Whatcha Wearing? Are You Going?

Have you ever been that man or woman that tries to help others and is turned away? Have you ever been that person in need and when you reach out for help are made to feel as if you are not worthy. Tradition can be something that is held on too tightly. For many a year I can remember how my Mother always told me to dress nicely when going to church. I do think that it is rather important to look your best before going to the Lords home for he has given us all and we should show respect and reverence for him. However one of my problems with “Christians” when I got older was that far too often people were judged for what was on their back rather than in their heart. In my Grandmothers day it would be considered complete disrespect for someone to show up to church wearing jeans (faded no less) and a t-shirt. I can almost hear the gasps and complete shock for someone considering such a thing. But let us take a pause. ALL men and women are flawed. Christians or not sometimes we focus on the wrong things. Just because someone is a “Christian” doesn’t mean that they flawless. To be honest, God loves you and he wants to spend time with you. He sent Jesus to institute the Church. One that is holy, apostolic and catholic (meaning universal). EVERYONE is welcome in God’s church that comes out of respect. I am sure that God would want you to wear your very best. When entering God’s church you are putting yourself before God, the guy that made you, however if your “Sunday Best” is jeans and a t-shirt so be it. God loves you and sent his son to teach us that what is in our hearts is most important of all. While traditions are important they should not be at the expense of what God desires. Sure God would like you to be early and dressed in a suit but make no  mistake he would rather have you there 5 minutes late and still wearing your work clothes than not at all. He loves you that much. He wants to spend time with you. Question is, are you making time for him in “your very best”? I will let you be the judge of that. I am no one to judge anyone, but I know that God loves you and would love to spend time with you. There are so many churches to attend and they each have their own esthetic. There truly is a place for everyone in God’s Church.

Mark 7:1-13

1Now when the Pharisees gathered together to him, with some of the scribes, who had come from Jerusalem, 2they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands defiled, that is, unwashed. 3(For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they wash their hands, observing the tradition of the elders; 4and when they come from the market place, they do not eat unless they purify themselves; and there are many other traditions which they observe, the washing of cups and pots and vessels of bronze.) 5And the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, "Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with hands defiled?" 6And he said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, `This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; 7in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.' 8You leave the commandment of God, and hold fast the tradition of men." 9And he said to them, "You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God, in order to keep your tradition! 10For Moses said, `Honor your father and your mother'; and, `He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him surely die'; 11but you say, `If a man tells his father or his mother, What you would have gained from me is Corban' (that is, given to God) -- 12then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother, 13thus making void the word of God through your tradition which you hand on. And many such things you do."

Watcha Doin Today?

Need some help? There is this guy that can help with so much. He has already helped so many around the world that it is countless. Okay, maybe countless by me and I do have trouble counting to 10, but he has helped a lot. The guy is Jesus. I know you are probably wondering how some dead guy from a couple thousand years ago is going to help you now. His teachings are timeless. He may have taught couple thousand years ago but they still work, and honestly this world would work much better if we all followed them. He is the son of God. He is God, and most importantly he loves you. Why, cause he made you. Take to any good parent and they will tell you that their kids drive them crazy. At the same time though, they would do anything for them because they love them.  Why do I believe he was the son of God? I read the data. Over and over again he loved. Yeah he preformed miracles and that can’t be diminished, but for me its proof in what he SAID not just what he DID. He died on the cross for everyone. Everyone that chooses to accept him. I have heard some say, well then why doesn’t he come back and show us again so I can believe, or if he was really God he would do this or that to prove it now. Okay, how would you like to have to prove who you are over and over again. Yeah, I am Michael. No really I am Michael. See here is my drivers license. What do you mean it is probably a fake? No matter what God does there will always be those that don’t believe. Jesus came once already and only intends to return once. He is who he is and he stands by it. This is where that thing called faith comes in. So its up to you really. God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit accept all. No matter who you are or what stupid things you have done in the past or what stupid things you will do in the future. You think Jesus is a fake? You need proof? Why do you think so many have rushed to Jesus over the years and found happiness and love? Is it because God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are fake. I don’t think so, but you have to decide for yourselves. He is there waiting all you have to do is decide to show up. You don’t even have to worry about a crowd. You can talk to him right now where you are sitting right now. No lines, no crowds no waiting, just you and Jesus. So what are you doing today anyway?

Mark 6:53-56

53And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennes'aret, and moored to the shore. 54And when they got out of the boat, immediately the people recognized him, 55and ran about the whole neighborhood and began to bring sick people on their pallets to any place where they heard he was. 56And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or country, they laid the sick in the market places, and besought him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment; and as many as touched it were made well.

Do You Want to be a Superhero?

When I was young I would often wish that I had super powers. I thought it would be so cool to be able to save those in trouble and save the day. The older I get though I realize why that would be a bad idea. People are flawed and so many times we see someone famous or with power or with position fall from grace. I can just imagine what someone would do if they had the powers of a super hero. The fact is though that we don’t need to have the powers of a super hero to help people. God has given each one of us gifts. How we choose to use them though is up to us because God has given us free will. Jesus came to this earth with a message of peace and love. He started the Church so that we could grow in love and faith and do wonderful things in God’s name, God’s way. None of us are perfect and even the most religious can do very bad things. Despite what we do, God loves us and waits for us to realize our mistake and ask for forgiveness, because he loves. Truth is all we need is God. We don’t need super powers, a lot of money or a position of power. Being small and humble we can heal the sick, feed the hungry and clothe the naked. That may not seem like much to some but if you are hungry and have no means, it's amazing to be fed by someone who loves. For those who are sick and have no means to get treatment it’s a heart warming experience to receive an act of love and have someone tend to your illness.  For those who are freezing in this cold and have no money it's amazing to no end to receive a warm coat. God asks us to love. He sent his son to teach us. Everyday the Holy Spirit is with us if we choose to hear. There is so much we can do with God and all we have to do is ask, listen and learn. 

Mark 6:7-13

7And he called to him the twelve, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; 9but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. 10And he said to them, "Where you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. 11And if any place will not receive you and they refuse to hear you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet for a testimony against them." 12So they went out and preached that men should repent. 13And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them.

Mighty and Hollow or Meek and Strong?

I used to want to be a rockstar. I don’t know so much that I craved the attention, money or fame but rather to be legitimized. I guess I thought that I would then know, yes this is why I am here. I am fulfilling my place. Sure the idea of being rich and famous were cool but I wanted to find my place. Over a long journey I came to the realization that I didn’t need to be a rock start to have my existence legitimized. Now granted the state of the music industry is in shambles but I no longer want to be a rockstar. I find comfort and peace in just being an authentic version of me. God is the same way. I am sure that he has a nice place up in Heaven but I don’t think that it is about fame or being God to him. I think that he is just authentically loves. I understand know that I have children. I made them because of love out of love and I wanted to share that with the world. God came down to us as Jesus. He wasn’t born into a rich family. He wasn’t adorned with he finest clothes and eating the best foods. He came to earth to a poor family. He learned a trade as a simple carpenter working with his hands. Most importantly he loved, authentically. Once he began his ministry he traveled from town to town, not with some big elaborate entourage but followed by disciples won over by his love in teaching and actions. He healed the sick, not with rich fancy medicines or with a big show on a stage but by lovingly touching them. So yes I still love music and I still create form time to time but it is to share my stories and point of view out of love. I share my pain so others may steer clear of such times or not feel alone if they fall to the same weaknesses. I feel so blessed and I am thankful for all my abilities the God has given to me. I try now to just to steer everything to God out of love and appreciation. We each have a chance to be a part of God’s dream, a wonderful, full and loving heaven. You have a place there waiting for you as well. Question is do you want to reach for it? God is waiting to help you.

Mark 6:1-6

1He went away from there and came to his own country; and his disciples followed him. 2And on the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue; and many who heard him were astonished, saying, "Where did this man get all this? What is the wisdom given to him? What mighty works are wrought by his hands! 3Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him. 4And Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house." 5And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands upon a few sick people and healed them. 6And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching. 

Sick and Suffering are You Holding Back the Cure?

I want to loose weight. It’s an odd thing for me because so much of my life I have been under-weight. Health and fitness has rarely been a concern for me over the years but now that I am getting older and heavier I want to make sure that I don’t miss a thing. I know what to do. Eat healthy, exercise and make wise choices, however a lifetime of eating and drinking whatever I want makes the change difficult. Living with God can be very similar. The hard truth is, we hold ourselves back. God is always there with arms stretched out waiting to love and accept us. However, for so many a life time living “out of bounds” can make it intimidating or difficult to switch paths. He has so much love for you and accepts all, but he has given you free will and is waiting for you to CHOOSE him. He has sent his son Jesus with wonderful teachings and they all boil down to two things. 1) Love God with all you mind, body and soul. 2) Love everyone like you love yourself. Two simple rules but they can be rather daunting to follow after a life rife with sin. Think baby steps, God understands. God led Moses 40 years through the desert to get the Jews to the promise land on a journey that would take mere weeks if done in a direct route. The reason, God wanted his people to change their mindset and ways so that when they got to the promise land they would be ready for it. Think baby steps, first pray and tell God how you feel and where you want to go. Then find a church to attend so that you can have a community that can stand with and behind you to help you on your journey to a new life with God. It may not be easy in your mind but what God asks for is easy to do. It all begins with that first step. No one can make it for you. The only one that is holding you back is you. We so often tell ourselves that things are impossible, but ALL things are possible with God. The question is, are you ready for God’s love that fills the heart like no other, or are you too in love with you?

Mark 5:21-43

21And when Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him; and he was beside the sea. 22Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Ja'irus by name; and seeing him, he fell at his feet, 23and besought him, saying, "My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live." 24And he went with him. And a great crowd followed him and thronged about him. 25And there was a woman who had had a flow of blood for twelve years, 26and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. 27She had heard the reports about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. 28For she said, "If I touch even his garments, I shall be made well." 29And immediately the hemorrhage ceased; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. 30And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone forth from him, immediately turned about in the crowd, and said, "Who touched my garments?" 31And his disciples said to him, "You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, `Who touched me?'" 32And he looked around to see who had done it. 33But the woman, knowing what had been done to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. 34And he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease." 35While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler's house some who said, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?" 36But ignoring what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe." 37And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. 38When they came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, he saw a tumult, and people weeping and wailing loudly. 39And when he had entered, he said to them, "Why do you make a tumult and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping." 40And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside, and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was. 41Taking her by the hand he said to her, "Tal'itha cu'mi"; which means, "Little girl, I say to you, arise." 42And immediately the girl got up and walked (she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement. 43And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.

With the Lights Out Can You See if You are Skating Uphill?

There was this man I knew and he would always complain of having a headache. Day in and day out he would lament about how much it hurt. I was always surprised the way he would go on and on. Finally one day I asked him, "Why don't you stop banging your head against the wall?" He replied, "This is what I like to do." I am sure that many of us know some one like this. Someone that is frustrated with life yet unwilling to see that they are their own worst enemy. All of us have gifts and talents. We may not see it but we do. God is wonderful at helping us meet our potential and helping us develop those talents to which he bestowed us. However the only way that is going to happen is if we have a great, close relationship with God. You could be the most talented speed skater in the world but if you choose to only go uphill you will not get very far or realize your capabilities. God is the best life coach anyone could ever have, but we have to ask for his help. God gave us free will. We get to choose him, and if we do our light will shine bright and wide and he will avail so much more to us. Question is though, are we ready to do thy will or my will? 

Mark 4:21-25

21And he said to them, "Is a lamp brought in to be put under a bushel, or under a bed, and not on a stand? 22For there is nothing hid, except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret, except to come to light. 23If any man has ears to hear, let him hear." 24And he said to them, "Take heed what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you. 25For to him who has will more be given; and from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away."

Are You a Lockbox or a Puzzle Piece?

One of my faults is that I don't like to waste my time. Often I have been tried by my sons in this regard. I will try and show them how to do something, but because they think what I am showing them is useless they try to blow off my instruction. In turn I get frustrated cause tasks are taking longer than they should and my teaching seems for waste, so I have given up sometimes and let them go on to play their games. Problem is they still haven't learned what I was trying to teach them. With God it is much the same. We need to be open to God and what he wants us to do. It's not that he is commanding us to do things for irrelevant, self serving reasons but rather he is trying to lead us out of danger so that we can become the best version of ourselves. For this in return he asks that we share his love and Jesus's teachings with everyone we meet. I believe it is so that we can have as much heaven on earth as possible. I urge all as I urge myself each and every day to be open to God's vision, teachings and love. For if we share them with others they can be passed on and on and do so much more good in this tempting world. Also by being open to God we not only become the best version of ourselves but we also become a puzzle piece in God's great tapestry. When we refuse and close God out not only do we short ourselves but our neighbor as well. For we all have a place in God's kingdom. There is much to do. Question is, are you ready and open to be a part of God's plan?

Luke 2:22-32

22And when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord") 24and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." 25Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, 28he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29"Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; 30for mine eyes have seen thy salvation 31which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to thy people Israel."