Day 40.........Living with Purpose

Oh gosh. Here we are. The last, the end, the final day. Our study has ended, our learning never will. Hopefully we've all learned that it is possible to have a purpose in our lives. A purpose that matches God's plan for our lives. It's so easy to make excuses, and so hard to stick to good and healthy choices. It's easy to give up. It's hard to stick to it. We have good intentions now. Let's keep them in sight, and in mind. If you have to read this book again, then read it again, and again, if necessary. I know many of you are reading along with us but have never posted your thoughts. That's fine with me, just please keep going. Don't stop growing. Don't forget what you've learned. Apply it to your life. We are called, no really commanded to be evangelists. That doesn't mean we hold that office (remember Jesus gave 5 gifts to the church: Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, & Teachers Ephesians 4:11). In others words we're not all anointed to make our number one goal in life to evangelize every single moment of every single day. I know a guy like that, and he's greatly anointed to do it. God has appointed and anointed him to do that. Not everyone is called to be part of the "five fold" ministry, but we are all called to be a witness for Christ. We all have our own anointing (gift) in a specific area, or in several areas. We may not even be aware of it.

I sure have enjoyed studying this book with you all, and I pray we ALL put in to practice what we've learned. Myself included. If you have some special prayer needs, or you just want to chat, contact me and I'll be happy to help. Don't be a stranger. We need to be accountable to one another in order to grow. We can all hide somewhere and pretend we're fine. It's exposing our lives, habits, and daily activities to Christ's light that reveals who we really are, and what we truly value. We MUST have our priorities straight. We need to stop majoring in the minors. Again, myself included. Most of what I'm saying, I'm saying for my own benefit. If you're getting something out of it, great. I don't know if I've been the best guide for you in this study, but I guess I'm all you had. Hehehehehe. I know the Lord has used me for His purpose in this study, and any growth or learning you did, was all because of Him. Not because of me. I just did what I was told.

"When will I take the time to write down my answers to life's five great questions?"

Hopefully Monday, on my day off.

"When will I put my purpose on paper?"

Again, hopefully on Monday.

I'm praying for all of you. I know some of you, I've never met, and probably never will. But God has us all knit together as one unit, as the Body of Christ. You're my brother/sister, and I love you, and you are in my prayers, now and until the day I die. Your friend...............:-) James

Day 39.....Balancing Your Life

Oh my. It looks like he's winding down the study now. I hope you all have grasped as much as I have. I know we've all missed things. That's why I think it's a good idea to do what he suggests. You know, getting a group together and delving into it deeper. I may do that, but at present I need to get started on my federal income taxes. Less than a month away now. I'm very happy we did this. It was a great time of experience, and learning for me. Some things I learned, and many things I already knew were reaffirmed.

I really do believe that we must fulfill the entire "Great Commission". It is also our mission to pray for one another. Jesus said, "Those who believe........" If you're a believer, that's part of your mission too. God will confirm His word with miracles. People didn't come to Jesus because He was a nice guy (which He was/is), or because they believed He was the Messiah. No, they came to Him to be healed, and set free. That same authority, He's given to us. What are we doing with it? We can lay hands on sick folks and they will be healed. Jesus is not a liar. He said it, it's true. Anyway, that's my 2 cents worth. I don't know why he left that out.....maybe it will be in the final chapter.

"Which of the four activities will I begin in order to stay on track and balance God's five purposes in my life?"

I think I'd like to do the journal thing and pass on what I know to others. Or should I say, what I've learned.
:-) James

Day 37.......World Class Christian???

"He's got the whole world.......in His hands.......He's got the whole world, in His hands.........." This is really important. I DO want to be a world-class Christian, not a worldly Christian. If we let the Lord use us, He will. Even if we are afraid, or seemingly unwilling. If we just simply pray, "Lord, Your will, not mine be done." Back in July of 2001 the Lord called me to "preach" online. I didn't get it. He allowed me to meet someone (via eBay) that had a Christian group in Yahoo Groups. From that meeting, I began to post messages in there from time to time. Then the Lord moved me to do it every week day. Now I have my own group as well (created in August 2001), and post in two others, including the one I started posting in July 2001. Now there are over 100 people world wide reading the messages daily. I have some help one or two days a week. But for the most part I post 3 to 4 times a week now. God has really used that ministry.

Recently I put my music in a website that promotes all kinds of music. I've been in there for about 17 days. Since the 3rd day, one of my songs has been in the top 10 (went as low as #3, it's #5 today) out of 4,000 Christian songs. And it's #53 today (made it to #24) in the overall rock and roll charts out of about 65,000 songs. In both places, the Yahoo groups, and this "SoundClick" website, reach the entire world. There's people reading the messages in Russia, Canada, Mexico, and Africa (and those are only the ones I know about). The songs have been listened to in China, Netherlands, England, Africa, Australia, and the Philippines. As for going on a mission trips, I've been on several down into some of the poorest parts of Mexico. What will shock and surprise you is that they are willing to give you anything and everything, they have. I remember once ministering in one place on a river bank "Colonia" or village. I only knew one Spanish song at the time, and it's the Spanish translation of Cristy Lane's song "One Day at a Time". It's "Un Dia la Vez" in Spanish. I must have sung it 10 times. My uncle preached, and we prayed for folks. Then when we were getting ready to leave (we were taken there by a friend and needed to head back to his neck of the woods) they invited us to eat with them. They made food for us, and didn't even eat with us. They served us. I remember being frustrated because I knew they didn't have money to be giving us food, we should have had food to bring them, but as it was an after thought, we didn't have any with us. I guess you could say I was arguing with God in a sense. But I kept my mouth shut, and ate what they gave us. Avocados, onions, peppers, and goat's cheese (I did kind of give the cheese to my aunt) after having eaten a little of it. As I was riding in the truck leaving that place I was praying and asking the Lord why He would make me take those people's food. It came to me that I would have been robbing them of their blessing had I not received what they offered. Simply stated they were blessing God by blessing us. We came to share the word of God with them, and they shared what they had. I wept and wept and repented of arguing with God. He knows what He's doing, even if we don't. One thing I did miss down there was toilets and showers. Now when you stay in a hotel you have those things, but if you stay with the people, like we did.......those things aren't available. One place we went, water is so scarce a man said to my uncle, water's for drinking, not bathing. I highly recommend going on a mission trip, at least once. You'll never forget it as long as you live. That experience I had was over 5 years ago, and I still get teary eyed just thinking about it.

"What steps can I take to prepare to go on a short term missions experience in the next year?"

Ask my uncle when we can go, and if necessary (if we'll be gone on a Sunday) ask my assistant pastor to take over the congregation for one Sunday. :-) James

Day 37.......Sharing Your Life Message

(I'm excited about what we're all learning here. But I'm also saddened that it's coming to an end. Just three more chapters, three more days, and it's over. But I hope it's not over. I hope we continue the growth that started by reading this book. If you feel led to, read it again this summer, or at a later date. Don't be afraid to go back through and read the blog and if you feel like posting on any given chapter, go to that day in the blog and post your comment. I will continue to monitor this blog as long as I'm breathing. I receive emails with each comment that's made. So rest assured someone will be reading your comment. If you want to ask a question or post a comment, please do so whenever you want to.)

This chapter really made me smile. It's funny how people you meet (or should I say, I meet) are all open and comfortable. They share things and may spice up their conversation with some curse words thrown in here and there. But usually the conversation leads eventually to, "So, what do you do?" When I mention that I'm a pastor, they're all apologetic about this, that, or the other thing. They try and clean up their conversation, and sometimes try and act differently. I hate that question, because I don't really want to answer it for just that reason. I don't want folks to pretend to be something they're not. That defeats the whole purpose of sharing the good news! I know many folks don't think that they can do "street ministry" or "park ministry". But it's really just having a conversation with folks. (I think it's more about the label of street ministry that scares folks.) Many times what I do is go to a park and just give junk away. Chips, sodas, stuff like that. I generally don't initiate much of a conversation other than, "We're just here to let you know Jesus loves you." Once in a while I say that, but for the most part it's just being a blessing. The neat part is seeing someone on a bench and just going up and asking if you can sit next to them. Then you can just start talking, like you would to anyone. Simple things, like "Great weather to be out at the park, huh?" You can also take them some chips or a drink of some sort. Maybe drink one with them. Then just let the Holy Spirit lead you. You'll know the exact person that God would have you share your story with. It may be that there is no one there yet ready to receive the free gift of salvation. Maybe you're just there to be a blessing and to tell them Jesus loves them. I know with my business I do my best to be a light in the darkness. I sell sports cards, and most sports fans, ESPECIALLY football fans watch all their sports on Sunday. So sometimes they're unwilling, or unable to go to church, even if they used to. But I'm not interested in getting them in church.......that will come later. The most important thing is to let them know that Jesus loves them, and that He has a plan for their lives. It's a mystery to me how God uses me in so many ways, and in so many different areas. But I know it's not at all me, it's all about Him. When I started my business in 2000 I wasn't a pastor. I was a guy who loved Jesus and wanted others to know Him too. Nothing has changed. If I stay a pastor, or if I don't, it really doesn't matter in the scheme of things, because I will ALWAYS be a servant of the Lord. Sorry to babble on here folks.

"As I reflect on my personal story, who does God want me to share it with?"

Well, I have a heart to reach young people. Teenagers mostly. I'm not real good with the younger ones screaming and crying and whatnot. I mean I've taught children's church before, and it was great. But I know that's not my calling. Most of the dumb things I decided to do started for me at a young age. From like 12 years old and up. So I can relate to them, and I'm not shocked at what they're going through. My story is powerful for anyone to hear, but the "youth" really open up and are honest with me. I'm more comfortable in that setting, but I know the Lord uses me where ever He sends me. The songs I've written tell my story, and that's a blessing from the Lord too. :-) James

Day 36.....Made for a Mission

This is one thing that I love to do. I share my faith in emails (also posting messages in Yahoo groups) to my customers (I sell sports cards in eBay) and I send them all a tract. I also offer to pray for any needs they may have. I like to do street ministry, and parks ministry, but find few who want to do the same. I'm either going to have to just face the fact that I must do it alone, or pray for the Lord to send just one person who's willing to evangelize in that manner. One who won't be judgmental, but will openly express the love of Christ to them. I've been invited to participate in a nursing home ministry as well. But I still need to pray about that one. I don't want to get overextended in one area or another. Also, I need to find people willing to go......hey, wait a minute.......I don't need to find them.......Hehehehehe. If that's where the Lord wants me, then that's where I'll be. He'll send others to go with me. Just like He did here. I really this "Made for a Mission". See I live in Mission, Texas. Way cool.

I sure appreciate all of you taking this journey with me. I'm thankful to see and hear about all the growth that's occurring. Lives are being changed. Folks are getting serious with their walk with Christ! That's the mission folks. Hopefully what we've learned here, we can bring others into. Maybe in 6 months down the road, or really whenever you want to, read this book again, and invite others to read it with you. Feel free to use this blog as well.

"What fears have kept me from fulfilling the mission God made me to accomplish?"

Probably the fear of failure. It's been so long since I really did any street ministry, that I've kind of been leery. But not anymore. I'm ready!

"What keeps me from telling others the Good News?"

Again I guess it's just the lack of someone to go with me. When you go in at least a pair, one can pray, and the other can minister. It's just what I'm used to......it's not to say I couldn't do it alone, but it's kind of like being on a tightrope with no net. Hehehehehe. I want the net......Hehehehehe. Like I said, just one other person. Sure, I'd like more, but one would be OK too.

Day 35..God's Power in Your Weakness

Oh boy. I'm an expert in this area! My weaknesses are many.

"Am I limiting God's power in my life by trying to hide my weaknesses? What do I need to be honest about in order to help others?"

For the first question the answer used to be emphatically, YES! But I've begun to learn exactly what this chapter is teaching. Being in leadership in a church is a tough thing. You're expected to keep your weaknesses to yourself so that others can lean on your strength. But you know what? I don't want others to lean on my strength, but on God's. As I've been opening up more with members of the congregation I've noticed that they're more open with me and they are more trusting as well, it seems. I've always been pretty open, but sometimes I felt guilty for doing so. You know, that maybe they would respect me less, or something.

As for the second question, I just know that I need to continue to be open and honest with folks. It's a shame that most leaders have to have a great fall before they can be humbled. That's very sad. Because it hurts everyone. If we would just admit that we have weaknesses, and that we're NOT Jesus. We're not perfect as He is........we would be much happier, and our ministries would thrive. :-) James

PS: I hope you all are growing and learning as much as I am. I miss the comments, but I know many of you are busy and whatnot. As I said the other day, you can comment on ANY day whenever you want to.

Day 34.......Thinking Like a Servant

I've got to admit I've missed the boat in many of these areas. I've wrongly thought that it was about the numbers, about the recognition, about so many other things. I've made my share of mistakes as a follower of Christ, and as a pastor. Too many to even count. I've known several servants (by definition) who really impacted my life. The greatest of whom was my maternal grandmother. Whenever you entered her house, you were the center of attention. She was not happy unless she could cook something for you, or pour you a Coke (soft drink) or a coffee. She was the most loving example of a servant I've ever known. I miss her lots. She died at the age of 92 a few years back. She wasn't as happy in the end, because she couldn't serve anymore. It really bothered her that others had to serve her. She really didn't like that. She wanted to be the one serving, not the one served. I know she's happy now, she's serving God there in heaven.

I've learned so much in this book. So many things, good and bad, I've learned about myself. I've seen that some of my motives have been out of whack. And I've seen some good things when I stepped back and looked at things that I do on a daily basis, that I do without thinking. Areas where I serve others without even really realizing that's what I'm doing. I guess what I'm trying to say is, when I try and focus in on doing things.....serving and whatnot, sometimes I can do it for the sake of doing it. But when I allow the Lord to just use me I do things without even thinking about it. I'm not nearly as mature as I thought I was, but it's a good thing to realize that. Because now I can begin to mature in areas where I was still running around in diapers so to speak.

"Am I usually more concerned about being served or finding ways to serve others?"

I was a waiter for about 3 1/2 years and I know what it's like to serve someone and not be appreciated at all. But I'm realizing that in my service to Christ, via my service to others, it's not recognition or even gratitude that I need from them. That all comes from Daddy. I am seeing that in myself I am more concerned about serving others rather than being served. For a while that was definitely not the case. And folks would mention it to me, and it went in one ear and out the other. But then the Holy Spirit got a hold of me, so to speak, and He changed me from the inside out. In many instances my head would swell when someone would address me as "pastor". I think maybe that's why it was good for me to step down for a season in order to realize that it's not about others serving me, it's about me serving others. Whether it's recognized or appreciated or not.
:-) James

Day 33......I serve God by serving others

I've got to tell you, one thing that totally annoys me is folks who can't keep their word. They'll tell you, "I'll be there at 3PM." But you know when they tell you that, it's going to be 4 or 5 before you see them, if they even bother to show up. They'll get mad if you call them to remind them, and may even scold you for doing so. To me, that ruins any testimony, and anything else they tell me. Because I cannot trust them in the little, why should I trust them in bigger things. Of course there are going to be times when you may not be able to make it on time, or you may have some circumstance that's kept you from doing something. Folks (I include myself here) don't mind if you call them and let them know you're running late, if you're truly apologetic. But if you make them feel that they should be happy you showed up at all, because after all, you're God's servant. You've lost all your clout with that person or family. You've showed them that you think you're more important than they are, and that you're word is worthless. I've heard it from folks over and over again. Servants of God who don't keep their word is a stain on all of us. We should do our best when we give our word, to keep it, no matter what. It should be rare that we don't keep our word, not rare that we do. A good way to check yourself on this point is go back and try and remember how many times you promised to be somewhere by a certain time, and how often you were on time. Don't get me wrong, I make my share of mistakes and I don't want anyone to feel "singled out" here. We are all different and stumble in different areas. I just wanted to share one area that really rubs me the wrong way, so to speak. I know many others feel the same way. Now for the biggie.........

"Which of the six characteristics of real servants offers the greatest challenge to me?"

Oh my. (The six characteristics are in bold in this chapter 33 of the book.) I would have to honestly say two. I don't always do every task with equal dedication. And I can sometimes not maintain a low profile. I could honestly say I've failed in all six at one time or another. Probably more often than I'd like to think about. I am better in areas than I used to be. I know it's not about me at all. If it weren't me doing something, God would raise someone else up to do it. I am merely a servant here to fulfill God's will, not my own. I have trouble with that sometimes. As I believe most of us do. I'd like to tell you I say in every circumstance, and every decision, "Lord, not my will, but thine be done." I do more often than I used to, but not every single time. Sometimes I just really want my own way. Currently I have a decision to make, and I really want it to be what God wants, not what I want. His will, not mine be done. Please pray for me today. Thanks and God bless. :-) James

Day 32........Using What God Gave You

I've got to tell you, this chapter was the greatest one for me so far. I mean all of them have been great, but this one really spoke to some things I've been dealing with. I've compared myself to other pastors and have come up lacking. I've tried to conform to what others think I should do, and have been very unhappy in doing so. This really has helped me here. I've been hating the shape I am......thinking it to be too different or radical, compared to what I've been told and taught. (I know those who are participating are reading the chapters, but if you haven't read this chapter, don't judge what's being said here, until you do.) See most of us have preconceived notion of what an evangelist should look like or a pastor or teacher. I know of pastors who are covered from head to toe in tattoos and body piercings. That may not be who you want to pastor you, but he is a part of the body, and he's ministering to folks who would never listen to you. Once we start putting people in a box, then we start attempting to put God in a box. And that never works.

"How can I make the best use of what God has given me?"

By using it! Use it or lose it.

Day 31......Understanding your SHAPE

God has specially designed you. That is GREAT news! He has a purpose for your life. Every day there will be challenges and decisions to make. But ultimately, we know that God has a purpose in each one. We will be learning through each experience, and decision.......even bad decisions.

"What God-given ability or personal experience can I offer to my church?"

Music, and my ability (God given gift) of being able to open up God's word to folks, and help them understand exactly what God is saying to them. I am in awe at the talents and gifts I have, and I'm still learning of others that I have been given. I praise God for every single one. The question I often have for myself, and you can answer it here or just to yourself as well.....is,

"Am I being a good steward of the gifts, talents, and abilities the Lord has given me?"

That's a scary one. My answer is, "Sometimes yes, and sometimes no." More often than not I'm using them more and more. But could I use them more? Indeed. :-) James

Day 30......Shaped for Serving God

Hey, I don't know about you all, but I'm a people watcher, and I know how many unhappy people I see on a daily basis. I love people, the good, the bad, and the ugly (and I've been all of those). I remember who I used to be, and how I used to be. So I try not to get too caught up in where people are now. I know God has a plan for their lives, and I want to see them as He does. He doesn't see any of us as we are. He sees us as He created us to be. He sees the finished product, before it's finished. :-) He KNOWS the real you, and the real me. No matter what we project, or who we pretend to be, or to be like. He knows us inside and out. Many things that I used to do, and who I used to be, would probably anger some of you, and disgust others. But praise God, I'm past that. I'm a NEW creation in Christ. I'm not perfect, but I'm being perfected. I'd like to have some shirts made one day. I'd like the shirt to say, "Under Construction.......God's not done with me yet." It's probably been done before, but it's a good idea. Mainly to remind us, not to be an excuse, but more of a reason for our/my behavior.

"In what way can I see myself passionately serving others and loving it?"

One of the things I like to do the most is to sing praises to God, and see others join in. Also, I'm quite fond of leading others into a better understanding of His word. So I guess I'm doing it now! Service is a bad word in our society. We don't want to serve, we want to be served. It's not unusual or even a sign of the times. There were disciples of Jesus who were in constant competition with one another. Two wanted to sit on either side of Jesus in heaven. He didn't scold them for wanting that either. But He did use it to open up and tell them that service of others is the main Christ-like objective. He came not to be served, but to serve. Praise God we're all learning here. :-) James

Day 29......Accepting Your Assignment

Golly.......this just hit me. We only have 11 days of this study left! Wow. I had wanted to read this book since....oh boy, I think it was October that someone gave it to me. Then when the LORD told me to not only have a partner to read it with, but make many my partners, and start a worldwide blog for folks to participate. I sort of panicked I guess. Believe me, I don't have a shortage of things to do. And some days are busier than others. But that's what service is all about. I've seen more and more that folks really don't want to help, they don't want to do anything. It can be frustrating, but rather than whining about it, I know I need to pray about being led by the Spirit to implement things for folks to help with. One lady who's taking part in this study (she's not able to get online) told me "You know, we all have talents. I sure wish we could get everyone to share theirs with us." She's right, you know. God gave us all gifts, so that we could use them in service to one another and others. We're not supposed to be shut up in the church whispering Jesus' name. Hey, we don't live in China, or Iran. We have the right to share our faith, and to share His love. Let's not hide that light under a basket anymore.

"What is holding me back from accepting God's call t serve Him?"

I don't allow anything to get in the way of that. Nothing. He's first. Anyone who really knows me, knows that about me. :-) James

PS: If you want to reply to one of the messages of the past, please do. Just because you may have not gotten to see the blog before the next day, don't let that stop you. I promise you, I will see it, and I WILL read it.

Day 28........It Takes TIME

Oh man. This is SO good. Someone told me one time that a tree that's grown from a sprout to a six foot tree can never be planted outside, at least not down here. Where I live we're close to the Gulf Coast. On average we have 10-20 mph winds everyday. Sometimes there can be gusts up to 40 mph. That's not a storm, that's normal. A tree that's grown up inside has never had adversity. It doesn't even know what it's like to be tested. Once transplanted outside, the first good wind will snap it in two, or bend it over so that it will never grow right. But if a tree sprouts up outside, or is transplanted when it's really small, it will get accustomed to the wind. It will be blown about, but it will eventually, plant it's roots deep enough to withstand even the greatest of winds, perhaps even those of a hurricane.

We want to grow instantly. But that would be like feeding a 3 year old a meal, and expecting him/her to be 20 years old after he/she eats it. It's just not realistic. And did you know, that it takes 23 days to start a habit, and 23 days to break one? Why then do we expect folks to be completely different minutes after receiving Jesus. I don't know about you all, but I've always been taught that we must stop doing this or that immediately. That's just a fantasy. When I surrendered completely to Jesus I was delivered immediately from crack cocaine, and alcoholism. Right away. BUT, I couldn't let go of cigarettes. I'll never forget as long as I live, it was July of 1998, and I was bouncing off the walls I was so happy that I was free from drugs and alcohol. But I was still smoking. Everyone seemed so happy to see me in the mornings (Sunday) but when I showed up for the evening services I usually smelled like smoke. Oh, the looks I would get. I felt such condemnation. I know, I know..........Romans 8:1, but I just felt so bad. So one Friday I decided I was going to DO IT! I was going to be free from those stinking things NOW!!! So, I threw away my pack of smokes and my lighter and started my day. Everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. My 1980 Plymouth Duster's driver side door even opened in mid-turn, and I had to push myself back up into the car and scraped up my hand on the pavement. By 5:30 that afternoon, I was frazzled. I went to go put gas in my car. As I put the nozzle in the opening, and clicked the pump to run continuously without having my hand on it, the nozzle popped out, and sprayed me with gas. I walked into the store, bought some smokes, another lighter, and headed to a bar. I drank for about an hour, then went to one of my drug suppliers and bought some cocaine. When I woke up the next morning, I was so ashamed. I repented, cried, and whined. Then the Lord spoke to me as clearly as He ever has and said, "OK, can we do it in My time now?" So from that day forward, I never drank or used again, but I smoked without abandon. I would even drive down the road singing praises to God, while smoking a cigarette. Many folks think that was sacreligious, but I didn't care. I knew it would be done in God's timing, not mine or anyone else's. About 6 weeks later I was driving down the road, heading home. I was smoking a cigarette at the time. I heard, "That's the last cigarette you're ever going to smoke." So, I finished it........took a few more drags and tossed it. That was indeed the last one I ever had. I think the Lord allowed me to go through that, to show me, that not everything is going to be instant. Some things might be. But others won't. I know that we're all different, and what He did in me, He may not do in someone else. If I didn't stop smoking crack and drinking immediately, I was going to die. As it turns out, I was dying. But I was healed of the damage to my lungs and heart. But that's a whole other story!

"In what area of my spiritual growth do I need to be more patient and persistent?"

Well, I'll tell you, when my cousin (who was my pastor, I was his assistant) left this area and told me that I was going to be pastor, no one was more surprised than me. But one thing I didn't realize is that everyone expected me to be just like him, overnight. Or, they expected me to be like an elderly pastor we had many years ago. I used to get quite frustrated because I want to be a better pastor. I wanted to be what they wanted me to be. But I realize I can't be my cousin, and I can't be Brother Harry. God is still working on me, but sometimes I want it all done now! Hehehehehe. I guess my answer to the question is EVERY area. I need to be more patient and persistent in all areas of my spiritual growth. I need to remember that just as with others it's not going to happen overnight, it's not going to happen that way with me either. By remembering how I was freed from smoking is a good start. What say you??? :-) James

Day 27......Defeating Temptation

OK, now be honest, how many of you yawned, when he mentioned it? And now? Hehehehehe. Like I was saying yesterday (and the chapter spoke of it today) revealing yourself isn't easy, but it is necessary. From my point of view, as a leader in the church, it seems wrong to admit weaknesses. But I think it's the best thing for folks to know. That way, they know that you know, what they're going through. They can "relate". Hey, I know this is off the subject, but have you wondered why there is always a tree branch somewhere pictured in every chapter? No leaves on it either.......kooky. Was just wondering if anyone else noticed that.

"Who could I ask to be a spiritual partner to help me defeat a persistent temptation by praying for me?"

Well, I've got to say, I'm very blessed in this area. I have many. My cousin, my uncle, my sister in law (whom I consider a blood sister), and several very close friends I can count on. I know I can be real with them, without them judging me, or laughing at me. :-) James

Day 26.......Growing Through Temptation

Temptation. It seems we think it ought to be a four letter word. When in reality it does help us grow, and shows ourselves, and others....how much we have grown. Usually that is something that most folks keep to themselves. When they're tempted, and how.

When I was very young, the guy that molested me introduced me to pornography. (That's why when I heard about others' experiences with molesters,that they showed them pornography, I believed their stories.) It's been a battle with me off and on, all my life. I have to be very careful. I used to like to go from blog to blog reading different ones and whatnot. But I found that was a dangerous undertaking for me. As some blogs (until they are reported) can contain some pretty gross pornographic pictures. I know that the Lord is using me mightily in many different areas. For that, the devil is QUITE mad. I used to serve him, and now I'm messing with his kingdom by telling others about Jesus. So, yes, he will tempt me. I'm very happy to say that in that area I've been very successful in avoiding junk like that. And I've been able to say NO! to the temptations. The Lord has strengthened me a lot in that area, as there was a time, that I was very weak. It's not an excuse, but a fact. I was seeing that junk at 8 years old and up. I've had to train myself to not be caught up in it any more. It's only with the Lord's help that I've been able to unlearn that behavior.....that reaction.

Also when I was very young in the Lord, I didn't like to go eat where alcohol was served. It was just something that I didn't want to be around. It was a very familiar spirit to me. I didn't want to be around it. It doesn't bother me now, but it did at one time.

"What Christ like character quality can I develop by defeating the most common temptation I face?"

I would say the most common temptation I have now is to get upset in traffic. The character quality I could develop? Patience. :-) James

PS: I hope you're all learning from what you're reading, even if you're not participating by posting here. Look deep within and be brutally honest. If you don't feel you can open up here, PLEASE open up to someone, somewhere. It's real easy to look from the outside in and figure out what others need to do. (I see in myself, that I used to do that a lot.) It's more scary (but necessary) to open up your own can of worms and see what's in there. It's not easy. It's certainly not easy for me to admit my shortcomings. But I really hope and pray that in my doing so, that some can deal with theirs'.

Day 25....Transformed by Trouble

This is not pleasant. It's the realization that in order for sanctification to occur, the heat has to be turned up. That can be an unsettling thought. So often I've said, "Whatever we go through, we grow through. And if we don't grow through it, chances are, we'll go through it, again." There are mountains and valleys in our walk on this earth. Enjoy the mountaintops because in between there are going to be low times......valleys. Sometimes it will seem as if there is no one up there listening to you. It will seem as if all hope is lost. But it's really then that we realize our closest relationship with God. It's then, and only then, that we TRULY surrender. Like I've said before, talk is cheap. Real cheap. You will find few who really mean what they say, and say what they mean. It's difficult, because sometimes I don't know what I mean either.

Romans 8:28 has always been one of my favorites. It's just like building a house. First there's the foundation. You must receive the free gift of salvation......Jesus. Then comes the frame, the "bones" of the house. Then the sheetrock (walls & ceiling). Then comes plumbing, flooring, and cabinets. All these things are needed to create a nice house. We are the temple of the Lord. We are being built from the ground up. BUT, the house will not last if it's not built on a solid foundation.......the Rock.....Jesus Christ.

This is off the subject somewhat, but sometimes after preaching, or praying for someone they'll thank me. I always am gracious, but I also want them to understand that it has VERY little to do with me. I view myself as a tool in the Master's hands. I like to say, a hammer. When a carpenter builds your house, do you pay the hammer? Or thank the hammer? No. You pay the Master, or the one who built the house. If I were in control, all I could do is tear things down. But when He's in control, He builds beautiful houses. Praise God!

"What problem in my life has caused the greatest growth in me?"

Oh man, there are several. But I guess I can say the greatest one would have to be lack. It makes me smile to say that. In the past when I had lots of money coming in on a daily basis....it was easy to forget God. I was too "comfortable". But as I began to be in lack, or in need, especially financially, it was truly then that I had to rely on my Daddy. All my bills were paid on time even though there wasn't money coming in. I was working as an outside salesman with no draw. In other words, no sales, no money. There were brothers in the Lord who would sometimes approach me, and just say, "The Lord told me to give you this." It would be $20 or $50, and I would know that there is nothing impossible for my God. He can do above and beyond what I can think or even imagine. He had used me to bless others in the past, and then, when I needed it, He sent others to bless me. Or, sometimes when a bill needed to be paid, the day before, a sale would come through......just in time. I really did grow lots and lots in those two years. I've had some lack recently, so I've had to wonder if I was falling off the Rock again, so to speak. God is good, all the time. More and more I'm recognizing that trouble, is more often my teacher, than my enemy. It's not always easy, but who said it would be?

Day 24.......Transformed by truth

Here we go. God's word. How important is it to me? How do I apply it to my daily life? You've probably all heard this before, but it's good to remember. There were two native American Indians talking. One said to the other, "I feel like I have two dogs fighting inside of me." The other one asked, "Which one wins?" He answered, "The one I feed the most." We can know about God's word, but not reading His word will make us spiritual weaklings. We'll have a few insights into God's word. But if we don't read it daily and apply it daily of those two dogs, the soul or flesh and the spirit, the flesh or soul will always win. We'll rationalize that "It doesn't apply to me nowadays.......things have changed." Or we'll be led astray by what we feel. I post in several Christian groups, and I had a message all ready to send, but decided it may not be right at this time. So I posted a message from the past. The message that was SUPPOSED to be today's, is right in line with what we're reading today. I messed up by not posting the message the Lord gave me for today. I chose to do it my way.

"What has God already told me in His Word that I haven't started doing yet?"

Meditating daily on His word. Psalm 1:1-3 is one of my favorite scriptures. I even put music to it! But I'm not meditating like I should. Have a great day and God bless. :-) James