew that being baptized was an experience in which I would be forever connected to Jesus.</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">I was baptized because I wanted to be like Jesus! If Jesus was baptized, it only seemed right that I was baptized, too! I also wanted to experience the spiritual death, burial and resurrection connection with Jesus! I wanted to spiritually die to my sinfulness and resurrect into a new spiritual life with Jesus! </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">The moment that I came up out of the water, I knew, I mean, I really knew my life was changed forever! I knew the Spirit of God moved into my life and the hope I felt was incredible. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">I was not baptized to join a denomination or non-denomination church; rather, I was baptized to show my discipleship of Jesus outwardly.</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">I was not baptized to earn salvation; but rather, to be washed in the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ.</div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">I was baptized because I knew that's what a follower of Jesus ultimately does and to showcase my love, respect and adoration for the One who paid the price so that my sins are forgiven. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Being baptized is important. We should be. It connects us. It demonstrates our desire to be Jesus-like. It gives us an identity. It is biblical. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">What about you, why were you baptized? Or, would you mind me telling you about Jesus and how he is a life changer?</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Remember, Be God Controlled!</div></div></span><p></p>Brian's Bibilcial Minutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263058824503188785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120217854466917854.post-479598607769204892022-06-29T12:43:00.008-04:002022-06-29T12:43:55.735-04:00Moral Tug of War<p><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql b0tq1wua a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d9wwppkn hrzyx87i jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto"></span></p><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Who picks what is morally right or wrong? As one who grew up in "church," I was taught about moral standards from a biblical perspective. I was taught that stealing and lying were wrong, along with a lot of other, "don't do's" because they were sinful. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Over the years, there has been a shift in what is and isn't acceptable morally. Media and religion seem to be the driving force behind what is right and wrong. Religiously, people have taken hard stands against anyone they deem has crossed the moral standard lines and are fighting fiercely to uphold their biblical moral truths at all cost. Media has open the door for total acceptance and moral truth in whatever you believe your truth to be. Media is the protector of freedom of expression and life without boundaries.</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Morality has become subjective by the media and truth has become tainted by the Christian. Media says moral standards are based on your personal feelings and what you believe you are to be or believe through the influences of others or your own personal opinions is your right. Christians have tainted truth by becoming the self-righteous, judge and jury and the keeper of the moral gate. They have pushed people away by their hard moral stand and sent the moral truth breakers to hell. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">For media and Christians to navigate together, there has to be a willingness to insulting each other for being reckless and out of touch with moral reality. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">It is okay to disagree with someone's moral view; but, it's not okay to be hateful, discriminatory, slanderous or revengeful. It is imperative to seek common ground and to discuss the moral differences. In doing so, we change the negative climate and open the door for patience to lead the way. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Mahatma Gandhi captured patience perfectly when he said, "To lose patience is to lose the battle." In order to win the battle we must come to the table and talk. We must be okay with someone not agreeing with our life choices. We must be willing to seek truth at all times (it's possible that what we thought was right, could be wrong). And, we must love more than anything else we do. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">My personal moral compassion is driven by God. These are the principles I tried to live by...</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">1. Love God mostly, so I can love others better</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">2. God gets the first, middle and last word</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">3. Treat others the way you want to be treated - Matthew 7:12</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">4. Be kind and merciful, and forgive others - Ephesians 4:32</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">5. Seek first righteousness - Matthew 6:33</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">6. "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." Dr. King Jr. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Remember, Be God Controlled!</div></div> <br /><p></p>Brian's Bibilcial Minutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263058824503188785noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120217854466917854.post-8311780960706265832022-06-28T12:40:00.003-04:002022-06-29T12:42:03.080-04:00Choice: Pro and Con<p><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql b0tq1wua a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 tia6h79c iv3no6db e9vueds3 j5wam9gi b1v8xokw m9osqain hzawbc8m" dir="auto"><span id="jsc_c_bu"><span class="tojvnm2t a6sixzi8 abs2jz4q a8s20v7p t1p8iaqh k5wvi7nf q3lfd5jv pk4s997a bipmatt0 cebpdrjk qowsmv63 owwhemhu dp1hu0rb dhp61c6y iyyx5f41"><span class="l9j0dhe7"></span></span></span></span></p><div aria-label="Edit Privacy" class="bp9cbjyn j83agx80 taijpn5t"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">We all make choices in life. The easier choices are Coke Vs. Pepsi or McDonalds Vs. Burger King or Chevy Vs. Ford. </div></div><p></p><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql b0tq1wua a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d9wwppkn hrzyx87i jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto"><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">The harder life choices are not so easy to make. Where do I go to college? What career do I want to pursue? Who will I marry? Where will I live? Or, what are my core beliefs?</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">The more serious the question, the more difficult it is to make a choice. We need time to think about the pros and cons and consequences. We need time to think about how will my choice impact "me" and the people around me. We need time to think about how my values, morals and beliefs affect my views socially, politically and spiritually. Ultimately, we have to make a choice, no matter if it's a college, spiritual, political, a life partner or where to live. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Not everyone will like the choices we make. The naysayers will have their vocal opinions and give every reason why the choice you made isn't the right one. On the other hand, the supporters of your choice will be encouraging, loving and will be happy that you're happy. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Choosing is hard. Making choices will sometimes alienate people whom we love and care about deeply. Making choices will put us on a side. The intention of choosing isn't to hurt or harm or alienate, but by choosing a belief, it automatically labels us and sometimes, the label is unfair. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">When making a choice about anything in life, ask yourself 3 question to help you discover the best choice to make:</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">1. Does my choice honor God? - "Do what the Lord wants, and he will give you your heart's desire." Psalm 37:4</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">2. Does my choice connect with God's plan? - "Share your plans with the Lord, and you will succeed." Proverbs 16:3</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">3. Will my choice make God happy? - "Don't be like the people of the world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to Him." Romans 12:2</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Remember, Be God Controlled!</div></div></span>Brian's Bibilcial Minutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263058824503188785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120217854466917854.post-80572137936876202252022-06-25T16:50:00.002-04:002022-06-29T12:38:07.750-04:00How to Disagree with Other People<p><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql b0tq1wua a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d9wwppkn hrzyx87i jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto"></span></p><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Disagreeing with someone must not be the end of the relationship; rather, it can become the first stepping stone to a stronger friendship or better relationship or deeper understanding. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">If we were to take a page out of Jesus’ playbook, we would become more relational in our society, rather than becoming out of control arguers or defenders of “truth” or wall builders to keep the sinners out. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Jesus’ disagreement Playbook…</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Jesus disagreed with Zacchaeus’ tax collecting motives, but instead of ignoring him or gossiping about him, Jesus invited himself to Zaccaeus’ house. They sat down together at the kitchen table and talked it out. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Jesus disagreed with the life choices of the Samaritan woman who was shacked up with a guy. Instead of throwing the Law book at her, Jesus spent time with her around the water hole and talked it out. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Jesus disagreed with Peter who was one of his disciples, but instead of kicking him out of the apprenticeship, they talked it out. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Disagreeing with someone is not a sin, it’s how or the way we disagree with someone that can become problematic. It’s ok to stand up for your convictions or truth, but it’s not ok to be hateful, condescending or slanderous. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">When disagreeing….</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Be kind</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Be sensitive </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Be gentle</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Be patient </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Be truthful </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Be love</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Remember, Be God Controlled!</div></div><p></p>Brian's Bibilcial Minutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263058824503188785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1120217854466917854.post-86697134138477430412022-06-24T16:46:00.001-04:002022-06-25T16:48:14.226-04:00How to Respond to the Supreme Court’s Decision (any of them) <p> <span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql b0tq1wua a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d9wwppkn hrzyx87i jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto"></span></p><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><br /></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">May our differences in political views or social values be used as a bridge to understand each other’s opinion. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">May we not allow our differences to become a deterrent to a community of solidarity. </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">If we engage in the promotion of understanding each other’s views, we become a nation driven by tolerance in each other. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Hate language will never solve our disagreements and bickering over “truth” will never solve the answer and blaming a political party or leftist or far right people will never open the door for intellectual conversations. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">As one who is a preacher and teaches the truths of Scripture, I must uphold God’s greatest command by loving God mostly and loving each other deeply from the heart no matter if I agree or disagree with someone. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">I cannot be so religiously arrogant that I do not demonstrate patience or tolerance or a willingness to give someone I disagree with a seat at my kitchen table or a welcoming place in our church gatherings. </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Now is the time to “be still.” Now is the time to stop being bitter, angry, or mad. Now is the time to stop shouting angrily or say things to hurt others. Now is the time to stop doing anything evil.</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">We cannot solve anything or hear anyone or understand “truth” if we are not listening to each other! </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">God, use me to be kind to anyone whom I disagree with and showcase your love by acting in love, grace and patience. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Remember, Be God Controlled!</div></div><p></p>Brian's Bibilcial Minutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263058824503188785noreply@blogger.com0