Thu, 16 May 2024 06:32:40 -0700WeeblySat, 20 Oct 2018 16:03:35 GMThttp://teamfearnot.com/desert-ramblings/desert-racers-23rd-psalm​The Desert Racers
23rdPsalm
The Lord is my Mechanic; I shall not want.
 He makes me ride down whoop free trails.
He leads me beside sweet single track
 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of wet dirt
for his name's sake.
 Even though I ride through the Canyon of the Four Aces, I will fear not,
for you are with me;
My ported head and balanced crank,
they comfort me.
 You prepare a Hole shot for me
in the presence of my competition;
you anoint my head with a 6D helmet;
my gas tank overflows.
 Surely campfire stories and finisher pins shall follow me every race of my life!
and I shall dwell in the desert of the Lord Forever!
 
                                                          Team True Racing 2013
]]>Fri, 21 Sep 2018 15:44:03 GMThttp://teamfearnot.com/desert-ramblings/living-in-victoryI want to talk tonight about God's unusual ways of doing things in the Bible. God loves to do things in a way that seems foolish to men, but displays his glory more clearly. He has Noah build an ark in the desert.  He leads Moses to Escape through, not around, the Red Sea.  He tells Israel to speak to a rock when you need water, or have Joshua march around Jerico, a walled city and blow trumpets when you want to defeat it.  How about we send David, a boy, with a slingshot when there is a giant in the land. Oh Wait lets pour water on the wood at Mount Carmel before you ask for fire to fall from heaven. As a matter of fact lets read that story tonight, If you have your bibles, 1 Kings 18:16-39
 
So Obadiah went to meet Ahab and told him, and Ahab went to meet Elijah. When he saw Elijah, he said to him, “Is that you, you troubler of Israel?”
“I have not made trouble for Israel,” Elijah replied. “But you and your father’s family have. You have abandoned the Lord’s commands and have followed the Baals. Now summon the people from all over Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel. And bring the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.”
So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.”
But the people said nothing.
Then Elijah said to them, “I am the only one of the Lord’s prophets left, but Baal has four hundred and fifty prophets. 
 
Get two bulls for us. Let Baal’s prophets choose one for themselves, and let them cut it into pieces and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. I will prepare the other bull and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord. The god who answers by fire —he is God.”
Then all the people said, “What you say is good.”
Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose one of the bulls and prepare it first, since there are so many of you. Call on the name of your god, but do not light the fire.” So they took the bull given them and prepared it.
Then they called on the name of Baal from morning till noon. “Baal, answer us!” they shouted. But there was no response; no one answered. And they danced around the altar they had made.
At noon Elijah began to taunt them. “Shout louder!” he said. “Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened.” So they shouted louder and slashed themselves with swords and spears, as was their custom, until their blood flowed. Midday passed, and they continued their frantic prophesying until the time for the evening sacrifice. But there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention.
Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come here to me.” They came to him, and he repaired the altar of the Lord, which had been torn down. Elijah took twelve stones, one for each of the tribes descended from Jacob, to whom the word of the Lord had come, saying, “Your name shall be Israel.” With the stones he built an altar in the name of the Lord, and he dug a trench around it large enough to hold two seahs of seed. He arranged the wood, cut the bull into pieces and laid it on the wood. Then he said to them, “Fill four large jars with water and pour it on the offering and on the wood.”
“Do it again,” he said, and they did it again.
“Do it a third time,” he ordered, and they did it the third time. The water ran down around the altar and even filled the trench.
At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.”
Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.
When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God!”
 
Are these stories in the Bible to encourage us to do things the way that the world does them? Or to do things the way God does them, even in ways that may look foolish?
 
Do you all remember the story of Gideon? He was one of the Judges in the old Testament. When the people sinned, God handed Israel over to the Midianites, according to Judges 6:1,
 The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, and for seven years he gave them into the hands of the Midianites.
 
Then the Lord came to rescue them from the very people whom he had appointed to judge them. He approaches Gideon in Judges 6:14 and says, "Go in this your strength and deliver Israel from the hand of Midian." But Gideon says in verse 15, "O Lord, how shall I deliver Israel? Behold, my family is the least in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father's house."But then the LORD said to him (in verse 16), "Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat Midian as one man."So already God is planning to save Israel in an unusual way that highlights his power, not Gideon's ability. 
That is the way God works in our life, its never about our ability, its always about our availability, are we open to be used by God. Are we willing to stand for injustice, are we willing to demonstrate our own weakness by allowing God to Shine.
 
So now we come to Judges 7. According to verse 3, Israel had about 32,000 troops. But according to verse 12, the Midianites and Amalekites "were lying in the valley as numerous as locusts; and their camels were without number, as numerous as the sand on the seashore." 
In other words, the odds against Israel succeeding against the Midianites were already small. They were outnumbered.
What does God do now? 
 
 Verse 2: "The LORD said to Gideon, 'The people who are with you are too many for Me to give Midian into their hands, for Israel would become boastful, saying, "My own power has delivered me."'" 
So the Lord pared down the 32,000 troops to 10,000 by sending all who were fainthearted home (verse 3). And he pared down the 10,000 by choosing only those who lapped water by putting their hands to their mouths without kneeling. That left three hundred men. So in verse 7, "The LORD said to Gideon, 'I will deliver you with the 300 men who lapped and will give the Midianites into your hands; so let all the other people go, each man to his home.'"
From Reading this, the Lord seems to be interested in a kind of person, not just the quantity of persons. God is telling us to become a kind of people, not just a number of persons. 
I BELIEVE THAT WE ARE TO STRIVE TO BE SET APART! 
We have to be different, and want to be used as a channel for God's extraordinary work.
 
 Is it going to be hard?  Yes, and if you are like me and sometimes need extra signs or encouragement that’s ok, God wants us to build relationships and develop trust to be able to get the Job done. Look at the incredible mercy that God shows Gideon, knowing that he is no warrior by nature.
Judges 7:9-11: 
During that night the Lord said to Gideon, “Get up, go down against the camp, because I am going to give it into your hands. If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah and listen to what they are saying. Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp.”
 
For so many years our fears and misgivings have disqualified us from God's great work that he has set aside for us. I am telling  you today that you do not have to fear. We all have a race to run, that one day every one of us will get to the finish line. The question I have for you is this, are you gonna win the race?
 
Isaiah 41:10 
Fear not, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
 
To be successful in life, we must turn from a life that is lived and directed by fear of failure, to a life where we “Fear Not”.
 
In his mercy and patience, God is willing to give us remarkable dreams and visions to get us to a place of confidence. Lets go back to Judges. Look at verses 13-14: a remarkable timing of dream-telling in order to encourage Gideon that God was in this. 
"When Gideon came, behold, a man was relating a dream to his friend [not a coincidence, but a divine appointment]. And he said, 'Behold, I had a dream; a loaf of barley bread was tumbling into the camp of Midian, and it came to the tent and struck it so that it fell, and turned it upside down so that the tent lay flat.' His friend replied, 'This is nothing less than the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel; God has given Midian and all the camp into his hand. '"
 
We have lost our way as Christians. We are allowing the world to keep us quiet, to manipulate us into not speaking out, because somehow we have come to believe that meek means week. We have forgotten how to win. We have forgotten that we are not fighting against flesh and blood but against principalities and strongholds of the enemy. We are not claiming the power of Gods Holy Spirit in our lives and Knowing that he is our deliverer. That he is the one that fights our battles when we remember to fight on our knees. 
  
Romans 8:37-39
No, in all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us! For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor heavenly rulers, nor things that are present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I do not care who you are, what you’ve done, what you haven’t done. Are you a pastor, a layman, or are you a sinner just like me. Today is a good day to remember that we are not made of stone, that we have an opportunity to love each other and do good things, that every day we can wake up and see a beautiful sunrise, and choose to have a relationship with the one that created it.
 
This is how we fight our battles, come on say it with me, this is how we fight our battles,  again, this is how we fight our battles. It may look like I am surrounded, but I’m surrounded by you,   

lets pray
]]>Sun, 22 Jul 2018 13:50:12 GMThttp://teamfearnot.com/desert-ramblings/god-knowsYou know I love you guys. My life is all about being honest and open with you and my walk with God. The thing that I have learned the most in the last few weeks about prayer and honesty with God is this, He knows what you are doing. Just have real open conversations with God. Tell him every little detail and how you are feeling. Let him heal you of all the junk that you are holding onto. You can trust him, he will not blast your sins, but he will help you deal with them! Surrender your pride and and let God fill you with integrity!
Hebrews 4:13
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.]]>Sat, 17 Mar 2018 18:33:05 GMThttp://teamfearnot.com/desert-ramblings/dating-and-friendshipDating and Friendship guide
 
 So its spring time and that means that love is in the air, and that many of you are looking to find a life long relationship or maybe just develop new friends. Here is a great guide to help you make decisions that will effect the rest of your life!

I.  Introduction:  some of the most important decisions that we make are who we have as our friends and companions and whom we choose to date and eventually marry.  The bible gives clear guidelines on this subject.

• Ps 1:1 How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners!
• 1Cor 15:33 Do not be deceived: "bad company corrupts good morals."
• 1Cor 5:11 I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he should be an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler-- not even to eat with such a one.
• 2 Cor 6:14-7Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? -what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?  Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as god said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate," says the Lord. "and do not touch what is unclean; and I will welcome you.
• Prov 1:10 & 15 My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.  - do not walk in the way with them. Keep your feet from their path,
• Prov 4:14 do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not proceed in the way of evil men.
• Prov 13:20 he who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
• Prov 22:24-5 Do not associate with a man given to anger; or go with a hot-tempered man, lest you learn his ways, and find a snare for yourself.
• Rom 16:17-8 Keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. For such men are slaves, not of our lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.
• 2 Thes 3:6   we command you, brethren, in the name of our lord Jesus Christ, that you keep aloof from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us.  
• 2 Thes 3:14 and if anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that man and do not associate with him, so that he may be put to shame. And yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 
• Tit 3:10 reject a factious man after a first and second warning, knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.
• 2 Jn 1:10-1 if anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds.

 
II. Why God cares,
God understands the important role that associates play in forming us.  His commands are not to restrict us but to free us to choose good companions and to protect us from the influences that could harm us.
 
III. Friend selection.
 When I use the word friends, I don't mean those people whom we come into contact with due to forces beyond our control such as school mates and fellow employees I am referring to companions, those people to whom we choose to spend our time.  They are the ones who will play a major role in forming our morals, attitudes, and goals. 
To avoid all sinners we would have to leave the world. The bible is clear: When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. 10 But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. 11 I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people. I Cor 5:9). 
 
IV. Dating.
Dating is a procedure that our society uses for selecting a marriage partner and should never be taken lightly.  We should never date anyone whom we do not feel would be a suitable mate because emotional bonds do develop. 
The criteria for the selection of a date includes the two requirement for selecting a companion; they must be a Christian and have a growing relationship with the Lord.  In addition to these basic requirements for selecting a date;
 
            A.   General questions should be asked;
1.  Do they listen and communicate well?  Are they able to share their hurts, desires, feelings, and opinions?
                        Eph 4:15, 25)
2.  Do they have good relationships with friends and family?  Eph 6:2,5:21.
                        3.  Do they control their emotions or are they given to anger,             jealousy, envy?  Do                                     feelings rule their lives?  Gal 5:19-21
4.  Are they forgiving of others and can they accept you and others as you are?  Rom 14:4.
5.  Are they good stewards of their time, money and possessions?  Tit 1:7, Eph 5:15-7.
                        6.  Do they have a good reputation?  Eph 5:3, I Tim 3:7. 
                        7.  Do they care for their body?  I Cor 3:16-6.
                        8.  Will they be a good role model for your children?  I Cor 11:1.
 
            B.  As a man selects a date or a mate, additional questions that he should          consider are;
                        1.  Does she dress modestly and care for her appearance?  I Pet 3:3.
                        2.  Does she relate well with children and know how to care for them? (prov 31:10-31)
3.  Is she submissive to authority- her father, employer, teachers, etc., or does she rebel, gossip, and degrade them?  Rom 13:1, Eph 5:22 
                        4.  Does she have a gentle and quiet spirit?  I Pet 3:4.
 
C.  Some additional questions that a woman should ask about a prospective date.
                        1.  Is he someone I can respect?  Eph 5:22, 33
                        2.  Does he have the ability to be an adequate provider?  I Tim 5:8. 
3.  Does he consider my feelings and desires in his decision making?  I Pet 3:7.
                        4.  Is he in submission to authority?  Rom 13:1?
                        5.  Does he have control over his lust? Gal 5:19-22
                        6.  Does he respect me?  I Pet 3:7.
7.  Does he relate well with children and know how to care for them? Eph 6:4. 
]]>Thu, 23 Nov 2017 16:30:28 GMThttp://teamfearnot.com/desert-ramblings/happy-thanksgivingPaul was on the Adriatic Sea on his way to Rome for trial, A storm came up and for 14 days they all thought they would die. Paul takes the time to make them eat and give thanks to God. Knowing that he was the one that would steer them to safe harbor. Today as we celebrate Thanksgiving remember that God has a plan, you are part of it, and we have much to be Thankful for!
Acts 27:34-35
Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat.]]>Mon, 02 Oct 2017 11:32:56 GMThttp://teamfearnot.com/desert-ramblings/what-is-loveGrand Prix Ridgecrest 2017 LOVE
So glad to be back to racing and getting on with this year. How was your summer, did you ride at all? I tried to race moto but I ended up tearing my calf in July and was out for 6 weeks. But I healed well and I am already racing and loving life!  Speaking about love, that is what we are going to be talking about tonight. When you hear the word love, how does it make you feel? Do you get nervous? Do you get jealous? Or do you think about someone special. Love means something different to all of us but the great thing is that its supposed to do. There are many different types of love and tonight we are going to talk about them.
Storge—empathy bond[edit]
Storge Love, is liking someone through the fondness of familiarity, family members or people who relate in familiar ways that have otherwise found themselves bonded by chance. An example is the natural love and affection of a parent for their child. It is described as the most natural, emotive, and widely diffused of loves: natural in that it is present without coercion; emotive because it is the result of fondness due to familiarity; and most widely diffused because it pays the least attention to those characteristics deemed "valuable" or worthy of love and, as a result, is able to transcend most discriminating factors.
1 John 4:7
My loved ones, let us have love for one another: because love is of God, and everyone who has love is a child of God and has knowledge of God.
I love my family, I love my kids and I am grateful for the love that I have for my family. Its real, it gives my life more meaning. Its there to guide me and protect me and give me strength.
 
 
 
Philia—friend bond[edit]
Philia is the love between friends as close as siblings in strength and duration. The friendship is the strong bond existing between people who share common values, interests or activities.[11] 
 True friendships, like the friendship between David and Jonathan in the Bible, are almost a lost art.
1Samuel 18:1
David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan and David became bound together in close friendship. Jonathan loved David as much as he did his own life.
CS Lewis says "to the Ancients, Friendship seemed the happiest and most fully human of all loves; the crown of life and the school of virtue. The modern world, in comparison, ignores it".
We struggle with friends.  Even I sometimes have no one to talk to in person. Our lives and our friends are on line. Or in our phone. We spend more time liking our Facebook posts than talking on the phone to a real person.  I am just as guilty as any one. I think one of the reasons that I love racing, is it gets me out in the real world. It gets me away from the digital world and into the real one.
In order to build lasting friendships we have to spend time with real people having real conversations. That’s how we develop brotherly love.
 
Eros—physical Love
Eros  Is love in the sense of "being in love" or "loving" someone. It’s the distinction between "wanting a woman" and wanting one particular woman—
Eros love can turn the need for pleasure into a tendency for self-destructive behavior. People, who fully submit themselves to it, create a justification for selfishness.  But it does not have to be this way. God has made a provision for Eros love through marriage.
Proverbs 5:18-19
Let blessing be on your fountain; have joy in the wife of your early years. As a loving hind and a gentle doe, let her breasts ever give you rapture; let your passion at all times be moved by her love
Most of the relationships you see on TV are based on Euros love. We have so perverted the whole concept of love that its hard for any of us to have normal relationships. We have made it so men and woman struggle to be friends, because God forbid we have a best friend of the opposite sex that is just a friend that we have Storge or Phila love for.  If you really think and ponder this it explains a lot of our issues we have today with relationships, do not be confused, you can love someone dearly and never ever have a physical relationship. Our mind and our soul long for these deep relationships and we confuse that with sex, that is not Gods plan.
Hebrews 10:23-25
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another —and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
My first marriage was based on Euros love. I was in a relationship for 10 years that had very little in common except for physical love. We were not friends and we had very little in common. I was a sailor and so away from home a lot and she just need that kind of love in her life. I was so messed up from that relationship that I did not date or really have any women friends for years until I was talked into a blind date with Jeanne.  She made sure that I was good with being her friend before we were ever involved romantically.  It took me years to realize that being a friend was just as, or more important to a marriage than anything. I know have lots of friends that are woman and I think that if it was not for the confidence that my wife gave me, I would still struggle with normal relationships. God wants us to develop that kind of bond with each other. True friendship, the kind that produces Sacrificial love is the only way that we can understand Gods love.
John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
 
So here we are, right where we need to understand Gods love.
Our walk with him and our ability to love others is based upon his love for us. But its hard to understand this kind of love
Agape—unconditional "God" love
Charity is the love that exists regardless of changing circumstances. Recognize this one as the greatest of the four loves, and know it as a specifically Christian virtue to achieve. Nothing compares to the love of God, who is full of charitable love. We struggle to love people that have hurt us, and yet we hurt God everyday, and yet he loves us
Nehemiah 9:32-34
Now therefore, our God, the great God, mighty and awesome, who keeps his covenant of love, do not let all this hardship seem trifling in your eyes—the hardship that has come on us, on our kings and leaders, on our priests and prophets, on our ancestors and all your people, from the days of the kings of Assyria until today. In all that has happened to us, you have remained righteous; you have acted faithfully God, while we acted wickedly.
 
He never gives up on us, he never lets us go.  He continually seeks us and tries to remind us of his grace and mercy. He shows his love in so many ways

2 Corinthians 13:11-14
Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
Greet one another with a holy kiss. All God’s people here send their greetings.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
  In closing I want to share with you a powerful quote by 
CS Lewis. Love
 
There is no safe investment. To love at all, is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket—safe, dark, motionless, airless—it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. The alternative to tragedy, or at least to the risk of tragedy, is damnation. The only place outside of heaven where you can be perfectly safe from all the dangers and perturbations of love is hell.
 
 
]]>Sat, 23 Sep 2017 13:21:10 GMThttp://teamfearnot.com/desert-ramblings/race-to-winRace Day! From Caliente to Ridgecrest and Endure Cross. Lots of Races going on this weekend. Was blessed with a time of healing and encouragement with my Brother Lou last night and all I can say is that "You are Gods Favorite". All 6.9 Billion of you! Run your Race of Life knowing that God wants to see you at the finish. When you get bogged down with sin, cast it off and run to him. Thats how we finish strong!
Hebrews 12:1-2
Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith]]>Sun, 17 Sep 2017 13:51:06 GMThttp://teamfearnot.com/desert-ramblings/stay-humble-my-friendsI went to my friend Lance Hunters funeral yesterday. It was great to see so many of my high school friends and catch up. But I was taught a very valuable lesson. I always thought I was a good athlete in High School, but as we jocks were all talking to our coaches, they knew or remembered everyones name, but for me it was "Nice to Meet you" Crushed! But I woke up this morning and remembered that God knows my Name, he knows the hairs on my head, and today, that is more than enough!
Romans 12:3
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.]]>Sat, 03 Jun 2017 14:50:58 GMThttp://teamfearnot.com/desert-ramblings/baja-500-2017Baja 500 today, so many of our friends and family are racing today. I am always in prayer all day when Baja is going on, I do not know why it stresses my out so much, maybe because of our Great losses that have occurred in these races. No matter how much you prepare for a race, there is always chance, today, put your faith in Jesus and know that he has your back. Sometimes you just have to believe!
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
]]>Fri, 05 May 2017 15:27:25 GMThttp://teamfearnot.com/desert-ramblings/gods-helperCan you believe that we are almost to summer? This year is flying by and I can’t seem to get every thing done that I feel I am supposed to do. I almost feel like I am never going to be done, to be finished. But that feeling, that emotion that sometimes makes us feel like we are all alone is what we are going to be talking about tonight. We all have the choice to serve God, to accept his free gift that is his son Jesus. And when we do he says that he will give us a helper. Gods power to give us strength, knowledge, wisdom and Love.
John 14:15-18
“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans
 
I will not leave you as orphans! We are not alone. When we walk in faith with God we are never alone. Those moments when I feel like I cannot finish, I seek him, those times that I am overwhelmed, I call on him.
The best part of being a Born Again Christian is that you get the Holy Spirit. Knowing that you have that still small voice to help you direct your steps is Priceless. Sometimes we just need to Turn down the volume in your life and listen for God!
Philippians 2:13
for the one bringing forth in you both the desire and the effort – for the sake of his good pleasure – is God.
 
All of us have gifts, talents that God has given you to serve and change the world. I am not the worlds best mechanic, but I know a guy. I do not have the great organizational skills, but I married a girl. You were born to fit into the puzzle that is God. You were born to be a part of a master plan, to feel empowered to feel acceptance, to fit! Don't let that go to waste, plug into the Holy Spirit and see what God made you to be!
1 Peter 4:10-11
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
 
So these talents are a great way for you to be able to answer a question that many if not all of us have asked. How do I know I am saved?
 
Well here is a very simple answer. If you know Jesus he has given you the helper, Gods Holy Spirit. When you are filled with the Spirit, you gotta make room for all the Good, so out goes the bad. You will notice that things you used to think were so important just kinda, don’t matter. Activities that you used to consume your time just don’t attract you anymore. For me one of the biggest things I notice is my anger, I have a horrible temper, and when I am walking with God, when I am filled with the Holy Spirit, that just does not matter any more. When you know Jesus you Know Peace, no Jesus, no Peace.
Galatians 5:22-24
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
 
So many of us are working on Transforming our bodies that we forget to transform our Souls as well. I love that I am getting in shape, but honestly, it was the change on the inside that is making a difference. Give your heart to Jesus and watch what can happen when God is in control!
Ezekiel 36:26-27
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.
 
So Much is going on in the world today, its kind of hard to see things in a positive light but I want to challenge you guys to make a difference. Forgive, let stuff go, don’t hold grudges. Love one another. Hang on to what you know is Good and let go of the bad. You have to plug in to the power that God has given every one of us believers.  Life is short but we still need to be able to hold on till the end, to be able to have the strength to make it to the finish. God knows its always going to be a battle, but we are not alone. That is the point, in order to complete this life with the win, God has given us help.
James 1:12 SAYS
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him

Be Steadfast, don’t give up, love without reason. I promise you that while your life may not get any easier, you will be happier. God has sent you his helper for all of us that believe. In order for us to stay on track and keep our faith it’s important to lean in.
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