"I AM TOO BUSY FOR CHURCH!"

Can we learn spiritual lessons from trees? Have you ever noticed how trees grow? Big strong healthy trees do not grow quickly. They take a long time to develop deep roots and strong branches. But once they become strong they survive difficult seasons of harsh circumstances and become even stronger. "Blessed are those who dwell in Your house..." (Psalm 84:4) In Psalm 84 we learn the importance of coming to worship God at the times He has called us to do so and the long-term spiritual growth that takes place as a result. Just like trees planted in good soil over time, Christians experience long-term healthy growth.

Many of us feel our lives are too busy for a consistent lifestyle of church participation. But just as a healthy tree grows big and strong while planted in good soil over many seasons, you and I must understand the value of coming to Worship collectively with God's people. In Psalm 84:7 we read, "They go from strength to strength". The nation of Israel was called to worship God on a regular basis. He put Himself on their calendar and they would make a regular pilgrimage for corporate gatherings. It was His requirement for their benefit. He knew they would be spiritually strong as a nation if they regularly gathered in His presence. After all, they were His people.

Often times parents see the need to take their children to church when they are growing up but forget about their own spiritual needs. Again in Psalm 84 in verse 10 we read "For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness." You see, the Psalmist understood the value of consistently showing up to Worship God.
 Just look at the practical benefits of gathering to worship with God's people: (1) The praise and worship team have dedicated their gifts in assisting you in drawing closer to The Lord. (2) The fellowship of believers you gather with is moving towards the heart of God and asking Him to minister to us. (3) The pastor has worked hard in preparing a sermon from Holy Scripture to fill you with wisdom and understanding and will exhort you to apply it to your life. (4) Personal prayer opportunities are available to you to get prayer for anything you need. (5) Rich and wonderful fellowship is aggressively offered that could develop into meaningful relationships for the rest of your life. (5) Practical opportunities are provided for us to use our talents and gifts to worship God through service.  (6) The church is Christ's body on earth, and your participation in it is your participation in Him. (I Cor. 12) (7) And most importantly, Jesus is worthy of all our worship and has called us to come together as a church and worship Him....(Hebrews 10:25). I think the obvious take home from this devotional is we can NEVER be too busy for church...What could be more important?

The Fable of the Porcupine

It was the coldest winter ever – and many animals died because of the cold. The porcupines, realizing the situation, decided to group together.

This way they covered and protected themselves; but the quills of each one wounded

their closest companions even though they gave off heat to each other.

After a while they decided to distance themselves one from the other and

they began to die, alone and frozen.

So the survivors had to make a choice: either accept the quills of their

companions or disappear from the Earth.

Wisely, they decided to go back to being together.

This way they learned to live with the little wounds that were caused

by the close relationship with their companion,

but the most important part of it, was the heat that came from the others.

This way they were able to survive.

Moral of the story: The best relationship is not the one that brings together perfect people,

but the best is when each individual learns to live with the imperfections

of others and can admire the other person's good qualities.

The Gospel All Wrapped Up!

G.O.S.P.E.L. from Humble Beast Records on Vimeo.

Walking With God...

Just a few feet farther...

But knowing always seems a bit harder

You're right here and I always know it

Though my actions and thoughts don't always show it

Your continued company is far better than all this world

More than Gold, Silver, and precious pearl

More than fame and recognition

More even than any other true companion

Just a few feet farther...

But knowing always seems a bit harder

One day this veil will be completely removed

Before Your perfect face standing mercifully approved

My heart walks towards that day

With eyes of faith that guide my way

Just a few feet farther...

But knowing always seems a bit harder

Problem Visitor At Church

Could This Be The Briefing Room For Wounded Christians?

This Is Inspirational!

I don't care what side of politics you are on seeing Gabrielle Giffords Board a flight at Ellington Field in Houston to see her husband take off at Kennedy Space Center is inspirational. If you don't remember Gabrielle was shot in the brain by a gunman as she held a small local political rally in her district.

My Logos Library

I found this cool website that lists all my electronic books in my bible software.

Are Christians Required To Tithe?

While the New Testament does not set a percentage amount, putting God first in our money is one of the ways to observe spiritual maturity. Many Christians say tithing (10 percent of our income) is an Old Testament law that we are not bound to and I would agree. But I would add 10 percent of our income is a good number to start with for those who love Jesus!

At the end of this article is a sad commentary to the observable spiritual maturity of most Christians...It says most Christians give less than 4 percent of their income.

Are you faithfully supporting your local church? Do you see a direct connection to how much you give for God's work and your love for Jesus? Comment please....

Save Your Predictions And Read Your Bible!

Billboard In Sun Valley CA.....When will people ever learn not to set dates on the return of Christ? Read Mark 13:32 It is amazing what happens to our theology when we actually read the Bible.

My Almond Flour Muffins

Well it's been a long time over due but I am finally going to post my recipe for those muffins I am always snacking on....

Yield 24 medium size muffins

Dry Ingredients:

1 Pound Almond Meal/Four (from Trader Joes)

1 Heaping Tablespoon of Cinnamon

1 Teaspoon salt

1 Teaspoon baking powder

1/3 Teaspoon nutmeg

1/3 Teaspoon cloves

Wet Ingredients:

1 Cup Agave Sweetener (Trader Joes or Costco)

1/3 stick butter

2 Tablespoon Vanilla

2 Large Eggs

Added Ingredients:

1 Cup Chopped Walnuts

1 Cup Raisins

Optional Ingredients:

1 Smashed Banana (Decrease butter and Agave slightly)

1/3 Cup Pure Apple Juice (Decrease butter and Agave slightly)

1/2 Cups chopped Pecans

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix Dry Ingredients into large mixing bowl until fully combined.

Put Agave and butter into microwavable measuring cup or bowl. Heat until Agave starts to boil (depending on your microwave should take almost 2 minutes). Warning! watch the Agave as it will boil over and make a mess if you don't watch it. Take heated Agave and butter out of the microwave and stir until butter is fully melted. Add Vanilla (will bubble when added if contains alcohol - no worries).

Pour Agave, butter, and Vanilla into Dry Ingredients and mix throughly. Add in 2 Eggs. Mix in Added Ingredients (Walnuts, Raisins, and other Optional ingredients). Again Mix throughly.

Spray Muffin tins (I use two 12 cup muffin tins) with Pam or spray on oil. You can use butter which is healthier but a bit messy and harder to work with.

With two spoons (I use the larger dinner spoons) scoop out batter into tins until just under the top of the tin. Often I place one Pecan on the top of each muffin for a roasted treat in each one.

Cook for 18-22 minutes depending on how thick your muffin tins are. Watch for burning (bottom of muffin will burn before top looks golden brown so keep checking).

Take out of oven and let sit for 3 minutes. If you use an older muffin tin without good coating they will come apart when removing.

Remove onto paper towel to soak any excess oil.

Email me or comment here on how they came out!

Enjoy!