Friday, December 24, 2010

Believing.

I have to start this entry by first, repenting.  The honest truth is that I am tired and stressed.  It is Christmas Eve and the last thing I wanted to do tonight was blog.  However, the Lord dealt with me (like He always does) and I need to share what God has put on my heart.  I need forgiveness for my misguided attempt to be disobedient.

I know by looking at the picture for this post, you're probably wondering where I'm going with this...  As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior and enter another year, there is something stirring in my spirit.  I struggle with the fact that there are millions of people who will "celebrate" Christmas tomorrow, yet completely deny God or the birth of Jesus Christ (let alone His death for our sins).

As I meditated on this thought, the Lord revealed something to me.  He showed me all of the preposterous things we believe (and even encourage others to believe), yet still deny Him.  In the spirit of the holiday season, let's use something current as an example.  Santa Claus.  We market him, celebrate him and even ask him for things (I've heard Santa wish lists read with more passion than many prayers).  As if that isn't enough, we perpetuate the entire belief with our kids.

With what other things do we do this?  The tooth fairy?  The Easter Bunny?  Big Foot?  The Lochness Monster?  UFOs?  Aliens?  And no matter how ridiculous the myth or legend, those who celebrate their claims will still not face as much criticism as someone who shares the gospel and the good news of Christ.

Why do we put more trust in a corrupt government to deliver our tax return than we do in the righteous God who delivered us from hell?

I remember as Obama and Bush ran their respective presidential campaigns, Obama's motto was, "Hope."  It was plastered on every poster, pin and commercial.

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."  Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)

This Christmas, I urge you; If you can truly open your mind to a myriad of nonsense, why not open your heart to someone who is real?

Friday, December 17, 2010

The little reminders...

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death."  Revelation 12:11 (NKJV)

Though my focus has not been on blogging this month, I felt it necessary to share this one.

If you've followed this blog for any length of time, you know that by the grace of God, I have overcome a very serious illness.  I am moving next week, which means I have been packing the past few days.  As I was going through some boxes, I encountered one that was unmarked.  I opened it.  The contents of the box are displayed in the attached photos.  I didn't even know I still had this stuff.  I thought I had thrown it out long ago.

The box contained a substantial stack of medical bills, hospital admission bracelets and various literature regarding Ulcerative Colitis - a chronic illness I was diagnosed with in 2005.  It's funny how God tends to remind us exactly where he found us.  Through my illness, pain and suffering, God found me and restored me.  To this day, my doctors cannot explain the miracle that occurred within my body.

Matthew 19:26 (NIV) says, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."  I don't know what you might be going through today, but I do know that Romans 2:11 (NIV) says, "God does not show favoritism."  Simply put: What He has done for me, He will do for you.

Keep fighting the good fight of faith!

James

Saturday, December 11, 2010

2011?

For those of you who follow this (or my Real Estate / Social Media) blog, you've probably noticed that I have not been posting as much.  In addition to my everyday workload, I am currently writing a book, participating in a musical project and moving.  However, I have also been heeding a command God gives us in Psalm 46:10.  After 21 days of prayer, fasting and intently listening to what God says in His Word, I am ready for a change in my life!  I am rearranging it on all fronts!

This is not going to be a long post.  It is not going to be full of Scripture.  It will ask a few questions, though.

Dr. Edwin Louis Cole once said, "The way you leave is the way you enter."  The way you leave 2010 is the way you will enter 2011.  During a time of year when most of us are busy with social gatherings, shopping, etc., have you taken time to really consider what you want in 2011?  Isn't the New Year a little late for making resolutions, anyway?  How many of us are 100% certain that we'll even see 2011?  Tomorrow is not promised!

Plans to lose weight, quit smoking and build a better business all have one thing in common - change.  What needs to change in your life?  Are you even ready for change in your life?  Would you know what to do with it?

If you are truly ready for bigger and better in your life:  Call, email, DM or find me on Facebook.  I will be more than happy to pray with you, pray for you and show you what God wants to do for you in 2011!  Hope to hear from you!


God bless,

James

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Sammy Maloof's visit to Austin, TX

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You may have seen Sammy Maloof in several movies and have not even realized it.  As a stunt actor / driver for some of Hollywood's largest productions, Sammy's passion for driving, racing and stunts is only matched for his passion for Christ.  Sammy's story can be found here:

On December 5th, Sammy made a special appearance in Austin.  The following clips were taken at Austin Power House Church in Austin, TX.


Taken with my iPhone 4...


Taken with my iPhone 4...

A full filmography of Sammy's credits can be found here:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0540620/