Born Faith

 

by Jose Barajas

I have seven brothers and two sisters, as I have stated in the past. My parents are Mexican who were both born in Mexico. All of us, with the exception of my little brother, were born in Mexico. The fact that my little brother was born in America, makes him an American citizen, but he is still Mexican. After years of us living in the United States, some of my brothers, a sister, and both my parents received their citizenship and became American citizens, but they are still and will always be Mexican. Regardless of what our citizenship may be, we are what race, or nationality we were born into, and nothing we do can change that.

The book of Romans, written by the apostle Paul, is one of the great books in the Bible, and one of my favorites. There is what is called the Roman road of salvation when one is sharing the gospel of Jesus, and I want to focus on what Romans is truly teaching here. Let’s look at what Paul writes in Romans three twenty three, 

Late Faith

 “I hate running late above everything else, as it just isn't fair to my employers,  to who is throwing a gathering, and especially church. It's easy to just waltz in when we want for a lot of people, especially Dodger games, but not me. I would rather leave early and get where I need to be Thirty minutes early, than be late. It is something that I just never understood; that people have time to go to the gym, Starbucks, or anywhere else, and yet they walk in late to work or church and say, "well I just couldn't get up on time?" All the rules of being late also apply to anyone, the red lights we hit, the traffic being crazy, you get a flat tire, or anything else that could go wrong. I see Murphy’s Law everywhere. Being late shouldn't be a way of life, it should be the exception.

 

Zacchaeus was a man who heard Jesus was passing through Jericho, and he wanted to see who this Jesus was. Now Zacchaeus was a tax collector; who in those times were not popular, as they would overcharge the people, so they were hated by everyone. He, it says in Luke, was also a very rich man and small in stature, that he couldn't see over the crowds. Now Zacchaeus could have thought, let me go get a coffee, or go workout, or go and do some tax collecting, I'll catch Jesus later or when the crowds die away. But Luke Nineteen says, 

"He ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house." so he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully." (NKJV)

Imagine if Zacchaeus would have been running late, and or stopped to do something else, or the herds of traffic and people would have stopped him or disheartened him? He would have missed the blessing and the reward of not only seeing Jesus, but of eating and fellowshipping with God incarnate. How many times have we lost out on the blessings and missed the opportunity of seeing Jesus, and being blessed because of life or our own "Lateness"? 

Luke ends with, "And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." (NKJV) 

James the half brother of Jesus, and who didn’t believe in Him growing up, quotes Proverbs Twenty seven one,  in chapter four,

“Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”” (ESV) 

God desires for all to come to repentance, but too many are late, busy, not willing to climb a tree to see above the crowds, because to them, life is okay. We can run in circles for all of our days, but your life would be more at peace, if you ran to Jesus.

So my question is today what is making you late, or worried about other things in the world? My prayer is that we are like Zacchaeus and run to Jesus and allow Him to give you peace and a hope that this world will never give you! Paul reminds us to not be anxious, not that we always will be happy, but when we give it to Jesus, a peace the world will never understand, comes from Jesus. Philippians four says,

“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (ESV)

Jesus came to seek the lost of which we all fall under. "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me, I once was lost, but now I am found, I was blind, but now I see!" 

Jose Barajas

Choking Faith

 “I met John Bruetsch back in Two Thousand Nine when I first went to Harrisburg PA. He was the master user of Roadnet, which was one of the Routing systems I was looking to implement for our company. John is a big man that stands above Six Feet and a good weight over Two Hundred or more pounds. He also at the time worked as a firefighter, as most of the firemen in those areas are volunteers. Me and John hit it off immediately, and over the next Four years we spent a lot of time together. One night we went to dinner with his wife Julie,  and the customer service manager at John's favorite steakhouse, and it was so good! We were all sitting talking, and I looked across at John and he looked like he was choking, I asked him if everything was OK and he put his hands to his throat shaking his bead, No! I immediately jumped up and went around and tried to wrap my arms around his stomach; I used the chair as leverage as I could, and finally got a good grip to perform the Heimlich maneuver on him. A piece of steak got dislodged and he started breathing normally again. It was the longest 30 seconds I could remember, which we laughed at afterwards, more of me being awkward trying to save him.

John Chapter Three has so many nuggets to ponder on, and I'm not talking the cheap McDonald's kind. It is filled with so much love and so much grace and has the verse that sums up the whole Gospel of God, John Three Sixteen. First Jesus is talking to Nicodemus a ruler of the Jews and a Pharisee. It begins with us needing to be born again in Christ. It continues with God loving us so much, He gave his only begotten Son for our salvation. It says, in verse seventeen, 

"Jesus didn't come to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him." (ESV) 

Did you catch that? MIGHT! Wait what? When I saw John choking, I didn't hesitate to jump up and attempt to help, I didn't stop and pray and hope all would be good. (Please don't misinterpret this for not praying as if you've been reading what I have been writing, you know my thoughts on prayer.) I acted and saw a friend in need of saving and I took action. 

Jesus did the same for us; where He saw a world in hurt, and in need of salvation, that He died because of His love for me and you. Salvation is there for all who chose to follow Jesus, and who ask Him to be re-born in their heart,  so that we are filled in His Spirit, to a new life. He will pull us out of our darkness, but we can't hope or think it MIGHT happen. We need to ask and come boldly to the throne of grace. Paul writes in Romans Ten,

“But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in Him will not be put to shame.”” (ESV)

The writer of Hebrews writes in chapter four,

“For we do not have a High priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (ESV)

John gets to celebrate another Birthday; and although we don't talk as much as we used to, I know I love him as a brother and am thankful to still have him here as a friend. As awkward as it was for me to try and save his life, and knowing how awkward it is to share the real gospel with people, how much more awkward will it be standing before Jesus saying I never knew you, because we chose death over life? We chose to play being a “Christian,” and not really abiding and walking in Him.

So my question is what are you choking on in life that is causing you pain, grief, fear, panic, doubt, and on the verge of breathing your last breath? Jesus desires to give you the “Heimlich” to save you, but you have to choose to follow and accept Him as your Lord and Savior. He already breathed His last breath to die on a cross so that you might be saved, but you have to repent and be saved under the Might of His grace." Jose Barajas

P.S. A year later, I saved John’s life again from choking, and though we have laughed about it many times since, salvation is not a laughing matter!

Don’t Switch Your Life in God

 

"There is a song by Switchfoot that is called "This is Your Life" that came out in Two Thousand Three. They are a crossover band; which refers to a band that plays a certain style of music, and a song or album of theirs makes an impact in other genres. They are a "Christian" band that were accepted into the Alternative music scene, as their lyrics reference God, but not in an in your face way? I guess it could be categorized as "Spiritual."  The lyrics say, "Yesterday is a wrinkle on your forehead; yesterday is a promise that you've broken; don't close your eyes, don't close your eyes, This is your life; and today is all you've got now; and today is all you'll ever have; don't close your eyes." "Yesterday is a kid in a corner, Yesterday is dead and over" and the chorus says, "This is your life, are you who you want to be, this is your life, is it everything you've dreamed, that it would be when the world was younger, and you had everything to lose?" 

 

Matthew Six records The Beatitudes or The Sermon on the Mount, from where we get many updated words from what the law was, and how Jesus was changing things about faith and living. It says, 

“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (‭ESV‬‬)  

God is here for us even when it may seem like He is not, and us worrying or thinking back on things like the Israelites did after they left Egypt is never good. They lived in the "how good we had it" mentality, and we do the same thing. We think, "in our younger days," or how good our life was before Jesus and even after coming to Jesus, the “so called” tribulations aren’t that bad. It is easy to sugarcoat our experiences or find excuses as to why we are who we are, and we can hide there forever. 

But God is saying; seek Me, and all these other things you think you should have and or be, are not important in the whole scheme of things. Life is short and we need to enjoy the life we have, and the people around us. If we have learned anything over the last few years is, nothing is certain, and only God is constant and loving. We can live in fear or look back to the good old days, but really how good was throwing up, being hungover, or doing the walk of shame and feeling worthless and used? How good was it to cheat on a test, a spouse, a friend and not feel less of a person, because when we are alone in the dark, those memories are truly not good; if we are honest with ourselves. Peter reminds us in Second Peter as he quotes Proverbs Twenty six eleven, beginning in verse twenty, 

“For if, after they have ESCAPED THE DEFILEMENTS of the world THROUGH the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are AGAIN ENTANGLED in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them NEVER TO HAVE KNOWN the way of righteousness than after knowing it to TURN BACK FROM THE HOLY commandment delivered to them. What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.”” (ESV) (Emphasis added)

Peter was talking about staying clear of false prophets who bring destructive teachings in the name of God and water down the message. He references the rebellion and sin of the Israelites at Beor, which was Balaam who couldn’t curse the people, so instead enticed them with sensuality and led them astray. Peter says that it’s better to have never known the word and truth, than to be a pig or a dog who return to filth and vomit respectfully. I know because I have done that myself thinking, “ This is it?” This Jesus isn’t “blessing” me” knowing I was choosing vomit over faith.

Jesus knows everything about you and your heart; and guess what, He still loves you and wants nothing more than to heal you, and give you a life abundantly in Him. Moses who had dealt with the grumbling people for forty years, and himself was not going to enter the promise land, says in Deuteronomy thirty beginning in verse fourteen, which is one of my favorite verses, 

“But the WORD IS VERY NEAR YOU. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it. “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you today, by loving the Lord your God, BY WALKING IN HIS WAYS, and by KEEPING HIS COMMANDMENTS and His statutes and His rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it.” (ESV) (Emphasis added)

The beauty of this, is that God was referring to the physical promise land to them, but in Jesus and the New Covenant, the promise is the same to us, but instead of a physical land, we get to experience a heavenly promise land. We can continue in our sorrow, pain, circumstances, and rebel against God because we think we deserve better. We think and believe those same false prophets who promise peace, security, and monetary blessings, but that’s not what Jesus was saying in the sermon on the Mount. Remember, seek FIRST the kingdom of God, everything else is fading, worthless vanity. 

So my question is, This is your life, what are you willing to gain to lose eternity with God? What are you willing to turn away from and run back to that is better than God? He is all I need and all I want, and my prayer is that you turn and seek His kingdom, and the rest will be given unto you, in His will and time. Don’t compromise like so many crossover bands for a temporary earthly crown, but stay the course and follow Jesus." Jose Barajas

Breakfast Club

 “Another great movie from my high school days is “The Breakfast Club” written by John Hughes, who probably wrote so many of my favorite movies. The movie, if you haven’t seen it, centers around Five different people who come from different backgrounds. One is a rich young girl who is very popular, one is a jock that is also popular. One is a rebel punk rock bully, who gets high and lives in a broken home, and one is a “nerd” who is driven to get straight “A’s” in his class work. The last one is an introvert, who isn’t anything or anyone, other than another body at school. The teacher is also a bully, who just is there to watch the kids, and basically get paid for babysitting on a Saturday. The cool thing about this movie is that; I think most of us can relate to at least one of these characters, whether in high school or even as grownups. We all want or need a sense of belonging, and sometimes it’s easier to hide behind our persona than to actually be who we are supposed to be.

The Apostles were a band of misfits; that in the “religious” world, they were not wanted or not thought of as anyone. In the real world they were men of different backgrounds of different status, and like the movie, would not have been seen with each other outside of “detention.” Now that’s the way the world looks at us as Christians that we are being held by rules and restrictions that make us outcast, and of no value, or that we can’t have fun. We are mocked in movies, lumped into narrow minded, hypocritical, unloving, and zealot nuts. We’re stereo-typed as money grabbing, child pedophiles, and doomsday outcasts, that can’t live in the world and be successful.

The enemy watches us and isn’t really there with us, as most of us are not in the “work” of God. By this I mean, Satan isn’t the reason for all the bad that happens to us on a daily basis, most of it is our own actions of not following God. (I just laugh at all those, “Not today Satan” shirts) We talk the right words and go to the “in” churches, and can help here and there, but our hearts are just not committed. Too many times we allow the way the world looks at us to define who we are and we shy away from who God says we are, His children. 

The kids in the movie were asked to write an essay, and Brian the smart one, writes it and says at the end which I love, “You see us as you want to see us in the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions!” People see us as they want to, and this also translates to their version of who Jesus is. Peter reminds us that we need to see ourselves in the light of Jesus, in First Peter Two, he writes,

 “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who CALLED YOU OUT OF DARKNESS into His marvelous light.” ‬ ‭(ESV‬‬) 

I see Peter, when he wrote this remembering when he was denying Jesus, and how secluded and in darkness he must have felt. I have been there, feeling like no one can love me, and that even Jesus wouldn’t and couldn’t love me. The kids entered detention as strangers, but left as friends because they saw their value above what the world or teacher thought of them. Peter saw Jesus look at him with compassion, and he cried bitterly, knowing he was Jesus’, and that he would no longer care what the world thought of him. Darkness can do that to us,  if we stay in our separation from God and not fellowship, we too can deny Jesus and walk away. 

The world will knock you down, and kick you while you’re there, but Jesus knows this and realizes that all you have to do is trust in Him. He knows our hurts and our past, and yet He still loves us. He desires that though we all come from different upbringings and backgrounds, there is nothing He can’t fix you from. 

So my question is, are you a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess or a criminal, it doesn’t matter for Jesus doesn’t judge where you are, but desires to change where you are going! I love what Isaiah one says beginning in verse sixteen, 

“Wash yourselves and make yourselves clean. Stop doing the evil things I see you do. Stop doing wrong. Learn to do good. Seek justice. Punish those who hurt others. Help the orphans. Stand up for the rights of widows.” The Lord says, “Come, let us talk about these things. Though your sins are like scarlet, they can be as white as snow. Though your sins are deep red, they can be white like wool.” (NCV)

The stains of our past can be washed and renewed in Jesus, but you have to come in repentance, and talk with Jesus. He knows it anyways, and He won’t judge you here on earth. In the simplest terms, He sees us as we are and He still loves us, because that is why He held the nails for us. Won’t you let go of whatever you’re holding onto, and let God’s light shine on you?” Jose Barajas

Everything I Do

 “In Nineteen Ninety One a version of Robin Hood came out that was fitting for the time period of Eighties style movies, yet made no sense of the lead actor. Now I love Kevin Costner as an Actor in “Dances with Wolves”, “Silverado” , “Untouchables”, “Open Range” and probably my favorite, “For the Love of the Game.” You probably thought I was going to say “Field of Dreams” and although that’s a good movie, I think it’s overrated. Now back to “Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves” I like the movie, but you can’t have a British hero and not have a British accent as the actor. It’s one of those things that makes it unbelievable and almost comical and hard to watch all at once. One of the great things about that movie though is the Bryan Adams song, “Everything I Do, I Do It For You” The chorus is so neat and the guitar playing on it just really makes the song resonate with the scratch in Bryan’s voice. “Don't tell me it's not worth tryin' for; You can't tell me it's not worth dyin' for; You know it's true; Everything I do; I do it for you.” 

I can only imagine what Jesus was thinking,; as He staggered thru Jerusalem beaten and bloodied carrying a cross, knowing that everything He was doing, He was doing it, for you and me. John Three Sixteen the most known scripture in the world reminds us of that and so much more. Now if you have a red letter Bible, the words are read, meaning Jesus spoke the words, but some scholars believe, that John actually starts his commentary from verse sixteen on, regardless let’s study these beautiful words.

“God SO LOVED the world, that HE GAVE!”  (ESV) (Emphasis added)

The NET versions says it like this,

“For this is the way God loved the world: HE GAVE HIS ONE AND ONLY SON.” (NET)

Wow that blows my mind, He gave, not because He had to, not, I guess I’ll do it, NO! He freely gave. Isaiah predicts this back in chapter nine six,

“For TO US A CHILD IS BORN, to US A SON IS GIVEN; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (ESV) (Emphasis added)

God’s love is so great, so beautiful, so eternal, that He loves and cares so much for each human, because we are created in His image, that He gives us His Son to die a death we couldn’t, to be with Him forever.

John also says in First John Four, 

“There is no FEAR IN LOVE, but PERFECT LOVE CASTS OUT FEAR. For FEAR HAS TO DO with punishment, and WHOEVER FEARS HAS NOT BEEN perfected in love. We LOVE BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US.” ‬ ‭(ESV‬‬) 

Even more wow, we don’t need to fear, for God is perfecting us in His love, as He FIRST loved us! There is a healthy fear of God which is a reverence or humbling, and the fear John is talking about is a fear of shame and not a full commitment, because we would rather stay in our sin.

The story behind Robin Hood was that the government was overtaxing people and most of them were living in seclusion and poverty. So Robin Hood would take from the “rich” or government and give it to the poor. Jesus is not fake or a made up story for us to “believe” that all our problems will be saved with His monetary giving. 

The movies portray Jesus as an English speaking, good looking Man, with long brown flowing hair from a shampoo commercial. He looked nothing like the statues, pictures, or any movie portrayal of Him. He was ordinary looking Man who was  of Jewish descent, and really nothing to look at according to Isaiah Fifty Three, verse  two says,

“He sprouted up like a twig before God, like a root out of parched soil; HE HAD NO STATELY FORM OR MAJESTY that MIGHT CATCH OUR ATTENTION, NO SPECIAL APPEARANCE THAT WE SHOULD WANT TO FOLLOW HIM.” (NET) (Emphasis added)

Jesus isn’t “worldly” beautiful, or appealing, and so many choose to not follow Him and His word, because it is too difficult or boring, or constraining. The allure of sin is better and better to look at, but it leaves us dry and patched, broken and wanting more that many die from never being satisfied from it. Jesus had to be betrayed with a kiss to identify Him when He was arrested, because He had no special appearance to want to follow  Him.

The bridge of the song says, “Don't tell me it's not worth fightin' for; I can't help it, there's nothin' I want more; You know it's true; Everything I do; I do it for you!” 

I have learned to trust in God, Jesus my Lord and Savior; regardless of what is going on and happening. I won’t fight it willfully, and I know I’m not worth it because I’m a sinner, but God continually demonstrates His never ending love for me. So my question is, are you looking for hope and security in a cheap imitation of Jesus and false prophets, false government security, or false healings and medicines? When you can come and have peace, and true love from the Only One who can give it to you? Imagine Jesus singing “Everything I do, I do it for you! He has because that is what the whole Bible is about! God’s love story for all would come and repent before Him in reverence with humility. Paul reminds us in Romans Five beginning in verse six,

“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God SHOWS His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (ESV) (Emphasis added)

That is truly giving to the poor!” Jose Barajas

Writing on His Hands

 “Everyday when I sit down to write, I have been praying or listening to my studies, and God speaks to me thru this and allows me the privilege to share my story. Sometimes I reference my life and the things God has changed me from, and sometimes I reference how people and work has influenced me. Sometimes I reference movies and songs and how they spoke thru me, but no matter what I reference, I use Gods word and how it relates to the experiences I have shared. I have never ever purposely tried to hurt or say something that is not true. I have mainly focused on my sin and shortcomings, and how God’s grace and peace and love continually change and reconcile me to His family. It is different daily and that is what I love about my Jesus. 

The Bible as I’ve been reading and studying thru it, is also very transparent about the lives of all the people God uses to spread His word. It also shows the world that He is God, because His book is filled with truth, spans many generations, and it all aligns with all of it. The beauty of it is that none of the people God used were sinless and constantly faithful, not that that is an excuse to sin, but just shows the full extent of the grace of God. I think of Abraham who is the father of faith; who lied and had a son with his maid servant because he didn’t wait on God’s promise, and yet his seed were the children of promise that we all came thru. The other neat thing is God used different methods with each person as we are all unique and our testimonies reflect that. 

My story can be similar to many and people can relate to the things I share to allow them to see that they are not alone. We don’t want to be like Jonah who ran from God’s plan because he felt the people of Nineveh were too evil and far gone. We need to realize two things; first if God calls us to do something we should probably do it as it’s a privilege. Second, God desires all to be saved, because as John Three sixteen says, 

““For God SO LOVED the world, that HE GAVE HIS ONLY SON, that WHOEVER BELIEVES in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to CONDEMN THE WORLD, but in order that the world MIGHT BE SAVED through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the Name of the only Son of God.” (ESV) (Emphasis added)

If Jesus didn’t come to condemn the first time, what makes us think that we can? I’ve been to churches where the “leaders” didn’t want people worshipping out loud because it was a distraction to the church? I don’t even have words for that! I’ve to churches where a pastor (a great friend and mentor to me) was told not to preach the word verse by verse because the church would t grow like that?! Again, no words! 

 Not everyone will hear and don’t get that confused with the word not being shared the message, but many people don’t want to hear or care about Jesus. Today people would rather trust in man’s, or science answers to solve their problems,  or give them answers to their questions. God is always speaking, even through His creation, and it is a matter of, are we listening, following, and believing? Second Chronicles Seven reminds us, even though the writer was speaking to the Israelites who would shortly be in captivity from their own refusal to obey God,

“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”‬ (‭ESV‬‬) 

God will listen, when we humble ourselves and seek Him. Like all who are in the Bible, when they returned to God, He blessed them, not always monetarily, physically, but our reward is heaven bound! We can’t be like those Isaiah talked about and Jesus quoted from Isaiah Twenty-nine beginning in verse twelve, 

“And when they give the book to one who cannot read, saying, “Read this,” he says, “I cannot read.” And the Lord said: “Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, WHILE THEIR HEARTS ARE FAR FROM ME, and THEIR FEAR OF ME IS A COMMANDMENT TAUGHT BY MEN, therefore, behold, I will again do wonderful things with this people, with wonder upon wonder; and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the discernment of their discerning men shall be hidden.”” (ESV) (Emphasis added)

So what is your story and where is your hope? Do you fear God or revere Him and His ways, knowing He wants to save you from Hell? May we humble ourselves and seek God. Your story is important and you matter to God! Don’t let the world and the enemy fool you with false hope! Don’t let the false prophets give you a false sense of faith and hope! The world is perishing and tomorrow is not promised, but Jesus will give you tomorrow, and forever, because He already paid your way, you just need to repent!” Jose Barajas

High Anxiety

 I started a new job a few summers ago, and on the first day of work, I had my first anxiety episode. Yes people, Christians have anxiety too, and it is okay because we are human. I was in orientation class and just felt like I was having trouble breathing, and my left arm was hurting, so I thought I was having a heart attack. We went on a tour of the facility, and my breathing felt like it was beginning to feel constrained. I got back to the conference room and the other people went to lunch, and I fell to the ground, breathing heavy and my heart was pounding in my chest. I called my wife; and my daughter and son came to get me, but before they came, the paramedics had arrived. They ran test on me and said sit up and breath, you’re fine and your numbers look good. I started breathing as instructed and felt better. My son, when I got into the car said, “welcome to the world of anxiety.”

Jesus in His sermon on the mount, talked about a lot of different situations and instructions, and also wrote about being anxious. Matthew  six beginning in verse twenty five said, 

“"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” (ESV‬‬) 

At the end of it Jesus concludes with, 

“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” ‭(ESV‬‬)

Paul reminds us in Philippians Four, 

“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (‭ESV‬‬) 

I read these and thought, my faith isn’t strong, I must be doing something wrong, but then I remembered that I’m a work in progress and life is tough, and it is okay if we have moments of anxiety. It doesn’t make us frail and or wrong, as I think that Jesus knew we still would worry. He was our example and also gave us these verses to remember how much we need Jesus. David cries out in Psalm Sixty one, one through four,

“HEAR MY CRY, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to You when MY HEART IS FAINT. LEAD ME TO THE ROCK that is higher than I, for You have been MY REFUGE, A STRONG TOWER AGAINST THE ENEMY. Let me DWELL IN YOUR TENT FOREVER! Let me take refuge under the SHELTER OF YOUR WINGS! Selah” (ESV) (Emphasis added)

We are human and our hearts grow faint, but it’s not that that we grow faint, but where do we turn when we do? Drugs don’t help, alcohol is just as bad, therapists are like mediums, in that they only use key words to try and pry tears from you. The enemy uses lies to make us feel inadequate and lost, just like he did with Adam and Eve, by lying to them that they could be like God. But all it did was leave them outside of Eden after it was all said and done. Perfection isn’t attainable without Jesus as much as we try, and even Jesus dealt with anxiety as we read in Luke Twenty Two beginning in verse forty one, 

“And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me. Nevertheless, NOT MY WILL, BUT YOURS, be done.” And there appeared to Him an angel from heaven, strengthening Him. And BEING IN AGONY HE PRAYED MORE EARNESTLY; and HIS SWEAT BECAME like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” (ESV) (Emphasis added)

Before you write hate posts, listen to what I am saying. Jesus is God and He was showing us how we should look to God in prayer, in the Spirit and allow God’s will to be done. I grew up memorizing the “Lord’s prayer” as a Catholic during the rosary,  and reciting “Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,” so why wouldn’t we believe and follow that? Again, it’s okay to doubt, have fear, wonder why, but to also remember that Jesus went through the agony of death on a cross, so that we wouldn’t have to.

Paul was human and dealt with lots of persecution, and he also knew that we would be anxious in a world gone crazy, so it was a reminder for us to not be anxious, but that only really happens in Christ. I’ve learned that it helps me and reminds me to just stop and pray and seek God more in those times. It’s easy to be like Peter and focus on the storms instead of God, but we have to stop and breath and remember that God is our peace. Peace that the world will never understand, and as I’ve grown deeper into God’s word, I’m learning to set my life on Him and not on things of me.  I love what Psalm One Hundred Twenty-one says,

“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? He will not let your foot be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.” (ESV)

I think Psalm Ninety one is deeper in meaning of evil and anxiety, but listen to what the Psalmist says beginning in verse one, 

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My Refuge and my Fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.” (ESV)

So in those times of anxiety where do you seek help? Where is your refuge and shelter,  and your trust for deliverance? The world is full of chaos and the terror of night is everywhere, but Jesus has overcome it all. It may not seem that God cares or exists, but don’t lose hope, even in your anxiety. Jesus comforts us in some of my favorite verses, Matthew Eleven beginning in verse twenty eight,  

“Come to Me, all who LABOR AND ARE HEAVY LADEN, and I will GIVE YOU REST. Take my yoke upon you, and LEARN FROM ME, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you WILL FIND REST FOR YIUR SOULS. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”” (ESV)

Jesus doesn’t say that you will find rest in your bodies, in your workload, in your burdens or life, but He says, you will find rest in your souls! The solution is so simple that so many think us crazy for how Jesus can save us, and the world still struggles and tries all the solutions out there, but the choice is yours! Do you repent and come into Jesus rest, or do you stay anxious? When in reality, it truly is nothing, and it leaves us restless!.” Jose Barajas

R.E.M. (It’s The End; (And I Feel Fine)

“Nineteen Eighty Seven, I had just graduated high school and thought the world was going crazy then, nothing has changed. I’ve stated we were known as generation X, and between nuclear war, global warming and other crazy things, we had no hope, and seems less today. I was not going to the Catholic Church anymore, and felt like what was the point, as it seemed God was not listening. R.E.M. came out with a song, “It’s The End of The World As We Know It” and here are some of the lyrics. “That's great, it starts with an earthquake; Birds and snakes, and aeroplanes; And Lenny Bruce is not afraid; Eye of a hurricane, listen to yourself churn; World serves its own needs; Don't mis-serve your own needs” “And a government for hire and a combat site;; Uh oh, overflow, population, common group; But it'll do, save yourself, serve yourself; World serves its own needs, listen to your heart bleed; Tell me with the Rapture and the reverent in the right, right; You vitriolic, patriotic, slam fight, bright light; Feeling pretty psyched” It was our anthem at the end of a decade, that began with hostages being held in Iran, and ended with the fall of the Berlin Wall. My hope was in the songs of a generation, looking for the answers of a world gone mad. Boy I was premature and ignorant.

As easy as it is to be mad at the world, and the people of the world, we must remember that Jesus came to save everyone of us as we were once lost too. Luke Chapter Nine says, 

“When the days were approaching for His ascension, He was determined to go to Jerusalem; and He sent messengers on ahead of Him, and they went and entered a village of the Samaritans to make arrangements for Him. But they did not receive Him, because He was traveling toward Jerusalem. When His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” But He turned and rebuked them, [and said, “You do not know what kind of spirit you are of; for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” ] And they went on to another village.” ‭(NASB‬‬) 

People have gone from condemning the unvaccinated to the other political party, to foreign leaders and presidents. We as Christians are the worst at judging, because we don’t even share our faith with a lost and dying world. It’s not our job to condemn and pray they die, or make it seem that what is happening in the world is anyone’s fault. God has a plan and it is our privilege to share the message of His love and grace and not to call fire down on people. There is a time and place for everything, as Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes but it is not for us to determine. Listen to what Solomon says beginning in verse one, 

“For everything there is a season, and A MATTER FOR EVERY MATTER UNDER HEAVEN: (ESV) (Emphasis added)

The things are happening and have been happening from the beginning are ordained by God. Solomon continues in verse fourteen after listing all the things there is a time for, 

“I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; NOTHING CAN BE ADDED to it, nor anything TAKEN FROM IT. God has done it, so that people fear before him. That which is, already has been; that which is to be, already has been; and God seeks what has been driven away.” (ESV) (Emphasis added)

We can’t hope to be whisked out of tribulations and pains in this earthly body, because we don't like them. We can’t change God’s word by adding or removing things to fit our wants and ways. We must be out making disciples, sharing the truths of the gospel to a lost, broken, and angry generation. I was mad at God for the things I had experienced as a child, and I was mad at life because I didn’t have what my friends had, but looking back, I was better off not going down those roads of self. It’s easy to think we deserve better, or think why do the leaders and rich not care or struggle, because they’re “bad.” But it’s not my job to judge anyone, only give them the truth and let the Holy Spirit convict their hearts, like He did mine. Solomon finishes in verse seventeen, 

“I said in my heart, GOD WILL JUDGE the righteous and the wicked, for there is A TIME FOR EVERY MATTER AND FOR EVERY WORK.” (ESV) (Emphasis added)

My hope turned from music of a lost generation, from anthems of angst and lost hope to what Psalm Fifty One says, 

“O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.” ‭(ESV‬‬)

This was David after committing adultery and murder, where he took it upon himself to be judge and jury, and God humbled him. You may have not committed adultery, murder but have you hated your brother or neighbor? John reminds us in First John two beginning in verse nine,

“Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.” (ESV)

Who are my brothers? Anyone who is walking on this planet. God doesn’t look at sin like we do, or the outward appearance, but He looks at the heart. When Jesus was eating with the tax collectors, they were considered the filth and worse of Jesus time, but listen to what Jesus said in Mark Two beginning in verse fifteen, 

“And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and His disciples, for there were many who followed Him. And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that He was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to His disciples, “WHY DOES HE EAT with tax collectors and sinners?” And when Jesus heard it, HE said to them, “Those WHO ARE WELL HAVE NO NEED OF A PHYSICIAN, but those who are sick. I CAME NOT TO CALL THE RIGHTEOUS, BUT SINNERS.”” (ESV) (Emphasis added)

So my question is, with everyone running around scared and what seems crazy, where are you running to? Man’s answers and plans that will fade, sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll, that will only leave you empty, sad and confused? We are all “sick” and need a Physician, and His Name is Jesus. My prayer is that you run to God, and realize this all was written thousands of years ago, but spoiler alert Jesus already won! David knew he had messed up and if you read all his Psalms, you’ll see his repentant heart, and he wrote in Psalm Twenty Seven, 

“I’m asking the LORD for only one thing. Here is what I want. I want to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life. I want to look at the beauty of the LORD. I want to worship Him in his temple.” ‭(NIRV‬‬)

I want to be like David in that though I’m a sinner, I am glad that someone cared enough to share the gospel truth with me. I am not saying that you have to agree with ones lifestyle or beliefs, and definitely not to go and hang out with them at their place of worship, but how will they hear, if no one is sharing? It may be the end of the world as we know it, but I feel fine! How about you, do you know Jesus, I mean the real Jesus, if not it’s okay, He’s waiting for all who will come to Him, but do come before it’s too late!” Jose Barajas 

Game of Thorns!

“I flew in airplanes for over ten years and for about six of those it was weekly for most of those years. Thousands upon thousands of miles in various cities and various people. I took red eye flights, first one out, sat in coach, first class and ate and drank food from the airport or on the plane. I sat next to different people groups, kids, grownups, men and women and had the same flight attendants every once in a while. I always washed my hands prior to boarding, if I used the bathroom on the plane, I washed my hands, and always washed my hands when I got off the plane. I never used hand sanitizer on planes or carried any with me. I took the Greyhound weekly for 7 months from Los Angeles to Phoenix and the same, washed my hands before and after. In all those years and most of my adult life, I rarely get sick, and I mean rarely. I get a cold, maybe once a year, a fever every few years and usually only lasts for a day or less. I drink lots of water and coffee and quit drinking diet soda and before that quit regular soda for over 10 years. I have grandkids that get sick from school and I hug, and hold them and still I don’t get sick as I wash my hands regularly. I also know I’m not immune to disease and sickness as I am not stupid, but just sharing facts.

Paul wrote in Second Corinthians Twelve, beginning in verse five, 

“On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses— though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”  ‭(ESV‬‬) 

I, like Paul dont boast about my life, and what I do because I know I can get cancer, like two of my pastors did and passed away from it. There are people in my church and friends who have lost loved ones to every form of illness out there. We’ve seen random shootings, car accidents, freak accidents, and even thinking about the people who died with Kobe in a helicopter ride going to a basketball game. 

Paul prayed and it wasn’t taken from him, and skeptics will say, see God isn’t real! False prophets will say that we don’t have enough faith, or that we didn’t give enough, or believe enough.  I’ve seen social media burst out with mocking God for all the pain and suffering. I’ve seen His people afraid and cancelling events, and not going to “church” because governments said so. The writer of Hebrews reminds us in chapter ten, beginning in verse twenty three, 

“Let us HOLD FAST the CONFESSION  of OUR HOPE WITHOUT WAVERING, for HE who promised is FAITHFUL. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, NOT NEGLECTING TO MEET TOGETHER, as is the HABIT OF SOME, but ENCOURAGING one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (ESV) (Emphasis added)

The disciples met knowing the religious leaders were looking to kill them, because they understood that regardless of what was going on in the world, The Ancient of Days is still in control. The people of God have always been under tribulations and persecution, and they suffered and many died, but the gospel and word of God kept being preached.  The writer of Hebrews reminds us in Hebrews eleven, the hall of faith chapter in verse 

“And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.”  ‭(ESV‬‬) 

My faith is my faith and God will get me thru everything, regardless of what the outcome is here on earth. I hurt and deal with normal things as does everyone, but God never promised us painless, no suffering, everything will be okay. He promised us salvation and peace and a life abundantly in Him, but that word abundantly isn’t material necessarily, it’s abundant in His grace and love. I hear many quote Paul’s verse from Philippians four thirteen, 

“I CAN DO ALL THINGS through HIM who strengthens me.” (ESV) (Emphasis added)

But deny Him with their actions, their knowledge, their music, their words, and their love for one another. I know because I did the same thing! Jesus would not be allowed in too many of “America’s” churches. The thorn in Paul’s side, though inconvenient, only made him more humble, more faithful, and more bold, to continue the work he joyfully did for Jesus.

So my question is as the world gets crazier, and this is nothing compared to what is still to come, where do you put your trust? Man’s solutions will pass and not bring answers, and hiding our head in the sand won’t make things better. Drugs, Alcohol, and other escapes only make things worse. False prophets lie of peace and security, because  only God can truly save and give us peace! His security is for eternity and not necessarily for this world, His peace surpasses all understanding, and His love and salvation are free. His grace is sufficient for those who choose to trust fully in Him, for those who repent and are “healed” in His forgiveness. Let go and let God!” Jose Barajas

Promises, Promises

“When the kids were little they would ask us if they could go to Disneyland or to a store at the mall and our answer would always be, we will see. My wife always made it clear to not promise the kids because they would always and continually say, but you promised. You think nothing of it when doing it and because kids are so young we think they won’t remember, but their minds never forget anything especially when it comes to going places they want to go. When I was little my parents just flat out said no as there was no gray area or anyway to come back and tell them but you promised. They either did it or they didn’t do it and I think that is probably the best way to parent.

God’s word is filled with so many promises, He promised Abraham that through his seed, his descendants would be more than all the stars in the sky and the sand on the shore. He promised Moses that He would be with him when he led the people out of Egypt, and though the people were rebellious and ungrateful they continually complained, and still God kept his promise. Jesus made the ultimate promise by saying that He would never leave us nor forsake us, and that He would be with us until the end of the age. The problem is we choose to not believe that God isn't real, or we are like Peter who got out of the boat, but looked away from Jesus and sank. Mathew says in chapter Fourteen, 

“He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt? ‭(ESV‬‬) 

Remember right before this, the disciples had partaken in feeding Five Thousand, with just a few fish and loaves of bread. Peter, as Jesus told him, had little faith. There are so many waves and storms going on in the world and in people's lives, and instead of keeping our eyes on Jesus, we’re walking on our own, and not by faith. Paul quotes Habakkuk multiple times about walking by faith. Second Corinthians five seven days,

“FOR WE LIVE BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT.” (ESV) (Emphasis added) 

He also says in Romans one seventeen, 

“For I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL, for it is God’s power FOR SALVATION TO EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel from faith to faith, just as it is written, “The righteous BY FAITH WILL LIVE.”” (NET) (Emphasis added)

HABAKKUK two, two through four says,

“The Lord responded: “Write down this message! Record it legibly on tablets, so the one who announces it may read it easily. For the message is a witness to what is decreed; it gives reliable testimony about how matters will turn out. Even if the message is not fulfilled right away, wait patiently; for it will certainly come to pass – it will not arrive late. Look, the one whose desires are not upright will faint from exhaustion, but the person of integrity will live because of his faithfulness.” (NET)

We can find ourselves thinking God promises us riches and healings, but not all were healed and not all were saved as faith is more than just walking with Jesus. Habakkuk says that the message is easy to read, and though it may not happen right away, to wait patiently. We can keep trying to walk on “water,” going to church, reading our bibles, but if our desires are not upright, we will faint from exhaustion. Jesus said many will fall away before He comes because they were led away, and tired of waiting on His return, or for His  promises to be fulfilled. Judas walked with Jesus for Three and a half years, and hung himself. The world makes so many promises, and constantly fails and makes people lose faith and drown in their sin. Luke eighteen eight says,

“I tell you, he will give them justice speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, WILL HE FIND FAITH ON EARTH?”” (NET) 

We need to believe and be in constant communion and fellowship, not just when the waves come crashing. The feel good gospels are okay for new believers, but Jesus is looking for broken and contrite, humbled faith. So my question is, do you trust God’s promises? Are you only seeking Him when life isn’t fair, and not daily and in every moment. He like my parent’s, is very straightforward with His yes and no. Revelation three says, 

“‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either cold or hot! So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth!” (NET)

Jesus wants all to come to repentance and be on fire in our faith for Him, or He will vomit us out. He will guide us and our faith can make us walk in the truth of Word, and we won’t drown in our circumstances, if we will only keep our eyes on Him. The waves are not ever going to be calm, but only He can calm the storms! That is a promise that will never be broken!” Jose Barajas

Ash Ash Baby (Back to the Future)

“The practice of Ash Wednesday dates back to the 11th Century,” says Lauren F. Winner, a priest and assistant professor at Duke Divinity School. “You see that in the book Daniel in the ninth chapter there’s a line about associating fasting with ashes, so ashes are associated with penance, which is the dominant theme of Lent.” Growing up Catholic, this was ritual where we would go to church, and have a priest put a cross with ash, made from palm leaves from the previous Palm Sunday on our foreheads as a sign of us beginning a forty day fast, mirroring Jesus. We could not eat meat on Fridays, give up one thing for the whole forty days, but to me it was more about tradition, than an actual penance or renewal.

 “I mentioned how much I love the movie “Back to the Future.” Not only does it have many great quotes like, “There’s that word heavy again, is there something wrong with the Earths gravitational pull in Nineteen Eighty Five?” “I'm sure in Nineteen Eight Five plutonium is in every corner drug store, but in Nineteen Fifty Five, it’s a little hard to come by! I'm sorry, but I'm afraid you're stuck here” Who's President of the United States in Nineteen Eighty Five? Marty McFly: Ronald Reagan. Dr. Emmett Brown: Ronald Reagan! The actor? Ha! Then who is Vice President? Jerry Lewis? “The mom gets on Marty for wanting to go camping with his girlfriend, and the daughter for drinking, as she states, "how she was a good girl and didn’t do any of those things when she was growing up." When Marty goes back in time, he finds that his mom not only drink, but smoked, and snuck out with her friends. When Marty tells her in horror, you smoke too; the mom responds with, “You’re sounding like my mother!”

 

Paul in his First letter to Timothy wrote in chapter one, beginning in verse Twelve, 

 

“I thank Him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because He judged me faithful, appointing me to His service, THOUGH FORMERLY I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I RECEIVED MERCY because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to SAVE SINNER'S, of whom I am the foremost.” (ESV) (Emphasis Added)

 

We all have a past, and I am the first to say like Paul that I am a sinner. I have committed every sin that if people knew, would probably stop reading my writings, calling me a hypocrite. I have been an adulterer, a drunk, gotten high, been a bad husband, father, son, friend and have let Jesus down so many times, I lost count. I, unlike Marty’s mom in the movie, don’t hide the fact of who I am because God died for me, and it doesn’t give me a license to continue sinning like Paul says in Romans Six,

 

“What shall we say then? Are we to CONTINUE IN SIN THAT GRACE MAY ABOUND? BY NO MEANS! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with Him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would NO LONGER BE ENSLAVED TO SIN. For one who has died has been set free from sin.” (ESV) (Emphasis Added)

 

The Bible holds back no punches, and it is candid of the past of all those whom God used. Abraham was a liar, Sarah doubted, Moses was a murder, Aaron an idol worshipper, Noah a drunk, David an adulterer and a murderer, Jeremiah a complainer and suicidal, Jonah ran from God, and Peter denied Him. Paul was also a murderer and a persecutor of God’s church, and still used all of them to change the world. I am not proud of who I was, and at times I struggle and fail God still, but I know that I hold onto what Paul says in Second Corinthians Five, 

 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to Himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.”  (ESV)

 

The idea of a cross on my forehead never made sense to me, because I knew whom I was, and whom my family was, and how this tradition was never taken seriously. I have written previously, we are not Jesus and our sacrifices should not be an outward appearance, but a broken and a contrite heart. The passage from Daniel nine, which is mentioned as the reason for starting this practice, is Daniel praying to God for the people of Israel who were in exile. It says,  

 

“Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.” (ESV) (Emphasis Added)

 

The idea of sackcloth and ashes was a way of showing regret, or sorrow for having done something wrong, and Daniel was in fervent prayer. We are no longer a part of the Old covenant and or we are not to hold to the traditions of man-made religions. As I mentioned, God, even in the Old Testament was not concerned with an outward appearance, but with a broken and contrite spirit. Jesus Himself says in Matthew Fifteen six b, through nine, quoting Isaiah Twenty Nine Thirteen,

 

“So for the SAKE OF YOUR TRADITION you have made VOID THE WORD OF GOD. You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: “‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’” (ESV) (Emphasis Added)

 

We are to take up our cross daily and not just do things for show, but we are to let the light of Jesus shine on our faces and our actions, for Him to get the glory and not us. He has made me white as snow, and I can share the word in truth, knowing that through my failures and experiences, I can share the grace of Christ Not by judging and thumping people, or lying of who I was, but in His truth, knowing God knows everything about me anyways! So what about you, what is your past, and where have you been? It’s okay God loves you anyways, and wants to pick you up, and cleanse your soul, and give you peace like a river!” It is like an old worship song I sing, called “He Knows My Name.” The chorus says, “He knows my name, He knows my every thought (and He loves me, He sees ear tear that falls, and hears me when I call.” Won’t you let go of your past, repent and let your future be new in Jesus Christ and Him alone?” Jose Barajas