Deacon Speakin'

There is a common denominator in most scars and that is human suffering. We know we will suffer on this earth during our short time here, and I believe that suffering should be used for something…and as something.

Fireballs happen during Lent and carry on all the way through to Easter. Fireballs are those nasty distractions and set-backs that hit us out of nowhere and get in the way of all our attempts to humble ourselves and make ourselves very small.

What battle are we engaged in? The relentless and unending battle for souls. The age old fight between good and evil of which we find ourselves; men, women, and children – all of mankind as the subject and prize. It's time to man up!

What do we do when we can't reach those in need? Maclean says that we love them – unconditionally. That sounds familiar. And it should because that is a rather Christian approach to help – we try to love unconditionally. Easy right?

Under a basket, your light still shines as brightly as you want it to, but no one sees it. No one is inspired, and no one has the chance to see what God can do through us and with us. But remove that basket and watch what happens. God will do things with you that you cannot even imagine. God will work and move in you and bring others to the faith through you, He will use you as the salt to flavor...

Looking at the reasons we turn to a dirt digging varmint to predict our arrival of spring is quite curious and believe it or not – rather biblical in nature.  

The most downloaded podcast in 2019 is the Bob Dylan Sermon! Here is a repost and a "Thank you" for all those who listen and share! 

The idea that we can live a fruitful and holy life that God deems worthy of salvation, yet it is lost on another soul because of their separation from God is, to me, tragic.        

The long dark night comes to all of us in some way. We will face our challenges and be confronted by fears and feel that God is nowhere to be found. Maybe our doubt grows such that we simply can't see the light for all of the darkness we throw up in front of us.

Are you listening to God or are you listening to yourselves as another day goes by while you depreciate your value.

What is truth? It is not so very easy to recognize these days is it? There are so many resources for information and so many opinions on the topics of today that truth can become hidden. But we know that truth is non-negotiable, that a fact is a fact, so why is it so very hard to recognize it and why do we struggle with it?

Regardless of the many feelings and experiences that we all have leading up to this moment – here we are. All of us, in our diversity; in this one space…in this one holy space. Regardless of what led us here or how we got here; or where we are in our current place in life – we share this space as one body raising our voices together in praise.

There are many trials in this life and many challenges that will test and prove us. There will be much grace and peace wrapped in these trials – we must only endure…and persevere…and stand up…and accept it…accept the grace that will be poured out to you, and when it does…maybe it is like opening a box of oats and finding cookies inside.

No matter what you put on a pedestal, it will always reach for something higher. You meet people where they are everyday and those people are wanting and needing just like everyone else; celebrity or not. Do you have the courage to be the vehicle to being them to God?

Anyone who speaks truth is dangerous because those who do not want to hear the truth will try to silence it. Those who do not want to accept truth will likely be condemned by it because truth cannot change.

The George Bailey Sermon. In the movie It's a Wonderful Life an angel tells George Bailey, "You've been given a great gift, George: a chance to see what the world would be like without you." Wait. What? A great gift? George sees hate and sadness all around, how is this a gift at all? 

The world is full of opportunities for thanks, whether we are saying it or hearing it. Both ways are a healthy start on the way to salvation. Here's a few questions for you!

There is no doubt to me that a thankful person is a satisfied person; and a satisfied person is a peaceful soul. Do you find yourself barking at your reflection just hoping to get something that you don't have? Here's a simple solution...

If you look at your relationship with God and what you do for Him and because of Him, does anything change when you grow tired of the color of your walls? Do you find yourself evolving in your  relationship and love for God when fashions around you tell you otherwise?

Sitting in church, surrounded by all those sinners. That is what you see because that is what you focus on. Because of that, you miss the celebration...you miss the party because you are too busy reading the invitations list.

Living without may just be the hardest thing we do in our life. And living with loss may be the most complicated. Pearls are not made without the oyster first receiving something that it didn't ask for. Instead of rejecting it - it makes it better.

There will be times when the battles we fight seem unwinnable, and maybe we feel defeated - keep fighting anyway and rest your arms on the angels and saints...on the army of heaven. Success over life's battle can be won on faith and sometimes faith is a team event.

Those are the yesterdays that are laced with evil. Those are the things that we just will not let go, even though the past is distant; these are the yesterdays that we carry like a stone weight around our necks and they weigh us down – they drag us to the point that we are ashamed and disappointed with ourselves. They make us doubt – they make us lose faith.

When we think fondly back on the "good ole days," were we all really this busy? I may risk sounding like an old codger here, but when I was a kid we didn't have travel ball and we certainly didn't have games or meets or matches on the weekends. If you wanted to see my mom have a fit in the 80s, then schedule a practice or track meet on a Sunday...Sundays were reserved for one thing and we really o...

Being true to yourself is an opportunity to reunite with God's intention for you. Before that reunion, all else is only temporarily satisfying and then you are reaching for the next unattainable - it is a self-gratification and a staple in our modern society. It is also a great lie. Your roots are truth.