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Are you a servant of God or a friend of God

Embed from Getty Images Most Christian’s would say they are a friend of God. From Genesis- Revelation God’s word (the bible) is full of commanding instructions. Time and time again, blessings come from those who obey what Almighty God tells them.

In the gospel of John, Jesus brings the fullness of obeying God’s commands, “If you keep My commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in His love.” John 15:10.

When we do something other than what God has written out for us, it is rebellion. Weather it is do not fear, listening to the authorities over us (which is hotly contested now a days) it does not matter.

The fallen part of us says ignore, the overcomer side of us says obey, there is joy when we do. It lines us up with Jesus in God’s eyes. This brings blessings not just for ourselves but for others.

“You are my friends if you do what I command.” John 15:14, this is the only place in the bible where Jesus tells us how we can be true friends with God. Do what He commands. Doing it our way does not bring friendship with the One True King, no matter what we have lead ourselves to believe.

If we do what God has commanded or instructs then freedom comes. It comes in a big way, a way that only Jesus can provide. “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you” John 15:15. Jesus has an expectation His followers will do what is written in the bible.

If we are doing our own thing and taking authority from God so that it fits our wants, God will not call you friend. That may sound harsh, but I did not write the book, neither am I God. I believe a heart check on our part is needed, perhaps a change of thinking as well.

Maybe praying a simple prayer like Psalm 51:9 “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me,” would be the steps we need in becoming true friends with God.

 

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Putting up boundaries even for family members

Embed from Getty Images “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22

In life it is important to keep good healthy relationships and build on them. In life sometimes you do not get to choose your circumstances, but that does not mean you do not have control over them.

I have a sister who has fallen under what I can only believe is a  generational curse. My biological mother had mental issues. Be it bi-polar, schizophrenia or another. She would abuse my sister and I then binge on alcohol, pass out and do it all again.

She had issues before she was our mother, such as taking all the plates and glasses out of cabinets at houses she did not live. This was the late 1960’s early 70’s.

Being removed and placed in foster care social workers agreed it would be best if my sister and I were adopted into separate homes. That was the correct move.

When my sister would visit during the summer or around Christmas time, it was always an unpleasant time. She was unruly and lied about just about everything. It was clear that she was showing the same pattern that the bio mother had.

I need to be clear on this, it was not always easy being around my sister, but she was my sister. Christmas 1981 my sister got up from our dinner table and walked out of our house. I did not see her again for 33 years.

You read that correctly, I chose to put up a boundary for 33 years. I needed time to heal from an abusive early childhood and my sister was interfering with the healing process. She would call, I would not come to the phone. She would write and I would throw the letter away before it was opened.

I took control over the situation. This is what God expects us to do. It does not have to be as dramatic as the one between my sister and I. But sometimes to reach and become the person God wants you to be, difficult steps need to be taken.

I met my sister for lunch in a small Chinese restaurant in Indiana a few years ago. We talked for a long time. She was clearly unhappy with all the facts I laid out before her. But she had nowhere to go.

I forgave my sister and gained a new freedom. Again Jesus died to give us freedom, I was grabbing a hold of that olive branch. I did fire a warning to my sister. I told her that if she lied to me again it would be over. For good.

When I arrived back at our house I found out that she had indeed lied. I did not feel upset or let down. I full expected her to lie. Bob Seger’s hit song “Still the same” comes to mind.

Be willing to make the tough choice’s in life. Sometimes it bring healing and freedom to our life.

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Mother’s Day 2020

Embed from Getty Images It is here, the day we pay homage to mom’s. My wife, sister-in- law, mother-in-law and my own mother are all a gift from God. I see them helping and teaching their children and it is a sight to behold. To mother’s everywhere take a bow and take a seat for a job well done.

Memories are a great thing to have. Treasured memories are a gift from God. Mother’s Day 2020 has a different feel to, there is no way around that. COVID-19 and social distancing have interfered with the Day to honor mom.

Yet, this Mother’s Day will create it’s own kind of memory. It will be difficult to forget. But even in this interesting time we need to reach out to our mother’s. Or God forbid go to the cemetery and tell your mom you love and miss her.

What I will take away from this years Mother’s Day is that my mom has trained me for what we are going through, and she probably does not realize or think so. My mom is a worrier. Yet growing up, when faced with adverse situations my mom put on a brave face. She would give sound advice. It could have come from my dad or the news. But to me it was coming from my mom.

My mom modeled how to be strong in trying times. Even if it was a facade, it was how I should and most likely would eventually react to adversity. That is the right thing to do.

Even if you are falling apart inside, show your children to be strong and courageous, that there is nothing to fear even when everything inside you is full of fear. That is my mom. That is what she has taught me.

Watching and listening to my mom over the years and now reading my bible have made me fearless. But it all started years ago with a mom who worries put on a brave face and directed me to not be like her. That is a mother’s love.

So what has your mom taught you?

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Submitting to authority when things seem desperate

Embed from Getty Images “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” Titus 3: 1-2.

I admit these are trying times. With people working from home, unemployed or going to work because they have been counted as essential workers. This is geared more for the folks that are Christ followers and are not working. I am going to attempt to put things in perspective.

There should be no complaining about shelter-in-place mandates. “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.” Philippians 2: 14-15.

I understand the want to go to work and the urge to make money. That is very valid. However, I also know that God will meet needs. “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4: 19.

That verses gives me the confidence that if I or my wife would lose our job, God will meet us where we are. It brings peace to my family. For Christian’s to voice concerns is fine, in fact we should. But to rail against State Officials or the President is something we should not take part in.

“Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.” Romans 13:2. We need to remember that God is in charge. Nothing is bigger than Him, nothing escapes Him, nothing surprises Him.

To seek God daily is to seek peace. Asking God to give you your daily bread is to ask Him to meet your needs. In fact, there is great wisdom, hope and redemption in Isaiah 55: 8-9, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.”

It is easy to get caught up in the worry and allow our thoughts to hold us captive. It is another thing to apply the word of God to our life and allow Him space to move and meet our needs.

For a great resource check out BibleGateway.

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A list of the best Iron Maiden songs

Embed from Getty Images British legends Iron Maiden could quite easily be seen as the definitive heavy metal band. As big as Maiden’s legend is time and again, they rise to meet their legend with daring new albums and tours. It was mission impossible to make a best of list for a band who’s entire albums are instant classics. But, in this opinion write up I tried to narrow it down.

“Wasted Years”- album, Somewhere in Time (1986): This Iron Maiden  beauty starts with complex guitar riffs starts  before the band starts in. “Wasted Years”  chorus is instantly unforgettable, while the band is at full power.

“Aces High”- album, Powerslave (1984), I have to admit this is perhaps my favorite Maiden song. With that said, from start to finish “Aces High” is full throttle rock, with another first class Maiden riff at it’s core. Lead singer Bruce Dickenson, tells the wartime story.

“2 Minutes to Midnight”- album Powerslave (1984), Written by guitarist Adrian Smith and Bruce Dickinson, “2 Minutes To Midnight” is powered  once again by classic metal riffs. Countless bands tried similar riff styles after the songs release, but to nowhere near as great effect as Maiden did with this monster.

“The Number of the Beast”- album The Number of the Beast (1982), When Iron Maiden released this in 1982 it turned more than a few heads and made instant fans for the band. This song was strongly opposed  by social conservatives. In the United States people claimed Maiden were satanic. People obviously had not read the lyrics.

Where as I stated “Aces High” was perhaps my favorite Iron Maiden song “Hallowed be They Name”-album The Number of the Beast (1982) is not far behind. This song is about a man who is on death row and about to be executed, it is from the perspective of that man.

 

Iron Maiden is not satanic. They are a very good group who sing about, God, Satan, War, history, evil, what drives a man to do the things he does. This list is short. That is because I could have gone on for a long time.

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Iron Maiden is the best metal band of all time

Embed from Getty Images Steve Harris, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, Nicko McBrain, Janick Gers and legendary vocalist Bruce Dickenson make up arguable the greatest rock/metal bands of all time. The iconic Iron Maiden.

History, war, God, Satan, Iron Maiden has a song for just about every area of life except sex, drugs and rock-n-roll. Maiden is one of the most beloved, celebrated, innovative and influential metal bands ever to exist.

In Iron Maiden’s 36 year recording career the band has sold over 90 million albums worldwide. Musically Maiden has always been amazing. Bruce Dickenson’s stratospheric vocals brings it all together bringing the band an instantly recognisable sound.

Unlike bands like KISS and AC/DC, Iron Maiden has never become a legacy act and continues to craft quality albums. Iron Maiden have remained a true metal band that have somehow managed to retain both vitality and relevance.

Iron Maiden boasts of one of the greatest front man music has ever seen, Maiden is easily one of the best live bands in the world  while pushing towards 40 years in existence. Bruce Dickinson and boys in arms are no slouches, all playing super complex riffs while using the stage as their own personal shuttle run.

In a day in which things are turned upside down and people are confined to being at home, Iron Maiden stays consistent. They have a song that fits any issue, conflict, hope, peace or even God.

While not for every music fan, those of us who really like metal, Iron Maiden is the king. I can not recommend them enough. If you are a music fan do yourself a favor and check them out.

 

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Seeking God first should be our focus

Embed from Getty Images “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

It is so easy to seek a web browser first. I mean in most cases we have one right in the palm of our hand. Sick child, look up medicine. Dinner recipe we start typing. Child being bullied at school, how to fix this or that. We are quick to look it up.

I am as guilty as the next person. But since COVID-19, I have made a shift. A shift to seek God first and above all. As Christ followers this is what we should all be doing. God has the answers both small and large.

God will not turn His back on you. He did that with Jesus when He was nailed to the cross. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?” Psalm 22:1.

Think about that. Jesus who not only went to the cross for our sins, also went there and took God forsaking us as well. “And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” Mark 15:38.

Jesus tore down everything that separated us from God. It was a grand gesture from the only one who could offer such a gift. The least we can do is to take advantage of Jesus’ gift.

It is a way to praise Him for what He has done for us and given us. All of life’s answers are found in Him. This is why we need to put our laptops, devices and smart phones down and seek the Lord for our daily bread.

Since focusing more on seeking God first, I have been reminded of a powerful bible verse found in Exodus 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before me.” When we use sources other than God for things in and for our life it becomes a god.

To help you make the leap to seek God first I offer this, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3: 5-6.

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Tricks of the Devil

Embed from Getty Images And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.”
 Luke 10:18

The Devil is sly and is, forgive the expression, hellbent on destroying our relationship with God. With everything going on currently with jobs, layoffs, work hours cut, children doing school at home, pandemics the list goes on and on.

Here is a little secret for you, The Devil wants you to stress about things outside of your control. Many of us do this. The Devil throws things at us so that we will not rely on Christ, the One who strengthens us. But rather give into the panic and issues at hand.

Also, the Devil wants to trick you into believing the Bible is either a myth or simply does not apply to today’s world and life. I submit to you that God’s Word is real and has real significance. Though written nearly 3500 years ago it is so insightful to the past, present and future to lose sight of that is to give the Devil his due for making us feel differently.

God wants to to live life to the fullest. The Devil wants you to be reliant on things that bring a wedge between us and God. He is looking to destroy as many lives as he possible can before he is shown his new home.

In today’s world it is so important to be pressing into the word of God. Otherwise, we could fall into the trap the Devil tries to set. Do not give into worry, fear or anything else that is not from God. Those things are lies.

Ephesians 6: 10-18 tells us, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, … ”

God will fight for you, you only need to stand. Clear your mind and stand.

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Want more peace in your life, turn off the news

Embed from Getty Images Negative news stories increase personal worry. Repeated news stories can make us feel unsafe. The news has it’s place. But understand media outlets have figured out that doom and gloom sells. But people tune in, for no good reason.

I must confess I am a news atheist. I do not watch any news including the local news. I simply chose to enjoy my life. Oh sure, I have enough people who keep me in the loop even if I do not want to be with some news stories.

I have everything I need. A weather app, traffic app and a bible. If you want news that has happy stories in it the bible is what needs to be turned on. It even has peace, something that is hard to find on T.V. news and news websites.

If I am loving God with all my heart, mind and soul and my neighbor as myself, then I do not need anything else. I am focused on being Christ to others as He shows me how.

Even if your in a routine of watching the news, STOP! For your sanity and for others. In fact, I challenge you faithful news watchers to a news fast. Start with 10 days. When you see you have time to do things you enjoy and not doing something that adds stress, fear and doubt you may choose to live a news free life.

My family enjoys our evenings. Taking walks, playing games, watching a movie. It was very quick, when we found out no news equals more peace and joy. It is my hope that more people will soon figure this out. There is so much more to life.

Choose to live in the freedom Jesus died to give you.

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My heart goes out the the 2020 high school seniors

Embed from Getty Images Many students from the 2020 high school class from across the United States entered the world shortly after 9/11. They now have had their high school career cut short due to a global pandemic. In some ways it is tragic. In some ways it is poetic.

The senior picnic or bonfire will not take place, The senior class trip? That is not taking place as well. Prom, sporting events and in all likelihood graduation as has been taking place for a very long time will at the very least look a whole lot different this May or early June.

It is a bitter disappointment meant by students, teachers, school faculties, families around the United States and I suspect around the world. Celebrations will look different as well.

We all know there are some things that are out of our control. Never giving serious thought to a pandemic. Yet here we are. There is no “I’m sorry this happened” that is going to sooth over the silent end to twelve years of school that came to a public end four weeks ago and has no proper send off.

I am happy to announce that our son who is finishing his senior year did something remarkable in the face of the world issue. We moved two years ago from an area with lived in for 17 years. That meant a new school for our two sons. That meant new faces, teachers and potential friends.

Yet, our son dug down deep and sent a teacher wide email to say that while he is sad school has ended in it’s traditional way, he was grateful for the teachers he has known a short time. He took the time to thank them not only for what they did, but what they are doing currently. Preparing assignments, tests and  essays.

Did our son have to do this? No. Not only no, but this did not come from mom or dad prompting him. It came from the heart of a champion. It came from a young man grounded in his faith and who understands he is to be a light in the darkness.

To the class’s of 2020 everywhere, my heart breaks for you all. You deserve a better send off. Yet, I truly believe this will make you better, which in turn will make our world better.

Please know, that our family stands and applauds all of you. Job well done!!!!