Causing pain

David said to God, “Was it not I who ordered the fighting men to be counted? I, the shepherd, have sinned and done wrong. These are but sheep. What have they done? Lord my God, let your hand fall on me and my family, but do not let this plague remain on your people.” (1 Chronicles 21:17 NIV)

David's plea to save his people is honorable. Although I have never faced a calamity of that magnitude, it reminds me of my family. As my girls and their families go through life, they face many joys and challenges. It's great to share their joys. When they face challenges, I feel just like David. I know their suffering will produce good. I trust God. But, I still feel their pain and would do anything to take away that pain. I have voiced my pleas to the Lord, just like David. 

I do not like to see others suffer. It is even more painful if I have caused that suffering. My actions, my sins do have consequences beyond myself. 

Lord, Forgive me for my sins and how they affect the ones I love. Forgive me for my selfishness and neglect of others. I trust you and your plans for my family. Please protect them, watch over them. Keep them from evil. Draw them closer to you everyday of their lives. Hear their prayers and grant them blessings beyond their dreams. I know you love them and praise you for your wonderful grace and mercy!

God will help with the pain

Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them.” (Romans 4:8 NIV)

Carl Hoefler (Will Daylight Come? [C. C. S. Publishing, 1979]) tells the story of a little boy who was visiting his grandparents. He was given his first slingshot and was having fun playing with it in the woods, but he never hit anything he was aiming at. But on his way home, as he cut through the back yard, he saw Grandmother’s pet duck. He took aim and let the stone fly. To his horror, it went straight to the mark and the duck fell dead.The boy panicked. He quickly hid the dead duck in the woodpile. Then he saw his smirking sister Sally standing by the corner of the house. She had seen the whole affair.They went in for lunch. Sally said nothing. After lunch, Grandmother said, “Sally, let’s clear the table and wash the dishes.” Sally said, “Oh, Grandmother, Johnny said he wanted to help you in the kitchen today. Didn’t you, Johnny?” Then she whispered to him, “Remember the duck!” So Johnny did the dishes.Later in the day Grandfather called the children to go fishing. Grandmother said, “I’m sorry, but Sally has to stay here to help me clean house and get dinner.” Sally smiled and said, “That’s all been taken care of. Johnny said he wanted to help today, didn’t you, Johnny?” Then she whispered, “Remember the duck!” Steven J. Cole, Forgiveness: The Supreme Blessing (Romans 4:6-8), Copyright 2011,Bible.org reprinted with permission

What a wonderful story of forgiveness! I have a couple friends that are really in pain right now. One is in the hospital with severe brain trauma. One of his best friends was involved in this freak, tragic accident. I am in pain for both of them. An innocent moment of friendly banter took a terrible turn. I know they literally love each other and have been friends for more than 20 years. 

Things happen in life we could never predict. Actions we take every day without a thought or problem can all the sudden turn tragic. While the actions weren't sinful, they did have dire consequences. God is there when our actions lead to unintended results. He is there to get us through the trauma when we think we just can't bear the pain. He knows our heart, he knows our intent, he knows our pain. Not only does he know the pain, he suffers that pain right along with us. He sent his son to die to remove our pain.

My prayers are deep and constant for these two dear friends that they would lean on the God they serve. He is willing to take on all the guilt and pain. Rely on him in all things.

Sorrow is good!

2 Corinthians 7

 ⁸ Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— ⁹ yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. ¹⁰ Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 


How much pain have you seen in your life? How much sorrow has hit you, directly? Has any of your sorrow been permanent? Sometimes God is okay with hurting us. It's not pleasant. God has the big picture in mind for us. The "end game" is repentance and salvation. When pain and sorrow come our way, we should flea to God. The quicker we make that move, the better. Pain is only temporary. Sorrow does not last. With repentance and salvation, we will overcome.

We see so much sorrow in our daily lives. Even if I'm not the one in pain, I know people who are. Whether I am the one going through it or someone close, we are deeply affected by sorrow.Take heart. Trust your Heavenly Father. He might be doing it intentionally, for your own good. No matter how tough that is to hear, it could be true. Yet, God still loves you. His love never fails. His Love is forever, the pain is not!

Why?

Romans 5

 ¹Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:²By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.³And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

⁴And patience, experience; and experience, hope: ⁵And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

No one likes to go through trials and tribulations. I feel confident in that statement. I have gone through and will go through tribulations in my life. It is a whole lot easier to look back at those trials than it is to be in the midst of them. Trust me. But these verses are meant to give us a glimpse at the answer to the toughest question of all. WHY? This simple one word question might be the most popular question of all time. I can't begin to tell you how many times I have asked God, Why? and you know what? I always get an answer. I don't get an immediate answer. The answer almost never comes DURING the trial. I only see the answer after I've been through it and have had enough time pass. The answer isn't always what I want to hear. God knows me better than anyone. He knows my weaknesses and he knows what suffering I need in order to strengthen my character. I always get an answer. I have never gone through a trial where I have not grown in the hope of Christ. I will repeat that. I HAVE NEVER GONE THROUGH A TRIAL WHERE I HAVE NOT GROWN IN THE HOPE OF CHRIST!

Eventually, I will be able to have that same hope during the midst of the suffering. As I go through times of pain and then times when the pain ends, I gain experience. As I gain experience, I realize the trial will not last forever. I will make it through. As I gain enough experience dealing with multiple sufferings, I will gain patience. As I gain patience through those trials, I will become more aware my eternal hope which is  Jesus. When we get to the point where we can GLORY in the tribulation, we truly Glorify God and our savior Jesus Christ. When we get to the point where we can focus on Jesus even in the midst of the pain, we will be able to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit and God himself.

I'm not there, but I am moving in that direction with God right by my side. Praise God!

God's Love Endures Forever!

Psalm 107

BOOK V
Psalms 107–150


 10 Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness,
   prisoners suffering in iron chains,
11 because they rebelled against God’s commands
   and despised the plans of the Most High.
12 So he subjected them to bitter labor;
   they stumbled, and there was no one to help.
13 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
   and he saved them from their distress.
14 He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness,
   and broke away their chains.
15 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
   and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
16 for he breaks down gates of bronze
   and cuts through bars of iron.

We are a stubborn people. It is no wonder that God must submit us to bitter labor, trials, and tribulations to get us to focus on him. You have to admit more people come to know Christ when they get to the lowest point than at the highest point of their lives. I say this realizing that I am no different. I love the Lord through all things but I have to admit my prayers are much more focused when things are going bad. God knows us. He hates to see us suffer but he also wants a relationship with us. He knows the best way to do that is to break us down, so that we have no place else to turn. Some get to that point quicker than others. Some are more stubborn and it takes a ling time to turn to God.

Where are you? Why not turn to God now and save the pain of suffering. Do I mean you will have no more troubles? No, but when you realize the God of the universe is on your side, you can face all trials and tribulation. Knowing the most high God is on your side will make you shout with praise even when things are at their worst. Praise God his love endures forever!

Shaken Faith!

Psalm 60 (New International Version, ©2011)

 ¹ You have rejected us, God, and burst upon us;
   you have been angry—now restore us! ² You have shaken the land and torn it open;
   mend its fractures, for it is quaking. ³ You have shown your people desperate times; 


My heart bleeds for the Japanese affected by the Earthquake, Tsunami, and the ongoing nuclear situation. Like many situations in my Christian faith, I ask God why? This is not the first time and it won't be the last time innocent people are killed by nature. All through human history we can find examples of such "natural massacres". So who do we blame? As a Christian who believes in the complete power and sovereignty of God, it is tough not to blame God. Some Christians find it easier to blame the people and their sin as bringing out these disasters. Some would say it's a test of Faith.  So who's right? What's right?

It's easier not to really care to much about the situation in Japan since I am so far removed from this situation. But, what about those I Love and have lost. My Dad certainly comes to mind. He suffered a debilitating stroke and then after a few years of suffering through the consequences, he was taken to his heavenly home. I know of countless people who have lost loved ones to cancer. Just recently the Angola community lost four young men in a tragic spring break car accident. My heart goes out to those families. I know the number one question they ask is WHY?

The answer to this question can't come in our lifetime. Really, any of the reasons could hold true and God could have other purposes beyond our comprehension. To have Faith in our God admits, without a doubt, that God could have prevented the Earthquake. He could have kept my Dad alive to continue his ministry. He could have kept those 4 Angola Students from harm. Yet, he didn't. I trust my God. He has saved me from certain death by sending his son. I don't know his ways. I don't understand his purposes. What I do know is he loves me and regardless of the pain I face on this Earth, he is with me. He has guaranteed me eternal life with him. He has guaranteed me a life without pain and suffering. Until that time, I will ask the question why. I know there is no comfort and no hope without God. I certainly hope the people of Japan and the families in Angola can put all there hope and trust in God. 

Stumbling is Painful, not Funny!

Psalm 35 (New International Version, ©2010)

¹⁰ My whole being will exclaim, 

   “Who is like you, LORD?
You rescue the poor from those too strong for them,
   the poor and needy from those who rob them.”
 ¹¹ Ruthless witnesses come forward;
   they question me on things I know nothing about.
¹² They repay me evil for good
   and leave me like one bereaved.
¹³ Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth
   and humbled myself with fasting.
When my prayers returned to me unanswered,
 ¹⁴ I went about mourning
   as though for my friend or brother.
I bowed my head in grief
   as though weeping for my mother.
¹⁵ But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee;
   assailants gathered against me without my knowledge.
   They slandered me without ceasing.
¹⁶ Like the ungodly they maliciously mocked;^[b]
   they gnashed their teeth at me.

I think all of us have laughed at someone who has fallen only to realize they were really  hurt and we had to change our tune. Some people watch NASCAR for the amazing wrecks, but when they witness someone die or get seriously injured, they have to think twice. I enjoy a good physical hard hitting game of football, but too often someone really gets hurt.

How do we react when people are hurt spiritually or mentally? How do we treat our own Christian Brothers and Sisters when they stumble and fall. Maybe someone has mistreated you when you were stumbling spiritually or mentally. These verses paint a grim picture of how ruthless we can be as sinful people. Be careful, you could be next.

Dear Lord, keep us from evil. Protect us from those who mistreat us. Help us to be loving to all. Help us to contribute to healing lives not hurting them. Treat others as we wish to be treated. Open our eyes so we can help those who need it the most. Amen!

It hurts when you get punched in the face!

Revelation 17 (The Message)

 ^9-11"But don't drop your guard. Use your head. 

One of the greatest movie fight scenes ever. Rocky I. You gotta love this.




The most amazing thing about this fight video is how terrible the boxing is. I guess, in order to get the dramatic bloody scene, you need to let your guard down.  It is wild that both of these fighters forgot the number one rule of boxing. Don't let your guard down! The reason this is so important is obvious. It hurts when you get punched in the face! When you keep your guard up, you protect your face from pain.  If you pay attention closely, the announcer says how Rocky is so tired he can't keep his guard up. He looked exhausted, but he sure was able to punch pretty hard.  In my mind, if you keep your guard up and make your opponent use all his energy landing punches to your gloves instead of your face, you will win. As a benefit, you won't get as bloody and the pain is a lot less. Just a thought!

A lot of us live life the same way as these "Dumb Fighters". We forget the number one rule: Keep your Guard up! Use your head!"  We are supposed to question things that go on in our daily lives. I always believe if it looks like a deal to good to be true, it probably is. If we're not sure if it's a sin, it probably is. If we aren't sure its "OF GOD" it's probably not.  When you're a fighter it is just common sense to protect yourself. In life you also need to protect yourself. Who or What from? How about temptation and evil for starters. ".....Lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil...." So how do we do this? I believe God says put on the full armor to protect ourselves.

Ephesians 6 (New International Version) ¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. ¹⁹ Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.  

Don't go through life getting hit in the face. It hurts. Go through life using everything you can to protect yourself from the evils you will see every day! Pray to God, Study his word, Beg his forgiveness for your sins, Listen to his guidance, and Worship him like there is no tomorrow! If we put on the full armor of God, we're going to save ourselves a lot of pain and suffering.  Ultimately, we will save ourselves from death!

Dear Lord, I know I am so dumb sometimes. I put myself through so much needless pain. I know it grieves you to see me hurt. Help me to rely on you and the Full armor you've provided for us. Thank you  for your patience. Please keep us form temptation and Deliver us from evil. In your great name we Pray. Amen!

Scared to Death!

Revelation 11 (The Message)

 ^7-10"When they've completed their witness, the Beast from the Abyss will emerge and fight them, conquer and kill them, leaving their corpses exposed on the street of the Great City spiritually called Sodom and Egypt, the same City where their Master was crucified. For three and a half days they'll be there—exposed, prevented from getting a decent burial, stared at by the curious from all over the world. Those people will cheer at the spectacle, shouting 'Good riddance!' and calling for a celebration, for these two prophets pricked the conscience of all the people on earth, made it impossible for them to enjoy their sins.¹¹"Then, after three and a half days, the Living Spirit of God will enter them—they're on their feet!—and all those gloating spectators will be scared to death."^12-13I heard a strong voice out of Heaven calling, "Come up here!" and up they went to Heaven, wrapped in a cloud, their enemies watching it all. At that moment there was a gigantic earthquake—a tenth of the city fell to ruin, seven thousand perished in the earthquake, the rest frightened to the core of their being, frightened into giving honor to the God-of-Heaven.

Have you ever been really scared?  Stephanie Loves Harrison Ford. So, one time we went to the movies to watch "What Lies Beneath". That was a scary movie. Steph and I don't go to scary movies. This was the exception. We loved the movie, but we were scared to death! I'm sure their are scarier movies out there. We just don't go to watch them. I remember when my daughter McKenzie was in Junior high and she went over to a friends house. They started watching "Children of the Corn". She told her friends that she was feeling sick and she called us to come and get her. When we picked her up, she told us that the movie really scared her and she couldn't watch it. This may seem silly. But, at the time, we lived in the middle of a corn field out in the middle of nowhere. I was scared coming into the house from the drive way! The house was old and creepy. I completely understood why she wanted to come home and NOT watch the movie. 

Sometimes I think the Book of Revelation was written to scare us to death. The end of the world as we know it is pretty scary. The suffering, destruction, and death that will occur is scary. I can just picture this huge Football Stadium type crowd cheering at the destruction of the two witnesses, "Gloating" over their destruction. Then after 3 1/2 days they and their rotting corpses get up and are filled with the Holy Spirit! That would scare you to death. The point is to frighten them to their core and turn them to God. 

Sometimes it takes a scary moment, a close call, or a miraculous event to turn us toward God. We are so stubborn and blind to his power. Sometimes we need the shock value of a Scary Event to open our eyes! So if you don't like being scared to death, save yourself some needless fear. Just come to Jesus right now! Don't wait! You won't ever have to "Fear" again!

Dear Lord, I know I have nothing to fear with you in my heart. The only thing in life that is truly scary is a life without you. Thank You Lord for conquering fear and death. Thank You for caring for us and comforting us in our time of fear. We love you and Praise Your Name. Amen!

The only thing to fear is............

Revelation 2 (The Message)

 ⁸Write this to Smyrna, to the Angel of the church. The Beginning and Ending, the First and Final One, the Once Dead and Then Come Alive, speaks: ⁹"I can see your pain and poverty—constant pain, dire poverty—but I also see your wealth. And I hear the lie in the claims of those who pretend to be good Jews, who in fact belong to Satan's crowd.¹⁰"Fear nothing in the things you're about to suffer—but stay on guard! Fear nothing! The Devil is about to throw you in jail for a time of testing—ten days. It won't last forever.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt gave his famous speech about fear at his Inaugural address on March 4, 1933. Here is that transcript:


"I am certain that my fellow Americans expect that on my induction into the Presidency I will address them with a candor and a decision which the present situation of our people impel. This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days.


I wonder if he read Revelation 2:10. They sound similar in tone and power.  FDR gave his famous speech before attacking the problem of the Great Depression. He knew that unless we addressed our fear of what was to come, we could not move forward. We would be paralyzed.
We are now and have been facing one of the most difficult times in our nation's history. Unemployment may not be at the same levels of the great depression, but they are very high. Our nation has been paralyzed, maybe not by fear, but by lack of openness and candor of our leaders. The same frankness and vigor of our leaders is just not present. They are too busy destroying each other to think about healing our nation. Many Americans fear what is going to happen to them. They are close to losing their homes to foreclosure, they are struggling to put food on the table, many are either unemployed or underemployed. You can sense the stress level of the nation when you follow the present election campaigns. It wasn't just FDR that told us we don't have anything to fear. God has also told us we have nothing to fear. The Devil has no power over us. We might have some suffering down hear on Earth. Their will be poverty, dire poverty, and pain, constant pain. But, we have the power of the almighty God on our side. We know that we have the victory. Our life here on Earth is only fleeting in terms of the Eternity we are promised. Praise God, he loves us and cares for us. We have nothing to fear with God on our side.


Dear Lord, Thank you for your love. We know we don't deserve it and our faith is weak. We count on your strength, we count on your perfect wisdom, to guide us through poverty, pain, and all of life's troubles. We love you. We worship you. We adore you! Amen!