Serpentitus

I've been told that I have "serpentitus"! What in the world is that, you ask...it's not even a real word! That may be true, but I do have it and maybe you do too...

I enjoy running on trails. Lately I've discovered the wonderful levy tops that meander along the river. What a great way to enjoy the beauty of nature. One problem is that they don't get mowed down too often.  When that happens there's always the potential of coming across a "snake in the grass". If the snake can be seen in advance, it can be avoided and does not cause much alarm. When you can't see it and actually step on one while running, pandemonium breaks out!

After an encounter like that, you become more focused on avoiding a repeat occurrence. To do that, your steps are a bit higher and there are several quick jumps left and right to avoid anything resembling a sneaky serpent (curved sticks, coated wire, rope, etc...)! The once enjoyable journey is now a fear focused frolic that expends tons of energy on needless things ~ SERPENTITUS!

Perhaps it's just me, but I realized how often I live life that way too! Instead of enjoying the beauty of The Creator along the journey I focus on the probability of being surprised by the Serpent.

Feeling "whipped"? ~ Rejoice!

It's easy to become discouraged, disillusioned, and depressed when carrying the name of Jesus into the world, only to be beaten down and mocked for it. We are not alone! It's the norm for those who know Him and are motivated by passionate love to serve Him and proclaim the Name above all other Names among the nations! It is a GREAT privilege to be counted so worthy that we would be dishonored because of Jesus! This is a marathon journey. Hang in there. Take a moment to regroup; focus on Jesus Christ and what He has given you to do in bringing His love to the world. Drink a deep refreshing drink from the well that never runs dry. Face towards the goal and press on! We must learn to rejoice in the sufferings of Christ and rejoice ALWAYS in Him!

Let these words be an encouragement for you today. After a miraculous exit from jail the night before, the apostles are back in the Temple court teaching again after being told not to...

Acts 5:29-42 (MSG) 
Peter and the apostles answered, "It's necessary to obey God rather than men. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, the One you killed by hanging him on a cross. God set him on high at his side, Prince and Savior, to give Israel the gift of a changed life and sins forgiven. And we are witnesses to these things. The Holy Spirit, whom God gives to those who obey him, corroborates every detail."

When they heard that, they were furious and wanted to kill them on the spot. But one of the council members stood up, a Pharisee by the name of Gamaliel, a teacher of God's Law who was honored by everyone. He ordered the men taken out of the room for a short time, then said, "Fellow Israelites, be careful what you do to these men. Not long ago Theudas made something of a splash, claiming to be somebody, and got about four hundred men to join him. He was killed, his followers dispersed, and nothing came of it. A little later, at the time of the census, Judas the Galilean appeared and acquired a following. He also fizzled out and the people following him were scattered to the four winds. "So I am telling you: Hands off these men! Let them alone. If this program or this work is merely human, it will fall apart, but if it is of God, there is nothing you can do about it-and you better not be found fighting against God!"

That convinced them. They called the apostles back in. After giving them a thorough whipping, they warned them not to speak in Jesus' name and sent them off. The apostles went out of the High Council overjoyed because they had been given the honor of being dishonored on account of the Name. Every day they were in the Temple and homes, teaching and preaching Christ Jesus, not letting up for a minute.

One Day at A Time

Wow! Has it really been 3 weeks since anything was posted? Where did the fire and passion go? I think we sometimes just have to sit back and let things settle a bit. It's not all bad. I know we all have intentions to be catalysts in our neighbor. Sometimes it's hard to realize that we really are making a difference right here and right now. Don't allow the "Liar" to get to you with his lies about how little you are making a difference. We should just take it one day at a time, just as our Jesus did. He was never in a huge hurry to change the whole world, and yet, He changed the world by seeing and fulfilling needs one at a time. Be encouraged and be of great courage my fellow OR's.