Carrying Around An Unnecessary Burden

"Throw the whole of your anxiety upon Him, because He Himself cares for you"

1 Peter 5:7

  Years ago, (when I was in the Army and stationed in Germany), I met a young man who attended the church my family and I attended on one of the local kaserne's, (Army bases).  I had previously noticed how he faithfully attended Sunday service and Bible study and often Sunday School. There were occasions when he would also travel with the church across Germany as we went to fellowship with other congregations within our faith. He and I eventually became somewhat good friends.  I was a young minister at the time and I once asked him if he had decided what ministry he wanted to become involved with within the church.  He stated that he was quite content just attending the church and contributing to the cause monetarily. 

  As our friendship progressed the subject came up again as to why he did not desire to find a meaningful place in the ministry of our church  He then confessed that some years ago his grandmother had become desperately ill; near the point of death. He told me how he went to God in fervent prayer and pleaded for the life of his beloved grandmother. He promised God that if He would allow his grandmother to live that he would turn away from the riotous and self-serving life he was living and go to church at every opportunity. 

  God was faithful and his grandmother made a miraculous recovery; perhaps because of his prayers or because of the sheer mercies of God, I do not know.  My friend went on to say that he believed that if he did not hold up his side of "the bargain" that God would not keep His and his grandmother would be taken from this life. 

  I lost contact with my friend after my time in Germany was served. I sometimes wonder if he still is attending church under his deal with the Lord.  I do not fault him, or anyone else, who is "stuck" in such a situation with God. After all, it is what we have learned to do through erroneous teachings of things passed down to us through generations or perhaps from within the very church(s) we may attend. 

  My friends, God is not a God of 'bargains and side-deals'. He is not like a mafia member with whom you made a deal with in some dark alley and now threatens to break your knee caps because you are now not able to uphold your end of the deal.   2 Timothy 2:13 states "If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for he cannot deny Himself." In other words, our faith may fail in a particular thing; we may even find that our previous resolution we made to God is too much for us to uphold so we stay in church and go through the motions; devoid of any real power in Christ.  The faith and promises of God never wanes. What we may have, our success or even our ability to succeed is not based on our promises or vows we make to God but rather because of His promises to us.  If you, or someone you know, is living a life serving God but are doing so under shame or conviction or because of a vow you once made but are now unable to keep, I want you to know that God did not give it to you. God wants us to serve Him in freedom and in peace of mind.  Today, be free.

 I love you all,
 Dennis

The Beginning Of My Extra-ordinary Year

Photo by Sparky Jones, Fairbanks, Alaska

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."  Galatians 6:9

  Today was a quiet day for me. I stayed up rather late last night watching television and stayed in bed for hours this morning. Sometimes I get out and move about the city to keep myself entertained so as not to become a recluse. There was a time when I would wrap myself in my loneliness and excommunicate myself from the outside world; always cognizant that I was alone and without the constant company of a friend to talk to, to eat with or to go see a movie with. In 2015 I have vowed to have a different mindset. I vowed that I would love my own self and to stop looking for others to love me; to validate me, to make me smile. I did this greatly today. I cooked for myself and enjoyed my company. A friend reached out to me and we talked for long hours on the telephone, (something else that I do not regularly do), and I enjoyed it because the conversation brought me no pressure. 

  This morning I awoke with an anticipation that was different from the previous day. I immediately lubricated my insides with the bottle of water at my bedside and gave thanks to God for another day. I felt famished so I went into the kitchen and prepared myself a breakfast of pancakes and turkey sausage with orange juice. Loneliness was nowhere to be found.

  I turned on my music, I cleaned my house, I danced, sang, shaved, showered and dressed with expectation.  

  Later I went out to take care of some business locally and while I was out I received a call on my cell phone. Recently I had mailed a copy of my CD In My Father's House to Bobby Jones Gospel headquarters in Nashville  Tennessee. ( I included a handwritten note to Dr. Bobby Jones asking him to please help me with my singing career. Hey, you have not because you ask not). 
 The representative on the phone was calling to tell me that they had, indeed, received a copy of my CD and asked if I would be interested in participating in the Bobby Jones new Artist Showcase in Nashville on February 28th.  Inwardly I was shouting praises to God as I exchanged information with the gentleman on the phone.

  What can I say other than " Our God is an awesome God". I have spoken and affirmed every day that this year will be my extra-ordinary year. By the power of Christ within me I am breaking every chain, losing every naysayer, believing in the impossible and accepting the inheritance He has laid out for me. My heart is full of love for those who have continued to stand and pray with me and have not chosen to abandon me when my decisions and actions were not to their liking. It is those true and sincere friends who have given me the courage to boldly come before the throne of grace and, once again, obtain mercy. I am surrounded by true love. I am blessed to know real fellowship. 

  I do not stop at this latest blessing. I am bold enough to have faith in even greater things and I anticipate presenting you all with another praise report soon. I will keep you updated to the best of my abilities. Continue to pray for me as I do for you.

I love you all,
 Dennis