The Hard Truth

Last month our country held one of the most controversial elections in its history. The nation was clearly divided more than it’s ever been. Both political parties were divided over their respective candidate. And when all was said and done, it seemed like no one was happy.

Most people have a hard time accepting the truth, even when there is nothing we can do about it. I wasn’t crazy about either of the candidates, but I had to vote my spiritual beliefs.

What shocked me the most about the election was that some of my friends who are Christians didn’t agree with me. One in particular became so hateful on social media; I began to wonder about his relationship with Jesus. Jesus made it clear that not everyone who claims to be a Christian is, He knows the real ones (Matthew 7:21).

Friends don’t always agree and sometimes can’t be trusted. The more I tried to explain my perspective to my friend, the more hateful he became. The fact is we can’t make others see the truth, save them or make them believe.

Jesus had a similar problem with the people from his hometown (Mark 6:1-4). The hard truth is most people want lies that make them feel good, instead of truth.

Truth?

Webster’s defines truth as: the real facts about something, the quality or state of being true, a statement or idea that is true or accepted as true. And that is why some truth is just too hard.

People don’t want to check out all the facts or they don’t want to accept them once they do. Sometimes it’s just easier to accept a lie than it is to handle the truth. Sometimes it is easier to admit our mistakes than it is to live with them, because most the time the truth hurts.

Mistakes and the truth humble us. Most of us don’t like being humble because were full of pride. But, pride blinds us to the truth. Hence, once we are humbled, the truth hurts when we see it.

I’ve spent most of this year exploring hard truths God is constantly teaching me. Humility is a lifelong lesson, not just a onetime pop quiz. As 2016 comes to a close, I realize I will never stop learning or facing the hard truths of life.

So, for the remainder of this blog I want to discuss the hard truth of XChristmas, Merry Christmas—not happy holidays! Despite what the world wants to tell us the first Noel wasn’t about receiving, it was about giving and it is glorious.

Secular Christmas focuses on getting everything you want with all the bells and whistles! It takes the focus off of God and puts it on man. That’s how a fallen world works. It wants God out of the picture, because it can’t handle the truth. Sometimes we forget what it means to be one nation under God.


It’s not about a winter wonderland or if Santa Claus is coming to town. It’s about Jesus and the birth of love. It’s about God not giving us what we want or deserve, He’s a good Father who gives us grace. Truth is most people don’t want or understand this kind of love. Sometimes I wonder if I do.

I wonder if even Mary knew on that oh Holy night or wanted this type of love. Mary was Jewish and the Jews wanted a different type of hero, one born of earthly royalty (2 Samuel 7:12-16)). The Jews didn’t receive their earthly powerful King; they were given a humble Savior.

Jesus left His heavenly throne to show the world it’s a long road to humble. Jesus’s birth in a lowly manger is proof of this and His own people didn’t want to accept it. Although the Jews and the Pharisees knew all of the prophecies about the Messiah, they failed to put the pieces of prophecy together correctly and then missed what God was up to-they missed the facts about the One God would use.

Pieces?

The truth isn’t always what it seems. The New Testament fits together with the Old Testament like the different pieces of a puzzle. The Pharisees knew it the 365 prophecies about the Messiah, and still missed the big picture. They knew God wanted to save them but forgot that God wanted to be with them, me and with you and that’s the real treasure (Isaiah 9:6).

They forgot Who Emmanuel was (Matthew 1:1-3). They didn’t understand God wanted to do more than just unite the divided kingdoms of Israel, He was making a way to unite all nations and tribes into one people—His people, like it was in the beginning. Whether we agree or disagree, like it or not and that’s the hard truth!

Gone!

Have you ever had a desire for something you haven’t had in a long time? And you aren’t satisfied until you experience it, drink it or eat it? It can be a big thing or a little thing, but either way you can’t let go.

I recently experienced this myself, I found myself craving a certain food item from a local restaurant. When I stopped by to pick up the item, the clerk graciously offered to give me a little extra for free.

Mind you, this was no expensive treat and I could easily afford it. The total with tax would’ve been less than a dollar! Yet, I can’t explain how thankful I was for the unexpected treat. And I’d be surprised if it ever happened again.

We often overlook the little things in life that God blesses us with because were too busy looking for bigger and better things in life. But God typically works in the little things of life. Humility teaches us to think less of ourselves and more of others. Jesus once gave a sermon about the least in this life (Matt. 5:3-12).


For me the clerk was like Jesus in Disguise. And I rushed right past Him. In the past it’s been friends or relationships that I’ve taken for granted, only to realize years or even days later how special they were and I wish I could just start over.

Its cliché and a hard truth, you really don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone and I’ll prove it. And that’s what this Thanksgiving blog is about.

Gone?

It’s ironic that we celebrate holidays as the year winds down. About 300 days are gone by the time we celebrate Thanksgiving. For some, it’s a time of reflection of the good things that have happened through the year and preparation for the year to begin again.

But, hear my heart; for others like me, it can be rather depressing. All we have are memories of loved ones who are gone from this life for good. No matter how much we hope or believe, they are not coming back in any shape or form like priceless used items in a thrift Shop. Be thankful for who and what you have before it is too late, no matter how big or small. Paul urges us to be content with little or much (Philippians 4:11-13).

To make matters worse for me, I’m an outdoors type of person and as the daylight hours decrease my times of depression increase. Once the daylight is gone I’m left to the demise of my own thoughts. Wondering what if I had done things different throughout the year. But, with Christ I can say it is well, no matter how bad things look (Philippians 4:13).

Sometimes these thoughts keep me going out of my mind. I ponder about friendships and opportunities I could have reconciled. But the truth is, we’re never guaranteed second chances. You are only promised today, so try to get it right the first time.

But never forget one thing about missed opportunities, it may be best things didn’t work out like you wanted and learn to roll with the punches.

Best 3.0?

Jesus once told His disciples that it was best for them that He went away and after He was gone the Helper would come and lead them into all understanding (John 16:7-9).

After Jesus was crucified the disciples had to start over. They got upset because they were seeking earthly greatness, but Christ sought to change the world through humility, not through might.

The disciples spent three years walking with and learning from the Jews’ long awaited savior, Who they studied about since they were kids; yet never fully realized Him until after He was gone.

Fear Not?

My last road trip of the summer was to a Christian music festival in Atlanta. For almost a decade this festival has been a spiritual pilgrimage for me. It’s a time when I gather with other believers to celebrate the freedoms we have in Christ (Galatians 5:1).

It’s a chance for me to unwind, enjoy live music, not so healthy fair food and simply act like a big kid I am. Playing the games and riding the rides at the festival remind me how simple life can be when we simply cast our cares on God (1 Peter 5:7).

However, this year was much different for me. My summer had left me feeling pretty disappointed and broken. Before I even topped off my gas tank for the trip, doubt and fear had took my mind captive.

I became anxious about my finances, relationships and the dreaded ride back through downtown Atlanta at night. fear was stealing the joy before I even began my adventure. It’s a hard truth, the Christian life can be pretty scary. And that is what this special Halloween blog will focus on.

Fear?

Webster’s states fear is simply being afraid of something or someone, to worry about or expect something bad. Because of sin we feel the disconnect from God in our souls and we naturally worry.

But, that was never God’s intentions in the beginning. His plan was and is to be with us always. Yet, worry and fear constantly cripple us. No Christian is immune to them; they are part of life in a fallen world. The nation of Israel experienced this many times and so did the early church.

That is why Scripture contains 365 passages telling us to don’t fear the storms of life. My favorite story is of the three Jewish boys (Daniel 3:16-18). Sometimes we scare ourselves and sometimes were scared of God. On any given day something or someone can scare you.

It can be scary when our lives begin to change. Sometimes it’s even scarier when God asks us to change or give up something for Him, we Christians often are afraid of what we are missing out on in life. Although it’s hard it’s important for Christians to be vulnerable and to share our stories of trials. This is another reason why I make my annual trip to the festival, to hear what God is doing in the lives of others and find encouragement.

After my drive up, I was greatly encouraged when the first act I heard shared her testimony about how God brought her drug addict father back into her life after he walked away for ten years.

Later, I cried as I listened to a band share how their keyboardist’s son died three days after he was born. Yet, with all the heartbreaking stories being told, I was greatly encouraged by the strength of their faith. Faith is our lifeline to God. Faith says no matter how bad things look, I still believe God is with me.

Faith?

The Bible tells us that faith is being confident in what we do not see, but hope for (Hebrews 11:1). This scripture holds more weight for me since I’m legally blind. That is why I’m not a fan of driving at night, whether it’s 10 miles or 10,000 miles! Not to mention my other health issues that leave me stressed out.

Ever since my accident back in 1997, it is been my faith that’s gotten me through the hard times when there was no hope. Like when the doctors told me I would never walk again. I remember crying out to God for help in my recovery.

Whoever said the Christian faith is for the weak didn’t know what they’re talking about. Faith is about having the courage to face our fears, especially when we're much afraid. It’s our faith that gives us strength to get up when life knocks us down and all hope is gone.

With everything dangerous going on in the world, we all need some faith. Terrorism has the whole world on the edge. Mother Nature is freaking out and various diseases and viruses plague Third World countries and even here stateside. Who has time to worry about a zombie apocalypse?

Recently, in the Southeast where I live, there was a gas shortage due to a ruptured oil line in Alabama. People panicked and there is a frenzy at the gas stations for fear they would run out. In my heart I knew that everything would be okay because my faith tells me Jesus has overcome the world and I can fear not.

Surprise!

Recently, I decided to work on pursuing a literary agent again. But, when I tried to open my manuscript, I couldn’t locate it.

It got worse when I found it, I wasn’t prepared for the surprise; the format was corrupted. That meant I couldn’t approach an agent.

Most people know that I hate surprises, good or bad (my parents had it rough). I like surprising other people, but I don’t like surprises. Maybe it’s because I’m a man or because I’m a control freak.

A life lived in faith guarantees surprises, because we’re not in control. We will make mistakes, get hurt, and hurt other people. That’s life, it’s a mess!

Financial guru Dave Ramsey says to set up an emergency fund because, “You don’t know what’s going to happen in life.” The hard truth is life is full of surprises and it will go berserk.

Webster’s defines surprise as: an unexpected event, feeling that is caused by something unexpected.” This is where Christian entitlement contradicts the Bible. Our expectations put limitations on God. We can’t expect God to do what we want. Truth is He wants to do more every moment (Ephesians 3:20, 21).

From the early days of Jewish history to Jesus’ victory on the cross, God was up to something bigger than what the religious wanted. Don’t say amen, yet. This means we may get disappointed. Remember the story about Jesus’ friend Lazarus?

Mary and Martha expected Jesus to come in and save the day. But, that isn’t what happened. No, Jesus let him die. Only so He could do something bigger and bring him back from the dead (John 11:1–44.)

What about the Jews’ expectation of a worldly King? They were caught by surprise when Jesus came as a suffering servant to die on a cross. They didn’t realize God had something much bigger planned. We’ve all experienced those moments.

As I think about my disappointing summer, I can see what God was doing. He knows better than I do. I shared earlier this year that a young woman I met wasn’t “my” type and I still ended up falling for her. I let my walls down and although I got hurt, I learned a serious lesson.

Sometimes our boundaries can keep the very blessings God has for us out. Just when I had given up on writing and ministry, something unexpected happened.

A mutual friend let down her walls and began sharing her struggles with me. It was her honesty and faith that has inspired me to continue pursuing a writing career. When things get tough, she’s first to say, “God’s got this!”

God’s Got This?

In the 1800s the colonists decided to venture beyond the Mississippi river boundary to explore expand trade routes. This meant months of travel through dangerous territory, those early settlers trusted God to provide on their journey. History records the surprises they faced, God made a way and the West was won.

Then there’s the great Exodus. God’s children were freed and headed towards their dream, the Promise land (Exodus 13:1-14:31). The quickest route was through Philistine.

But the Philistines were their enemies and God didn’t want His people to get scared and then want to go back to Egypt. So God took them the long route and before they got to the Red Sea, they wanted to go back to Egypt.

And God tells them to be still, they are caught between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s Army, paralyzed with fear and need to be rescued. Like a good good Father God plans a surprise (Matthew 7:9-11)!

Wanted?

Last month I shared with my writing mentor that I was burned out and struggling, I felt overcome. Her response surprised me.

She asked me if I dreamed. I came to the conclusion that I didn’t really dream anymore. Somewhere along the way I confused dreaming for what I wanted and loved.

Webster’s defines dream as: A. a series of thoughts, feelings or visions. B. An idea or vision that is created by your imagination. Sometimes By trying to be somebody, we become beautiful messes.

Thus, we confuse our wants with needs. That is what this blog will focus on, the difference between what we need and what we want. The apostle Paul could testify to this, he experienced a similar battle (Romans 7:14-15).

Wanted?

Webster’s defines want as, “To have or feel a need, or to desire.” If we really need something we can’t live without it. If we’re alive to want it —it’s not a need, just a want.

Fear not, we all have them; they can be big or small. As summer draws to an end I can say it didn’t turn out as I wanted. There were road trips I didn’t take, relationships that didn’t work out and career plans that fell through. No, I didn’t get what I wanted and they weren’t bad desires.

Still, God didn’t give me what I wanted. It’s okay, because many of our heroes of the faith never received what they wanted either (Hebrews 11:32-40).

I know it was best I didn’t get some of my desires, because I know one of them may have been more trouble than it’s worth, I was in over my head. At this point in my life I pray God, don’t bring that trouble into my life.

I can trust His plan, but my heart is wicked.. . my desires are selfish. This is why we must pray God’s will for each other and not what we want, guard your heart.

Unfortunately, there are many who believe as long as I pray for something in Jesus’ name I get it whenever I want it. But the hard truth is Scripture is clear, to those who wait on the Lord and His timing, there is a blessing (Isaiah 30:18).

Wait for it?

It’s been said, “It’s hard to wait around for something you know might never happen. But it’s even harder to give up when you know it’s everything you want.” There are still times I forget God knows best, I don’t have to worry; He knows what I really need. I just have to wait for it, it’s a hard love.

Instead I get distracted by pursuing what I want. I forget life is about getting more of God, not getting what I want, we won’t be here long. I’ve been playing games with God. Games are for kids, but lasting relationships for grown-ups. Fortunately God isn’t surprised by our mistakes; He gives grace even when things don’t work out like we wanted.

Blind?

After being legally blind for nearly twenty years, I am still amazed by the number of people who don’t understand the difference between physical blindness and legal blindness.

It is possible to have 20/20 vision and see everything in front of you perfectly and still be legally blind. I have a severely limited field of vision. Objects directly to the left or right, above or below my shoulders are simply invisible to me.

It is a disability no one should ever want. 2000 years ago Jesus confronted a group of Pharisees about their blindness (John 9:41). They thought their legalistic perspective made them see better than others. They thought they could save themselves.

Being blind can be good or bad. As Jesus told the Pharisees, if there are blind they wouldn’t be guilty of their sin. The apostle Paul, a former Pharisee learned this after becoming physically blind.

He later explained how we live by blind faith and are saved by grace (Ephesians 2:5–8, Romans 3:24, 9:16). It doesn’t matter how many times we sing Amazing Grace, we are still blind to some degree. It’s a hard truth that many of us struggle to deal with and is what this special July blog will be about.

Blind?

Our fate isn’t written in the stars.The forefathers of our faith were commanded for believing without seeing what God was up to (Hebrews 11). The closer we get to God the more He shows us and the further we are from Him the less we see. The dictionary defines blind as: relating to a sightless person, unable to discern or judge, having no rational discrimination or guidance. Seeing isn’t always believing and believing without seeing is priceless.


Most of us define sin as anything that separates us from God, but we fail to see our sin because it blinds us. Send doesn’t always come from bad things.

• Sometimes we get so caught up in what we want that we are blinded by love. King Solomon taught that love can make us delerious (Proverbs 19-20).
• Like love, lust blinds us.
• hate can easily blind us.
• Envy blinds us.
• Our desires can blind us.

We can become so focused on what we want that it turns good things into idols and idols aren’t good.

Good 2.0

I’ve stated before how twisted man’s definition of good is. Often what you want isn’t what’s best for you. This is why Jesus taught His disciples to pray for God’s will be done as it is in heaven. This is how we live it well.

The giants of our faith didn’t get everything they wanted. Because of that I’m not afraid. God is all-knowing. Without sin, not one gets past Him, because He is not blind.

Show Me?

A few years ago, my mentor gave me some advice about women. It’s some of the best advice I’ve ever received on love.

He sat me down and said, “When a woman really cares about you or is interested in you. She will let you know. You will know how she feels or what she wants.”

These days our society confuses the concept of love with a plethora of other things: sex, enjoyment, liking and even happiness.

Everyone’s in love with the idea of fallin' in love. That’s why everyone enjoys saying, “I love you.” It’s why so many people like to play house and never actually get married.

However, it takes more courage to actually show love than it does to simply say “love.” The apostle John urges us to not love in word, but in deed (1 John 3:18). Love is more than a statement, it’s wonderful.

Personally, I don’t want a woman telling her friends, my friends or coworkers or even myself how she feels. I want a woman to show me.

Show Me?

And that is what this blog will be about. The old cliché is true; actions speak louder than words. We can talk about how much we love this or that until the cows come home, yet never put our words to work.

And love takes a lot of work, not just saying the right things at the right times. How we spend our time and energy shows what we really care about. We pursue what we love.

When you really care about someone, it’s the little things like a smile or wink that mean the most and can hurt the most. Not just the big things like not messin' around with someone else.

Real love is exclusive and all-inclusive to one person, a can't sleep love. That’s a hard truth that many today can’t understand.

When I was younger I heard a preacher tell the congregation, “Show me your checkbook and I’ll show you what matters most to you. I’ll show you who your God really is.”

The church’s first love is God and everything else second. Showing love for God is always greater than saying love. Not what a person professes to believe, how they live their lives out from day-to-day reveals what they love. Jesus taught us to love God, body, mind and soul.

Scripture is clear that God knows more than just our deeds (Revelation 2:2), He knows our hearts (Jeremiah 17:10). God is all knowing.

Knowing?

The apostle John declared that God’s people would be known by their love for each other (John 13:35), not their words. Today, many profess their love for God in word, but deny Him by their lifestyles. We are to live unashamed.

I’m sure they know if they deny Jesus here, He will deny them in heaven (Matthew 10:32-33). the God I know doesn’t reword words, He rewards actions. That is what Jesus had to go to the cross to show me.

IDC?

Anyone who knows me knows that I have a bad habit of wearing my heart on my shoulders. I’ve never been a fan of wearing a mask to hide my feelings. I’d rather be honest and risk getting hurt.

My expressions are the first thing to tell you, I’ve got you on my mind. Recently, I had a hard time dealing with them with a beautiful younger woman I met earlier this year.

To be honest, I was hoping it was just a case of infatuation since she really isn’t my type and I never believed I would fall for her. However, her youthful shyness has grown on me.

The more I try to convince myself that I really don’t care about her, the more I realize the hard truth that I do. Most of us can’t face the truth (1 John 1:14). Sometimes I wish I could be apathetic and that’s what this new blog is about.

Apathy?

Apathy is “The feeling of not having much emotion or interest.” However, when you think about it, it contradicts itself. If we say we have no feelings or interest about someone or something, and then take the time to think things through, there is some degree of concern.

It’s like the term, “meaningless sex.” Most people have sex because they want to connect with others on an intimate and physical level. Sex is about connecting, not just being happy for little while. It brings temporary pleasure for a few hours at most, yet real love can last a lifetime.

Sex often disappoints us—love never disappoints. Sex is a temporary fix for emotional happiness. This is why most guys use sex to win the hearts of women.

The only things they really care about are themselves and what they can get from a woman. At times we all say what we want to get what we want.

This is why King Solomon says a prostitute can be had for a loaf of bread (Proverbs 6:26). We only care enough to get what we want. And once we get what it, then we can move on to somebody else.

But with love, we’re never too far gone. The older I get, I understand love is more than just lip service, if we really do care.

Lip service?

If we’re honest, we all talk about love more than we actually do it. Perhaps this is why the early church writers warn us so much about not just loving in word, but in truth and action. (1 John 3:18, 4:20). Real love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8).

We can’t put on the Christian mask or church clothes and not love others unconditionally. If I really want others to see Christ in me, I must love the unlovable in action. As a Christian man if I don’t have love, I have nothing (1 Corinthians 13:2). If the love of God is in me, then how can I say, I don’t care(IDC)?

Show-offs!

Over the last few months I’ve been trying to listen to the advice and wisdom of my former teacher and current writing mentor. She is trying to help me grow as a writer.

Sometimes her input cuts like a knife. She cares about me and my writing career. I know she wants to see me succeed. I respect the fact that she doesn’t hold back and is honest with me. That is why I check in with her from time to time about my writing.

I believe in listening to and imitating people I want to be like and not those who are where I am. This is why King Solomon warns us to choose our friends wisely (Proverbs 12:26). Foolish people run from wisdom and do foolish things. This is the final no-brainer blog.

Foolish?

King Solomon had a lot to say about foolish people (Proverbs 13:20, 14:6–7, 27:6). The thought of one bad apple spoiling a whole bunch is accurate. We’ve all made bad choices when it comes to friends.

I used to do it too. When I was younger I was a nerd and longed to fit in with the crowd. As I compromised my beliefs, I tread the path of fools. My accident made me man up.

I’ve been pretty open about my past and discrepancies. I don’t share my history of drinking, drugs or premarital sex to boast. I just want to be transparent about my mistakes, so others can learn from them. And hopefully I can as well.

There are always little pieces of our old selves that can drag us down. Old habits die hard. In the A.A. movement the saying is, “Alcohol is like a sleeping tiger that is just waiting for the right time to strike.”

It’s not just alcohol, recently I began flirting with a relationship that I knew wasn’t good for me. But, I still pursued it and I’m having a hard time letting go of it.

A fool returns to his folly like a dog returns to his vomit (Proverbs 26:11). Perhaps this is why women call men dogs. Although many don’t care, the Bible is full of wisdom for the foolish today.

Care?

Foolish people deny God and ignore His Word (Psalm 14:1). Christians can’t do that. We are to represent the light of God and His Love for others in this lost world and for each other. Real friends stand by us and turn the lights on our weaknesses.

This is what my mentor is doing when she tries to help me with my writing and it’s the reason why my blogs have changed so much over the past few years.

Not because of anything I’ve done, but what God has done through others to help me not be tied up in myself. To go on boasting about myself would be wrong (2 Timothy 1:9).

When our Lights shine, God is glorified, not us. Or else we’re show-offs (1 Corinthians 13:4)!

The Gamechanger?

A couple of months ago, I began to desire a new job, I realized I was ready for a job change. I prayed to God for affirmation. I remember driving home from work that day, hoping for an open door. When I got home I called up an old friend and explained my situation to him.

I was told to come to see him and turn in my resume. The next day I resigned from my old job and I began a new job the following week.

Little did I know, God wasn’t giving me a new job, but was sending me to a new mission field. The workforce is both foreign and unchurched. A couple of my coworkers are quite younger than I am.

As I listened to their language and observed their lifestyle, I had deep compassion for them. My supervisor and I began sharing our faith with them.

My co-workers refused to believe I no longer chased after temporary pleasures common to them. I tried to explain that they needed to change their game (Romans 12:2). But like most of us, they enjoy their pastimes and that is what this special holiday blog will be about.

Games?

Most people treat life like it’s a game; it’s all about having fun and acquiring things, whoever finishes with the most money or possessions wins. This perspective focuses on self.

Entertainment and fun have become false idols in this world. This is why most of us live for the weekends, so we can indulge ourselves in pleasure. Let me be clear, it’s okay to have fun, as long as it’s not your primary focus in life.

I’m notorious for being a prankster and goofball. I often get carried away changing my voice and talking in cartoon voices like Scooby Doo, Woody the woodpecker and Donald Duck.

Yep, I’m just a big kid trapped in a man’s body. However, I also know that everything in this life changes, except for death and taxes. Even the human brain continues to change throughout our lives.

It’s funny how this generation wants to change the world, but refuses to allow God to change them. I know it’s hard to let go of dreams. It’s hard to get out of our routines and comfort zones. Hello, moving on isn’t easy and it doesn’t happen just because we say the word, “change.”

I experienced this recently when I had to fast twelve hours for bloodwork to be done on a Saturday. It was hard to lay down my plans for the weekend. Let’s face it, some of us can only learn the hardway (Proverbs 20:30). It’s a no-brainer and I don’t have to bang my head.

But part of the good news is that God can change us and our hearts, so that we don’t play games. Unfortunately, there are many who continue to play the same ol' games. They like their traditions. We can’t hang out at thrift shops and expect something new. That’s religion.

Religion?

Webster’s defines religion as: the belief in a God or group of Gods, an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or group of Gods.

For thousands of years the Jewish people have held on to their traditions and expectations of God. They’ve forgotten what the Scriptures said of the sacrifice of the coming Messiah in lieu of their traditions.

It’s crazy how the modern church has done the same. We are supposed to march to the beat of a different drum. Many believe we need more programs or more rules. The truth is all we need is more of Jesus. God is the only one Who can change the hearts of men.

The cross is God’s way of showing love to the world. Easter wouldn’t be possible without the cross, neither would change. It’s the Holy Spirit's job to lead and teach us.

Unfortunately, the apostle Paul tells us that the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing (1 Corinthians 1:18). This is why many don’t realize that Jesus is the gamechanger.

Awakened?

At the end of last year I was shocked to learn an old flame from college had gotten divorced from a fairly brief marriage. I remembered that we used to share the same conservative values, specifically about marriage and divorce. She has been on my mind a lot lately.

To be honest, I am tempted to try and rekindle the romance. The hopeless romantic in me wants to find a lasting love this year, a love that demands all of me. I miss the friendship and sharing our passion for dancing. The more I romance the idea of reconnecting with her, the more the Holy Spirit to grieves me.

I’m reminded of the differences between TRUE LOVE and lust. This is an essential lesson for a BELIEVER and the lost to learn when we’re young. Simply put, love gives everything, lust desires everything. We’ve all chased after something or someone and gotten HURT, I’VE BEEN THERE. However, TELL YOUR HEART TO BEAT AGAIN.

This is what I’ve concluded after reading the Bible, particularly the Jewish books of poetry and the scrolls. The Ketuvim and Megillot contain a lot of wisdom from Jesus’ bloodline, King David and his son Solomon.

Solomon paints a clear picture of the differences between lust and love in the poetry of Song of Solomon. And that is what this special Valentines blog will focus on, both are a can't sleep love.

Awaken?

The Ketuvim begins with the struggles of Job, the book reads like a sad country love song. It begins with an accounting of all the things Job has, then he loses it all (including those he loves) and blames God, after he gets his ego checked, he gets everything back and more. It’s a no-brainer what matters most to him.
He had a wake-up call. Then the psalmists sing hymns of love and praise to God. Fortunately, King David passes this love onto his son, Solomon.

One of my favorite passages in the Song of Solomon is a warning to singles to not awaken love before it’s time (Song of Solomon 8:4). Due to the nature of this book focusing more on the physical aspect of love, this red flag Solomon gives refers to lust—it’s a no-brainer!

Solomon deals extensively with self-sacrificing, others-focused love in Proverbs (Proverbs 3:3, 10:12, 17:9). But, here he turns to the physical side of love and when to express it. Perhaps more pastors should use it for pre-marriage counseling.

Recently, American Idol alum Colton Dixon shared in an article about he and his new bride’s determination to save sex for marriage. He explains the lengths they went through to remain pure and keep the marriage bed holy. Throughout the article, this young man shares his excitement about how marriage has changed everything. He is excited to be able to wake up next to the woman he loves.

Changed!

The biblical idea of marriage is, two become one—everything changes. The old cliché is, “love changes things.” Love changes us, so does lust! Lust is temporary, love is permanent. Jesus teaches us to KEEP IT 100. Love demands more of you; lust is only for part-time lovers.

Websters defines lust as: “A strong feeling of sexual desire, an intense longing.” The second part often confuses us, we think because we have a strong desire for someone or something that we’re in love.

We all have “love” stories from our pasts when we’ve made the mistake between the two and learned the hard way; we even laugh as we look back. Real love is HEARTFELT, not a mindset. I’m reminded of my high school girlfriend.

Our relationship started out sweet and innocent, but quickly turned to lust and erotic love, a stupid love. We both thought we couldn’t live without one another. But, all these years later it’s obvious that we can. I’ve heard stories of how she’s changed and I’m thankful that we’re not together now.

THAT’S ALRIGHT; I saw THE LIGHT and I GOT JESUS and JESUS LOVES ME, HALLELUJAH.

I’VE SEEN this same story play out in the lives of many of my friends and other Christians. Love heals—lust hurts, it will BURN everything it touches.

Recently, freed pastor Saeed Abedini’s wife shared of their struggles with abuse and pornography. Some people fall in love as easy as they fall asleep, they need to be awakened!

Signs 2.0

As of today, we are halfway through the first month of 2016 and like normal, the local gym is packed. The first few weeks of the year I always get a good laugh at the gym. And laughing is good for the heart (Proverbs 17:22).

However, many people go overboard with it, especially in their fitness goals. A 2012 study shows that 73% of people who set fitness goals give up before achieving them.

According to the study the reasons were: it’s too difficult to follow a diet or workout regimen, it’s too hard to get back on track once they fall off, not enough time.

In a generation that has a device for everything to simplify our lives, they seem to have an opposite effect. Later this year Samsung will release the Welt, a smart belt that will monitor your waistline, calories burned, how long you’re inactive and other health signs. Actually, it’s easy to see the signs of the wannabies in the gym.

Signs?

• One of the first signs that somebody is a newbie in the gym is wearing too much clothes, if you’re really working out you don’t need a lot of clothing to keep warm.

• Next are the over-trainers. These people are so determined to get in shape that they try to do every exercise machine in the gym they can and usually do them all wrong.

• Which leads to what I call the no-lifers, these are the people who spend hours in the gym working out, sometimes coming multiple times and not getting enough rest. It’s like they have no life outside of the gym.

• On the flipside there are those who really don’t want to work out, they just want to feel good and have fun. These are the ones sitting on machines watching TV and barely moving or standing around talking to their friends, or worse yet talking on their cell phones.

• You often find them walking on the treadmills and talking on the phones. Cell phones are cancerous to working out, simple music players work best. Walking is not cardio, it’s a start.

• Finally, you should never wear heavy clothing when doing cardio, the point isn’t to sweat because you’re trapping heat, the whole point is to get your heart rate up high enough so you’ll sweat without trapping the heat.

Cardio?

Cardio is short for cardiovascular exercise, which means working the heart harder, so it will get stronger and be healthier. Burning calories and sweating aren’t the focus of cardio—they are the byproducts of it!

If you do cardio correctly, your heart rate will go up and your body temperature will go up. Then you’ll sweat and you not just burn calories while exercising, your metabolism will increase and you’ll burn more calories when you’re resting and not in the gym at all.

If your heart is stronger, you will lower the risk of: heart disease, strokes and aneurysms. For the newbies in the gym, these are important signs.

Signs?

I’d like to think that last year was a productive year for me. It began with me completing my training as a writer and finally getting my first book to an editor. I felt so alive, like there was nothing I couldn't do!

I had hoped that God would fulfill my NEW DREAMS by the end of the year and I wasted the rest of the year chasing dreams. Since I still feel led and want to relocate back to Colorado Springs, I was hoping to find a literary agent to represent me in Colorado.

However, God kept closing doors there and I decided to pray about what I should do, I knew I had to let it go. Then God opened the door for me to start speaking at area churches and I started looking into agencies that represent both speakers and authors.

After speaking to my last instructor, I decided to pitch my book to a specific agent in the South, only to learn that he represents many of my friends and acquaintances in men’s ministry. In my mind, I began to look at that as a sign of the direction God wanted me to go and I thought, bring it on God.

Discerning God’s will isn’t always easy, the Jews experienced this when they missed the wonderful signs of the Savior, when He came as the Christmas baby (Isaiah 7:14). I know the struggle and ache aren’t MINE only.

At this time of year we all look for signs in our lives. Whether it’s about a career, health or love, we often find our HOPE in signs. And that is what this first blog of 2016 will be about; this one is TO THE DREAMERS who want an EXLIXIRLIFE.

SIGNS?

On NEW YEAR’S EVE, most of us think about what we hope to accomplish in the new year, that’s why we make resolutions. Getting in shape has been the number one resolution for decades, that’s why ELECTRIC devices to monitor our progress have become so popular.

And there lies the problem, when most people don’t see any signs of weight loss, they give up and go back to their old ways. Or, if the workout becomes too tiresome and not fun, they become uninterested. The first few weeks are normally TOUCH AND GO.

It’s called “working” out for a reason, it’s supposed to be hard, and that’s a no-brainer! Your goal should be results, not signs or a good time. Jesus once told a group of Pharisees that wicked people ask for signs (Matthew 12:39). We don’t need faith if we have signs, it’s a no-brainer!

After His resurrection Jesus confronted Thomas about his doubt and declared that those who have faith without seeing are blessed (John 20:27-29)!

The author of Hebrews expands on this teaching (Hebrews 11:1). When we get serious about our faith, we stop playing games, Father forgive us.

Games?

I’ll be the first to confess that I’m guilty of playing games with faith. My favorite is the red light game. When you’re hoping for something or someone to love badly and things aren’t looking good.

Then you cry out to God for a sign or GOOD NEWS that IT ISN’T OVER, YET. You pray God will change a signal light from red to green before you count down. As if a traffic signal can STEADY ME.

However, King Solomon reminds us of the wisdom of putting our trust in God (Proverbs 3:5). With that said, FATHER, I TRUST YA—I TRUST IN YOU and no other name or sign, this is WHERE I END.

I just wish I had learned that as a child, instead, I searched for love in the petals of daisies in the she loves me, she loves me not game. FEAR NOT, love often blooms without any signs.