In the 21st chapter of John we find Jesus asking Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” At first glance Peter basically says yes, but the biblical scholars in the crowd know he is not using the same word that Jesus does.

Jesus askes Peter (do you AGAPE me?)Twice Jesus uses the word Agape, but Peter answers (yes I PHIELO you). You can think of AGAPE love as the highest, unconditional, most altruistic form of love their is. While PHLIELO love is a brotherly love. Hence Philidelphia, The city of brotherly love.

It’s the third time around I want to focus on today. Jesus meets Peter where he is and asks, “Simon, son of John, do you PHILEO me?” A broken Peter answers “Lord, you know everything; you know that I PHILEO you.” Honesty is the best policy when it comes to God.

I want to discuss the first part of Peter’s answer. “Lord, you know everything.” I believe Peter is truly broken here, and will not let his former impulsiveness get the best of him. Lets face it. Peter has said and done some pretty ridiculous things in the past. Not only has denied Christ three times when he promised to follow Jesus until the bitter end. He chops off an ear, tells Jesus not to wash his feet, and then decides to go for a (Full Monty) sponge bath. As Jesus pushes the visual image of giving a grown man a bath He informs Peter that washing his feet will do just fine.

“Lord, you know everything.” This realization in the heart of Peter allows him to be honest with Jesus. He is not going to tell Christ my love for you is a 10 out of 10, when it’s only a 7. Peter takes the giant leap that many Christians refuse to allow themselves to take. He can be fully honest with Christ even if it means swallowing his pride. Do not be afraid to be honest with God. remember Peter’s words “Lord, you know everything.” For Peter, this new inward boldness sparks a new and sincere outward boldness that catapults him to the forefront of leadership in the first century church.

What new boldness inside of you is waiting to be poured out? Be honest and sincere with Christ. After all, “Lord, you know everything.”

Rant

I promise to keep this short. Here are a few things that really tick me off.

• People who complain about partisan politics. I voted for someone who shares my ideals, not someone who will vote your way. If that is partisan, I am OK with that.
• People who believe that the government is giving you something for free. Where do they think there "free" health care will come from?
• People who believe that the government is giving you something for free. Where do they think there "free" health care will come from? It's worth saying twice.
• Finally (for now) people who believe that I should pay their way in life. I believe in helping the poor, I also believe that when you vote yourself my money it's no different than robbing me.

That's enough for now. I feel much better.

Miraculos Miracles

I have been blessed to have God perform Several miracles in my life. One of the most memorable happened in Mexico while on a missions trip. My youth group was traveling from village to village in the mountains preaching to the locals.

While setting out one day our youth pastor asked someone how far the village was from the compound we were traveling to. The basic gist was that it was only a short distance. After filling up at the closest "petrol" station we headed out. If I remember correctly we were told the village was about 45 minutes away. Four and a half hours later we were just about out of gas. FYI, when in Mexico don't believe a word you are told concerning time or distance. Please trust me on this one.

Our youth pastor believed that this would be a great time for prayer. We all agreed and began fervently asking God to deliver us from our predicament. While praying I was assuming that God would provide a "Good Samaritan" with extra gas to save us in our time of need. He did not... Instead, our youth pastor began shouting for us to look at the dash. To our amazement the needle on the fuel gauge went from E to F! I am not joking. It was an undeniable miracle.

I had often wondered why God saved us in such a Miraculous manner. A few years I believe I got my answer. I sensed God telling me that He provided us with such a profound salvation there could be no reasoning the event away. You see, I cannot deny God was involved in helping us. A "Good Samartian" might have been reasoned away as coincidence.

There are times when God's Miracles are Miraculos in nature if I can put it that way. Don't put God in a box. I know it sounds like a cliche, but allowing God to provide for your needs in the way that seems fit him will help you accecpt His help instead of relying on yourself. It will allow a deeper faith to grow in your life as you go through other trials since you have been a personal witness to His power manifest in your life. Finally, your testomony will help strengthen the faith of others as they hear your witness.

The three elements listed are not an exaustive list by any means. feel free to comment with your own thoughts about how God's Miraculos Miracles make a difference in our walk with Him.

The Rain

Who do you thank when you drink the rain? The band Waterdeep wrote “Many men will drink the rain and turn to thank the clouds” and I believe that to be true.

People tend to make God in their own image. Isn’t that what we want? A god of social justice or maybe a republican god. Christians are not immune to this either. Maybe we have a god who is really moving at my church and not at yours. Being judgemental is a great example of this. Whenever we judge someone we have set our own standards up as God’s standard. As we choose to grow we will deal with these internal struggles.

My chief concern with attempting to make God in our image is with those who choose not to
believe.


Non Christians rightly claim that Christians are hypocrites. That’s a good reason to need Jesus though. They can’t justify God’s “horrible treatment of the poor, the sick, or those who suffer across the world for no good reason. …”.

The problem with this thinking is that we will each individually stand before God one day and give our own account for our own actions. It won't matter what Johnny or Suzie Did. God will ask you how you treated those who suffer. He will ask if you heeded his call while those around you did not. If you have ever managed people before or been a parent you understand this well. When asking Johnny to account for unsatisfactory work/behavior you do not want to hear them say “but Suzie does the same thing”. There will be no excuses with God. If you do not want a relationship with Him in this life, you will not have one with Him in the next.

What then shall we do? I am glad you asked. Choose Christ, choose life, choose blessings, and begin to do good works. Sound simple. It is. Christianity is a “come as you are” religion.

Old Blog New Blog

Hey gang- I have imported my blog to this new account and hope to get back up an going again. Hope you enjoy.

Born Again

John 3:7 "Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' " The term BORN AGAIN has been misused so much that many christians go out of the way to avoid saying it. The modern nutshell definition goes something like this. Jesus wants to live in our hearts, and he wants us to be saved. While Jesus often uses metaphors to paint a picture for us. The picture may take some brain cells and insight to figure out though. (Jesus points this out Himself during His ministry.)

Well, whoever we allowed to coin the modern meaning of being "BORN AGAIN" failed to use at least one of the two. Even though the modern definition that has been this scripture is not taken literally. It fails to point out the fullness of it's meaning.

The modern nutshell definition goes something like this. Jesus wants to live in our hearts, and he wants us to be saved. If that's the case, God could have just given us a Bible Tract and be done with it. I will give a definition in by next blog that I believe more fully explains the term.
I will leave you with this for now.

It's about a relationship.

Jesus in the belly of the whale

My three year attends preschool two times a week for a couple of hours. He told me the story he learned One day about Jesus in the belly of the whale. Apparently Jesus was depressed about His situation. It's a good thing He had "Jonah there to rub his back to make Him feel better."

While my son was somewhat mistaken about the details of the story he is learning about God. (By the way, we did teach him the real story). I love the fact though he understood God is always there for us. Even in the belly of the whale. No matter the situation you are in, God is with you. Even if you won't go to Nineveh unless God steps in to lend a hand -or a whale.

No doubt Jonah had a Whale of a story to tell when he washed up on the shore of Nineveh whose god was a fish like creature. WOW!

Lord, Lunatic, or Liar (part two)

Christ only allows us to choose between serving Him as Lord for eternity or choosing an eternity of weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Luke 13:23-28 (New King James Version)28 There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out.

Although many don't see this as being fair, isn't this the way friendships work. We get to decide how close we want our relationship with Christ to be just as we decide how close we want our other relationships to be. We may choose to be aquaintences or life long friends. Scripture refers to Christians as the bride of Christ. I believe we can assume that Christ wants us to have this level of relationship with Him.

Everyone has a free will to make this decision. That is one of gifts God has given us. The ability to choose what level of relationship we will commit to. Many will choose not to commit any part of themselves. Some will choose some level of commitment, and few will choose to actualy commit themselves wholy to Him.

The scripture above speaks to those who choose no level of commitment. Jesus warns that this choice will lead to "Weeping and gnashing of teeth". It means that eternity will be an existance of suffering from the deepest regret. It's not fire and brimstone that Jesus is preaching, but a message of genuine concern He shows for His creation. Don't let Him be the ultimate one that got away.

Most who read this have made some level of commitment already. When was the last time you examined your level of comitmen? Do it today. If you are not progressing, it's time to begin right now. Start by "asking, seeking and knocking." You can do it. I believe in you.

Lord, Lunatic, or Liar

I enjoy the writings of C. S. Lewis. A man who came to faith through atheism. One quote in particular has really stirred me in the last month.

"“I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: “I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept His claim to be God.” That is the one thing we must not say. A man who said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.”"

We don't like the idea of ultimatums. We want more choices in life. You know... "Hold the pickles, hold the lettuce, special orders don't upset us". I want 31 flavors even though I always order vanilla.

Matthew 16:13-17 (New King James Version)
13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” 14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.

Who do you say that He is? Who do you say that He is when it comes to your family, finances, career, health... Every area of your life in which He is LORD I wish to commend you for. In the other areas of your life what have you decided thus far? Is He a LUNATIC? Would you be nuts to hand over that portion of your self? Is He a LIAR? Maybe there is a part of your life that you don't believe He can be trusted with.

Think about it. Even those of us in the kingdom haven't handed over everything. I am right there with you. I am increasingly aware of Christians who give just enough to get in. When it comes to eternal life they are fully on board. When it comes to becoming a disciple or a friend of Jesus they are holding out believing they can do better elsewhere.

They say things like...
-Drugs and alcohol provide more peace than Christ can.
-Casual sex is a lot of fun with very little risk.
-My church cannot be trusted with 10% of my income.
-...

While these things may seem silly, many Christians display their lack of faith with their actions. I am not speaking to areas in which we struggle with like an addiction. I speak to those areas which we truly just cannot accept Jesus as Lord. I have areas and it is possible that you might as well. I encourage you to examine yourself. Ask Christ to help you find peace through Him instead of your own crazy ideas.

MAXIMA FAITH! (part two)

My wisdom tells me that if I need a car I should pray that God would help me make the best decision. My FAITH tells me that God will supply the best car for the money. Faith and wisdom go hand in hand. The bible says that if I need wisdom all I have to do is ask in faith.

BibleGateway.com - Passage Lookup: James 1 ;: "5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind."

My faith has been tested as of late. I have lost two jobs in one week, and have used my life savings over the last 18 months to help support my family. We are now on the precipice of loosing our home if the situation does not change quickly. I remember the times that God has helped us in the past. I worked in an commission environment for the past decade and have seen God supply our needs many times.

One year, I was only able to earn $8,000 over an eight month period. We found ourselves in a tough situation and saw God provide $46,000 over the next two months.

While this is the worst financial position we have been in we have seen God move in the past. We have actually seen our "practical faith" increase as our financial stability has decreased. We are ready to see god move anytime now and pray that He helps us during our times of unbelief.

BibleGateway.com - Passage Lookup: Mark 9:24;: "24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”"

MAXIMA FAITH (beliving for God to place us in a position in which we will be overwhelmed) is not apprpriate at this time. PRACTIAL FAITH (believing God will meet our needs and even provide an abundance) is biblical.

I pray that God provide you with prosperity, not problems, wisdom with your wealth, and much more PRACTIAL FAITH than MAXIMA FAITH.

MAXIMA FAITH! (part one)

Do you have "MAXIMA FAITH"? I once met a lady who did. I met her during my very short career selling cars. She came into the dealership wanting to test drive a new Maxima. The test drive went well, and upon our return she decided she wanted the car. I drew up the paper work and sent it over to the finance office. Unfortunately, I was unable to get her approved for the payments.

I suggested we look at a Sentra which would cut the payments in half. She agreed to the test drive. Upon our return to the dealership she let me know she was completely unsatisfied with the Sentra. I again tried to explain to her that we would not be able to approve her for the payments (which by the way amounted to 50% of her income) on a Maxima. She finally exclaimed "I have MAXIMA FAITH I have MAXIMA FAITH I have MAXIMA FAITH". My response was "but you have Sentra credit".

She knew that God wanted her to have a brand new Maxima. and she would not stop until she had it. So, she left the dealership with her "MAXIMA FAITH".

I don't know what happened to her. What I do know is that God does not want us to substitute "faith" with wisdom. I can only imagine what kind of trouble this misguided belief can get us into...

Have you ever been inspired?

Have you ever been inspired? I have. One person who has inspired me lately is a character from the bible. He is the blind man from the book of John, chapter nine. We are not told his name or really anything about his life except that he was born blind. Then, one day he meets Jesus who heals his blindness and shortly thereafter becomes a follower. My inspiration as of late has not come from the fact that he was blind but now could see. It has come from what I believe is the real meaning of the story. Read the first several verses to get an understanding of what I am talking about.

9:1 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 Having said these things, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man's eyes with the mud 7 and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing. (ESV)

You see, no pun intended. While Jesus’ followers were concerned about sin and who we should blame which is still quite common today. Jesus is concerned about doing the work of His father. If you read the rest of the chapter I believe you will see that while Jesus heals the blind man that is not really His goal. If that were His goal, if that were the case, we could end at verse seven and move on to Jesus’ next miracle. But we can not. We can not because the gospels were not written to bear witness to God’s miracles. Please don’t take my tone as cynical. I am not being cynical in the least. Rather, I wish to point out that if God’s goal was to come into the world and perform one miracle after another we would eventually get bored and not follow. You say, impossible! Not me! That would be great! If everyone could be healed that would be terrific! Then tell me why the Israelites still worshiped other gods after ten plagues, the parting of the Red sea, Water from a stone (twice), and a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night. Not to mention the audible voice of God, manna from heaven, quail from the sky, and why don’t we throw in the earth opening up and swallowing some of those who were practicing the latest Richard Simmons workout in front of the golden calf.

Jesus came to redeem us. He came to set us free. He came that we may be once and for all time forgiven. He touched us, loved us laughed and wept with us. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son”. Jesus stepped out from eternity into time and clothed Himself in the humility of humanity in order to get our attention. Let me ask you again. Have you ever been inspired?

The blind man in John chapter nine is about to be used by God. His life will be changed forever. He has been chosen “from the foundations” of the earth to be born blind. He was “fearfully and wonderfully made” blind. Now Jesus, walked over to him, knelt down, (the blind man probably expecting some pocket change), dropped a nice spit wad right in front of him. If you were the blind man you might be a little nervous if s stranger just came over to you and spit were you were sitting. But, Jesus and His great sense of humor, does not stop there. He mixes the dirt and spit and sticks it in the guy’s eyes, and proceeds to tell the blind man he may want to wash that off. The blind man became an inspired man. When we become inspired we take on a sense of great boldness. This blind beggar began to boldly proclaim this Jesus “do you want to know Him too”. I believe this is a time for your eyes to be opened by God in a new way. My prayer is that you will see him move in your life as I have seen Him move in mine, and as He moved in the blind man’s life. Keep reading and allow God to inspire you too.

Getting started

I have been considering getting into this blogging thing for some time now. I have even saved some potential posts on my computer. The question I ask myself over and over again is "Are my thoughts worth sharing". I guess I am going to find out.

I will be sharing my thoughts about life and the wonderful things God has done in my life. Hence the title MiracleMike. Please enjoy.