I declare the Bible is one of the hardest books to read. All those thees and thous and arts, one could get lost in the sea of unleavened bread and pass right over the message God intended for us in the first place. I have tried to read the Bible from cover to cover on several occasions. I cannot seem to do it. Does that make me a failure? By no means!!!! In fact, I find it encouraging. To me, it simply means there are many more things I have to learn about God and His ways. Everyday, I am shown a wee bit more and I get excited when I think about what else there is to learn.
I definitely have a pragmatic view about life. I want to know how something applies to me and my everyday life---and that includes the Bible. I want to understand what the story of Ruth means to me in 2009 or the fact that Peter denied Jesus three times before daybreak although he swore he was ready to die for his Lord. And I cannot forgot about that Proverbs 31 woman. Is she for real? Is she even possible in 2009?
Today, I want to tackle a topic that maybe I shouldn't---the Lord's Prayer. When the disciples asked Jesus how to pray, the Lord's Prayer is what they got. Do people even know what they are saying when they recite this? Well, since this is my blog, I can tell you what I think I am saying why I make my request.
Our Father, who art in heavenIt's customary to address the person to which you are speaking and I like to be reminded that He sits high and looks low.
Hallowed by Thy NameThat's my reminder that I shouldn't be fooling around with God. He is holy and should be revered.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be doneMy goal is God's kingdom and I strive to do things by His will, not mine
on earth, as it is in heaven. What we should do on earth is what we will do in heaven
Give us this day our daily breadJust for today---give us all we need to survive. We cannot change yesterday and tomorrow is not promised. So Lord, give us what we need to get through this day
And forgives us our trespasses (our debts)Lord, please forgive me for all the wrong I've done against You, myself and others---Daily
As we forgive those who trespass (our debtors) against us
Lord, people will do wrong by me so teach me forgiveness---Daily
Lead us not into temptationThe devil is so busy but I know You have him in check
but deliver us from evil
I knew You had the devil in check and Thanks for providing a way out
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory foreverThe world is Yours and all that goes with it.
AmenOver and Out
I'm just saying...
Step Brown
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
You'd Better Work!
One reason we're left here on earth and not taken to heaven immediately after trusting in Christ for salvation is that God has work for is to do. "Man is immortal," Augustine said, "until his or her work is done."
The time of your death is not determined by anyone or anything, at least not here on earth. That decision is made in heaven. When we have done all that God has in mind for us to do, then and only then will He take us on to glory---and not one second sooner.
Meanwhile back at the ranch, there is work to do. Jesus even said, "I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work" (John 9:4) Night comes when we close our eyes for the last time or Jesus returns to take us with Him. Each day brings that time closer.
As long as we have the light of day, we must work. Not to get rich, get laid, have kids, have vacations or whatever else you think you should be doing that may not be the perfect will of God for you. The work is to make an unreachable God reachable. God works through those who believe in Him. Let him work!!! And please, don't let Him catch you with your work undone.
So, you in?
Soli Deo Gloria,
Step Brown
The time of your death is not determined by anyone or anything, at least not here on earth. That decision is made in heaven. When we have done all that God has in mind for us to do, then and only then will He take us on to glory---and not one second sooner.
Meanwhile back at the ranch, there is work to do. Jesus even said, "I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work" (John 9:4) Night comes when we close our eyes for the last time or Jesus returns to take us with Him. Each day brings that time closer.
As long as we have the light of day, we must work. Not to get rich, get laid, have kids, have vacations or whatever else you think you should be doing that may not be the perfect will of God for you. The work is to make an unreachable God reachable. God works through those who believe in Him. Let him work!!! And please, don't let Him catch you with your work undone.
So, you in?
Soli Deo Gloria,
Step Brown
Monday, May 4, 2009
My Best Man
Today would have been my best man's birthday. He passed away on March 12, 2001. That's right, on my 26th birthday, I lost my best man. On May 4, I feel a twinge of pain because I know my family would have planned a huge dinner and festivities. It would have been Pa-Pa's 84th or 85th 0r...you get the point. It would have been his birthday and we would have celebrated in style.
Some people never get to meet their fathers. I have two--my biological father and my stepfather. And although both men are still in my life, neither of them compares to the love and admiriation I feel for my grandfather. God always gives us what we need and He gave me my Pa-Pa. He was indeed my best man--the first man I ever really loved.
Although I know he couldn't have been here forever, I cherish the time we did share. I know it can never be taken from me. It took me a few years to even celebrate my birthday after 2001. I thought it was a big joke God had played on me. He took away one of the most important people in my life on the biggest day of my life.
So on May 4 and March 12, there is a certain level of sadness. Will it ever go away? Honestly, I don't really think I want it to.
So here's to my best man!! Happy Birthday, Pa-Pa. One day, I'll see you soon.
Deo Volente,
Step Brown
Some people never get to meet their fathers. I have two--my biological father and my stepfather. And although both men are still in my life, neither of them compares to the love and admiriation I feel for my grandfather. God always gives us what we need and He gave me my Pa-Pa. He was indeed my best man--the first man I ever really loved.
Although I know he couldn't have been here forever, I cherish the time we did share. I know it can never be taken from me. It took me a few years to even celebrate my birthday after 2001. I thought it was a big joke God had played on me. He took away one of the most important people in my life on the biggest day of my life.
So on May 4 and March 12, there is a certain level of sadness. Will it ever go away? Honestly, I don't really think I want it to.
So here's to my best man!! Happy Birthday, Pa-Pa. One day, I'll see you soon.
Deo Volente,
Step Brown
Sunday, May 3, 2009
The Church House
I woke this morning with the intention of going to church--for the second or third time this year. My attendance is more than just hit or miss. It's flat-out non existent. In a humble moment of honesty, I cannot remember the last time I attended a church service. In person, that is. I watch services online and there is this young preacher I follow...but that is another blog for another time.
At the risk of sounding hypocritical, I love the Lord with all of my heart, soul and mind. I read scriptures everyday. I read devotionals everyday. I send prayers to my friends via texts every morning. And they get testy when I don't. I spend time with and journal to God. Everyday, I surrender my will to His. Most times, several times a day, I make myself available to Him. I want to do His will. It's the least I could do after all He has done for me. From writing my stories and poems to typing the words on this blog, I ask God to direct me in His way. This morning is no different. Although I haven't finished my readings yet, I was prompted to get online and post this. I don't know why. But I am learning to follow the nudges when they are given. Although I don't follow all of the time, I thank God when I do. Because it means He is still talking to me even though I may not be listening.
I don't know why I struggle with going to church. I grew up in the church, was baptized at nine or ten. I sang in the choir, attended Sunday School and Sunday Service faithfully, and was in every church event. So what is the problem? I may never understand. As I stated in my previous post, all I need to know is the One who does understand. I love Him. I trust Him. And I will follow Him. He didn't promise us the easy road but He did promise us the road to eternal life.
So....you in?
Soli Deo Gloria,
Step Brown
At the risk of sounding hypocritical, I love the Lord with all of my heart, soul and mind. I read scriptures everyday. I read devotionals everyday. I send prayers to my friends via texts every morning. And they get testy when I don't. I spend time with and journal to God. Everyday, I surrender my will to His. Most times, several times a day, I make myself available to Him. I want to do His will. It's the least I could do after all He has done for me. From writing my stories and poems to typing the words on this blog, I ask God to direct me in His way. This morning is no different. Although I haven't finished my readings yet, I was prompted to get online and post this. I don't know why. But I am learning to follow the nudges when they are given. Although I don't follow all of the time, I thank God when I do. Because it means He is still talking to me even though I may not be listening.
I don't know why I struggle with going to church. I grew up in the church, was baptized at nine or ten. I sang in the choir, attended Sunday School and Sunday Service faithfully, and was in every church event. So what is the problem? I may never understand. As I stated in my previous post, all I need to know is the One who does understand. I love Him. I trust Him. And I will follow Him. He didn't promise us the easy road but He did promise us the road to eternal life.
So....you in?
Soli Deo Gloria,
Step Brown
Saturday, May 2, 2009
In all your getting...
I have always been drawn to the scripture that goes, (paraphrase) "In all your getting, get understanding." We ask God for so many things (love, peace, forgiveness, strength, etc) that we hardly ever ask for understanding. He has clearly stated in His Word that we have not because we ask not.
Some people spend an entire lifetime without finding their true purpose--the meaning to their lives. The why are my eyes brown and my hair black and the reason I am here stuff. Most just coast through life, dipping and dodging the curve balls. Who know my people do what they do? Some people would ask who cares?
I may never know why I have had to endure some of the painful experiences I have endured. My testimony would be a tearjerker to some. I may never understand the trials and the tests. But I am a strong believer that all which does not kill me makes me stronger. Am I a strong person? Depends on who you ask. My friends would say I am one tough nut. I would beg to differ. Besides, my worst enemy is the 'inner me.'
No one man or woman has ALL the answers. If they did, they'd probably sell them on Ebay. But seriously, if you want to know why the grass is green and the sky is blue, ask Him. If you want to make it more personal, ask Him for your purpose. Why He has you here? He may not tell you but the least you could do is ask. And since you wouldn't ask a total stranger such a personal question, get to know Him. Believe me, you will gain a whole lot more than just your purpose if you spend time getting to know Him.
I may never know why ___________ (you fill in the blank), but I know who does and that is all I need to know. So, in all your getting, get understanding. But more importantly, get God!!!!!!
I'm just saying....
Chunking Deuces,
Step Brown
Some people spend an entire lifetime without finding their true purpose--the meaning to their lives. The why are my eyes brown and my hair black and the reason I am here stuff. Most just coast through life, dipping and dodging the curve balls. Who know my people do what they do? Some people would ask who cares?
I may never know why I have had to endure some of the painful experiences I have endured. My testimony would be a tearjerker to some. I may never understand the trials and the tests. But I am a strong believer that all which does not kill me makes me stronger. Am I a strong person? Depends on who you ask. My friends would say I am one tough nut. I would beg to differ. Besides, my worst enemy is the 'inner me.'
No one man or woman has ALL the answers. If they did, they'd probably sell them on Ebay. But seriously, if you want to know why the grass is green and the sky is blue, ask Him. If you want to make it more personal, ask Him for your purpose. Why He has you here? He may not tell you but the least you could do is ask. And since you wouldn't ask a total stranger such a personal question, get to know Him. Believe me, you will gain a whole lot more than just your purpose if you spend time getting to know Him.
I may never know why ___________ (you fill in the blank), but I know who does and that is all I need to know. So, in all your getting, get understanding. But more importantly, get God!!!!!!
I'm just saying....
Chunking Deuces,
Step Brown
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)