DOG'S RULE

     I'm about to say something that may just fly in the face of all I believe to be true about God and serving him.  I have come to the conclusion that I really don't like a whole lot of people very much.

Maybe it's just the difference in our lifestyles, maybe it's just their indifference toward others, I just don't know. But I believe that saying about dogs is true: The more I know about people the more I appreciate my dog(s). Don't know if that's an actual quote attributed to someone, but let's face it, dogs are always glad to see you, obviously miss you when you're not with them and give you lovin's at a moments notice. I love my dogs ... I'm not very sure about a lot of the people I meet. There, I said it. It's out there. People are moody, inconsiderate, hateful, spiteful, deceitful, untrustworthy wretches. Now that is a general statement that doesn't apply to most I suppose, but in my sphere of influence I am finding that to be true. Maybe I just don't know the right people. That's very possible. But you can't always pick who you end up being with ... as with a job. Anyway, I think I've made my point. People suck, dogs rule. (lol ... okay, it's not really that bad, but I think you get my point). rlk

DETACHED

     I believe I just figured something out. The closer you become with the Lord the more detached you feel from this world. Now I know God's children are not from this world*, but rather our citizenship is in heaven, yet I never realized until several months ago how detached one can feel with their surroundings when they delve deep into the things of God. I have begun to feel like I am literally not a part of this world. Things that I placed importance in no longer matter as much. It's a peculiar feeling really. You feel like you aren't present wherever you are. Things seem far away when in reality they are right in front of you. It's an odd sensation. Now don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying that I have arrived spiritually speaking. Not at all. It's just an ethereal experience that is difficult to explain. It just happens, I don't conjure it up or anything like that. I just will be standing somewhere, look around and realize that I really don't belong here. I relate to very few people in this world. The ones who are hurting I seem to be drawn to or they are drawn to me. It's humbling. I guess it has to be a God thing.  Love you all ... be a blessing to someone you meet today!

*Philippians 3:17-21 "Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destinyis destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body."rlk

THE SHACK

     My wife and I saw the movie version of the book THE SHACK last night and it was wonderful. As with most faith-based movies, there will always be certain Christians who will have a problem with some facet of the movie. I saw a headline online that stated 'Christians site danger is portraying God as a woman'. If you see the movie that portrayal is explained. Later in the movie God portrays himself as a man when a man is needed to minister to Mack (the lead character). I think the way the Trinity was represented was spot on and was made very easy to understand. We both loved it. It made us cry a bit as we identified with feelings and emotions Mack was wrestling with. I read an article about how Sam Worthington had become a Christian a few years back and was interested in continuing to do faith-based, inspiring movies related to God. That's good news because Sam is a very talented actor. I highly recommend this movie to all who wish to get a glimpse into one mans relationship to God and how it grows.  Excellent flick. Go see it. elk

RIGHTEOUS THRU FAITH

Psalm 97:12 (GNT)

“All you that are righteous be glad because of what the Lord has done! Remember what the holy God has done, and give thanks to him.”

         Did you realize that once you give your life over to Christ, in addition to having all your past sins removed as if they were never committed, you are looked upon by God as being righteous*? To put it in simple terms, we are clean and stand righteous before God by virtue of what Christ did for us on Calgary’s cross. We are to be glad and should always remember what God through Christ has done for us, for it is something we never could have done for ourselves. For that we should be eternally grateful. I shudder to think of where I would be without Christ in my life. It’s all due to God’s mercy and grace. He saved me from certain death at the hands of my own selfish desires. There is no doubt that we are our own worst enemies. We make wrong decisions based on wants rather than needs and get ourselves into all sorts of trouble all by ourselves..

            Do you trust God today? You can. You cry out to Him only when you feel you need Him most, but I tell you, you need Him always. If you embrace God you receive the greatest love you have ever experienced. Think of it. The One who created you in your mother’s womb loves you and that love will never change. Ever. He loved you before you ever knew Him. The Christian life is not free from problems or pain, but it is filled with the mercy, love and forgiveness of Almighty God. People consider anything to sooth their pain, but the pain doesn’t go away. It’s still there when the dust settles at the end of the day and when the sun rises on a new day. You cannot escape life’s hardships no matter what you do; however, you can go through them knowing in your heart that God is in complete control of all things. You don’t have to simply endure life; you can enjoy it to the fullest in the face of any obstacle. God doesn’t remove obstacles, but rather teaches you thru them to deal effectively with all life’s many issues, if you will listen. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

NOTE : GNT is the Good News Translation® (Today’s English Version, Second Edition) Copyright © 1992 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.

RIGHTEOUS (def): Morally upright; without guilt or sin.

Philippians 3:9 (GNT) “I no longer have a righteousness of my own, the kind that is gained by obeying the Law. I now have the righteousness that is given through faith in Christ, the righteousness that comes from God and is based on faith.”

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

In honor of Black History month I give you several quotes from the late, great Martin Luther King, Jr.

"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope." 

"The time is always right to do what is right." 

"Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend."

       I am grateful for this man's life. Even in death his words resonate wisdom and purpose. He was a man of God who sought to put an end to racial inequality and bigotry between whites and blacks. We have all been created by one God. We are to love our brothers and see no difference in the color of our skins. Variations in skin color is a beautiful thing and let's be honest, under the skin we are all the same, in spite of any cultural differences. God loves his entire creation. God is color blind as are we to be also. rlkeller

CS LEWIS

"A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, 'darkness' on the walls of his cell."

C. S. Lewis

Quoting MARTIN LUTHER