A Morning View

Something simple for us to remember! God is God and we are not. So get to know God better than anyone and desire more deep love than you can imagine!  "Know therefore that the  Lord  your God is God;  he is the faithful God,  keeping his covenant of love  to a thousand generations  of those who love him and keep his commandments."  - Deuteronomy 7:9 Peace, PB

Perhaps I do not understand and perhaps I am making this too simple, but are God's people calling out to God's name? Are we humbling ourselves in prayer seeking healing? Are we studying the holy scripture first or reading good books with good suggestions to seek peace? Are we teaching Godly principles for living and modeling the love of Jesus Christ everyone from all Christian theological perspectives agrees upon, to love God and love neighbor? Are we sharing living water or a temporary quenching drink? Are we even truly Christian? Do we wander following false truth? Before I can impact the world I must be impacted first to become prepared for my sphere of influence. Am I sold out committed to Jesus Christ? Are you? "If a prophet,  or one who foretells by dreams,  appears among you and announces to you a sign or wonder,   and if the sign  or wonder spoken of takes place, and the prophet says, “Let us follow other gods”  (gods you have not known) “and let us wors...

We all view the world from our position and perspective. What if we would commit to find someone different from us and view the world through their position and perspective. Instead of fighting, forcing and posturing so that our worldview is proven and right, perhaps we would benefit from another by stopping and soaking in all of the who, what, when and where questions surrounding us. I am not asking anyone to give up their core values, beliefs and morals. All I a suggesting is that we sit on a porch with with someone and share some tea and cookies while we soak in the richness of another.  If you are a Christ follower and strive to imitate how Jesus lived by the way you lived, perhaps you need to expand your horizons and sit at the well with someone and offer them living water. What might happen is that you may be changed as they offer you a fresh drink as well.  "Jesus answered,  “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again,   but whoever drinks the water ...

So much happening? So many questions? Not sure sometimes? Ready to hide away? Want everything to be alright? Why can't it be?  Peace, just bring peace........ Hold on........ God's got this...... Just hold on and believe. "That’s why I don’t think there’s any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times. The created world itself can hardly wait for what’s coming next. Everything in creation is being more or less held back. God reins it in until both creation and all the creatures are ready and can be released at the same moment into the glorious times ahead. Meanwhile, the joyful anticipation deepens."  - Romans 8:18-21 The Message Peace, PB

Right now there is a lot of conversation of getting sports back to some sort of normal. People are ready for sports to return. When they do the hunt for #1 begins. Their is not a team that desires to be second best. Everyone wants to be #1 nobody wants to be the second place team.  Is your relationship with Jesus Christ #1? God does not want to be second place. God desires all of us FIRST. Do you filter everything in your life through the filter of God? Do you live, eat and breath God? Is God your first love? We can do a lot of good things. These things may follow the doctrines of your church, they might be based on scripture. But until we place God absolutely first, we are just doing things to bring others into the club and we are not keeping Jesus Christ #1. The danger is God does not desire #2 from us, God desires #1 sold out living a first love relationship with God.  But I have this against you, that you have abandoned  the love you had at first.   Remember ther...

I remember the joy and gusto my favorite pastor of all time had when he would sing the hymn "How Great Thou Art." When we got to the last verse Dr. Augustine's heart would well up with emotion and anticipation of Jesus Christ coming to take us home. I could always see his desire for heaven shining bright in his being! He truly and passionately believed every word he sang out with all his heart. May we remember each and everyday of our being that there is a better place we are intended for after our life on this earth. There will be great shouts of joy and celebration in eternity forever with our Creator. May we live each day with the joy and gusto of the coming of Jesus Christ. May we share the precious gift of eternal life in all we do and say.  "When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation And lead me home, what joy shall fill my heart Then I shall bow with humble adoration And then proclaim, my God, how great Thou art Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to The...

God is still God As hard as many try, we are not Keep faith and hope in the Lord Be diligent in sharing the good news Stop looking around at the world  Focus on Jesus Christ and the earth changing Holy Spirit God is still God "How beautiful on the mountains      are the feet of the messenger bringing good news, Breaking the news that all’s well,      proclaiming good times, announcing salvation,      telling Zion, “Your God reigns!” Voices! Listen! Your scouts are shouting, thunderclap shouts,      shouting in joyful unison. They see with their own eyes      God  coming back to Zion. Break into song! Boom it out, ruins of Jerusalem:      “ God  has comforted his people!      He’s redeemed Jerusalem!” God  has rolled up his sleeves.      All the nations can see his holy, muscled arm. Everyone, from one end of t...

God is Omnipotent  God is Unfathomable Jesus is Savior Jesus is Lord The Holy Spirit is God with us Believe in God Accept Jesus Live filled with the Holy Spirit "Then he said to them all:  “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.   For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.   What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?"   - Luke 9:23-25 Peace, PB 

Just sharing an observation from yesterday. I posted a morning view on Facebook and there were 40 reactions with one comment on it. I also took a picture of a piece of cheese and shared a remembrance of my father and there were 101 reactions with 11 comments.  It really did not take me long to talk about my dad and some cheese. It took awhile to sit and ponder the heart of God as I wrote the morning view. I truly seek wisdom and leading from the Holy Spirit as I write. My heart desires for all to grow deep in the ocean of God's love and grace while changing their hearts of stone to hearts of flesh while sharing the hope of Jesus Christ to the world. I write for me hoping to fall so deep into the God relationship I have that I become more like Jesus Christ.  I bet if I posted something about wearing a mask people would be all over it. If I said anything about any political party, the President or our Constitutional rights, my post would be flooded with comments.  Yet when ...

My thoughts keep being taken back to a simple time in my life. I remember when I was a young Christ Follower who had the excitement of Jesus in his heart. I was a milk drinking baby of the Lord who was so filled with forgiveness that nothing else mattered. I believed everything would be better now while all the problems of the world would go away. People would get along and life would become fill with great peace and everything would be okay. The church was the safest place ever and all followers of Jesus Christ would be unified as one.  I'm sure as you read this many of you are chuckling or worse hurting because of pain caused by someone who proclaimed to be a Christian, you know a Christ Follower. It is sad I use the term Christ Follower instead of Christian. I intentionally do because too many people are turned off by the term Christian because of many who use the term do not understand what it means to be Christian.  In my 50 years of being a Christ Follower I have learned...

When we go out we dress for the event we are attending. We must look our best for the place we are going. I remember once when my wife and I attended a Christmas party for her work. I fussed about what to wear. I had no clue how to dress for this social situation. It was business casual, so I wore a really nice button up sweater with a polo shirt underneath. When we arrived, I was so underdressed. I really felt out of place. I was not treated poorly and I never felt looked down on, but I did not dress for the occasion. I was not well prepared for that event. Every day we put on an attitude to wear wherever we go. Our attitude is influenced because of an experience past or present or something we read which did or did not set well. We had someone say something to us that brought joy or sadness. Perhaps we just feel a certain way because we woke up feeling that way. But I think it is important for all who proclaim Christ to start acting like the Jesus we proclaim.  Perhaps instead of...

"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."        - Matthew 5:10 Have you ever had enough? Do you get tired of people attacking you because you are a follower of Jesus Christ? Why? We should expect it. Jesus tells us to get through it because the kingdom of heaven is waiting.  “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” - Matthew 5:11-12 Peace, PB

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." - Matthew 5:9 Who do peacemakers make peace with? It is not with God, God has already done that with the gift of grace for us all. Peacemakers are called to make peace amongst all humanity. Human to human by reconciling disagreements, fighting and even war. Calming the storm of the moment when there is conflict. Holding back hurtful and harmful words when one would like to lash out and give others a piece of their mind. Perhaps instead of sharing your angst in a lashing out way, you hold your angst and gently share your struggle.  I am troubled and honestly have been for awhile by seeing people who proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior post hurtful, harmful attacking posts on Facebook pages. There is so much anger and selfish pride shared in the name of "my absolute rightness" of belief leaving no space for peace amongst us. I see where we can immediately fight instead of listen. We attack in...

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." - Matthew 5:8 Is your mind pure? Are your motives and principles pure? When you are in a quiet place all alone what are your thoughts and desires? Are you seeking to grow deeper in the presence of God in your heart or deeper into self fulfillment of selfish desires? When you sit in quiet what do you think about?  The scriptures tell us that Jesus modeled getting away. When he did it seemed like he always went to the mountain. Where do you go? Do you go to the mountain where the cool breeze blows through the trees and majestic views surround you as far as you might see? Do you go to a beach place where the thunder of the waves roll into the shore and the sky is painted with clouds and colors by the hand of God?  One of the places which is one of my places to go is Lakeside Ohio for West Ohio Annual Conference. The conference itself is alright, but the place bring peace to my soul. It is a place I can check my heart, thin...

"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." - Matthew 5:7 One of the definitions of mercy I read said the mercy is compassion or forgiveness toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm. The core of the definition in the bible is forgiveness. This forgiveness can be undeserved forgiveness.  Mercy is forgiveness that seems so foolish to give to another because that person really deserves whatever is coming to them and you say no, I share mercy with you. Who has hurt you so badly that you want to see suffer in the pits of hell? Who has wounded your spirit so deeply that you wish they never were born? Mercy is easier to share when the stakes are small. Who is in your life that does not deserve forgiveness and mercy?  Mercy overcomes the suffering for the penalty of sin. I am so glad God sent Jesus to overcome my suffering for the penalty of my sin. Jesus came, loved, forgave, died and was resurrected from the grave. Jesus suffered for the pena...

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." - Matthew 5:6 I remember in the summer before the 9th grade I went on a backpacking trip in the Allegheny Mountains with a group from school. While on this trip I ate melba toast and peanut butter each day for breakfast. I honestly believed I found the best food ever! When I came home from the trip I told my mother that I wanted melba toast and peanut butter everyday for breakfast. I did not want anything else because I had found the best food ever! Well, what I realized after 3 days of the best food ever, was that it really was not anything special. It was alright, but when we were on the trail hiking and walking I was hungry. Honestly in the middle of backpacking I was so hungry that almost anything would have been the best food ever!  All of humanity is seeking fulfillment. The "blessed are" scripture today shares with us that those who seek and find authentic relationship with ...

Pastor Abby Lightle challenged us last Thursday night to look at how Jesus was telling his disciples how to be, so today I continue to look at the Beatitudes found in Matthew Chapter 5. "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." - Matthew 5:5 Meek? What? I should be wimpy, quiet and not stand up for myself? The term meek reminds me of the stereotype person who is shy, quiet and vulnerable to be bullied. There is no way I am going to be meek and sit back to be taken advantage of.  In reading many takes on meekness, the best I can put together is that meekness is power under control. Power under control helps us to understand that we do not elevate self. All we are called to do is for the glory of God. Meek do not need self recognition, the meek need God to receive all the glory. It is not about what the meek do, but what God does through the meekness of the willing vessel. Meek also understand that all they do is for others. Meek truly understand what it means to...

I am continuing to look at Matthew 5 and today we are gong to focus on verse 4. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."  I remember the first significant death in my life which I experienced was Granddad Halter. It was fall of 1976, I was a sophomore in high school and his funeral was on a Friday, week 10 of my high school football season. My family had been together the night before for alone time and everyone in the room was a mess, except for me. I thought, "Well, someone here needs to keep their senses and have some sort of control." So I became the rock in the room comforting everyone else. I cried a little, but I did not grieve and mourn because someone had to be under control.  I went to school, left to attend the funeral and went back to school because I wanted to play in the game that night. My coach gave me the option to miss the game and I said no way! My Granddad was going to finally get to watch me play a football game. I was fine du...

In Matthew 5:3 Jesus told his Disciples in the Beatitudes that, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Are we not supposed to thrive when we have relationship with Jesus Christ? Why should we strive to be poor in spirit? Shouldn't we have an abundant spirit?  I believe what Jesus was teaching in this moment was to be humble in spirit. If we substitute the word humble for poor then this scripture makes more sense. When we come into relationship with Jesus Christ, we recognize that we have a need for the Savior. Our spirit is empty and in need of fulfillment. We proclaim that all we have and all we are is filled and changed by our yes to Jesus Christ.  If we say humble in spirit, we are giving all glory, honor and praise where it belongs, to God! James 4:6 tells us that, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." I need to pause and submit to God. I need to be humble in all God does in me and through me. We need to stop...

Leadership is difficult. I believe leadership is developed with relationship. Relationship develops a better understanding of each others hearts. Sharing from the heart is one of the most authentic ways to share the love of Jesus Christ. Leading with the heart makes one vulnerable to disappointment when no matter what one does someone else will tell you it is not the right way to do something. Leading with the open, honest, vulnerable heart is absolutely authentic, sincere and transparent. Leading with the open, honest, vulnerable heart can also be painful, discouraging and frustrating. When leaders lead from the heart, there has been much prayer, consideration for everyone and selfless motives for success.  Mark 12:33 lets us know that we store love in our hearts. Matthew 18:35 reminds us to forgive one another from the heart. Luke 6:45 tells us what we have stored up in our hearts is what comes out of our mouths. I ask myself what do I have stored up, good or evil? Psalm 119:11 e...

Do you live what you believe? Do you believe what you live?  Is your relationship with God authentic and real?  Does everything in your life reflect your relationship with God or does the way you live dictate how you approach God? How deep are you willing to go? “Dear friend, listen well to my words;     tune your ears to my voice. Keep my message in plain view at all times.     Concentrate! Learn it by heart! Those who discover these words live, really live;     body and soul, they’re bursting with health. Keep vigilant watch over your heart;     that’s where life starts. Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth;     avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. Keep your eyes straight ahead;     ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step,     and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right nor left;     leave evil in the dust.”           ...

Please hit pause for a moment.  In our current world it is extremely easy and natural to focus on everything going on in the world and focusing on the news, current events and evil injustice going on. We must address the wrong in our culture and work to become a part of the solution.  But hit pause and ask yourself what motivates us as Christians to engage the evil and injustice of the world? Jesus Christ. An authentic relationship with Jesus as a part of who we are in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.  Lift one another up and give praise to God that God is glorified, that God is in control and that God will prevail in the love and grace of the people of God on this earth.  I find it easy to fall into selfishness. We need to fall into Godliness and live as the redeemed God has chosen and called to this time and place in each one of our lives. Hit start on your pause button and go where you are called, but remember you are representing Jesus Christ and the Mo...

There is a lot going on all around us. It is important to think respond and seek the necessary change in our lives. We nee to be challenged. We need to listen to the hearts of others. We need to grow into deeper relationship with people and with God.  In times like these it is easy to become discouraged and to dwell on our loss. We focus on failure and everything going on around us that is no good in our lives. We wonder if it is worth it all and seek refuge in places of temporary contentment.  So where is this great God we proclaim? Quite often it seems like God is nowhere to be found. We look around the corner, seek God in the hiding places and sometimes we cannot find God even in our churches and Christian friends. Yes, we know in our heads the God is somewhere, but look deeply and seem to not find the Spirit in our hearts. There often is little hope......... “I waited patiently for the Lord;     he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit,...

Everybody has an answer for everything.  Everybody knows the right answers.  Everybody lives in the knowledge of the tree of good and evil.  Seems like everybody has forgotten to turn our hearts to God and seek God and seek God's answers.  We need to forget our knowledge and surrender our minds to God. “Do you not know?      Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God,      the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary,      and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary      and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary,      and young men stumble and fall;      but those who hope in the Lord      will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;      they will run and not grow weary,      they will walk and not be faint.”    ...

Today would be my sister Barb’s 69th Birthday if she were still with us. She is in her eternal place of peace waiting for all of us to join her someday when we go home. Barb and I used to laugh. Barb and I used to cry. I tell people Barb was my twin sister who happened to be 10 years older than me. I miss Barb. There are times where I weep because I miss her so much. She was more than a good person who loved people and most importantly loved Jesus passionately.   So what would Barb want for her birthday today? I believe Barb would want all of her family and friends to have a love relationship of grace and forgiveness with Jesus Christ as their Savior. I believe Barb would want each one of us to love others regardless of whatever differences we have with one another. I believe Barb would want justice for the oppressed and the least. I believe Barb would do all she could to help others be saved in the grace of Jesus Christ. There would be no better birthday gift to Barb than for this...

I woke up today thinking about the goodness of God. It is always easier to bring heaps of praise and thanksgiving to God when everything is good and going our way. The fact is, God is God during the good and God is God when it is not so good.  Find ways to praise God today. Find the good in the difficult and praise God. How about when it seems to be falling all around us, how about we praise God. Make everyone around you wonder!  Make a joyful noise. Be the salt and light of praise today.  “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!       Serve the Lord with gladness!     Come into his presence with singing!   Know that the Lord, he is God!     It is he who made us, and we are his;     we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.   Enter his gates with thanksgiving,     and his courts with praise!     Give thanks to him; bless his name!   For the Lord is good;     his steadf...