Flesh and Spirit
As a Christian, I am constantly trying to “live by the Spirit” and not “by the flesh”. In other words, I try to “seperate the flesh from the Spirit”. Now to those who aren’t thoroughly well versed in the Bible (and maybe those who are), this may sound like some grotesque and wierd science experiment or some freaky autospy.
Nonetheless, it is actually referring to the act of trying to live and make decisions according to God’s leadership and will for my life as opposed to making decisions according to my own desires, common sense and comforts. God said He sent the Holy Spirit to guide us and lead us in our everyday lives. So, living in the Spirit or walking in the Spirit, means I am tryuing to do it God’s way. I AM FINDING OUT THAT IT IS VERY DIFFICULT MOST OF THE TIME.
I have also realized that there are many times we attribute things to God just because we had an idea and God didn’t stop us (free-will is usually forgotten in these times). Flesh and Spirit, is it or should it really be that hard to seperate the two? How do we always know when it is of God or of ourselves? Can we ever be certain?
What are your thoughts?
Be Happy
Bryan
IMforgiven.com
Goblins are Imaginary and Teddy Bears are Real!
Another life lesson from Brandon! This morning Brandon said, “Daddy…goblins aren’t real? They’re just made-up…right?”Of course, I acknowledge his brilliance in realizing that goblins aren’t real. Then he blew me away! “But Teddy Bears are real! Mine makes me feel good…like Jesus does when bad people are mean. I’m happy ’cause Teddy Bears are real.”
O.K. Did you just get a lump in your throat like I did. Man God is glorious. The innocence and love of a 5 year old, makes me cry every time. Unfortunately, demons can be very real, but like Brandon I am glad that Jesus is very real. He even said, “Children, you belong to God, and you have defeated these enemies. God’s Spirit is in you and is more powerful than the one that is in the world” (1 John 4:4, CEV).
Thank you God, that teddy bears are real and that you comfort us when we are afraid.
Be Happy!
Bryan
IMforgiven.com
What is the Church serving?
As God continues to stir my heart with a “holy discontent” for the church, I can’t help but ask, “What’s the church serving”?
We live in a very consumer oriented culture. And in that culture we find that our senses are manipulated in every way possible to make us want a particular product more, or to come in to a particular store, or to spend more money and so on and so on. Corporations spend hundreds of millions of dollars per year just to find out what the consumer is thinking and what makes them feel better about spending their money. In the most successful ventures, they abandoned manipulation and have applied award winning customer service strategies in order to gain the consumers loyalty over other stores. They send cards, go out of their way to say thank you and offer and give their help over and above your expectations. They have discovered that location and decoration doesn’t set them apart, but genuine concern does. Read the rest of this entry »
It’s What I Love
At 6am I catch a plane for Cincinnatti, switch planes and fly to Pittsburg, jump in a rental car and drive down to Seneca Rocks, WV for an awesome Pastors Retreat with some great pastors and church planters. I have been invited to speak about Living Past Your Past and it’s what I love to do.
I have really been looking forward to spending some time with some great guys and meeting new friends. I’m really looking forward to seeing my good friend and lead pastor of StoneBridge Church, Jason Shefstall. Jason and Russell Knight, started this retreat a couple of years ago so pastors could get away, get refreshed and get reminded. I get stoked when I have the chance to share my heart for mercy and my experience to help pastors rediscover and renew their compassion and forgiveness.
I’m ready for some Appalacian Mountain air and some cooler weather for a couple days.
Be Happy!
Bryan
IMForgiven.com
