Haiti Cheri

I am asking all of you - anyone who follows this blog - to please, please, please keep the island of Haiti in your prayers.

It may seem like there is nothing you can do; there is: keep the Haitian people in prayer.
If you want to donate, please go through this website: www.CNN.com/impact

Any of these organizations is a good choice to make a generous donation...

My heart goes out to any one who has the unfortunate weight of the loss of a loved one burdening their hearts.......

Mission imPOSSIBLE

"This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged

by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s...
But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions;
then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you,
O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid
or discouraged... for the Lord is with you!" 2Chronicles 20:15-17

To what extent is God willing to go to in order to save his children?

Better yet, to what extent is God willing to go to in order to save me?

God has done some pretty amazing things for me in my lifetime. Sometimes when I think about them I just marvel as to how he makes everything work together at the right time.

I always say:

God is never too early.

God is never too late.

God is always on time.

But really, how far is God willing to go for my sake? When I'm in desperate need, or simply in need, is there something he cannot or will not do for me?

Joshua 10

So he was scared out of his royal mind, Adoni-Zedek was. He did not know what to do. One of his informants told him that the king of Jericho and Ai were killed. Not only that, but the city of Jericho and Ai were also whipped out!

ADONI: "Who's responsible for this?!"

INFORMANT: "It is Joshua and the Israelites, my lord. They're the ones

causing such havoc! And from what I've been informed, the
Gibeonites have joined them too, my lord."

ADONI: "I'm scared out of my royal mind!"

I'm sure he didn't say that. Although it would be kind of funny if he did...

Homeboy really did not know what to do. Surely he thought this Joshua guy and his Israelite clan would come attack him next; so he summoned his crew to figure out how to take this Joshua guy and his clan out.

"Adoni-zedek, king of Jerusalem, heard that Joshua had captured and completely destroyed Ai and killed its king, just as he had destroyed the town of Jericho and killed its king. He also learned that the Gibeonites had made peace with Israel and were now their allies. He and his people became very afraid when they heard all this because Gibeon was a large town—as large as the royal cities and larger than Ai. And the Gibeonite men were strong warriors. So King Adoni-zedek of Jerusalem sent messengers to several other kings: Hoham of Hebron, Piram of Jarmuth, Japhia of Lachish, and Debir of Eglon. 'Come and help me destroy Gibeon,' he urged them, 'for they have made peace with Joshua and the people of Israel.' So these five Amorite kings combined their armies for a united attack. They moved all their troops into place and attacked Gibeon." Joshua 10:1-5

Sounds like he was scared to me... Honestly, I would be too; I'd be screaming like a little third-grade girl.....

Disregard the above statement.

So Adoni-zedek and his other king friends jump the Gibeonites. And the poor Gibeonites are getting the life kicked out of them.

One of them escapes to Joshua and pleads for help.

DUDE THAT ESCAPED: "Joshua, you gotta come save us!

Adoni-zedek and a bunch of other dudes are kicking out butts!"

JOSHUA: "Dude, and you left your people behind while

they're getting their butts kicked?.. Dude..."

I'm sure that didn't happen either; although it would be kind of funny...

This did happen though:

"The men of Gibeon quickly sent messengers to Joshua at his camp in Gilgal. 'Don’t abandon your servants now!' they pleaded. 'Come at once! Save us! Help us! For all the Amorite kings who live in the hill country have joined forces to attack us.' So Joshua and his entire army, including his best warriors, left Gilgal and set out for Gibeon." Joshua 10 :6-7

You see, this is what these kings did not know: they didn't know that God had made a promise to Israel. They didn't know that after Moses' death, God told Joshua,

"I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you—from the Negev wilderness in the south to the Lebanon mountains in the north, from the Euphrates River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, including all the land of the Hittites.’ No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you." Joshua 1:3-5

You can only imagine what happened next. Without hesitation, Joshua and his army set out to defend the Gibeonites. They left with a little extra assurance, because God said:

"Do not be afraid of them...for I have given you victory over them. Not a single one of them will be able to stand up to you." Joshua 10:8

What a fight that was! What an assurance for Joshua and the Israelites to go into a fight already knowing the outcome: victory, guaranteed by the Lord.

So they fought throughout the night and they fought until the next day. The fight was so good that even God had to get in on it:

"As the Amorites retreated down the road from Beth-horon, the Lord destroyed them with a terrible hailstorm from heaven that continued until they reached Azekah. The hail killed more of the enemy than the Israelites killed with the sword." Joshua 10:11

Up to this point, it is clear that God is willing to get involved personally in order to deliver me - as noted in the verse above. But is that all? Could he take it one step further?

Check it

"On the day the Lord gave the Israelites victory over the Amorites, Joshua prayed to the Lord in front of all the people of Israel. He said,

'Let the sun stand still over Gibeon,
and the moon over the valley of Aijalon.'

So the sun stood still and the moon stayed in place until the nation of Israel had defeated its enemies. Is this event not recorded in The Book of Jashar? The sun stayed in the middle of the sky, and it did not set as on a normal day. There has never been a day like this one before or since, when the Lord answered such a prayer. Surely the Lord fought for Israel that day!" Joshua 10:12-14

I've found myself in situations where I think that God, with all of his powers, cannot do absolutely anything to rescue me or provide for me or pull me through. I think to myself, "There is absolutely now way... absolutely no way, that God can possibly help me out this time around." I recently heard myself saying to several people, "I think I've ran out of miracles, because I don't see how I'm gonna overcome this situation this time..."

What a slap to the face to the One who says to me, "Do not be afraid of them [meaning any situation I may find myself in]...for I have given you victory over them. Not a single one of them will be able to stand up to you." Joshua 10:8

What a slap to the face to the one who says to me, "...the battle is not yours, but God’s... you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory." 2 Chronicles 20:15-16

God is able to do even the impossible for me & for you too...

He is not only able, but he is more than willing to do even beyond the most impossible in order to save me & you whenever we're in need.

...and I need him to do the impossible for me as I write this

I serve an amazing God

Enjoy this cool song by MercyMe: I Know

THE KING OF KINGS & LORD OF LORDS = My KING

Happy New Years! I hope that we're able to take this new opportunity God has granted us as an excuse to want to get even more closely to him.

By now there are probably two questions you should be asking: 1) What's up with the picture of LeBron? & 2) Who the heck is LeBron?

Both are very logical questions - if you know nothing about basketball, that is..

Friends, meet LeBron James! LeBron, meet my friends..

Now that the intro is done and we're all well acquainted, we can get to the good stuff.

I once heard a sports commentator say, "When LeBron speaks, his word is gospel." An interesting comment to make, in deed. He's been called King James - which could explain why "his word is gospel", you know, King James (Version) - and The King.



By now there are probably two questions you should be asking: 1) What's with the picture of Triple H? & 2) Who the heck is Triple H?

Both are very logical questions - if you know nothing about wrestling, that is..

Friends, meet Triple H! Triple H, meet my friends...

Now that the intro is done and we're all well acquainted, we can get to the good stuff.

BTW: don't ask what Triple H stands for; I have not the slightest clue; you can always GOOGLE it. Still, as you can see, he does not need much of an introduction. I mean, why would you if you're 'The King of Kings'? Look at the picture, it says "there is only one", so if you're one-of-a-kind and you go somewhere but no one knows you, then you must really suck! - I'm just saying.


By now there are probably two questions you should be asking: 1) What's with the picture of Michael Jackson? & 2) What's with the two questions, dude?!

Both are logical questions... wait, that doesn't work here.....

Friends, well, you already know Michael Jackson - so well that you call him M.J

M.J, meet my friends...

Now that the intro is done and we're all well acquainted blah blah blah good stuff.

When M.J died not too long ago, some said that "the King" died. Some where more specific and said "the King of pop". He was such a King that his coffin was made of gold! And when they lowered his body into the ground, there was a crown on it and the stick thingy kings carry around. Very interesting, indeed.

The common thread that ties these three is the fact that they're called kings; but this is my question, where exactly is their kingdom? Can these kings save? Are you the one they rule over?... am I?

Check it

I am a huge basketball fan! LeBron happens to be one of my favorite basketball players, so I have nothing against the guy. For his age, the kid got skills! Also, I am a huge Michael Jackson fan & that didn't happen after he died. I have M.J songs in my iPod and sometimes before I go play basketball I listen to "You Wanna Be Startin' Something" to get pumped up. I wasn't saddened by his death or anything, but it sucks that he died.

Still, LeBron James & Michael Jackson dubbed as kings... eh, not my cup of tea.

Can these kings provide my every need? Are these kings interested in me and what makes me who I am? When I need their help, do they come to my rescue? When I am defenseless, do they stand up and defend me? More importantly,

do these kings know I even exist?

Well, we know one of them don't...

Allow me to introduce you to someone I know. He's a friend from a High place who is not afraid to come down and spend time with someone as lowly as me. Indeed, he is THE KING! Not only is he THE KING but he is the true, the authentic, the original KING OF KINGS.

Yeah, that's my KING!

2010 is already five days old. For the remaining three-hundred sixty days of 2010, I know I will live comfortably because my KING will provide for me & take care of me. You see, he's already promised me a mansion where he lives... so if he has already given me that, why shouldn't I believe he can give me what I need down here?

Yeah, he's my KING!

& he could be yours too...

Thanks[for]giving

Out of all the holidays that exist, Thanksgiving is most special. Not because of the traditional eating of the turkey and all the food - all that is a huge and tasty bonus. It is most special because it promotes something we all should do more than just once a year: give thanks.

There is so much to be thankful for, you know? There is everyday life God gives us, food, water, shelter, clothes, health, family and friends, to name a few.

These are what I consider to be the traditional things we are all thankful for. And usually, in previous Thanksgiving dinners and celebrations, those are the things I most often mentioned and used as an easy way out of really being thankful for something of substance - and by no means am I saying these things are not of substance.

But this Thanksgiving has special meaning to me. Although I will not be spending it with my family or the friends that I care deeply about - friends who have become more than friend, but family - I have found that reason of substance to be extremely grateful for.

Romans 5

"When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." Romans 5:6-8

This is my reason for being extremely thankful. I am thankful that "Christ came at just the right time" - as he always does - to give up his life for my sake. For your sake. I am also thankful that "God showed his great love for [me]". As the verse points out, most people would not be willing to give up their lives for someone who actually deserves it, but for an undeserving person like me, it pleased God to send Jesus to die for me...

So now, I have eternal life! And I did not pay anything for it because God's Son paid that price on my behalf. The crazy thing is that he really didn't have to, because I am a filthy sinner. Yet he did! And I don't have to suffer my due consequence for being a filthy sinner because it pleased God to give Jesus up as a sacrifice.

Why is this important?

"And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God." Romans 5:9-11

This is my reason for great gratitude towards my God.


If you feel thankful for something, I am encouraging you to share your reason for gratitude today by leaving a comment.

May the God who continuously reveals his love, the God who is slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and goodness, the God was, is and is to come; may my God pours his blessings on you yesterday, today & tomorrow - always.

Gobble-Gobble!

Enjoy this beautiful song by Kirk Franklin - "My Life, My Love, My All"

"It gives your Father GREAT Pleasure..."

I have often found myself like this guy. Some days are just so unbearable and everything and everyone seems to be against me. Those are the most frustrating ones, and if God doesn't have a tight grip on my life, the wrong thoughts could cross my mind - enough said.

I know I am not the only one who feels this way. Yesterday I received a phone call from a friend, and from the sound of her situation, she's not only having a bad day; she's going through a rough period in her life right now; and that's saying it nicely. She called me for a word of encouragement, and thank God, he inspired the words she needed to hear. So I praise God for that!

During our conversation, I realized something very interesting. Up until recently, I too thought the same way; however, when I understood a bit better the type of God I serve, I've been making an effort to change my way of thinking. I am talking about the way we see God in light of our everyday difficulties.

There was a time when I strongly believed that the hardships I went through was because God was punishing me. No matter how hard I tried, no matter what I tried to do, regardless of how good I tried to live, it was never good enough. And all of that frustration, all of the mistakes, all the tough times, were a punishment from God because of my imperfections - and they are many!

So I began to worry, and worry a lot. Ironically, that's when everything around me seemed to be crumbling. Everything was going wrong, you know? Nothing seemed to be going my way. And, dudes, that sucks! It really really sucks. Before you knew it, I found myself caught up in everything else, trying to remain afloat and in control. Trying to get a grip...

Luke 10

"As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord's feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, 'Lord, doesn't it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.' " Luke 10:38-40

So Jesus arrives at Martha's house. He had frequently visited with them before, and for some reason, he became very fond of this family: Martha, Lazarus, and Mary. You could say they were his closest friends, his peoples outside of the Twelve. Because he is such a special guest, Martha, who is a great hostess, wants to celebrate in style the arrival of Jesus into her home.

I wonder what was Jesus' favorite dish..?

Anyway

My study Bible says, "Hospitality was valued highly, and Martha was fulfilling the expected role of a woman. She was frustrated that Mary was not." In other words, Martha was doing what she was expected to do, and there was nothing wrong with that. I'm sure not even Jesus had a problem with that; and neither did Mary. Women were expected to take care of the household affairs, and I assume men were expected to take care of the other affairs - huh, where have I heard that before..?

But I think Martha was a little extra, in the sense that I being hospitable was her gift. I think she was so good at it she was known for her skills in her town. And the fact that it was none other than Jesus himself in her home, she wanted to show off a little bit, feel me? She wanted to make the food extra tasty; she wanted to extend the menu with a few extra appetizers and entrees; she wanted to set the table with extra elegance by using the only-on-special-occasion dining ware - you get the point.

All this extra stuff required extra time and extra help. So if anyone should have been helping it was Mary. So Martha had all her rights to wonder what in the world she was doing just sitting there at Jesus' feet. I mean, that's her sister, and she knows how extra Martha likes to get when she has honorable guest in her home. So her frustration is understandable.

It was impossible for Martha to cook, clear up extra space around the house for more guests, go out in town to get a few extra stuff, and have enough time to get herself ready for this huge dinner. She really needed the extra help. But Mary was not budging. Regardless of her sister's grunting and sighing and whatever else she might have been doing, Mary sat at the feet of Jesus as a dog sits at the feet of its owner.

After making many deliberate attempts to catch Mary's attention - or Jesus' - Martha finally reached that boiling point and exploded, "Lord, doesn't it seem unfair that I'm doing all the work and my sister is just sitting there? The guests are almost here and I'm not even half way done yet. There's still so much I have to do; can you tell her something, please?!"

"But the Lord said to her, 'My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.' " Luke 10:41-42

No need to be in Martha's head to know what she was thinking: ...Huh?

What was Jesus really telling Martha? Was he implying that he did not want a huge dinner? Was he indirectly telling Martha that she'd wasted her time and energy for no reason?

Not at all.

Martha did not understand two things; and one of them may not have been her fault. You see, someone forgot to tell Martha that the Jesus in her home, is the same Jesus who, in Chapter 9, fed five thousand people with two fish and five loaves of bead. So in the worst case, if the food was not prepared, he certainly could have said a few words and everyone would have eaten more than enough.

Jesus points out that Martha was "worried and upset over all these details". She allowed all the ins and outs and the most insignificantly minute and worthless details of a simple dinner get her all worked up. I mean, Jesus was in her home! And she didn't spend one second talking to him, listening to him, as her sister Mary was doing.

How often do we find ourselves like that guy in the picture because we're so "worried and upset over all these details"? Most people say they believe in God, but what's the purpose of believing in God if they don't believe in what God is able and willing to do?

"Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, 'That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life - whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. they don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can't accomplish a little thing like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?

"Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you ave so little faith? And don't be concerned about what to eat or what to drink. Don't worry abut such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs." Luke 12:22-30

"Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you." Psalms 91:7

Check out Jesus' powerful question: "Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? [The answer is, "No.."] And if worry can't accomplish a little thing like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?"

Please tell me someone caught that!

"...And if worry can't accomplish a little thing like that..." What in the world is Jesus talking about? The thing is, he's just showing off in order to drive home that even the things we consider to be impossible and most difficult, these things are stupid in comparison to "adding a single moment to our lives". What power!

This is what Mary understood: "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need." Luke 12:31

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." John 14:6

This is what he wants us to know: "So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom." Luke 12:32

Dudes & Dudettes, we already have everything we need in Jesus. Nothing else matters.
Am I saying that we shouldn't worry about work and a family and all that other stuff? Not at all! These things are important. However, never allow these things to dominate our minds and our lives.

Whenever we go through rough times, check out what Paul says:

"Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it meant no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?... No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels or demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow - not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below - indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35-39

Have you ever found yourself like that guy in the picture? I will suggest you divert your eyes and fix them upon Jesus.

Enjoy "God Of Wonders" by Third Day
Once again, I might have already used this song,
but, once again, it's my blog! LOL

2 Cra-Z 4 U (Part II)

"Faith is the substance of things hoped for,
the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

Yesterday I stated that faith leads you to do the boldest, most craziest things ever, as in the case of the immoral woman. And what I said yesterday I still retain today, because it is very true. When one has faith, that true faith, such things as societal norms, other people's perceptions and opinions, economic background, all that junk that some of us consider important, do not matter. What does matter is achieving that which is being sought after by faith. And that's sexy!

Now check out this story, which I think is another of the most beautiful accounts of pure and genuine faith in the Bible; you know, the faith as small as a mustard seed...

"Jesus got into the boat again and went back to the other side of the lake, where a large crowd gathered around him on the shore. Then a leader of the local synagogue, whose name was Jairus, arrived. When he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet, pleading fervently with him. "My little daughter is dying," he said. "Please come and lay your hands on her; heal her so she can live." Mark 5:21-23

Just another typical day in the life of Jesus. Just the usual: a boat trip here, a crowd of people there, a few miracles here and there; while always preaching the Good News of God's Kingdom. Anyway, by the sound of things, this Jairus guy was really hurting. I mean, his lil' one was dying!

As compassionate as always, I'm sure Jesus felt moved by this guy's tears and truly wanted to help him by healing his little girl; so he agreed to go to his house and lay his hand on her so she could live.

Something interesting just jumped out at me; I'll explain it shortly.

Earlier that morning...

"What do you mean there is nothing you can do? Are you not a specialist? Are you not the specialist?! You said you could heal me; you promised it! What am I to do now? Who am I supposed to turn to? I don't wanna die! There must be something, some alternative you have not yet considered."

"I am terribly sorry, but there is nothing else I can do. In all of my years of experience, I have never come across a case as complicated as yours. I truly am sorry; terribly sorry.."

"Doctor, I know I have no more money to offer you, but you are my only hope. It's been twelve years; do you understand that? Twelve years of seeing my body and health wither. I will find more money, if that's the problem-"

"It is not about the money! Look, I'm sorry to say, but the only thing that can save you right now is a miracle from God himself. As for me, my hands are tied. I am terribly sorry, but I must go now."

The door shut close and she was left alone. She had just given the doctor he last couple of hundred dollars just to hear him say "his hands are tied". Shame. To make matters worse, not only had she been slowly dying for twelve years, now she's as broke as a bad joke!

No money.

No health.

No hope.

"...the only thing that can save you right now is a miracle from God himself." She found herself repeating these words in her head over and over again. She tried focusing on her situation and not some stupid thing the doctor said, but there was something in those words that she couldn't quite figure out.

I mean, for twelve years she'd been seeing this doctor. For twelve years she'd put his faith in his abilities and resume and reputation, believing that, if anyone, he could certainly heal her. Twelve years. By then, the relationship was not simply that of a doctor and a patient; they'd become friends. He was her link to the outside world - because being a woman, I doubt she wanted to go out in public with her little blood problem; I'll leave it as that. He was the one who kept her informed, up to date. He was her hope, everything she had left.

Then the door closed.

Fortunately for her, although she placed most of her faith on this doctor, she still had enough faith reserved in this guy she'd heard people talk about; this guy, Jesus. The majority of her faith was gone, to be sincere. But what she had left was just enough, as big as it could possibly be for someone in her situation: as small as a mustard seed, to be exact.

But where was she going to find him?
What are the odds that he'd be in her town now that she needs him the most? She thought to herself, "I don't know what I'm doing, but I must see him!" ...And God is good!

In present time...

"A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding. She had suffered a great deal from many doctors, and over the years she had spent everything she had to pay them, but she had gotten no better. In fact, she had gotten worse. She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowd..." Mark 5:25-27

"What the heck?!" Someone shouted in anger and disgust. "Eww man! Someone's blood is all over the floor and it's getting on people's robes!" Another noticed. Little by little people began noticing that something was not right and someone was straight up trippin'. Immediately, the people knew who was amongst them; it's not like the town don't talk. Everyone knew about 'the lady' with 'the issue'.

Now check this out:

"If a woman has a flow of blood for many days that is unrelated to her menstrual period, or if the blood continues beyond the normal period, she is ceremonially unclean. As during her menstrual period, the woman will be unclean as long as the discharge continues. Any bed she lies on and any object she sits on during that time will be unclean, just as during her normal menstrual period. If any of you touch these things, you will be ceremonially unclean. You must wash your clothes and bathe yourself in water, and you will remain unclean until evening." Leviticus 15:25-27

Simply put, this woman was unclean for twelve years! And it's not like she didn't know that. Although I'm sure she didn't go out much, everyone made her know that she was unclean. You don't need to go out to know the things people say about you. And secluded in her some somewhere, I can almost guarantee she knew everything that was being said and who were the ones saying it. Shame.

Yet none of that mattered. She didn't know how, but she found herself out in public, maybe for the first time in twelve years. She didn't know how, but all of a sudden people began moving aside and letting her through. Were they being nice? Had she said out loud her motives and people were trying to help?

NO!

They were moving aside because no one wanted to touch her or be touched by her, or else they'd be ceremonially unclean!

Yet none of that mattered. She didn't know how but all of a sudden she found herself a few feet away from Jesus. She didn't know what to do or what she was going to do. But she just knew, that something extraordinary was about to happen. I'll take a risk in saying that not even Jesus knew what was going to happen; don't quote me on that one.

"I don't need him to touch me," she thought. "If I could only touch him, I know I'll be healed. If I could only touch anything on him..."

The moment of truth: it is now or never. There was so much going on around her and in her mind. She had the worse possible combination of confusion and fear. Never doubt. Always faith. Then it happened; almost a magical effect (almost because Jesus' healing does not happen by magic, but power!), "...and [the woman] touched his robe. For she thought to herself, 'If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.' " Mark 5:27,28

Amazing!

Faith leads you to do the boldest, most craziest things ever, and if that isn't bold, then I don't know what is.

What happens next is extraordinary.

"Immediately the bleeding stopped, and she could feel in her body that she had been healed of her terrible condition. Jesus realized at once that healing power had gone out from him, so he turned around in the crowd and asked, 'Who touched my robe?' His disciples said to him, 'Look at this crowd pressing around you. How can you ask, 'Who touched me?' " Mark 5:29-31

"But Jesus said, 'Someone has deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.' " Luke 8:46

"But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the frightened woman, trembling at the realization of what had happened to her, came and fell to her knees in front of him and told him what she had done. And he said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.' " Mark 5:32-34

Even we can surprise Jesus if we have faith. Check out his question: 'who touched me?' 'Someone has deliberately touched me'. He knows the touch of faith, because healing power goes out from him when we touch him with faith.

Now this is what jumped out at me earlier: Jairus said, "Please come and lay your hands on her; heal her so she can live." Mark 5:23. In no way am I saying that Jairus did not have faith in Jesus, so please do not misunderstand me.

What I want to point out though is the fact that he requested that Jesus physically perform the miracle he was looking for. He needed Jesus to physically place his hands on his daughter "so she can live".

So I wonder, had Jesus told him to go in peace and that his daughter had already been healed, would he believe? In contrast, the woman did not need Jesus to touch her; instead, she wanted to be the one to initiate the physical contact. She didn't need to touch a physical part of Jesus, but simply anything attached to him. Her faith led her to believe something that I'm not quite sure Jairus understood.

Still, what a beautiful account of faith. 2 women: the immoral and the unclean. Both broke rules, disregarded public opinion and criticism, all for the sake of achieving that which they were seeking through faith.

Look, I know Abraham is called the Father of faith, but I want to have the faith these ladies had - meshed with the one Abraham had, of course...

I wonder what I could move with that type of faith. . . . . ?

Enjoy this beautiful song by Chris Tomlin, "Whisper My Name"
I may have put this up already, but who cares, it's my blog!

2 Cra-Z 4 U...?

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,
the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

After spending some time in personal study not too long ago, I remember talking to a friend and telling her that "faith leads you to do the boldest, most craziest things ever".

Think about that..: Faith leads you to do the boldest, most craziest things ever. It's crazy Jesus said that if we had "faith as small as a mustard seed" we could command something to happen and it will happen [Luke 17:6]. So I went ahead and GOOGLE'd "a mustard seed" and boy! these babies are tiny!

So, I said to myself, "...the people Jesus was talking to must not have had any faith at all!" I mean, if Jesus made reference to the smallest seed and suggested they have at least that much faith, these dudes were in bad shape! But that's not the point of this entry - thank God!

This is probably one of my new favorite Bible stories; talk about an act of faith!

"One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him, so Jesus went to his home and sat down to eat. When a certain immoral woman from that city heard he was eating there, she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing his feet and putting perfume on them." Luke 7:36-38.

Without having to go any deeper into these verses, this story is already an incredible one. I mean, here is this immoral woman interacting with the most moral person to grace this world. This just reinforces one thing: God is not interested in how I go to him as long as I go to him.

In other words, "The Lord doesn’t see things the way you [we] see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

So there she is, jar of expensive perfume in her hand. She sneaks into this guy's house with one goal in mind: locate Jesus. She was determined, and by her successive actions, it's obvious that there was no turning back.

But, why was it so necessary for her to locate Jesus?
Better yet, what in the world was she crying about?

Could it be she was crying because women are naturally overemotional...?

Just joking.
I cry in certain types of movies...

But really, why was she crying? What lead to her tears? Were they tears of joy? Pain? Embarrassment? Shock? Fear? Repentance? Acknowledgment? Recognition?... or something just in the spur of the moment; you know, the 'just because' tears?

IMMORAL: violating moral principles; not conforming to the patterns of conduct usually accepted or established as consistent with principles of personal and social ethics.

Referring to condition, applies to one hopelessly, and usually passively, sunk in wickedness and unrestrained appetites.

Referring to character, applies to one who voluntarily seeks evil and viciousness.

That's what Dictionary.com says.

That's the type of chick my Jesus allowed to intimately interact with him.

"When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, 'If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She’s a sinner!' " Luke 7:39

I'm pretty sure this Pharisee already knew that "we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23. Therefore, we are all sinners - duh! So why be captain obvious? Maybe because he knew her in ways some of the people in his house did not. . ?

I'm not even gonna go there.

I can imagine that just to not be contaminated by this woman's immorality, the nearby guests avoided staying close to her and most likely relocated; leaving in the spotlight the woman and Jesus. And she didn't care. Neither did He. And she was happy. So was He. And she worshiped with tears. And He liked those tears.

So she takes her jar of expensive perfume and lavishes it on Jesus' feet. With tears and perfume she offered one of the most, if not the most, beautiful acts of worship - I think - recorded in the Bible. We know this immoral woman: Marry Magdalene; and we know her history.

Who gave this prostitute the right to be among scholarly men? These were not just regular guests at the home of the Pharisee; we're talking about dudes with high stature and even higher titles. Scholarly dudes, men who walk around with their noses up in the air - just to breathe better, I'm sure. These were guys people had to make way for when they were coming around. The type of dudes you wanted to know just so you could say "yeah, I know that guy". High class and even higher maintenance type guys, you know?

So who the heck gave this prostitute, this immoral woman, this piece of societal trash, this piece of trash, this nobody, this waste of a woman the rights to hang with this crowd? Who the heck invited her in, anyway?!

I would not be surprised if one of the men present actually said these words out loud. I'm almost positive several thought it. But that still did not stop this immoral woman: she was grateful, grateful that her Jesus already forgave her sins.

While everyone was tripping about what they were witnessing, Jesus broke it down to them - because, I believe, he knew the heart of the woman and what she was truly after.
"I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love." Luke 7:47.

Check out Jesus' words: "her sins...have been forgiven". This implies that her actions are a product of having already received that which she was looking for, right?

But when did Jesus tell her that her sins were forgiven?

He hasn't said it yet! So why is Jesus use these words?

Because "Faith is the substance of things hoped for,

the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

The woman, by faith, knew that her sins would be forgiven. I'll take it a few steps further: she knew they were already forgiven. By that same faith, she already felt the power of Jesus' acceptance and forgiveness. Her faith was so strong that she was moved to do the things she did.

Who cares if she was immoral? Who cares if she was a prostitute? Who cares if she wasn't invited?

She certainly didn't!

If I ever get the chance to meet her I'd ask her why she did it, and I can imagine her saying, "There was no way that someone as lowly as me could have ever found someone who truly loved me, until I found Jesus!"

Now check this:

"Then Jesus said to the woman, 'Your sins are forgiven.' " Luke 7:48

Incredible!

To put the cherry on the cake:

"And Jesus said to the woman, 'Your faith has saved you; go in peace.' " Luke 7:50.


Can you imagine what Jesus would have told her if everything she did was just an act...?



Faith leads you to do the boldest, most craziest things ever!

Enjoy this song by Philips, Craig & Dean - "Amazing Love (You Are My King)"