as I awoke on the eve of the greatest day

¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11

I woke up this morning with a resounding noise in my head.  I have struggled all day to let it out.  Here it goes:

My Lord, I am before you.  In Your presence, I have not the strength to stand. At Your feet, my face is plastered to the ground.  My weapons are holstered.  My stomach is sick.  My callused hands grasp the train of Your robe.  My bloody knuckles wipe the tears from face.  My scars are many, and deep.  For I have been in battle for my Saviour.  He is the one I live for.  He is the one I fight for.  He is the one I will die for.  The Way, the Truth, and the Life.  He is the Alpha.  Most remember the Lamb but, I serve the Lion.  I am His chosen warrior.  His voice comforts me.  He tells me to rise.  My heart begins to beat swiftly.  I feel the warmth of my blood starting to flow.  I am energized once again as I get up to my knees. Every muscle in me begins to flex and twitch as I stand before the Almighty.  Now, at attention, I look up slightly and connect my eyes with the Maker.  His light shines.  He is all that is pure.  He tells me to return to the war.  To fight for all that is good.  To stand for the innocent.  To be the lover of good.  And, that He will be joining me soon.  "Yes Master," I reply.  I kiss His hand.  I turn and walk seven steps.  Then, I run seven steps.  By then, I have gained my speed and strength to fly back to where I am from.
     I will do battle in the fields alone until the King of Kings meets me in the clouds.  There we will ride together.  His justice will be violent and swift.  The deceiver will be defeated.  Every knee will bow.  All those that hadn't believed, will.  The war will be over.  And then, I will worship the Most High  for the rest of eternity.

Why not like or share?

Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. (1 John 4:15 ESV)

So, you read my blogs. I know you do because my dashboard at blogger tells how many times each post is viewed. You read them but, do you enjoy them? I assume you do because views are at an all time high. If you read them and enjoy them share them or like them or comment on them.
My blogs are not to notarize my name. They do not have monetary value. The blogs are meant to inspire you. To make you ask questions. To step on your toes and break your heart so that Jesus Christ will be glorified.
Many are afraid to touch religious items. Sharing this blog is just an easy way to obey the Word of God and "confess that Jesus is the Son of God."

For the firefighters

Proverbs 27:17

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁷ As iron sharpens iron,
    so a friend sharpens a friend.

Truly feeling inspired after witnessing the events at the 9/11 memorial stair climb in Clayton today.  Several firefighters and their families gathered to raise money for the 9/11 memorial fund.  In all 22 teams were in the first wave of the climb where they would climb 110 flights of stairs in honor of the world trade center.  11 teams went to the south staircase representing the “south tower” and 11 to the “north tower.”  14 more teams would climb later in the day.  Most participants were active firefighters and wore full gear while climbing. 

What may have impressed me most is the teamwork and brotherhood that was involved.  Team 7 was from Dexter and comprised of Ryan Rascher (captain), Lauren Rascher, Matt Thurmon, Mindy Thurmon, Hannah Thurmon, and Ladawn Northcutt.  Ryan Rascher said, “We are a team.  We will start as a team and we will finish as a team.”  And, that, they did.  As the stair climb went on, some of the participants began to tire, everyone encouraged them on.  Some began to shed gear, others picked it up and carried it for them.  Some stopped to rest, their team waited.  After the last elevator ride to the bottom floor, each team member rang a bell as they walked by it in the lobby.  It was a lonesome sound that lingered.  The ring was chilling and reminded me of the bell rang at a firefighters funeral.  343 firefighters were killed in the 9/11 attacks and I can tell you one thing for sure, this world is worse off without them.  They are a special kind of people.  They are heros.  You want them on your team.

So, who’s on your “team” in life?  Are you carrying each other’s burdens?  Are you encouraging or being encouraged?  Have you been left behind?  Have a team meeting and remember there is no “I” in team. 

Mowing in the dark

Lord, You are my lamp; the Lord illuminates my darkness. (2 Samuel 22:29 HCSB)

With harvest in full swing, I have been pressed for time.  Last night, I tried something I have never done.  I mowed in the dark.  My big John Deere didn't let me down. It has bright headlights but, not bright enough. Do you really know what happens when you mow in the dark?  You hit stuff.  You are slow.  You are inefficient.  You miss spots. It's not worth it!
It's kind of like going through your life in the dark.  If you are without Christ you are in the dark.  Friends, if every step of your life is not lit by the light of Christ, it's time to stop "mowing in the dark."  Come into the light and live.

Servant

When Jesus had washed their feet and put on His robe, He reclined again and said to them, “Do you know what I have done for you? You call Me Teacher and Lord. This is well said, for I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example that you also should do just as I have done for you. “I assure you: A slave is not greater than his master, and a messenger is not greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. (John 13:12-17 HCSB)

The closest example of a servant, I can think of, in our modern day society is a waiter/waitress. One of the better waitresses I have had in a while is at a restaurant in Sikeston. I frequent the establishment about twice a month but,
1) she calls me by name
2) she knows I want a mountain dew
3) she is always comes by the table at the right time with a smile ready to
serve
We can learn a lot from the waiters/waitresses in our lives. Good and bad habits. Jesus has called us to be servants. What tips can you take from a recent restaurant visit that could improve your servant hood to fellow man?

If you found me on the road

But a Samaritan on his journey came up to him, and when he saw ⌊the man⌋, he had compassion. He went over to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on olive oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him. When I come back I’ll reimburse you for whatever extra you spend.’ (Luke 10:33-35 HCSB)

During a parable Jesus was talking about a good neighbor. This neighbor did not even know who this injured man was. Yet, he cared for the man and even payed his medical bills. If you found me on the road hurt would you care for me? You probably know me so it might cross your mind. Lets go a step farther. If you found a foreigner on the side of the road would you pay his medical bills?

Who did you leave on the road lately?

Samson said to the young man who was leading him by the hand, “Lead me where I can feel the pillars supporting the temple, so I can lean against them.” The temple was full of men and women; all the leaders of the Philistines were there, and about 3,000 men and women were on the roof watching Samson entertain ⌊them⌋. He called out to the Lord : “Lord God , please remember me. Strengthen me, God, just once more. With one act of vengeance, let me pay back the Philistines for my two eyes.” Samson took hold of the two middle pillars supporting the temple and leaned against them, one on his right hand and the other on his left. Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines.” He pushed with all his might, and the temple fell on the leaders and all the people in it. And the dead he killed at his death were more than those he had killed in his life. (Judges 16:26-30 HCSB)

We often describe God as a loving and kind God. He is. However, we often forget about the vengeful God. Don't forget about the vengeful God. If you mess with Him or His chosen you will pay the ultimate price. Take Samson for instance. He was chosen and blessed by God for a purpose. He then was captured and mocked by enemies of God. But, who laughed last? Do you know someone that is chosen by God that you don't mesh with? I know you do. Watch out. Make sure you don't get caught in the vengeance.

Language barrier

When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. And tongues, like flames of fire that were divided, appeared to them and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages, as the Spirit gave them ability for speech. (Acts 2:1-4 HCSB)

It's really hard to break a language barrier. Having been on a trip out of the u.s. I can tell you this first hand. A translator is usually the best tool to get through to a different people group.
The other person doesn't even have to speak a different language to be difficult to minister to. For example: a senior adult trying to minister to a teenager. Same language but very different.
In the passage above the Gentiles were able to minister to several different people groups because the Spirit filled them. When you are filled with the Spirit you can minister to those you wouldn't normally communicate with. Who should you be ministering to that you are not?

I'm high

After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother John and led them up on a high mountain by themselves. He was transformed in front of them, and His face shone like the sun. Even His clothes became as white as the light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. (Matthew 17:1-3 HCSB)

I'm on a spiritual high right now. Just finished Dnow 2013 this weekend and witnessed transfiguration. In the verse. above Jesus was so close to the father that he was transfigured. The "light" of God shone on Him so that even His face shone like the sun." This is what happens to you when you are close to God. He is so infinitely holy that His glory will reflect off you and you will become like a beacon of light that will draw the masses. When is the last time you were transfigured?

A good sense of humor

And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. (Mark 12:29-30 KJV)

So each week someone at church is chosen to read the verse of scripture that the sermon will be over. Our average Sunday attendance is 450-600 so neither my wife or I have been chosen in the many years we have been members. But last week was different. Someone asked my wife if she would read the verse of the day. She was reluctant, as I would be, because of our fear of public speaking So she prayed about it and received the verse via Facebook before accepting. Once she read the verse it was obvious that God was joking with her! The passage is as stated above It also happens to be the only thing that is tattooed on my body 10 years ago. My right bicep states: Love the Lord your God with all your heart... Mark 12:30.
He is real.
He does have a since of humor.
This is his most important command.