October 30th Kryptonite 13

Reading: Jeremiah 45-47, Psalm 86, Romans 3, and Killing Kryptonite Chapter 13

Thoughts: In this chapter of Killing Kryptonite we see that the Kryptonite is known sin and willful disobedience. John also helps us to see that to worship God is to obey. It was pointed out that the first time Worship was used in the Bible was when Abraham said, "Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you.” That worship was not praise, singing, or bowing it was obedience. I know I struggle with listening to God’s voice at times but I have also seen miracles happen because I listened to what he said. When it comes to silence and listening to or for God’s voice I struggle, I want to fill the silence I want to move on to the next thing or bounce from thing to thing. Maybe its a learning disorder or the way I was raised or any other excuse you or I could come up with but that is also part of the reasoning for the title to this blog, God most of the time speak through the breeze and that still small voice deep down inside of us, but sometimes he takes out that 2x4 and will smack you upside the head to get your attention. One of the things I have to be carful of is the other voices I start letting in. In my job I am on the road a lot and because of going all over the state I have a hard time finding radio stations so I listen to podcast about many different things and interests, Geeky things, pop culture, movies and even sermons but are they beneficial. Like Paul said, “All things a permissible but not all things are beneficial.” I am looking at is my entertainment hindering my hearing from God. 

Pray: Father, you are so awesome, you provide all that we need and all that we could ever want. I thank you for all the blessings and provisions you give us each day. Help me to quiet myself and cut out the things that take me away from you. I want to know you and hear you more, in hearing help me to obey more as well in proper worship to you. 

October 29th Kryptonite 12

Reading: Jeremiah 26, 35-36, Romans 2, and Killing Kryptonite 12

Thoughts: In Romans 2 Paul was talking about how through faith in Christ or the Law is our judgement. At that time there were those who were so focused on the Law(a good thing) that it became more important than their faith and relationship with God(the better thing). Thus creating an idol out of the Low that God gave to Israel to guide then but also to show them that they can’t get to God on their own or with the blood of sheep and goats. We are not to just stop working and expect everything to be handed to us on a golden plater by God. As we continue to seek God we see that by doing all things For Him, even our jobs become less monotonous and we can find joy in them and the provisions we get through the payment we receive IS His Provision for us. I know people in my company who seem to live to work because they are only focused on money(The Big Green god), where I work for God So God can provide through me. He has given me this job. The hard part of being faithful is when God asks you to be more reliant on Him and provides for a dream in the same move. My wife and i were comfortable with two incomes, then one day God said my wife’s dream of staying home and teaching our kids came true, when he told her to quit her job. This was a dream come true but also cut our income in half and we had to get different insurance. In the last month we have started the transition getting her last checks and seeing God make sure everything is paid. God provides and not money.

Prayer: Father All I can say is Thank you Thank you Thank you. You fulfill dreams and provide for all needs. 

October 28 Kryptonite 11

Reading: Jeremiah 23-24, Romans 1, and Killing Kryptonite 11

Thoughts: A quote from Killing Kryptonite, “As difficult as it may be to hear that partial obedience is the same as idolatry, we can be thankful to learn this. If we know what’s on the test, we can pass it every time. This is God’s goodness and mercy!” The temptations and trials that God allows the evil one to bring to us are these tests that John Bevere is talking about. God has given us not just the information so that we can figure out the answer to the questions, but he has given us the answer key through is Son and Holy Spirit. I know that I struggle with studying and listening to those answers before had but God has given them to us.

Prayer: Father, you are so awesome and worthy of all praise and adoration that I can give. I thank you for the answers you show me even when I don’t want to listen. Help me to listen more and step into your will. 

October 27 Kryptonite 10

Reading: 1 Kings 24, Jeremiah 22, Psalm 43, Acts 28, and Killing Kryptonite Chapter 10

Thoughts: When it comes to obedience to what I have heard God tells me, my first thought was when I stepped far out of my comfort zone and went 300 miles to pray for my aunt. When I think about past things of course its the big things that stand out the most, but as I was thinking about it some of my other obediences were going back to school, going to my church and getting planted there, and making my journaling and journey public. I probably will never (this side of heaven) know the purpose or impact this has or will have, and I don’t really want to because it will make me think too much of myself. As much as we all seem to crave the fame and notoriety I know that God has not allowed or given that to me because I would loose focus. 

Prayer: Thank you Lord for giving me a purpose and direction. I thank you for the provisions and blessings you pour out and the longing to be in your presence. I know without experiencing your love and presence I would never seek more. 

October 26th Kryptonite 9

Reading: Jeremiah 19-20, Psalm 146, Acts 27, and Killing Kryptonite Chapter 9

Thoughts: Just as Israel was in a Covenant with God so are we. This covenant between us and God make us his bride. Most people and I pray All those who put on the mantel of Christian see a marriage as a fully committed relationship with their spouse. Are we as committed to God as we are wife or husband. Sadly enough for many the answer is no. We are cheating on God through our putting things before God. 

To encourage myself to give my all to God and not cheat on my Heavenly Father I try to set aside time first thing in the morning to spend with him. I will get up and get dressed and make coffee for my wife and I then sit down and read the word together before journaling. With 2 and 4 year old deciding to get up at that time too sometimes does interfere. We do our best to integrate our kids into our time with God and/or do it in spite of the thing going on. I serve at the church and I look for ways that I can do my job in a way that I a serve my customers in their repairs they need I will show God’s love. I Pray that all the work I do would glorify God. The best way for me to not Cheat on God is to spend more time speaking with him and directing my attention onto him. 

Prayer: Father, your great and wondrous love pours out so deeply in our lives. I thank you for the provisions and blessing you pour out on us each day. I ask you to help me to keep you on my mind and seek you. I ask you to touch those around me and help me to have the boldness to go and the ability to hear when you send me. 

October 25th Kryptonite 8

Reading:Jeremiah 17-18, Acts 26, and Killing Kryptonite 8

Scripture: Acts 26:29, And Paul said, "Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains."

Thoughts: The passion that Paul had for Christ should be at least mirrored if not magnified. Over and over in the word we are called the Bride of Christ, as that bride there are conditions that are set for us the bride and for the groom. The Groom has already fulfilled all the conditions for both sides and we are called to walk as the bride. Im my previous marriages I know there was adultery that was committed against me in the literal sense by my wife having relations with someone other then me. I (unknowingly at the time) committed adultery with in my struggle with lust and pornography. For a long time that was placed even above God in my daily routine, I had many excuses on why I would do what I would do but none of them have any merit. Just as Paul said, I really don’t care how long it takes as long as we all become like Christ 

Prayer: Father, Thank you for the revelations you show us each day in your word and through those you speak through. I thank you for your provisions and the blessings of each day. Open my eye to see where I am walking from you and the threat of my adultery is trying to creep in so that I can remove it. 

October 24th Kryptonite 7

Reading: Jeremiah 15-16, Psalm 10, Acts 25, and Killing Kryptonite chapter 7

Scripture: Jeremiah 16:10-11, And when you tell this people all these words, and they say to you, 'Why has the Lord pronounced all this great evil against us? What is our iniquity? What is the sin that we have committed against the Lord our God?' then you shall say to them: 'Because your fathers have forsaken me, declares the Lord, and have gone after other gods and have served and worshiped them, and have forsaken me and have not kept my law,

Thought: For many years during my time playing at the “Sunday Christian” trope of I can do what ever I want during the week as long as I give a little and go to church. I was one of those people Jeremiah was talking about in chapter 16. Not only are we called to a Path God has for us We are called to come and Jump into the deep end of God’s power. Through the great gift of the Father through the Son and administered to us by the Holy Spirit, we have been given His Power and Authority. I know that I have been called and empowered to teach. I have been given influence in lives around me to help raise up into their potential in Christ. I am filled with the Holy Spirit and I strive to listen to him every day. Rise up all who have fallen asleep in the Lord you have purpose. 

Prayer: Father, Maker of all things. I thank you for the blessing and the power you pour out on us each day. I thank you for the provisions that you give us and strength to over come. I ask that you encourage me to open myself more and share your love with those who need it.

October 23rd Kryptonite 6

Reading: Jeremiah 13-14, Psalm 141, Acts 24, and Killing Kryptonite Chapter 6

Thoughts: I didn’t have a passage from the reading jump out at me this morning, I am glad the God used every day guys to be his disciples showing that uneducated and often brash people can be used to share the word of God. I know that we are called to do the same but many of us (my self included) don’t feel life we have the ability to go. I grew up in a church who ether didn’t teach the gifts and manifestation of the Holy Spirit or didn’t think they were still relevant today. Ether way I didn’t have any grasp on any of these things. When it comes to Miracles I know they are possible being that I have been part of two myself in the last year. I had an infirmity I was dealing with possibly my entire life healed and I watched my Aunt get healed after I listened to God and made a 300 mile trip to pray for her. Seeing her cancer removed and increased healing of the aftermath of the biopsy and other procedures. I am blessed to be a part of a church who does hear God’s voice and seeks after him, I am jumping in. 

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for guiding me and my family to this church home that you brought us to. You pour out such great blessings each day and continue to guide me each day. I am sorry that I don’t always listen to your voice and seek my own ways. I long to receive all that you have for me and my family and I ask you to help me to see myself as you see me, I want to live out the potential you placed in me and see you each day. 

October 22nd Kryptonite 5

Reading: Jeremiah 11-12, Psalm 97, Acts 23, Killing Kryptonite Chapter 5

Scripture: Jeremiah 12:5, If you have raced with men on foot, and they have wearied you, how will you compete with horses? And if in a safe land you are so trusting, what will you do in the thicket of the Jordan?

Thoughts: At the end of chapter five John asks us, What legacy do you want to leave to future generations? How do you want to be remembered on earth, and how do you want to be known in heaven? As I was reading the Word before going into this chapter of Killing Kryptonite the verse above stood out to me first because of a teaching Levi Lusko on that verse about training for the trials we are not yet in. Now coming together with John’s teaching on being the change and what do we want our legacy to be, opens my eyes more to the how the Word of God is Alive and sharper then a double edged sword. We are called to run with horses our legacy we shine into the lives of our children and those we touch with our lives will be determined by how we train for what is ahead. The legacy I want is my children (I include those I get the privilege to teach) to be stronger, more on fire, and zealous for the Lord then I have been. I want the world to know the love of God that I get to reflect and in heaven I long to be a Mirror I want when someone to look at me all they see is the Father. 

Prayer: Lord I thank you for the great blessing you pour out each day, for the Love and Mercy you show me each day as I fall. I ask that you help me to see the places I need work and help me to take each step needed to overcome those things that I still struggle with and set me free from the things that I don’t need in my life. Polish this vessel so that all who see me see you.  

October 21st Kryptonite 4

Reading: Jeremiah 9-10, Psalm 100, Acts 22 and Killing Kryptonite chapter 4

Thoughts: This Chapter in Killing Kryptonite was called Contagious Kryptonite. The thought behind this was portrayed in the story of Achan (Joshua 7) where when Achan sinned God saw the entire nation of Israel as those who sinned and that sin need to be taken care of. Paul reaffirms this is still true in the church today. Paul tells the church in Corinth that they must cast out a man saying he is a believer and a member of the church but was still practicing sexual sins. When we and the leadership of our church don’t cast out these people who are in sin (not those who sin but those who have given themselves over to sin saying I am covered by grace) we are affected by the Kryptonite that they have brought into our church. Not only to we get affected if we do not cut it out and remove that root/seed/toehold from our church it will spread through us like yeast through a batch of bread dough. 

October 20th Kryptonite 3

Reading: Jeremiah 7-8 Acts 21, and Killing Kryptonite Chapter 3

Scripture: Jeremiah 7:9-10, “Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, make offerings to Baal, and go after other gods that you have not known, and then come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, 'We are delivered!'—only to go on doing all these abominations?

Jeremiah 7:23, But this command I gave them: 'Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.’

Jeremiah 8:12, Were they ashamed when they committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed; they did not know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among the fallen; when I punish them, they shall be overthrown, says the Lord.

Thoughts: As I have been going though the journey of Killing Kryptonite after going through the book a couple times there are many things standing out in each chapter but it has also gotten me to focus on the Word with that lens on. That may be why the Prophets are standing out for me at this time. In the Old Testament Israel was commanded to stone or cut off those who have committed sins and would not repent, Paul tells us basically to do the same telling us to treat them as unbelievers. Jeremiah in the verses above was warning Israel and sharing with them what God was looking for. A warning about having habitual sin in our lives, church, and country wail we say everything is on because I know God or I have grace. But what God is looking for is Availability and Obedience. 

Im going to leave you with a Quote from Killing Kryptonite “Perhaps you have seen the movie Gladiator and remember hearing General Maximus shout, “Stay together! As one!” and you saw the victories that strategy brought. It’s no secret that the most effective military strategy

is divide and conquer.” We are Called to be ONE in the body of Christ. 

October 19th Kryptonite 2

Reading: Jeremiah 5-6, Acts 20 and Killing Kryptonite Chapter 2

Scripture: Jer 6:16, Thus says the Lord: "Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it.’

Thoughts: Remember, you are called by this declaration, “As He is, so are we in this world” (1 John 4:17 NKJV). You are called by God to live as Jesus in your life right now, not someday in the next life. How does that reframe the way you think about your daily life? Perhaps you wouldn’t have thought of yourself as weak before understanding your potential in Christ, but now that you do, would you consider yourself weak or strong? If weak, you’ve assessed wisely. For God says that His power works best in our weakness (see 2 Corinthians 12:9).

I grew up with the idea and thought that I was just a sinner and it was just my belief in God and the death and resurrection of Jesus that allowed me access to heaven when I died. I don’t know if this was due to a lack of understanding, lack of teaching of biblical truth and understandings, or I just wanted to think what I am doing is covered. Over the last few years being in a church who teaches these things and truly disciples those who are seeking my eyes have been opened to new understandings. Understanding that we are called to be “As He is” was no surprise but walking in it has been a struggle. Not only have I been reframing my thoughts on my daily life but also what power and authority God has created us to walk in. I have been coming to the understanding that it is not my power that I do anything, it is only though His power and His strength that I get though the day. I thank God for the strength to make it through the day. 

The scripture in Jeremiah 6 speaks to this teaching of the Kryptonite that comes into our lives. God says to, "Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.” Go walk in the good way and you will have rest, but how often like me when younger and still sometimes now do I say, “I will not walk in it.” Far to many God wants us to come together and to walk in his power. 

October 18th Kryptonite 1

Reading: Jeremiah 3-4, Acts 19 and Killing Kryptonite Chapter1

Thoughts: These next few weeks I am also doing a study of John Bevere’s book Killing Kryptonite. I have been through the book a few times but now I'm focusing a little more and answering the questions posed in the study. I recommend this book John is able to though scripture show us where we have such potential in the Lord if we are able to remove the things in our lives and our Church that take that power away just as kryptonite take Superman’s power.

How does your life stand out from the world? I know that there are many ways that I don’t stand out in this world. I struggle with being the mirror of God’s grace and love to the world. One place I think I stand out and I know at least one coworker and said something is my priorities toward work. I on many occasions make sure the job is done in a timely fashion so that I can get to a church or family function. I will work late and any hours needed but I have made a point in my life to work to live not to live to work. I am not a paid minister but I do ministry.

Would people say you live like Jesus? I don’t think many, if anyone outside the church would say I live like Jesus. I think there are those who notice I don’t use language like they do and I have a joy that they don’t. 

Don’t shy away from this question; press into it. How would your life be different if you lived like Jesus? I would share more, gossip less and Love others better.

What habits would you break? The biggest habit that I need to break is that of anger. I allow anger to get ahold of me and drive me toward sin. I know that in Ephesians 4:26a, it says “Be angry and do not sin.” I also have issues with lust and looking at women in inappropriate ways, I have a tendency to see a woman and look at her body and “appreciate” it. I have an ongoing struggle with consuming pornographic materials. Because of this habit and this current style for woman clothing it is a hard habit for me. 

How would it change the way you interact with the people who are regularly around you?  My interactions with others would be less confrontational, I know that because of the anger I have in me and the way if incorporates it’s self into my voice even when I am not angry. I know that people would enjoy being around me more and I would be a more affective witness to them. I also know as God has been helping me go though the process of getting my thinking of woman changed and having those thoughts only for my Wife how i treat and interact with women will change. 

What would be different about the way you live with your family? My wife and children are the ones that see my anger and wrath the most. I will lash out and scream and yell. I have already seen this learned behavior developing in both of my children. Removing of these habits, I could see my marriage flourishing like never before and the yolk of anger and aggression would be broken from my family. 

17 Year After September Eleventh.

17 years after September 11, 2001. 

I was 20 years old, in my eyes social media was still in its infancy. I was working as a backroom attendant at a major retailer. I turned the tv on as I was getting ready for work when I saw the live feed of the second air craft hitting the trade center. I went to work and of course this is all anyone could talk about for the next few day as we all try to wrap our minds around what had happened and what it all means. 

As I looked at the calendar and realized that it was going to be 17 years post September Eleventh in the next couple days I thought back on this time. In these last 17 years I have seen social media and mobile technology have become so prevalent and with that, the saturation and awareness of local and global issues. These issues now at our fingertips and are splashing across social media feeds all day. 

I hear every day that the world is getting worse and more hate filled every day, that may be possible but I think that is more, that we are now more connected and can see the evil that has been infiltrating our world from the beginning. God uses all sorts of things to get our attention. Some times he lets us hit rock bottom and fall into a place where we can’t pick ourself out of just so he can lift you out. God does not make bad things happen but he will use all things for our good it we earnestly seek him. 

Over the first months and years after the attack I watched such great love and good come from those who were directly involved in recovery and cleanup in the aftermath. God’s love for his people poured out all over the place. Now in the last few years there have been many attacks on schools and different establishments due to hurt people and broken people doing things to cause more pain. 

As the world says to tolerate those who are different due to anything; color, race, religion, sexual preference, or even social and economic difference. God dose not say to tolerate, God says to LOVE and Accept them. We are not here to judge one another we are here to love. I may not agree with your stance on something but I am willing to talk about it so I have a better understanding even if I don’t change or change you. 

When in comes to sin we have a tendency to create a hierarchy saying I’m not as bad as that person because I have not done this or that. in God’s eyes Sin is Sin, and Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” We all have sinned I am just as guilty as a murderer or as some who has committed adultery. God gave us a way out and that is through the blood of Jesus Christ who died on the cross for our sin and gave us the opportunity to be adopted into God’s family as his sons and daughters. 

During these last 17 years I walked away from God, and was called back. I had two marriages fail and end. Then in the last 7 years God back in touch with me and I got a bachelors in Leadership and Ministry I married a Godly woman who help remind me that God has a plan for me, and have become a Father to two wonderful children. I have also seen demons cast out and friends and family healed, have been healed myself. God is trying to reach each of us, He has a plan for each of us and wants to see us walk in it. 

Get off My soapbox!!!!

Wikipedia says: A soapbox is a raised platform on which one stands to make an impromptu speech, often about a political subject. The term originates from the days when speakers would elevate themselves by standing on a wooden crate originally used for shipment of soap or other dry goods from a manufacturer to a retail store.

It has been my experience that these soapboxes come in many sizes and shapes. I guess this is because our opinions and views are as varied as the vegetation around the world. I know that the times I have gotten on a soapbox it has not been the most intelligent thing for me to do. Over the last few weeks maybe even months God has been speaking to me about things I didn’t think were things. 

During one of my daily readings, that at times are not so daily, a couple passages jumped out at me. First was Proverbs 18:7, “A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.” At this I thought, “Am I that fool?” Then we came to Proverbs 19:1, “Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.” There are times where I will rant and rave about something, A political view, beliefs, or even a good movie. As I look back at those rants and those time I didn’t think and I just jumped atop that soapbox most of them I was the fool. 

The main reason I know I was the fool was because I can look back and see not only was I atop that soapbox it had some of the biggest holes in it and/or, what I was ranting about was a giant arrow pointing at me and how big of a fool I was. We all have soapboxes but we all also have platforms and microphones to share God’s love to the world. We each have a unique view and story of how God got us to where we are, and he is not done with us yet. 

As I struggled with the idea that I have been being a fool and ranting about things that are unimportant or using my soapbox to try to get some sort of personal gain. I think or even tell others that I am an educated intelligent man, but I realize that in my intelligence I was being an idiot. I was that fool, God brought back to me Proverbs 1:7, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” 

I feel that God is calling me and maybe us all to get off our soapboxes, throw them in the fire, and climb onto the podium he has set up for us and step up to the microphone. We all have something to say and God has someone for you to say it to. 

I know how true this can be at times. I grew up in the church and walked away some in my early to mid 20’s. I got involved in drugs and alcohol and the seedier side of Mid-evil reenactments. After my second divorce the first thing I heard from God was to return to Bible College. As I started school again I met my wife, she is a wonderful spirit filled woman. Together we found a church where we both flourished, and I started to see God’s hand moving around me. 

One Friday morning at our church’s mens prayer meeting during prayer I hear (not audibly) that I need to go and pray for my aunt. I had heard from my family that a few days prior she had been diagnosed with lymphoma, there was lots of fear and anxiety around this. After hearing that I needed to go I cut my day at work short talked to my dad and aunt, then my dad and I drove nearly 200 Miles and about 3 hours up to my aunt’s home. 

After a visit and dinner with my aunt and cousin we spent some time in prayer and laying on of hands. As we finish my aunt said that she felt something going through her body. A week later she sends a photo of the biopsy location on her arm. When we arrived up there it was red and irritated, looking like the evil cancer can be, but that picture only a few days later was completely healed and looked as if it had been no more then a scratch. A week or so goes by and she goes in for a follow up PET scan and the doctors could not find the cancer that had been the diagnoses vexing the family. 

 God didn’t send some preacher who has all these miracles under his belt. God asked this guy to go 3 hours pray for his aunt. My faith was increased just by allowing myself to listen and hear God saying go and if she had not been healed in this way I think my faith would have still increased but in this healing God has started the softening the heart of those who are in the sphere of influence of those who experienced or saw it. Just as the blind man said after being asked about Jesus healing his blindness John 9:25, "Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” We are only asked to share what God has done in your life. 

Let us get off our own boxes and speak of God’s love.