What the beautiful game taught me about FAITH!

The Beautiful Game - Football, but to us North Americans we call it Soccer!

I used to play a lot, was on my High School team, and later played in an adult league while coaching the 9 yearolds.

Then in winter for many years played indoor soccer.

And its in indoor soccer I learned this lesson of faith!

When I played with these same guys for about 15 years, there was one guy that was much older than me, but still played remarkably well for being one of the 'older' ones on the team.

What we realized, was that this guy used to play in the Commonwealth games, and now older and on to other things, played and kept in shape in various leagues around including ours.

When we watched him play, he seemed to show flashes of great skill here and there. He would

take a high ball and corral it using his chest (you can't use your arms or hands in Soccer unless you are the keeper/goalie), and so control this high ball, and then deaden it right at his feet, in fluid motion to continue playing.

I only thought, how good he must have been when he was in his prime, playing for the British commonwealth.

So, what is the lesson on faith?

When this friend of mine played, he was always smiling and laughing throughout the entire game. You couldn't question his enjoyment or whether or not he was having fun.

Now there were younger guys playing, some would take the games very seriously, and sometimes I regret to say, some guys took it overboard and too serious. Anger, swearing and very aggressive play would dominate.

But my older friend through it all, would be laughing, or at the least smiling.

That was years ago and the other day the LORD gave me a quick vision of the times I had playing soccer with this group of men.

So the question, why was this older soccer friend, laughing and grinning when he played when others were arrogant and angered so often?

The answer....

My friend played in the biggest games before - this was nothing, so he laughed.

Then the LORD spoke, "when faith reaches the highest, you laugh".

Calling it the "Laugh of Faith".

Why?

You've seen GOD come through in something much bigger before, and you know

HE will do it again.

Your talking to someone who doesn't understand this 'walk by faith' that us Christians live

by, and they are so stressed about their problem and you have compassion with joy!

Why?

Because you've see GOD save and work miracles for yourself before and are resting that

your prayers are already answered and can start to laugh.

Proverbs talks a lot about wisdom, and right living, but the end of Proverbs talks about the most Godly Woman (and explains what she is like), but part of it says that she living by faith in GOD,

will "laugh at the days to come". Proverbs 31:25

I don't know how many times the LORD has asked me

"Why don't you just enjoy your life?"

-eric

Anxious or Contented?

Being in the Kingdom, (which is another way of saying, walking with JESUS daily in
HIS GRACE), you will find that one of the benefits of this life, is that you are extremely contented with everything happening.

Now that doesn't mean you don't feel, or have compassion with those hurting around you. But that you are not in a state of constant desire, like those that don't walk with the LORD JESUS daily.

Those not walking in the SPIRIT, are what the Bible classifies as living for the 'sin nature'. You can read more in this blog about your 'sin nature'.
Anything that has to do with the sin nature wants to destroy you - and it will, just give it enough time.

There are major draw backs for living in sin, and huge benefits for living in HIS Kingdom of GRACE.
For the ways of the wicked (listening to the sin nature/flesh), is a terrible lost life. Now Christians at time, can fall into this dead life of listening to the 'sin nature', when they forget
that this old life is dead and already crucified with CHRIST.

Listening to this 'sin nature' will have one outcome; eventual death.
Living a cursed life -where you are never satisfied.
You keep craving more and when you get it, you need even more.
Restless, hungry, frustrated, searching, anxious - and never truly content.

Does that describe you?

Now if you are walking with JESUS daily, you will start to learn the greatness
of HIM making you content and not anxious anymore. Its a process, but you will get there. In fact GOD generally doesn't advance you (in HIS Kingdom) with a larger
house, or more income, or more spiritual power, until you learn that HE alone is your joy and you are happy with JESUS wherever you are in life.

JESUS is our reward!

If you are not, then you are walking listening to the sin nature which is Satan
and he will destroy, and not ever satisfy you.

Ah, that sin may seem 'fun' for a short while, but when its over, you crave more.

Not so in the Christian Life - which is real life. Because real life comes from living for the one who is LIFE - JESUS HIMSELF!

Ok, so how are us Christians different?

We are happy and joyful with what the Bible calls "Fellowship of the HOLY SPIRIT". You see, in HIM (GOD'S SPIRIT) there is incredible fellowship. A joy you receive from being united with your brothers and sisters in JESUS! Its not based on what you have or don't have. It finds its rest and satisfaction right where it is.
It knows there is a greater plan.
It knows there is joy outside of circumstances.
It knows that life doesn't consist of the things we possess.
It feels the joy, and love and that 'feeling' stays with them as long as they
keep their eyes on JESUS.
It has joy and satisfaction daily.

So, do you still crave?
Still want - More??
Not Satisfied, feel like life is passing you by?

Well, you either don't know LORD JESUS personally and so you are in a state
of what the Bible calls 'putting yourself as GOD'S enemy'.
Note: GOD is not making you HIS enemy, you are because you are living for
and listening to Satan, who is GOD'S (defeated) enemy.

Or you are a carnal Christian that has lost your first love, and think that
somehow you can get it back by doing it Satan's way.

Repent, and ask the LORD to help you.
Help you die, to all the garbage the world and Satan say
that you must have.

You will start to rejoice in what you do have.
You will start to 'smell the roses', and enjoy life.
You will start to live in satisfaction all the days of your life.

And anything you don't have (or might lack, down the road) will
be added unto you.

Surely everything Good and Loving will follow and chase you
every single day of your life!

What LIFE - What a JESUS!

But godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6

-eric

The Unpardonable Sin

We know that GOD doesn't change.

And although, we don't read 'blasphemy the HOLY SPIRIT' in the O.T.
Nor do we read "sin that leads to death", in the O.T.

That doesn't mean its not there.

"The New Testament lies hidden in the Old, and the Old Testament is unveiled in the New." - Augustine, A.D. 354-430

Really the SPIRIT of JESUS & HIS Kingdom is everywhere on everypage!

Its all about HIM!

So, this sin means that you've done something so wrong (to the LORD JESUS and Others), that you can't undo it - probably because you wouldn't want to (you are that far gone). Its no use praying over.

JESUS was warning the Pharasees of blasphemy. Matthew 12:31

In the O.T. its called the 'great sin'.
The result was punishment 'on earth', by being banished by GOD.

How the LORD explained it to me was the sin of resisting the Holy Spirit
when you are in a place to 'lead others', like a ruler, or priest or pastor
or prophet.

And instead of using that authority to lead others to a loving GOD, you use
it to push people against GOD. Using your knowledge and influence and leading
men astray.

This is what the Pharasees were guilty of. Being in the 'know' and
leading the lambs away.

Similar to what JESUS was saying 'that they should tie a heavy milstone
around their necks and drown' if they cause one of the little ones to stumble. Matthew 18:6 Luke 17:2 Mark 9:42

Ok, so where is it in the O.T.???

Its called The 'Great Sin', in the O.T. found in 2 Kings 17: 21-23

When he tore Israel away from the house of David, they made Jeroboam son of Nebat their king. Jeroboam enticed Israel away from following the LORD and caused them to commit a great sin. 22 The Israelites persisted in all the sins of Jeroboam and did not turn away from them 23 until the LORD removed them from his presence, as he had warned through all his servants the prophets. So the people of Israel were taken from their homeland into exile in Assyria, and they are still there.

Again its King Jeroboam knowing the good, and in the postion to
lead them to the LORD but deliberately leads them into rebellion.
Leads them into death not life!

Its not done by accident its intentional, its a willingness to lead
the people into outward rebellion away from the LORD JESUS bringing
and influencing the people into death (as they trusted you to lead them
into life).

A sin unto death.

So what do we do?
Just rest in the complete love of JESUS and let that love
flow out into the lives of others around us!

-eric

Growing in The Power of JESUS! Winning the little battles.

Luke 16:11 

So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?
I woke up this morning with the LORD speaking this to my spirit.
Remember he who joins himself to the LORD is one SPIRIT. 1 Corinthians 6:17

So, as JESUS followers, we can easily hear with our hearts. (our spirits connected to HIM, really ONE with HIM).

What the world values GOD calls "detestable". See Luke 16:15

It is lust to put the false 'loves' of worldly things above what the LORD tells us to LOVE.

You see if you want promotion in greater gifting and true power, then it comes and increases by fruit growing.

Now JESUS is POWER - POWER is a PERSON.
I can see some of you shake your heads in doubt.
Here is the scripture to prove what I am saying.

CHRIST the WISDOM of GOD, the POWER of GOD. 1 Corinthians 1:24

Now how does this power come and increase?

The scripture also says, "I am not ashamed of the GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST for it is the Power of GOD."

If we are preaching anything but the GRACE of JESUS its got No Power. In fact if its preaching on any part of human effort, self help or promoting man, its not righteousness by FAITH. Galatians 3:24

Its wicked unbelief in GOD, and not saving GRACE.

So, we must understand GRACE to start.

Once we do, we enter the kingdom of LOVE. The POWER increases by submitting to GOD. Abiding in JESUS.

Testing brings forth a true image and shows us our grades in the Kingdom. We pass the tests by properly 'handling' lessor things or earthly worldly things. When we do (by resting in JESUS, and ceasing your own effort), you start to the promotion.

How you handle food, shows how you can handle spiritual food.
How you handle money, determines if you are promoted in spiritual riches.
How you handle the (seemingly) 'lessor' around you will determine if or how you receive greater company. (Spiritual Visitation).
How you handle time, will determine how you operate in getting GOD'S timing - perfect timing.

Remember GOD is not impressed with worldly wealth. HE is only pleased with the fruit of the SPIRIT flowing out of us.

Now, if you think you are failing any tests, don't get 'hung up' on that, just
put your trust or faith in JESUS by asking HIM to change your wrong attitude or incorrect thinking.

As HE lives through you, you will see LOVE come alive, changing every part of you and your (improper) thinking.

Ok, so how we handle the lessor things, (thats the test), then we get promotion.

So, you are on your way to work, running a little behind. Some (so and so) cuts you off. Here's your test. Do you pray, and remind your self of HIM who loves the worst of us (loves us), and take HIS refilling? or do you re-act?

Here is your test, is patience (true riches) going to win, or worldy anger?
Are you satisfied and thankful to the LORD, for where you live? Or are you angered that you don't have a bigger place?

I once did a teaching on the fruit of the SPIRIT - patience. No sooner did it finish, I had to go to a local coffee shop and meet my Dad. I got there first and the place wasn't busy. I went in line as 2 young teenage girls arrived. The clerk asked for who was next, and the 2 girls, went ahead of me and took my spot.

My blood began to boil...

Then they couldn't decide what they wanted, and when they finally did decide, had to look through each others purse for change to pay for their order.

It seemed like this little transaction should be quick but not so for 2 giggling girls!

I was about to say something as I was there first - remember?

And the LORD spoke, HE said "do you remember your lesson?".

You see the lessons teachers/evangelists teach also apply to themselves. Or should I say primarily apply to themselves then others.

But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:27

Little things, being faithful (doing it GOD'S way) in the small stuff guarantees
you Awesome Promotion.

So, its based on my effort eh? And not GRACE?

No, your effort will be without merit - nothing.
This is are you simply allowing HIM to mold you and make you or are you going
to let the sin nature dictate how to handle it?

Simply your choices.

-eric

Want To Know The Secret To Great Get-Togethers?

When you enter into union with the LORD JESUS, and with each other, GRACE (really GOD'S GRACE) is the key that opens doors. GRACE is simply LOVE demonstrated.
LOVE in action toward all (because all don't deserve it, and if it was deserved it is effort, law, wages).

Its a matter of GRACE (undeserved love) which if you are giving because they deserve it, then its not love, rather self-effort. Its ok to reward for good done, but remember thats not GRACE - MY LOVE (which is MYSELF - GOD - I AM) gives to all freely, without cost or effort, because all effort does is lead to death and is sin.

The opposite of self-effort is faith.
Self effort on one side / Faith on the other side.

Ok, so GRACE or LOVE in Action opens the door to great get - togethers. It does it by learning that and accepting the fact that anyone in your group is
1) Sent by ME (the LORD)
2) They all make up (those that confess ME) make up part of your body/their body/ the body of CHRIST. MY BODY.
3) They are loved and not judged on race, color, creed, money, status, power, sex, background, or sins but are loved because I Created them, I Love them, they are part of you and you them!

Once GRACE opens that door, and they know they are 'forgiven and loved', then you are what the Scripture calls 'walking in the light'.

"But if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin." 1 John 1:7

That is walking in the LIGHT and everything is judged by MY LOVE.
Every teaching, Every word, Every instruction, Every correction, Every idea,
Every persons actions - they are all judged only by MY LOVE.

When your group walks that way, they are starting to walk in the LIGHT (walk or abiding in ME - JESUS) when that happens fellowship grows - it blossoms is a better word. And like a blossom its fragrance is sweet and its beauty captivating.

As the LORD taught me.

-eric

Increase our Faith - How?

Faith is always only called a
fruit (Galatians 5:22)
or a gift (1 Corinthians 12:9)

Both are not derived in and of ourselves.
If we are branches, then we don't produce the fruit, but
the fruit is produced through us - helping every around (not the branch itself).
see John 15:5

If its a gift of faith, then gifts can only be received.

So get over the fact that you can somehow 'amp it up', or 'get more of
it on your own'. (thats only mental ability)

The secret to the entire thing is the most simple yet most difficult.

JESUS said all over the place to simply 'abide'. (rest, live with, dwell with).
John 15:1-8

This is simple, anyone understands, but to do - needs HIS power.
Because we always want to do it, we never want to 'rest' and let GOD
do it - no, we want to work salvation, or miracles ourselves and never wait
and see the deliverence of GOD.


You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, 2 Chronicles 20:17

We hate waiting, and we hate wondering - we live in a microwave society
that wants everything NOW. (because its all about me anyway - right?)

GOD says to labor, to enter rest. Hebrews 4:11
GOD says in order to see miracles - believe / trust JESUS. John 6:29
GOD says when we put on our armor, we simply stand (not fight - not think what
to do with this armor on). Ephesians 6:11

But HIS gifts, and fruit -flourish when we let HIS life (we trust, HE is doing it)
flow through us - spontaneously, just when you need it.

I like what Corrie Ten Boom says how she learned faith from
her Dad. Read it here, if you haven't heard it before:

Source: Corrie Ten Boom

A girl and her father were going to ride a train and the girl was concerned and asked her father many times on the way to the train station, where was her ticket? He kept reassuring her that just before she gets on the train he will give her the ticket and she need not worry.

It is this way with our Heavenly Father. He will give us the strength and help and support to successfully learn, grow and be blessed by ANY situation that we encounter in our turn here on earth. But he may give us that help right when we need it and not any earlier, so we may feel unprepared for many things that could come our
way. But we need not worry because he will give us the ticket to ride, when we need it.

Why?

Because HE supplies needs. Phillipians 4:19
Because no one can boast in HIS presence 1 Corinthians 1:29
Because faith pleases HIM Hebrews 11:6

So, get out there, and let HIS LOVE (which is HIMSELF) flow through
you spontaneously as you need it - everything works that way.

Because real love works that way - it spontaneously lavishes on any given
situation.

-eric

Hearing HIS Voice Part 2

Did you know that when Tsunami's hit that most animals already
knew in advance so they could run inland to safety?

Here is the link if you want to read it from BBC news.

Now if the animals could hear (or were programmed, or sensed
love warning them) why can't we hear?

What we miss, is some of the basic most important facts of life.
1) Love
2) Trust

We don't know GOD'S voice, or dont trust the fact that HE would
even talk to us. If you don't believe or use trust then you will
never hear HIS voice properly.

Now HE does talk to all of us, but if you don't trust the
fact that you've already heard before!

But without faith it is impossible to please him.
For he that draws near to God must believe that HI is, and
that he is a rewarder of them who seek him out.
Hebrews 11:6

You have to believe, coming to HIM!

Believe what?

Well..
Believe that HE listens to you/ HE hears you. Psalm 4:3
Believe that HE understands. Psalm 103:14
Believe that HE can do the impossible. Luke 1:37
Believe that HE is full of mercy and grace. John 1:17 Psalm 23:6
Believe that HE is simply "I AM", the ONE. Exodus 3:14 Revelation 22:13

But then you have to recognize and understand what GRACE
and LOVE is.

The problem is we don't understand 'love'. We think its a
warm fuzzy feeling, or something nice done to us, or words we say.

But real love is a person for GOD is LOVE. 1 John 4:8

And to understand HIS voice, you have to know HIS language and
that language is LOVE. If its not a word that is for your best
interest or better yet, the best interest of your whole family or
group (whom ever you are praying over) then you don't
understand HIS LOVE.

Now, that LOVE maybe for you - but not for selfish 'sin' nature.
That cannot work.
GOD is for you, but the 'sin' nature is only for self (never the
good, or best for you or family).
The 'sin' nature cannot please GOD and it will destroy you.

So, you have to make sure your will is matching HIS.
How can you know?

Well, like we teach to our own boys and family - use
LOVE as your benchmark.

What does LOVE say?

LOVE has a voice (hint: its GOD'S voice).
That voice is never selfish nor will it answer your 'sin'
nature selfish prayers. Love answers Love.

Simply is it a request that is 'best' for you
or 'best' for your group (others). Because LOVE is
always 'others' first (not self) the best prayer
is for others.

In fact priests do just that, they intercede for others.
As a Christian, you are called to be like JESUS our
High Priest and you are thus enrolled in the priesthood.

Note: we are not talking any church denomination or
worldly priesthood - but a royal priesthood by faith.
See 1 Peter 2:9

So practice.
Don't be afraid.
Step out on what you hear from a voice of LOVE.
And remember, some of those great lovely ideas
you've had before - were not yours! They were
given to you!

-eric