The end of the road: Everything can change in a split second

April 15, 2012

Psalm 121:8 The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.

Cars and pedestrians sometimes just don’t mix. I live and work in a large city, so I share my life with cars, trucks, buses and an assortment of other vehicles.  I cross very busy streets on foot each day without giving it a thought. Most of us who live in large, heavily congested cities never think about all that traffic, it goes with big city life which I enjoy and would never trade. J

The sound of screeching tires about two feet from me recently got me to thinking: I could have been hit by a car…my life could have been over!  I had just stepped onto the pavement after crossing a major street when a car came barreling out of nowhere, and made a screeching halt just under the red light signal. This startled me – what if I had slowed my pace while crossing? I would more than likely be dead.

I share this story because none of us are guaranteed a specific number of days on earth.

·       Are you making wise use of your time?

·       If your life was to end, would those who love you say that you accomplished your goals and God-given purpose?

·       Have you taken time to love people, to make your life count and to use your abilities and gifts in service to those who need you the most?

·       Have you made a difference as a disciple of Jesus Christ?

God help me live a full life that will make you proud of me. And, keep all of us safe from harm. In the powerful name of Jesus Christ - Amen!

Lord, don’t let me think like an expert in religious law!

Luke 11:43-49

43 “What sorrow awaits you Pharisees! For you love to sit in the seats of honor in the synagogues and receive respectful greetings as you walk in the marketplaces. 44 Yes, what sorrow awaits you! For you are like hidden graves in a field. People walk over them without knowing the corruption they are stepping on.”

45 “Teacher,” said an expert in religious law, “you have insulted us, too, in what you just said.”

46 “Yes,” said Jesus, “what sorrow also awaits you experts in religious law! For you crush people with unbearable religious demands, and you never lift a finger to ease the burden.

49 This is what God in his wisdom said about you: ‘I will send prophets and apostles to them, but they will kill some and persecute the others.’

How many people in organized pulpits as well as people with religious opinions behave as if they are the experts in religious laws? These very people spout negativity or defame those they don’t agree with in the name of the “law.” Any person who is savvy in social media can wave a religious flag and spout opinions that do not reflect the Gospel. These people have captive audiences that can easily be deceived.

·       Beware of what you believe and who you believe.

·       Read the Bible and get God’s revelation for you.

·       Knowing God keeps you from falling victim to the religious experts.

·       If something doesn’t feel right, stop it.

·       If God moves you in a different direction, go that direction.

·       Don’t let religious laws keep you from God’s path.

·       If your religious traditions aren’t working, change things.

Examine what and why you believe. Ask the Lord to reveal his heart to you. Remember that Christ saw through those Pharisee hearts.

He sees through your expert heart.

My Divine Note - Going through the churchianity motions – Matthew 15:7-8

Matthew 15:7 You are hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he said about you: 8 'These people show honor to me with words, but their hearts are far from me.

One thing that was clear with Jesus during his earthly ministry, he didn’t have a problem challenging the religious people of his day. He saw through their traditions and empty words. In the same way, he sees through our words, hearts and traditions.

Going to the front of the pew at a church, revival meeting (or in the comfort of your own home while watching TV) and declaring that you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior doesn’t guarantee that you are saved any more than a person who claims that they are saved just because they are good and live life doing good deeds. 

Many people head to church or watch TV on Sunday mornings looking for something they just can’t find.

More and more people are voicing dissatisfaction with “churchianity” as they struggle to find meaning in their lives. I know because I’ve lived on both sides of churchianity for many years until I came into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Going through the motions What ends up happening is that people who are searching for truth get tired of the routine because not only do they have that God-spot that isn’t filled, but they also have to deal with religious politics.

·        What’s worse is if they attend church without connecting. They leave each Sunday wondering if that’s all there is. Where are the people that are supposed to care for me and where are the people I should be caring for?

“Outsiders” never find those connections because the established church people are busy taking care of their own little circles, paying the building and operating fees, planning the next financial campaign and thinking of their agendas.

·        The religious people may ignore the poor, the broken, those who challenge their beliefs – those who really need the love of Christ.

·        Those looking for God have good intentions, but at some point they decide to put him on the backburner because it’s too hard to deal with established religious traditions and/or the expectations that go along with it.

Using your gifts to serve

On the other hand, some people do become connected when the church people jump on the volunteer recruiting bandwagon.

·        You are asked to join classes, small groups, boards, help with events, which is also known as “using your gifts.”

·        You participate in the next church campaign designed to get you to think about God (and don’t forget to invite your neighbors).

·        You even get coaching on how to invite people to church.

·        It all becomes a social outlet. You start hanging with “good people,” find the perfect Sunday school class - these are good Christian friends.

You work your heart out by serving, but at the end of the day all you do is please the church people and then you wonder if the Lord appreciates what you do. In some cases, you do not please the church people and they call this to your attention.

What happens next?

·        You leave the church and look for the “perfect church” and perhaps stumble into alternative spiritual beliefs. (You won't find the perfect church)

·        You may be obligated by your traditions, family, etc. to stay but that empty spot in your heart becomes bigger and bigger.

·        It’s your religious job, your income, your ministry – you have to stay?

·        You turn back to questionable ways of living because you don’t know the Living God.

·        You become an atheist, spiritual guru or whatever because you need something more.

·        You basically live in silent or “out loud” desperation and yet have the perfect outward appearance.

·        You quit the church and stop looking for God, but every so often that tug in your heart pulls you to Him.

This topic has been burning in my heart because so many people in the right religious places are wondering if there’s anything more to God. There are also many people who are searching for God, but don’t want anything to do with “Christians” or Christianity or religious establishments because they consider us hypocrites yet they yearn to know how we can have that relationship with Jesus Christ.

I am here to tell you that Almighty God wants your heart – not your religious motions and behaviors! He is living, he is real and he wants to know you and not your religion!

I’ll be writing more on this topic. Please share your opinions.

My Divine Notes - Scriptures for life

Compiled December 2011

These are a few of my favorite Scriptures. I cannot live my life without God and his word. I keep a 3x5 wire bound note diary of verses that pop off the pages of my Bibles. This helps me in case I need to comfort someone with a specific verse. Start your own collection!



Comfort

Psalm 119:76 Comfort me with your love, as you promised me, your servant.

Job 4:4 Your words have comforted those who fell, and you have strengthened those who could not stand.

Strength

Psalm 18:1 I love you, LORD. You give me strength.

Psalm 29:11 The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.

Psalm 118:14 The Lord gives me strength and a song. He has saved me.

Isaiah 40:29 The LORD gives strength to those who are weary.

Deuteronomy 33:27 The eternal God is your shelter, and his everlasting arms support you.

1 Corinthians 15:58 … don’t let anyone move you off the foundation of your faith.

Psalm 31:24 Be strong, all who wait with hope for the LORD, and let your heart be courageous.

Psalm 16:8 I know that the LORD is always with me…

Peace

Psalm 29:11 The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.

Psalm 119:165 There is lasting peace for those who love your teachings. Nothing can make those people stumble.

Guilt/anxiety/fear/worry/ need God’s love/where are you God?/forgive/be forgiven

Psalm 4:1 My faithful God, answer me when I call out to you. Give me rest from my trouble. Show me your favor. Hear my prayer.

Psalm 22:19 LORD, don’t be so far away. You give me strength. Come quickly to help me.

Psalm 33:22 Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone.

Psalm 38:18 I confess my guilt. My sin troubles me.

Psalm 139:23 God, examine me and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

Psalm 38:21 Do not abandon me, O God. O my God, do not be so distant from me. 22 Come quickly to help me, O Lord, my savior.

Psalm 27:7 Please listen when I pray! Have pity. Answer my prayer. 8 My heart tells me to pray. I am eager to see your face, 9 so don't hide from me. I am your servant, and you have helped me. Don't turn from me in anger. You alone keep me safe. Don't reject or desert me.

Psalm 118:5 When I was really hurting, I prayed to the LORD. He answered my prayer, and took my worries away. 

1 Peter 5:7 Turn all your anxiety over to God because he cares for you.

Isaiah 41:13  “I am the Lord your God, who holds your right hand,  and I tell you, 'Don't be afraid.  I will help you.'

Psalm 118:6 The LORD is on my side, and I am not afraid...

Psalm 145:8 The Lord is kind and shows mercy. He does not become angry quickly but is full of love.

Psalm 38:21 LORD, don’t desert me. My God, don’t be far away from me.

Healing

Jeremiah 17:14 Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed. Rescue me, and I will be rescued. You are the one I praise.

Psalm 103:3 He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.

Psalm 118:17 I will not die; instead, I will live to tell what the Lord has done.

Trusting God

Psalm 37:5 Depend on the Lord; trust him, and he will take care of you.

Isaiah 46:4 I will still be the same when you are old and gray, and I will take care of you. I created you. I will carry you and always keep you safe.

Isaiah 43:2-3 The Lord says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned…For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”

Psalm 50:15 Call on me in times of trouble. I will rescue you, and you will honor me.

Psalm 62:8 Trust God, my friends, and always tell him each one of your concerns. God is our place of safety.

Psalm 91:14 Because you love me, I will rescue you. I will protect you because you know my name.

Psalm 55:11 Turn your burdens over to the LORD, and he will take care of you.

Psalm 56:11a I trust God.

Psalm 37:7 Be still. Be patient. Wait for the LORD to act.

When you need to know that God loves you and delights in you

Psalm 37:23 The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. 24 Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.

Psalm 117:1 Praise the Lord. All you people, praise him because the Lord loves us very much, and his truth is everlasting. Praise the Lord!

Hosea 14:8 “… I, the Lord, am the one who answers your prayers and watches over you. I am like a green pine tree; your blessings come from me."

Attitude

Philippians 2:5 Have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

When God sends help

2 Corinthians 7:6 But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us…

Mourning

Psalm 116:15 (NLT) The Lord cares deeply when his loved ones die.

God loves you!

Psalm 59:10a My God loves me, and he goes in front of me.

2 Thessalonians 2:13 My friends, the Lord loves you!

 
Help me God!

Psalm 5:2 Pay attention to my cry for help, my king and my God, because I pray only to you.

Psalm 9:9-10 God's a safe-house for the battered, a sanctuary during bad times. The moment you arrive, you relax; you're never sorry you knocked.

Psalm 42:11 Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God-soon I'll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He's my God.

Psalm 55:1 God, listen to my prayer. Pay attention to my cry for help. 2 Hear me…

Joy

Psalm 16:11 You have shown me the path to life, and you make me glad by being near to me. Sitting at your right side, I will always be joyful.

God is in control

Isaiah 45:7 I create the light and make the darkness. I send good times and bad times.

I, the Lord, am the one who does these things.

My Divine Notes - Don’t be afraid, trust me. Mark 5:37

March 26, 2012

Mark 5:37 Jesus ignored their comments and said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just trust me.”

A stirring in my soul points to my greater need for the Lord’s presence. I need God. I need God so much. There isn’t a new crisis to report. Things are as stable as they can be right now, and my soul yearns for a deeper walk with God.

I feel as if I’ve graduated to the next level, but that level requires total surrender…commitment. My walk with God has taken new turns, new twists, and new flavors – all very different from what I thought possible. Not that I would put God in a “possible” box. 

·        The things I thought possible or what I thought I wanted are no longer important.

·        The walk with God is more intense, more lovingly demanding. I don’t always want to go.

·        The things I thought I knew for sure are not for sure.

·        I know that I don’t know.

Only God knows. It’s all exciting.

Stay tuned.