"Where do you turn, when you need help?"~priest

A few days ago, my friend and his wife underwent surgery.  His kidneys has shut down a couple years back and his bride volunteered to give him a kidney.  The love demonstrated by both of them is world changing love.  God is very real in their lives and this "seals the deal" so to speak.

A few minutes ago, my friend has asked for prayer for his bride.  She is in pain and her pain meds make her sick.  As you read this, STOP and PRAY.  Pray for God's intervention in their life.  Pray for pain relief for Denise.  Pray for supernatural healing on them both.  

Don't pray a wimpy prayer.  Go straight to the supernatural.  Pray directly to God the Father, through Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit.  Pray as God puts thoughts in your head.  Pray the very thoughts of God.  That is where miracles are created...

-- READ the story in Richard Glenn's own words..

Posted via email from Archie's Life Stream

"I'm inclined to think the evil ones set traps, but I'm not sure how."~priest

My bride and I drove a couple hours today to visit friends.  Our car is wonderful, but a bit old and traveled.  When we get somewhere without trouble we are grateful.  It is typical for us to pray for traveling grace before we leave on a trip and believe God protects us in our travels.  Today was no different, except for the return trip....

As I was driving out of their community to return home, I had this impression or thought to go back and look at a house in the community.  I struggled for a moment.  Is this God or just a thought.  When I understood I would be disobedient if I did not turn around and go to the house, I reset the GPS for this odd particular house and went back.  I thought to myself, nothing may be obvious when I get there, but I know I will have been obedient and that was enough.

We got to the house in question.  Noticed it was vacant and left the community, obedient to the impression of God's direction.  

Just a few miles down the road, there was an accident in the turning lane of where we would have been, had I not turned around.  I thanked God for His protection and then began wondering if the evil one had set a trap for me and God has provided a way out.  All I had to do was be obedient.  

I don't know for sure if I would have been in an accident if I did not turn around, but I consider it possible.  I believe God honored our request for traveling safety at the very economical price of obedience...

Posted via email from Archie's Life Stream

“What the heck will I be doing in heaven for 24/7?”~priest

I know someone might take offense at my tongue in cheek title, “What the heck will I be doing in heaven for 24/7?” but I think many of us live life with a very flippant attitude toward eternity.  When we were young we may have bought fire insurance by praying the believer's prayer, but today we are more concerned with getting the bills paid.  Forget eternity for now.  My bills are due tomorrow. Right?

Consider for a minute the significance of your attitude... Early in your life, you acknowledged Jesus died for you, that you would have eternal life with Him.  When you exchanged your life for the life of Christ, you were excited.  There was no way you could contain the good news, right? What happened?  Did God change or did you change?

The scary part of being more concerned with your bills, then your eternal destiny is that it is against God's plan and I think a very "in your face" kind of attitude toward Christ.  I'm not real sure a flippant attitude toward your eternal destiny is a positive indicator of the condition of your heart.  

If as you read this, you are becoming offended, I think that may be a good thing.  Maybe in the midst of your "how dare you judge me!" attitude you might consider if there is any truth to the idea that you have lost your first love...

All really want to say is, "Return to your first love before it is too late.  I believe time is getting short."

God bless and peace to you and your family as you live life passionately engaged with Jesus.

Posted via email from Archie's Life Stream

"satanic forces can be brilliantly deceptive. But I think many are simpletons."~priest

Thousands of years ago, millions of angels of light took sides.  One third of the millions, followed after lucifer.  The two thirds of millions left sided with God, the creator of all things.  Sides were chosen and the battle began.  Imagine what it must have looked like when God through  1/3 of millions of angel out of heaven.  Imagine them being flung to earth.  That is where we enter the picture.

We are born into a place that God has turned over to satanic forces.  It may not make sense, but that is the way it is.  The very Son of God in His perfection was born in satan's home land.  This doesn't mean God has forgotten about us, it just means there are forces dead set against the believer and anything of God.  It is only by the grace of God, we are able to exist here on earth.  Our life here as a believer is certainly not encouraged by satan's forces.

I specifically say, "satan's forces" because satan is not able to be more than one place at a time.  Only God can do that.  Definitely a distinct advantage for God and His heavenly forces.  It is because of satan's limitations that it unlikely you or I will ever encounter satan himself, but it highly likely we will encounter his demonic angels and the hell on earth they produce.

If you buy into the above thoughts about the reality of satan and his demonic angel forces, what difference does it make in your life?  It is a good question to ask, because without the grace of God on your life, you have no hope.  Without God, satan rules...

So here's the deal.  Prepare for the battle daily.  Read His Word.  Meditate on it. Pray to God without ceasing.  Worship the creator.  Keep God and His pleasure in the forefront of your mind.  Fellowship with other believers.  It likely will not be fun going into battle without Spiritual backup from your friends...

My wife and I attend EPIC.  It is a life group whose roots are founded in a conventional institutionalized church.  It is an important part of my Spirit family.  Last night I asked if they would pray for me in the midst of a business battle I have been fighting for years.  I asked specifically for them to pray the battle to end.  It is time.  They prayed.  

This morning a facebook friend said she was holding up my arms in the midst of battle.  I believe God hears our prayers and we will see His promise confirmed. "All things work together for the good of those that LOVE THE LORD".  

It is this battle that has brought to mind the incredible destructive forces that are without fail attempting to destroy you and I.  If you are in the midst of battle, find your friends who will stand for you.  Surround yourself with encouragers who believe God loves you and is prepared to battle for you with His heavenly host of angels.  

Don't go it alone... the demonic forces love to go after the sheep that are straggling behind...  That is likely why Jesus is more concerned for the one that is lost.  He is easy prey...

God bless you in living the life Christ intended.  Be faithful.  Count on God's grace.  Believe in His power!  Enjoy being the victor, even before the battle begins!

Posted via email from Archie's Life Stream

I think today, I'll identify with Jesus and live under God's grace. I'm not so much inclined to live under the law even though there are those that keep pressing the law upon me.

I post this statement in Facebook this morning after reading Paul's thoughts on the law and grace found in Romans. People are certainly opinionated and passionate when contrasting grace and law. It seems the dynamics are very similar to the influences Paul was addressing. Enjoy the thread by clicking on the link below...

http://www.facebook.com/37stories?v=wall&story_fbid=126990630659777

--
Surf to: http://www.freshc.org for a Fresh Connection...

Posted via email from Archie's Life Stream

"Tomorrow, a friend of mine who I have never met will receive a kidney transplant from his wife."~priest

I have a friend who I have never met "face-to-face".  He writes the blog known as Truth From the Hip and located at: http://truthfromthehip.wordpress.com/.  I encourage you to read it and follow it.  His insight to scripture is mature and inspired. 

Richard Glenn is a Jesus Freak in every sense of the word.  He continues to prove his friendship through his writings.  He is a passionate follower of Jesus.  He loves Jesus as deeply as he knows how.  Tomorrow Richard will undergo kidney transplant surgery.  Uniquely, he will receive new life from Christ and a kidney from the bride of his youth.  This is an incredible love story in the making...

As you read this, pray for Richard.  Pray for the perfection of God's healing on his body and the body of his bride.  Pray the surgeon's hands are blessed and used by God.  Pray for peace beyond understanding for them both.  

The thought comes to me, it is not too late for God to miraculously heal Richard and bring life back to his defective kidneys.  Richard believes His God is able to heal him if He chooses.  Maybe even as the surgeon contemplates surgery, he will think to check the kidneys one more time and discover a miracle..  Maybe....

God bless you Richard and family!  Keep running the race to win...

Posted via email from Archie's Life Stream

"Two thousand years later, has nothing changed in the local church?"~priest

It is Sunday and time for the world to get dressed up in their finer
clothes and go to church. There is an unseen pressure that is felt
and drives one to the place designated as God's house. For most of
the people known as christians, they have lived like hell all week and
have chosen today as the day they will put on the appearance of
christianity by attending the local church.

Church can be a beautiful thing. People gather together to sing songs
written by people who led powerful "Christ center" lives hundreds of
years, ago. Songs like Onward Christian Soldiers and Rock of Ages
resonate throughout our communities. They are songs we grew up
singing as kids and we continue to sing today. It makes me wonder why
do we sing songs of our childhood? Has nothing changed within our
faith that our songs should not change, also?

I was reading in the Book of John, this morning. Jesus challenges the
people at the temple to tear it down and in 3 days He will rebuild it.
He is talking of His upcoming death, burial and resurrection. With
that thought, He drives all the venders out of the temple and cleanses
it with His presence. It is Jesus' presence that changes a building
into a Holy Place.

With the new deal of grace found in the new testament of the Word,
Jesus abides in those that believe and those that believe abide in
Jesus. When we as believers arrive at the local church, the building
is filled with the presence of Jesus. It is a wonderful experience to
know the presence of Jesus and felt through the lives of other
believers...

But there is a problem that runs epidemic within our local churches.
Many people of the church live their lives with the appearance of
Jesus during the week and expect Jesus to show up on Sunday. They are
dependent on the songs of old, because it brings memories of a time
when their heart was young, soft and sensitive to the Spirit. Today,
they mistakenly misidentify the recognition of song with the
recognition of the Holy Spirit.

This craziness of a "one day a week feeling" of an artificial presence
of the spirit is further reinforced with a speaker behind a podium
that reminds you of your youth. The feelings are remembered of the
time long ago when you "accepted Christ" and walked the aisle to shake
the hand of the pastor. Sadly, remembering times past does nothing
for living a life of Christ in times presence.

If you find yourself going to church out of discipline to attend and
only feel the presence of God on Sunday, I suggest you don't know the
true presence of God. Whatever it is you are worshipping or feeling
on Sunday is artificial and designed to make you feel better of the
hellish life you live in the week. I am sorry for you.

Jesus cleaned the temple two thousand years, ago. Why not once again,
allow Jesus to cleanse you and enjoy His true presence 24 hours a day,
7 days a week.... There is nothing artificial about a true abiding
relationship with Jesus Christ.

Posted via email from Archie's Life Stream

Paul's Ten Commandments....

I believe you earn the right to speak.  Paul was one whose daily walk with Christ earned him the right to speak direct and with wisdom to other believers.  He didn't waste words.  There was no fluff in the truth he shared.  I easily picked out ten truths in just about as many verses.  Paul's Ten Commandments might read something like this.  

Paul's Ten Commandments

1. Look for the best in each other
2. Be cheerful no matter what; 
3. Pray all the time;
4. Thank God no matter what happens. 
5. Do not put out the Spirit's fire;
6. Don't stifle those who have a word from the Master.
7. On the other hand, don't be gullible. 
8. Throw out anything tainted with evil. 
9. Brothers, pray for us.
10. Greet all the Christians there with a holy embrace.

May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together - spirit, soul, and body - and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our LORD Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he'll do it! The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.

Posted via email from Archie's Life Stream

"Spent the last few days with Pastor Darrell. He serves the least of these."~priest

The last few days will go down in my life as a benchmark experience.
I did nothing outstanding, but I hung with people who are living
incredibly outstanding lives. Darrel Auvenshine is pastor of a small
church in Fort Worth, Texas known as Southside City Church. It is a
community church serving the people within a near radius of the
church. The body gathers to worship on Sunday night in a rented
church facility shared with 3 other churches. It is the best use of an
institutionalized church facility I have ever seen.

From the time Darrel gets up in the morning to the time he goes to bed
at night, he is serving. The people he serves are in many ways just
like you and I. They have friends. Some have families. They get
hungry. They desire a better life. But there are also unique
qualities about them. Some are homeless. Most are poor. Some are
sick. Many have addictions. Some have HIV and others are dieing of
Aids. They are of all color, race and religion.

There is one thing in common with almost all. They are dependent upon
God for his daily and many times hourly provision. The crazy thing
about the needs they have is their attitude toward their needs. I
asked one gentleman if he would pray with me. He said he would but
preferred we pray for my needs as God had already given him so much,
he did not feel deserving to ask for more.

The next day I visited this gentlemen's home. He had a fan for
cooling, but had no electricity. His wife said she hoped to get
electric in a couple of weeks as they had spent their money on water
this month.

Now imagine putting 100 people together in the same room with equally
sensitized hearts toward God and worship with them. The sweetness of
the presence of the Holy Spirit is unfathomable and beyond
imagination. Imagine worshipping alongside an elderly lady who is
raising her 7 great grand kids... Imagine praying alongside a person
who knows they will die of aids.... Just imagine...

Pray for Pastor Darrell and his fiancee. Pray for wisdom and
provisions beyond their expectations as they serve "The Least of
These". Maybe you will want to help?

Posted via email from Archie's Life Stream

Bro, Ted Eugene Taylor smoked crack for 12 years and still has a photographic memory.

I met a most unusual gentleman tonight.  He shared his name as Bro Ted
Eugene Taylor. He is 49 years old. He has been clean for a few
months. Prior to his sobriety, he smoked crack cocaine for 12 years.
If you have limited exposure to crack, it is the most addictive drug
ever invented by mankind. One hit and you will always be addicted.
Over time as you smoke it, it will cripple you and eventually kill
you. It is that bad!

But that is not what fascinated me about Bro. Ted. What amazed me is
Ted has a photographic memory. He told me he had written God's Word
on his heart. I asked if he would share it with me. He said sure.
Here is Ps.51, 82,100, 23, 91, Matt. 5, 27, 19 and John 1 - 3. To get
an idea of how much scripture that is, I have posted it at the bottom
of this blog. He recited it non-stop for me, with the exception of a
statement spoken directly to me and pulled out of thin air.

Bro. Ted said, "You might be suffering for what you did right, not
what you did wrong." I like to think God spoke through Bro. Ted and
into my life.

The experience I had with Bro. Ted makes me wonder, what did God have
in mind for Bro. Ted before he hurt himself with crack? I mean to
say, think of the incredible potential God had placed in this man in
the form of a photographic mind. It is impossible to know what could
have been... Isn't that true for all of us?

I wonder if decisions I have made, have impacted God's plan and
purpose for my life. Likely so. The best I can do is ask
forgiveness and be as obedient as I know how, with the time I have
left. How about you?

Psalm 51

 1Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness:
according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my
transgressions.

 2Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

 3For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

 4Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy
sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be
clear when thou judgest.

 5Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

 6Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden
part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

 7Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be
whiter than snow.

 8Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast
broken may rejoice.

 9Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

 10Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

 11Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

 12Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

 13Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be
converted unto thee.

 14Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation:
and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.

 15O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

 16For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou
delightest not in burnt offering.

 17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite
heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

 18Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.

 19Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness,
with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer
bullocks upon thine altar.

Psalm 82

1God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods.

2How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.

3Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.

4Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.

5They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in
darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.

6I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.

7But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.

8Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.

Psalm 100

1Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

2Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

3Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not
we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with
praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

5For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth
endureth to all generations.

Psalm 23

1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the
still waters.

3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will
fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort
me.

5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Psalm 91

1He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide
under the shadow of the Almighty.

2I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in
him will I trust.

3Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from
the noisome pestilence.

4He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt
thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow
that flieth by day;

6Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the
destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right
hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

8Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

9Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most
High, thy habitation;

10There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh
thy dwelling.

11For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

12They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot
against a stone.

13Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the
dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

14Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him:
I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in
trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

16With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
Matthew 5

1And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he
was set, his disciples came unto him:

2And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

3Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for
they shall be filled.

7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

10Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for
theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and
shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven:
for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

13Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour,
wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but
to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a
candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good
works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

17Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am
not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

18For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or
one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

19Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments,
and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of
heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be
called great in the kingdom of heaven.

20For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the
righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter
into the kingdom of heaven.

21Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not
kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:

22But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother
without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever
shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but
whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

23Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there
rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

24Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be
reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

25Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with
him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the
judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.

26Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence,
till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

27Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not
commit adultery:

28But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after
her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

29And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from
thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should
perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

30And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from
thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should
perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

31It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give
her a writing of divorcement:

32But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving
for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and
whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

33Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time,
Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine
oaths:

34But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is
God's throne:

35Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem;
for it is the city of the great King.

36Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make
one hair white or black.

37But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever
is more than these cometh of evil.

38Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a
tooth for a tooth:

39But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall
smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

40And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat,
let him have thy cloak also.

41And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

42Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of
thee turn not thou away.

43Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy
neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you,
do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully
use you, and persecute you;

45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for
he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth
rain on the just and on the unjust.

46For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not
even the publicans the same?

47And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others?
do not even the publicans so?

48Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Posted via email from Archie's Life Stream

"How many people with HIV+/Aids are too many in your church?"~priest

As you know, we as believers have Christian responsibilities for others.  The greatest responsibility we have is to love one another.  Rolled into the instruction for love is the responsibility to care for homeless, widows and orphans.  I drove by some homeless shelters today and visited one that cared for those with addictions.  Because of their addictions and related lifestyles, there are some who have contracted hiv+ / aids. It got me thinking....

Supposing I went to a church in your area of town and I invited one of these patients to come to your church with me.  Would we be welcome?  I don't know.  Now suppose God really blessed my efforts to reach out and care for people with HIV+/Aids and five aids patients desired to go to church with me.  Would we be welcome?  How about 20?  Do you get the point?

How many people with this virus would be welcome in your local church?  I know there would be some churches that probably would post a sign, "No contagious diseases allowed".  Others might let one in if you kept a low profile and no one knew.  But I think it would be a very unique church that would love the Aids victim with the love Jesus talked of.  

The thought of loving the "untouchable" is very troublesome for me.  It is tough enough to love someone I don't like.  To love someone with the risk of contracting some incurable disease is hard for me to get my mind wrapped around.  It seems the richness of our Christian life is in many ways negated by the conditional faith we exercise.

So again, how many HIV+/Aids people can I visit your church with?

Posted via email from Archie's Life Stream

There is a little bit of ugly duckling in each of us.

I have an ugly duckling for a friend.

You remember the childhood story of the ugly duckling.  There are lots of versions but one tells of a black duckling in the community of white ducks.  He so wanted to fit it.  He did everything the other ducks did, but no matter what he did, he was still black and didn't fit in.  

This duckling community is much like the local church today.  Everyone does what they can do to fit in.  If you are female and live in uppercrust Dallas, you are blond and have big hair.  If you are male and live in California, you haven't worn a tie since before you first picked up a surf board.  All of us dust off the Bible and take it to church with us.  After all, it is important to fit in.

I find this innate desire to "fit in" a bit problematic.  The Word says we each are uniquely and wonderfully made.  It doesn't say we are all made the same or that we should become like everyone else.  It actually encourages us to embrace our differences and complement each other with the strengths and gifts God uniquely gives each of us.  We are different.  God looks at us and says it is good.  

My challenge to you is to view yourself as unique and different.  Embrace the difference and use it to be the person God wants you to be.  Quit trying to be someone else.   Be yourself.  Don't expect approval from most of the other white ducks.  Do expect approval from our Father who art in heaven, as well as on earth.

As I visit some churches and ministries this weekend, I will remember I am a black duck and different. I will enjoy my difference and bless others regardless.  

Join me in being the ugly duckling in your community of white ducks.  Who knows, with time the white ducklings may see the advantages of being an ugly duckling and join you in the pond.  

Posted via email from Archie's Life Stream

"I pray God will be with you today and all things will go well. Amen."~priest

I am impressed with the thought that in life some things do not turn out right.  No matter how hard you try, life just seems to go awry.  Have you ever been there? Maybe you are there now...

Sometimes life almost seems in conflict with God's Word, which says all things work together for the good of those that love the Lord.  In loving God, the Holy Spirit has taken His place in our heart. totally engulfing us in His Spirit.  It would seem life for us would be as life was with Joseph.  "...God was with Joseph and things went very well with him."   

I am not clear on the distinction between being possessed by the Holy Spirit and Joseph having God with him.  I am going to start praying that God will be with me as He as with Joseph.  I will pray for God to be with you as God brings you to mind.  I have expectations that God will reveal truth to this new focus of mine.  

"I pray God will be with you today and all things will go well.  Amen."~priest

Posted via email from Archie's Life Stream

To my friends around the world..."May my God bless you beyond your wildest expectations."

My thoughts this week has been heavily weighted toward friends.  There are so many rich examples of friendship in the Word.  It makes me wonder what defines a friendship?  Is it time? Is it distance? Is it circumstance? Is it meant to be?  Is it magic or some mixture off all? Who is a friend?

I have thousands of people designated as friends in facebook.  Is that possible?  I have a few specific people in facebook, I consider my friend even though I have never met them face to face.  I think they became my friend when I relationally opened my heart and shared an intimate piece of who I am and what makes me who I am.  I suppose I trusted that person with a piece of my heart.

Maybe the sharing is what makes a friendship real, more than anything else.  Some friends, I can readily agree with.  We are of like mind.  Others, there is little we agree on.  Both can become my friend as we share life together.  

The thing I am baffled about in friendship is how little value we place on friendship.  It must be a value thing although it could just be stupidity to not value friendship.  I am always so surprised when I consider someone a friend and then circumstance changes and all communication ends.  I wonder, did I just lose a friend or did I never have a friend.  This bothers me as I had been living life as if the person was a friend.  What a waste of time and energy... 

As I consider the issue of friendship, I'd like to know who is my true friend and who is not.   I'd like to know who will be there when times are good and when times are bad.  I wish there were an easy test I could email and qualify friendship.  There isn't; so the mystery of friendship continues....

There are people I know beyond a shadow of doubt, they are my friends.  Looking at them, I see an incredibly mismatched eclectic group of people.  I love them dearly.  My bride is my best friend, she has proven faithful through the test of time and circumstance.  Much of my family are friends.  Then, there are a couple of friends who nicknamed me, Sparky. Their friendship has stayed firm.  

I have others who I consider friends and I hope will be lifelong.  Time will tell.....  

My best friend is Jesus.

Posted via email from Archie's Life Stream

"God is the God of many chances."~Pete

I stopped in to McDonalds to use their FREE WiFi. I watched as a
family spent $30 on fast food. I had just spent $1 on 2 apple pies
and felt guilty. God is a God of miracles. We can stuff that stuff
in our bodies and we usually live to see the next day. What an
incredible garbage disposal our body is... WOW!

While at Micky D's, I met Pete and his son of 7 years. They sat
behind me. Bowed their heads and the son blessed their food. The
food obviously needed blessing, but that's not the point. There
dinner conversation centered around God. They were reading from Acts
and the dad was answering questions. I was blessed.

I later asked Pete if he knew of a time when God had authenticated His
presence. He said, "Like a God moment?" I said, "Yes. Like a God
Spot." lol He shared how he was divorced because of his selfish
attitude and lack of care for his marriage. He said God showed His
love by allowing him the opportunity to rebuild his relationship with
his ex-wife. He was dating her and hoped to become her friend once
again.

I suggested that God was a God of 2nd chances. He corrected me and
said God was a God of many chances. I agreed.

Posted via email from Archie's Life Stream

"Bound by the law. Freedom in love. There is a choice, you know."~priest

Every day there are more laws enacted by governing bodies. It is a
natural progression of a human society who is drifting future away
from God. Originally laws were not needed because mankind lived with
a moral code in its' heart. As we have drifted, so has the need to
adhere to a moral code created by God. Through Jesus we are told to
love others as we love ourself.

With a focus on Jesus acted out by loving others as you love yourself,
there is no place and no room for the law. Regardless of how
objectionable we may find the law, we are to still love those that
live by the law. That is what love is all about. Loving others
regardless....

Enjoy the day and take the time to risk a love for others....

Posted via email from Archie's Life Stream

"Where does your mind drift when it defaults to home? It may be time to clean house."~priest

Our mind is designed with a default home page.  Just like this webpage there is a home page.  Hundreds if not thousands of times today, your mind will drift back home.  I think it incredibly important to understand what is contained on your home page.  It may be time to rewrite the contents of the page you call home.  

The contents of home is what comes to mind when your mind drifts.  Does some anxious thought keep coming to mind? Maybe you continually worry about how you will pay your bills.  Maybe your mind drifts to your family and the love found there or possibly it drifts to thoughts of Christ?  Your mind will drift and home does exist for all.  

It is said whatever you put before God is an idol.  God historically is not so tolerant of idols.  Think about what keeps popping into your mind, even as you read this.  Likely, it is a piece of what you have in your mind's home.  It is time to clean house.  Replace the worry or anxiousness with a thought of praise or thanksgiving for the life God gives you.  

Cleaning house will take time to retrain the brain, but the effort is worth while.  Make a conscious effort to replace the garbage at home with clean thoughts of Christ.  You will be encouraged by your progress, when you wake up one morning to the love of Christ instead of the bondage of anxiety.  

Start right now.  Replace that thought with the love of Christ.  Great!  Good job.  You are on your way!

Jesus said it this way....  

“Which of you, by being anxious, can add one moment to his lifespan?

"Therefore don’t be anxious, saying, ‘What will we eat?’, ‘What will we drink?’ or, ‘With what will we be clothed?’  For the Gentiles seek after all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first God’s Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day’s own evil is sufficient.

Posted via email from Archie's Life Stream

Homeless, hopeless and forgotten

I didn't go to church today.

I met Michael today for the 2nd time.  It is interesting that I am beginning to recognize individuals in a homeless community.  It is also interesting that I use to refer to them as bums.  You can find references to bums in previous God Spot posts.  I now think of them in terms of individuals in a homeless community.

Michael is impeccably dressed in clean clothes.  He is concerned about a bit of parfay dripping on his pants.  Michael is a lot like you and I.  The difference is, Michael is homeless.  He carries a bedroll and has no place to go, but is always on the go.  The last time I met Michael, he said the police were looking for him.  I don't know if that is the case or not.  It may just be in his mind and part of the reason for the life he has chosen.

I chatted with Michael and told him about God Spots.  I said it likely, he would be in the book.  I asked if there was anything I could do to make life better for him.  He said, he didn't know what that might be.  I said I'd like to give him hope.  He teared up, but quickly brushed it aside.  I asked if I could pray.  He hesitated then said, "OK" but..... I don't know what else he was thinking.  He just shrugged.  

We chatted about God intervening in our lives.  I shared John 3:16.  He knew the verse well and said he believed in it.  I asked if he ever tried to live homeless but connected to a church fellowship.   He said it didn't work because of the religious dogma.  He preferred interfacing with God on his terms as opposed to someone else's.  I said he was obviously a smart man.

I shared with him that he was a special class of citizen in God's kingdom.  He was homeless and God made special provisions for homeless, widows and orphans.  I think the best gift I could give Michael was hope in the fact that God counted him special.   

Without any suggestion by me, a young lady from It's a Grind coffee shop, gave him a parfay and ice tea.  I was blessed with their generosity.  Another gentleman from India, came over and asked if he could help.  Help was declined.  As he got up to leave, I gave him some money, wished him well and blessed him.   I said I looked forward to our paths crossing again.  He agreed.

As you live life today, pray for God's grace on Michael.  He says he has been homeless for two decades.  I asked if he heard about the new homeless shelter San Antonio has built.  He said shelters were not for him....

Michael is a special class of citizen in God's Kingdom...

Posted via email from Archie's Life Stream

"www.1stchurch.org is For Sale."~priest

My blog 37stories is about God Spots.  A God Spot is a time when God chooses to authenticate His presence and I get to blog about it.  This post is a rather unique God Spot, because the God Spot is in the making....

 

Many months back, I registered and purchased www.1stchurch.org because I recognized it as an address of value.  Think about it.  There are thousands of 1st churches around the US and more around the world.  I am hopeful, a 1st church somewhere in the world will recognize the value of owning this address and God will use the revenue to keep me free and available for His unique service. 

 

I have posted the 1stchurch.org address for sale on ebay.  You can view it on ebay here..  ebay ink   IF you are affiliated with a 1st church of somewhere,USA.  Please forward this link on to your 1st church.  This is truly a one time opportunity for this unique named website.  There will only be one 1stchurch.org. 

 

I stepped out on faith by going free lance again with website building, sign printing, event photography or whatever it takes to stay free and available for God to use.  Maybe the sell of 1stchurch.org will be part of His plan to keep me available for service.

 

Thank you and God Bless, 

Archie

Posted via email from Archie's Life Stream

"On a serious note. I could use your prayer."~priest

I thought I wouldn't write this post.  I didn't want you to think less of me.  Ever felt that way?  I am trying to get over being that way.  It can ruin your life.  There it is again, living under the law...

Anyway if you follow me on Facebook, my friends endorsed my inspiration to turn God Spots into a book (thank you!).  I am in the process of doing that and this post is required to tell "the rest of the story" or at least continue the story.

In my book, I tell of the recent time I was locked up in jail for a hot check I didn't know about.  The check had been written in the beginning of a messy business bankruptcy.  The court was suppose to process all the checks outstanding as there was money to cover everything.  Instead, an employee's payroll check bounced and they took it to the DA without my or the court's knowledge.

There has been a warrant out for my arrest for over two years and I only found out about it when the border patrol arrested me as I returned from a mission trip to a orphanage in Mexico.  It is an incredible blessed story and worth your read to catch up or you can buy the book. lol

To the point... Tomorrow I have been requested to appear at court again to tell the judge why I don't need to go back to jail.  It is so very ridiculous, but very concerning.  

I will be taking a Bible to give away and looking for a God Spot in or about the courthouse.  A big old fashioned blinding God Spot would make the trip downtown worthwhile.  But I also desire that this mess get behind me and my record cleared.  I'd like to continue mission travel plans, but right now I am stuck inside the US border. 

So as a friend, do something special for me.  Pray my record will be cleared and this mess will be put behind me.  Pray for God's abundance on my life.  I define abundance as the perfection of God's will and purpose.  In that abundant definition, I can go to jail or go home and still be blessed abundantly.  The last time I spent time in jail, two men found Christ.  Yep!  That was a God Spot!

Then, pray for Cora.  Pray God's richest blessings on her faithfulness and willingness to put up with a guy that knows how to create excitement went there isn't any...

God bless you all.  If I don't make any Facebook posts in the afternoon, it will be time to up the ante on your prayers.  

Thank you and God bless.  archi (i leave the "e" off my name as God is not finished with me.)

Posted via email from Archie's Life Stream

"When you attempt to live by your own religious plans and projects, you are cut off from Christ, you fall out of grace."~Paul

This will be difficult for most, but Paul was emphatic.  Think for a minute about the place you go to and worship on Saturday or Sunday.  This is not about any religion.  This is just about your own personal place of worship.  Has leadership required you to submit to them and in the process placed you in a rule-keeping system.  You know the drill.  Do this.  Don't do that...  

Paul is very direct, almost to the point of anger.  He says that if you live under religious plans and projects, you are cut off from Christ.  Not only that, he says you fall out of grace.  I know that is tough, but God's Word says it.  You may choose to ignor it and God may choose to ignor grace.... 

Read for yourself what Paul says.  Ever wonder why you don't feel close to Christ?...~just sayin' 

"Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.

I am emphatic about this... The moment any one of you submits to circumcision or any other rule-keeping system, at that same moment Christ's hard-won gift of freedom is squandered. 

I repeat my warning... The person who accepts the ways of circumcision trades all the advantages of the free life in Christ for the obligations of the slave life of the law. I suspect you would never intend this, but this is what happens. When you attempt to live by your own religious plans and projects, you are cut off from Christ, you fall out of grace. 

Meanwhile we expectantly wait... for a satisfying relationship with the Spirit. For in Christ, neither our most conscientious religion nor disregard of religion amounts to anything. 

What matters is... something far more interior: faith expressed in love."~Paul in Galatians 5

Posted via email from Archie's Life Stream

"The fork I choose leads to a road less traveled. Won't you travel that road with me?"~archi

I am at a fork in the road.  Shall I go right?  Shall I go left?  There is a choice to be made.  What choice will you make?

I ponder how many times before I have come to a "fork in the road" while living life.... 

I look at others and see the conventional stable life they live.  There is a part of me that wishes I was like them.   Get up.  Go to work.  Listen to the boss.  Do stuff.  Avoid confrontation.  Pick up a pay check.  Drive home.  Kick the cat.  Kiss the wife.  Play ball with the kids.  Crash while watching sports TV with a beer in my hand.  Others seem so adept at living the American dream... but there is a problem, I am different.

Being different to the world and the American dream causes all kinds of problems.  Living in the difference, one quickly realizes how poorly one fits into the life others live.  When others speak of sports, you have no clue.  When others buy into company life and wear the corporate tattoo, you find the thought of individuality of more import.  When others find religion rewarding one day of the week, you find the fickleness of religion repulsive and desire so much more of your relationship with Christ.    

So once again, I find myself at the fork in the road.  I choose to be unemployed.  I choose to abide in Jesus.  I choose to trust in Jesus for my daily bread and provisions for my family.  There is no better place to be and yet I wonder.   I wonder what it would be like to live a life in the America dream.  I wonder if that is the fork I should take, but I know better.  

I am different.  In my difference, I will never fit in the world.  The fork I choose leads to a road less traveled.  Won't you travel that road with me?

"Come to me. Abide in me. Rest in me. Accept my yoke. My yoke is easy."~Jesus-- 

Surf to: http://www.freshc.org for a Fresh Connection...

Posted via email from Archie's Life Stream