Sin and the Lamb

 We are all sinners. I’m a sinner, you are a sinner, your grandma is a sinner, all of us sin. It has been this way since the creation of man and its early fall into sin. When Eve ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil as we read in both Genesis 2:16 and Genesis 3:6, she introduced sin into the world and thus marked the departure of humanity from God’s perfect design. This inherent sinfulness is seen as a spiritual condition that separates individuals from God and predisposes us to wrongdoing.

 The apostle Paul elaborates on this concept in Romans 5:12, stating, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way, death came to all people because all sinned.” According to this perspective, the sin of Adam and its consequences are transmitted to each subsequent generation. 

The enemy is of this world, and thus, the highway to hell was paved on Earth. Alcohol, drugs, Hollywood, fortune, fame, lust of the flesh, ‘new age’ books and trinkets, and even some music, are all a part of his plan to lead us further away from God; to make us all eat from the fruit like Adam and Eve. We may think some things are innocent, but it is rooted in pure evil. Our society idolizes entertainers, athletes, politicians, and models, when the only thing we should idol is The Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth who is but one God with the Father and Holy Ghost. 

Romans 12:2 advises us not to conform to the pattern of this world, reminiscent of the disobedience exhibited in Genesis 3, but to be transformed by the renewing of minds. Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

 Although we are all natural born sinners, The Lord’s will is to have us sit at his table. John 1:29 states, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” This verse encapsulates the purpose of Jesus’ mission on Earth – to serve as the perfect and ultimate sacrifice, atoning for the sins of all humanity. Jesus, being sinless, willingly offered Himself on the cross as the Lamb of God, shedding His blood to cleanse humanity from sin. Peter 1:18-19 tells us, “You were ransomed… not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” When we begin to understand and appreciate Jesus as the Lamb who washes away the sins of the world, it is a powerful reminder of the grace extended to humanity through his sacrifice, providing a path to salvation and eternal life for all who place their faith in Him.

 Revelation 7:14-17 reveals a wonderful truth: “They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” This symbolic cleansing reminds us that through our faith in Christ, we find redemption and purity. This act signifies the forgiveness of sins and the transformation of our lives by embracing the redemptive power of His blood. It is through Jesus’ blood that was shed on the cross that we are to be made righteous before God. The cleansing is not merely surface purification but a renewal of our inner being. In the midst of tribulations, the Lamb provides shelter, and tears are wiped away.

 In providing shelter and guidance in the heat of our trials and tribulations, this underscores the comforting role of Jesus as our Shepherd. In times of distress, we find solace and strength in His unwavering love and care. Through wiping away every tear, we are met with the hope of a perfect and eternal existence with God. This will be the end of sorrow and the beginning of a new joy-filled reality for those who follow the Lamb. This promise encourages us to persevere through difficulties, knowing that the most glorious future awaits.

 The imagery of leading to springs of living water places importance on the abundance and vitality of the life that Christ offers. Just as physical water is essential for sustaining life, the living water provided by Jesus satisfies the deepest longings of the soul and ensures spiritual vitality. Let theses verses inspire gratitude for the eternal promise of God’s presence, guiding us to springs of living water. As we journey, may we serve Him tirelessly, knowing that the Lamb, our Shepherd, will lead us to everlasting joy in His divine presence. Amen.

1 Peter 2:9-11 - Chosen People

 Welcome to the cosmic party where you’re not just a guest; you’re the VIP, according to the celestial invitation found in 1 Peter 2:9-11. Strap in because we’re about to dive into a scripture that’s more exciting than a summer blockbuster, and you’re the star of the show! Picture this: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.” Translation? You’re not just a random blip on the universe’s radar; you’re handpicked by the Almighty, a part of the divine posse. Cue the star confetti! Now, let’s talk about being a “royal priesthood.” It’s not about donning fancy robes and tiaras (although, who wouldn’t want to?). It’s about being God’s go-to team, rocking the role of spiritual superheroes. You’re the bridge between heaven and Earth, on a mission to spread love, joy, and holy high-fives wherever you go.

And hey, you’re not just a citizen; you’re a card-carrying member of the “holy nation” club. This doesn’t mean you have to live in a bubble; it’s about turning your ordinary moments into extraordinary acts of kindness, justice, and a dash of holy mischief. Stand out like a neon sign in a black-and-white world. There’s a purpose to all this divine drama: “that you declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” You’re not just here to twiddle your thumbs; you’re here to crank up the volume on the good news jams. Your life is a playlist of praise, a remix of redemption, and the ultimate dance party with the Devine.

Now, Peter doesn’t just stop there. He’s got some pro-tips for this rollercoaster ride called life. Rule number one: steer clear of the drama lama and those tempting sinful desires. Instead, live life like a rockstar because guess what? You are one, in the eyes of The Lord. Buckle up you radiant rebel. Your identity is not a snooze cruise; it’s an action packed blockbuster, a cosmic comedy, and an epic adventure rolled into one. Embrace the chaos, dance in the rain of grace, and let your life be the showstopper that leaves the audience in awe. You’re not just living; you’re blazing and rocking that VIP status granted by the Creator of the cosmos. Party on. 

Lord Jesus,

We come before you with hearts filled with gratitude and awe, reflecting on the truth. Your Word ordains us a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and your special possession. Thank you for this incredible privilege. 

Lord, thank you for choosing us – not for our merits, but out of your boundless love and grace. In a world often clouded by uncertainty, Your Word serves as a beacon of reassurance, reminding us that we are set apart for a divine purpose.

As members of this royal priesthood, we humbly embrace our role as intermediaries between heaven and Earth. Grant us the wisdom and courage to live lives that reflect the love and mercy found in Your Son, Jesus Christ. May our words and actions be a testament to the power of Your love.

We acknowledge our place in this holy nation and understand that our citizenship is in the Kingdom of God. Help us navigate the challenges of the world with grace and integrity, standing firm in our commitment to live according to Your standards.

Heavenly Father, set our souls on fire with a passion to declare Your praises. May our lives be a constant testimony to Your marvelous light that called us out of the dark. Empower us to share the good news with compassion, boldness, and a contagious joy that draws others into the warmth of your love.

In moments of temptation, lead us away. Guide us to walk in the path of righteousness. May our lives be living examples of the salvation and purpose You have graciously bestowed upon us.

We surrender our hearts to you. Use us as instruments of Your peace and redemption in a world that so desperately needs it. We pray all these things in the mighty and precious name of Jesus. Amen.

Temple of the Holy Spirit

 Dear Heavenly Father,

I come before you with a heart full of gratitude for the precious gift of life and the temple you’ve entrusted to me. As I embark on the journey of learning to live a healthier lifestyle, I seek your guidance and strength.

Grant me the wisdom to make choices that honor the body, the temple of your Holy Spirit. Help me embrace a balanced diet that nourishes and sustains, recognizing the abundance of Your provision in every meal. Guide my steps towards regular physical activity, understanding that movement is a blessing that promotes well-being.

Lord, instill in me the discipline to prioritize rest and rejuvenation, knowing that true rest comes from You. Create in me a spirit of mindfulness and gratitude, that I may appreciate the present moment and Your glorious creation.

As I navigate the path to a healthier lifestyle, may Your grace empower me to overcome challenges and temptations, and cultivate habits that glorify You. In this journey, let Your love be my motivation, and may I be a vessel of Your light in honoring the temple You’ve given me.

In Jesus’ name, I pray.

Amen.

My beautiful friends,

I want this platform to allow for open and honest communication between myself and those of you who are taking the time to read the words on your screen. I will take the lead on that mission, and during this post, be completely vulnerable about something that has always been tough for me.

Recently, I sustained an injury to my back in the most macho way ever; going down a playground slide – slide 1, Steve 0. After months of therapies, medications, MRIs, X-rays, doctor visits, epidural injections, and debilitating pain, I finally got to sit face to face with a neurosurgeon. It took no time for her to tell me that I require a procedure called a laminectomy – to sum it up, they remove part of the vertebrae to help free the nerve root cluster that is being pinched. It is about a 6–8-week post-op recovery. My back is a cut and dry case for the surgery; however, I am not. I was told I would need to lose a considerable amount of weight to qualify. 

Based on my BMI, I need to go from a weight of 368 pounds down to around 275 pounds. I’m confident that I can lose weight, I have done it before, and that is the sobering reality. I know the work and the time that it takes to eat a balanced diet, manage portions, get enough sleep, and exercise. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, I went from 360 pounds down to 225 in 9 months. I stopped drinking alcohol, incorporated more green vegetables, and stayed away from refined sugars and flour. I exercised a minimum of 4 days a week, and stayed as active as possible at my job, which wasn’t hard to do as the innkeeper in the mountains of Montana.

From the ages 17 – 30, apart from the year I lost over 100 lbs., I treated my body like a demolition derby car, and alcohol was my fuel of choice. It didn’t matter if it came in a can, a bottle, a box, or a bag, I drank it like there was no tomorrow. I had this unfortunate ability to not turn down things as well. If you gave me a pill, I was going to crush and snort it. If you lit it on fire, I was going to smoke it. I wore my high tolerance like some kind of badge of honor. I tend to say I was a walking Jackass audition tape, and I was trying to out-do Steve-O. 2005-2017 is just one giant blur of a memory. I led a lifestyle that the man I am today is appalled by. 

You would assume that means I got my act together after that last paragraph, and you would assume wrong. It didn’t matter how hard I tried; I couldn’t drop the bottle. I would lie to myself and say that I could control the drinking; I don’t have a problem, everyone drinks; I’m a social drinker; this $150 bottle of scotch is going to last a while; I can stop anytime I want. When I met my now wife, I was excited for our relationship and didn’t want to reveal the dark side of me. She didn’t drink much at all (maybe a glass of wine a month), and didn’t want it in her house, or around her baby. I respected her, and sobriety was worth her. But that demon eventually came out to play on more than one occasion, and I’m darn near certain that the next time would’ve been the last time for her to tolerate it. I would’ve drank her away, like the pain I was trying to drown. I wouldn’t blame her, there’s only so much love a person can show to someone with an addiction.

I’m not quite sure how to describe what it is like to be an addict, but I will do my best. There is an inner voice that taunts the addict. It’s a menacing voice that says, “You know how good it makes you feel, all you need is to get your fix, and everything will be alright.” That little voice doesn’t care if you lose your job, your money, your car, your family, your friends, your house, or your life. It just wants you. It is like a virus, and you are the host. It will chew you up and spit you out, and you just go along with it. It is the master and you’re the slave. Addiction is hell, and that sinister voice is the devil himself. One hundred percent, the devil uses the addict as his personal playground. All glory to God, I was saved.

 It had been about 4 months since my last drink when He revealed Himself to me. I was eating breakfast at my dining room table and had a horrible vision as I cut into my meat. I was suddenly surrounded by the fires of hades, and my soul was being sliced in vertical strips just like the chunk of steak I was carving. I watched in absolute horror as a hoard of demons consumed my burning flesh. I could smell the scorching of my body hair until the hot smoke boiled the fluids in my throat and lungs and felt the skin blister and slip off from my arms and legs, as my face began to melt. All the while, I was being laughed at and they were taunting my blood curdling screams. 

This vision lasted all of five seconds, but it felt like a lifetime. I immediately made my way to the sink and vomited up my breakfast. He knew that I needed a wake-up call and boy did he deliver. When I set out to quit drinking the last time, I looked up at the sky and said, “I can’t do this on my own, it’s in your hands now.” As I reflect on that moment, I think God knew that I was teetering. I only said ‘it’s in your hands’ because I read it in a book, but I didn’t truly believe that somehow Jesus would magically make me stop drinking for good.

I bought a Bible online after I cleaned up the mess. On my drive to work I prayed a series of Our Fathers and Hail Marys. I prayed that night in the shower before bed, and asked God to protect me. I had a dream that night and heard The Lord’s voice. He told me that it was Him who sent the vision I saw at breakfast. He revealed to me every sign over the course of my life where He was pointing me to the path that would lead me to Him, and every wrong turn I made in the opposite direction.

 It all became so clear to me that none of this belongs to us, it is all His, including our bodies. To take care of ourselves, is to honor God, it is to thank and praise Him for everything, even the bad. It is our duty to thank Him. If you woke up today, thank Him. If you are feeling good and healthy, thank Him. If you’re in pain, thank Him. If you’re able to use your legs, thank Him. If you have vision, thank Him. If you are blind, thank Him. If you lose your job, thank Him. If you buy a new car, thank Him. Thank and honor His Holy Name for everything.

In making healthy choices, we honor the temple God has entrusted to us. Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.” Choosing health is a form of gratitude and recognizes the gift of life and the responsibility to care for ourselves. Proverbs 3:7-8 offers, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring heath to your body and nourishment to your bones.” To actively live out this gem of wisdom, we can incorporate practical steps in our daily lives. Embrace a balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, to honor the body God has given us. Engage in regular physical activity, remembering that our bodies are designed perfectly for movement. 

Perhaps even more importantly, prioritize rest and sleep, understanding that proper rest rejuvenates our bodies and spirt. Develop a mindset of mindfulness and gratitude and appreciate the present moments and the goodness of God’s creation. As we make these choices, we not only take care of ourselves but also express thanksgiving to the Maker, tipping our hats to His provision and seeking to glorify Him through our well-being. 

You Gotta Friend In Me

My sweetest friends, 
Proverbs 27:9 teaches us the profound truth that, "Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel." Throughout life, our relationships are the wool and mill that weave a beautiful story. Like oil and perfume, the genuine warmth of friendship and the counsel of true company brings joy to our hearts.

May we embrace the wisdom embedded in this verse, recognizing the value of authentic connections. Just as oil soothes and perfume delights, the kindness and support we share with friends become warm soup for the soul. True friendship is a treasure that enriches our journey, making the heart glad in times of joy and providing solace in moments of sorrow.

Moreover, the ‘sweetness’ of a friend lies not just in agreement, but in earnest counsel. As we ride the rollercoaster of life, let us be open to the guidance of those who genuinely care about our well-being. Their counsel, centered in love and sincerity, becomes a source of strength, enabling us to face challenges with courage and resilience.

In applying Proverbs 27:9 to our lives, let us sow deep, meaningful connections and be willing to offer and receive advice with open eyes, ears, and hearts. As we walk this path together, may our relationships be the fragrant oils and perfumes that make the journey of life truly joyous and meaningful. 

Heavenly Father,
May our bonds be strong and our connections deep. Guide us through moments of joy and challenges, and grant us the wisdom to cherish and uplift each other. In times of laughter or tears, may we stand together, a sacred circle of companionship that lasts forever. May understanding, kindness, and loyalty prevail, as we navigate life's journey, side by side we sail. Amen.

Breaking BreAD

 

My wife and I don’t necessarily conform to the idea of a “New Year’s Resolution.” Don’t get me wrong, I can certainly appreciate the willingness to change something about ourselves, but I believe it should be done throughout the year, and not just in January. Honestly, I think it would be a better suited idea if the thought behind a resolution took place during the Easter season. During the Easter season, we find flowers blooming, snow melting, the bitter winter air turning warm, and the day’s sun lasting longer. It is a season of change.

 Ironically, Allie and I both decided to add a hobby into our respective lives around the same time, and right at the start of those pesky “resolutions.” Take me for example; I started using my spare time to read more, study the bible, and write – I started this blog as a way for me to stop using so much paper!

Allie has devoted her extra time to my delight, by baking more. She has always been a good baker and cook in general. I think her adolescence of growing up on a farm out in the hills of Pendleton County, Kentucky, has contributed to her love of making things as fresh as possible. We are blessed to eat so many home-cooked meals in this culture of fast food and take-out. Her latest fixation has been the art of baking sourdough bread.

 For those of us not familiar with sourdough bread, it is a living, breathing, naturally leavened bread. It uses a “starter” of fermented flour and water that contains wild yeast and good bacteria to rise, instead of commercial yeast. It is richer in nutrients, contains lower gluten, doesn’t cause blood sugar to spike, is easier to digest than “normal” bread, and tastes better, in my opinion. What is cool about sourdough is that it needs to be fed every 12-24 hours with flour and water – like I said, it is alive.

Watching my wife get excited about feeding her starter, pulling, and folding the dough, watching it proof, shaping the dough, and seeing the crunchy, golden crust that formed during the time in the oven, is the same reaction I have when we slice into the fresh, warm loaf. It is absolutely delicious. It got me thinking this afternoon about the connection bread has in our society, and in the Biblical world. Humans have survived and thrived thanks to the art of cultivating wheat and baking bread.

 The art of baking and breaking bread together parallels our walk with Jesus. The patience we find in the rising dough mimics the patience preached about in Scripture. James 5:7-8 advises us to patiently await the spiritual harvest, like farmers tending their crops. As the dough rises gradually, it transforms into a light and airy texture, much like how Jesus allows us to rise above our circumstances. Like dough being molded into a beautiful loaf, we are confident that God is shaping us for a purpose. As the Psalmist waited for the Lord in Psalm 40:1, we too are called to patiently trust in God’s unfolding master plan.

 Gathering around a table and slicing into a fresh loaf of warm bread with our loved ones, makes the highlight reel of the human experience. As we consider breaking bread, we turn to the poignant moment when Jesus shared the Last Supper with His disciples. In Luke 22:19, He took bread, gave thanks, and broke it, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” Breaking bread together symbolizes unity, community, and the shared experience of God’s grace.

 The patience cultivate in baking shows a reflection of the enduring patience Christ has with us, while breaking bread embodies the communal aspect of our faith. Through both, we witness the power of patience and shared moments, reminding us that, just as bread is broken and shared, so is our faith meant to be lived in fellowship with one another.

 I encourage you to take the time to gather with family and friends as often as you can. Jesus said, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I will be present with them.” I will leave you with this prayer:

Gracious Lord, as we gather around this table, we come with hearts filled with gratitude for the bread before us – the symbol of your body broken for us. In this spirit of unity and community, we join to break bread, just as Jesus did with His disciples. We thank you for the patience symbolized in the rising dough, mirroring your enduring patience with us. May this act of breaking bread remind us of the unity we share in your love and the fellowship we find in your grace. Bless this bread, Lord, as it becomes a tangible expression of your sacrifice and the communion, we have with you and one another. As we partake, may it nourish our bodies and souls, fostering a deeper connection with you and strengthening the bonds of love within our community. In Jesus’ Holy name, we pray. Amen.