Area: From Las Cruces, NM toward San Antonio, TX

Israel’s 63^rd Anniversary!

Today marks Israel’s 63^rd anniversary of becoming a nation. Arabs all around the Middle Eastern region and beyond are protesting this historical event. Though the world openly questions and speaks out against Israel’s right to exist based on Scripture…we as believers in Jesus Christ know that God’s unfolding plan is tied to Israel’s re-formation as a nation.   Its true significance is caught in the crossfire of theological and religious debate as people untold ponder how Israel’s re-birth coincides with issues like the rapture, tribulation, and Christ’s approaching return. Regardless of one’s view…God will not be mocked as He arrives just on time amid this once-in-human history season He declares that we can recognize. Israel’s re-emergence as a nation 63 years ago merely marks one of many signs Scripture says will reveal the season of Christ’s return. In this light…what type of people should we live to be… 

Devine Encounter

About ten days ago, I had occasion to wander through Starbucks near Las Cruces, NM where I met this great young couple.  As we began to talk a bit...we soon found ourselves engaged in conversation in which this transparent young man began sharing his battle with unforgiveness openly.  It was truly a privilege of honor to share the love and hope of Christ with him with regard to his battle.  As the two of us continued our interchange...his lovely young lady friend chimed in along the way affirming his efforts to rise out of bitterness to freedom and life.  This young man had gone through divorce a year or so earlier.  Likewise, he had toppled from the top of his professional field to a place of uncertainty.  And yet, he was genuinely more concerned about his spiritual condition than his financial success.  Finally, he admitted that he was not yet in personal relationship with Jesus, but had been reminded often by family that he needs to be.  As our time together drew to a close, I encouraged him to ask God to help him let go of past, to embrace the present, and to liberate his future with heaven's help.  I could see that his pathway was being re-directed to a collision course with the Lover of His soul...Jesus.  They took my card, we shared parting words, and we went our separate ways in faith...that God was up to another miracle one life-at-a-time.  Please pray for this young man and woman.  God will indeed finish the work in response to this young man's hungry heart!  I wish I could say working with others who see themselves as saved was so life-giving...

Onward Progress

In the spirit of simple observation…my journey over the past 7 months has been punctuated by challenges, answered prayers, a miracle here-and-there, sleepless nights, heavy prayer burdens, and untold unknowns. Yet, God remains faithful. Thus far, penetrating today’s church-at-large remains difficult as I meet and share Jesus with people I encounter along the way almost every day.   I meet some along my path, others in Starbucks…some in police cars, others at malls…and still other people sleeping in cardboard boxes as I meet still another bunch traveling from place-to-place. One never knows who, when, or where God will cross one’s path with heaven’s encounter. As second Timothy 4:2 says in a nutshell…”we are to be ever prepared to share the word (both Living and written) at all times.”  The word of our testimony is not how we got saved.  The True Word of our testimony is how much of Jesus living inside of us lives through us when we say nothing... 

Faces of the Bride

As Scripture foretells…Jesus, Heaven’s Bridegroom, is coming back to meet and marry a radiant bride (church) at the wedding feast of the Lamb. Who is this bride? The bride represents those who come to know and serve God personally with all have through personal relationship with Jesus Christ.   Over the past 6,000 plus years, man has made his way from Old Testament obligation to the Law, to and through New Testament appreciation for the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ, and is now hurtling headlong toward the once-appointed season of the “bride.” It is during this season…one’s motivation must rise out of religion being transformed into passionate love for God without regard to personal cost. What does this mean? Throughout Scripture…God’s creation of, dance with, and intention toward His people has been portrayed through the eyes of “marriage.” As with all life-long covenant relationships…intimacy with the other is at the core of that relationship’s existence and vitality. When one is focused on loving their partner unconditionally, no price is too high to pay in sustaining the integrity and passion of that relationship. Throughout history, the faces of heaven’s bride have changed radically as she fixes her ever-challenged gaze on her coming God and King. This said, it seems time for God’s people to prepare themselves to fully love their God and King...Jesus. 

Increased Opposition

My daily journey brings me in contact with a broad cross-section of people ranging from the unsaved to religionists…the lukewarm to fiery-but-misguided theologians…and genuine believers who give in the faith of a widow’s last coin.   Though we know church as an eternal institution finds its origin in God’s design…man has many times perverted what it has become to impose their views on those entrusted to their care. Yes, there are genuine churches and pastors dotting the path along which many churches reside. Sadly, many churches have fallen prey to man’s ideas, corporate structure, and veiled exploitation rather than true Spirit-led dependency upon Jesus Christ.   We know that no one is perfect, including this writer whose work you are now reading. And yet, we are all called beyond the fallen nature of our humanity as we aspire to become more like Jesus each day. How do we live? How do we love? How do we forgive? How do we give? The answer to these questions gives basis to our faith…not the lofty words devoid of action we proclaim to those around us. Please understand that I must also live what I preach before I can preach it authentically. Regardless, proclaiming a message of the hour to a people caught in their spiritual slumber does not bode well in their midst as easy believe-isms are rattled, theologies are challenged, and a call to action is boldly declared. God never said it would be easy to do His bidding…just worth it in the long run.  

An Encouraging Word

Be of good cheer! Jesus has overcome the world for our benefit. I know…it does not always look that way to one’s casual glance. But, when we look deeper within…there is a joy unspeakable, a peace that surpasses understanding, and ever-burning hope that God will make our way secure on our path toward Him. Remember, all good things have a price. There are no free lunches in life. If you want what endures forever, you must set self aside to lay hold of that which satisfies for all eternity. Who are you loving, helping, and protecting at the expense of your own comfort? If no one tops your list…maybe it’s time to fall in love with Jesus for real…  More later as I touch the world around me one step at a time...