Fear

There is a lot of talk in the recent days about fear. The kind that is caused by what people hear and interpret as a real threat. The Paris attacks and the days afterwards has set off a lot of fear.  I mean have you been afraid more so than after possibly the 9/11 attacks?  Do you remember the initial reaction you had? I do. Listened to intermittent reports that the manager of our group had the tv setup for us to hear.  Tried to work. Tried not to think about it especially after all those people lost their lives. I was suppose to go to Pittsburgh the next week.  With all the flights grounded for an unknown period, our plans became conference calls. That was a relief but at the same time what if I did have to go... Would there be another attack, would there be another 9/11? 

We, as Christians are suppose to have faith, to trust God, to believe in the best of people. But we don't live in a perfect world. The world is broken but God created us before the world became broken. He said I haven't given you a spirit of fear but of sound mind and judgement(a).   We have His spirit living in us. The fear is from the fall of mankind. But once we accept Christ,  the fear should be turned into Trust. We should trust God is still in control even when it doesn't seem like it. We should believe His word, take it for face value. We shouldn't let our doubt cloud our judgement.

We should be ever watching and waiting. We should not be deceived.

In the last days there will be many saying look there he is,  but he will not be there (b)

A“For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

http://bible.com/72/2ti.1.7.hcsb

B ““If anyone tells you then, ‘Look, here is the Messiah! ’ or, ‘Over here! ’ do not believe it! False messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Take note: I have told you in advance. So if they tell you, ‘Look, He’s in the wilderness! ’ don’t go out; ‘Look, He’s in the inner rooms! ’ do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever the carcass is, there the vultures will gather.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24:23-28‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

http://bible.com/72/mat.24.23-28.hcsb

The church in me

Needless to say, I am really disappointed with my church and life group. Especially my life group. I have yet to attend any of the new fall gatherings because I am disappointed. After surgery and 5+months of still not being able to walk,  not one call or home visit.  I am thinking, am in the right life? And am I in the right church?

Life. God did not intend us to walk through life alone. He did not intend for us to be singled out, isolated, tossed aside. He meant for our relationships to mimic the relationship that we have with Him. A close personal interactive relationship.

So why do most people feel disconnected from society? Or even worse swept up into the wrong crowds, or organizations. The Bible is clear. But know this: Difficult times will come in the last days. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, without love for what is good, traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to the form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid these people!
2 Timothy 3:1-5 HCSB
http://bible.com/72/2ti.3.1-5.HCSB

A word of wisdom. If these are the types of people that are in your life, you should find another group to be involved with, another church, another organization. Yes, I am speaking to myself as well. But, what do you think?

Life today not tomorrow

Sorry it's been so long. Between a move,  surgery,  and the long recovery from surgery (5+months and counting),  I would say that this post is long overdue.  Moved about 20 minutes from my job,  which worked out for me.  Surgery was elective to repair damage from a broken ankle 10+ years ago.  Recovery was going good until I put weight on it and end up with stress fractures (yes you can say ouch).

I am truly blessed to have my life. However,  today my heart is heavy for those who are going to be laid off at my work. Especially since we don't know how far this cut will take us and how long before another round will occur. It will be sad to see many coworkers let go during this downturn in the energy sector (I won't get into the political side saving that for Twitter).

I leave you with a word. Faith.
Faith in God is the only thing that can either make you or break you.  It is at times of trial that your faith in Christ should shine even brighter. It is times of despair that the only name on the tongue should be Christ. Not in cursing but in reaching out. The lips can say a name so casually but the heart and mind holds the truth.

For those wondering around looking for a reason to hope,  He is there.  There is a popular song with the words, "say my name,  say my name"  He is waiting with baited breath for you to say His name.