The Forgotten

The Forgotten

Greetings to one and all. I hope that this letter finds you in good health, with your spirits lifted high in all aspects of life. During this special season we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Matthew 2:11 - And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

Matthew 1:18-25- Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 

Luke 2:7 - And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

 What greater cause is there to celebrate? Jesus is the reason! Of course, we take this time to express to our loved ones how much they mean to us through the giving of gifts and gathering together. Often these gatherings are held at the homes of loved ones or friends over a hot meal and drinks.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him wouldn't perish, but would have eternal life.


It is during this most coveted time of the year when many are  alone and depressed. The correct term for it is called social isolation. It is prevalent during the holidays. As we prepare to gather together with our loved ones and friends it is easy to forget that so many have no one to celebrate with, and no where to go. Many families have to celebrate without their loved ones whom are overseas in the military. For the people who spend a good
portion of the year alone already, the feeling of sorrow must be overwhelming as everyone else spends time with their loved ones.

Psalm 142:4  I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.

Friends, I encourage you to think about who you can give to beyond your usual sphere of influence. Sadly, unless those like you and I consider the less fortunate, they may end up with nothing at all this Christmas season. Think of those who would be tremendously blessed by your giving. A lot of families simply don't have the money to purchase gifts for their loved ones. If it were not for charities like toys for tots or Salvation Army, some children would not receive gifts. I thank God for those willing to donate, for the workers willing to help gather and present those donations. 

Remember that a gift to someone is about the heart and not necessarily the material value or size of the present. There are many ways to give beyond money or financial donations. A simple hot meal could make a world of difference in a person's life. To have one less meal to worry about when finding food is a big struggle will certainly provide joy during this season. Acts of kindness are not defined by the rules society has established
but rather by the size of one's heart. 

Acts 20:35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.


Also, while I do not condemn those who endure with the tradition of "Santa clause," it is important that we remember to give thanks to the true giver of all good gifts, our Lord. While the idea of a round, jolly man with a white beard and red suit sliding the down the chimney to drop off piles of gifts may seem cute and alluring, it is a big detractor from Christ who is the real reason for our celebratory exchanges. By simply rearranging the letters it is easy to spell Satan. Once again I don't condemn those who want to have fun with the idea of Santa, but it should never take precedent in our lives.

James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

God loves us and blesses us with gifts each day. He doesn't deserve to have his praise and admiration passed along to some imaginary figure who doesn't give ANY gifts at all. I thank God for all that he has done to protect and provide for me, my loved ones throughout this year. It truly is a blessing to be here. I don't have a long list of things I want this year. In fact, if I received nothing extra at all I will be just as joyous. I have my loved ones, my health and strength, a job, and a roof over my head. I am not out in the cold or begging for a bite to eat. 

What more do I really need? Anything beyond these things are indeed a gift from the Lord. He has been good to me. I pray that He will use me to be a blessing for someone else who doesn't have as much as I do. Will you allow the Lord to use you to bless someone else? You will only receive honor and favor from the Lord by allowing Him to use you. Remember that it is better to give than to receive. Think of the warmth you will feel knowing that despite your other obligations and responsibilities that you sacrificed to help someone in need.

Proverbs 3:27  Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.

Proverbs 28:27  He who gives to the poor will never want, but he who shuts his eyes will have many curses.

James 2:15-16  If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?

I want to thank each of you who reads this blog and receives the messages in your hearts. God is with you no matter where you are. I pray that each of you has a blessed and wonderful Christmas this year. Remember to celebrate the true reason for the season; Jesus.  Lets close out this year on a good note so that we can enter 2015 refreshed for the journey ahead! As always, Truth is Freedom, Knowledge is Power!

Faith vs Fear

FAITH vs FEAR

What exactly is faith? 

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

Faith is not about what you see, but rather what is unseen. Oh, how easy it is for the natural eyes to be fooled. From a distance anything may appear one way while up-close entirely different.

Have you ever heard the expression, "everything that glitters isn't gold?" This is a perfect example of hour our eye sight can lead us wrong. We see something sparkling in the distance being hit by the rays of the sun, making it appear as a bright diamond or precious stone. Then, as soon as we get close we discover it was nothing more than a shard of glass or a worthless piece of metal. 

Magicians use optical illusions to fool audiences right before their very eyes. It doesn't just happen to those at a distance in the crowd but even those willing participants who are up close to the magician. So in that case it doesn't make much sense to rely solely on what we see, does it?

Faith is the total opposite. Instead of being in control it is about the ability to let go and not be in control. Faith is not about trusting in our own ability. Faith is about relying entirely, %100 on the Lord. What would be the purpose of faith if the things we hoped for could be grasped so easily? 

I challenge you to "Go Blind One Day!" Faith is about lack of eye sight; total blindness. Needless to say, if you can see the outcome then you are probably not walking by faith. If you have it all figured out there isn't much faith involved. Trusting in Jesus and leaning on Him is the best way to exercise or practice faith. I will push the envelope a bit further and say that faith is a way of life, not just an idea. Live out your faith, not your religion. Let go of every hindrance, especially fear. 

There is a strong contrast and dynamic between faith and fear. Let's take a look at a powerful example of how faith can conquer fear when allowed. Remember the story of Peter and his brave steps out of the boat and into the water as he approached Jesus? That is what I can ultimate faith!

 Matthew 14:22-33

 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. ²³ And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. ²⁴ But the boat was now in the middle of the sea,^[a] tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.

²⁵ Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. ²⁶ And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.

²⁷ But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”

²⁸ And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”

²⁹ So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw that the wind was boisterous,^[b] he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

³¹ And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” ³² And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.

³³ Then those who were in the boat came and^[c] worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”

Let us digest this for a moment. I know you are thinking that he failed because he ultimately sank. Yes, it is true that Peter lost faith towards the end of his approach. However, the most important part of this passage is the fact that Peter was willing to take a "leap" of faith and step out of the boat. The majority of us will always remain in the safety of the boat, unwilling and afraid to step out of the boat. Peter's faith was tremendous. In fact I view his brief walk on the water as an incredible success, not a failure. 

We can examine several key components of this event to highlight the incredible faith that was involved in these few short moments. It was night time in the middle of the sea (likely very deep water), with high waves generated from excessive winds! On top of that Jesus appeared as if He were a ghost! Can you imagine being in the middle of the ocean at night as ghostly figure approaches your vessel, and then that figure telling you to come out of the safety of your boat? It is utterly unimaginable. Even the roughest, toughest of people would likely tremble with total fear and helplessness.

Still, Peter allowed his faith to conquer his fear. He approached his Lord because he believed. He believed! Jesus had appeared as a ghost, yet Peter believed in his heart that it really was Jesus. Faith is greater than fear because faith conquers fear!

Just as we see in the passage from Matthew 14 faith is indeed greater than fear. God's word tells us that faith requires action and that without it we are not able to please Him.

Hebrews 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (KJV)

James 2:17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (NIV)

Our world is broken to say the least. Each day we face unprecedented challenges which range from physical dangers, attacks on our health and wellness, financial obstacles, cultural stigmas, stereotypes, oppression from wicked rulers, pressures from society and so much more. Our faith is what allows us to rise above these disasters that surround us at all times. Faith separates us from the world and allows us to do the impossible!

Luke 17:6  He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you. (NIV)

Matthew 17:20 He replied, "Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." (NIV)

 With faith there is nothing out of our reach because once again we are placing our trust in the Living God, not our own abilities. There is nothing too difficult for God! As we place our faith on the line and depend on God to see us through we are guaranteed to win! He can't lose!  

Matthew 19:26  Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (NIV)

Take the leap of faith today and remember to speak life daily! The word of God is our weapon and guide. What you say has a great deal to with the actual outcome. In the book of Genesis the Lord spoke things into existence. He used His voice; the power of spoken word. 

Genesis 1:3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. (NIV)

The spirit world, which is far more vast than the visible world, is always paying attention. Whether we speak good things or bad things it is taken into account and an outcome occurs. Speak life and exercise your faith. Watch as your life changes in unexpected and incredible ways! You may appear to be foolish in the eyes of the world for exercising your faith but don't worry about what they think. Faith is greater than fear.


As Always, Truth is Freedom, Knowledge is Power!