Tag: Forgiveness

The Disciple/Apostle Peter is an interesting case study in human behavior.  He was the first to be called by Jesus along with his brother Andrew.  His name was also changed by Jesus to Peter, which in the Greek is “Petra,” which means rock.  He was a tough Galilean fisherman and he came from a tough fishing family.  He was a fighter and he was not afraid to speak his mind, and that would often get him into trouble.  However, Jesus chose this man and used his tough gritty nature to build His church on!

Peter and his family had their own fishing business.  They had their own boat and nets and I’m sure all of that was expensive and very important to them.  Peter had fished his whole life and that is what he expected he would do for the rest of his life.  Peter was a man’s man and he worked hard for a living.

This is what Peter did when he and his brother were the first to be called by Jesus to follow Him.

“As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew.  They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.  “Come follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”  At once they left their nets and followed him.”

Matthew 4:18-20

That is incredible!  Do you know many people that would just drop everything and walk away from a family business like that?  I don’t!  That is incredible faith!

Peter had a child like faith from God and it showed!  He also would question Jesus and later we even see him try and rebuke the Lord several times!  Like I said, Peter would “stick his foot in his mouth” sometimes because of his manly gusto.  However, he always responded to his mistakes with a humble heart of repentance.

“One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, he saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by fishermen, who were washing their nets.  He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore.  The he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”

Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything.  But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

Luke 5:1-5

Peter is so bold and you can almost see Peter rolling his eyes as he tries to explain the business of fishing to Jesus.  I love that even though he doesn’t understand what Jesus wants him to do, he submits to His authority and he lets down the nets.  Good thing he did!  P.S. The “Lake of Gennesaret” is the Sea of Galilee.  They also call it simply “the lake” in the Bible.

“When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.  So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”

Luke 5:6-8

Peter had a true repentant heart!  He felt so bad that he had questioned the Lord in his brash fisherman way that he fell at the Lord’s knees in full repentance!  He was a brash tough guy, but he had a humble heart and he wanted to please God.

“…Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.”

Luke 5:10

Of course Jesus responds in love and forgiveness to Peter and that is how He responds to everyone who comes to Him!  He tells us many times throughout the Bible to not be afraid.

In Matthew chapter 10 Peter is among the twelve disciples who are given authority by Jesus to become his twelve apostles.

“He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.

These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.”

Matthew 10:1-4

Peter was also the first disciple to confess that Jesus is the Christ!  It was also at that time when Jesus gave him the name Peter and commissioned him for a very special purpose!

“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”  They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

“But what about you?” he asked.  “Who do you say I am?”

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.  And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.  I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

Matthew 16:13-19

What was Peter’s response to such a statement from Jesus?!  Well, in the very next verses, he goes right back and puts his foot in his mouth again.  He tries to rebuke Jesus regarding what He must suffer, and the Lord has to rebuke Peter hard.

“From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.

Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.  “Never, Lord!” he said.  “This shall never happen to you!”

Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan!  You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”

Matthew 16:21-23

Whoa, I bet that hurt!  Peter did not understand what he was saying and the Lord had to set him straight.  Jesus was explaining why He came and what He was going to do for the world, and Peter is over there rebuking Him about it.  That was Peter, but the Lord disciplined him firmly because He loved him and He had a great purpose for him.

Only six days later after this amazing conversation, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain and He reveals His divine glory to them!  It is called “The Transfiguration” and it is an incredible eye witness account of Jesus’ glory!  See my post titled “The Transfiguration” for more details!

“After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.  There he was transfigured before them.  His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.  Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here.  If you wish, I will put up three shelters–one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.  Listen to him!”

When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground terrified.  But Jesus came and touched them.  “Get up,” he said.  “Don’t be afraid.”  When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.”

Matthew 17:1-7

I love how Peter wants to build three shelters for them!  He is the ultimate laborer!  He can fish and build houses and he is gruff and tough!  Of course it is Peter who speaks up first too and God Himself interrupts him from the cloud!  Again, we see Jesus respond with the familiar phrase “don’t be afraid.”  He strengthened and blessed Peter through that amazing miracle on the mountain!

Peter was also with the Lord at the Last Supper on Passover before Jesus was crucified.  Jesus tells His disciples that His blood will be poured out for the forgiveness of sins and that they will all fall away that night.  Peter stands up boldly again and proclaims that he will never abandon the Lord.  Jesus’ reply to Peter’s rebuke is not what he expected though.

“Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:

” ‘I will strike the

shepherd,

and the sheep of the flock

will be scattered.’

But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”

“I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”

But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.”  And all the other disciples said the same.”

Matthew 26:31-35

Peter had a bad habit of rebuking Jesus.  He did not understand yet what Jesus was doing for them and for the whole world.  This is evident when the men come to arrest Jesus.  Peter’s reaction is to protect Jesus through violence!

“While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived.  With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people.  Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.”  Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.

Jesus replied, “Friend, do what you came for.”

Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.  With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached out for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.”

Matthew 26:47-51

Yeah, brother Peter carried a sword and he wasn’t afraid to use it!  Like I said, he was a fighter and a tough guy!  He wanted to protect Jesus and fight for Him, but He didn’t understand that the Lord had to die and that was His purpose.  Jesus has to rebuke Peter yet again.  Keep in mind, even after all of Peter’s faults, this man is still Jesus’ “rock” upon which He will build his church.

“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.  Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?  But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”

Matthew 26:52-54

Right after Jesus is arrested, Peter follows the group all the way to the courtyard of the high priest to listen to their accusations against Jesus.  While he is there, he is confronted three times about being a disciple of Jesus and three times Peter denies Him.

“…Immediately a rooster crowed.  Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”  And he went outside and wept bitterly.”

Matthew 26:74-75

For all of Peter’s tough talk, he ended up disowning Jesus three times just like Jesus had told him.  Peter’s reaction is again one of a broken heart and repentance.

After Jesus is crucified, dead and buried, and rises from the dead on the third day He begins to appear to His disciples.  In John chapter 21:15-19, Jesus reinstates Peter and tells Him again to follow Him.  He asks Peter three times if he loves Him and three times Peter answers yes.  Jesus gave Peter a powerful ministry, and you can read about Peter’s adventures for Christ in the Book of Acts.  Jesus also tells Peter how he will die for God.

“I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”  Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God.  Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

John 21:18-19

Peter did end up glorifying God all the way to his death around 67 A.D. when he was crucified by the Romans.  History records that he requested to be crucified upside down because he didn’t feel worthy to be crucified in the same way as the Lord.  That was Peter.  Tough and humble, brash and repentant, and he served the Lord with all his heart!

Peter’s life is a story of God’s grace and constant forgiveness.  It is a story of God’s faithfulness even when we are not.  We are just like Peter in so many ways!  How many times have we messed up and God has forgiven us?  Too many to count!  Peter’s testimony is a shining example of God’s love to us all, and a testimony that Jesus can use even the roughest of us for His glory!

Grace and peace to you all!

 

It’s time for an old school Christian jam!  This song was on my heart when I woke up this morning around 5 a.m.–Hallelujah!  Many years ago Toby Mac was a part of this group called DC Talk.  They were a very popular Christian band for a long time and their music is still awesome today!

Listen to the words in this song because they are so true!  We all wanna be loved!  We all want just a little respect!  Amen to that!  Women want to be cherished, men want to be respected, and we all wanna be loved!  I pray we all treat each other with love and respect!  All these years later, God is still using this song and the funky beats are still cool!  May your heart soar today in the love of Jesus!

Grace and peace to you all!

 

Hello everyone!  I just wanted to do a quick post for fun and show you the commuter train that goes to Denver.  I had to drive down to Denver yesterday, and the train went by while I was at the light.  I love D-Town!

Here is I-25 on the way home:

The skies are always blue here!

Thank you all for your encouragement today regarding my post about Celiac!  You all lifted my heart up!  God bless you all!

Grace and peace to you all!

Good morning everyone.  I wanted to take some time and open up a bit about how I have to fight this disease in my physical reality.  We all have different realities to deal with don’t we?  Some are strong.  Some are weak.  Some are healthy.  Some are sick.  This is how it is here.

The picture above shows the line up of vitamins and supplements that I need to take each day just so I can function physically.  I had to start taking them after I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease on 1-6-12.  I had to integrate them into my diet slowly as I healed and I have been taking all of these for several years now.  All of them are organic, non-GMO, gluten free, and whole food based.

From left to right:

Megaflora is my probiotic for a healthy gut.

Glucosamine MSM Complex is for my knees and joints.  After the disease, my bones and knees were weakened and my knees burned and ached.  After I started taking this, the burning stopped.  It helps build cartilage.

Calcium for my bones.  My spine burned at the start of the suffering, but the calcium and glucosamine helped with that.

Prostate Strength because I’m 40 and men my age need it.

Men’s One Daily is my multi vitamin.

Glutathione is a celluar antioxidant that helps rebuild my intestinal tissue.  Celiac Disease destroyed a lot of the villi in my small intestine.  That is why I barely weigh 140 pounds (I weigh 135 today).  Once the villi are dead, the doctors say they don’t come back.  I have been praying that God would regrow new villi for me.

5-HTP supports serotonin synthesis for healthy brain function.

Theanine is a neurologically active amino acid also for a healthy brain.

Balanced B Complex is a variety of B vitamins, which are responsible for energy production in the body.

CoQ10 is necessary for a healthy heart.

Vitamin B12 is the main B vitamin I am deficient in as a Celiac, so I take extra of that with the B Complex.

 

I had the symptoms of deathly serious malnutrition, severe weight loss, severe nausea, severe chronic fatigue, acid reflux, bone and joint pain, burning joints and spine, low blood sugar, severe stomach and intestinal pain, brittle nails, dark circles under my eyes, depression, suicidal, mood swings, short temper, irritability, irrational anger, and of course all the fun trips to the bathroom for severe unstoppable diarrhea.  Yeah, it is a horrible disease and it can kill people!  I suffered those symptoms for years until it almost killed me!

I am thankful that I was finally correctly diagnosed and that God has given me access to all of these vitamins, but I hate taking them and I hate Celiac Disease.  I was diagnosed when I was 33 and now I am 40.  I have lost a lot of life and time because of this disease.  My 20s are long gone, and I spent the majority of my 30s suffering terrible pain and anguish.

I have not gone out to dinner since before I was diagnosed in 2012.  I can no longer have ice cream or any dairy.  I used to love cheeseburgers and shakes!  I can’t have a cheeseburger or pizza.  I loved Mexican food too!  No more Mexican food with cheese and green chile for me!  I can’t even eat at family gatherings or eat my Mother’s cooking!  We have to pack our food everywhere we go now.  We even packed brown rice noodles and four pounds of frozen bison when we went to San Diego this summer!

Yes, God has given me good food to eat and He takes care of me, but my choices are severely restricted now and I still mourn the loss of the food I grew up with at times.  I eat brown rice noodles and black olives every day for lunch and I have for almost 7 years straight.  I would love to go through the drive through at Goodtimes and get a burger today!  I would love, and I mean absolutely love to have a chocolate shake!  I can’t have any of it anymore.  I can’t even drink coffee!  I can’t have caffeine and the coffee bean oil is way too hard on my gut.  I really miss that, especially in the winter!

I can’t drink alcohol either, which is fine, I don’t care, but sometimes a glass of wine was nice with dinner at a nice place.  I can’t have any of it.  I  haven’t gone out to eat in almost 7 years!  I can’t even walk in a restaurant and smell the food they are cooking.  Everyone uses wheat and dairy and it makes me sick.  I can’t have eggs either or soy.  I can’t even walk down the bread aisle at the store.  Wheat smells sick to me and it makes me nauseous!  Oats caused me to go into anaphylactic shock on 4-28-12 and I stopped breathing, so I have to be very careful!  No wheat, barley, rye, oats, caffeine, alcohol, dairy, soy, eggs, coconut, iodine, or NSAIDS.  I even had to stop eating chocolate too!

Even if one crumb of wheat got into my system, it would be enough to cause an immediate auto immune reaction, which would cause great suffering for me or even anaphylaxis!  That is why I can never risk going out to eat and I would never ask for them to accommodate my Celiac because people don’t care and they mock Celiac Disease and they think “gluten free” is a joke.  Even a lot of the arrogant doctors think that way and that is why I suffered for 10 years before I was diagnosed due to ignorant doctors who don’t know what Celiac Disease is.  I went undiagnosed for 10 years until it almost killed me when I was down to 128 pounds on 1-6-2012!  So many doctors are so sinful and arrogant it makes me sick!  I forgive them in Jesus’ Name and pray God gives them wisdom and humble hearts to actually help people.

What hurts the most is that I passed this genetic autoimmune disorder on to my kids.  Thankfully, we caught it before it damaged their small intestines, but they have to eat gluten free for the rest of their lives.  They can still have chocolate, dairy, and eggs, and they can even eat out at certain places, which is great, but I hate that they have this disease.  I love scooping my kids ice cream, but I have to wear gloves because if I touch dairy I get welts on my skin.

When I was first diagnosed, I would have dreams about eating the food I couldn’t have anymore.  It was psychologically tormenting.  It is still hard sometimes.  I must admit, I still look over at Goodtimes when I drive by it sometimes.  I hope people realize how lucky they are to be able to eat whatever they want.  To sink your teeth into your favorite food is a true blessing.  To have it taken away really hurts.

It is an awful feeling having your life, strength, youth, and vigor taken from you.  One day everything was fine and I was young and strong and newly marred with my whole life in front of me.  Next thing I know I was diagnosed with a deadly disease, which is also a lifelong chronic illness, and my whole life was taken from me in a heartbeat!

Yeah, I am back on my feet, but I am still unemployed.  I am still suffering and fighting this disease.  I am still swallowing 11 different vitamins every day just so I can function like I’m some old man when I’m only 40.  I still have blood sugar lows that knock me to my knees at times.  I still wake up with blood sugar lows sometimes and those are still rough mornings.  I don’t have a lot of energy to pull from standing 6 foot 1 inch tall and barely weighing 135 pounds.

If you can imagine, it is not fun or comfortable to digest food and go to the bathroom through damaged intestines every single day.  Do you understand what I’m saying without me being gross?  I hate this disease.  I want to go home and be with Jesus!  I hate this sick body of death and I don’t want to be in it anymore.

I long to be with Christ.  I don’t even care if my place is ready or not.  I can just stay outside under a tree.  He doesn’t need to prepare anything special for me.  I will just be glad to be there!

However, there is work to do!  I have a wife and kids to love!  I have more people to help and more preaching to do!  Do you know who else felt like that?  The Apostle Paul!  He longed to be with the Lord, but he knew he must press on for Jesus!

“..Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.  I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.  For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.  If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me.  Yet what shall I choose?  I do not know!  I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.”

Philippians 1:18-24

It is comforting to know that Paul, a great Apostle of God, felt the same way we do!  We long for Heaven and we are tired of earth and all of its suffering!  However, I pray for courage, so that Jesus will be exalted in my body.  That is amazing to me!  This sick body of death of mine has no hold over me!  I have the Spirit of Jesus Christ inside of me and Jesus can still be exalted in my body no matter how beat up it is!

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ…”

Philippians 1:27

Paul doesn’t say, “if it is easy” or “only if you are healthy” conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel.  No, he said, “whatever happens.”  That is not easy for human beings to do, especially when what happened was devastating to your life.  But I press on by the power of the Holy Spirit!

I am so thankful to God for my book and this blog!  I pray for strength and I pray that no matter what happens in my life, I will be able to conduct myself in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that He will be pleased with me.

I know God can remove this thorn from me anytime He wants to.  I also know that there is a greater purpose for all these years He has been healing me as He guides me through the valley of suffering.  Paul had an ailment too.  He called it his thorn and he pleaded with God to take it away, but the Lord did not.

“To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassing great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.  Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.  But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

We don’t know what Paul’s thorn was and this is the only time he mentions it, but you can tell it bothered him greatly and he wanted it removed.  Just like Paul, we must continue to trust God through our suffering.  I can testify that His grace is sufficient and His power is inside this weak body of mine!  I hope and pray that reading this blog shows you what God can do through somebody who is still hurting and that His power truly is made perfect in weakness!

Grace and peace to you all!

 

 

I just took this photo around 6:00 p.m. Mountain Time today 9-24-18.  Pretty cool double rainbow!  Just wanted to share something cool God is doing right now in my neck of the woods!

Here is what it looks like out West toward the Rockies:

I love fall time!  And guess what?  I don’t have to mow the lawn anymore either!  Yay!!!

Have a great afternoon everyone!

Remember, Jesus loves you, and that is not some bumper sticker slogan.  That is a deep truth that you can rest in for eternity!  Praise the Lord!

Look to the mountains and be encouraged!  There is a God in Heaven who loves you!

 

 

Sometimes this crazy world gets us down and we feel disturbed by it all.  Our souls can become downcast and we can feel depressed and discouraged.  Sometimes we don’t even know why.  Other times the troubles of this life weigh us down.  Every human being on earth has faced this earthly reality.

I have to admit friends, I was pretty discouraged this morning.  Yes, another rough morning from Celiac.  Do you know how God turned it around though and lifted me up?!  He sent a wave of encouragement from all of you and He spoke encouragement into my heart!

I listened to that beautiful praise song that GodInspiredArt&Quotes posted this morning, and then I posted a piece about that song and her blog!  The Lord continued to send encouragement through my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ all day, then He spoke a very familiar word into my heart.

This is what I heard the Lord whisper to me as He reminded me to shift my focus:

“Why are you downcast,

O my soul?

Why so disturbed within

me?

Put your hope in God,

for I will yet praise him,

my Savior and my God.”

Psalm 43:5

Amen!  I don’t need to be disturbed about anything even with Celiac Disease!  Forget Celiac!  I rebuke that discouragement in the Name of Jesus!  I believe in the God of all creation and He is with me and for me!  He is the Creator of Heaven and earth, and nothing is too hard for Him!  He saw that I was fighting the disease hard this morning, so He gave me support through our encouraging family of believers and He spoke a good word into my heart!

Whatever you have going on right now in your life that might be disturbing you, lay it down to God!  Shift your focus to the God of Heaven who loves you and put your hope in Him and what He has done for you as your Savior and God!  We will yet praise Him!  We will yet praise Him!  Amen!

I pray in the Name of Jesus that all who are struggling and downcast today will be delivered from that and will be lifted up and encouraged in the power of the Holy Spirit!  Amen!

Thank you all for the love and encouragement, and thank you for your prayers!

Grace and peace to you all!

P.S.

I must have listened to that praise song “Higher” at least 10 times today!  Praise God!  Matter of fact, I am going to listen to it again right now!  God bless you all!

 

 

This is a very encouraging praise song called “Higher” that I learned about this morning from our good sister in Christ at GodInspiredArt&Quotes!  She is a very encouraging sister and I love her “Afro Praise Mondayz!”  This song really lifted my heart today!  Thank you sister!  God bless you!

This is known as “Afro-Caribbean” music!  The artist is Keylon Whitlock from Tobago!

God bless you all!

Please check out GodInspiredArt&Quotes and be encouraged today!  Jesus loves you!

Grace and peace to you all!

I love that painting by Kenneth Wyatt!  Whether that is what the Apostle Paul looked like or not, it is a masterful depiction of what Paul might have looked like.  This is definitely what it would have looked like as he wrote all the letters that we have come to cherish so dearly all around the world.  Today, I would like to take a peek into what Paul’s frame of mind was while he was writing his letters that became the majority of the New Testament.

He knew the kind of man he was before he received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and he was fully aware of the grace that had been poured out on him.  Listen to this man’s heart as he writes about himself.

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.  Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.  The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst.  But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.  Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever.  Amen.”

1 Timothy 1:12-17

Paul felt as though he was the worst sinner that Jesus had saved!  He was humble about his faith and he was so thankful for God’s love and mercy.  He knew what he had come from and he knew where he was going and he gave all the glory to Jesus!  Paul went by his Hebrew name Saul before he was a Christian.  He persecuted Christians and killed them.  He was there giving approval to the murderous mob who stoned Stephen to death (see Acts 7:54-8:1).  However, God had a great plan for Saul!

In Acts 9 we read about his miraculous conversion while on the road to Damascus where he was traveling to persecute more Christians.  Jesus appeared to him and it changes Saul’s life forever!

“Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples.  He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.

As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.  He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked

“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting, ” he replied.  “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

Acts 9:1-6

Yeah, it’s amazing!  That is why Paul was so hardcore for Jesus all the way until the end when the Romans chopped his head off!  He had just murdered Stephen and he was on his way to imprisoning and killing more Christians, but Jesus stopped him, accepted him, and gave him a new mission!  Paul was shown incredible grace and he knew it!

He starts using the name Paul in Acts chapter 13.  It is commonly thought that Jesus gave him the name Paul, but we do not see that in the miracle on the road to Damascus.  He was still called Saul from that time up until he started using his dual name Paul in chapter 13.  Having dual names was common in Paul’s time.

“The custom of dual names was common in those days.  Acts 13:9 describes the apostle as “Saul, who was also called Paul.”  From that verse on, Saul is always referred to in Scripture as “Paul.””

-GotQuestions.org/Saul-Paul

“Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit…”

Acts 13:9

Here is a great explanation for the name change from GotQuestions.org:

“Paul was a Jew, born in the Roman city of Tarsus.  He was proud of his Jewish heritage, as he describes in Philippians 3:5: “Circumcised on the eight day, of the race of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrew parentage, in observance of the law a Pharisee.”  So zealous and devout was he that persecuting Christians was the natural way for him to show his devotion.  He chose to use his Hebrew name, Saul, until sometime after he began to believe in and preach Christ. After that time, as “the apostle to the Gentiles” (Romans 11:13), he used his Roman name, Paul.  It would make sense for Paul to use his Roman name as he traveled farther and farther into the Gentile world.”

-GotQuestions.org/Saul-Paul

In order to find out how Paul became the Apostle to the Gentiles, we need to go back to Acts chapter 9 and find out what happened to Saul after he saw Jesus on the road to Damascus.

“The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone.  Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing.  So they led him by the hand into Damascus.  For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.

In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias.  The Lord called to him in a vision,

“Ananias!”

“Yes, Lord,” he answered.

The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.  In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”

“Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem.  And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”

But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go!  This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.  I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

Acts 9:7-16

So you see, Jesus Himself appointed Paul to be His “chosen instrument” to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles, their kings, and the people of Israel.  By the way, God bless brother Ananias!  He had no idea he would be healing the man who was going to spread the Gospel around the world, start a lot of the churches, and write most of the New Testament!  He was worried about Saul because he knew he had been killing Christians.

Here is how Ananias responded to what Jesus told him:

“Then Ananias went to the house and entered it.  Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord–Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here–has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.  Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again.  He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.  At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.”

Acts 9:17-20

That is how Paul got saved and that is how his ministry and calling to be Jesus’ chosen instrument started!  The Christians that he had come to persecute became his brothers and sisters in Christ!  He was healed, filled with the Holy Spirit, and baptized!  He spent time with his new friends getting to know them, and then after being strengthened, he immediately started preaching about Jesus!  Hallelujah!  What an amazing testimony!

“All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name?  And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?”  Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.”

Acts 9:21-22

Paul’s letters are still proving that Jesus is the Christ to this very day!  You might feel like you are the worst of sinners that Jesus has saved, but remember you are forgiven and free and you are a living testimony of the grace, love, mercy, and unlimited patience of Jesus Christ!  He saved you because He has a great purpose for you!  Push forward into that purpose immediately just like Paul did and never look back!

Grace and peace to you all!

Good evening everyone!  I hope you all had a blessed Saturday!  It is a beautiful night tonight here in Colorado!  I just took these photos about 20 minutes ago.  The moon is coming up in the east and the sun has already set behind the Rockies.  This will be a short post.  I just wanted to say that I am praying blessing and protection over all of you tonight and over your families and your countries!  God bless you all!  Have a peaceful and blessed evening!  Jesus loves you!

The stars are starting to come out one by one!  Goodnight to everyone!

Grace and peace to you all!

“Lift your eyes and look to

the heavens:

Who created all these?

He who brings out the

starry host one by one,

and calls them each by

name.

Because of his great power

and mighty strength,

not one of them is missing.”

Isaiah 40:26

 

I have been having a blast playing Nerf wars with my son this afternoon!  I just bought the set today for my son’s good grades.  He is doing great in school and we are very thankful and very proud of him!  The game is called Nerf Rival and it is awesome!  They are toy guns that shoot little Nerf balls.  They are very soft and it is very safe.  I still bought the masks though because those little suckers come out at about 100 feet per second!  My son has been wanting to do this for a long time.  He was so excited leaving the store with all his gear!

It is a really cool set and it is a great game for a Dad and his son!  If you have ever played paintball, then you will love this!  It is just like it!  The magazine holds 7 rounds, but you have to rack the charging handle after every shot.  We got fast with it pretty quick though!

My son is so funny!  He really goes after it and he charges at me over and over!  He had his SWAT outfit on and one time when I had the door cracked and I was hiding in my office, he kicked it open like SWAT and got me!  He has a lot of gusto!  He even did some of his Taekwondo moves on me when he ran out of ammo!  I let him take me down, then he likes to give me a little kick in the bum before he runs away.  It is hilarious!

Here are the patches on my “every citizen a solider” uniform, and no, I’m not part of any group, but I also know most of those men are the good guys.  The media are the ones that make them look crazy.  They always try to make Christians look crazy too!  I am a Christian and an American and I love my country and I am ready if my country ever does call a citizen militia together.  We have the right to stand up for each other and fight back in this country!  In 1 Corinthians chapter 13 one of the definitions of love is that “it always protects.”  Love your family, protect them.  Love your neighbors, protect them.  Love your country, protect it.  Feel me?

I know there are several veterans that read my blog!  God bless you and thank you for your service!  May the Lord protect all of our soldiers and may He give them great victory in battle and a swift and safe journey home!  If we ever have a time in America where citizens need to step up to defend the country, then I will be stepping up wearing this.  I could not just stand by while evil men rampage through my country!  The Lord will discipline such men.

I never received the opportunity to join the military, but many of you know I once wanted to be a police officer and I did receive professional training in firearms.  My instructor was an old gunny type guy who did 25 years training SWAT teams.  Yes, it was rad and I learned everything I need to know to protect my family and my community.  To be clear, I hate violence and fighting.  I just believe the good guys need to be brave and be ready to fight evil and protect innocence.  Evil men succeed when good men do nothing.  I am glad I know how to protect my family, but I pray that I never have to use that training.  I would much rather God just use His angels!  That has worked real good for me so far!  I usually only carry my .45 in the mountains when we go fishing because of the very real mountain lion and bear dangers that exist out there.

Just know that if there is some nut that starts hurting people, I am going to be the one to rush him hard and give him the discipline he deserves.  Even if that means I go down in the process, so be it!  That is better than a bunch of people getting killed who might not know the Lord.

I pray for peace and I hope my son never has to fight a war or encounter violence.  My son loves playing army guys and he respects soldiers.  I taught him that respect, but I want him to be a soldier for Jesus first and forever.  I know that he will most definitely have to fight the spiritual war we are all living in!  I have trained my son how to shoot a rifle and he takes Taekwondo, but the majority of training I give my son is in the Word of God.

“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.  Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs–he wants to please his commanding officer.”

2 Timothy 2:1-4

I teach my son that we are in an ancient spiritual war and the only way to have victory in the battles we face in that war is through Jesus Christ.  He knows our enemy is the evil one, and I have taught him to watch out for the kinds of tricks and lies he likes to use.  Fathers, be sure to read Proverbs to your sons too, and pray for them every day!

“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.”

Ephesians 6:10-12

When some person in society goes totally insane and starts shooting people at a church or mall or school, that is not flesh and blood we are struggling against!  That is satan!  That is how he fights the war!  He is the thief and he comes only to steal, kill, and destroy.  Jesus came to destroy the devil’s work, so that we could have life to the full!

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

Jesus speaking in John 10:10

“He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning.  The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.”

1 John 3:8

I train my son how to fight this war in righteous victory.  He knows the Word of God is his sword.  He also knows prayer is a righteous weapon and I teach my son that in order to engage in ground battles victoriously we need to first do battle in the air by lifting our prayers to the Lord!

He knows the battle belongs to the Lord, and he knows the Lord is with him like a mighty warrior (Jeremiah 20:11)!  He knows God’s angels are with him too, and he knows to pray at all times about everything!

“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.”

Ephesians 6:13-18

Through faith in Jesus Christ you have the power to extinguish every last one of the flaming arrows the evil one shoots at you!  Armor up brothers and sisters because like my great mentor and friend Jim bro always used to say, “life is a battleground, not a playground.”

Amen brother Jim bro!  Grace and peace to you all!

P.S.

After we ran around the basement for almost 3 hours shooting Nerf balls at each other, my son said, “Dad, that was the best time ever!”

I had an awesome time with my son today, thank you Jesus!  God bless you all!