Mitch Hodge

New Man

2010-04-26T08:38:00.002-06:00

2 Corinthians Chapter 5 deals with our transforming into a new creation and leaving behind the things of old. When we realize just who God is and what an amazing opportunity we have to live under and through His power it is crazy not accept this gift! Last night I was watching Avatar, in one scene the human is attempting to infiltrate the Navi with his avatar body. He sees this as an way to gain from them but they see a it as a way to test him to decide if he (we) can be cured of this insanity as it is called. (Looking at the world and creatures as objects to fill our greed, lust and selfish ambition.) I believe we have the same opportunity when we come to Christ, yes the scales fall off our eyes, yes we do become true believers in the Power of the Living God, but we can choose to ignore it, use it to our advantage or let that Power changes us forever. The guy in Avatar had to spent time with this new way of life, he had to learn and let it in. After a fair amount of time he was ready to die to defend it. Entering into this new life is an awesome one time experience of trusting Christ, entering into the life fulfilling adventure of becoming a true child of the "Way" (of following Christ), takes some time and effort, but is is time and effort well spent! Give yourself completely to this new life and the reward will be outta this world!!

Hearing God

2010-04-21T16:03:00.003-06:00

Hearing the voice of God is not always as hard as we make it out to be. First, we have His Word, Jesus even simplified the process by telling us the Greatest commandment was love. Love God and Love people. With this in mind we can be free to live our lives, get married, don't get married. Go to college, get a job, change our job whatever as long as we are guided by this simple love factor. As we grow in Christ we certainly seem to make things (simple decisions), much more complex than they need to be. When you start expecting a clear answer to every facet of your life from almighty God I can see how that may lead to some frustration. Look most parents don't want to have to make every decision for their children especially when they have grown, (well some do but that's definitely not what your Father wants to do). Trust God!! Will you choose right all of the time? Probably not, but you will have lived! I have made some MONUMENTAL mistakes in my walk with God, and yes some that I would love to have a do-over but I count on Romans 8:28 and if you will also then your faith is where it belongs.

Wondering what we should do for God is a little harder to figure out. I have always heard the expression of birthing an Ishmael. Well I don't know about that, if you are centered on God, His Son and His Word whatever you decide to do for Him will be fun, exciting and very fruitful. Hey you can wait for your burning bush or use the good old sheep fleece. But if nothing definite happens, how about working in your Church's daycare, or mowing the church lawn. If you want more than that go preach in the street or leave some tracts. Remember its not always so easy to hear the voice of God, but you can always love a little deeper and give a little more of yourself.
God Bless,
Mitch

Men Of Honor -Love and honor of the wife

2010-04-17T14:43:00.003-06:00

If you are married one of the biggest indications of your walk with God is how you relate, treat and communicate with your wife. A little while ago as I was speaking to a brother in the Lord in my office, his phone rang and as I listened to his tone and content I thought it must be his son. He was short and to the point and kept asking this person what they needed . I thought that it was a little harsh but maybe the kid had gotten himself in some hot water or something. As the conversation neared its end and my friend spoke the name of the party out loud I almost fell out of my chair. It was his wife!
Now the amazing this about this is his wife has recently began to serve the Lord, is currently doing the Fireproof study book and is trying to become all she can be for the Lord her husband and family.
When I asked him about his tone to her he said that resentments from the past make it almost impossible to be nice. A few minutes later the phone rang again and this time he answered with "hell0 sweetheart what do you need"? I thought wow my check must have really brought out his better side! Within a few minutes I realized that it wasn't his wife he was speaking to but his daughter! Wow , I said after they hung up, does your wife hear you speak to your daughter that way? I'll get in the rest of our conversation later as well as some great points for learning how to love and honor your wife, but for now let me ask you this, is your wife the most important relationship you have after the Lord? If not, chances are your relationship with the Lord probably has a way to go. More Later!

No Fear

2010-04-15T09:57:00.002-06:00

So many people want you to believe that hope is lost and the best is behind. That the economy is unrecoverable and that our country and world are in a free fall in to darkness. With all the gloom and doom i just want to spread a little truth, Christ is alive, He is on the throne and He is a rewarder of those that seek Him out.
Instead of looking into the next conspiracy (true or untrue) how about looking into the face of your creator. He has it all under control! Without FAITH it is impossible to please God. Wow, settle your heart, your dreams and your future on His love and grace and although darkness may last for a night, hope comes in the morning. He loves you and He will deliver you. Do yourself a favor BEFORE you read the paper or listen to the news, read Psalm 91, then read it again. If you place your life in His hands, He will keep you and guard you. That's His promise and mine, I do believe...
God Bless
Mitch

Dream 9/19/09

2009-09-21T14:19:00.006-06:00

Two island stand apart, an almost mirror image of one another. The ocean between them separates them by only a short distance. A small boat is fishing close to the far island, the one un-inhabited, a least by man. As the fishermen pull in their catch a sound behind them makes them quickly turn around (one looks like Keano Reeves). On a larger boat their are several men, official looking men who have hooked onto their boat and have thrown down two small floatation devises. The official says "I am sorry, but we have not sent a sacrifice to the island in a long time, we are afraid that if the beast is not appeased he will come and endanger life on our island". One of the two fishermen become deftly afraid and also angry at the same time. He has heard the monstrous noise of the beast and he knows that all others who have been sent as sacrifices have never returned. In his anger he explodes, "I will honor this choice, only because I have watched others sent to the island out of fear for my own safety, but I demand that I am allowed to pick up some provisions for myself! As he looks into the ocean he see three staffs floating on top. The one in the middle seems to be reaching to him , perhaps useful as weapon or protection device. He is taken to the home island, it is teeming with life and business. He enters a bait shop and gets a small pocket knife and some cans of food. Before he walks out, his anger at being removed from this place of safety results in him swinging the staff and smashing items in a glass display case.

He is now on the island. The two islands although nearly identical have very different meanings attached to them. The other island is his home, a place of comfort and reliability. It is safe and all he needs to live are at that island.
This island is known as the home of the beast.
Although no one has ever seen the beast they have heard the incredible roar and have feared that the beast would someday come and destroy their peaceful existence.

As he looks into a cave not far from shore he sees the remains of all who came before him. Out of fear they stayed in the cave eventually succumbing to the elements and or starvation. He hears the roar of the beast, but does not hesitate to venture and see. He will not die this way, in fear, waiting.
As he come around the hillside he sees the beast!
It is the incredible sound and energy of the waves crashing against massive rocks! There was never a real beast, only the fear of the unknown! Now this island is his to master and to prosper! All of this incredible opportunity and it is his only because he dared to face the unknown, the beast or lack thereof has now become his place of blessing...

Holy Spirit

2009-09-17T12:55:00.002-06:00

The last few weeks we have been having a great time of worship and intersession at New Beginnings Church. It is supposed to be a bible study but the last two times we have had a great time in the Lord praying for one another. Paul talks allot about the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the bible but especially that one might prophecy. When the Spirit moves the words of knowledge and the gifts begin to be used, a person is truly ministered to deep within their heart. Man if you have not received the Holy Spirits supernatural gifting please contend! God is moving and He wants you and I to be a part of that movement, time is short and getting shorter. Pray Hard!!!

God is able

2009-08-17T14:40:00.002-06:00

When I start to think I have to change my circumstances by my own strength I usually end up farther away from my goal instead of closer to it. Getting in a hurry is such an easy thing to do, but man it can cost so much in time and effort as well as the mental taxation it takes whenever a setback occurs. I am waiting right now for something I believe the Lord promised but I know that it is in His time and not mine. The Lord prepares us to accomplish what He has set before us and if we will allow the time it takes to do the internal work we will enter the blessing with the competence that we need to sustain the Lords work. Waiting on the Lord. It's not easy but if you do, it will be well worth it!

Update

2009-07-21T09:56:00.003-06:00

For the last three weeks I have had the honor to preach at the Congregational Church in American Falls. This was such an awesome experience because of the opportunity to submit to God and just allow Him to do what ever He wanted. It was the first time I have been able to teach a series and I pray it won't be the last. My series was titled "Capturing your Destiny". I pray that a few of the people did. I am so blessed to have so many people that pray for me and encourage me as I am able to step out and bring the Word of God. Our last Sunday was a great accumulation of our time, the congregation was close to twice what it was the first Sunday and God certainly honored the prayers that were lifted up. On the way there my wife and I talked about the manifest glory of the presents of God and how rare that is and how we hoped that He would show Himself in that way to this church. Well He did not let us down, my wife said that at times she had to ask herself who was preaching! Also she said that a couple of times she could see what looked to be a white cloud or mist to my side. Wow! A Glory Cloud!?! Anyway when we were finished and greeting the people at the door one young man said that his life would never be the same and several others said they were deeply moved and touched by God. How awesome when a man can be used to touch the soul of the people in this way. I thank you for your prayers and pray that many more of these supernatural opportunities come my way!
God Bless!!!

Love is the answer

2009-07-14T10:27:00.002-06:00

Take a moment today and enjoy the love that God has for you. To not believe in Christ is just plain silly because He believes so much in you! You may have spiritual gifts that you are taking for granted or just not using and that is a shame. You are a special person, a gift from God to this world. If you surrender to Christ it is not going to be a bad thing, it will be the best thing! Gods love for you is so complete that even while you have your back turned to Him He is still working on ways to get your attention. Wow, the creator of all things wanting your love and attention. That's amazing, you are amazing and God loves you and wants you to get to know Him today. Just tell Him that you re ready, that you believe in Christ (you already do), and you want all the love and blessing He has for you. Easy, now just spend a little time each day talking to Him and reading out of His Word the Holy Bible. You best life is still to come.

Protecting Yours

2009-07-08T10:12:00.003-06:00

If you are a believer and you are pushing into the things of the Kingdom one thing you can expect is opposition from the enemy. Satan hates anyone who has given the Lord control of their life and is willing to do whatever is asked of them in order to fulfill their destiny. The work of the enemy can come in many shapes, If he cannot discourage you then he will go after those who are important in your life that do not have the same relationship and understanding of the Kingdom.
2 timothy 2:22-26 Amplified Bible (AMP)
22Shun youthful lusts and flee from them, and aim at and pursue righteousness (all that is virtuous and good, right living, conformity to the will of God in thought, word, and deed); [and aim at and pursue] faith, love, [and] peace (harmony and concord with others) in fellowship with all [Christians], who call upon the Lord out of a pure heart. 23But refuse (shut your mind against, have nothing to do with) trifling (ill-informed, unedifying, stupid) controversies over ignorant questionings, for you know that they foster strife and breed quarrels. 24And the servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome (fighting and contending). Instead, he must be kindly to everyone and mild-tempered [preserving the bond of peace]; he must be a skilled and suitable teacher, patient and forbearing and willing to suffer wrong. 25He must correct his opponents with courtesy and gentleness, in the hope that God may grant that they will repent and come to know the Truth [that they will perceive and recognize and become accurately acquainted with and acknowledge it], 26And that they may come to their senses [and] escape out of the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him, [henceforth] to do His [God's] will.
This scripture lets us know that there will be difficult times, we must not fall into the temptation to fight and argue, but to allow the power of God to help us to live out our destiny! Go for it!
Great exploits await!!

POWER!!

2009-06-22T11:10:00.002-06:00

Baptism in the Holy Spirit is an essential in the walk of a Christian. The disciples were weak and waining until the event covered in the Book Of Acts Chapter two took place (Read it). You to can and must have this Power. Contend for this, pray with another believer that you know who is baptized in the Spirit, do not give up! Ask God to cleanse your heart and to FILL you with His Spirit. Great exploits await!!

Real Life Real Love

2009-06-19T06:53:00.000-06:00

THE BRIDE WAS BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kirkpatrick held off cancer to celebrate the happiest day of her life
BY GEORGEA KOVANISFREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
Katie Kirkpatrick gets some last-minute help. For her walk down the aisle, she left her oxygen tank at the back of the church with her wheelchair.The bridesmaids, eight in all, wore strapless black dresses that hadn't been the bride's first choice but were available on short notice and looked lovely nonetheless. The groomsmen wore sharp tuxedos. The parents and grandparents of the young couple at the altar looked proud and happy and maybe a little wistful.
The 400 or so people at the church to witness this quickly arranged exchange of vows cried not just because that's what people do at weddings, but because they didn't know how long this marriage might last. The bride, though brimming with happiness, was terribly ill.
Katie Kirkpatrick, 21, had chased away cancer once, only to have it return -- to clog her lungs and grab hold of her heart and try to pull her away from those she loved and those who loved her. Breathing was difficult now; she had to use oxygen. The pain in her back was so intense it broke through the morphine that was supposed to act as a shield. Her belly, legs and feet were swollen because her organs were shutting down and her body was retaining fluid.
People prayed for her, just as she prayed for strength and guidance and deliverance from the disease. They raised money to help pay medical expenses, and Katie did everything she could to help herself. She ate well. In the hospital for chemotherapy, she walked laps through the hallways and rode a stationary bike to stay strong. She took her medicine and vitamins and she never complained because she believed everything would be all right.
And that is why all these people came out on a cold Saturday in January, when the sun shone so brightly it made the snow sparkle like the crystal beading on Katie's wedding dress. They watched, awed, as she summoned all her strength and walked slowly, smiling, down the long aisle of the Church of Christ in Hazel Park on the arm of her father, who himself has cancer.
While some people might have considered this wedding to be a last act before cancer got the best of Katie, it wasn't that at all. She had hope and faith and when you have those things, when you have a glimmer of something in which to believe, there are no last acts.
She did not use oxygen during that walk; she left the big green tank at the back of the church with her wheelchair. She didn't want to look back at photos and be reminded of illness at the moment she pledged her love to Nick Godwin, the man who was devoted to her and the man with whom she would build a future. She knew she would get through cancer, she would beat it. And in the end, the very end, she did.
Katie Kirkpatrick grew up in Metamora, a small town full of horse farms and expensive subdivisions in Lapeer County, about 50 miles from Detroit. She graduated from Lapeer East High School, where she was co-valedictorian, a good athlete -- basketball and soccer -- and the homecoming queen. She was hugely popular. She belonged to a church choir. As a neighborhood baby-sitter, she often canceled her own plans to help out parents in a bind. She counted shopping as one of her hobbies and had a good eye for fashion; she helped family members pick out clothes and even on he morning of her wedding, when she was groggy from morphine, she complimented a friend's coat and asked if it was new. Last year, $30 at Marshall's, the friend said.
And Katie smiled.
It was a great smile. Friends said that when she smiled at them, they felt like the most important person in the universe. They liked that she listened to them. When they visited during her many hospitalizations, she always asked what they were up to, what they had received for Christmas, who they were dating. When they got scared about the cancer, she was the one who talked sense to them. Everything will be fine, she said.
Late at night, when she was too sick even to sleep, when the hospital bed in her girly pink and yellow bedroom at her parents' house couldn't be adjusted to comfort her, she read her Bible. While everyone else slept, it was her comfort and her companion.
Katie's parents, David and Niki Kirkpatrick, work for the Lapeer Community Schools District, though her dad, a counselor and basketball coach, is on leave because he has cancer in his brain and her mother, a teacher, is on leave to care for her sick family. Neighbors and friends and church members help. They bring meals. They find housekeepers. They loan their cars and they provide rides because sometimes driving is just too much for Niki, her mind overcrowded with medication schedules, and vitamin smoothie recipes, and doctors' reports, and wedding plans.
She tried hard to keep everything together because she was the only one who knew everything -- what doctors thought about Katie's prognosis and David's prognosis. And for the most part, she kept that information to herself. She was their protector, their cheerleader. When Katie ate all of her breakfast -- scrambled eggs and toast -- Niki told her she'd done a good job. When David put a glass bowl of soup on the stove to heat, Niki took it away from him and showed him, again, that he needed to use a pot. There was no way she'd ever, ever risk hurting them by telling them exactly what the doctors thought. Or, even, exactly what she thought -- that it was possible neither her husband nor daughter would be around for a wedding if they waited too long to have one.
David Kirkpatrick, 52, has a loyal following of students and former students who like that he was always encouraging and positive and funny. He's all those things still, though his mind is a little scrambled from the tumor and he's often tired from radiation and chemotherapy. Not long ago, he looked at a glass of orange juice and called it tea. It's not unusual for him to bid a visitor goodnight three or four times in the matter of minutes because he forgets what he's said. When one of the groomsmen, one of David Kirkpatrick's former basketball players, saw him dance with Katie to "You Are So Beautiful" at the reception, he sobbed because he hated that two people he cared for so much were so sick.
Katie's best friend was her sister, Sara Nelms, who is 29, a stay-at-home mom married to a special education teacher, Kevin Nelms. They met while they were students at a Christian college in Arkansas. They have a 4-month-old, Jake, who is plump and cuddly and much loved. Once Niki told a stranger he was the bright spot in the family's life. A split-second later she corrected herself. The family, she said, has many bright spots. More than once Katie wondered aloud if the children she and Nick have will be as cute.
That was the thing about Katie, she could be exhausted and in great pain and yet she'd say something -- about having babies, or about being thrilled with the Calphalon pans someone had given as a wedding gift or the new apartment where she and Nick would live -- that made you wonder if she realized the extent of her illness. In Katie's eyes, there was always hope.
"Sometimes I forget that," Niki said. "Katie never forgets that. I think, 'How can she think that?' "Then I think, 'How can she not?' "
Nick Godwin, a 23-year-old Lapeer County Sheriff's deputy who wanted to be a cop since he was 2, is strong and athletic.
He has loved Katie since 11th grade. ("The first time they ever really talked to each other was at a basketball game," said Sandy Godwin, his mother. "I think she had him right there. You could tell by the look on his face.") They dated a bit but broke up when he went away to Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie.
She was still in high school and wasn't interested in a long-distance relationship. "I always figured I'd go to college and I'd meet someone there," Katie said a few days before her wedding. "I wasn't a big believer in high school love."
Still, she and Nick remained friends, and on holidays and summer vacations, they spent time together and with each other's families. "He kept calling when he was in college. He just was consistently always there -- not in a bad way," Katie said. "She couldn't get rid of me," Nick said.
Katie, who won a basketball and academic scholarship to Rochester College, a Christian school in Rochester Hills, Mich., dated other guys.
When Nick sent Katie a Valentine's Day e-mail in February 2002, he decided it would be his last attempt at winning her heart. If he didn't hear back, he would move on. Instead, he received an e-mail from David Kirkpatrick that said Katie had been diagnosed with a brain tumor and was in the hospital. Nick's sister called later and told him Katie's condition was more serious than anyone had originally thought. Nick got in his truck and drove home to see Katie. He couldn't explain it, but he needed to be with her. "Something about her made me feel differently than anybody else did," he said.
A few weeks later, Katie had surgery. After that, she had follow-up treatments. She lost some of her language skills; she had to learn to read again. But she was getting better. She was feeling healthy. There were no signs of cancer.
In March 2003, she realized that she might feel something more than friendship toward Nick, but she was concerned about his religious background. She was a devout Christian, had grown up in the Church of Christ. Nick hadn't grown up in a church. God is important to me, Katie told him. I can't consider a future with someone who doesn't feel the same way.
In the summer of 2003, Nick began studying the Bible with Katie and her dad.
In July, she told Nick she loved him.
In October he was baptized in Katie's church.
The same month, she learned the cancer had returned -- this time in and around her lungs.
She went through more chemotherapy, and for a while, the cancer seemed under control. She went to work raising money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. She spoke to business owners and civic groups and raised $28,000, earning an opportunity to travel to Austin, Texas, to meet and ride with champion cyclist and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong.
Even though she had difficulty breathing, she managed to complete a 7.5-mile ride. It was the fall of 2004, and her cancer was spreading.
She and Nick had been engaged in March 2004. He proposed during a trip Up North. They'd already postponed their wedding so Katie could concentrate on getting well.
But by late December, what was the value in waiting? If Katie knew that getting married sooner might be the only way she would have a wedding, she didn't say.
"This is where we are," she said to her mother more than once.
"There's no sense looking back or what if or anything. This is where we are, this is what we're going to deal with and we're going to move forward."
The wedding was beautiful.
The church was full of pink roses and the lights had been dimmed to make it look more romantic than most churches do in the middle of the afternoon.
As Katie reached the end of the aisle and left her father's arm, Nick turned to her and whispered: I love you.
Their vows were simple and short.
They did not include "till death do us part" because the minister, Garth Pleasant, who has known Katie since she was a baby, doesn't use that phrase. Instead, he told them that marriage is a little bit of heaven on Earth and that love is unconditional.
After they kissed, they stood together with their foreheads touching for what seemed like the longest time. It was their moment; nothing else mattered except that they were together and they would always be together.
The reception was huge and photographers, a DJ and a videographer who had heard about Katie and had been touched volunteered their services.
People clinked silverware against their glasses, and the bride and groom kissed.
Then it was time for the slide show, showing Katie growing up. Nick growing up. Their life together. That's when people started crying again, and again when she and Nick danced, very slowly, to "I Live My Life for You."
Some of her friends from high school, people who loved her dearly, were reluctant to have their photographs taken with her. Katie was the same person she had always been, that's why they loved her. But did they want to remember her so small and weak, her arms the size of a child's?
When they saw her smile, they realized this was probably the happiest day of her life and they were honored to share in it. And they too smiled for the camera.
Where Katie got the energy to be such a beautiful, gracious bride, considering her deteriorating health, was a mystery.
Three days earlier, she and Nick -- who had worked all night on patrol -- were at McLaren Regional Medical Center in Flint. She'd gone in for an intravenous treatment to reduce the amount of fluid she was retaining. Katie was especially groggy. Near the end of the treatment, she asked Nick to call her hospice nurse. But she wasn't available. Katie cried.
She called the nurse herself and said she'd discovered a lump near her neck earlier that morning. The nurse sent a doctor in to see Katie. He told her it appeared to be a swollen lymph node. He asked what kind of cancer she has -- it started in the choroid plexus, which is rare and usually strikes children under 5 -- and when she told him, he just raised his eyebrows.
Then he changed the subject and asked about the wedding.
She had wedding rehearsal on Thursday.
She tried to rest on Friday.
The day of the wedding, she was up at 6 a.m.
When she left the reception at 11:30 that night -- after she'd been serenaded by groomsmen and eaten wedding cake -- she was exhausted. Her face looked as white as her gown. As Nick wheeled her to the car, her small body surrounded by the fluff of her white dress, she looked like a snow princess floating through the air.
She looked happy.
Five days later, Katie died.
She and Nick had delayed their honeymoon -- a trip to the luxurious Royal Park Hotel in Rochester -- and gone to suburban Chicago to consult with a team of doctors. Once there, Katie's condition worsened. She wanted to come home. Her hospice nurse believes Katie knew she was going to die. "When you're dying, you know it," said Jaina Brooks, who had been working with Katie. "She got things done. That girl wanted to spread hope, and she did."
Katie's family had her flown to McLaren, and that is where her body -- which was so much weaker than her spirit -- gave up.
About 1,200 people attended her funeral, held in Rochester Hills at a church much larger than her own in Lake Orion. Rochester College canceled classes for the day so students could attend. Police officers directed traffic. People hugged Nick.
The funeral program included a reprint of the speech Katie gave when she graduated from high school:
"Life is a fragile chain of experiences held together by love. If there could be only one thing in life to learn, it would be to love.
"If only you can love enough, you will be the happiest and most powerful person in the world."
While it is tragic that someone should die, especially so young, it's difficult to see the story of Katie Kirkpatrick Godwin as a sad one.
She did not allow illness to make her weak, she did not allow it to change her relationship with her God or her family or her husband. She did not let sickness stop her from living, take away the hope or faith that made her believe she had a future. She had a lovely wedding and she had love and she gave love and love doesn't die.
And that is how Katie beat cancer.

Don't be fooled

2009-05-05T14:12:00.002-06:00

Do not be fooled into thinking that in any way shape or form is there going to be a peaceful settlement from the liberals. They want your soul. The liberal mindset is as radical and as lethal as the most militant muslim. It is their way all the way. The liberal demos have started making legislation for hate crimes in speaking out against gay marriage or any other liberal agenda. Attempting to sit on the fence on this one is never going to solve anything because the libs want you to tear pages out of the WORD OF GOD and submit to their ideology. When Mrs. California answered the question that was brought to her on the subject of gay marriage her answer let the rest of us know just how far these demon possessed people are willing to go. Understand this IF YOUR VIEWS ARE CONTRARY TO THE WORD OF GOD YOU ARE SERVING SATAN AND NOT THE LORD JESUS CHRIST! You want a false god, a false hope so that your liberal values get accepted? That's fine but you will suffer in the long haul. Go ahead write your books about Christ being a myth and the Bible just being stories but soon enough you will wish you didn't

Power of God

2009-04-29T10:00:00.002-06:00

Last Sunday I sat in church and the service itself was interesting to say the least. It was more of a free for all with anyone wanting to speak to have the floor. There was one young lady in particular that wanted to let the church know what was going on in her life. She had only been clean from drugs for a few weeks but was wanting to help a young girl to escape her current living conditions. Now I have no idea if this is going to work out but I do know that God was doing an incredible work in this young lady and the girl she had brought with her. Gods power of redemption is certain for those who believe. His power of transformation is incredible as well. What happens when we are confronted by old sin? Do we fall do we stay strong? Well the answer is..some do and some don't. Some struggle and then overcome and some just continue to struggle. What I am going to say now will certainly alienate me from some circles, and endure me to others. I believe what is missing in church and in Christianity right now is the manifest presents of the Holt Spirit. I, (and my wife and most of our closest friends) have had times of worship so awesome that we could feel, hear and taste the Holy Spirit. He is real, He is the third part of the Godhead and He is in desperate need in the life of Christians today that desire to truly do the work of God here on earth. We cannot be POWERFUL in Christ without the Holy Spirit. Pray today for a supernatural baptism in the Holy Spirit, contend for that and do not give up until you receive. Your life will NEVER be the same and you will walk in a power and anointing you have not experienced before!
God Bless you!
Mitch

Blessing!

2009-04-24T14:38:00.002-06:00

Do you want to be blessed? Sure you do, who doesn't? Being blessed means we have to follow a certain set of principals that the world may not agree with. First be a giver, and give your best. I have had friends offer to give me stuff that was almost worthless just so they could make room for the newer version. Giving less than your best means you will receive less than the best you are hoping for. Second give without expecting anything in return. If you are giving just so that you will have someone indebted to you then the spirit of giving is wrong. Also if you are giving just for people to see what a great sport you are than again you missed the point and their hollow praise will be your reward. Third give with love. Be happy about giving, rejoice in the fact you have something to give. The Lord loves a cheerful giver. And last, if you do not follow Jesus Christ, well all the giving in the world will not impress God enough to give you the ultimate gift, salvation, eternal life. So be a good giver, start today! But most of all make sure you have received the best gift, the gift of Christ!
God Bless,
Mitch

United we stand

2009-04-23T08:56:00.001-06:00

Tiger Woods received a special invitation to speak at the inauguration. His inviters were stunned, shocked when he did not deliver the message they expected. A brief read and you will understand why the media swept Woods' remarks under the rug with no further ado and why the liberal left of our American society was again displeased with Tiger. His speech was entitled:"You'll Never Walk Alone"
[text is word-for-word as posted on Tiger's web site] "I grew up in a military family - and my role models in life were my Mom and Dad, Lt. Colonel Earl Woods. My dad was a Special Forces operator and many nights friends would visit our home. They represented every branch of the service, and every rank. In my Dad, and in those guests, I saw first hand the dedication and commitment of those who serve. They come from every walk of life; from every part of our country. Time and again, across generations, they have defended our safety in the dark of night and far from home. Each day -- and particularly on this historic day -- we honor the men and women in uniform who serve our country and protect our freedom. They travel to the dangerous corners of the world, and we must remember that for every person who is in uniform, there are families who wait for them to come home safely. I am honored that the military is such an important part, not just of my personal life, but of my professional one as well. The golf tournament we do each year here in Washington is a testament to those unsung heroes. I am the son of a man who dedicated his life to his country, family and the military, and I am a better person for it. In the summer of 1864, Abraham Lincoln, the man at whose memorial we stand, spoke to the 164th Ohio Regiment and said: 'I am greatly obliged to you, and to all who have come forward at the call of their country.' Just as they have stood tall for our country - we must always stand by and support the men and women in uniform and their families. Thank you, and it is now my pleasure to introduce the US Naval Glee Club ..." ====Tiger Woods' 2-minute, 5-second tribute to the our nation's military was delivered January 18th at the Inaugural Celebration in Washington, DC! He had been subjected to intense pressure to attend and offer remarks. Especially so by liberals who have demeaned and criticized him for a decade for not joining their ranks. Yet, at the Lincoln Memorial, instead of paying homage to Barack Obama, Tiger paid tribute to our soldiers. Not once did Tiger mention Obama, the inauguration or the new administration. He had to understand expressing his love for America and appreciation for our military men and women would disappoint the national news media and the liberal left. But Tiger is his own man; his father taught him to be his own man. Somewhere over that cold, gray Washington sky, Colonel Earl Woods was smiling down on his beloved son. And there will be one more crying hug waiting for Tiger when the time comes he passes through heaven's gates into God's arms.
******
What? You did not previously know what Tiger said? You did not see a video clip of him speaking on a national television network, you did not see a photo of Tiger at the Lincoln Memorial offering his remarks, you did not read a story in the NY Times? His appearance at the Inaugural Celebration had been widely hailed and promoted in advance by the Obama inaugural organizers . . . yet January 18 when he came and spoke . . .

Oh, well.

RU Blessed?

2009-04-17T11:34:00.003-06:00

Today on Christian radio was the discussion of President Obamas recent trip to Georgetown
University, in which some of the religious symbols were covered in order for the platform to look the way he desired. Was it a deliberate attempt to distance himself from Christianity, or just an issue of ascetics? Responses were vehement from Christian leadership, "In 32 years of public ministry, I have never seen a President of the United States show such complete contempt and disrespect for faith. This action by the White House should appall and anger every American who cherishes sacred traditions...especially Christians.
"The fact that the Obama White House would ask a Catholic University to cover up a sacred symbol of Jesus to provide a better backdrop for his speech shows that President Obama has no understanding or respect for sacred expressions of faith.
"The image that the Obama team portrayed during the campaign of Mr. Obama being a man of deep faith, understanding and tolerance is now completely in tatters. It is stunning and shameful that anyone would ask a Christian institution to cover up a public expression of Jesus just so they could have a better background for a televised speech. This is not a person who respects or cherishes faith.
"What's next Mr. President, covering up the baby Jesus at Christmas events?"
The white house however stated that was not the intention and their official statement is:
The President appreciated the gracious hosts at Georgetown University where he delivered his speech on the state of the economy. Decisions made about the backdrop for the speech were made to have a consistent background of American flags, which is standard for many presidential events. Any suggestions to the contrary are simply false."
Bottom line is that regardless of your stand on this issue it is a time for prayer like never before. Pray for our President our Country and the knowledge and understanding to do Gods will. Galatians 6:7 -8Don't be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he'll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God's Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life. If you feel like you are blessed by God then BE a blessing to others, their is always going to be a political figure or other persons of power who are not doing what you make think of as God pleasing. But you can be that person, Be that Blessing today!!

Follow the Light

2009-03-19T11:16:00.003-06:00

Being blessed by God is an amazing thing. The freedom to love and laugh and to see what is really important is awesome. The hand of God in my life is the most important gift I have or will ever receive. The bible says that God makes rain for those who love Him and for those who are indifferent. That means that if you are not following God with all your heart you can still expect some good things from a great God. That's good, (in this life) but what about the next? Jesus is the truth the way and the LIFE, that is life eternal. When you completely give God everything through Christ Jesus you can expect the enemy (yes I really do mean the devil and his demons) to start harassing you. The cool thing though is that God will use those tactics to make you stronger and more full of faith than you would have ever been before. And after you have been found faithful, the blessing is awesome. There will almost always be ups and downs in any christian walk but Gods amazing grace is what we will always be able to count on. The journey to faith is not always easy and it definitely will take effort to trust Gods will over anything you could hope or want. I can honestly say that everything I have ever desired from the Lord has come to pass. Not always how I envisioned it, but always better than I could have hoped. If you are unsure or struggling, won't you let Christ Jesus be the light to your pathway to freedom and joy? I am living proof that God can use mistakes to bring about an incredible future. If you are not living with Christ for God then you are living less than best. Repent today for not giving God total control of your life, live your best life right now!
Be Blessed,
Mitch

Looking Up

2009-03-16T08:18:00.004-06:00

Jesus, He is the answer. If a country's top leader chooses dark over light what is the result for that country? If millions of dollars are given to aid abortion (murder of unborn children) and same sex marriage is made into law (even though Gods law is very direct on the matter) then just where is that country headed? This country is divided in two. The post modern (anything goes, its all good) and the morally bound (Gods Word says it so we follow). Now understand I'm not talking Old Testament here (stone em if they disobey) I'm talking New Testament Grace, and that Grace is the only thing that keeps this country going right now. Sodom and Gomorrah were almost spared even thought the sins of abortion and homosexuality were what the judgement was all about. Abraham asked God to spare the city if only a few good and right with God people could be found. They could not and the city was wasted. Who are the good and right? Are you? Am I? The bible say's no one is right in the sight of God, no one was perfect enough to be saved, until God sent His son, Jesus. And by accepting that sacrifice of Christs death on the cross, we were made right with God. Now how do you tell who was made right with God by Christ? Actions, faith in Gods word and fellowship with Jesus. I understand how it feels to some people that they must be the good because they feel like they are standing up for the gays and the women who want abortions so in that light they are actually doing right! Right? Wrong. Just because you think its right does not mean it is. If it feels right do it has destroyed billions of lives. I'm not perfect but because of the Cross I have a fighting chance to live forever in heaven. The bible states that the true believers in Christ are barley saved, what chance does the nonbeliever have? None. God is not a liberal, God is not a Conservative, He is not republican or democrat, He is ultimate and total. I mess up everyday, but because of Christ I have a place to get forgiven. If you think you are a believer but you have surrendered to this worlds post modern theology you are lost. Don't give up, pray. God wants to get you right, He wants all those caught in homosexuality to be healed and whole, he wants all the mothers of abortion to be healed and whole. I do not wish this country or its leaders to fail, I wish them to get connected to the greatest power in the universe, God through Christ Jesus. I can't preach or believe a liberal approach to Gods Word, its just not backed up by scripture. Judgment is though. Its time to look up, ask God what is true and right and by His amazing grace the truth shall set you free.
Love eternal,
Mitch

World of Trouble

2009-03-12T09:38:00.003-06:00

Man looking at the world from a Christian perspective looks bleak. I mean the Obamma administration is already trying to stop freedom of speech on the Christian networks I mean come on messing with freedom of speech just because Gods Word does not line up with your political agenda! Wow. The persecution of Christian on a world scale is worse than ever. More Christians are dieing for their faith than at any other time in history! It won't be long before allot of the freedoms we have taken for granted will be removed, and the funny thing is most people will just allow it to happen so that they are not seen as bigots or trouble makers. Hey I'm not the smartest man and I certainly don't have the answer for the economic crisis, but I do know who does, Jesus. He is and will always be the answer. I don't know what the current president is up to, and I really don't care. I do know that I care what God is up to. He tell us of the real home we have waiting and it's not here on earth. Hebrews Chapter 11: vs. 13-16 "All of these people of faith died not yet having in hand what was promised, but still believing. How did they do it? They saw it way off in the distance, waved their greeting, and accepted the fact that they were transients in this world. People who live this way make it plain that they are looking for their true home. If they were homesick for the old country, they could have gone back any time they wanted. But they were after a far better country than that—heaven country. You can see why God is so proud of them, and has a City waiting for them.
That is the country that we should fight for and even die for, anything else is second best. I don't imagine Obamma is the worst president this country has ever seen or will ever see, It's just that when you compare him with the ultimate leader there is really no contest. I won't live and die for a country I know will someday perish, but I will live and die for the country eternal, heaven. The bible says that God loves us and prepares a place for us through Jesus Christ, won't you become part of that eternal family today?
"If your not willing to stand for something you will fall for anything"
God Bless,
Mitch

Rom 7: 21-25 ruready

2009-03-11T13:08:00.004-06:00

21-23It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge.
24I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question?
25The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.
Those who are in Christ can understand the futility of trying to do good works apart from Christ. The world is full of those who seek to be or do good without following the lead of the Master. Christ's rule may seem unfair to those who do not understand, but to those who know Him His rule is completely perfect. The bible says that without faith it is impossible to please God, what kind of faith? Well that's easy, faith in Christ. The bible teaches that only those who remain true to Christ will have a reward in heaven, so don't look toward any world leader of any particular political party to understand Gods will for your life. You are the only one who can learn that by time spent with the Savior, Christ Jesus. Life is short and we all want to do it right, but eternity is forever and doing that right is not measured on what we did, as much as who we followed. Are you following Christ? If not, as happy as you think you may be in this life a much longer existence will follow, are you ready? I hope so, if not pray to ask the Savior Christ Jesus into your life today. Get on track with your best life now, greatness awaits you!

Balance

2009-02-26T09:22:00.000-07:00

Is Your Life Balanced?
Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people.Luke 2:52
A balanced life is characterized by order, peace, and wholeness. The various parts of life are as they should be and where they should be. Each part of the balanced life gets the right amount of time and effort at the right time. It’s not giving each part of life the same amount of time that makes life balanced; it’s giving each part the necessary allotment of time.The life of Jesus is an excellent model concerning balance. Throughout his life, Jesus was under constant pressure. Friend and enemy alike pursued him. Yet, when examining his life as recorded in Scripture, one sees that he never hurried, that he never had to play catch up, and that he was never taken by surprise. He managed time well, bringing it under control, because he knew the importance of balance. Jesus’ life was well rounded. He grew intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially.Does your life reflect a balance? Do you make time for intellectual growth? If you are too busy to read a book or engage in study that stimulates the mind, you are too busy. Do you make time for physical health? Many people burn out because of improper personal maintenance. Don’t be another fatality on the emotional highway. Take care of your physical self. Do you make time for your relationship with God? Do you feel too busy for prayer, Bible study, meditation, or devotions? Psalms 46:10 can be translated, “Take time and know that I am God.” A popular hymn gives this advice: “Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord . . . Take time to be holy, the world rushes on,” but do we do it? Do you make time for primary relationships? Is adequate time provided for your spouse, family, and friends?Only you can answer those questions honestly. And, only you can take the necessary steps to bring order, harmony, and balance back in your life. Start today.

Who loves ya baby!?!

2009-01-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

Ever see the movie "A Knights Tale", with the late Heath Ledger? There is a scene that after he has been found out from faking his knighthood he is place in the racks. (ouch)! Even as he is being attacked with rotting food items thrown from the mob his friends step in to intercede. At that moment the king shows up, he says to the young impostor, "Your friends love you, if I knew nothing else about you, that would be enough". With that he is set free, officially knighted and wins the day! Last night I was watching American Idol (shut up I love that show)! Anyway there was a young man who came with a whole group of cheerleaders, two of whom did his introduction to the chagrin of Simon. Anyway the guy was O.K. but no Idol (and the judges let him know), but what was totally amazing is that instantly both the girls began weeping, no REALLY crying that the world did not love their friend the way they did. Man I admit it, I broke, tears fell from my face and I said to the guy (O.K. the T.V.), Man you got it! You have more than most of the Hollywood types will EVER have, you have love and you have real loyal friends. You have the best, the very, very best. We can hope for riches, fame whatever, but if you have loyalty in your life, people who would do anything for you, there is nothing better. Most of us could hope to have but one person in our life we could count on no matter what. This young man had a small army. The bible says that to have friends like that we must be a friend like that. Wow. Jesus wants to be a friend like that, if you"ll let Him he will be. Trust Him, talk to Him and ask Him to be your friend for eternity, He will. I don't have anyone crying over my problems here on earth, but I hope to be someone that will cry over yours.
I love you and hope to be a better friend this year.
Mitch

Compromise

2009-01-13T15:44:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard the saying "If you don't stand for something then you will fall for anything"? I thank Christ I am a believer and have Gods amazing Word to direct my path. Those who embrace the post modern view of "anything goes" have no idea just how far that term may take them. Obama will have an openly gay minister saying the beginning prayer, the gay rights parade but will have bible believing speakers and singers as well. The liberal left hoped that by electing Obama they would once and for all win their battle to morally corrupt America. Obama seems to be in the middle, trying to please everybody. I just don't see how that will ever be possible. The bible is the lamp unto our feet, the way we should live and take direction. I understand many of these groups are wanting to have free reign. The truth is they are as much opposed to our way of life as we are to theirs. I remember when I was going to school at BSU, there was a letter pinned to the community board that was written by an angry gay man who vowed to never stop attempting to seduce, rape and molest any male or male child he could. That he would never stop until his way of believing was the only way. You may think you know gays who do not think that way but I promise the spirit (demon) that controls the soul of the perverse is ever bit the evil that wrote that letter. Perversion can manifest in many ways, homosexuality is only one. Perversion is the Word of God, twisted and torn so that it no longer holds the power to do what it was designed to do, make us Holy. When Gods Word is perverted the the perverse will rule. Read the Word, study it, and let it show you the truth. It is the only standard we can really count on.
God Bless America and the Word she was founded on..
Mitch

Where are the Hero's

2009-01-08T13:31:00.000-07:00

Where have all the hero's gone? Are you a hero? What makes a hero? Well being a guy who grew up on comics, the hero was usually pretty easy to pick out. He was the do gooder, the one who stood up for the oppressed and weak, the picked on and the underprivileged. The hero knew to do right and he just did it, even if it meant taking a chance on personal injury. I know that there is allot of stuff going on in our lives right now. Bills, health, children, worries and more worries. So much of our time is spent focused on our issues and dilemmas that we hardly have time to try to be someones hero. I remember several years ago, I was living in Boise and had quit a very good job with coke. I really felt God was going to do something great in my life but at the time I felt like I had made the biggest mistake of my life. I was depressed and alone and I remember feeling like I should go down to the church I attended in Garden City, Community Christian Center. Even though I did not feel like being around anybody I went anyway. It was one of the best moves I ever made. Community Christian Center or CCC had a food bank and it was the night they served the public various groceries. I got out of myself and my own issues long enough to get to help load baskets, carry food and pray with those who were in need. Man I learned a great lesson that night, being a hero doesn't mean you have to get the bad guy. You just have to help the helpless the lonely the poor. Want to be a hero? Want to shine in the eyes of God? Be willing, be ready, and when the time comes, be a servant. I promise if you do these things, you will be somebodies hero.
Mitch

Praise Jesus!!

2009-01-06T10:29:00.000-07:00

Last night I watched a football game that I had been waiting for. Texas vs. Ohio State. Ohio had been in the national championship game for the last two years and both time had been defeated rather soundly. Texas on the other hand had Heisman Trophy 2nd place finisher as QB and should have been in the championship game over Oklahoma who they beat earlier this season. Well the game did not disappoint, it went down to the last 16 seconds before Texas came from behind and scored the winning TD. As I was watching the game I was wondering who would God give favor to? Now I'm not saying that the Lord fixes football, but His purposes are ALWAYS manifested in EVERY circumstance. After the game was complete and the reporters started allowing the players to speak it became clear who had the favor. Colt McCoy blurted out "I want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ". Others had been interviewed and even though they thanked God, it was in a very unobtrusive way. Thanking God without naming Him is giving a very generic term to the ultimate being in the universe. The bible makes it very clear that Jesus is Lord AND God. The way Colt glorified Christ I had not seen since Tim Tebows awesome 2007 Heisman acceptance speech.
God is looking right now to lift up those who will boldly glorify and exalt His name, The name Jesus Christ, The name EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO AND EVERY TONGUE WILL CONFESS. You want promotion? You want Gods favor? Then exalt the name of Christ. Buy a t-shirt that says Jesus is Lord and wear that sucker till it falls apart! If something great happens, shout "Praise Jesus"! Exalt God and He WILL honor you!! Now again I said I don't know if God fixes football games, but I wouldn't bet against those who shout in the name of Jesus!
Be Blessed!
Mitch

Tomorrow is Today!!

2008-12-30T09:18:00.000-07:00

It comes at you so fast, life I mean. Yesterday is already a memory and tomorrow is almost upon us. 2009 is a few days away and I can not believe the speed at which 2008 came and went. Life is a gift, a gift we are meant to cherish. Every day is an opportunity to make a good memory for yourself and others. I remember my son so clearly the day he was born, so full of life so wonderfully made. I was telling him yesterday how I could remember every year, and how much I cherished those memories and the ones we are making even today. Soon he will be grown and out on his own. I will hope he wants to spend time with me, but I will know that he will have others who are also depending upon his time. It's easy to let time slip away from those who God has entrusted us to build relationship with. My sons mother and I were divorced when he was only a year. I could have held on to resentment and he would have been lost in my life. I chose instead to learn to get along with the person I felt had wronged me and robbed me of being a true father to my son. Now I have a decent relationship with her and I get to see Gabe whenever I want! Resentments bad feelings and the like will rob us of our memories, we need to make every moment count. Forgive someone that has hurt you today, let it go and live life for the best not the worst. We have all been hurt, betrayed and used but so was Christ. The bible says that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. Wow, that's forgiveness that's perfect. I deserved allot of the things I have gotten over the years, brought them on myself. Christ did nothing but love, forgive and teach. Love and forgive today, you have a life to live, live it in love!

Good Song! Here's the words....

I came home from work And she was waiting at the door Had that bad day look in her eyes And I heard the sound of little feet across the hardwood floor And I knelt down with my arms open wide When I asked her what had happened She pointed to our son And said why don't you show your daddy What you've done Chorus: And I could see the writing on the wall Evidence of little hands Picasso with a purple crayon And I tried to act upset but I was smiling through it all Cause I could see the writing on the wall It was the first day of school Standing by the laundry door Wondering how third grade came so fast I took a ruler and a sharpie pen and I drew the line once more So amazed at how the time had passed With a backpack full of promise And wonder in her eyes I turned my head just so she wouldn't See me cry Chorus 2: Cause I could see the writing on the wall It seems no matter how I tried The pages of this life keep turning It's a roller coaster ride And even though I knew we had it all I could see the writing on the wall I got a cinematic memory playing pictures of the past adding to the story as we go Cause every day I'm learning that tomorrow comes too fast so I'm holding on the only way I know Chorus 3: I can see the writing on the wall It seems no matter how I try The pages of this life keep turning I can't stop the hands of time And even though I knew we had it all I can see the writing on the wall I can see the writing on the wall

Jesus Time

2008-12-24T11:43:00.000-07:00

Wow it's hard to believe it's already Christmas eve-day. This year has went so fast I can hardly believe it. I don't know if I met many of the goal I had hoped for this year but I have spent more time in Gods Word than ever before. My Christmas hope for next year is to spend less time thinking about myself and more time thinking about others. I pray to give myself more to the things of Christ and less to the things of this world. I pray blessings for all and Christs love in every area of your life!
Merry Jesus Time!
Mitch

Promises, Promises...

2008-12-21T11:22:00.000-07:00

Ever make a promise that you didn't keep? Say you'll do something and then not do it? Man I have, but I pray to be better at keeping my word. All the bull about changing America and ending the war from the politicians makes me wonder why we even have a voting system. I guess it's so we can pick the most convincing liar. The bible says we should keep our word even to our own hurt, even if keeping our word costs us something dear. Wow, that's heavy. Makes you want to keep a little tighter grip on what comes out of your mouth doesn't it? I realize that trying to change others just wastes the time we should be spending on making the necessary changes needed in our own lives. There is ONE true promise keeper though. His name is Jesus and His words are sure. He said that the ONLY way to the Father is through the Son and I know that is the truth. Any other religion that teaches another way is calling Christ a liar. People wanting to call Christians bigots and narrow minded need to remember we are just repeating what our Lord has told us. We believe in Him and in His words. Keep your word, but most of all keep the words of Christ. After all if your words fail people may be hurt but the Words of Christ can never fail, I bet my eternity on it.
God Bless
Mitch

Letting go

2008-12-18T08:48:00.000-07:00

Sometime those closest to us can upset us the most. Family, as much as they can be a blessing can also bring out the worst. My mom is a champion of defending family, even those who are a little distant. If you are related to my mother then nobody and I mean NOBODY better say anything negative about you (even if you deserve it). That's loyalty, that's faithfulness! I think that we need to be more like that. God puts us with people that we may not always agree with. Sometime they may even be doing things we really hate, but if you trust God then you know He doesn't make mistakes, you are right where He needs you to be. I said needs instead of wants because Gods plan for your life is perfect, and all you have to do is your part! Anger, selfishness, self-seeking, resentment all put you out of His best and the plan to place you in the center of His will. Holding on to bad feelings even for a day can be like a cancer in your body, eating away at your soul. Keeping our mouth shut when we want to argue or justify ourselves may be a hard fight but it's worth the effort. We can never take back harsh words, and if those words are directed at those we are related to the consequences can be long lasting. Take a moment today to forgive. Let it go. If you can't think of anything nice to say then just don't say anything. My mom has it down, she guards those of her lineage, we should all do the same, Christ does.
Thanks for listening
Mitch

Psalm 37

2008-12-17T13:30:00.000-07:00

Psalm 37
A David Psalm 1-2 Don't bother your head with braggarts or wish you could succeed like the wicked. In no time they'll shrivel like grass clippings and wilt like cut flowers in the sun. 3-4 Get insurance with God and do a good deed, settle down and stick to your last. Keep company with God, get in on the best. 5-6 Open up before God, keep nothing back; he'll do whatever needs to be done: He'll validate your life in the clear light of day and stamp you with approval at high noon. 7 Quiet down before God, be prayerful before him. Don't bother with those who climb the ladder, who elbow their way to the top. 8-9 Bridle your anger, trash your wrath, cool your pipes—it only makes things worse. Before long the crooks will be bankrupt; God-investors will soon own the store. 10-11 Before you know it, the wicked will have had it; you'll stare at his once famous place and—nothing! Down-to-earth people will move in and take over, relishing a huge bonanza. 12-13 Bad guys have it in for the good guys, obsessed with doing them in. But God isn't losing any sleep; to him they're a joke with no punch line.

Do good be good, the Lord will provide!
Love ya,
Mitch

Christmas Shoes

2008-12-16T08:55:00.000-07:00

The Holiday time can be brutal in so many ways. We overburden to give more than we can and finances become a problem. We may feel insignificant if we don't have the money we wish we had to give everyone a present. It can be busy at your work and in your life. Take a moment, close your eyes and pause long enough to give thanks for what you do have, not what you wish you had. Every time I really feel sorry for myself, I think of those parents who may be watching a child struggling with a fatal illness just trying to get through the day. I think about the many people that overextended their budget to own that beautiful dream home and thanks to a crafty lender they have been foreclosed on and are much worse than they were before. What about the retiree who saved their whole life and now because of volatile stocks, have nothing. So many people have it worse that we do. You may think you don't have enough money to do for people what you would like this Christmas. Give them a gift that never stops giving. Stop, and pray for that person. Not what you think they need, but Gods best for their lives. His mercy, His grace and all the love He wants them to have. The Bible says its better to live in a small room eating veggies with love than a great house with all the rich food without love. Pray for love, Gods love, real love. The love that lasts forever....
May your hearts be full of Gods amazing love.
Mitch

I Hope You Dance

2008-12-11T09:14:00.000-07:00

Many of the Christian leaders of today who proclaim a message of hope with positive expectation are being criticized by more traditional clergy. Joel Osteen and others like him are under an attack from the very people they will share eternity with! I don't get it. Certainly God warned the nation of Israel many times to repent for their sins and when they refused His wrath came down upon them. Certainly many preachers today have greed in their bellies and self-seeking in their hearts, but the bible tells us we will know them by the fruit of their endeavours. It is so easy to point the finger at everybody else when many times we need to point the finger at ourselves. Life is short. If you want to undo an injustice then bring some Justice to someone in need. The other night my wife and I were in the parking lot of Target and two young men approached us. The older told a story of how He was out of gas and needed to get the younger to another state in order to have an operation. My first thought was to tell him to come up with a better story! First off the younger (around 14)was wrapped in a blanket and had a sheepish grin on his face like "If this guy believes this I'm gonna crack"! The older guy was choking on his story and making it up as he went along. From the looks of them they weren't crack heads, probably just a couple kids who needed some money to eat or whatever. Anyway I could have laughed at their pathetic story but instead I reached into my wallet grabbed twenty bucks and said, "God Bless you". They took my offering with Gods blessing. He is at work in their lives even now! Negative or positive, which are you going to be. We will reap what we sow. I would rather error in the face of grace than judgment. Jesus was the ultimate optimist. He had no fear of His impending doom because He knew The Father would raise Him from the dead. The Bible says the same thing about Abraham, that he did not fear to put his son Issac to death by the command of God because he was certain God would raise him up.
You may have had some dreams die. Garth Brooks sings about thanking God for unanswered prayer. God wants you to have the best and not just what you may think you need at a certain time! When you absolutely know God is for you and not against you you will dance like never before. Believe in a great future, believe in great friends and a joy filled life. And if you feel God directing you, don't sit it out, DANCE!
Mitch

Choose Life!

2008-12-10T08:59:00.000-07:00

There once was a court jester who was known throughout the kingdom as a very smart, clever, and funny man. He had a knack for choosing the right jokes at the right time and was one of the only people who could make the king laugh. One day, however, the jester went too far and insulted the king in such a way that the joke was deemed to have treasonous intent and was therefore punishable by death. The king, feeling compassion for the jester, told him that he could choose the way he would die. Many people, without thinking, would have chosen a quick and painless death. The jester, however, had been practicing making choices his entire life. He paused to think for a moment and then replied, “I choose death by old age.”
We all get to choose. That is the criminally insane fact of this existence. "Why would God let this happen" is one of the most overused questions in devaluing our Creator and His purpose in our lives. The truth is the choices we make determine the life we live. In the story, the court jester made a bad choice, he insulted the king. That mistake brought a mandatory death sentence, but he still got to make a choice, and it turned out to be a pretty good one! We have all made some bad decisions in our lives. I made one bad enough to see my best friend die.
After a mistake, we must determine where our choices lead us. My choices led me to drinking and drugs and a unmanageable lifestyle. The good news is, that same power to choose brought me out of that life and into the life I now live. We can choose to live in light or dark, it is up to us. Choosing to live with Christ has to be a choice we make daily. A one time decision that is not acted upon has no power to save us. If an alcoholic one day decides not to drink and then drinks the next, his one day decision only helped that one day. If you choose light, if you have chosen Christ, make a conscious decision every day to live for Him. It will bring the Fathers favor into your life, I promise. If you have never really chosen Christ, do it today. Simply ask Him to forgive you and be your Lord, He's always ready! And if like the Jester you have made some bad choices, those days, months or years of making the king smile will bring with it compassion and grace. Who knows, what seemed like the end will really be you choosing a bright and shining new beginning! We'll see you at 100!
Gods blessing and favor
Mitch

One more time!

2008-12-09T09:12:00.000-07:00

If you did not listen to this song yesterday, just sit back and enjoy! Enjoy your life! There are going to be some F#*ked up days! (Excuse my language but can I just be real?!). If we dwell in the negative and some false perception that nothing bad is ever going to happen then we'll just be sitting ducks for satan to knock us off! (Thats right I said satan!) Bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people, I don't have the answers but I know where to put my trust! Jesus is the answer and remember He got nailed to a freaking cross! It ain't always going to be easy! But It can be worth it, and it can be awesome. A great friend of mine has a disease that he battles with daily. His attitude is amazing. He looks for people and places that he can do some good for. Everyday he wakes up knowing that he's sick and that some days just are not going to be that good, but he makes the most out of everyday! No matter how bad you think your life is, it could be worse! Enjoy the day! Smile and love. Communicate with Christ!!!! Simple prayer goes along way! And when the bad days come remember, "This too shall pass". You can get past this...Your best days are ahead and not behind!
Remember JESUS SAVES!!!!
Love and Peace,
Mitch

Your Time

2008-12-08T09:21:00.000-07:00

You could have been born in any other time in history, but you weren't. You were born now, in this time and in this place with a destiny so great you can't even imagine it. It is so easy to look back at our past mistakes (and some of them may have been life altering), but God promises to use even the worst for our best if we trust Him. Sometimes I look to the future and in my dreaming of what might be I miss what is, right now. Today is the most important day of your life, don't waste it. It will NEVER come again. If you have been harbouring unforgiveness (to yourself or others), let it go today! Live your life with expectancy of Gods favor.
Jesus Christ died for your life so that God may shine upon you, that is your destiny. Christ said we will have trouble, but to be encouraged, for He has overcome the world. Christ is saying trust Me, I will use the bad, the good and the ugly. I will help you to live the life you have been dreaming about and I will help you to start today! Today is your new beginning, your new start. Don't waste a minute of it, love more, forgive easier and hold on to those dreams. Your best life starts now!
Love and Blessing
Mitch

New Shoes

2008-12-05T09:52:00.000-07:00

The feeling of the perfect fit! Man when you get that perfect pair of shoes, whoo, hooo! Comfort and love! I was talking to a friend of mine last night and he was saying how much better his relationship with his wife was as long as he kept a positive attitude. I'm the same way, my attitude dictates my relationships, if it's good it feels like those new shoes and everything rocks! Yesterday I just needed God to help me with my attitude and guess what, He did! I felt like the guy in the song, happy to be alive and ready to truck on and share that happy mood with anyone in my path. Ask God for an attitude adjustment when you need it, and fight to keep negativity out. You will be swelling and gelling!
Peace and Love,
Mitch

When I need You

2008-12-04T08:37:00.000-07:00

God I need you today...

Love till it Hurts

2008-12-03T10:16:00.000-07:00

Ever Love something so much it hurts? I know that may sound strange but if you have never had that feeling then maybe it's time. If you're a parent you have probably experienced this, but if you're not, this kind of love just doesn't come easy. If I had not become a father I don't know if I could have ever preached Gods love as passionately as I have. Do you know that God aches for a relationship with you? Just think if you had released a son or daughter out into the world and then never heard from them again, hurts just to think about it...God loved us so much He allowed His baby boy to die a horrible death that all would be made well between us and God. Wow...I don't think I could do that, I might die myself for people, but to allow my baby boy to suffer and die so that others may live? I don't think I could. God did. And now He is waiting to connect with you in away that would never have been possible except through Christs death. Love can hurt, The Father is waiting...Let Him love you today.
Mitch

Cowboy in Me

2008-12-01T09:41:00.000-07:00

This song definitely defines my attitude. Man I don't know why sometimes I just feel like it's me against the world. The scary thing is...that's O.K. with me. The cowboy attitude doesn't mean you wear a hat and wranglers, it is just a way of thinking, feeling and acting. The cowboy in me is an independent spirit that has alienated me from groups and organizations that really just wanted to help. I have had some mind blowing opportunities but from fear of loosing my individuality have left them by the wayside. The life I live is the harder road. I'm constantly in a fight with the voice that says "relax, conform, settle down don't be such a hard ass all the time." I guess this is just who I am. Never really been that great with a team, more the loner type. I think I'm in good company though, a lot of people accused Christ of going against the norm and being independent. Now I'm no Christ! And I'm sure my rebellion has done me more harm than good, but I do pray that who I am is who God created me to be and that my cowboy spirit can be used for Gods best. Hell, this whole area west of the Mississippi was founded because of the cowboy attitude. I just want something more than the crumbs of the elite, I want to make my own way and do something great for God that is different that the stuff before. And if I never do the great things I hope, well at least I know I lived my life being me. Hey I know there are things I need to change, but I trust Christ to that, I'm just going Thank God that he got me to a place where I was broken enough to say "Yes Lord". The rest is up to Him.
Be Blessed, Be encouraged and never quit being you.
Mitch

Slow Fade

2008-11-30T09:34:00.000-07:00

Everyone wants the perfect church or at least the knowledge that the way they believe is sufficient enought to keep them on the "good" side of heaven. James (The brother of Christ) tells us that 26-27Anyone who sets himself up as "religious" by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world.
Last night I was relaxing after the Oklahoma-Oklahoma State game and I started to channel surf. I came upon a program about vampires and how the legends originated. There is a movie out right now that the younger generation is going crazy for that has a vampire as the hero, so I thought I would check it out. Pretty disturbing, when you hear some of the stories of true mass murderers that literally bathed in blood, drank it, sacrificed the weak and captive and all that other horrible stuff. Next I go down stairs and the Steven King movie "The Mist" is on. I only caught the last, but if you've seen the movie it's a pretty disturbing ending.
Of course my sleep was a mess and I literally woke up sick. My point is, we need to gaurd our minds from the way this world wants us to believe. WATCH WHAT YOU LET IN YOUR EYES AND HEART. I read on MSN today that 25% of workers with internet access look at porn while working. So many of us let things into our eyes and minds that just should not be there. Now I'm not saying I'm perfect, But I am learning to watch things that will build up my spirit and not tear it down. If you have Christ in your heart, you can overcome all temptation that comes your way. I know a lot of us may not be tempted by smut but the temptation to listen to gossip or to pick up a magazine on the hollywood lifestyle can tear down our spirit just as easily. Philipians8-9 says, "Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies". It takes practice, but the result is worth it. Guard your mind and God will fill it with true love and purpose. If you are having trouble in this area take a moment to repent and ask for strength. Pray something like this, "Father in Heaven I have failed you in the area of keeping my mind pure and seeking after the best in this world, I ask your forgiveness and ask you to help me to overcome the weaknessess in my life. I thank you Father that you hear me and are willing to help me develop into the man or woman who can be used for Your Glory. In JESUS Name I Pray, Amen!
Remember your mind is the battle field, so take the war serious!
God Bless
Your Brother in Christ
Mitch

Time in a bottle

2008-11-29T08:52:00.000-07:00

Wow! This year has just flown by. I think as you progress in age the time seems to move faster and faster. I think at a certain age, we get more settled and routine takes over. We need to be careful, if we let everyday just be a slight variation on the one before it our lives can easily slip away. I have been attempting to learn new things, ways to interact with my wife, my son and those around me. The saying "Can't teach an old dog new tricks", must not apply to our lives. In order to grow we must be pushed, and many times we need to be the one doing the pushing. I have failed many times in many things. I think that much of that failure comes from not reaching a little deeper into myself and giving it one more shot. "Life is Short, Pray Hard", is one of my favorite motto's. The thing is God doesn't always answer our prayers in an easy way with no effort on our part. Our Father In Heaven loves to open doors of opportunity for us, then it's up to us to venture out, and with continued prayer and some trial and error we get to live, learn and grow.
My little puppy Bella, when she wants my attention doesn't just stand by and wait for me to pick her up, no, she barks! And barks, until I give her the attention she wants. We need to be after God with that same energy, desiring to change, asking for new opportunities that will glorify Him and bring purpose into our lives, Jesus said "From the days of John The Baptist until now the Kingdom of Heaven suffer Violence and the Violent take it by force". We must cry out for Gods PERFECT will in our lives. If we receive it, our lives will be full, our relationships will be vibrant and our futures incredible. Time is running out, it may feel like you have forever, but you don't. Love God, Love People and never surrender your time to a bottle.
Peace, Love and respect
Mitch

Seeing your treasure

2008-11-28T09:49:00.000-07:00

I woke up with this song playing in my head, I couldn't remember all the words so I looked it up. Man our God is awesome. He will get our attention anyway he needs to. Thank you Jesus!

REELIN' IN THE YEARS
Your everlasting summer You can see it fading fast So you grab a piece of something That you think is gonna last You wouldn't know a diamond If you held it in your hand The things you think are precious I can't understand
CHORUS: Are you reelin' in the years Stowin' away the time Are you gatherin' up the tears Have you had enough of mine.
You been tellin' me you're a genius Since you were seventeen In all the time I've known you I still don't know what you mean The weekend at the college Didn't turn out like you planned The things that pass for knowledge I can't understand
CHORUS -
I spend a lot of money And I spent a lot of time The trip we made in Hollywood Is etched upon my mind After all the things we've done and seen You find another man The things you think are useless I can't understand.
I am the dumbest person on planet earth. My wife is the hardest worker I know. We have built a decent little business here in the small town of Burley, Idaho and by her hard work and perseverance it has paid off. We're not rich, but we do O.K. The first verse of this song sums up my whole stupid attitude, my wife is a diamond, period. She puts up with my childish behavior, (babe can't I leave a little early so I can mountain bike?). Cleans the house does the laundry and makes sure our bills are paid on time. I think that by showing up each day and doing my part I should be looked upon as the great savior, BULL! Man I am making a commitment today to do more for my wife, who even when she has the right to be pissed off at me will apologize anyway! I clearly do not deserve her, and she certainly deserve someone a lot better than me. Ephesians 5:25 (The Message)
25-28Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church—a love marked by giving, not getting. Christ's love makes the church whole. His words evoke her beauty. Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her, dressing her in dazzling white silk, radiant with holiness. And that is how husbands ought to love their wives. They're really doing themselves a favor—since they're already "one" in marriage.
Man I have failed my God and my wife, please pray for me. I want to think less of me and more of her. I need to die to anything that does not help her to grow and blossom.
Today, if you have a loved one you might have taken for granted, repent and ask God to help you change. You never know, you might not have the chance tomorrow.
Blessings and Honor
Mitch

Thankful

2008-11-27T10:27:00.000-07:00

Being thankful should not always be because of our current circumstance. Some of us may have it pretty crappy right now. When I don't feel very thankful I think about the most amazing gift I ever received, Jesus. Then I think about how different my life could be right now. Ever see the "Butterfly Effect"with Ashten Kutcher? He had to keep going back and attempting do different things in an event that would shape he and his friends lives. I'm thankful that I don't have to do that. I know God is involved in my life to the smallest detail. I want to be thankful even when I don't understand why things have happened in my life and the lives around me. The Movie showed the correlating effect of our actions and the potentially devastating effects of wrong decisions. I know I've made some bad mistakes, but the Bible promises that "All things work together for good for those who are in Christ Jesus and called according to His Purposes" Romans 8-28 I am thankful that God is in control and I am not! We may never know of the disasters that have been averted in our lives until we get to heaven. If Jesus is your Lord, you have a destiny so great that our Father in Heaven will do anything to help you live it. If you have not made Jesus your Lord I can't think of a better way to be thankful. Just ask Him to forgive you and change you and your life will be changed forever! Tell someone today you love them and are grateful they're in you're life. They just may be waiting for a reason to be thankful, you may be that reason!
May all your days be blessed and beautiful.
Mitch

The Dark Side

2008-11-25T09:13:00.000-07:00

O.K., I have this dream every once in awhile. I'm a wrestler, not high school, but like the pro guys, all dressed up and in costume. Anyway in most of these dreams I vanquish my opponent and in the spiritual I guess I made some kind of break through. Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Last night however, first I slept through my match and then after getting a second chance I looked in the mirror and BEHOLD I was the bad guy!
They say he wrestles with his demon, or he has demons to deal with, but many times maybe it's us who just choose to do the wrong thing. I'm not saying this makes us horrible I'm just saying that is what makes us human, fallible, and in need of help. King David said "Please Lord don't let the people fall because of my actions". I also need to say that. Paul, who wrote most of the New Testament told people to imitate him as he imitated Christ. See Paul was taught as a Pharisee, a very strict interpretation of the law, if you messed up, you're out! Most of us were just raised by good parents doing the best they could. Paul was raised under strict standards that made it easier for him to do right most of the time. I used to want to be a Pastor, have a great church and teach people about Christ, then I read James. He warns us that not many should want to be teachers of Gods Laws because they receive a stricter judgment! Not me man, I need GRACE and Lots of it! If every Christian acted like I do a lot of the time, well...lets just say peaceful, gentle and self controlled are not what comes to mind. We do have Gods amazing grace though. And I think I'll bank on that, trust that Christ died for my bad attitude, temperament and self indulgence. Oh, I'll keep working on the areas of weakness I need to, but I gotta do most of that praying for help in those areas. And when the Dark Side comes out, I just hope nobody thinks the worst of my Lord for my mistakes, I'm just a child of God in training.
Oh and by the way, I read on MSN that it's dump your jerk week, so I gotta run and get my beautiful wife flowers! Maybe she'll hold off one more year!
God Bless!
Mitch

I Think I'm Loved

2008-11-24T08:03:00.000-07:00

I heard this song on Good Morning America today. What a simple and direct song about love. I love the way my little puppy Bella comes running to me as soon as she knows I'm anywhere near. It's funny how a little animal can make you feel special. Bella loves me because I love her. I have cultivated trust and friendship that comes from me actively pursuing her. And now I reap the reward. My beautiful Bella running to my arms when she knows I'm near. The Bible tells the story of a young man who walked away from that kind of love and acceptance, but after loosing all he had he wanted to come back. Even though he was afraid, he returned home, not to an angry or resentful father but to one who came running to greet him. That is how God is with us, waiting. If it's been awhile that you have spent time with God, don't worry He is ready to take you back, protect and Love you. Maybe that's why I have Bella in my life so I can know what it feels like, just a little, when God Comes running...
These are the lyrics to The Partridge Family's song, "I think I Love You". Enjoy!
Mitch
I'm sleeping And right in the middle of a good dreamlike all at once I wake up From something that keeps knocking at my brain Before I go insane I hold my pillow to my head And spring up in my bed Screaming out the words I dread: "I think I love you!" (I think I love you) This morning, I woke up with this feeling I didn't know how to deal with And so I just decided to myself I'd hide it to myself And never talk about it And didn't I go and shout it When you walked into my room."I think I love you!" (I think I love you) I think I love you So what am I so afraid of? I'm afraid that I'm not sure of A love there is no cure for I think I love you Isn't that what life is made of? Though it worries me to say I've never felt this way Believe me You really don't have to worry I only want to make you happy And if you say, hey, go away, I will But I think better still I ought to stay around and love you Do you think I have a case? Let me ask you to your face: Do you think you love me? I think I love you!

Steve, Peter and Maybe Mitch!?!

2008-11-22T11:14:00.000-07:00

Gotta love those Baldwin Brothers! They just keep going and going, Alex who has regained fame from sitcoms to my favorite Baldwin Stephen, He says he wasn't actually serious when he announced on Fox News that he would leave the country if Barack Obama became president.
"The liberal Democrats who didn't get that I was joking need to lighten up," the born-again actor tells the New York Post. "Obama is obviously talented and intelligent, and I have great respect for the man. He's got my full support, and I'm gonna be praying for him and his administration."
Stephen has a web page at http://www.stephenbaldwin.com/ that is 100% ministry minded! This guy is a radical for Christ! I am going to step out on a limb (branch) and say Steve and I are going to be involved in some events to share Christ to the nations! We ultra believers (those who activly pursue Christ and the building of His Kingdom), need to stick together! The bible tells us we will be looked down on and persecuted but if it's for the Glory of Christ, AMEN!

(Out Of 1 Peter)
A New Life
3-5What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we've been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now! God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you'll have it all—life healed and whole.
6-7I know how great this makes you feel, even though you have to put up with every kind of aggravation in the meantime. Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it's your faith, not your gold, that God will have on display as evidence of his victory.
8-9You never saw him, yet you love him. You still don't see him, yet you trust him—with laughter and singing. Because you kept on believing, you'll get what you're looking forward to: total salvation.
10-12The prophets who told us this was coming asked a lot of questions about this gift of life God was preparing. The Messiah's Spirit let them in on some of it—that the Messiah would experience suffering, followed by glory. They clamored to know who and when. All they were told was that they were serving you, you who by orders from heaven have now heard for yourselves—through the Holy Spirit—the Message of those prophecies fulfilled. Do you realize how fortunate you are? Angels would have given anything to be in on this!
A Future in God
13-16So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that's coming when Jesus arrives. Don't lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn't know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God's life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, "I am holy; you be holy."
17You call out to God for help and he helps—he's a good Father that way. But don't forget, he's also a responsible Father, and won't let you get by with sloppy living.
18-21Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God. It cost God plenty to get you out of that dead-end, empty-headed life you grew up in. He paid with Christ's sacred blood, you know. He died like an unblemished, sacrificial lamb. And this was no afterthought. Even though it has only lately—at the end of the ages—become public knowledge, God always knew he was going to do this for you. It's because of this sacrificed Messiah, whom God then raised from the dead and glorified, that you trust God, that you know you have a future in God.
Amen!
Life is Short, Pray Hard!
Mitch

Faith, Hope, Love

2008-11-20T10:08:00.000-07:00

But the greatest of these is Love. The Bible teaches that we can be men and women who believe and proclaim Jesus is Lord, but many are lacking the ingredient that fuels our faith, LOVE. What is love? The Bible tells us that we need to Love God and Love our neighbor as ourselves. If we do this then ALL THE LAWS RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE BIBLE are fulfilled! O.K. I got some work to do in my life, I need to Love God more by getting to know and Love Christ, I need to Love my neighbor as myself, now I have to work on that. My neighbor cut down my favorite tree that was barely (inches), more on his property than mine! I have to Love my neighbor who walks over to my garage at 6 am while me and my buds are lifting weights (and probably being a little loud), and gives me the kill look and storms off while I'm tying to ask him if I can help! Oh, and worse, Jesus said our neighbor is not just the guy next to us but the one down the street who has that dog who's always doing business in your yard! Jesus also said that your neighbor can be anyone near or far that you may or may not even know. I'm kinda a mean sucker sometimes, and I know that the company I keep is the person I'll be. If you or the people you surround yourself with are negative and self centered you are probably not going to learn much about real love. Jesus said it's easy to love those we are related to, anyone can do that, but only a few can love those we hardly know. Spending time with Christ is the only way to learn real Love. The kind of Love that is going to please God and change your soul. Jesus is the WAY The TRUTH and The LIFE! Give your burdens to Him, He will always be there, He will Never Leave you or Forsake you, even if you did throw a rock at your neighbors nosey dog and then smile so innocently when you ran in to them at the store!
God Bless, Have more Faith, have more Hope but above all, Love with all your heart!
Blessing,
Mitch

Share your Joy!

2008-11-19T09:14:00.000-07:00

Last night I got a call from a young man who has gone through some incredible troubles the past couple of years. Going from standout athlete to convict in one year can crush your soul. As we talked it became apparent that what he really needed at this particular time was to share his story, to remember what God had done for him in his time of need. The bible tells us to recount the times that we know God has intervened in our lives, to tell those stories to glorify Christ and to encourage others. It should not take a cataclysmic event for us to turn our heart to Jesus. If your thankful today, tell someone! Tell Jesus that you are thankful for the blessings in your life today, and if today seems kind of bleak, thank Him for the coming joy. If you believe you will receive. The Bible says God is a rewarder of those that believe. I know that Christ has already done an amazing thing for you, He died a sinners death on the cross. For that alone we should be eternally thankful! Have joy, it is your strength in the Lord!!
Love in Christ,
Mitch

Get Tough

2008-10-27T16:16:00.001-06:00

Get Tough:
The Get Tough Men's Conference was Awesome! Bill McCartney gave a great challenge to the men and the response was incredible! I was totally blessed to speak to the men and share what I felt God has been saying to me about the role of a father. The biggest surprise was Gordon Banks. I had not heard of him before this event but WOW, what an exciting preacher! He had some incredible insight into the Lords Prayer and I know everyone in attendance was moved and transformed! He reminded me so much of a man I owe so much to, Johnathan Owens. He sounded so much like him and with the same energy that just moves your soul! What a treat! If you ever need an inspired word from an great man of God Gordon Banks is the MAN!

Moab:
What a great time I had with my great friend Don Odom. He always works so hard to make mountain biking fun. Moab is HARD! I can't wait to go back and settle the score with some of those trails that kicked my behind! I better train hard and get back there next spring.

187

2008-10-15T14:06:00.000-06:00

Me in my 20's ,30's and now 40's (O.K. O.K., I haven't been in the skimp suit for awhile)!

I was looking at some pictures of me weighing 187. I was a few days from a contest and in great shape. At 255 right now I know I can loose plenty but to 187? Hmmm... I always used to go low carb and it always works but it's so short term and the rebound is fast. I think that cutting portion size is the way I can loose and keep the weight down. Strength Ministry is over for me and I want to be lean and healthy 4 life! I also want to be a biking machine and at 187 I should rock!

Monday

2008-10-13T11:23:00.000-06:00

In less than two weeks I will speak at the "Get Tough" Men's conference with Bill McCartney. Being with the leader of the Promise keeper Movement makes me realize the incredible honor it is to speak to men about getting closer to the Lord.

My guitar playing has hit a wall. I need to get energized, I have not been putting in the practice time. I did play my Gibson for awhile this morning, I admit it was total distortion, always sounds good that way.

Hope to be going to Moab mountain biking this next weekend. It will be awesome hanging with my old buds from Capital Christian Center. Man I miss those days and the innocence of being a new Christian. Love ya Pastor Ken you are a mighty man of God!

Mental Help

2008-10-08T14:55:00.000-06:00

Some pics of Preaching the Word, my Beautiful Wife, Mom and Sis and my Great kid Gabe!!

So here is a thought,
How about completely changing our lives at 45. I'm thinking I need a major overhaul. Most of my faithful friends know that I'm a Jesus following, sold out christian soldier. But I am sure I've done allot wrong. First I want to apologize to all those I've hurt by talking Christ and not liven' Him. I can be a little intense (No really!), and I am going to focus more on what I do than what I say. It's funny, seven years in strength ministry and I have seen God do some amazing things. I know there will be many more who hear the gospel though these strongmen for Christ. I just don't think its gonna be me. I'm ready for the next level. I have been getting up between 4:30 and 5:00am almost this whole year to get closer to God. I want to change. I want to be a better husband to my wife who has put up with me leaving for weeks at a time and then dragging her from church to church, whoever will let me speak. I want to be a better father to my son who needs a friend and a mentor. I want to be a better son to my parents who I put through hell the first 21 years of my life. (Well at least from 15 to 21). I want Gods BEST and I want to give others my BEST. My best attention, my best compassion, my best love and friendship. I want to finish one of the 4 books I've started. And I want to serve Christ in the capacity that brings me close to Him and others. I know it's a tall order but I also want to get in the best shape of my life, get a masters degree, do a marathon, a triathlon and buy a 68 Camaro.
Well I gotta go get started!
See you soon.