What's Under the Wrapping Paper?

To be hated or disliked is hurtful thing. What hurts even worse though is when you know someone hates you or dislikes you, yet they put on a front that they absolutely love you. It's kind of like being five years old and coming downstairs Christmas morning to see presents beautifully wrapped with the most magnificent wrapping paper you've ever seen, only to find after you eagerly open them that they're merely boxes full of rotten trash. No doubt we don't want to be loved, but we all want to be loved truly. We want to honestly be loved. God is no different, if you show up Sunday morning and your tithing into the collection plate, but in the back of your mind you are despising the fact that you're giving money to God your gift means nothing. 

Know this, God can see into your heart always. Does God want you to help the poor? Yes, but he also wants you to do it with a loving heart. At the end of the day God wants you to love, and he wants you to give out of your love. It's really that simple. I remember reading the Old Testament and the story of Cain and Abel. Able would pick the best youngling from his flock, and sacrifice it to God full of love and thankful for all God provided. Cain on the other hand, he sacrificed from his field. He gave burnt offerings to God but he did so with anger in his heart. He despised God and didn't understand why he should have to give from his hard work. He saw burning his best crops a waste. 

You are a child of God, and on top of that God wants to be your best friend. Now I know many of us do not live a perfect life, or at least we think that our life is not perfect. For me I am a simple humble man. I am a sinner. I admit it freely. I am not perfect by any means. I am not someone to look up to. If you want to look up to somebody look to Jesus Christ. There many times I have held back from God and I am ashamed of that. I have so much. I have air in my lungs, vision in my eyes, sound in my ears, a heart beating in my chest. I have a beautiful talented wife that cares for me. I have wonderful children who teach me how awesome this life is each passing week. Do I want more? Yes, we all want more, but for what? I try very hard anymore when I find myself wanting really nice things, maybe a new car, a vacation and better house or whatever, I try to pause now and look at what I do actually have. When I examine myself what I have, what I can do, where I live, I am humbled. I am grateful to God for all that he has blessed me with. I find the more I open myself up to God, the more I realize how much I have, the more that I receive. The big secret that's really not a secret is that God doesn't really hold much back from you. Often times when we don't have the things that we want, not the things we need but the things that we want it, is because we are holding ourselves back not God. 

God is waiting for you every moment of every single day. God is waiting to spend time with you right now. Why, because he loves you, because he created you out of love. It took me a bit to swallow this, but I don't need to be here. God allowed me to be here. He created me because he loves. This idea only came clear to me after I've had a few of my own children. I've had people ask me before why I have children. Really, the only explanation that I can give that kind of makes sense is that I love my wife so much, and she loves me so much that we couldn't contain our love anymore inside ourselves. 

Yeah they're trying times being a parent. Sometimes you wonder if you know what you're doing. You wonder if you're good enough to be a parent. You worry till the end of time as to whether your child is going to be OK. However when I actually sit down and think about my children, my heart swells with love, pride and appreciation. I think about how I love each and everyone of them so very much, and how I can't imagine living without them.  I am so proud, not in a prideful way, but I am proud of who they are, sometimes because of my tutelage but many times in spite of my tutelage. I can't help but thinking God feels the same way. I am sure there are many times he looks down on me and the things that I do and merely shakes his head and plants his face into his palm wondering what I was thinking, but he knows. I wouldn't be surprised if sometimes he worries, though being God he knows all and sees all. Most of all though I can't help but think that he just loves. 

God gives so much, everything in life is a gift really. When I look at a beautiful sunset I see love. When I see flowers blooming in the spring, he made that picturesque moment out of love. In the winter when snowflakes fall like feathers from the heavens, and it's cold outside and you just want to huddle together and stay warm I see love. When I see how each of us are flawed I see love, because if we were all perfect we wouldn't need each other. If we didn't need each other we wouldn't have the opportunity to experience passion and love. We wouldn't have the opportunity to experience community. We wouldn't need community. We would be individual self-sustaining units that would be cold and compassionless like machinery. I truly believe that God made us imperfect so that we would have to rely on one another and through that we could learn to love.

As we all know love does not work in a vacuum. I know anytime that I've been in a relationship where I loved deeply and it wasn't reciprocated I felt empty and worthless. God loves you and he want you to love him back. But like any other great relationship, he doesn't force you to love him. He gives you free will, and lets you choose, because he wants to know you're choosing to love him rather than just loving him because you have to. 

God wants a pure loving relationship with you.

You can do whatever you want but I would highly recommend spending some hang time with God. I know this world is busy and fast. We live in a culture here in America where we've come to expect instant gratification for everything. Having a relationship with God is rather countercultural. God doesn't provide instant gratification. God likes to savor things, he likes to take his time. Just as you are not a creature that can be summed up in 30 seconds neither can God. God is infinite, so you can't expect to build a great relationship with him and truly understand him and little 30 second soundbites. 

By no means though should you feel obligated to sell all your possessions donate all the money to the poor move out into the wilderness and live as a hermit praying to God nonstop and studying God nonstop.  I mean if you wanted to and you feel God is calling you to do so go for it, you'll never have a more exciting life van doing what you're truly called to do. But for many of us God merely want to spend time with you because he loves you.  God realizes that for most of us living the life of a hermit is not what's best for us. God does want to talk to you every day though, that's why he wants us to pray to him every day. He wants to hear about the good, the bad and the ugly.  God wants to hear about your hopes and dreams. He wants to hear your joys and your sorrows. He wants to hear your thankfulness and your desires. 

Got realizes that this is a twisty turvy world. He knows how easily we can become misguided on our journey to heaven. That's why God sent Jesus his son to come and teach us personally. There were many, in the time that Jesus was on this planet, that were worshiping and loving the wrong way. Jesus came to teach us to not love and worship like that, but to also try and refocus those who had lost their way. Why, because God loves you that much he sent his only son and then did nothing when we tortured and killed his son. The day Jesus was crucified no one was killed by God. God did not command the earth to open up and swallow all the disrespecting, unbelieving people who tortured and crucified Jesus Christ. Jesus himself on the cross spoke to God and said, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."

That is perfect love.

So God is waiting. Right now God is waiting to talk to you. It's your choice you can do whatever you want. I will tell you this though, that talking to God is kind of like working out. It's one of those things that we usually say, "yes I'm out of shape I know I need to work out but I'm really busy today and I'll try that tomorrow." Problem is, tomorrow something comes up as well and so we don't do it tomorrow or the day after or the next week or the next month or the next year, and then we find ourselves sitting in the doctors office being prescribed 10 tons of medication because we've refused to take care of our body all our years. Instead of living life to the fullest we walk around hooked up to oxygen masks or hobbling because were overweight or in a wheelchair because refused to take care this precious gift of a body that we've been given. 

Same thing goes with prayer and going to church and studying the Bible. We tell ourselves, "yeah that's really important and what Jesus did for me is really cool, but I'm busy today I'll pray tomorrow. I'll go to church next Sunday. I'll catch that next Bible study when it starts." The days turn into weeks, which turned into years, and then one day we die or we are on deaths door step. 

Do you really want to leave where you're spending it turn it he up to chance?

God has given you so much. Jesus Christ sacrificed so much. The Holy Spirit is waiting to help you every single day. There is so much love God has wrapped up for you, but you have to open the present, and then he wants to receive love from you. He is waiting to have a long loving relationship with you because you are one of his beautiful children. I encourage you start or renew your relationship with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit today. Hang out with God, spend time with him. Go to church. Give back love with all your heart. Hold nothing back from God. Trust me, you have no idea how much peace, serenity and happiness are waiting for you when you build a dynamic relationship with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

So it's time now, walk down the stairs turn the corner and see the beautiful Christmas tree. The presents are wrapped gorgeously around it. Those are all presents of love waiting for you sit down, grab and open. The best is waiting to come.

MT 5:20-26

Jesus said to his disciples: 
“I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that
of the scribes and Pharisees,
you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.

“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors,
You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.
But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother
will be liable to judgment,
and whoever says to his brother,
‘Raqa,’ will be answerable to the Sanhedrin,
and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna.
Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar,
and there recall that your brother
has anything against you,
leave your gift there at the altar,
go first and be reconciled with your brother,
and then come and offer your gift.
Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him.
Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge,
and the judge will hand you over to the guard,
and you will be thrown into prison.
Amen, I say to you,
you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”

Ever Get An Unwanted Christmas Present?

Ever Get An Unwanted Christmas Present?

Have you ever got one of those Christmas presents where you were like, "Oh great, thanks, you really shouldn't have." Some people say that you gotta be careful what you wish for, and that is true. I can recall as I got older there were a couple of times where I was asked what I wanted for Christmas and I would give an off hand answer which lead to a surprise under the Christmas tree. They were things that I had wanted and actually needed but not as fun as something covered in buttons and lights. God being the greatest gift giver of all time often gives us what we need instead of what we want (which is what we think we NEED). He has the ability to see inside us and challenge us with obstacles we think we can not handle. Many times this is true, we can't handle it, that's why we are supposed to call on him. He wants to be there for us. He wants to help us, so that we can see that we can become what he know we can become. I have an old hose and all my children find certain corners quite creepy. Once when taking things up the attic ladder I enlisted the help of my stepson. It was an awkward haul and he was scared. I could have let him quit and do it for him, but instead I stood by his side and guided him through the challenge. Now how has no problem whatsoever taking thins in and out of the attic. God is like that, he is always with us ready to help. All we have to do is ask and he will help us. He sent his son to teach and he sends the Holy Spirit out everyday to help us on our daily paths. Question is though do we accept and use these gifts or do we leave them in the corner unused while we curse each difficulty that we try to negotiate OUR WAY?

Luke 1:26-38
26In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28And he came to her and said, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!"29But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. 30And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end." 34And Mary said to the angel, "How shall this be, since I have no husband?" 35And the angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. 36And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37For with God nothing will be impossible." 38And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

Thanksgiving Aint Bout No Drumstick!

There are so many things in life that happen that we are not even aware of. As children we take everything for granted. We are born and we have our parents that care for us. They carry us where we need to go, they wake and tend to us in the middle of the night when we cry. They bath us from head to toe. Our parents cloth us in the best that they can muster. Through our lives our parents sacrifice over and over again because they love. Two people loved each other so much that their love could no longer be contained in themselves, and with the help of God, they made someone new. God is very much the same way. He created this world and us because of his love. I believe that God had so much love in him that he couldn’t contain it no more, and because of his love he created this world everything in it so that we would have a wonderful place to live. Like a child that so takes for granted what all their parents do for them so do we so often and too easily take for granted what God does for us. I am sure that there are many out there that would make the claim, “God’s done nothing for me. Everything I am I have done for myself.” Know this though, God is love. God is true perfect love and we get that from him. God also gives us free will and we can walk away from him, but make no mistake places in this world where people have chosen to walk away from God and are surrounded by the like live a much colder, unfulfilling life. Many stuck there yearn for more. They may not know what it is but when they find God they absorb him with great passion. God is willing to help you with anything. He is willing to help you. He is not an ATM or genie. Your wish is not his command, and that is where frustration enters. God wants you to love him with all your mind, body and heart and to love everyone you meet as yourself. He loves you despite of what you choose and always awaits the day of your return and reciprocation. He sent his son, Jesus and taught us how to love. His teachings are still alive to this day. He sends the Holy Spirit to help guide you. He has angels that watch over us and help with his bidding. This world is full of so many of God’s gifts that he has given to you. As we enter this time of Thanksgiving one must ask, are you thankful? And if so, do you show it?

Luke 17:11-19

11On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Sama'ria and Galilee. 12And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance 13and lifted up their voices and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." 14When he saw them he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went they were cleansed. 15Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. 17Then said Jesus, "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" 19And he said to him, "Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well."

How Many Balls Can You Hold?

There are times when we have all been in need and asked for a friends help. I know some of us have great friends, family and neighbors who have helped you in your time of need. I know some have felt the lonely feeling of being rejected. God calls us to virtue of charity, which is when we love God above all things for ourselves and to love our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God. God wants us to love one another and to take care of one another. It’s not enough that we don’t steal, lie, covet property and spouses, that’s important but God wants us to go beyond that. God wants us to love and that means giving our time, talents and money if need be. God is not asking anything that he doesn’t already do. He has the sun rise and I have another day. He gave me that ability to do a hard days work so I can provide for my family. He has given me good health so I and work as well and bear, raise and take care of my children. I have a home filled with what I need and so much more. I live in America where I have the freedom to worship God without having to worry about having my head chopped off. At each and every turn I see blessings from God. He gives so much. My Lord sent his son who was God himself and taught how to love. Jesus taught so much in such a little time. He even established the Church so that we have somewhere worship, learn, give back and have community with one another. Jesus willingly let men of his day arrest, spit on him, beat, whip, mock and eventually kill him. Jesus to the blame for all of our sins. He was the perfect sacrifice from the perfect priest of God to God and was accepted by God. How much more can God give? I know many will say, “I prayed and asked for this or that and I didn’t get what I want.” God will give you want you need, but not always what you want. My children want to play video games and eat candy 24/7, but I don’t let them because I know they need discipline so that they can learn to be healthy and provide for themselves. Do you allow room for God? A wise man once said, “If you are so busy holding all this stuff (material possessions and things other than God that take up your free time) how do you have the ability to receive any blessings from God? Sometimes we have to learn to let go of earthly things to have the ability to receive blessings from God. Trust me, God wants to give. He lives to give and in abundance, but your heart need be prepared. You need to have a relationship with God. He loves you and wants to bless you and spend time with you. He is open to you but are you open to him?

Luke 11:5-13

5And he said to them, "Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, `Friend, lend me three loaves; 6for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; 7and he will answer from within, `Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything'? 8I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him whatever he needs. 9And I tell you, Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 11What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; 12or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"