Jesus suffered more

He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. (Luke 22:41-44 NLT)

Crushed but not defeated!

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power to him forever! Amen. (1 Peter 5:8-11 NLT)

I have had times in my life that I have been devastated. I have been to the end of my rope. I have been crushed by overbearing bosses, misunderstood by an intended enemy, dissappointed by those who claimed to love me, and driven to depression because I had lost one of life's battles. The devil has had me right where he wanted me. He waits for my weakest moments. He stalks me, waiting for me to slip in my daily walk. He wants to devour me. He wants me to feel alone and defeated.

God is there to save us. God is there to remind us, the suffering is only for a short time. We are not alone. We all suffer together. We are family and family doesn't let family suffer alone. Our Heavenly Father does not let us suffer long. He raises us up restores us, strengthens us and will help us stand once again on his firm foundation. 

So regardless the pain you feel in this moment. Stand firm on the promises of God. Destroy the stalking Lion. Be strong in your faith. Even the Lion can not win when faced with such power as that which comes from faith in the God of the universe. 

Dear Lord, thank you, I praise you for defeating the stalking Lions of my life. I praise you for rescuing me from the depths, from the pains of life. I deserve nothing, yet you gave all. Praise God for the gift of his Son, Jesus, that we can soundly defeat the evil one! Amen!

Why?

During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered (Hebrews 5:7-8 NIV)

I can relate! The most common question of God is why. Why do we have cancer? Why do we have orphans? Why do we have stress? Why? Why? Why? 

I can't even pretend to know the answer to the suffering of this world. The "pat" answer is to blame it on the sin of this world. Yep, I get it. So much of the worlds problems are caused directly by sin. But my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ overcame sin. So for those who have dedicated their lives to him, you would think, wouldn't suffer. But, they do. These verses give us a hint, not a complete understanding, of why. 

Jesus suffered. He is the Son of the most high and he was like me in that he prayed with cries and wailing. He suffered and through that suffering he learned obedience. Even Jesus suffered to learn obedience of our Heavenly Father.

 We are to learn obedience through our suffering.

I know it doesn't make complete sense to me, but if it's good enough for the son of God, it's good enough for me. When we are broken, broken so far down that we have to relinquish all to God, only then are we open to his commands. We are called to obedience not because of what we get. It's not a reward system we don't earn points by doing wonderful things. When things are going great, I obey God because I tie the blessings to my good works. But God wants us to be obedient even in times of pain and suffering. He wants us to pray fervent prayers, petition, shout, and scream for his help. But, mostly he wants us to get to the end of our rope and say," i don't care, even though the raging storm, I will obey you. I will be obedient even unto death"

Dear Lord, I know you hear our cries in the storms of life. I know you love us with an unshackled heart. Give comfort to those struggling. Lift their hearts with the knowledge you have not abandoned them. I fervently cry out to you for them. Hear them oh Lord!  Releave their aching hearts. In their doubt give them confidence in your path. Bless them in every possible way, right now.work your miracle of peace in their sleep and while they are awake! We love you Lord Jesus and know you will strengthen us. We know you are sovereign over our lives. Praise you for ever and ever Amen!

Why?

And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:7 NIV)

I have a dear friend whose daughter is going through a lot of suffering right now. It seems like every time they turn around another life-trial greets them. It always leads to that age old question: why is there suffering in the world? Christians are not immune to it and seem to suffer life's calamities equally with non Christians. So why? Only God can answer in each case. I read these comments from a Billy Graham devotional:

“You do not need to study the Scriptures long to learn why sinners meet reverses and anguish. They are apart from God. Their sorrow is the result of their sins. But—why do Christians suffer? Scripture teaches that many Christians suffer so that they may fellowship with others who are in affliction. Only those who have known sorrow and suffering can have fellowship with those in affliction. The Word of God also teaches that Christians suffer in order that they might glorify God in their lives.The Bible further teaches that Christians suffer in order that God might teach them lessons in prayer. Also, Christians suffer in order that God might bring them to repentance."

I thought that was a great list of reasons. I also know that God never let's us suffer alone. He sends his angels and he himself will stay by our side during tough times. I know that to be true. All we have to do is turn to him. He will comfort us and he will bring us through better than before. Praise God for his love and comfort!

It all starts with suffering!

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5 NIV)

Our entire life is filled with suffering. That's not something to be depressed about. I know from personal experience that I grow in my faith through the suffering and stresses of life. 

Today is the last day of school for our students. Every one of my 20 years in education have produced great memories and times of "suffering". This year is no different. We started a new adventure at GHS this year with personalized learning and interdisciplinary learning. We have done some great things and there are definitely things we need to change. It has been one of the most rewarding and challenging years I've ever had. I am glad I went through it. I feel more confident in ways we can help prepare our students for life beyond high school.

Praise God for his plan for my life. I praise him for the joys and sorrows that help me draw closer to him. I thank you for the spirit you provide to help me negotiate the obstacles I see every day. I have a hope, not because of my own power, but from the strength of The Lord.

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. 

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!

VICTORY!

Revelation 6 (The Message)

 ^1-2I watched while the Lamb ripped off the first of the seven seals.   I heard one of the Animals roar, "Come out!" I looked—I saw a white horse. Its rider carried a bow and was given a victory garland. He rode off victorious, conquering right and left.


I am writing this on Thursday Night before our Football Sectional Championship game to be played tomorrow night. I write a lot of these ahead of time because my schedule tomorrow will be crazy. I won't get home until really late. I think I have shared that I do a lot of praying. I pray for so many things. I have a Prayer list that I just keep adding to every day. I get requests from church, cma, family, and friends. I TRY so hard to make sure I pray for those requests. God says we can bring anything to him. I do. I even bring some very petty things, like winning games! I'm pretty embarrassed about that. I try not to. But, when I get talking to God, it seems to always pop up. I always get brought down to Earth when I realize someone on the other team is probably praying for the same thing.

We have a great coaching staff at Garrett. Many of these Coaches are very devoted Christians. But ALL of them are men and women of character. When I see men and women of character doing the right things, I just get this overwhelming feeling I want to see them get rewarded. This certainly is true of my Football Coaching Staff. They do things the right way. They have the game in perspective and they put character above winning. I would just love to see them rewarded. I feel the same way about all of our teams. Friday Night we will be facing a very strong opponent. Truth is we probably should get beat. But, i know our Coaches and kids will put their hearts into winning this game. If we do, I'll be excited for this great accomplishment. If we don't, I'll be disappointed that they won't realize the rewards for all of their hard work and dedication to values like honesty, caring, responsibility, and respect.

Life is the same way. It just seems like the strong Christian people end up having to fight the most to survive. It seems that we shouldn't have to fight cancer, we shouldn't have to fight untimely death, and needless suffering. People who are truly devoted to Christ suffer. I feel for them. I believe in a God who has the power to move mountains. I believe in a God that can flood the entire earth. I believe in a God who sends his own son to die on the cross so he can defeat death by raising him in three days. I don't have the answer to why God lets these things happen to his people. But, I do know one thing. The ultimate victory has already been won. No. I'm not talking about a Football victory, which in the grand scheme of things is so minor. I'm talking about our promised victory over death and suffering. I'm talking about the victory we get through Faith in our Heavenly father. I'm talking about the guarantee of eternal life. The Lamb has ripped off the seal and a victory garland has been placed around our neck. Victory is won!