Stay Calm

John 14:1-3 ¹ “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. ² My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (NIV)

The backdrop of John 14 is a unique conversation Jesus is having with the eleven disciples at the Passover meal.  Prior to Jesus’ chat with the eleven disciples, he first had a conversation with all twelve of his disciples before Judas Iscariot bolts out the door in John 13.  The conversation had to be a tough one to hear if you were one of the twelve, especially if you were Judas and Peter.  Jesus did not sugarcoat his indictments toward Judas Iscariot whom Jesus said would betray him and Peter whom Jesus said would deny him three times. 

Judas’s response to Jesus’ indictment was in a form of a question in Matthew 26:25, “surely not I, Rabbi?” Jesus said, “Yes, it is you.”  The deceit of Judas Iscariot could not be hidden from Jesus.  Prior to the Passover meal, Judas had already made a deal with the chief priest to hand Jesus over to them for approximately a few hundred dollars in our money today. 

Peter was argumentative with Jesus, saying:  “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”  Jesus’ responded by saying, “This very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown my three times.”  But Peter was adamant about sticking with Jesus through the thick and thin of the entire crisis.  Peter said, “Even if I have to die, I’m in it with you all the way.”

Peter’s strong and demanding rhetoric of “I will die for you” was short lived and Judas’ creed got the best of him.  It appears that the disciples failed to remember that Jesus had the capability of knowing events that are about to happen. 

The conversation now shifts to Jesus’ departure.  Judas Iscariot is now out of the room and getting his plans all in place to hand Jesus over.  Peter is more relaxed now that he has declared his allegiance to Jesus. 

It is one thing for Jesus to indict a couple of his disciples, it is another to have to say goodbye.  I can imagine the room was filled with emotions as Jesus tells them that he is about to leave.  In John 14:1 it appears that Jesus became the nurturer and calms them down.  I can imagine the conversation went something like this: “Hey guys, don’t let this get you down.  Guys, look at me.  Trust.  Trust our Father, but trust me, too.  Look, I’m going away for a bit, but I will be back to get you.  When you see what I will put together you will be amazed.  It is going to be a blast.  Lots of rooms and we will be together again.  This time, it will be forever.”

As reassuring as it was for the eleven disciples to hear about being with Jesus forever, we will get our living spaces in that house, too.  1^st Corinthians 15 paints a beautiful picture of what will happens to believers in preparation for our entrance into heaven.  “But let me tell you something wonderful, a mystery I’ll probably never fully understand. We’re not all going to die—but we are all going to be changed. You hear a blast to end all blasts from a trumpet, and in the time that you look up and blink your eyes—it’s over. On signal from that trumpet from heaven, the dead will be up and out of their graves, beyond the reach of death, never to die again. At the same moment and in the same way, we’ll all be changed. In the resurrection scheme of things, this has to happen: everything perishable taken off the shelves and replaced by the imperishable, this mortal replaced by the immortal.” (The Message)

There are a lot of wonderful views to see on this earth.  Mountains.  Seas.  Deserts. Forests.  Galaxies. Coral Reefs.  And, a plethora of other God amazing sites.  However, Jesus’ house is going to be even more spectacular than the Amazons and the snowcapped Swiss Alps and the sand dunes of the deserts and the Florida everglades.  Heaven will be a place of such wonderment and awe that it is truly indescribable. 

Don’t be troubled.  Trust.  Stay calm.  You’re not alone.  Jesus is aware of you.  Our next house will be so much better than this one.  Hold on.  It is coming.  Trust and keep trusting. 
Remember, Be God Controlled!
Brian

Fasting for Spiritual Purposes

Richard Foster, an author said, "Fasting can bring breakthroughs in the spiritual realm that could never be had in any other way."

Thomas Jefferson, 3rd U.S. President said, "Fasting and prayer are religious exercises; the enjoining them, an act of discipline."

Quintus Tertullianus, an early Christian author said, "Fasting possesses great power. If practiced with the right intention, it makes one a friend of God. The demons are aware of that."

History of Fasting

On the day of Atonement in Leviticus 23:27, the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for all the sins of the Israelites.  During this time, all the people had to deny themselves of any food and present an offering to the Lord.  Fasting was a part of the spiritual culture and lives of those throughout the Old and New Testaments.

 Purpose and Motive of Fasting

The purpose of fasting is to take our focus off of self and things of this world and place it upon God.  According to Isaiah 58:6-8, the motive of fasting was totally centered on themselves rather than on God and those who needed spiritual restoration or those who needed a meal to eat, clothes to wear, or a place to call home. 

Jesus dealt with hypocrites who fasted to only be seen of others in Matthew 6:16-18.  The fasting was about connecting with God in order to become spiritual renewed.    The motive of fasting is about humility.  Sacrifice.  Focus.  Cleansing.  Mourning.  Being spiritual.  Spirit-led.  Right motive.  Reliance on God.  Empty-self. 

Reasons to Fast

Because of sin - 2 Samuel 12:13-23 David sin with Bathsheba. 

Hearing bad news - Nehemiah 1:4  Nehemiah fasted over the bad news he heard about Jerusalem.

For friends and family who are sick -

Psalm 35:13 David's love for his friends were strong enough for him to give up food in order to plead to God for a healing. 

Before a new ministry - Acts 13:1-3 The early church valued the mission ministry so much so that before a mission team was sent out, they spent time in worship and fasting.  

Committing elders to the church - Acts 14:23 The selection of elders for the church was extremely important.  Trust was a key factor in the selection.  Fasting was a way to give up so the God could come in.

To prepare us for temptations -Matthew 4:1-11 Prior to Jesus' temptations, He spent forty days and nights in preparation.  Although Jesus was physically hungry, he was more hungry to live our godly values and allow the Scriptures to feed Him in the series of temptations he faced.

Benefits of Fasting

There is a spiritual significance when one turns their life over to God and uses fasting as a tool to empty themselves to do it.  Jonah 3 is a perfect example of what God does when people are willing to humble themselves, turn from their sins, and give up food and water so that they can totally rely on God and feast upon His Word.   

How to Fast

Fasting is for a specific spiritual reason.  Because of medical reasons, some cannot fast.  If you have never fasted, start slow and work your way to an entire 24 hour period.  Maybe it's fasting for 6 hours and then 12 hours and then 24 hours.  In those fasting times, give your entire self to God and listen intently.  Read Scripture.  Pray deeply.  Be open and honest with God.  Don't hold back. 

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

 

Independence or Dependent?

In 1776, the thirteen colonies that existed in the new world gained their independence and began to experience freedom from the British Empire.  Since that time, on July 4^th Americans all over the United States will celebrate the independence with a variety of celebrations. 

I’ve often wondered if each of us really knows what it means to be truly independent.  I’m not talking about independence from a nation, but rather from a regime that is brutal, conniving, and manipulative.   It is true that there are many nations where all three of these traits are evident.  However, there is one regime that is so much more than any one nation can be; the regime’s name is Satan.  The Apostle Peter said, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”  1^st Peter 5:8 (NLT)

Satan is in an all out war with us.  He wants our independence.  He makes the phrase:  “I have rights” into something God is not pleased with.  It is true that we have the right to believe or not believe.  We have the right to change or not.  However, there are consequences of good and bad to the decisions we make.  Satan worms his way into our independence and begins to convince us that God is harsh and intolerant and doesn’t allow you to be what you desire to be.  

It is a fact that our nation is changing.  It isn’t the same as it was in 1776 or 1876 or 1976 or 2014.  Not all change is bad.  As a matter of fact, in the hundreds of years of our nation, there have been great advancements in medicine, technology, industry, and education, along with many others.  Change can mean that we are making improvements. 

Independence means we have to be responsible to ensuring right decisions and changes are being made that will be honorable to God.  Not all the changes in our nation have been good.  The morality and values of our nation has taken a big hit.  Being “politically correct” is the new term for, “don’t offend.”  It is high time that we as a Christian nation and the Christian communities of White County stand as believers in Jesus to proclaim truth with unity.  Another Satan tactic is to get Christians to fuss and fight and argue over who is right and who is wrong and who is going to heaven and who is going hell that we have taken our focus off of leading and representing Jesus.  It is true that Christians have become a victim of Satan’s schemes. 

Our independence is due to the fact that Jesus set us free.  Jesus said in the Gospel of John 8, “I tell you most solemnly that anyone who chooses a life of sin is trapped in a dead-end life and is, in fact, a slave. A slave is a transient, who can’t come and go at will. The Son, though, has an established position, the run of the house. So if the Son sets you free, you are free through and through.”  We are free from a dead-end life.  Jesus opened the door of opportunity if we chose it.  The free life means stop being dependent on the sin life.  The free life means that sin cannot reign and being politically correct cannot be the motto of the believer or a nation who desires to be led by God.  The free life means we have to deal with sin head on and not tolerate behavior that is not honorable to God. 

So often churches want to focus on issues like same sex marriage.  But what about gossip and envy and hatred and discord and lying and jealousy and drunkenness and pride and wild parties?  When the Apostle Paul wrote a letter to Galatia, it wasn’t writing to the unchurched, rather the churched.  Paul also, wrote some touch stuff to the Christians in Corinth.  So often Christians point the finger to the changing of the nations morals and values at the unchurched, but if we were to take a really hard look at ourselves, we just might be leading the way in bad behavior mostly. 

It is time the church changes the community, rather than the community changing the church.  We must stop dividing and start working together.  We must kick Satan out of our town and tell him he isn’t welcome.  I challenge each of you to contact me and let me know if you are ready for a better community and a better county and a better State.  Jesus said, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”  John 10:10 (NLT) Together we can make a difference and fully experience true and satisfying independence.  Write me at thegreatestcommandislove@gmail.com or text or call me at 931-545-7543.  Are you ready for full independence?  Don’t let Satan be welcomed in our town anymore!!!

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

"GO"

The word “go” is a key word for our dog, Sox.  Sox is a tiny toy poodle.  If anyone in the house says the word, “go” Sox jumps up even if he is in a deep sleep.  We thought we could trick him by spelling go.  We began to say, “It is time to, “G-O!”  But given the fact a poodle is the second smartest dog in the world (depending on what expert you talk to), learned how to spell really quickly. 

If it looks like Sox isn’t able to go, he will hide behind a chair and pout.  If he gets to go, he will jump up and down and around and smile as if he won the grand prize!  He will run out to the car and run in circles until we open the door.  He loves to “go”!

The word “go” is used nearly three hundred times in the New Testament for various reasons.  I have heard plenty of sermons in my life about “go” into all the world and preach the gospel.”  While that statement by Jesus is vitally important, the desire for me in this article is to engage all of us in going through life like Jesus. 

The Jesus life is living out the heart and soul of the messages of Scripture full throttle.  Taking a panoramic view of Jesus’ life we see his endurance through not eating for forty days and then being tested to turn stone into bread.  Jesus gave the perfect response to Satan, “It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God’s mouth.” Matthew 4:4 (The Message) The view of Jesus life continues with Jesus putting the religious elites on their heels when they put a lady who was caught having sex with a man that wasn’t her husband in front of him.  He challenged their motives with a penetrating question that soured the mood by saying, “let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!”  John 8:7 (NLT)  The skybox view shows Jesus giving water to a woman whose life was totally screwed up.  She had multiple husbands and is now living with a guy.  Jesus’ desire for the woman was for her to find hope and peace and grace and love, not from living in bad situations, but rather, by seeing that life is about drinking from the right well that gives living hope to a stained up person.

So many stories can be shared about Jesus and the way he treated others or how he responded to the religious oppressors.  Jesus was always dignified in his response and always kept his cool about him.  He never waivered in his pursuit of helping others see hope no matter what ethnicity or baggage they carried around.  He simply loved and adored those whom he served. 

Living the Jesus life means we “go” through life just like Jesus.  Loving.  Serving.  Caring.  Supplying.  Holding.  Sheltering.  And, demonstrating an acceptance of people no matter their ethnicity or baggage they are carrying around.   “Go” means taking it in the gut from those who are mean-spirited, hateful and revengeful.  It is turning one’s cheek so that the striker can see our desire is to be kinder and to walk with them no matter how far and to give our coat even if it is below zero and to be a servant to the meanest of people who hate the very person we represent. 

“Go” means “If you want to give it all you’ve got, go sell your possessions; give everything to the poor….” Matthew 19:21 (The Message) Richness is nice and it gives freedom from financial worries, however, the richness that is most sustainable is the relationship one has with Jesus.  No amount of money can pay for a discipleship card or heavens entry fee or salvation.  The debt has been paid in full and all one needs to do is live the surrendered life of Jesus. 

The world needs us to “go” and live Jesus.  Live him with grace.  Live him with hope.  Live him with mercy.  Live him with love.  Go and be Jesus!

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

I Want to be Like Jesus!

He is different.  Unusual.  Odd.  To some, he is weird and out of touch with reality.  His identity is doing the will of his father, not his own.  His passion is people, not a self made man.  His ambition is to seek out the lost, not riches for himself.  His desire is to open up his house as a place to party and relax and live in complete satisfaction rather than lock his doors and be a hermit.  His love isn’t self-gratifying, rather it is offered to everyone.  His purpose is to be the peacemaker, redeemer, grace man and forgiver.

Who is this guy?  His name is Jesus! 

Oh, I want to tell you that Jesus is so much more than a story in the bible.  He is very much alive!  He is our personal savior.  He is our friend.  He is our teacher. 

Jesus’ desire was to put together words that would touch the hearts of his listeners.  His desire wasn’t to be a “preacher” who could quote more Scripture than anyone could obtain, rather, he wanted simplicity to lead his teaching so that everyone could leave with something.  He was a master at teaching a child to an adult. 

I want to be like him!  I mean, I want to live and love and teach and serve and lead just like Jesus.  Who better to mentor one’s life than Jesus?  I have many in my life who have mentored me and given me advice that helped shape the person I am today.  However, there hasn’t been anyone close to Jesus.  

The disciples had the best of the best!  Day in and day out they were taught by a man who could take a mustard seed and make a powerful story or demonstrate the power of feeding five thousand with a few fish and loaves of bread or he could have a faith walk on water to show that there is nothing that can hinder where he needed to go. 

In all of Jesus’ mentoring to his disciples, the one thing that was constant was Jesus’ prayer life.  The conversations he had with his dad were crucial to his life.   Sharing what was on his heart and getting the needed instructions from his mentor was a must. 

To be like Jesus is to live out the very attributes of Matthew 5, 6 & 7.  To have a deep need for God was at the pinnacle of Jesus message at the base of the mountain as thousands gathered to hear Jesus teach.  Being poor in spirit meant to put self aside and allow the desires of God to lead.  To be light and salt meant that one be a flavor of spirituality that put a good taste in peoples mouths and to be light demonstrates all the virtues of a Jesus led life.  The light says follow me because I follow Christ.  Forgiving has become a way of life because we desire the forgiveness from God. And, building our lives on a solid foundation ensures our security when we are thrown around by hardships and trials and health issues and financial woes and painful losses. 

Being like Jesus means living a life that trusts his Father to lead us where we need to go and getting us through the uncertainties of life.  Being like Jesus means that I might turn people off by my lifestyle, but in the end, the reward is much greater.  Being like Jesus will help others see truth in a way that isn’t dogmatic, brutal, or condemning.  Being like Jesus means that grace is for all, not for a select few. 

Will you be like Jesus?

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

Memorial Day: A Tribute to Military Women

Going to war is never an easy decision to make; especially when we have to put our sons and daughters on the front lines to fight it.  In the history of our nation, war has been a part of it.  From the American Revolutionary War to the War on Terror in Afghanistan and Iraq, our nation has lost 1,321,612 of our sons and daughters.  It is heart wrenching to hear the news that your child, husband, dad, wife, mother, son, daughter, grandchild will no longer eat at the table to enjoy a meal, laughter, and conversation.  War is brutal.  It rips nations a part and it drives families deep into mental chaos wondering if their loved one will return home. 

Within the pages of our history, men and women have braved the elements of war.  They stood bravely on the battlefields and fought for a nation whom they loved, admired, and cherished.  They fought for freedom that they themselves may not have fully understood in its totality, but nevertheless it was important to fight and preserve.   

To answer the call to fight takes courage, trust, and an allegiance to God and country.  To say yes to fight and defend the values of our forefathers, families, and fellow citizens takes a wiliness and determination.  To leave the comforts of home to travel to a land where there are no guarantees of returning home takes love and passion. 

War doesn’t just call men, but women as well.  War is no respecter of persons.  It takes a “United” States to win a war.  So often, men are the headline news of war causalities.  However, women have had their share of causalities, too.  According to the Army Times, sixteen women died in combat in Vietnam and in the Persian Gulf, six female soldiers died.  According to the Korean Wall Educator, eighteen women died in the Korean War.  And, according to the History and Collections:  Women in Military Service for American Memorial Foundation, one hundred forty three women have died in the war on terrorism in Afghanistan and Iraq.  While the numbers are nowhere near that of men, one death is still a tragedy.  The lost of a mother, a wife, a daughter is still devastating to the one losing her. 

Women have played a vital role throughout the history of our nation and throughout the history of the world.  In Judges 4, there was a Judge by the name of Deborah.  She was a mighty warrior.  She led a broken down Israelite Army to victory.  It isn’t the gender that should make the difference; rather it is the resolve and dedication of each person to make a better nation that should matter mostly. 

While I am grateful for every military member, this year I am especially proud of the women who have fought for our nation and have given their lives to help preserve our freedom.  Although some women may not be directly in the line of fire on the battlefield, her service to our nation doesn’t go unnoticed.  Her persistence in praying and taking care of the home and supporting in ways many will never know is greatly appreciated.  Thank you ladies for having courage to be protectors of our great nation we call the United States of America!  You will never be forgotten.

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

Is War Ever Right?

Our nation celebrates, morns, and remembers the fallen of our military on May 26, 2014. As a Veteran of the U.S. Army, I have a profound respect for every person who has put on the uniform of the United States of America military. So often, people question whether or not if it is right to go to war. Protesters line the streets of our cities to protest war.  The question is: Is war ever right?

What is war?:  According to the Webster’s Dictionary, war is:  “a state or period of fighting between countries or groups.  A situation in which people or groups compete with or fight against each other.  An organized effort by a government or other large organization to stop or defeat something that is viewed as dangerous or bad.”

There are many different types of wars:  War on drugs.  War on drinking and driving.  War on smoking.  Military wars. And on the list goes.  Each war is supposed to bring about a solution for the betterment or the protection of society as a whole. 

Ecclesiastes 3:8 Solomon said, "There is a time for war and a time for peace." According to Solomon, war is the right thing at times. The Bible tells of the times where God has commanded a war. When you look at the great heroes of the faith in Hebrews 11 there are a number of great leaders who stood out during a time of war: Joshua, David, Gideon, and Samson. Throughout the Old Testament, there were times in which war was the only option or a God directive.

Our nation has fought in many wars: From the Revolutionary War to the Civil War to World War 1 to World War 2 to the Korean War to Vietnam War to Iraq War to Afghanistan War. The call to war isn’t an easy decision to make, nor is it easy for families to let go of their sons and daughters to go fight them.

The United States is not the only nation who goes to war or is in a war.  As I write this article, Ukraine is in a bitter battle to keep their sovereignty.  Central African Republic is in a civil war. Egypt is dealing unrest. Nigeria is in war against Islamist militants. Sudan is in war against rebel groups and south Sudan is in a civil war.

Where you have people who want to control, manipulate or has a deep-seated hatred for others, you will have wars where blood is shed, people die, and nations go at it against each other.  I have seen firsthand protesters declaring their own war with those who have gone to war against another nation.  The protestor’s war may not shed blood or claim a life, but the desire to protest against someone else is still defined as a war. 

Is there any biblical precedence for declaring a war that sheds blood and takes lives?  Is there any justification for declaring war to stop dictators or to defend the innocent from oppression?  Is there any logic to the desire to stop the spread of evil by using force?  What would be some biblical reasons to go to war?:

To liberate a nation from dictatorship: God told Joshua to wipe out the Midianites, because they were very oppressive and evil. One of the evil practices they did was to throw babies into the fire.

In Numbers 32, God got very upset the Gadites and Reubenites tribes in Israel because they would not go to war. Moses says to these two tribes, "What are you going to do? Just sit here while the rest of your brothers go to war? Aren't you going to participate?" God became very anger and swore an oath: “Because they have not followed me wholeheartedly, not one of the men twenty years old or more who came up out of Egypt will see the land I promised Abraham.” Numbers 32:10b-11

 To defend innocent people: John Stewart Mills said, “A man who has nothing which he is willing to fight for, nothing which he cares about more than his personal safety, is a miserable creature who has no chance of being free.” Proverbs 21:15 “When justice is done it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.”

To stop the spread of evil: The Bible is very clear that God has authorized the government to enforce the law and punish offenders. Romans 13:4 “...He is God's servant, an agent of justice to bring punishment on the wrongdoers."

Remember, Be God Controlled,

Brian