Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Victory. Such a beautiful word, don’t you think? We use it so much, that I fear it has lost its zing in our life. We hear it chanted at sporting events. We see it plastered on church signs. I see it constantly, because it’s the name of the local church that I serve at. But have you ever really stopped to think about the depth of this word, Victory?
Last night I got the awesome chance to see victory firsthand. The occasion: Cabot High School vs. Jacksonville High School. The venue: War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. The rivalry: priceless. And there we were – neighboring towns, hoping to leave that football stadium as winners. Both teams have the same team colors, so I jokingly told someone I was with that it was hard to know who to high five and who to kick in the shin. No, I wouldn’t have really done that (the kicking part, that is). It was just a joke. But nonetheless, it was hard to tell the two teams’ fans apart.
It was a tough game – interceptions, fumbles, bad ref calls (against Cabot, of course…lol). But when it was all said and done, the final score was Cabot 28, Jacksonville 14. The victory was ours. And we celebrated. And the ride home was light hearted and fun. And we were on the winning side.
And in life – the same principle is so very true. Followers of Christ, listen closely: it doesn’t matter how many times our passes might be intercepted and it doesn’t turn out like we imagined it would, or how many times we fumble the ball and make a mess of the life God has given us to live, or even if life throws us some “bad calls” and we just don’t feel we’re getting a fair shake: we are on the winning team!
As a matter of fact, we’ve already won! When Christ hung on the cross almost 2,000 years ago, some of His last words uttered were, “It is finished.” If ever there were a victory chant that’s worth remembering, it’s that one. “It is finished” means our debt has been paid, God’s judgment has been satisfied, our eternity has been purchased. “It is finished” is the touchdown of all touchdowns – the score of all scores! Jesus has taken care of the victory! And just in case there were any doubts as to Who the victory belonged to, He got up on the third day after being buried in a borrowed tomb! His resurrections screams VICTORY!
So today, here’s a challenge: look different from the other team. Let the world see you, living for Him, loving for Him, pointing people to Him, and let them immediately know that you’re on the winning team. Lift up your head! We are not defeated, we are the winners! And until Jesus comes back to take us home, let’s recruit as many for our eternal team as we can!
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours!
Until next time,
Blake
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Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Change
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Change. Come on, let’s face it – nobody really likes it that much. Sure, politicians campaign on it and it wins the support of untold masses, but when it’s all said and done, the vast majority of us like the status quo. We like being comfortable. We like our routine. Our rut. And at the end of the day, if we’ve managed to survive that 24 hour period with little change we’ll consider ourselves a success. But is that really possible?
See, I have this theory: change is inevitable. The world is constantly changing, and so are we. After all, would you consider it healthy if, at the age of 26, my vocabulary still consisted of “dada” and “goo goo?” Or if I still needed someone to pick out my clothes for the next day, or bathe me? Surely if that was the case it would mean that there’s been some type of issue along the way in my development, right? The same is true with life.
As we grow, things change. Some changes come because we’re human, and some come because we’re a Child of the King. Nonetheless, change comes.
I’ll have to admit, as I look back over the past 12 months of my personal life, there have been a few changes that not only took me by surprise, but that I’d really not have chosen for myself had I been given a say in the matter. But, considering where my life is right now, I’m thankful for the change, painful as it may have been.
So what about you today? God has promised change, did you know that? He wants to change us into new creatures when we come to Him. And even after we come to Him, the boat of life sometimes makes us think that the change we’re experiencing is too much to bear – a storm of sorts. Luke 8:24 reminds us that Jesus has authority, even over the wind and the waves.
So when change comes, and it will, set your eyes on Jesus – the unchanging One. He can calm the storm, and He can calm His child. And at the end of the day, as you look back and who you’ve been for Him that day, ask yourself: is that change I can believe in?
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Sign up to be an official follower today!
You can write to Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com!
Change. Come on, let’s face it – nobody really likes it that much. Sure, politicians campaign on it and it wins the support of untold masses, but when it’s all said and done, the vast majority of us like the status quo. We like being comfortable. We like our routine. Our rut. And at the end of the day, if we’ve managed to survive that 24 hour period with little change we’ll consider ourselves a success. But is that really possible?
See, I have this theory: change is inevitable. The world is constantly changing, and so are we. After all, would you consider it healthy if, at the age of 26, my vocabulary still consisted of “dada” and “goo goo?” Or if I still needed someone to pick out my clothes for the next day, or bathe me? Surely if that was the case it would mean that there’s been some type of issue along the way in my development, right? The same is true with life.
As we grow, things change. Some changes come because we’re human, and some come because we’re a Child of the King. Nonetheless, change comes.
I’ll have to admit, as I look back over the past 12 months of my personal life, there have been a few changes that not only took me by surprise, but that I’d really not have chosen for myself had I been given a say in the matter. But, considering where my life is right now, I’m thankful for the change, painful as it may have been.
So what about you today? God has promised change, did you know that? He wants to change us into new creatures when we come to Him. And even after we come to Him, the boat of life sometimes makes us think that the change we’re experiencing is too much to bear – a storm of sorts. Luke 8:24 reminds us that Jesus has authority, even over the wind and the waves.
So when change comes, and it will, set your eyes on Jesus – the unchanging One. He can calm the storm, and He can calm His child. And at the end of the day, as you look back and who you’ve been for Him that day, ask yourself: is that change I can believe in?
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Sign up to be an official follower today!
You can write to Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Back in the Saddle again...
Good morning world! Well, it's been some time since my last blog was written, and to be honest there are a variety of reasons for that. You see, I blog when I have something that just can't wait to "get out" of me. Everyone needs an "out" when they get stressed or put under pressure. For some, that's a round of golf or a 3 mile run. For me, I've found, it's sitting down with a laptop in front of me and writing. I love to write. So here I am, for the first time in a while, venting my overflowing heart to you, my faithful few. And can I just begin with a very simple phrase that is so HUGELY filled with truth - God IS faithful!
So approximately 3 months go my world changed - TOTALLY. Without going in great detail for the benefit of others, choices were made that weren't in my scope of control, that turned everything I knew upside down. And for a moment - a brief, passing moment - I didn't think I could stand to live in my new reality. I didn't think it was worth it at all. My dreams, my plans, my goals - all flushed in an instant. And everything, or so it seemed, had changed and vanished before my eyes. But there were those faithful few that stood around me, though my gratitude at the time was lacking. There were those who drove miles and miles to simply be there with me. They did my laundry, did my cooking, cleaning my house, and even just sat in the same room as me, even at all hours of the night, so I wouldn't be alone. They love me - unconditionally. And this time those that claim that love really do mean it - they prove it daily.
So time has passed since that horrible valley. The darkness has faded into light. The deep, dark valley is fallen behind me and the sunny mountaintop is within view again. I actually find myself smiling for absolutely no reason again. It's been a long time since that's been my reality. But nonetheless, here I am. And it's all because of three little letters - GIF. God IS Faithful. Even when we don't understand why He's allowed such horrible circumstances to fall upon us, He is faithful. Always. Never fails. Boy, that's medicine to a sick soul!
And so today I woke up "giddy." Seriously. I have some folks that have become very important to me in recent days. I won't launch into a list of thank yous, because the list would be way too long for a blog, and I'd inevitably leave someone out and hurt their feelings. But my family, my PB, my LH family, my FD family...and my new best friend...you've all held me up when I couldn't stand on my own. And for that I'm grateful. The "under shepherd" got to be ministered to in a time when he really wasn't up to ministering. God gave all of you to me for such a time as this. And a bright future lies ahead, I can feel it in my bones.
Jim, our FD mechanic, an amazing man of God with a testimony that would make you fall to your knees, told me just a few weeks after that life changing day that I would eventually be "happier than I've ever been." I respect him, but I also thought that though he'd been where I was, he didn't understand my particular situation. I thought that it just wasn't possible to be happy period, let alone "happier than I'd ever been." But boy did God have different plans. And though I don't know what tomorrow holds when the "right now" ;) is over, I know this: He's shown me I can smile again. He's shown me I can trust again. He's shown me I can have a friend and be a friend again. And He's shown me I can experience a deeper fulfilment and joy than ever before again.
So guess what...GIF! And because of His faithfulness, I'm back in the saddle again, and loving every minute of it. What a life He's given me - and a joy to be the one living it. GIF!
Until next time,
blake
That's just a thought from my heart, and I welcome your's.
I welcome your emails anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com .
So approximately 3 months go my world changed - TOTALLY. Without going in great detail for the benefit of others, choices were made that weren't in my scope of control, that turned everything I knew upside down. And for a moment - a brief, passing moment - I didn't think I could stand to live in my new reality. I didn't think it was worth it at all. My dreams, my plans, my goals - all flushed in an instant. And everything, or so it seemed, had changed and vanished before my eyes. But there were those faithful few that stood around me, though my gratitude at the time was lacking. There were those who drove miles and miles to simply be there with me. They did my laundry, did my cooking, cleaning my house, and even just sat in the same room as me, even at all hours of the night, so I wouldn't be alone. They love me - unconditionally. And this time those that claim that love really do mean it - they prove it daily.
So time has passed since that horrible valley. The darkness has faded into light. The deep, dark valley is fallen behind me and the sunny mountaintop is within view again. I actually find myself smiling for absolutely no reason again. It's been a long time since that's been my reality. But nonetheless, here I am. And it's all because of three little letters - GIF. God IS Faithful. Even when we don't understand why He's allowed such horrible circumstances to fall upon us, He is faithful. Always. Never fails. Boy, that's medicine to a sick soul!
And so today I woke up "giddy." Seriously. I have some folks that have become very important to me in recent days. I won't launch into a list of thank yous, because the list would be way too long for a blog, and I'd inevitably leave someone out and hurt their feelings. But my family, my PB, my LH family, my FD family...and my new best friend...you've all held me up when I couldn't stand on my own. And for that I'm grateful. The "under shepherd" got to be ministered to in a time when he really wasn't up to ministering. God gave all of you to me for such a time as this. And a bright future lies ahead, I can feel it in my bones.
Jim, our FD mechanic, an amazing man of God with a testimony that would make you fall to your knees, told me just a few weeks after that life changing day that I would eventually be "happier than I've ever been." I respect him, but I also thought that though he'd been where I was, he didn't understand my particular situation. I thought that it just wasn't possible to be happy period, let alone "happier than I'd ever been." But boy did God have different plans. And though I don't know what tomorrow holds when the "right now" ;) is over, I know this: He's shown me I can smile again. He's shown me I can trust again. He's shown me I can have a friend and be a friend again. And He's shown me I can experience a deeper fulfilment and joy than ever before again.
So guess what...GIF! And because of His faithfulness, I'm back in the saddle again, and loving every minute of it. What a life He's given me - and a joy to be the one living it. GIF!
Until next time,
blake
That's just a thought from my heart, and I welcome your's.
I welcome your emails anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com .
Saturday, October 24, 2009
What is a "Real Man?"
It's been some time since my last blog post, which has much to do with the leg of this journey of life that God has me in right now. The current time is 2:55am on Saturday morning, and since I was awakened unexpectedly by a phone call which was followed about 15 minutes later by a fire department call, and I don't see myself going back to sleep anytime soon, I decided to make good use of time. I have had millions of thoughts racing through my mind over the past several weeks, many of which I am honestly not ready to share yet openly. One that has been racing through my mind that was raised this morning is the issue I'd like to tackle: What is a "real man?"
Hollywood would have us believe that a "real man" is 6'8" tall with biceps as large as the average watermelon, and an ego to match them. But let's not just go after Hollywood - it has become apparent to me that many of us in the world of "church" have absolutely no idea what a "real man" is, either. I have been made aware of this due to the fact that some that are very close to me that I have been in worship times with for years have an apparent massive misunderstanding of the definition of a "real man." So I thought instead of looking at a man's attempt to define the term, we might look at God's.
First off, in Genesis 1:26, God's Word says that He created man "in His own image." That's something we all have in common as humans - we are a "triune being," that is we have a body, mind and spirit, just as God is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. So we were born in His image in that respect. However, anyone that understands the concept of salvation remembers that when we come to Christ we are "born again" as Jesus said in John 3. So when that rebirth happens, Scripture tells us that we then begin the journey of being "transformed into the image of Christ." That takes this thing to a whole new level - what does it mean to look like Jesus?
Christ as God has many character traits that tell us what a "real man" is, as He was the ultimate "real man." One was compassion, therefore a "real man" has compassion. When He sees someone that has fallen, He feels their hurt to the extent that it motivates him to do what he can do to help them. So, "real man", do you want to help people? Another trait is integrity, as Jesus was the same "real man" when people were around as when people weren't. So, "real man", do you have integrity, or are you living a life of secrets having to constantly watch over your shoulder to see who's able to see what you're doing at that moment? Oh, and then there's forgiveness - Jesus even prayed for the forgiveness of those who were crucifying Him. "Real man" - are you forgiving, or do you want to get even all the time? Of all of the many traits that Jesus had that a "real man" will possess, there's just one final traitI want to mention: commitment. A "real man" honors his commitments. When Christ was on His way to the cross, it wasn't fun, and it didn't look easy, but He had committed to accomplish the mission that God the Father had given Him to accomplish. So He did. There's no other way to look at it - He just did. In a world where commitment is a joke - where it's as simple as one choice to break our commitments - where nothing is permanent, even the institution that is built on the premise of a "life long covenant" - a "real man" keeps his commitments, even when it's not easy, convenient, or he doesn't feel like it.
A "real man" will be a blessed man, according to Psalm 1, because he won't "walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers, but rather he delights himself in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night." Wow - a "real man" is a man of the Word. So "real man" - how much time do you spend in the Word on a regular basis? Does the occasional "picking up my Bible for church" constitute as "meditating day and night?"
Jesus Himself said in Luke 9:25, "What is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?" A "real man" has the right priorities. The stuff of this world - the pleasures of this world - all that this world has to offer - pale in comparison to the leadership of God in his life and what God is saying to him about his life's direction. So, "real man", where are your priorities - fun, pleasure, your happiness above all else, or God's will based upon His Word?
There's one more aspect of being a "real man" that's worth mentioning in this age of promise breaking. In Ephesians 5 Paul had strong words to say about what a "real man" is. In verses 25 - 27, Paul tells us that a "real man" will love his wife as Christ loves the Church. He tells us that not only will the "real man" love her unconditionally, but that he will also look out for her well-being. That his goal for her will be nourishing her in the walk with the Lord that she has, and even being willing to sacrifice himself for her well-being if required. He goes on to say that this is the entire point of the Scripture that says, "For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh." A "real man" marries into a life-long commitment of "cleaving" - that is, to holding on for dear life to the woman God has given him, through sickness and health, poverty and wealth, good times and bad, better or worse...you get the idea. He doesn't just hold on "until he has found something better." You see, a "real man" doesn't see anything better. The one God has given him is the best in the eyes of the "real man."
So I present to you at this amazing hour of the day that there are many in this world that think that their height, weight, muscle mass, or ego size determines that they are a "real man." When they stand before God, if that's all that they've had in this life, they will be sorely disappointed when the ultimate "Real Man" says to them, "Depart from me you worker of iniquity, I never knew you." Oh, they may have thought their "manhood" gave them the ability to fight their way out of anything here. They may have been able to whoop anybody that came into their path in this world. But when faced with the reality of the very presence of the God of the universe, who they really are, and their tiny spiritual stature will be all that matters.
And to all you "little guys" out there - guys who aren't 6'8" tall, who don't have watermelon sized biceps, and certainly don't have the egos to match them - but you love the Lord with all your heart, mind, and strength: even if nobody in this world sees it, even if there don't seem to be any women that see it, and even if sometimes you don't even see it - you have no need to worry. You are a "real man." And regardless of the opinions of all those that seem to surround you - the One that you serve, the One that you'll stand before some day soon - the One that sustains you and gives you all you need in this life to serve Him - He's sees you. And believe you me - He knows what a "real man" is.
Until next time (hopefully not 3am then...),
blake
That's just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Feel free to email me anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com .
Hollywood would have us believe that a "real man" is 6'8" tall with biceps as large as the average watermelon, and an ego to match them. But let's not just go after Hollywood - it has become apparent to me that many of us in the world of "church" have absolutely no idea what a "real man" is, either. I have been made aware of this due to the fact that some that are very close to me that I have been in worship times with for years have an apparent massive misunderstanding of the definition of a "real man." So I thought instead of looking at a man's attempt to define the term, we might look at God's.
First off, in Genesis 1:26, God's Word says that He created man "in His own image." That's something we all have in common as humans - we are a "triune being," that is we have a body, mind and spirit, just as God is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. So we were born in His image in that respect. However, anyone that understands the concept of salvation remembers that when we come to Christ we are "born again" as Jesus said in John 3. So when that rebirth happens, Scripture tells us that we then begin the journey of being "transformed into the image of Christ." That takes this thing to a whole new level - what does it mean to look like Jesus?
Christ as God has many character traits that tell us what a "real man" is, as He was the ultimate "real man." One was compassion, therefore a "real man" has compassion. When He sees someone that has fallen, He feels their hurt to the extent that it motivates him to do what he can do to help them. So, "real man", do you want to help people? Another trait is integrity, as Jesus was the same "real man" when people were around as when people weren't. So, "real man", do you have integrity, or are you living a life of secrets having to constantly watch over your shoulder to see who's able to see what you're doing at that moment? Oh, and then there's forgiveness - Jesus even prayed for the forgiveness of those who were crucifying Him. "Real man" - are you forgiving, or do you want to get even all the time? Of all of the many traits that Jesus had that a "real man" will possess, there's just one final traitI want to mention: commitment. A "real man" honors his commitments. When Christ was on His way to the cross, it wasn't fun, and it didn't look easy, but He had committed to accomplish the mission that God the Father had given Him to accomplish. So He did. There's no other way to look at it - He just did. In a world where commitment is a joke - where it's as simple as one choice to break our commitments - where nothing is permanent, even the institution that is built on the premise of a "life long covenant" - a "real man" keeps his commitments, even when it's not easy, convenient, or he doesn't feel like it.
A "real man" will be a blessed man, according to Psalm 1, because he won't "walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers, but rather he delights himself in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night." Wow - a "real man" is a man of the Word. So "real man" - how much time do you spend in the Word on a regular basis? Does the occasional "picking up my Bible for church" constitute as "meditating day and night?"
Jesus Himself said in Luke 9:25, "What is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?" A "real man" has the right priorities. The stuff of this world - the pleasures of this world - all that this world has to offer - pale in comparison to the leadership of God in his life and what God is saying to him about his life's direction. So, "real man", where are your priorities - fun, pleasure, your happiness above all else, or God's will based upon His Word?
There's one more aspect of being a "real man" that's worth mentioning in this age of promise breaking. In Ephesians 5 Paul had strong words to say about what a "real man" is. In verses 25 - 27, Paul tells us that a "real man" will love his wife as Christ loves the Church. He tells us that not only will the "real man" love her unconditionally, but that he will also look out for her well-being. That his goal for her will be nourishing her in the walk with the Lord that she has, and even being willing to sacrifice himself for her well-being if required. He goes on to say that this is the entire point of the Scripture that says, "For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh." A "real man" marries into a life-long commitment of "cleaving" - that is, to holding on for dear life to the woman God has given him, through sickness and health, poverty and wealth, good times and bad, better or worse...you get the idea. He doesn't just hold on "until he has found something better." You see, a "real man" doesn't see anything better. The one God has given him is the best in the eyes of the "real man."
So I present to you at this amazing hour of the day that there are many in this world that think that their height, weight, muscle mass, or ego size determines that they are a "real man." When they stand before God, if that's all that they've had in this life, they will be sorely disappointed when the ultimate "Real Man" says to them, "Depart from me you worker of iniquity, I never knew you." Oh, they may have thought their "manhood" gave them the ability to fight their way out of anything here. They may have been able to whoop anybody that came into their path in this world. But when faced with the reality of the very presence of the God of the universe, who they really are, and their tiny spiritual stature will be all that matters.
And to all you "little guys" out there - guys who aren't 6'8" tall, who don't have watermelon sized biceps, and certainly don't have the egos to match them - but you love the Lord with all your heart, mind, and strength: even if nobody in this world sees it, even if there don't seem to be any women that see it, and even if sometimes you don't even see it - you have no need to worry. You are a "real man." And regardless of the opinions of all those that seem to surround you - the One that you serve, the One that you'll stand before some day soon - the One that sustains you and gives you all you need in this life to serve Him - He's sees you. And believe you me - He knows what a "real man" is.
Until next time (hopefully not 3am then...),
blake
That's just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Feel free to email me anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com .
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Everything in my life is...
A Gift. Everything in my life is a GIFT! I have been very unappreciative, many times, of the goodness of God in my life. I can't list all of His good gifts in my life, but there are a few that stand out to me this morning...
...My Savior. Oh what a Savior, oh Hallelujah! He gave His lifeblood, for even me! And I fail, fail, fail...and He loves, loves, loves! Oh, how He loves you and me! Oh, how He loves you and me! He gave His life, what more could He give? Oh how He loves you, oh how He loves me, oh how He loves you and me! I love Him today - but only because He first loved me!
...My calling. Not only does He love me, but He gave me a purpose! Sharing the Word of God with people is not only something I greatly enjoy doing, it's something I would not be able to survive without! And I get to do it daily!
...My family. God gave me Christian parents, grandparents, and two great sisters, and now brother in laws, that I wouldn't trade for anyone or anything in the world. I love my family, even though I don't get to see them nearly as often as I'd like. I love them - and my nieces, even my brand new one, are such dolls I can't even describe them in words. God is good.
...and my Shauna. I couldn't make it without her. She's my heartbeat - she's my dream girl. I am so head over heels in love with her that if she were gone a hole in my heart would exist that would be so big nothing to even begin to attempt to fill it except God Himself. I love her - and I'm thanking God everyday, more now than ever before, for giving her to me.
The greatest day of my life - Oct. 31st, 1997 - the day I became a child of God.
The close second - February 14, 2004 - the day I became Shauna Erman's husband...she took my name (Martin) and my heart too.
Thank Him today for all He's given you. He truly is good.
Until next time,
blake
That's just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Feel free to write to blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com .
This daily thought was brought to you by http://fromblake.blogspot.com .
Check it out, and sign up to be an official follower to receive daily updates directly in your inbox!
...My Savior. Oh what a Savior, oh Hallelujah! He gave His lifeblood, for even me! And I fail, fail, fail...and He loves, loves, loves! Oh, how He loves you and me! Oh, how He loves you and me! He gave His life, what more could He give? Oh how He loves you, oh how He loves me, oh how He loves you and me! I love Him today - but only because He first loved me!
...My calling. Not only does He love me, but He gave me a purpose! Sharing the Word of God with people is not only something I greatly enjoy doing, it's something I would not be able to survive without! And I get to do it daily!
...My family. God gave me Christian parents, grandparents, and two great sisters, and now brother in laws, that I wouldn't trade for anyone or anything in the world. I love my family, even though I don't get to see them nearly as often as I'd like. I love them - and my nieces, even my brand new one, are such dolls I can't even describe them in words. God is good.
...and my Shauna. I couldn't make it without her. She's my heartbeat - she's my dream girl. I am so head over heels in love with her that if she were gone a hole in my heart would exist that would be so big nothing to even begin to attempt to fill it except God Himself. I love her - and I'm thanking God everyday, more now than ever before, for giving her to me.
The greatest day of my life - Oct. 31st, 1997 - the day I became a child of God.
The close second - February 14, 2004 - the day I became Shauna Erman's husband...she took my name (Martin) and my heart too.
Thank Him today for all He's given you. He truly is good.
Until next time,
blake
That's just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Feel free to write to blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com .
This daily thought was brought to you by http://fromblake.blogspot.com .
Check it out, and sign up to be an official follower to receive daily updates directly in your inbox!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
To win the war...
Today's blog thought will probably be brief, because it's basically just a question. A couple of weeks ago, I had a conversation with someone that was seemingly "on fire" for the Lord. After a brief bit of talking, you'd walk away thinking that this person was ready to "charge hell with a bucket of ice water" as Bro. Bill Birdsong used to say. But a statement was made that concerned me. No, I'm not their judge, nor do I want to be because I am very much imperfect myself, I assure you. But the statement troubled me, nonetheless. Okay, you are curious now aren't you? Well, here it is: "I'm ready to beat the S*** out of the devil and really kick his a**!" I don't even like putting that in this blog with the letters "bleeped" out, because it's obvious what's being said there.
Was there a "fire" there? Obviously. Was there some "fervor" there? I think it's clear to see. The issue that troubled me was this: can we really win the war using the enemy's tactics? If we want to live in victory in this spiritual battle on earth called the Christian life, my understanding is that we've got to make the commitment to do it His way.
"Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word is a gift." (Ephesians 4:29, The Message)
I had this discussion with that person a couple days after that conversation because I was troubled. They understood, we prayed, and moved on. And since that moment I've tried to watch what I say, as well. After all, I'm fighting on the winning side...but I don't want to lose even one soul in the process.
Serving them for Him,
blake
That's just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Feel free to write to blake at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com .
This blog was brought to you by http://fromblake.blogspot.com .
Check it out and sign up to be an official "Follower" to get daily blog/devotional updates!
Was there a "fire" there? Obviously. Was there some "fervor" there? I think it's clear to see. The issue that troubled me was this: can we really win the war using the enemy's tactics? If we want to live in victory in this spiritual battle on earth called the Christian life, my understanding is that we've got to make the commitment to do it His way.
"Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word is a gift." (Ephesians 4:29, The Message)
I had this discussion with that person a couple days after that conversation because I was troubled. They understood, we prayed, and moved on. And since that moment I've tried to watch what I say, as well. After all, I'm fighting on the winning side...but I don't want to lose even one soul in the process.
Serving them for Him,
blake
That's just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Feel free to write to blake at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com .
This blog was brought to you by http://fromblake.blogspot.com .
Check it out and sign up to be an official "Follower" to get daily blog/devotional updates!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
I Finally Did It!
Good morning all you blog readers out there...I finally did it! After being both guilt-tripped and shamed, I finally went to the gym with my Shauna this morning at 5am, and I loved it. It's now 7:45am, and I am awake and ready for the day ahead, after working out, showering, drinking a cup of coffee with the love of my life, and spending some time with the Lord - I've made it to the office to do some writing. What a day this has already become - with a beautiful sunrise to boot! Let me tell you a few things about this morning's workout that you might find amusing...
First of all, I'm so badly out of shape it's not even funny anymore. Shauna, who has been going to the gym every weekday since the first of the year, got on her machine (I think it's called an elliptical) and went to town. In the amount of time it took me to jog/run/walk/gasp for air for 2 miles, she had gone 3.5. So here it is - an admission: my wife could beat me up if she so tried. And I guess I'm okay with that...she's earned it. Back to my point.
Since being diagnosed as a diabetic a couple of months ago, well meaning people in my life, several of them, have strongly encouraged me to get back into the routine of exercising. The bottom line is - it's good for everyone to exercise, but it's phenomenal for a diabetic to. It's such a good decision both for my health and for my mindset. When I exercise, it's my way of reassuring myself that this disease doesn't control me - I control it. No, I'm not a control freak, but some of you can understand how it feels to wake up every morning knowing that your body doesn't work right and the day before you could end with you feeling about 4" tall because of a blood sugar "malfunction." And exercise is a way for me to be offensive, and stop just playing defense with this condition.
So, tomorrow morning the alarm will go off at 5am, and I will get up, put on the ole' gym shorts that I'd prefer not to ever be seen wearing in public after daylight, and go with my bride to the gym to exercise. But this entire time I can hear the words of Paul echoing in my mind..."Bodily exercise profits little...Godly discipline profits much..." So I've gone a while without exercise, and I'm out of shape, so much to the point that it'll take me a while to be back where I used to be strength and stamina wise. How many of us are that badly out of shape spiritually?
Here's the point: I got out of shape by not exercising. We can allow ourselves to become spiritually weak and shallow if we refuse to spend some "exercise" time with the Lord - talking to Him and letting Him talk back - regularly. Otherwise, our walk with Him won't be a long distance run - it'll be a sprint - one that ends and allows us to give up and quit every time it hurts a little.
I'm tired of sprinting in my life...I'm ready for the marathon! What about you?
If you need help training for that marathon, let's talk.
blake
That's just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Feel free to email blake at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com anytime with your questions or comments.
This blog was brought to you by http://fromblake.blogspot.com .
Check it out today and become an official "follower" to get regular email updates of new blogs!
First of all, I'm so badly out of shape it's not even funny anymore. Shauna, who has been going to the gym every weekday since the first of the year, got on her machine (I think it's called an elliptical) and went to town. In the amount of time it took me to jog/run/walk/gasp for air for 2 miles, she had gone 3.5. So here it is - an admission: my wife could beat me up if she so tried. And I guess I'm okay with that...she's earned it. Back to my point.
Since being diagnosed as a diabetic a couple of months ago, well meaning people in my life, several of them, have strongly encouraged me to get back into the routine of exercising. The bottom line is - it's good for everyone to exercise, but it's phenomenal for a diabetic to. It's such a good decision both for my health and for my mindset. When I exercise, it's my way of reassuring myself that this disease doesn't control me - I control it. No, I'm not a control freak, but some of you can understand how it feels to wake up every morning knowing that your body doesn't work right and the day before you could end with you feeling about 4" tall because of a blood sugar "malfunction." And exercise is a way for me to be offensive, and stop just playing defense with this condition.
So, tomorrow morning the alarm will go off at 5am, and I will get up, put on the ole' gym shorts that I'd prefer not to ever be seen wearing in public after daylight, and go with my bride to the gym to exercise. But this entire time I can hear the words of Paul echoing in my mind..."Bodily exercise profits little...Godly discipline profits much..." So I've gone a while without exercise, and I'm out of shape, so much to the point that it'll take me a while to be back where I used to be strength and stamina wise. How many of us are that badly out of shape spiritually?
Here's the point: I got out of shape by not exercising. We can allow ourselves to become spiritually weak and shallow if we refuse to spend some "exercise" time with the Lord - talking to Him and letting Him talk back - regularly. Otherwise, our walk with Him won't be a long distance run - it'll be a sprint - one that ends and allows us to give up and quit every time it hurts a little.
I'm tired of sprinting in my life...I'm ready for the marathon! What about you?
If you need help training for that marathon, let's talk.
blake
That's just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Feel free to email blake at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com anytime with your questions or comments.
This blog was brought to you by http://fromblake.blogspot.com .
Check it out today and become an official "follower" to get regular email updates of new blogs!
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