A Love Worth Dying For

If you could save someone from dying and give them a lottery ticket worth one hundred million dollars, but the catch was that they probably wouldn’t believe you and would also dislike you for trying to save their life, would you do it anyway? That’s what it’s like to be a Christian who wants to follow Christ’s command of going out and making disciples (“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, …” – Jesus, Matthew 28:19) and being his witnesses (“… and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Jesus, Acts 1:8).

Do you really believe that the people around you will spend eternity in judgment (Hell) unless they are saved through receiving Christ’s forgiveness and salvation? If you do, then, well, what are you going to do about it? I’m asking myself the same question right now. Or, another way to put it is, “Am I willing to be despised by many people in the attempt to save them from having to pay for their sins?” But isn’t that what the disciples did, not to mention the millions of Christians before me? I probably won’t be flayed, clubbed, stoned, dragged, boiled, crucified, beaten or stabbed to death or beheaded for doing it like the first disciples were, or at least not in America any time soon – I hope.

It’s easy to get comfortable in our Christianity isn’t it? It’s like we’ve turned it into a big self-help extravaganza and forgotten all about eternity – well to some extent. I’m guilty of this myself, spending many years focusing on helping people heal and grow in their faith but letting many people I encountered go by without offering the Gospel of eternal life. Don’t misunderstand me, helping people live out the Truth is part of making disciples and necessary for sure. But so is telling people about Christ and how they can be saved eternally. Somebody has to go out and share the Gospel with people and isn’t that what all Christians are called to participate in?

St. Peter was crucified on an X-shaped cross upside down because he didn’t feel worthy of dying the same way his Savior had. I agree with Peter. Peter was all in. The question is, “Am I?” To a degree, I feel ashamed for not sharing the Gospel with as much passion as I share God’s love and truth. I’ll admit that it’s a lot more comfortable to share how God has set people’s value at priceless, is trustworthy in all things and will forgive all their sins than to tell them that unless they repent of their sins and receive Christ as their Savior and ruler of their life, they won’t escape the eternal judgment that awaits them.

People usually appreciate you for showing them the love of Christ and will like you. But sharing the Gospel doesn’t always come with such positive responses. But isn’t telling people how they can gain eternal life the most loving thing we can do for someone? If I truly believe that Jesus deserves my everything, and that people are worth the everything Jesus gave up for them, how can I not tell them? So what if people despise me? Since when is truly loving others conditioned upon how they will love us back? And what is being despised by people compared to the torture and death so many before me have endured, including our Savior, so that you and I would have eternal life? The few who receive eternal life alone are worth the many despising us don’t you think?

Today, as I glanced at the beautiful and amazing wife God has given me, I was reminded of the love He has shown me in so many ways. I owe Him everything. I can’t be liked any more if it keeps others from salvation. I must be despised if that’s what it takes to serve my Savior’s will to give many everlasting life.  

I know many Christians have simply not been provided with a practical, simple and non-confrontational way of sharing the Gospel. If by chance you share in my conviction and would like to acquire a simple way of sharing, I’d love to show you how. It doesn’t mean you won’t be disliked but you can be disliked less and be more productive while sharing the Gospel. We equip people with this tool every Sunday as one of our three equipping areas at our new and humble church – The Way Church of Bradenton (info at www.walkthewaychurch.com). Or you can just reply to me and I’ll email you the basic info of how to do it. It’s that simple.

“For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! – 1 Corinthians 9:16″

“Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people! – Jesus, Matthew 4:19″

”So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. – 2 Timothy 1:8″

I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. – 1 Corinthians 9:23″

Alone? Really?

Everyone has felt alone at one time or another. Friends let you down. That dark secret you can’t share with anyone. You’re persecuted for your faith. You’re un-encouraged in pursuing a worthy goal. Your spouse is asleep at the wheel of your marriage or abandons you. Adult children won’t talk to you. Facing a financial or health problem. What adversities are you facing right now that make you feel alone? Let’s stop and take a look beyond those feelings for a moment to see if you truly are alone first.

I’ve personally experienced aloneness in virtually all these examples and maybe you have experienced even more. We know that even Jesus was challenged with being alone when taken to be thrown off a cliff in His own home town. His followers left Him for expressing the need for making the Gospel internal by saying they had to drink His blood and eat His flesh. Also, when His closest follower, Peter (the Rock), denied Him 3 times. But was Jesus actually alone? Are you actually alone?

Jesus said, “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me” John 16:32. Jesus knew He was not alone except for one event in His life, where He became truly alone for us. He had neither follower nor Father with Him. That happened when He took our sins upon Himself and paid for them on the cross. Sin is the only thing that separates someone from God (Genesis 3) and Jesus became fully alone and forsaken that no one would never have to be (John 3:16).

So, are you really alone? The answer is found in a question: “Who do you put your trust in?” If it’s you, events or others, then you are alone. The result is a life of disappointments and let-downs because we’re all temporary and fallible. But if you put your trust in Christ, then you will never be alone no matter who lets you down, what adversity you face or how alone you might think you are. If you have not yet put your trust in Christ, you can do it right now. Tell God, “Lord, I am a sinner. Thank you for dying on a cross to pay for me. Please forgive me of all my sins. I surrender my life to you. Help me to follow you all the days of my life.” If you’ve sincerely done this then you are saved and will never be alone again.

While we are forced to trust people in many cases, our trust does not have to end with them, “For your Father is with [you]” and God promises to “work all things for the good of those who love (trust in) Him” Romans 8:28. It’s easy to feel alone in our marriage, friendships goals and so on. It’s easy to fall into a pity-party mode (there’s never any presents I’ve found). It’s easy to assume our problems are beyond God’s abilities or that our idea of a solution is the only one. It’s easy to put our faith in people alone. But here’s God’s challenge for each of us – including me; to put our faith in Christ into practice. When adversity comes, will you acknowledge the absolute fact that your Great and Awesome Heavenly Father is right there with you? Will you trust that He will never leave you or forsake you? (Deuteronomy 31:6, Deuteronomy 31:8, Joshua 1:5, 1 Kings 8:57, Hebrews 13:5, Matthew 28:20 and more). If so, you can do it right now. Nothing gets around God’s love and authority over your life. You can make this a habit and transform your thinking from “Oh no!” to “I trust You with this Father!” or even “I can’t wait to see how You’re going to use this!” People might think you’re crazy but I’ll take free and crazy over miserable and sane any day! How about you?

“Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” – Psalm 25:5,
“But those who trust the LORD will find new strength.” – Isaiah 40:31a,
“In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.” – Psalm 56:11

If you have benefited from any of the messages God gives me to first live and second deliver, I hope you’ll consider checking out a great Way of doing church. We’ve just launched The Way Church of Bradenton, meeting Sundays, 10:30 am in a karate school (for now) 5917 Manatee Ave. W. #107, Bradenton 34209. Leave a comment for more information. Our website is still being developed at www.walkthewaychurch.com.

To You, Who is Jesus Christ?

I am awestruck by the numbers of people who consider the Creator of Heaven and Earth to be second to virtually everything else in their life – their problems, their goals, their spouse, their children, their self and their purpose. To you, who is Jesus? Is Christ someone you meet with on Sunday mornings or is He the One Who saved you from a life of death? Is Christ just another moral code for you to live by or is He the source of life itself? Maybe instead of God Who came down in the flesh to rescue you from thinking you’re worthless or guilty, Jesus is the shortcomings of the people in church to you.

I met someone once who referred to God as God with a lower case “g”. What is it about this World that it uses practically every resource it has, like TV, magazines, books and even culture to lessen, cheapen or confuse Who Jesus Christ is? It makes fun of “born again” Christians when that’s the only kind of Christians there are according to Christ Himself. Why is it that if you actually obey Jesus’ command to share your faith with others you’re labeled a “Jesus Freak”. Why is it that Buddha, Mohammed and every other false god is socially acceptable? Oh, but Jesus Christ, that is offensive. Maybe it’s because the World is under the influence of sin – lost and blind. But what about you?

To You, Who is Jesus Christ though? Is He the One who knitted you in your mother’s womb and cared for you before you were born or an inconvenience when you want to sin or do things your own way? Is Jesus your Hero, once crucified, and Gateway to Heaven now and forever or is He that friend you’d rather keep a secret. Is Christ your Fountain of life and unconditional love or is He all the nonsense the World claims He is?

About seven years ago, I was at the end of my rope, wanting to end the life the World had put me through. Something turned my head to the Bible I never understood collecting dust on my nightstand. An old boss of mine, who I used to make fun of, had given it to me 10 years earlier. It saved my life – literally! I asked “what if?” and Jesus gave me truth that freed me. He blessed me beyond measure and pours Himself out of me and to others like a dam that just broke.

To me, Jesus Christ is my only source of life. He is my Everything and He has made me His Everything. I have not changed in one regard. I truly don’t want to live in this screwed up World apart from my only true Savior – not one moment. Christ is my Beloved and He is my breath. The meaning of my life is Christ. I am a born again Jesus Freak to the World but I am a child of the Almighty Who makes galaxies for fun to the Only One Whose opinion counts for anything – Christ’s! That’s Who Jesus Christ is to me, but what about you? Will He be your Everything?

Do you feel it – the World getting darker? Is Jesus the Light of Life and you His flaming torch to be thrown into the dark places? Our calling goes so far beyond our favorite seat on Sunday morning. But the key ingredient is found in deciding Who Jesus Christ is to you. Is He the One Who knew you would read this and is calling you to a life of persecution and Greatness that’s worth the persecution? Is He the One Who knows your potential – a hundred times what you think it is? Is Jesus the Way of truth that gives a life you can’t imagine keeping to yourself? You are His Peter (His Rock), but Who is Jesus Christ to you?
“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Matthew 16:18

“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” John 14:12

Marriage Isn’t the Problem

Struggling in your marriage? What if your marriage isn’t the real problem? You wouldn’t apply itch cream to a bullet wound would you? What if your marriage problems were only symptoms of a totally different problem? What if marriage problems are only the byproduct of a single issue? In fact, that’s exactly what they are.

Jesus tells us that if we hold to His teachings we will know the truth and the truth will set us free (John 8:32). Truth and freedom are two sides of the same coin. Do you understand what He means by truth and what it means to be free? Do you experience freedom in your finances or just when they are plentiful? Do you experience freedom with hurtful people or just when they’re being nice? I think the greatest test of our freedom is in our marriages. How free are you in your marriage?

Before I begged God for the truth I was literally a slave in my marriage. The top of the mountain of all my self-help books gained me no more than a divorce. The reason wasn’t that I had a marriage problem – I had a truth problem. I didn’t have it! And I definitely didn’t apply it!

God’s truth is so freeing and good that since being remarried now for six years, my wife and I have never had a single fight, argument or bickering match! We don’t avoid each other, hold it in or pretend. In fact, our marriage is hot. Yes, I said it. It’s OK if you don’t believe me though, hardly anyone does. That’s just sad because so many are missing out. The funny thing is that I had an explosive temper all my life and remember hearing my ex-wife tell the judge “mental and verbal abuse your honor” as her grounds for divorce. What a miracle to experience this emotional independence (freedom) and all it took was “holding to” just a couple simple yet powerful truths.

There are in fact three truths and you can read my book to fully understand them and how to use them in your everyday life (this blog is not enough). But here is the biggy when it comes to marriage. When your spouse or anyone else treats you poorly in any way, only one thing can make you feel hurt, upset or angry. That’s right, one thing. Here it is. You’re not filtering that poor treatment of you through the truth of your value. Without the truth you feel belittled, disrespected, offended, put down, insecure, worthless, and defensive and so on. But you’re not what others treat you like, imply of you, think of you, say of you, talk to you like, do to you, your past or even what you’ve done – mistakes, sins, failures or achievements. You are none of that. You were, are, and always will be nothing but God’s everything He died for – a priceless child of the Almighty. Do you believe this? Will you apply it?

This truth makes defending, arguing or proving your point pointless, doesn’t it? If your spouse is angry or upset or treats you poorly, it’s not who you are. It’s an opportunity to drop the conversation and love them but you can’t do it without the truth. You will not have the blessing of each other forever. I sincerely hope you enjoy every word and every thought they share, every tear, every touch, every challenging moment and embrace each other to the fullest. But to do this you must first embrace the Way, the Truth and the life who is Jesus Christ – The Savior of struggling marriages.

“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

Why Do You Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?

Some like the green beer while others may enjoy the drunken leprechauns or the parades. But strangely, most people don’t seem to have a clue of who Patrick was or what he did. Patrick was taken at 16 years old from his home in Britain as a slave to a Druidic priest in Ireland. Six years later, he sought out and found God who led Patrick to escape back to Britain. Patrick had a heart for Ireland and wanted to bring the Gospel to this beautiful land stricken with cults and false gods but felt unfit. After spending 20 years in the monastery Patrick finally journeyed to Ireland.

Through many trials and victories, God spread Christianity throughout an entire nation through one man with a burning passion for Christ and a heart for the Irish. Yes, one man- one man equal to all others who put their faith in Jesus (Galatians 3:28). A single person equipped with no more than the Gospel and his God-given wits did this over 30 years with no phones, computers, TV’s, newspapers or podcasts!

I don’t know about you but I am seriously questioning the size of my goals! Through story after story in the Bible, God has shown that the greatness our Heavenly Father works through us is equal to our passion for Him. Maybe you think that you’re unfit like Patrick did. Yes, there is timing for everything but Patrick didn’t begin his ministry upon his return to the land that once enslaved him. Patrick began his ministry the moment he was called to “go and make disciples of [the nation of Ireland]” Matthew 28:19. Entering that monastery was the beginning. All who put their faith in Christ are commanded to “go and make disciples …” It wasn’t that Patrick wasn’t fit but rather he just needed some more equipping.

You are equal to the saint called Patrick. You are God’s own. You are fit enough. You have what it takes with Christ Whom all things are made possible. You are being called right now. There is a nation or people or group or place set aside just for you to turn upside right for Christ. Saints are those believers in Christ who simply go all the way – who put legs on their faith. This life is temporary but the rewards of following Jesus last forever.

Who or what is holding you back – your finances, your time, your friends, family, church members, church leaders or yourself? Don’t fall for it. You can decide right now. You can change everything right now by choosing to live up to Whose you truly are – the child of the One who creates galaxies for fun and took your place on the cross. Don’t listen to the nay saying anymore for “… the only approval that counts is the Lord’s approval.” 2 Corinthians 10:18.

May you walk every moment with our Greatness (God) in full expectation of the same.
Put this small part of St. Patrick’s “The Breastplate” in your heart and expect greater things.

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right,
Christ on my left, Christ in breadth, Christ in length,
Christ in height, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.

Happy St. Patty’s Day all you Saints for God! Now Bring it!

“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these…” Jesus, John 14:12.

Problem Proof Your Life

Everyone faces problems. What problems will you face today? Wait! Before you begin to feel apprehension, stress or get those knots in your stomach consider this: What if there was no such thing as problems? What if what we deem as problems are actually changes in our plans that we forget to trust God with? Let me repeat this question: What if what we deem as problems are actually changes in our plans that we forget to trust God with? What if our problems were not problems at all? While we can’t remove changes in our plans, there is a way to not be bothered by them – and maybe even excited about them. In John 3:18, Jesus tells us that “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” This holds the key to problem-proofing your life – to believe or Trust in Jesus.

The Apostle Paul wrote that “God works all things for the good of those who love God – Romans 8:28.” Loving God is code for trusting Him. Paul also wrote, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. – Philippians 4:9”  That’s code for practicing that trust. So, if you put your Trust into Practice – practicing trust, you can also experience what Paul meant by, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want – Philippians 4:12”  The secret to problem-proofing your life is to practice trusting (believing) God.

What problems are tempting you to not practice your Faith in Jesus? Shift today’s emphasis from the changes in your plans (problems) to opportunities for Practicing Trust in Christ. Practice your Faith until it is second nature. It was doubt – not believing and trusting Jesus – that caused Peter to sink instead of walk on the water. Today your problems are like the water beneath Peter’s feet. Practice Trusting in Jesus and not your problems. As Jesus said, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice. – Luke 8:21” Believe what Jesus tells you and ignore what your problems tell you. Believe the Way, the Truth and the Life (Jesus), Who assures you that “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free – John 8:31-32.” Believe that “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Galatians 5:1”

How do you know that your next “problem” isn’t actually just guidance from God or a blessing in disguise anyway? That crystal ball in your head is not real – ignore it. Even with real tragedy, Jesus’ promise still stands. What will you allow to rule your heart today – what the “World” calls problems or what the Word calls “working for your good.” Will the changes in “your will” walk on you today or will you walk on them in “Thy will?” Remember, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed – John 8:36.” Thank you for allowing me to help “Hurt-Proof Your Life” just a little more! Spread the word by subscribing to my blog or sharing it with others. For information on my book “The Father’s Three Gifts … for a Hurt-Proof Life” click here www.thefathersthreegifts.com . Watch my “Dear Rob” video blogs at http://www.youtube.com/thefathersthreegifts#p/u/9/URA6Fh5y_j8. To hear me speak in person, join me on The Floating Chapel Sunday mornings: Info at www.worshipingonwater.com.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18″

Text From God: “Don’t Fall for Life’s Fountains”

Have you ever done anything embarrassing and wanted to hide under a rock? I think we all have our moments. You’ve probably seen the now famous video of the woman, who while texting, walked right into a mall fountain, falling head first into a pool of loose change http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPW8xmI4w6U. She immediately got up without injury and walked away but is now suing the mall for negligence or for releasing the video. Do you believe that this woman suddenly became a crusader for unsafe mall fountains or can you see that she is merely seeking revenge for feeling embarrassed – having her ego hurt?

I’m not validating the inconsiderate behavior of the people who posted it on the internet but the Bible says, “The LORD tears down the house of the proud (Proverbs 15:25)” & “He humbles the proud “Isaiah 26:5).” What really disappoints me is that this woman was texting a friend from church. She of all people should know by now that her value, worth and identity is not in the hands of mall security guards who thought so little of her. Why hadn’t she been shown in her church that “who she is” rests in the outstretched hands of Christ alone who thinks everything of her? Maybe she had been shown but did not understand how to apply this truth to her life. Her value, like ours, is not found in the opinions of others. It’s permanently priceless regardless of how many of life’s fountains we may fall in or fall for. But the truth can’t help much unless we conciously apply it.

I think this was a perfect text from God saying “Don’t Fall for the Fountains in Your Life.” The funny thing is that in the video, none of the other shoppers seemed to even notice her blunder. Maybe God blinded them to it to give her a way out. She could have laughed it off and gained some great opportunities to witness her faith from all of this. The entire world could have been witness to the truth of her unchangeable value and the humility that naturally flows like a “fountain” from faith and forgiveness in Christ. In fact, had she handled the situation better, I would guess that the security guards who posted that video on the internet would have been the ones scrutinized by the world instead of this woman. As the Bible says, “You save the humble, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low (2 Samuel 22:28).”

What fountains are you falling for that are fooling you into valuing yourself by the opinions of others or what you do instead of what’s already been done for you on the Cross of Christ? What fountains are preventing you from being a witness for “The Way, and the Truth and the Life (John 14:6)?” You know, the Truth can only help us if we “put it into practice (Matthew 7:24).” Life is a series of tests but below is a golden chance for you to get the answers to them before they come. Will you pass these tests? The question is simple and always the same answer: Whose will you be – the World’s or God’s when:

_____ Someone arrives late, or not at all, to their appointment, date or meeting with you
_____ Being talked over or not being able to finish your sentences or whole thought
_____ Listening to someone explain something that you already understand
_____ Hearing someone brag about themselves
_____ Your spouse treating you disrespectfully
_____ Not being extended common courtesies like please or thank-you
_____ Being judged or stereotyped because of your age, sex, past or race
_____ Falling into a fountain while texting and having it posted on the internet
_____ Struggling with apologizing, admitting a wrong, taking accountability or responsibility for your wrongs
_____ Feeling embarrassed because of something you said or did
_____ Basing your or your child’s worth on their performance
_____ Having your character questioned – not believed or trusted
_____ Being treated like dirt by a customer
_____ Not getting recognition when it’s due
_____ Being disagreed with about religion, politics or anything else

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! (1 John 3:1)” Thank you for allowing me to help “Fountain-Proof Your Life” just a little more! Spread the word by subscribing to my blog or sharing it with others. For more on this topic read my book, “The Father’s Three Gifts … for a Hurt-Proof Life” click here www.thefathersthreegifts.com. To hear me speak in person, join me on The Floating Chapel Sunday mornings at Sara Bay Marina on Hwy. 41: Info at www.worshipingonwater.com. To view my “Dear Rob” Video blogs go to: http://www.youtube.com/user/thefathersthreegifts?feature=mhum#p/u/6/URA6Fh5y_j8.