Tuesday, October 3, 2017

worn out soles for worn out souls












A look back at the events of the past few weeks tell us that something is going on, that from the forces of nature, to the evil within men, to the failure of government, and the inability of some churches to respond like Christians, it would seem that things are out of control.  As we watch political types blaming each other for moral failures, as we watch as those who break the laws don’t get punished, and as the NFL protests the flag, it seems that stupidity is the  new norm, but really it has just been latent for awhile, it never has left.  But I watch as some events are noteworthy, while others overlooked.  I feel real pain as a Mayor and governor complain nothing is being done to help them, then find they cannot even get their own countrymen to drive trucks and deliver the goods to their own people.  I watch as those deemed red necks are out immediately using their boats and all they have to rescue people, while the media and government has more meetings.  I see a great equalizer as those who had wealth and power when they went to bed that night, woke up to nothing after a hurricane, and were homeless and broke.  Along with their FICO Score, as with no job, no source of income, any and all savings will be used just to survive.  A new breed of homeless, and a start of a new compassion.  I see families for generations affected when murdered at a concert, and the politicals saying “see, more  gun control needed,” but not leaving their safe ivory towers to help.  The loudest to cry when they feel violated, the last to help when others are.  All newsworthy events, new to us, but not new to history.  Taken by surprise, but still not mindful of the signs and warnings that were there and still are.  It seems the more things change, the more they stay the same.  People included....
In my prayers lately God is telling me to stay the course.  As much as I want out of this quagmire called California, he tells me to stay.  And when I feel like leaving, I can see in the back ground a great whale about to swallow me up and take me where it wants me to go, which will be against my will.  Somehow I know it is for my own good, and I trust God, I have found I can not trust any other, so I hang on and hang in.  Knowing God has never left me and won’t, even though the situations tell me differently.  So I quit listening to the other voices, and trust him, and in doing so become an outcast, sadly among those who are known as Christians.  A friend once told me he wouldn’t have any enemies if it wasn’t for other Christians, I know how true that is.  I wish I didn’t and it wasn’t.  But I am not the first, I wish I was the last to encounter this, but I know I will not be, and it has been going on for centuries....
In Psalm 73 we see a godly man being confronted when the world is prospering and he is suffering.  He knows God, so he knows better, but wonders why the evil prosper and he suffers?  Sound familiar?  Many times this is taught in relationship to the world vs. Christianity, but have we taken the time to inspect our own house?  To see if we are out of the will of God, and think we are Godly just because we seem to prosper the world?  In confronting another Christian lately failing to meet a commitment, he quickly fell back on a scripture he had been taught for the situation, I countered with another.  He knew better, but took the safe way out, and when shown the consequences of his decision, repented.  He failed to consider the holy spirit in his decision, taking the easy way or the religiously taught way out.  It seems we are all guilty of taking care of us first, thank God Jesus didn’t.  You see we have become a Christian community of two faces, the one in church to impress our fellow congregationists, and another in the world, yet another surfaces in a stressful situation, that goes beyond training and reveals our true heart.  And the doubt creeps in when all the nice things you were promised of God become trials and tests.  And you begin to doubt, I wonder if you truly ever believed at all!
In these situations we only see the now, we cannot or will not see the future Jesus has planned for us.  I see a great separation of the sheep from the goats in the world, and in the church.  Has the church become Jesus to you?  Do you the difference or only what has been taught?  Many are called, few are chosen, it is time to do an inspection to see who is calling and what your answer really is.  Years ago I asked God why it was like this, and why with such a great harvest, the workers are so few?  Sheep and goats, but take heart workers, for with more work comes more blessings, now and in the doing.  When he told me if the seat of my pants is wearing out faster than the soles of my shoes, I have a problem.  Maybe a look at your sole will give you a better indication about your soul.  But know that staying the course, not panicking in a panic situation, will reveal God to you.  We don’t know what we will do in a given situation, so don’t try lying to me or yourself.  We don’t.  But we can be assured of a victory in the end, far beyond any expectations.  Of values, of God, and a new beginning of seeing who Jesus is, and being introduced to his holy spirit.  To go where the church dare not, and dares you not, to get closer to Jesus.  And to make the decision to be a lamb or a goat.  You see it is our choice, God’s is small and powerful, the evil one is loud and boastful, feeding our ego.  And it can all be gone in an instant....
God wants us to test the spirits to see if they are of him.  A simple test in all situations is where is Jesus in it?  If he seems quiet, remember the teacher is quiet during the test.  But has all the answers.  While some study to find themselves approved, we read and pray and listen and obey to get closer to Jesus.  To see him in victory, and to console others.  We minister while others quote scripture.  We live the life of Christ while others seek worldly rewards.  Your team may have won on Sunday, but will play again next week.  Another battle to face, another obstacle to overcome.  Happening for a season.  Use the season God has given us to plant and water, to minister to and disciple, but let God provide the growth.  It’s his job to change lives, not us.  We are just vessels that he chooses to deliver his message. 
Stay the course, do not let the world or other misled Christians mislead you.  God is at work, when we are awake and asleep.  Trust him and only him.  don’t cherry pick scripture for your own advantage, but seek all of Jesus you can.  See your life change, and watch as the sheep are called by their shepherd because he knows them, and they know him.  And do not despair, one night, one storm, one crazy madman, or even a politician can change it all.  Jesus never changes, now that is something you can hang onto.  Even black sheep produce wool, goats don’t.  That three bags full may be the answer God provides for your need.  Oh, and as a reminder, Jesus stood before his father with his eyes open, and hands outstretched. 
face to face, eyes opened,thesilence was his hearing a voice only he knew, the one of a father to a son, a spiritual voice.  What do you hear in that moment of silence?  Could it be God?  To him who has an ear....
Stay the course and avoid the curse!  Or you can be trendy and popular......at least to  yourself.
Meanwhile in the news, OJ is released from prison.....
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com