When I've talked to young people in Western and Eastern Europe, or deep in South America, or on secluded islands and here in the States.. they explain to me how they hate feeling bored more than anything else. There are indeed some things to hate. Who likes being bored? Never met anyone like that. Have you?
Boring ain’t how he rolls. Never has been. We don’t have to go there either. May I say it straight? People that often get bored are boring people. Live in the center of His will instead.
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” — John 10:10
“Without question the Christian life is the greatest life there is. I’ve become more convinced of this as time passes by, especially when I look at some of my old high school friends and the course their lives have taken. More than ever, I’m so thankful that at the age of seventeen I chose to follow Jesus Christ. But the Christian life is more than just praying a prayer or walking down an aisle and getting so-called fire insurance. God intended the Christian life to be dynamic, to be exciting, and to have a radical effect on our outlook and the way that we live. That’s because Jesus Christ not only wants to be our Savior, but He also wants to be our Lord. He not only wants to be our friend, but He also wants to be our God. I’m afraid, however, that many of us live a substandard Christian experience. In many ways, that’s an oxymoron because if it’s Christian, it shouldn’t be substandard. Yet, in a sense, many Christians fail to receive all that God has for them. So why is it that in the first century, a handful of ordinary people turned their world, as they knew it, upside down? They managed to accomplish it without social media, the Internet, television, or radio. How were these Christians able to do it? I think we could sum up their success in one word: discipleship. They were true disciples of Jesus Christ, not fair-weather followers. They didn’t live an anemic, watered-down, ineffective version of the Christian life. Instead, they lived the Christian life as it was meant to be lived, as Christ Himself offered it, and as the early disciples apprehended it. And if we’re going to impact our culture today, then we, too, must be true disciples of Jesus Christ.“ ~ Greg Laurie
The Christian life is more than just praying a prayer or walking down an aisle and getting so-called fire insurance. God intended the Christian life to be dynamic, to be exciting, and to have a radical effect on our outlook and the way that we live and affect the world.
"Time is limited so listen well, serve and win them to Christ by God's love. Pray this one like I do - Help Lord, now is good. Being a witness and giving a clear witness of Jesus is a dynamic-adventure! To argue with a man who has renounced the use and authority of biblical reason, and whose philosophy consists in holding needy human-beings in contempt, is like administering medicine to the dead, or endeavoring to convert an atheist by pushy preachiness minus any grace of kindness or earnest prayer." ~ Kurt W.v.S.
We each should be a part of a praying Bible teaching local church, because it’s where we hear the Word of God that we can wisely apply. Right where the rubber meets the road. It’s where we worship God and receive untold spiritual benefits. And it’s where we encounter God. The church is an oasis of hope in a desert of hopelessness.
That fallen angel the Devil aka the defeated Mr. Lu-Cifer, is a cunning liar, destroyer and killer. He too has a plan for your life -- to end it slow fast.. as early as possible. He's a deceiving murderer -- a complete loser. He won’t come to us and say, “The Bible isn’t the Word of God.” Rather, he’ll say, “You know, it’s really not that bad for you to do that. Other people do. So why can’t you?” Don’t listen to him. He is the father of lies.” See John 8:44.
We don’t focus on this loser or live in fear. We are to focus on and wholeheartedly worship the mighty Lord ..who is far stronger that all fallen angels put together.
No silly, I don’t mean when you’re high. I mean when you're done with lame livin'. I mean there is a high so to speak.. that’s far better than some drug or drink kinda high. Been there, done that. I know and wanna show.
I'm talking about life in relationship with the Most High.
Been a weird time here this 2020, a year of chaos, of anxieties, rioting, looting.. a time of false news, of confusion, of fears, of small people and businesses sadly dying off, and of political rangeling (and I’ve done my fair share of that. Hah!). It’s time now to experience firsthand the power of the Most High..for a purpose. Yep, His purpose for you.
I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I was born -- I awoke and saw that life was service in the Son. Twice born, not always easy to explain. I acted and behold, service was JOY, but not just service the waiting time is too. There’s JOY in Jesus.
When I lived in Europe I would sometimes take a train through the Principality of Liechtenstein (auf Deutsch/German das ist: Fürstentum) and when the flag was up flying in the sky the king of Liechtenstein was in residence there. So, how can people passin’ through tell if the King of kings is at residence in you and me? Real JOY!
Joy is the flag flown high From the castle of my heart From the castle of my heart From the castle of my heart Joy is the flag flown high From the castle of my heart When the King is in residence there
So let it fly in the sky (everywhere you go) Let the whole world know Let the whole world know Let the whole world know (So) let it fly in the sky Let the whole world know That the King is in residence there.
Like The Sun You Can Rise Again. Like The Son You Can Be Live Filled With Joy, And You Can Be Physically Resurrected Too.
He Wants To Be Trusted, Worshipped, Known, Followed And Enjoyed As Well. That’s Abundant Life. Fellowship And Eternal Life Can Begin Now And Be Enjoyed Non-Stop. Sin Doesn’t Need To Mess It Up.
If you can’t remember the very day that you were born again spiritually, then you probably haven’t been. Some don’t remember the day, but most do. Come to Christ as you are.. as you are and willing to be changed.. willing to cooperate with His Holy Spirit working within you.
Let’s get that nailed down in your mind and heart -- this assurance of free and full forgiveness. Turn, trust and ask for this cleansing. He will forgive you today. The Bible says...
"Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.." 1 John 5:12-14
“Sometimes,' said Pooh, 'the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.” ― A.A. Milne
Let Christ in, turn, trust and in invite Him in instead.
Remember how the Jews asked Jesus about this new liberty..“’We are Abraham’s descendants’...“We have never been slaves to anyone. How can You say we will be set free?’ Jesus replied, ‘Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:33-36
"But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12-13
When your passion for the Lord becomes greater than your passion for sin.. even for some beloved pet sin..then you will glorify God and experience JOY in the Son!
Are you a happy person? Admit to God that you're a sinner and put your faith in Jesus as your Savior. God has promised to meet our every need, so why look to this corrupt world to do that? Look away to Him!
I'm talking about salvation, justification and sanctification here. I'm talking about the Jesus of the Bible who rose from the dead and was seen by over 500 eyewitnesses! Have you been depressed or down without hope? Have you experienced being bored, down, sad or unhappy? Let's see that fixed in this New Year.. even now. See ya 2020 and 2021 is now upon us.
Come as ya are. Now is good. Don’t put it off until later cuz it’s the most important decision that you’ll ever make. He frees. He made me loathe what I used to love, and love what I used to loathe (worship, prayer, the Bible etc.) -- man, wish I could adequately describe this JOY of fellowship that I feel inside! Come to..come back to Him now. He's the God of second chances and He'll give you a second chance in Christ.
It doesn't matter what you started last year and somehow failed to accomplish, you can start over. Need a second chance? He's called the start over God.
In 2020, though God didn't create Covid or any sickness or disease.. it's kinda like God has hit the pause button so we can pause and start over again. So we can get right. Yes, our God is a start over God. He made this world so that every 24 hours we start a new day. And every seven days we start a new week and every 4 or 5 weeks we start a new month, and every 365 days we start a new year. God could have run all that time together without any breaks for us to really pause and think, but He didn't do that. Jesus came into this world so that we could start over clean. And when we follow this Jesus Christ the Bible.. old things pass away and behold all things become new in Him. This could be your defining moment as we start a new year.. when you start over filled with JOY totally forgiven.
"Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents."Luke 15:10
"My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed." Psalm 71:23
"Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2
"More than that, we also reJOYice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation." Romans 5:11 #emph.mine
Have you been caught up in the frenzy of the lights of the season and can't see the Light of the world? Christ. Why be lost in the frenetic frenzy, distractions, busyness and fatigue?
Happiness often is based on what is happening around us. When bad things are happening we say we are unhappy, and when good things are happening we say we're happy.
It's been said.. there are two major reasons for unhappiness in this world today.
- One of them is not getting what you want...
- And the other one is getting what you want.
Turn trust believe..invite Christ in and let him be Lord. The promises of God found in the Bible are not for underlining (though that's what I like to do, not a bad thing), they are for believing. For God so loved the world that He gave us His sinless Son.
Other temporal things, people, and activities can't fill that hollow void in your heart to satisfy you. Let God fill that hungry vacuum in your life.
Did you ever think that Christians lived thee most boring lives on this planet? I did.
That was before I became a born again Christian myself. It happened in the Spring of 1977 near Newport Beach California. I was in my late teens then and sick of my party life of sin. Pleasure seekin' and all that came with that was kind of what I learned in high school, but I can't blame Dana Hills High School. It was my fault. Sin is fun for a season.. that doesn't last.
Since that time I’ve found that God and just living for him isn't boring at all. Nope. I learned that boring people are the ones who get bored. Not him, God never does get bored.
Living 100 percent for him doesn't either. I have found that the holy way, the godly way, the disciplined way of the Spirit, the way of obedience to direct Authority (God) and to delegated authority short of sinning (I mean submitting to the word under flawed leaders here), is in reality the happy way of life.
Some Christians talk about all that they’ve given up to follow Jesus Christ. What? Really? Yep, but what do each really give up? For some, it’s addiction to porn, gambling, too much work, greed, drugs or alcohol. Do you really want any of that junk? For most, it’s guilt, emptiness, fears of death etc., and painful loneliness.
Personally, I can fully concur with the words of the apostle Paul who said, “Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ” . Philippians 3:8 nlt
What was Paul saying? The things I have given up to follow Jesus are zip, null, nada, nothing compared to what God has given up for me and given to me.
Want to be a happy born again Christian? You can be. Let Jesus be Lord -- I mean in practice rather than merely in theory. Sow to the Spirit and not to the flesh.
No time for mixed sowing, to the world and then to the Spirit. Why sow to the flesh and to this world's system only to become weak or corrupt inside?
Live close and hear God's voice in agreement to the Bible.
He still speaks and directs. Obey your Father God for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus. What steps specifically can I take? Here's some steps of how to...
Morning Prayer and Bible Reading (Hearing)
Building a deeper relationship with God ..like with any relationship.. it takes some time. Morning quiet time in the Bible is a great way to edify yourself, I mean spending time reading, musing over, memorizing Scripture, as well as praying to the Father in the name of the Son, Jesus. Way important. It’s SO worth getting up a little earlier too if you must.. to build yourself up in your most holy faith.. before starting your day.
Share the Love of Christ with Others
From the basis of a healthy local church that teaches the word.. one that's led by born again spiritual leaders.. be and live as a witness for Christ. With a good attitude. These are good choices for all. Maybe you can pay for a single mom’s groceries, or buying someone a gas card, or writing your witness. I mean witnessing of your faith in different ways, like giving someone a word of encouragement--it will get your mind off on you and your own worries. God can use you to make an impact in your world! Ask him to.
Take a Break from Biased Social Media Platforms
Close the apps and shut the computer off for a time. Do a fast from social media (even the crazy news) for a while. You can do this, really! With so much distracting and vying for your attention, just unplug from the world in this way for a time and it will help you have time to invest in other things like God, friends, family and your own spiritual walk of faith.
Journal Some of Your Prayers and Ideas
Us guys like to do this on our computers. You really don’t have to be a poet to write down your victories (that God has given you), favorite Bible verses or your struggles or goals and thoughts in the puter or on paper. Just don’t hold anything back and perhaps use colored markers. Think of new ways to apply the word of God.
Give thanks, Give Praise and Rejoice in Jesus Daily
When you have done all you can in your circumstances--just give thanks to God for the good things in your life..and in all kinda of circumstances too. Not for the bad circumstances, but in them. it up to God. Sing a song of praise in and out of church. This might feel hard to do at times because we want to take control and fix everything..even if we can't fix it all, but laying it out in prayer with praise and thanksgiving will give you a sense of gratitude, peace, release like God is the author of your story. Cuz he is. Speak the Word of God out loud so your ears can hear. Repeat the verses that apply to your weaknesses or failings.
The Bible says “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). The Scripture in Philippians 4:19 has also helped me a lot.
The Bible says, "Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all the depths; Fire and hail, snow and clouds; stormy wind, FULFILLING HIS WORD." Psalm 148:7-8
Get and Be Real with God and Others
That’s right, be candid -- throw it all out there for God to work with! Honesty is a must. It’s not like God doesn’t know what you’re thinking or going through. We tend to wear masks in the world -- that's so easy to do. Stop it. Snap out of that hiding. Start talking to God openly even if you are angry at him or others, or frustrated or becoming bitter and hard-hearted towards someone or him your seemingly unanswered prayers.
Lord, we like to hear YES when we pray to you, but so often it's like we only get a NO or a Wait and we feel discouraged. Help me/us overcome discouragement and live blessable keeping ourselves in the agape love of God.
We can't earn any blessing and you are the greatest blessing to us really, but we need to know afresh that you care for us and what we care about (if it's not sin). Please guide and provide. Thanks for being in control, Jesus. Amen.
You know how religious false teachers tell us "Become a follower of Jesus and all your troubles will be over. God will bless, help, and keep you from sickness. He'll make you successful if you just believe the right things and Speak it", "Name it and claim it!"
But nowhere in the Bible does God promise this, Buckeroo. Jesus actually said..
"In the world you will have tribulation." John 16:33
Trouble is a part of this life for unbelievers, and the troubles work against them. No one escapes it, but Christians start experience trials instead after they repent and believe.. and trials can work for them as they stay focused on Christ. The Bible says, "Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble." Job 14:1
Christians must expect trials, suffering and opposition. The Bible says, "All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." 2 Timothy 3:12
We must "through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." Acts 14:22. And yet.. we can still have JOY daily and live happy in Christ Jesus as we stay close to him.
Remind Yourself of God's Love Towards You
Why? Cuz he really does love you...even if you've failed like a thousand or more times. His arms are still open wide. If you've fallen down, get back up and walk. Have you sinned? Admit it and quit it. The Bible says he still cares...
"How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!" Psalm 139:17
Know that God has Good Goals For You
Yep, and primarily.. one is to conform us to the image of His Son. But how? He does this through the nice and not-so-nice circumstances, and through the disciplines of the Holy Spirit ..that yes involve some trials, hardships, some mockings, jeers, persecutions and some suffering. He loves us too much to leave us as we are -- God's got a goal for you...
"Those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters." Romans 8:29 (net Bible)
Trust that God is Sovereign in Your Life
What does that mean? It means that He rules over everything in this world and in the entire universe too. He has all power in Heaven and in earth. There is nothing that can hinder or prevent God from doing what He purposes to do. It's going to happen. The Bible says..
"He does according to His will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, 'What have you done?'"
Daniel 4:35 nkjv
It clearly says, "Whatever the Lord pleases He does, in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deep places."
Psalm 135:6
All the things of nature, and of flawed men who sin, and of nations, and of kings ..are under God's control here basically. The Bible assures of this...
"The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord…He turns it wherever He wishes."
Proverbs 21:1
Just remind yourself therefore of how God the Lord is for you. He is totally good. This is so true, regardless of your circumstances or of my circumstances. The Bible says...
"Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for HE IS GOOD! For His mercy endures forever." Psalm 106:1
I love what my SoCal pastor friend said on living happy:
"We see in the Bible that happiness is always connected to holiness. We also find that happiness is not something that should be sought outright; rather, it’s a result of seeking something else. And that something else is holiness.
Although the Declaration of Independence refers to 'the pursuit of Happiness' as one of our 'unalienable Rights,' pursuing happiness in and of itself is generally a futile search. As philosopher Eric Hoffer said, 'The search for happiness is one of the chief sources of unhappiness.'
Many people today who are searching for happiness never will quite have it. There are people with a lot of accomplishments, a lot of fame and a lot of money who live miserable, empty lives. They’re searching for something but in the wrong way.
Happiness is a byproduct of holiness (in relationship with the Father through his Son). When you get your life in order, happiness soon will follow.
That is why unbelievers can never know true happiness. They will go after the world’s cheap counterfeits, which are shallow. The world’s concept of happiness depends on good things happening.
The Bible tells us how to find and maintain holiness, and as a result, happiness, in our lives. And in Psalm 119 we have God’s original design.
First we’re told that if we want to be holy, then we are to walk in an undefiled way: 'Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths' (verses 1–3 NLT).
From the very beginning of our lives, we learn the importance of walking. It’s interesting how little children immediately start moving that way. Of course, we help them along and feel proud when they take their first steps. But babies don’t want to just lie there. They want to push themselves up. They try again and again, and then pretty soon, they’re crawling. Then they struggle to pull themselves up and stand on their wobbly baby legs. They keep trying until they can do it.
Walking speaks of progression, of moving forward, as opposed to simply sitting still. If we want to be truly happy and holy people, then we should not only avoid what is wrong, but we should also embrace and actively engage in what is right.
It’s true that the Bible tells us what we should not do. But it also tells us what we should do. Those who see the Bible as a list of rules and regulations have not carefully examined it. Yes, God tells us what to avoid. Yes, God warns us of things that are perilous to our spiritual health. At the same time, he tells us what we must do.
For example, the Bible tells us, 'Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts.' But it also says, 'Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts' 2 Timothy 2:22.
If you want to be holy – and happy as a result – then you must actively walk in God’s ways.
Years ago I was in the backyard with my dog when I saw a brightly colored finch sitting on the ground. I walked over to it, expecting it to flutter away, but it stayed. I bent down to take a closer look, thinking it must be dead. It looked like it was still breathing, so I put out my finger and immediately it hopped on.
I walked into the house with the finch still perched on my finger and said to my wife, 'Look what I just found in the yard.' We asked our son if any of his friends had bird cages, so he ran down the street to borrow a cage from a neighbor.
When he returned, I opened the cage and the bird hopped in. It began chirping as it went from perch to perch. This was the happiest bird I’d ever seen. Obviously it was someone’s pet. Obviously it felt comfortable in a cage. That little bird enjoyed captivity.
The bars of that cage could be seen some by some as restrictive, but for that little bird, they represented protection.
In the same way, some see God’s law as restrictive, as something that stops them from really enjoying life. No, it’s protection from the things that can harm us. It’s the way to live life to its fullest.
There are two ways we can live: the right way and the wrong way. There are two paths we can take: the narrow road that leads to life or the broad way that leads to destruction. There are two foundations we can build on: solid rock or sinking sand. The result is that we can either live the happy and holy way or the miserable and unholy way. Which will you choose?" Thanks Greg Laurie.
Choose life in the Son today -- that'll mean true happiness for you.
Don't put in off as so many do. Heaven or hell, Christ's way or our own way. We've all got to respond.. to RSVP.. to God's free offer of forgiveness and life everlasting. We've got to make our reservations for lasting happiness in advance, or it's no good for us.
That day, when Jesus hung on that cruel Roman cross and cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46 nkjv).
These are also the opening words of Psalm 22, one of the most unique psalms in the Bible. We would call this a Messianic prophecy, which simply means it’s one of those remarkable passages in the Old Testament that points to the Messiah.
And not only is this a Messianic prophecy, but it’s also a graphic description of the events that took place on the day of the Crucifixion.”
Notice what Scripture says in Psalm 22:24. The Father did hear His Son, “For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; Nor has He hidden His face from Him; But when He cried to Him, He heard.”
Listen, when you feel abandoned, remember you are not alone, believer. God still hears your prayers, believer. He's not going to bail out and forget you. Perhaps you were raised in church.. or not so much. Are you a Christian believer yet? You can be.
“I love the LORD, because He has heard My voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live. The pains of death surrounded me, And the pangs of Sheol laid hold of me; I found trouble and sorrow. Then I called upon the name of the LORD: “O LORD, I implore You, deliver my soul!” Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; Yes, our God is merciful. The LORD preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me. Return to your rest, O my soul, For the LORD has dealt bountifully with you. For You have delivered my soul from death, My eyes from tears, And my feet from falling. I will walk before the LORD In the land of the living.”Psalm 116:1–9
You never need to feel lonely and forgotten when you are not alone, nor forsaken. Pause, pray.. simply talk to Jesus about it. Facebook.com/ShareJesus
What’s so weird to me.. it the inconsistency. Why is the suffering and passing of some humans so horrific to those of this world while it’s okay for others to feel pain and die? As those of this world push hard to save and protect humans on the outside of the womb these says, it’s also been pushing to keep abortion places open so more babies can be killed. Crazy thinking.
“The one overarching principle of the biblical view of suffering is this: that suffering, for the Christian, is never an exercise in futility… but that suffering is used by God for redemptive purposes among His people.” — R.C. Sproul
I pray that God comforts those who have been suffering. Is that you. I pray that He protects and provides for His children, especially those who are medically uninsured during the days of this pandemic, yes, even those who are without any access to medical care.
“We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone.” Psalm 33:20-22
God does answer every prayer, kids of the Kingdom. Yes, No, Wait -- He knows best. He knows the number of your days here. So live life fully here, full of thanks, obedience and praise to Jesus Christ. Doin’ my best I commit the rest -- be a vessel of honor not one of dishonor.
Yes, regardless of the trials, the tests, the personal losses, and the hurts you might be now feeling, just focus on the Lord and be wise and practical. Place your treasures on heaven's side when you can. Be around ministries that love to give, to win and help people, and to add Bible edification to you, rather than false teachers posing as ministers who are on the take.. “Dig deep, you must give to keep this ministry alive.” I say let it die, but be glad to give to those Bible teaching Christian churches and ministries that are sound (not talking about me here, though daily biblical soundness is still my aspiration too).
Choose life and to speak what's right, what's needed today. Yes, regardless of the troubles, the different trials, the testings, the personal losses, and the hurts that you might feel, but stay focused on the Lord and place and your treasures on heaven's side. Provide for your fam, but if you only lay em up here on earth ...they may real quickly rust, rot, be stolen and decay. Let Jesus lead you.
