No Faith Photos in GRAY SCALE

When looking through photo albums of both the past and the present, there's a couple of questions that seem to rise, almost immediately, to the surface:

1.) I wonder if they were/are really happy?
2.) Is it really possible to capture one's feelings, faith or favor (blessing of greatness) in a photo?

Ponder on these observations for just a moment.
1.) Why do some people become obsessed with taking pics of themselves?
2.) What is it about those who run when a camera comes out?

Most often, when taking a "self" picture, one is looking for something, or could it be, they are longing to see someone!?! Are they looking for something that gives them value or some sense of significance? Could it be, the reason why some attempt to escape when it's picture taking time, is because they don't like what they see, or they feel the "picture taking" is a waste of time, because there seems to be nothing of value in them, or with them, to capture? Hmmm...

POWER POINT TO PONDER: You can look good in a pic, but consider the following:

1.) Photos are limited & often lie, hiding the real you.
2.) You're welcome to smile, however, "No Posing Allowed."
3.) Beauty or ugliness, is actually not only skin deep. What lies beneath the surface, below the makeUP, does find its way out.
4.) You may not feel very photogenic, however your internal giftings, your destiny and purpose, are not limited to the external view.
5.) I believe all faith film development is Black & White, with no vintage (old; only new) and no gray scale. Allow me to me shed some light upon this "gray" pose'ition that some are taking today.

LET'S WORK ON THAT SMILE. First of all, Christianity is not to be a religion practiced, but a personal relationship realized with Jesus Christ. It’s a worldview that believes there is no area to which God has not spoken. Some areas, He speaks directly (life, marriage, abortion, etc.), which are black and white. Other areas (education, healthcare, homelessness, etc.), are considered "gray" and require biblical application of principles to discern and establish God’s viewpoint.

LET'S BRING THIS INTO FOCUS. As Believers, followers of Jesus Christ, we don’t get to decide what is black and white, and certainly, neither do the unbelievers. The Bible provides this guidance. However, many liberal Believers today, just like the Pharisees in the New Testament, are challenging the very principles we are called to agree, and stand UPon. In other words, all Believers should read the same Bible, agree on "black and white" issues, and then exercise constructive dialogue (some say debate) on the best method when taking a stand, while demonstrating Christ's love. On the contrary, some Believers feel the worldly pressure of being mocked and labeled an extremist, are being forced to regress by modern-day Pharisees to discuss what sin is, and then by what standard we arrive at the decision.

LET'S SEE - DO YOU THINK JESUS was/is SMILING? During His earthly ministry, Jesus was hardest on the Pharisees, the party of “liberal believers” that challenged his principles, while His disciples and other believers were discussing the best methods with Him. Though Jesus demonstrated tough love to/with the Pharisees, He had a zero tolerance for compromise, and confronted them for their leading His flock astray. But that is what liberal Believers have done to the Body of Christ today.

LET'S LEARN & LEAD: Know it is critically important to develop our spiritual health and solidify our bearings on biblical principles, with a greater, HIGHER sense of passion and priority, than the time and attention we allocate towards our physical features and attraction. If we look good physically, yet are confused and twisted concerning our principles, the picture can be taken, yet it will still need to be developed. When we take a stand on an issue, it should never be misconstrued as “hate.” It’s simply, yet painfully at times, love being exercised, like a prescription being dispensed.

LET'S ADD SOME MUSIC TO THE MESSAGE: The group, "Casting Crowns," sings a song called "Slow Fade." Though it’s lyrics and tone are about marital faithfulness, the principle can be applied to every area of our lives: “It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray.” Take a moment to read over the lyrics:

Be careful little eyes what you see
It’s the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it’s the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It’s a slow fade when you give yourself away
It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It’s a slow fade, it’s a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It’s a slow fade when you give yourself away
It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you’re thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

It’s a slow fade when you give yourself away
It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see

LET'S SUM IT UP: May we possess both the courage and conviction to accept biblical principles, even when it’s not popular. Let it be, that when others see us, they immediately say, "He/She looks like their Father!" #genesis1:26 #romans8:29 #colossians3:2

FLATTER: "What's the matter!?!"

Out of a desperate desire to belong and be loved, at times, one will become intoxicated with a subtle, yet powerful craving that tends to slip them off the radar of rightness. What begins as an innocent pursuit to have fun, grow up, discover a life of independence, and "live my life," they have often veered into the darkness.

The Psalmist pens it very descriptively: "In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin. The words of their mouths are wicked and deceitful; they fail to act wisely or do good." (Psalm 36:2-3)

Flattery can be brutal, so much so that, too often, there are people we value in life who plainly have, what appears to be, a reckless propensity for less than desirable, destructive thought and behavior. They've flirted with deception for such an extended period of time, that the gravity of their poor decisions and their effects upon others, have notably escaped them.

In over 20 years of ministry, one of the most painful conclusions to which I've witnessed among many is,...those who don't know, really don't know that they don't know. 

By man's standards, the "flatterers" are hopeless and helpless (impossible), but with and through God's provision of truth, they can and will come to know life, life more abundantly. 

Let's make sure we are letting His Light shine, to aid those camping in darkness. 

#truthrevealsandheals  #john8:32

Hypocrites - It Takes One to Know One

In light of so many people today hiding behind a host of excuses for not attending a local church, comes the combative subject of "hypocrites."

The timing could not have been more "On." As the text alert sounded on my phone today, I read where one of our HGC leaders texted me a picture which punctuated the following message:

"Some people say, 'I don't want to go to church with all those hypocrites.' Well, you can go to church w/ them, OR you can go to hell w/ them."

Let's take a moment to define "hypocrite" before we issue claim to being an authority on the subject.

"Hypocrite" is defined as one who portrays having virtues, morals, or religious beliefs that they do not actually possess. A few synonyms for "hypocrite" are cheater, faker, deceiver, actor, fraud, poser, and backslider.

When looking into the Scriptures, one NOT ATTENDING church, (dishonoring the Word - Hebrews 10:25) can also be viewed through the lens of all of these same synonyms. So, what is the real culprit for conveniently missing out on the blessing of getting plugged into a "community of faith" (the local church)!?! Concluding that "not going to church with the hypocrites" is acceptable, clearly violates God's command to "assemble together." Without a doubt, God knew the composition of THE Church,...His Church, would consist of men, women, boys, and girls, who would need to depend upon His Love, and the love of, and the love for, one another, and that this "loving" would be communicated and experienced by honoring God and actively embracing His scriptural mandate to join together with other believers in a consistent gathering of worship.

Jesus delivered it directly and emphatically to those who were struggling with a critical, crippling spirit, in the Gospel of John, "to him/her who is without sin, let them cast the first stone" (John 8:7). You see, regardless of who we are, where we've been, or what we've done, our Lord loves us and desires to have a personal relationship with us. He knew we would have moments of difficulty, infused with temptation, instigated by our enemy, the devil, whose aim is to steal, kill, and destroy. We must be careful to not point a finger at someone else, becoming an expert at keeping their score, while we become oblivious to our own shortcomings. The church is not for perfect people. No, the church was established for imperfect people in need of a loving, merciful, and gracious savior, Jesus Christ. When coming together, we are encouraged by the strength and determination we observe and absorb from one another.

So, rather than labeling someone else, let's take a timeout to start linking together every opportunity we have to experience the beauty of God's intention in sending His Son, Jesus, for the purpose of seeking to save every one of us that is lost without Him.

I am all for keeping it simple, keeping it real, and keeping it together...

"We all need one another; We are Stronger Together!"

We Are Expecting,...Pregnant & Loving It

PREGNANT AND LOVING IT: One week ago today, we shared with all of our Facebook Family and Friends the exciting, heart throbbing news:

"Well folks, it's official, Robyn and I are expecting." 

We have been overwhelmed with the inundation of FB posts, FB inbox messages, phone calls, text message logs being jammed, incoming emails,...all delivering Congrats's and varying expressions of shock and awe. The love and shared excitement, without a moment's doubt, simply undeniable.

Many inquiries arrived seeking to clarify and qualify this newly shared Pregnancy, to which we confirmed. We've heard from people in the past seven days, that we've not heard from in multiplied years. We do know, and yes, we are aware that it's hard for some to believe. We confess this morning, that we too, have even had moments when and where our "believing" has been challenged, yet never conquered. Let me explain.

In a very simple, yet profound manner, it occurred to us how so many people have allowed varying life issues to become thieves, robbing them of their future,...a future filled with life changing possibility and probability. Prior to sharing our post last Tuesday, Robyn and I were reminded again, of how another woman, among an innumerable population, received news that she had been chosen to give birth to a son. Thoughts of impossibility and inadequacy began their fiery assaults, attempting to discourage and disable this "soon to be" delivery. However, that woman, Mary, after a brief exchange with the angel, she overcame her fears, uncertainty, and the avalanche of worthlessness, issuing the response, "let it be unto me, according to your Word."

On this Christmas morning, look beyond the gifts under the tree, look beyond you, as we look beyond we. Many placed orders for gifts over the last couple of weeks, and were introduced to the element of "waiting," expecting its arrival. Some went to bed last night, grossly disappointed that USPS/UPS/FEDEX failed to deliver that special package prior to the "traditional" gift exchange. Some spent the weekend, some the last 24 hours, and for some, they may be looking out their front door right now, "expecting" a package to show UP.

But, how cognizant, how aware, how pregnant are you with anticipation of the culmination and fulfillment of your far reaching life purpose? When was the last time you honed in on what God thinks, says, feels, and desires for you!?! What are you "expecting?" You see, one "expecting" or "being pregnant" goes so far beyond "carrying a child within the body." Other words that are synonymous with "pregnant" are hopeful, expectant, creative, fertile, abounding, reproducing, generating,...and the list goes on and on.

The gifts you gave to others, the gifts you received from others, and even the gifts you purchased for yourself, as cool and special as they may be in your mind and/or theirs, they pale miserably in comparison to being WRAPPED UP, becoming pregnant afresh and anew this morning with an astute sense of how critical it is for you to fulfill the plan your Creator set into motion for YOU in the beginning. He desires for you to give birth to that purpose.

Have the following concerns ever crossed your mind, clogged your heart veins, possibly sabotaging the fulfillment and celebration of your life purpose!?!:

- "I'm too old" or "I'm too young."
- The timing has not lined up.
- Maybe, you've been fearful of how giving birth to His purpose may change the perceptions and opinions of others.
- "But, I don't want any stretch marks."
- Fearful as to whether or not it will be a smooth delivery, free from complications!?!
- It has been said that giving birth is close to death.
- "Who will it look like?"
- "I can't afford it."

Robyn and I would like to encourage you to not allow these things to rob you of the joy that awaits you. Start today, this very moment, cultivating a new passion for the pursuit of your life purpose. Becoming pregnant with new hope will bring forth new life. Stop buying into thoughts that bind you, but rather believe in your purpose, spending time with those who are committed to building you UP, rather than breaking you down.

WRAPPING IT UP: So, indeed, "It is official, Robyn and I are expecting." Yes, our girls are excited with us, as this new chapter unfolds. As matter of fact, we have already begun preparing the nursery, and encourage you to do the same. Are we having another child? That is not in our family life plan, but then again, it wasn't in Mary's life plan over 2,000 years ago neither.

Some have inquired about the "DUE DATE." Well, the answer to that question has already been determined when reviewing Hebrews 11:1, "Now, faith is..."

Please allow me to conclude this followup post by "Hand Delivering" a familiar greeting and salutation received from so many of you, our treasured and valued family and friends:

"Congratulations to you and yours!!!"

Pastor Don and Robyn

#specialdelivery
#nofaithnodelivery
#luke1:26-38

The Face of Destruction

Are we sure we really want to begin dissecting the possible "signs" along the way that this 20 year old would go and exterminate 26 lives in Newtown, CT!?!  I say, "Not!" We really need to be careful with our quick responses to crisis situations. We must guard against manufacturing false assumptions about the deceased, because too often, those skewed conclusions can indict many who are living.

HEART (think) ABOUT IT for a moment. I've heard anything from "He looked different," to "He was standoffish," to "He liked to go shooting at the gun range." So, consequently, the above three statements suggest:

1.) A perceived wrong, weird, or "different" LOOK (external characteristic) qualifies a person to be a killer.
2.) A perceived difference of one being less socially engaging, or not desiring to be in large crowds at times, qualifies a person to be a killer. 
3.) A personal conflict with another person's choice of hobby and favored past time, qualifies a person to be a killer.

Wow,...really!?! Well, I have even been perceived and at times, personally, to have had at least 3 of the 3 above stated qualifications myself. So, what is the news media really saying? What do you think? There is too often, too much time and attention given to "Looks, Personality 'Criminal Profiling,' and Conflicts of Interest," while the inward man, a prisoner of his/her own choices, escapes the prison cell only for a fleeting moment to become the perpetrator to the innocent,...a leach that sucks out the life of those who are so deeply loved. For those who may have similar physical characteristics as that of the 20 year old killer, or he/she who tends to be aligned the same way socially, rather than being loud or bent toward being more outspoken, and/or for the person who is as fulfilled pulling the trigger and punching paper at the gun-range as one is on the dance floor at the nightclub,.....it can be hazardous to put the emphasis on the looks, social comforts or inclinations, or conflicts of hobby interest.

The Depravity of Man (Sinful Nature) is the mastermind behind the so called "sudden - where did this come from" madness and massive sea of human wreckage left behind. You see, too many, too often, CHOOSE to ignore, the extenuating possibilities and real probabilities when flirting with reckless appetites in the name of "Fun, Freedom, and 'Mature Adult' Independence."

SUMMING IT UP:
My constant prayer is that God would so shake each and every one of us with a renewed awareness of the subtle seductions of sin, that not only has the ability to distract us, derail us, deflate us, disable us, and defeat us, but even destroy us. We can enjoy education, success, money, and have attractive marriages, families and relationships, yet on the heels of comforting words delivered to many by Jesus and many miracles performed by Him, He summed it all up with these words:

"What do you benefit, if you gain the whole world and forfeit/lose your own soul?" (Mark 8:36)

This not only puts a whole new "Face" on the recent happenings in a small, quaint place on the map called "NEWTOWN, CT," but it is certainly cause for pause for you and I.

WEEPING, WEAPONS, & THE WHITEHOUSE

In the Wake of the Newtown, CT Devilish Nightmare, I find myself perplexed on so many levels.

This is a difficult time for every Newtown parent, family member, educator, and law enforcement officer, as well as any and every individual who places the highest priority on life, the life we've been given the privilege to come to know, while lives are ending every second in a selfish, skewed, and senseless act of supposed "rights," while we weep with what has happened in a classroom at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

On the morning after,...

- When the homes of the children slaughtered would normally be filled with the sounds of cranked up cartoons, siblings laughing and loving on their family pet, and coolers being packed, gearing up to head out on a family outing,...
- When the typical smells of coffee and pancakes, and the sounds of spoons clinging on cereal bowls, have been suspended and substituted by a screeching silence and screams of shattered dreams...

From a distance, for so many of us, our hearts continue to bleed with unexplainable pain.

Lawmakers are firing upon the "weapons" used, rather than paralleling this unsolicited evil with the lives of so many children, that even today, this very moment, are being repeatedly abused.

As I listened to the morning news today, once again, I was both an eyewitness and earwitness to many concerns I possess surrounding some life principle contradictions from our Commander in Chief, President Barack Obama. When referring to the slain children, President Obama said, and I quote, "They had their entire lives ahead of them, birthdays, graduations, weddings, kids of their own..."

YET,...isn't this also true of the innocent children who are being murdered/aborted each and every day? In the United States alone, the life of one child is aborted, gunned down without any rights, every 26 seconds.

137 lives every hour
3,304 lives every day
23,196 lives every week
100,516 lives every month
1,206,192 lives every year

Before a diaper change, before ever seeing an "Opening House" enrollment day entering kindergarten, to begin the pursuit of possibly becoming an educator, school principal, or possibly even the President of the United States, these lives are exterminated.

May our concerns and compassion rise with that of consistent conviction, from our house to The White House.

Who Opened the Door to the Dark Night (Batman VS BADman)

In writing this blog, I am so saddened by the deadly shootings in Colorado & I find myself contemplating it's implications for those living in an unrealistic world. Some will say, thanks to Batman, we have suffered yet another loss among others in recent history. But, the real question that has a readied answer is, "Did Batman do this?" No, the BADman (the devil) was behind this horrible, hideous, and heartless mass mayhem. You see, Jesus has delivered clear INsight INto the INward problem revealing how the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). 


Is there any way to really make any sense of this senseless, aimless, reckless attack on the opening night of the Batman movie, The Dark Knight Rises?  As I monitored the news this morning, stunned by the inescapable real news footage, I noted Headline News continuing to submit the question, "But, Who Opened the Door?" Take a moment and ask that question out loud, "Who Opened the Door?"  Did you say it out loud? Did anyone else hear you? I hope so.


While blame will be issued to Hollywood and the movie industry, we must consider the following. First of all, the movie "Batman" didn't open the door and cause this horrible tragedy.  Secondly, we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the cosmic powers over this present darkness (Ephesians 6:12).  Thirdly, the time has come for us to do more than simply be alarmed when a crisis erupts, but we must be truly awakened to that which corrupts (1 Corinthians. 2:11). Lastly, the suspect (identified by the various news sources as James Holmes) opened the door to the BADman, Satan, and became wayward in his thoughts and decisions, and now countless individuals have been riddled with inexplainable sorrow and a profound loss of life.


Some will say, this will definitely bring a greater awareness of what is taking place around us and the need to, 1.) guard our families, and 2.) stay alerted to environmental cues. I will conclude my thoughts in sharing with you my deep seated concerns.


"ARE YOU AWARE?" is really not the question to concern yourself with, as much as the more critical needed question, "ARE YOU AWAKE?"  With your eyes closed, in a relaxed posture, you can be "aware" of someone else in the same waiting room where you are patiently hoping to hear your name called to be served/seen next. At the same time, too often, clueless to the specific activities of those other individuals who are readily monitoring the atmosphere to which you are barely present. We need to be AWAKENED to the cunning, seductive, and destructive nature of Satan, and absorb the Truth that will not only set us free, but has the power to keep us free (John 8:32). 


--> Let's not underestimate, nor deny the prowling presence of Hell's existence.

I've spoken with some who will say that they don't believe there's a place called Hell. Then, how do you explain the mayhem that erupted in Denver in that movie theatre? Whatever you do, take a moment to confront YOUR unbelief before YOUR unbelief confronts and conquers YOU.

--> Let's not underestimate, nor deny our aching need to shake ourselves and awaken our hearts (our spirit man) to become more intentionally equipped with the available resources that God has provided (Prayer, Word of God, Community of Faith Fellowship, Personal Testimony/Story, the Person & Work of the Holy Spirit).

Have you OPENED A DOOR that has the potential of leading to a most unwanted dark night? 

The suspect claims to be "THE JOKER," but as you can see, what happened in that Denver theatre is far from being a "joke."


We cannot afford to not pay attention folks. Let God's Light Shine Bright.