The Pride of Life

1 John 2:16 : For everything in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of his eyes and the pride of life--comes not from the Father but from the world.

Those that know me also know my previous battles. I've posted about them many times here.

Lately, I've been fighting those same battles, but not in the sense that I've struggled against them, but the enemy has been bringing them against me as he always does, but I've been standing firm, claiming victory over the lusts of the flesh -- my personal weakness. And not surprisingly, God has been faithful in keeping me strong. Keeping me whole.

Then came this morning. You see, last night we went to dinner with several of Cheryl's co-workers. In the process, politics eventually came up. This morning, as I got ready for my day, it started out with the usual mind-exercises of bringing my will in line with God's. After my time with God, a time where I can purify my heart, I express the following from that pure heart:

"Okay, God. I submit myself to you and what you want. Flesh, I command you to come under God's will because God is Holy, and commands me to be holy. Will, I command you to submit to God because he is my Lord. My commander. I don't command these things of my own power, but by the authority of Jesus Christ, the Son of God."

And immediately after, the tests come. The lusts of the flesh. The temptation that I am somehow defined by -- or can define someone else by -- sexuality, money or things. I remind my "three-part-being" that I cannot go there. I have already said that TODAY I will follow God, and those things are NOT his desires.

So, I'm rambling. But it is necessary rambling. You're probably asking yourself "what do those things have to do with politics?"

I'm glad you asked.

The enemy is really boring when it comes down to it. But that's also part of his craftiness. He seems to get in a routine of punches. Left, left, left, left, left, left, left, left. Then from no-where he throws a right. Politics.

After the nearly-habitual sparring with myself this morning, and feeling confident in yet-another victory, I settled in for my morning, and my mind began to think on "What if I were President? Or even running for president?"

Half-an-hour later, over the ponderings of how I would handle healthcare, legislated-morality and even the issues of how I would be a president, but remain outspoken in my faith, God tapped me on the head. After getting ready for my day, I sat down, and God brought this verse to mind:

For everything in the world--the lusts of the flesh, the lust of his eyes and the pride of life--comes not from the Father but from the world.

God was reminding me that the enemy has tried and is now failing at the lusts of the flesh. So he is trying to sneak in a new tactic : The Pride of Life -- the desire of power, authority and stature that God has not given. Those are not of God, but of the world.

Thank you, Father, for reminding me of your word. Thank you for the authority you have given me, and for the power to overcome my adversary. I praise you for your spoken word, that you would choose to speak to me. Thank you for forgiving me of my lusts and pride, and for covering me in your Holiness and keeping me Holy for your purpose and will.

Humbly...

The Art of Breaking -- MOVE!!

In continuing my posts from "The Art of Breaking" (An album by Thousand Foot Krutch), I was listening to the song Move. That's when I realized something profound. God is calling me to get up and move.

If I want to do something, I have to move.

Okay. Okay. Yes. I know. It sounds ridiculous that I had to actually think that coherent thought, and that it isn't just second nature. But think about it:

If I want a glass of water, I have to go to the kitchen to get it.

If I want a snack to eat, I have to go to the fridge and make it.

If I want to go to work (or at least, get the PAYCHECK), I have to drive there and put in the time.

I have to get up, dust off my britches (that word's for you, Cheryl) and MOVE!

Look, listen to my voice.
If you're making the choice,
Tell all the girls and the boys
"Either scream or rejoice
Let's make that noise
Either move or we'll all be destroyed"

MOVE
... and show me what you can do
When you step into the circle and shake like we do

MOVE
... when you just can't take it

MOVE
... if you just feel like breaking it

If you've read my previous posts on "The Art of Breaking", you know that they've pretty much mapped my life to present in song. Well, this song is no different.

It's time for me to move.

I can't just sit and say God will bless me. He will give me what I need, but if I want to be blessed, from here out, I am going to have to get up and go get it. But, to be blunt... I'm afraid. Not afraid that God will fail me. I've learned that God is faithful. The UTMOST in faithful. God will never fail me.

I'm afraid that I will fail. And sometimes, when you fear failure, you cease to act. It's easier to sit than it is to fail.

Back up and let go if you've never been here,
You've never been to the place inside, I face my fears,
It takes everything I am

But that's not what God has called us to do. He didn't call us to wait idly until he returns. He didn't say "Sit there." He didn't say to just be idle. He said MOVE! Get up! Go! Get out!

Isa 52:7
How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"

Why the feet?

It's not the lips that are blessed for what we say.

It's not the hands that are blessed for writing down our thoughts and ideas, and even give those to others.

It's not the head that is blessed for the idea, for the prayer for the thoughts of purity or the good intention.

It's not the heart that is blessed for the care, concern, love and compassion.

It's the FEET. Because they cause the body to MOVE!

I come crashing to the floor
And I know there must be more
... like me
I've seen this all before,
I can't carry this anymore

I break free!

Breathe, and leave until the storm is over
'Cause underneath, there's a diamond passing over
So breathe, let's leave until the storm is over,

I want to take you away.

. . .

MOVE!

Guys, I'm asking that you hold me accountable. It's time for me to move.


Are you coming with me?

Humbly...

Does God need a nap?

Psalm 121 is a very short chapter.

I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip-- he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you-- the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm-- he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

That's it, in its entirety. But although it is small, there is so much truth in here about living your life day-in and day-out. One thing I've learned from KJ is that "nothing takes God by surprise", and this chapter is evidence of that. Yet, even in knowing that, I've forgotten what that phrase really means. I've grown complacent.

"He who watches over you will not slumber." There will never come a time when God's eyes are not on you, and you slip, and he isn't there to catch you and set things straight.

"The Lord is your shade at your right hand." Just like your shadow follows your body as you walk in the daylight, God is ever present. You may go about your business, not thinking about the shadow at your side, but that doesn't mean that the shadow goes away. In the same way, God is always there, whether you consciously register him or not. He is always, continually, without ceasing with you.

"The Lord will keep you from all harm." If he is always, continually, without ceasing watching you, and always, continually, without ceasing right there beside you and always, continually, without ceasing has his hand on you, then he can and will keep you safe.

I remember learning to ride my bike. My mother would stand behind me with one hand on my shoulder -- a warm loving hand that reassured me that she was there -- and another hand on the sparkly-big-blue banana seat. Yeah. I'm old.

As I pedaled, sometimes she would remove her hand from my shoulder, but she never let go of that seat. If I started to waver, there she was, setting me upright again. I never hit the ground, and I was never hurt.

How much more powerful is God? And how much more important the tasks that he is asking of us?

Father, in the past two weeks, I've become spiritually lazy. You've taken your hand from my shoulder, and I've considered that you have grown distant from me, or that you've taken a break from my life -- that somehow, you've grown tired or needed a nap. But you haven't. You are right here. Forgive me for doubting your sovereignty and might. Teach me again, Father as I submit my trust to you.

Student Driver

Stellar Kart ( a Ska band ) has a song called Student Driver. The song itself is cheesy, I know. I've posted it here so you can listen to it. It's catchy. It's fast paced. And as simple and cheesy as it sounds, it's completely accurate.



It reinforces the concept that Christ brought forward. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

We have to understand that Christ is in control, not us. We have a "learning wheel" in front of us, and many of us think that we're in control. But let us lose power for a week. Or lose our job. Or find ourselves in turmoil of any sort, then we can see clearly that we didn't PLAN to get here, yet here we are.

Does that imply that God drove us into the ditch? (Come on, follow this allegory with me and humor me.) Not at all. Sometimes Christ has to adjust our courses from mistakes that we have made ourselves. Sometimes he lets us drive off not rough patches so that we can SEE that we aren't in control. We are children, trying to be all-grown-up. After all, if we had our student-wheel, and everything went perfect, we would become big-headed and say "See, God... I can do this on my own."

But we can't. They were completely correct in saying "On my own, I'm nothing." Without Christ, we can do nothing. Let me rephrase that... We can do nothing of value. We can do something, alright. We can make a mess of things. Just think if we gave a child the wheel of a car, and told them to drive, what would happen. Yep. That'd be us.

But if we give Christ the master wheel, then we will find that our lives go much smoother. We aren't driving, we're learning. We have to keep that in mind at all times.

Toward the end of the song, they describe their car. The wheel is rubbing off. The stereo is broke. Imagine with me, if you will, a car that's been run through pastures because we wandered off the road; jumped off of ramps for the thrill of catching air; spun out, bumped and bruised due to our incompetence (and for a momentary thrill, of course... you remember being a teen with a new car!!).

That car is like us.

But know that God didn't intend for it to be that way. If you pass the driving test, in the end, God will give you a new car. A new life. A new start.

Let me give you a hint that never fails for passing this driving test: Let God drive, and always remember that you are not the driver. You're the student.

"Humble yourself, and do not think higher of yourself than you ought."

"For if my people, who are called by my name will humble themselves..."

Father, forgive me for trying to take control when you want to change directions. Forgive me for thinking that I, somehow, was in control. I know you have the best in mind for me, even if the path looks scary or unfamiliar. I trust that you have good plans for me, and I will trust in where you drive. Thank you, for loving me despite the bruises this "car" has taken.

Humbly,

-- Jerry.

Notes from the recent ice storm

On my drive in, I saw the trees from the recent ice storm. I don't have a journal here, but I wanted to journal and share what God was telling me today.

Many thousand trees between Tulsa and Bartlesville were put under severe strain under the weight of the ice. Many trees that once stood tall and proud, with their limbs reaching high into the air were split into sections, broken in two, and ripped apart. Some had their tops ripped down, broken like twigs. While others still had a section or two upright, with several thick limbs literally ripped from their trunks. Their once-majectic members now laying at the base of the trees.

And then there were some that were bent low to the ground, as if kneeling before God, their creator. Nothing was broken. Nothing was damaged, but the tops of the trees rested in an arc on the ground.

In that silent moment, God asked me:

Jerry... When you come under pressure, do you bow before me? Do you submit to my will put your face to the floor and seek my face? Or do you try to continue to stand tall and proud doing everything yourself, despite the immense pressure on you? If you continue to try to stand on your own, stubbornly sticking your stiff neck upward against the pressure, something is going to break! You will be torn apart, ripped into segments like these trees. Humble yourself and bow before me!! Take a few moments in the pressure of the moment and seek my face, grace, favor, and will.

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, fall to their knees and seek my face, I will hear from heaven, forgive their sins and heal their lands."

Jerry, I gave you warmth and shelter for the past three days. You did not earn any of it, but it was freely offered to you. Your meals were not cooked by your hands, but were offered to you without expectation of repayment. You slept in protection, though not in your own house. You shared time with others, not just within your own thoughts. You had your blessings beside you at all times, and my hand was constantly over you, never letting so much as a scratch come upon you. I, your God, protected you. I, your God, provided all things for you. YOU did not purchase or provide anything in the past three days that I did not provide for you, directly and indirectly. I set all this before you, yet where was the praise?

So today, (with my house still out of power) I can write to you from work. Many of you probably won't see this for a couple more days because you may not have power yet either. But when you do get this, take a significant amount of time -- not just a few seconds, but carefully consider every detail you can recall -- and look back on the time that you were under this pressure.

How did you respond during it? Did you bow, or try to force your way through it, upright? Were you like the might oaks, or the tender pines?

How did God bless you through it? Count each good thing that God did FOR YOU during this time. Don't focus on your discomfort, for we weren't called to be comfortable. Instead, focus on the opportunities, blessings, and favor that God has brought into your life.

Father, forgive me for my stubborn pride. Forgive me for now bowing immediately, but waiting for you to call me to bow. Thank you for your joy, even in unpleasant times. I may not be happy with my situation, but you have given me joy as I recounted this morning all of the things that you have given me. I praise you for your awesome power, and I kneel before you today for the amazing joy and grace you've shown me today. Thank you, Father. Thank you for your blessings -- both those that I see, and the blessings of darkness that is deflected away from me, for your name's sake. Today, I praise you out loud for your grace and mercy on my life this week. Today I bow, thankful that as I bow, you give me grace to stand tall again, not torn apart into segments, but able to stand again when this is lifted from us.


--Jerry

Are you a liar?

[[ I know i haven't posted here in a long time. I'll be posting here more, especially letters I write to the men's group I'm in. ]]

I was listening to 1 John on my drive in.

As I've told some of you before, I'm a very calm guy. Some say I'm too passive. But there's nothing that will "press my button" like inferring or calling me a liar.

But that's what John says several times in his letters. He draws some very rigid black-and-white lines in his writings. You are or you aren't. No gray areas.

* If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
* The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
* No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.
* No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.
* If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar


So, here's my question to you: Are you still living with sin in your life? I'm not asking if you sin. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

I'm asking, are you continuing to put up with a sin in your life that you KNOW is there, and don't care that it's there. You continue to __willfully__ sin, of your own decision, KNOWING that it is not what God has asked you to do. Whether that is doing something you know you shouldn't. Or even NOT doing something you know you should.

* No one who **continues to sin** -- a willful act of commission, purposefully ignoring God's command in their life -- has seen him or known him.


When you say, "I am a Christian" are you a liar?

My prayer today:
God, forgive me for my daily sins, but Father, I am begging that you also forgive me of my willful sins. Please don't cut me off from your mercy for those, and set my heart right on absolute obedience that I would not sin against you. Protect my tongue that I would not speak any words that you don't anoint. Thank you, Father for your mercy and grace when I fail you. Thank you for your Son. Amen.