Listen

Sometimes in life you need a hand to lead you, but sometimes you just need to close your eyes and listen.

It’s been longer than usual since you have heard from me and I think this post might explain it. Have I been sitting in the dark all this time just listening for something?  Well yes and no I say! In the Bible it talks often of Jesus going away from his disciples and spending time alone, spending it with the Father, praying and listening. Prayer is a very important part of my spiritual growth, but listening in my time alone has become very important to me as well.

Mark 1:35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went up to a solitary place, where he prayed.

It continues in other verses such as: Matthew 14:23, Matthew 26:36-44,  Five different verses in Luke and of course John 16 and 17 before the arrest.

Of course Jesus was praying, but just as important he was listening. Listening to God speak to him.

An age-old discussion is that if people really hear God? Like the scripture say, it’s up to you. He is waiting for you. Sure you can read the Bible with God’s Word directly written in it to absorb it and learn, but you must listen with your heart to know the Lord.

John 10:27 My Sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

John 8:47 Whoever belongs to God hears what God has to say. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.

It’s more a question – not of how to hear God’s voice, but will we hear Him? Will we say, “Yes, Lord!” and obey His command? I know I have and I’m a better man for it. A Man of God if you will.

As you might have read in the previous post, I attended WinterJam 2012. The worship I heard in those hours not only from the bands/singers but from those attending was amazing. As I go further in my path to follow Him I’m not only thinking more Godly, I’m also listening to the sound of Him working in all kinds of ways more closely.

Psalm 66:4  All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name.

-M

 *Lyrics from Building 429 song Listen to the Sound, suits my journey:

Oh, listen to the sound of hope
That’s rising up
Over your old horizon
Listen to the sound
Listen to the sound
And listen to the sound of a new beginning of
This is where the old is ending
Listen to the sound
Listen to the sound

Take me as I am
I am Yours to use
I am lifting empty hands
‘Cause I was made for You
Made for You

You are God, there is no other
I won’t bow before another
I was made for, I was made for You

 

Winter Jam 2012

GO GO GO if you can!

I’ll be back soon with regularly scheduled programs and posts, but I just had to post about this A-MA-ZING event. I admit this was my first Christian related concert event, but it certainly melted my face off. Everyone sounded incredible and the worship literally blew the roof off, (fireworks and pyrotechnic was out of this atmosphere). Side note: still can’t hear 100%

I’m so glad my good friend invited me to this. (Thanks Crystal!)

My heart broke a million times over feeling the spirit move through the room and everyone there. It was so great to see so many people excited for Jesus. The world and community for Jesus and His worship is most definitely awake and alive!

*Three new posts in the works, hope to get a couple out this week.

Have a blessed day, now go get your faces melted at Winter Jam!

-M

**for info on WJ2012 goto: www.thehousefm.com  or http://www.jamtour.com/

…is in a Relationship with God

How well do you know God?

You can know Scripture better than anyone, go on God Jeopardy even, but how well do you know God or how well does he know you? How intimate is your relationship with Him?

Prayer is very special for everyone and it raises us up and helps our fellow-man.  Talking to God is a totally different thing all together. When I was young and followed my Faith, I prayed, but I don’t think I necessarily knew what it meant to talk with God.

In this transition with my Faith now I really can see the difference and how it affects me. I admit it I’ve never memorized the books of the bible in order. I can’t turn to a certain book or verse at will. I have to look up almost every verse I hear someone say or reference.  Does this make me a bad Christian? Nope.

It’s ok to practice prayer less and talk with God more. I’ve been reading a book called Seeds of Faith – Practices to Grow a Healthy Spiritual Life by Jeremy Langford (thank you Cathy). It’s gives great examples on how to look at things and exercises to help you grow. This post is in reference to a chapter called Where Am I Going, and How Do I Get There? Followed by this quote, “The Christian Life and especially the contemplative life is a continued discovery in Christ in new and unexpected places” -Thomas Merton. What I got from that is I needed to shake things up and change what I’ve been doing.  I’ve certainly done that and have found a new understanding and appreciation for everything, especially God and my relationship with Him.

In this journey I’ve come up with a sort of regiment I try to stick with everyday. I have certain books I read, which I’ll list below, I have my Youversion Bible App Reading plans (youversion.com), I pray and then I also have my conversation and of course this wonderful Blog! Out of all of them the most intimate is of course my talks with God, the others are my road map and inspiration.

From an early age I think we all learn Matthew 6:9-13, which is a great passage and gives us a way to speak with God. I’d like to back up a bit to Matthew 6:5-8 When you pray don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. When you pray, don’t babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. Don’t be like them, for you Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!

I really like to read that and think if God really knows you and you really know him, that IS true, he already knows. It’s like this, God is busy right, but he just wants to know you and take care of you and have a chat. Whoever doesn’t need a friend like that must be lost.

I’m really enjoying my new-found relationship with God, it didn’t cost a thing and I get a few things out of it.  Such as; eternal life in heaven, a good feeling in my soul and peace of mind knowing that I’m living a better life. Not too shabby.

Galatians 2:20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

James 4:8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you.

-M

Reference I read daily:
- The Bible, duh.
- My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers, Great daily devotional reading for a year
- Seeds of Faith by Jeremy Langford
-  Youversion.com Bible App. Great Daily Reading Plans, with tons of plans that you can choose for any   occasion and events going on in your life.

“I FEEL GOOD”

Ok, Stop. I want everyone to be in the right mood to read this one.

Go back to the Title and read it like The Godfather of Soul – James Brown. You know what I’m talking about!

Go ahead, I’ll wait…..

Yah, say it a few times, say it loud!  Kind of gets you energized doesn’t it? Ok, maybe what I write will.

 

My triumphant return to any type of organized worship happened recently. It was refreshingly amazing for a multitude of reasons. I really enjoyed the music, the new people I met, the message, and just being there.  It’s difficult to describe the feeling of being surrounded and being apart of something so special. So I just go with “I FEEL GOOD“.

Hosea 6:1-3 Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces; now he will heal us. He has injured us; now he will bandage our wounds. In just a short time he will restore us,
so that we may live in his presence. Oh, that we might know the LORD! Let us press on to know him.
He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.

Luke 15:7 In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!

A few times during the service when we were all standing up and singing I looked around to see if recognized anyone there. Other than the people I sat with I really didn’t see anyone that I knew. What I did see was smiling, welcoming, caring, genuine people staring back at me.  As they looked me in the eyes and smiled I knew that feeling I had and it was good. I was in the right place and loved by total strangers, just because I was there in this same place and time as them, for the same reason.

John 15:12-13 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

Church and places of worship are very special to all of us, but I think we all know it starts and ends in our hearts and souls. When asked, “Where do you go to Church”, I retort with Jesus is in my heart, I don’t need to go anywhere, but I do visit locally for worship. I do enjoy the feeling of being with like-minded people, I’ve missed it more than you know. The feeling I get when surrounded by these people lifts me up and makes me feel good, via The Father of Souls!

Luke 17:20-21 Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you.”

So do you FEEL GOOD on this Monday? I know I do!

 

“Joy is the serious business of Heaven.” ~ C. S. Lewis

 

*Highlights of the day that added to my great weekend:

- Almost 200 hits yesterday. (Amazing!)

- Lots more followers on the Blog. (I’ll aim to make you proud)

- A friend told me they were inspired to share their Faith because of my Blog. (Go for it!)

- Show of support of friends on Facebook. (Thank you all)

Project Amnesia

On my way to the path of the Light I have come across many different exercises, projects and rituals. This one in particular stood out from the rest and I reacted very well to it. I dubbed it Project Amnesia. Here’s how it goes:

- Set out an allotted amount of time about 30 to 45 min.
- Use an alarm for 15 min.
- Go to a quiet place (or as quiet as you can get) in a room you spend most of your time in. Close your eyes, clear your mind.
- Think of nothing, empty serene nothingness.
- Once your alarm sounds, open your eyes, get up and look around.

** Here is the Amnesia part. When you look around, look as though you don’t know anything about yourself.

- Look for these things and ask your self these questions:
-  What is most important to this person?
-  What does this person use on a day-to-day basis here?
-  What is the first thing this person reaches for?
-  What is on the desk, night stand, table?

- Getting a little more personal:
- Look through the cell phone, Internet bookmarks, books on the mantle.
-  What’s on the schedule, calendar, things to do?

- Getting spiritual:
- Where is the Bible in the house, does it have things marked, sticky notes, is it worn(well read)?
- Any other items besides the bible, other books, personal items.

I have done this exercise myself about once a month or more often sometimes. The first time I did it, I was amazed about the type of person I saw myself as. The first time of course was at the change of how I was seeing things in the world. Since then I’m liking the way I’m living each time more and more. I find myself spending less time with useless self-satisfaction items and more time with healing my soul and thinking of others.

Change takes time as does this exercise. Change for the better is always a battle, but this one is worth it in so many ways.

Romans 12:1-2 And so dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice – the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

-M

Where’s the Map?

There is NO instruction book to life.

After reading that comment, I bet most of  you would say, “Of course there is, it’s called The Bible”. Even though it’s the #1 selling book every year, most people I know do not own one or regularly read it.

Wouldn’t it be great if you could just jot down a hand written how to map?

Example:

- Ok, start from your house, get that book out and close your eyes.

- Gather up all your courage and faith, can’t forget your supplies before you get started.

- Head off into: Jon 3:16 For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

-Take a Left at: James 2:19 You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! 

- Then go around the curve to:  Jeremiah 29:11-13 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”

- Next head north a few clicks to: Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

- Finally you’ll end up at salvation!

** If you ever get lost along the way refer to:
- Psalm 118:29 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
- Matthew 11:28-30 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
-  1Peter 5:7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

Today I was inspired to write about this because I was thinking how I veered off the path. It’s not that I have been leading a sinful life, but that I could be doing so much better. I guess that is just one more great thing about God, he is always just waiting there for you, giving you those road signs on how to get where you need to go. Driving on the highway even some signs can be confusing, but they are all there for a reason. Living your life in a better way is not necessarily as easy as I roughly put up above, but it’s probably a lot easier than you think.

All of us have our own maps through life that lead us here and there. Hopefully those routes we take lead us to the light so that we may be a guide to those around us and help them along their way. Everyone will have the bumps, holes and detours and the occasional wrong turn. This is ok because it really let’s me appreciate where I’ve been and how I’m living today.

The Bible does give us a great platform on how to live our lives. There are places you can get this book for free and its widely available on all types of media.  So really you could say it’s easier to obtain than those 14.99 state maps at every gas station in America. It’s good to know I have my Map to take me to my final destination.

Be a good guide in life and share your “Map”!

-M

Waiting…

What are you waiting for in life? Could you be waiting for that big break in your career, or perhaps your next child. Could you be waiting for a birthday or maybe a wedding? All things in life we wait for; the good, the bad and unexpected. I would even go as far to say we spend a good chunk of our time on this Earth just sitting around twiddling our thumbs, waiting.

You all know the saying that nothing in life is certain but Death and Taxes, well I believe there is one other thing to talk about.

Always, ever lasting, never-failing and just in arms reach. You just need to take that leap and you are there.

I’m writing this today because I feel like I’ve waited long enough in my 34 years on this planet. I think I’ve been making some baby steps towards that leap. My Faith has been growing ever so much in the past few weeks. I’ve reached out to others, had great conversations, worked through some issues and learned to be patient. When I say patient I mean with my life and what I’m supposed to do with it.

Isaiah 40:31 But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

I’d say I’ve led a pretty good life so far. Well I’m tired of waiting around to see how far pretty good gets me. I really believe I need to get out there and start living so much better. It’s time to make some plans.

Proverbs 16:9 A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.

Personally I think this is a huge step for me. I will be continually working on this everyday. If anyone that really knows me is reading this, they know this to be true. I’m very stubborn, I don’t like waiting and I do what I want! So I read this next passage and try to be patiently waiting for the next opportunity for me to maybe bring a little light into someones life.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct your paths.

I know how hard it is just to wait on things. I have a hard time waiting for my Amazon packages let alone what is planned for me in this life. So I’m right there next to you just trying to figure all this out and giving it up to Him.

Time for the comedy part:

The random thought I had while mulling over this topic was what would God look like when you were ready to seek him out.  For some reason the first image that came into my mind was this: God is sitting in a lawn chair at the edge of the water on a vast wide open lake/ocean at sunset, wearing a Hawaiian shirt, cargo shorts, flip flops and shades.  He waves me over just like an old buddy and points to a chair. Sitting in the chair, totally quiet, watching the sun go down together I find myself at peace and patiently waiting to see what happens next.

-M

Bright Lights, Big Truck

This evening I went for a burger and shake. While in the drive-thru I thought I was going to heaven, I swear the brightest light I had ever seen was blinding me in my side view mirror.

Oh, that’s just someones new HID Xenon headlights in a big jacked up truck.

So here we go:

A)  Like a fool honk and yell at said person to turn them off and verbally abuse his mental prowess.

B) Put on sunglasses (in the middle of night) and protect your retinas, but put others in harm.

C) Get a flash light out and shine it in their face and see if they like it!

D) Breath, say a little prayer for this person to have a little kindness in the next drive-thru and that this person has such bright lights to guide him and his family home this evening.

I think we all know the appropriate answer, but how quick we are to act and choose one of the others. I’m guilty.

Ecclesiastes 7:9 Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools.

“Who’s the more foolish, the fool, or the fool who follows him?“―Obi-Wan Kenobi (I’m a SW Geek and I thought this fitting!)

So where am I am going with this? Well the next time something like this happens to you, just take a breath, think, and act accordingly. I truly believe about a year ago I would have chosen A, B or C way before choice D. Just look at yourself, ask for some assistance, pray and laugh at the situation.I’m Irish what can I say, so I’m not very evenly tempered. But the Lord has helped me in so many ways along the way already. I just thought I would share how I’m trying to Think Godly myself.Don’t be a FOOL!

Acts 19:36 Since this is an undeniable fact, you should stay calm and not do anything rash.

Proverbs 12:16 A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.

-M

So it begins…

2011 was not the best year for me in any way shape or form. 2011 could possibly be the best year for me in every way shape or form.

Please allow me to elaborate.

In said year I was in my 2nd year at a career I thought would last a lifetime. I was a year into my home purchase, which is substantial. I purchased a new vehicle. I truly believed to be well on my way to achieving my 5 year goal as in adult and leaving the dream.

Also in that year I lost my job, the vehicle keeps giving me trouble, house is questionable in parts, family and relationship issues continued and my piece of mind slowly and relentlessly kept getting chipped way.

So it begins… 2012.

Which brings me to that one pretty big thing that came back into my life. I say it that way, “came back into my life”, because I was blind and not thinking correctly as so many of us do. This “thing” happened to be with me since I’ve been walking this Earth. It doesn’t cost a thing and you just have to meet half way.

I’m sure you’ve guessed by now, thanks to the title of the Blog.

Yup, it’s God. I found my Faith once again and stronger than ever. When all else is lost, we are not.

I’m starting this Blog to document, share and discuss my daily findings in the world today.  I know in the passing weeks that I have let my eyes open up and really have been thinking differently.  What I mean by that is how I react to situations, people and everyday activities.

So I’m hoping in this project that it will educate, make us all laugh, cry and really take a look at ourselves and how we react to our everyday lives.

Especially when we Think Godly.

-Matthew S. Hutson