Met a friend from India today..

I was changing letters in our church's marquee today and noticed an older gentleman walking along the sidewalk.  He was looking up at the sky and not in a particular hurry.  I had an extra Bible in the truck and wondered if I should chat with him.  He kept walking and I kept working.

Probably an hour later, I was leaving the church and guess who was walking by again.  Yep.  The same elderly man.  I figure this is too much of a coincidence and likely God is orchestrating circumstance.  I walked  out to chat.  He is 76 years old and is from India.  He has been in America for 7 months.  His accent is very thick. We chatted about things and I mentioned he looked young for 76.  

He shared with me that only God knows when He will take us home.  I commented that was true and it was very important we do all we can to enjoy each day that God gives us.  I asked if I could give him my Bible.  He graciously accepted and asked me to write my name in it.  I welcomed him to America and wished him the best.

Sometimes, it is the little things that mean the most….

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“Sing this song of encouragement with David”~priest

Psalm 30

A David Psalm

¹I give you all the credit, God— you got me out of that mess, 
you didn't let my foes gloat. 

^{2 -3} God, my God, I yelled for help 
and you put me together. 
God, you pulled me out of the grave, 
gave me another chance at life 
when I was down-and-out. 

^{4 -5}All you saints! Sing your hearts out to God! 
Thank him to his face! 
He gets angry once in a while, but across 
a lifetime there is only love. 
The nights of crying your eyes out 
give way to days of laughter. 

^{6 -7}When things were going great 
I crowed, "I've got it made. 
I'm God's favorite. 
He made me king of the mountain." 
Then you looked the other way 
and I fell to pieces. 

^{8 -10}I called out to you, God; 
I laid my case before you: 
"Can you sell me for a profit when I'm dead? 
auction me off at a cemetery yard sale? 
When I'm 'dust to dust' my songs 
and stories of you won't sell. 
So listen! and be kind! 
Help me out of this!" 

^{11 -12}You did it: you changed wild lament 
into whirling dance; 
You ripped off my black mourning band 
and decked me with wildflowers. 
I'm about to burst with song; 
I can't keep quiet about you. 
God, my God, 
I can't thank you enough.

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God’s Goodness and Faithfulness

I woke up this morning thinking "Today is the day the Lord hath made.  Rejoice and be glad in it."  I like that thought.  Then, I began reading the Psalm. 

It is amazing how open David was in his communication with God.  I think sometimes I don't want to burden God with what I am really thinking, but I see David just tells God what is on his mind.  David pleads with God and asks God to not forget him.  He asks God to forgive him and not turn His back.  

David speaks many times to God of how good God has been and asks that He continue with His goodness.  David cries out to the reality of his situation that others want him dead and if God does not intervene.  He will die.  He often ends with praise to His Father and a longing to spend life with God learning at His feet.

I think I need to be a better communicator with God.  

…. and I think God smiles at the thought.

archie

 

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God’s love may not get more real than this…

Daniel C. Hatch 

Background and Testimony

I was raised in The Church of Christ and we religiously attended church 3 times a week, studied the bible in Sunday school, and prayed over every meal. At the young age of 8, I sincerely accepted Jesus as my savior and was baptized, but was quickly discouraged. That night, after being baptized, the other kids came up to me and wanted to play, and the adults congratulated my parents and slapped me on the back, said well done and told me to go play, then left. I’ll never forget the thought of, “is that all there is to it?” All too soon, I learned that the “Christian life”, (as presented by the church), was lacking something and I couldn’t live out in practice very well what I thought God wanted me to. As I grew into a young man, I followed my own ways more and more, and not wanting to be a hypocrite, quit going to church.

Never finishing college, I got married, went into the military, got a broken heart because of an adulterous wife, and spiraled down to a life of rebellion and self servitude. In 1975, the spirit of The Lord brought me to my knees and I knew He was real! I could actually see into the spiritual realm and saw a spiritual battle waging war all around me and I knew I needed Jesus to save me for real! I became a true Jesus freak! In my zeal, I proclaimed how “I” found The Lord” (ha), and preached to everyone, including my old church, about how God’s spirit is alive and still working today! They were not receptive to that revelation and before long, kicked me out! 

Now I was certainly young in the Lord, and hungering for more and more knowledge of God, I listened to many, many tapes and teachings. I would read the bible, but would mostly look to the “pentecostal or charismatic” teachers. I found myself caught up in one of the charismatic churches that proclaimed some bad teachings and “doctrines”, and when I got close to the internal functions of the church (business and daily workings of the leadership), I saw a lot of the heresy that has permeated “the church” today. When that leadership fell because of sin, along with several personal struggles and failures in my life, business and family, and not being well grounded in GOD’S truth, I was crushed and spiritually wounded. I was filled with confusion, anger, inner guilt and disappointments. Again I spiraled down to a life of rebellion and eventually screwed up my second marriage. Alcohol, drugs, sex, you name it, I was into it. 

Over the next decade and a half, I was a miserable soul! Tortured by the knowledge of the reality of God and yet not fellowshipping with Him, I struggled with trying to put my life in order to the best of my ability. Disappointments and hurts, failed marriages and unfulfilled expectations that were prevalent in my life eventually gave way to a form of stability and success. I married again; Janie was a good woman with 3 children she had raised on her own; two girls and a boy and all young adults. They graciously accepted me into the family and I soon found the pleasures of being looked at as a father figure and before too long a grandfather! Life was good at last. We considered ourselves Christians, but just didn’t go to church or get too carried away with it. 

Time passed until once again, life dealt harshly with us with the loss of our business and after another horrific and tragic event that I won’t get into detail about now, I knew the emotional turmoil and devastation was far more than I could handle on my own. I cried out to God and in His grace and mercy, He answered me! I guess it took that much for me to finally surrender ALL and be still before Him. Janie, on the other hand, was embittered and even openly against God and wanted no part of anything that included Him, even me if that’s who I wanted to follow.

The next five or six years were filled with open hostility on the home front and downright persecution. I kept pleading for God to intervene on my behalf and make Janie change. Each request was answered by an instruction for ME to change and surrender another part of myself and leave Janie to Him. I can truly testify of going “through the valley”, but God was with me and my relationship with Him deepened. 

You know, the bible says that bitterness will rot your bones and I actually saw that happen to Janie. As time went on, and Janie’s health deteriorated, she rebelled so hard against the gentle prodding of God’s spirit, while the more I surrendered myself to Him, He revealed more and more of Himself to me. Prayer that typically revolved around helping me, changed to one of praying FOR her. I believe God allowed me to once again see into the spiritual realm and witness the warfare taking place, not only in Janie, but inside of me too. I saw the battle, not as a Rocky Balboa type fight where good finally or barely triumphs in the last moment, but as the truths in God’s word standing firm against all lies and efforts of the enemy to change it. The truth is the truth and it can’t be changed! What a revelation!

Janie began to show signs of listening to God’s call and one glorious day, surrendered to the love of God in Christ Jesus! Bitterness was traded for forgiveness and rebellion traded for surrender. What a transformation and what a joy! She was so energetic and eager to share with the kids and grandkids and for several months we all enjoyed going to church together. On September 24, 2008, Janie went home to be with The Lord. 

I have agonized over this writing (it’s taken me all day). The mental and emotional strain has been intense, and I have tried to condense everything to keep it reasonable in size but it’s still lengthy. I would like to conclude by letting you know I have so much more to learn and although I’m not where I want to be in the Lord, I’m not where I once was and the work that The Lord began in me (and now I pray in you), He will complete! Praise God for He IS worthy!

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Sick Day

Jamye,

Sorry for the inconvenience, but my migraine is not getting better.  I am going to the VA hospital tomorrow morning to start the qualifying process to receive care there.  As everything turns slow with the government, I doubt I will be in on Monday.  I expect to be at work on Tuesday.

God bless,

archie

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“You’re a bunch of pompous quacks! I wish you’d shut your mouths…”~Job

Job was innocent.  He was favored by God.  Yet satan asked permission to whip Job and God said do what you must, but don't kill him.  

When in the midst of suffering, it is sometimes tough to know what to think.  Even your friends, while being well intentioned, may be way off course in their judgement of your situation.  Truth remains in the hands of God.  It's best to go to the source of all truth.  Job voiced it like this…

"I've had it with you—I'm going directly to God. You graffiti my life with lies. You're a bunch of pompous quacks! I wish you'd shut your mouths – silence is your only claim to wisdom."~Job  

So it seems God is well aware of the suffering we are engaged in.  He also is inclined to limit our suffering.  I'm inclined to think when satan attacks and we stand firm in our love for God, we authenticate the love He has for us.  His love was ultimately proved by His decision for Jesus to die on the cross for us.

I also think when we don't remain faithful in times of suffering, God is saddened in light of what He did for us on the cross.    It is way past time for believers to stop whining about how unfair life is and start loving God regardless of the cost.

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So God has a plan. Do you think He would allow suffering in your life in order to position you in the middle of His plan?

Facebook friends think so….

Lillian Ruiz and John Scott Wilson III like this.

Mike Myers 

I don't think He has a "plan" like most people think of it. I think life is His gift to us to invest or squander how we choose.

2 hours ago · 

John H Davison 

Jer 29:11 is pretty clear on the fact he has a plan and yes God allows suffering as a stupidity adjustment for human wandering.

2 hours ago · 

April Hammans Karli 

I think God can use suffering, but I don't necessarily believe he causes it.

2 hours ago · 

LeAnne Strickland Hutchins 

if we didn't suffer would we appreciate?

about an hour ago · 

Kimberly Guerra Mauldin 

YES

about an hour ago · 

Mike Suttle 

Sometimes the allowable suffering can change a person in such a way that He can us them, and in many ways that change enables that person to do things or think in ways that they were incapable of before.

about an hour ago · 

Archie Rhines 

Hey John. Good to hear from you. Oddly, I think of you often. As to the stupidity, yeah that can be a cause but certainly not the only catalyst for suffering.

about an hour ago · 

Archie Rhines 

Great interjection Mike!

about an hour ago · 

Rick Knock 

God will both allow AND cause suffering, as He chooses, to accomplish His redemptive purposes. And yes, He has a plan, and the degree to which I must suffer in order to be guided into it is directly related to my willingness to listen & follow.

about an hour ago · 

Archie Rhines 

Rick. I agree with the thought, but not sure the amount of suffering necessarily has to be tied to my willingness to follow.

30 minutes ago · 

Brandy Rivera 

Yes I agree.I think it is what he uses to get our attention.It leaves something to reflect on after getting through it and gaining a whole new perspective.This is how we grow.

20 minutes ago · 

Lillian Ruiz 

ALLOW! that's an interesting word. only in respect to allowing humanity to keep living after Adam & Eve's mistake, but as far as i personally, He knew i would experience the sin of others as a child and He made sure to be with me through it all as He guided me out of that whole curse destined to harm me for life.

So I see it as He makes a way In …See More

15 minutes ago · 

Archie Rhines 

Reverently. Thank you Lillian. Amen.

about a minute ago · 

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God Spots and the price one might pay….

Many of you know I chase God Spots.  A God Spot is defined as a time when God chooses to authenticate His presence and I get to blog about it.  These God Spots are found interwoven throughout my blog 37stories .  

As explanation for the driving motivation in God Spots is there was a time in my life when life's struggle was particularly demanding and I needed God to show me He was alive and well.  I needed the daily encouragement just to pick up my feet and take the next step.  God came through and God Spots became a part of my life.

God Spots has become an integral part of my life and it seems sometimes that God intentionally positions me to take part in a piece of life He has orchestrated.  Make sense?

So many of you know that follow God Spots, I have been having incredible headaches.  I've been to the doc and had a head MRI.  My wife knew they would find anything (that is my wife's joke).  The doc put me on Midrin and it does a pretty good job of numbing the pain, but it is always there.

So here is the deal.  No amount of praying has fixed my head.  So I have been considering my options.  I am an army veteran and there is a Veteran's hospital in San Antonio, so I am going to go there in search of a solution I can afford.  Thank you for paying your taxes.  I'll be a recipient of your graciousness.  :)

The deeper thought of going to the Veterans Hospital is possibly God is creating the circumstances such that I am once again positioned in the midst of God Spots.  It follows in the footsteps of being tossed in jail unexpectantly a couple of months ago and being able to share my faith from the inside.  I hit an all time high in blog readership that week (several thousand readers thrilled me!).  

So do me a favor if you please.  I believe in the power of prayer.  As you read this pray for a couple of things.  Don't wait 'til later.  Likely, you will forget.  First, pray that the circumstances of my past are put to rest (ie jail).  Second, pray that I fall in the middle of gigantic God Spots as I work my way through the Veteran's hospital.  I suspect there will be plenty of opportunity to see God at work.  

That's about it.  The head hurts and it is time for God to authenticate His presence.  ~just sayin'… the priest.

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David Robinson

Subject: David Robinson…..True Story as told by Nicole Glenn

For those of you who are familiar with basketball, you certainly know the name David Robinson……..He is an American NBA basketball player, who played  center for the San Antonio Spurs for his entire NBA career. He won the MVP  trophy in 1995, and in 1996 he was named one of the 50  Greatest Players in NBA History. He was inducted into  the  Basketball Hall of Fame along with Michael Jordan,  John Stockton,  Jerry Sloan, and C. Vivian Stringer on September  11, 2009.

Robinson is a transplanted San Antonian, and though retired  still resides here. Having been in the restaurant  industry for  the  last few years I have had the good fortune of meeting  David Robinson, Malik Rose, and a few other Spurs players.

 A few weeks  ago, Mr. Robinson came into P.F. Chang's to dine with his family. He  was kind, courteous, and very patient  with all of the fans who asked  him for autographs. I was  impressed, even with people bugging him  during his meal, he  held a happy face and patient demeanor with all  of the people he spoke with.

Today Mr. Robinson visited P.F's again. And again, he was ever-so patient with the fans…. he signed autographs, and  snapped pictures. Right  as he was about to leave, a young  woman approach him and told him  the story of how her brother  was killed by a drunk driver just a few  days ago, and the wake was today. She explained that her brother was a huge Spurs and David Robinson fan, and having never had the opportunity to meet him, she asked for an autograph on her brother's funeral program. Of course Mr. Robinson was  very  sympathetic, and you could tell, the woman was  exceptionally   emotional and it took a lot of courage to approach him  to  request his autograph. He signed the paper, and what he  did  next blew me away……

He asked her if he could pray with her…. With tears in her eyes she said, "Yes, Please". He wrapped his Giant basket-ball player hands around hers…and together they bowed their heads. Blocking out all of the people, noise, and traffic around him, he prayed a long and heartfelt prayer aloud, asking God for strength for her and her family in their time of loss, and for the protection of her  brother. I could see in concentration that he was speaking directly  to God, and that he meant every word.  

Though this whole encounter only took just a few minutes, it was truly amazing. When  he walked out the door I stood in awe, I was truly inspired by this  man. Though he is a  famously accomplished athlete, he offered a  sense of peace  and calm to a woman who had just suffered a  devastating  loss.. I'm sure that moment will live in her heart  forever.

My heart was warmed by one simple human interaction, and it made me think of the amazing power

that one hug,  touch, kind  word, or Prayer can provide. With so much concentration  on  money, cars, name-brands, and possessions, I am overjoyed  to know that there are kind-hearted, moral, professional athletes, such as Mr. Robinson who can be positive role-models for our youth.  

David Robinson is a true inspiration. And….  I'm so happy I eavesdropped today I thought this story was  most definitely worth sharing. Please forward if you'd like. 

With Love and Blessings,

Nicole Glenn

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READ. #1 Best seller. Esther: a novel of intrigue, romance and death.

"Mordecai wouldn't do it, wouldn't bow down and kneel"~Esther

So the king's right hand man financed an operation with the king's blessing to kill Mordecai and all the Jews.   BAD choice! Esther who is a Jew and the king's main squeeze gets wind of it.  Mordecai instructs her to her duty as a Jew.

Esther sent back her answer to Mordecai: "Go and get all the Jews living in Susa together. Fast for me. Don't eat or drink for three days, either day or night. I and my maids will fast with you. If you will do this, I'll go to the king, even though it's forbidden. If I die, I die."~Esther

As the story goes and you really should read the whole story of Esther found in your Bible.  It is incredible!  Pick a character.  Put yourself in their place.  Live their life, if you dare!

What have you put before God in your life?  To what have you bowed down?

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