A Battling Example

The goal of battle is to overcome the opposition by force and institute a set or in some cases a re-set of personal beliefs or principals for a people or system.   That is exactly why God sent Jesus into this world!  To do battle with an enemy who constantly overcomes his people and to re-set the original intent for a personal relationship with God as was first enjoyed by Adam.   Understand this restoration process and purpose of Christ took steps as the scriptures tell us and did not take place overnight.  It started with the birth, death, resurrection, and finally the ascension.  Too many people are going right from birth to resurrection ignoring the most difficult but possibly the most rewarding step.  Death! Only through death can one step back and examine themselves for who they are and who they were.

Christ is the clear example of what a Christ follower’s life should look like.  I often hear Christians talk about the "glorious death" of Jesus and although that may be true in some respect and great reason for rejoicing, what about the not so glorious part of His death and why forgetting about this pivotal part is directly related to why we sometimes fail to be over comers.   I'm all about living in victory or in the "glorious death mentality" like the next guy but honestly I've learned  and am still learning that there is no victory without accepting some wounds, wearing a few battle scars, and learning from my mistakes.

Let's dig a little....

The scripture tell us in 1 Peter 2:21 "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps"(NIV).  So if suffering is a form of example left by Christ, then why is skipping this part of the process in His death so challenging and least discussed?   Why do Christians tend to invert their struggles while those who are not saved where them on their sleeves?  If Christ suffered publicly and openly in front of the world, then why shouldn't we?  Truth is, we take what I believe is one of our best qualities, failure, and turn what should be a learning experience into an excuse rock to hid under.   We spend more time crafting up ways to throw others off the scent of our failures then simply asking for help, prayer, and even a warm hug.  God forbid we become accountable to someone and have the courage to suffer out loud!  We should be proud to be an example of a suffering people to this lost and dying world.  

Blessings,
Allen

Careful who you tell

I’m learning more and more that not everyone is going to be as enthused as I am when God speaks to me.  I have had some opportunities to share what I feel is great revelation and the receiving end is a road block.  I'll never forget one day sitting at my desk at work about to indulge in some Ramon noodles (yeah I'm a big spender), when I read on the side of the container "Caution Contents May Be Hot".  God spoke to me and said that everyone has a so called "spiritual temperature" and whether we like it or not, if the mercury is not on the right side of the bubble, then you better wait to proclaim your brilliant news.   Your good news and someone else's bad day is not the best spiritual recipe.

You may learn a couple of things here as I have: (1) you will find out who is really interested in your spiritual growth.  Those that take the time to see how excited you are and are willing to vest even a little time into the conversation make for great friends and (2) this awe inspiring news may just be for you and only you {God doesn't always speak to me to reveal it to us}- try flying solo sometimes..... It worked for the Wright Brothers! 

I must admit my eagerness to open my heart sometimes out weighs my ability to not take offense to the infamous silent response.  But one thing is for sure here, God said it and I get it.  That’s what really matters!  Asking God for whom and when to share it is another prayer......

Blessings,

Allen

His Will not mine

I read in the Bible somewhere and it said "the plans of a mans heart are many; but it's the Lord purpose that will prevail.  Boy do I have plans!  I'm so sick of the position I'm in at work.  An auditor!  It's going against everything my heart wants.  I can't tell you how many friends I've lost over this position.  I know your probably saying "well they weren't your friends in the first place".  Yeah they were and really close ones too.  When I have on that hat, it just turns others stomachs and  I have to write up my coworkers as they are called now.  It's wild to see the power of the pen take over attitudes of those I once fellowshipped and had lunch with.  I love people and being rejected because of a title is sickening.  The bad thing is I can understand.  I've been on the other side of that pen and it sucks to be honest.  You would think with the way the economy is right now I would be happy just to have a job.  I am but I'm not.  Is that justifiable?

So recently I have decided to look at my options and put my resume out there.  Where else can Allen go and feel the success of making a difference.  No worries about the money.  God has that under control.  But my heart is not in this position anymore.  My attitude towards my job is lacking.  I perform at 100% but it's hard to go above and beyond anymore.  I try to find pleasure in this but it just isn't happening.  Do you think that's what might be hampering my change of pace? 

My wife is a big supporter of me and she knows where I'm at and you know, she hurts when I'm not happy.  Am I purposely hurting her by not being satisfied where I'm at?  Yes and no!  I don't want to hide my feelings.  Especially with my wife!  But keeping them bottled up is a recipe for disaster.  She tells me to be patient and wait on the Lord and I'm so trying right now.  I just want to bring the best out in me at my place of work and change this world.  I have to do my part so God can do His.  His Will not mine right........

Welcome to my head

I wanted to take the time to tell you why I'm here and the purpose of sharing myself with you.  My testimony is powerful, honest, and sometimes disheartening.  My life is full of situations that just about anyone can relate with.  I struggle with me, wrestle with God, and try to make it count at the end of the day.  I can only promise you one thing as you curiously digest what you will read here. Life is real and so am I!! 

My life was never handed to me on a little silver platter and cut up into pieces that made chewing easier.  It was and sometimes is difficult and stressful to say the least.  Hey don't get me wrong, my life has its fantastic movements and times of success as well.  More now than at any point in my life.  But I believe in that old saying that we are "products of our environment" and thus I believe we aid in our failures and successes.  That's a freebee!  But through victories and defeats, I am me and you are you.  Perhaps a spouse, maybe single, or a parent, and hopefully a friend to someone.  I believe it all starts with love.  And I don't mean others.  It starts with loving ourselves, finding ourselves, and freeing ourselves to make a difference in this messed up world.  Hello, my name is Allen and welcome to my blog.........