Problem Solved?

I was trying to solve a family problem early this morning.    I hadn't had my coffee or my talk with Jesus, but I was still trying.   It seemed futile and utterly impossible to come up with an effective solution. 

Anything that is broken can be fixed with enough effort, right?  

Math doesn't change...

1+1 = 2, 2+2=4, E=MC²  

The formula doesn't change, but we do not always understand. The truth is there are some problems that we cannot solve no matter how hard we try. 

Problems + Effort ≠ Solutions

God reminded me that it doesn't matter how hard I work, or how hard you work. There are some problems that only He can solve. There are other problems that someone else will need to solve.  There are some mountain-sized problems that do not have a solution. God will have to move the mountain. 

Just the other day I was praying about a mountain-sized problem.  God sent the solution in the most unexpected way.    The help, the answer was there all along and I didn't realize it because I was trying to solve it my way. 

• I must do what I can do for my problems.
• I must accept that many problems are beyond my control. 
• I must be there for people without trying to fix them or their situation. 
• I must focus on Jesus and my calling. 
• I must remember that when I focus on Jesus, He will handle the problems.
• I must surrender knowing that it is Jesus, not I who is in control.

Be encouraged.  Focus on whatever it is that God calls you to, and he will handle your problems. 

 

Problems + Jesus = Peace 

Truth is... I'm sorry

 Your truth. My truth. They/Them/Their truth. Is truth subjective?  What is truth? 

Truth: 

A person somewhere at some time hurt you.  A person claiming to be a Christian disappointed you. The church failed.  It was not a little mistake, and it was not one mistake.   I'm sorry. 

Truth:

 Christians and religious people have been messing up since the beginning of time.  I'm sorry.

Truth:

The founders of the United States did great things, but they were also called "men of the night."  That means exactly what you think it does.   Our country, a land built on the premise of religious freedom, was built by men who were less than wholesome.   I'm sorry. 

Truth:

During the Great Awakening, evangelical ministers opposed slavery, but by the early decades of the 19th century, they got it twisted.  Leaders convinced slave owners that converting their slaves would make them more obedient.   They should have taken a stand for freedom in Christ, and instead, they enabled slave owners. I'm sorry. 

Truth:

The Civil Rights Movement was a time for the love of Christ to reign through darkness. Instead, some denominational leaders taught that African Americans resulted from the "Curse of Ham." I'm sorry.

Truth:

Some churches seem judgemental, others fake, and a few even cultish. I'm sorry.  The purpose of organized worship is to worship Jesus as a group, not to worship other humans.   

Truth:

Jesus.  The Bible says that "..the word became flesh." (John 1:14). Jesus became the embodiment of the Bible.   Jesus brought the Bible to life.  Jesus is truth.  Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." (John 14:6)  The Bible is the truth.  I'm sorry if someone who was supposed to show you the love of Christ failed. 

Truth:

People hurt each other, and it is hard to tell the truth from a lie.  I'm sorry.

 When you search for your bearing, your truth, remember - Jesus is the truth.  The Bible is the truth. Anything that contradicts the Word of God is untruth.  God does not lie. 

An Adventure for Carlena

 Carlena was a busy woman.  She owned a small business, and she ran it well. She kept her house in perfect order. She did all the things that she thought were expected of her. The problem is that she was tired of being predictable, dependable, and stuck in the same rut.  She wanted an adventure.  As Reba McEntyre would say, she wanted a little adventure with some security.  She prayed that God would send her an adventure.

               Carlena went to a park in the city to take a walk.   The world’s fair was there in 1982.  There is a giant ball, the Sunsphere, which stands tall in the sky. You can take an elevator to the top and look over the town.  It is surrounded by walkways and water features.  The city is filled with the kind of noisy peace that is exactly what Carlena needed.  It was easy for Carlena to be alone with God when she was seemingly lost in the crowd.

               She parked her car in the public lot.  The smell of food trucks filled her nose as she closed her door. She scurried across the street and started up the walkway.  Carlena could not believe her eyes. There was a brown suitcase.  It was probably at least fifty years old. It was made from wood and looked a little rough. It was sitting against a concrete wall.  She was curious about what was inside.  She thought about opening it, but that would be rude.  She thought about calling for help, but it was not any of her business. She shrugged it off and moved on.

               Carlena was headed for the water fountain.  It is beautiful.  Carlena wanted to sit there, but there were people there filming something.   She wasn’t sure what was going on, but it seemed like a big deal.  The cameraman smiled at her.  The crew seemed open and receptive.  Carlena was curious. She thought about asking what was going on.   The director looked at her and said, “Hi!” Carlena nodded, put her head down, and went on about her way. She didn’t want to make them think she was trying to be nosy.

 

               Carlena decided the amphitheater would be a better option. She got there and took a seat on the stage looking out at the water.  A gentleman walked up behind her and said, “Nice view! I might have to join you.”  She smiled and said, “I was leaving.  It is all yours!”  As she walked away, she thought, “That guy looked like Bon Jovi!  I’m sure he hears that all the time.”

 

               Click click was the sound her car made as she walked up.  She cranked up the air and sat inside. She cried out to God in a loud voice, “Do you ever listen to me?!  I asked you for an adventure. I knew I couldn’t have one and I was going to settle for some time alone with you.  Did I even get that, no?  I came to this park and every step of the way, I got interru...- “
God interrupted her audibly.

 

               “STOP! My stubborn little girl.  I love you.  I sent you three adventures and you ignored them all.  The suitcase contained a mystery, one that you would have never forgotten, and it would have been great fun!”  The film crew was filming a commercial for a new restaurant that Bon Jovi is opening in your city.  One of the actors didn’t show up. They needed someone to be an extra.  You would have been paid, gotten free concerts tickets, a VIP invitation for the restaurant opening, and an experience of a lifetime.   You guessed it, that man on the stage, that was Bon Jovi.   He did come over to sit and enjoy the view.  He also needed someone to manage the events at his restaurant. If you had sat there, you could have talked.  You would have been offered that job.”

 

               “My daughter, adventure is everywhere just as I am everywhere.  Keep your eyes open.  You miss a lot because you are afraid, or you are sticking to a schedule.  I do not fit inside a box.  Follow me, listen to and for me.  I will guide you.   Life with me is always an adventure.  I’m your father and I love you.”

Why did I dream that?

 You are shook! That dream felt real. You jot down the details before you forget, but you still can’t shake it. What does it mean? Is there anything to it?

The Bible mentions dreams in many places.  

Spiritual dreams are real.

When I first started to have dreams from God, I didn’t understand them. I will share some of my dream stories another time.  

 God has used my dreams to warn me, protect me, and alter my decisions.  

You know for sure if a dream is from God. 

I put dreams into 4 main classes

1)      Dreams from God

·         These dreams always coincide with scripture

·         They never fail to correct

·         The symbolism is consistent

2)      Dreams from excess thoughts and worries

3)      Dreams from stimulation (TV or Conversations)

4)      Dreams from the enemy or flesh   

Symbol	Meaning
Dirty Water	Trouble
Snakes	Enemy – Satan
Clean water	Blessing, Goodness, peace
Waterfall	Holy Spirit
Car	Your life (Like what’s driving you, your flesh)
House	You
Baby	Sometimes death
Poop	The word in the Bible is dung but the meaning doesn’t change…
Bridge	Change
Road	Direction
Mountain	Obstacles or journey

 To better understand your dreams

• Ask God to help
• Journal your dreams (Write what you saw, what you felt, and what you immediately took that to mean)
• Look for consistency or repetitive dreams
• If suddenly a dream comes back to your mind, write it down.
• A lot of spiritual dreams happen between 3am-6am
• God will provide a way for you to understand the dreams He sends in His time.
• If your dreams are from God, pay attention! 

DREAMS FROM GOD AND HIS INSTRUCTIONS NEVER GO AGAINST THE BIBLE! 

Prophets often say God came to them in a dream. God does send messages through dreams. Some prophets are honest, some are not.  

Do not be afraid of your dreams. God will show you what they mean, how they apply to your life, and what action you should take. 

And again:

DREAMS FROM GOD AND HIS INSTRUCTIONS NEVER GO AGAINST THE BIBLE! 

LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT MY JESUS...

 “Let me tell you about my Jesus…” That’s more than the title of one of my favorite songs it is something I feel like shouting as loud as I can. 

I wish everyone knew my Jesus!

He loves me every day, unconditionally, even when I make the worst messes!!!

I need you to know: 

Jesus is the ONLY begotten son of God. There is not a first or second son. He is the only begotten son. A relationship with Jesus is the only way to access Heaven. Think about it, if there had been another way, another religion, any other option would God have sacrificed His son? No, of course not, God is a good Father. God is also our father, and He loves us. God’s love for us is why He allowed Jesus to be born to save us. 

There are religions, secular movements, entertainment, and other outlets that try to counterfeit the Bible or discount Jesus. There is none like Jesus.  

Entertainment that makes Jesus less than the savior of the world and the only way to Heaven, is not entertainment, it is blasphemy. Entertainment that makes a joke out of the Bible is a mockery to almighty God. 

Religions that take the Bible and God’s principles and twist them will be dealt with by God Himself. See, “ 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Matthew 7:22-23, NIV

There are many stories from religious persons throughout history who were able to tap into miracles through a variety of outlets. That does not mean they were followers of Jesus. We are never to follow people. We only follow Jesus and God’s infallible living word. 

BE CAREFUL

As a kid at church, I used to hear a song that went something like, “Be careful little eyes what you see, be careful little ears what you hear…” Wow, I never realized how powerful that was until I grew up and had a child myself.  

 Don’t be deceived. There are a lot of things that seem “good” and “godly-ish” that are not at all. Read the Bible, pray, and ask God – He will show you.  

Extreme?

I may sound like an extremist. I’ve even wondered at times if my words, my blogs, my faith mattered to anyone else. 

It does. Last night, I heard my son talk about stopping a game he was involved in because it was a Buddhist practice and that goes against his faith.  He heard me, he has faith!   

It made my heart bubble over. 

Today, I got an email from someone I love.  What they sent reminded me that they don't share my love for Jesus and it breaks my heart.  If you just knew my Jesus, you would love Him, too! 

Jesus saved me, is with me always, makes sure I have peace, comforts me, gives me the sweetest gifts and so much more!  “Let me tell you about my Jesus”!!!

Church ain't the building, why go?

I keep hearing people say "Church ain't the building, we can have church anywhere because we are The Church.

That is true.  The Church is the body of believers and you don't need a building to worship.

BUT... 

• Are you?  Are you really having worship consistently away from the church building?
• Are you called to preach? 
• Are you called to prophesy?
•  Are you studied up?  
• Do you feel qualified to lead the service? (I don't mean education, I mean spiritually)
• Speaking of education, how much Bible do you know? 
• How's your focus on faith been without going to church? 
• Would you rather listen to music live or via device? 

AND...

• Ever been to a sporting event, concert, or other outings and felt the energy of the crowd?
• Ever needed a hug? 
• Ever left an event feeling motivated and focused? 
• Ever needed a close connection to others? 

We want to hear music live! We want to go to sporting events live! There is energy and power when you get people together.  

It is not likely you are as consistent with worship away from the church.  We aren't all called to preach, prophesy, or lead services.   Our church leaders have dedicated their lives to knowing God's word.  The entirety of their focus is to encourage us in Christ.   Do you really think you don't need a pastor? 

Do you remember the Bible stories about the Shepherds?  Yes, of course, Jesus is the Good Shepherd but God set forth pastors and leaders to watch over the congregation.  We are fighting spiritual warfare. The spirit of fear is an excellent example.  That spirit is not of God and it is running rampant. 

PLUS...

You can think of it as coaching.  All would agree that athletes need coaches. Pastors are to the congregation what coaches are to athletes.  I saw an illustration yesterday where a coach handed an athlete a piece of tape and asked him to place it as high above his head as he could.  The athlete did so.  Then the coach asked the athlete to place it a little higher.  The athlete did by at least three inches!   The coach said, "You will do what you think is your best, my job is to encourage you to more."

BE REAL...

We need interaction with the body of believers.  We need to be a part of something bigger than ourselves.  We need our church family and the world needs THE CHURCH.   Congregations are a great way to pool resources and achieve things for the Kingdom. How much traction would a gang or the mafia have if they separated?   They stick together because they are out to achieve a mission.   We can go further together! 

PLEASE...

Be careful is saying we don't need a church.  We do need it and so do our communities!  What would our nation look like if the churches closed?  

Photo Credit: https://www.wrvo.org/post/closing-church-auctions-not-only-items-memories

After While Crocodile~

Hey Cousin -

You aren't going to get to read this, because you have moved on to Heaven.  You went on and I didn't get to say goodbye.  I've got some things to tell you...

I remember you as a teenager.  You LOVED to lay in sun...  You with your baby oil, iodine, and aluminum foil.  I never did understand that, but you sure loved it.  My Mama did too.

You told me one day, "I'll never be so blame strict on on my kids! I'm going to let them do whatever they want!"  If your kids are reading this, they are probably laughing.

I remember when you got married. You were crazy about that Chuck Woods.   I heard Bernice say, "They'll never make it, they's just kids"   You didn't care about that - You married him anyway.

You used to say things like, "Now Teresa, let me tell you..."  I'd just shake my head because I wasn't exactly "coachable" in my younger days.

I remember how you loved your coffee... I love it now too.

 I was there when your Mama got sick, and even when she passed away.   I guess after that is when we lost touch a bit.   Mamaw Trula and Marylou were the glue that held life together. It hasn't been the same without them.

I remember how it was when your Mama was sick.  Everyone was always around, feeling sorry for her.  I remember that last cookout at her place.  It was a lot to process.   I guess that's why you didn't tell us when you got sick.  You didn't want nobody feeling sorry for you.  That took a lot of strength. You were right, we would've made a big fuss.  I'm certain it was more important to you to have that precious time with your kids and Chuck.

Bernice sure called it wrong about you and Chuck,  you did make it.  You made it all the way 'til death do you part.   You were right about Chuck but you were wrong about one thing. You were "that blame strict" on your kids.   It surely worked, they all four grew into fine adults.  I'm impressed with the great job you did with them.  I know you and Chuck are so proud.   I still can't get over how much your Tyler looks like Quint.  I still miss Quint. You tell him I said, "Hello".

Remember Preacher Earl Johnson?  I'm sure you do. You're probably drinking coffee with him, Mamaw, Marylou, and Quint right now.   Papaw is probably sitting there quietly while y'all catch up.  I'm sure they were standing beside Jesus when you got there.    I bet Jesus had some angels fry up some taters and make a big pan of biscuits.   I can only imagine what a time you are having. Say, "Hi" to all of them for me too.  You tell them I said, when Jesus comes for me - they better be waiting on me!

Anyway, about Preacher Earl... He used to say, "Give folks flowers while they are alive, they won't know it when they are gone."  That's why I sent them flowers a couple weeks ago.  I didn't want you to die, but it was almost like I could see his face and hear him saying, "Send Retha flowers while she is alive."   That ain't nothing compared to all the years we lost, but I can't change that now.

I did visit at Christmas.  If I remember correctly, I promised to come for Sunday dinner one day.  I don't know how long I'll be but I intend to keep that promise. When I get there, we will have us a Sunday dinner.   It'll be great, even better than when we were kids.

This is not goodbye.  I'm saying, "Later gator" and I know you are saying, "after while crocodile"

Love you -
In Loving Memory
Retha Woods who moved to Heaven 05/11/20