God's Will??? or mine ????

Yes guys, I am still wrestling with where Denise and I are supposed to be and what we are to be doing. I remember in high school, the question of what to do “when you grow up” permeated my thoughts and plans.  Forty + years later, that same question burns in my mind.  What have I accomplished in all that time? I do not see much. It is true that I have DONE a lot of things and have FINALLY found my true mate in life (although THAT took many years as well). As I reflect back on my achievements, the list is really quite short. I have managed to survive day to day (many times purely by the grace of God) . My time in the service did have it’s peaks and valleys, but as for a legacy …. Not much. Since finding Denise, I have been blessed with the family that I have desired complete with 6 wonderful grandchildren. But even these were granted by “proxy” and not my own achievement.

Please join with me in prayer for resolution to this dilemma. I am truly thankful for all of God’s gifts in my life, I only wish I had shown better management of the time I have been granted and a more visible and comfortable basis for these latter years

May God Bless You and Yours

Gene

You can also follow me on Twitter @gkelley58

FW: Don't be a Hater

Finally, brothers & sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things. & what you learned & received & heard & saw in me, do these things. And the God of peace will be with you. Phil 4:8 - 9 (NET)

Think on the POSITIVE not the NEGATIVES ...Don't be a Hater

This may be my favorite scripture verse(s). Too many times we are guilty of seeing the worse in people and situations. Paul reminds us that we will find what we look for and our reality is shaped by our attitudes in challenges.  I know it is easier said than done (BELIEVE me I know), but that should be our goal.

By focusing our thoughts and energies on the positives, we can change our situations to a more palatable one. If not the actual circumstance, at least we can muster the energy to get through. Winston Churchill once said, “ If you are going through Hell – Keep going.” Another good suggestion. The only thing that endures time without changing is the our LORD. Everything else will come and go. We will see rain so that we may enjoy the sunshine. Do not be like the “hater” that complains about the rain and then complains that the sun is too hot. There can always be a negative spin on things. That is the easy thing to see. The challenge sometimes is finding the positive in a difficult time.

And the God of Peace will be with you …. That is promise worth holding on to !!!!

May God Bless You and Yours

Gene

You can also follow me on Twitter @gkelley58

HAPPY New Year??? your choice

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.

Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

- Martin Luther King Jr.

We are hearing almost every day of mass shootings in malls and other public places. Our elected leaders are being personally attacked both physically and verbally in almost every venue possible. To what end is this insanity taking our society? I believe and support free speech and individual ideas and the freedom to disagree on any value, but I am ALSO convinced that my (and your) rights to personal expression of freedoms stop when it infringes on someone else. Where has the days of social courtesy and “plain ol’ good manners” gone? Have we tossed away all forms of respect?

We must respect all persons, prince or pauper. Each soul has something to offer. We are all teachers of life as well as students. NO one should sit higher at GOD’s side than another because NO ONE is worthy. It is only by Grace that we are even allowed in HIS presence. The backbiting and jealousy amongst us all will destroy Believers quicker than any outside religious “crusade” or terrorist bomb.  

I have been remiss in posting, lately . I apologize for this negligence. The holidays have come and gone. We have a brand New Year at our feet. Each of us have a clear path (or at least the opportunity to pursue our path) ahead. Will 2011 be one of victory or tragedy? I believe the answer is in each of us as individuals.  Will we fill our hearts and minds with light or darkness? Will we embrace Love or Hatred? The choice is ours. I have heard it said that one person cannot make a dent in society, I disagree. If a lot of “one persons” commit to change, that will make up a major dent in society because society is made up of each of us and what we will allow and what we refuse to allow. By embracing the darkness, we cultivate more darkness. By fueling hatred, we grow more hatred. We can only fight this negativity with Love and Light.

1 Peter 5:8  Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour. (NET)

Apathy allows the aggressor, the adversary,  to advance. I think that is what The Apostle Peter is saying in the above verse. We have to be vigilant and pro-active in our dealings with each other and not allow inappropriate attitudes and actions (from ourselves or others) defeat our “good sense”.

I try very hard to avoid formal “New Year’s Resolutions”. We should be in a continual spirit of self-examination and directional corrections. BUT I challenge every reader of this humble posts to resolve to make their personal circle of influence shine with Love and Light, instead of Hatred and Darkness. Whether you rub shoulders with saints or sinners, leaders or followers, we can make a difference in our own life and those nearest us.

What do YOU think?

Until next time …

May God Bless You and Yours

Gene

You can also follow me on Twitter @gkelley58

Lest We Forget

Image by Antony Pranata via Flickr

This is Remembrance Week. As a Proud Veteran, I salute those who gave their all for the cause of Freedom, under whatever Flag they fought, WE are the recipient of their sacrifice. 

So as you travail through your day, look around at all the blessings you have and then shake the hand of a veteran because it is THEY that have served so that you could benefit.

I may disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. ~ Voltaire,

Image via Wikipedia

In Flanders Fields Poem

By:  Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch, be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Image via Wikipedia

May God Bless You and Yours

Gene

You can also follow me on Twitter @gkelley58

Is this God's Calling or my own ambition?

I have a dilemma.

As most of you know, things are not going very smoothly in my life right now. Denise and I are under a lot of financial stress (not an uncommon occurrence in today’s world, I know) and I seem to be unable to find a significant source of income in the standard corporate dimension. I am not trying to sound like a whiner or a “poor is me” party host, but I am seeking a path in my life where I can fulfill my perceived “calling” while also making a contribution to my family’s financial security. So I am asking YOUR help and opinions/suggestions/advice on how I should proceed in this search.  But first,  please allow me to give you some background and color on this “journey”. -  A life resume, if you will,  that has been shaded with personal thoughts and observations.

I am seeking a challenging & rewarding leadership opportunity that will utilize my diverse & extensive practical and professional experience to enhance the performance of people with a diverse background  to the benefit of themselves and those around them. My military discipline & corporate compassion lends to a unique balanced & winning combination style of instruction and training  highlighted by motivation, dedication, enthusiasm & team spirit. The diverse scope of my exposure has allowed me to develop a management and delivery style that includes “big picture” perspectives & “outside the box” solutions.  I attempt to mix my spiritual ideals  with practical applications, without pressing others to adopt my religious affiliations. My greatest joy is seeing the “ah-ha” moment in someone’s eyes when they achieve a step toward their goals. I also believe that success is a journey – not a destination. My personal goal is to help people carve through the illusion of happiness and achieve the “Real-Thing” (not Coca-Cola – haha).

One of the paths that I like is as a counselor/life coach. I have checked out a few of these programs and there are quite a few good ones out there. Merna Throne’s Pocket of Pearls Life Coaching Program . She is quite enthusiastic and sincere about helping to make this world and the people in it a better place for us all.  I would love to do something very similar to this targeting those who cannot normally afford this expertise and assistance. I am not saying a social worker per say (too much governmental interference) , but maybe a combination of Pastor, Confidante, Counselor, Philosopher and Job Recruiter. The challenges I have in this area is that (as a pastor) I am not qualified (limited education AND divorced). The other points are obstructed by the ignorance of applying my skill and experience as a business. I would love to be able to “make a living” doing this but I just do not know how. I know formal education and certifications cost $$ and that is another challenge at this point in my life. Heck, we do good to pay the bills AND buy groceries or other life necessities.

I believe that I am being led to this field of assistance, but my concern is WHO is doing the leading. Is it GOD or Gene? Is this a true calling or is it a selfish ambition?  Whatever the answer may be, I am certain that the correct path of life will INCLUDE a mechanism to allow me to provide for the financial needs and responsibilities of my family.

You would think that with all my technical training and my life experiences that I would have a easy time finding adequate income. But , as many of you know, times are a’changin and some of the choices I have made in the past have seriously handicapped my options (at least within my circle of understanding). This is where YOU come in …. I believe that engaging more than one point of view and multiple intellectual processing, we can find a good solution to almost any challenge.

If you have anything to contribute or suggestions/advice to offer, I am available through email , Facebook or Twitter and greatly appreciate and respect your thoughts.

Thanks for your attention and input

May God Bless You and Yours

Gene

You can also follow me on Twitter @gkelley58

The GOSPEL of an 8 year old

Here is a repeat of a CLASSIC post I found on the Internet.  Too many time we adults try to complicate the simplest things.

Luke 18:15 – 17 Now people were even bringing their babies to him for him to touch. But when the disciples saw it, they began to scold those who brought them. But Jesus called for the children, saying, “Let the little children come to me and do not try to stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”

Out of the Mouths of Babes
This was written by an 8 year old, Danny Dutton of Chula Vista, CA, for his third grade homework assignment. The assignment was to explain God.

Explanation Of God

"One of God’s main jobs is making people. He makes them to replace the ones that die, so there will be enough people to take care of things on earth. He doesn’t make grown-ups, just babies. I think because they are smaller and easier to make. That way He doesn’t have to take up His valuable time teaching them to talk and walk. He can just leave that to mothers and fathers."

"God’s second most important job is listening to prayers. An awful lot of this goes on, since some people, like preachers and things, pray at times beside bedtime. God doesn’t have time to listen to the radio or TV because of this. Because He hears everything, there must be a terrible lot of noise in His ears, unless He has thought of a way to turn it off."

"God sees everything and hears everything and is everywhere which keeps Him pretty busy. So you shouldn’t go wasting His time by going over your Mom and Dad’s head asking for something they said you couldn’t have."

"Atheists are people who don’t believe in God. I don’t think there are any in Chula Vista. At least there aren’t any who come to our church."

"Jesus is God’s Son. He used to do all the hard work like walking on water and performing miracles and trying to teach the people who didn’t want to learn about God. They finally got tired of Him preaching to them and they crucified Him. But He was good and kind, like His Father and He told His Father that they didn’t know what they were doing and to forgive them and God said O.K."

"His Dad (God) appreciated everything that He had done and all His hard work on earth so He told Him He didn’t have to go out on the road anymore. He could stay in heaven. So He did. And now He helps His Dad out by listening to prayers and seeing things which are important for God to take care of and which ones He can take care of Himself without having to bother God. Like a secretary, only more important."

May God Bless You and Yours

Gene

You can also follow me on Twitter @gkelley58

My Little MagLite

Image via Wikipedia

John 8:12 (NET)  Then Jesus spoke out again,“I am the light of the world.²¹ The one who follows me will never²² walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Image via Wikipedia

I carry a mini-Maglite on my belt. It is not a big tool (only about 4 inches long and weights practically nothing). It is inconspicuous and is normally not even noticed.  This has become a habit that I acquired as a Sailor and carried throughout my experiences as a hardware technician. I hardly notice it is there when it is daylight or there is enough light to see whatever it is I am doing.. If I have to look in a dark place, I KNOW where it is, and I can activate a beam of light that will allow me to do the required job and/or find my way to a greater source of light.  Another great thing about this little light I carry is that I can also use it to provide illumination for someone else at the same time it shines for me. Sometime even I do not make a conscious effort to guide the way, someone “lost” in the darkness can use that little light as a beacon to find their way back to their intended path or maybe to see an obstacle that they can easily avoid.  Often we do not even realize that it the light that enables us to dodge hazards or allows us to find what we are seeking, but just imagine that if the light was not there …. 

Here is a simple exercise that may illustrate how light allows us to perform even the easiest, most routine things.:

Close your eyes (or blindfold yourself)for several minutes and try to go about your daily activities. You do not have to attempt anything extraordinary. Even doing things that you would normally do with little or no effort, you will soon become disoriented and confused. Things will not make sense and you may even find yourself in a predicament that could cause harm. Imagine a blind person going through an unknown place. They move slow and often bump into obstacles in the way.

Light also is not prejudice. It does not just shine on the good things. It also illuminates bad things that allows us to see and choose which path we want to travel. But it DOES illuminate those choices. Light reflects off of all things, regardless of its purpose. We have been given the wisdom and knowledge to intelligently make those choices and reap the consequences (rewards or penalties) .

In a dark world, not everyone has their own light. Sometimes the only light available is someone else’s little “mini-MagLite”.  By using YOUR light, you may unknowingly be lighting the path for someone else to find their way.  Too many times, we act as though we are the only ones experiencing trails and troubles that we often forget that others may be looking at us for an example in their lives as well. When I was at sea, I learned that even the dimmest light can been spotted several miles away on a dark night. That is why smoking on the deck of a ship after dark is not allowed. The enemy can spot even the fire from a cigarette on the horizon. While  this may be hazardous during wartime, this principle may be quite useful if searching for survivors on the open seas. The dimmest light may allow the rescue of lost sailors that would otherwise become memories.

Image via Wikipedia

Regardless of if my Light is used or nit, if I do not recharge the batteries in my little Mag-lite, it becomes dim and useless.  I have to periodically put the batteries on the charger and it becomes bright once again.

Image via Wikipedia

John 14:16-17 (NET)   Then I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you forever –  the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot accept, because it does not see him or know him. But you know him, because he resides with you and will be in you.

As a BELIEVER, we carry the Holy Spirit in our hearts. He waits within us and quietly stands “at the ready” to illuminate our paths and guide us to the Source of Light. We are also able to use HIS light to illuminate the way for others the same way my little “Mag-lite” does. I must also “recharge” my batteries, by studying and meditating on our SOURCE of power – GOD’S HOLY WORD. We must also be aware that our light also shines on those that are otherwise stuck in the darkness. We MUST be positive examples of GOD’S Love in everything we do, regardless of if it religious or not. Every aspect of our activities (and non-activities) reflect the source of our light. The only question is if we are pointing at the right or wrong path ??

I am VERY interested in your point of view and LOVE reading and reposting the comments you send my way…

Have a wonderful and Blessed weekend

May God Bless You and Yours

Gene

You can also follow me on Twitter @gkelley58

Whose side are YOU on?

I know there have many smarter and more famous people addressing the current issue of Bullying. I also am so aware that I am just a mere small “voice in the wilderness” proclaiming the same thing. However God has spoken to my heart to at least throw in my thoughts and opinions as well:

First of all, I do not condone the actions or lifestyles of either side of this argument. I am only addressing the actions of so-called believers and the consequences to the Faith that their actions shine on us all. I am disgusted with the pious and sanctimonious attitude that some “christians” wrap themselves with while using their religion as a rationale for violence and hatred. Scribes and Pharasees, The Spanish Inquisition and the Crusades are brought to mind in these thoughts. I believe that TRUE Christ Followers show love and compassion to the persons while separating themselves from the action and attitude of “the world”. How can we share a gospel (Good News) while physically or verbally abusing those that need it most? Does that make sense to you? It doesn’t to me.

Homosexuality and Islamic beliefs are not the only targets for these pseudo-christians. The rise in sexual abuse, and discrimination (sexual, racial or ANY kind)  are exploding all across the headlines as well. Child Abuse and Spousal Abuse (Male and Female) are at an all time high. Why are we destroying the very people that we claim to love and should want to protect? What has happened to respecting our fellow human? What example of Jesus’ Love do we exhibit when we burn down someone’s home just because they do not accept the LORDSHIP of Christ? GOD will be THE Judge in the appointed hour, not us. So why not promote HIS WILL by expressing our love instead of our ignorant hatred and disagreements?

1 John 3:11 – 24 (NET) For this is the gospel message that you have heard from the beginning: that we should love one another, not like Cain who was of the evil one and brutally murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his deeds were evil, but his brother’s were righteous.

 Therefore do not be surprised, brothers and sisters, if the world hates you. We know that we have crossed over from death to life because we love our fellow Christians. The one who does not love remains in death. Everyone who hates his fellow Christian is a murderer and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.  We have come to know love by this: that Jesus laid down his life for us; thus we ought to lay down our lives for our fellow Christians. But whoever has the world’s possessions and sees his fellow Christian in need and shuts off his compassion against him, how can the love of God reside in such a person?

 Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue but in deed and truth. And by this we will know that we are of the truth and will convince our conscience in his presence, that if our conscience condemns us, that God is greater than our conscience and knows all things.  Dear friends, if our conscience does not condemn us, we have confidence in the presence of God, and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do the things that are pleasing to him. Now this is his commandment: that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he gave us the commandment. And the person who keeps his commandments resides in God and God in him. Now by this we know that God resides in us: by the Spirit he has given us.

Just because a person claims to be a minister of THE LORD, does not make them so. We have to see and examine their lives and words against the standard that has been set before us by Christ and the Apostles. If they are not teaching the same gospel as THE CHRIST, then they are teaching the gospel of the antichrist. Violence and hatred of our fellow sinners are not in the gospel of THE CHRIST.

1 John 2:18 – 19  (NET)  Children, it is the last hour, and just as you heard that the antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have appeared. We know from this that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us, because if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. But they went out from us to demonstrate that all of them do not belong to us.

Ephesians 6:12 (NET)  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.

I would be very curious to hear your thoughts on this topic and what we can do to spread the Gospel of Forgiveness and Love to those in dire need of THE FRIEND, 

 

J E S U S .

May God Bless You and Yours

Gene

You can also follow me on Twitter @gkelley58

Is it real or is it a cheap copy? How to Tell ..

Matt 7:15 - 23

"Watch out for false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are voracious wolves. You will recognize them by their fruit. Grapes are not gathered from thorns or figs from thistles, are they?  In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree is not able to bear bad fruit, nor a bad tree to bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will recognize them by their fruit. Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter into the kingdom of heaven – only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.  On that day, many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in your name, and in your name cast out demons and do many powerful deeds?' Then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you. Go away from me, you lawbreakers!'

Many people in "the ministry" want you to believe that their "gospel" is THE WAY. Fancy pseudo-theology makes us feel good (Proverbs 26:28 A lying tongue hates those crushed by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin. Please note that I am NOT trying to say that all these popular preachers that you hear are satanic egomaniacs that are merely seeking your money and power, but I want to make you aware that they are out there and more abundant than you may want to believe. There are "wolves" making the headlines and being blasted across the wide array of media promoting a plethora of self-serving doctrines and trying to sugar-coat the Plan and Will of THE MOST HOLY GOD. This is not a "fire and brimstone" post, but I DO want you to read this as a HOLY WARNING to the tactics that Satan is using.

We acknowledge that the Word of GOD can be used to whatever end we seek in our heart. Even Satan knows this ands is recorded as doing this very thing – even to JESUS, Himself. ( Luke 4: 1-9). He (Satan) invented this tactic even in The Garden of Eden when misquoted and challenged the very WORDS of GOD to tempt Eve with the forbidden fruit (Gen chpt 2 and 3).  

Image via Wikipedia

There is a notable change between what the Lord God had said and what the woman says. God said "you may freely eat" (the imperfect with the infinitive absolute, see 2:16), but the woman omits the emphatic infinitive, saying simply "we may eat." Her words do not reflect the sense of eating to her heart's content.  And you must not touch it. The woman adds to God's prohibition, making it say more than God expressed. G. von Rad observes that it is as though she wanted to set a law for herself by means of this exaggeration. The Hebrew construction is פֶּן (pen) with the imperfect tense, which conveys a negative purpose: "lest you die" = "in order that you not die." By stating the warning in this way, the woman omits the emphatic infinitive used by God ("you shall surely die," see 2:17). The response of the serpent includes the infinitive absolute with a blatant negation equal to saying: "Not – you will surely die" (לֹא מוֹת תִּמֻתען, lo' mot tÿmutun). The construction makes this emphatic because normally the negative particle precedes the finite verb. The serpent is a liar, denying that there is a penalty for sin (see John 8:44). Surely you will not die. Here the serpent is more aware of what the Lord God said than the woman was; he simply adds a blatant negation to what God said. In the account of Jesus' temptation Jesus is victorious because he knows the scripture better than Satan. To avoid this pitfall, we must immerse ourselves in The Scriptures in order to arm ourselves with God's TRUE Word and not be deceived by the world's "softer version" .

Avoid putting your unlimited trust in a mere person. Be prepared to test and validate their doctrine against the scriptures (2 Tim 2:15 - Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. ) Note that Paul uses the same significance of a workman that should not be ashamed of his faith and confidence in his goals and actions. By using the Scriptures as a measuring tool, we can have that same confidence in our daily lives and can effectively "James 4:7-8 says "So submit to God. But resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and make your hearts pure, you double-minded.^"

1 John 4:1-6

 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to determine if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses Jesus as the Christ who has come in the flesh is from God,  but every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God, and this is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming, and now is already in the world. You are from God, little children, and have conquered them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world's perspective and the world listens to them. We are from God; the person who knows God listens to us, but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of deceit.

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

"You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you." Deuteronomy 4:2

"Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it." Deuteronomy 12:32

"...if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ." Galatians 1:9-10
 

"For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you may well put up with it!" 2 Corinthians 11:4 [I.e. don't tolerate heresy]

"Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar." Proverbs 30:5-6

"If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." Revelation  22:18-19

May God Bless You and Yours

Gene

You can also follow me on Twitter @gkelley58

IS ANYONE LISTENING???

I have had the feeling sometimes that no matter what the message may be, no one is listening. Have you ever felt like just yelling “FIRE” to see if your voice is even heard? I have. As a matter of fact, I think that people are so busy spewing their hatred and prejudices that they cannot even hear the voices of reason WITHIN THEMSELVES, much less the cries for help from those around us. It take a dramatic event (the 33 Chilean Miners) to break through their thirst for mayhem and violence.

The holidays are approaching us again and there are still folks out there with no shelter nor food to eat. Men and women are suffering alone and in silence every day. We will show our “charity” by filming our "one day at the shelter handing out food" or promote some high profile event to accept blanket donations. What do we do the rest of the year that could avoid us having to “make that special effort” during this time of year? The old saying that “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure” could be the mantra that we adopt in our daily lives 24//7/365, but then where would the drama be during the holidays? Well, how about focusing on the REAL meaning of the holidays?

THANKSGIVING – giving thanks for the blessings in our lives AND the lives of those around us without the envy and jealousy of someone having a bit more than ourselves. Do not worry about keeping up with “The Jones”. They have their own challenges. Take care of your own and those in your circle of influence. I think that if we do this then there will be a sharp decline in the need for that charity drive at the end of the year. If we show a little more concern for those around us and display our charity in our day to day lives, it will become the normal social behavior. This may not be to the advantage of those “Scribes and Pharisees” that love to flaunt their wonderful deeds, but it WILL be more effective and more people would benefit more than their egos. The “widow’s mite” provides more good than the rich man’s gold and is more appreciated.

CHRISTMAS – should be dedicated to the celebration of THE Christ, Jesus of Nazareth and not some fat man in a red snow suit ringing a bell in front of the grocery store. The SPIRIT of Christmas should be recognized as the HOLY SPIRIT of Christmas. It is a shame that we have to use this time of year as an excuse to flaunt our own wealth by making a big show of our donations (well as long as it is tax deductible) Is this real charity? I think not. To me, this is a feeble attempt to “buy” our righteousness and show others how “wonderful” we are.  

I am not worried about how people will react to this post, because I am sure that not many will take the time to read much less think about the meaning of the words. But at least I have sent it out into the ether accompanied with the prayer that someone MAY take the challenge and do their part to make this a better world where we can focus on our mission of serving GOD and honoring the purpose in which we are created. We are NOT the center of the universe unless we want to shrink our world to a lonely circle of empty achievements and lauded by a few hand-picked worshipers of our “greatness”

If you are one of the very few that agree with me on this, help me sound the alarm by committing random acts of anonymous charity for the Glory of the MOST HIGH GOD of THE UNIVERSE and spread the message of “Good News” to those in our circle of influence, THEN to the uttermost parts of the world. 

What are YOUR thoughts?

May God Bless You and Yours

Gene

You can also follow me on Twitter @gkelley58

my prayer this morning

Psalms 44

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Former Deliverances and Present Troubles
To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil.
1	We have heard with our ears, O God,          our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.
2	How thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand,          and plantedst them; how thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out.
3	For they got not the land in possession by their own sword,          neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favor unto them.
4	Thou art my King, O God:          command deliverances for Jacob.
5	Through thee will we push down our enemies:          through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us.
6	For I will not trust in my bow,          neither shall my sword save me.
7	But thou hast saved us from our enemies,          and hast put them to shame that hated us.
8	In God we boast all the day long,          and praise thy name for ever. Selah.
9	But thou hast cast off, and put us to shame;          and goest not forth with our armies.
10	Thou makest us to turn back from the enemy:          and they which hate us spoil for themselves.
11	Thou hast given us like sheep appointed for meat;          and hast scattered us among the heathen.
12	Thou sellest thy people for nought,          and dost not increase thy wealth by their price.
13	Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbors,          a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us.
14	Thou makest us a byword among the heathen,          a shaking of the head among the people.
15	My confusion is continually before me,          and the shame of my face hath covered me,
16	for the voice of him that reproacheth and blasphemeth;          by reason of the enemy and avenger.
17	All this is come upon us;          yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant.
18	Our heart is not turned back,          neither have our steps declined from thy way;
19	though thou hast sore broken us in the place of dragons,          and covered us with the shadow of death.
20	If we have forgotten the name of our God,          or stretched out our hands to a strange god;
21	shall not God search this out?          For he knoweth the secrets of the heart.
22	Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long;          we are counted as sheep for the slaughter. Rom. 8.36
23	Awake, why sleepest thou, O Lord?          Arise, cast us not off for ever.
24	Wherefore hidest thou thy face,          and forgettest our affliction and our oppression?
25	For our soul is bowed down to the dust:          our belly cleaveth unto the earth.
26	Arise for our help,          and redeem us for thy mercies' sake.

Here are Matthew Henry’s notes on this chapter.

Commentary on Psalm 44:1-8

Former experiences of God's power and goodness are strong supports to faith, and powerful pleas in prayer under present calamities. The many victories Israel obtained, were not by their own strength or merit, but by God's favor and free grace. The less praise this allows us, the more comfort it affords, that we may see all as coming from the favor of God. He fought for Israel, else they had fought in vain. This is applicable to the planting of the Christian church in the world, which was not by any human policy or power. Christ, by his Spirit, went forth conquering and to conquer; and he that planted a church for himself in the world, will support it by the same power and goodness. They trusted and triumphed in and through him. Let him that glories, glory in the Lord. But if they have the comfort of his name, let them give unto him the glory due unto it.

Commentary on Psalm 44:9-16

The believer must have times of temptation, affliction, and discouragement; the church must have seasons of persecution. At such times the people of God will be ready to fear that he has cast them off, and that his name and truth will be dishonored. But they should look above the instruments of their trouble, to God, well knowing that their worst enemies have no power against them, but what is permitted from above.

Commentary on Psalm 44:17-26

In afflictions, we must not seek relief by any sinful compliance; but should continually meditate on the truth, purity, and knowledge of our heart-searching God. Hearts sins and secret sins are known to God, and must be reckoned for. He knows the secret of the heart, therefore judges of the words and actions. While our troubles do not drive us from our duty to God, we should not suffer them to drive us from our comfort in God. Let us take care that prosperity and ease do not render us careless and lukewarm. The church of God cannot be prevailed on by persecution to forget God; the believer's heart does not turn back from God. The Spirit of prophecy had reference to those who suffered unto death, for the testimony of Christ. Observe the pleas used, verses 25,26. Not their own merit and righteousness, but the poor sinner's pleas. None that belong to Christ shall be cast off, but every one of them shall be saved, and that forever. The mercy of God, purchased, promised, and constantly flowing forth, and offered to believers, does away every doubt arising from our sins; while we pray in faith, Redeem us for thy mercies' sake.

I am standing on the promise of GOD and this psalm. I acknowledge that all things come through GOD and HIS perfect righteousness. I pray for HIS deliverance and BLESSINGS. I give him ALL the credit and honor in HIS Kingdom. May HIS Will be done on earth as it is done in Heaven.

May God Bless You and Yours

Gene

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