Change is Good……. I Think!!!

Summer has ended today and cooler days are ahead. Autumn is the season that we have just transitioned into. I don’t’ really know for sure why, but I always seem to forget that autumn is even a part of the four seasons. I think at least for me I forget about autumn because it’s not much different than, say, a late summer. However, according to the calendar summer has ended and winter is sure to come soon. As I write and think about today’s season of change I get the impression that God gave us autumn to give us a few more days to prepare for winter. And if you have lived through a winter in Missouri you definitely need some time to get ready for those blistering cold days ahead.

I think about my life as a God Follower and it seems like I’m always in a constant state of transition. Not preparing for winter necessarily but always it seems preparing, you know what I mean, moving, evolving, converging and modifying.

I remember playing football as a running back in college and being told by several coaches that it’s more difficult for a defender to hit a moving target. So if you want to be successful at this position they would remind me “William you have to keep moving your feet at all times.” I was thinking about that and relating that truth to my Christian life. I just feel that it’s important for any God follower to make sure that they are always moving, transitioning and changing from that old nature into their new nature. And according to scripture that old nature should always be in a constant state of transition. I’m not big on list but I use them occasionally. Lists are useful in helping folks organize and remember their thoughts. So I want to give you six reason why change is good, because most folks if their honest would have to admit that their extremely afraid of change. Ok, six quick things to help you remember why CHANGE is good.

· Change usually means a fresh start

· Change forces you to evaluate the past honestly

· Change helps you to appreciate your past experiences and look forward to knew experiences

· Change gives us new opportunities to impact our future

· Change helps you to see clearly that the way you done it wasn’t the best way to do it

· Change is always going to occur for certain so don’t fight change embrace it

“Be the change you want to see in the world” is a quote from Mahatma Gandhi. This is a really awesome way to view change. So let me leave you with this thought. Instead of complaining about the world and its problems, you become that reason why this world is a better place to live.

All Love is not Created Equal

I have spent the last several weeks really focused on the teachings of Jesus. What has surprised me the most has been the strength of Christ love for all of humanity? I know that Jesus love for people shouldn’t be that surprising given the fact that he gave his life for humanity. But truth be told, it really has been a surprise to me. Especially as I have pondered the magnitude of Christ love. How could Jesus, why would he and for what reason would anyone suffer so much If the thing fueling them could not be categorized in a single word “LOVE.” I have been guilty of using the word love in the same sentence with a lot of things. I love ice cream, football and my family. However it goes without saying that I love my wife and kids more than “butter pecan ice cream with chocolate chip cookies stacked all around the ridges of a big bowl………….I think.” Listen to this simple truth all joking aside all love is not created equal.

I just finished reading through John’s gospel. And John’s descriptions of the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus are riveting to say the least. John describes for us how Jesus was falsely accused. He describes how that Jesus was beat with a leather steal strap. And the strap used literally tore the skin away from Jesus bones. I’m reading through this in my quite time and to be honest getting a bit overwhelmed. Thinking about the fact that Jesus did all of this because he loves me. But I can’t help but wonder. What did I do to deserve it? What can I do to pay for it?

Jesus own words as he taught his disciples just days before his own death gives us incredible insight as to what Christ thought about the subject of love. Check this out John15:13-14a“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.14Ye are my friends” You see that, this verse confirms for us that Jesus knew that his love for us was going to cost him his life. And Jesus thoughts on the subject of love were very simple. If you love someone you will lay down your life for them.

Now I know that Christ loves me and I know that I love him. But I sometimes wonder, if my love for Jesus equates to a willingness to lay down my life. I realize that I could never repay Jesus. But to me it only makes sense to evaluate my love using some kinda measure. I think that Jesus feels the same way checkout the second half of the verse we looked at earlier in John15:14“Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.”

Ok, okay, let’s discuss what all this means to the one who says that he Loves Jesus. If you truly loved God, your love for him would be the fuel that the Holy Spirit uses to compel you to honor Jesus by leading a life of obeying his commands. So if I claim to be a God follower and I don’t follow Christ teachings then it’s true “All Love Is Not Created Equal………….ice cream anyone.”

Can I move a Mountain……..Really?

I’ve been really having a good time reading through the gospels for the past few weeks. I think for the first time in my life I’m not just reading through the gospels to gain understanding only. But I’m also, paying close attention to the things that Christ said.

Jesus is certainly the central character of the Christian faith so then it only makes sense to pay close attention not only to what he did, but what Jesus said is equally as important. Jesus I think had a wonderful sense of humor and I’m beginning to see a pattern in how he dealt with the many different groups of people. It seems to me at least, that when he spoke to his disciples he would answer their questions with clarity and preciseness. It almost seems as if he handled the disciples with kit gloves. Meaning he handled them with a lot of care and to some extent a softness. I think it might have been because Jesus was training them to continue his work of advancing the Kingdom once he went to heaven to be with his Father. But and that’s a big BUT, notice the pun there J. Whenever, Jesus saw that the disciples lacked faith he would correct them sharply to say the least. There was an occasion that the disciples were afraid that they where gonna die. Because they were caught in bad storm notice Jesus response Matt8:26 “Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the storm.” You might remember the time Peter was walking on water, because Peter wanted to go and hang out with Jesus on the water. He starts to sink and Jesus said to him Matt16:31”Jesus stretched forth [his] hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” And then there was that time Jesus told the disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. And the disciples thought he meant that they were gonna run out of food. And Jesus says Matt16:8 “ O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?”

Ok, clearly Jesus saw that having faith was critical for all believers to possess especially his disciples. In fact the scriptures teach us that without faith it is not possible to please God. So let me give you a biblical definition of faith. Remember we always use the bible to define it self. So check out Hebrews11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

So, with this definition in mind let me try and give you some biblical revelation. My “Faith” is not the agent that brings about the change. It’s critical that you absorb that truth. God and God alone is the one that brings about the change that I desire. My faith simply is the agent that God uses as reason to take or not to take action. Taking action is solely up to God. Overtime my Faith in God grows based on the evidence that I see and experiences as God works in my Life. I hope you got that.

So, Jesus is having some teaching time with his disciples and the disciples asked him a question. How does my Faith Grow? Notice what Jesus says. It’s really cool given every thing that I have just given you Luke17:6“And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.” So does Jesus really mean that his disciples could move a tree with a spoken word and cast it into the sea? Remember the question from the disciples was “how does my faith grow?” Jesus response was really telling. Because Jesus never really answers the question directly, but what Jesus does say has nothing to do with growing your faith. After all Jesus uses a mustard seed and compares it to the only amount of faith needed to be able to move and plant a TREE into the sea. So then to think that I need more faith to Change something is really quite silly. What we really need is more of God. So then let me ask you a question “Can YOU move a mountain……Really.”

He could not be Serious……could he!!!!

I have begun teaching through a new series focusing in on the teachings of Jesus. I titled this series “The Gospel According to Jesus.” This morning in my quite time with the Lord I noticed that Jesus made some comments to his disciples. I’m sure that Jesus comment left them scratching their heads. Well maybe not them but to the average Joe, he’s probably thinking “is this guy serious?” Well maybe not the average Joe, put to the person sitting in the pew on Sunday listening to some preacher read from the bible, he’s thinking. “There has got to be some other meaning to that passage.”

Ok, have I sparked enough curiosity in you yet? Good. Check this out these are some words from Jesus as he’s doing his thing that strike me as offensive. We are going to pick up Jesus in mid stride. Mark9:42”And whosoever shall “offend” one of [these] little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.” So much for thinking that Christianity is only a religion of peace. The author and finisher of our faith Jesus is obviously pretty passionate about his little ones. The word “offend” could also be translated to mean; to cause to fall way, to entice one to sin, to put a stumbling block in ones way. You get the sense that Jesus took it serious whenever a person became a stumbling block to one of his little ones. But did he really mean that a person is better off being hung or even worse cast into the sea? Whether are not he meant what he said literally the fact is he did say it.

Ok, let’s keep reading It gets even more offensive Mark9:43 “And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:44Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.45And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 46Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.47And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Jesus obviously has not attended the Ethical School of Political Correctness. In these few verses of scripture Jesus has talked about hanging and drowning folks. He is talked about cutting off hands, plucking out eyes and hell and fire what in the world is going on here.

I am being facetious here of course but I think it’s important to honestly pay attention not only to what Jesus said or why he said it but also the way in which he said things. If Jesus was here today and walking the streets of Kansas City. We could be sure that he would talk about at least these two topics Hell and Sin. So that you don’t run out and get a sharp blade or screw driver. Allow me a minute to pour some meaning into what Jesus is teaching.

Jesus wanted us to know beyond a shadow of doubt that he takes Sin of any kind pretty serious. He takes it so serious that he says if you have a foot that’s causing you to Sin cut it off. If Jesus were on earth today and said that any other way that could have possibly taken away from you and I understanding just how much God Hates Sin.

God hated Sin so much that he sacrificed his son own son Jesus. The Sacrifice of Jesus was the only way to deal with God’s hatred of Sin. Let me give you a verse that explains what Christ death and Resurrection meant to those who believe. The scripture says2Cor5:21“For he hath made Jesus [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we (believers in Jesus) might be made the righteousness of God in him.” And then God takes it a step further and offers Grace to all that believe. Paul gives us more insight about this gift of grace. 2Cor6:1“We (believers in Jesus) then, [as] workers together [with him], beseech [you] also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.” So then cutting a foot off or chopping off a hand or chopping off some other part of your body is not the cure for dealing with Sin. But Christ gives us a very truthful and blunt reminder that if he did not die and rise again then the only cure for Sin would be to cut it off. Well then understanding that is enough to make you wanta Shout Alleluia!!!!

What was He Thinking

I have for the past several weeks spent some time reading through the Synoptic Gospels. It seems like my attention has been really attentive to the many conversations of Jesus. I am aware that the Gospels themselves are a general view of the same story being told by four different men. But what I find really cool is the four different takes on the same stories.

I’m going somewhere with this just wanted to share my heart a bit before I try and write out what I’m feeling. Ok, let me se if I can get this off my chest without sounding too confused. Given the dialogue that Christ had with certain folks, I sometimes get the impression, that if Christ were to show up in main stream American Churches that he would not be accepted by its Pastor or Parishioners. I need to pause for minute and include my own church in that category.

Ok, let me just give you a few examples of Jesus teachings hopefully you can feel what I’m feeling. Luke 6:19-20 “And the whole multitude sought to touch Jesus: for there went virtue out of him, and healed [them] all.20And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed [be ye] poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.” Ok, okay I need to define some words here. The word “blessed” means happy. So then Jesus is saying “Happiness there is for you who are poor, because heaven is yours.” Now if what Jesus is saying is true, then why do we “Christians” spend so much time and energy pursuing prosperity and wealth?

Look at the next few verses they are as bizarre as the previous ones. Luke 6:21“Blessed [are ye] that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed [are ye] that weep now: for ye shall laugh.” What, that doesn’t sound like a Sunday morning message. Hang on to your blue jeans it gets worse; 22-23“Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you [from their company], and shall reproach [you], and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward [is] great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.” I don’t know but I think Jesus is preaching here. He is saying that we are to rejoice when people do us wrong even to the point of hating us. He is teaching us as Christians that we are in good company whenever this happens. The ancient prophets suffered at the hand of men for following God. So then it only seems right that we will suffer some discomfort also as we follow God.

If rejoicing is what our response should be when men hate us and rebuke us for doing right or wrong whatever the case. Why do we always seek to get even? Why do Christians fight and bicker so much. I know that we are human but how long will we use that excuse before we take some responsibility. I hope what Jesus teaches here is blowing your mind because I’m certainly being challenged even as I write. Let’s look at a few more verses. Luke6:24 “But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.25Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.26Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.”

Ok, Jesus has gone too far. He is teaching that for that person who is rich, they have their reward. The person who is full now, they will be hungry later. The one that is laughing now will mourn later. This is so rich in content I can hardly write without wanting to jump for joy right here by myself in my office. Jesus is simply using an extreme example to teach us a simple truth. This is called a hyperbole. Let me tell you what Jesus is Thinking. Jesus is thinking that nothing in this world nor in the world to come is more important that KNOWING HIM. No amount of wealth can bring me more joy than knowing Jesus. No food, no relationship, no job, not your dream car, not your dream home. Nothing, I mean nothing, is more important than KNOWING JESUS.

My Easy Button God

You ever wish that connecting with God was as easy as pushing that “Staples button.” I can’t tell you how many times I have gotten up off my knees or put my bible down and thought to myself, God I still don’t know what your will is for me in this thing, while at the same time thinking “if I only had one of those easy buttons.” Think about that for a minute, say your children start acting out and you’re thinking well I will just grab my “God made easy button” push it and like magic the problem just disappears.

Well all of us who genuinely know God personally understand that God simply doesn’t work that way. But you listen to these examples and if you’re honest you have to admit that there have been many occasions that you have personally behaved as if God was an “Easy Button God.” You know, push the button and it’ll all get better.

I didn’t get in the word this morning but I have been praying and thinking about some of my own personal struggles for the past few hours even as a write this blog. To be honest God and me have been having some Father and son time, and I have spent the last few hours, days, weeks even trying to push that easy button and God just refuses to make my personal struggles any easier. However he did give me some revelation from his word. I want to share it with you 2Corinthians3:16-18“But whenever anyone turns to the Lord from his sins, then the veil is taken away.17The Lord is the Spirit who gives them life, and where he is there is freedom[from trying to be saved by keeping the laws of God]. But we Christians have no veil over our face; we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him.”

Ok, I know you’re dying to know what in the world does all that have to do with and easy button, glad you asked. Paul is teaching us that “My God made easy button” is in knowing Jesus. Listen carefully to what that means, when I have major problems, issues and or concern in my life, instead of panicking and looking for the easy button I simply need to “press into Jesus.” My problem itself may not go away but I am guaranteed to reflect the Glory of God in my life. And as God works in me I will become more and more like him. So don’t wait for problems to come up before you press into Jesus just simply “Press into Jesus everyday.”

Famous Last Words

I often wonder what will be the last words that I speak before I die. Hmmm….not just my last words but the words that I’ve spoken in life that people remember. Clearly the verdict is out, everyone dies, no one will escape this fate. Unless of course you believe in the Rapture the (catching away of Christians), which is another discussion for a different day.

However, this morning I was finishing up Mark’s Gospel and John Mark gives to us the words that Jesus speaks right before he takes his final breath. Mark15:34“And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” And of course you have to look at this statement in light of everything else the scripture teaches us about Jesus. But just for a minute listen to this statement as you read these words aloud and you’ll get the sense that Jesus life was consumed with pleasing his Father. I guess it would make sense for me to put this statement into context so that you can feel what I’m feeling. Jesus had spent the last three plus years teaching and preaching about the Kingdom being at a hand. In short, he is living out his Fathers will. For those of you paying attention, Jesus was following the Fathers plan for his life, and wouldn’t you know it. God’s plan for Jesus took him to a brutal cross. And that cross cost Jesus his life, literally.

But if you’ve read the rest of the story, you know that it doesn’t end there. Jesus essentially rises from the grave and God’s plan for him, though it seemed unbearable at the time, turned out to be the best thing that could have ever happened. And so now we get to the end of Mark’s Gospel and Jesus gives to us his second last words after his resurrection Mark16:15-16 “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”

Ok then we can all agree that the last words you speak are certainly very reflective as to what was important to you in life and what’s important now that death is staring you in the face. Now with that lets look for a minute at the last words of a few famous folks; Elizabeth I, Quean of England 1602 All my possessions for a moment of time; Winston Churchill, 1965 I'm bored with it all; Georges Clemenceau, French premier 1929 This time it will be a long one. Joan Crawford, actress, 1977 Damn it . . . Don't you dare ask God to help me. The last one Charles Darwin said I am not the least afraid to die.

There is enough here to spend the rest of the day reflecting. Jesus last words definitely taught us that nothing was more important to him than finishing the plan that God had given him. I wonder what will you’re last words be. There is no way that we can fake what the heart speaks when we are facing the end of our life. I have lived long enough and seen enough death to know that when you face death how you lived will matter. So start living out you’re last words today remember Jesus dd.

She Looks Just Like Me

I remember the day we first took our new baby home from the hospital. Everyone who saw her would always say how much she looked like her daddy. I think my wife was secretly jealous of that, “not really.” Aubrey, my daughter, that’s her name, went to her first college football game before she was two weeks old. I could remember the older parents giving me and Carolina dirty looks because we brought such a brand new baby outside into the elements, to a football game to say the least.

My wife Carolina and I were such young parents, we really didn’t know any better. Of course, like any child does she grew up and as kids grow from new born, into their young teens you hope and pray that they grow into becoming Godly if you’re Christian and if you’re not you just hope they grow to become responsible.

I often think about God as my heavenly father what are his desires for me? I had so many secret quiet dreams that I held close to my heart for my daughter. I can’t help but wonder in the very same sense “what are Gods plans for my life, really?” I was so excited when we brought her home from the hospital. How did my heavenly father react when I gave my life to him late one Friday night? How did he react when I said yes to his son Jesus Christ?

I know it’s hard to believe but just as a young parent I had so many dreams and plans for my children. My heavenly father too has plans for all of his children who have chosen to follow him. This of course, is a very difficult concept for so many of God’s people. We are so independent in our thinking we actually think that “We are the master of our fate captain of our soul.” I know that that sounds really good “Invictus” for those of you poets out there, it’s just not biblical.

God spoke through Jeremiah the prophet as he dealt with the nation of Israel while they were trying so hard to live independently of God and follow their own plans Jer29:11-12“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.12Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.” God is clearly telling his people that he knows the thoughts that he has for them so he tells them in so many words to quit fighting his plans and thoughts and just surrender.

Is that not awesome news? God knows what he is doing with me in my life. And he is going to work out his plan in me no matter what I do, and If, I would simply stop living so independent of him I could see more clearly the end results that he is wanting to accomplish in me.

The poem “Invictus” would be more correctly stated “God is the master of my fate and he is the Captain of my soul.” For those of you running your own life quick question for you how is it working for you sense you’ve been in charge? God knows what his plans are he knows what the end is supposed to look like. Just call upon him in prayer and then take it a step further and listen quietly for his instructions.

He made it through the Night!!

God’s love is beyond our understanding. God loves us so much that the scripture teaches that at our absolute worse is when Gods grace and forgiveness works its absolute best. I have had the privilege of training and teaching many folks into becoming strong followers of Jesus Christ.

I remember early on in the ministry the first time I visited the hospital as a pastor. I visited a young man who was dying of AIDS. The Doctors called in the family because they didn’t expect him to make it through the night. I remember praying that God would not let this guy die. I remember looking into the young mans eyes wondering if he even understood any word I was saying because he was so sick. I also, remember praying for him and while I was praying, Gods Holy Spirit prompted me to say something bold while his family was right there with me by his bedside. The spirit prompted me to say that God was not going to let him die and that he would definitely make it. I remember adding the words “through the night” knowing full well that God let me know clearly in my spirit that the young man was going to live through the night and then some. I was just too afraid to say so because I didn’t want to be wrong. I said what God told me to say with that disclaimer of course and by God’s grace the young man did live.

The good news is that the young man made it. He not only made it through the night, but he has been living hospital free for the past five years. I was so disappointed though, because I thought for sure that after he got out of the hospital that he would give his life to the Lord but he didn’t. In fact from what I can remember is that he lived a more reckless life once he got out of the hospital than he did before he went in. I remember the young man telling me that he believed in God. He even came to church once or twice once he got out of the hospital.

However, if I knew where this young man was today I would tell him that God still loves him a great deal. I would tell him that God will patiently call out to him again and again until he surrenders his life completely over to him. I would also tell him that just because he acknowledges that God is real, just because he prayed a prayer, just because he came to church a couple of times, just because he’s been baptized does not mean that God knows him as his own child. I would tell him that he needs to surrender his life to Jesus. I would tell him a follower of Christ tries to live in such away that pleases God the heavenly Father. I would tell him that as long as he is alive God is constantly challenging him to change from that old man into the new man. I will tell him that as long as he has breath in his body it is never too late to place his faith in Jesus and began that process toward spiritual maturity.

I would tell him all of these things because I truly love him. I wouldn’t want to be performing this young mans funeral service with the only evidence that he’s a Christian being that he prayed with me, or that he visited the church once or twice or that he told me that he believed.

Jesus said this himself Matt7:21-23“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” That Is such a Sobering Passage of Scripture. God Loves you do you really love him?

“Man” I’m still Hungry!!

How many times have you made that statement after you just polished off a big 3 course meal? Unfortunately I’m guilty of thinking and making such a statement when the reality of it all is in most cases I was stuffed to the rafters. There is something inside my being, that is to say, the inner man, that drives me to eat more when I know full well that my body has given me every signal known to mankind to stop eating. I won't gross you out by listing those signs out for you, but do you realize what makes a person eat more food even though they are stuffed and fit to be tied? Yea, you guessed it APPETITE.

Appetite can simply be defined as a desire to want more. I have been in ministry for several years and there is nothing more destructive than an appetite out of control. Think about that in the context of food, if my appetite for food gets to the point that I just want more and I’m never completely satisfied, realize that although food is something that I have to eat in order to live, my unhealthy appetite for food will essentially take my life. Certainly we can bear witness to this because we all know of people that are currently dealing with some disease brought on because their desire for food ran out of control.

I find it interesting that most appetites that people have are all necessary for survival. For example, if the entire human race woke up one morning and decided not to participate in God’s gift of sex, guess what? The human race would cease to exist. What about food? What if you lost your appetite for food or water? Exactly, you guessed it, you would essentially die.

So then the answer to this issue of appetites is not for us to try and control our appetites but the opposite is true and biblical. We shouldn’t allow our appetites to control us. I hope you get that. I think it's time for an illustration: If I eat whenever I want to and not because I need to, then although my appetite is not controlling me, it still can be harmful to me.

A guy named Paul who was responsible for writing at least 2/3 of the New Testament speaks to this issue of appetites and I think he gives us some really good advise in regard to this issue of desire 2Tim2:21-22“If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, [and] prepared unto every good work.22Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” Paul is teaching us that if we want to be successful, by that were saying good marriage, successful career, kids that respect you and honor you as a parent etc, then you, we must “grow up.” Paul uses the phrase “Flee also youthful lusts.” So what do I have to do in order to make sure that my appetite is not controlling me? The key is in finding things that are more desirable than those youthful lusts. Things like faith, following after right living and unconditional giving. Man it feels so good to give without expecting anything in return. There is nothing like having the peace of mind knowing that I have tried to do what I know is right. There is a peace that comes that truly passes all understanding. I have not had a youthful desire, an appetite that compares with knowing that I am right with God.

I turned another year older yesterday and I thank all of you who called or text me a Happy Birthday yesterday. My wish is not to just grow older but to become wiser as I get older, and yea you guessed it, I HAVE SO MUCH MORE TO LEARN J