Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Counting Ceiling Tiles

I'm recalling an event from, maybe, fifteen years ago. On this occasion I was sharing with a friend how our pastor's messages were so passionate and so spoke to my heart that I often found myself in tears.

She replied, "I know! Sometimes I just have to stop listening and start counting the church ceiling tiles or something."

I'm smiling right now thinking of her comment. And I'm also saddened, realizing that she was quenching the Holy Spirit's move in her life.

Now, I'm an emotional guy with a tender heart, especially toward the Lord. And I may just ball like a baby if God is really speaking to  my heart. And if someone doesn't like it, sorry, THEY need help!      :)

But today I was thinking about this past event and this thought came to me, "How often am I 'counting ceiling tiles'?" How often do I put something or allow something to come in the way of what God is trying to show me? What distracts me from His voice, from time or greater intimacy with Him?

Is it possible that video games, TV programming, "to do" lists, laziness, illness, music, reading material, hobbies, day dreaming, or ...... could at times be my "ceiling tiles"? Many of these things may not be wrong in themselves, but then, neither is "counting ceiling tiles." 

Lord, I just ask that you give us a passion for more of you.  And show us those things on our lives that, at times, may be distracting us from what you desire for us. Lord, remove our "ceiling tiles"!

Monday, September 17, 2012

What do I see when I look in the mirror? Frankly, it makes me sick!!

Today I've been thinking about this one. "What do I see when I look in the mirror?" And frankly, I don't like what I see! Now for the most part, I'm not talking about this small framed, graying hair,  aging face and skin ..... outer shell of a person. 

Who I am speaking of is my inner man. And sadly he looks worse than the outer one. He is self-focused, weak in Godly faith and trust, a depraved and wretched soul! ..... and at his best a "filthy rags" kind of person. AND ... HE ... MAKES ... ME ... SICK!!

BUT ........ Praise God!!!!! There is a much different perspective when seen in the proper mirror of God's Word and His eyes! 

See, yes I am called to a life of holiness, and to see sin in my life as God sees it, and to turn from it. And His Word says that if I love Him I will obey Him. So I do need to be aware of my sin, and in one aspect, it needs to sicken me. 

BUT there is also another aspect. And this is plum crazy awesome! If I have given my life to Jesus, do you know how God sees me? Do you know what God sees when He looks at wretched me?! God doesn't see Scott and all his ugly flesh. 

When God looks at me, He sees Jesus!! Seriously! How unbelievably amazing! And what freedom to live a productive life for the Lord!

II Cor 5:21 says that "I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus." 

A dozen sermons could easily be preached (with numerous Scriptures to support) on who we actually are in Christ Jesus. So I can't even begin to attempt to cover it in one post. But today, God has been reminding me of how He sees me. I really needed the reminder, and thought that maybe someone else did as well. 




Do I (or you) Even Have A Clue?

I am called to.....

Be ye holy, for I am holy. 1 Peter 1:16

So, I'm thinking about my life and asking, "Do I even have a clue?" 

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8, 9 KJV)

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV)

How are my thoughts and action compared to His?

What is influencing them, developing them, training them? Is it my neighbor, my co-workers, the Hollywood crowd and TV? Or is it God's Word and time in prayer, seeking, listening? And if I DON'T spend serious dedicated time with Him each day, and DO spend 24/7 listening to the world, what can I expect? 

The world and the majority or what I see and experience every day (maybe even from "good people" and church friends) may not look very much like Jesus.

So Lord, keep my focus on You. Make your thoughts and your ways mine.  Protect me from those influences that draw me from what you desire. Show them to me and give me the strength to make changes. I know I can not have my eyes and ears focus on the world or me and live a life pleasing to you.

Lord, I confess and ask your forgiveness in those areas where I have failed; and I commit to spend time with you, to make you ALONE my standard, to be alert to what is molding my mind and heart, AND to unapologetically strive toward the holiness you desire.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

What do I do today, and tomorrow, and the next day?

I WANT TO BE LIKE JESUS! That’s a pretty bold statement, huh? But maybe……… it’s the first one I should make every morning and the last one I should make every night.

I’ve just been sitting here this morning thinking. I do a lot of that. Seemingly it used to generate some positive results. Now of days, I’m often not so sure. But currently and for some time, there have been things in my life that I do not like. Things that seem to really make it difficult to live life the way I desire and even the way I feel the Lord would desire. I used to be very good at setting goals and then seeing them through. Though I often try, in more recent years, it seems that process has become far more difficult. Still, I know setting “a plan” and working it are critical to a successful life. 

So today, as I often try to do, I’m sitting here working on “the plan”, the goals, the blueprint for life, the “what do I do today, and tomorrow, and the next day” type of thing, and this strong and indisputable thought came over me, “None of it matters one bit if my life is not what my Lord desires, if this plan isn’t central to ‘what does my Lord desire of my life?’ this plan will be useless.”

So……. OK! We have a starting point. Then from “nowhere”   J a song comes to mind that I have not heard or thought of in years. And yes Lord, this is my desire. And yes, in “the plan” this must indeed be the central focal point, step one!

I Want To Be Like Jesus

I have one deep, supreme desire,
that I may be like Jesus.
To this I fervently aspire,
that I may be like Jesus.
I want my heart His throne to be, (* I love this line!)
so that a watching world may see
His likeness shining forth in me.
I want to be like Jesus.
(The rest of the song is also great. Google it, if you’d like)

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Do You Ever Feel Like A Thoroughbred Racehorse Champion?

Below is a link to a little something I put together a few months ago. I hope  it will bless someone. I have been hesitant to post it because of it's very personal application. But due to some encouragement from others I have decided to go ahead and do so . If you know of someone else that may be encouraged by it, please share it.
**
Maybe some of us can compare some aspect of our lives to that of "a thoroughbred racehorse champion." At one time were we able to function and excel in an area of life, maybe even at a uniquely high level, and with all the benefits to match? And maybe some of us now feel we have been forced, by situations outside of our control, to the sideline, no longer able to function at even a small fraction of that previous ability, and in essence out legs and possibly our entire being feels crippled, handicapped, incapacitated. Though drastically desiring something completely different, are we now in an extremely unpleasant situation (maybe even including constant physical and/or emotional pain)? Maybe we feel like our whole being has been "hobbled" from what we once were and know, even now, we could be if _ _ _ _ _ hadn't happened to us?

While thinking of some of the similar challenges in my own life, and while traveling a few months ago, these thoughts came to me. Maybe some of you can identify. Be sure to hear the conclusion. This is not a sob story! This is a victory story! Our final race is not yet complete!!!

Do You Ever Feel Like A Thoroughbred Racehorse Champion?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYbMF7hMR2I&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Sorry!

Sorry if I don’t dress or look like you. Uhhh………. I’m not you.

Sorry if I comb my hair different than yours.

Sorry if my work shirt collars are white and yours are blue.

Sorry if my personality is generally quiet, yet inwardly extremely intense, and yours may be loud and very free spirited.

Sorry if I enjoy music, water skiing, walking on the beach and golf as much as I do hunting or riding dirt bikes.

Sorry if I may prefer some contemporary worship music, over some traditional worship music. (BTW, it has nothing to do with drums!)

Sorry if I may talk or post about my Spiritual walk and that may appear like pride to you. If you know my personality and heart, you know it just might be exactly the opposite.

Sorry if I may believe a little differently than you. I’m just trying to base my beliefs and life on what “I” hear "the Holy Spirit" saying to me through "His Word." I don’t feel like “I” have a choice in the matter.

Sorry if I would just as soon hug a fellow Christian man as shake his hand. I just don’t see Jesus shaking hands with His disciples!

Sorry if I would rather have a massage than watch a violent movie. This world is way too tense already and besides I’m trained in holistic therapies not hellistic ones.

Sorry if I’d rather listen to a love ballad than a vengeful country or rock song.

Sorry if my neck is not as red as yours. There are others that think it’s way too red!

Sorry if you don’t love me or even like me. If not, you’re going to really love this….. cause I’m going to love you anyway! J

And if you are looking at my outer appearance and performance and thinking you know me, again sorry, you don’t.  I have a long ways to go, but God is looking at my inside (my heart) and I know He is smiling!

“Lord, thank you for making and growing me to be me. There are parts that I wish you had made and developed a little differently. But in spite of that and all my outward uniquenesses I desire to be what you want me to be, for my heart to be all about you, for you to shine through me. And I want that to look like what you want, not like I or anyone else wants. Take me I’m yours! …….. And Lord, help me to not judge others’ outward appearances, help me to unconditionally love them just the way they are.”

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Are you "parched"?

Do you need hope? Do you need help? Do you need God’s blessings?

Though I try not to share much about the specifics, I have times when my entire being seems in massive need!! While processing similar feelings and talking to the Lord this morning (more like crying out to Him), this verse and surrounding passage came to mind. “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.” Jer 17:7

As I turned to this verse and began reading it and those around it, I sensed the Lord telling me, “I didn’t say ‘blessed is the man that reads and shares this verse.’” “I didn’t say ‘blessed is the man that wants to trust in me.’” “I didn’t say, ‘blessed is the man that says he is trusting in me.’” I didn’t say, ‘blessed is the man that claims my promise of blessing.’” “I said, ‘blessed is the man that TRUSTETH in the Lord, whose hope the Lord is.’” “Talking about it won't do it. Wanting it won't do it. Claiming it won't do it. YOU …. MUST …. DO IT!”

Now my experience and sense is that most of us (likely all of us) have difficulty in actually “trusting” the Lord. At times, I know I do! When do I begin to have more victory in this area (or actually any area of my Christian walk)? When I spend more time with the Lord; when the intimacy with Him is the highest; as I am discipled, grow and mature in Him. And not only in my own life experiences, and not only in common sense logic, but also as I read God’s Word I see that born out over and over. The closer I get to Him, the more readily I trust Him and experience His blessings.

All four verses are shown below. In verses 5 & 6 there is a severe warning for those that put their trust in self, in flesh. And there is massive blessing indicated in verse 8 for those that do truly “trust in the Lord!“ Wow!

Are we at times “inhabiting the parched places"? Just thinking …. this passage may be a clue to why.

Lord teach me, Lord grow me, Lord help me to more and more learn to surrender my flesh to your Lordship and to more fully truly trust and hope in YOU alone!

Jer 17:5-8 Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. 6 For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited. 7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. 8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. (KJV)

Monday, July 23, 2012

Is Maturity Visible?

Or maybe co-titled, "Today, an interesting day of God, church, family and Him radiating through others."

I am almost constantly hesitant to post many of the things that I do. And there are many thoughts and interactions with God and life in general that I do not. But I feel the Lord has asked me to share things that maybe 99% of others would not. Not to be radical, not to be weird, not to be “special”, but simply because (though I do not understand why) I feel HE has asked me to.

Today has been one of those days when I feel a strong urge to share some things. And again, I know I can not adequately describe them. As in likely all cases there is additional background that can’t be fully seen, communicated, or understood.

But………. today, I was honored to be with my sister and brother-in-law as they celebrated 40 years of marriage, as they prepare to head back, after 37+ years of ministry, to the mission field in Panama, as they have spent a lifetime of honoring God with their lives, as I was again able to share our common love of the Lord and each other, and as I felt blessed to be with close family that are knowledgeable, mature, and in love with the Lord.

The same can be said of my parents with whom I have also spent the past few days. They have been married for over 62 years and also have a lifetime of dedication to the Lord. What a blessing to have this heritage and example and intimacy with people whose lives are about the Lord and are mature followers of Him.

Today, as I have on other occasions, I also experience a Sunday School class of approx. 18 men with whom I have often sensed a Spiritual maturity that is so refreshing that it puts me at a loss for words and generates positive feelings that I am unable to explain. Let me just say, God is so good and He draws nigh to those who seek Him! Though all of whom I speak are entirely human, there is such a feeling in seeing, studying and fellowshiping with these that have matured to such levels in the Lord. AND guess what, that maturity did not happen by accident! They have paid a price and it involves surrender and serious time with the Lord! These are not men that have simply gone to church several times a week all their lives. I’m sure these are men that have spent long, quiet, seeking time with God!

Numerous times, you have likely heard me say that I desire for my life to be such that when others have been around me they feel that they have been near the Lord. Not that I can possibly become Him! (though we are all called to be like Him) But that when others have been around me, He so shines through me, that they see and sense Him in me.

I have sensed that in others these past days. I feel like, over and over, I  have seen Christ in my family and those with whom I've studied and worshiped. I wish I could better describe it, but it is impossible to do so. I can only say, it is an amazing and refreshing feeling!

Lord, help me to surrender more and more to you and to a continued intentional growth in knowledge and intimacy with you. May others see you in me, so YOU may be further honored!

Friday, July 20, 2012

An empty broken vessel

Only God can fill an empty broken vessel. And oddly enough, that's the only kind He can fill.

The Flood Gates

I sense the Lord asking me, "Scott, is it possible that at times you are the one opening the flood gates?" And then, "Are you truly making yourself available for me to do my part?"

Isaiah 59:19 When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Ok, I hope I am back!

Due a very confusing situation involving google making some changes which put me into an apparently undesirable "multiple accounts under one email login acct", etc, etc I have been locked out of the admin position of this blog for several weeks. After spending many hours trying to find a solution, I think today, MAYBE, it is resolved. We shall see. Thanks for hanging in there with me.

Love you all, Scott Balzer

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

50 years ago today - the most important day of my life!

I am so excited! I’ve been thinking about this post for 6 weeks or so, knowing that I wanted to write something about it and not really knowing how to best go about it. And I’ve been kind of struggling with it. I don’t know if it has been Satan trying to deter me (that wasn’t going to happen). Or has it just been the fact that I know the importance of this day and the decision made, and with my limited writing abilities I haven’t known how “I” can possibly do it justice.

So, here’s what I’ve decided. I’m just going to sit down and tell you about it, and trust “God” to use it and bless it in any manner “He” may desire.
**
I grew up in a great Christian home. I have two parents that were and have been very good Christian examples and who, since the first weak of my life, had me in a solid, Gospel of Grace, Bible believing, church every time the doors were open. So, I grew up knowing about Jesus. We prayed before every meal and often had a family devotional time. I went to Sunday School and Church every Sunday, Wednesday nights there was a lesson for the children (while the adults had Bible study and prayer), and we had Vacation Bible School every summer. And growing up, I suspect everyone that knew me would have said that I was a “good kid.”

BUT……… even at a young age, I knew something else. I knew I wasn’t good enough. I knew I did bad things at times. And early on, I learned that we all sin and that sin separates us from God. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Rm 3:23  And I knew about Jesus dying for my sins. But for whatever reasons (maybe my age) it hadn’t all sunken in real well. But in 1962, on Wednesday night June 13th into early Thursday morning the 14th, it did!

I still clearly recall the night. Melvina Wichert was teaching the children this Wednesday night. I don’t recall much of what she said, but I do recall this one thing. She asked, “If Jesus were to return tonight, would you be ready to go to Heaven?” Rm 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

That night after going to bed, I could not sleep. I lay there in bed for hours thinking about what had been said in church and knowing that I had never invited Jesus into my heart. Finally, quite late (I believe it was after midnight) and with everyone else in the house asleep, I got up and went and knocked on my parents’ bedroom door. I could not go another moment without Jesus in my heart!

I told them I needed to talk, and mom came out. I told her my situation, and she shared Acts 16:30, 31 with me. Paul and Silas were in jail, the earthquake had occurred, and the chains had fallen off and freed them, and the jailer was in fear and didn’t know what to do with himself (he was actually on the verge of killing himself). He comes to Paul and Silas, and this is the conversation, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved….”

Following the reading of this Scripture and a little conversation about what I knew I needed to do, mother and I prayed together. I told the Lord that I knew I was a sinner, that I believed He is the Son of God, and that I wanted Him to come into my life and forgive me of my sins. And, HE DID!!!

There was no doubt in my mind, and there was immediate comfort and complete peace. I KNEW that if Jesus came back that moment I was headed for Heaven with Him.

So, this occurred when I was eight years old, shortly after midnight on June 14, 1962. And today, that is 50 years ago!!! So, Spiritually speaking this is my 50th birthday today! I have now spent 50 years with Jesus in my heart, walking along side of me, always there, my best never-failing friend. It has been a journey, and though I have failed Him over and over, He has forgiven me over and over. And not because I have been good enough, not because of anything I have done, but simply because of what He did in dying for me on that rugged cross at Calvary. The only, and vitally important, thing “I” have done is this, I asked Him to forgive my sins, come into my life, and I committed my life to Him. That’s all “I” did. I said, “Yes Lord.” He did ALL the rest!

I know some of you have made this same decision and are part of what we call “the family of God.” I praise God, with you, for that. But some of you may be wondering, “If Jesus returns tonight, will ‘I’ go to Heaven or not?” There is a way of knowing for sure. And it is not about how good we have been, how many times we’ve been in church, how many Bible stories we’ve read or Christian songs we’ve song, how many times we’ve confessed at the alter or to the priest, if our parents know the Lord, or anything else. It’s about, have we personally believed in Jesus (put our faith in Him) and what He did for us, and have we given our life to Him? If you’re not sure whether you have done that, please be sure… today!

At the top of this page is a tab labeled “Is there really any hope?” Click on that tab and you will find more information and a link that can guide you and help you to be SURE that your eternal destiny is secure in Jesus!

Then, thank you for celebrating my 50th new-birth birthday with me. There has never been, nor will there ever be, a more important day in my life!

Saturday, June 9, 2012

I am so broken! But …… maybe not broken enough.

Seriously, look at the Spiritual condition of the world, of our country, of our church, AND ……………… of our own lives!!!! NO, do not compare each to itself or its neighbor. Compare them to whom we are called to be compared to. Jesus Christ!

IF we, that profess to be born again Christians, are accurately seeing the current condition of each of these, and if we understand who the Lord is, and if we understand who He has called us to be, I don’t see how we cannot be in massive brokenness.

Now, I’m not saying we need to all quit school, quit our jobs, or come out of retirement and each become pastors, start up additional ministries or go to the mission field. Just maybe, there are already too many in those positions that have never reached the point of true brokenness and consecration themselves.

But here’s what I do believe and would suggest. I suspect it is way past time for us to strongly consider giving up a lot of other things, maybe TV, or golf, or chasing rabbits. And instead go to our knees in passionate brokenness, surrender, and a plea for the Lord through His Holy Spirit to do a might work and that it begin in each of us personally. And maybe we need to go to those knees in fasting and praying, and just not get up until we see it happening!

I would encourage each of us to not just read this blog and go on without prayerfully committing to at least consider what I’m proposing. If we are satisfied with how things are, then I’m concerned that maybe, we are the problem.

We serve a mighty mighty God and there are no limits to His capabilities! But, for some reason, He has a plan that involves (yes a sinful, but also) a broken and consecrated people. Are we truly that people?

Monday, June 4, 2012

No, I did not have lunch with Kevin Durant today. But.....

Ok, I’m going to “name drop” a bit today.

No, I did not have lunch with nor am I personal friends with Kevin Durant (OKC Thunder professional basketball star). But…………..

I’m sure you all have very intriguing friends and family. I also have some amazingly interesting friends and family, of which several are fb friends.

In thinking of one particular perspective a certain group comes to mind. One or more fit each of these description by title and responsibility (PhD Theology, PhD Biblical Counseling, PhD Medical Field, PhD Education Administration, Bible College and Seminary graduates, Bible College instructors, life-long ministers and missionaries, a couple of Bible translators to tribes throughout the world, 50s year olds that just now have gone to the mission field and other prestigious titled individuals with Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees, and some I’m sure I’m just not thinking of right now). At this time, I’m focusing mostly on those with the Bible training. (Really, if I stop to think of some of their Bible knowledge I would be hesitant to ever post some of my Biblical related posts. In this particular case, I guess I don’t feel God has called me to “think”, just to “do” what He is asking.)   J

Now the thing that really impresses me about all of these people is that they seem to be very intelligent individuals that are equally committed to the Lord. Some I know well (siblings, classmates, cousins, uncles, friends, past Bible study partners, etc) and I know that they have given up lives of far greater “human” wealth and “human” fulfillment to dedicate their lives to the Lord’s work and will receive little or no worldly recognition or any form of acclaim.

Once in a while, I share one or two of their posts or blogs, but far more often I am tempted to and decide against it. I just often sense that what I post isn’t read and feel to share further would be futile. My thought here is that some of us, I’m afraid, have really limited our exposure to many vital and intriguing ministries throughout the world. If I didn’t personally know these people, I likely would not be aware of their ministries.

Today I read a blog of a high school Bible academy classmate of mine who is currently in S. Sudan and/or Uganda working with a tribal (or small locale language) translation of the Book of Luke and the “Jesus Film.”  Just amazingly intriguing things go on in such an activity as this. I was truly blessed to hear some specific details, occurring right now with this work.

Also, almost daily, I am aware of another extremely interesting ministry in Guatemala. Another Bible academy schoolmate of mine is there with daily heart breaking challenges and almost daily invigorating victories.

Another graduate from the same Bible academy is a single woman in her 50s and is in a very violent area of Mexico and living a life of servanthood to the Lord there. Others (including a sister and a niece) are also field missionaries, interpretors, pastors, and Bible instructors or counselors in Panama, Italy, Mexico and across the U.S.; and all are in major potential life-changing and disciplining ministries.

I guess my point is this, there is so much going on that unless our churches are dedicated to sharing worldwide ministries with us, as well as sharing local ministries, we just may not even be aware of what is being done. And maybe, I’m just bragging a bit on the fact that I am so privileged to closely know people that have such knowledge of God’s Word, intimacy with Him, commitment to serving Him, and influence on potential eternal destiny decisions; and they are all over the world in very different environments.

Now, I’m not berating those of us that are not as Biblically educated, God can also use us in a number of ways if we are also willing to submit to His use. But there really are some extreme needs and amazing ministries that, at times, we just are not exposed to. They are there and they will bless us if we take the time to look for them.

And then I just thank God for those who have gone out and seriously taken God at His directive and have intensely “studied God’s Word and hid it in their hearts” and are sharing it with those lost and in need of intimacy with Him and Spiritual growth, and those that are also ministering to physical needs in areas of massive need. God blesses that obedience and He tells us it is vital to His work.

“Thank you Lord for your work through these, your committed ministers!” 

(I feel I have rambled a bit here. But I am feeling so blessed to know people that have seriously sought God through time with Him and His Word and are now really making a difference for His Kingdom, some in very diverse environments.)


Thursday, May 31, 2012

Holy Spirit move!

To the largest extent, my ability and effectiveness in allowing the Holy Spirit to live and work through me is not based on an experience at the church’s alter or my private prayer closet. It is based out of a daily, moment-by-moment, decision to live yielded to His constant control and filling. And that will not happen without ongoing time in His Word and at His Alter.

“Lord, bring us to full surrender and more and more availability to yours Spirit’s control and His work in, through, and around us.”

Maybe I'm Not Your Problem!

And maybe you're not my problem!

Sometimes, it is not how others have mistreated us, or a result of God's discipline on us, or the natural disappointments and hardships of life that have us in our current difficult spot.

Sometimes, maybe often, it just may be our own stubborn, short-sighted, self-centered, maybe even ignorant, determination for you or I to personally live in some level of flesh. For some reason we tend to believe that life is all about.....  "perfect ME!"

For some of us, the easier option can be to point the finger. The more difficult and proper option may be for us to carefully take an up-close look in the self-evaluating mirror of Prayer and God's Word. Pride and stubbornness will try to keep us focused on laying the blame anywhere other than where it may actually belong.

Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Prov 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Ps 139:23-24  Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

We’ve got to know to grow.

Yes, once we’ve invited the Lord into our lives (see the tab above “Is There Really Any Hope?”), if we intend to “grow” in the Lord, we are going to need to get to “know” Him. That is done through prayer, a surrendered seeking heart, and time in His Word. Often we want to cut all or one of these short. I’m sorry, but He doesn’t offer any other options or short cuts. A times, I find myself praying, "Lord help me grow. I want to honor You with my life. Help me find more victory." You know what I hear Him saying back? The three points I just listed.

If you follow my posts you have seem many, along with Scriptures, relative to these areas. Again today, the Lord is speaking to ME directly about in-depth seeking, study and memorizing of His Word, and the need for it if I want to grow in Him and live in victory. It won’t happen just because I wish it would or even because I ask Him for it.  ......"I" ....... will need to get to “know” Him, if I desire to “grow” in Him.

2 Tim 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Tim 3:16,17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Josh 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Ps 119:11 Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Monday, May 28, 2012

Eye Rollers and Stepping Out of the Boat

Eye rollers. You know?....... we've probably all seen them before. They're the ones that when you "step out" and do something a little different or when you are just trying to do what you believe is right and maybe is not the norm or maybe it goes against the grain a bit... you happen to glance off to the side and see a couple of those that should "have your back" and should be giving you the "thumbs up" ..... and instead you notice them glancing at each other, shaking their heads, and "rolling their eyes."

One of the acts that I most admire in the Bible is when Peter "stepped out" of the boat and began to walk on the water. I can just visualize some of the other disciples who "stayed in the boat" as Peter said, "Lord, bid me to come unto you" and began "stepping out" of the boat.... I can just see these other disciples looking at each other, shaking their heads and "rolling their eyes" as if to say, "Oh brother, here we go again."

BUT, Peter was the one that walked on the water, wasn't he? And yes, he ended up getting a little wet. But what did the others do? Yep, they sat in the boat and "rolled their eyes."

At times I may get a little wet, and at times there may be some "eye rollers" around me, but at times I sure hope to be the one "stepping out of the boat!"

Saturday, May 26, 2012

I hope I don't look and act like you!

And I hope you don't look and act like me. If we do, you or I have likely missed our call.

I hope to be more and more look like a Scott version of Christ. And I’m sure you desire to look more and more like a You version of Christ. But as frustrating as it may be at times, we are not called to be Christian Bobbsey Twins. We are each called to be a UNIQUE person sold out to and looking more and more like Jesus Christ. You and I would do best to take our eyes off each other and put them on the One we desire to truly be like.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Just throwing this out there..... Let's say we have an area of sin that we continually battle.

Let’s say we recognize it and want victory over it. But we seem to pray over and over for the victory over the sin, we go to the church alter over and over, we repeatedly confess it to the Lord and repent from it, and yet we seemingly continue to battle it, with repeated ongoing failure.

In this area, I am sensing something at times and I wanted to throw it out there for your consideration. It is clear that we are to repent of sin and take such issues to the Lord in prayer. But it seems to me that at times when I focus on the sin (i.e. Oh Lord please take this away, oh Lord please give me victory, oh Lord please help me here), I don’t readily experience much victory.

Yet when I, at least to an extent, take my focus off the sin and turn it on the Lord, I start seeing more victory. Yes, I am still repentant and determined to turn from the sin and experience victory, but instead of only asking for the victory, I begin to just think more and more on the Lord…. taking the primary focus off the sin and putting it on the Lord; on worship, praise, adoration, thanksgiving, and a growing intimate heart relationship.

I’m still banging this one around in my head, weighing it against Scripture, and I think it's holding up. One Scripture that comes to mind relative to what our focus should be is Phil 4:8. “Finally brothers whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.” (maybe taking some focus off the sin and putting it on the opposite of the sin, on the positive, proper, Biblical perspective)

James 4:8 Speaks to how we should approach God and His resulting action. "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you."

And we are told over and over to seek the Lord and intimacy with Him, and as a result to expect His attentive ear. I just did a Bible search on verses about seeking God, and the search result was dozens of verses, many of which speak of blessing to follow.

Here are a couple of other thoughts on this perspective. I don’t see this “seeking” as being a quick reading of some “verse of the day” or some occasional short devotional, or going to all the church services and then moving on to MY usual life. I think we’re looking at more of a developed moment-by-moment interaction with Him that is lived throughout the day, maybe spending some serious time with Him and seeking a vitally close intimacy with him, a self-discipling or maturing. It seems to me, that the more I take steps in this direction the more my perspective on life improves, but also, and specifically, the more victory I think I am seeing over annoying repetitive sin areas in my life.

I want to look at this more, but I know He blesses us when our focus is on Him, and I’m just suspecting that includes a variety of areas including victory over difficult repetitive sins.

Again, just throwing this out there……………..…….

In bed this a.m. ………… "Being rooted and grounded"

Ephesians 3:17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

Upon awaking early this morning, in an uncomfortable physical state and generally thinking of how to proceed with the day, this portion of Eph 3:17 came to mind, "Being rooted and grounded in love." I have no idea what that is about. I was not thinking anything along these lines, and am not aware that I am currently dealing with any lack of "love" issues. It seemingly came completely out of the blue and with no known associations.

I'm sure this sort of thing happens to most of the rest of you at times, but for me, when it does, it kind of blows my mind. It sends me into one of those, "Lord, what is this about?" modes. Again today I do not know why, but I am believing that the Lord brought it to mind and there is a reason.

As I look at the passage, Paul is telling the Ephesians that this is what he is praying for them. I'll list that portion of the passage in a minute. I don't know if this is for me or for someone else today, but I plan to copy it to my smart phone and review it throughout the day. What touches me initially is that I love the idea of being solid, firm, unshakable in our Christian lives; that whatever is going on around us, we are "rooted and grounded." In this case it speaks of being "rooted and grounded in love." And it speaks of Christ's incomprehensible love for us. "Lord, if this is for me today, or for someone else, please use it and minister through your Word."

Eph 3:16-21 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (KJV)

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Relax. If you let me, I've got it!

Today, I was thinking about this little blog thing. And though I try to mostly post things that I feel the Lord is asking me to, and that are mostly relevant to my own life, I was getting a little uptight as I do at times. I was wondering, “Am I doing this right?  I don’t want to offend anyone. I want to say things right and doctrinally correct. I feel God asked me to do this so I sure don’t want to mess it up.” And you know what He told me?

This is what I felt Him say. “Relax. If you let me, I’ve got it! I’m the one asking you to do this. I’m not going to just leave you ‘out there.’ Yes, you should be cognitive of being doctrinally correct and of how others might perceive some things, but the big things is… just do what I’m asking you to and whether any of it makes sense to you or not, I’ll take it from there. If no one reads the stuff, fine. Maybe I don’t want them to. Maybe I just want you to do it. If they do read it, I will speak through it and I, through my Holy Spirit, will do whatever work’s needed. Just obey, the rest is in my hands!”  J

<shaking my head> Man I do have a problem with trust and giving up control at times. “Lord, I will try to do what I feel you are asking, and then I will try to LET GO.”  Ugh…. Why is that so hard for me at times?  (Actually I think I do know part of the reason, but that’s another whole story)

Can God use ME? See, I know me.

Short intriguing video about discipleship/spiritual mentoring.

Click link below.
The conflicted confession

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Why am I here? Donuts?

Seriously, why is Scott Balzer on this earth?
More directly, why did God see fit to create and put Scott Balzer on this earth?

At times, I have wondered if maybe it was just to help the rest of you feel good about yourselves.  :)  Yet, I feel there just may be more to it than that.

I have a strong desire, goal and intent to know why I’m here. And if I am never ever really able to, then hopefully along the path I will have honored Him anyway, to have fulfilled His reason. If I’m seeking and listening and yielding, maybe that honor, whatever it looks like and whether I ever actually recognize it or not, will be the reason He has put me here.

So, how about you? Why did He put you here?

I just have this sense, that for each of us, it is for more than eating donuts.



Jer 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

Isa 43:1 But now, this is what the LORD says--he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

All of Ps 139, and here’s verse 13  For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

Jer 29: 11-13 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart

Friday, May 18, 2012

Where's My Horse?

Is doing things for the Lord more important than spending time with the Lord? If so, I may want to recheck and make sure I got the horse at the right end of the cart.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Going To The Next Level

What does it mean to “go to the next level” with our Lord? I symbolically visualize the process something like this.

Put your hands out in front of you 6-10 inches apart, with fingers spread, and palms facing each other. Start to move the tips of your fingers toward each other till the tips of the fingers just touch, palms still 6 inches apart. Our hands are now just making contact with each other at the fingertips. I see this as symbolic of how most of us live our Christian lives, of the level of intimacy with the Lord that we experience. We are just slightly intimate with Him, ever so slightly committed/surrendered, ever so slightly experiencing His presence and blessings. And we have become comfortable with that and consider it "normal" and actually even pretty good. However, I suspect that deep inside we know differently. And if we look at God's Word it is clear we are called to and offered so much more.

Now, as we slide our fingers a little closer they begin to slide between each other. We've symbolized "going to another level." There are multiple levels and the more we engage the fingers we are symbolizing another level of intimacy with Him. And there will always be room for more growth and greater relationship/intimacy with Him.

I want the level of intimacy with my Lord that is symbolized by the fingers all the way together, webs of fingers pressed together, palms together, firmly gripped forming a TIGHT closed praying hands position. I envision the grip so tight that my arms are even shaking from the force of a strong grip between the two hands. That's the level of intimacy that I want with my Lord.

The tips of fingers just barely touching, just isn't enough. Yes, it is experiencing Him, but ever do slightly. He is worthy of a full firm clinched grip...... of all of me! I want that! I feel a call to go to "another level" on the path toward that rigidly tight-grip-intimacy with Him. At this point, I do not fully know what saying "yes" to this current call will entail. But I have been receiving some indications. I am sensing that there is a reason why He refers to the process as dying to self, taking up our cross, surrendering, and yielding. J

Some of you may recall my blog on March 27th titled "Who's going to fill the gap?” The Christian life symbolized by the fingertips barely touching won't do anything "to fill the gap" left by powerful saints that have gone home. I believe He is calling many of us (actually all of us) to be such people. For most of us it is going to take "going to another whole level" to be those that can really be used by Him in truly "filling the gap." I know it will for me, and I am committed to taking another step toward that call and more of Him.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

I think the code has been broken!

Surrender and Trust

******

I am coming to believe this may be the "code" (though there really is no secret to it) for going to a greater level of intimacy and dynamic victorious Christian living, and of being a servant of the Lord who really has His ear. Many of my posts and Scriptures referenced in them, as well as a personal nudging of the Spirit, seem to be indicating this may be an area to closely examine within our lives.

Yes, faith is critical. Yes, the work of the Holy Spirit is critical. Yes, recognizing and living in who we are in Christ is critical. But, I have come to believe that we may be largely leaving out a step that in turn leaves the others quite powerless. And really along with and likely included in "Surrender and trust" is a consecrated life and a commitment to a higher level of holiness. .........Just a thought for your consideration.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Maybe I'm not a "real man"

I see "real men" walking around all macho, speaking in deep voices, and flexing their muscles. But I can get a back ache just walking around normal, I have a tenor to baritone voice and am just fine with that, and the last time I flexed my muscles I pulled something AND  heard a bunch of laughs (and I know I am no comedian!).

And you know how we're all supposed be a drinkin', chewin',  spittin', cussin', fartin', and the like? Well I do try to drink a bunch of water each day, I do try to chew my food real well, I do spit twice a day while brushing my teeth, I do try to be dis-cussing my Lord with anyone in the cyber world or on the street that will listen, and fartin'??? well let me just say, I never asked someone to "pull my finger," even when I was six!

I recently asked if anyone knew of a good restaurant that had soft live musical entertainment. I was asked, "Oh, do you have a date?" No. I like to eat and I like good quality soft music. Though, I'm not saying I don't enjoy it still more with pleasant female company.

Another time I asked if someone knew of a good  non-smoking dance location. I was asked, " What, are you trying to pick up a woman?" No! I used to enjoy dancing and would like to see if i still do and can.

So........ maybe I don't classify as a "real man." But let me make this real clear.......... If I find that special restaurant with the soft music, or if I find that pleasant dance environment...... I will NOT be asking ANY man, "real" or otherwise, to join me!!

And I'm pretty much the kind of "real" I want be, and I am seeking to be the kind of "real" my Lord wants me to be. Neither one of those looks much like the world's idea of a "real man" and I'm actually just a bit pleased with that fact.

So, Who Am I?

Earlier today, as this verse came to mind, my thoughts went back to my past 12 hrs. What was on my mind as  I went to sleep last night, what was on my mind as I awoke this morning, and what has been on my mind this far today? What have been my dominant thoughts? So, who am I?

As a man thinketh in his heart so is he. Prov 23:7

Clay with a life and plan of its own, or........


I'm just now thinking of an animated scene where the potter's clay has a life and plan of its own. As it is being placed on the potter's wheel it is squirming around, trying to get away, punching at the potter, doing the  "bob and weave" as the potter's hands reach for the clay and attempt to beginning the molding process.  

I can envision the potter putting up with that unwilling clay for about five seconds. He then pulls it back off the wheel, sets it aside, and reaches for some clay that is willing and ready to be molded . The unwilling clay can stand off to the side and jump up and down, and wave his hands in the air, and yell out, "mold me, mold me!" but until it is actually ready to totally submit to the potter's control all the talk in the world won't make him into what the potter desires. Total submission is essential!

So, as I tell the Lord, "Take me, mold me, make me", I will also need to be ready and willing to submit to HIS control, and HIS molding plan, design and process. 

As I allow Him to do so, I may not look like I might want, and I have to be ok with that. I suspect, I may not look like you might want, and I will do best in not caring about that. But, to the extent that I allow Him, I will look more and more like He wants, and we have to recognize that is the only option if we are to truly be molded into HIS planned product, into HIS image.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

I Will Be Ok

Not because of who I am.

But......... Because of whose I am.
And........ Because of who HE is.

Saturday, May 12, 2012

How do I respond? What do I think? What do I feel?


This is addressed to me (and others who have given their lives to Jesus Christ).

Today and daily I find myself in need of evaluating myself against the Lord's call for my life. Following are occasions when you or I may be prompted to do so.

How do we respond when we are hurt by someone else's words or actions; when the stress at work, school, or home is at its strongest; when we are constantly in physical or emotional pain; when we have losses due to aging and financial or prolonged health issues;  when we feel misunderstood, alone, overwhelmed or angry; when it feels like everything around us is falling apart?

When I encounter these or similar situations, I'm often reminded that my responses are "markers" of my level of Christian maturity, of my level of trust, of my level of surrender, of my ability or willingness to live in "who I am in Christ."

In these challenging situations, if my thoughts and reaction are not what Christ's would be, then they are sin. We are called to be holy and imitators of Christ. HE is our standard, no one or nothing else.

There is no question, God is calling each of us a greater level of Christ-likeness (supporting scriptures are listed in numerous previous posts). Am I willing to die to my fleshly desires and habitual reactions, to truly surrender to Him, to truly trust Him, to spend the time in prayer and Bible study & application, and to surrender to and trust HIM to do it through me? 

I want an abundant crop of the fruit of the Holy Spirit being produced through my life (Gal 5:22,23). I want my life to honor my Lord. I want to be a beacon for Him and for others to see more and more of Him when they see me. When things around us really fall apart, I want the confidence of one whose feet are firmly planted on "Christ the Solid Rock!"

My hope in becoming that person? More time with Him, dying to my fleshly self/repentance,  and surrendering to Him and His desire and ability to do it in and through me.

"Lord, take my life and do what You need to to make me more like You."

Friday, May 11, 2012

The Safest Place On Earth

The safest place on earth is at the foot of the Cross - humbled before God's throne. The more wicked the times, the more we need to stay yielded! Stay submitted! Not giving up - but giving in!

You can then know what it really means to walk in the Spirit - so as not to fulfill the lusts of the flesh. It means this: living at all times in a constant state of submission and yieldedness to God's power! Living in a state of total surrender - giving up all rights to power and self. Becoming totally dependent on God to perform all things for you, and through you.

Taken from "Be Ye Holy" by David Wilkerson

Thursday, May 10, 2012

What?!!! Rejoice with what is going on in MY life?

So, if I am miserably sick, or hurt, or lonely; or disappointed in someone else, or in my work, or am in financial crisis; and if I have put my life in Jesus' hands and, with all the faith I know, have prayed for His intervention and His will; and if the pain or disappointment or other loss continues; what do I do?

I know God loves me enough to die for me, and His Word says He wants good for me. I know He knows exactly what is going on in my life. I know He has unlimited power to do anything He desires.

Though I may not understand why, must I not come to the conclusion that, at this point and for reasons beyond my understanding, apparently I am exactly where He wants me to be, including the excruciating pains, hurts, disappointments and all?

And if that is the case, should I not be rejoicing, because what He wants is what is best for me? And at least at this time, this very uncomfortable and, maybe even long term, persistent situation must be what He desires. Why? I don't know. He is the One that is God!

So what do "I" do about it? Maybe…. Keep praying (focus on Him). Keep trusting. Keep looking for what He desires in my life (Is there something I am supposed to learn or surrender in this process?) Turn my eyes upon HIM. (Is He my focus or am I?) And maybe....??? ... Rejoice!! Because, if "I" am allowing him to be, He is in control. HE IS GOD!!

Phil 4:4-8, 9b Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things. And the God of peace will be with you. (NIV)

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who that love him. (NIV)

"So Lord, in spite of this very difficult time, I will commit myself to you. I ask for your help and strength. Teach me. Show me what your desire is for me. My live is in your hands. I will take my eyes off me. I will put them on you. I will trust YOU! YOU are GOD! I will REJOICE!"

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

A Knot On a Log

Sometimes I wonder, at this phase of my life, is there any way that I could be of any serious use to the Lord. Is it possible that my current usefulness merely equates to that of a molded, rotting knot on a fallen half-composted log out in some thick, distant and unseen forest? No one even knows or cares that it is there. Should anyone ever notice, it might even be considered a nuisance or a hindrance.

And if so, if that is all I am and all I am capable of being; and if that is what my Lord has called me to be; then I pray that, maybe in my willingness and through the seemingly useless mundane processes, I eventually become what He desires.

Or wait! Could He possibly desire that this "knot on a log", through all of this process, as a final result become something more?! …. . maybe a sweet smelling, rich, and most fertile compost for use in my Lord’s garden? Or maybe, along the way, could some mushroom spring forth that ministers to the nutrition and health of one in need? Or might this composting mass, one day, produce a beautiful flower that blesses a sole passerby?

Then again, maybe I’m getting carried away. Maybe this "knot on a log" will never show any outward blessing to the Lord or others. Maybe it will only lie there, seemingly useless, and slowly …… decay. Either way, I would like for my life to be as surrendered to the Lord as is a molded, rotting knot, on some fallen half-composted log who's entire function and end result is in the hands of its Maker.

Have you ever had this happen to you?

You get up in the morning and look out the opened window. Immediately, you notice the birds singing, a pleasant dew on the beautiful freshly mowed grass, calm winds, and the freshest air you’ve ever breathed. It is a picture-book perfect day.

Your shower is the most refreshing you recall ever having. You get out, towel off, and begin to get ready. You notice that for some reason that rooster tail, that always sticks straight up on the back of your head, is laying completely flat. You look closely in the mirror and your eyes seem bluer and brighter than what you ever recall.

You walk into the kitchen and there awaits a breakfast-spread of ham and eggs (over medium/easy), whole grain pancakes (darkly browned and done ALL the way through), a bowl of beautiful fresh fruit, and coffee so fragrant that Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks would kill to duplicate it.

Following your perfect breakfast, you get dressed in your best suit and freshly polished wingtip shoes. You look in the full-length mirror, and you consider yourself a humble man, but Wow! you … look …. GOOD!! You kinda give the image in the mirror a smile, a nod, and a “thumbs up.” As you turn sideways to leave, you notice that your stomach looks completely flat and your chest is sticking out four inches further than what you ever recall. “Thank you Jesus!”

As you walk out the front door, you realize that you haven’t had to dodge any dishes this morning, and even the dog hasn’t growled at you. You take those steps toward the car and there is a bounce in your walk. You da man! The BMW is waxed, and the wheels and tires are polished. It is spotless! The neighbors’ dogs, the birds and even the dew have somehow left it alone over night.
  
Feeling like a million dollars, you leave your neighborhood and pull onto the interstate. Life is good.

You drive about 20 miles and all of a sudden you realize that another car has been driving along side of yours.  It’s just keeping pace with yours, not speeding up or backing off. You glance over at the occupants and there are two of the most beautiful individuals you have ever seen. You gulp! Yes, they are women! Bashfully, you quickly glance back at the road. But hey, you can’t help it. You take another look. They are still there, AND they are both smiling and waving at YOU. You’re a little shy, but man that feels good. You take a couple more looks with the same results. And again you say, “Life is good! I’m da man!”

Have you ever had this happen to you?    Well............. let me tell you !!..............................
Me neither!

Yeah so, I dreamed up this silly little story from someplace in my mostly vacant head. And as I was playing it back through my mind, and thinking how good it would feel to have one of those days, something came to me.

I have given my life to Jesus. I AM A CHILD OF THE KING!!!! When my God looks at me, He sees me as perfectly as what I imagined this day and my physical appearance in this little story. But no, not only does He look with admiration on my outward appearance, He also sees my inner self. And you know what? He also sees it as perfect. He doesn’t see my dirty, ugly, fleshly inner self. No! Not because it isn’t, because in my flesh it is. But because of the shed blood of His Son Jesus Christ, and because of my simply giving my life to Him and inviting His presence into my life, He now sees me as completely beautiful, pure, white as snow, beyond compare …. inside and out. And HE sticks HIS chest out and says, “Look at my perfect son. He’s da man!”

Thank you Jesus!

Now if, for some reason, you’re not sure whether you’ve committed your life to Jesus, so that He sees you that way, please click on the “Is There Really Any Hope” tab at the top of this page. There is information there that will share how God’s Word says you can be a CHILD OF THE KING!

Also if you know Christ and you’re still not sure whether He sees you as I described, stay tuned. As I’ve mentioned, before long I hope to do a blog, or likely series of blogs, on “who we are in Christ.” It’s an awesome study, and I am so looking forward to going back through it myself.

Monday, May 7, 2012

If You Know My Father

I have a farm upbringing. There are innumerable blessings and advantages to that upbringing. We didn’t have much money and worked from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. or even midnight many many days. I first drove tractor alone when I was 8 years old. And by a couple of years later I was driving fulltime during the summer months and during the winter months often had a couple of hours of chores to do after school. Though everyone else I knew did, my parents did not have a TV until after I left home. And I did not have a cell phone, an x-box, or a wii. I usually did not see my school friends the entire summer (except for one family that attended our church). And we lived a very basic standard of living. Often crops failed in the Oklahoma Panhandle and finances were slim. My parents were committed to the Lord, were active in church, and never missed a church service. My mother led me to the Lord at the age of eight. I cannot think of a downside to that upbringing and those early years. And I would not exchange them for anyone’s of any financial standing or of any generation!

One day, when I was maybe 12 or so, I was sent out to a field to do some discing. I drove the tractor from the farmyard to the field where the disc was awaiting me. Now I was quite young and the tractor (an LA Case) had a hand clutch. Generally a grown man would push the long clutch-lever forward with his hand to engage it. Well, I was not yet strong enough to do that well. So, I often engaged it with my left foot. To stop the tractor, I could grab hold with both hands and jerk my whole body back hard enough to stop it.

This particular day, upon arriving at the field, I proceeded to back the tractor up to the disc. To do so, I had to turn around in my seat, and look back and down, while lightly pressing the clutch lever forward with my left foot. You could get the tractor to move without fully engaging the clutch in cases like this. So I was just lightly pressing it forward. And my arms were not long enough to do this while still twisting and backing up. As the tractor drawbar approached the disc hitch it eventually came to the point that I needed to stop and, while attempting to do so, I made a very large mistake. See, I knew enough from driving other vehicles to know that in most cases you press your foot down on the brake to STOP a vehicle. (Yeah, you’re getting the idea already, aren’t you?) Well as I tried to stop the tractor, I inadvertently pushed the wrong foot forward, fully engaging the clutch in reverse, and backing the tractor right up ON TOP of the disc. In a panic, I turned around, put both hands around the clutch handle and frantically pulled back disengaging the clutch and stopping the tractor. But it was too late. The tractor was now resting on top of the disc.

There I was ¾ mile from home, young, alone, crying and shaking like crazy and the tractor……….. was on top of the disc! A couple of feelings quickly came over me!

SHAME! Here I was the son of “super farmer” Robert Balzer and “I” was dumb and inept enough to do something this stupid!

FEAR! Not of my father. That was never an issue with MY father. But I wasn’t sure what all I had broken. Was the tractor ok? Was the disc ok? It was apparent the large rear tractor tires were not what I considered ok! They had big cuts in them. I knew my parents had a hard time making ends meet. And I knew those large tires would cost a lot of money!

HOPELESS! I had no idea what to do. Obviously I was not going to lift the tractor off the disc. Would I just damage things worse if I just drove it back off? Certainly the proper solution seemed way beyond my young ability and knowledge level. These thoughts and probably a thousand others went through my mind in those first few seconds. All I knew to do was… turn the tractor engine off and take off running as hard as I could for home, crying and in a panic the entire way.

I don’t recall if dad was in the farmyard or in some other field. But before long my father and I were driving up to “my farm accident” with tears still pouring down my face and a hundred “Dad, I’m so sorry’s” having already been said.

See if you know my dad! There was NEVER a chance that I was going to get yelled at or get rebuked in any way. He was just glad I wasn’t hurt. Once there, he calmly examined the situation. Started the tractor back up and drove it back off the disc. I don’t recall for sure, but knowing my father and knowing how well he knew me; I’m pretty sure we parked the tractor next to the disc, and called it a day!

Yes, there was tire damage that was the result of my error and those scars were visible for as long as I can remember us having that tractor. But the tires were still functional. And to this day some 40 + years later I am still embarrassed that I made that kind of mistake. But on that day, when I went to my father with my big mistake, he lovingly forgave me, comforted me, and made sure I knew that he loved me just as much as ever. Isn’t it awesome to have a father like that?

Now this evening as I was getting some walking exercise at our church gymnasium ,and for some reason reliving this old experience, I was thinking of how blessed I am to have such a calm, gentle, protecting, encouraging, loving father. And that did not change even when I had made such an embarrassing and stupid mistake. One that could have cost many dollars, one that could have possibly cost me my life, one that likely set us back ½ day or more in joint lost labor, one that left embarrassing physical scars on the tractor for years and was mentally engraved in my mind for 40 + years.

As I was thinking about this experience I couldn’t help but think of the “spiritual” blunders, stupidities, mistakes, and wrecks that I have made in my life. Maybe at times I have just gotten slack in my spiritual life and “pushed the wrong foot forward” so to speak. There are likely a number of times where, spiritually, I have made a really big mess and figuratively ended up with my “spiritual tractor on top of the disc.”

I feel SHAME. Here I am a child of the only true “super God” the Lord God Almighty, and I am dumb and inept enough to do something this stupid!

FEAR! Not of my Father. That is never an issue with my Heavenly Father. But I may not be sure what all my actions had damaged. What will be the cost to fix the mess my failures have made. It may be apparent that there is damage due to my error and the repair costs will be high. There are big cuts and scars. What will happen with those? Who can possibly come up with the payment to correct my big spiritual mistakes?

HOPELESS! I have no idea what to do. Certainly the proper solution is way beyond my ability and knowledge level. All I know to do is STOP the action, and take off running as hard as I can toward my Heavenly Father; tears of sorrow, shame, fear and hopelessness running down my face.

But isn’t it amazing? When I show my Heavenly Father “my spiritual accident” with eyes still full of tears and having said a hundred “Dad, I’m so sorry’s” what does He do?

See if you know my Dad! You know He is not going to yell and rebuke me. I’m already sorry and determined to not do THAT again. My Heavenly Dad just cares about me. He calmly fixes the mistake I’ve made. And then He may just say, “My son that is enough for now. Let’s call it a day.”

And yes, my spiritual mistakes (sins) have caused some damage that can only be paid for in one way. That payment method is only through the sacrificial death of God’s Son Jesus Christ. And my Father paid that price for my mistakes, no questions asked and end of story!

Now my sin may have caused physical and emotional scars that I will have to live with my entire life. But regarding the wreck and the price to fix it, I go to my Heavenly Father and say I’m so sorry. He just steps up and takes care of it. And He lovingly forgives me, and reminds me that it is all ok, and that he still loves me just the same. Isn't it awesome to have a Father like that?

But you already know that….. If You Know My Father!
***
Matt. 7:11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord

Sunday, May 6, 2012

The helicopters have landed and they are headed for my house

The house is caving in, physical misery has hit, and the helicopters have landed, ….. now what?

Everyone I know in this part of the state experienced some level of fear with the recent minor earthquakes here in Oklahoma. What if they are now occurring daily and our homes’ foundations are cracking and roofs are falling in and it is happening, not just in Oklahoma and California, but everywhere!

What if I was just diagnosed with a rapidly developing blindness and incurable painful disabling disease and yet with decades of additional life expectancy? What if, as a result, my home and car are being repossessed, and investments and bank accounts lost? What if my spouse and family now want nothing to do with me? What if the best option now available to me is decades of existence in a government sponsored assisted living or nursing home? What if, yesterday, I had a loving family and was completely healthy? 
What if I am only 35 years old?

What if those helicopters I saw flying past my home this afternoon were the enemy’s? What if they landed and the enemy’s troops are now headed for my house, my precious wife, and darling grandbabies? And what if the enemy hates God, has a gun held to my wife or grandbaby’s head, and is now asking me about my faith?

Now ask me about my level of Godly faith, trust and peaceful inner calm. Now ask me how badly I wish I had been more seriously developing it over the past years. When the major, major, earth-shattering crisis hits, how prepared will I be?

I know when held against far milder situations than these my inner calm and trust look pretty weak. I’m not satisfied with that. AND it won’t change automatically. It is up to ME to make the changes now, that will develop the trust, faith, and peaceful inner calm needed when life’s circumstances go truly bad.

I’m not trying to speak fear into our lives. I’m repeating what I was thinking this afternoon when I saw those four military helicopters flying by my home. I know when life deals me a relatively small crisis, what thoughts come to mind. And I know my God desires so much more for me. But it doesn’t develop because I wish it would. It develops from serious surrender and intimate seeking-time with my Lord. I WANT THAT, and I am COMMITTING to take serious steps in developing this area of my life.

And as I do so, I feel the Lord has asked me share that journey. That is a major portion of what this blog is about, my journey for greater intimacy with and trust in my Lord. I want to be a “Paul or Silas” when my tough times hit. There is always room for another level, another step toward more intimacy with Him. May I encourage you to also considered seeking more of Him?