The Closet Door

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ClosetLike most kids, I was afraid of the dark.  I would turn off my bedroom light and run and jump in bed from about three feet away so the monsters under it couldn’t grab my ankles and pull me under.  I was especially afraid of the darkness that dwelled inside my closet.  Embarrassed to admit it, but I was 40 years old before I could leave the closet door open on purpose at bedtime.  Too many horror movies I guess.

There is another closet where darkness hangs I am still afraid.  It is the one in my heart.  I fear the part of me that does come out occasionally that can lead to monstrous results.  I desire someday I can leave its door open, on purpose, and not be afraid.  The only way that will ever happen is if I allow God to go there and clean out the closet, remove the darkness.

Darkness cannot remain when there is light, and God is: Light.

1Jo 1:5  This, in essence, is the message we heard from Christ and are passing on to you: God is light, pure light; there’s not a trace of darkness in him. (MSG)

That God is light – Light, in the Scriptures, is the emblem of purity, truth, knowledge, prosperity, and happiness – as darkness is of the opposite. John here says that “God is light” – not the light, or a light, but light itself; that is, he is himself all light, and is the source and fountain of light in all worlds. He is perfectly pure, without any admixture of sin. He has all knowledge, with no admixture of ignorance on any subject. He is infinitely happy, with nothing to make him miserable. He is infinitely true, never stating or countenancing error; he is blessed in all his ways, never knowing the darkness of disappointment and adversity.  (Barnes Notes – Bible Commentary)

Joy = Love + Laughter

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by  guest blogger Lydia Floren

Everyone loves to laugh.  Why is that?

  • Laughter is infectious.  If you are around someone who is bent over laughing (and also maybe about to pee their pants if they are a certain age), you immediately smile.  And if they keep on laughing, even if they don’t say a word, you start to laugh with them, and try to get their attention to find out what is so funny, so you can share the joke.
  • Laughter, like a good cry, is soul cleansing –but unlike tears, laughter doesn’t usually leave you exhausted or melancholy.  On the contrary, it is invigorating.
  • Laughter is bright. Not in an ethereal-luminous-sort of way, but in a blinding-flash-of-light kind of way.  In fact, you could say

Laughter is audible sunshine. 

Laughter is refreshing, especially when someone is laughing at themselves.  It reminds you not to take yourself too seriously.

  • Laughter is a game changer.When your sense of humor is tickled, and you start to laugh, whatever foul mood, or pity party, you might be experiencing tends to evaporate.
  • Laughter is a gift from God.  Think about it: God invented laughter, just as He did everything else we know and experience.  He programmed us each with our funny-o-meter. And here’s an interesting concept: God laughs.

God laughs?  Of course He does. In fact, I bet He laughs a lot.  No one could create some of the amazing quirky creatures in our world without a lively sense of humor.   He surely chuckles, as any loving parent would, at the many funny things we say and do.  And He must certainly laugh – in that deep satisfied way – when his children step into joy.

You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.
                Psalm 16:11  NASB

Joy is the hallmark of a person who lives in God’s presence.  Such a person loves. And smiles. And laughs.    

 You might say

Joy = Love + Laughter.

 

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The Spook Light

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hq25_hornet_spook_lightAs I was reading from the book of Psalms chapter 139, this past week, from The Message I was reminded of, “The Spook Light”.  What?  There is a light near the Oklahoma / Missouri border, just south of Joplin, MO. that has baffled people for 100s of years.  This light will appear on this one road in front of you, and if you drive to get closer it will disappear, but then appear behind you.  I saw this light when I was a young child.  I was supposed to be afraid, but instead, I was intrigued.

Psa 139:5  I look behind me and you’re there, then up ahead and you’re there, too– your reassuring presence, coming and going.
Psa 139:6  This is too much, too wonderful– I can’t take it all in!
Psa 139:7  Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit? to be out of your sight?
Psa 139:8  If I climb to the sky, you’re there! If I go underground, you’re there!
Psa 139:9  If I flew on morning’s wings to the far western horizon,
Psa 139:10  You’d find me in a minute– you’re already there waiting!

Do not fear God’s presence, but instead, be intrigued.  Look for it.  Seek it.  Embrace it.  Try your best to share that feeling of knowing God is there with you, around you, ahead of you, and behind you.  Even in the times you do not feel God, He is there.  He feels you.  He feels your pain, the moisture of your tears, and the weight of the words you call out to Him.  God is light, but He is no spook light.  His presence is nothing to fear.

Are You Afraid of Sin?

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DSC_6087When the serpent was talking to Eve, why didn’t she run?  Today if a serpent was around, most of us would run.  Before Eve’s eyes were opened she didn’t know any fear.  She didn’t need to, with the exception of fearing God, meaning respect Him, and His words.  Here in front of her was sin, evil, the downfall of mankind and the world, yet she wasn’t afraid.

Are you afraid of sin?  Are you afraid of your sin?  A lot people must not be because there is a lot of it going on.  Sinning that is.  Why?  1)  Some people don’t feel what they are doing is wrong.  They justify it in a number of ways.  Real deception is when they think the wrong they are doing is actually right.  2)  The other reason they aren’t afraid of their sin is they don’t know what it cost.  Ultimately it will cost them their life.  Before that it may cost them a good job, a loving family, friends.

All sin must be paid for.  There are only two ways to do this.  1)  Either you pay for your own sin, which means dying eternally in hell, a lake of fire, and utter darkness.  2)  You accept the fact the Son of God, Jesus Christ died on a cross to pay for your sins, which means you will live in eternity in heaven.

Live in heaven forever, or die in hell forever?  Are you afraid of sin now?  You should be.

Rom 3:23   For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (KJV)
Rom 6:23   Work hard for sin your whole life and your pension is death. But God’s gift is real life, eternal life, delivered by Jesus, our Master. (MSG)

To Be, or Not To Be?

/ Mark Brady / 1 Comment

BE

I have recently noticed some people will “be” at church, but not “be” the church.  There is a definitely a difference.  You see, there are those that think “being” at church is all that is required to get into heaven.  Unfortunately, for them, God doesn’t take attendance.  The only reason he said it was good to “be” with other “believers” is to share life with them.  To hear His word and to grow in his image with others who “believe” like you do.  To encourage each other.  To comfort each other.  This is hard to do from your couch.

If you are going to “be” at church then “be” the church.  Be the light of the world.  Be a true reflection of Jesus Christ.  Be honest, be giving, be faithful, be hopeful, be loving, be forgiving, and be true to the word of God.

To Be, or Not to Be?  This is not the question.

Church Windows

/ Mark Brady / 1 Comment

Gothic church window“I was reared in church.  The whole family went every Sunday morning.  I heard the stories, I heard the sermons, but I don’t feel I got anything out of it,” said my friend.  “Many times I would wonder, if there really was a God would He hear me?  As I got older and became aware of family problems I would watch how my father would question his faith, but my mother, hers seemed to strengthen.  I found it all so confusing.  Then there were the times I would look out the church windows and see my friends having fun.  I wanted to have fun, so I quit going.”

“Life has now come and gone.  A lot of time has passed, but I never once looked inside the church windows.  I felt I was doing life just fine on my own.  Just as good as the next guy.”

I spoke to my friend about the difference in going to church, having a “religion” with God to having a “relationship” with God.  I explained to him how “religion” is man’s way to God, but a “relationship” is God’s way to man, which is why it works.

I invited him to accept Jesus, and begin a “relationship” and to ask Jesus to forgive him of his sins.  He said he wasn’t sure.  Then I said these words, “My friend, heaven won’t be the same without you…but hell will.”

How Close Are You Following?

/ Mark Brady / 1 Comment

Disciple DucksYes, I know they are ducks, and the one I labeled Jesus is in reality a female, but “Work with me people!”

Growing up hearing the story of Judas Iscariot betraying Jesus had always bewildered me.  I would often think, how could he do such a thing?  A few years ago, while reading in my quiet time, God shined light upon my curious mind and helped me understand.

Basically it came down to this: Judas Iscariot did not get close to Jesus.  He was a disciple, he heard the teachings, and saw the miracles just like the other disciples, but there was a difference; he never totally accepted who Jesus was as the Son of God.  He never fell in love with Jesus Christ, because he was too far away from him to really get to know him.

Are we the same as Judas Iscariot today?  How close do you follow Jesus?  His teachings, or are you, and I guilty of only following the ones we like, or are easy?  How little would it take for us to betray Jesus, to turn and walk the other way?  A winning lottery ticket?  A promotion?  A really hot person to date, or a trophy wife? (She probably only came in third.)

The one sure way “not” to betray Jesus is to get close to him, and stay there.  To know him personally, and deeply.  To fall in love with him, want to serve him, and follow him no matter what is thrown in front of us, to tempt us, to betray him.  Some of the other disciples went on to die for Jesus, and for the life he showed us how to live.  Judas Iscariot died for himself.

Finding Your Way

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Finding Your WayYou run to work.  You run home.  You run to gatherings.  You run to family events.  You are always running, somewhere, but do you ever feel …”lost”?  Do you ever ask yourself, is there more?

I have recently “unplugged” from life feeling perhaps I wasn’t on the right road.  I’m one who usually is very confident about where I am going.  So much so I tell my GPS where to go, but yet I was feeling like I needed to for a few days, (94 Days) a season, pull over, and yes ask for directions.  I was in need of finding my way.  Perhaps re-calculating.

The best source I have found for asking directions when it comes to life is God.  God hasn’t showed up yet to give me my destination, but He has made it very clear I was right by pulling over.  I was reading from the book of Psalms last week from “The Message”, and I could identify with the writer.  I looked and it was chapter 94.  I was at my writer’s conference two weeks ago and I liked what one of the speakers read from her book, so I bought it.  It turns out to be, “Finding Your Way” by Jane Rubietta.  The short daily devotionals have been amazing.  Then this very morning, again reading from “The Message” Psalms 101 I read this:

Psa 101:2  I’m finding my way down the road of right living, but how long before you show up?

God is truly amazing.  If you are feeling uneasy, perhaps lost, pull over.  Ask for directions, but be sure to seek those directions from God, and not some other place where anyone can tell you where to go who doesn’t really know you.  God knows you.  He knows where He desires you to be.  He created all of us for more.  More to life.  More of Him.  You will find God, in finding your way.