the not so deep thoughts...

New Baby

2011-02-22T17:50:00.000-08:00

Since the last time I was able to post on here...we now enjoy a new baby girl--Lydia Grace. Lydia has been a great joy to our family, but she has also been a new challenge. We were used to a boy being around and now a girl in the house changes the flow for sure. Now our house is full of pink and bows. When first thinking about having a girl in the house--it scared me...literraly. Now that she has come she has stolen my heart. Pink and bows are cool now. I am so thankful for healthy and beautiful children. By the grace of God He has blessed us and by that same grace we move forward each day.

Our Country...

2010-03-16T20:58:00.000-07:00

I have not watched very much news lately. I was watching a good bit of it and found myself worrying, depressed somewhat, and becoming angry. Angry with our government and angry that no one does anything about it, including myself. I now watch just enough to know what is going on and know that I am still very frustrated.

That being said, I see that our government is very determined to push this health care bill. I have seen and heard numerous things that scare me about this. One issue I read today said that we would basically be paying, with our tax money, to support abortions. This is only one of many problems with the bill. The new government has been very suspicious and very sneaky at what they are about from day one. Actually before the election! It's almost as if, the American people took "common sense" and threw it out the window. Why do we continue to think these people know what they are doing?

I really didn't study history too much in school, but the past few years I have had to teach it. This has caused me to study it. I've always heard since I was born that we must learn from the mistakes of the past. There are several issues in the past that concern me about our government today. One issue is Hitler. Looking at the way Hitler came in was much like Satan. He came in and took a little at a time making the people think they were getting something good. This approach is very similar to today's approach. We have slowly been stripped of our rights until we think it's o.k. and even normal. WHAT?!

Another issue that caught my attention was Thomas Paine's Common Sense. Very much similar to Glenn Beck's approach of America today. We must wake up and use some common sense!!! Am I saying Beck has all the answers? No, but he sure is waking some people up! And I say it's about time.

The other issue, which is fresh on my mind is the Civil War. My students just got through studying it, and I noticed some key things. One of the things that we often get stuck on was the issue of slavery. Slavery was one of the many reasons the southern states seceded from the Union. One of the final things that helped that decision was the election of Abraham Lincoln. Not just because he was elected, but how he was elected. NOT ONE vote in the southern states was for Lincoln. Not only that, they didn't even put him on the ballot. With Lincoln not receiving the majority vote but getting the electoral votes, he was put into office. The southern states realized--"if we ever want anything, we will never get it, because our votes our outnumbered." Thus, finally seceding from the Union.

There have been many begin to fight back and exercise what rights we still have. Starting rallies, Tea Parties, etc. Some say that the South today have more morals than alot of northern states--I don't know. I do know that some of these key issues are pressing today. And the majority of the people are not being represented well. Instead the ones with most representatives, senators, and electoral votes are calling the shots, and that is not a good thing.

This could be a wake up call. This could be the beginning of the end. This could be... Who knows?

God...We could worry about this stuff all day. But we must trust our creator, follow after Him, stand for what is right, and see America come back to God...a place always intended by our forefathers. That started this country on prayer and fasting. Shouldn't we continue this process? But never forget--With Prayer comes Great Responsibility...

Prayer Life?

2010-03-11T21:05:00.000-08:00

Do you ever think about prayer? What it's like and how we must sound?

Lately we have been discussing this during our youth time. I think about people I used to hear praying growing up, people that pray now, and even my own. Then I think...we sound ridiculous! The more I get into the Word, it seems to me that God is about joining in with us everyday on this journey. That He desires us, and wants us to be REAL with Him. Sometimes I laugh at my own prayers because, to be honest, they are really religious. Using terms like thee, to refer to God, or thou. I never talk like that, and neither does anybody I know. I guess we think since the scripture must be in King James then our prayer life must be also.

I have been purposefully trying to break this habit of mind. One encouragement to do this is to picture myself with God--a real being, fully alive--not dead. Interacting with Him and hanging out together...living life together. This has not been easy. When trying to do this, I see how religious prayer has become in my life--that it must fit a mold, instead of living life with my Creator.

I used to think of God on His throne like the Lincoln memorial. Picturing God this way would never allow me to see how He could care for me like the scripture told me. My view on God has changed and because of it, so has my life. I realize that He desires to spend time with me, quality time, talking about real issues, and conversing with me.

I feel that many of the greats we read about in the Bible, somehow understood that--they interacted with the creator of the universe and experience Him like none other (James 5:16-18).

Does He still do that?

“I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber! ² But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. ³ The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. ⁴ After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. ⁵ They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.”

--John 10:1-5

We do not hope God follows us around, we interact with Him, and He leads us...

Be Fruitful

2010-03-02T19:20:00.000-08:00

"As for you, be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth and increase upon it." Genesis 9:7.

³ Sons are a heritage from the LORD,
children a reward from him.

⁴ Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are sons born in one's youth.

⁵ Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their enemies in the gate.

Psalms 127:3-4

And with that I say...we are expecting our second child. When thinking about having children thoughts rush through my mind. Will I be good enough? Will my strengths outweigh the bad? Will Eli be too jealous or dislike his sibling? ...and on, and on, and on...

Then I have to remember that has to be thoughts from satan because I know that God wants me to purpose these things in my heart and fight for them everyday. I believe that God wants plans to prosper me and not harm me, but it's a fight. A fight which I have to purpose to fight in everyday. I see the enemy trying to take me out in many different ways--to lose heart. I must not! I want to see a new generation emerge. One that is full of God, full of life with fire and zeal, and a love that distinctively sets them apart from any other. And that every generation that comes after them will follow and grow more and more.

I realize this is no easy task. I can't fight it alone either. May you join me in trying to raise a new generation for the KINGDOM!

Long time no see...

2010-02-21T10:44:00.000-08:00

For the past two days I have been stuck in the house with the stomach virus. Being forced to just lay around and not be able to do much on my own. As I'm laying here I thought of how we go everyday at our own pace and rarely take time to acknowledge the things around us and that we are to take time and rest. When we stop, we actually have time to listen. And yes God still speaks to His children, if we will listen.

As I have been laying here, I remembered that I had a blog at one time. So I found it again, but it took me a while because I hadn't used it in so long I forgot my password.

I hope to continue writing on here and catch up to some things going on in my life...

--to be continued.

Almost Forgotten

2008-08-05T09:01:00.000-07:00

I almost forgot that I even had this thing. I was just reading my last post and remembered how hard it was for me to even think the last time I wrote. There was so much going on in my life and my emotions--that I really didn't want to talk. Thank goodness for Jesus Christ--who has set us free from bondage, to not be entangled by these emotions. He brings peace and joy!

Sunday, my father-in-law preached on--Not just being set free "from" but set free "to." We have been set free from bondage, sin, snares, traps, etc. But most of us don't know that we have been set free to do something--we just sit around in this neutral area and say were free. We have been set free to now go and be slaves to righteousness. To do the work of the Lord. Not that we are saved by the good works, but we are saved to do good works. It is not religious acts but a lifestyle of devotion that leads to righteousness.

Lots of times--I see in myself and others--we say man I wish I could be set free from...

The truth is--at the cross we were set free, and when we receive salvation we receive all that was accomplished on the cross. But for the most part we don't know it. We still walk around in chains or in prison.

Remember in Acts, when Paul was in prison and the angel came and opened the doors and broke the chains, he stayed there. Christians are very much the same. God has set us free--no more chains, no more bondage, but we ignore that the door is open and set us free to go do something, and we just sit in our prison still trapped even though we are set free. We must embrace what God has done--not just a ticket to heaven but the whole package. I encourage you to read the word and find out what I mean by the whole thing--I could write some down but it would mean more to discover them yourself--I still find new things everyday that I already have and didn't even know it! You are free, free indeed!

RollerCoaster!

2008-02-07T05:43:00.000-08:00

What do I mean by this word? I have been on a rollercoaster of emotions the past week. Last week my first baby was born Thursday. I seemed to be on top of the world. During the night that night I woke up with uncontrollable fear. Fear about how to take care of him and things like that--but most of all just covered in nervous fear. I seemed to get better the next day and was doing pretty well. Just loving my new son.

Monday morning I was awakened by a phone call (that I will never forget) about my brother being in an accident. He was outside of his vehicle on I-20 and was hit by another vehicle. I have been with him the past few days at LSU-Shreveport.

My stomach feels like a bunch of knots tied up in one, nervous, scared, tired, excited about good news, sad about what happened. I've also felt torn. Torn between two places--wanting to be at home to see my new baby, but also wanting to right with my brother.

A rollercoaster is the best way to describe this feeling. Not just any kiddie rollercoaster, but a massive top of the line rollercoaster--with speeds that put you back in your seat.

I've wondered how people get through times like these without knowing God. If I did not know Him and could not experience his peace--I think I would be a crazy man! But he gives peace, rest, joy, love, healing, and so much more. He clears my mind of negative emotions and fills them with good thoughts!

I'm not going to lie. Sometimes it's hard! Sometimes I have to really fight. There's a war going on daily in our lives--a spiritual war. Whether we engage or not--it still goes on! As I look back over the past few weeks--I see so many attacks by Satan--in my mind and against my heart. The enemy's desire is for me to lose heart and give up--but we must not! We must realize that we have been given authority over the enemy and we have to see the attacks for what they are--alot of them are in our minds and things he whispers to us--and we can make no agreements with him. We must agree with God!

Heart is Central

2007-11-15T21:09:00.000-08:00

Sometimes there are some very disappointing times in our lives. I guess we place a lot of faith in people instead of the real one (Jesus). When people fall from our expectations we feel let down—like they failed us. When in all actuality they’ve failed only one. Our faith is not in people or leaders but God.
I looked up to a very good pastor, teacher, preacher, and minister—so I thought. This man preached the word with boldness, sincerity, and passion. I thought if anyone had it together—it was him. I loved to hear him preach—because he motivated me to become a better Christian, to live it out, to be real, to be passionate, etc.
A few weeks ago I found out that this man had been cheating on his wife for years—maybe with more than one woman. I don’t know the exact details of the situation, and probably only him and God knows. But I wonder if he was purposely living a double life, or was it something he struggled with and did not overcome it. Now, I’m not taking up for him, because I know that this is serious and should not be taken lightly, but let’s look at this from a spiritual standpoint.

Obviously, the man had experienced God deeply—because of the fruit that produced from his ministry, the sermons he spoke, and the love he had for ministry. I don’t believe that this man could have just been in ministry for the fun of it. Trust me it’s hard dealing with people!
The Bible says that Satan walks around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). Jesus said that he came to give abundant life, but Satan came to KILL, STEAL, and DESTROY (John 10:10). Satan has been attacking from the beginning—to see man fall—especially a leader or men in ministry. If he destroys them—he can change the hearts of many.
Let’s talk about King David. This was a man after God’s own heart. He was a man that was loved by God and loved God. He was a huge leader, even a KING. What happened? There was an attack by Satan by showing him a NAKED WOMAN and then entertaining those thoughts. He became captivated by those thoughts until they became action. Those actions caused more actions—even to the point of MURDER. Surely God must have said then that he was no longer a man after His own heart. Nope! He did require that he repent but it did not change the fact that he loved God and God loved him.
To me this proves that a man can love God, be passionate about God, know the things of God, and even know God, but still be deceived and brought down by the enemy.

We must realize there is a war going on all around us. A war that we are in—whether we choose to fight in it or not—we are in a battle. We can’t see it maybe, but if we are sensitive to the situations around us we will begin to see it.
I don’t know the heart of this man—but I do know that neither does the countless Christians who rip him apart with their slandering words. Wow, a great Christian perspective—to tear people down when they’ve already fallen by an attack by Satan. We should see it as an opportunity to restore a brother in Christ, but instead we act surprised that someone in leadership would allow Satan to have a stronghold in their lives. We live in a state of being thinking that Christianity is like living in fairytale land where we have no problems, no struggles, and that preachers are the Christ. They are not. They are humans who are in the same battle as everyone else.
I would hate to know who would stand by me if I were to fall. All it takes is one time to allow Satan to come in and get a stronghold in your life.
We have put Christianity in a box of principles and feelings. No longer do we hold true to what Jesus taught. Oh, we say that we are not like the religious leaders—“it’s about Grace not law,” we say. But in reality—we are just like the Pharisees, the religious leaders—with our rules, regulations, principles, and fitting in a box. If someone does not fit in our TINY box—they must be of the devil.
Our hearts are central. Proverbs 4:23 says,"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Satan knows that and our hearts are constantly under attack from the time we are born.
We should be about the business of restoring hearts—not just telling people how to live. The captives are to be set free and hearts restored, not judging and tearing down. Our war is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and rulers of darkness (Eph. 6:12).

Yes I was disappointed in this man—and actually felt like a wound to my own heart. Satan is probably having a field day over this situation—people doubting their salvation, doubting Christianity, giving up hope, and tearing up other Christians—which is allowing him in to their lives for a stronghold. See how he works—so deceptive. But the problem with deception is that you don’t know you’re being deceived.

We must remember we are at war, not put our faith in man but Christ, and come back to the heart of the matter—restoring hearts.

Prosperity Gospel

2007-10-13T19:59:00.000-07:00

Many things go through my mind during the day. One thing lately is the term “prosperity gospel.” What is “prosperity gospel?” When I think about this phrase—I think about a woman with thick makeup and a man with a fancy suit trying to sell Jesus with flashy things and money. Of course, this would make any sane person shake their head in disgust.
Although, I do believe God wants us to prosper. Am I being a hypocrite or two-face? No. Let me tell you what I mean.
I do not believe that God wants my marriage to fail. One reason is because marriage represents Christ and the church. I believe God wants my marriage to be the best marriage and represent a true example of Him. I believe that he wants his kingdom work to be successful and prosper. To make as many disciples of Him that I can and lead people in the right direction. Do you think God wants more or less people to be saved, restored, and brought back to Him? Common sense will tell you more. I hear many people say that God does not desire that we become prosperous, but yet when they receive great things they give credit to God, such as a new house, car, clothes, new job, etc. Also, the other thing that bothers me is the people who preach against prosperity--that God does not want them to prosper, and tell everyone to sell everything they have and give to the poor (which is what Jesus teaches)--they preach in a suit and tie (which by the way costs them at least $250-$1000 a piece), using tv, internet, and driving a nice car—(compared to the rest of the world, who have NO cars). They give to causes and missions and want someone to give them a pat on the back for doing the right thing—when in all actualality they’ve done nothing really. It’s kind of out of sight, out of mind. There is no real “hands on” to what Jesus taught. Then they preach against prosperity and that no one should have it and what they are doing is just as wrong. I can give you numerous scriptures of God telling his people they will be blessed and prosperous—in the land—not just heaven (Deut. 5:33 and alot more in Deut., 1Kings 2:3, Psalm 1, etc--just search it yourself--so far I've found over 80 times it states it). I can also give you scriptures about selling everything you have and giving to the needy (Mark 10:21, Luke 18:22, etc.).
What am I saying? I’m saying that there is a balance. God does want us to prosper—because he tells us in His word, but he also wants us to give to the needy and seek the Giver and not the gifts. He blesses us to be a blessing to others—not to hoard it all for ourselves. It works hand in hand. It’s a PROMISE, not a maybe, in Malachi that we will be blessed by giving. There are spiritual laws set up just like the laws of gravity. The law of reaping and sowing is one of them. Do we bless only so we can be blessed then? By no means! Remember when Jesus appeared on the scene he said it’s all about the heart. I see the religious people of His time very much like the church people of today. They give their money, tell people how to live, to give everything, act like they’re doing everything right—when in their heart it’s the wrong motive.
I believe that we are to prosper, even as our soul prospers--3 John 1:2. But I do believe that we are to seek the giver—not the gift.
I think too often people choose one extreme or the other of a spectrum. For instance, the phrases do not drink or smoke because your body is a temple. But yet they don’t hold it to the fact of filling their body of junk food, watching bad shows, music, or any other thing. Then there are those that say we’ll if that’s the way it is—I’ll do all of it. Some say not to have non-Christian friends because they will influence you—to not be of the world. Yet Jesus was IN the world and not of it—and hung out with very non-Christian like people. The list goes on and on and you see what I’m saying. People always want to be on one side of the extreme and keep going and going. There are denominations that are very charismatic—then there are those that believe it’s all fake.
We work in balance. All throughout the word there is a balance. God’s character works in a balance—He is love and mercy, yet he is also just and punishable. In Ecclesiastes—there is a time for this and a time for that…

In conclusion, my advice, I guess, would be to not hear one scripture and go to the extreme—know the word. All of it. There is balance in the word.

2007-10-10T20:06:00.000-07:00

Not knowing what to expect we went to the doctor Tuesday, anxiously waiting to see what the sex of the baby was going to be. Deep down we both kind of thought that it was going to be a boy but not totally sure. We walked in with a VHS tape because that's what the doctor told us to bring. I was a little disappointed about that and thought that the ultrasound would probably suck. When we walked in they informed us that they had just gotten a brand new machine last week. We had been to the doctor a month ago and thought they were going to determine the sex then, but did not do the ultrasound at all and we were confused to why. Now I know that God was working it together for us to have the best! If we follow Him, He promises to give us the desires of our heart.

Anyway, as we began to look at the ultrasound the doctor asked us if we wanted to guess what it was going to be--and we both said, "A boy." He said--yes! Wow--a million thoughts began to race through my mind: the responsibility of raising a Godly Man, playing ball, playing guitar (of course), treating ladies right, and on and on and on... Yes those thoughts raced through my mind as I watched the screen of a little boy that could not be still for anything. He moved around like an acrobat. Julie had already said that he moves around allot, but I could to actually see it first hand. At one point, it even looked like he throws a mean punch--to which Julie said she will keep on record to hold over his head one day--you know always be prepared!

I wanted to share with everyone the details of "Brian Junior." No, that's not going to be his name but I told Julie he looks just like his daddy! It was amazing to watch the baby inside and how much he had grown since the last time we got to see him. I plan to put some more of the pictures up when I get a chance.

How do I love thee...

2007-09-29T12:49:00.000-07:00

You know it's weird--I've never looked at a pregnant woman and thought, "Wow, she's beautiful." But now that my wife is 5 and half months pregnant, I see things a whole new way. I fall more in love with her everyday. She grows more beautiful everyday, just as the baby grows more everyday. The amazing thought of what's taking place inside is absolutely mind boggling. To know that an actual human being is forming and taking shape to come into this earth. I guess you think about it sometime during your life, but not really the depth of it until it's happening before your very eyes day by day. My wife is a remarkable woman, whom I believe was created to be with me forever. A perfect match. It scares me to think about the way things could have been but are not. God works things together for the good for those who love Him! I pray that you find the same joy in a mate as I have!
How do I love thee, Let me count the ways...
From the depth, to the height,
As your face shines so bright,
Your beauty, your presence,
Your character, your patience,
On and on I will count for days,
How wonderful--you and your ways!

I have to do what?

2007-09-24T18:15:00.000-07:00

Alot has happened since the last post, but I can't find the time to write it down. It seems like everyday I push myself til midnight to wake up in the morning to do it all over again. I'm in the middle of internship, Latapp (bull crap--for those of you who don't know what that is and for those who do), teaching, coaching, youth ministry, and oh did I mention being a husband that is preparing to be a dad.
As I came home tonight from ULM, I prayed for a while just reminding myself how great it is to be restored to the father. That he restored my relationship with Him to be able to walk and talk with him in the cool of the day as Adam did from the very beginning. I desire to be intimate with God, and to spend time with my family. God reminded me during our conversation that we allow all these things to come in to take up our time away from Him and family. During this stressful time I MUST make priorities. HIM, Family, Ministry and Job. "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33. We must first seek HIM! If we don't--then nothing else will be as it should be.
Family is definitely second. Lately I've been reading the Old Testament in the Message version of the Bible (which is very good by the way), and I've noticed how important family is to God. Even in the new testament--Ephesians talks about the importance of marriage--representing Christ and the Church. No wonder Satan has a field day on marriage--if he can mess up a marriage, it will mess up the view the world has on Christ and the Church. Family is the first mission field. If we are not good stewards of our own home, then what makes us think we can minister to others?
Then take care of the rest.
I know this is simple basic teaching that we learn from an early age--but we so often and easily forget.

Wow. All I was going to sit down and type was that I don't have anything to say--but there it is for now!

School's out! School's in?

2007-08-04T09:41:00.000-07:00

I finished up my classes for the summer this past week and I feel great! Finally, I do not have to look on blackboard every 5 minutes to see what my teacher wants me to do now and not work on tedious projects til midnight and wake up again at 5am to do it all over again. I'm sure it will start back up soon though. School starts back in about a week and a half--but for now its time to relax and do nothing for at least a week.

What are we created for?

2007-07-29T13:57:00.000-07:00

I had a very interesting conversation this past weekend with a man older than I that really provoked me to contemplate on his idea of Christianity. Whether it's what he says or not--it's more about actions.
His pastor has started involving the church in ministering to the community. He said the pastor made a comment that he didn't believe in fishing with one kind of bait to only receive one kind of fish--instead fish with a net and bring all the fish in. It bothered this guy because the pastor was trying to include black people. I listened for a little while and simply said, "Looks like your pastor is on the mark with what Jesus set the example for." Not what he was wanting to hear.
I told him that this summer I have led my students in missions and we have looked at scriptures about what we should be doing in our own community--that the first week this summer we spent in a black trailer park. He said yeah--but did they come to your church. I said none have yet, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't. I told him that if the church was really the church--there would be no need for welfare or things like that. We should be accomplishing these things through the love of Christ. Jesus never said--only help those who help themselves--he just said help!
He replied that I was technically correct but he just couldn't see giving his hard earned money to someone who lays around and does nothing. (again missing the point)
I began to think about what Jesus said about the rich.
Mathew 19
21Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
22When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

Until recently did I realize that this is a perfect picture of just about every American. If your reading this--you are rich. You have a computer or access to one, and numerous other things like a car, which only 8% of the world have. We are RICH! And it is very hard for us to let go of our possessions to give to others who are in need.

The "man" this weekend also said--"you know my dad loved God more than anybody, but he would look a black guy in the eye and say--'Don't disrespect me #%*ger!'"
In the book of 1John, chapter 4 talks about REAL LOVE. If we say we love God and hate our brother--then we are a liar.

The way of God is straight and narrow. Only a few go through. When Jesus appeared on the scene in flesh he began to show the Pharisees and religious leaders it was about the heart--not outward actions. If our hearts are right--it will show!

A good friend of mine told me something lately that I have decided is very true. I used to think to myself--people better get used to all races together because they're going to be in heaven with them. But my friend said--they better get used to it because they're going to be in hell with them.
Look at Mathew 7
21"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

I am in no way perfect or do I claim to be. I know that my spirit is righteous because of the blood of Jesus and that my flesh still messes up. But I do think that sometimes we don't take the Lord serious and for the most part there are people sitting in churches who are lost and think they are going to heaven. We must be changed from the inside out and see the Love of Christ spread all around us!

I leave you with a quote from the book Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell:

The church doesn't exist for itself; it exists to serve the world. It is not ultimately about the church. When the church loses sight of this, it loses its heart. This is especially true today in the world we live in where so many people are hostile to the church, many for good reason. We reclaim the church as a blessing machine not only because that is what Jesus intended from the beginning but also because serving people is the only way their perceptions of church are ever going to change. This is why it is so toxic for the gospel when Christians picket and boycott and complain about how bad the world is. This behavior doesn't help. It makes it worse. It isn't the kind of voice Jesus wants his followers to have in the world. Why blame the dark for being dark? It is far more helpful to ask why the light isn't as bright as it could be.

The Tree

2007-07-25T11:38:00.000-07:00

God has really been showing me a few things lately through a tree on my back porch. This tree was given to Julie last year by her mom. During the winter months we put the tree in a green house but never watered it all year. The lack of water and the heat from the light in the green house killed the plant. Let me describe it for you: when we took the plant out of the green house it was completely dry and fragile. There was no moisture in the plant including the roots. We checked the plant out completely, and we thought of even throwing it away and starting over. I convinced Julie to replant the tree and as we did I remembered the story of Jesus speaking to the fig tree. I also thought about how he breathed on the disciples. So I combined those two stories--I spoke to the plant and commanded it to come to life and bloom, and then I breathed on it. I didn't think twice about what I was doing because I know that those of whom God has called--he believes they can do everything he did. Julie looked at me and just smiled like--"your crazy." I thought--well maybe I am, but after all how many people in the Bible sound logical. We continued to water the plant and after about two months the plant began to get a little color back to the stems and eventually--became a beautiful tree. The picture above is the actual plant that I took a picture of yesterday.

Since I noticed how the tree had flourished so well, God began to talk to me pretty strongly about prayer and the power of speaking to my problems. He began to show me and help me understand that we do have power and authority that He has given us. It's not our power but His through us and is readily available. He doesn't say to get down in the dumps about our situations but rather speak to those problems--even if those situations seem dead or hopeless.

You say, "But Brian I don't know about all that...sounds pretty stupid to me to speak to your problems." I ask you--what did God do with problems? He spoke to them. When there was no light--he spoke it out; when there was no plants--he spoke it out; when there were no people--he spoke and formed them.

Your probably saying, "...but that's God." Your correct. According to Epheshians 5:1 we are to be imitators of God--to be just like Him. Also, Jesus became flesh so we would know what God was like. After showing us what God was like, Jesus gave us authority to do the same things he did--Mathew 10 and 28.

I want to share a story with you that maybe you've never noticed.

In Ezekiel 37:1-14

1 The hand of the LORD was upon me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. 2 He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. 3 He asked me, "Son of man, can these bones live?" I said, "O Sovereign LORD, you alone know."
4 Then he said to me, "Prophesy to these bones and say to them, 'Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! 5 This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath [a] enter you, and you will come to life. 6 I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.' "
7 So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. 8 I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them.
9 Then he said to me, "Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, that they may live.' " 10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army.
11 Then he said to me: "Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, 'Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.' 12 Therefore prophesy and say to them: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: O my people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. 13 Then you, my people, will know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. 14 I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the LORD have spoken, and I have done it, declares the LORD.' "

The bones were totally dry and dead--just like my plant. When this crossed my mind I was blown away at the incredible power that is readily available--if we only believe. Rob Bell tells a story about the ways of the Jewish Rabbi which caused me to buy some books on some of the old Jewish traditions. I recommend watching this video by him--Dust. In short, a rabbi would not call a person to be his disciple unless the rabbi believed the person was capable of doing EVERYTHING the rabbi did. God has called us to be his disciples, given us authority and power, but we still do not believe. God does--what are we waiting for?

getting started

2007-07-23T09:10:00.001-07:00

I feel very illiterate writing on this thing. I have read numerous posts by an intellectual genius that will really make you think (Matt McDonald). Because of his influence, I have decided to partake in this extravaganza. When deciding on the title of the blog, I remembered the old Saturday Night Live clips of Deep Thoughts with Jack Handy. Realizing that my thoughts may not go as deep as I would like--I came up with the title. I assume that I will use this as a ministry tool, announcements, and of course my random thoughts. I hope though to impart some knowledge that I've found along the way that will help you out as we travel on this journey together. See You Soon! Oh, by the way, walt in the address comes from my middle name (Walton) which Dusty calls me on occasion--besides it was the only address I could find available.