Are you ready to play the Game?

 We must be a defender against the enemy.

Growing up, it was a natural fit for me to play sports... I was talented and athletic, so I was drawn to both football and baseball. I remember my first time playing football; my team was called the “Redbirds”. I was about 10 years old. Not really knowing the details to the game itself or really what position I even played, all I knew was whether we won or lost.  It wasn't until high school that I knew what positions were, or what position I was good at and wanted to play, and of course it was the Quarterback. As I grew, both in stature and maturity I became to understand how important it was to know my role and how to read the defenses. As we can see in the NFL today, the Quarterbacks like Peyton Manning, Tom Brandy, and Drew Brees have perfected their positions. These guys are great quarterbacks because they have learned how to expose the weakness of the opponent’s defense.

Also in high school, because I was athletic and probably most of all because we were short players, I had to play defense as well. I played the safety position. I had to learn how to defend against the offense that would try and expose our weakness as a defense. I learned this term called, “keeping your head on a swivel”. This meant that as a defender I had to keep my eyes up and attentive to whatever was coming my way. I had to be alert at all times to keep myself in the best position possible to defend whatever the opposing quarterback (enemy) was going to throw at me. These to roles have taught me a lot thought my life. But, as I reflect today on them I come to these passages that Paul writes here in Ephesians 6:10-19:

“In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].”

Here we see the first step is being united one with the Father, let him have your back, find your strength in Him.

“Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.”

 This armor, is to be ready for the battle, that we can be ready at all times, be attentive and in the right position through being consistent in prayer (Phil 4:6).

“For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere. Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].”

This is much like putting faith and trust in your teammates to do their job. More importantly, we must know and believe that the Lord will play His part in our lives and (it may not and often doesn’t look as we want it to). He above everything and everyone is trustworthy. We must practice and prepare ourselves; through spiritual disciples that build a defense, which allows us to be ready. Putting on our armor is an active practice of the will. Everyday putting our faith and trust in Him is an act.

Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God, And having shod your feet in preparation to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.”

 The Hebrew word SHALOM: the peace, the completeness, and wholeness that is in Christ, he has come, died, and rose in perfection to pay for our sins and restore us to right relationship with God. Knowing the truth and not wavering, being committed!

“Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one]. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God. Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people).

And [pray] also for me, that [freedom of] utterance may be given me, that I may open my mouth to proclaim boldly the mystery of the good news (the Gospel)” (Eph 6:10-19).

So much more then just a game is this thing we call life. And in this life we are going to have to decide how we are going to play the game in different seasons we face. But, what remains is the truth that our Father offers us.

“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you” (Deut 31:6).

In this life and spiritual journey we are going to face opposition from the biggest enemy of all (Satan) and just like a quarterback he has been studying us and learning our weaknesses along the way ready to expose them. We must use hold fast to the Truth (Word) that comes from the Father and play our part and trust that He will play His. Be encouraged today friends, Jesus has already won the battle. Being a defender is a much harder role to play, but as they say, “Defense wins championships”.

Let’s stick to the game plan (Bible).

Be blessed!

SHALOM

Jack.

Have I left you?

Have I left you? 

Today was a wonderful day in one of the most beautiful place in the world Vail Co. Beaver Creek Ski Resort was where our adventure was today. I took a group of students that are in my mentor program up snowboard today. For many of the students it was there first time going to beaver creek and also learning how to snowboard. Our first task was to get them equipped and on the the mountain. As many people begin to do something new, you need to start with the basics. We begin our day on a very small hill to get the basic idea of being on a snowboard and how to maneuver on it. Learning how to turn, slow down, transfer weight all things that are essential to riding a board without seriously hurting yourself. 

Many students took their falls with courage and anticipation of getting better as the day went on. Full of eagerness to learn from their falls along the way. One after the other, we spent 2 1/2 hours on this small hill, taking the falls and getting back up in hopes to not have stay here to long and move on to the bigger hills, or to learn enough from the instructors to go ride on their own. But, like anything being learned for the first time you need a person how is an expert at whatever it is you are learning. Someone you can trust, how has put in the time, or has the experience to be a good teacher and someone that makes you feel more confident in what you are learning with each step.  

I was so excited as I saw my students getting better each time they went up and down this small hill. It came time where the instructors said, " Okay, we feel like you guys are ready to move on to the next step." This was the real mountain slope. Some students immediately felt fear, anxiety and insecurity in their ability to go down a real mountain and it showed. The interesting part was they all knew they were going to learn how to snowboard today, so this was not a surprise that they would actually go down the mountain.  But, actually seeing what they were up against brought a whole new level to, "going down the mountain".  These feeling of fear quickly was surpassed by an encouraging word and a helping hand by the one person who knew the course, knew the ability of the student, and knew their potential. 

You see today for me was not just taking students on a snowboarding trip. For me, it was so much more then that. Toward the middle of the day as i was ridding the lift back up, I noticed a group of young kids learning as well.  this was more of a one on one instruction. In this case the instructor would ski right next to the little kid. One, to offer comfort, safety but also correction if needed. The little girl was making her down and begin to lean back to sit down as he called it, then would fall over almost giving up when it got hard or scary. This happened a few times and as the instructor noticed it, he simply says to the little girl, "I'm right here, have I left you?" The obvious answer was no. But, for whatever reason she felt as if she didn't have to confidence to do it on her own. So he continued

 and said, " okay then, let's get up and do it right." 

It stuck me like a gust of the cold wind hitting my face, (literally). This is how God is with us all the time. As we walk through life we are learning and experiencing new challenges along our own mountains, getting up and falling down over and over again. We know that life is not easy and that obstacles will come, stipe hills are bounds to find us in this journey of life. We allow fear, anxiety, and insecurity to just weight us down as we just throw ourselves down and give up. Often times we are looking for the instructor, the expert, the experienced one to just be their with us each step of the way, speaking encouraging words, seeing who we are, seeing our potential and helping us, "To get up and do it right".  

However, so many times in my own life I have operated out this same idea that maybe the little girl had. If I can't see you (instructor) right here then you must have left me. At times when I can't see The Instructor (God) leading, guiding, encouraging, and feeling his presences or plan unfolding right next to me, I panic and make choices and decision accordingly. Which ends up coming out fear, anxiety and insecurity and I fall down. Even if i believe or know that I'm capable, but just not confident. 

I think the Lord our Father asks me in those times, "Have I left you?" Almost as if i have convinced myself by my actions or thoughts that he has, he simply asks, "Have I left you?" The answer is obvious NO! Then He says with all expectation, "Then let's get up and do right." The truth is that God says in His word that he will never leave nor forsake his us.

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

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” Joshua 1:9

We can see throughout scripture that God continues to affirm his people that he is with them and not going to leaving them. 

The question becomes: Will I live another day as if the presences of God is not with me? 

Am I going to do things out of fear, anxiety and insecurity in disbelief of who I am and who the Father knows that I am, or will I let The Instructor God lead me each day down the mountain? 

What Love is this?

What love is this? 

Inspired by the sweet and powerful words and passion that Kari Jobe sings this love song to The Lord. Hit my heart in a place that was not expecting last night as I listened to it about 25 times. It brought up very strong emotions, in light of my separation of my daughter and recent relationship ending without any type of closure. My heart felt a little bitter about V-Day, understandably so... I was not angry, or frustrated, or even bitter... I was truly sorrowful and joyful all at the same time. Sorrowful, about how my choices and decisions have led me to a place of extreme pain and regret, but joyful to know and believe that The Lord of Lords has a plan and is redeeming and restoring my true heart. 

"I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh." (Ezekiel 11:19 NIV). 

I think for so long I had hoped that I could just get by... The reality was, I was truly ignoring my own deep seeded heart issues. That over time begin to ooze out of being in different ways. This was such a harmful place to be not just for me but for the people I love and those around me. This was my false self, the person I wanted others to see and like. The mask was fully put on, depending on who I was around I would display different masks. Whether it was finding my identity in my accomplishment or in my talents, it was/is false. We so easily want a quick fix to our deep issues of brokenness, but are not willing to go to the source of healing (Jesus)... Furthermore, we then need to by disciplined and faithful to stay within the process... 

I know this is me speaking to myself... What I am discovering is that the heart is very complicated and fragile. Weak, desperate, and courageous... If we will allow The Lord to replace our temporary, false, ashamed, broken, stone hearted desires for a long lasting pursuit of righteousness we could be changed. It be content and joyful for each day of life and not stay stuck in past regrets and failures that have us chained up. Trust me, I'm not saying that we can control all circumstances and situations that occur in life, but a majority of why and how my hearts been broken have been the direct result of my own selfish choices. So in the process of discovering; What love is this? It Is such a paramount question within the lyrics of Kari Jobe song. 

I just could not hold back the tears from flowing, furiously down my cheeks last night as those powerful words broke through all the bullshit, false and arrogant things in my life and penetrated my heart... Knowing that I don't deserve one bit of God's love and grace, but yet he still waits with open arms every time I mess up... So many times Jesus shows himself to the people in the bible in this way... He calls out the truth of the sin in their life in such a loving and powerful way. A friend once told me, "In order for love to truly be love it has to go beyond a feeling to a daily choice. This is the type of love Jesus's choice in giving his life for us. This is such a foreign in concept to our minds and hearts, especially if we never had someone model this for us... Parents or family. So it can, and in my case caused me to seek it out a false sense of love more then to just receive it as Jesus freely wants to give it us. 

BUT...there is hope. That if we can continue, by faith, even if we don't fully understand this kind of Love that Jesus offers, healing is within reach... The question becomes will we choose this kind of love daily? The issue is, will we choose the temporary for the permanent love that is only found in Jesus?  It's your choice... 

I Believe in Him

I'm listening to this song right now... and as I’m doing that I am looking a photos from friends that were recently in Israel. Walking where Jesus walked, being in cities where he did miracles. Even at the Jordan River, where he was baptized. The buildings are in ruins but still have pieces left. The City of David, The Red Sea, The Sea of Galilee, caves where David had been hiding in from King Saul. Temple that Solomon built Meggido that looks into the valley of Armageddon.

As I was doing this; my first thought was, "How can they not believe?" Then right then the Holy Spirit brought this story to my mind. This story is about a father who had a son with an impure spirit in him. The father came to Jesus asking him to heal his son.

“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” "When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again." Mark 9:23-25

Just these simple pictures overwhelm my heart. I realizing that The King of Kings was there at one point give proof and a willingness and desire to see, touch, smell and feel those places, almost making them real and tangible to me. Not that I need proof that he is alive and living and His Spirit dwells in me, but to marry the experiences could be so powerful.  My soul will be unsettled until that day I can see those places… But I am content; because where he is I am also… Lord let me never come to a place that my unbelief outweighs my belief. Have a blessed Day! Jack ~Shalom

The Human Heart

The human heart: is it good; is it bad? How does God see it? How do I see it? 

Last night before I went to bed, my heart was heavy. Weighing it down were the many things that have haunted me over the past year that left my heart unsettled. These feelings ranged from feelings of inadequacy of failing as a father to not finding freedom in my finances to moving into a major relationship that had the potential to move into marriage and abruptly ending.  I sit back as I reflect on the choices and decisions that I have made over the years, and I can't help but firmly believe that God does love me and his mercy is never ending. However, it doesn't always feel that way…many times it doesn't at all. The schemes of the evil one can block and blind us from the truth and reality of God's love and favor. It is our own sin that blocks us from seeing that truth that sets us free, like covering a window with a blanket, so that the light cannot come in or out. That has been my life over this last year: hiding, running and sitting in fear and not trusting in the Lord...not allowing my light to shine. 

 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matt 5:14-16NIV). 

Was my pain and suffering a result of my heart being broken and sinful? Or was it that I lacked the will and desire to step into faith and trust God would bring me through? The older I get, the more I see how much God wants to bless his people, and the more I see that even in myself turning away from it and suffering because of my own sinful choices.  Understanding this complex dilemma of my sinful nature and my spirit seems to be where this lies.  Paul talks about this in Romans chapter 8:5-8 NIV:  

"Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God." (vs-5-8)

Is it the heart that loses hope and stays in the discouragement of circumstances that seems utterly hopeless? Paul makes it pretty clear here, we must live by the spirit; and if we don't, we will lose hope resulting in death. I found myself in a place where my heart was being broken by the relationship with my daughter that was falling apart and feeling like I was losing her. My heart came to a place where I needed to let her go; in my mind I was devastated because I could not trust that the Lord would redeem my relationship with her at the appointed time. 

It felt like my father’s heart was cut out of my chest leaving a nasty, messy, ugly hole of failure. That I was not good enough as a man, a father, a son...nothing about myself I liked. I lacked purpose and hope, and the enemy seized that opportunity to lie to me. I had flooding thoughts of suicide often thinking, what if it could all just end today? 

I didn't see any light at all amid the post-operation... How could I move on? And then, in a relationship that had the potential to lead to marriage, it just ended. That relationship had no chance to survive or flourish in the midst of my brokenness. My heart needed healing and only found in Him. My message today is that we have to walk in the spirit no matter what our situation or feeling may say. The only way we can walk into the blessing and will of God is to be obedient and faithful to His Word.