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Many believers in Christ have been falsely accused, persecuted, I'll-advised and even led astray by "wolves" in sheep clothes! Friends, don't be surprised if you find yourself on the wrong end of a fiery dart aimed right at you and hurled by someone you have trusted, respected or even cared for. It really is worse when this betrayal happens from a trusted person on the inside with access. Jesus suffered deep betrayal from a top confidant, Judas Iscariot, one of His twelve disciples. Then we all know of Job's friends "advice" to repent and how they kept beating him over the head with accusations, etc. Imagine, there Job was in immense pain and completely shattered and heart-broken needing comfort and compassion and instead gets confronted and condemned by his "friends!" Don't get me wrong, but before anyone starts sharing a "word" from the Lord addressed to me they better first understand that I am on speaking terms with my Daddy in heaven, and if He wants to tell me anything He can tell me directly. Imagine if I came up to you and said, "excuse me but your dad just told me to tell you that you are on the wrong path," or some equivalent "word!" You would say, "excuse me? My dad would tell me that directly if he believed that because I talk to him all day and spend time with him everyday! I know what he says about me, because he tells me!" Don't get me wrong on this friends, but my Heavenly Father knows my number and let me tell you we are on speaking terms... and even when I am in the so -called"woodshed" because of my own sinfulness He exhorts and disciplines with plenty of grace, mercy, always leaving me better...more hopeful and motivated to do better with His help, guidance and all administered in LOVE! It must deeply grieve God to see his children being accused, lied to, punished, shamed, manipulated and left in despair... and worse yet... done in his name by wolves in sheep clothes. The next time you get a fiery dart shot toward you... extinguish it, by exposing it with the truth of God's Word, protect yourself from the arsenal of accusations... Nahum 1:7 The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him, thanks for letting me share, God bless you! Randy Young
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Ever known somebody who feels like they have to try and "one up" you no matter what it is? You could be talking about anything, whether significant or not.. yet, they always seem to have to interject with a "bigger, better, rendition or have the last word! Or maybe they quickly cut you off thinking they know where you are "going with this!" Yes, I have known people like that, and have to be careful not to be like that myself. Let's be clear, most people like this have noble intentions, and probably don't realize what they are doing. I believe what it really boils down to is underdeveloped listening skills. Friends, being a good friend means we need to be careful to be good listeners! Would you agree that we seem to be running in short supply of "good listeners" these days? Most of us are so hurried, and in a rush that we don't adequately listen. What does a good listener look like to you? How about a person who sits patiently, allowing the one talking to get it all out, a person who doesn't check their phone, their wrist watch, look away, or interrupt, etc. They are available and all there! Sometimes we can be so worried about what we are going to say next that we are not even really listening! Famous talk show host Larry King was asked "what's the most important lesson for aspiring talk show hosts to learn?" His answer was not surprising. He said: learn how to listen well and the great questions will come naturally as a result. Friends, as followers of Christ our relationship with Him is one that entails both speaking our requests, as well as being still and listening! James 1:21 says: "don't just be "hearers of the Word but be doers! I am convinced that before we can "do" we have to "listen," not just "hear!" James 1 :19 " My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry," In conclusion we have the very best friend that hears and listens to our cries, petitions, and requests, He is patient and kind and always present... Jesus Christ! Thanks for letting me share, Randy Young.
Sorrow is a natural response to a homesick heart. Sometime we can wander and veer off from God's plan and purpose and find ourselves lost, alone and full of sorrow. We don't just accidentally wander off do we? Plus we know God promises to never leave us or forsake us, so what happens? I believe it's because we ignore God's direction, we disobey his Word, sometimes we run ahead impatiently or fall behind stubbornly...like a ship at sea, off course even slightly we drift further and further away until we realize that we are lost, alone and full of sorrow! Friends don't try and drown out the sorrow... recognize it! Try not and run away or feel like something is wrong with you that you feel sorrow! The sorrow is the natural cry of a homesick heart that is desperately wanting to be reunited to our Heavenly Father! Allow the sorrow and deep pain of separation to propel you back into fellowship with Jesus Christ. The great rescuer can meet you wherever you are and send the lifeline! Call on him and send out your SOS signal! He is faithful friends! The Bible says in Proverbs 18:24 He is the friend that sticks closer than a brother! Jesus is a certain friend in uncertain times! Thanks for letting me share, Randy Young
Be careful not to size up a man or woman of God based solely on where they've been, or what they've accomplished in life thus far. We can be discouraged by what we see and limited in our perspective, completely missing the amazing transformation that is taking place on the inside. I believe God works first in our hearts. If we will allow... He will cleanse us, purify us, and fortify us from the inside out! Preparing us for what He has in mind! So be encouraged! What may appear to be broken shards of glass to you and I may actually be a beautiful mosaic masterpiece in the works! Or what looks like a barren waste of a field.. could be an amazing harvest coming soon...with seeds germinating just beneath the soil! I wonder what Peter's "religious" buddies thought about Peter before Jesus "built His church upon him!" He wasn't exactly the shining example of "holiness displayed!" Yet, there was a work being done that no one could see, except Jesus! Peter was prepared for the moment when Jesus said... "Follow me! I will make you a fisher of men!" Matthew 4:19 Thanks for letting me share, Randy Young
What reaches even farther than the long arm of God's law? The long arm of God's grace! Friends it is so important that we never, for one moment, underestimate God's compassion and willingness to forgive, restore and regenerate a lost or broken soul! I am so grateful that He didn't turn a cold shoulder to me, or refuse take my "call" in the night! Quite the contrary... he not only took my call...he ran to me, (the prodigal I was)and took me in his arms, dusted me off and led me into safety! We need to be real careful not to ascribe to God our own limitations when it comes to grace and mercy! I think some don't call out for help because they feel there is no help for them, they have believed the lie that God's compassion has limits, and his love is earned. Right now, right where you are... Just like the thief on the cross, reach out to Jesus! Romans 5:20. The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more,
Thanks for letting me share, Randy Young When temptation comes how do you respond? I used to want "hear out" and entertain the offer, you know weigh the possibilities, before "hopefully" resisting it. I wanted to see if it was worth it! Friends, there is great danger in entertaining temptations! We should not take a passive, friendly, "cuddle up" attitude to temptations. In fact, we should be vigilant and on our guard knowing we have an adversary who would love to shackle us in despair! I really want to bring this home tonight so we all understand just how serious this is. There are many saints of God that are in cells, shackled in addiction, in despair and hopeless because they fell for the temptation! Imagine if you were home alone and all of a sudden the front door handle starts to turn. The door is locked so whoever it is...can't open it. Then the door starts knocking, at first the knocks are less intense, then they get louder and louder! You run over to the door and yell - " who is it?" and a voice answers "I am here to take you away, to lock you up, and rob you!" Now, how absurd would it be to sit there and open the door a crack and say," really? What do you have in mind?" Or "come on in and let's talk about how you're gonna do it." ( I think calling 911 would be in order!) Yet, that's exactly what we are doing when we entertain, flirt, and negotiate with the temptation. The enemy comes to tempt, to get us off the straight and narrow path that God guides us on and rather get us lost, detoured on a dead end! So the next time you hear the "temptation" door knocking, send Jesus Christ to answer it for you! The Bible says in James 4:7-8 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James is serving up some straight talk here! He is saying quit playing around with sin! Also quit saying " the devil made me do it..." Let's not forget that Jesus stared down temptation by quoting scripture and not even giving thought to the lies! We too are to "resist" not enlist, persist, or even coexist with temptation! Thanks for letting me share tonight, Randy Young
Have you ever wished you could convince someone to believe or share your opinion about a matter? If so you've probably been quite frustrated after laying out a convincing case only to be met with resistance and rejection. Poll after poll shows that we tend to form an opinion and then stick to it stubbornly, even when we see that it may be the wrong opinion or conclusion. Why? Good question. Yet, the Bible tells us not to lose heart if we are rejected and our message refused. Rather we should realize what necessary ingredient is needed to overhaul and transform stubborn resistance... The answer? The Holy Spirit! Yes, we can articulate, pontificate, speculate and even educate anyone and still be completely resisted and confronted with deaf ears and a closed mind... Yet, by first and foremost praying for the Holy Spirit to go first and prepare the way, we then are met with defenses lowered, attuned ears, and opened hearts ready for the Good News. I begin each day first and foremost by asking God to send the Holy Spirit ahead of each of my interactions, so he can prepare me and those I come into contact with to hear truth and most importantly receive it! Zachariah 4:6 So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD! Thanks for letting me share, Randy Young
What next? Where? With whom? When? Questions many of us are waiting for the answer to! Answers from God are readily available and don't need to be a mystery. Imagine for a moment if you had a child who was confused, paralyzed with indecision and he or she asked you for guidance and direction... would you stay silent, allusive and aloof? Of course not! You would be overjoyed that your child sought direction from you, and you would make sure to answer! Friends, the God we serve is affectionately named Abba Father which means "daddy!" He loves us so more than we could ever love our own children and desires to bless us, by having relationship with us. Take a moment and read Matthew 7:7-12 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Friends ask God tonight for direction, answers and guidance. He is faithful to answer. Just make sure you're listening. Thanks for letting me share, Randy Young
What's the going rate for your integrity? Sounds like an absurd question, yet unfortunately one that needs to be addressed. Friends, there is nothing more valuable than our good name. Nothing worse than a "believer" who winks and nods and lives in the grey area of compromise. There are times we all face the temptation to use the word "just" or "only" as we contemplate a compromise! You know, "it's just a little of this..." or "it's just once in a while " or "I only do it when..." it's only a little white lie.". Let's be clear about this, compromise is good in marriage, compromise can be good in negotiations, and even in conflict resolution. However, there is no place for compromise when it comes to following Christ! Matthew 12:30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. We should be sold out for Jesus! I can tell you unequivocally that I want to be hot for Christ, on fire! .. I want spiritual sparks flying off me everywhere I go, so the holy fire of God spreads like a wild fire! Yet, regretfully many saints of God are walking in defeat, head held low, shackled in chains of shame! They are not on fire for God at all! This grieves God and I know first hand. Why? They are living the way I did for years and years. How? Lukewarm! They have compartmentalized their "faith" into a relegated place in their life. They value it and believe it, yet don't live it. It stays hidden deep in the back corner of their mind and comes to life on Sundays or Easter. Therefore it is powerless. They spend their life pursuing what they hope is the right path and try and live a good life, without ever fully giving God control and asking Jesus Christ to be Lord of their life. As a result, they have little power to resist temptations, they don't have God's Word in their heart so they wander in the darkness of compromise. They buy the lie the world offers for happiness and find themselves empty and broken in despair! Friends, no matter where you have been or what you have done you can clean the slate tonight by confessing your sins and rededicating your life to Jesus Christ! Imagine this for a moment God would rather you be cold as Ice than a lukewarm, powerless child shackled in shame! Revelations 3:16, So because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth! Before I close tonight, please don't get me wrong here, this isn't about religion or rules or even dogma. This is squarely about Lordship. When I finally made Jesus Christ the Lord of my life is when the shackles were broken! Can I just say we need to stop excusing our own inexcusable behavior, and choose this day whom we shall serve? In closing, have you ever seen an advertisement that has a "too good to be true "discount or offer and right next to it is an asterisk? Then in the fine print footnote we read the rules and conditions ! Another words, it isn't what it really appears to be is it? For years I said I was a believer and said I was a follower of Christ... I really should of put an asterisk next to my profession of faith though. It would of read " on Sundays from 11am-12:30 pm, void all other times." No more asterisks * for me! What sbout you? Thank you Jesus! And thank you for letting me share! Randy Young
When we reflect to consider why America is such a special place, and why we feel such deep pride for her, we remind ourselves that the United States is so much more than a political party, or the scandal of the day. It is so far beyond a poll or even a polarizing political figure. Recently, while in San Diego-leaving a baseball game I got a ride from a taxi to drive us back to our hotel. I sat in the front seat with the driver while my wife and kids took the back seat. As we headed for the hotel I decided to ask the driver about San Diego, and about being a cab driver, etc. Over the next 15 minutes he shared with me his personal story of dreaming as young boy of coming to America from Africa. He described with me his discipline, dedication and determination of saving all his money to come to America. I asked him if he was happy with his decision to come to America and he paused...and looked over at me with a twinkle and tear in his eyes..then a big grin ensued and a deep and unequivocal "YES!" proceeded from his lips. He said that people here in America "seem to have forgotten how blessed they are. " His story is an inspiration for me and a reminder of the power of this amazing "city on a hill. " America is a diverse nation, a blessed and fertile land, developed by dreamers, dedicated, hard working, aspiring men and women who hoped and dreamed for more, a better life. Our forefathers sowed seeds of hope and faith, and had a deep reverence for truth, and a code of honor that was plowed deep into the rich soil of this land. Today, over 237 years later, as we celebrate our independence we continue to reap the harvest of their mighty faith. May we never forget their sacrifice. Make no mistake about it, they understood that no country or nation was perfect. Yet, they left everything they knew behind for America, because they believed this country could be better! That's why they fought and that's why they sought the opportunity, liberty and freedom from oppression. Today, we still should expect better! For example: expect that if we work hard, we should benefit from our labor. In contrast, we don't expect the cards to be stacked against us or to be punished for our hard work's success, by an out of control, behemoth government. Friends, we can do better! We should reasonably expect that our education, work ethic, commitment and dedication is still the fuel that powers the American Dream. As a nation of immigrants we fought for freedom from over-reaching governments, tyrannical dictators, and state sponsored religion... We escaped socialism, communism, and fascism, and have seen the failures of such policies strangle it's own people, destroy creativity, innovation and personal responsibility! We are better than that! I want to say thank you to those who serve this great nation, and all who have served in the past. God bless you for your service. Thank you for letting me share, Randy Young
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Randy YoungQuiet Moments Archives
March 2014
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