0 thoughts on “Relationships

  1. nice, informative and educational post and the most interesting and informative post i’ve ever seen, so the post bookmarked my browser for futurehttp://www.casaemail.com.br

  2. Great title with an formerly forgotten scripture to back it up. The biblical writers were people of the farm, fields, fish and family so matters of the body, reproduction and daily life were not hidden matters. Today some places refuse to allow a woman to feed her baby because pornography has replaced biology and nutrition as the main meme in our culture.

    But crushed testicles does, as you point out, have a larger meaning for us. When I grew up it was a shorthand for what we now call guts or courage and the people of the Bible had plenty of that. I think that Political Correctness has largely crushed our nerve and keeps us from speaking plainly. The enemy of our soul knows how to manipulate us into silence so we do have to use our testosterone wisely and be Wise as serpents and gentle as doves”.

    One of my mentors was Rabbi and Family Therapist Dr. Ed. Friedman. One of his books was published posthumously and it is a good one. “A Failure of Nerve” and it is worth reading by all Christians. Ed loved to speak to radical leftist, anti religious groups so loved by agnostics. He always tried to “Throw the cat into the midst of the pigeons” and get the group vexed and out of control. He loved intellectual challenges.

    My book called Hope and Change for Humpty Dumpty attempts to give guidance on the timing of a challenge to anyone needing some display of tester one. I suggest there are four possibilities in a challenge.

    1. The wrong statement at the wrong time.
    2. The right statement at the wrong time.
    3. The wring statement at the right time.
    4. The right statement at the right time.

    Jesus was a master at picking the right time to say the right thing.

    Shalom,

    Gary

  3. Well said Jim I agree with you, thanks for stating the facts and making it clear , you have pointed out some sad realities about the Church and Oprah and her followers.The Truth Lives and doesn’t Compromise.

    • Okay, next to my family and my kids, this is my Passion topic! It’s what gets my juiecs flowing.First and foremost, I believe that those statistics are proof that the church has fallen asleep. The church has narrowed itself into a corner and unless willing to adapt to some change, this statistic I fear will grow. Churches have been doing what they do because that’s the way it’s always been done. Some churches hold tight to Tradition. The church can never compete with culture. They will never win. Its just the way it is. But the church can certainly change from “doing” to having a strategy.If You read my “About” section on my blog, you’ll see a line where I wrote, “I bleed Orange.” I encourage you to check out http://www.whatisorange.com to learn more about that and to see where my firm stance on what the church should be doing.We (as in Us, Moms, Parents, etc) put So much responsibility on the Church for those poor statistics. I see it as a 50/50 deal. Parents need to wake up and realize that they are the primary spiritual leaders in their kids lives. The church is a “Partner” to you as a Parent. Or at least it should be. There in lies the problem. Churches are failing to see that they need to come along side of us as parents and support us and understand that what happens at home is far more important than what happens at church. I am a product of Christian parents, christian private schools and church all my life. I saw friends come and go within the church. From my experience, The leadership within the church are all on different pages. Nursery, elementary, youth and “big” church are all doing their own thing. There is no strategy. They are silo’d. I beg of the church to align themselves together with parents and have a strategy for how to get a child from birth through college not ever wanting to leave the church! It is possible. It just means people are going to have to adapt to change and let some things go. Sorry for the rant. I warned you that it was a Passion area for me. I could say so much more…. : )

    • This is actually something we have been addressing at our church in the past few months. We have been incorporating more activities for our youth, such as– on a specific Sunday night, the youth conducts our entire service; our music director has incorporated some of the new Contemporary Christian music into our services, which the youth absolutely love. We have also brought a young youth minister in which has been such a blessing!Honestly, I think one of the main reasons the statistics are what they are is because a lot of churches are too set in older ways– not so much catering to the older members, but pacifying them by not incorporating newer ideas and technology into the service, etc. It is absolutely critical that we do all we can to make our young people feel a part of the church because they are the future of the church, and they need all the guidance they can get in this harsh and cruel world!!

  4. Indeed that is a very telling question! This is a well-written piece. And, unfortunately, there is blame to go all around.

    • Thanks, Brenda. I know what you mean. Perhaps some dreams are of our own imagination, and others are only “seasonal.” But I believe some dreams are from God and should endure! Jim

  5. Great Post. I still remember when you told me about your experience with Don Quiote. One thing stands true, Jesus loves me, and forgetting what lies behind, it is still true that for each of us there is the prize of the high calling and purpose that God is desiring to do in and through each one of us. May God Bless your day, Jim B.

  6. Good word Jim, are you going to start canvassing the Carolinas? I’m sure they could use your encouragement.
    Blessings!
    Paul

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    • “Forgive me for being so ordinary while claiming to know such an extraordinary God.” Jim Elliot. Thank you for your quote and may God bless you and your ministry for Him.~ Robert Lloyd Russell, editor of JIM ELLIOT: A Christian Martyr Speaks to You

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  22. After reading your Piper article in the MS Journal, I had to find you online. I kept hearing lately that we have been paying the price of the piper, without remembering the story details, and how we had been lulled into a stupor. Your article put into words what I felt the Spirit was saying to me. I recently posted that justification by faith rocked the church 400 years ago, and the message that we can do more than Jesus Christ because He left us His Holy Spirit Who leads us into all things will rock the church today. I had also posted that we were like Esau selling our nation’s liberties for short term goals rather than appreciating the birthright our founding father gave to us. Your words on this blog are affirming to me because I had similar, half-baked thoughts that you have freely given as generous loaves of Manna from heaven.

  23. Just made a decree in morning watch prayer that God is sending fiery angels to remove the spirit of stupor from the ekklesia in America. Two days later, I get this article of yours in MorningStar Journal. I’m glad to read some of your other well-written pieces on this blog as well.

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    • Well if we are talking about lost kids that don’t have godly ptenras… as a missionary (now SAHM and wife to a missionary) with Child Evangelism Fellowship I must say you (the church) must go to the kids. It’s not good enough to teach sunday school classes of kids “About” Jesus. You MUST share the Gospel with them! Most of our churches teach Bible stories to children… which obviously I have no issues with… but I bet the reason these kids end up leaving is because they never became Christians! As someone who taught kids sunday school for a long time I can tell you most of the curriculum DOES NOT share the gospel… or it does once every 5 weeks or something like that. That isn’t good enough! You can’t expect kids to stay in church if they never accepted Christ as their personal Savior. For kids outside of the church? Go to where they are. Schools (yes you can do it, visit cefonline.com) community centers, parks, wherever kids are and tell them why Jesus came.Kids should know Bible Stories but if they don’t know the Gospel then they can’t be saved and won’t stay in church.

  37. “A Ray of Hope…” is a timely reminder of God’s mercy, goodness and sovereignty in the midst of our current human perspective under these extremely disappointing circumstances. Thanks, Jim. We needed that reminder. Especially in His own words,
    encouragement abounds!

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    • As a pastor’s wife- this topic is near to my heart!First of all, I have to say that I do not bveilee that the “Church” is at fault!! The Bible is very clear, that it is to be us PARENTS that are to be training our children in righteousness!!! Sunday School & Youth Group were started many, many years later & really were started for the “non-churched” kids! Those statistics are sad, but I think they are a lot due to the fact that parents have been relying on the church to teach their children about Christ- instead of taking an active role themselves (& actually living what they bveilee)!A couple things our church does that I LOVE are… when children turn 4, they join their parents in “big” church- children younger than that are certainly welcome, but there is nursery & children’s church provided for children under 4. Although I do understand how difficult it can be for some kids to sit so long (we are all about wiggles at our house), we bveilee that having children in the service, plants seeds in their little hearts! :)We also have just started a curriculum (our pastors & elders & teachers have created) that lasts 7 years & walks everyone through the Bible… all Sunday School classes of various ages as well as the sermon are focused on the SAME topic… are memorizing the same verse, etc. In this way, children (along with their parents) will go through an in depth study of the whole Bible twice.Sorry, this is getting way too long! ;)Great question!Jessica

    • Well, I learned something new. Only 4% of my generation believes the Bible!? Praise the Lord for Godly parents! Thank you Jesus! The kids need to be in Church… not youth group, not children’s church, but Church. I don’t me do not have these things, but a saved child, no matter what age, needs to be in “big” Church in my opinion, and the youth can STILL have their own group and attend regular services. Also, we HAVE to teach about having a RELATIONSHIP with our Maker and Saviour. If you are best, best friends with the God of our salvation, it won’t be so easy to walk away:) I pray my kids stay in Church…

  40. After I originally commented I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I recieve four emails with the exact same comment. Perhaps there is a way you are able to remove me from that service? Thanks!

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  45. I was thinking of 12/12/12 yesterday. However, I did not tie it to a tremendous return on that date. I know I need to expect that what I give will be multiplied .
    Thanks for the new thought.
    WW

  46. My first year as Resident Counselor at U of Cincinnati was 1967. I was in charge of 12Resident Advisers for a dorm of 600 upper class men. Those were years of sex, drugs and rock music and to a country kid from a village in Illinois I was deeply challenged in how to communicate with my staff and students. I went to an intense encounter group conference and came back with a beard. After that, several students felt comfortable to ask me for help with drugs and other problems. Amazing what happens when we join the culture but retain our values and convictions. Before the beard I must have seemed outside the life experience of my students. The hair did not change my heart but it did change my image.

  47. Jim, I love this revelation of the truth. It goes to show how willing we are to accept the lie and even cover it when calling it what it is may mean reframing something in reality. How embarrassing it is to see that we don’t hold our leaders to a higher standard any more. Our President’s character is important if we are to follow his leadership!

  48. Being that the Word is God and the Word was God and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us and now the Word dwells in us. Every professing Christian should have a word cloud that looks like the one in this post, with Jesus being in the center. For it is no longer ” I” who live, but it’s Christ who lives in me! So I guess you can say: I am a word cloud!! Great post Jim!

  49. Very good bit of wisdom is shared in your blog here. There is so much to be said for “selective amnesia”. I was tempted to beat myself down many years ago concerning a co-worker who committed suicide. I do not believe that I ever gave him an adequate gospel witnesss before he died. This could have really ate away at me, if I had let it. We have to move on from the past, and “press toward the mark.”

  50. Still doing some of the things I use to do surely that’s why I can’t get a breakthrough I’ve given up a whole lot its so hard to give up smoking. God help me.

  51. Do you have any idea how profound this is? I have never heard it put that way, its such an visualization. I feel that way about a few things in my life, I think the main reason you stay in a bed you’ve outgrown is that its familiar and you can have a fear of the unknown. This word is encouraging me to step out and venture into new things. please keep messages like this coming, they are really needed!

    • Thank you for the encouraging message. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Be bold and strong, for the Lord your God is with you! Wherever the soul of your foot treads, He has given it to you! (Joshua 1)

  52. In the New Kingdom we have a dramatic change in the succession planning scheme. In John Jesus is reported to say that “I will not leave you as orphans. Then Jesus makes a remarkable statement that “You will have the Holy Spirit with you and in you…” From then on the game is played not by an occasional person like Elijah and Elisha but by ever single believer . All Christians are to be trained to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and every single believer can be the top dog or a star performer. This is what Equipping the believers is all about. We have replaced the NT system of discipleship or socialization with a system of formal schoolization and leadership is no longer decided by gifts, talents and call but by graduate degree. In God’s system even a Lawyer can be a leader.

  53. Jim,
    Thanks for being real world. There are far too many times when we think we cannot play the ball where it lays.
    Love you, Buddy!
    Don

  54. The StepDD of a Pastor friend wanted his funeral at HSI favorite saloon. When he was introduced as “Pastor Rich” most patrons were confused about what that meant. He was Abe to gently share the love and truth of God and felt great about the service. It is a problem when we separate all Christian activities from real life. No wonder we seem so strange.

  55. Kinda reminds me of Jesus comment in John 13:35 “By this shall all men know you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” Or as someone said, “There is more love and fellowship at the corner bar than in a lot of churches.”

  56. I ask myself what do I have today? I only have R120 as my tithe, is it enough for the Lord to transform my situation. I’ve cracked my skull on how am I going to pay all this debts my rent,child schoolfees & transport the list is endless how I got here? My foolishness deprive me of sleep,peace & happiness will I ever get out since I no longer work with no income. Its tough only God knows…I wonder if in all this pressure will I be able to cope & just put my eyes on the cross. Truly speaking I’m stressed, ppl calling & coming over cause I owe them…plz pray for me.

    • Thanks for sharing this heartfelt situation. The story comes to mind about the woman who provided for Elijah in 1 Kings 17. She was in despair and felt that she had very little. But God turned her situation around, and much more quickly than she could have imagined. I will be praying for such an outcome for you as well.

  57. That is so true. When we finally get it, it is not about us but the Holy Spirit, God’s Spirit, it shut the mouths of lions, parted oceans, raise the dead, and Jesus said we would do even more!

  58. Just as useless as we are without Holy Spirit, so is Holy Spirit without us. If that is a surprising idea, one must consider how God set up the world–to be shared together.

  59. Thanks Jim,
    Appreciate your Blog.
    If only as a nation we could turn our eyes toward God.
    Thanks for your so well expressed words of wisdom and truth.

  60. Hey!!! I can SO relate to this one. I’m such a minimalist when it comes to anything cyber or wireless etc. And I am also finding Gods depth and available resources to be so far beyond what I’ve been walking in. The more I learn and piece together all the threads , the bigger the tapestry and I AM A PART of it!!! It’s so worth the study and gleaning. Thanks, Jim!!

  61. Thanks Jim. I appreciate this insight and emphasis upon motion that we so easily overlook. The call comes with invitation to respond with our whole person, which requires motion at all levels. Good word Jim. I will think about this more today. Blessings.

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  63. The second amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees every American the right to bear arms. Has any law ever been so ambiguous? What are arms? What does it mean to bear them? At least with the first amendment we know exactly where we stand: Freedom of speech. It couldn’t be any clearer. But, the right to bear arms leaves the second amendment open to different interpretations. We need gun permits to carry a concealed weapon. Do we need knife permits? No. Yet both can, and often do, cause death. We can own a gun, or a rifle, or a sub-machine gun, or a machete, and dozens of other tools to kill, even our own bare hands. So, gun control is a debate in our country that makes no sense unless you broaden the ban or acceptance to include all instruments of death.”^

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  64. Excellent post, Jim. Yes, this is an all-too-easy trap to fall into. I, like you, blog and try to guard myself from allowing it to become about the blog and its success indicators rather than its purpose: the message. I see a lot of similarities in that trap as the trap you’re describing that many churches fall into. It’s easy to end up “doing” church rather than “being” church.
    Yes, I’ll join you in this struggle.
    I was about to congratulate you on this blog. But in light of this post, that seems out of place. So, instead, I’ll encourage you to keep following God’s will with your writings.
    Be well, friend.

    • Thanks for the excellent perspectives, Tom. We live in a day when churches, bloggers, and seemingly everyone else is seeking a higher PLATFORM. How ironic that our Lord, in contrast, came to wash people’s feet and take the LOW place of servanthood. How do we so often miss this?

  65. Good word, Jim!!!!!!!! Over and over, in so many areas, I keep coming back to the truth that it’s NOT about ME!!!! I’ve also been a bit leary of what I keep hearing, lately, that seems to be saying that since we are covered by the blood and made new, we are , therefore, sinless…..We are , hopefully getting more and more obedient and honed, but it could be dangerous ground if it causes us to start to dismiss our consciences, for even little offenses or sins. It’s HIS righteousness and kindness that overtakes us and changes us . We never “change into God”. We can be filled and changed from glory to glory but we are still human and still live in this body till we arrive totally in heaven. In HIM we live and move and hava our being. Any thoughts?

    • Thanks for the encouraging word, Roberta. It’s good to know that it’s not about us. It’s amazing to read the book of Acts and see that the church seemingly spent no time promoting the church. But as they lifted up the name of Jesus, the church grew and prospered.

      • Jim, this singular point you make is central to the discussion. The disciples NEVER preached their own reputation or the reputation of any particular church. As Paul wrote, “I preach only Christ and Him crucified!” I was challenged recently by some friends who were taught the heresy that the supernatural gifts suddenly disappeared after the apostolic age. So I read the works of the early church fathers on the subject. (The leaders who were handed the leadership of the Christian church as the original disciples passed away.) Here is what I found. Until about 500 A.D. new believers were EXPECTED to move in ALL the divine gifts of the Spirit outlined in I Corinthians 12 and Romans 12. But, around 500 A.D., bishop John Chrysostom wrote that they were seeing less and less manifestation of the supernatural as these 2 things happened in the churches: they became focused on money and moral sin became acceptable in the body. Despite the false teaching that God took away His gifts after “the apostolic age,” the historical fact is that, when preachers saw their role as a profession, they knew they would need to stop preaching against sin if they wanted the money of the richest sinners. So narcissism in the church began long ago. American evangelicals have merely perfected it.

        • As evangelical, “Spirit-filled” believers, we often have pointed out the shortcomings and narcissism of the traditional, institutional churches. But sadly, we have often fallen into the same traps today. The church I described in this article was evangelical and Bible-believing, yet they seemed to think the Holy Spirit wasn’t particularly necessary to what they were doing. If the Holy Spirit isn’t necessary for our activities, then what fruit will our activities produce? Jesus said that apart from Him we can do NOTHING!

  66. Jim, great blog. I couldn’t agree more. I sooo believe in the Church but I’m also so aware that the Church is going through major reformation; much of it is greatly needed.

    • Good to hear from you, Ken. At the same time as I’m grieved by much of what I see, God keeps reminded me that the church is the bride of Christ, His beloved one. I pray that I will be able to see the church as He sees it, becoming a constructive force for renewal, not just a critic (which is all too easy).

  67. As long as the focus is on little more than marketing and consumer satisfaction I fear we will see this replicated over and over. Marketing can appeal to many per Christians and new believers so they teach them that their way is biblical. Only a visitation of the Holy Spirit can set us free.

    • So true, Gary: “Only a visitation of the Holy Spirit can set us free.” Sadly, much of our religious activity is spurred by the fact that the Holy Spirit is doing so little.

  68. Absolutely right, Jim! You’ve identified 2 very different kinds of knowledge. There’s the knowledge of the worldly, evoking what the book of James calls the DEMONIC wisdom of the world. And there is what A.W. Tozer called the “knowledge of the holy.”
    The knowledge of this world is set on the discoveries and ambitions of THIS life only. Therefore, it is self-centered and manipulative. The knowledge of the holy is based in a desire for the discoveries and ambitions of eternity. Therefore, it is God-centered and rooted in His Word of truth. It seeks not to manipulate others but to serve them. It accepts rejection and sacrifice in this life to precipitate what the Hebrews 11 foretells as a “better resurrection.” The false prophets of our age who claim to be “Word people,” have betrayed the Word. They have picked it apart to proclaim scriptures that only focus on the immediate, earthly rewards. It’s all about how much “God loves me,” what “God wants to do for me,” in THIS LIFE. Yet the Bible says much more about the appearance we must all make before the judgment seat of Christ where we are each judged and rewarded based on our DEEDS in this life. When people are taught this by their pastors, it greatly affects how they live their day to day lives. They are kinder, more generous, merciful, and honorable. When they ignore that day of judgment, they (even Christians) become self serving, egotistical, arrogant, and deceptive. Thank you for being one of the few who is willing to speak these eternal truths. I’m afraid nearly all the pulpits in America have turned from the truth of the Word to the instead proclaim the feelings of the people.

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  70. Agreed! Dreams are so important! As you suggest, for us older adults , keeping the dream alive is more challenging because we think we are “over the hill”. We think we are getting too old for God to use us very much. Of course this is not true, because our God is a God of the impossible!

  71. Thank you for sharing the insight on your recent post regarding the U.S. being enroute to their own Damascus road. It is so in line with what Word says prophetically about both Israel and the Church. As a corporate body we (the Church) have not wanted to be made holy as He is holy…entering into the covenant of salvation, yet choosing to ignore the example Yeshua gave. We say we love Him, but ignore John 15 and John 16.

    We have a leader that illustrates the level of corruption and wickedness that has infiltrated the Body of the Messiah. I’m praying that the sons and daughters of the covenant of salvation will come to the place of godly sorrow that yields repentance, that the LORD will hear us, and heal our land.

    Our current president reminds me of when the children of Israel did not want GOD to rule over them, but asked for a king like the other nations around them – nations that worshipped idols and false gods; and the LORD gave them Saul…and we know how that turned out. Selah.

    Where is the call to prayers for forgiveness and repentance?

  72. I don’t get what you’re saying. Don’t compare a Christian’s life to heaven. Heaven is a place, not a person’s life. Since heaven is God’s kingdom, it is perfect in every way. None of us are.

    • Hi Aaron. I’m really grateful that you took time to write a comment on this. You are absolutely right that none of us is perfect (Romans 3:23, etc.). However, we are supposed to pray for more of heaven to touch the earth through our lives (Matthew 6:10). Our citizenship is heaven, even while we walk on the earth (Phil. 3:20). One translation even says that we are “heaven’s colony on earth.” So our lives, even though imperfect, should reflect a heavenly reality.

  73. Very insightful and provocative post, Jim. It is amazing to me that “church leaders” are so busy planting churches that they have no time to make disciples. Having Jesus build His church through us is much different than building churches for Him. Reminds me of Peter on the mount of transfiguration…his response to the vision of Jesus in His glory was to build something for God and His servants (“I will build…”). The Father’s response was to interrupt Peter while he was speaking about what he would do for God, and tell him to listen to Jesus! Jesus said, “I will build My church…” God help us to listen to Jesus and simply obey the leading of His spirit one day at a time as He builds His church through each one of His people for His glory alone. Thanks again for posting this and sounding the call. With you in spirit. ~Sean

    • Great message, Sean. I need to write a blog on the Transfiguration sometime! Yes, indeed, we’re all prone to want to “build something for Jesus.” Peter no doubt was well-meaning, but in retrospect his comments seem downright silly. Some of our good intentions are probably that way too. I could love to catch up with you. Can you give me a call sometime? 803-578-1343

  74. Excellent blog, Jim. I have been thinking along these lines a lot lately. There is just so much bitterness, anger and maliciousness seeping into many issues, with very little real and honest discussion about resolution and following God’s word. I enjoyed reading your blog today. Thanks!

  75. Great stuff. I think Truth Tellers will listen but Haters can not listen well. If I am interested in Truth I will listen to see if what you are saying is true. If I am wrong I can learn the truth and correct myself. If a Hater is wrong he/she will loathe to discover the truth.

    While in Asia I taught in a Muslim Counseling Agency. The head asked my wife why we were different from other Christians. She asked what our friend meant and she said, “You will listen to my ideas. Most Christians just preach and never listen to me. I know what the Bible teaches but they do not know what I believe.”

    Which stance is more convincing to a non believer?

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  78. Oh how fond the memories of those days of our vagabond fellowship at Cap. I have been forever grateful that , when I met Jesus, it was in a setting that fed me the whole Spirit-filled Truth, hook line and sinker. And, though I’ve gone through many stages and valleys and heights, I’ve never doubted the reality of the LIving Word. What a precious small diner that fed me toward a lifetime of healthy sustenance. Glory to God!!!!

  79. I find my actions leaning towards this type of behavior sometimes. Most of it I believe is how unstable things appear to be financially in the world. Always someone out there saying the sky is going to fall. Seems like if you save a little it can be snapped up in a moments notice. I believe you really need to stayed focused unto the Holy Spirit and follow his lead. “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live”

  80. Lessons learnt when we are low need be shared as this. Then we need be watchful. Falling is possible from any level, but God’s grace is awesome.Amen.

  81. I love that this can apply to all styles of “boxes” , in all circles of fellowship. God is God. Let’s let Him reign , as the King of Glory!!!!

  82. You’ve brought clarity to me again, Jim!
    I think I’ve gone from a New Wineskin to a Charred Stone now being transformed
    back into a Recreated New Wineskin!
    Praises to Jesus alone!!

    • Excellent, Denise. That is exactly what I’m hoping for. Those of us who have been around for a while are sure to have some “charred stone” moments along the way. But God can revive us and turn us into fresh wineskins once again. I am excited to have an opportunity this Saturday evening to speak to 40 or 50 young people meeting in a basement–something they do for about 3 hours every Saturday evening. I remember those days… And I guess they are back again!

  83. Wow, Jim! This is a really great article! I feel GOD is up to something amazing! I want to play my part in what He’s doing and embrace ‘greater works’!

    Thank you, Jim, for sharing your thoughts with us! My hope is that generations will unite, live out the gospel and embrace the new way GOD has for us.

    • Thanks for the encouraging words, Paul. I miss you, and it’s long overdue for us to get together. I join you in praying for the generations to unite. The name of my ministry is “Crosslink Ministries” (Uniting People to God and Each Other Through the Power of the Cross). When the organization was originally set up, I saw the “linking” as mostly a matter of linking pastors and leaders. But in recent months, I’ve really be stirred by God’s desire to link the generations as well.

  84. Agree totally with Paul’s comments – excellent article, Jim! However, I beg to differ… We will never be the “old guard” no matter how long we have been serving Jesus! 😉

    • Great comments. I’ve been wrestling with the “old guard”/old wineskin issues. I believe that a lot of this is a matter of the HEART. Like heart disease, hardening of the spiritual arteries can occur at any age, depending on people’s diet, exercise, etc. I’m praying that our spiritual hearts and our arteries will remain pliable until the day we die!

  85. How about copycat bloggers taking pictures from other blogs and not giving credit to the photographer? That one’s mine (http://freelanceflaneur.blogspot.com/2012/08/well-that-about-wraps-it-up-for-earth.html), and it isn’t from one of those ‘copycat cities’ your radio told you about, it’s a theme park in Shenzhen (a long flight from Beijing or Shanghai) celebrating the world with scaled-down replicas. Like the Luxor pyramid in Las Vegas isn’t trying to be a real Egyptian pyramid.

    If anything, the theme park is encouraging Shenzhen’s wealthy residents to travel and see the real thing for themselves.

    • I appreciate your comments on this. You make good points. As to your point about “copycat bloggers taking pictures from other blogs,” that is something I am currently trying to work through, understand, and correct. Thanks for taking time to write.

      • Thanks – sorry if I overreacted, I actually don’t have a problem with people using images for personal blogs, I just get annoyed when travel agents and other businesses do it.

  86. Jim, this message really spoke to me. I have been wrestling with this for quite a bit and your words put it into an authentic perspective. Praise God! Thanks!!

  87. Amen! If we lose our saltiness, what are we good for? Nothing – but to be thrown out and trampled under foot of man. Maybe that’s because we are ALREADY trampled under foot of man… Our condition revealed.

    To the degree we fear man, we cannot fear God. May His LOVE constrain us, once again, to stand before Him with integrity – no matter what it costs.

    • I appreciate the encouragement, Ken. Sometime in 2014 I would love to brainstorm together and hear your thoughts on the current state of the church, the culture, world events, etc.

  88. In this culture, it might very well be neither. That’s hard. But I’m grateful for fellow believers who will stand in the gap with us. Grace and Truth , hand in hand , will draw those whose hearts are open and will be laughable to others. It’s getting harder and harder for softies like me. Thanks , Jim!!!!

  89. I remember John being in our home, sitting on the edge at one end of the sofa, but the image is only tall fuzziness. His spirit I do remember and he was a precious brother in the Lord. Thank you for the memory jolting, I need those more frequently these days!
    Hope you have a blessed birthday week, Jim.

  90. Hi Jim, Encouraging reminder that we should never stop learning and growing in our faith. I’m often reminded that the more I know – the less I really know. God’s ways are so much higher than ours. Most of the time we try to bring Him down to our level of understanding in an effort of trying to comprehending this infinite God that we serve. Maybe John truly understood that unless we become like little children, we can’t enter the kingdom of God. One thing about children, they are not afraid to learn from others, young or old. John was definitely unique, especially considering the fact that he grew up in a movement that was not exactly passionate about Jesus. The hunger to know a passionate God was probably what drew him to you.

    • Hi Paul. Thanks for the excellent comments. Yes, indeed, John had a childlike quality, even when he was in his 80s. And you’re right that this was pretty amazing for someone from a Plymouth Brethren background.

      You are one of my heroes too, Paul, always hungering for more of the Lord. I want that quality to rub off on me more!

      Jim

  91. LOL – I wanted to comment on your article, and what do I see? My dear husband got to you first, and all I can do is say, “AMEN!” Good reminder, Jim – especially as we all approach John’s age…
    Blessings,
    Myrna

  92. Jim,
    This in indeed a very profound, but easy to grasp, article. What a wonderful writer and critical thinker you are! I’m glad that I had the opportunity to work with you for over five years.
    Blessings Galore,

  93. Great insight Jim, just had a similar conversation this past week. I would like to add that at times that blessing can seem like a HUGE burden but as we press in to hear the Lord’s voice He will once again lighten the load. When we walk in what He has called us to do the load lightens and the joy returns and the road becomes easy, it is only as we struggle the weight seems unbearable.
    David Crowder says it well….
    He is jealous for me
    Love’s like a hurricane, and I am a tree
    Bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy
    When all of a sudden,
    I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory
    And I realize just how beautiful you are and how great your affections are for me.

  94. Jim,

    What a great thought! I always appreciate how He photo bombed my life by giving you to me as a friend. I miss your fellowship. Let’s catch up soon and share what is going on in each other’s lives.

    One in His Purpose,

    Don

  95. Amen! A long time ago… In the days of cassettes, for sure, but not the day of 8-tracks – The Lord told me something similar. He said to teach in the fruit and not the flower. When we first learn something, it’s like a bright, showy and fragrant bust of color on our landscape – but short-lived. Soon, the petals fall off and a little, hard nub is left – but that’s the fruit. After it gets the sunlight and rain and ripens, it becomes something nourishing and is ready to share.

  96. Yes, Jim! We as Christ followers have a tendency to become self righteous over time when we forget that we were saved by GOD’s righteousness and not our own. I read Micah today when GOD instructs us to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly before Him. Let us never forget what sin and destruction He saved us from. LORD, let us never forget how amazing Your grace is. Let us be conduits of Your grace for those around us. Help us to be only opportunistic in seeking those lost sheep in order to love them and lead them to You. Jim, Maggie and I appreciate your devotion to the KING!

  97. Very thought provoking. I think there is much too much emphasis on preaching and much too little emphasis on making disciples these days. So … whether the church is growing or not, or whether the preacher gets credit or not, people are transformed in a relationship with Jesus which means being in relationship with other Christians, intimate relationships – which has nothing to do with the preaching although we know how important that is (but not fancy since preachers might think it is them doing the changing rather than the holy spirit – I believe Paul spoke about this himself). Today’s church is doing a fine job at preaching but needs some work with the discipleship component if they want lives to truly be transformed. My thoughts anyway! -Tom

    • Excellent comments, Tom. The goal of a church is not to make good audience members (for the preaching and the music) but to make disciples and Christian leaders to impact the world for Jesus. Sadly, I think we are generally doing a very poor job of that–missing out on the most important mission of all. Thanks for setting such a great example for the rest of us over the years.

  98. Well written, Jim. Oh that the faithful man wwas properly valued in society as well as with our Lord and with His discerning disciples.

    I miss catching up with you. Maybe when I get back fromVegas we can catch up. Donald turned 25 this week and Jona and I had our 29th anniversary.

    Keep ministering to us!

    Don

  99. Excellent point Jim. How is it that spiritual loss is not an even greater priority than physical loss when the former is eternal? Thanks for the reminder!

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  102. AMEN, if GOD isn’t moving us, we would do better to be still. For those of us who hear rather readily, this is especially good advice! We surely don’t need to be making up stuff… Good article!
    Pro 17:28 Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.

  103. Amen! This is my husband, Paul’s life verse. We have a LARGE wooden wall hanging of this verse dominating our livingroom. God had to tell us 74 times, but we still need to keep it before us – to remind us to DO it! Thanks for the reminder… 🙂

  104. So true!!!! The same is true of prayer. It can be done anywhere, at anytime, under any circumstances. God doesn’t want us to make a time for Him. He wants us to give every second to Him, knowing He is present in whatever else we are doing. So…Sunday best or sweat socks… Unto HIM!!! 🙂

  105. As always – SUPER JOB, Jim. Of course, you are preaching to the choir, when it comes to Paul and I and prayer meetings – but you surely do a good job of it! Couldn’t say it better ourselves… 😉

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  107. Oh how important it is that we don’t seek the approval of man but rather to be His man/woman at all times. How wonderful that Andre and other effective worshipers understood that it is in Him that we live and move and have our being! Great reminder and refocusing, Jim.

  108. The Wisdom & Love of God should be our daily demand from God’s Throne. We are sometimes Vulnerable to the demand of our Basic needs and the desires to do the spectacular for God. Which subtly lead us in an endless pursuit of Shadows. May the Grace of God keep us from Falling. And may God’s word be our Guidelines in our Choices. Selah

  109. Good word, Brother!!!! There’s something about a transition that makes ya feel alive…on edge, but alive, nonetheless 🙂 Being able to rest IN it is such a challenge but sure lessens the bruises of bouncing around. Blessings….

  110. The cross, always the cross! Oh, how we need to remember that there is no way to joy for a believer but through the blood and it is found at the foot of the cross! Thank you, a Jim.

  111. SOOOOOOOOO true…I am constantly aware of the words “process and advancement” and “balance and peace”. At least I am aware of the words, since I am constantly fumbling their realities!!! And then I think of riding a bike…at a standstill …it will fall. Absolute balance means constant advancing with lots of little readjustments that create balance and a smooth ride. So…on we go . 🙂

  112. I’m in awe of your insight in the freshness of loss! I wish I’d had such wisdom a few years ago. But, thanks be to God, because of the last few years, I can confirm that your words ARE true!!

  113. Sometimes it takes years, but, our amazing God will do it – because of His unfailing love – in spite of our failings. “Lord, I’m amazed by You!”

  114. Well put, Jim. We are constantly being molded into men and women who prefer the direction of our Master over that of our instincts. It is purposeful, well-conceived, and always right. He will lead us to where,for His glory, we will bloom more fully and beautifully than we ever could have had we not trusted His timing and plan.

  115. That line from Misty Edwards’ song is one of my favorites and is such an interrupter to our current worship theology. But I had never consideredthe thought of leaving space for God to sing back to – and over – us [corporately] or me [privately]. What a heart-stirring and almost too-intimate thought. And I also never realized that this is exactly what was going on in some of David’s worship songs, which gives reading the Psalms a fresh perspective. But as I think of it, there are some worship leaders who do leave space in corporate settings for God to croon His love songs over us. Jonathon and Melissa Helser come to mind. Thanks so much, Jim, for this thought-provoking mind bender and challenging us to break out of our religious routines. Let me know when and where you’ll be leading worship next time….

  116. Good Morning
    When I was read to read the tweet that you had posted on your page there was something I had asked God..
    I was so depressed as I had undergone what was supposed to be a hip revision surgery but doctors had done the Girdlestone spacer surgery.
    This meant that all previous prosthetics were removed with no socket on the one hip.The is done when all else fails as the area around the pelvic bone are either soft or damaged .
    As I had started physical therapy after 23days post op as I had to be in traction for 21 days., as one leg is shorter than the other.
    I knew what to expect but was still somehow disappointed as I took my first steps toward my thousand steps recovery.
    Teary eyed I asked “why God “and was so depressed when I was led to you particular tweet. Deprested and asking God for guidance were you the person on the other side of the globe whom I’ve never met that he had sent this message of hope to me through.
    I know that there are no coincidence s in life but there is a connection in each and every one on earth .
    As I know and trust our Father to do what’s best and as I know my waiting time isn’t wasted time. My breakthrough where my leg which is shortened will be over and beyond my expectations. A confirmation I also received a while ago.
    My belief and faith in God is will see me through this and refuse to believe otherwise.My belief is that if he can do it for the people in the bible I’m no different from them.
    After all He is the God that heals thee.
    Have a Blessed day

    • Margaret, your comments were a great encouragement to me. God is not sitting idly on the sidelines of our lives, but the Bible says He is intimately acquainted with all of our ways. I pray you will strengthened during your recovery period. My God grant you great peace all along the way. Jim

  117. Hooray for some common sense Jim. We are living in a world of people who cannot seem to get their heads around the truth that discrimination is what normal human beings do every day…’What time do I get up? What do I eat? Shall I go to work today or not?….’ Generally speaking, it may be because many have lost their ability , especially moral compass to discriminate on weightier matters, that they are finding themselves paranoid on losing ‘Rights’ that they may not really have, because other people have ‘Rights’ too, that ‘others’ may or may not have considered.

    • So true, Syd. I wanted to mention that we don’t even allow discrimination (screening) by TSA agents at the airports. Grandmas and little children are subjected to the same scrutiny as people who are much more likely to hate America.

  118. Jim has a priceless gift. He is able to take what many faithful Christians believe in our hearts and put it into language that anyone can understand.
    In the book of Revelation, Jesus categorizes 3 types of individuals at the end of time – the hot, the cold, the lukewarm.
    He urged us to be HOT in our faith and regard for His Word.
    He urged us, if we’re not HOT, to at least be COLD. This refers to the most wicked, “coldhearted” among us. This is because a COLD person will sometimes recognize the contrast between his coldness of his life and the warmth in the life of one who is HOT. That can bring an amazing turnaround, as it did when Saul of Tarsus, the worst persecutor of teh church, realized his evil and became the most prolific writer in the New Testament!
    The most dangerous state of all, declared Jesus, was being LUKEWARM. These see no distinction (discrimination) between wicked and good, truth and lies. Jesus basically declared this was a state of hopelessness. Neither side wants you! You’re neither COLD nor HOT. They cast you aside as worthless and even God Himself spits you out of His mouth.
    In other words, God definitely DOES DISCRIMINATE in the way Jim describes! And, you want to be on His side, you sure better be doing it as well!

  119. Jim,
    Well put. It seems the issue here is Religion as apposed to Relationship.
    The problem is that the fever pitch of the offended, will not allow the discussion. This is what leads to bad law.

    • It’s pretty cool that the next time I see you guys will be Easter…or Christmas…or Thanksgiving–or whatever holiday we want it to be! The celebration never ends.

  120. Excellent post, Jim! The Bible truly mirrors our current situations, if people were only smart enough to realize that history does indeed repeat itself, and pay heed. Instead, we have a liar at the top of our nation who, with his pathetic lying liberal minions, is dragging our country down to depths from which I fear we will never recover. I often get so discouraged, and I can only hope and pray that the Lord returns SOON!

  121. Very astute and timely message. You can’t help wonder if our leaders are operating on greed or if they are truly deceived – maybe both.

    It can be depressing if our hope is in man, but the good news is we serve a God who is able to do above and beyond all we can ask or think. God rescued Israel time and time again – He has rescued this nation time and time again. Consider for example, the First and Second Great Awakening. He will do it again if we pray. That’s the question, will we pray and believe God for the next Great Awakening? 2 Chronicles 7:14

  122. Jim,

    His strong arm upholds us and it is in his arms that we can surrender our bent to lead and follow as he leads with grace and confidence. I know I could dance if I was willing to consistently give Him the lead.

    My wife and I don’t dance particularly well because she always tries to lead. Frankly, as bad as I dance, it probably would work better if I would let her. But He does lead and he makes us all able to dance when we relax and flow with Him in harmony with His movement. It is a very inspiring thought!

    Thanks for the reminder!

    Don

  123. I just like the verse in Psalm 103:5? Which says “He fills your mouth with good things so that your Youth is renewed like the eagle.!!!

  124. We were just with a group the other day, by chance. We looked around and realized we were all overcomes…and, not very popular ones, may I add…BUT, nevertheless, OVERCOMERS!! Thank you for this timely word!!!! May you continue to overcome, by His grace and power.

  125. Thank you very match. I do always enjoyed your wonderful revelations. The book you sent to me has also been a great blessing to me. I hope you remember me. Rev. Nelson Kwame Duvor. From Ghana

  126. Hi Jim,

    This is a great timely Word and reminder for both of us right now. Thanks for sharing it!

    Blessings Galore,

    Valerie

  127. Alright Jim, I want to know one thing: What happened to the girl who listened to your life story and made that comment?

  128. Jim, thank you for your continued encouragement even in the midst of your trials!! I felt the Holy Spirit speaking to me while reading this!!!

  129. Thanks Jim for the gentle breeze of encouragement. Stirred me to break open the book of Ruth again. Meditating on the roots and new adventure thoughts. Sure needed to hear that.

  130. Jim, thanks for sharing. I have thought
    about loss and have tried to relate it typical investment. When we put money into an investment , we expect a positive return. We need to consider a loss as an investment. For example, the loss of a son or daughter is a huge investment. Shouldn’t we as Christians expect , in honor of the son or daughter, a huge return on that imvestment. Consider the mother who lost her daughter because of a drunk driver. Because of that loss(investment), MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers was created. The bigger the loss, the greater our expectations should be, or the greater the honor is for the lossed son or daughter.

  131. As humans we struggle with loss and feel confused, lost, anxious, etc. While it’s difficult to be still and be in God’s presence we need to know God’s word’s so His word can bring us comfort. Thank you for reminding me of this story.

  132. Jim your blog posts are SO good. I’ve really been blessed by the last several. Thanks for sharing your insight!

    • Great to hear from you, Julie! Glad you can relate to my posts. I wish I didn’t have to go through any trials to prepare me to write such things, but unfortunately that’s part of the process!

  133. Ohhhhhh so good!!!!!! It’s so easy to focus on our circumstances, both “good” and “bad”, hard and easy, sunny and stormy. It’s so often the yucky times that draw us into a deep part of God’s heart that we’ve not known before. Of course it’s easier to look back and rejoice. But I’m realizing that we can rejoice even when our emotions don’t feel rejoicy. It’s legitimate praise. Thanks, Jim!!!!

  134. Well done, Jim. Very appropriate for the season we are in as a nation and where I am personally. I appreciate the whole idea of remembering the need to keep the oil on hand and not just to run out and get some when the thought crosses our mind. Habitually checking the important things that anchor us to who we are called to be.

  135. Thanks Jim. Once again a wonderfully practical application of the timeless Word. I too watched a car “blow up” because it had run out of oil. Thank you for your faithfullness and inspiration as you continue to deliver the goods. Hope this finds you well and healthy.

  136. Excellent thought, Jim. I have difficulty transitioning in my own life because my tendency is to want to keep my foot in the door of the old so it won’t fully close behind me. With the door behind closed, or the ships burned, as I heard in another such analogy, the only way to go is forward.

    This present season of difficulty in my life has forced me to look anew at where I am going. No foot in the old door, but boldly entering into the life that God is opening before me. Shoot, I think I’ll get half way across the room and toward my goal before I ever hear the door close behind me when I decide to enter the path opened before me with anticipation and hope. There is nothing quite like the anticipation of something special waiting for you! It quickens the step!

  137. God always seems to take Jim’s thoughts to a level deeper than anyone else I know. Whenever I read one of his blog’s I already know that, no matter the topic, he will offer some degree of insight at least one step beyond what I’ve ever considered about it.
    I can say the same thing about many other wellknown Bible teachers. Though they may offer a certain degree of revelation on a spiritual matter – whether its Charles Stanley, A.C. Sproles, Stephen Furtick, A.W. Tozer, Oswald Chambers, Joseph Prince – or any of the other teachers, past or present, that have gained large numbers of followers – Jim is the only teacher I know who ALWAYS opens my eyes a little wider to what God wants people to know. I read his posts, not to see what Jim wants to say, but to hear what God wants to say. And he always conveys it in a spirit of kindness and humility – another way I know its from Jesus.

  138. Excellent message. Thank you, Jim. God sees the whole picture but we only see in part, from our own limited perspective. His timing is perfect so we just need to trust Him as we wait.

  139. Great post, as always. Resisting the temptation to take matters into our own hands is very hard. Thanks for the motivation to keep going

  140. I remember hearing so many Preachers and worship leaders say things like,”I feel the Holy Spirit with us today!” What if I have a cold and don’t feel good? Is the Holy Spirit gone from me?

    THANKS, Jim, for another well done article. I’ll send you a small paper I am writing to see what you think.

    • Thanks for your encouraging words, Gary. Today I unexpectedly had to pay over $700 to get my car repaired. I definitely wasn’t feeling God’s love and favor based on my circumstances. Thankfully, He can show us His love even amid very disconcerting circumstances.

  141. God really is an amazing Father, let’s us see Him through messages, people that he sends into our lives, and also knowing what His timing means , Its 2 am in South Africa and as I just finished r praying and was led to this blog. See what I mean. I know that sometimes when we think He is hiding His face we can rest in His unchanging grace,
    I know that my breakthrough which is within reach will be over and beyond my expectations, so friends if you reading this comment be assured in His promise, delays are not denials and waiting time isn’t wasted time. God bless

  142. Once again, great insight on an ordinary, relatable item that will be on our “home” fix it list at some time in our lives. Thanks for the scriptural reference as they always anchor your message. Most appreciated. This does beg the question, “what is enough water pressure?” I am sure I will find the answer in the Word, and the answer, I suspect, will be between He and thee. Thanks again Jim for making a difference.

  143. This is like a movie where the guy slides out of sight and you’re never sure what happened. Did he make it? Suddenly the credits come up and your left frustrated looking for the answer and some kiind of closure….

    A mystery sounds like a cop out. But then again, “… eye hath not seen, nor ear heard ,….” But one day face to face it will all be revealed.

    Sometimes that is the only answe we have.

  144. Yes, there are SO many things I look forward to finding answers about in heaven!

    And for the record, women don’t always understand themselves, either, so don’t feel bad! LOL!

  145. After our conversation last week, I shared the “all in” poker analogy with a few folks and have thought often about the implications and challenges. Abandon is a scary, most unsafe place. It is also exhilarating, emboldening, and joy-filled. I’m all in.

  146. GREAT post! A lot to consider. However…did you have to use HIS photo at the top? I know it was part of the point, but it almost caused me to lose my breakfast before reading the post! LOL!

    • You have been one of my inspirations, Charles. I was always amazed at your ability to take timely, seemingly complex, issues and provide clear Biblical perspective. Thanks for the great impact you’ve had on my life as a writer and speaker.

  147. Instant gratification or prayer for God’s perfect timing and plan. My way always falls short of His perfect way. This blog spoke to me. Thanks Jim ft for the reminder.

  148. Loved it! Yes I put myself out there and it’s crazy. I haven’t seen one truly worthwhile prospect yet and I’ve been in it a year. I decided when I get home from my trip to go back to trusting God. LOL.

    • In other words I’m crashing my online entries. Yuck! By the way where did that old pic of me come from that showed up when I typed on here?! Glad I don’t look like that anymore!

    • Great insights, Joni. I can relate. Yes, indeed, I guess we need to go back to trusting God… I think you will also enjoy the blog I’m posting in a few minutes about God’s Dead Ends.

  149. Excellent !! I confess I’ve not kept totally up to date on your blogs . Gonna have to go back and catch the ones I never got to reading. This one is a definite sharer. We are so quick to search for formulas that we can store and go back to , and trust. Even the Holy Spirit gets referred to as an ” it”. I pray we be open to His coming and going , His empowering and dismissing, His direction even when it seems to us to lead toward bumpy little dusty trails. . It’s all about trusting that the Lord knows so much more than we and ….throat clear….it’s not all about US. It’s about Him and His ” all things” that supersede ours. It’s pretty obvious that we are rapidly walking into times of confusion with evil being called good and vice versa. We NEED to be led by the Holy Spirit!!!

  150. Thanks for this article. I thought I was going crazy. I’ve been trying to find articles of this sort. Too many writers, pastors, etc. are joining the Great Commission and the Great Commandment together and they are two different directives from Jesus. I’m preaching on the Church this week and our mission to the world and to the local body. I’ve stated that we need to be Externally Minded {The Great Commandment} as well as Internally minded {The Great Commission]. The early church as you mentioned did do both and the outcome was souls being added to the Kingdom of God and the local church daily. If we can operate in this capacity we’ll see the same results. God wants balanced churches and balanced churches will grow. Thanks for the discernment and for posting this great article.

    • Hi Bill. Thanks for your thoughtful comments. I see God giving you laser-like vision to accomplish His purposes. Let me know if there is ever any way I can be of assistance. — Jim

  151. I’ve found that a to do list/goal list is essential to get things done that need done, walk in our calling, and is Biblical. “Write the vision and make it plain so you may run (in it) who reads it” (Hab. 2:2-4) Even Donald Trump says “the difference between someone who writes their goals and one who doesn’t is that the one who writes them will achieve them; the one who does not will not.”

  152. As I get ready to hit a milestone myself, those are great words to keep in mind. In fact, I think I’ll post those five items on my refrigerator, so that I see them each day and can hopefully keep them as part of my daily action items. Thanks so much! I always appreciate your down-to-earth insight!

  153. I don’t think you are being harsh at all! That post was excellent for anyone at any level of “ordinary-ness” or “extraordinary-ness.” Often I think of extraordinary thing as BIG things . But you reminded me that even small things can be extraordinary. You’ve given me a different lens through which to view how I live. Thank you!

  154. Amen. No expectations, no disappointments on earth. I try to please my heavenly Father in all thing’s. Doesn’t mean that sometimes I am not affected by specific event’s. I am able to forgive and love, but only through the grace of God. Good deeds are always noticed by God.

    • I’m grateful for the comments, Maureen and Joni! An old friend from Ohio, Luke Mayercin, wrote on Facebook that he had a theory on why Lillian and Ruth had forgotten me: My singing was so bad that they had intentionally blocked the experience out of their mind! Hmmm… Luke might be on to something there.

  155. Phenomenal Jim. Thank you for gracefully packaging this scenario as it parallels my recent “deflation experience” . I appreciate you and all you do. God bless you Jim. Happy Thanksgiving!!

  156. There’s no other way to see it. He gives and takes away. I don’t care if He takes away anything material, but he takes life. He gives life….takes life. That’s the ultimate in “Indian giving.” A GIFT is exactly that — when a GIFT is given to somebody, the recipient is the new OWNER of the GIFT. GIFTING includes a transfer of OWNERSHIP. I GAVE my wife a $9K++ engagement ring before we got married. It’s hers now. I can’t take it back. That wouldn’t be right — it would, in fact, be stealing. She could give it back to me of her own volition, but I would be a thief to take it back against her will. My father was taken from me via one of the most insidious of diseases — leukemia — at a young age when I was 20 and in college. He was taken away from me, my mother, my siblings, his brother, his in-laws, his friends, his co-workers, his employer, his church, his country, etc…

    My main avocation is playing the guitar, and have played Matt Redmond’s “Blessed be Thy Name” I don’t know how many times. It is a very simple song musically, but the line in the bridge, “You give and take away…” has always bothered me. It made me think of my mom, who finally was taken from us in 2007. I knew it was coming, and was able to accept it then. The whole system on this earth has since come to make zero sense. I see my dad — the BEST MAN I have EVER known — taken from this world for no reason, and people like Hugh Hefner who have contributed greatly to the destruction of morality in the world pushing 90 years old. I never knew my dad to lie, cheat, steal, hate, curse, take God’s name in vain, raise his voice, glorify violence, etc… This kind of injustice seems to be everywhere. One of my best professors in grad school was killed by a driver who fell asleep and crossed into her lane; she was only in her late 20s/early 30s. She was an outstanding professor, and had started a charitable organization to help girls get interested in engineering. She was doing many good things in this world. I don’t see how God can marvel at the state of the world (“…when the Son of Man returns will He find faith on earth?” for example) when He takes the good out and leaves the scumbags to prosper. The filth purveyed by the entertainment industry (movies, popular bands like AC/DC, television, pornography, etc…) seems to flow unimpeded. In my younger days, pornography was well hidden — now it’s practically unavoidable, especially to young people. This culture flat out stinks, and I blame it on the fact that good people are taken out, or terribly impeded by lack of resources, etc…, and evil is given Carte Blanche with more than enough resources — financial and otherwise — that it needs to purvey its filth. I’ve started a number of “good” endeavors, only to get screwed every time. An unmistakable pattern has emerged, and it ain’t pretty.

  157. There are just SO many Christian speakers, writers, psychologists who love having a platform to share their views on life and faith. Very little of it is original. Usually, they just keep rehashing each other.

    Jim Buchan is in such a totally different league.
    Time and again, his words echo through your mind as if God Himself is sharing them. And, in fact, He is.

  158. I’m not a big sports fan, but f I’m not mistaken… the game is either won or lost in the fourth quarter! I’m with you, Jim. I’m playing until I hear the final buzzer – and ramping up my offense, if I’m behind at the 2-min warning!

    Psa 150:6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!

  159. Affirmation from here that you are so right to be on the offence the last one quarter or one third of your life. We waste so much time lamenting the passage of the “best” or the most “productive” time we have had. You have great times coming up!

  160. Jim, great insights. As you know, this is my favorite topic. I would say that the greatest need is Ephesians 4:11 about equipping people to live in love and truth. We know from voluminous research studies that breakups occur in homes and churches because we can’t get along with others who are different from us. As a result, we het frustrated, angry and surly. Surly anger with personal attacks lead to deep wounds and fight with flight. Without healing, equipping and the fruit of love we follow Cain and rhetorically kill our loved ones.

  161. Thanks Jim,
    Great message Jim.
    Just as spend quality Time with Jesus every day, we need to be unselfish and spend that QT time with our loved ones.

  162. Another good message Jim. It’s true we all have a lot of baggage when we come to the altar. And as you mentioned, all of those flaws are covered up on the wedding day. I was just reminded of that this past Friday, January 1, 2016, while performing a wedding for two broken people. In the natural, I’m not sure if they will make it…but in Jesus, I know they will. My wife and I will celebrate our 45th anniversary this coming March and the statistics said it would never work. Jesus gave us a clue to marriage and life in John 12:24. “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone…” God grace can only get through when we truly surrender and die to self.

  163. Jim,
    First time I have read your blog. Very good insight on relationships!
    With this brand new year that has been given to us; my hope is for our personal broken relationships will be restored…..according to His good purposes!

    One thing I know …… He desires this for His children. John 17
    Thank you!
    Joy and peace

  164. Thanks Jim,
    From time to time I have to evaluate balance in my life so that I can rember and spend my time doing what is really important.

  165. Well said, Jim. What Dr. King knew and communicated so effectively was that only the love of God could uproot bigotry and hatred. Unfortunately, since King’s assassination too many people are seeking to conquer sin through the power of the state. We are at or very near the limit of what law can do.

  166. Just catching up on a few of your blogs. This one surely hit the mark! I am one who is a connector. I always find a way to find something that unites. That is a wonderful gift but also a great danger in my life. Seldom is my yes an unwavering yes and my no a solid no. Perhaps each scenario is not black and white, but some are. And in those arenasI am praying to be able to stand alone inside my spot, being within Him , without needing to allow others’ toes to smudge the boundaries. Tis a great challenge within which I need not adjust the borders of righteousness , gentleness and Truth. It is in Him that I live and move and have my being. Blessings!!!

  167. Great message to take a clear minded approach of cleansing unnecessary activities, people, expectations in our life. Great challenge of liberation of being set free.

  168. Life gets more mysterious all the time. Even the scientist who think they can discover the God particle discovered more mystery when they looked.

    After 54 years of marriage, more mystery.

  169. Thank you for these needed, encouraging words. Glad to know that I am not alone in this weariness. Thank you for the reminder of God’s words.

  170. Jim, great encouragement for a Monday morning. One or all of the reasons you gave can assist any of us out of our “stickiness”. Thanks.

  171. Word Jim!!!
    I’ve known Jim Buchan for over 30 years….a solid lover of God…and a solid lover of people! His words come from his heart and the heart of JESUS.
    Thanks for your words of encouragement and truth!!

  172. Thank you SO much for this, Jim. I cannot tell you how badly I needed this reminder, and how timely your message from the Lord really is!

  173. Thanks Jim for your wonderful insight on this matter and for giving us God’s Words to help us through times of hurt. You are a blessing and an encouragement.

  174. Well said, Jim! We must push beyond our fears to actually be fruitful. Stick our necks out a little to make a little more progress than before. Thanks for the reminder.

  175. For years, many Christians have focused in bashing Disney over the use of magic, witchcraft, and wizardry.
    Finally someone addresses the real and deeper issue – WHY are people drawn to Disney fairy tales?
    This message hits home by acknowledging that, as spiritual beings, we desperately require a spiritual awareness in life. Christians who understand this and keep it as core to their faith – miracles, the supernatural, – have the real meaning of the coming of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom. It is NOT of this world!

  176. Jim, cousin David here. The irony of my current spot deserves a comment. I am here at Disney watching son Jack play college tennis. So arriving yesterday I saw a huge welcome sign to the Park. “Welcome to Disney, where Dreams come true”. I couldn’t help but wonder how many folks come here, are amazed, only to return home exhausted, quickly returning to business as usual. My relationship with Jesus, available to all, is today tomorrow and forever! So I come back after this pondering and 8 hours of tennis and see your blog!!!! I could just smile…. Thanks Jim for your thoughtfulness. d.

  177. Terrific post but I was wondering if you could write a
    litte more on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could
    elaborate a little bit further. Many thanks!

  178. But, Jim, you could have pushed the weeds down a little farther! Ha!

    Great article. I did a similar but worse thing. I cut the dandelions down after they bloomed. Guess what, those nice flowers are seeds. So, my problems grew.

    Out of the roots come the fruits.

  179. Thanks Jim,
    You are so correct:
    reminds me of 2 Chronicles 7:14
    If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

  180. Thanks Jim. More than a good word.

    I am thankful for President Lincoln’s prayers. We all know that even those prayers have blessed us in our lives.

    Unfortunately, today, I think that if the President was to ask the nation to pray, there would be such division, complaining, etc. It would be good to pray as a nation again.

    Thanks again Jim. Always good stuff,

    Bernard

  181. Great word, Jim. Thanks for the reminder that we have been in worse places as a country and where we need to look for our way forward.

  182. Jim – don’t know if you remember the revival we had in our school in Ohio…but it’s awesome to see kids be kids in the Spirit. Recently, however, we have even seen very serious seniors become kids in the Spirit, because we have become friends with Barbie and Rush Hunt, regional directors of International Association of Healing Rooms, International. On Tuesdays, the KIDS (ages 5-11) are the ones who pray for the sick. If you want to get in touch with your inner child, pay us a visit and we’ll take you there! 🙂

    http://www.mainstreetprayer.org/children

    • Thanks for the note, Myrna. I would love to see or talk with you and Paul sometime. I also need to get a copy of Paul’s revival book sometime. I completed a similar book recently on how to pray for your nation, but I’m sure mine isn’t nearly as good.

  183. Jim,
    I have so enjoyed reading your blog … it so fits my thoughts as a 70-something … not that you want to be communicating merely with 70-somethings. But, all your articles fit me to a tee … and they are helping me to a new awakening. Between you and my re-reading of the Book of Acts I am getting stirred up … what fun … the little children are awake … 😐

  184. Thanks, Jim! I certainly needed to be reminded of this. When I really look at my day-to-day life, I’m amazed at how much of it is spent (either in thought or in action), trying to please many, many people.

  185. Yikes, so true. A very dear friend humbled me at one time reminding me that pleasing my heavenly Father is the most important person to please (by actions and in word’s).

  186. I’ve wished I could be better at goal setting Jim. I have a daughter who was very driven. She has succeeded in climbing some significant ladders in her young 30 years. However, I believe she would agree, there was not always balance which left some regrets. I think balance and season’s are likely big players in goal setting successfully. Being highly relationally motivated rather than goal motivated has some issues on the other side of the coin. Whichever side one is on- your insight is excellent in it’s approach and is sound wisdom for all.

  187. Great blog piece! I especially appreciated #4, the faithful/successful part. True! Do you know that it took me 8 yrs. to write my book, Harvest Fields? I thought I’d never get there.

    I identified with # 5 also. Something that helps bring me balance is remembering that His yoke is easy and burden is light. When life feels crazy, it’s time to slow down!

    Thanks, Jim.
    Warmly, Judy

  188. Jim,

    I seem to remember a passage where Jesus attacks goal setting. A farmer said, “My barns are too little to hold my crops. Tomorrow I will build a bigger barn”. Jesus said, “That is foolish”! You will not live to enjoy it!”

    I do not know Brother Noble, but my Counseling practice is full of these kinds of Pastors. My Psych Hospital had many ministers like him. Driven, anxious, filled with false guilt and shame. All had a god that had no mercy, no affirmations, and endless demands.

    I tell them, “If I had a god like that I too would find some dope or sex or food to fill the gap of perfection”. My God is way bigger than 100,000 members. But it is up to Him where they attend or even attend anywhere. People that attend those churches are worse off than staying at home and praying.

    The “Name it and Claim it” teaching is evil!

    Have Perry to call me. I can offer him a real God.

    • You’ve seen it all, Gary. When the curtain is pulled back, we all tend to look like the Wizard of Oz, trying to keep control with our light and sound show. May God help us to find His rest and peace, abiding in Him instead of striving and conniving.

  189. Years ago I was confessing similar issues to a mentor. When I stopped be summarized my tale of woes and said somethi v like, yes, but you are a lot worse than that. But Jesus saved you anyway.

    I still covet a lot of things. Like you it isn’t Lemmon. It is to be admired and honored. I still need Jesus as .much now as I did before I was reborn.

    Blessings brother.

  190. Great insights, Gary. I’m glad you mentioned the word “coveting,” because that’s really what it is. Coveting is right there in the 10 Commandments (Exodus 20), and Paul said it was the hardest thing for him to deal with (Romans 7). Someday in heaven, I would love to ask Paul for more details on the types of things he was coveting!

  191. WOW!! How insidious and crafty our enemy is!! Thank you for revealing it!!
    You just confessed and affirmed for the rest of us that we’re all, in some way, “just like the rest of us”! How very precious of our Jesus that He did all the suffering so we can just lie back in His arms and say, “Help!” We just plain need Him, don’t we? Self-will to overcome just does not get it! Hard for us independent, “self-sufficient”, determined people to grasp 😉 Thanks for your honesty.

  192. Great revelation on how to trust God through the ever changing seasons of our lives. The only constant we can rely on is our faith in the One that is orchestrating these events for our good and His glory.

  193. Hello again. Enjoying your blog. What comes to mind when I read this brief article is the commendation the Lord gives to the faithful servants in the parable of the talents. In Matt. 25:21 &23 He states, “Well done thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things…. The challenge for us is to determine how to maximize the return of what God has invested in us. This gives Him pleasure.

  194. Men and their remote controls….
    (Sorry – couldn’t help myself on that one. It was too easy.)

    In all seriousness, I have control issues as well. I find myself often frustrated by things that go awry, either in my personal life or at work. Unfortunately patience is not one of my strengths. So patiently waiting on God’s answer/action/etc., is also not a strength. It is definitely something I need to be reminded of daily.

    Thank you!

  195. Thanks Jim, I find it very hard to control anything, only what goes into my mouth and comes out of my mouth, at times both can be a real problem for me, I guess it’s pretty hard to be in control of anything.

  196. Great insights on how to manage the challenges of life …. especially to those of us who are aging gracefully. Thanks for reminding us that periodically we need to reconsider our motives, realign our priorities and learn to rest in Him. That’s real joy! Trying to get there…..

  197. Love this blog post, @JimBuchanTweet. If we can’t BE STILL, we can’t know that HE IS GOD! We must control the speed or else the speed will control us. Let’s be thermostats instead of thermometers and take control of of our environments!

  198. Is. 30:15 is one of my favorite verses. It goes along with Ps. 46:-10. I see the more I learn to allow “resting” in Him to “reign” in my life, the less anxiety, frustration, and thoughts of giving up I have. In return comes the strength and joy to be “content” rather than striving. I do think it takes practice and the reminders are always refreshing. Thanks Jim! I pray you are able to “press into” His “rest”. I also find it to be a “weapon of warfare” that has great benefit. Allowing Him to be God in the midst of our stillness.

  199. The title of this blog REALLY appealed to me and I had to drop everything immediately and read it. (Remind me to tell you my amazing history with Whac-A-Mole.) You nailed it for me with this post. (You always do!) My life feels out of control on almost a daily basis. And I’m honestly not quite sure how to slow it down, truthfully. I really do need to be more discerning as I “pick and choose” my pitches. Thank you for the reminder!

  200. Yes, most heresies contain just enough of the truth (out of context) to convince those who are unskilled in the Scriptures that they are valid. The problem with the rich young ruler was the fact that his money was his God. Even though he was morally upright (obeyed the commandments dealing with relationships to others), he nonetheless was out of covenant with God. Great insights Jim. Thank you for your knowledge and expertise in delivering your case for the Truth.

  201. Wow! Exceptional. What a great story teller you are Jim. I love how you broke this down and made it so practical and applicable to everyday life! Blessings~

  202. Love this, Jim. The revelation you received, the reality in what you saw in yourself, and your repentance is beautiful and redeeming. The Father’s unconditional love will set you and all of us free from Older Beother Syndrome. 🙂

  203. Interesting article Jim. I woke up thinking about blatant selfishness I experienced from two women this weekend. Then I remembered an African proverb shared by Walter Trobisch, one of my favorite little known Christian authors. It says, “Man is hurtin’ but woman don’t know it.” Known for his uncommon honesty and non-preachiness, Trobisch also said after 40 years of marriage he finally felt ready to be a husband. He also observed that marriage starts our 90% hell and 10% heaven then if you stay married long enough it turns into 10% hell and 90% heaven. OF course he would have agreed that both parties need to self-mortify if that’s to happen. And there’s the rub. A friend of mine takes in foreign students for a year in the US, all girls ‘cuz he has daughters. Girls from Asia, Latin countries and all over Europe are amazed by my friend simply because he often does the dishes and vacuums. In their countries men would never do that. They tell him American women don’t respect their men. And they are right. Adam abdicated his responsibility to restore Eve. So do most men. We allow ourselves to be controlled by women because it’s easier than the guff we take if we dare to lead. Then we wonder why they hate us. Real women crave strong yet gentle leadership. Real churches help younger men and women learn how to be husbands and wives. False churches capitulate to cultural norms and refuse to rock the gender boat. Then they act surprised when marriages fail and often shun pastors who get divorced. Relationships are complicated, but without a biblical model for roles they are doomed to failure, or worse, silent sufffering. Too many churches are afraid to have this discussion, so we wear a happy face and act like everything’s fine. For my part, I’m searching for a Christian women from another culture who hasn’t been in the US for too long. I’ll let you know how that turns out.

  204. I love this! Thank you for sharing these words. My prayer is that our nation sets their eyes on our Lord and seeks His forgiveness.

  205. Our faith should be on God. Man is not our Saviour. Jim, your words are another remider where we need to focus our attention. God also uses you as an encourager. Thank you!

  206. This is so good. Thank you for bringing depth into this equation. We need this truth now, perhaps more than ever before. Bless you Jim.

  207. Beautifully written and a good reminder. We all fall short of the glory of God, and forgiveness is very difficult at times. But what We are called to do is to forgive as HE forgiveness us. And I for one am so thankful for that forgiveness.😊

  208. Well done, Jim. It is so telling that God hears the petitions of the contrite but resists the proud. Thank you. This is truly timely.

    Don

  209. Great article Jim. Back in the Jesus Movement I was under the gun from several sources . Unfortunately, I reacted badly to the pressure and complained bitterly to a small group of praying friends. One of the newest converts taught me a real lesson. He said, “Gary, we just have to love those bastards. That is what Jesus said”.

    I laughed at the impious but biblically correct manner he corrected me.m

  210. WOW! What a true word in the season of my life right now Jim. This is a meditate day and night message for me. Thanks for your obedience Jim. Love and appreciate your life so much.

  211. Good to see you blogging again. Jim, I think today will be a new beginning. His mercies are indeed every morning. So that being said, I look forward to catching up again to share.

    It was great walking and sharing with you this past weekend. Congrats on your exciting news.

  212. Excellent word Jim, I agree wholeheartedly. The problem too is that the stupor, you spoke about in your article, seems to be over the church…those called to be set apart from the world (II Corinthians 6:17-18). I’m afraid this nation won’t turn around until we truly repent, turn from our wicked ways, and cry out to God. Can this election do that? Probably not, but it is causing more people to pray. I’m beginning to think that we will need another major catastrophe to wake up America. I hate to see that, or even say that, but the stupor contains a web of deception that now has us living in Romans 1:18-32. God have mercy, Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy – on us all.

  213. Right on Jim
    We are individually and collectively in a battle with dark forces. As individuals we must be in a spirit of prayer at all times. Thanks for your articles, thoughts and prayers. Our Nation is in serious trouble, and as the previous reader suggest, it may take a real tragedy for Americans to wake up.

  214. AWESOME article & unfortunately very TRUE!!!! Thank you for inspiring us to take up our armor & wield the S(Word) of the Spirit!!!!!

  215. Wow! Truer words are spoken. Thank you Jim for your wisdom and scripture. As I have said before, it’s been a time if conviction for me and before the curtain exposes my heart, my reflection is one of humility and asking for forgiveness.

    Your words are also true of the church. Lord, reveal Yourself to the church and let it not be caught up with man leading g. It us You and Your word.

  216. The “Wizard of Oz” is truly a masterpiece in more ways than one. A a child I was fascinated with the story, the characters and the music. Now as an adult I can see the lessons it teaches us about human behavior. When are sins are exposed and people see our true colors it’s an opportunity to react in one of two ways. We can make light of our sins and shift the blame, or we can humble ourselves and repent. Sometimes it takes the shame of exposure to realize how just how destructive our sins can be. Great blog!

  217. Wonderful poem that shows how our perceptions of reality depend on so many different variables. I have never felt more committed to pray for our president than I have for Donald Trump. As a nation we can trust in the truth found in Prov. 21:1 ” The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whither soever he will.” Thank you Jim for your timely, poignant messages.

  218. Jim it seems as though perception while it is not reality can be for some.
    What surprised me is the childish misbehaver of a few in some of our large cities, like children they find a need to act out and misbehave?
    Is it a misconception about our new president elect or just a failure on their part to comply with the law of the land out of a mean spirit?
    There is a great need in America for a spiritual awaking.
    Thank you for all your hard work.

  219. Very insightful post. I truly wish the media would bring this kind of awakening to the general public than the sensationalism and lies. Just think what a beautiful change we would see in our world .

  220. Wonderful example of how to keep our blessings in the proper perspective. We truly are a blessed people with so much to give to others.

  221. Thanks to My Lord for Pastor Glen leading me to eat of His Wisdom in and thru you Brother Jim!
    Be Merry in Christ this His Eternal Season of Living. Moments of His Blessings thru Him Loving you and all your moments in His works and 🎁 presents and presence! !!

  222. This is so right on the money. And speaking of money…as people enter into the income fast lane every character weakness is exposed!

  223. Life happens, and it seems that in today’s world, our focus continues to change due to a request or requirement put on us whether it be personally or professionally. A challenge for me, which I am a work in progress, is understanding and learning how to establish boundaries and say no. That being said, I also need to quiet myself and listen to God’s voice. I work for Him and He needs to direct me to help me put my life in the order that God He wants. Problem for me is being quiet long enough to hear His voice.

  224. Hello Jim. Something similar to your experience happened to me in my ministry a few years ago. I let so many other priorities crowd out what the Lord had called and anointed me to do. There was no question as to what I was capable of accomplishing for His glory, it was just a matter of deciding to walk in it. I started where I was (my local church) and used what He had entrusted to my care (gifts and talents). After a season of obedience, other doors of ministry began opening to me. It was like a beautiful flower that blossomed. Hope this helps.

  225. A very dear Friend of mine gave me a copy of a book over 30 yrs ago that changed my life! In it, I am reminded that my “Old Man” , that “Sinful Me” Was Crucified With Him, and my New Man is a “Replaced” Life………and Jesus doesn’t have any “land mines”! Hallelujah!

  226. Thanks Jim,
    Love your examples, Land Mines, that’s explosive. I suppose we all have land mines of some sort. I have read that we all have at least a dozen good characteristics and likewise bad characteristics. I suppose we have to look for and praise those good things in ones personality. I have found that if two people focus on God separately and together it makes a mighty strong triangle of love.

  227. Hello Jim. As always, your points are very well spoken (written) and bring the reader to an understanding of the ways of God through the examples you give. What a great gift! Your blog has blessed me and inspired me to continue perfecting my writing skills as I endeavor to communicate the Gospel through this medium.

  228. Back in the Jesus Movement, before many readers were born, most of our tribe wore big crosses and or fish. We proudly walked around campus advertising our spiritual power.

    One day my friend Chuck was strutting and a friend came up to him, grabbed the cross and pulled it up to his eyes for a better look. He then said, “Doesnt’t your life show it enough that you have to advertise?”

    Chuck put it back inside his shirt.

  229. Greed takes away the life of its owner, just as give it is never satisfied. In todays society the heart of the people is set on worldly possessions. Every race is trying to write the law to fit their agenda. But, to let the truth be told. God have already given us the law. So everyone beware, wether you are into politics, religions,etc
    The boundaries have been set by God.
    Religion. If you’re not walking according to God’s beloved Son, Jesue Christ. Its all in vain. No matter who you are.

  230. This is true wisdom here, Jim. Thank you for sharing this. Your words made me think of Paul Simon’s excellent album and song, Rhythm of the Saints. Genuine joy , God-breathed joy, comes when we are in rhythm with God, and when we get out of rhythm with Him, we can easily become stressed, exhausted and subsequently lose our joy. Your blog has opened my eyes to how crucial the rhythm of the saints is to their walk with the Lord.

    Thanks again, Jim. Many blessings to you.

  231. Thanks Jim for the encouragement to look up now down. Yeshua is the bright star & is where my eyes & my heart should be focused.

  232. Safe travels on your great adventure, Jim! Praying that God will give you much needed rest and amazing clarity and send of purpose while you are gone. We are missing you already!

  233. Wow! What an awesome opportunity the Lord is giving you. I’ll gladly be your prayer partner through this journey.

  234. Jim, you are an inspiration! Thank you for showing us God’s Light and taking courage to step out in faith. You pave the way for many of us to be courageous in our faith, too.

  235. Your great adventure indeed! And a such a beautiful blog! Its crazy when you think about if we really are living the fullest life that God called us to? I think this is great! I wish you the very best and pray for God to softly speak to you! We’ll be praying for you too here!

    Have a great trip!
    Katrina

  236. Welcome to walking by faith. I don’t suppose it was any easier for the heroes of faith of Heb. Ch. 11. It’s one thing to read about faith, and even to teach about it, but it’s entirely different when you’re walking it out in your own life. God is also trying my faith in similar ways. He brings us to the absolute end of a chapter in our lives where we have no choice but to trust Him with the impossible. I have every confidence that you’ll come through this trial as pure gold, reflecting the image of the Master.

  237. I sure needed to read this today. Thanks, Jim. I love reading your inspirational words. You are such a good writer and I so appreciate that about you.

  238. Great teaching on the balance in healthy relationships. As Jesus said, It is more blessed to give than to receive, but there is still a blessing to be had in receiving. I study the way Jesus related to people in the Gospels and invariably find Him in the giving mode most of the time. Like you said Jim, His need to be validated, loved and accepted came from His relationship with His Father.

  239. Your words are so encouraging. The first step is realizing who is constantly withdrawing without making any deposits and learning how to say no. Thank you for sharing.

  240. How true…. so often we become human doings instead of human beings. One of the benefits of getting older is you just don’t have the energy for so much non stop activity. What a gift in disguise. I’m learning by necessity to slow down and spend more time reading and listening for His voice.

  241. Jim, Great stuff.

    However, I do get nervous unless people start taking LICENSE and being LAZY!!!! Look to the Ant you laggard!

    Yikes. I slipped back into my False Guilt and False Shame inducing behavior so quickly after reading the truth you wrote so beautifully. Keep it up Brother. I need it.

  242. Am composing a review of 15 chapters about King David and one of the points is keeping watch in the sheepfold and waiting. I printed the scriptures you show on waiting. Terrific!

  243. Great message. The examples of the men and women who overcame what appeared to be “dead ends” gave me strategies to help me conquer my impasses. The “endings” in life are inevitable, but through the change they necessitate God offers us the opportunity to experience Him in ways we never have.

  244. Jim,
    I guess when you boil life down, it is really all about faith isn’t it? I’m glad that you have had time to process, let go of, pick up, and share what your faith looks like to us, your readers. You have blessed us all -as we process and examine our own unique spaces in this universe and journey with a loving and all knowing God. Keep sharing–you are inspirational and thought provoking. Jesus never leaves us, nor forsakes us. Many blessings, Jim,
    Shelley (Bernard’s sister)

    • Thanks for your encouraging note, Shelley. Bernard is one of the most inspirational people I’ve ever met, always finding a way to help me see the positive, when I’m much too prone to dwell on the negative.

  245. Awesome Jim, I can certainly relate to much of what you came away with on your sabbatical. Learning to live one day at a time and love the one in front of us is always in vogue with our amazing God. So glad you had a wonderful get-a-way. Hope to get to your neck of the woods someday or maybe connect in Columbus. Love you my friend!

    Just Paul!

  246. Hey Jim, #1: I miss you! and glad you had a great takeaway from your trip! #2: Happy Father’s day! and #3: I have chosen to Always make God my HOME!! No matter WHAT life throws at us!

  247. We are in Majorca, Spain enjoying a relaxing vacation. I am not working, thinking about work, and am only occasionally checking my email. Today we rejoiced in seeing God’s beautiful creation. We visited medieval villages and stood at the top of a mountain looking at the amazing azure blue sea. I am trying to love the person God is putting in front of me and resting in Him. I am delighted you had a good time and shared your lessons learned with us.

  248. Another great article. One of the best results of airlines charging for every piece of luggage has been to reduce the luggage. Even then I carry too much on trips. Karen and I have reduced our luggage to one piece and it is enough.

    I am looking forward to more fresh winds from your travels.

  249. I remember a trip to Europe many years ago when I look an unbearably heavy backpack. Of course, I never even used most of the stuff. And I think I’m still suffering from some back pains because of the experience…

  250. Great article Jim. We as Americans often become slaves to our stuff and keeping up with the world. It is hard to think about Christ and the great things he blesses us with when you are wrapped up in the spoils of the world.

  251. Jim,
    The storage industry in America generates $32+ billion annually. There are actually over 54,000 storage facilities in the US. Talk about not paying attention to Matthew 6:19! “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. Great lesson is this blog of yours. Thanks.
    Dave

  252. Great article, I was just looking around my house this weekend thinking of the stuff I need to get rid of because I do not use it.

  253. Wonderful word of encouragement. Thank you Jim!
    “Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? Who hath gathered the wind in His fists? Who hath bound the waters in a garment? Who hath established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His son’s name, if thou canst tell?” Prov. 30:4

  254. Well, once again Jim you’ve enlightened your readers to an insightful truth of how to successfully navigate through the quagmire of living for God in a fallen world.
    As a 60 year old single Christian woman I can identify with the unique set of “challenges” associated with desiring meaningful companionship at this stage of life. My past experience with online dating was “less than ideal”. For me, it put me in a state a constant longing, questioning, and ultimately I became the victim of my own “witty inventions.” I never actually met anyone face to face, but I had a few online conversations with some “decent” men. I never felt peace about meeting any of these men in person. Also, I encountered a lot of “peculiar” , to say the least, men. I know there are success stories, but I believe they are few and far between. The Lord gave me this scripture concerning the whole “Dating dilemma” … “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing and obtains favor of the Lord.” (Prov. 18:22). If it’s God’s will, he’ll find me.

  255. Great article, my friend. As a Christian Counselor I have heard every story in the book.

    For a long time I did not understand why the Bible says, “God hates divorce” but after seeing what can happen to us afterward, it makes more sense. It is like saying, “God hates war.”

    I hate war. I don’t hate soldiers, but what it does to soldiers.

    Blessings.

  256. I’m reading a lot of judgment between the lines and directly in the lines. I’ve never completed a form for online dating so I ‘m not aware of all the choices of info to share. Seems to me Ron may need to be more upfront with his unrealistic high standards and expectations . In doing so, he may perhaps actually avoid dating anyone. I know that sounds harsh but why is he so worried about Thanksgiving dinner? Seriously. Those mentioned are people with value who are loved by God.

    • I don’t see Ron’s thoughts as being judgmental – other than judging himself and whether or not he could handle those situations. (Many would find those situations tough to handle.) If he knows he can’t, then he is right to avoid continuing the relationship. It’s common sense. And he is not overlooking his own issues, either.

  257. Thank you Jim. Great revelation of “self evident” truths that debunk these misconceptions of how God ordains and prospers ministry. A lot of people who are in positions of leadership are deluded and discouraged because they fail to understand the ways of God. Psalm 103:7 is fitting here: “He made known His ways to Moses, His acts unto the children of Israel.”

  258. First of all, those people that were judging Ron were being quite judgmental themselves – especially without really knowing the poor man.

    Ron was being very honest with himself about what situations he could handle and what he couldn’t. He was careful not to jump into a relationship, knowing there were major challenges right up front that he could not handle. That’s called “paying attention to the red flags.” Why set yourself up for failure? If more people were that smart/careful, maybe there would be a few less divorces.

    Also, as I recall, Ron stated his own shortcomings, too.

    I dare say that some of his critics, if put in the same situations, might have some of the same thoughts/reactions.

    Praying for Ron!

  259. I am glad to hear Ron did try look at himself to see he also are carrying around some baggage. God wants happiness for all his children but before finding a wife Ron would ready need to truly find himself. There are a lot of woman out there and unfortunately the ones that are catching Ron’s eye are not the type of people that are suited for him has he ever thought of that, why do you keep picking these people that you feel have a lot of baggage you’re not finding your soulmate because of the type of people that are catching your eye is it physical. Or is God trying to tell you something that you need to address your own baggage before you start looking at other people look at the beam in your eye before you start taking the splinter out your brother’s eye.

    He may be a good guy but he may have some areas he need to address so that when God is ready to send the person his way he’s open to see her. She will be the one that suits him fine will have some of the same likes it won’t be so much of the past dramas. They may talk about some of the stuff that they went through in their pass but it will be the past everybody has one.

    Good luck to Ron and carry your best friend, father, helper with you when you meet these women God the Father.

  260. This was terrific, Jim. It was just what I needed today. Thirteen days ago I had a biopsy done and am living within the “cone of uncertainty” of having cancer or not having cancer. The pathology report may take another week to get back. I do believe God is for me and trying not to let the evil one steal my joy over this physical problem. Also, we are living in the “cone of uncertainty” about where we are supposed to live. I am approaching retirement and we were recently led to sell our home here in the United States. There are lots of questions swirling about where we should live. Do we move abroad to help my in-laws? Do we move to my hometown? Do we move to another state? What should we do with all of our possessions? It it exciting to move into a new phase of life. But the BEST thing about all of this is to be reminded that God’s “got “all of this and He is totally FOR us. All prayers welcomed .

  261. Thanks for sharing this, Jane. You will certainly be in my prayers, and I hope you’ll keep me posted. Several months ago, I went on a sabbatical to sort out a similar time of possible transitions. With one daughter in New Zealand, another in San Diego, a son in Charlotte, and friends and family in Ohio, where should I live, and what should my remaining purpose in life be? I think I’ve sorted that out now, but it was a tough process. Thanks for taking time to write and share this update.

  262. 21 Jesus *said to her, “Woman, believe Me, an hour is coming when neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father.”
    The woman at the well presented her own two options of the correct place to worship God – either in Samaria or in Jerusalem. That was it. Just choose one. In her mind, ONE of them must be the correct answer.
    But Jesus explained that neither answer was correct. Worship of the Father must be based on the spirit and truth of the person – not the physical (or flesh) location.
    That’s where most counselors fail us. They tend to believe that the answer is inside the person himself; in other words, inside the person himself. But, as the Bible points out, “Its the Spirit that gives LIFE. The flesh avails NOTHING.”
    And so, in that dark, smelly disgusting world of the “flesh,” consisting of our human memories, feelings, prejudices, we should expect to find NOTHING of real help. Yet that is exactly where most counselors would direct us. And we will find much there. But nothing that will really help us. Just endless reminders of our failures, and how othes have failed us. And plenty of people to blame for it!
    I spent decades searching for truth in the dark morass of my own flesh, including my memories of how I’d been failed. The facts were the facts. The problem was that identifying them didn’t really change anything. It just made me feel better.
    When I connected with Grace Life International in Charlotte, that all began to change. I began to understand that TRUTH was not a virtue but a person. I began to understand that God the Father was a REAL PERSON, not a set of laws. I began to finally grasp that my existence had meaning, not because of my achievements, but because of how HE sees me.
    Seminary training, 20 years of pastoral ministry, and service in God’s kingdom didn’t bring me to this realization. I needed to hear it from others who had also sought for years to please the Father, only to finally understand that it is HIS goodness and love for me that gives me peace, gives me real identity, lets me leave the past behind and joyfully pursue the future.
    That’s what broke through my hard head and has given me the peace I always wanted.
    But, alas, I fear that Ron, like the woman at the well, is only open to the answers that he himself will accept. And that may be his ultimate downfall.
    Fortunately, the woman at the well eventually allowed the love of Jesus to open her eyes to another way. And through the revelation that she allowed, her entire village came to Jesus.

  263. The comments on counselors are for the most part true, although there is virtue in the one you described in #4. Prov. 11:14 tells us, “Where no counsel is the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” We do need “safe” people with wisdom to confide in and seek their opinion that is based on Scripture. But ultimately the One who is the embodiment of Truth is our “wonderful counselor” Is. 9:6. Coincidentally, I’m currently reading a book entitled “The Greatest Psychologist Who Ever Lived” Jesus and the Wisdom of the Soul. Outside of the Bible, this is one of the best books I’ve read concerning how to understand ourselves and others through a relationship with Christ. Note: for those of you interested in reading this book it is currently available under the title “Jesus The Greatest Therapist Who Ever Lived” by Mark W. Baker.

  264. Interesting read Jim. This post definitely has an “edge” on it. You caught me off-guard which is a good thing. LOL.

    Praying for your friend Ron, thankful that he knows The Counselor, and praying God guides him to safe effective earthly counsel as well. God still uses men to bless.

  265. From my daughter, Molly Stokas…

    I agree, it’s hard to find the right counselor! Doing research and reading reviews is key. Finding a Christian is key also!! My counselor has been life changing in so many great ways. I told her up front that I do not like focusing on problems (all that energy on negative things makes them worse). She know our time is spent only on creating solutions and that’s what I pay her for. So we have an understanding and it’s been a great relationship of growth and positive accountability!!

  266. Well, have to weigh in on this one. The word “counselor” only appears in the New Testament in three places. Two of the references in Mark and Luke are made to Joseph of Arimathea and have a legal context. The other occurrence is in Rom. 11:34 where Paul asks ” Who has been the Lord’s counselor?”
    Ideally, our “counselors” in the New Covenant are the men and women who comprise the five-fold ministry . Eph. 4:11-13 reads, “And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come into the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God , unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”

    • Susan, you raise a very good question, probably one that deserves an entire book in response. Who were the counselors in New Testament times? Mostly the pastors, teachers, and elders, I assume. Since prophetic ministry was for “edification and exhortation and comfort” (1 Corinthians 14:3), I assume that prophets were involved at times too. And many people needing “counseling” actually needed to be born again, so evangelists could have a role as well. Some of the critics of my recent blogs assume that we need “professional” counselors and psychiatrists to treat serious mental illness such as bipolar and schizophrenia. Perhaps so. But from a Biblical perspective, it is undeniable that some people need deliverance rather than counselor. Discernment is needed, and I don’t claim that this is an easy area. But I think it’s time for the Christian counseling community to engage in an honest assessment of the effectiveness (or lack of effectiveness) of their current approaches. I’m afraid we’ve lost our appreciation of verses like Romans 1:16, which says the Gospel if “the power of God for salvation” (Greek sozo, meaning wholeness in spirit, mind, and body). It seems we’ve often put our trust in people, medication, and pop psychology instead. Thanks for your feedback!

  267. Jim,
    Ron’s experience with a lousy counselor is a common one, proving that when you need real inner change there is only one place go and, as you point out, you must be willing to give Him all and do the “work ” of deepening your relationship with Him.
    While your first blog might have been a wee tad harsh on “counselors”, I wouldn’t give the profession as a whole a passing grade either.
    Dave

  268. Jim…lot’s of emotion packed around this time of year. This is a great reminder and encouragement for me. It sets up nice and simple language for me to share with the “Ron”s in my life…thank you and Happy Holidays ! d.

  269. Thanks Jim,
    The magic triangle with God at the center Apex.
    I have know several women in my life that would likely qualify as the proverbs 31 woman. I’m fortunately married to one. We spend a lot of quality time together, in the morning it’s QT-1 ( quality time One ) Coffee time, Sometimes it last a few hours. In the evening it’s QT-2 ( you guessed it ) Hot tea, sometimes a glass of wine, again we spend quality time together discussing the days events, how was your day, what was the best part?
    Due to todays busy schedules, I feel it’s so important that we take time for each other. Some how the problems seem to melt away as we spend quality time together.

  270. Great post Jim. I know a Christian woman online who writes on what she calls Manology. I asked what she thought of Proverbs 31. She said it’s impossible. All she does is warn women not to have sex before marriage and find a guy who pays for everything!

    • “Manology”…wow, good luck on that one! What I see so much on this subject (sometimes even in my OWN thinking and words) is that we tend to be “reactive,” processing things through the lens of our own hurts and experiences. Sure, our experiences can sometimes be a source of God’s wisdom, but until we’re healed we often see things through a jaundiced eye. Women who feel they’ve been hurt by a man tend to view ALL men as potential liars and predators. We’re over due for a long talk on this subject, Ken!

  271. Great to hear a positive report, Bob! Far too many negative reports out there, but somehow we have to hear more from the couples who are truly enjoying each other, blessed by God.

  272. Hello all.
    Just a few comments on Prov. 31. These words of advise originated with Lemuel’s mother, Bathsheba (vs.1). You can’t help that think she realized her son’s propensity to follow after strange women… and according to Scripture 700 wives and 300 concubines. The imitation of their idolatrous practices ultimately lead to his demise, turning his heart away from following the Lord. See 1 Kings Ch. 11.
    The characteristics of a Godly woman that are portrayed in this parable are only possible through a relationship with Christ, our true husband. See Rom 7:4
    Marriage, at best, is challenging and loving someone for a lifetime is a choice we make on a daily basis. Happiness is a by product of that choice, not the prime product.

  273. For me, this is not a model but a vision of perfection. I would never suggest it as something to strive for. Second, marriages usually fail because of some deep heart area of brokenness that leads to dysfunction. Dysfunction hooks into self preservation and selfishness and the downward cycle gets deeper and deeper.

    In Genesis 3 it predicts that women will “compulsively desire to control a husband” and the man will attempt to “dominate his wife. This sets up a compulsive downward cycle of anger and power that can be broken but not easily. The Proverbs 31 female is the opposite of the Genesis 3 female but is redeemed in Ephesians 5.

  274. Jim, you’ve nailed Proverbs 31 in a very true, honest and witty way while focusing at what the actual meaning is. I’m blessed beyond my imagination that I have a husband who loves es me by choice and I am in love with him. What’s beautiful is it’s effortless, knowing that we live a God focused life. Thank you for your humorous insight with truth.

  275. Thanks Jim for this wonderful focus on “ The Real Purpose of our Pursuit of thr King “ Merry Christmas my friend. Let’s get back together soon.

  276. What an awesome word Jim. It is so true that
    we have a choice in how we react to our circumstances. Deciding now to allow God to do a work in us from the inside out and receiving all He has for us, is such a good place to be. It is so good to know that you are at your happiest and it’s only going to get better. I will be reading this over and over as this has truly touched me. God Bless you!

  277. Jim: Always enjoy reading your blog. We seem to be evolving at the same rate and to the same destination. In this sixth decade of my life I too have realized how to be content with the consequences of my choices and the consequences of living in a fallen world. Singleness, Charlotte traffic and aging gracefully are not as imposing challenges as they once were.
    God is so faithful and his grace so incomprehensible. I thank Him that He has allowed me the privilege of being His child and am looking forward to the next decade, or possibly two, of understanding Him more through my relationships with people.

  278. Hi Jim, Linda sent me the link to read your article. I don’t have the way with words that you do, but it was very inspiring. I too am going through a transformation. You could say it’s a freedom that I’ve never felt before. It’s the hard times that sometimes bring about these much-needed changes. Our niece, Amy, prayed for me the other night. She compared me to your mother. I considered it such an honor. I can’t think of anyone that loved more fully than she did. That’s my biggest goal in my latter years. May I love well. Blessings to you.

    • Thanks so much for your note, Susie. One of my memories of my mom was that she had some kind of pressed flower as a bookmark in her Bible. When I think of the things many of us have been through in recent years, I think of that flower and how the full fragrance doesn’t really appear until the petals of a flower undergo pressure. You and many others remember my mom in her latter years, which in many ways were her BEST years. I’m convinced that the sweet fragrance of those latter years were partly because of the painful experiences she had undergone. That gives me hope for the rest us! May the fragrance of Jesus arise as we are “pressed” by the difficult experiences of life (2 Corinthians 2:14-15). On New Year’s Eve, Steven Furtick (Elevation Church) preached a message I think you would enjoy, called “I’m Glad It Happened!” You can hear it on the Elevation website.

  279. good article i am new to the lord and looking for the correct open doors for my life
    I am in the blast furnace at mo being refined i like the sound of your books jim i hope to be able to check them out i am part of forward in faith ministries god bless.

  280. Hello Jim. As always you have revealed another gold mine of insights from the Word of God. One reason the parables were so poignant was because they hit people right between the eyes with a truth they could not deny. We’ve all been entrusted with something that is indispensable for the Kingdom, and I believe we will one day give an account of that stewardship. Thank you for reminding me of reality of my existence…. to use what’s been invested in me such a way that it will produce a return on that investment and thereby glorify God.

  281. Billy Graham was a great man and we would do well to emulate him in so many ways. But loyalty is an area I had never considered. Great insight, Jim, and something to which today’s ministries should pay heed.

  282. All praise, honor and glory to God. We are just his vessels.
    I love the stories of the Donkey and the Elephant and the mouse.

  283. Good word. This begs a follow-up article, however: how to sift through distractions to FIND your area of focus. Not an easy path, nor one that can always be accomplished in the years allotted to us. I often wonder whether I — another at a “ripe old age,” — have finally found what I’ve been seeking, or have convinced myself that what I have is what I’ve wanted all along.

    • Thanks for the encouraging comment, Jim. I’ll be happy to send you the piece I wrote about how to find and fulfill your God-given calling. It will make everything perfectly clear (hopefully!).

  284. When asked if Billy would consider running for the presidency Ruth responded, “When God calls a man to be an evangelist, he shouldn’t stoop to be the president of the United States. “

  285. Great word Jim. Thank you for bringing to our remembrance the ways of God. His anointing never leaves the earth, but is continually manifested through His chosen vessels. The Lord has given me the privilege of working for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Billy’s legacy continues impacting the Body of Christ. Rev. 14:13 tells us, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, with the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”

    • My prayers are with you, my friend. The same Spirit who raised Christ from the dead now lives in YOU (Romans 8:11). He’s the God who makes dead things come alive (Romans 4, John 11).

  286. I am at a Season in my life right now, as I was seeking for anything that would help me to understand what has happened, or is happening in my life right now concerning the Ministry that God has birthed within me. And all of a sudden tonight, I heard a voice say “What do you do when the Brook dries up?” Then I began to google that very statement and tapped into this website…Oh my God! It is just what I needed. A New Insight and Revelation of what is happening, or about to happen Spiritually in my life. As I have been getting depressed, frustrated & feeling that perhap’s I did something wrong.. A lot of questioning and soul searching, but really feeling down about the Ministry. Till I read this article. Thank You so much.. OH MY GOD!

    • So good to hear from you, Rhonda! It was a blessing to hear that my article was an encouragement to you. This week I’m speaking at a leadership seminar in Virginia, and one of my themes will be “Navigating the Seasons of Life.” I hope the attendees will be encouraged by my message, as you were. Sometime you may want to visit my other website, http://www.DiscipleshipDepot.com, to see some of my resources on life and leadership. Blessings to you!

  287. I know some John Rankings ! Yes they are obnoxious and hard to deal with. I often wondered why they came into my life. They often have some good traits as well.
    Thanks Jim

  288. Love this, Jim! I guess because I’m a university professor I always say when in a similar situation that I have failed the mid-term again. God just has me taking that mid-term over and over until I get it right! We all fondly remember taking those mid-terms. NOT! 😊 Thank God I do sometimes learn what He’s teaching me.

  289. Interesting thoughts Jim. I think you hit the nail on the head!! Thinking back to the time of fellowship together in Columbus I can appreciate that you were much less abrasive in your controlling. 😬😁

    • Rich, in recent years I’ve discovered that there’s very little in life that I can actually control. But I came up with a solution: a PowerPoint clicker! For under $100, I now can at least control my PowerPoint slides (most of the time, at least…). But controlling PEOPLE is a lot more difficult than controlling my PowerPoint slides!

  290. This article is reminiscent of the way God showed Jacob how hard he was to live with. He sent him to live with Laban for 20 years, a man who deceived him into marrying his younger daughter, changed his wages 10 times and finagled his flock in and effort to cheat Jacob out of what was rightfully his. God has sent some “Labans” into my life too so I could get a good taste of my own medicine.

  291. Jim,
    The older I get the more I see me in your blogs. They tend to often ask, “Are life’s lessons and God’s purposes changing me ? Do I understand to weigh them against the right backdrop in my life?

    Thank you for sharing your introspections against A Godly perspective.

    Don

    • Great point, Susan. No doubt Ron falls short of his own standards. If he ever did find a woman like he’s envisioning, he would have to conclude that she’s way out of his league!

  292. Wonderful article, Jim! God must love me tremendously because my life is showered with manure! Love your perspective!

  293. Thank you Jim
    This made my day. I enjoy reading your post. I was one that had the bumper sticker on my car many years ago. Really enjoy your blog. Have a blessed Thanksgiving.

  294. “Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing.” Ps. 92: 13-14

  295. Great blog Jim. “In EVERYTHING…”. I am blessed and Thankful beyond words. We are so grateful and Thankful for you in our lives and your constant words of encouragement.

  296. Social media is a great tool of evangelism and discipleship as well. I ‘m almost sure if it were available to the Apostles during the time of the Book of Acts it would have been used as a means of ministering the Gospel. You may never know the impact your ministry is having on people , at least in this temporal realm. The Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Cor. 3:6-7, “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So neither is he that planteth anything, neither is he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.”

  297. This is very fascinating, You are an overly professional blogger.

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  299. Such profound and very encouraging words. These words are needed especially at this moment for us. Thank you for these very wise and uplifting and truthful words.

  300. Great thoughts Jim…thank you (at age 62), for the encouragement to be “fresh and flourishing”… hope this finds you well and healthy! db

  301. I believe we can be more impactful when we are more mature as we truly have life experiences both good and bad. And yes, I will choose to be “fresh and flourishing ” .

  302. Some wonderful thoughts Jim. I think at this season in life we should have come to terms with what our purpose is. In the broader sense Isaiah 43:21 is true for all of God’s people; “the people whom I formed for Myself that they might declare my praise.” (Isaiah 43:21) But there is a more specific purpose which we are designed by our Creator to accomplish for His glory.
    Jesus, praying to His Father at the last supper, said “I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.” (John 17:4) Of course we realize He was referencing His three and a half year ministry and pending crucifixion and resurrection. This verse tells us that there is a work, an assignment, unique to all of us that we’re put here on earth to accomplish. One way we can bring glory to God, or to worship Him, is to be obedient to that call and fulfill our divine destiny… not someone else’s. Eric Liddell, the Christian Olympian runner whose story was told in the movie “Chariots of Fire” said, “God made me fast and when I run I feel His pleasure.” I feel His pleasure when I’m writing. When do you feel the pleasure of God?

    • Excellent observations, Susan. I purposely didn’t include my personal mission statement in this blog, but the key ingredient is this: “To change the world through the written and spoken word.” Like Eric Liddel, that’s when I feel God pleasure, and also when I have the most impact. Another important part of my purpose, especially at my advanced age, is to pour my life into people in younger generations. I think that is one of the things Paul had in mind when he said, “For this purpose I labor.” Thanks for sharing your insights.

  303. Fantastic article, brother. I received Ancestry.com from my son for Fathers’s Day. As I read through my ancestry I am struck by the humanity and the frailty of each person, including me.

    God bless you as this day marks a time when your wisdom and the grace ofGod can be used by so many of us.

  304. Thank you Bro Jim, Africans need this truth. But no more will I allow the devil tell me that my ancestry is evil, the Blood of Christ, has set me free, forever. Am a new creature, am born again, am saved. Hallelujah

  305. Greetings and love to you dear Jim Buchan,
    i really praise God for you as you love the lord and obey Him, would made me to write and know if there is anyway you can be a part of kingdom work, as India is religious country we need more partners like you to extend His kingdom through our ministry. it has been proven that His might hand is upon us and what we are doing, it seems difficult for me and my wife to carry the growing ministry responsebilities, we come to you to ask if you can partner and join your hands with us to work together for the lords glory. (mark 6:7 Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits.)when you have time please visit our website and pray over it and prayerfull reply to me, i have several things and my testimony to share with you. http://www.ofhm.in looking to hearing you. God bless you.
    in His love
    pastor Gandham

  306. You are one of those people who continues to make an impact on others in so many ways! Blessed to know you….

  307. Jim, Wow! Your strength and faith shine through in such an amazing way…always reaching out to help others..to make a difference in lives…even in the midst of your own troubles! I believe, like you, that God will be with you…every step of the way…and, that He will even use this journey to impact others. When you are past this, I hope to see more blogs…devotions…and books!!

  308. Jim, I have been where you are twice in my life. Praise the Lord for bringing mr past.it. Will pray your outcome will be as mine was so you can continue to encourage others.

  309. Jim,
    So sorry to hear your news, especially after so recently reconnecting after 50 years. It seems to be a weak response, but know that I’ll be thinking of you and pulling for you. Please keep in touch.

  310. God is giving you His perspective on this trial. I admire you for seeking and finding His higher thoughts, so you can “take heart, I have overcome the world” (John 16;33).

  311. Great truth today Jim, thanks for writing. Yes, Sue and I have been in that great number of praying people , praying specifically for “goodness” in your life. I read your blog this am, and believe one prayer answered! Thank you for spreading goodness to the world this am. We press on… dave.

  312. Thank you Jim you are a living testimony. I appreciate your candor and strong faith in God. After all, and when it’s all said and done, he is all we have and need.

  313. Jim, it is a battle and we are in a war and at times the battle is more pronounced than others. However, we have the victory in Jesus. Not a thing we experience has He not. We are continuing to pray (agree) with you for restoration and healing. The road ahead is convoluted but the destination is so sweet. Keep your eyes on the mark bro

  314. Yes, Jim and all your friends. this article was such a powerful piece! The weaker you are, the stronger his power is working through you! (2 Cor. 12:9)

  315. This is such a wonderful article. It is also humbling and caused me to examine myself to be sure that I don’t grasp ministry or my role too tightly. God always has a replacement for us when the time comes. It’s easier when we give up without a struggle. Blessings!

    • Thanks for your kind words, Jean. Your son John has become a very good friend. Your Bible teachings have sown seeds of God’s truth and encouragement for many decades now, and countless lives have been impacted.

  316. Good stuff, Jim. Now listen: You are not THAT indispensable. Get well and stay well. Truth be told, Apple sucks now that Jobs is gone.

    • Thanks Jim. Good points. There’s no doubt that Apple has lost some of it’s cutting edge creativity with Steve Jobs gone. But somehow they’re still dominating the market, even 8 years later.

  317. Excellent article Jim. When I was in my 20’s I had a mentor who was in his 70’s tell me no one is indispensable and I thought I understood but now almost 50 years later I see how true it is. Keep up the great work!

  318. And the world goes on…Great word, Jim. I like the idea of pouring into others, till they overflow into others etc. The Holy Spirit is the Filler. I’m so grateful for that Truth. Love to you and your family!!!!!!

  319. Love this, Jim! I am right there with you in the dark stormy cancer sea. It’s great to know God is our anchor during this fierce period. I am trying to rest in His strength during these windy seas, but the relentless pain sometimes does rock my boat and knock me around. I do take great comfort in the solid anchor and try to listen to the small still voice. Right right now I’m hanging on. Praying we both enter calm waters.

  320. Great insight into the life of Job. How often we ascertain life through our natural circumstances and fail to realize that God is at work behind the scenes. I’m sure that’s what Paul had in mind when He penned the words in Romans 8:28. Sometimes it takes a challenge beyond our control to help us to set our mind on the things above, and not here on earth. One thing I know Jim, God is at work in you, both to will and to do His good pleasure.

  321. Wow! Some people never make sense of their suffering – but you certainly have. That’s definitely God’s mercy revealing His goodness in the midst of trials. You, too, will come through like gold! Thanks for sharing; I’m sure there are many who need to hear this word. He never calls us to suffer alone…

  322. Thank you for this Jim. We know what the end of the story will be and that it will be more beautiful than we can imagine!

  323. I am grateful for you Jim, this holiday. You are a great example of being God’s man under stress and duress. Always give thanks and keep the attitude of awareness to His mercies.

  324. I agree. Recently I’ve made it more of a habit to give thanks for good things instead of take them for granted. Now more good things are happening than ever. Or it may be that now I am looking for good things to happen, I am finding them more often.

  325. Hi Jim, Chuck forwarded this to me. Thanks for the encouragement!
    If you take it down to seconds and that would be 5 12s so we would get Grace & increase 😊

  326. It was great to hear your good report medically. It seems that God is working “re-mission” in a lot of us. I keep thinking that it’s no coincidence that we were coming into the year of 2020. May it be so for spiritual vision!

  327. God has given you such a gift. Let the words continue to flow…begin your next book…write blogs…You are making an impact on so many lives…and, we are all blessed because of it!

  328. Jim, I believe your work is just beginning. I love how you changed the phrase to re-mission. I think this is something we all need to look at our own lives and do.

    Blessings

  329. God knows the plans He has for us and they are plans for good and not for evil. How wonderful to know that remission is actually re-mission. A real revelation and a word directly from the Lord. Thanks for sharing!

  330. Jim, could you just come and speak into my life every day? You are always so encouraging. It was great to see you at Christmas time. Blessings! Susie

  331. A good word that we all needed to hear. ” In the world we will have tribulation, but be of good cheer because He has overcome the world.”

  332. Thanks Jim…well said, once again. My uncle Andy used to say, “everyone has their ‘bag of rocks'”. Wonderful to see you over the holiday and very happy to read you now. Hope this finds you well. db. ps. …and yes, we know how the story ends!

  333. Really enjoyed this reminder, Jim! The winners are the ones who endure to the finish. Your’re truly a winner my friend. “He who has begun a great work (in us) will see it through to completion.” Phil 1:6

  334. Jim, this speaks to me right now on so many levels. After the initial “Rocky” movie, there were multiple movies after the original. And then there were spin offs. We are in the chapter of taking our burdens to the cross and feeling bloodied and beaten. As you so eloquently stated, “resurrection is right around the corner.”

  335. Most days lately I have felt pummeled. Having undergone complete right knee replacement surgery I experience relentless pain. This pain and and other challenges are the door into the Lord’s comforting presence and strength. Thanks for your excellent and inspirational writing!

  336. Excellent read, Jim! I’m sorry you’ve been going through so much, and have been praying for you! Sometimes these things sharpen us, right?! Healing and peace to you!

  337. I feel like I’m having an “on the bench” season now – but I still have that hope to be called onto the field. I know that the coach hasn’t forgotten me because He reminds me often that if I am just patient and wait (and get over my injury), I’ll be back on the field again. I think of Paul who said, “I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therrein to be content”. He may not have been on the field, but he sure wrote a lot of letters while he was stuck on the bench. People are still reading them today.

  338. Hi Jim,
    Thanks for writing this blog post. This is a great reminder to all who serve the Lord.
    One question, is your P.S. at the end meant as a joke? If so, I’m chuckling with you. If not, it serves to undercut the main theme of the entire article, and deflates the impact that the article could have. Just checking. If it is meant to be a joke, perhaps adding an “LOL” or a smiley face would help.

  339. Thanks Jim, for challenging us to look ahead to ahead to the “after the storm “ perspective. Hopefully some of us will join you to give thanks in the midst of the storm!

  340. Thanks, Jim. I appreciate you sharing the positive side of storms. Nothing good ever comes out of dwelling on the negative. So we need good things to meditate on, and a God that we can truly put our hope in– Jesus.

  341. Storms will test our faith. That may be the case with the coronavirus. Like the disciples in the boat with Jesus – we have a choice to make. Will we stare at the storm, and all the news reports surrounding, or will we fit our eyes on Jesus? Check out Colossians 3:1&2. “Christ’s resurrection is your resurrection too. This is why we are to yearn for all that is above, for that’s where Christ sits enthroned at the place of all power, honor, and authority! Yes, feast on all the treasures of the heavenly realm and fill your thoughts with heavenly realities, and not with the distractions of the natural realm.” TPT

  342. Especially enjoyed being reminded of Hebrews 12:1 through 13:1 … challenging and encouraging …
    Blessing and thanks,
    Ted Evans

  343. I like the statement that neither sun nor stars appeared for many days. They really were just being tossed from side to side with no sense of direction for many days. It sure sounds like us today. …wondering when the storm will ever end and where we as a nation will end up when it ceases. But like you said, God knows the plans He has for us. Plans for good and not for evil to give us a future and a hope. Personally, I’m getting seasick! But have faith the country…..and me too…..are going to reach the other side.

  344. This is absolutely correct Jim! I agree and was also reading Leviticus and God’s dietary restrictions. It is true that we are not bound by the law anymore, but I believe God’s instructions still hold true. If we follow his commandments we will live long happy lives, just as he promised.

    Thanks for this encouraging word!
    Be Blessed!

  345. Great way to remind us that our heavenly Father has our best interests at hand and how much He truly loves us! Good insight Jim – you’re a wonderful writer, thank you for this!!

  346. Very timely for decisions I have to make. My friend John Colman started sending these and a real blessing.
    Thanks Jim

  347. Thanks Jim,
    I had never considered fake news being around so long. Suppose it all started with Sin and Adam and Eve.

  348. This resonates, especially during these times. Your personal touch brilliantly describes how authority can intoxicate, even at a young age. Lesson learned by me…thanks!

  349. Awesome, you explained this MUCH BETTER than I have…. People are confused too easily these days…
    I will be sharing this, indeed 💞

  350. The first part of the piece is well founded. I have another thought. We who dwell in the protection og God will be following His commands given to Moses. Those commands included how to escape plagues by separating ourselves from people infected by germs and viruses. God have very explicit commands in Leviticus about washing in RUNNING water, throwing broken pottery away, staying separate from others if they had touched a sick or dead person or animal, etc.
    The COVID-19 rules are the same as given in the Bible directly by God to Moses about 3500 years ago. Medical advice about germs and viruses not known by scientists until the 1850s. He did not say,
    I will heal your diseases when you disobey my commands about healthy separation and hand washing! Ignorance of the Bible can lead to sickness and death. Following the Leviticus laws stopped the Black Plague in many European villages because the Pastors remembered God’s promise to keep people safe if they followed the health rules.

  351. Thanks for providing a more in-depth biblical view of our choices in this crisis. If we only read and followed more carefully the Scriptures we quote, we would be better witnesses of the Word of God.

  352. Good message Jim. Your article points to another issue of concern. In the race through life, most leaders are chasing the other hounds, rather than the hare. If one leader shuts down a state, the others are quick to follow suit – without question. The Governor of Florida boldly took a different approach as opposed to the draconian adopted by most. He even allowed the retirees to continue playing golf in the Villages. As a result, Florida has had far less cases and deaths, then what the experts predicted. We need to pray for bold leaders, both in government and the church, that are not afraid to step out in faith and choose a different road. Maybe even the narrow path that leads to life eternal.

  353. Jim, this is no surprise to me living in the times we do. The government can’t control people’s emotions of both physical or mental health unless we continue to hand it over on a silver plate.

    Holy kiss… Hardy handshake. This is how we’ll continue to live our lives. Our country has lost common sense principals and are being led as lost sheep, when we need to be lead by the word if God.

  354. As a widow for less than a year, I have really experienced loneliness in a new way during this period of isolation. God created us as “people people” – it is not good for man to be alone – or for woman to be alone. Perhaps this verse speaks of marriage, but we are told not to neglect the assembling of ourselves together. I have felt very sad during this time of isolation with no one but the dog for company. We are told to love one another — which is difficult without someone tangible to love. Our large church met this past Sunday in a “socially distanced” fashion. You sat alone surrounded by empty seats, were instructed not to touch anyone and wear a mask. I did not go. We cannot continue with a new normal. We must have contact with others. God made us that way.

  355. Good message, Jim. And very interesting timing. I have been putting together a four part series from Philippians entitled, “Joy Maintenance” that I plan to start on the 31st , when we move back inside for our services.

  356. Jim, this is one if my favorite blogs you have written!

    This season of confinement wasn’t truly appreciated until we traveled from home and returned in a few days. Our time at home has been one if the best seasons in our life. Thank you Jesus.

  357. Thanks Jim
    Our pastor recently gave a sermon devoted to asking a friend, ” how’s your soul” how many ask that question today? True intimacy.

  358. Good, caring friends are in my mind, one of the Lord’s best blessings. Also, in that equation, we need to fulfill that role for others. If you don’t have a best friend, search for one diligently.

    • Thanks Lois. As I should have mentioned in my blog, the Greek word for “ministry” is actually the same as “service.” Without service, there is no true ministry. Anyone aspiring to ministry without the heart of a servant is on the wrong track!

  359. The Bible teaches us how to live our lives, every aspect of it.

    If only people would turn to God and not against each other.

  360. Thanks Jim,
    I think about the three C’s Don’t Critise, Condem or Complain, it simply does no good. Give it to God.

  361. Living in the past and holding onto pain (camping) is not healthy. Living in this moment and looking forward us a much better place to be. Unstuck!

  362. Thanks Jim,
    As a Nation we need more pastor’s and leaders to speak up. Our nation was built on strong men of faith and so God blessed the United States. We need our strong men of faith and courage to speak out now.
    Thank you and happy Father’s day.

  363. Kinda tone deaf to African American history and native American history. The ” founding fathers” didn’t find something that was lost, they exploited something with a system that in 250 years ran up 26 trillion dollars of debt after and while being spotted very conservatively 50 trillion dollars in ” free” labor by enslaved people. And the first response of God’s favored nation ( not the U.S, BTW) was the destruction of idols. Very white Anglo Saxon Protestant thinking. Thankfully, some Christians roots are extending back to Israel, not Europe.

  364. Well said Jim. Indeed for most of the American church today, “Christians” love their comfy pews, and comfy lifestyle. As a result, few venture outside their “safe spaces” to stand up for God, Jesus and their words. The United States was founded by Christians, and since the founding, tens if not hundreds of millions of Americans have bled, sacrificed and died so we all could be living in the best country on the planet today. History is essential a relay race. Our generation has dropped the baton of American Christian values and unless our generation goes back, picks up this proverbial baton and places it in the hand of the next generation, we will have dishonored all who went before us and cheated all who are yet to come. I for one cannot stand by and let this happen. I am looking for others who feel the same.

  365. I’ve known God’s been calling me and given me understanding beyond all that I could have possibly fathomed life truly is. It’s not easy because of how we’ve been conditioned to think since the day we were born. However, I know it to be true and sadly the world is more divided now than ever. I’ve been wondering for quite some time how to begin to facilitate work towards God vision which is heaven on earth. I created a theory of life as unbiased as I can but that was before I had really gotten to know God to the extent that I have.

  366. Thank you for this article! My heart is breaking as I see what is happening in our country. I can only view it as the last days. Yes, we are silent. How do we defend ourselves against the terrible things that are being said and done? Yet, I keep thinking of Jesus when He was on trial. He didn’t do anything to defend Himself. Even when prompted to defend Himself, like a sheep before the shearer, He stood dumb. He knew what was to happen and allowed it to happen. Today my daughter railed against me and the stand I have taken. I did not fight back. Her mind was closed and I was not going to change it. A house divided is not going to stand and surely these things we are seeing are the birth pains getting closer and closer. November will show the direction that we are going and so I move forward in faith following in the footsteps of Jesus.

  367. Jim, I needed to read this today. A few ladies and I gather and pray a discussed this exact blog.

    Thank you for your courage because there’s a lot of silence.

    Maureen

  368. Pingback: Those With Us Are More Than Those With Them - Kingdom Winds

  369. I can smile at the future because I know who holds the future, my Lord and my savior Jesus Christ. He’s the one, because of the blood he shed for me.

  370. Encouraging article. I endeavor not to be anxious about tomorrow. I have seen the Lord bring me safely through many things and He has always provided for all my needs. Perhaps not always the way that I anticipated, but He has been faithful to make a way when there often seemed to be no way.

  371. Tremendous insight into what is happening in so many churches today. Thanks for posting this. I shared it with my pastor who replied and said he had forwarded your article to many of his pastor friends. Pastors really need encouragement right now. I think we all need encouragement. Blessings!

  372. Thanks brother right on. Many have lost the revelation of Christ and the power to which we have been instructed with. We preach Christ crucified…the POWER and WISDOM of God. The church is fortunate to be pruned by someone that loves us and is faithful to perfect us. God Bless

  373. Yes, pruning is painful but necessary. Being equipped and ready for spiritual warfare is challenging. Well written as usual, Jim!

  374. We walk by faith and not by sight. We need to look at what we are experiencing today through the eyes of the spirit. There’s a lot to ponder in what you have written in this message. It would be easy to stop the journey and give up in despair. Do we want to go back to the “old normal” or forge ahead in faith to the new thing that the Lord has prepared for us? No turning back – no turning back.

  375. I couldn’t say it better. Some likened this year to a Job experience and some to Gethsemane, “not my will be done but yours.” and even some as the seperating of sheep and goats. The one thing that remains the same is God and His faithfulness towards us. Without provocations we would not see where we are in the flesh and unbelief in God. These things are necessary to growth. Pain and suffering the great means to bring us to a greater sufficiency in Christ and revelation of His love and power on earth. Bless you Jim a very timely message.

  376. Great message Jim, maybe the best I’ve ever read on your site. I love the significance of the four stops. It seems like many today have skipped Gilgal and Bethel and are waiting at the Jordan for the anointing. We want the power while holding on to our old life. As you clearly pointed out, the death to self is a necessary step in achieving the victories at Jericho. So well put. Great insight in the Word of God.

  377. The joy of the Lord is our strength! My beloved father-in-law just died a couple of weeks ago and I could list about 20 other serious losses I have experienced over the last month. How do I cope? Knowing I am deeply loved by the Lord brings me immeasurable “joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart” as the old hymn says. May we all stay in His presence as we deal with all the deep pain and grief. Thank, Jim for your encouraging words.

  378. The pandemic and election are enough to cause grief. In addition, family connections must go on a back burner for those of us past middle age–and, does it seem like there are more deaths this year not related to the times? Thank you for the encouraging words.

  379. Jim, What a timely post!!!
    Last night I was at our small group.
    They asked us, “pick a person who knows you and tell us what they would say about you”.
    In front of the group I said, “I would like to say what my friend Jim would say about me.”
    I continued, “Jim would say, Chris is a good guy, he loves God, has a heart for the lost.” Then I added “insecure…”
    The leader of the group spun the word “insecure” in a positive way. Like “reserved”, having “patience”.
    Your impact on me goes farther than you know.
    I appreciate you!

    • Chris, thanks so much for your words of encouragement! I would add some other words to describe you: Overcomer. Faithful. Loyal. Authentic. I see many people who have given up along the way, but you have persevered. You have exemplified the words of Hebrews 12:1-2, laying aside every encumbrance and running with endurance the race set before you. I am proud to have you as my friend, and I believe God is proud to have you as His son!

  380. I believe this article rings more true today than it did back in July. Let’s all keep courage, and keep standing. We will not be hung on the gallows, the enemy will.

  381. I am ready to see God move. I don’t care how He does it, but I long to see some evidence that He is moving in The Church. There is so much contrast in the various churches, denominations and the messages are so mixed. It was amazing to me that churches all over the world closed their doors without a shot being fired within days of each other. I would have said that could have NEVER happened. So now it is a question of how many will survive following this “purging”. God’s ways are not our ways – but His ways are perfect refining the soul. I know in my spirit that something BIG is going to happen that will bring everyone to their knees and not in the way that I want or desire. I fear for our nation and what lies ahead. Severe testing is on the horizon that will separate the sheep from the goats. I almost don’t know how to pray for the future.

  382. I have been angry at God. I listened to a lot of hype about the election and what God’s will was and ended up very disappointed. I felt deflated and let down and confused. Thank you so much for writing this. It helps to see where I may have gone wrong in my thinking.

  383. I thought long and hard about your devotion, and I can honestly say that, while refinement may sometimes induce pain, it would be well worth it to see souls saved.

  384. One thing I find I keep coming back to is the recurring mention, or emphasis on 2 Chr 7:14. ” If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

    But I often hear that mentioned with the emphasis on praying for God to heal the land. Or for revival, or both. But no one ever really talks about all the steps in this verse before the promise can be fulfilled. It starts with God’s house. “my people, called by my name”.
    It means being humble, getting low, stop seeking our own ways and agendas and perogatives or priorities. Maybe even, in the coming to prayer, not coming with certain requests right away.
    Because it says to seek His face. Not the answers we desire Him to give us. But to seek His face.
    It also means turning from our wicked ways. No one ever preacehs on or emphasises that when I hear this verse quoted.

    I don’t currently keep a blog but sometimes will post a long blog style post on FB and recently lamented how I know most revivals included great repentance and turning from sin before the miraculous events of those revivals, which we know them for, sprung out. But no one ever focuses on the kind of repentance and genuine remorse or grief over and confession of sin that took place for those revivals to break out.

  385. Jim,
    This message was awesome! It is just want I needed this morning! It was inspiring and well written. I love fireflies. Thank you, brother!

  386. Beautiful and needed to read. These perilous times are causing so much needed hope, and a flicker of hope is always there. The hope just might not look what we’re expecting it to look like.

  387. Yea, most of our important, intimate info is in the cloud instead of our hearts! Finding a phone booth!

  388. Thanks Jim…a wonderful walk down memory lane. I couldn’t help but smile and be proud as you reflected on Dad’s life milestones. Thanks for honoring him…

  389. Great biography of a man of faith. It’s a story that inspired me to be a better dad, granddad, and example.

  390. Great article. Paying attention to the flags. I feel that the green flag applies to me. I allow fear to keep me in my comfort zone rather than stepping out as I should.

  391. Thank you, Jim. I have Taliban-type deplorables in my life. I find so hard to forgive their conduct toward me or someone I love. Oh how we need to set our pride aside and pray for the redeeming grace of God to capture the enemy’s stronghold in our hearts. Great reminder! Thank you.

  392. Sometimes it seems like the more involved you become with church, the further apart you are from the unsaved who need Jesus. With most of my friends it would be preaching to the choir. But I have a heart for lost souls and this article reminded me that I need to reach out more everywhere that I go….to plant my seeds into whatever ground is available that perhaps one in four will bring forth fruit. I believe the seed was planted into Saul/Paul heart as he watched over the coats while Stephen was stoned. Stephen preached up to the moment of his death and Saul heard him say, “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.” Maybe that was the seed that found its way into the hard rocky ground of Saul….a deplorable.

  393. I also believe that had we sown $90 billion into Evangelism and Mission in Afghanistan we would see a much better return for eternity than into where that kind of money has already gone.

  394. Your reminder is well-timed and much appreciated. Even evil people can be turned to the Lord, and it is our responsibility to pray in earnest for them. Thanks for your honest words, your leadership-by-example, and for always “waking me up.”

  395. Thanks for this much needed article. I had not even admitted to myself that I thought the Taliban was hopeless. My prayers change today. God bless you.

    • Thanks for this much needed article. I had not even admitted to myself that I thought the Taliban were hopeless. My prayers change today. God bless you.

  396. Externally I am generous and thankful during the Christmas holidays. I am a cheerful giver (but I think I am throughout the year) and I am thankful for family and friends. I am thankful that Jesus was born. I am happy that other people are happy and celebrating over the holidays. However (and here is the big however) – on the inside I find Christmas very depressing. I live alone as a widow and it takes the grace of God not to feel lonely as I watch the Facebook posts of family gatherings. Outwardly I am smiling and putting on a happy face, but it is a very difficult time for people who are alone. For those who have lost someone that they love and are separated from the usual family gatherings around the tree, It sometimes takes the grace of God to rejoice with those who are rejoicing. Sitting alone at a candlelight service, can be very difficult in spite of the fact that you know Jesus is with you. Many feel like Ron during Christmas, but have just learned how to keep it bottled up inside and smile on the outside. I agree that Ron had a stinky attitude, he just hadn’t mastered the necessary self control to keep it from showing on the outside. I decided to write this little reply because I know you like to hear from your readers. So just giving a look at what goes on in the heart of lonely people. Blessings and (yes, I’ll say it) Merry Christmas.

  397. Timely word of communion. “ do this in remembrance “
    Of what I’ve already been told to do. Blessings Jim. Thank you. Welcome 2022 ….to infinity and beyond .

    • She definitely would have had benefited by another opportunity to hear about a personal Jesus…and in responding could have influenced others toward Him instead of the lacivious immoral lifestyle she portrayed & promoted.

  398. I just had a “WOW” moment! I never knew this part of your history. Thanks for sharing and I am glad that we have stayed in touch in this little way! Happy New Year and many more to come! Blessings!

  399. Jim, I always loved this story. And it is a very true statement about leaving a legacy. I’ll never regret investing in others .

    Happy New Year.
    Maureen

  400. Touching and agreeing with this beautiful, timely word from the Holy Spirit. Thank you for this.
    Even years later it still carries the weight of resurrection power and prophetic instruction.

    As I intercede for resurrection in my marriage, I thank you for you faithfulness and obedience in posting this.

  401. Great post Jim. Awaken the church brother. No doubt God let the election results stand because m as many in the church thought Trump was our savior. Not so. Jesus is our Savior. If America is to be saved through perhaps the last great awakening, we as the church have to get out of ours padded pews and take our culture back. Everyone needs Jesus. Most just know it yet. It is every believers job to make the introduction s.

  402. Beautiful way to speak truth on equipping the next generation. This applies in churches, businesses, organizations and others.

    Thank you Jim.

  403. So absolutely valid, Jim. Thank you!!

    It is the Timothy’s of the church that will carry forward into the next generation. I think of how much Paul demanded of Timothy and how he needed him to grow to take on the challenges before them.

  404. It is such a powerful reminder.
    How often we think wisdom only applies to everyone else.
    I very much enjoy and treasure a good “think tank” or Mastermind, but it’s not about swaying another’s opinion but sharing information with those those also seek the truth, the Bereans, and then do the research.

    As much as I am a huge researcher, I can also just as easily fall prey, if I for one instance believe something without staying in prayer and the Spirit of God.
    And just like that, my flesh is jumping to conclusions.

    Thank you for the reminder! Amen

  405. Jim, this blog has left me speechless, encouraged and fearful for those who are not living for Christ.

    Thank you for what I believe is your best blog.

    • Dave, I’m sure Jack would have a different recollection of how things happened! Someday I need to write a blog about our blacktop sealing experiences!

  406. So, THIS is what I have been experiencing – another step in the process! Your detailed description showing the necessary number of them is very helpful. The time it takes sometimes is what attempts to drown us. But, GOD is Who rescues us every time!
    I’m printing this one 🙂

  407. When you pastor a church, you experience so many “betrayals” from people you nurture and love. However, sometimes there are situations that cause departures and I wonder if the Lord isn’t just transplanting some disciples to another location. When we pastored, there were many who left us under heartbreaking betrayals, but then flourished and grew in other locations. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. He knows the plans He has for us. Judas betrayed Jesus, but yet it was all part of God’s plan. Interesting. Thanks for an excellent article.

  408. Wow, did I read your mind, or did you read my mind? Or did God give both of us the thought of comparing selfishness to a pandemic?
    In my manuscript, The Contentment Dilemma, there is a section called The Me-virus Pandemic that points out the sheer destructiveness of selfishness.
    Quote: “Multitudes crave and freely indulge in wealth and power, fame, thrill, and immorality, taking minimal consideration for the people around them as they pursue what they imagine will make them happy. We will refer to these people as me-folks because of their driving desire to please themselves, and we will refer to this attitude as the me-virus. This restless sensation has been moving through humanity for thousands of years. Indeed, have we not all been infected with the me-virus at some point?…
    Over the centuries, billions of people have suffered severe emotional and physical injury as me-folks brush past them in their rampant pursuit of personal desires…
    Amazingly, the widespread pursuit of one’s personal desires is fulfilling a nearly two-thousand-year-old prophecy, which Apostle Paul records in the second book of Timothy. “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control… always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 3:1–4, 7).
    This situation is also acknowledged in Matthew 13:15, where we read, “For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I (Christ) would heal them.”
    Since the beginning of time, the truth has never changed, though billions of people have enthusiastically rejected it. If we are alive and have the mental capacity, it is not too late to set out in pursuit of truth.”
    Yes, let us not seize to bite the bullet and get our minds off ourselves. That is a move we shall never regret.
    Thank you for sharing this article Jim.

  409. Yes, the longer we live in this fallen world the more acquainted we will become with loss and grief. Billy Graham said, “Suffering is part of the human condition and it comes to us all. The key is how we react to it.” I haven’t always chosen to paint a beautiful picture of hope in the midst of my suffering, but I know that through His grace I can. So many of the promises in Scripture attest to this truth. Thanks for this encouraging story Jim. Merry Christmas.

  410. Indeed, thanks for the re-focus encouragement. Joanne used to say, Humility is the #1 trait she prayed for herself and loved ones…

  411. As usual brother, you are right on. As I see it, that means Equipping the sheep to care for themselves and other sheep so wolves cannot eat them so easily. (The metaphor is in exact here!) As I ponder why so many churches are collapsing I see a lot of untended and unequipped members who have little resiliency to fight of a wolf.
    Keep up the good work and the great writing.

  412. Teaching, leading, and being in a Charismatic group is much more challenging than being a Cessationist. In fact, there are few who practice the Power Gifts as enthusiastically as they did in the Jesus Movement. It is too difficult.
    I lay out 4 ways God heals and fosters growth that help me deal with the Bible’s full teaching.
    1. The Truth is often the primary source of healing/growth.
    2. Fruit of the Spirit is essential in healing, especially of trauma.
    3. Gifts are often important in healing.
    4. Power is the normal way of thinking about healing but it is the rarest form.

    When the Spirit is present, healing and freedom occur but usually slowly and unseen by observers.

  413. I long for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Do we no longer believe for miracles? Where is the holy excitement of the charismatic movement of the seventies? Many have become believers, but few seek after doing the works that Jesus did. “These works that I do, you shall do also….and greater works than these shall you do.” Come Holy Spirit! We need to stir up the gifts within us and be bold and strong. This article inspired me to step out in faith and use the gifts of the spirit. We won’t see miracles unless we expect to see them. Believers need to be recharged with the spirit and set on fire again. Believe and receive.

  414. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this subject, Buchan. I( did not know there is a word to describe those who do not believe in supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit.)
    I have some potential explanations for why not everyone is healed, and why God sometimes feels inaccessible.
    Just yesterday morning, when I tried to have my daily session in God’s presence, it seemed the door was shut. I assessed my life in search of any sin that might be hindering the process, but everything seemed clear.
    Then I thought of it, “It must be the devil’s presence that is the problem.” (I was currently volunteering at a counseling center for men. where I had spent the night, and I had noticed before that such facilities are sometimes infested with evil spirits…)
    Immediately after I renounced the devil, I could access God’s presence as I normally do.
    Might that be part of the problem in your experiences?
    Also, does God not ask us to pray with the attitude of, “Your will be done.”? Maybe healing is not granted because that is not God’s will in that situation.
    In my experiences, if my request was contrary to God’s will He was always faithful in telling me so and assuring me that it would be best in the end if my request were not granted, and He will be with me as I work through that inconvenience.
    No, I do not claim to have it all figured out. I acknowledge that reality could be quite different than I tend to think.
    (You can read some of my stories of being in God’s presence at: https://marcushurstauthor.com/2021/08/in-gods-presence/.

  415. As always, I appreciate your writing. I’m excited to report, however, that my family and I are part of two growing ministries in Grove City, OH, where we are beginning to see exactly that – the gifts of the Holy Spirit moving in power – and, with them, the fruit of the Spirit also growing in believers’ lives! People are being saved, healed, delivered, and changed, not by our power, but through the power of the Holy Spirit. We spent last summer and fall worshipping, praying, and evangelizing on the streets of Grove City with people hungry for the presence of the Lord. We are spending the winter months training up new church and worship leaders who are ready to take the city, state, and nation for the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe that the key to this is letting go. Too many church leaders are fearful and thus keep a tight rein on the gifts of the Spirit, or they reserve their use for a chosen few. We have allowed the Spirit free rein in our meetings – and, as a result, He moves freely. If you ever get a chance to return to the Columbus area, I’d love for you to come and see what the Lord is doing here! Blessings!!!

  416. Once again you hit the nail on the head.
    I relate to so much of what you say.
    Thanks for your writing and your wisdom my long time friend.

  417. Thanks Jim
    We appreciate you and your right on, where is the perfect church? It’s right inside us , we just have to find it with God’s help and Blessings.

  418. A timely reminder that we as Christians need to focus not on earthly leaders who will fail, but on the one true king, Jesus Christ who never fails . Thanks Jim!

  419. Amazing insight presented with an interesting twist. America has certainly been asleep or blinded during these past years. Without God’s intervention our nation is lost. So sad.

  420. Fascinating how in 20 years life changes. Unfortunately, modern day Rip Van Winkle sees one year of change in a single day.

    Thank you for this very thought provoking commentary. Pray for our country.

    Maureen

  421. Well written, Jim. It is so profoundly real yet seems almost crazy far fetched. I love ole’ Rip’s prayer in your story. What a call to petition the very throne of heaven for wisdom as I see no way to stem the tide without God’s intervention. Very thought provoking.

  422. I agree that someone whom God didn’t to a ministry can become a mercenary in that ministry. If God didn’t call them, who are they really serving? The sheep need to hear His voice in their shepherd; otherwise a wolf in sheep’s clothing may deceive them.

  423. Amen Jim…great nuggets of truth on a topic that can evoke sentiments of frustration on both shepherds and sheep. The concept of “calling” to the ministry has been replaced with the good vibes of working for celebrity pastors and churches. May the call to ministry seize and consume us for the glory of God.

  424. Great encouragment Jim, thanks for your heart and overcoming persistence in keeoing on, keepig on! You have been through so much and maintain steadfast faith in the Lord, His promses as a covenant child of God. blessings and Happy New Year!

  425. Great word for the end of the year and chance for us to embrace His mercies that are new every morning! Charge!, for today we conquer if we faint not!! Who can stand against the Lord Almighty!

  426. Jim that is so powerful. Thanks so much for sharing all your Love for Jesus. Tomorrow I’ll share your Blogsite with Delores and several sisters for lunch time together. Gods many blessings for the New Year!! Peace be with you my Friend. Deb

  427. Good word Jim! This is an age old problem of human nature but shouldn’t be since we have the nature of Christ!! Thanks again for sharing! Blessings.

  428. Thanks for your insights, JIm. Your mention of passive listeners in a church service is what caught my attention. I, and some friends of mine, have a concern for this as well, and we are trying to construct a system that will solve this issue. Your story is very encouraging to me.
    (Don’t be afraid to reach out to me, at mzhurst22@gmail.com, if you desire to hear more about the system I and my friends are working on. We are aways open to input from others.)

  429. RIght on the money Jim. I love the term “Holy Agnst”. God put that term in my mind years ago as well. The church has to get out of its comfort zone. It has to get out of the pews, and into culture, out of the spectator stands, and onto the playing field. God showed me a couple of paradigm shifts if communicated well; I think pastors could use to engage their congregation like never before. Love to share them with you and see what you think.