I had a great prayer time and devotion with Pastor Max and Mike this morning.  The message was one about some of the Churches that are talked about in Revelations.   It talked about how Jesus knew of the Church’s reputations and had seen some good deeds in them, but there was still problems with their Faith.   The Strength they had was about to die and they needed to remember and hold fast to their foundation.  
          It made me look at myself and ask: does Jesus see me in the same way – can He see the good in me but I still need to Hold Fast.  
            The journey that God has taken my wife and me on in the last few months has us seeking the Strength to keep up the good fight.  My wife gave me a great word of Wisdom this morning that helped in keeping our Faith Strong.   “He kept his Faith and God kept Him!”
          I know Jesus sees the Good in us and that is the area we need stay focused on then He will supply the rest.   One of the areas we are working really hard at is an area that Jesus finishes allot of the Chapter 3 in Revelations with:  Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches!”    
The same goes for us:  We have to be open to the promptings of the Spirit to guide us as we go forward.
           As I am writing this the song “We Believe“ (by the News Boys) is playing and it is what we have to keep saying “We Believe”…..   It has a great message on what our Faith is.   A great song to keep us Strong in our Foundation. 

 So as you go through those Challenges – where does your Foundation and Strength come from?

Where is your Faith?

Do you believe?

Does Jesus see your Good Deeds?

Are you holding fast?

 Bobbyg

     I have been doing some quiet time in my Sun room this morning and after a call from a great friend Steve W. it has me praying about being able to turn my problems over to Jesus.  
          The scripture verse that I have been praying on for a while is:
Mark 9:19:  “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “How long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”
       When you read the rest of the verses in this Chapter – the Disciples were doing everything they could to help this person – but nothing was working…      But Jesus’s reply is – why have you not brought him to me??    Great Question!    Why have I not taken my problems to him?  
          At the same time during my Quiet time this morning – Jeremy Camp’s song of “Same Power” was being played (Lyrics below) and it hit home really hard.  I have the Power to overcome obstacles in my life but the biggest person in the way is ME.    It is only Jesus working through me that I can have this Power – I must first place all of me at His feet and turn it all over to Him.    So as the verse above states – I must bring the Boy (That would be ME) to Jesus and believe that he has the Power to HEAL my unbelief.   When I have done that then I can really turn my Boys over to Him and believe that His Healing will protect and take care of them.   My prayer would be that I can do this – it is through prayer and belief that I can take it all to Jesus.

 Have you brought the boy/girl to Him?

 Enjoy the lyrics from Jeremy Camp below…

 Bobbyg
If you can google the song “Same Power” from Jeremy Camp – it is great to listen too.

I can see

Waters raging at my feet

I can feel

The breath of those surrounding me

I can hear

The sound of nations rising up

We will not be overtaken

We will not be overcome

 I can walk

Down this dark and painful road

I can face

Every fear of the unknown

I can hear

All God’s children singing out

We will not be overtaken

We will not be overcome

The same power that rose Jesus from the grave

The same power that commands the dead to wake

Lives in us, lives in us

The same power that moves mountains when He speaks

The same power that can calm a raging sea

Lives in us, lives in us

He lives in us, lives in us

We have hope

That His promises are true

In His strength

There is nothing we can’t do

Yes, we know

There are greater things in store

We will not be overtaken

We will not be overcome

Greater is He that is living in me

He’s conquered our enemy

No power of darkness

No weapon prevails

We stand here in victory

 

 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 

      A friend (thank you Bob W.) sent me an article about how should Christians respond and it is a really good question.     Here is a portion of the article:

“How should Christians respond?  Protesting unbiblical morality can warn parents and might affect programming decisions.  But we need to do more.  Our society desperately needs an alternative, a culture that manifests God’s Kingdom on earth.”

     In the past month I have watched several Pastors and Churches respond to what it happening in the current morality decisions being made by our Government and Courts.   I have to tell you it has been good to see a response on the issues and making a STAND in what we believe in.   The greatest part of the responses that I have read and heard is that they are being done in Love.  
                   I have visited with several of my friends about where our cultural is going and the overall response is that we are going to be tested on what we believe in.   I believe that we are in times where I need to make a stand on what my beliefs are and I am going to have to voice that opinion.    If I stand back and say nothing, then I will be like our ancestors in the old days and God is going to allow my country to have what it wants (I may not like the results).
   My biggest dilemma is how I make my Beliefs be heard…  

1.  Do I start visiting with my representatives?
2. Do I become a Politician?
3. Do I join a group of like-minded people to be heard?

        The list could go on…..   But I have come to the conclusion that my first response is to make sure the people around me know what I believe in.   This is probably the most effective way I can help in changing what is happening in my world today.   I also need to do this in Love – as the greatest commandment says:

“YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND; AND YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”

     So that will be my first step in how I respond!

 So how are you going to respond to the current morality decisions that being made today?

One of the quotes in the article is:

”Building a Kingdom culture requires Kingdom Christians.  Are you one?“

 Bobbyg
 
 

     I have been reading one of Erwin McManus books on the Church “An Unstoppable Force” – but rather then looking at it as a specific Congregation – I look at The Church as all the Christians from all denominations.    So as I read the focus comes back to “What am I doing?” 
           I would like to share a couple of areas from the last couple of Chapters that really challenge me where I am today.   I have commented on a couple of my last Blogs that my act of Worship this year is to be bolder about my Faith.   I had become one of those people several years ago that sought out a Church just to become a Retired Christian – I had done my work – now it was time for the young people to carry on.     Here is a quote that would have fit me several years ago:   “The Church became a refuge from the world rather than a force in the world.”   –  But God has been molding me for several years now.
          Then came a couple of other quotes a few paragraphs later that made me evaluate myself:

•                     “I know that we are the Sheep of God, and sheep require the Shepherd to feed them, but there must come a time when we become shepherds who feed others.”
•              “Are we too much about getting us fed and too little about us exercising our Faith?”

           I have some Friends who will be going to Mule Creek Junction in August to give out Free Ice Water to all the Bikers that pass through.   At the same time they will be sharing their Faith to any who will listen.  This is the kind of action that we should be doing – looking for ways that we can share our Faith.
            I am getting older now and I should have been feed enough to be able to start feeding those around me.  So what am I doing today to feed those around me?  Am I being a Shepherd and giving them what they need to live?   These are the questions that I have to answer to myself and see if I am being Bold about my Faith.
 

 So what does this look like for you?

Are you still being FEED and not feeding those around you?

Have you found a way that you can share your Faith Boldly?

 

Like me – you will have to sit back and evaluate yourself and answer the Question:  “What am I doing”?

 Bobbyg

          The Fourth of July weekend was adventurous in many ways for my family:

1.  My grandkids were up and we enjoyed the weekend – also enjoying fireworks at the park.
2. My nephew got married and we got together will all the family.
3. Then there is always the glitch.

      My wife has several scripture and sayings on our walls that keep me in check with what God has in store for us.   I get to walk around and ponder on them as I am strolling around the house.   But it reminded me of the sermon we had last week on Job – in the end he never knew the Why of all of his story, and that may be the same for me.
          But here are a couple of the Sayings that my wife has on the walls.

•  The Lord will Fight for you – you need only to be Still
• Live Simply – Love Generously – Care Deeply – Speak Kindly:  Leave the rest to God.
• If He brings you to it – He will bring you through it.
• Be Still and Know that I am God.

Then the best one is.                                     I AM
          You know we have good times and bad times that make up the life that God is taking us through.   The question is:    Do we believe that he will get us through the hard times.   As the sayings above go – we must trust in the Lord that he will deliver us as he did Job.   The Biggest test will be #2 – How does our witness look as we go through the Good Times and the Bad Times.    I have to tell you – it is easy when life is going good – but that glitch – I am struggling with that one.  So I walk allot around the house when the glitch comes and really focus on what is being said in each of these writings on the walls.
          But it is the last one that always gets me:               I AM 
As with Job – God has to remind me who is control and why would I question Him as he takes me down that road called Life…   

So if you have those struggles – it always helps to have reminders on who is in Control and that He will take you through it all.  We just need to Be Still and Let Him Work

But most of all we have to remember who God is:

I AM 

 Bobbyg
 

             It has been one of those interesting weeks – especially in our country and the decision that came down from the Supreme Court.   At the same time I have been reading a book from Erwin McManus (just getting started) “An Unstoppable Force”.  They really have me thinking about my impact on the World around me.
             I have had several conversations in the last few months about my personal spiritual growth and what I am working on this year.  I believe that allot of Christians including myself have not spoken out about what we believe in and have bought into the aspect of being Politically Correct or being Tolerant.  So this is my year for me to be bolder in my faith – but in such a way that Christ shines through me.  If I am going to see change in the World today – it must start with me.
                One of the quotes that I underlined in the book is:  “Species that do not adapt to change do not survive because change is an ever-present reality” & “When relationships become stagnant and the community of Christ closes itself to the outside world, the result is an institution rather than a movement”.  That has to go for me also – if I am not aware of what is going on around me in life and I am not adapting – then I am going to become stagnant and non-effective.   
                So going back to the Court decision:  I listened to a good pastor friend of mine (Pastor Velcro) on a Video about the subject and he was excellent – a few of his points really encouraged me.    First of all if this really surprised me – then I really need to pay attention to what is happening in the world.  This should not have been awakening when the decision came down – it has been in the works for a very long time.   The book I am reading also mentioned the same thing about Prayer being taken of our School system – it should not have surprised me. 
          Then Pastor Velcro stated – this does not change his beliefs and this should not change what I believe in.  “YUP”              The biggest thing we must remember is the Greatest commandments:    “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”   This is a must if I am going to be effective in the world that surrounds me. 
     So as I am looking at how I am going to go forward – I must remember that God is in Control and he knew this was coming – so my response has to be in Love.   It did not surprise God of the decision my Country would make – our country has the freedom to make choices and this is the choice they made.  

 So as you respond to a decision that you may not agree on – remember the World is wanting to see how you Respond!

As Pastor Velcro finished his talk – “I feel Loved”.

My question to you is:  So do those around you feel loved? 

Bobbyg
 

       I had the pleasure of moving my youngest Son back to Spearfish this weekend, he has been living with us for a little while.   Not that I wanted him to go – but it is a great feeling to watch your Son’s go forth in life on new Adventure’s.  He will do great and we were blessed to have him come to help us through a tough time. 
                 My friend Jim S. helped with the move – he had the pickup to carry all the stuff, but we had a great talk driving up there and back.   On our way back we went through the Black Hills, across parts of Nebraska and back into Wyoming.  We had this conversation about the uniqueness of the terrain and why did God make it this way.   He must have had a reason… from the great mountain scenes to the rolling prairies in Nebraska and then back into Wyoming by Lusk.   Well we finally came up with and Answer:   We really do not know why God made the different terrains the way He did – but He had a reason…. 
           Then our conversation went to the uniqueness of all the people that God has put around us and it reminded us of our upcoming theme “True Identity”.   Our Speaker – Erwin McManus – will be talking about how God has made us Unique, but the conversation was:   “How do we deal with all the different personalities of people that God has put in our lives?”   When you look at the people that surround you – they are all unique in their own way – some we like and others…. well we adjust.
         I have the pleasure of working with a large group of guys in my ministry that are all different.  What I really enjoy is seeing what God has put together as a Team and seeing all the those different parts coming together as one.   God has given us all different Gifts and a Soul that are unique…    So my biggest question to myself was —   “How am I dealing with those people around me that I need to adjust too?”     It took a while – but it is really easy – I have to look at their Uniqueness and know this is God working through them.  Then I can smile and know that God is at work with all of those people that he has put in my life, even that ones that I have to adjust to.     I do have to remember  that this includes my family – church – work – ministry and those he puts right in front of me – they are all God’s Creation.

 So my question to you is:   How do you deal with those people that God has put in your life – that require you to adjust?

Do you look at them as one of God’s greatest Gifts to you?

He has made us all unique for a reason – so enjoy those people God has put in your life.

Bobbyg

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

          I have had one of those weeks that I would like to turn back the clock and start over…   Have you ever had one of those?     I started the week with several of my family members have some major sickness issues and did not know what to do.   Basically the only thing I could do is Pray – and that means I have no control in helping fix the problems.    Then I changed my work hours last week to take care of issues that needed to be taken care of.   You know when you make changes at your work place – not everyone likes it.   They could have at least just kept quiet instead of telling me about it.  
          But that is how life goes sometimes…    the Job factor…   but not so intense.
           Then this last weekend came – there was a joyous time of seeing my grandkids – my granddaughter is turning 10.  The same age as me – well I tell her at least our last number matches.    Then my wife wanted to finish the weekend and go see 3^rd day at Red Rocks for our 40^th anniversary.   Yes there is someone who can put up with me that long.   I do not do well with driving in extremely large traffic jams and then to navigate through an extremely large crowd… and what about the bathroom break!!   If I had my choice we would have went to a secluded spot and listened to 3^rd Day on the way there.
           As you can see – I really wanted to turn the clock back, well not really.  I made it through it all and do you know what it is like to worship with 9,500 other christians – AWESOME – Especially with the one who has been by your side for 40 years and at Red Rocks?   God has truly blessed me.
           You know we are going to have weeks like this and the thing that matters, is how do we finish them.   You know Job had to go through the extreme when problems came his way, but in the end he pleased God and was blessed in many ways.  
       We have to do the same and make it through those tough weeks and finish well.    In the end the most important thing I have to do is stay focused on Jesus and he will get me through all of this… and he did.

 So looking back at all of this – my question to you is?

What do you do to make it through those tough weeks – the ones you would like to turn the clock back and start over?

Is your focus on Jesus and Prayer?

The most important thing that we can do is please Him and we will be blessed.

 Bobbyg