The Value of Loyalty

6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsakeyou.” 
Deuteronomy 31






This holiday season has offered a little more time for philosophical reflection. One idea seems to resound over others. It is the purpose for this literary prose. LOYALTY.

Loyalty is an innate behavior. We all have it. Some more than others. Where loyalty lies is precarious. Loyalty in the correct context is one of the most desirable traits.

A loyal significant other will not even open those DM's. They will shut down the unwanted innuendos from others. When the relationship is marred the loyal partner doesn't go looking for another on social media.

A loyal employee comes to work everyday and busts tail. They defend their company and their coworkers. They aren't looking for other jobs because they are too busy working.

A loyal soldier always puts the mission first. They take an oath to defend against enemies foreign and domestic. Soldiers never leave a fallen brother behind.

The most perfect example of loyalty is in our Heavenly Father. No matter how many times you fail, He has promised to never leave or forsake you. Your debt is paid in full, if you choose to be loyal to Him.

So, what is the value of loyalty? Priceless.
Where does your loyalty lie?

posted from Bloggeroid

I'm that guy.

Think you know me? You don't. Here's an inside look.

Transparency is often bad publicity. We've seen it on reality shows and with the last 2 presidents. All too often someone that's famous will catch the spotlight and fall way short of our expectations. The politician in scandal, the suicidal musician, the pro player that's consumed in sexual deviance.

Most say transparency reveals weakness. Others say it's a testimony to ones like you. I prefer the later.

The following is rare look inside the mind and life of Scott Northcutt only because I'm inspired to write this evening. I come to you from the park, in Dexter, alone as seems the norm lately. The park because I love to be outside and signal blows at my house.

A solid Christian of 16 years. I cuss in proper company. "I kinda give a damn. I kinda don't care" I'm that guy. From a small town. Majored in psychology minored in English. Graduated an Auto Diesel mechanic because i wasnt designed for an office. You'll see me stop on the side of the highway to help stranded motorists. But, I'll never tell anyone because "the left hand shouldn't know wha the right is doing." I'm that guy.

I read everything i can get my hands on. Retain most of it. Qualified and was asked to join MENSA. I declined. Can fix anything. Yes anything. Don't like to fight but you don't want to fight me. I'm that guy.

Been in 3 relationships totaling 23 years. Looking for that forever one. Believe most all couples are compatible as long as they work at it. I painted her toes, braided her hair, drew her a bath and put her through college. I'm that guy. I was the spiritual leader and the funny guy. Cooked most every meal. Snuggled like a kitten and was a lover like no other. Helped pick out her clothes because my style was better and she asked. Didn't complain to see Nicholas Sparks movie when Jason Bourne was playing. I'm that guy. Never lied because I just don't. The truth may sting but that's what you'll get from me. Never looked for love in a relationship because it was already with me. I'm that guy.

Deeper than the ocean. Yet can intelligently discuss anything. They want to talk about sports or fishing. I want to talk about purpose and the your soul. I prefer conversations to not be shallow. Old school wisdom and common sense are dangerous combinations. I'm that guy.

Drive an old truck and an old car because I will not be a slave to debt. Money comes and goes. I'll make more. If I have $50 in my pocket you better believe it's yours too. I'm that guy. Quit a high pay job out of principle. Will not work for someone who doesn't appreciate me again. I'm an entrepreneur in every sense of the word. Always have ideas and inventions. I'm a writer. A poet. A songwriter. An artist. I can build anything you see on Pinterest and more. I'm that guy.

I love to see people in love. It brings me pure joy. Because without love what else is there? I want to be in love. I believe busyness is a sin and an epidemic of modern society. People don't take time to celebrate enough. I know every neighbor near me. I'm there for you. I'm that guy.

Been arrested more than once. Won't apologize for it. Tatted. Gentle as a puppy. Fierce as a lion. I'm good at most everything because God made me in his image. I'm that guy. Conceded and confident yet my ego is fragile. Been called a saint. A hypocrite. Bald. Short. Ugly. Only one of those things hurt my feelings. You can count on me. I'm that guy.

Caught a 50 lb snapping turtle with my bare hands in the river just to say I did. Probably wasn't smart but I have photo evidence. Went kayaking in the ocean at the sharks house. Mountain bike frequently. Totaled my street bike when I hit a van and walked away. Never had surgery. Never get sick. Never go to the dr. Don't trust them. I'm that guy. I fell through the ice on a frozen pond alone as a child and broke the ice to the edge the walked home.

I hate being alone. Yet I always seem to be. It sinks me into depression. The depression is situational. It comes and goes. Cripples when it's here. I hide it. I believe in demons and have had encounters with a few. They want me. They can't have me because I am filled with the spirit of Jesus. Doesn't stop them. My spiritual awareness is high. I'm that guy. I can read body language and am a good judge of character but I can't read minds. If you want me to know something say it. I'm quiet in a room full of people. Yet very comfortable in the company of 2 or 3. I'm that guy.

I'm my own worst enemy. I long for companionship. A family. A tribe. I feel uncomfortable in my own skin when my purpose gets blurry. I'm that guy. I can find humor in most anything and will let you know. If you want to road trip to California I can pack a bag in 6 minutes. I'll be in the car waiting working on the playlist. I'm metal af. Can quote Asking Alexandria or Alan Jackson. Wear "snakeskin boots and a baseball cap." I'm that guy.

You can call me but you won't. I will come fix your problem at midnight. I'm that guy. Been to more than one foreign country to spread the love of Jesus to people I don't know and won't ever see again. Why wouldn't I drive over and help you? I'm that guy.

I have integrity. Morals. Values. Honesty. I'm that guy. Who are you?

posted from Bloggeroid

A bad place

As the damp mist afternoon subsides the onset of darkness prevails. The thick clouds enter my mind to cover all that is good. Such a familiar melancholy set in. The clouds are a familiar intruder. They visit often. How I long for the sun. Where is the one? God I faintly feel you. Your presence is the only thing that convinces my life to continue. Yet I know she is out there. The Eve to my Adam. She is longing. Thirsty for my infinite agape. The love exists deep within me yet is hidden by sorrow. Deep scars remain from past lovers selfishness. My benevolence misappropriated and neglected. Fill me once again with joy. I lie awake. In a house large enough for 10. Only one resides. I alone. Bruised, rejected, and broken. Medicated. The pills don't appease. The only cure is the most basic of human interaction. Yet the cure is inhibited by the clouds within. Interaction is impossible with the depression. My own demeanor will be ridiculed by those who don't comprehend the darkness. Alas, the cycle continues. The cravings of social inclusion subsides. I make another attempt. The drug of choice is the social network intravenously. It's ineffective because of its synthetic nature. Artificial socialization is merely time consuming euthanasia. Where is the cure? Have you not labored for the answers? My mind contains the combination to the lock on my heart but still the darkness remains. This anguished diary will fall on deaf ears to all who are consumed for business is a tool of the devil. For satan has me by the jugular. I'm in a bad place. Release me.

posted from Bloggeroid

Stuck on the roof

Recently, I  adopted a dog. She's a lab/dane mix and has proven to be a loyal companion. The only problem with her is that she has separation anxiety. If I am out of her reach or sight she whimpers and whines.
A few days ago I used a ladder to climb on the roof.  I was clearing some dead limbs and leaves off the carport. While on the roof, my dog circled the house desperately. Whimpering, trying to get to me. In her panic, she tried to climb the ladder and knocked it over. Here I am stuck on the roof!

I picked out the lowest spot on the roof and jumped
down about 8ft to the ground.

As I reflect on the events I can't help but think about my relationship with God. When I'm separated from God because of my sin I panic. I run around desperately whimpering and whining causing more problems than there was.

The bible says:  Matthew 7-7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye.shall find; knock, and it shall be opened untoyou: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh. findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Stay close to the Master and don't lose focus.

posted from Bloggeroid

save me from myself

John 15:13King James Version (KJV)

13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.


The farther I continue on in this life the more I realize that my own worst enemy is myself.  The struggle is real.  The bible speaks of the enemy as satan, and he is.  Don't misunderstand that.  However, within is where my enemy (not satan) resides.  Its the transgressions, the indecision, the remorse, the bitterness.  It doesnt go away.  It gets better the more I surround myself with Christ.  But, in those dark times the pain is there.  Those are the times when I cry out for God and I cant feel him.  In these moments the most we need others there to support us.  My new favorite song atm was recently released that I feel I could have wrote.  Most of you won't know it because you're not a metal head like me.  Its called "Drown" by Bring Me The Horizon.  the lyrics go like this:

Got a hole in my soul growing deeper and deeper
And I can't take
One more moment of this silence
The loneliness is haunting me
And the weight of the world's getting harder to hold up

It comes in waves, I close my eyes
Hold my breath and let it bury me
I'm not OK and it's not all right
Won't you drag the lake and bring me home again

Who will fix me now?
Dive in when I'm down?
Save me from myself
Don't let me drown
Who will make me fight?
Drag me out alive?
Save me from myself
Don't let me drown

Yeah, this is a dark post.  I'm sure I lost most of you.  Remember we are called to be the light of the world. But, dont ever forget the world is filled with darkness and your friends need you to help save them from drowning.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1C117y9AqjA

Read more: Bring Me The Horizon - Drown Lyrics | MetroLyrics

the two most important days of your life

Proverbs 16:9English Standard Version (ESV)

9 The heart of man plans his way,

    but the Lord establishes his steps.

Have you ever been asked the question, "why am I here?"  Or maybe,"what is my purpose?"  I often think back to a time in my life when I felt like I had no meaning.  I felt as if I had no sense of value.  No purpose.  It was as if I only existed to eat, sleep, and breathe.  Others around me were absorbed in just day to day living.  Their jobs drug them down.  Their family was unappreciative of all the hard work it took to care for them.  Their toxic friends sucked the life out of them.  It was as if there was no hope and no end in sight for me and them.

Then something happened...I found Christ.  Things weren't all peaches and cream at that time tough.  But, for the first time in my life I learned that I was created.  I was a child of God and my life had meaning.  It wasn't until quite some time that I realized that God had a purpose for me.  He had a plan.  God chose me to do several specific tasks for Him.  And then it all made sense.  My sense of worth went through the roof.  I began to hold my head high.  I fervently prayed for God to direct me to more and more people to enter my life.  God provided.  

Mark Twain once said,   “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”  I can tell you friends, there is nothing better than finding out why.  Have you found out why you are here?  If you haven't, start with Christ.  You're purpose will follow.

 

encouraging

1 Thessalonians 5:11 English Standard Version (ESV)

11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Why is this command so easy yet, so hard?  Throughout my life this has been a struggle for me.  Both giving and receiving encouragement.  We walk each day putting out fires here and there.  We fret over all our problems, fears, and regrets.  We get so much accomplished but we dont have enough time to stop and lift someone up that has fallen.  

I can tell you friends, it hurts to fall.  Sometimes it hurts worse to get back up.  Wouldnt it be so much easier to get up if someone leaned down and whispered, "I want you to get up?"  How much easier would it be to get up if someone held out their hand and said, "take my hand and pull yourself up?" Now on the next level.  What if three people picked you up while two others cheered you on!?

Thats what its like my friends when you encourage one another.  Whether you are the whisperer, the speaker, the helping hand, the picker uppers, or the shouters.  Every little bit helps.