You Gotta Work It Work It…

If there is something that you really want in life then you have to be willing to work for it. It’s a hard lesson to learn but so true. For years I had music in my heart and mind. I would day dream about playing guitar and singing and entertaining. I had a strong urge to preform and to make others happy through it, problem was I had no idea how to do it. Even after purchasing a guitar and book after book on how to play I had no luck. I guess I thought that it would all happen magically somehow. It wasn’t until I made is a mission and played everyday did I finally start getting somewhere. Finding peace through God is the same way. Some may think, “Hey I joined a church when am I going to get that peace thing?” You have to work at it. You can’t just show up for church an hour every Sunday and feel that peace, get in the zone and find prosperity. You have to decide that you want to BECOME a Christian not just kinda act like one. You have to take Jesus Christ as your lord and savior. You have to pray. You have to talk to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit and make a relationship with him. Do you have a close friend that you have NEVER talked to? Yes, going to Church every week is important but you must be baptized in the Holy Spirit. You need to wash away your sins and get that great dose of grace. You need to Confirm your faith in front of your new community (your fellows at your chosen church) through Confirmation. You have to put your foot down and stand up and choose. God is there waiting. Nothing from your past will get in the way. He is ready to forgive and forget all that you have done in the past no matter what it is. He loves you and is waiting for you. There is so much and so many waiting to help you and accept you, but it’s your free will that God gave you. You have to make the choice walk in and say that you want to be a part of this. Will you instantly become some grand master after all of this? No, it’s a life long process and journey, but it is worth the work. God waits for you everyday day. He is waiting right now to hear from you. 

Mark 2:1-12

1And when he returned to Caper'na-um after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. 3And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. 5And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." 6Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7"Why does this man speak thus? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" 8And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts? 9Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, `Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, `Rise, take up your pallet and walk'? 10But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins" -- he said to the paralytic -- 11"I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." 12And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!" 

Is Your Neck Sore From Looking Over Your Shoulder?

In this day and age it seems that everyone and everything can have an air of suspicion around it. In America we have been involved in wars for so long its hard to remember a peace time. With the terrorist attacks being preformed around the world and everywhere we feel sometimes that we always have to be on the lookout. Where is the next hit going to come from? The internet is chuck full of conspiracy theories and counter theories from who brought down the towers to evil plans that lie behind the persona of Mickey Mouse. We all seem to be on such heightened alert all the time. With a news cycle that runs rapid nonstop it seems that tragedy is around nearly every corner. In such times Jesus reminds us all to show mercy. There is still plenty of genuine need in this world. Are discouraged to give because you fear the commercial on TV asking for money is a fraud? You don’t have to give money to an organization to spread mercy in this world. Rather Jesus would prefer you to get your hands dirty. He would rather you be on the front lines where the action is. Jesus didn’t just come to preach and teach and marvel us with his miracles. He came to lead by example. Over and over again he showed mercy and love for those in need and that is how he wants us to be. I find that when I take the time to stop looking over my shoulder I find someone in need right in front of me. It starts at home. Taking the time to help our children with school work. Helping our aging parents with simple chores in their lives. Helping our spouse through a difficult time at work. Then branch out, could your neighbor use help scooping that sidewalk or tending to yard work? Then go local helping the soup kitchen serve or help out at the local food pantry. Weekly we are called to keep the Sabbath holy by attending Church so that we can be renewed, invigorated and share in our community of faith in Jesus. Its also a great place to start working globally. Satan would love nothing better than for us to all be paranoid and everyone cut themselves off from each other serving only our own desires instead of God’s ergo each other. God wants us to love and reach out with mercy. Are you lost and don’t know where to start? That’s okay, God is waiting for you each and everyday. He is only a prayer away, or are we all to satisfied with that pain in our neck from looking over our shoulder?

Mark 1:40-45

40And a leper came to him beseeching him, and kneeling said to him, "If you will, you can make me clean." 41Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, "I will; be clean." 42And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. 43And he sternly charged him, and sent him away at once, 44and said to him, "See that you say nothing to any one; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to the people." 45But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter.

Don’t Forget to Charge the Batteries

Being a musician and an independent one at that you have to learn to do a lot of things. At one point I was heavily involved with making live performance videos. I would take great care and set up all my cameras, plan out the set to be played, prepare much of the equipment and then WHAM it was go time. We would pour every ounce of energy we had to not only preform well but to also capture, edit and release the footage. I can remember one such time where the date was set for a performance. I went through all my musical gear, prepped and was ready to go, but the whole session was foiled because I didn’t have the batteries charged for the cameras. Jesus and all his time on earth new the importance of “recharging the batteries”. Often you will read a sentence here or there where Jesus would “escape” to pray. I know that many scoff at the idea of prayer. For some it seems like a waste of time, however taking time to pray and meditate does wonders for the soul. Its is a wonderful time to take your mind off the here and know and refocus so that you can come back to life centered. I find that the times in my life when I accomplish the most is when I make time for prayer and meditation. Otherwise I often spend my time just getting through the day rather than making the most of it. Prayer is a time when we can commune with God, seek wisdom in the teachings of Jesus and sit with the Holy Spirit and find focus and direction for the future. Jesus spent his days loving, not just for his own sake but for ours. God sent his only son to not only teach us to love but how. Love is not just for who we know but for all. Jesus would heal to the sick. He would feed the masses that followed him in hunger, not just of the body but also the mind. Over and over he encouraged us to help the poor and to be fair and just in our ways. He was teaching nonstop 24/7. Even when he himself needed to get away and pray and meditate it wasn’t just for his sake, it was for ours. He wants us to follow in his path and work hard to make this world the closest to heaven we can make it, and after a hard days work to pray and meditate to recharge the batteries so that we can begin anew tomorrow. 

Mark 1:29-39

29And immediately he left the synagogue, and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30Now Simon's mother-in-law lay sick with a fever, and immediately they told him of her. 31And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her; and she served them. 32That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. 33And the whole city was gathered together about the door. 34And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. 35And in the morning, a great while before day, he rose and went out to a lonely place, and there he prayed. 36And Simon and those who were with him pursued him, 37and they found him and said to him, "Every one is searching for you." 38And he said to them, "Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also; for that is why I came out." 39And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.

What’s the Most Amazing Thing?

It can be truly wonderful to see an amazing thing. Many have seen displays of athleticism on the field or court and become amazed. I am old enough to remember the buzz and excitement when Michael Jordan reined with the Chicago Bulls. The things that he did on the court got many who didn’t even care about Pro Ball, like me, to care and watch. Though we may not be consciously looking for it people love to be inspired. Sometimes a movie written, preformed and produced beautifully will catch the minds of a generation and inspire others to be all they can be. While these people come and go and their talents fade with age God is here day in and day out waiting to amaze you. For so long his stories have been recorded in the Bible, but many choose not to crack open the cover. In his time Jesus walked the earth, walked. He didn’t have jet airplanes, supersonic trains or even a Volkswagen to take him where he went. He walked, and spoke and taught at every turn. People were amazed with his teaching because again and again it was all about love. In time when the Synagogue had become politicized and lost its way Jesus came to teach the real truth. The Jewish people had many laws and they were quite confusing to some and hard to keep track of. Moses came and with God wiped the slate clean and made just 10 laws. At Jesus’s arrival all had become “confusing” again. Again God wiped the slate clean, and his son preached just 2 laws. Love God with all your heart, mind soul and to love everyone you meet as yourself. Jesus practiced what he preached. He prayed and showed love for his father, God each and everyday, and as he walked among us he healed the sick and fed the hungry even rose dead back to life but most importantly he forgave sins. He forgave, in a time now when everyone wants “justice” and punishment to make things “fair” I believe we could do a lot to remember Jesus’s teachings and learn to forgive. For some of us though it means to also humble ourselves and ask for forgiveness. God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit love you and wait for you to come home to them. It is never too late or early. God’s arms are always open ready to take away all your pain and sin. He’s waiting to amaze you all you have to do is spend some time with him.

Mark 1:21-28

21And they went into Caper'na-um; and immediately on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. 22And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. 23And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; 24and he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God." 25But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!" 26And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. 27And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What is this? A new teaching! With authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him." 28And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.

Have You Ever Spoke With a Talent Scout?

We all have talents and gifts hiding inside of us. Each day I walk through the world and I meet people with amazing gifts. The problem is most don’t really know that they are special. That they have an amazing gift. It sad to me when I see someone waste their talents or worse just absolutely not use them. Myself, I work part time as a music reviewer. People from all over the world send me their music. I feel lucky because each week all this music comes rolling in from all over. Whenever I come across an artist that is still on the journey of finding their sound I tell them to not give up and to just keep working. Just because we might have a gift or talent doesn’t mean that we don’t have to work on developing it. The greatest talent scout of all time is God. He came down as his son, through his son Jesus. God took the time to be born, grow and live among us. He felt our pain and our happiness. When Jesus began his ministry he didn’t seek out the most “learned” or “wise”. He looked into the hearts of men along his way and saw the talents and gifts they had inside of them. He called them, and they came. Could you imagine someone coming up to you today and asking you to leave all that you have and all that you know right then and there and follow him. To do so would mean that you were either a major fool or that you saw something special. As each Apostle left all they knew they went on to see just that. Something special that was a once in a history experience. They saw Jesus heal the sick, give sight to the blind, feed hungry masses and raise the dead back to life. Most importantly though they had the opportunity to commune in person with God. They got to learn how to love from God. They got to learn how to forgive from God. All through Jesus the son of God, and because God and they took the time to use their talents and gifts we now can learn about love, forgiveness, hope, faith and charity from God. Whether you are well immersed in using your talents correctly or lost and don’t even know what they are, I encourage you to spend time with God everyday. For if you do spend time learning, worshiping and loving everyday it only gets better from here.

Mark 1:14-20

14Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, 15and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel." 16And passing along by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. 17And Jesus said to them, "Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men." 18And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zeb'edee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20And immediately he called them; and they left their father Zeb'edee in the boat with the hired servants, and followed him.

With the Lights Out/ Do You Brag or Share?

“I did this. I did that. I am so great. Everyone should marvel at me.” Do you know somebody that sounds like this sometimes. I know that I am guilty of sounding like this in the past and because I am flawed and dumb I’ll probably do it again though I try not to. Its nice to rejoice in an accomplishment but when gears shift and someone ends up in full on BRAG mode it gets annoying. There is something to be said for humility. I know that most of the people I hear speaking admire those that can do great and loving deeds but just let the deed be its own reward. When good deeds do not get tainted by bragging they have so much more weight behind them. They even often inspire others to do good deeds as well. God doesn’t want us to brag about the good things we do. What he does want is for us to to be thankful for the good deeds we receive. You should feel no hesitation in sharing about how someone or God helped you. That sharing spreads love, hope and faith. Over and over again God works in our lives and grants us gifts. All he wants in return is belief in him and love. God sent Jesus his son, who gave, gave and then gave until his death, with his death and still does after his death. God sends the Holy Spirit to help us in our daily callings, but are we listening? Are we accepting God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit? Do we allow ourselves to be inspired and to help spread a little Heaven on earth by paying it forward? This morning I awoke to utter silence. The power was out and below freezing temps were outside. After waiting a bit I got up, put on 4 layers of clothes and commenced starting the backup generator so that my family could stay warm and safe. After about an hour of work I got everything up and running all set to go, and the power came back on. I packed everything up and put everything away. I could have been mad, but instead I was thankful. I even chuckled a bit. I looked to the sky and thanked God. I don’t know who was out in the cold like me working to get everyone in the area power again but I was thankful for them and that God gave them to us with the wisdom, knowledge and ability to help. Thank you power company employee(s). I thankfully share for the gifts I receive each day. For they are all wonderful and all from God.

Luke 5:12-16

12While he was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy; and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and besought him, "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean." 13And he stretched out his hand, and touched him, saying, "I will; be clean." And immediately the leprosy left him. 14And he charged him to tell no one; but "go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as Moses commanded, for a proof to the people." 15But so much the more the report went abroad concerning him; and great multitudes gathered to hear and to be healed of their infirmities. 16But he withdrew to the wilderness and prayed.

Will You Let Yourself See What is in Front of You?

Ive never desired too much to be cool. Always rather my focus is to be honest, true, loving and fair. My children don’t always think that this is the case. They think that I am the nice guy when I give them cookies or candy. They think that I am a generous man when I allow them time in front of video screens, but I am a foolish, dim-witted and mean when I make them apply discipline to their lives. God can do anything, but he chooses do as he does out of love. Like children we don’t always understand his ways, but we are children. We still have much to learn. He sent himself through his son to come and teach us as a people personally. He taught us to do 2 things. Love God for he gives us all, made us what we are and wants to spend eternity with us in heaven, and love each other as we love ourselves for that will create heaven on earth. Like when my children get mad at me when I make the last hour of the night a calming time with no video games, make them watch the boring news and read to each other on school nights so do many I see get mad at God when things don’t go their way. “God isn’t real or he wouldn’t have let this happen to me”, some say. Others speak, “If God is real why do bad things happen in the world?” Some are so wrapped up in what THEY want in the world that they forget that life is about doing what GOD wants in this world. God sends messages and love each and everyday but many often refuse it in pursuit of their own desires. Its hard, we want what we want. We live in a world that constantly tells us to feed our desires. Even as Jesus sat right in front of us we could not believe who he was and what he had to offer. Even though he spoke the truth, fed the hungry, healed the sick, rose the dead back to life and he himself after being sacrificed for you, rose from the dead 3 days later many do not choose to believe. God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are among us everyday. That random act of kindness, where do you think it came from? God is love, true, pure love. Question is, will you let yourself see?

Luke 4:14-22

14And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and a report concerning him went out through all the surrounding country. 15And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. 16And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up; and he went to the synagogue, as his custom was, on the sabbath day. And he stood up to read; 17and there was given to him the book of the prophet Isaiah. He opened the book and found the place where it was written, 18"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord." 20And he closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21And he began to say to them, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." 22And all spoke well of him, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth; and they said, "Is not this Joseph's son?"

What Do You Desire, Someone That Gives Up?

There are many things in this world that will try and hold you back. I have seen many a famous quote commenting that if you are not feeling resistance you aren't doing something correct. That can be very true but not always the case. Being a father, husband and leader of a family I have often received pushback from how I operate in my vocation. Many will say, "do what you want. You need to take care of yourself". Being a husband and father who follows the teachings of Christ I know that I need to be prepared to do anything for my family even if that means my life. Some will tell me," that your kids are most important and everything else should come last. " From my study I learn that my wife should come first,  for if I take care of her then she will do well in tandem with me to take care of everything that my children need and neither my spouse or I will resent our children for a lack of appreciation or love. This is why I put God first. I try to take care of my faith and follow God's teachings. Through me, and others God will take care of my family in a righteous way. It can be hard for there are many distractions in this world. Sex anymore is often portrayed as just a simple natural act, and as a desire is nothing wrong to be fulfilled at any time, anyway with anyone. The same with hunger, eat as much as I want whenever or wherever, and just take drugs if I become unhealthy from it. Also as goes with money. Spend as much as I want on credit and delay the consequences till later and shortchange my family. Following God's teachings is learning a life of giving, sacrifice and discipline to achieve happiness in this life and beyond. It means never giving up, taking a break and staying true to God through all obstacles. Why, for God does the same for us every day. He always loves us. He is always waiting for us. To welcome us home to his heaven for eternity. Question is though, do we want a life filled with fulfilling love, or do we choose an empty life chasing every desire our flesh craves?

MT 4:12-17, 23-25

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested,
he withdrew to Galilee. 
He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea,
in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali,
that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet 
might be fulfilled:

Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,
the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan,
Galilee of the Gentiles,
the people who sit in darkness
have seen a great light,
on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death
light has arisen.

From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say,
“Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

He went around all of Galilee,
teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom,
and curing every disease and illness among the people. 
His fame spread to all of Syria,
and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases
and racked with pain,
those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics,
and he cured them. 
And great crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, and Judea,
and from beyond the Jordan followed him.

Who Are You and Who Are They?

I have met many a person that does not say much. Even when they do speak they say very little. Yet each and every one of us has something inside worthy to share. Being a musician I care much for my craft and work very hard to make beautiful music that expresses who I am and my love for God. I could write 300 pieces of music, but if I never allow anyone to hear it what good does it do? Sure, it does well for personal therapy but so much talent would lay wasted and not have the possibility to help others if I let it lay quiet in my studio. God made us all and has given each one of us talents and a mission in life. With so many in the world today it may seem like a foolish notion to say but the more of us there are the more this world needs help staying on a righteous path. There are so many lost in this world and we each have talents to help the lost, including ourselves, to find the way. We cannot do this alone but with the help of God and the talents that he has bestowed on us. Are you lost? Does something feel missing in your life? Do you feel that as hard as you try you keep hitting brick walls that keep you from succeeding in life? God has the answers. He sent his son Jesus to earth with lessons on how to navigate this topsy turvy world. With Jesus he established the Church so that we could have a place of community where we could share our talents, focus on God, help each other navigate this world and get to our true home, heaven. Our Lord can even come to us through the Holy Spirit in times of need or to help figure out that fork in the road. Make no mistake all have a place in God’s heaven, but it is our choice. God gave us free will. We can choose to do his bidding and love him and all on this earth, or we can choose our will, to serve ourselves and the emptiness that often follows. Whether we are good with money to help the poor, intelligent and well schooled to heal the sick or strong to work hard to help cloth the naked we all have a place in God’s mission to care for one another. You need not have a Sunday morning television show to put the love of God into the world. All you need is the voice God gave you and the willingness to learn, grow in and speak his ways. So I ask, who are you and are you ready to claim your place in the world?

John 1:19-28

19And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" 20He confessed, he did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ." 21And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the prophet?" And he answered, "No." 22They said to him then, "Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" 23He said, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, `Make straight the way of the Lord,' as the prophet Isaiah said." 24Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. 25They asked him, "Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?" 26John answered them, "I baptize with water; but among you stands one whom you do not know, 27even he who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie." 28This took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.