Category: Life
Today I met with my friend who I have a accountability/mentorship relation with. It had been 3 weeks since we had last met. I was struck again how much it is needed; how much I needed it. I never had such a relationship growing up. I feel like I really missed something important. But I am grateful to have it now.
I think there was a day in America when fathers and sons, or older men and younger had these kinds of relationships... but then came the modern age where life became about the pursuit of wealth. Father's were conned into believing that their purpose in life was just to bring home the bread. And they abandoned the idea that their primary responsibility was to train up their children in the admonition of the Lord. "That was the churches job" and for those who have abandoned the church they leave their children's mores to be shaped by the culture we dwell in through television, movies, music and such. And they feel they have no choice because working hard for your money leaves you exhausted and then you have little time for your children. Some how we seek our value in our occupation and our ability to provide stuff for our children. And our children learn the lesson well and see their value in how much stuff they have, but one can never have enough stuff... because it never satisfies. So... Okay this has gone on long enough... I'll stop ranting now. It just gets me all spun up.
My value is found in the person of Jesus Christ. He is my all and all. I am glad to be man, a husband and even a father figure, but my value comes from my relationship with Him. Out of that bond, every other relationship can then be defined as either serving the purposes of the King do kings or not. Money doesn't make me great. Building great edifices doesn't establish my worth, but obeying God and reaching down to help one of the least does make me great. The greatest in the Kingdom of God is the servant of all. He who humbles himself in the sight of God will be exalted.
I am so glad to be in a relationship with another man which its primary goal is for us both to walk closer to God, to love with abandon and to obey God without question. We realize that it is a journey, but a journey that I will not willingly abandon. I want to be all that I can be in and for Christ Jesus. I want to lay my life down for anyone that God tells me to. I want to see all people the way He does... worth dying for instead of problems deserving of His wrath. I may not like every person I meet. I may not agree with everything that other people are doing, but I am called to love them, even those who would spit in my face.
I not quite there yet, but I know that this is the goal. I know this is what Christ has called me to in the example of His life. He has called me to love sinners and hate sin. He has called me to bless those who persecute me and provide for my enemies. What a challenge, but then God never asks us to do something unless He has already provided us with the resources to do it. We may not see it, but with obedience, we will reap a harvest.
Amen
P.A.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Day 15 National Blog posting month
So here I have been trying to get my work done, but all I seemed to be able to do was sigh and go... "I don't wana" or something like that. This life in Christ is not all a bed of roses. There are battles with both defeats and victories. Sometimes the enemy lands a few blows, other times we give him a good whack back in the Name, power and authority of Jesus.
I am finding that I need to remember day by day, hour by hour, who I am in Christ. I spent a fair amount of my life living apart from Christ, now that I am living for him, my old habits try to assert themselves off and on. When I am living and knowing who I am... no matter what I face it seems doable. But when I am living in the ways of the flesh, suddenly it gets quite hard. Hmmm maybe there is a lessen here. I think that is what yesterday and today was all about. I was trying to persevere, but I was trying to do it in my own strength... much as I have lived most of my life. Today with a little encouragement for a little bird... a.k.a. Emily, I was reminded to look to Christ for my strength. I spent some time on my face in prayer. Spent another half hour or so in my prayer journal, declaring the truth of my life in Christ and wala... I'm doing better. I still have aches and pains. I still have the enemy after me.. but I am no longer weary of fighting him. I am no longer complaining about my situation. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I am so grateful for my brothers and sisters in the faith who stand by me and remind me of who I am in Christ. I may not like it at the moment, but I have learned to listen when someone like my wife says, "What are you confessing? Is it life or defeat? What are you hearing, is it the voice of the accuser, your own voice or the voice of the Good Shepherd? What are you believing?"
Jesus says his sheep will know his voice. I know the voice of my Lord and Savior. I know what He would say to me. So then... whose voice will I listen to. Sometimes we just repeat what we are use to hearing or saying. I heard it said that our brain is stupid, it only believes what you tell it, and you only feel what you think? So what are you listening to? What are you repeating to yourself? Are you repeating how defeated you are or are you repeating that you are a child of the King and that He has redeemed you for his purposes through Jesus Christ? We believe what we are told. If someone... especially someone in a parental role has told us we are junk, then we may find ourselves believing it. In my case that wasn't the case. I don't know why I ended up believing I was defeated and couldn't do much, but I did and it is that voice that all to often comes back to haunt me. Some days I choose, out of habit, to believe it. This morning I was in such a place. Now I am not. A sister in Christ, spoke the truth over me and now I am giving the devil a dose of God's truth... I am more than an overcomer. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I am the Lord's beloved. He has paid for ALL my sins. He will not allow anyone or anything to pluck me out of his hand. Nothing can separate me from His Love. Nothing I face or struggle with is anything different from what other people struggle with and God is faithful, He will help me when I struggle and help me find a solution so escape it.
So having said all this.. be encouraged... If God is for you who can stand against you. If neither angels or demons can separate you from the Love of God, do not fear. Even if your feelings or the voices in your head are telling you different, stand firm, declare the truth and overcome all that opposes you. You are a child of the King. You are victorious in Christ. Your future is assured in Him, so remain in Him. He is our Lord. He is our Savior. Submit to Him, declare your position in Him, and resist the devil and he MUST flee from you! Be encouraged again I say. This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice in it.
In Him,
P.A.
I am finding that I need to remember day by day, hour by hour, who I am in Christ. I spent a fair amount of my life living apart from Christ, now that I am living for him, my old habits try to assert themselves off and on. When I am living and knowing who I am... no matter what I face it seems doable. But when I am living in the ways of the flesh, suddenly it gets quite hard. Hmmm maybe there is a lessen here. I think that is what yesterday and today was all about. I was trying to persevere, but I was trying to do it in my own strength... much as I have lived most of my life. Today with a little encouragement for a little bird... a.k.a. Emily, I was reminded to look to Christ for my strength. I spent some time on my face in prayer. Spent another half hour or so in my prayer journal, declaring the truth of my life in Christ and wala... I'm doing better. I still have aches and pains. I still have the enemy after me.. but I am no longer weary of fighting him. I am no longer complaining about my situation. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I am so grateful for my brothers and sisters in the faith who stand by me and remind me of who I am in Christ. I may not like it at the moment, but I have learned to listen when someone like my wife says, "What are you confessing? Is it life or defeat? What are you hearing, is it the voice of the accuser, your own voice or the voice of the Good Shepherd? What are you believing?"
Jesus says his sheep will know his voice. I know the voice of my Lord and Savior. I know what He would say to me. So then... whose voice will I listen to. Sometimes we just repeat what we are use to hearing or saying. I heard it said that our brain is stupid, it only believes what you tell it, and you only feel what you think? So what are you listening to? What are you repeating to yourself? Are you repeating how defeated you are or are you repeating that you are a child of the King and that He has redeemed you for his purposes through Jesus Christ? We believe what we are told. If someone... especially someone in a parental role has told us we are junk, then we may find ourselves believing it. In my case that wasn't the case. I don't know why I ended up believing I was defeated and couldn't do much, but I did and it is that voice that all to often comes back to haunt me. Some days I choose, out of habit, to believe it. This morning I was in such a place. Now I am not. A sister in Christ, spoke the truth over me and now I am giving the devil a dose of God's truth... I am more than an overcomer. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I am the Lord's beloved. He has paid for ALL my sins. He will not allow anyone or anything to pluck me out of his hand. Nothing can separate me from His Love. Nothing I face or struggle with is anything different from what other people struggle with and God is faithful, He will help me when I struggle and help me find a solution so escape it.
So having said all this.. be encouraged... If God is for you who can stand against you. If neither angels or demons can separate you from the Love of God, do not fear. Even if your feelings or the voices in your head are telling you different, stand firm, declare the truth and overcome all that opposes you. You are a child of the King. You are victorious in Christ. Your future is assured in Him, so remain in Him. He is our Lord. He is our Savior. Submit to Him, declare your position in Him, and resist the devil and he MUST flee from you! Be encouraged again I say. This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice in it.
In Him,
P.A.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
God is good. I get to work for Him everyday. Yesterday I preached and today I led an impromptu bible study with two young ladies who very much love serving God. We prayed, we studied the first 7 verses of Acts 6 and then we prayed some more. Then we watched an episode of Numb3rs. We had down loaded it off of itunes. It was fun. I get to study, preach, teach and still have a chance for a bit of relaxation. I enjoy the life I have been given. I love my family. I love living in Ukraine. Go figure. I thought I would be happy living in a big house with lots of toys making a huge salary as a programmer, but God saw fit to put me in ministry then send me to Ukraine, and guess who's happy? ME. I don't know what all He has in store for me... but I want more of it. I am physically tired from my exertions preaching yesterday, but it feels good to know I was doing just want He wanted me to be doing. I can't control the out come or people's responses. But it is a blessing to serve the King of kings. It is an honor to lead and serve those who are called his children. I can't imagine any other way of life at this point. I am glad to live where I do. I am glad to be dependent upon His pleasure and his will. I am glad to teach others what He is teaching me.
Is life getting you down... then I suggest you consider turning yours over to the real life giver. To the one who made you and who knows what is best for you.
May you experience the joy of service and the blessing of God's favor. With Love...P.A.
OBTW I also post on Myspace under preacheral
Is life getting you down... then I suggest you consider turning yours over to the real life giver. To the one who made you and who knows what is best for you.
May you experience the joy of service and the blessing of God's favor. With Love...P.A.
OBTW I also post on Myspace under preacheral
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Thoughts about Home makers... (Day 3 of 30 Bloggathon)
Category: Life
Okay, where to start...
I spent 22 years in the Navy with my wife mostly staying at home. She had odd jobs, but it wasn't until the last few years of my Naval career that both of us where working regular. But in all that time I pretty much expected my wife to carry the torch when it came to taking care of the house hold chores and such. Oh I vacuumed here and there and did the odd dish and pan, but for the most part it was her job. Well now we live in Kyiv, Ukraine, my wife get's up every morning at 5:00, I make her breakfast, and lunch and send her off to work. I work out of the house. I do my writing on the household computer and run out for the odd mentorship meeting with some of the guys I am training. Now I am not doing all the work, cause we have Emily living with us, but I do a fare share of dish washing. And I must say my appreciation for those people (mostly women) who have stayed home to take care of the house has risen greatly. It is a never ending job that just seems to recreate itself every few hours. Its tedium and messy. Some times its quick, like after lunch, and sometimes its quite lengthy like after a big dinner. So to all you who keep the fires stoked and keep the kitchen clean... Good on ya.
Now this also led me to think about what it was like some 200 years ago, which isn't hard, because many of the villages around here currently aren't much better than turn of the century (19th-20th) were in the US. No running water, outside toilets, Brick stoves for heating and cooking.
So my point is this... could you imagine doing dishes without running water and without detergent. Can you imagine life without disposable sponges and paper towels. Could you imagine trying to clean dishes with a dish rag that hadn't been washed in a week or more. Could you imagine all the food particles and stuff that could accumulate around your kitchen if you didn't get down and scrub the wooden floors regularly. Could you imagine the smell that might be emanating from such a kitchen? Oi!
So that is my blog for the day... just something to think about it and how blessed you are to have all the modern western conveniences!
Have a blessed day
In Him,
Preacher Al
Okay, where to start...
I spent 22 years in the Navy with my wife mostly staying at home. She had odd jobs, but it wasn't until the last few years of my Naval career that both of us where working regular. But in all that time I pretty much expected my wife to carry the torch when it came to taking care of the house hold chores and such. Oh I vacuumed here and there and did the odd dish and pan, but for the most part it was her job. Well now we live in Kyiv, Ukraine, my wife get's up every morning at 5:00, I make her breakfast, and lunch and send her off to work. I work out of the house. I do my writing on the household computer and run out for the odd mentorship meeting with some of the guys I am training. Now I am not doing all the work, cause we have Emily living with us, but I do a fare share of dish washing. And I must say my appreciation for those people (mostly women) who have stayed home to take care of the house has risen greatly. It is a never ending job that just seems to recreate itself every few hours. Its tedium and messy. Some times its quick, like after lunch, and sometimes its quite lengthy like after a big dinner. So to all you who keep the fires stoked and keep the kitchen clean... Good on ya.
Now this also led me to think about what it was like some 200 years ago, which isn't hard, because many of the villages around here currently aren't much better than turn of the century (19th-20th) were in the US. No running water, outside toilets, Brick stoves for heating and cooking.
So my point is this... could you imagine doing dishes without running water and without detergent. Can you imagine life without disposable sponges and paper towels. Could you imagine trying to clean dishes with a dish rag that hadn't been washed in a week or more. Could you imagine all the food particles and stuff that could accumulate around your kitchen if you didn't get down and scrub the wooden floors regularly. Could you imagine the smell that might be emanating from such a kitchen? Oi!
So that is my blog for the day... just something to think about it and how blessed you are to have all the modern western conveniences!
Have a blessed day
In Him,
Preacher Al
Friday, November 2, 2007
Day 2: Bloggathon
Okay this is day 2 of the month of constant blogging. I don't want to be accused of being a slug... so here is my post!
Today has been a banner day. After a conversation with my wife, I had a revelation... on something I should have known already! Shoot Pastor Bob just preached on this a few weeks ago. But apparently it needed to be said again.
It is simply this... If God asks you or requires you as a Christian to do something... like love your wife, obey Him, give to the poor... HE has ALREADY placed the capacity in you.
So many times of recent I have found myself praying for what I should have already had. I guess its time to claim the truth of who I am in Christ and what He has done for me and get busy doing what He has given me to do!
I got like 5 hours sleep and I wide awake and ready to tackle whatever God or life hands me to day. I can say yes to God and no to sin. I can love those who are unlovable. I can forgive the unforgivable and I can do what seems impossible in my own flesh, because my Savior has already given everything I need for life and godliness. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. And if I hear anything different... I know that it isn't coming from my heavenly Father, but from the prince of lies!!!
God is good and so is this day... This is the day HE has made and I am rejoicing in it!!!!
Have a blessed day, and may you get the revelation of all that Christ has done for you too!
Alan
a.k.a. Preacher Al
Today has been a banner day. After a conversation with my wife, I had a revelation... on something I should have known already! Shoot Pastor Bob just preached on this a few weeks ago. But apparently it needed to be said again.
It is simply this... If God asks you or requires you as a Christian to do something... like love your wife, obey Him, give to the poor... HE has ALREADY placed the capacity in you.
So many times of recent I have found myself praying for what I should have already had. I guess its time to claim the truth of who I am in Christ and what He has done for me and get busy doing what He has given me to do!
I got like 5 hours sleep and I wide awake and ready to tackle whatever God or life hands me to day. I can say yes to God and no to sin. I can love those who are unlovable. I can forgive the unforgivable and I can do what seems impossible in my own flesh, because my Savior has already given everything I need for life and godliness. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. And if I hear anything different... I know that it isn't coming from my heavenly Father, but from the prince of lies!!!
God is good and so is this day... This is the day HE has made and I am rejoicing in it!!!!
Have a blessed day, and may you get the revelation of all that Christ has done for you too!
Alan
a.k.a. Preacher Al
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Living with Christ Category: Life
Last night we had a house guest and her life and faith in Christ spoke to me. Its one thing when I complain about Christian's and I do that more than I should. But it such an honor when I can look at one and say… "Wow they really have this living for Jesus thing down." Well really she really has living for Christ down. She'll know who I am talking about when she reads this, but I want her to receive her rewards in heaven. Now she's not perfect, WHO IS? But I see her living her life trusting God in ways that I would want to emulate. You see she lives in an apartment in Kyiv like we do, but the difference is she is letting a family of Ukrainians live with her… and as far as I know… free of charge. They clean and cook and take care of her too, but she isn't concerned about them "carrying their weight." She just loves them, trust God for her provision, and if they have family stop by and stay for a week, she is cool with it. I so admire her attitude. I so want God to work in my heart to have that kind of attitude. She isn't try to maximize her financial status. She isn't making sure she has enough for tomorrow. She knows who brings tomorrow and she thrust HIM more than most Christians I know.
You see I unfortunately many of the western Christian Missionaries I have met are more concerned about their personal comfort and security than they are in spreading the Gospel! OUCH I felt that too. Too many want to have a really comfortable base of operations from which they can "do the work of the ministry." But so often they seem caught up in making sure they have the latest and greatest technology. And when they leave do they give it to some one less fortunate and emulate the principles of Christ's Kingdom???? No they try to sell it and get as much as they can for it. Part of my angst with this is the realization of my own lack of faith. I think that I need the best and fastest computer to do my work. I thought I needed a PDA (a.k.a Palm computer). I think I need a roof over my head and lots of food on the table… but you know there are 100's of millions of Christians living without those things, and God loves them and he provides for them. HE is more interested in their eternal salvation and status than He is in minor comforts…
I know my God loves me. I know He provides for me, but too often I find I am complaining that I don't have enough cool stuff to do my work. Actually I have more than I need. I can write, I have pens and I can buy paper if needed. The computer can be helpful but it can also rob me of valuable time when it decides to act up.
So where am I going with this? I hope and pray that more of us Christians could catch the kind of attitude that I saw in this young woman who blessed our home the other evening. I feel so blessed to know her and I am blessed by the example of her faith and her trust in our Father in Heaven.
So the next time you find you saying, "I need 'such an such'", take a step back and consider what you really need… Jesus. You have his love and his salvation… everything else is gravy. Most of us could stand missing a meal or two and a night sleeping on the street might teach us how much we have and how blessed we are in material wealth. But if all that vanished tomorrow. If our world was suddenly turned upside down and we had no food, no job and no place to live, that wouldn't mean that God had stopped loving us or that our eternal salvation had been taken from us. All's it would mean would be that our lives would be temporarily uncomfortable and maybe hard. But compared to the all the Christians around the world that are facing death every day because of their Muslim neighbors who hate them, we would still be living a relatively sedate Christian life.
May you experience a true sense of God greatness and love this week. Praying that you too could be released from the bondage to materialism and the need for creature comforts…
In Christ,
Your brother and friend,
Alan
You see I unfortunately many of the western Christian Missionaries I have met are more concerned about their personal comfort and security than they are in spreading the Gospel! OUCH I felt that too. Too many want to have a really comfortable base of operations from which they can "do the work of the ministry." But so often they seem caught up in making sure they have the latest and greatest technology. And when they leave do they give it to some one less fortunate and emulate the principles of Christ's Kingdom???? No they try to sell it and get as much as they can for it. Part of my angst with this is the realization of my own lack of faith. I think that I need the best and fastest computer to do my work. I thought I needed a PDA (a.k.a Palm computer). I think I need a roof over my head and lots of food on the table… but you know there are 100's of millions of Christians living without those things, and God loves them and he provides for them. HE is more interested in their eternal salvation and status than He is in minor comforts…
I know my God loves me. I know He provides for me, but too often I find I am complaining that I don't have enough cool stuff to do my work. Actually I have more than I need. I can write, I have pens and I can buy paper if needed. The computer can be helpful but it can also rob me of valuable time when it decides to act up.
So where am I going with this? I hope and pray that more of us Christians could catch the kind of attitude that I saw in this young woman who blessed our home the other evening. I feel so blessed to know her and I am blessed by the example of her faith and her trust in our Father in Heaven.
So the next time you find you saying, "I need 'such an such'", take a step back and consider what you really need… Jesus. You have his love and his salvation… everything else is gravy. Most of us could stand missing a meal or two and a night sleeping on the street might teach us how much we have and how blessed we are in material wealth. But if all that vanished tomorrow. If our world was suddenly turned upside down and we had no food, no job and no place to live, that wouldn't mean that God had stopped loving us or that our eternal salvation had been taken from us. All's it would mean would be that our lives would be temporarily uncomfortable and maybe hard. But compared to the all the Christians around the world that are facing death every day because of their Muslim neighbors who hate them, we would still be living a relatively sedate Christian life.
May you experience a true sense of God greatness and love this week. Praying that you too could be released from the bondage to materialism and the need for creature comforts…
In Christ,
Your brother and friend,
Alan
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