The Big House

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

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

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

Ready?

For me?

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

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

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

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

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

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

Suffering Hurts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Remember, Be God Controlled,

Brian 

Blessings to Tessa Shea McCutchen

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

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

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

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

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

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

I love you deeply and forever!

Love Trumps Hate

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian

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