Daily Christian Message (Visit Me Every Day)

His Promises Are True.

2007-11-06T08:47:00.000-08:00

Months ago I started this blog because God was pressing me hard to use the gifts given to me. I had been spending much time seeking a position in a church as a pastor of any kind. It did not matter to me what I got, as long as I could be used... What type of a philosophy was that. What was the motive, the reason, the driving force?
I found myself near two months ago on my face bawling hysterically being both broken and persistent. You see time was running out; my wifes due date was coming up, soon she would be on maternity leave and the finances would not add up. I remembered a promise God made to me, He said "I will prepare a way for you using the gift I have given you." I was crying out loudly... "I am not going anywhere, it's time to show up." The music pastor continued to play and sing prophetically over me for nearly an hour as I was the only one in the sanctuary. Soon my wife came and cried with me a little, some more time passed and she again came to uphold me in prayer. She told me she was worried about me, she had never seen me like this before.
Just days after this, perhaps a week; I was speaking with my wife, an old idea became reality. Nearly a year prior we went to a prayer and worship conference with four others. The place was packed with over ten-thousand worshipers. The Holy Spirit pressed on us a possible call into prayer and worship. It seemed we were full of zeal and encouraged by the conference. We were going to begin to take the steps necessary to start a full time prayer house. We hadn't gotten very far, after a week passed business of life and hyper-obligation in other ministries seemed to squelch the idea all together. This very idea resurfaced in our conversation and we immediately had unity in the clarity of God's call. Within the next day I fell into a position as pastor of a ministry in it's infancy. Notice this was not something I applied for: I fell into it. In telling some friends about our intents in pursuing this ministry they let us know they too had been trying to set up a similar ministry and needed a pastor. So there I was falling into a position with a staff of ten already, Praise God.
A week later I got a phone call while my wife was at work... I answered the phone, "hey hun..."
"Umm... is this Anthony?" the voice did not sound like my wife.
"Well you called me, but yes it is. Who is this."
"This is Monica one of Aprils EA's.... Yeah her water just broke."
"I suppose I better go pick her up then." and yes I was that cool on the phone.
"Yeah that would probably be a good idea."

Nerves struck me but I knew I had to keep my cool, I was more excited than anything, but it was completely unexpected. Yes I knew my wife was pregnant, she was getting really big, but there was still a month left to the due date and April had been experiencing no signs of labor. Eighteen hours later baby Selah Gracie-Lou was born cone-headed and all. She was the most beautiful yet petrifying thing I had ever seen. I spent the first week in operation daddy, writing a blog was the last thing on my mind. Then I had to begin the movement of the ministry. The team was in disunity and guess who got to work that out with God. Finally the day has come... Selah has turned six weeks old today and there is unity and a bond of love in the leadership of this ministry. I have created a website for the ministry www.hishow.org Please check it out, I designed the page myself.

Don't ever forget, God's promises are always true.
I will be back.
Shalom.

Why Pray?

2007-09-18T12:39:00.000-07:00

I came across this little teaching today and thought I would share it, I did not write it.

Why pray? Scripture offers many reasons to pray. We are to pray for:

our relationship with God,

forgiveness of sins,

our friends, family, and others,

those who do not know God,

world leaders,

thanksgiving and praise,

direction, wisdom, knowledge,

God’s provision.

Prayer is highly encouraged and commanded in the Bible. Come along as we explore these many reasons to pray in the context of God’s Word.

Why pray?

Prayer not only establishes a relationship with God, it is vital to maintaining our relationship with Him. To illustrate, two friends who are in constant communion learn about each other, do things together, and share problems with each other. Thus, the key element of prayer is that it establishes a relationship with God. Abraham experienced this in Genesis 18:16-33.

This is evidenced in the life of Jesus. He constantly went before God in prayer to determine God’s will and direction, resist temptation, ask for courage, discover what His Father in heaven would do, offer thanksgiving, pray for others, etc. Matthew 26:36-39 and Mark 14:34-41 describe Jesus being very distressed about His crucifixion. He brings this matter to His Father, seeking His will.

Other Scriptures have Jesus directing believers to pray. Mark 13:33 tells us to watch and pray, for we do not know when the time will come for His return.

Jesus offers thanks before feeding the crowd in Luke 9:16. In John 11:41-45, Jesus thanks God aloud for hearing His prayer for Lazarus “for the sake of all these people standing here, so they will believe you sent me." John chapter 17 describes Jesus interceding in prayer for his disciples and all believers. John 17:20 says, “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me because of their testimony.”

Prayer is recognizing who God is and offering Him glory, honor, and adoration. Examples of this are found throughout the Bible, especially in the Psalms. Jesus illustrates this in the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13.

Prayer is seeking direction from God. In Matthew 7:7-11, Jesus talks about asking, seeking, and knocking, “For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks.” Jesus encourages us to ask God for things. “If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him?”

The Apostles reflected Jesus’ attitude toward prayer and encouraged and commended prayer in their writings. In Philippians 4:6, Paul tells believers to pray for everything with thanksgiving. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Paul writes, “Keep on praying.” Prayer, for Paul, is the ultimate lifeline for the believer to God. James 1:5-7 says, “If you need wisdom -- if you want to know what God wants you to do -- ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.”

Why pray? Jesus is a prime example of a life lived by prayer that offers relevance, purpose, answers, and most of all, a relationship with God the Father. Jesus prayed wholeheartedly for every move He made, asking God for guidance, leading, and direction. He prayed prayers of thanks, prayers for healing, prayers for His disciples, and prayers for believers -- present and future.

Prayer is essential to fellowship with God. Not just to have our prayers answered by God, nor just because the Scriptures tell us to, though that is reason enough. God is the Father of the entire human race, and God cares for us. (1 Peter 5:7) This means the child of God can pray, ask, and cast all his care upon God, his Father. Paul states in Romans 8:15, when we are His children, adopted into His family, we can begin calling him, "Father, dear Father."

Why Pray? James 5:16 provides another worthwhile answer. “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results.” Why pray? God says it makes quite an impact!

Dogs and Cats.

2007-09-17T08:21:00.000-07:00

I heard someone say something to me last week and it was rather true. He said, "There are two types of Christians in the world today, there are dogs and cats. Those who say to God "you are God" and serve Him with joy are dogs. Then there are the self oriented ones who go to God only with needs and lack worship, these are the cats who say "I am God."" Is this not a great illustration.

I have a one year old beagle named Izzy, like most dogs He is obedient most of the the time, but there are times when he gets bent on having things His way. Dogs are very affectionate pets and can be extremely obedient. They seem to have a sense of logic in them giving their owners a personification of God. The owner is their provider, father, and best friend. Dogs too need to be trained in obedience, they know from early on there will be consequences for disobeying. Dogs seek the owners acceptance more than anything else and will defend them to death.

On the other hand you have a cat. Cats require very little training and the owner caters to the cat. Cats have attitudes, it is not typical for one to respond to it's name, or do anything if the reward is not visible. To be frank Cats have one major worry, themselves. Although they can make good pets; the general relationship between a cat and it's owner is that the owner caters to the cat's needs.

God wants responsive Christians. He wants dogs. He wants Christians who will go to the extent of dying to defend His name. He wants obedience. He wants to be greeted warmly and with thanks. I feel dogs were made mans best friend because God wanted to provide a model for us. God wants to be an active agent in our lives, He wants us to respond to communication. God is willing to spend time and energy on us, training us up to be obedient Christians. Do not neglect God's efforts to communicate with you and don't always expect Him to cater to you, we were created to worship, not to be worshiped.

God bless.

Defending it.

2007-09-15T06:32:00.000-07:00

Hebrews 10:32
32Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering.

I remember when I first was born again. With little knowledge and no schooling I was ready to tell the world of the transformation taking place in me. I had endless people coming to me to ask me their well thought out questions. People trying to sway me from my faith, and people looking for faith. I found it easy to get my point across; all I knew were the basics of Christianity, not much more than the average Joe. God created a spirit of wisdom in me and I ran with it. I thought I could do anything because my God is big. It was so easy then, to tell you the truth it is still easy to defend my faith, but I know this for only one reason. God's word lives in me.

Matthew 4
The Temptation of Jesus
1Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."
4Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
5Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6"If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written:
" 'He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'"
7Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9"All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me."
10Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"
11Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him

Jesus always replies with God's word to defend Himself and Satan wasn't even coming at Him with absolute blasphemes. Jesus set the bar for us early in His ministry. Jesus was tempted straight after His baptism and the Word of God was His shield. We need to maintain the word of God within us, it is our only defense. We on our own power cannot stand up to the enemy but with wisdom from God and His hand upon us Great and mighty things can happen.

God bless you and build up your defenses, love the word of God.

Put Him On.

2007-09-12T09:13:00.000-07:00

Galatians 3:27 "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ." I love it. The first time I read this verse I nearly jumped through the ceiling. I thought "how can I put on Christ, He lives in me but I definitely don't look like Him." Then the conviction came, "I don't look like Christ. I am supposed to be a CHRISTian, I am supposed to emulate Christ." We as Christians need to be in the word of God because the word of God is God (John 1:1.) Living out the word of God is a way of putting on Christ. What else must we do to put on Christ?

Romans 13:10-15 " Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. 11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts." Now this is where truth is found. We have been charged with this list of things, but it all starts with love. There may not be much effort involved directly towards walking properly with Christ; nor in not making provisions for our flesh or the worldly part of us because if we sincerely love Christ and our neighbor as we are commanded; every thing will flow out of it.

Death to self is a MUST in order to accomplish our calling: Romans 6:3-4 "Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. " This walking in newness of life follows death to self. This is when we deny ourselves and whatever selfish ambitions and goals and we decide to live for Jesus. Jesus was the sacrifice for our salvation, in emulating Him we need to also deny ourselves and make sacrifices for others... even if they don't deserve it. Who says we deserved salvation, but salvation is because of the Grace of God and His Love. This very same Grace needs to be in our hearts, we need to start doing things for others out of genuine love and not because they deserve it, but just because. When we do these things we become salt to the earth and a light.

The truth is we cannot put on Christ without first dying to self. How can we love our neighbor like we love ourselves if we are relevant. We need to die to self so that our own needs become irrelevant. We need to be standing on the promises of God and know that our needs are already taken care of and live faithfully. In doing this, loving those around us becomes easy and in having strengthened faith we too fall in love with Christ. Thus we are able to shine as we are intended to as a light unto the world.

God bless you and Put on Christ.

Illogical.

2007-09-12T08:14:00.000-07:00

I love looking at all of the things Jesus did during His ministry in the Bible and start thinking - "How illogical." I mean who chooses thieves, murderers, tax collectors and grunt fishermen to head their church and legacy. Jesus had the ability to choose whomever He pleased. Jesus could have established His kingdom and reigned in power from the get-go (like the Jews thought He would.) Instead He humbled Himself on earth so He could relate to us on every level. Jesus had the ability to heal people with nothing more than a thought; but He made mud out of dirt and spit and rubbed it on the blind mans eyes, then told him to go wash in the pool of Shalom to receive sight. Why did He do it like that..... What's the deal God.

Now I think of the "what ifs:" What if everything Jesus did was completely logical in the norm. What if everyone who wanted to be healed was so just because they saw Jesus and He knew there was hurt. What if He picked the best of the best to be His disciples? I'll tell you what then... Jesus would not have accomplished His mission.

Before you start throwing rocks at me and calling me a bigot let me explain. Mark 2:13-17 "13Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them. 14As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him. 15While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 16When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the "sinners" and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: "Why does he eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" 17On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."" The only prerequisite to becoming a born again Christian is to have been a sinner, and all have sinned. His purpose in coming was to show redemption for those in need of it and to illustrate the transformation from dirty sinner to perfect and new creation.

Check this out... Jesus did not come to condemn but to save. We need to understand this being a Christian is following after Jesus. If Jesus did not come to judge and be served on earth while He was manifest here, why should we. There is only on judge and it is not us.

Challenge yourself every day to seek God's will and His method of doing things. There is a separate study as to the "whys" of Jesus method of ministry for everything He did; just remember, Sometimes His will makes sense in the natural, but know that it doesn't always look like we thought it would. We are a peculiar people, follow Jesus.

Purchased with a price.

2007-09-12T07:49:00.000-07:00

What will you say when you are face to face with the one true God? What will you do, feel, see, think? Perhaps you already have it all planned out, maybe you have not given it much thought or don't know who the one true God is.

Maybe you don't think such a thing will ever happen, that there is some meaning to this life other than the here and now. I am not going to spend too much time trying to tell you all the reasons why you should believe and live for Jesus. Think of yourself as someone with a brain between you own two ears and realize truth. How did beautiful life of all sorts of forms get on volcanic islands like Hawaii, How does nature seem to have a perfect balance when natural law tends towards chaos. There mus be something greater than us, greater than this world and greater than the here and now.. Ask yourself this question "what if I was wrong?" You see because if I was wrong and there is something more; than what difference did it make; but I know that is not so. If you are wrong and there turns out to be a true God, what will save you. That being said: ponder a while and read on.

The other day I was on my way home and I saw a crimson moon. It sparked something strange in me. I thought "perhaps the Lord is coming," then something happened. I said to myself, "Not now, I have not yet fully repented." What a shocker... I a young pastor tooo am not perfect. I felt fully convicted of what had not yet been accomplished and what things had not yet been fully given up.

God knows our hearts, how would I have been able to stand before God with all of my conviction and guilt in the natural. I will tell you how. God's Grace will be ever evident. When I see the scars on His hands and feet I will see what a price was paid for me. My sins are as far away as the east is from the west and so are your. I must remind myself that I am a new and perfect creature every day and of the price that was paid for this new creation. Some say there is a great lake our past and repented sin is thrown into and a sign is put up saying "no fishing."

Paul states in the epistles, "do you not know you were purchased with a price." I Cor. 6:19-20 "19Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." and 7:22-24 "22For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord's freedman; similarly, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ's slave. 23You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. 24Brothers, each man, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation God called him to." Note this is a statement or rhetorical question. He was writing this letter to a church, no doubt; but God is speaking to the world though it.

I know any person who receives Christ in their life will be saved. Jesus already paid the price. This gift of eternal life is for everyone. Jesus said to follow Him is to take up you cross daily: Luke 9:23 "Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."

So when Jesus comes to establish His Kingdom, What will you say?

We the Sheep.

2007-09-11T06:59:00.000-07:00

We live in a world of diverse people, with diverse beliefs and diverse motives. Of the innumerable personalities and walks of life, one thing is always common; a sense of cause and effect, karma, or some kind of repercussion for the past, it's the physics of life. This is a natural correlation wired in the brain of man. However; one thing God provides is a revelation of weakness and flaws of past and present and He places a memorial for the future. He does this through the rod and the staff; The tools of a shepherd.

Psalm 23:4 (New International Version)

4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

Shepherds had to be mighty people of wisdom and valor. I don't believe just any one person could be a shepherd; there were key qualities to be found in a shepherd: courage, Loyalty, Will, Love, and Wisdom.

"Hang on a second, we are talking about sheep here, harmless sheep, not lions. Why would so many qualities be needed to (Baby-sit) harmless sheep?" The need is there because wolves and lions perceive these sheep to be just as harmless. Any little wimp isn't going to risk their life to fend of fierce predators, (courage, loyalty.) Just as well sheep often loose their way; not on purpose, but one blade of grass at a time, (Love, Wisdom.)

Besides being equip with all these characteristics, a shepherd has two tools in his hand: a rod and a staff. When I picture a shepherd, he is normally holding his staff with a crook at the end. I don't picture him with the rod. It just doesn't seem to fit the character. The staff is a gentle tool, it has a long reach and a finesse about it. The staff is used to give direction to the sheep by using the crook around the neck. This is a gentle and comforting tool; it is used often and used out of love. Perhaps this is why I picture a shepherd with the staff.

When a shepherd picks up the rod, the situation is serious. The rod symbolizes power. The shepherd relies on the rod to scare away or beat down predators. This is not the only use either; the rod is commonly used to discipline sheep who don't respond to the staff. First the shepherd will give nudges and taps of warning to the sheep. If they still are disobediant the shepherd may physically reprimand the sheep with the rod. Finally if all else fails, in the case of a stuburn sheep, the rod is used to break a leg so to assure the sheep cannot wander. Although harsh, this saves the sheeps life.

There is much to be learned about people and human nature from sheep. God is the shepherd possessing all of the ability and tools to protect and lead His flock. People are stubborn creatures, not because of our upbringing bur our nature. Man is the greatest of God's creation on earth and won't ignore it either. However; great and intelligent in our realm of reality; we are but stubborn sheep in true reality with God. Because of our self-absolved ways and poor perception of reality we often go astray and approach danger; not on purpose, but one little thing at a time.

Our shepherd will aways lobe us first and guide us gently with His staff. He will use signs or people to worn us of our mis-direction and point the proper way out. A word of warning from a loved one or friend, a feeling of uncertainty, guilt or shame, the "maybe I shouldn't" notions. These are examples of the initial lulls of the staff.

If we continue along a stray path and ignore the gentle draw of the staff; greater measures may be taken. At this point the shepherd is going to warn us of the rod. These lobe taps may sting a little but warn us of more to come. This is likened to temporary punishments or suspensions, a probationary time issued or a warning of no further toleration. I like to think of this as the "ultimatum." We are made aware of great consequences if we continue along the path. The shepherd does not wish to follow through with the rod, He wants an obedient response before things go that far.

Now it is the last straw, an extremely stubborn sheep requires extreme measures to break it. This is something both the shepherd and sheep don't look forward to, but must occur. The shepherd must make Himself absolutely clear. A beating must take place. The rod is used as it is meant to be... to inflict lumps of pain and lasting discomfort. This is a beating the sheep will not forget. It leaves a mark, a memorial of what has taken place. A thorn in Paul's side or a limp in Jacob's walk. At this point a sheep in any right mind will recognize the power and authority of the shepherd. Perhaps now aware of the rod, the sheep will respond better to the staff.

Could you imagine being a sheep among a flock with no shepherd or a shepherd with no rod, no staff? There would be no protection, no sense of security, no direction. Imagine also if an old stubborn wild sheep were to suddenly have a good shepherd. How well would this sheep adapt. I would think it will take an extreme instance to make the sheep subjected to the shepherd. Now imaging being a sheep which does not know life without a shepherd, I bet this sheep does rather well in response to the shepherd. There have been two different walks of life for the sheep and both have strengths and weaknesses.

I also find the shepherd will always do everything in His power regardless of the sheep's past to ensure their well being and response to Him. The shepherd needs to be recognized as a powerful and wise protector and leader. The shepherds motives are for the love of the sheep.

We all have been lead by the Shepherd (God) whether we know it or not. We have been guided by the staff, protected from predators (Satan) and disciplined with the rod. Either we have grown up with the shepherd and know Him, or the shepherd has been taking great measures to wake us up and will continue to until we do. God loves us, He wants the best for us. It is up to us to submit to His terms and His power because His rod may be coming. Be broken and live.

Judged By The Cover.

2007-09-09T19:04:00.000-07:00

While attending a spirit filled conference in Kansas City I was first awe-inspired by the shier volume of people. We were seated in a convention center with a capacity of over 11 thousand; it was over capacity and overflow rooms were opened to accommodate. All these people were worshiping and seeking God.

Myself and five others left to eat and came back an hour later to something dreadful. It was a large room full of about 1500 people and 8000 items, clutter on seats. Claims and reservations. Absolutely shocked by the absent ministry leaders and seekers replaced by papers, gloves, bibles, and homemade laminates. I felt offended, then compassion. A good 90 total and 100% of the closest seats were reserved, with no on there. It told me they thought they deserved the spot more than the disciplined who show early. Then I felt compassion for them; as they are trying to run a selfless ministry with self-deserving hearts and they had not been convicted.

Today I have a simple challenge; what I have written is an observation of 11000 leaders in churches throughout the nation. What message are we putting out? What message are you putting out? Take some time and ask God to search you and convict you, we need to be light and salt.
God bless.

Having Beautiful Feet.

2007-09-09T06:30:00.000-07:00

Today I am going to use scripture to paint the background for this message. God's word is the manual to our lives, I feel it is appropriate to use it.

Colossians 3:1-2 "1Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."

What are the things of above?

Revelation 7:16 "16Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat."

Revelation 22:5 "5There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.

Revelation 21:25 "25On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there."

Philippians 1:27 "27Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel"

Romans 10:11-15

11As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." [Isaiah 28:16 says "whoever believes will not act hastily."]12For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." [Joel 2:32 Whoever calls on the name...]

14How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

Paul proposes a series of circumstantial but real issues as to the expansion of Gods Kingdom. Verses 14 & 15 seem to be a missionaries selling point and mission statement combined. He creates conviction and perpetuates action with these philosophical questions. He uses established Old Testament evidences to elebate a New Testament concept. How effective would he have been in addressing Rome plainly with "Jesus said...?" The interest and impact of this message would have certainly diminished.

To call on the name of the Lord, one must know the name of the Lord.
To know the name of the Lord/King is to know and believe in it's meaning
In order to hear and understand one must be told.
To be told, one must be sent to preach.
To preach is to have beautiful feet.
To have blessed feet is to have a blessed body and path in life. (this also might represent a blessed foundation on which one stands.

Ultimately feet are goofy looking a commonly dirty, to be blessed is to overlook these and find them absolutely beautiful.
Preachers of the Good News need continual blessings and Gods hand of guidance and healing in order to go on.

A Preachers Guidelines.

2 Timothy 4:2 "Preach the Word, be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction."
1 Timothy 4:13 "Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of scripture, to preaching and to teaching"
1 Timothy 2:12 "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."
Timothy was given strict guidelines to set the bar high, the same instructions go to all who preach Jesus. God is always guiding you . Isaiah 30:21-22 "whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying "This is the way; walk in it." Then you will defile your idols overlaid with silver and your images covered with gold; you will throw them away like a menstrual cloth and say to them, "Away with you!"

Whatever your calling, seek it for the betterment of the Kingdom of Heaven, Follow the guidelines given to us in scripture to maintain a Godly composure and Gods blessing. Carry the Gospel with you always, wherever you go.

God bless.

Bearing one another's Burdens.

2007-09-08T08:37:00.000-07:00

The story is told of a young sergeant and his company moving in on the enemy, when suddenly they are ambushed by a rain of gunfire all around them. They are trapped, it seems there is no way out. The sergeant is hit in both of hi legs. He falls face down in the mud; afraid to move he lays in excruciating, agonizing pain... saying his prayers. Day turns to night and the scene quiets. the sergeant makes every attempt to make his exit but he is unable to crawl even ten yards. The pain is too much. Blood loss has begun to make him cold and sleepy, his body is loosing too much blood.
Then through the darkness he sees a silhouette of two men heading his way. He though for a moment it could be a rescue team for him; but then he heard them speaking in a language other than his own. It was the enemy. He could not take his eyes off the moving figures; it was as if he were staring death in the face, immobilized by a combination of fear and pain he sets there motionless. The men stop and investigate dead bodies near him and take weapons and boots off the bodies. soon they were right next to him, again he says his prayers and asks God for help. The enemy gets to his body and BANG, BANG, BANG. The man flinched and screamed ready for death. The shots were on target, fatal and they came from a rescue team. They knew his location and saved him just in time.

What would have happened if the rescue team would have never come? The young sergeant would have been captured, tormented and killed. The two enemy soldiers would have been too much for him to handle in his current state. Sometimes in our own lives it seems like we can't handle what is going on. We need an interceding member to make our load lighter or even outright eliminate the weight on our shoulders.

Let us go to scripture and see what God says on the matter: We are commanded to bear one another's burdens in order to fulfill the law of Christ. Galations 6:2 "bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

What is Christ's law and how is it fulfilled? Galatians 5:14 "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "you shall love your neighbor as yourself."" Christ's law is loving our neighbor and part of that is bearing each other's burdens. We cannot possibly deal with our own burden on our own, we need guidance and support. Our burdens and sin are like an immovable anchor around our necks, or a ball and chain limiting our ability to accomplish things. We need others to lean on for guidance and support and who also lean on us for the same things because it cannot be done without help.

How are we to bear the burdens of others if we are dealing with our own problems? The answer is revealed in scripture: Romans 12:15 "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep." Have we ever said "why does all the good stuff always happen to them?" This verse tells us we should be rejoicing with them, not complaining or feeling upset because these things didn't happen to us. If we share in rejoicing over them for their good happenings they should in return share in the sorrow we have and lift us up.

Why should we do such a thing, it doesn't make complete sense? I Corinthians 12: 27-31 "now you are the body of Christ and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way." We are all members of the body of Christ and need to be acting as one body, so one members burden should become the burden of the rest thus the body may act as one. Sometimes we need to go to someone who has been through something similar for the support and guidance we need in order to get through it. Going to the wrong person with a problem will not provide a correct solution for it.

We cannot deal with sin on our own. Isn't that something. Let me say it again. We cannot deal with sin on our own. We could never carry our own sin alone, sin is an immovable anchor around our necks. There is only one way to have relief from sin (which sends us to Hell) and that is to put in in the hands of someone who has already dealt with sin. 1 Peter 3:18 "For Christ suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the spirit." Christ died, went to Hell and dealt with the issue of sin on His own and three days later rose. He did this that we may find deliverance from sin in Him. There is nobody else who truly knows how to eliminate sin, there is only Jesus. So turn to Jesus with your greatest burden, SIN and give it to Him for He will deal with it properly.

We are commanded to bear each other's burdens. Are we doing what we are commanded to do? Are we fulfilling the law of Christ? The best place to start is by submitting our burden and sin to Jesus because He is the only one who can always help. Jesus is our rescue team, He is there just in the knick of time to save us and bear the burden of sin, for us because nobody else can. Thank you Lord.

God bless.

Open Doors!

2007-09-06T19:14:00.001-07:00

One of the hardest things about being a Christian is learning to hear the voice of God. There are many times when we may think we know what God wants us to do and when we act, we fail. What's the deal? Are we missing the message, or is it really that difficult. Doesn't God want us to be the gloves on His hands?

I am going to be truthful with you; I too go through seasons of failure. I have been meditating on purpose for a while now. There are so many people, myself included; of whom want to be used in mighty ways. People possesing the gifts to do so, but it doesn't seem like the right doors open. I was browsing some old pictures and I found something revealing. God gave me the answer when I was not looking for it. It was a picture of a door, removed from it's hinge, beat up and against a wall. What does it mean?

I began to think about doors and what they represent: doors represent a paths or ways access, it is an obstacle in the way, an open door grants the ability to go through and follow the path or way it provides, and a closed door represents inability to do so.

God has spoken these two verses to me, in revelation over this picture; Revelation 3:8 (New International Version) "I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name." Matthew 7:7-8 (New International Version ) "7 ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds;" This became something so profound in my life I cannot contain it; God is so amazing.

Here's the end result. I saw a picture of a beat up door which has been removed and placed against a wall; walls represent defenses by the way. I saw the beat up door and it reminded me of the constant petitioning/knocking I have done for an open door. Then I noticed the door was removed from it's original place. The door was no longer serving its purpose, the doorway was cleared of its obstacle. The wall was cracked and repaired and on the other side of the door, this represented a defense which is impenetrable and a path that goes no place. Finally God showed me that the picture represented a focus. I have spent all of this time banging on a door, focusing on what was in my way instead of the way I was pursuing. God had already done what He said He would do. The door was not only opened but it was removed, thus opening "a door that no one can shut," and "knock and the door will be opened to you." My problem was my focus, I was depending on myself and how I was going to move that door, not trusting that it was already taken care of and having something called faith. I now can look at a perfect open doorway; perhaps freedom really was just a perspective away.

God bless you all and take your eyes of the obstacle and put your trust in the path God is defining for you; He will provide and His word will not return to Him Void.

Got Oil?

2007-09-05T19:38:00.000-07:00

What could fully represent both ends of this transition? What can be both worthless and have insurmountable worth? What causes disgrace yet becomes beautiful? What can be made clean of which is filthy in essence? How could something be built-up when broken in many pieces?

What if I were to say the worth is discovered in the realization of worthlessness, the beautiful made perfect through trial and revelation of disgrace, the clean made from reality given of such filth, and the built-up, made by breaking down walls and structures.

Disgrace brings filth, followed by worthlessness, which will lead to brokenness. We are then; Built up, made clean and beautiful and given worth. However we are built-up because of this brokenness caused by disgrace, filth and worthlessness. It is then when we realize the worth in as such, someone cares enough to pick up the pieces and make us clean and beautiful.

Each one of us is born with sin, since the fall of man. It is inevitable. We live lives full of disgrace, idolatry, sin. We are covered in filth, surrounded by filth and sin. What things we think we may have accomplished are as dirty rags. Why would anyone, let alone God, care or even love us, we are not worthy of such love.

Matt: 25: 1-4 “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. –Now Five of them were wise and five were foolish. –Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, -but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.”

We represent the bride of Christ and Jesus is a love-sick God. SoS 4:9 “You have ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse; you have ravished my heart with one look, with one link of your necklace.”

Ravished: To seize and carry away, to over whelm with emotion, to enrapture, enthralled, to move, to delight beyond measure.

Sister = he knows us for who we are

Sister – spouse is not an insistial application. We man and woman are known by god for who we are and will not be in a marriage like man and woman, but will have the privilege of being with Him for all eternity on the most personal and intimate levels.

Jesus really is love-sick for us, He is absolutely ruined over us.

All it takes is one true look …. Seeking and finding
One sincere act of will…. The neck symbolizes a persons will.
It all is valued, it all is important and you mean a whole lot to Him.

I remember when I first saw my wife walking up the isle on our wedding day, by bride was ready. It did something to me, it confirmed everything we went through to get there, it stirred my heart, shook it and I felt it… I felt pangs of pain in my body as I died to myself for my bride. She stole me in that moment. This was the most horrifically beautiful moment in my life.

When we take a real look, when we truly seek after and see Jesus for all he is; He is moved in the very same way. He is totally ravished in that moment, this is a moment when his bride is looking and willing towards Him, it is a moment when He realized how much worth it, it was to die for us.

Our lives are the preparation and walk up the isle, and Jesus is eagerly awaiting his bride. Matt, 25:1-13 1 “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
6 “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ 7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. 11 “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ 12 But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’
13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

We need to have spiritual oil, we need to be ready for the bridegroom when the time comes. We obtain spiritual oil through the pouring out of ourselves through prayer and worship with god, intimacy with God fills us up.

The Life and Work of Christ (Part III)

2007-09-03T07:54:00.000-07:00

This is the conclusion to messages The life and Work of Christ Part I and Part II

How can all this be done? First we must Live Matthew 16:24 and Philemon 1:6. Matthew 16-24 "Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me." Philemon 1:6 "That the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus." This is done through faith, discipline in the renewal of mind, laboring, and profession.

It all starts with faith and faith may be the hardest part. Faith is nothing more than absolute trust. To put faith in God is to trust Him completely with EVERYTHING. 1 Timothy 6:12, "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” To "fight the good fight," is to persevere in faith. Faith perpetuates the Christian walk, without it we are dead weight.

To have Absolute trust and faith forces ones mind to go into a state of logistical delirium. Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith is irrational to the logistical mind. For this reason we must discipline our mind to accept and believe what does not seem to be physically attainable. Romans 10:17, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Here we see, the more we feed our mind spiritual meat the greater our faith. Our mind must be made subject to the things of God in order to have absolute faith.

We must also labor towards the things of God. This is done through a few vehicles: Holy Sacraments, service, and perseverance. This helps us to live Philemon 1:6 and confines our spiritual gifts, wisdom and faith. Another thing we may labor with is the exercise of Profession. This uses our faith, the fruits of disciplining the mind, and laboring to build our faith up. Confusing? Titus 3:8, “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.” Profession is a tool used in our daily walk with Christ. It includes: confession, corresponding actions, affirmation, reckoning or counting, acknowledgment, audible and quiet meditation, seeing what God sees, quiet or audible agreement, audible and mental thanks, thanksgivings through giving, and praising God for what He has done. All of these things exercise ones faith through the meditation of God's Word, reflection and thanksgiving as well as claiming the promises of God with authority.

With a firm understanding of the foundation and work of Christ' Work and love; Christians may have a clear view of life as well as enter into rest. We have reviewed near every aspect of Christ' Work and the application therein, now go and labor towards rest. As a Christ said.... "It is Finished."

The Life and Work of Christ Part II

2007-09-03T07:50:00.000-07:00

THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF YESTERDAYS MESSAGE THE LIFE AND WORK OF CHRIST PART I

With the basic foundation laid out We may now get into the length, depth, breadth, and height figurative of the "Four Dimensions of the Work of Christ."

The first dimension/precept/phase is the Crucifixion. It is easy to understand Jesus died on the cross for our sins; there is no mystery in that. However; there is more to it. The first phase a Christian must go through is self-death. Romans 6:6-8, “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him” When one dies to self, only then may life in Christ be achieved. Romans 6:10-11, "For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” This confirms the need to die to self. Christ' work on the cross initiated salvation, when we invite Him into our lives we must learn how to die to self. Matthew 16-24 "Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me."

Following Jesus is a necessity and Colossians 3:1-3 tells us the basic truth as to how, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” To aid us along in Christ we should live Philemon 1:6 "That the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus." According to the great commission we should share the gospel with others, if we are focused on "things above not on things on earth," we will be effective ministers for the Kingdom.

The second dimension/precept/phase is Christ' "Descension, confrontation with, and subsequent stripping of the power the devil had over man." (TSF Four Dimensions of the Love of Christ.) Jesus had to have descended into hell to defeat Satan; this is shown in God's infallible Word: Ephesians 4:9-10, “Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.” In dimension one; Jesus had to die as Sin so He could deal with, and defeat it in dimension two of His work. Colossians 2:15, "And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” This will bring us into the third dimension of His work.

The resurrection marks the third dimension. Now there has been atonement for sin and the defeat of Satan, Jesus conquers death itself. Romans 6:9, “Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.” If we die to sin, put trust in Christ' defeat of Satan we too, being in Christ, need not to worry about death for it has no dominion. The Resurrection also marks our rebirth as a new creation. When we take up our cross and die to self, Jesus defeats Satan and we are born annew of incorruptible seed. 1 Peter 1:23, "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." We are born again as new creations free of the bonds of sin, perfect and white as snow. How worthy of praise is our Lord who creates in us a new creation!

Finally we have the Ascension. Ephesians 2:6, “And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:” This is the rest we are to "labor towards." The final result of the Christian life is REST dwelling with Jesus in the "heavenly places." When we walk in The Way and claim the promises and works of Christ on our lives; we may obtain rest. How marvelous!

Tomorrow I will Have the Complete wrap up of the message, please check it out, otherwise there are too many loose ends in the message.

The Life and Work of Christ Part I

2007-09-03T07:40:00.000-07:00

I have a nice treat for you guys, I will be teaching on the life and work of Christ for the next three days. Please visit me each day to get the full potential of the teaching. Enjoy!

The ultimate goal of a Christian should be to become "Christ-like." It is by comprehending the work of Christ in proper context whereby one may reach understanding and a Christ-like walk as well as rest. "My people are destroyed for a lack of Knowledge." (Hosea 4:6) For this reason it becomes a must for Christians to understand the work of Christ and its applications and enter into rest.

There are four dimensions of the Work or Love of Christ referred to in Ephesians 3:17-21, "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." The work and love of Christ is not one dimensional, it makes up every perceivable realm of reality. The work of Christ is meant to be something people can live in, not just follow.

We are told in Isaiah 28:9-13 of "......precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:..." These precepts and lines each are four and represent specific doctrines and knowledge to be understood by those "weaned from the milk..." or no longer living in the sense of "natural man." It is meant to be understood by new creations in Christ because the "natural man" cannot comprehend it fully. There are also four measures of depth outlined in Ezekiel 47:1-5: ankle deep, knee deep, waist deep, and over the head deep waters to be swum in. These represent "to me" walking with God through each of the four phases of Christ work as they occur in me.

The state of swimming as just mentioned is relative to "rest." Christians are to labor towards this rest by doing four things: Learning, Knowing, Deciding to believe and deciding to trust. When one has faith they have decided to trust fully. We enter into rest when we learn the promises of God, Meditate on them, believe in them and put our trust in them. John 6:28-29, "Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent."

To best understand Christ' work one must understand the nature of man. Romans 7:15, "For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I." Man works against himself; although we know what is right, what is healthy and want to follow these things, by nature man does the things they wish not to do. For this reason one must understand their nature before they can grasp Christ' love and work.

The fall of man in Eden marked all to follow with what some call "original sin," or a corruptible seed. This is the seed of Satan: 1 Corinthians 15:45, "And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit." The corruptible seed was placed by Satan in the soul of man. The soul is defined as "(Greek – Psuche - soft) Breath, referring to breath as in the natural breath of life; a soft breeze as opposed to a blast of air. Soul is the place - our emotions and our mind are the battleground." This differs from the spirit of man which is defined: "(Greek – Pneuma - powerful) A current or blast of air, breath or breeze; figurative of the human or Holy Spirit, innermost being." As we can see from the scripture the "last Adam" or old Adam represents man before the fall, a "quickening spirit." After the fall man became a "living soul" as a result of the corruptible seed sown by Satan.

There is a promise however; man is not to be slave to corruptible seed forever. Genesis 3:15, "And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." God is speaking to Satan here and we see the first promise of deliverance. "her seed" is Jesus Christ and "thy seed" is sin. "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5)

With this promise we may receive the incorruptible seed: 1 Peter 1:23, "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." We are reborn by the word of God and of an incorruptible seed. We are reborn by Jesus for He is the word of God: John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." There is a new creation in Christ.... Thank you Jesus!

Mission Statement.

2007-09-02T06:31:00.000-07:00

I have had many people asking me, who I am and some what my purpose is in all of this. I feel it proper to post my mission statement. This statement is not unique to myself and should relate or help define God's purpose for all Christians.

Mark 12:33 "To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." This is the calling God has on my life. I am to love God with all I have; truthfully I believe one never really owns a thing but their life. My reasoning is this: All the things in this world are but a whisper in the wind, hardly worth noting as anything significant in comparison to eternity. Things of this world will come and go. Things one acquires with money, work, and time which are not eternal, one does not own. For these things are left behind; "taken away," so to say, after their time comes. The only thing a person is given which will always be; no matter what ones choices are, is their being. Ecclesiastes 5:15 "Naked a man comes from his mother's womb, and as he comes, so he departs. He takes nothing from his labor that he can carry in his hand."

Having said this I ask myself this question, "whose life am I living?" Although this life is "my" life initially, God wants it all. I could offer Him my every success and act and give all the glory to God, but for me this is not enough. He wants everything.

It took me a while to understand this as a baby Christian but as He worked in me this question came to the surface and I needed an answer. Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." This verse is so incredibly convicting to me. My life is no longer "my life", it is Christ's life now. Now He has it all and in good reason too. I say, "dying for me is what He did, living for Him is all I can do."

I fully submit my life to Him because He gave His for me, 1 John 4:19 "We love Him because He first loved us." Christ governs this life because He earned it with His life. My sacrifice is my own life, John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." I want to offer the greater love to Jesus.

In submitting this life to God it is my duty to follow his will. This is where Loving my neighbor comes in. This is the base of my ministry. All I can do is love. Loving my neighbor requires me to put them on a higher level than myself. If I know the joy Christ brings and I have blissful eternity, and I don't know if those around me do. Then I am convicted and motivated to allow the Holy Spirit to guide them to paradise (through me if it is His will), to allow Christ to lead them to him using me as a vessel of ministry. Loving them is giving them a chance to feel what I feel and know what I know, because I want them to experience it. This nation is in dire need of God, this world is in desperate need of Christ. It is my calling to offer my life as a utensil of outreach. Using my gifts to better the kingdom of God and lay up treasure in heaven.

I will endure as my God sustains me and fight the good fight, do the good will, and live the good life. I will submerge myself in the good word, seek goodness, and trust in goodness. For God Is GOOD.

If you have not written a mission statement for yourself, I encourage you to. It is something you can look back on to keep you on track and give you direction. Everyone was created with a purpose thus there is a mission. Seek the purpose and mission God has for you, write it down and keep it. Give it to your friends and let them know what you live for. If you like post your statement as a reply to this message so many more can check it out.

God Bless

Who's Example Are You?/An Example Worth Following.

2007-08-31T19:45:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been writing so much about, "doing" and taking action as a Christian in order to represent Christ to the best of our abilities. I feel today I will post a study I wrote some time ago entitled "Who's Example Are You?/An Example Worth Following." It is a lengthy one but it is direction for our lives.

INTRODUCTION: Society has a poor view of Christians and what it means to be a Christian. Are we being bad examples to society as a whole?

--> -->The bible speaks of examples…
Imitating those who are good examples. Ph. 3:17 "Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you."

1 Corinthians 11:1 "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."

b. Being a good example to others (young people) 1 Tim 4:12 "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."

2. Such scriptures should cause one to wonder…

a. Who is my example, my role model as a Christian?

b. Whose example am I as a Christian?

c. What kind of example do I set as a Christian?

{in this study, "Examples Worth Following" , let's consider these questions more carefully…}

--> --> Who is your example?

--> -->A. Is it the lord Jesus Christ….?

--> -->1. --> -->He was for the apostle Paul- 1 Corinthians 1:11

--> -->2. He should be our example as well.

--> -->a. On how to please one another – Romans 15:1-3 "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.""

--> -->b. On how to love one another – Eph 5:1-2 "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

--> -->c. On how to look out for one another – Phil 2:4-5 "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus."

--> --> d. On how to suffer patiently when mistreated – 1 Peter 2:20-23 "But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

"He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

JESUS CERTAINLY SERVES AS OUR PRIME EXAMPLE.

--> --> B. Is it the apostle Paul…?

--> -->1. As he urged the Corinthians – 1 Cor 4:6 ; 11:1

--> --> a. To give no offense – 1 Cor 10:32

--> --> b. To seek the benefit of others – 1 Cor 10:33

--> --> 2. As he urged the Philippians – Ph 3:17

--> --> a. Not to consider themselves to have attained perfection – Ph 3:12 (beginning of verse)

--> --> b. To press on to maturity – Ph 3:12(end of verse)-15

--> -->c. To live according to the level they have learned – Ph 3:16

--> --> d. To enjoy a close relationship with the God of peace – Ph 4:9

--> --> 3. As he praised and encouraged the Thessalonians

--> --> a. For receiving the Word despite affliction – 1 Thes 1:6

--> --> b. To avoid being a burden to others – 2 Thes 3:7-10

PAUL AND OTHER NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANS PROVIDE WONDERFUL EXAMPLES.

--> --> C. Is it other faithful Christians…?

--> --> 1. As Paul exhorted the Philippians – Ph 3:17

--> --> a. To note those walking like Paul.

--> --> b. To consider them a pattern to follow.

--> --> 2. As exhorted be the writer to the Hebrews

--> --> a. To imitate the faith and patience of those who inherit the promises – He 6:12

--> --> b. To follow the faith of those who rule over us – He 13:7

MANY CHRISTIANS TODAY DO PROVIDE EXAMPLES WORTHY OF EMULATION.

{Whose example are you following? You are imitating either Christ or some other Christian (either living or dead) Does your life suggest the example you are following is less than exemplary (I.e. the Laodiceans – Re 3:14-16) Closely related to this is another question…}

--> --> II. Whose example are you…?

--> --> A. Is it not other Christians…?

--> --> 1. Your brothers and sisters in the Lord?

--> --> 2. Especially those who are babies in Christ?

--> --> 3. But even more mature Christians?

-- Christians should be mindful of their example on one another,

Note. 1 Th 1:7; 1 Ti 4:12, 2:7

--> --> B. Is it not young children…?

--> --> 1. Who naturally look up to their parents?

--> --> 2. Who are also influenced by others?

--> --> a. Adults often are like their parents

--> --> b. Older children too.

Christians should be mindful of their example upon the young – Mat 18:6

--> --> C. Is it not unbelievers…?

--> --> 1. Who see if we "walk the talk"?

--> --> 2. Who often gauge the value of following Christ by our example?

--> --> 3. Who judge the church by it's members?

Christians should be mindful of their example seen by the world – 1 Pet 2:12

{Whether we want to be or not, we are examples to others, especially the young in years and young in faith. So let me ask…}

--> --> III. What kind of an example are you?

--> --> A. Is it indicative of a faithful Christian..?

--> --> 1. Showing the world what it means to be a Christian?

--> --> 2. Showing Babies in Christ what maturity means as a disciple?

-- Is your example helping or hindering discipleship in others?

B. Is it Conducive to the church growth…?

1. Offering a noble pattern of faithful church
attendance?

2. Setting a good example of developing one's
abilities for Christ?

3. Providing a worthy model of involvement in service to the Lord and His Church?

-- Is your example helping or hindering the cause of Christ?

Conclusion.

--> --> 1. I hope these questions have prompted serious introspection on your part…

--> --> a. As to who is your example or role model as a Christian

--> --> b. As to the sort of example or role model you are setting for others.

Though written to a young preacher, I encourage you to apply Pauls words to yourself.

--> --> a. Be an example to the believers – 1 Tim 4:12 a

--> --> b. Be an example in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity – 1 Tim 4:12 b

You cannot escape being an example to others. Your only choice is what kind of example you will be. Will you be one of the many "examples worth following?"

Surprise!

2007-08-30T21:33:00.001-07:00

Hey Guys I have a prayer request. Today during worship practice my wife came and whispered something in my ear which made me throw my guitar in it's case and run off the stage. My wife is 32 weeks pregnant and came to tell me she needed to go to the hospital. What else was there to do. April had tears in her eyes, she was scared. It turned out to be a very small complication and the baby is still in there, praise God. Don't you love surprises? Pray that the rest of the pregnancy goes well and both April and our unborn child (Selah) maintain good health.

"Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night." 1 Thess 5:1-2 Tells us we will not be sure of the exact time of His coming. We are later told to be watchful however; so we will be prepared for the big surprise.

Just yesterday I was looking out towards Lake michigan on my way home from church and I saw what looked to be an orange clock tower through a silhouette of tree branches. After a closer look I noticed it was a crimson moon and it was very low, my response: "O' God, I have not yet fully repented." talk about conviction through God's creation. Needless to say I am writing this now and the rapture did not occur. Being watchful for Jesus' return is a great thing, make sure you are prepared and your heart is right. There is no guarantee of tomorrow, give your life over to Him and ask Him to make you without blemish because His coming is not something we can plan.

Typically I would write more but it has been a long night and I have to get up for work soon, so God bless.

A Slave In Darkness

2007-08-29T20:53:00.000-07:00

Posted this message as a blog on Myspace a little while ago and thought it fit just fine in this blog.

I was doing some studying in my bible and I found a piece of paper in it with a few verses written. Perhaps it was the rough for a sermon I planned to give, but God must have lead me in another direction. Any who, I found the paper and I feel I should complete the task I began with just a few verses long ago and apply them as a simple lesson. Isn't it amazing how God uses forgotten things to renew old ideas and dreams.
A SLAVE IN DARKNESS?

John 8:34 "Jesus answered them, "most assuredly, I say to you, Whoever commits sin is a slave of sin."" This reminds me of common claches such as "once a liar/cheater/thief/ect. always one." If a person has ever lied which I am sure most have, they are a "liar." They are held captive by the sin committed, they have been labeled with a permanent marker. Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God." We are all dirty sinners. God does not accept excuses like "But that was a long time ago," or "It never happened again, did it!" Once we have sin we are sinners and destined to burn. We are held prisoner by this sin, it weighs us down, fills us with guilt, denial or darkness. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23) Sin itself will eventually catch up to us, we can spend our time on earth running from past sin, denying sin, or in sin. What always happens in the end is Sin brings spiritual and physical death. All with sin are on death row in a cell called sin.

In the world today, we compromise eternity for fleshy ambitions, personal satisfaction, wealth, augmentation and glory. We legalize what our flesh wants and make it "good" and refuse to see any harm in it. The real sin resides in the root of the ambition. I have never heard of someone who wanted to build a mass of wealth so they could give it all away and glorify god. The motivation is personal and of the flesh, thus the actions taken in pursuit become motivated by sin, ie. a slave of sin. This may not be the case for all or even for many but the ultimate reality is that if we have sin we are separated from God and will spend our lives trying to find the missing element or content due to desensitization. All those with sin are slaves to sin.

John 3:20 "For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds be exposed." Get this.... Those who live in sin try to hide it!!! People know what is right and wrong, it is the thing wired in our system, a conscience. The shame of sin can make us captive, One lie is covered up by another and another and so on. Instead of admitting to sin and being discovered as a sinner in need of salvation, they hide it in order to appear content to others or for stature of men. They deny it to avoid the humiliation and embarrassment. They deny their need for Christ because they don't want others to find out they were not strong enough to make it without Him. There is this little thing called pride and it comes right before destruction. Guess what! Nobody is strong enough, We all are sinners, and you cannot hide your sin from God. But still they run from Jesus and cover up sin with sin. They are prisoners of sin.

Escaping sin and it's grasp is impossible with out Jesus. Sin holds us in a spiritual Alcatraz and we cannot escape it without the greatest super-hero of all time, Jesus Christ. Jesus is the answer. He died to free us from sin. To free us from Satan's hold and hell itself. Ephesians 2:8 "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the Gift of God." We must have faith in God. We must turn to him in humility, Be broken fully and discovered as dirty sinners to be made precious and white as snow. We live in a world held captive by sin but believing in freedom. Live in a world of freedom and seek the captive. Jesus is the only way, the only truth and the only life, everything else is meaningless. Let us turn to God as humble and meek servants and help set some captives free.

May God Bless you all.

You Are Only Worth 1%.

2007-08-29T07:12:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been doing some work as a roofer. I remember the first job site I showed up to, it seemed so defeating. The pitch of the roof was so steep that not one person could stand upright on the roof; we just slid on down. It was early in August and the heat hadn't given up, they say if you take the normal temperature and add fifteen to twenty degrees you get roof temperature. Synopsis: Hot, nasty, dirty work. Some enjoy this type of work, but I have been called to a pastoral office, this type of work is a new thing for me. As bad as this job gets; however, if God asked me to do it for Him, I would gladly do it.... without pay. Many of us are quick to do what someone may request of us especially if they are important. Perhaps helping a friend move or mowing the neighbors lawn without compensation. What if your pastor asked you to help him work on his car. For the most part these things are classified under "deeds or works" and are done with joy. Did you know that when you go to work each day, God has asked you to do that for Him; sometimes without pay.

Think of your job, whatever it is. What if God asked you to work a half day out of the week for free fro Him? Would you do it? What if He were manifest right in front of you and then asked you, would you do it, doesn't He deserve it? Would it really be that hard to do? The question is not, can you afford to do it. The question is would you do it and God is asking. Wouldn't you go to work for the equivalent (four hours) to help a friend in need.

I am going to let you in on a little secret..... God has already asked! Not only has He asked but He as added a promise to it too, Luke 6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." It just so happens that half a day in a standard five day work week is a "tithe" or tenth of your work week, go figure.

God doesn't need our money, that is not the point of giving to Him. The Bible is full of people making sacrifices and giving to the church. Around Jesus' time people were spending up to 30% of their anual earnings every year for a sacrifice at a temple in Jerusalem. In Deuteronomy laws are given and among them were concepts of giving 10% or every tenth sheep in a flock. God want us to give back to Him and with good reason... So He can show us His provision and love.

Now 10% or a "Tithe" is a standard and is expected, but God cares more about why we give than how much we give sometimes too. Mark 12:41-44 "41Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. 43Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on." This lady gave 100% out of her heart, and because of that Jesus rejoiced and elevated her gift about that of the rich man which was many times greater.

Hopefully you have been giving your "tithe," it is God's money because He has asked of it. If you haven't been perhaps now you will, He deserves it. Don't tell God "you are only worth 1%" because after what He did for us He deserves more than we could ever give. Let God know you trust Him and He will bless you abundantly, Give your tithe, that is 10%.

Why Suffer?

2007-08-28T03:51:00.000-07:00

Here's a remarkable thing: 1 Peter 3:17 "It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." Who would have thunk it! This is one of those verses that seem to mention the obvious. I love these verses because sometimes the simplest most obvious things are also the most profound. Let me say it again, "It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." Does this mean we are supposed to suffer?

Verse 18 goes on to say "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit." Our sins are as far away from us as the east is from the west. We have been set free from the binds and curse of sin. Hallelujah! However this does not mean we will not suffer at all, it just means we don't have to suffer for eternity for our sins. You with me?

Now check this out: Romans 8: 35-39 "35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written: “ For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” 37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." How can we be conquerors if we have nothing to overcome? We may face "tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword," and we will be faced with principalities, powers, thing of past and present and all sorts of shapes. But always remember it is for and because of the love of Christ that we will come out victorious.

We must suffer, it is a part of life as morbid as it seems. Could you imagine being a Christian without suffering. Seems like it would be easy huh! EEEEEEEEEEERR Wrong! If being a Christian meant never suffering, what need would we have to depend on God for. We all need to go through some things so we can learn to lean on Him. In our walk with Christ we need to suffer from time to time for His sake and the sake of strengthening our faith. Haven't you heard the saying "if you don't use it you lose it." We exercise our faith not when we are doing well but when we need something or there is a mountain in front of us; we need to exercise our faith.

We all should have learned by the time were wee; it is really bad to suffer for being bad. It is something ingrained in us "if you do the crime you do the time." A person cannot escape the repercussions of their wrong actions on life, so it makes sense to suffer for wrong-doing, isn't that justice. But to suffer for Christ is a noble thing. It is also a required thing, without it Christianity as a whole would have perished at the cross because nobody would have made any sacrifices. Our relationship with God should be a take, take, give relationship, not a take, take, take. What I mean is God provides us with so much and he will continue to do so but He desires we give some back, perhaps make some sacrifices for Him; after all He did suffer and die for us and does deserve our sacrifice.

1 Peter 3:13-15 "13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." Our best defense against this unavoidable suffering is to be prepared standing on the word of God. The word of God is your sword, do not go into battle without it. Proverbs 16:7 "When a man's ways please th Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him."

God bless

Sensitive To The Irrational

2007-08-27T07:40:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite stories is the story of Balaam. Numbers 22-24 There are a couple of things that happen here which tickle me to death. It makes me realize how creative God is in defining a path for us.

In case you didn't read Numbers 22-24 I will retell one of the parts that just gets me. Balaam was being summoned by Balak to curse Isreal because Balak knew he wasn't strong enough to defeat them fairly. Balaam heard from God and was told not to do it. Later God tells him to go with Balak's men but to only do as God tells him to. The next morning Balaam gets up and heads out on his donkey, Balaam left on his own and did not wait for God. This made God a little upset.

Now the irrational begins. God sends an angel to stop Balaam perhaps even kill him if he did not stop. The funny thing is Balaam's donkey saw the angel and flipped out, not once but three times, each time the donkey was beaten by Balaam. Eventually God "opened the mouth of the donkey: and the donkey spoke to Balaam saying something like "what have I done to you, why are you beating me?" Talk about being sensitive to the irrational, Balaam responded to the donkey as a matter of a fact the two had a full conversation. If my dog was like, "hey, what's up?" I would have been admitting myself to a psych institute or something, most definitely would not have carried out a conversation. But God used the donkey to convict Balaam and save his life.

Here comes the other irrational thing. Balaam has told Balak that he will only do what God commands him to but goes with him anyways. Balak still brings Balaam with hopes that he will curse Isreal. After altars and sacrifices are made Balaam recieves the words to say from God. Balaam opens his mouth not to curse Isreal but blesses them. If I were Balak I would have been torqued and he was but he was stupid too. Then Balak brings Balaam to another spot and tells Balaam to try again, and again he blesses them and tells Balak that Isreal cannot be cursed by God because He has already blessed them. I would think that would be enough to give up but Balak parades around with Balaam and Isreal keeps getting blessed. I just laugh every time I think about Balak's stupidity and stubbornness.

Is God going to speak to us through a donkey? Most likely.... no. But God does choose irrational things sometimes to guide us. Quitting a job to become a missionary in a third world country is completely foolish in the flesh but wise if God commands us to. Telling somebody you don't know about Jesus just because you were prompted to by the Holy Spirit doesn't make sense to the natural. God is always trying to get us out of our box. He is trying to get us out of the comfort zone so we have to rely on Him. Learn to discern the voice of God and get out of your comfort zone, you may be surprised at what God does in a situation. The more we get out of the box and just do as God leads us, the greater our faith will be, as I stated in a previous message "and by works faith was made perfect" When we do what God REALLY tells us to do, (even if it doesn't make complete sense,) we can expect to grow in faith and relationship with our Lord.

God bless.

What Does He Require?

2007-08-26T05:40:00.000-07:00

Micah 6:8 "He has shown you, o man what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and walk humbly with you God." Micah chapter six is God's rebuke of His people who have neglected Him to the point of ignorance. In this verse it seems as if God is saying through Micah, "Is that really too much to ask for all I have done, to act like a decent person and pursue a relationship with Me?"

When I look at most of the minor prophet books in God's Word; I sometimes wonder why they are there. They are full of God's anger with His people and disappointment. But they also have a gleam of redemption. "What good is this doing me?" We live in the twenty-first century and the price has been paid for my mistakes, certainly we are not in danger of such wrath, or are we.

As I have stated in a previous message; "accepting His existence is not enough, even the demons believe in Him and know what he did, but that does not save them." (Doing.) The gist of it is Micah 6:8 and all the other books in the Old Testament are just as inspired and is as much God's Word as the New Testament, the two must be read and understood together because the two together complete God's Holy Word. I often find the old testament telling us of standard guidelines towards righteousness as well as learning about people, how they operate, and how people back then messed up just like we do today and God still uses them. There is an outline in Micah 6:8 which should still be used as an evaluation of ones walk with the God.

There are three things mentioned in this passage as an evaluation of what God may expect: Two types of spiritual fruit, inward and outward fruit, and a desire to walk with Him along life's journey.

"To act Justly," is the first of the requirements put on His people. This is the outward fruit. It is something which requires a deed or temperament adjustment. It is holding the door for someone or being a friend to one in need. It is to be salt, a light, or a city on a hill which cannot be hidden. God wants us to "represent" as some may put it. God wants us to be a reflection of Him and this definitely includes in our daily actions. It is something we all could work on and should labor towards.

"To love Mercy," Follows. Mercy is an attribute of God, and loving mercy is an inward fruit. I do not think if we just love this one attribute of our Father that it is what he really wants. I think He is saying we should love Him. However; there is a dual purpose here too. To love mercy also represents a change of heart. Loving mercy is to show mercy and enjoy doing it. It is realizing what mercy has already been shown you and reflecting it in our own lives.

Lastly is "to walk humbly with your God." God so desires a relationship with you, not just an acquainted type relationship but an intimate relationship. God wants to be in every step you make, he wants to be a major catalyst in your life... so much to the point He is jealous over the stupid things we sometimes place before Him. This relationship is the kicker, not having this relationship means eternal separation from Him. Matthew Chapter 7 21"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!" Those words "I never knew you," are to be taken to heart. Do not fall in love with deeds or religion, fall in love with Jesus and have real relationship.

Now take the time to evaluate yourself, if you so feel led o read my message Doing again. God just wants to know you and out of a real, intimate, relationship will come all sorts of fruit. God bless you, and keep living for Him.

Liquid Gold

2007-08-25T06:51:00.000-07:00

I came across a serious case of writers block this morning. It is difficult at times focus on the Lord when life can be so busy. Each day when we get up there is an agenda that must be filled and a list in need of completion... simply put, we live in a culture saturated with time obligations.

Today I woke up feeling a bit dehydrated and that is a bad thing today because I give plasma twice a week and today is the day to do it. I was frustrated trying to focus on God but knowing I had to be drinking and eating as well with only an hour to do so. I said to myself, "where is God in all of this, surely there is something here" and that is when it hit me, my message for the day:

"Liquid Gold" this is a term used for human plasma, this implies the great value. I give plasma twice a week out of my heart and as an incentive I receive a cash donation. Although the cash is nice, it is not the driving force behind giving. Plasma is used to save lives, I am used to save lives because I give it. Plasma is contained in a persons blood and it is largely composed of water, but there are precious proteins and nutrients in it as well which a persons body needs. Where is God in this?

There is a great amount of symbolism in the process of plasma giving. Plasma is in my blood so in order for them to get it they must take my blood out. In a sense then; my blood is a saving vehicle. I get a picture of Christs' blood and its saving power. 1 Peter 2:24 "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed." The blood that flows from His veins saves us from a death that is more than flesh but of the spirit. How much more precious is the blood of Christ than mine. I do not know for sure if there is any physical thing more valuable than that blood which was shed for us.

We were bought with a price, a high price. Paul over and over again would remind people saying "do you not know you have been purchased with a price." Christ blood which was shed for us is more valuable than we can put words to or a price tag on. This same value was placed on the lives of each one of you for it was considered worth it to purchase you with such a great price. I think at this time it is appropriate to reflect on the blood of Christ with a popular hymn.

God bless.
Words & Music: Robert Lowry, in Gospel Music, by William Doane and Robert Lowry

What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.