Got Fruit?

'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law. ' Galatians 5:22-23 ESV

     I had read where Jesus was teaching on the vine and the branch, and if the branch didn't produce fruit it would be cut off and thrown into the fire.  For many years that had me very concerned.  I couldn't recognize my fruit, I thought it meant souls saved.  Of course, that is part of it, but because of a fruitless branch, I found it difficult to witness to people.  For many years I smoked cigarettes.  As a young Christian, I was very impressionable.  I felt a strong call to the ministry, but since I smoked I wasn't allowed to work with the youth group and was discouraged to serve in any capacity.  Eventually, because of a misunderstanding on my part, I gave up on church and God.  I didn't think I would ever be "good" enough, so I did everything my flesh desired instead of following the call I knew was on my life.

     The funny thing was when I found myself in jail, those guys didn't mind the fact that I smoked or got high, they were starved for the truth without judgment.  I was actually able to walk in my calling without even realizing it. Sharing the gospel just came naturally for me. 

     So here it is 35 years after I was saved and filled with the Holy Spirit, (not that I've walked with the Lord for 35 years, most of that time I wasted with riotous living) I still had self-doubt due to seeing the fruit I was bearing.  Finally, I did the obvious and began praying about it.  After a surprisingly short time, the Lord spoke to my spirit.  He is so so good to me!

     "My son, why are you so upset concerning fruit?  Does a pear tree produce pears for itself?  Can the apple tree enjoy its own apples?  Are they even aware pears & apples grow on them?"

     I thought about that for many days.  How obvious the answer was.  Because of a misconception, I made as a young man, too full of pride to ask my Pastor why he had "set me aside,"  I stumbled around in the darkness for over a decade.  

     If you're new to the faith or been a believer for years, as you grow the Holy Spirit produces fruit in you.  Not necessarily for you, but for those who come into contact with you.  People always tell me how patient I am or how much peace they feel in my presence.  That I'm kind and gentle.  How generous I am.  I'm not blowing my own horn, believe me, this is not me being prideful.  Within me, none of these things exist.  It is all due to the Holy Spirit manifesting himself in me because Jesus loves me so much!  He loves you as much as he loves me!  He is a good, good father!

     Are you tired of being angry all the time?  Has living for yourself left you feeling empty inside?  The world teaches us to be go-getters.  Get the best of everything and get it now.  Don't share anything, you worked hard for all your stuff.  Besides, by giving it to some undeserved lazy person, they will just be taking advantage of your "kind nature," and if anyone notices they will perceive you as weak.  Next thing you know a whole line of worthless folks will be at your door.  That is the lie the enemy has been selling for centuries.

     The other night, I heard a preacher say there would be no U-Hauls in your funeral procession, you can't take it with you!  If you come into contact with someone less fortunate than yourself, help them.  Maybe all they need is a smile and to hear God loves you.  Maybe they need a cheeseburger.  Believe this, the only reason the Lord brought the two of you together is so you could demonstrate the love of Jesus to them.  I know you have what they need, or God wouldn't have brought them to you.  Be an apple tree for someone you don't know today!  Love your neighbor like you love the person in your mirror.  You will be surprised how amazingly wonderful it will make you feel.  I promise you will be blessed far more than the one you're blessing.

     If you would like to know more about Jesus, or what it looks like to live life as a Christian, please click on one of the church links I've included on the blog, any of them would love to speak with you.  If you don't do "church's," contact me directly; rlwhitener@gmail.com, it would be my privilege to pray with you or answer any questions you may have.  I don't have all the answers, but I will do my best to find you an answer or at least point you in the right direction.

     May the Lord richly bless you and yours.  Thanks for following along!

The Holy Bible

Where Are You Lord?

'But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day
is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is
not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient
toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should
reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and
then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies
will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are
done on it will be exposed. '
2 Peter 3:8-10 ESV

You know, the one thing I hear most often from people when
I'm sharing the gospel, "if God exists then why is there so much
evil in the world? How could a loving God allow so much bad to
happen? That's a hard question to answer, because it takes in so
many factors, starting back at the garden when sin entered the
world and creation was broken. We are a broken creation, and
only through the blood of Christ can we find redemption. That
only answers part of the question. Really that answer creates
more questions. The answer is simply this, the bad things we
do to each other as a race, human to human, breaks God's heart.
That's why Jesus came, to fix our brokeness. The only reason he
is still allowing the pain of children being hurt, parents leaving
to soon because of cancer, husbands or wives being killed by
drunk drivers, whatever the situation that would cause you to
say, "why, where is God?" The only reason, is because in his
mercy, he isn't slowplaying but is using extreme patience, not
wishing that any should perish but that all would come to
repentance.

Have you been hurt so badly that you question the very
existance of a loving God? I wish I had the perfect words
to say that would confort you and restore your faith. I know
life isn't fair. People get hurt, people die. Life is messy, but
God is good all the time, even when we can't see it through
our pain.

Know this, he is coming! When he gets here, he will
restore everything. All that's been broken will be fixed.
He will wipe away every tear from our eyes. The down
side to this is he will get here when we least expect it, like
a thief in the night. Don't allow your pain and anger too
cause you not to be ready for his coming. He is delaying
to give you a chance to repent, to turn away from your sin,
ask him to forgive your sin. Give your pain and anger, your
confusion to him. Ask him to come and live in your heart
today, because tomorrow may be too late.

If you would like to know more about Jesus, click on one
of the church links on this page, any of them would be
happy to speak with you. If you don't do "church"s," contact
me directly; rlwhitener@gmail.com. Just need someone to
talk to or pray with, email me and I'll give you my contact
information.

Thanks for following along, may God richly bless you
and yours. Peace.

Bearing One Another's Burdens

     Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.  Keep a watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.  Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.  For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.  But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.  For each will have to bear his own load.
     Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.  Do not be deceived:  God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.  For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.  And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.  So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Galations 6:1-10 ESV

     Paul was writing to the Galation church.  The people were caught up in all sorts of worldly stuff, similar to the church at Corinth.  New believers were over zealous in their approach to the blatant sinful lifestyles many were living.  They were attempting to discipline them, but their idea out discipline was excommunication.  So Paul says, hold up, if you see someone caught up, let those who are spiritual handle it in a spirit of gentleness.  Careful how you approach them, lest you find yourself in the same set of circumstances or worse.
     Basically, this is the same concept Jesus taught.  Don't try to pull a splinter out of your neighbors eye, until you deal with the beam in your own eye.
     As a Christian, filled with the Holy Spirit, when I am sinning the Holy Spirit convicts me immediately.  I don't need you beating me over the head with scripture to confirm this.  However, if you have examined yourself and know that you know you are good with God in whatever particular area I'm having trouble with, and I am continuing in this, then  approach me in gentleness and bear me up.  Help me by helping me, not by throwing me out to the dogs.  When my sons were children, if they were in need of discipline I used the judgement of an adult to administer it.  I didn't pack up the belongings of a two year old and put them in the street.  It's the same concept, I loved them into repentance.  Besides, who am I?  A sinner saved by grace.  Just like you, I may be more spiritually mature than some, less than others, but in no way am I better than anyone else.  Every time I set myself up as a judge, I'm quickly reminded of this.  The Holy Spirit, quickly humbles me.
     As a born again Christian, I have been judged.  I am nothing on my own, but believe this, God disciplines those he loves.  He does this by allowing me to reap what I sow.  There is no denying this, and the part that hurts the worse, is these spankings are usually done in public.
     Thank you Lord for loving me enough to correct my bad behavior just like you reward my good behavior.
     Don't get this twisted, I'm not talking about works salvation.  I'm talking to Christians that have already been saved by grace.  Don't ever grow tired of doing good.  We're called to do good works.  James taught us that faith without works is dead.  When you come into contact with someone who is less fortunate than yourself, do what you can to help them.  You can help them, or God wouldn't have put them in your path.  This is your opportunity to show them the love of Jesus.  Especially if it's a brother or sister fallen on hard times.  Do your part!
     When you sit under someone more knowledgeable than yourself, and are being taught the word of God, share what you have with that brother or sister, because its right that the sower of seed should be allowed to share in the harvest.

     If you would like to know more about Jesus, or what it looks like to live a Christ centered life, contact me; rlwhitener@gmail.com. I would love to pray with you, include any prayer request you may have.
     Thanks for following along, may God richly bless you and yours!
    

Take up Your Cross

Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
Matthew 16:24 ESV

     Since obviously Jesus hadn't been crucified yet, I'm sure this statement seemed odd to his disciples.  Today, knowing that he hadn't been crucified yet, this statement seems a little odd to me.  What does that mean Jesus?  I understand denying myself, I know what that looks like but what is this cross you speak of?
     So in my mind, I place myself in Jerusalem, in the days Christ walked the earth.  I look around and see men hanging on crosses throughout the region.  Rome had come up with a horrible death sentence.  To basically force the Jewish community to conform, they began to crucify criminals, but any one who publicly spoke against the Roman Empire, were subject to being crucified.  Pretty scary times to be living in.
     Take up your cross.  Let's unpack that for a minute.  What is a cross?  Two extremely heavy pieces of wood, either nailed or bound together in a very cumbersome form that looks like a capital T.  To pick this up is difficult all on its own.  I'm so confused.  The Lord  promises rest.  Now he is saying to pick up something I can barely lift and follow him.  How far do I have to carry it Lord?
     Hold up, maybe I'm getting ahead off myself.  What do you do with a cross?  Well, if you're a Roman, you nail your problems to it and walk away. 
     So let's take a step back and look at it.   To be a follower of Christ, we need deny ourselves of the things of the world that take our attention off of Jesus, and take up our cross.  So is he telling us to free ourselves from the things that weigh us down?  To nail those things to the cross that would distract us otherwise?  Because if we were able to take the things we worry about, the things that stress us out and the things that distract us from what our calling is, then following Jesus becomes effortless. 
Wow!  What a wonderful God we serve!

If you would like to know more about Jesus, contact me at rlwhitener@gmail.com

Thanks for following along.  May God richly bless you and yours.

New Mercies Every Morning

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22‭-‬23 ESV

God is so good!  His love never ceases and his mercies never come to an end.  If you're day was bad and things didn't go exactly the way you planned, good news bro, every morning ôur heavenly father, in his goodness, provides us with new mercies!  How awesome is that?
There are so many promises that God has made to prosper, heal, protect, love and forgive us, that I can't even count them all.  In Jeremiah, chapter 29:11 God tells us,
"I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord.  Thoughts of good and not of evil, to give you a hope and an expected end."
God is all about loving you through it all!  He is all about us.  Everything he does is intended to bring us into relationship with him.  Everything.  Did you know that there is nothing you can do to make God love you anymore than he does right now, just like there is nothing you can do to make him love you less.  As a matter of fact, while we were yet sinners, enemy's of God according to the bible, he sent Jesus to die  for our sin.
John 3:16 teaches
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him will not perish, but have life and life everlasting."
You know what?  I have lived one of the darkest lives you could ever imagine.  Over 40 years of drug abuse.  Almost 50 years of immorality.  16 years spent in prison.  Divorced.  A waisted youth?  A waisted life?  Not at all.  God, being the good father he is, kept me alive through all my madness, to bring glory to his name.   In 1982, the Lord saved me.  It was a Wednesday night service, at a small neighborhood church called Lighthouse Tabernacle in Oklahoma City.  The pastor, Joel Lamb, turned out to be my neighbor.  I was such a hard headed youngster, but Joel demonstrated the love of Jesus all the time.  He is the most sincere follower of Jesus, I've ever known.  I love him and his family just like I was born into it. 
Obviously I didn't walk in faith during much of the time since my salvation, but God stayed faithful even when I didn't.  Why?  Because that's who he is.  He knew that one day i'd be in Central Florida, producing pushing back darkness video blogs so you could have an opportunity to meet Jesus.  If you're already a Christian, then hopefully this will encourage you in your walk.  Of course the ultimate would be if you would join with me and help the ministry grow.  How can you do that?  Share this blog with your friends, family members and your pastor.  Also, pray that God would open doors so I can give my testimony to youth groups, recovery groups, community church's and anywhere that someone may hear what horrors I committed and what drug abuse has cost me in terms of relationships, jobs, possessions and money. Let's show the generation coming up, the love of Jesus, and stop allowing them to cut their teeth on gangsta rap, drugs, sex and violence.

Would you like to know more about Jesus?  What it looks like to live a Christian life?  Would you like someone to stand with you in prayer?  Whatever your need or reason, feel free to contact me direct; rlwhitener01@gmail.com

Thank you for following along.  May God richly bless you and yours.... Peace.

We've Been Commissioned

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!" But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?" So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Romans 10:14‭-‬17 ESV

     I felt the call of the Lord on my life very early in my walk.  I have been a  Christian, since the early 80's.  I was saved in a momentof desperation while watching TBN.  For some of you younger believers, TBN was and very possibly still is, a huge television network that was caught up in the faith movement.  Name it -Claim it genie bottle Christianity, is not what the gospel teaches, but that's a different lesson.
      Anyway, I have done a little preaching, a little teaching and very little witnessing.  I never had the confidence it took to stand in front of people, knowing the me they never saw an. trying to tell them how to have a right relationship with God.  I never believed I was in a right relationship so how could I have the audacity to try and tell someone else how to do it?
      What a beautiful lie the devil has told and been telling since the garden.  You're not good enough.  You need to go to Bible College first.  You haven't been delivered from that, stop lying.
     So I have listened to the voices in and out of my head, rather than listening to the still quiet voice in my heart.
     What has changed?
      My ôbedience reflected through this blog.  Ì've been reading the past few years of posts I've written by the leading of the Holy Spirit.  God has placed a gift in me of clear and relatable communication.  I am perfect for the job he called me to do because He is perfect.  The same spirit that raised Jesus from the grave is living within me.
      I'm not perfect, but God is!
      Even though I may be the chief among sinners and a man with unclean lips, I am a man after Gods own heart.  I can only do what he says do.  Like Balaam, I can only say what he says to say.
     If you know you're supposed to be doing something, don't allow the negativity of the people you've surrounded yourself with, to hold you down.  How will they hear if no one tells them?

 Would you like to know more about Jesus?  Feel free to contact me; rlwhitener01@gmail.com
Thanks for following along.  May God richly bless you and yours.

Speaking Truth

     And I heard a loud voice in Heaven saying, "Now the salvation of God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers, has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.  And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even into death.  Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and all who dwell in them!  But wow to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows his time is short.
                                                   Rev 12:10-12

"And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb, and the  word of  their testimony"
What is this scripture telling us.  So many things, things that you're local minister may not be telling you.
When Satan was cast from Heaven, he fell to the earth with an attitude!  He started all this stuff, but he hates us with a blind hatred so strong, that he lives to destroy us.  The Bible says he comes not but to steal, kill and destroy.  He's good at it too!  If you don't believe we are in an all  out spiritual war, you are deceiving yourself.
Regardless of  the terrible plans the devil has  for us, God did not  leave us defenceless.  We are well equipped to overcome.  But that we couldn't be called robots,  we have a part to play as well.
God took care of the first part, through he blood of Jesus, he saved us. He gave himself for us as a free gift, not of works less we should boast, as if we deserved it.
Ôur salvation is secure.  God has got his part, of this you can be sure.
For us to insure our victory on earth, while  still walking among the living, our duty is to speak the truth about what Jesus has done to insure our salvation.  Also to let our neighbors know what the Holy Spirit is doing in our life as well as the things he has brought us through so far.
Sometimes we try to clean up ôur story, because we are so ashamed of our past, that we're afraid the church crowd won't accept us.  Unfortunately, this happens.
Then on the other side of the coin, some folks embellish their story, to make they're salvation seem more dramatic.   It's just as bad if not worse.
No matter if you were caught up in crime, abuse, and even pagan worship, or ìf you've never smoked cigarettes, drank liquor, did drugs or stole anything in your life, you were headed straight to hell.  Without Jesus, you were without hope.  Be proud of what he saved you from and share it truthfully.
There is someone out there that needs to hear it!

Ìf you would like to know more about Jesus, feel free to contact me; rlwhitener01@gmail.com

Thanks for following along.  May God richly bless you and yours.....

Growth Equals Change

     On June 18th, 2010, I felt the Holy Spirit Leading me to start keeping a public record of my journey with Jesus.  That same day, I wrote the first entrty in Pushing Back Darkness.  I was so sure that no one would ever read it, I wasnt even nervous about hitting the publish button when I felt like it was good enough to be called done.  Little did I know that it would take off all around the globe like wild fire.  I had readers from as far away as Sierra Leone, Africa,  I felt like the next Billy Graham.
     Those of you who know me though, knew that was about as far away from the truth as you could get.  I was still Ron L. Whitener, recovering addict, ex-con, morality challenged and broken man.  You've seen me struggle with my addiction, lose major battles with immorality and basically turn my back on God and walk away.  Of course no matter where I went, there I was.  I could never get away from myself.  So on September 20th, 2018, I made my latest attempt to flee from Nivea.  Like Jonah, I was sucked into the nouth of a great fish and spit out of his mouth on the strteets of Cincinnati,  All I can say is, "Why God?"  There are so many opportunities to share the gospel here.  If you ever feel called to the mission field but can't seem to get out of the country, come to Cincinnati!!  Thus, the answer to my question.  So what do I do, walk the streets and preach hailstone and brim fire from the street corners, see if I can scare the hell out of some foks.  Nobody in the history of the world ever lead someone to the alter out of fear.  It's not even possible.  Perfect love casts out all fear.  The only thing that ever got anyone saved, was the love of Jesus.
     So if I'm not supposed to be beating people over the head with scripture on fountain square, what do you want me to do Lord?  The same thing I've always wanted you to do Ronnie, push back darkness.  But Lord, the format is old and worn out.  Nobody reads the blog anymore.  Then like a bolt of lightning flashing inside my head came the words from the mission statement, so to speak, that God said His word wouldn't retutn to Him void.  In other words, as long as I was obedient and got the word out there that He would take care of the rest.  So I've been thinking about this for the last couple of days and today ny boss gave me a new computer.  Of course I've been playing with it ever since Amy, gave it to me,  A couple of hours ago, I discovered Google had a new program available.  Live streaming or pod casr type video upload, for your own radio station,  I immediately set one up, it's called Pushing Back Darkness Radio,  I'm going to revamp all ny old entriues and give them live over the station,  They will be recorded as I'm doing them so they can be downloaded to you/r site as well,
     The more I think about doing them the more excited I'm becoming.  The Lord is good all the time!  His faithfulnress endures forevr!  I thank him for never leaving me and never forsaking me, no matter how far from him I wandered.  I also thank him for always answering my niece's,  (Shanna Crawfords) prayers in a timely fashion.
     So followers, I don't know when exactly I will launch our new "radio blog" but I will keep you posted.  When I knowm you will know!  Please keep my in your prayers, that God, will reveal his plan for this new ministry,  For without him in it, there is no in it.
     Always keep in mind, if you would like to know more about Jesus, or what it looks like to live as one of his followers or if you have any special needs or prayer requests, write me directly at rlwhitener@gmail.com
     Thank you for following along all these yeats!  Especially those of you who never gave up on me even when the entire world including the church was sure I was down for the count.
      Peace!!!
     

The Struggle is Real

Falling down hurts, but staying down hurts worse. Who can you encourage today to get up and keep moving?

for the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.

Proverbs 24:16 ESV

     It's a very common situation for a person to give up in times of adversity.  When you give it your all and your all doesn't appear to be enough, why not give up?  Really, no one cares.  So what if you didn't make it to the end, at least you tried.

     Not according to the Bible.  Indisputably, Solomon, was the wisest person in the history of the world.  According to him the righteous person will not fall (fail) and stay down (accept defeat).  But though he fall seven times, he will keep getting up!  So why do we stay down?  I'm sure there are many reasons we allow ourselves to give up.  In my own experience I would say the number one reason for accepting failure is really a conglomerate of many little reasons that present themselves at the same time:

All of the times I heard, "you can't do that, there is no way.  You aren't good enough.  Your parents couldn't, your grandparents couldn't, what makes you think you can?  What, you're suddenly better than everyone?

Next comes rationalization.  Wow!  You almost made it.  Oh well, you gave it a heck of a try.  Maybe someday, but right now I'm good on it.  I'm tired of trying and besides, I don't have to prove anything to anybody.  I could care less what people think of me.

Finally justification.  So what?  I'm only human.  It's not my fault, I didn't have a good childhood.  I wasn't taught how to do this as a child so I'm really not capable.  No one can expect me to be able to do this.  It's not fair.  

     Now for many of us, we're able to deal with our failures.  We've had lots of practise.  But the danger lies within.  This type of mentality can lead to depression, separating ourselves from loved ones, substance abuse or even suicide.  Failure begins to eat at us, from the inside.  All the voices start coming at us.   "See, told you so!"  "You're worthless!"  "You will never change."  We begin to stumble in our adversity.   This doesn't mean we are inheritantly bad, it just means we shouldn't give up on ourselves.  That just because we made a bad choice that lead us into a tough situation we should quit trying.  No, we should get up, dust ourselves off and try again.  Learn from the past and push forward.  There is always a solution to every problem.

     Today we are learning about ourselves, but let's take this to the next level.  We all know someone that is struggling.  No matter what they do, they seem to end up in the same place where they started.  Don't leave them there to flounder.  Reach out.  Encourage them.  Let them know you understand that the struggle is real.  Let them know God sees their pain and loves them through it.  We aren't designed to do this alone.

     A very wise man once told me that we all need a Paul and a Timothy in our lives, to make us whole.  A Paul to learn from and a Timothy to teach. To add to this, I believe we all should be someone's Paul and we should be someone's Timothy.

Don't let someone you know suffer alone.  Love them like you love God, love them like you love yourself!

     Thanks for following along.  If you would like to know more about Jesus, or what it looks like to be a Christian, get in contact with a local bible believing church.  Or feel free to contact me Ron Whitener at rlwhitener01@gmail.com

We All Fall Down

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,
1 Peter 5:6 ESV

     Pride is the root cause of most of the problems in our world today.  That's a pretty bold statement, but it is undeniably the truth.
      Pride says, "I'm good enough to handle this on my own."  God says, "pride goes before the fall."
       As I write the commentaries for Pushing Back Darkness, I use myself as an example, most of the time.  I do this to keep from exposing other people's past, but also because I want to show you the extent of God's mercy.  It is never ending.  I have fallen so many times I've lost count.  Yet He keeps picking me back up and loving me into the man he created me to be.
     Why does he do that?  Because it is his nature, it's who he is.  He loves us so much, that he sent his only begotten son to save us from ourselves.  Jesus, humbled himself, was born of a woman, suckled from her breast, allowed her to change his dirty diapers, was ridiculed by bullies, beat to the point of of being unrecognizable and finally hung on a cross until he died.  He did this for you and me.  He didn't have to, but he humbled himself before the Father and said, nevertheless, your will be done.
     When we learn to humble ourselves before God, then we can expect real change in our lives.  Then things begin to work in our favor.
     If you have questions, would like prayer or just need someone to talk with, contact me.
rlwhitener@gmail.com
Thanks for following along.

I Never Said it Would Be Easy....

For nothing will be impossible with God."
Luke 1:37 ESV

         Living life is messy, most of the time.  As children we struggle with simply trying to  figure out where we fit in.  How do we gain acceptance from our peers.  How did the captain of the basketball team become that?  How did the juvenile delinquent end up on the other end of the spectrum?
          As our journey continues, so do the struggles, relationships, jobs, transportation, a place to live..., the list goes on and on.  How does anybody make it?  It's all very overwhelming.
           Luke, the Physician, summed it all up in his "gospel."

For nothing will be impossible with God.                    Luke 1:34

Discuss your doubts and fears with the Lord.  You're in relationship with the Creator of everything, how can you fail?
           As an addict, who claims the Lord, lines can get very blurry.  On one hand I am constantly beating myself up for stumbling around like a blind man.  Then, one of my best friends finds entertainment in pointing out that I'm the walking definition of a hypocrite.  Not to mention all the good church people who smile and shake me hand, but in their eyes I can see the disgust they have for me.
          But all of it keeps me thankful that Jesus loves me.  He only has my good om his agenda.  I never have to worry that he is slamming me behind my back I know I can trust him. I know his love for me is sincere and secure and through it all I know that all things are possible because what is too difficult for him.
               Are you struggling?  Do you feel alone and confused?  I'm always here for you, email me;
rlwhitener@gmail.com
Thanks for following along, may God richly bless you and yours!

Applying the Word to Our Daily Lives

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.                                                                     Joshua 1:8 ESV

          As Christians, we should be walking out our faith in every aspect of our lives.  This isn't nearly as easy as it sounds.  As a matter if fact, very little about being a "Christian" is easy.  One way to make it more comfortable, is simple obedience.
           Joshua was born in Egypt, during the days of Moses.  He was there to experience first hand the awesome power of the Holy Spirit, as God brought about the exodus of Israel.  He witnessed the great miracles, he walked through I the parted Red Sea.
            After Moses went to be with the Lord, Joshua lead Ìsreal to the promised land.  There were  many obstacles to overcome, Jericho being one of the biggest ones early in the game.
              How did this young Hebrew slave hold up under the pressure?  Through obedience.  Of course he would need the proper tools to be successful and God the father provided everything he needed.
                Next to prayer, the most important thing all Christians need to be successful, is the Word.  In Joshua 1:8 the Lord tells Joshua to meditate day and night on his a word.  Not letting it depart from his mouth.  It's the same for the church today, we too should read and meditate on the Word daily.  Ìt's not only soothing to our spirit, but ìf we're faithful to do this, it comes with promise.  Promise of success and prosperity.
                I encourage you to pray and read your Bible every day.  If you don't have a Bible, download one of the many Bible apps to your phone.  If you would like to know more about what it means to be a "Christian," or if you need someone to pray with or just to talk to, contact me;
rlwhitener@gmail.com
Thanks for following along.  May God richly bless you and yours.

Love One Another

  Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32 ESV

This seems like a very simple commandment.  We çan all sit around the campfire singing "Kum BA yah" while washing each other's feet.  Oh if it were only that easy, but  unfortunately it's easy to hurt each other.  It comes naturally.  We're born broken.  As an infant we're taught that when we're  hungry  or our diaper needs changing or we just want attention, then we scream and cry until someone attends to us.  We are the most important person in our life.  If you don't believe me then just  ask.
Have you ever been  around a toddler?  Give them a toy, then invite over another young child to play.  Even if your child isn't playing with the toy, if the visiting child gets ahold of it the fight is on.  No one teaches their child to  be selfish, we have to teach them to share.  As adults, no one teaches us to be rude to each other, but after a stressful day or week or after we get bad news, treating people bad comes naturally.  The bad part is most of the time the people we hurt the most are the ones closest to us.
Apologizing for being a jerk to your friends or family only goes so far.  To love one another takes action.  Rather than apologies, a little self control would be greatly appreciated.  Take a breath, walk around the block, take a minute and pray.  Whatever you have to do too gain control of your emotions so you won't say or do anything you will come to regret later.
Ìf  you are dealing with anger or bad behavior and would like prayer or maybe you simply have questions, feel free to contact me;
 rlwhitener@gmail.com
Thanks for following along, God bless you and yours.

Gone but not Forgotten

Where does the time go?
I opened my blog this morning and discovered that it's been two years since I've written a posting.  All I can do is scratch my head.
My life has been extremely chaotic.  I've moved across country twice.  My parents passed away within 3 months of each other.  I relapsed and have been high for so long I can't remember, and I have been in a relationship that is toxic. 
To be really honest, I'm broken.
It's funny how I started with a small slip.  Too full of pride to ask for help, that little slip turned into the strongest downward spiral I've experienced. 
I don't know if any of you will actually see this but if you do, pray for me. 
I am going to need all the prayer and support I can get.
For anyone missing my daily posts, by the grace of God, they will be back..
Thank you for your continued understanding and support.

God Loves a Cheerful Giver

Only, they asked us to remeber the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.
Galatians 2:10 ESV
http://bible.com/59/gal.2.10.ESV

As Paul traveled throughput the region planting church's, he always kept the heart of a servant. He understood that Jesus came to serve and he was trying to live life in a pleasing way to God. There had been a famine in Jerusalem and along with persecution from the Jews, the effects on the Jerusalem church were devastating. The Galatians had collected an offering to send back to them with Paul. This in itself was remarkable, but the lesson here is to be prepared to help the poor with a glad heart. No one forced them to give, they asked Paul if they could.
Wouldn't our cities be much better places if all Christians were like that? I don't think we would even need government handouts, food stamps or hardship assistance if the church was doing what we were called to do. What can you do in your area to help serve the poor?

Are you searching for a reason not to give up? Do you have a relationship with Jesus? If you would like to know more about becoming a Christian, or what a "Christian life" looks like, message me. You can also email me; rlwhitener01@gmail.com
Thanks for following along, may God richly bless you and yours as you follow your path to him.

Pleasing People or Serving God?

But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone;
Galatians 1:15-16 ESV
http://bible.com/59/gal.1.15-16.ESV

Growing up, even in adulthood, it seems no matter where we turn there is always someone ready to tear us down. It's like they live to crush our hopes and dreams. I want to be a singer, dancer or astronaut. Someone is always quick with the standard you can't do that, you're not good enough. Paul understood this. After his remarkable conversion on the road to Damascus, he followed the Holy Spirit's leading and withdrew from everyone who would discourage him. For approximately three and a half years he pressed into the Lord. Once he was prepared and fully committed in his ministry, then he began to fulfill what he had been called to do. At that point no matter how hard they tried to, they couldn't discourage or stop him. They thought they killed him a couple of times, and when they got tired of throwing stones he stood up and went about his business.

Is someone telling you you're not good enough? Are you being discouraged in your attempts to better your life or the lives around you? Are you caught up in bad choices or addiction? Maybe you should search for direction from the one who gives purpose to your life. Instead of seeking approval from your friends and family, seek God's will for you. Jesus said all who seek shall find.

If you would like to know more about Jesus, or becoming a Christian, message or email me; rlwhitener01@gmail.com. Thanks for following along. God bless you and yours.

Works or Faith

Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith—
Galatians 3:5 ESV
http://bible.com/59/gal.3.5.ESV

I find myself in a desert place.  My life has become tedious and I am complacent.  I know that I have made a wrong choice and turned in a direction away from the will of God.  If I begin again to do good, will God begin to move in my life again.  Of course not, because my works never were responsible for the favor or promise of God.  He moves where he wills.  If I repent, then I can again expect and count on his promises.

If you are in a dry area in your life, or you are seeking answers to questions that are hard to even form into words, cry out to Jesus.  I would be honored to search out these answers with you.  Message or email me.  Thanks for following along.  God bless you as you embark on this journey. Peace.

If You Must Boast

“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
2 Corinthians 10:17-18 ESV
http://bible.com/59/2co.10.17-18.ESV

The Lord has blessed me with the ability to communicate in such a way that I sell customers an idea. Sometimes it's months after they've paid me before they even see what it was they purchased. It's very difficult sometimes not to get puffed up with pride. Of course when I do, he allows me to hit a dry spell and suffer a little financially. I'm going through that right now, I thank God that I am, for hopefully I'll be better at giving him the credit he is due.

When we do something well, we want to tell others and be recognized. But recognition is dangerous-it can lead to inflated pride. How much better it is to seek the praise of God rather than the praise of people. Then, when we receive praise, we will be free to give God the credit. What should you change about the way you live in order to receive God's commendation?

Are you struggling with what a "Christian walk" is supposed to look like? Do you feel completely unworthy or not good enough. Many times this is the very reason we boast, to build ourselves up. Contact me with your questions, if I don't have the answer I will search for it with you. Thanks for following along. God bless you and yours. Have a great Thursday!!
Feel free to message me or send an email. rlwhitener01@gmail.com

Giving Cheerfully

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV
http://bible.com/59/2co.9.7.ESV

Under the law, a tithe was required. 10% of the first fruits were to be brought to the temple. It was the law. We have been delivered from the law, but I have found that a new law written on my heart. I give to the church a certain amount each week. I also give to Christian organizations and individuals. I love to give, because I am giving more than money, I'm giving hope through the love of Jesus.

Our attitude when we give is more important than the amount we give. We don't have to be embarrassed if we can give only a small gift. God is concerned about how we give from the resources we have. One thing I have discovered, is I can't out give God! He is faithful to meet all of my needs.

If you are searching for answers, feel free to ask anything. If I don't know the answer, I'll find someone who does. Thanks for following along, God bless you on your journey. Have a great day!

Standing Firm in Trials & Tribulations

Not that we Lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith.
2 Corinthians 1:24 ESV
http://bible.com/59/2co.1.24.ESV

Paul had finished writing his second letter to the Corinthian church.  He had written in response to things told him that were being tolerated by the elders as well as the congregation.  I believe it is fair to say, as he was wrapping up this letter that even though it was written in a spirit of discipline, it was also written from a hearty filled with love for these people set apart for Christ, by God.  In a nut shell, you will stand firm regardless what you're going through if you are true to the faith.  Nothing that is formed against you shall prosper.

Standing firm is not a way to be saved but the evidence that a person is really committed to Jesus. Endurance is not a means to earn salvation; it is a by-product of a truly devoted life. Endurance grows out of commitment to Jesus Christ. In Matthew 10:22, Jesus predicted that his followers would be severely persecuted by those who hated what he stood for. In the midst of terrible persecutions, however, they could have hope, knowing that salvation was theirs. Times of trial serve to sift true Christians from false or fair-weather Christians. When you are pressured to give up and turn your back on Christ, don't do it. Remember the benefits of standing firm and continue to live for Christ.

If you're considering Christianity, don't do it just because your parents or grandparents were Christian.  Research what it means, Jesus called this counting the cost.  I would love to speak with you.  I will try to answer any questions you may have.  If you just need someone to talk to that's been there and done that, I'm always available.  I would also be honored to pray with you.  Thanks for following along.  Have a great day, God bless you and yours..,