Quit being such a BIG BABY!

When we first enter this world we all get a free pass for acting like

babies because we are .. babies. Afraid, fussy, confused, messy, tired, and

cranky is all part of our baby resume.



Toddler and Preschool years are filled with so much change (no diaper pun

intended) where we want to both independent ( "but i don't want a nap!" ) ,

and dependent ( "mommy mommy where are you?" ) all in the same little body.



In Elementary School being immature is still a given,.. and will get you

into certain careless trouble.



A Teenager is actually a 'provisional adult' where saggy fashion choices

and road warrior indiscretions leave the adult world scratching their

collective heads over what the future holds.





From ages 18 to 969 or so, we are now classified Adults. So crying ,

pouting , and fits of anger are frowned upon but obviously still present!





Next let's shift over to our Faith Walk where Paul compares new believers

to babies.



New Believers are like a babies in need of the basics (the milk) and not

ready for solid food.. but we need to grow as believers and mature to men

or women of God.



We can grow our faith by faithfully and daily reading our bibles (the meat)

and follow it’s teachings. Starting with the ‘deep simplicity’ in the two

greatest commands to love God, and love others as we love ourselves. This

needs to become our first line of obedience making way for maturing in

Christ.



The power in His Word is the unchanging uncompromising and loving truths of

God’s and are sharper than any 2 edged sword able to cut through any issue

this life presents.



In the end it is a choice .. We can stay babies afraid of a little PAPER

CUT or learn and grow with God’s truths that taps into a life that is

satisfying and complete no matter our circumstances.



May God bless each of you in your love and service to God and others. May

His peace and love give you perspective like never before. May we become

mature men and women after God's own heart!



important note: For those times where I stumble as a believer and my

behavior is less than mature, I know God's grace is always there for me

with the love of a perfect parent.

Bit Players and Power Brokers of the First Church

Today let me present Bit Players and Power Brokers of the First Church. So

far I have covered the Old Testament, followed by the Gospels.. so why not

The First Church written about in the Book of Acts.



As soon as Jesus Christ ascended into Heaven the bit players and power

brokers were all busy in their roles in and around the First Church.



- At Jesus Ascension into Heaven there was a few bit player who bubbled

over with nervous chatter.

- Just a few weeks earlier waaayyy SOUTH of Jeruselum there could be found

doubting bit players.

- Matthias, a bit player is chosen to become a power broker (aka disciple)

to replace the recently departed Judas.

- Peter and John were imprisoned after inciting a revival. Rumor was they

set up a Nativity Set in the town square.







- Stephen was stoned by the religous right of their day fearing Stephen

would rise from Christian bit player to power broker.

- Influenced by all the public persecutions, jailings, and stonings Roger,

Tim, and Bobemeus enter the very first Witness Protection Program .. as bit

players.

NEXT.. enters Saul the Pharisee Powerbroker until he SAW THE LIGHT along

the Damascus Road reducing him to blind bit player.

- Simon was a bit player in the new Christian movement, but was a power

broker in the emerging tanning industry with his very successful chain of

tanning salons Simons Tanners









- Waaayyy before Simon on American Idol there was a bit player jailer/

music critic who did not believe Paul had what it took to rise from a life

behind bars to become a first century pop star / power broker

- Waaayyy before I ever dosed in Church, bit player Eutychus nodded off,

fell to his death DURING CHURCH, then.. IT'S A MIRACLE.. he is alive again.

Long live the patron saint for those who sleep in church!

- Snake Handlers are misguided bit players in some churches today.. and to

think they were inspired by snake bit power broker Paul.



AND FINALLY..



Besides the life of Jesus Christ on Earth where bit player carpenter was

actually the son of God and true power broker of our Salvation, there has

in my opinion NEVER been a bit player used by God to be a power broker for

His will that all should know Him like the Apostle Paul.



From power broker Pharisee, then blinded by Jesus on that Damascus Road, to

living out his life where all that mattered was telling a lost world the

truth of Jesus Christ. Blinded, beaten, snake biten, persecuted, and

imprisoned..BUT he was too busy serving God to realize it.











I want to be a man like Paul, but I have a ways to go where NOTHING MATTERS

in my life except serving God. I go to church, I am a good guy, BUT.. Paul

raised the bar where few follow.



May God inspire us to love, serve, and be used by Him in ways that are

beyond any bit player status we may believe you carry.



Back pew Guy