Luke 6:46-49
"So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.”
Check out how The Message translates this passage:
"Why are you so polite with me, always saying 'Yes, sir,' and 'That's right, sir,' but never doing a thing I tell you? These words I speak to you are not mere additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundation words, words to build a life on.
"If you work the words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who dug deep and laid the foundation of his house on bedrock. When the river burst its banks and crashed against the house, nothing could shake it; it was built to last. But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don't work them into your life, you are like a dumb carpenter who built a house but skipped the foundation. When the swollen river came crashing in, it collapsed like a house of cards. It was a total loss."
Words to build a life on! I love it. And how true. Take note of the fact that it says "when the floodwaters rise" not "if the floodwaters rise".
Storms are going to come your way. It is inevitable. My testimony is a prime example of what can happen to a life that is built with no foundation. I did everything my way. It' was the "Michael Plan". I built my family. I built my business. I built my house all on my own power. Now building under normal circumstances isn't a problem. It seems as though most of us can easily accomplish that. Look around you. For the most part people are prosperous. It's the land of opportunity, right?
But then along came a storm. Not just one storm, but an entire series of storms. It was hurricane season at it's finest. The morter of my meaningless life couldn't hold up. It began crumbling bit by bit. Soon entire bricks were falling to the ground. Next the walls started separating from the joists and eventually collapsed. A roof cannot support itself, it needs the walls, therefore, it was only a matter of time before my roof fell flat to the ground also. One that happened, my life was exposed to all of the elements. The floodwaters were terrible, and very tough to bear, yes. But now even a good rainfall was enough to make my life miserable.
Why did all this happen? I had no foundation. But thank God, I found Jesus!
Psalm 118:22-23
The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing, and it is wonderful to see.
Now that I not only hear what he says, but actually do it, I obey, my house is on it's way up once again. I have the foundation laid. The plumbing is all brand new. The walls are framed. The joists and rafters are in place. As I renew my mind, new wires are be routed. Soon I can begin putting up sheetrock, picking out colors and shopping for furniture. It will not be long before flowers and shrubs will be growing in the yard and birds of the air will begin nesting. The neighbors will be coming over for barbecues and equity will start to accumulate! Praise God!
Friends, where are you today? Do you get a little concerned about the stability of your own house? When you see those dark clouds off in the distance does it make you just a little uneasy? Have you thought about what is going to happen when the walls come crashing down?
Jesus is the answer. I promise you that with all my heart. Be like the smart carpenter. Dig deep. Lay a foundation. If you do this I assure you, you cannot be moved!
Sep 28, 2007
A Solid Foundation
Sep 27, 2007
A.B.U.S.E.
Today I Join the folks over at BlogCatalog and post on the topic of abuse. There are so many types of abuse in today's world. Over the past couple of weeks I have been sharing how drug and alcohol abuse nearly ruined me. But I also shared how coming into "Relationship" with Jesus Christ not only freed me from my addictions, but also set me free from the issues that led me to substance abuse in the first place. Abuse is quite often a result of trying to fill a void. Face it, there is a void within each one of us that can only be satisfied by one thing; that one thing is The Love of God. Jesus is the answer for the world's problems today. if you don't believe that, I encourage you to get in the bible for yourself and find out what it has to say. So, for the topic of abuse, I am going to let the Word speak for itself:
A. Apathy – “Lack of interest or concern, especially regarding matters of general importance or appeal; indifference. Comes from the Greek word “apatheia” meaning insensibility to suffering.
Romans 8:17 (NLT)
And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.
B. Boastful – “exhibiting self-importance; "big talk"
2 Timothy 3:1-3
You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good.
U.Unfaithful. – “not faithful; false to duty, obligation, or promises; faithless; disloyal.”
2 Timothy 2:12-14
If we endure hardship, we will reign with him.
If we deny him, he will deny us.
If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny who he is.
S.Self-centered – “concerned solely or chiefly with one's own interests, welfare, etc.; engrossed in self; selfish; egotistical.”
1 Corinthians 10:23-24
You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.
E. Egotistical – “characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance; "a conceited fool"; "an attitude of self-conceited arrogance"; "an egotistical disregard of others"; "so swollen by victory that he was unfit for normal duty"; "growing ever more swollen-headed and arbitrary"; "vain about her clothes"
Philippians 2:2-4
Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
End Abuse
JESUS IS THE ANSWER!
Sep 26, 2007
Yesterday, Today & Forever
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
As I was meditating on this passage the Lord reminded me that Jesus IS the Word. We are told this several places in scripture. One solid example is found in John 1:1-5
"In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. "
Then again in verse 14 we are told:
"So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. "
Then in 1 John, Chapter 1, Verses 1-4 we are taught again:
"We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us. We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy. "
So therefore, if Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever; then The Word is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The Word will never leave you or forsake you. The Word will never change. God tells us this in Psalm 89, Verse 34:
"No, I will not break my covenant; I will not take back a single word I said. "
Not only will the Word NOT change, the Word CANNOT change. God is not a man that he should lie.
Are you dealing with unwanted situations and circumstances in your life? Are there things in your life or in the lives of loved ones that you want to see change? The Word is the answer. Since the Word cannot change, when you put any situation or circumstance up against the Word, the situations and circumstances have to change, the Word will not!
God gave us his Word to USE, not just to READ. Begin applying the principles and promises of God’s Word to your life today, tomorow, and forever.I guarantee you will see results.
God so loved the world that he gave us his everlasting Word.
And whosoever shall believe in it shall have eternal life!
Sep 25, 2007
Excellence in Discipleship
Thank you Casey!
I consider it an honor to have been presented with the Mathetes Award by Casey of Casey's Critical Thinking.
The award was started by Dan King of Management by God. He explains on his blog that “Mathetes is the Greek word for disciple, and the role of the disciple (per the Great Commission) is to make more disciples.”
As one of the latest recipients of this award, I will be choosing 5 other Christian Blogs, or disciples if you you will, to pass this award along to. During the course of the next couple of days I will be visiting many sites in an effort to choose 5 favorites. Please check back periodically to view my choices.
As a new blogger, I want to personally thank each and every one of my readers. It's a privledge to be listed alongside such mighty men and women of God as yourselves.
Ephesians 3:16b
"May your roots grow down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love!"
My Choices for fellow recipients
As some of you know, this blog has only been up for a little over a week. I have met some great people thus far and I am very impressed with some of the blogs I have seen. It makes choosing 5 very difficult. And before choosing I want to have ample time to know a little bit about the people I recommend. Having said that, I am still in the process of making my choices.
New to Blogger I am, but I am not new to Yahoo 360. Therefore, for my first two choices I would like to select a couple of very deserving recipients and friends from the 360 world.
Sara_Always_Sweet - Sara is such a great encourager. I always find great inspiration on her page!
Dale - Dale's page always presents a very in depth study of God's Word and makes me think!
More to follow......
Sep 24, 2007
Everything Has a Name
And Everything that has a Name must Bow to the Name Of Jesus!
But what I also know is that there is
Everything on this earth must bow to that name. That means crack is not above Jesus! If you are currently addicted to crack, or know someone who is, I am here today to tell you that Jesus IS the answer. I have known people who have spent countless thousands of dollars on secular programs to become free from this addiction, to no avail. But one Word from Jesus spoken straight to your heart WILL SET YOU FREE.
You see, crack is not merely just physical. There is a very strong demonic force behind it. It's one of satan's ploys to drive you into the dirt. He wants you to feel like the scum of the earth. He wants you to think that there is no hope for you. But I have some very serious news for you my friend. Even satan himself cannot stand against the name of Jesus!
Are you truly ready to break free? Have you had enough of selling everything you have to get more crack. Have you had enough of hiding from your family? Have you had enough of lying about everything? Have you had enough of being treated like a slave?
I know the answer. I have been there. The answer is Jesus. I promise you that. If you do not know Jesus, and have not accepted him as your personal Savoir, then I beseech you to make that your very first step. I would be more than glad to pray with you and for you. If not me, then I can certainly lead you someone who will gladly talk to you. I have several Christian friends online who would also like to reach out to you.
Once you have taken that step, then you need to learn what authority you have over the enemy. You have to learn who you are in Christ and you have to learn what the Word says about you. There is a multitude of help available for you my friend. Do not hesitate to leave me a comment including how I can get in touch with you.
You are not alone!
What is Crack Cocaine?
The FAQ on Crack Cocaine I have posted today was taken from Narcanon.
FAQ About Crack
Crack addiction is one of society's greatest problems today. Individuals addicted to crack will do almost anything to get the drug. It has penetrated all levels of our society; rich, poor, and everyone in between. Family members connected to individuals with a crack addiction live in chaos and confusion, not understanding the underlying mechanics of crack addiction. At Narconon we do understand crack addiction. Narconon United Kingdom is a leader in the field of crack addiction treatment since 1966. If you have a loved one addicted to crack, we can help.
Q.) What is crack?
A.) The chemical cocaine hydrochloride is commonly known as crack. Some users chemically process cocaine in order to remove the hydrochloride. This process is called "freebasing" and makes the drug more potent. "Crack" is a solid form of freebased cocaine. It is called "crack" because it snaps and cracks when heated and smoked.
Since crack is a prepared form of freebased cocaine, the user does not have to buy the equipment or be exposed to the explosive chemicals associated with freebasing. Crack is most often packaged in vials or plastic bags and sold in small quantities, usually 300-500mg or enough for two to three inhalations.
In the 1970s cocaine was expensive and considered a "status" drug. The introduction of inexpensive crack increased the accessibility of this substance, and crack has become the drug of choice for many drug users, especially for inner-city disadvantaged youth. Crack's convenience, ease of concealment, wide availability, and low cost has increased its use. The fact that crack is smoked rather than snorted or injected (ingestion methods associated with the stigma of being a "junkie") has contributed to its popularity.
One gram of pure powder cocaine will convert to approximately 0.89 grams of crack. The Drug Enforcement Administration estimates that crack rocks are between 75 and 90 percent pure cocaine.
Q.) What is the difference between crack and cocaine?
A.) Crack is made from cocaine in a process called freebasing, in which cocaine powder is cooked with ammonia or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to create rocks, chips, or chunks that can be smoked. The term crack refers to the crackling sound that is heard when the mixture is smoked. Crack is usually smoked in a pipe. Because it's smoked, crack cocaine effects are felt more quickly and they are more intense than those of powder cocaine. However, the effects of smoked crack are shorter lived than the effects of snorted powder cocaine.
Cocaine is produced as a white chunky powder. It is sold most often in aluminium foil, plastic or paper packets, or small vials. Cocaine is usually chopped into a fine powder with a razor blade on a small mirror or some other hard surface, arranged into small rows called "lines," then quickly inhaled (or "snorted") through the nose with a short straw or rolled up paper money. It can also be injected into the blood stream.
Q.) How is crack used?
A.) The same way that freebase is used, namely, by placing the substance in a glass pipe (or hash pipe) with a fine mesh screen under it, then heating it and inhaling the vapours. The vapours of the crack are absorbed through the lungs, into the bloodstream, and transported to the brain within 10-15 seconds. One inhalation will produce a degree of intoxication usually lasting 10-15 minutes.
Q.) Why is crack such a dangerous drug?
A.) Crack is inhaled and rapidly absorbed through the lungs, into the blood, and carried swiftly to the brain. The chances of overdosing and poisoning leading to coma, convulsions, and death are greatly increased. Crack's rapid rush - 5 to 7 minutes of intense pleasure - quickly subsides, leading to depression that needs to be relieved by more crack. This cycle enhances the chances of addiction and dependency. Because of the brief high, users are constantly thinking about, and devising ways to get more crack. Psychologically, the drug reduces concentration, ambition, drive, and increases confusion and irritability, wreaking havoc on users' professional and personal lives. Habitual use may lead to cocaine psychosis causing, paranoia, hallucinations, and a condition known as formication, in which insects or snakes are perceived to be crawling under the skin. The paranoia and depression can instigate violent and suicidal behaviour. The side effects of adulterants increase cocaine's risks. The drug is often cut with one or more of any number of other substances, such as the cheaper drugs procaine, lidocaine, and benzocaine, and substances that pose no serious risks, such as sugars (mannitol and sucrose), or starches. However, when quinine or amphetamines are added, the potential for serious side effects increases dramatically.
Q) What is crack addiction?
A) Once an individual has tried crack, they may be unable to predict or control the extent to which they will continue to use. Crack is probably the most addictive substance that has been devised so far. Crack addicts must have more and more crack to sustain their high and avoid the intense "crash" or depression that follows their binges. They become physically and psychologically dependent on crack, which is often a result of only few doses of the drug taken within a few days. This dependence can lead to addiction.
All to often, the process of crack addiction goes something like this: The "soon to be addict" takes their first hit. Upon inhalation of this powerful drug, the users body instantly begins the addiction process. The individual's mental and emotional being is soon to follow, but for now just their body suffers from the initial stages of crack addiction. After the first few times using the drug, their mind slowly starts the addiction process. This grows stronger and stronger until, mentally, the addict believes that they cannot live without the drug. They now are entangled in a full fledged crack addiction. Shortly after this occurs, crack takes complete control over their emotions.
Once the individual's emotions have been overridden by cocaine, they no longer feel normal without being intoxicated. When this occurs they feel the need to use more crack just to feel normal. In order to get high they have to take an immense amount of the drug. Their crack addiction has infiltrated all areas of their life. They can no longer function physically, emotionally, or mentally without crack. This cycle of addiction continues until the individual either quits using or dies.
The above process of crack addiction demonstrates the potential power of this insidious drug. Even though death lurks around the corner, individuals with an addiction to crack continue to use with no regard for their life or anyone else's.
Q) How does crack produce its effects?
A) Crack works on the automatic nervous system. The automatic nervous system controls the sympathetic system which speeds everything up such as heart rate and breathing. The autonomic nervous system also controls the para-sympathetic system which does the exact opposite (slows things down). This explains why people become hyper when the smoke crack. Crack works by causing the brains neuro transmitters to release all the dopamine at once (dopamine is a chemical in the brain which releases feelings of pleasure). When we laugh, a slight amount of dopamine is released and this makes you feel good. After this dopamine has been released, crack can block the re-uptake of the dopamine in some cases. If this happens, the person will now make it a mission to get any sort of pleasure.
Q) How does crack effect the brain?
A) The use of crack alters the processes of the brain by causing a change in the way neurons in the brain communicate. Nerve cells, called neurons, communicate with each other by supplying the brain with chemicals called neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters allow information in the form of electrical impulses to be passed through the body. This process works by neurotransmitters attaching themselves to certain areas in the brain. One of the neurotransmitters affected by crack is called dopamine. Dopamine is released by neurons in the part of the brain that controls feelings of pleasure and well-being. This area is in the limbic system of the brain. Normally, once dopamine has transferred to a nerve cell's receptors and caused a reaction in a cell, it is transferred back to the neuron that released it.
Crack cocaine causes damage to this system and blocks the process of transfer. Dopamine then builds up in the gap synapse between neurons. As a result, for crack cocaine users, dopamine keeps affecting a nerve cell after it should have stopped. That's why someone who uses crack cocaine feels an extra sense of euphoria and pleasure. Although crack cocaine may bring on intense feelings of pleasure while it is being used, crack cocaine can damage the ability to feel pleasure in the long run. Research suggests that long-term crack cocaine use may reduce the amount of dopamine or the number of dopamine receptors in the brain. When this happens, nerve cells must have crack cocaine to communicate properly. Without crack cocaine, the brain can't send enough dopamine to the receptors to create a feeling of pleasure.
Q) When are the effects felt from smoking crack?
A) Facilitated by the large surface area of the lungs' air sacs, cocaine administered by inhalation is absorbed almost immediately into the bloodstream. It takes only 19 seconds to reach the brain. However, only 30 to 60 percent of the available dose is absorbed due to incomplete inhalation of the cocaine-laden fumes and variations in the heating temperature.
Crack smokers achieve maximum physiological effects approximately two minutes after inhalation. Maximum psychotropic effects are attained approximately one minute after inhalation. Similar to intravenous administration, the physiological and psychotropic effects of inhaled cocaine are sustained for approximately 30 minutes after peak effects are attained.
Q) What are the short term effects of crack?
A) The short term effects of crack can be felt upon the users initial hit. The individual begins to feel the effects of crack immediately. The user experiences an increase in energy, body temperature, mental alertness, heart rate, constricted blood vessels, as well as a decrease in appetite. These temporary effects of crack are as short lived as the users high. Because crack is smoked, causing it to travel through the blood up to the brain much faster than cocaine which is snorted, the user experiences these short term effects more intensely. The duration and intensity of these short term effects of crack are based on the amount of crack that is used.
The short term effects of crack include but are not limited to:
Magnification of pleasure, euphoria
Alertness and in some cases - hyper-alertness
Increased and sometimes a grandiose sense of well being
Decreased anxiety
Lower social inhibitions: more sociable and talkative
Heightened energy, self-esteem, sexuality and emotions aroused by interpersonal experiences
Appetite loss; weight loss
Q) What are the long term effects of crack?
A) The long term effects of crack affect the user physically, mentally, and emotionally. An individual's long term effects from crack vary from person to person depending on their length and intensity of abuse. In general, the long term effects of crack include restlessness, mood change, irritability, auditory hallucinations, extreme paranoia, and eventually and rather quickly, addiction.
The long term effects of crack include but are not limited to:
Extreme euphoria - "mental orgasm"
Uninhibited
Impaired judgment
Grandiosity
Impulsivity
Hyper sexuality
Hyper vigilance
Compulsivity
Extreme psychomotor activation/agitation
Anxiety; irritability; argumentative
Transient panic
Paranoia
Terror of impending death
Poor reality testing; delusions
Extreme weight loss
Chronic sore throat
Hoarseness
Shortness of breath
Bronchitis
Lung cancer
Emphysema and other lung damage
Respiratory problems such as congestion of the lungs, wheezing, and spitting up black phlegm
Burning of the lips, tongue, and throat
Slowed digestion
Weight loss
High incidence of dependence
Blood vessel constriction
Increased blood pressure
Increased heart rate
Brain seizures that can result in suffocation
Dilated pupils
Sweating
Rise in blood sugar levels and body temperature
Disability from drug-induced health problems
Suppressed desire for food, sex, friends, family, and social contacts
Heart attack
Stroke
Death
Q.) What are the side effects of crack?
A.) Below is a list of side effects due to crack addiction:
Changes in blood pressure, heart rates, and breathing rates
Nausea
Vomiting
Anxiety
Convulsions
Insomnia
Loss of appetite leading to malnutrition and weight loss
Cold sweats
Swelling and bleeding of mucous membranes
Restlessness and anxiety
Damage to nasal cavities
Damage to lungs
Possible heart attacks, strokes, or convulsions
Q.) What are the dangers of mixing other drugs while using crack?
A.) When people mix crack and alcohol consumption, they are compounding the danger each drug poses, and unknowingly forming a complex chemical experiment within their bodies. NIDA-funded researchers have found that the human liver combines crack and alcohol to manufacture a third substance called cocaethylene that intensifies crack's euphoric effects, while possibly increasing the risk of sudden death. Sudden death takes place when the users' body chemistry is imbalanced to the slightest degree. This releases toxic chemicals into their body creating a reaction within the individual resulting in cardiac arrest. This negative reaction to crack's toxic chemicals is the cause of "sudden death".
Q.) What are the symptoms of crack withdrawal?
A.) Crack withdrawal symptoms include but are not limited to:
agitation
depression
intense craving for the drug
extreme fatigue
anxiety
angry outbursts
lack of motivation
nausea/vomiting
shaking
irritability
muscle pain
disturbed sleep
Q) What are the symptoms of a crack overdose?
A) Perhaps the most dangerous aspect of crack usage is the high risk of overdose. Since crack is more potent than street cocaine, it enters the bloodstream more quickly and in higher concentrations. This is particularly risky since smoking the drug makes it difficult to estimate dosage. The most frequent overdose that people experience from smoking crack cocaine is mild and is felt as a very rapid heart beat and hyperventilation. These reactions are often accompanied by a feeling of impending death. Although most people survive, several thousand are killed by overdosing on crack every year. All forms of cocaine and crack cocaine use have been linked with heart failure in users. This also includes otherwise healthy users.
Q) What complications are associated with smoking crack during pregnancy?
A) Crack and Pregnancy:
increased incidence of still births
increased incidence of miscarriages
premature (often fatal) labour and delivery
in males, the cocaine in crack may attach to the sperm causing damage to the cells of the foetus.
babies exposed to cocaine experience painful and life threatening withdrawal, are irritable, have poor ability to regulate their own body temperature and blood sugar and are at increased risk of having seizures.
B) Effects of Crack on the Foetus:
seizures or strokes
cerebral palsy
mental retardation
vision and hearing impairments
urinary tract abnormalities
autism and learning disabilities
If you have a problem with crack addiction, call Narconon drug rehab centre.
Sep 23, 2007
Build a Team
In my previous post I shared my testimony of how entering into a relationship with Jesus changed my life. I also mentioned that God wants me to use this site to reach out to the alcoholics and drug addicts. Drugs and alcohol turned my life into a living hell. If I can do anything at all to keep someone else from going through what I went through, whatever it takes, then that is my mission.
All day long I have been thinking about this. Thinking how am "I" going to make this happen? I was just having dinner a few moments ago. Sitting alone in a little Asian cafe, looking around at all the people in and around my complex, and God very subtly said, "You aren't, we are." Then he said Michael, "remember what I told you in John 4:24, I am spirit. Then he said, "and my words are spirit, and they are life", John 6:63. Ok God, but what are you getting at? He said, "I dwell in the hearts of the believers". Ok God, I know this, but what are you getting at more specifically, I am kind of hard headed at times. He said "you're telling me". Ouch. Then he said, "build a team". That's it. That's all I got. Build a team.
So now I''m thinking, "how to build a team". I don't have that answer just yet, but it's a start!
Luke 10:1-2
The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit. These were his instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.
Spread the Word!
