You are NOT God, so stop judging!

Judge. Judgement. Judging. These are words we see time and again in the Bible, and it is a word often associated with faith practices, situation assessment, and treatment of others. I have a big problem with some Christians who judge people subconciously, and often times think their personal definitions of right and wrong gives them the right to do so. Let me give you a situation, although it is hypothetical, it is somewhat based on true events.

Let's pretend in the course of one week I prayed and did devotions twice a day, went to church on Wednesday and Sunday, donated to the Salvation Army, volunteered at a nursing home, and gave good advice to a friend in need. Now let's say I had one evening in the week free of work or homework, so I went to the casino. At the casino I played a card game and lost 50 dollars, smoked two cigarettes, drank three beers, and swore a few times. Now, keep in mind I am not addicted to cigarettes, did not get drunk, played a card game where I control everything I do which minimizes the gambling aspect, and accidentally swore when I lost a hand. There's a large handful of Christians who call themselves non-judgemental, and if my actions at the casino fall into what they think is right or wrong, they would surely judge me but not know that they are doing it. What gives any human the right to judge a situation such as this based on their opinion of right and wrong? Does my one night at the casino cancel out the other good things I had done that week? I think being a slave to an addiction such as smoking is bad, but it's a personal choice, not a sin. In the Bible it says something along the lines of "not being a drunken fool" and shaming those who drink wine all night, which I agree is sinful, but I didn't do either of those things at the casino. So what gives anyone the right to judge my actions, especially if they didn't even interpret the situation correctly? Why are people so eager to point out flaws, but hesitant to praise the good?

I believe people should correctly interpret a situation and then form an opinion, not quickly decide if a person's actions fall into alignment with their preconceived notions, and then pass judgement accordingly.
Sadly, many fail to do this. I have found that while some people may be very good at reading the Word and understanding it, they for some reason are unsuccessfull in applying it to life. News flash, people. Just because you can read the Bible and understand it, does not give you a right to put yourself on a pedestal or think you are a better Christian than others. I strive to study, and learn the Bible to the best of my ability, but I would rather be more effective at applying it than reading it. What good comes in understanding  the good Book if you cannot apply that understanding?

This paradox may be the reason that a lot of people have stereotyped Christians as judgemental, well, because a lot of us are. Sorry to have to be the one to break that news to everyone, and I'm not excluding myself either. I'm not sure the direct point I am trying to get across in this blog, but I do think the judging issue should be addressed. The place to start? Take a look in the mirror. I have had more ups and downs, crazy situations, and life experiences than most people know. I've been on both sides of the fence. I believe this has helped me progress as a Christian because I know how it feels to be judged and misunderstood, and that enables me to stop myself from judging a lot of the time.

There are some people who use their faith as a blanket, hiding from the real world. It's not all sunshine and rainbows, once again sorry to have to be the bearer of bad news. I know I have flaws still, my Christianity isn't perfect yet, but then again I'm attempting to erase ten years of bad habits and decisions. This shouldn't allow someone who had a better childhood, better parents, grew up in the church, and was raised well to think they are a better Christian. In my opinion, my tribulations and past are the main reasons I have been able to progress so rapidly as a Christian, because I found out on my own that I desperately needed Jesus, and why. If you were walking to the store and saw a homeless, alcoholic man begging for change, I'm sure some sort of negative thought would enter your mind, even if you feel sympathy for the man. That right there is judgement. You have NOOOO right to base an opinion on this man without understanding what happened in his life that brought him to this sad state. As Christians, we serve God, and Jesus. We are to treat others as we want to be treated. We are supposed to be living for the good of other, and be selfless. I hope we can put a stop to people thinking they are on higher levels of Christianity, because as long as Jesus is in our hearts he's going to come back and take us to Heaven. So don't worry about my faith practice, worry about your own, and what Jesus is thinking up there about what you are doing as a Christian.

In the end, God is going to judge all of us, and He is the only one with the right to do that. So I urge everyone, no matter your walk of life or how you came to find Jesus, to correctly assess people and situations before you form an opinion. We all have different definitions of what judging means, and we all have different interpretations of what we consider right and wrong. Your own personal definitions and interpretations are not a green light to judge someone who doesn't agree with them. I do know one thing, as long as the non-believers think we are judgemental, they will remain close minded to Chrisitanity. So let's not be hypocrites, and let us not judge others anymore, then maybe we can start reaching and saving others! :)

Learning to apply knowledge....how difficult is it?

Since I was a kid, I've been taught right from wrong. I think it may be in the mental makeup of humans to naturally know the difference. The sad thing is, some people come from environments where wrong can actually be an acceptable way of life. Those who influence you also may deter you from taking action on the side of right, even though you KNOW something is wrong. Nothing anyone teaches you in life about right and wrong will teach you what the Bible does. It is the ultimate playbook to be an all star person in the game of life. So how do we begin to reverse old habits, influences, and environments with action? It's easy to talk about knowing right from wrong, I have personally progressed to the point where I know right from wrong quite easily, but yet still sometimes hesitate to take action, even though I possess the knowledge to do so.

Does this sound like you? I'm not going to lie, I sometimes am scared or discouraged to display my faith openly, because I know the scrutiny I may receive from close-minded, opinionated, and seemingly unreachable people. The challenge here is that those are exactly the people we need to reach, and this is a tall task. I've started to realize that all the words in the world don't mean anything if your actions don't comply with your message. I have a lot of ideas, things I talk about doing, goals I would like to accomplish that I believe I was put here to do. Things I believe I was spared from death to accomplish. A friend recently told me that while your words may sound good, you will be judged by your fruit. That really hit home with me, as I know I have a message, I know there's probably something inside all of  us just waiting to come out, and this is where we must find the strength to apply the knowledge we have gained.

The key is to harness your knowledge, identify your goals, and then when faced with a situation where you know not just words need to be spoken, but action needs to be taken, have the strength to take that action. I'm not just talking about situations of conflict, such as breaking up a fight. In my head I say "I want to do something good." But have I looked into places where I can volunteer? Have I called any of my friends to see how they are doing? Have I told my loved ones I love them? Have I tried to approach or reach anyone outside my comfort zone? The answer, sadly, is mostly a no to those questions. For some reason, I thought it would be easy and this ability to take action would just fall into my lap. How wrong I was. It takes a special kind of person, not only one reads the Word, but one who applies it. Starting at this moment, I am going to become a person of action, and although it will be a process, I know, God-willing, that I will progress and ultimately be that person who doesn't think twice about not only talking, but doing. There's an always saying that "people might not always remember what you said, but they will always remember what you did."

I urge all of you to try to adhere to this saying. It will not be easy. You will face obstacles. But the harder the course, the more rewarding the triumph, especially since the course is the one Jesus has laid before you and wants you to follow. Even with this blog, I am sure talking a great game, but now I have to suit up, get out there, play, and win the game. That will be my focus from this moment forward...will it be yours??

Personal Testimony, and the POWER of prayer...Jesus heals!

I'm still quite inexperienced when it comes to blogging, especially about God. With all my own personal struggles with faith, I sometimes still find myself asking questions, having doubts in the back of my mind, and wondering how to truly tune in to God at the highest level possible. It amazes me that even though all I have to do is look back on some things that have taken place in my life, and I can point out numerous time I believe Jesus was at work for me, even before I was saved. I think my own personal testimony is important to write about, some may call these things coincidences, luck, but I my friends, call it fate. It speaks directly to the way Jesus walks with us, even today.

The first incident was my birth. The doctors called it a miracle in it's own. I was born by C-Section, three months early, and weighed only 2.5 lbs. In the first months of my life I faced many difficulties, not only a disastrous entrance into the world, but also bronchities, pneuomonia, and a collapsed lung. I was told a high percentage of babies facing these conditions would not have survived. Not only did I survive, but I grew up perfectly normal, or so I think, haha. I faced no disabilities, defections, nor side effects from my birth. I believe God had an angel on my shoulder that day, and enabled me to live so I could one day figure it all out on my own, and ultimately come to live my life through Jesus.

The second happened just last year, around Christmas time, December 19th if I recall correctly. I was involved in a car accident that could have almost been fatal, given the conditions. My friend dozed off at the wheel in wintry conditions, going 55 miles per hour. We hit a ditch, and the car rolled several times, landing on the other side of the road. I found myself standing straight up in a field about 30 feet from the car. I had been ejected through the back door window, as was my other friend with me. Miraculously, I was barely scratched, my friend in the back with me suffered a few broken bones, and the two other who were wearing their seatbelts weren't hurt at all. I find it hard to believe that being thrown through a window thirty feet, and not being hurt at all, was the work of Jesus. He was looking out for me on that night, as he was when I was born. This incident really made me reflect on my life, and if I had been seriously hurt, or killed, what would be my legacy? It was at this point that I decided to welcome Jesus into my heart, and thank him for giving me a second chance to do things right. Getting to the point of always doing things right is a process, as is building your relationship with Jesus, but I am so thankful that I am here today and able to do what I am doing.

Another incident took place a few years ago, and I believe I encountered some sort of evil spirit, or presence. I was living in Belmont, by myself at the time. Before going to sleep is when I tend to think a lot, my mind does what it wants. That night I found myself, for some reason, thinking about demons, if they existed, and what it would be like to have to face one. Keep in mind I was not saved at this time, and God was somewhat of an afterthough for me, even though I had been raised Catholic, I wasn't sure what I believed. After having these thoughts, I felt the most intense feeling of wrong. I felt like there was something in the room with me, and it was not a nice something. It was a despairing feeling of evil, and I felt helpless. I believe the thoughts I was having enabled this spirit, or presence, to enter the room. Instead of praying, I turned on all the lights, closed my eyes, and eventually fell asleep. I still remember this today, and it shows that if you enable evil, it will take that chance to try to enter into you. Luckily nothing further took place, but that feeling is something I will never forget.

I firmly believe in the power of prayer. I find it not to be coincidental that when I got serious about my relationship with Jesus through prayer, reading the Word, and just trying to do the right thing all the time, is when my life began to turn for the better, in almost every aspect.

Think of all the miracles Jesus performed. The ones that stand out, to me, are his healing miracles, and these are miracles that he still performs today. Pastor Sassano recently told us about a family member of his. She has a brain tumor, and at one point the situation seemed hopeless. Pastor prayed and prayed for her, even in the face of the unsaved family members almost mocking the act. Her most recent checkup revealed the tumor had shrank, to the amazement of the doctors, and she is doing much better. I personally believe Jesus heals sickness, hearts, and minds. There are countless testimonies I have read that prove this to be true. Healing through heartfelt prayer does more than any hospital can. I look at myself, and the way Jesus has helped change my heart, my mind, and he is leading me down a path I never thought possible. I look at the healing miracle he performed in Pastor's family. Both are perfect examples of the power of prayer.

I always like to re-iterate that I am not perfect, nobody is. I can only hope my words might reach someone, and inspire them to open up to Jesus. I have my own reasons, as you have read, why I believe Jesus will do great work in your life if you ask him to. It is a difficult process in the face of struggle, but in the end you just have to believe, as hard as it may be sometimes. Give your heart to Jesus, and he will change it. Give your mind to him, and he will transform it.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Changing the Game/The End of Day.

I decided to address two topics that I've been thinking heavily about for awhile, but never could actually sit down and have the words flow out of me as they normally do when I blog. So I guess today is the day God picked for me to get it going, so keep in mind he is enabling these thoughts, questions, and words to freely come through me, for you to read and ponder. Holla.

Changing the game. That statement can mean many things, to many people. Now, for me, I am in no way insinuating that what we have going on, good vs. evil, our spiritual warfare, and our everyday struggles to maintain our faith are games. What I mean by it is, WE need to change the GAME. It is on us, the younger, newer, fresher generation of Christians to lead our people to the promised land. The problem with that is, seeing how ignorant and incredibly selfish people are today(not excluding us), it can be extremely difficult to get the word out. Throw in the fact that many people don't bother to listen, already have a preconceived notion that can't be altered, or don't care, makes witnessing/testifying a difficult task to accomplish with some degree of success.

We need to be unafraid to step out of our comfort zone, and approach people outside of our circle of friends, outside of our churches, outside of our homes. I think it is EXTREMELY important to show people that although being a Christian, you can maintain your individuality. Our job is just to get the foot in the door, Jesus will take care of the rest. I assume most people who refuse to listen probably already have a notion that Christians can't have fun, can't still be themselves, and live in church. The truth is, you are still you, just a better you. In my opinion, the perfection of Jesus is unattainable for us, so all you can do is be the best Christian YOU can be. If you keep trying to be Jesus, to be perfect, you will continually fall short and feel as though you aren't a good Christian, when in fact, all Jesus really wants is for us to try our hardest. This message should be important when approaching new people, since we are all born into sin, and slaves to it, trying to be perfect will always make you second-guess yourself, because it is IMPOSSIBLE. I see myself as a different kind of Christian, and I am not scared to admit it. I am willing to accept that I am not perfect, and I think God will appreciate my best effort, but I have to make sure I am working as hard as I can, not just settling and doing the bare minimum.

If we can make people see you don't have to lose your individuality, you can still be yourself, but also be a Christian, I think the idea would be much more appealing to people who turn away from it. We need to learn to teach the Word, to witness, in fresh, new, appealing ways. However you choose to do that is your choice. In my opinion, that is the key for drawing in a lost generation. I can remember the first time, a few years ago, I was approached by Christians. They were overbearing, unwilling to listen to different opinions even though I welcomed what they were saying, and didn't have answers to any of my questions. That immediately turned me off to Christianity even though I grew up religious, and I assumed all Christians were this way. WE HAVE TO AVOID THIS. Openness, understanding, being prepared for questions we may not like, are all keys as well. We can't expect people to join us, if we can't teach them why without being biased or acting offended! HELLO!

In closing, CHANGE THE GAME. Find your own unique way, do a group study, whatever it takes to reel people in, and make them listen to you for a minute. Remember, when talking to someone, think of yourself in their shoes, and what would make you listen if roles were reversed. Now, GO! :)


Mmmmmm the END OF DAY. Just that phrase gives me chills. I was watching Passion of the Christ recently, and it made me think what is going to happen when the world ends. When Jesus was betrayed by his closest disciples. People who swore they would never leave his side were nowhere to be found when he was being persecuted, scourged, and sentenced to crucifixion. I for one, believe in myself enough to think I wouldn't leave the side of any of my people when the end of day comes and we have to remain strong in our faith, even in the face of persecution or death. But how do I know what I will do when the situation arises? How do any of us know?

I can say for certain there are some people I would die for, because I know I am going to heaven, but would THEY do the SAME for ME? It's a sad thought to think people aren't as strong as you are, or at least as strong as you think you are. I don't even think my faith would be the total reason I could die for someone, I think it would be more that I don't want to see them suffer. If any of my Christian brothers are reading this, think of your girlfriends, your mothers and sisters, children. I would gladly take the place of my mother, sister, nieces, nephews, girls, if it meant I could suffer and die in their place. If you aren't strong enough to feel the same, I think you need some self evaluation. Now think of poor Jesus, carrying his cross. He died not only for those who deserted him, but for those who were going to kill him! He took on the weight of the sins of the world, forgave those who sentenced him to die, and suffered for us all so that we may be forgiven by the almighty Father. I for one, welcome the challenges that will come when the end comes. Will I be scared to stick with my people, and my faith, in the midst of unimaginable persecution and maybe even death? Yes, probably. But I do believe I will make the right decisions, and God will be with us when it comes.

Basically, the point of this is to make you all think of what you would do in the situation. Would your talk measure up to your actions when things get bad? Can you forgive the people who are going to be doing Satan's work in the end of days, persecuting, deceiving, and killing Christians? What a thought that is, and it will be the ultimate, final, test to our faith and belief. Just think if it started tomorrow, would YOU back up your talk and faith? Seriously, what would you do? Get a mental picture of the chaos the would ensue, put yourself in the middle of it all, and try to think of WHAT YOU WOULD DO when it's time to take action, and not just talk, show up for church, pray, and read your Bible. It's gonna be a war, a war that we WILL win, but just thinking of it makes me uneasy, to say the least, and since I began to think of what I will have to do when it comes, I think you should all do the same!