Good Gifts!

While watching Dancing with the Stars I heard Bachelorette star Hannah Brown share about the turmoil in her life, “I’ve learned to see the blessings in the pain I’ve experienced, its brought me to where I now.” Behold all is bright for her now.

The Bible has a lot to say about adversity, and it isn’t bad. God’s people have endured persecution in this world, God sent His prophets to assure them He would bring beauty from their suffering (Isaiah 61:1-3, Malachi 3:3,) what a time it will be.

We live in a world that believes the best things give us immediate pleasure. Unfortunately, this feel-good all the time crap has become popular in the church—everyone gets all they want as long as they believe.

When Kanye West, a new believer visited a popular mega-church that spreads the sugar-tooth gospel, I prayed for him, because when the storms come many believers fall away when the heat is on.

As I look back over the past 20+ years of living with a brain injury, I remember times I wanted to give up. Recently learned most people my age are on four prescription medicines; I am fortunate to not need any.

What I’ve realized is the accident in my 20s motivates me to keep moving and staying in shape has benefited my overall health beyond others. The pain of my 20s has worked together for my overall good (Romans 8:28,) not bring me down. Life can change our perspective about what is good, like why I can’t wait for Christmas.

GOOD?

Webster’s defines good as, “Of a favorable character or tendency, free from injury or disease.” The takeaway of the world’s standard of good (immediate satisfaction) is realistically flawed.

Fifteen years ago my parents were diagnosed with lung cancer, a good outcome would have been them being cured and healthy, but eventually that too would have faded. During their treatment I learned that sugary foods cause cancer cells to spread rapidly. The immediate satisfaction of sweets caused more harm than good.

This is the reason the church needs to stand up against feel-good false teachers of the prosperity gospel, it is spreading like cancer within the body of Christ. Just like God’s definition of love is different than the world’s, so is God’s goodness.

When God created the world and separated the light from the dark, He said it was good (Genesis 1:3-4.) The Hebrew word used for good is Tov, this Old Testament idea of good means beautiful. Later when Eve saw the fruit she described it as good (beautiful) (Gen. 3:6.)

After she and Adam ate the fruit, they were separated from God, God promised to restore both them and us through a suffering servant (Isaiah 52:13–53:12,) when Hope came down everything was made right(good.)

The New Testament uses a few different words for good in the Greek ( Kalos, agathos, eudokia, sumphero, and Hedone’.) Each of these can be translated as pleasing or pleasure, which is a result of the Greek culture’s emphasis on pleasure. The beauty of pleasure is cheapened if the gift isn’t pleasing enough.

The Apostle Paul traveled to Greece to carry the gospel in the name of the Lord that countered Greece’s hedonistic culture. His message wasn’t readily accepted. Thus, the Apostle was constantly wrote letters to the church there to encourage them how to handle this gift.

Gifts?

Since we’ve put good into perspective, we can understand what gifts we’ve been given, a grown up Christmas list. When we place too much emphasis on pleasure, power and happiness and they become idols. The things we want often do more harm than good.

This was the case with the Jewish nation; their distorted view of God’s goodness caused them to miss the Savior they had been waiting for, Mary’s boy child Who left His throne in Heaven. God’s people missed Jesus because they stopped focusing on God’s will for their own desires, what they thought was good. What a message for us at Christmas.

Bad things happen to us all in life, but not everyone lets it stop them, with Jesus I have all I need for Christmas. I didn’t know twenty years ago that almost dying in an accident and spending the rest of my life living with a disability would be a blessing to me now and I never thought I’d say it that is how God works.

God’s plan was to give us a blessing we can’t understand, it’s joy to the world—not the church. God didn’t send His Son so we could have heaven here, Jesus came so we could spend eternity in Heaven with God, with no more suffering, tears or death (Revelation 21:1-4.) That alone is better than any worldly good gifts!

For Granted? Blog

Recently the community where I live was rocked by a tragedy. Three young siblings were killed in a car accident within walking distance from their respective schools, no one could come to their rescue and they crossed their finish line.

For weeks locals were raw from the loss. Since I went to school with the father and knew the children since they were little, I still get nauseous when I pass the memorials near the schools.

The father’s comments since have been a solemn reminder to me. He has been broken over the time he wasted while his children played video games and he did his own thing. He has learned the hard way that it’s really the little things in life that matter, get out my way.

I’d like to think I’ve learned this lesson myself over two decades ago after my accident, that’s when I had to relearn the simple tasks of life (smiling, eating and tying my shoes.) When we’re young, we think we’re indestructible, totally ignorant of the brevity of life. We take for granted the things we have, with dreams of gaining more (Genesis 3:2-6.)

FOR GRANTED?

Grant is defined as, “To assume to be true, willing; a gift or something given.” The last part of that definition is the value most of us miss in life. Gifts are not earned; they are given to us apart from our ability or rights, sometimes impossible things.

When I was growing up, my father taught me we appreciate what we work for more than what we are given. I didn’t understand it back when I was a kid, because I just wanted my wildest dreams. I didn’t care how I got it, I would be victorious.

Now that I’m older I understand what my father was teaching me. When we invest time, energy or whatever into achievement, we appreciate it more, especially if we loose it.

On the flipside, things we are given may be valuable, but we are less invested in them. Hence, why we take them for granted. We want God’s glory in this world, but get anxious when it’s not what we want, even if God knows better.

There is this evil WAY in each of us, the more we have, the more we want. If I can just get this car, that person or that promotion, I will be satisfied. King Solomon was correct, man is never satisfied (Ecclesiastes 1:5-7, 4:4.)

The other Son of David, Jesus, gave His life so it was possible to be granted His righteousness in the end. We’ve been made heirs to the throne of God and still we want more and take for granted what we have been given already.

GIVEN?

Christianity means I surrender—not to get—but to give love back to the One who rescued us from our sin. In this day of entitlement, everyone believes the sick lie they are entitled to more and more; they want their Heaven on Earth.

Sometimes we fail to realize what we’ve already been given; God allows it to be taken away. This was the case with the Job (Job 1:1-22.) His faith didn’t get him what he wanted.

It’s not necessarily to punish us, but test us or help us realize what we have. I’ve learned like my friend from school it’s the small things in life that really matter, don’t get caught dreaming.

This year I’ve spent time encouraging other brain injury survivors and their families. In an article I wrote for a brain injury magazine, I shared how we need to focus more on what we can do now physically instead of trying to go back to what we used to be a like even if I miss you. I’ve learned to be thankful for what God has done for me, because I’ve learned what I used to take for granted.

The Disconnect?

Last month I watched in horror as hurricane Dorian decimated the Bahamas. The popular Atlantic destination was cut off and disconnected from the rest of the world like a lonestar.

I’m sure the inhabitants felt completely alone as communication with the outside world was lost for days. I’ve heard numerous stories of someone being swept out into the ocean where family and friends will likely never find them.

We’ve all experienced enough seasons in life where we felt alone and isolated, life is simply out of control. I've shared before the worst-case scenario for me is having a seizure. Words cannot describe the helplessness a person feels as their bodies fight against them until the individual eventually blacks out, but I will fear no more.

The most surprising thing to me about what happened to the Bahamas is the defiant attitude to ignore the warnings of what was coming. Despite actually seeing the size of the monster Dorian, people willingly chose to remain on the islands; they can’t say they were ready.

The islands are already pretty much isolated from any continent, about 184 miles from the Florida coast and 244 miles from Cuba, that’s seperated. Bahamians know the risks and consequences of living that far out in the ocean. And yet many chose to remain there, disconnected.

Disconnected?

The dictionary defines disconnect as, “Disjointed; broken, not coherent or seemingly irrational. In life, we are often aware of the risks and consequences of our choices. Still, we choose to take a chance and we dance around our sin with pride. We know in the pits of our souls we’re wrong.

I’ll ever forget or stop regretting the season in my life during college when I willingly walked away from God and my faith, after leaving home I thought I’m free. The women and partying only left a void in my soul instead of filling it, that’s when I sensed God pursuing me via the Holy Spirit.

Yes, it is true God never leaves us, even when we willfully disobey Him—His eyes and love are still upon His children. I can’t help but think of the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32.) Jesus says before the lost son and father are even reunited, the father is filled with love (v. 20.)

For me, that is the best part of the parable. While the son was separated from the father, he was still loved and accepted. The Bible is full of Scripture that describes this unconditional, unshakable love of God (Exodus 20:6, Psalm 52:8, 1 Corinthians 13:7, Titus 3:4-5.)

Yet, there is a disconnect. Just so you know, the basics of sin are anything that comes between us and God. These aren't just bad or shameful things, good things that God has blessed us with can be sinful, just like with Adam and Eve.

Likewise, also, their sin didn’t stop God from loving them, nor will it with us. Sin is our choice to misuse what God has given us, sin isn’t God’s doing—it’s ours, and that’s how we became disconnected. Love is the way back, that’s the purpose of the cross.

Promise Keepers CEO Ken Harrison writes in his book Rise of the Servant Kings, “If we don’t stay focused on victory, there will be consequences for our actions on earth and consequences in heaven.”

The Way Back?

Over and over in the Old Testament, we read stories about God’s people walking away from Him, after all He's done. But we also find the power of God’s forgiveness and love. Each time God gave them another chance and many blessings, they failed to listen and change their ways. It was almost as if they wanted to be disconnected from their Maker.

The truth is like our forefathers, we too want to go our way and do our thing—and we expect God to bless us when we misuse what He’s given us. This is why I’m so afraid of doing what I want in life, I’m terrified I will only waste more time when I get wicked.

Recently, I had a fellow writer friend share his struggles with holding a job and pondering his career path. I quickly reminded him of the Blackaby principal, “watch where God is working in your life and join Him.”

Jesus told His disciples that He is the vine and apart from Him we could do nothing (John 15:5)—my refuge is the way back from the disconnect!

God Whispers?

One of the biggest benefits of resting is hearing God better and understanding His will, instead of just going through the motions. Life is so hectic and everything is screaming for our attention, somehow we have to differentiate between our desires, the world’s and God’s in order to reflect God.

Every time you turn around your heart has a new dream. We live in one of the most self-centered societies of all time; we are only in luv with ourselves. The deprivation of man is clearer than ever, it’s always only you that matters.

For 2000 years the Bible has been telling us man’s heart is wicked beyond our understanding (Jeremiah 17:9.) Not everything in our heart is from God; ask Eve, ask Cain—better yet ask the families of the victims in El Paso or Dayton Ohio, this world is out of control.



The shooters chose to listen to the voices of the enemy instead of the voice of sanity, the voice of righteousness, the voice of goodness—the voice of God. That’s what happens when we listen to the wrong voice, we lose our sense of direction.

As I look around at the world, whether on the news or in my community, I see a society that is more focused on the feel-good, do whatever you want voice. Go a hundred miles an hour until you reach where you want to be, we’re addicted to our sin.

The world believes that God’s dead. But, if we slow down and listen, we just might hear how much God really loves us in a whisper, that’s where hope finds me.

whispers?

A whisper is more than just talking softly; it’s speaking that can only be heard by people who are near. Whispers are a form of focused communication to specific individuals.

When I was growing up my friends and I played the telephone game and whispered what we wanted someone far away to hear. What made it so fun was how the messages changed from person to another.

The beauty of God whispers is they are undeniable, but it requires us to get closer to Him. For me, it is rarely soft. Perhaps, I’m just hardheaded—it seems like God is screaming at me.

More often than not God will wake me early in the morning. You see, the problem isn’t really if God still talks or not, the problem is we’re not listening anymore.

Mainly because we are not hearing what we want, but this is nothing new. Our sinful nature has always caused us to walk away from God (Isaiah 53:6.) This is why in the Old Testament; God was constantly sending prophets to the people. They still wouldn’t listen, so our God came to us through Jesus.

Since I’ve already blogged about the difference between true prophets and false prophets, I’ll just share two reminders—a prophet’s job isn’t to make people happy and a prophet is never wrong.

Likewise, God’s word is never wrong; that’s why it’s one of the primary ways God speaks to people. Yes, God is always talking, unfortunately so are we. If we stop praying, gimme gimme perhaps we would be able to hear.

This is a reason why I enjoy being outside so much; it’s easier to hear God in the peace and quiet. When there are no televisions, music players, cellphones, traffic, etc. you’ll hear Him and maybe even feel Him.

Even when I was in college and had walked away from God, I remember going to the beach and hearing God on the evening breeze or in the crashing waves of the oceans and even in the deafening sounds of a thunderstorm. God is always trying to get our attention, just stop doing what you want and listen. His word is the best place to look when looking for words.

My favorite place to get away and be with God is at a nearby park behind a local church. I like taking breaks from my hectic day to just go walk, most of the time I talk—but the great times are when I just look around and listen, I can hear Him in the sound of crickets and frogs. No, God’s not dead, He’ll never leave us.



It’s not uncommon for me to be walking late at night, instead of being scared or feeling alone, I get surrounded in God’s presence when I look up into the night sky at all of the stars (Job 9:7.) All of His promises come to mind and I remember life really isn’t about what I want. Living in God’s light will terrify the dark.


Want?



Instead of having a sound theology, the church has turned to a self-centered “me”-ology (1 Tim. 6:5.) This is why we have so many pastors, so-called prophets and so-called teachers spending more time talking about how loved and “blessed” we are. We won’t fare well with hearing sweet-toothed messages.

Although God’s love is undeniable, His detest for selfhishness is as well. There is no disconnect between the two doctrines—God is a loving God, but He is also a righteous and just judge. This means He won’t always say or do what we want.

Somehow, we need to get our priorities and lives realigned with the will of God, instead of pursuing what we want, let’s try listening to what God wants (2 Tim 4:3.) This is the essence of sound theology, “The study of God and of God's relation to the world.” We should have no problem understanding this as long as we listen for the God whispers.

Rest Blog?

One of my favorite quotes is from John Piper, “God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him (Psalm 17:15.)” I often remind myself of this when I become restless. When things in life aren’t working out no matter how hard I try, that’s my stress.

It is easy to get caught up in the rush of life. We get busy doing what we think we need to do and forget what matters most. After months of studying, brainstorming, rewriting and editing I finished rewriting a screenplay.

To my surprise, after I saved the file I wasn’t satisfied. I realized there are some changes I wanted to make. Not only that, my mind was bogged down with ideas for other writing projects; from my blog to magazine articles, new screenplays and on top of that I still had two columns posts to write. I prayed, “God, I’m leaning on you to catch my fall.”

With my plate full I couldn’t concentrate enough to do anything. I’m not a good multitasker and I’m not a fan of the concept, I like to focus on what I’m doing and give it my all. What’s a passionate Christian man to do when he is trying to be in God’s will? The answer I was searching for wasn’t that complicated.

After my accident I saw a neuropsychologist and I never forget her advice, “When in doubt, wait it out.” Simply take a break and rest. She wasn’t saying be lazy or inactive, but taking passive action by learning to rest.

I’m not a big fan of caffeine because it affects our nervous systems; coffee can never replace the benefit of a good night’s rest.

Rest?

Rest is a confusing subject because it has many different definitions:
• To cease from action or motion.
• Refrain from labor or exertion,
• To be free from anxiety or disturbance,
• To remain confident—trust.

I want to concentrate on the latter two. The idea of resting has deep spiritual meaning going all the way back to the beginning of time (Genesis 2:2-4.)

Ever since then God has constantly told His people to rest. Not so they could just be lazy and do nothing, but so that He could do miracles they couldn’t, resting in God is trusting in God and not us. He has the power to do impossible things, to turn bad into good.

In most Christian circles there’s a popular saying, “Let go and let God.” The problem is when we don’t see what we want happening, we don’t think God is doing anything; so we get anxious and can’t rest because we really don’t trust God is fighting for us—He is legendary for coming to His peoples’ rescue.

Jesus made it clear to the Jewish people that God is working today—even if we can’t see it (John 5:17.) God promised to fight for His people (Exodus 14:14, Isaiah 41:10.) God is unstoppable and can do what we can’t do on our own.

In today’s church everyone is trying to do a million different things to become somebody great instead of simply seeking God and trusting Him to work through us.

The book of Luke contains a great story of two sisters attempting to serve Jesus in different ways and Jesus makes it clear the sister who is resting with Jesus, the one who is actually spending time with Him instead of trying to impress Him is doing the right thing (Luke 10:38-41.)

I may not be the best singer, but I enjoy singing; if you’ve ever sang a fast song, you appreciate a musical rest. There is no music in a rest but the making of it, a rest helps singers catch their breath and continue to make music. In a symphony a rest is a break in the music to help the musicians keep a musical pace with one another.

Resting helps us to slow down and be still with God. Recently I had a health scare that kept me from being active. So I decided to take a few days to rest so I could get back on track with my physical activities.

ON TRACK?

When the Godfather left heaven in the form of Jesus like an avatar (Philippians 2:5-8,) He came to help us rest forever in His perfect love so we could grow. Most people know I am an outdoor fanatic, but I am also a gym rat and lift weights four days a week. My motivation isn’t superficial, but crucial to living with a brain injury. Strength training helps compensate for the lack of feeling on the left side of my body; it keeps atrophy for setting in. My routine is disciplined and focused.

I workout alone so I can concentrate on my workout and specific muscle groups, my routines run through eight week cycles with a week off for rest between each. The purpose for rest weeks is to give me time to heal, grow and recover.

It doesn’t matter how much you feel it, change it up or how intense you get; if you don't listen to your body and rest, your body will never grow. Likewise, our faith only grows as we learn to trust our God by learning to rest.

Glory Defined?

Recently, I saw an interview on the news about a new ministry coming to my area. The ministry leader said, “I know if I use my talents and give God the glory, He will bless my ministry.” To be honest the minister’s interview struck a nerve with me.

It is a popular false belief if we attach God or Jesus’ name to something we are free to do what we want and He is obligated to bless it for His glory, but it actually glorifies nothing but you. If that were true no Christian would ever struggle in this life. I think most of us can testify to the opposite as we each face hills and valleys.

I recently went on a walk with lots of doubt and fears in my mind on a track behind a church. As I began to walk down a hill, I looked up and noticed a strange phnomenon; the moon was still visible in the morning sky. I thought to myself, God only You can do such wonderful things, put both the sun and the moon in the sky at the same time; surely you can save Your people from this broken world.“

In my heart I sensed God say, “God things are not man things.” God has always brought glory to Himself through His works and creation. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Beauty is its own reason for existence.”

Scripture tells us over and over that the ancient world saw God in nature and it glorified its Creator (Genesis 1:1, Psalm 19:1, 66:4, Isaiah 40:26,) in every moment. Creation glorifies God and never says a word to bring Him glory! All glory is due to God, because it comes from Him, not us—His glory is all that matters.

GLORY?

Like most words glory has more than one meaning.
• High renown or honor won by notable achievements.
• Magnificence or great beauty.
• Take great pride or pleasure in.

And there is the problem, it’s a holy collision. We think that if we attach God’s great name to our works, it glorifies God and He’ll take it to another level. But if God has truly done something, it’s obvious.

We are only taking pride in our achievements. It is sad to think God’s people are so shallow in our thinking. We think God is glorified through our greatness and our works, our successes.

But in the Bible, the opposite is true. When Israel was fleeing Egypt and Pharaoh. God told Moses and His children to be still so that He could rescue them and in the end glorify Himself (Exodus 14:13.)

Later God told Moses to speak to a rock and He would make water come out, instead Moses struck the rock with his staff, robbing God of the glory (Numbers 20:8-11.) Moses, pride Gotcha!

Even in the New Testament, we see God isn’t glorified in our strength or deeds— but, in our brokenness and weakness. On one occasion the disciples asked Jesus why a man was born blind and Jesus replied that God may be glorified (John 9:2–3.)

Later the apostle Paul explained God’s power is shown in our weakness, not our strength (2 Corinthians 12:9.) When God is doing really something, we don’t have to attach His name to it. People know when only God can do something.

LET GO AND LET GOD?

If you’ve been in the Christian community you’ve heard the saying, “Let go and let God.” With our mouths we surrender, but with our actions we try to succeed in our own strength. Which just glorifies us, sinful man—that’s not the cause of Christ.

God is glorified by what He does, not man. God gets the final word or gets nothing at all. When one of Jesus’ friends died, Jesus said God would be glorified (John 11:1-44.)

On another walk, this time home from the gym, I was exhausted; I still had a lot of writing to do. I had so much I wanted to do for God. But, upon arriving home all I felt like doing was eating and reading. But, what can I do?

As I curled up in my popasan chair to read by a window, I read the following words by the late Bob Briner, “God created us for beauty—to be beautiful and to enjoy beauty. To the degree that we passionately engage ourselves in this love affair with the Lover of our souls, we will not be able to hide beauty if we try.”

When Jesus called His first disciples, they weren’t out seeking greatness, still God made them who they were made to be. He found them where they were, ordinary uneducated men. But God used them to do great things despite their faults and brokenness, that’s glory defined.

The Harvest?

Outside is my favorite place to be and place to praise God; whether I’m biking, hiking are simply walking around town. It feels like I am in the presence of God, everyday I’m blessed. Especially this time year, I enjoy the feeling of the warm sun on my skin.

We had an unusually warm winter and most of the trees began growing leaves earlier than normal. After a few cold nights the leaves began to change like it was fall. It was as if Mother Nature had lost track of time and gone through the seasons in a matter of weeks. I’d never seen anything like it.

Even the flowers began to bloom early, but the blossoms didn’t last long before they died also. One day before my bike ride I prayed for direction in my life. God always hears the prayers of His children and yes He always answers them, but not with a yes. Most of us can testify to this.

As I began biking through the countryside I passed farms and pastures where weeks before there was nothing, but now teamed with life as the harvests began sprouting or the livestock was rotated in the pastures.

As I enjoyed the beauty of nature and all the life teaming around me, I sensed God say, “I make everything beautiful in its season. Trust Me.” The life lesson is, there are seasons for growth and reaping and there are seasons for planting and waiting (hgh.)

Furthermore, we aren’t all in the same season and each of us will reap a harvest at different points in life. God has placed an eternal longing in our hearts, but only He knows when each season will come (Ecclesiastes 3:11.)

This is why we mustn’t compare ourselves to other people and definitely not the world. Some reap now and others later, some are good soil and some are bad. Jesus’ parable about good and bad soil (Matthew 13:24-30,) should make us all tremble.

Child of God, the good soil must never compare itself to the bad soil…the lost. We serve a different King/purpose, that’s why I wonder why so many false teachers and preachers teach believers to chase things of this world and their selfish dreams and a big paycheck—only the lost chase dreams, we chase God; it’s His harvest after all, He gets the spotlight.

The Harvest?

The dictionary defines harvest as, “The season of gathering for crops, a mature crop, the quantity of a natural product gathered in a season.” By this we understand a harvest is only ready in the perfect season, it will stand up.

Only the planter reaps the harvest, although the workers do the work. In the planting process, the soil breaks down the seed and nourishes it, in Jesus’ parable we are the soil and good soil absorbs the seed (God’s word.)

But, when the seed has fallen on rocky ground, it can’t take root. Regardless, sometimes there’s a good crop and sometimes bad.

Either way, God is in control, because He is the Lord of the harvest. What most people fail to realize is the harvest benefits the landowner only. When Jesus told His disciples that the harvest was ready, He was referring to an eternal kingdom, not a temporary one full of selfish dreams.

This is why Scripture repeatedly says only God’s plans prevail (Psalm 33:10–11, Proverbs 16:9, Isaiah 14: 27, Ephesians 1:11, Hebrews 6:17.) We are simply the workers fulfilling His plans—the harvest, it is greater than all of my regrets.

God is too loving a Father to give us everything we want. He knows have selfish desires. The apostle Paul explained to the church what the harvest of the spirit is and isn’t (Galatians 5:22–23.)

This is why I’m confused when I see so many so-called Christians boasting about earthly wealth. God promises to give us what we need in life, not always getting your way (Matthew 6:18-21.) The irony of Christianity is sometimes winning in life requires losing in this life.

And like a seed dying in good soil, it will be alright, we produce eternal rewards in heaven, scripture talks about the patriarchs of the faith not receiving earthly treasures, but gaining heavenly rewards (Leviticus 25:23, Hebrews 11:13-39, 1 Peter 2:11.)

Heaven?

Heaven unveils a new earth all the way, with new soil and glorious treasures beyond our imagination with no tears. God is preparing the new heaven and earth right now. This is why it’s important for to use our gifts for the work He has prepared for us (Ephesians 2:10-12.)

When you focus on Heaven and not the things where you are then everything you do will be for the glory of God, because that is the real harvest (Zechariah 14:21, 1 Corinthians 10:31.)

Cherry-Picking?

Last month some of my friends posted pictures on Facebook of their trips to Washington D.C. for the cherry blossom festival and next year they’ll do it again. I began hearing complaints about how the blossoms bloomed too early and some blossoms had already opened and died for the season.

I did some research and discovered that originally the trees were a free gift from Japan in 1912. The blossoms peak between mid-March to mid-April depending on the weather.

Most people forget Mother Nature works on her timetable, not ours. Despite advances in technology mankind hasn’t learned how to control nature. No matter how smart we think we are God has a way of proving us wrong through nature and science.

Dear Mr. Christian, the authors of the Bible declared nearly 2000 years ago that man cannot control or comprehend God (Job 5:9, 11:7; Psalm 36:6; Proverbs 25:2; Romans 11:33; Colossians 2:3,) no matter how much we scream from the rooftops. Call me old-fashioned, but I believe the Bible 100%—not just the good parts we want to believe, like only picking up the best cherries.

CHERRY PICKERS?

You see, over the millennia we’ve decided to pick out all of the good parts we like and disregard the things in the Bible we don’t, this changes everything. I’m not just talking about the lost. I’m referring to the conservative right-wing traditionalists in the church.

Don’t get me started on the health, wealth and prosperity preachers of Satan’s flock. Don’t offer me a round of applause; this may be a buzzkill to your blessed up religious miss-beliefs.

Cherry picking Scripture isn’t the whole truth, only part of it; I was taught that a half-truth is a whole lie. Every week millions of Christians attend church to hear the Good News and learn how it relates to their lives, only to hear a sick temporary feel-good message about how God wants to give them the best of this world.

A world that will not last and is corrupted with sin and death; it’s a world that looks pretty on the outside, but is quickly wasting away from the inside out.

Like Sandcastle’s on the beach, the world is fading. Jesus taught the early church to build their houses on the rock, not the sand and cherry picking is the opposite (Matthew 7:24-27.)

Cherry pickers are like Fair-weather friends. When things are good, they come to church as soon as the doors open, but when things don’t go their way they fall away like the petals of cherry blossoms in the wind. Was it worth it?

While researching this blog, I learned cherry blossoms actually produce fruit months after all the pretty blossoms are gone. Only these cherries aren’t the tasty ones you purchase in the store, these cherries are so sour that mainly birds and wildlife eat them.

Jesus had a lot to say about bad fruit (Matthew 7:15-20.) He used agriculture to help explain the things of God to the commoners (Matthew 13:24-30.)

Cherry pickers look good on the outside and like to be popular, but not for the Kingdom. When things don’t go as they plan they lose it and move on to the next best thing. What most cherry pickers fail to learn is God’s timing and plans are better than ours.

He knows our NEEDS—we think in terms of our lives and our world, God thinks in terms of His purposes and the salvation of the world. Israel wanted to be great in Egypt in their day; God was planning a greater kingdom for eternity (Jeremiah 29:8-11.)

Cherry pickers’ timing is a microwave mentality and demands immediate satisfaction, God’s timing is a millennial marathon and guarantees eternal joy—He'll never let you down. The older I get, the more I realize the importance of waiting on God and His timing.

Diamonds aren’t made overnight, but over time and under immense pressure before they glow. God does this for a good reason, only He knows when everything is ready, that’s why we must learn to trust Him more and not our own understanding, this is amazing grace (Psalm 37:3, Proverbs 3:5.)

Not ready yet!

If living in the South has taught me anything, it’s the law of the harvest. You don’t plant one day and reap the benefits the next. After the seed is planted, a farmer’s job is to trust God and let nature take its course; I know God will fight for me. This is why Solomon said there is a time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.)

Not just the feel-good messages. God is less concerned about our selfish dreams, for the cause of Christ. The story about footprints in the sand reminds me of how the invisible God is at work, even when we can't see it.

The hard work is in the waiting for the season of reaping, no days off. Cherry blossoms are bred for superficial and temporary purposes, but God is more interested in the fruit we bear later.

As spring nears its end, many fruits and vegetables are almost ready to be harvested. Where I live, peaches peak around June, like most cherries. I could care less because I don’t eat either. I am a picky eater. I don’t eat for pleasure or entertainment; I eat for nourishment and energy. Don’t settle for the false gospel of cherry picking.

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Lighten Up?

Last month I shared my accident 22 years ago. The extent of my brain injury came after I lied to a nurse about being able to walk.

After using bedpans, I believed I was able to walk to the bathroom. But I learned the hard truth after falling off of the toilet. As I sit here, I can still remember the sound of the echo of my body hitting the floor.

My pride got the best of me. The doctors had said I would never walk again and I was determined to prove them wrong. I’m not sure who I was putting my faith in, myself or God.

After being away from church for six years, I still remembered the promises of God being with me; I knew He was never gone and I prayed don’t let me down (Deuteronomy 31:8.)

I remember lying in my bed and listening to my friends laughing in the hall. All of my hopes and dreams had died and I just wanted to come back home.

But there was still a spark of faith inside me; over time I realized my life wasn’t over, it’s just a different lifestyle. I remember seeing my doctors’ smile as I was rolled out of the hospital on a stretcher face down and butt up, it makes me laugh now.

Laugh?

Being disabled has given me a new perspective on life after coming back to life. I’ve learned not to be so serious and laugh. Especially when I have trouble doing simple things, you never know how much you take for granted until you can’t do it. But, tomorrow is a new day and may be the comeback you need.

You may have heard that it takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile. But in my situation, it was actually the opposite. One of the things I had to relearn during my stay in a rehab. was how to smile again.

Because of the strokes I suffered, the muscles on the left side of my face wouldn’t move. Therefore every morning before breakfast I had to stand in front of a mirror look at my scars and stick my index fingers into the corners of my mouth and pull to stimulate the muscles again so I could feel them.

I did this before breakfast because it also helped me to eat my food without letting it dribble out the corners of my mouth. This killed the little pride I had left after falling off the toilet a few weeks earlier.

I also talked monotone like Forrest Gump and had to listen to my voice on my answering machine to get my tone back and learn how to change the pitch of my voice when I laughed. That’s when I learned the effects of laughter on our brains and bodies.

•In the brain, laughter can regulate dopamine levels and this hormone regulates a lot: mood, motivation, attention, and learning.
•Soothes tension.
•Laughter activates and relieves stress response.

The latter is particularly important in life; because none of us are immune to the stresses of life. In the Old Testament, God’s people faced lots of stress. Even the patriarch of faith Abraham was stressed out about not having children and laughed when God told him he would become a father at 100 years old (Genesis 17:17.)

And then Sarah laughed at the idea of being pregnant at 90. Imagine living almost 100 years before having children (Genesis 18:12.) Laughter was their reward for having faith.

Throughout the Old Testament God’s people struggled, Job faced many trials and lost more than most of us will. Still, he knew God would make him laugh again, he had perfect peace (Job 8:21.)

During the exodus, the people must’ve laughed as they watched God vanquish their foes time and again like a wildfire. Imagine waking up every morning and having bread appear on the ground for your meals.

DiAnn, it would be like heaven on earth to have meat fall from the sky to eat (Numbers 11:31.) I’m sure they laughed because God provided: Freedom, bread to eat, meat to eat, and finally milk and honey (Deuteronomy 26:9.) You’d think they would learn to let go and trust God at some point.

LETTING GO AND TRUSTING GOD?

Recently I became anxious as I approached my annual physical. I forgot all of the miracles of God had in my life. You’d think by now I’d have more faith in God. I can laugh at the devil because there’s a heaven and he isn’t going.

I went to my doctor with questions. He looked over my bloodwork and smiled, after praising me for being in good health, especially with my brain injury. I shared with him my fears and he laughed−welcome to getting older.

I began to remember all of God’s miraculous blessings in my life and I laughed too. But, if I could let go and trust God, then the trials of life won’t bring me down.

Upon arriving home I heard the news of actress Marcia Cross’s anal cancer diagnosis. I laughed when I heard she looks back and laughs at the situation.

How much more can we let go, when God is in our lives? Isn’t this what Israel failed to learn in their walk with the God they claimed to know?

Maybe their pride that made them forget about His goodness. Because every time a new trial occurred, they tried to fix it themselves. It’s funny how God can use the trials to make us better, if we learn to lighten up!

Tested?

Last month I made a decision to stop pursuing a Christian literary agent for my screenwriting projects. Besides the Christian market isn’t my target audience for the films (Matthew 28:19-20). Breaking into the writing business can be pretty hard. There are so many people trying to pursue a professional writing career, it is hard to set yourself apart.

Life is hard. Storms will come in life to challenge you, not tear you apart. February was affected by a crazy weather pattern with ferocious wind storms. The news was flooded with stories of people coping with the unpredictable weather.

March will probably be worse; it is the bridge between winter and spring. As hours of daylight increase, ground temperature increases and when the warm air rises it pushes against the cold air forcing more cold air down from the atmosphere in the form of strong winds.

These winds serve as an important purpose in nature as they allow the seasons to change. They also help to remove any leftover leaves holding on to trees. This will provide more material for birds as they begin their nest building season.

I am amazed by how much goes on in nature year-round when most people don’t think anything’s happening in winter. It’s one of the things I like about biking all year; I get to see all the intimate little quiet moments in nature most people miss. True joy is being content regardless of our circumstances.

One of my goals for this year was to spend more time biking. To be honest, I don’t care much for the cold and wet rainy days or when the crazy winds try to push me the other way. But I know in the end all of the challenges will make me stronger, as I’m tested mentally and physically. The tests give me an adrenaline rush, not fear.

TESTED?

The dictionary gives an interesting definition of a test, “A procedure intended to establish the quality, performance, or reliability of something, especially before it is taken into widespread use.” Or “A movable hearth in a reverberating furnace, used for separating gold or silver from lead.”

The second definition is particularly interesting for me as a Christian. Throughout the Bible, there’s an analogy of God using trials like refining gold (Malachi 3:3). If the refiner doesn’t test the gold by increasing the heat, it won’t be purified.

I apply this analogy to working out, if I don’t push myself in the gym my muscles won’t grow. Unless I test them and that causes a temporary pain. Regular exercise helps to prepare our bodies for the stresses of life. There is a difference between getting in shape and a healthy lifestyle, even if we don’t want to hear it.

And that leads me to the first definition of testing. Recently I found myself sitting in the silence in the middle of the day after praying to God for direction in my life.

After a few days after hearing nothing, I began to doubt everything: myself, God and my faith. So I prayed again and immediately remembered an old lesson I learned, a teacher never speaks during a test and they only give a test after the students have listened to the information that’s been taught.

I remembered the definition of faith. When we don’t see God working, feel a connection or hear Him—that doesn’t mean He’s not there, that’s where faith comes into play; we must trust His reckless love for us.

We have faith God is with us and He has faith we’re ready for the test. Our faith grows stronger when God is being silent. Our faith muscle is being tested.

One of the things I learned after my accident is that the brain will grow more brain cells the quieter it is. If you think you feel better in the peace and quiet, it is because your brain is rested and able to grow, not necessarily in size but in health.

This is why it is necessary for us to get sleep at night, our brains recover from the stresses of the day, and likewise, it is when our muscles recover from the physical tests of the day.

GROW UP?

Growing up isn’t always easy or fun, some call them growing pains, but I call a life. We all go through awkward seasons as we transition from adolescence to teens and then adulthood. Our bodies are changing, our personalities are developing and our hormones are raging.

Everything that happened when we’re young prepares us for life ahead. God’s motto is to use trials for our good later in life. This happened with King David as a boy when he had to fight bears and lions (1 Samuel 17:17 –37). I have learned that when the devil wants to try me, it’s on because God is still on the throne and He’s unstoppable.

As we begin the month of March I am reminded of the most difficult season of my life when I faced the hardest test to date. This month marks 22 years since I had my accident. I remember waking up after spending a week in La la land and everyone thought I was going to die and thinking God I’m listening and I’m not letting go. That’s when I made my covenant with Him; because I knew in my heart I was being tested.

Comfort Zone

I’m a health-nut, if I’m not in the gym working out, I’m outside doing something. It’s common for me to be outside while it’s freezing with no sun above.

I’ve gone biking at 18° temperatures and walking in freezing rain. I believe there is no season for getting healthy and that is all I need to stay motivated. Being healthy is a lifestyle like Christianity; it is a 24/7/365-day process, which is God’s speed.

It’s a lot like relationships; they don’t always feel good. The strongest relationships are built by overcoming adversities, not avoiding them.

However, a recent story I saw on TV noted that most people stay in relationships just because they feel comfortable. No wonder so many people fall out of love and get divorced these days, that’s bad romance. What love is this that requires no commitment, just comfort?

A lot of people where I live think I’m crazy for staying outside in the winter. But, I think people are crazy for not getting outside and keeping the rythm going. After I lost the ability to walk, I had to fight to get back to walking and I cherish every day I get to walk.

Being active this time a year has benefits. It helps me enjoy the little things in life that others happen to miss. When I’m out in the countryside biking in the cold air I feel closer to God, He’s still here.

Because everyone is staying inside trying to stay comfortable; ironically, that is what makes people sick. Viruses and diseases multiply in warm humid places. Cold temperatures kill viruses.

It’s why hospitals keep the temperature cool. I have never gotten a flu shot and never gotten the flu, I rarely get sick despite being outside in the freezing cold and rain. It isn’t a comfortable feeling when the cold air hits my face biking at 30 miles an hour or more. But, being healthy isn’t about being comfortable. Comfort makes us lazy (Proverbs 19:15).

Comfort?

Comfort is a state of physical ease or freedom from physical pain or constraint. While this may seem desirable, it’s a false sense of safety. If circumstances were to change, there would be chaos. This is why so many people never find joy; their lives are in constant flux with their emotions.

It's like not pushing yourself in the gym. Of course, we may feel good for the time being, but when we don't get the results we desire it can be upsetting. But, if we give all we have in the gym, the pain will give us the results we are striving for. My motto is you never get maximum results by giving minimum effort.

This applies to all areas of life. Lack of discipline makes us weak. The saints were more concerned about comfort and being safe, they wanted their heaven then.

Despite Jesus telling them to go spread the gospel, they wanted to play it safe. We're living in those times again with everyone trying to take the easier path and play it safe. We have a whole generation of Christians who say they want to change the world, but can’t seem to get beyond their parents’ houses.

While it’s a scary world out there, it’s okay; millennials need to understand the challenges of life help us grow. Being on our own helps us to learn discipline and responsibility. Living under the cover of our parents is only for a season. There’s more to life than just dreams and good times.

That’s why we don’t stay in our mother’s womb until we are completely finished growing. The forces of nature help us to grow and develop. Until this generation understands this, they’ll never respect that.

Colleges are being inundated with students who can’t perform the basic necessities of life. They don’t how to cook or wash clothes. They’ve never had to take care of themselves before.

If you never face opposition, there is no reason to grow up. Same for the church, God never promised that we wouldn’t face trials in life, He promised to be with us and to comfort us when the opposition comes (Deuteronomy 31:6, Isaiah 41:10). No, we are not alone.

Opposition?

Avoiding difficulties is like working out with no weight or resistance, it doesn't make us stronger. The opposition isn’t bad for us. In college, I learned about a study in psychology that focused on whether or not people with the same interests had stronger relationships than opposites. This explains why I’m not attracted to gym chicks, change starts with me in my heart.

The study showed over time relationships with no challenges pushed the individuals apart when they hit the crae crae button. This is why most of us are thrill seekers, we want to grow and opposition pushes us beyond our comfort zones. I like culture; I’m drawn to different backgrounds. Most of my closest friends are from different ethnicities.

J.K. Rowling once noted, “It is impossible to live without failing at something … unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all—in which case, you fail by default.”

In my freshman year in college, I made the decision to move put to be closer to school. It was scary at first. But, it didn’t take long for me to make new friends and to start enjoying new experiences that still overflow into my life today.

It helped me build confidence in the man I was becoming. I made lifelong friends who I still keep in touch with now. We were all still growing. It wasn’t until after my accident that I learned the human brain continues to grow until around age 25.

I never would have learned that if I never almost died in that car accident 22 years ago. But the difficulties that come from having a brain injury and scars have only made me stronger because I have no choice but to get out of my comfort zone.

Bubbles!

Last year I learned a lot about myself, life and faith and it wasn’t easy. In 2019 I’m coming in hot and I won’t look back. Since transitioning from a traditional workplace job to something from home, I had the opportunity to go out into the community more and pay attention to the people around me.

While studying the history of the Pharisees I saw a lot of similarities between them and the modern church, that’s why spent last year exploring the analogy. The most shocking similarity between the two groups is religious people tend to flock together in the same circles and never change.

The Pharisees like their counterparts the Sadducees often threw their knowledge around in the Jewish community. They were notorious for looking down upon the poor, Jesus taught we can see the heart by your love for others (John 13:35).

This is why Jesus often told parables to illustrate true greatness; His teachings challenged the paradigm of the Jewish community. Then again the Jewish people had a history of being divided. When King Solomon’s son took over, Israel split; Israel in the north and Judah to the south.

Almost 120 years ago America split also. As I watch the news, I see a country that is divided and broken more now than ever and not just because of race. Sadly, religious views are tearing this country apart.

I’ve lived in the South most my life and hear the term Bible Belt professed, but it’s more like a bubble belt. While there are some who adhere to the Bible, most just run around in religious circles and rarely venture out of their comfortable bubbles.

BUBBLES?

I’m not talking about the fun illusions most of us grew up with; I’m referring to religious cliques. Cliques have one thing in common with playful bubbles, how they exist. And I’m not talking about how the Spirit moves.

Bubbles are a small body of gas within a liquid; a delusive scheme. Bubbles are one state within another and drift from one place to another, often in large groups. They don’t last long but are fun enough to preoccupy kids.

As we grow in the faith we should let go of the little things (Hebrews 5:12-14). We are called to grow up and go into the world, not just stick together and make each other feel good by telling a lullaby.

When I first got back into church I read The Roaring Lambs; it challenged me to grow and go in my faith and to give everything. Bob Briner states, “To the average Christian salt is something that comes in a blue box and hides on the shelf until it’s needed.... salt must be brought in contact with its object for its power to be realized. Sitting in the shaker, it does no good.”

Of course, it’s comfortable in our saltshaker churches. And somewhat safe, I know we live in days that are dangerous for Christians. But if we truly believe the Bible, then we know God is with us like He was with the first disciples when He commanded them to get busy and go make disciples (Matthew 28:16-20).

After the crucifixion, most of the followers of Christ went into hiding; even the original 12 disciples got comfortable, that’s why I’m on my 116. The church is an epiphany of Christ to the lost.

COMFORTABLE?

No one said being a Christian would be easy or safe, just that it’s worth it. In fact, Jesus made a point that following Him would be hard (Luke 10:3). If it seems like the times we live in are hard for Christians, perhaps there’s a reason.

Maybe God allowed the trials and changes this year to chisel me so He can use me more in the future. What if I’m more concerned about others than becoming the greatest me ever?

God knows there’s got be a change or else you and me are just the same as the world around us. The early church was willing to die for the faith, we can’t be God’s messengers to our communities because we’re not comfortable in the wrong crowds.

Persecution caused the gospel to spread around the globe in the first century; maybe it needs to happen again. Brenner continues, “To be the kind of so Christ spoke about is to be on the cutting edge, in the fray, at the forefront of battle.”

Christians need to make war with ourselves and say goodbye to our comfort zones, like you, I am not my own. The early church gave the whole 9 and was crushing snakes. While exiled for the faith John advised the early church to be in the world, but not of it (1 John 2:15-17). The only way to be the light is to get out of our religious bubbles!