Fortunes Fool

When you think of love a true classical sense of love what do you think of? Maybe you would say Anthony and Cleopatra, or Love in The Time Of Cholera. How about Romeo and Juliet? If you take a look at most literature about love then you will begin to understand why we have such a skewed view of love. From the time we are kids we are filled with a wrong view of love. It's not just in our movies and music but it's even in classic literature. So what is it? What is love if we get the wrong view from our entertainment then where do we get the correct view? Well what does God have to say about it?

1 Corinthians Chapter 13:4-7

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self–seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Romeo And Juliet VS The Bible

So lets look at how this stacks up to what we have been taught about love.

Love is patient

The play opens in fair Verona and Romeo is proclaiming his unrequited love for the fair maiden Rosaline. Later on that night he is forced to go to a party with his friends and begins to declare his love for a woman whose name he doesn't even know. After risking death to stalk her window they pledge love to each other and get married the next day.

This is the equivalent of the modern day Vegas Wedding. Their hormones and impetuous behavior led to their later death. That could be a literal death or a long drawn out divorce.

Love is Kind

“is love a tender thing? It is too rough, too rude, too boisterous, and it pricks like a thorn.”

Does it sound like this is love that Romeo is describing, or is it something else? Instead it wounds like a school yard fight with a bully.

Love does not Envy, it does not boast

But soft! What light through yonder window breaks?

It is the East, and Juliet is the sun!

Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon

Who is already sick and pale with grief

One of the most famous monologues of the whole play is a series of boastful complements where Romeo is poetically felling of how beautiful Juliet is. How even the moon is envious of her beauty. It really doesn't sound like Romeo is worried too much about Juliet's intelligence or who she really is, just the fact that she is beautiful.

Love is not rude, it is not self–seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrong

Juliet to Romeo: Romeo, what's here? Poison? Drunk all, and left no friendly drop to help me after?

Tybalt to Romeo: Romeo, the love I bear thee can afford no better term than this: Thou art a villain.

Romeo to Tybalt: Mercutio is dead Either thou, or I, or both must go with him!

There is a constant sling of insults that spread through out the story, everyone is seeking their own self interest even the friar has his own secret agenda. Everyone also is constantly getting in fights and no one is ever interested in forgiveness just revenge and their own justice.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

In the end tragedy falls these two supposed lovers. Because of the continued deceptions by everyone they complicate the situation and have to come up with failed plan after failed plan. Finally Romeo failed to protect his blushing bride, he failed to trust his friends, he gave up hope and killed himself. Not giving a single thought to his family or the furthered tragedy it would cause a city already torn apart. More importantly their supposed love did not last other than to server as a cautionary tale of woe.

Why is Love important?

So we see there are many ways to misconstrue love. Emotions, thoughts and even the people around us can be deceiving. To find out what true love is you have to really dig down beyond those distractions and get to the “heart” of the matter. So why is it so important to find out what love really is?

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. - 1 John 4:8

You see to not know love is to not know God. It is impossible to truly love with out him and even then we are human and not perfect. We will inevitably make mistakes and selfishness and pride will mix in with our love but with God's love comes forgiveness and the opportunity to be forgiven by others.

I pray that we will learn to truly love each other, and as always any questions, concerns or prayer requests feel free to contact me.

Treasure Hunters

The Tale

Nathan was 78 years old and had lived a good life, but he was dieing and didn't have very long left on this earth. He had a great family and was proud of his grandchildren. James is oldest grandchild had been in trouble but was a good kid with a lot of unrealized potential. Nathan called James in to his bed side and James came in glad to see his grandfather.

“James,” Nathan said.

“I want you to find something for me. I when I found it, it was the secret to my success. It is the most valuable thing in the earth. More valuable than all the oil in the ground, and more valuable than all the diamonds in Africa.”

With excitement James took the treasure map. The path led right outside of town. James ran out and followed the map and found himself at the local graveyard. Confused he looked on the back of the map and there was a message that read, “Look at the tombstones and you will find the clues there.”

James spent hours reading each of the headstones before giving up and heading back to his grandfather.

Nathan asked him, “Did you find it?”

“No Grandpa, I couldn't figure out the clues.” Said James.

“What where some of the Epitaphs that you saw?,” asked Nathan.

“He Died As He Lived.¹”

“Pard, we will meet again in the Happy Hunting Ground, To part no more, Goodbye²”

“Nothing's so sacred as honor, and nothing's so loyal as love.³”

“Murdered by a traitor and coward whose name is not worthy to appear here.⁴”

“As the flowers are all made sweeter by the sunshine and the dew, So this old world is made brighter by the lives of folks like you.⁵”

“Those are good but you only gave me five, how many graves did you look at?” Nathan replied.

“Hundreds,” answered James. “Most of them just had a Name, date, dash, and date.”

“Let me help you” said Nathan, “The greatest treasure in the earth isn't the diamonds or oil, it is the unrealized potential that people took to the grave with them. It is the dreams, hopes, and destinies that never came to pass. It's that dash that is so important. I don't want you to not use your treasure, and to leave your life as just a dash. God has a glorious future in store for you James. If I can leave you with the realization that trust and obedience to God is the key for turning that dash into into a life of fulfillment then I just might complete turning my dash into an epitaph that will last.”

True Story

It's true God has given each one of us a great potential and he has a great plan for each of us. He has the greatest things in store for us. Great jobs, and great relationships, he knows even the secret desires of our hearts and is working so that we can be fulfilled. Girls are always saying, I wish I could get a good Christian guy. Guys are saying they want a good girl. Family's are needing more to provide for themselves. There are new levels of greatness in us that have not been reached yet. So what is the map to lead us to unlocking these treasures? Well it's all outlined in the Bible.

Trust

Trust is one of the hardest things to do in this world. We view trust based on what we experience in our relationships with other people. Because often we are betrayed by those people we automatically learn not to trust people. However you have to remember that God has never broke a promise. Every time you have a doubt there are simple things to remember so that you can overcome the doubt.

1. God Loves You

   For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:38-39

2. God Is Merciful

   The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy. The LORD is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works. - Psalm 145:8-9

3. God Has A Plan

   In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. - Proverbs 16:9 NIV

4. God Is With You

   Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. - Joshua

5. God Will Support You

   The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. - Psalm 18:2

6. God Has A Will

   Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt. - Matthew 26:39

7. God Has Perfect Timing

   He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. - Ecclesiastes 3:11

Obedience

Obedience is something that everyone struggles with. Our flesh fights to get it's own way and obedience isn't something we can do overnight. It's something that we have to learn how to do. Think about when you where a kid. Did you know to do what your parents told you to do? Did you know what they where telling you was because they had a bigger picture? If your like most people you still tested your boundaries?

It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him. - Deuteronomy 13:4

You see for those who haven't learned there is something important about being obedient. It doesn't cause you grief. When you do what you are suppose to do when your suppose to do it, you don't have to worry about it later.

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. - 1 John 5:3

Finally the other important thing about obedience is that it will last. Cheating, lying, and any other form of disobedience that you can think of is a temporary fix for a problem that will only grow bigger. Being obedient and doing the the right thing brings about positive change that can last forever.

The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. - 1 John 2:17

Have The Strength

So get over the excuses. Don't say I've done too much wrong because what happened in the past is not as important as what is in your future. I've done good enough is not an excuse either. God hasn't done his best work in your yester-years. The best is yet to come. Most importantly don't say you don't have what it takes. You are a child of God, you have the strength of He who created the world. To quote Joel Osteen's new book, Become A Better You. “You come from a bloodline of champions. Your Heavenly Father spoke the galaxies into existence. Your elder brother defeated the enemy. Think about some of your natural ancestors:

Moses parted the Red Sea. There's great faith in your bloodline.

David, a shepherd boy, defeated Goliath with only a few pebbles. That is courage in you bloodline.

Samson toppled a building. There's supernatural strength in you bloodline.

Daniel spent an entire night in a lion's den and wasn't harmed. Divine protection flows through your bloodline.

Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem when all the odds were against him. Determination and persistence pulsate through your bloodline.

Queen Esther put her life on the line to save God's people. Sacrifice and heroism are in your bloodline.”

So grab your shovels and dig that treasure out of yourself. Invest in others and you'll unlock the treasures in them and as always any questions, concerns or prayer requests feel free to contact me.

*Footnote: The Epitaphs where from actual headstones from famous outlaws and cowboys.

1 Billy the Kid

2 Wild Bill Hickok

3 Wyatt Earp

4 Jessie James

5 Bonnie Parker of Bonnie and Clyde

Difference Makers Part 2

Recap

So last week we talked about being a difference maker and how to make changes to yourself. There was changing your thoughts, which is the core that will spread changes to your character. We talked about changing your actions and attitudes. Finally we talked about taking ownership where you accept your gifts and take charge of your life's choices. So now that you have made these changes how do you make the difference for others.

Perpetuate the change to others.

No man is an island . If you truly make a change in yourself, your interactions with others will change as well. Communication is the main key. It's how we interact with each other. I could be verbal or non-verbal communication. Here is a challenge, or a little test to see how you need to grow. You can check out the communication test from Discovery Health.

http://discoveryhealth.queendom.com/communication_short_access.html

Remember you want to be successfully in life, you want to be a successful difference maker, then you need to learn to communicate better. Do you think you are a great communicator already. Well try asking your wife/husband, or friends. Make sure your ready for the response because it's not going to be what you expect.

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. - Proverbs 25:11

Listen

Communication is more than just talking and understanding the other people. There is often a very important element that most of us seem to forget. That is how to listen. It is really a lost art for a lot of people and is at the heart for most arguments we have in our relationships. We can really be difference makers if we listen because people are not use to being listened to. A persons self-esteem will be enhanced if they are listened to, heard, and understood. That is a bold statement but it's true. Words carry weight, and even the most self confident person can have doubt if the wrong words are spoken. So how do you listen?

1. Stop what you are doing!

How many times is someone trying to tell you something while your doing something else. Guys how many of you are flipping through the TV channels while your wife is trying to tell you the plans for the weekend? Try this, next time she starts talking, mute the TV, turn around and pay attention. You may want to take a CPR course before trying this so you can revive her.

2. Be patient and let them finish

There is several conversation stoppers. Finishing the other persons sentence, rushing to answer or argue, or any other interruption shows not only disinterest but disrespect. Girls how many times have your guy been talking about his hobby and your response was just short, “whatever” right in the middle of his story. I know we sometimes talk about things your not interested in, but girls do it to. How much better would we get along if we would put ourselves aside and considered how the other person felt?

3. Pay attention to what they are saying.

So what did I say? Seriously, though you are not so poor that you cannot pay attention. If you didn't understand then ask questions. Not only pay attention to what they are saying but how they are saying it. A recent UCLA study shows that up to 93% of communication is non-verbal.

Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to advice. - Proverbs 12:15

You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger. - James 1:19

Care

There is very little that people care about in this world outside of their own comforts and personal concerns. Stop and think about the last time you felt cared for. Who was it that made you feel that way and how did that do that? Now ask yourself, who was the last person that you expressed care or concern for? Why did you do it and how can you do it for others? The world will tell you the opposite of love is hate. By that standard I'm doing good, I don't hate anyone. However, the opposite of love in life isn't hate, it's unconcern.

If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:17-18

In James 2:2-6 it talks about caring for people without discrimination. It gives an example of a rich man coming in and getting the best seat, and then the poor man getting the floor. Pay attention to God's warning. The poor are those who are rich in faith and who will inherit the earth.

Appreciate

One of the biggest things you can do for someone else is appreciate them. This can be applied in all of your relationships. Appreciate your significant other, let them know they are appreciated and why. Appreciate your co-workers, because their work affects you. Appreciate the waitress who is working hard to bring you food to the table. Appreciate your children, your parents, your friends and complete strangers. Bobby Soules taught us a very effective way to let other people know that they are appreciated. Look at them and tell them, “I appreciate you.” See it's not that hard, but make sure your actions line up with your words.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. - John 15:13

You would be surprised at what blessing you can receive when you open up communications with others. We need to make sure to celebrate diversity and seize the opportunity to learn from each other.

I want everyone reading this to know that I appreciate you, and as always contact me if you have any questions, concerns or prayer requests.

Difference Makers - Part 1

This past week I have had the fortune to train under Bobby Soules. For those who don’t know Mr. Soules has a bit of a legacy. Here is an excerpt from the book eLeadership. "Bobby Soules is a hero at SBC. Fellow managers flock to see what he does. His employees love him. His supervisors extol his virtues." Not a bad way to start a chapter of a book. From day one I could see that Bobby Soules had something behind him. So I payed extra close attention and I’m thankful I did. Bobby was a difference maker and he started to make a difference when he walked in the room. He wasted no time either and let us know we needed to start with ourselves.
Change your thoughts.
Probably the most common excuse is people think they can’t make a difference. Well there is one important thing to remember about that. If you think you can, your right. If you think you can’t your right. You see everything you do starts with your thoughts. It’s quite a simple chain of events.
Though creates action.
Action creates habit.
Habit creates lifestyle.
Lifestyle creates character.
If you don’t believe that your thought life is that important check out what the Bible has to say about it.

For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly - Mark 7:21-22

Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death - James 1:14-15

Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature - Romans 13:14

Change Your Actions.
Another common excuse I hear when it comes to people not stepping out to make a difference is they say they don’t have the skill. Well the truth is most people don’t have the skill. However that is ok. When it comes to making a difference what you need to personally possess is about 30% skill, and 70% attitude. Think about Moses. He didn’t possess the skill that where needed to free his people from Egypt. He was a studdering, murderer who was confused about his heritage. What he had was the right attitude. So let’s look how you can change your attitude.
1.No Whinning – Be Grateful
Do all that you do cheerfully as unto the Lord and not unto men. - Colossians 3:23
2.No Frowning – Smile More
I will leave off my sad countenance and be cheerful – Job 9:27
3.No Grumbling – Have peace
Do everything without complaining or arguing – Philippians 2:14
4.Don’t show anger – Show joy
Better a patient man than a warrior; a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city – Proverbs 16:32
5.Don’t be disrespectful – Show reverence
Honor one another above yourselves - Romans 12:10
6.Don’t be selfish – Give willingly
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. - Philippians 2:3-4
7.Don’t be stubborn – Ask for forgiveness
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:8-9

Take Ownership
So if God has a plan for us, if we submit to that plan there is something very important to remember. If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me. Take one of Jesus’s parables found in Matthew 25:14-30. Here is a story of a ruler who when out of the land and left his servants with money. In the scripture the money was called talents which is more than a thousand dollars. Two servants took what they where given and made the best they could out of it. They increased the money they where given. They took action, took ownership and made a profit. One big one small but both where told "Well done good and faithful servants." The other servent took the money and hid it in the ground and did nothing with it. He was scared because it wasn’t his money. He didn’t take ownership and his thoughts and actions deceived him because he was stripped of the money given him and it was given to the other servants.

There is a serious lesson to be learned here. First off, if you want better things in life. Make better choices. It’s really clear that the wise choices lead to a measure of success and that those where both well rewarded. Also take care of your talents if you don’t it will be given to someone else. God has a goal for you and he has given you the talents to do it. If you don’t then someone else will be reaching your goals. It really comes down to taking ownership for your life and making better choices for it. You can’t do the same things over and over and expect different results.

But don’t worry. You don’t have to do this by yourselves. You have help, you have been given strength and the tools you need to make these changes.
So do not fear, 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.
- Isaiah 41:10

Lets face it without this help we are useless to try to change ourselves.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! - 2 Corinthians 5:17

So today I will pray that each of you have the strength to renew yourselves in Christ. As always if anyone has prayer request or need help, please contact me.

I’ve Enlisted

No I didn't join the U.S. Army. I'm not going to Iraq, and this is not a blog about political view points. It's about being a part of God's Army.

Some might think that some of my past blogs about being obedient, running the race, and everything might mean that we just do what is obedient and God will guide us. Well it's not that simple and freeflowing. God has called us to action. He has called us to plans. He has called us to stand in the gap for friends and family. Jesus didn't just walk around hanging out all hippie like he got in there and got involved. He was on the frontlines. Let's look at a few scriptures.

The Army Has A Plan.
In life you need to have a mission statement. You need to have a plan. Submit the plan to God and obey him and he will bless your steps. We all have dreams and things we want to do but what are your marching orders? What is the desire that God has placed in your heart? What is your plan do follow that desire? A dream or desire without a plan dies and becomes a wish.

Habakkuk 2:2
Then the LORD answered me and said,
"Record the vision
And inscribe it on tablets,
That the one who reads it may run.

The Army Has Armor.
Seriously would it be just a nice stroll through life if we are to wear armor? I don't know about you but when I go for a walk I don't put on armor and carry a weapon. I surely would if I was going to battle. So if your going to put on the armor why are you just going to sit on the sidelines? You are called into action!

Ephesians 6:13-15
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

The Army Knows It's Enemy.
So if we are an army who are we fighting? The army has a whole intelligence section. Billions of dollars are devoted to things like sonar, spy satellites and tools for gathering enemy intelligence. How lucky we are that our commanding officer is all knowing and has already told us everything we need to know about the enemy. Be aware right now the enemy is plotting against you. He wants your daughter, your son, your wife, your parents, your friends. He also wants you so he can get to them through you. His weapons are lies, and temptations. Defend yourself and and defend others.

1 Peter 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

The Army Has The Power.
We are lucky to live in a country that has one of the most powerful Army's in the world. Just watch an episode of future weapons and you'll realize that our destructive force is incredible. However as an Army of God we are much more powerful. The power of the creator, God Almighty, resides in us. If we are faithful to God, he promises us his mercy, grace and power. Faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains.

1 Samuel 17:33-37
Then Saul said to David, "You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are but a youth while he has been a warrior from his youth."
But David said to Saul, "Your servant was tending his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock,
I went out after him and attacked him, and rescued it from his mouth; and when he rose up against me, I seized him by his beard and struck him and killed him.
"Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, since he has taunted the armies of the living God."
And David said, "The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine " And Saul said to David, "Go, and may the LORD be with you."

The Army Suffers Hardship.
This is no easy task to be in the Army of God. It's not a walk through the park it is getting involved in life. Soldiers dig the trenches and fight in them for days on end. They do with out the luxuries that the citizens take for granted. The get wounded, and get back up again. They are not concerned with the trivial things that you and I get bound to. The what do I wear today, do I eat at Outback or Saltgrass tonight, what does my car say about me things in life are meaningless.

2 Timothy 2:3-4
Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please his commanding officer.

The Army Has A Purpose.
Christianity is not a fraternity or sorority where you and your "brothers" wear your Greek letter crosses and act superior to other frats. You don't blacklist those who don't fit just right in your click, and you don't use the safety of Jesus to pull pranks. We are all called to be part of the body. Read 1 Corinthians Chapter 12. It will help you out. We each are different parts of the body, with different gifts. We are called to work together. Discover your gift and grow in your position. The army has ranks so if your a Sargent be the best Sargent you can be. If your a General be the best General you can be, but make sure you are reporting to God the Commander and Chief.

2 Corinthians 12:27-28
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues

So what kind of soldier are you? If you are a Christian whether you realize it or not you are in the Army. So what are you? An enthusiastic enlistee, a draftee, an accidental soldier, or a draft dodger?

If you've come across this blog and are not a Christian the enlistment lines are open. I am not talking about being a Rambo or a soldier of fortune. I am talking about being a well balanced man or woman of God working together, standing in the gap for each other. I have your back do you have mine? More importantly does God have your back or is the enemy on your six?

As always I am praying for your Victory as I hope you are praying for mine. As some of you know I'm a wounded soldier but I'm not going home yet. I have faith for my victory and at the end of the War I want to hear not just for myself but for each one of you. "Well done good and faithful soldier."

If you need anything. Questions, concerns, or you just need someone to talk and pray with please contact me.

300? No Way Check Out 600.

So how big is your problem? Is it so big that you and 300 of your friends have to go marching off to face a thousand nation army who's archers can blot out the sun? You know that's a great story, but it has a problem... They all die. Instead lets look at someone who knows a few things about properly fighting battles.

David, as we all know killed one of the biggest men in history, Goliath. Now lets put things in perspective. David was a teenager, a shepherd boy, who killed a 9ft. 7in. head warrior of one of the most feared army's in the world at that time. David knew a few things about keeping things in perspective. Goliath was big, but God was bigger.

However, we all know about David and Goliath. So lets talk about David and his 600 men. Saul was still on the thrown and had gone mad because David was suppose to be the next King. So David and his army of 600 men became a group of bandits who took care of Israels neighboring enemies on their own. In 1st. Samuel Chapter 30 David comes home to find that the Amalekites had sacked their camp and taken everything. Their families, posessions, I mean everything. After David hand his 600 men cried until they could cry no more, God told them to go after the Amalekites.

Two things here. First, it is ok to cry. God mourns with you, but don't let that be your focus. David immediately from crying to praying. He didn't wallow and loose perspective. He knew God was bigger than his problem.

Second, David was a warrior, he played the guitar, and was not afraid of a good cry. HELLO guys reading this. Do you have any question why the girls where really into David?

The end of this story is much better. David's men went to the Amalekites capital where they fought the whole nation and won. They got everything back. Every person, every possession that was stolen was returned. They lost no one and wiped out a threating nation to Davids future thrown.

I know there are several of my friends who are going through similar things that I am. I know that everyone on here is going through problems of their own. I want to offer you encouragement today, that you are going through it. It's going to change. The Bible said though I walk THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death. Don't make camp there. Don't stay, but walk through it. To do that you have to keep the right perspective.

Your problems are big but God is bigger. David knew this and it is why he was so victorious. So are you magnifying your problems to God? or are you magnifying God to your problems? It's hard trust me I know. God says no weapon formed against you will prosper. Your best days are not behind you but they are in front of you.

Praise God he is bigger, get your joy back in your life, get Gods fire back in your heart. He already said he has delivered you. He already promised you something better. Have faith because all things are possible through faith.

I believe for your victory today.

Are you ready to tap out?

That's right I'm talking about submission. You see in wrestling or other forms of fighting one opponent will put strain on the joints of the other opponent in order to get him to submit defeat. It is a very powerful and strategic tactic. In fact the biggest winner in the Ultimate Fighting Championship uses Brazilian Jujitsu which is noting but grappling for submission holds. So think about this what are you submitting to?

Life is a wrestling match. People don't do what they should. Circumstances are the worst. You have the world trying to put you in a arm bar and wrenching it as hard as it can. There is constantly something that can steal your joy and make you feel defeated. So are you submitting to life or are you submitting to God?

Think about it. Make your plans, and submit them to God. Say this is what I would like to accomplish today, but God I know your in control. Whatever comes today I will stay in peace knowing that you are directing my steps. Then when life comes against you you have already submitted. You have tagged your partner and he is in the ring for you.

Remember this, there are hundreds of places that the Scripture states that no one can steal your Joy if your a Christian. No one can force you to get upset, but how is this possible?

The first key is to take responsibility for your own happiness. There are excuses everywhere. I could be happy if my job didn't suck. I could be happy if this person did what they where suppose to. Well guess what you have the strength to handle it. God will never let you go through a situation that you cannot handle.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Next key. Learn you don't have to have your way to be happy. I mean seriously grow up. Your not three years old. Even my two year old can find something to make her happy even if she doesn't get her way.

1 Thessalonians 5:16 Be joyful always;

Paul never prayed to get people out of situations. He prayed that God would give them the strength to get through it with a good attitude.

Next key. Don't wait for other people to change. Change yourself. It's simple even businesses have this one down. It's called controlling the controllables. You can't control other people. Even God doesn't control other people. He gave us free will. You can't change people, you can encourage them. Some people don't want to be joyful or happy, they won't make the right choices so they just stay defeated. You have to be the one to bear the fruit. That's right Joy is a fruit of the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Notice that Joy is right after love. If love is the greatest commandment, then joy would be the second. Are you starting to get the picture that it's important?

Let me give you a example. In my current situation there is something major coming up this week. I learned something major last week. There where things that where physically making me sick to my stomach. None of this is in my control. Instead of laying in bed, I got up and went to Church and had a great morning. I was lying here thinking and instead of feeding the situation with worry. I decided to type this message and I'm feeling joyus. You see I'm not in control but God is. I am going though the roughest point of my life but I can see where God is guiding me and I am right where I'm suppose to be. His miracles just keep coming. He has something better for me. So why have I gone on this long winded blog?

1 John 1:4
We write this to make our joy complete.

Each day is a gift from God. Make changes now before you waste years without joy and peace. Submit to God so that he is directing your steps so that you can live the life of victory that God has in store for you.

I make this a prayer for each one of you.
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.