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"Do Your Part" -- Make Training Important (6/8)

Armor-Bearer — Wed, 30 May 2012 16:45:35 GMT

Training is one of those things that make people and teams stronger! When we are instructed to "train up a child...", the Word inplies that that don't know anything. They will though. They will either learn it through watching and spending time with others or they will learn it by listening to, watching and spending time with you. The command here is that the parent is to train that child at every opportunity. ALL DAY LONG. How do you train? A team trains to become ONE--to unify. A marriage trains to become ONE--to unify. Why should you be trained? Who will train you? The term training refers to the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and competencies as a result of the teaching of vocational or practical skills and knowledge that relate to specific useful competencies. Training has specific goals of improving one's capability, capacity, and performance. The most practical and best training process is reading and listening. Yep. You guessed it. Reading G-d's Word, and listening to what He says back to you. It is praying , and listening to what He says. The KICKER? …When you find yourself getting noticeably stronger. WHEN YOU ACTUALLY BEGIN OBEYING THE WORD is when the training takes a wonderful turn. You begin to care about the other people on the team. Their words mean something. Their roles will as well. Spending time with the trainer (and other teammates) is a MUST. Some of the areas (classes) you will need to get stronger and more focuses in are: listening, reading, praying, meditating on the Word, fasting, spending time with several people of like-mindedness and spendig time with a person of like-mindedness. Regular assembly of yourself together in church, synogogue or beit of El (house of G-d). All of this takes dedication and much practice. Having a very straight focus is a plus. There is NO CERTAIN "process" to get or be trained, it is a loooooong journey. Your training is COMPLETE upon DEATH.

"Do Your Part" -- Living In Truth (7/8)

Armor-Bearer — Wed, 30 May 2012 16:23:10 GMT

One truth (1) is man's reality or perspective. The other Truth (2) is what is True in any matter that is being considered at that moment--regardless of the situation. This same Truth is respecting G-d and the execution of His purposes through His Son, the Messiah (Christ), and respecting the duties of man, opposing alike to the superstitions of the Gentiles and the inventions of the Hebrews, and the corrupt opinions and precepts of false teachers even among Christians or Messianic Jewish believers. The first truth I mentioned, G-d's Spirit does not reside in it. The second, He does. In John 8:45-46 & 14:17, we see this Truth in Scripture. As we as a people (men) live in Truth, we don't have to lie about anything, or live behind the lie. As the Truth makes His home inside our thinking and guides us in our daily living, the life we live today will be dramatically and forever changed! We start making decisions BASED off of what we find that G-d has said previously (in Scripture) or what He is telling is (you) at that moment (by His Spirit of Truth). If you want to know or understand ANY situation, ask Him. He has the answer. He is waiting on us to ask for it or them. Why do we look for truth (1), when it is VERY likely that does not marry up with the (2) Truth that the Lord speaks? One of the answers is that the first one will almost always be advice from someone who DOES NOT care about what the Bible says or is not searching for G-d's answers for his or her life. As we practice living in Truth, our lives, even though they seem to spiral, will actually seem more peaceful. Why is that? I am pursuaded that it is because, we have chosen to bring the Lord into our situations, cares, woes, hurts, confused state, hurts, marriage, job situation and SIN. He WANTS to help! He IS available! We simply can't and must not continue in sin, thinking and saying that "G-d understands," and continue on the “wide” road we were/are on. I have heard many people declare that G-d is okay with what they are doing, because He understands they are weak. What?!! G-d's mercy, long-suffering and grace DOES NOT provide ANYONE a liscence to be foolish. (2) Truth is the Father's Way of telling us to "take that narrow road." "Go this narrow way." "Speak this instead." The phrase "God Forbid" is littered all over the Bible (all 66 books), but in the original language. The one we are most familiar with is the question Paul asked the Galatians, "shall we continue in sin, that grace will abound?" "G-d Forbid!" IF YOU CHOOSE to live in the (2) Truth, ensure you don't mix it in with the (1) truth of your friends, your spouse, your parents or even your own. Stick with the Truth that comes from spending valuable time in prayer and/or His Word. You will never go wrong there.

"Do Your Part" -- Live a Separated (Holy) Life (5/8)

Armor-Bearer — Thu, 24 May 2012 16:28:27 GMT

"G-d's" Holy is (separatedness or set-apartness). He alienates Himself from, and is at odd with idols, places, and things. "Our" holy is that we are to (be consecrated, be sanctified, be prepared, be dedicated, be hallowed). WE ARE TO BE SEPARATED FROM THE SECULAR and TO BE DRAWN TO THE SACRED. Why, because, "G-d distinguishes from the SECULAR and the SACRED."This is who He already is. Becoming like Him is up to you. We have a responsibility to become like the Son, Yeshua (Jesus). The sad part is that we seem to work more diligently at being like everyone else, BUT the One whom we say we love. G-d says, "IF you LOVE ME, you WILL KEEP Commandments." Keep does not mean to own a Bible and put it on the shelf or coffee table, only to be moved on Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday. "Keep" is about reading it. Studying it. It is also about praying over it and MAKING those Words yours; to in-turn make it your personal quest to LIVE Them OUT BEFORE the entire world! The simple and USUAL thing to say is that you/I do. The difficulties come when you have to mahalawk, or "walk it out." If the Lord, God makes it a point to be NOT "LIKE" the rest of the gods, idols, religious factions and religions, where do you stand? He EXPECTS the same actions from you--BE SEPARATED FOR HIM. In reality, He commands it! The distressing component is... We work harder at acquiring and hoarding more gods (idols), marrying someone He did not provide you, dating just to date, partnering (in business) and being part of sexually illicit gatherings, drinking parties, clubs, nudy bars, etc. Not taking part of those things is the START of "living a separated life." SEPARATING yourSELF from the things, people, and places G-d WOULD NOT associate with is what will be noticed first. "You are to be holy, as I am Holy", G-d says. Your "abiding in Him" and "He abiding in you" will help His Spirit of Truth assist you with loving people and to live like He would--Holy.

Reading the Bible (getting better understanding)

Armor-Bearer — Wed, 23 May 2012 11:18:28 GMT

There are many "how to" books out there to tell us how to operate computers, do math and even how to understand the Bible. The promoters are using the CATCH PHRASE of "Bible for Dummies." That is rather insulting. Don't buy that stuff--unless you think you are a dummy. However, NONE of us are dummies. The Father gave us His Son; and His Son, gave us His Spirit. Between all of them, we have everything we require to get to know G-d, and His will for us. Here are some helpful hints and practices that will get you deeper into the Word. Sometimes your leaders will use these to help lead the course; and sometimes they don't. Many are not aware that these things NEED to be used and UNDERSTOOD BEFORE they can share what they THINK. Using the Word properly includes: "knowing who the people are being mentioned", "what city is being ministered to or referenced", "what is the functional purpose of the word/phrase being used?", "what is the original meaning if the word being used"?, "what is the setting in which the story is being told?" Mistakes are made when we ATTEMPT to MAKE ONE reference to a CITY or PEOPLE (i.e., Paul speaking to Galatia) relate to all other locations (i.e., Paul speaking to Corinth). We can't do this successfully, because the meanings and message would render the talk ineffective. It is like a love letter being written to you, from your wife, and you giving it to other ladies to give to their husbands. Even though some words may be fitting, the letter would not make sense to all of them. We work very hard to make a few words to make OUR POINT. ALL have been guilty of doing this.

Growing Pains

Armor-Bearer — Sat, 19 May 2012 18:24:47 GMT

Growing Pains I remember as a child growing up I couldn’t wait to get taller, stronger and faster. Idolizing men that were portrayed as heroes like Hulk Hogan and Sylvester Stallone. I never did get big like those men and I pretty much stayed a runt lol but what I’m leading up to is the term “Growing Pains”. The term was one I remember hearing growing up that literally translates what it says. The body grows so quickly that your body actually aches from the growth. Well the same can be said when it comes to our growth as Christians. Growth should be expected if we are eating and drinking things that nourish our bodies (The Word of God) but with that growth though it is a good thing can be painful. As we grow closer to the Father through His Holy Spirit we learn to be like Him, doing the things that He expects of us and though they are not always easy it is all part of the process of growing. I’d like to share with you a brief example of something that happened to me the other day. One part of my growth that the Father has been working on is Patience. Over the years my wife has given me a nickname “Road rage”. Yes we have all heard the term used and more than likely we are all guilty of doing it. The term means to become angry with someone while driving your vehicle. I know most of the time we would like to think of ourselves as the most courteous, safe and respectful drivers on the road, one that is both aware of our surroundings and always respectful of others right? Well not me lol. Friday we all loaded up in the family van for a quick drive to the local store for some groceries. Now you would think that with my short fuse with peoples driving abilities I would learn not to venture out during rush hour traffic, right? I mean talk about adding fuel to the fire. Anyways, we get to our exit only to have traffic to a crawl and to add to the mix the local Firefighters are in the middle of the lanes doing what I am sure you have all seen one time or another with the empty boots raising money for MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) good cause right? Well one of the Firefighters was making his way down the middle of the road collecting donations which brought the middle lane to a halt almost making me rear end another car. Now here is where I over exaggerated because my patience was already thin and it really wasn’t that bad but I made it out to be. So let’s take my short fuse and my confrontational attitude into mind and yes you guessed it I just had to tell him what I thought about it. We begin to move forward so I rolled down my window eagerly awaiting my moment to tell him what I thought about this slow traffic and how it was his entire fault that I nearly rear ended someone. Truth be told he had nothing to do with all that had transpired, he had just become my scapegoat for my pent up frustrations of driving. Confrontation time had arrived. So we get within earshot and I let him have hit. Telling him that they nearly caused an accident and how this was a poor time to be collecting donations. I got to hand it to him though, through all my barking he remained calm and even killed me with kindness by handing me a sticker and telling me to have a nice day, and to top it off Tina was taking his side too. Oh that aggravated me more, because by golly I wanted him to share in my frustrations. Meanwhile all the time Tina and the boys sat silently watching everything unfold. We made it out of all that and were able to safely reach our destination but the whole time the Holy Spirit was chastising me. Before we had left the store I had been lashed so bad I found myself apologizing to my wife and children for my actions and the handling of the situation. Now that was the easy part. I also had to go back to these two men and apologize. We leave the store and fight our way back through rush hour traffic to the location of where they were and thankfully they were still hard at it, pounding the pavement for the cause. As we pulled up into the parking lot the two men spotted me and I though I couldn’t hear what they were saying I could see it in their eyes and actions. “Oh no here comes that crazy guy for round two. What’s this guy’s problem, can’t he just let it go?” They make their way out of traffic and meet me in the parking lot but before they could say anything I immediately took control of the conversation. Now let me quickly go back to growing pains. In my walk with God one of the hardest things for me to do as a man is to show humility. Why you ask? Because humility is seen as a weakness in society’s eyes, but one thing I’ve learned as a Christian is that by submitting to this humility it has opened up so many more areas of who I am in Christ and what He wants for me. You see Christ did the most humble thing in the world for us by giving His life so that we could be forgiven and spend eternity in heaven. What a selfless act. Ok back to the story. Once the two men were standing in front of me I began to apologize for my actions. Quickly the Firefighter tried to interject but I shut him down telling him he need not even speak as this was my entire fault. I let them know that I was sorry for the way that I had treated him and that I had let my emotions control the situation rather than reason and that the example that was displayed in front of my wife and children was both childish and foolish and unbecoming of a man who claims to be a follower of Christ. I then began to say and as a man I seek your forgiveness and your handshake if you will allow it. The words that followed are ones that will soon not part as he said “This is something I will never forget and that it meant more to him than anything he had ever encountered”. Thank you Lord. Growing pains may not always be easy but are essential to the end product. In life and in Christ we begin as babes but through time we grow to a young child, adolescent and on to adult hood and through it all there are moments of both pain and joy, but if we look back on it all we can see that the piece of clay that started out as just a blob has now turned into a masterpiece, one that only the Potter could perfect. Blessings.

"Do Your Part" -- Be a Disciple and Be a Discipler (4/8)

Armor-Bearer — Sat, 19 May 2012 16:40:58 GMT

In the earlier years of Israel, the disciples would imitate his discipler (Rabbi). He would REpresent to others ONLY what he saw and heard from his Rabbi: His lean, his walk, his delivery, his dress, his laugh, his faith. It was literally an actual respectful mocking of this person he followed. The disciple would hang on EVERY ACTION. "IT WAS UTTER COMMITMENT!" In TODAY's Church, we have mistakenly ERRORED and MISREpresented the Lord in the area of discipleship. It was MEANT to TRAIN and/or PREPARE someone in the WAYS of G-d -- THROUGH the Torah (Law teachings). For MANY in the Church TODAY, the Law is looked upon as being "old, archaic and done away with." Where did this thinking originate? This can't be further from the Truth. Over the years, we have twisted and turned the foundations of how we believe into a metaphorically imbalanced and euphoric belief system, based upon what we believe denominationally, rather than STANDING and STICKING with the ORIGINAL PURPOSE....RIGHTEOUSNESS. Whose righteousness? G-d's (HASHEM's). What is a disciple? What does it mean to be one? A disciple in Hebrew is defined as "one who embraces and assists in spreading the teachings (Law) of another (G-d). We use the Hebrew definition, because they ORIGINATED the blueprints. If we would look at the original [documented] disciples, they all were the replicated images of the one who they shared life with. They were chosen. They were set apart to do great things in the NAME of G-d's Torah--NOT HIS OWN or HIS CHURCH's or HIS OWN BELIEFS or HIS RELIGION or THE MAN-DERIVED DOCTRINE that took a "SPIN" off of the Original Word TANAKH (Prophets, Teachings and Torah). Disciple in Hebrew is defined-in a word-“Talmid” which means student." I have journeying to become a student (Talmid) of the Word for years. There is much to learn yet. I have sat under multiple pastors and with many other men. Without searching for their errors, they show up. Why? Because I was searching for the Truth, knowledge and understanding ONLY found through the Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh) of G-d. While seeking G-d, He showed me ME and He showed me THEM. If I DISLIKED what I saw in ME (and I did), what do you think I saw in them? Yeshua (Jesus) began to revolutionize my heart and life. He discipled me through His Word. It took QUITE AWHILE before I saw what I see now, but I still "see through the glass dimly." I have much to learn. I have been given some really cool, and much needed understanding and insight over the years. Before I move on, I will ask THESE RATHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS...Who do you want to look like? Who would you rather believe? Whom would you rather stand, talk or sound like? Whose words would you prefer to repeat? As a disciple(r), you would be responsible for (1) "going and making disciples of all the nations." (2) "baptizing the new disciples (of the Lord) in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit" and (3) "teaching (instructing & guiding) the new disciples of the Lord to observe all that He commanded YOU." Yes, we who are called (Christians, followers, and believers), were actually called people of the Way or Messianics before. You are CHARGED with relaying the Words and lifestyle Adonai showed His disciples. Why are we making them like us? Why do we work diligently to generated puppets of sin, rather than leaders for Truth? We should be getting prepared to prepare other people (males to males and women to women) to GO and make disciples for Adonai and so the cycle continues. The term Rabbi was a really powerful one. It simply means master. If you lead accurately. He should follow closely. It is said, "the disciple followed in the steps of the Rabbi (discipler) so closely, the disciple could taste the dust from his sandals. In effect, when we TRUST (have faith in) Yeshua (Jesus) as our Lord, Teacher, Master, Leader, Guide, Rabboni, we actually become "born again.' This is not a New Testament saying, it is a phrase that rolled over the lips of Yeshua, when He was teaching Nicodemus in John 3. It is also found in 1 Peter 1:23. When studied out, you will see that it ONLY lends to your understanding that we MUST make disciples for the Son of God, not OURSLEVES or DENOMINATIONS. Get to work brother. There are many books in which to enhance your growth. Here is one I plan to read. "Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus: How the Jewishness of Jesus Can Transform Your Faith." "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you" -- Matthew 28

"Do Your Part" -- Praying (3/8)

Armor-Bearer — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:13:12 GMT

When we look at communication, this is an area in which we as men struggle. Actually, we are not even in the same hemisphere as the women! However, this is not to be taken as a point of comparison, it is meant to spur us on to become better at talking with the One who has ALL the answers to ALL of our questions. Here are a few QUOTES I thought would get our minds thinking on our subject matter. "Prayer is not getting man's will done in Heaven, but getting God's will accomplished on earth. It is not overcoming God's reluctance but laying hold of God's willingness." "More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of." "It is the habit of faith, when she is praying, to use pleas. Mere prayer sayers, who do not pray at all, forget to argue with God; but those who prevail bring forth their reasons and their strong arguments" "God does nothing but by prayer, and everything with it." "Most men pray for power, the strength to do things. Few people pray for love, the quality to be someone."Me? I have a desire to be a man of prayer, but over the years I have hit peaks and valleys in this area of NEEDED strength! I do pray constantly, but not always fervently. Sometimes, I actually wonder if my prayers are even effective. With those doubts, I could wonder why I still do it. Obedience is THE answer! It is actually a loving mandate that we pray. G-d's CHOSEN people were always a welcomed voice that entered His throne room. Ps. 141:2 says, "May my prayer be counted as incense before You; the lifting up of my hands as the evening offering." Incense is a pleasing aroma to those who burn them in their cars and homes. In the early temple, Hashem required the priests to burn incense unto him 24/7. Yeah, everyday, all day! This in effect was the prayer of His set-apart men, on behalf of the people. In today's world, the Father expects us to do the same for the people. Pray! It is still obedience. Yeshua (Jesus), learned obedience though (you guessed it) prayer. His continual strolling off in the evening, and awakening early in the morning were personal acts to get seek and get His Father's will and direction. Your life should mirror the Lord's actions as well. Am I saying get up early daily to pray? It would not hurt, but not necessarily early. Although, talking to the One with ALL the answers daily, about everything is something we all should strive for. Keep in mind, His ONLY Son did the same. He will never ask us to do something He never put into practice. This practice has been around for THOUSANDS of years!!! Why do we as men find it so DIFFICULT to pray and ask G-d for assistance? Is it really that difficult? I would have to say "yes" and "no." Once you START, it is as simple as speaking with your neighbor about the game or boats. Praying is VERY MUCH NEEDED for your life to be in ORDER. Praying is VERY MUCH NEEDED for your MARRIAGE life to be in ORDER. Praying is VERY MUCH NEEDED for your CHILDRENS' lives to be in ORDER. I have not mentioned WORK, SPIRITUAL growth, praying for your pastor, yourself, or your protection. The Lord is evidently interested in your "HERE and NOW" and your "FUTURE." He is very interested in your life. Get to praying. He awaits your voice. In prayer, we draw closer to G-d. In prayer is where He comes closer to us to.

"Doing Our Part" -- Studying (2/8)

Armor-Bearer — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:47:38 GMT

It is written in II Timothy 2:15, "Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman (a person with specified skill in a job or craft) that needs not to be ashamed, RIGHTLY dividing the Word of Truth." Your part is to learn G-d's Word. He wants you to spend lots of time with Him. When we crack open the Word, we tell the Creator (Hashem), that we care about what has been spoken to others-for us. We show His Son, that we have chosen to eat of His flesh (Bible Word) to find that it is pretty good and very nourishing (oh, taste and see that the Lord is good-Ps 34:8). When we study and dissect the Scriptures, we make ourselves APPROVED unto G-d Himself. It is like (somewhat) when we ask a question of our children, and they give us not only what we ask of them, but can explain the premise of why we asked it. How often are you embarrassed to know that someone younger in the Lord knows more Word than you do? Well, they have spent meaningful time with their Father. Studying Him is alot like "living with your wife as with KNOWLEDGE"- I Peter 3:7. One must spend time viewing and asking questions of someone or something of interest. If you spend time with your spouse, you will notice some things that passers-by would never know or notice. You actually get the LUXURY of somewhat "understanding" them. When a male is chided with the words, "you don't understand me" from the female, it sends a direct message that you have not spent enough time watching, listening or asking deeper questions to GET-TO-KNOW her. This would be considered as “surface” if you don’t have intimacy. The difference between church and the Church is relationship. ANYONE can go to a building, but when we BECOME the temple of the Holy Spirit, all things become new. Just like sitting and listening to your girl talk, studying is much the same way--you GET to listen to what the Father has to say in His Scriptures. You read what He has told the chosen people. You see what His plans were, are and what will be. When you, oh man of G-d, get beside yourself and confused because you don't know what to do, or where to turn, studying and digging into His Word, the Bible, will provide ample insights. It is THEN when you will be able to ASK the proper questions (recall the Karate kid's Daniel-san) or (Kung-Fu's Grasshopper), for the proper answer. There are many tools for studying as well. We tend to RUN to what another MAN has said (commentary) for understanding. I encourage you to back off of that. Research the Bible's instructional guidance on your own--with some help from a buddy who is doing the same. Over the years, I have had the DISTINCT PLEASURE of helping other brothers to grow. We purchase Concordances, and a few other research books to garner information. However, each of those books is ONLY VIABLE WHEN THEY ARE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE BIBLE. ALONE, they are actually NOT going to do you any good. The Bible IS the Source. Use it. Read it. Study it. Live by it! Once more, you are to SHOW YOURSELF approved UNTO G-d! When man tells you that you don’t know anything, or excludes you because they are pastors, elders, deacons, etc., get away--that is an unholy and arrogant thing. That matters NOT! You may KNOW and UNDERSTAND WAAAYYYYYY MORE than they will, because you have SPENT TIME with their and your Creator. Let the truth be known, they are actually studying the same as you. The Lord’s Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh) is He Who grants insight and sets us apart -- for Him. Study!!

"Doing Our Part" -- Involved Dad (1/8)

Armor-Bearer — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:49:39 GMT

What does it mean for us to "do our part?" That could look like so many things. One of the parts we men play (or can), is to BE the HERO for our children. The sad part is that we sit back and allow the sports jockeys, neighbors and movie stars to cause that sparkle to show up in the eyes of our children. That sparkle-causer should be US! Since I did not grow up with a father-figure, I had all sorts of "idols." Many were people, but NOT ONE was a male I could see and touch. I was failed! I chose to NOT be a failure to my children (if I had any). Well, the Father gave me some. TWO girls. I was asked SEVERAL times "if I wanted a boy?" My answer....? It was "no." I wanted to learn how to raise girls, and not be concerned with the challenges. I really enjoy talking to them about sex, boys, clothing, cooking, my failures, my dreams, their dreams, and the reproductive organs, etc. I share with them about how poorly I acted in my earlier years toward some girls. I have learned that both of them listen. Even though one of them acts grossed out, she listens as closely as the other. Though they have artist they like to listen to and watch, they are not whom I have heard them say they want to be like. They imitate their parents. They like to spend time with their us. They like to travel and play games with the two “weirdoes.” What is your part? It is raising your children. It is not being a SPERM DONOR or ABSENTEE DAD, but a CO-creator of life, who is HIGHLY involved in the decisions that are made for their lives. Those decisions actually start BEFORE they are born. The decisions range from the color of their bobbi socks and panty hose, to who that boy is that calls here (and meet him). Doing your part means disciplining them when they need it, and don't leave it ALL up to their mother. It means that if you did not wed their mother, MAKE SURE YOU ARE PAYING YOUR CHILD SUPPORT and follow the law of the courts AS YOU ARE following the Law of G-d! You see, "doing your part" covers a whole gambit of areas, and we will discuss several more over the next several Posts. REMEMBER: “Do you part.”

Create An Inner Circle

Armor-Bearer — Sat, 12 May 2012 03:13:00 GMT

1 Chronicles 11:10 Now these were the heads of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, with all Israel, to make him the king, according to the Word of the Lord concerning Israel. There are no Lone Ranger leaders. If you’re alone, you’re not leading anybody. Examine the way David pulled together the core people who made him great: 1. He started building a strong inner circle before he needed it: David began building his team long before he was crowned king. 2. He attracted people with varied gifts: David attracted men of diverse abilities. We read of experienced warriors with a variety of skills, many men of valor, and hundreds of captains. With the help of these men, David felt ready for anything. 3. He engendered loyalty: David’s followers displayed incredible loyalty to him throughout his life. Those closest to him seemed willing to put their lives on the line for him. 4. He delegated responsibility based on ability: David continually gave responsibility to others. He designated Joab as commander of the army, and he felt equally secure in giving others civil authority.

Anger? What Anger? I Can Control My Emotions!

Armor-Bearer — Thu, 10 May 2012 16:38:16 GMT

Men of G-d, I see and have seen so many men lose what is dear to them because of that anger. I have witnessed stabbings, shootings, and arguments. Murders have come about because someone FAILED to keep in check their casual emotion called anger. Yes, anger is a great thing--if used as something to honor Adonai with. He told us to "be angry, but sin not." The key word there is SIN. If it WILL NOT and DOES NOT please or honor Adonai, it is SIN. Here are some cool quotes I picked up for this admonishmental, yet encouraging post. "Anyone can become angry. That is easy; but to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose and in the right way... that is not easy" -- Aristotle. "If you are patient in one moment of anger, you will escape a hundred days of sorrow" --Chinese Proverb. Anger, if not restrained, is frequently more hurtful to us than the injury that provokes it. -- Seneca. "For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind-- Ralph Waldo Emerson. "Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned-- Buddha. It is also like "drinking poison, expecting the other person to die"--unknown "People who fly into a rage always make a bad landing"-- Will Rogers "Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you will ever regret"-- Ambrose Bierce "Consider how much more you often suffer from your anger and grief, than from those very things for which you are angry and grieved"-- Marcus Antonius. "Do not teach your children never to be angry; teach them how to be angry"- Lyman Abbott. "Two things a man should never be angry at: what he can help, and what he cannot help"--Thomas Fuller. "When a man is wrong and won't admit is, he always gets angry"-- Thomas Haliburton. "There was never an angry man that thought his anger unjust"-- St. Francis De Sales. "Anger is what makes a clear mind seem clouded"-- Kazi Shams. "No man can think clearly when his fists are clenched"-- George Jean Nathan.<>UNrestrained anger is simply one's inability to control himself. What is your reasoning or rationale for losing it? Was it "HER?" Maybe, it was "HIM?" Traffic can be rough, but dishonoring your Father in Heaven will be MUCH worse. After your moment of "justifiable release", when you come to your senses (right state of mind), and the Spirit of Truth has regained the lead, that is when you realize "I have DIShonored" my Lord. "This is the way I handle things." or "My wife and kids understand that I love them, but this is my way." or "God understands me, He made me THIS way." or "I can handle it." Even though you make all sorts of excuses, the reality of the matter is this...YOU NEED HELP!!! You are immature in this area, and need some intervention. ...Someone to be honest with you bro/pastor/leader/father/husband/friend/lawyer/fireman/policeman/sportsNUT, you have GOT to get it together and BECOME ACCOUNTABLE to one or two other men (and your Creator). Gentleness is power under control.

Charting The Course For Others

Armor-Bearer — Thu, 10 May 2012 01:47:33 GMT

Proverbs 28:10 Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession. Leaders who navigate do even more than control the direction in which they and their people travel. They see the whole trip in their minds before they leave the dock. They have a vision for their destination, they understand what it will take to get there, they know who they will need on their team to be successful, and they recognize the obstacles long before they appear on the horizon. First-rate navigators always have in mind that other people are depending on them and their ability to chart a good course and the secret to successful navigation is preparation. When you prepare well, you convey confidence and trust to the people. You see, it’s not the size of the project that determines its acceptance, support, and success- it’s the size of the leader. Leaders who are good navigators are capable of taking their people just about anywhere.

The Truth is Alive and Well--Living Torah

Armor-Bearer — Sun, 06 May 2012 22:54:05 GMT

Let us establish some functional truth here about a word that has and still is FREAKING people (Christians). To be MORE PRECISE, the churches are being mislead by the improper teaching of certain aspects of the Word of G-d. One of them is the word "law." There are different types of "law" in the Scriptures, and the scribes accurately and properly used the terms in their placement. The "law" of SIN and DEATH, the "law" of the FLESH (carnality), and the Law (Teaching) of G-d are the different types. I am not sure if I missed any, but these are a good start. BEFORE I START, LET ME OFFER THIS... THE ORIGINAL FOLLOWERS OF THE MESSIAH WERE HEBREW. THEY WERE 'NOT' CALLED CHRISTIANS, THEY WERE PEOPLE OF THE "WAY." Originally, the term Christian was a negative term, and was not adopted until later. The PROBLEM we have seen in the Christian environment, is that we use the term law in the same definition each time we see it in Scripture. BAD MOVE! One of the HORRIBLE MISrepresentaions of this term (that is used) is when we MISquote Paul's usage of it. He uses the term in multiple ways, but the definition is not the same in all them. We MUST REMEMBER that Paul is a Hebrew, from the tribe of Bejamin. He is also part Greek who has learned from some of the best schooling and also, from one of the finest Rabbis of the day, Gamaliel. Oh yeah, he was also a Pharisee. He was also a LOVER of the LAW, and OVER-THE-TOP follower of the Pharisee's belief system of the Torah (Teachings). He was not, and DID NOT undercut the Word. If you recall, he vehimently pursued and persecuted those who spoke and lived contrary to what Moshe had passed along. Thus, he cemented what G-d meant the Law (Torah) for...Truth Teaching of how He wanted the Hebrews to live!! That HOLINESS HAS NOT CHANGED! This "Law" is what Hashem (Creator G-d), gave orally to Moshe (Moses), and subsequently in writing (twice), for the people of G-d, at the Mountain at Sanai. The Truth is "ALIVE" and has been from the beginning. What is TRUTH?! Is it yours? Is it mine (Adonai FORBID)? Is it your pastor's? Is it your parents'? Is it your friends'? Does it come from society? How about from the perspective of the Bible? I DID NOT say DENOMINATION, I said, "the Bible." The Biblical Truth is what is RARE amongst Christians and Judaism, because of the SIDE we chose to CHOOSE. Why is it that we work so doligently to attempt (howbeit unwittingly) to undo G-d's Truth? It is taught and believed (I too was one early on, until my desires and studies took me deeper into the Word) that the Message the newer Testment of the Father was all about His Son's Words. That is actually a thought that is not only preposterous, but insane really. Would you ever send your son to tell someone that your Words were silly, stupid, worthless, not true anylonger, not what I meant or "not for today?" How unGodly would that be? If you read the Scriptures, He, Yeshua (Jesus), references the Torah (Law) of God and the Propehts. There was no way He could quote Himself (as the New Testament). He repeated what He had already said and given to Moses and the other (inspired) men and (inspred) women in earlier history. "We live in a world where people have the truth, but choose to live by their own laws." They won't follow the laws of the land, what makes us think they will follow the Holy Words of G-d? Think about this... Which laws are more likely to be believed and followed: the Creator's Laws or the laws of society? We have chosen to become people of Lawlessness--instead of Covenant.

What Are You Looking At Dude? She Is Not Your Wife!

Armor-Bearer — Wed, 02 May 2012 02:33:03 GMT

I have been around the world and the stories are all the same. I had been a part of some of those stories as well. One of the glaring problems I see is that women are mistreated in multiple cultures. One of those cultures is the USA. Another is your home. Yet another is the church building you attend. Another is your workplace or the mall, or... You get the picture. Not only are men vile, but we are nasty and ungodly when it comes to the treatment or maltreatment of women. Let’s go THERE! Shall we? We men, even though we were created to acknowledge beauty, have a horribly perverted way of expressing it. I would say, "over-the-top." Upon giving our hearts, eyes and lives to the Holy God, we are supposed to be continuously striving to become that godly leader for the world to see. However, in this area were are not. We are not much different, if at all, from the rapist, college dorm rooms/campuses, and club scene. I ask you (and myself), WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT? It is one thing to undress the unsuspecting passers by, but the lady you work for or with. Fella, are you not married? "Look, but don't touch" is what I hear; or "I can still window shop." Wrong!!! Who does that honor? You? Your wife? Your God? That woman? Actually, all of them have been disgraced and dishonored. You may have just seen a wonderful looking specimen of a female. DON'T take that second look! She is NOT yours. She belongs to someone else. She may belong to your best friend. Is that cool? How would he feel if he found out you are checking out his wife? More than likely you are having illicit thoughts about her. Right? Pastor, Christian, Followers of the Most High God, you too are sexually perverted, and it is ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE GOD EXPOSES YOUR SIN! Adultery is ROUGH and RUNNING WILD in the body of the Lord, and we seem to NOT care. Stop taking those UNNECCESSARY trips to the water cooler, coffee maker, bathroom, where she works, or water fountain. You don't urinate that often brother. Contorting your body in such a way that you can look under her skirt or dress is quite demeaning too. You say her breasts are attractive? How about cleavage? How about NOT going back for seconds man-of-God? How about looking at her face instead of her breasts—especially when shaking her hand? Turning your head or even your entire body around to get several MORE looks or having a LOOOOOOONGER look that holy living authorizes sets a bad example for those you do not see watching you. Do they make it difficult with those short shorts, lingerie on the outside, and the busty push-up bras GRABBING your eye’s attention? Am I guilty of this? Definitely! I work hard on most occasions to walk guilt-free of this cancerous activity. I have accountability partners, and one of them is my wife. We are pretty open about this subject. She is not always ready to hear the answer to her questions, but she still asks. Why accountability, when we don't want one? WE NEED ONE or TWO! Need is the correct word. We NEED to keep our eyes focus ahead, and not on the female who is not our spouse. God wants us to keep our “eyes on the Creator (Him), and not His creation.” I am pretty positive we would become very uncomfortable if our wives were drooling over other men. Let’s say you wanted someone to help you stay focused, and you stumbled... You give him a call and TELL HIM! You ALLOW him to encourage and correct you with BRUTAL HONESTY! This is how you mature and maintain some willpower. There are different types of software out there you can install on your PC, cell phone, and laptop. Oh yeah, your wife would do this for you! It is password protected, and will send e-mails to the people whom you have selected to be accountable to (wife included). It monitors certain sites, words, etc. It tracks EVERYTHING. Some of them are... "Covenant Eyes", "XXXchurch", and "Accountable2U." Get real pasors, your sin will find you out as well. Tell someone about your problem with PORNOGRAPHY (magazines, bikini calendars, movies, phone sex, affairs, etc.). Your family, the lost, the body of Christ, and the Father are counting on you. Husbands & dads, your families are counting on you. Your Creator, the Truth EXPECTS you to live a holy life. These things WILL NOT cut it!!!

Sharp Focus Sharpens Leadership

Armor-Bearer — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 16:29:15 GMT

Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables… but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:2, 4 What does it take to have the focus required to be a truly effective leader? The keys are priorities and concentration. To focus your time and energy use these guidelines to help you: Focus 70% on developing strengths: Effective leaders who reach their potential spend more time focusing on what they do well than on what they do wrong. Focus 25% on new things: If you want to get better, you have to keep changing and improving. That means stepping out into new areas. If you dedicate time to new things related to your strength areas, then you’ll grow as a leader. Focus 5% on areas of weakness: Nobody can entirely avoid working on areas of weakness. The key is to minimize it as much as possible, and leaders can do it by delegating.

Unchecked Emotion-Unsuccessful Leadership

Armor-Bearer — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 05:14:30 GMT

Unchecked Emotion-Unsuccessful Leadership Then Jonadab the son of Shimeah, David’s brother, answered and said, “Let not my lord suppose they have killed all the young men, the king’s sons, for only Amnon is dead. For by the command of Absalom this has been determined from the day that he forced his sister Tamar.” 2 Samuel 13:32 After David sinned with Bathsheba, the prophet Nathan warned the king that the sword would never depart from his house. And David endured domestic problems from that day on. No one saw this more clearly than his son Absalom. When Amnon raped Absalom’s sister Tamar and David did nothing about it, Absalom became irate. After his attempts to get an audience with his father failed, Absalom decided to get everyone’s attention. He avenging his sister Tamar by murdering Amnon, his half-brother; for this crime his father banished him. After he was permitted to return, Absalom got angry with general Joab and set his field on fire. Despite his actions, Absalom couldn’t get the fatherly attention he wanted so desperately. So he used his passion to sabotage his father’s leadership. In the end, Absalom died a maverick leader whose passion went awry.

Do You Do Things Your Own Way, Or The Father's?

Armor-Bearer — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:12:55 GMT

A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. "I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all." This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher: "I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this... They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!" When you are DOWN to nothing... God is UP to something! Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible! Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment!

''Above All Else, Guard Your Heart..."

Armor-Bearer — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 15:52:42 GMT

The Bible says: 'Above all else, guard your heart, for it is thewellspring of life.' The position you hold in life may cause people totake notice of you, but only your integrity will cause them to respectyou and be willing to follow you. And integrity is only established whenit becomes clear to everyone that progress, financial reward andrecognition are not your gods; that you value something more, somethingyou refuse to give up for profit or popularity. With integrity comesinfluence. You can manage people without integrity but you can'tinfluence them without it. Talking one way and living another will woundyou. And depending on time and circumstance, you may not be able torecover from it. You say, 'How I conduct my private life is nobodyelse's business.' Wrong! When people see a difference between what youdemand of others and what you demand of yourself, it'll erode theirrespect for you every time. Your position may make you secure, but yourinfluence with others will always remain fragile. At any given time youare only one decision, one word or one action away from destroying whatit took years to build. Why is it important to keep this in mind?Because the fastest route from where you are today to where you will betomorrow is not always the most honorable one. Leading and being theperson you want to be doesn't come easy and doesn't always line up. It'sin those moments, however, that you discover a great deal aboutyourself-you find out what you truly stand for! ''Above all else, guard your heart...'' Prov 4:23

Want Power Back In The Pulpit?

Armor-Bearer — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:11:11 GMT

I keep hearing messages from Pastors on "how to to compete with the world when every side attraction that comes into town gets their attention." I keep hearing "there is no power in the message and no power coming out of the pulpit." Well, with that said, may I offer a solution? Ok. Maybe, just maybe, if those in the pulpit would take the world out of the pulpit, and put God back in it, then they would see changes! Get back in the Word and live your life by the Word! STOP taking the Word out of context; and STOP using the New Testament and the "Age of Grace" adage as your excuse to live life like you want to, and get back to the basics! Better yet, I have an idea... How about you start from the beginning "Old Testament" and "Re-Build" your foundation? That way you're not going by ALL those inaccuracies you have picked up over the years from THOUSANDS of other peoples opinions. Folks its time to open the WORD from the BEGINNING of the Book and not the end of it, and START OVER. Research the WORD for yourself, meditate on it and then live it. Then and only then will YOU and I begin to see the POWER of the Gospel again. Blessings.

Men, Are We Dead? A Revival We Need!

Armor-Bearer — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 19:30:45 GMT

Lord, ''Your word is...a light for my path.'' Ps 119:105 A revival of Light. FELLAS, your job takes up about ten hours of your day, including travel. Sleeping, eating, bathing and dressing take another ten. Your family and your hobbies, etc., account for the remaining hours. Today a 'committed church member' is in church two to three times a month. Do the math. Out of 168 hours in your week, about ninety minutes are given to spiritual growth. ...Less than one percent! What are the results? Spiritual ignorance and weakness. In the US, divorce is as common inside the church as outside. Believers have as big a problem with PORNOGRAPHY as unbelievers. The alcoholism and addiction rate is roughly the same. A recent News poll found that while certain churches are growing rapidly, many of the newcomers have an'eclectic theology.' They believe in the resurrection, but they also think reincarnation is okay. They believe God guides through prayer, and also through horoscopes. While devout Muslims commit themselves to memorizing the Koran, the average Christian doesn't read their Bible once a week. As hard as your pastor may try spoon feeding you from the pulpit, and burping you at the door, won't make you spiritually mature. Men, you've got to put God's Word at the top of your daily 'to do' list. '...No longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men...but, speaking the truth in love, [that YOU] may grow up in all things into Him who is the head-the Messiah (Eph 4:14-15).