In Awe

Holy God I am humbled, I truly stand in awe of you
I look for the Son when the world tries to hide my view

You never give me a rock when your son asks for bread
So I'm simply asking for Your hand and that I may be led

You raised these dry bones up and then You gave me life
That's why I'll praise You no matter the pain or strife

People want to bring my past up, cast stones and make these allegations
I'm just trying to tell them about You~ the King of Kings and the Lord of Nations

I'm in awe of Your ways and the love You continue to extend
When at times I treat You like an enemy and not my best friend

Lord I give You praise after all look at what You've brought me through
In Christ the old has passed away-- you've made this creature new

Broken all 10 Commandments with my hands or in my mind
So I'm thankful for Your blood how you died for all mankind

Though I know chasing anything other than You is just chasing after the wind
That doesn't stop me from chasing it til my feet are tired then chasing it again

I'm so in awe of You my King; I'm so awed by Your grace
Give me strength to live for You and to always seek Your face.

JMB

Copyright John Mark Brooks Dec. 29, 2012

70 x 7

Now I just laugh! How could I not? It seems like every time I am out to eat lunch I see him.

Who is him? The man who was primarily responsibile for losing my job four years ago and have yet to fully recover from. The first handful of times I would see my former publisher out, I didn't speak. I was not consumed with anger or ill-will toward him, but I was reluctant to speak . . . I had not forgotten much less forgiven.

Yet, time after time, these encounters would continue to happen and one day when the Lord spoke to me and told me to talk to him; this time I listened.  It was awkward, and I did it begrudingly, but nonetheless I spoke. I didn't carry on a conversation with him. It was just a "How are you," and I kept it moving. But when I reached the parking lot to leave, I felt lighter, I felt more freedom and the chip I had carried on my shoulder was no longer there.

To give you a little background information, before I was 30 my career was off on the right foot and ahead of the curve. I had been a sports editor for the county newspaper, the one I grew up reading as a kid, for five years and it seemed like the sky was the limit. Then crash, pow, boom-- with the subtlety of two freight trains crashing into each other-- I was being thanked for the great job I had done and being fired the very next breath.

Talk about tough! So much resentment, so many thoughts of why it happened, so much hurt and frustration. And the timing? Couldn't have been worse . . . right at the beginning of the greatest recession our country has ever seen since the Great Depression. So for two years, with a college education, I searched for a job to no avail. This man had not affected my life, he had come through like a tornado, leaving devastation in its wake.

How Many Times Should I Forgive My Brother or Sister?

"Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.' Matthew 18:22.

When Peter asked if he was to forgive someone who had wronged him seven times; that was Jesus' response. If we're honest though, it doesn't even take multiple offenses for us to throw our hands up and be 'done'/over a relationship. Sometimes just once when someone hurts us badly, betrays us and causes so much destruction, through a choice they make, we no longer want to have anything to do with them.

A perfect example of this was when a young man, through the recklessness of driving crazy, killed himself at the tender age of 16, taking my little step-sister with him. You may say . . . that's different-- it's easy to forgive someone who is no longer alive. Is it? Honestly, it's one of the hardest things I have EVER done. See there are no more birthdays, we didn't get to watch her high school graduation, go to college, get married and have kids. Only tears.

One 'bad' decision, made through the misconception he was invincible since he was a teenager, completely wrecked lives and robbed us of something we will never get back.

But the thing about carrying unforgiveness is-- it continues to rob your joy, continues to wreak havoc on your life and strangles your heart so that you can't extend mercy, grace and love in the way you were purposed and created to do. Carrying grudges attaches you to the hurt and pain where forgiveness RELEASES you from it-- those chains are no longer there! When we refuse to forgive someone, it does not punish the offender as much as it punishes ourselves. It takes away from OUR lives not their's!!

Lewis B. Smedes wrote in his book, Forgive and Forget, "When you release the wrongdoer from the wrong, you cut a malignant tumor out of your inner life. You set a prisoner free, but discover the real prisoner was yourself."

When you think about it . . . isn't that an awesome privilege to be able to set someone free by accepting their plea for pardon through extending the same type of forgiveness the Lord Jesus extends to us on a daily basis!?! And there aren't many more humbling acts than asking for forgiveness when you know you were in the wrong and when you were completely oblivious to the fact, or in some cases the perception, you hurt someone.

Speaking to the young man, through the Spirit, I forgave him. Not because I was supposed to do, or because it was the right thing to do, but because that's what pleases the Lord. It was NECESSARY. Forgiveness changes a period into a coma. The sentence (your life) marches on. Many turn a traumatic experience into an exclamation point and give up on life. An exclamation point on the final sentence and after the final word of their life. That's a lie from Satan himself. Like Tupac said, 'Life goes on.' There is MORE to be written in your book (life)!

Yeah, but I Don't Have to Forgive!

You're right. The choice is yours, but before you make that choice. Here are some wise words on the subject.

"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Colossians 3:13

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." Luke 6:37

and one that will really blow your mind-- Matthew 6:14-16.

"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

It's CRYSTAL clear what we are to do when someone hurts us, so why don't we?

An Update

My career still hasn't gotten back 'on track,' and it may not, but I letting God direct my paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). In the meantime, two years ago, I was blessed with a position as a proofreader, which can only help me improve as a writer, hone and increase the talent I've been given and ALL for His glory!

About eight months ago, my hours got reduced (drastically-- from 30 to 12) at work, so it's been very frustrating. Who knows how many tears I've cried over my 'work' situation. Here I am with a college education, intelligent, cooperative with many gifts and talents to match a positive attitude, and I have yet to even get an interview.

But in the meantime, I'm thankful for money I had saved and my Mom/family who have supported me financially, spiritually and emotionally. Several months ago, I started tithing. I will not say what I tithe, but it's more than 15 percent. I don't tithe to get blessed. I tithe because of James 1:7-- EVERYTHING I have has come from God, so I'm just giving back to Him what He gave me and doing so cheerfully.

God promises us He will bless us when we tithe (Malachi 3:10) but anyone who tithes with that being their primary reason for doing so is tithing with the wrong motives. For even if they are blessed, in terms of money, they are missing out on the FULLNESS of God.

So I'm trusting! Yes, I get frustrated at times because I'm human. I cry, doubt, I hurt, I wonder, I get mad . . . all of that, but I KNOW it's not a matter of IF God is faithful-- God is faithful! Like my Dad says, 'The sun don't shine on the same dog all the time.'  My ship will come in and when it does it won't be because I deserve it . . . it'll be because God can, will and does exceedingly more than anything we can dream, ask for or imagine (Ephesians 3:20-- why my blog is named Flight 320).

I ask you to forgive me for any way I have wronged you, from the bottom of my heart, for any small things I've done and the times I've screwed up majorly and I want you to know, if you feel there is any issue between us . . . I FORGIVE YOU!

Life is too short-- live, love, laugh, give (L3G) believe, pray and forgive!

What is Worship?

I stood with arms raised high above my head, eyes closed, a smile on my face as the music escorted me in. I just came to say thank You Lord for all you have given to me: Salvation, my life, my health, my family, my friends, food, a house, clothes, water and so much more. I rode the emotional high as I walked to my car after service when it hit me like a tsunami.

What is worship!?!

Reverence offered to a divine being and the act of expressing that reverence. I agree as I believe one worships out of reverence and love, but to me worship can be summed up in one word--GRATITUDE!

Not to sound corny, but the very fact you're able to read these words should be enough for you to be thankful and even if you have to have these words read to you because you're blind; you're still alive, so rejoice! Think of the billions of people who aren't able to say that, whose earthly journeys have had the curtain pulled on them.

On the Peak

Is it not easy to be grateful and to thank God when you've reached the summit-- the very pinnacle? When the birds are chirping, the sun is out and a harp is being played in the background; it almost comes naturally to express your thanks.

This is reflected through a smile on our faces, going out of our way to help make someone happy through gestures big and small and a certain pep in our steps. The world has more color, the days go faster and it seems as though we don't have a care in the world . . . happy-go-lucky and hunky-dory!

There is something about being on the mountain top that compells us to take a moment to reflect. Think about award shows. How often do rappers, for instance, whose music reflects values on the complete opposite end of the spectrum get up and thank God? I do not doubt their sincerity. My point is when you have success, when you have achieved, when you have reached your goal; even for people who aren't gracious in their daily lives, it's easy for them to take a minute to pause and a take a moment to say thank you.

When all is right and the seas are calm in our lives, I believe it still pleases God for us to worship. . . even if it is easy in prosperous times and contentment. I feel us acknowledging His provision, protection and purpose in and for our lives makes Him happy. Us spending time with Him-- the music, could be in person, on our radios, iPods, computers, CD player, cassette deck or record players, ushers us into the very throneroom of God to spend intimate time with our Maker thus creating a pleasing aroma to His nose.

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His name!" Psalm 100:4.

"Exalt the Lord our God; worship at His footstool! Holy is He!" Psalm 99:5

and Psalm 150, "Praise the Lord! Praise Him in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty heavens! Praise Him for His mighty deeds (His blessings/what He has done); Praise Him for His excellent greatness (worship Him simply for WHO HE IS) . . . Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

In the Valley

In the valley is it as easy to praise the Lord? When you're sad . . when you're mad . . when you're frustrated . . when you can't see how He is possibly working things out for your good (Romans 8:28, Jer. 29:11). Is it easy? No! There are times, when I take my eyes off Him, and start looking at the storms of life: dreams unrealized, my own 'failures,' adversity I am facing, the unfairness of this life and sin I'm trying to overcome through Him, when the last thing I want to do is tell Him thank You! That's just me being real . . . being honest.

That is when it is a MUST for us to worship Him! I believe, when we worship Him in the hallway before He opens the door . . . when we praise Him in the storm . . . when we praise Him despite our circumstances, nothing pleases Him more. I believe there is no aroma to His nose more pleasing than us showing gratitude, expressing our love and proving our trust than to worship Him anyway, taking our eyes off the bad and putting them on Him. Not asking Him, 'Why are You doing this to me or allowing this to happen,?' but through the lens of love. When we do that, gazing upon His magnificence with our hearts, we will WANT to worship . . . we will feel compelled to!

If we can overcome our doubts, fears, guilt and hurt (feelings and thoughts) and worship (the action) our feelings will fall in line. The hard part is not letting our feelings, in the vitally important battlefield of the mind, derail the action of worshiping and our trust altogether. This is something, while I'm getting better in this area, I struggle with.

But if you have the Chicken Little, 'The sky is falling,' mentality then guess what? The sky will continue to fall! That's what the devil wants.

"Shall we accept good from God and not bad?" Job 2:10

"But I will sing of Your strength; I will sing aloud of Your steadfast love in the morning. For You have been to me a Fortress and a Refuge in the day of my distress." Psalm 59:16.

Wait! That's Worship?!?

Worship is ALL of it-- it's in your T.O.E.S. TRUST when you don't feel like trusting, don't understand what's going on and don't see how it could possibly benefit you, but you still do, OBEDIENCE in doing what God tells you to do (Genesis 12:4), EVICTIONS in terms of what you allow God to throw out of your life (sin, hurt, unforgiveness, anger, habits, addictions) and STEWARDSHIP of the gifts and talents you've been given.

Obeying the Golden Rule, simply being good to people, to-- those who are undeserving, who can offer you nothing in return and to those close to you-- everyone is worship. How we spend our days we're given is worship. What we do with our gifts and talents and who we give the glory to, do we give the glory to God or keep it for ourselves, is worship. When the satisfaction of pleasing the Lord outweighs the desire to please ourselves-- that is worship! Any time we choose selflessnesss over selfishness, humility over pride-- that, too, is worship. Walking in gratitude day in and day out is worship . . . when it spills out of us with every step we take.

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is spiritual worship. Do not be comformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, but by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good, and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:1-2.

So I have one question-- How will YOU worship today?

*Please check out Casting Crowns' song Let My Lifesong Sing to You and Heart of Worship by Michael W. Smith. The words of these songs sum up, in Spirit-breathed wisdom, the essence of worship.

You Are a Treasure!

I have something that's going to change your life!

Do you want it? Do you want something so amazing and mind-blowing; you'll never view yourself, others, God or others the same again?

No, it's not millions of dollars, it's not unlimited power or status . . . it's something FAR greater than those. Before the grand reveal, let me share a story that will not make much sense to you . . . at least not through the lenses of the world.

Matthew 13:44-46

44 "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field."

45 "Again the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it."

Jesus is THE Treasure, He is the PearL!

It blows my mind how truly foolish we are. We are the man, who in his wandering, found this beautiful treasure. Yet, often times, in our daily lives, we do everything but hide it in a place only we know so we can sell all we have to come back and buy the field.

Not only do we not sell all we have, but we actually take this beautiful treasure and throw it away. Every single day we choose things other than Jesus: the opposite sex, status, money, power, sin, addiction, drugs, alcohol, good things over God things etc. Any time we choose something contrary to the Lord, we squander our treasure. It's the equivalent of throwing it away or even worse running to tell someone there is a treasure in our field, and asking them if they want it!

That's crazy . . . yet we nonetheless do it.

But if we are wise, if we are obedient, we are the ones who sells all we have so we can purchase that field because we know not only is the treasure is rare, but it's PRICELESS . . . it's as invaluable as they come! His name is Jesus-- the King of Kings and Lord of Lords . . . His name is not just WONDERFUL~ His name is Life, His name is Hope, His name is Love, His name is FOREVER!

When we sell ALL we have and purchase the field; I believe that's when we step into the life more abundantly Jesus has promised to us, 'I have come so you many have life and have it more abundantly.' (John 10:10). That's when we enter the proverbial Promise Land. The time we choose our treasure over anything else is when we guard the good deposit in our hearts (2nd Timothy 1:14).

But What If It's Also the Other Way Around?

As my pastor, and dear friend/second Dad, Mike Devine was sitting at lunch with Tad Taylor, who recently lost his Mom Dorcas (who used to play the piano beautifully in our church), Taylor said what if it's the other way around. What if WE are the treasure?!? Taylor's rheotorical question rocked Devine to the core of his being. Taylor, a devout follower of Christ, family man and die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan, made a powerful enough point before the Holy Spirit gave Devine an even more powerful revelation of what he meant.

You can look at it both ways. Jesus is the Treasure, but WE ARE TOO! Wow!! That completely shakes the foundation of the world as you know it when you understand what that means-- how He looks at you!

God had it all in Heaven. He had worship, He had fellowship, He had allegiance and He had comfort. Yet, He sold all He had! He gave up Heaven just for you, yes you! You were lost and weren't searching for a Savior . . . yet He sought you out. When He found you, you were covered in mud, a filthy dirty mess, and He embraced you with a sense of belonging and intensity of love you've never known before. He saw you lost in your sin and He left His throne in Heaven to be beaten, tortured, mocked, taunted and ultimately die for you.

That's how PRICELESS and IRREPLACEABLE you are to Him! You are the apple of his eye, His biggest prize, His most beloved.

Remember the Treasures

So, you may feel insufficient. You may feel not good enough. You may feel like a failure. You may feel unworthy of such an unconditional, all-encompassing, relentless love. If that's the case, I have great news! WE ALL ARE. The very definition of grace, in my eyes, is God so freely giving that of which we don't deserve.

Jesus is THE treasure. We are His treasure and we must guard the treasure of our hearts daily!

When you remember those three things; you may not have earthly treasures, and you may feel like nothing or nobody but you are truly rich.

*Mike, I pray everyone receives true and deep revelation of what we mean to God and what He should mean to us. I appreciate you sharing this message and for allowing the Shepard to guide you, so you can lead His flock (Covenant Bible). I pray this blesses you as a tribute to you and for this amazing message of an oft-overlooked parable.

Tad, I am deeply saddened for you, Leah Beth and the girls' loss, as well as Tammy, Jeremy and y'alls little girl, and while I pray for comfort and peace that surpasses all understanding over the holidays for y'all; your Mom has with her treasure. . . We had a beautiful talk about the Lord about 8 months ago and about life and I had never seen her so happy. Continue being a blessing to people and awaiting y'alls great reunion!

Nothing Fancy ~ Jesus Loves You!!

I want to share the best news you'll hear all day-- Jesus loves you!

Before you smirk and think here we go again then tune me out, I really want you to hear me. Jesus doesn't love you like _______ (you insert name here) who only loves you on their terms, who may let you down or in a one-way fashion where you're putting forth the majority of the effort in the relationship; He really loves you!!

Truly, madly, deeply, passionately and unconditionally. God's children, His creation and the apple of His eye, chose to be disobedient in the garden of Eden and that separated us from Him. That separation just grew and grew as people continued to satisfy their own desires with little consideration given to the God of Abraham.

God could've chosen anything as a sacrifice for our sins. Anything-- a lamb, a ram, a goat or any other animal that would be placed on an altar for atonement of our selfishness and disobedience could've been offered. But God chose ONLY the very best because even though we've chosen, and will choose, other things over Him, that's how enamored He is with His children.

He could've scrapped his creation, gone back to the drawing board and made beings who would be more obedient, but what greater love is there than the love that does not exist out of a sense of obligation, but only out of choice? That's why He gave us free will to begin with. He wanted fellowship, but not robots.

The Father also sent His son Jesus, Yeshua (His name in Hebrew), as a guide for how we should live our lives. If that's not loving and nurturing enough, God then selected 40 authors to record the greatest story ever told-- Creation, betrayal, love, sacrifice, redemption, hope! We have a model to emulate. He has never and NEVER will give up on us! That AMAZES me . . . we truly grasp just a few drops of the deep ocean worth of love He has for us!!

Can you imagine being Jesus? He had ALL of Heaven's power at His disposal when the soldiers came to arrest Him in the garden. We think a Christian life takes unrealistic discipline and self-control . . . try telling that to Jesus. He was STILL God, still deity, but was in the shell of a human with all the emotions, temptation, thoughts and struggles we face daily. That type of discipline is way past amazing and inspiring.

Or back up to when Satan approached our Savior at his weakest point. He hadn't eaten for 40 days and the Devil saw that as his opportunity to pounce. He offered him unlimited power, he offered him the whole world's kingdoms, he offered him riches that would make Solomon blush. But He loved His Father too much . . . He loved you too much to bow to him! Yet we can't choose God in a tough situation? That makes no sense to me.

They beat Jesus. They mocked Jesus. They spat on Him. They whipped him with cat and nine tails. At the end of each strand of leather there were pieces of rock and glass. They kicked Him. They punched Him. They dug a crown of thorns into His skull. They then made Him carry His own cross up a hill to the Place of the Skull Golgotha.

What kept Him going when he was bloodied, mangled, had no energy, dehydrated and weakened to His very core was YOU! Your face, my face, your sin, my sin . . . His love for us. He knew this mission HAD TO BE completed to reconcile us back to His Father! It would have only taken a thought, a single thought, to end the endless torture He was enduring. Yet, He didn't because He wants to spend eternity with EVERY single one of us who humbles themselves, admits they're a sinner, asks Him into their heart as their personal Savior.

He paid a price He didn't owe and one we couldn't pay, but this price was paid with the ultimate cost
-- His life. This SHOULD compel us not to live how we want to live, but to let Christ, through the Holy Spirit, live through us in such a way we are obedient and show the Lord how much we appreciate and love Him and what He did for us! We should be grace-defenders, not abusers by thinking we should live any ol' way we want.

'No one who lives in Him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen Him or known Him.' (1st John 3:6).

'God paid a high price for you, so do not become enslaved by the world.' (1st Corinthians 7:23).

'But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.' (Romans 6:22).

So the next time you find yourself at the crossroads of walking the narrow path that pleases the Lord or heading down the wide path that leads to distruction, think of Jesus and how much He loves you!

Use His unconditional love and faithfulness as reasons to love Him more and choose life, choose pleasing the Lord over your own desires.

But if you do miss the mark and sin, thank God there is always GRACE!

Remind Me Who I Am

I've been there before. Mad, sad, frustrated . . . just plain tired! Sick and tired of being sick and tired.

It seems like every time you get your head above water, the waves of life knock you back under and you are left gasping for air. The current is so strong and waves so forceful you feel like you are still submerged even when you're not. If God loved me so much, why am I going through this?!?

That's the question you want answered and honestly I don't have that magical answer for you. I wish I did, but what I do have is hope. What I have is encouragement you are going to make it through. What I have is PROOF the Lord loves you and hasn't forgotten about you!

Do You Not Know!?!

Do you not know sisters and brothers, if you were the only one left on earth God loves you so much He still would've sent His son Jesus to die on the cross for you? Do you not know when Adam and Eve chose sin in the Garden of Eden, it caused a great divide between His beloved creation and God? Jesus was and IS the bridge that gets us back into right relationship with His Father.

Do you not know you are God's worksmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do?!? (Ephesians 2:10) Since you are His worksmanship-- You should walk with a king mindset . . a queen mindset . . not entitlement, but just knowing who you are. It's knowing you can achieve anything you want to achieve-- no dream is unreachable, no aim too high-- if you have faith, believe in yourself and work hard at your craft! In doing so, you don't have to 'settle!' Having a royal mindset-- me being a young king-- I walk with assurance in who I AM, but I also walk with humility, knowing everything I have the Lord can allow it to be snatched from me just like that *snaps fingers*

Do you not know you are God's friend? Take a moment to wrap your mind around that! You are friends with the Most High . . . the Creator of the Universe. 'I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not understand what his Master is doing. But I have called you friends because I have revealed everything I heard from my Father.' (John 15:15).

Do you not know you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness (1st Peter 2:9). CHOSEN: One who is the object of divine choice; one who is elected. You are ROYALTY-- a young king . . a young queen (no matter your age compared to the Maker of time, you are young)! You may not feel too 'royal' right now. You may even feel like a royal screw-up, but beloved you are SO MUCH MORE than that! You are the apple of God's eye!

Do you not know you, YES YOU, are a joint heir with Christ?!? 'And if children, then heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ--if indeed we suffer with Him, we may also be glorified with Him (Romans 8:17, Galatians 4:7) Wait a minute . . . what did I do to deserve such a high standing? Absolutely nothing. It happened through the blood of Jesus dying on the cross for you and you asking Him into your heart as your Savior.

But you don't understand the type of person I've been. I am not worthy of such titles. Maybe that's who I was supposed to be, but through my bad decisions I've voided myself off that list. No you haven't! If there is breath in your lungs, it's not too late for you. There is hope. Check out 2nd Corinthians 5:17, 'If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; what is old has passed away-- look, what is new has come!' Isn't that GREAT news?!? Doesn't it just make you want to scream!?

How is this possible? God is merciful, God forgives, God is love, 'For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness and their sins and their iniquities, I will remember no more!' (Hebrews 8:12). The blood of Jesus is spiritual Wite-Out. It erases our sins completely. That's incredible! Don't believe me? 'I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for my own sake and remembers your sins no more.' (Isaiah 43:25)

Do you not know your citizenship is found in Heaven? As Christians, we are just 'passing through' like hitch hikers. I honestly believe when we make it to our Heavenly Home we will experience the greatest feeling of deja vu/vous we have ever experienced. . . like taking that feeling of making it home after a vacation and multiplying it times infinity.

'But our citizenship is in Heaven, and we also await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.'
(Philippians 3:20).

Do you not know Jesus and you have the same DNA? We have heard we are made in His image (Genesis 1:27) so much I believe the gravity of what that truly means often times is lost!

'Put on the new man who has been created in God's image-- in righteousness and holiness that comes from truth (Ephesians 4:24)'

This is Great News!

So, the next time you feel inadequate. It could be you don't have a job. You don't have a girlfriend, boyfriend or maybe you're a little older and aren't married yet you have many family members and friends who are and who have children . . . don't be downcast! Remember not only whose you are, but remind yourself WHO YOU ARE as well!

Our hearts are fickle. In fact the Bible says it is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. (Jeremiah 17:9)  Sometimes it tells you you will die without that special girl or boy. Trust me, I've been there and still battle that daily. There is but One you would die without and His name is Jesus! Don't believe your heart, when it's telling you you are hopeless without that one special person, believe the One who occupies it. Remember you are His workmanship. If God had a trophy case, YOU would be the centerpiece. What an incredible thought!

We all struggle with sin. It's a never-ending battle. Some people struggle with little bit and some struggle with a lot, but it's a battle we too often lose. We are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37) and we can also rejoice in the fact the Lord's strength is made perfect in our weakness (2nd Corinthians 12:9) and that He will provide a way out in the moments of temptation (1st Corinthians 10:13).

Remind yourself in those moments when your flesh is calling out to you, wanting you to be the 'old man,' you are a joint heir of the Kingdom of God. You are a citizen of Heaven and you are made in God's image. You can overcome. I believe in you! I've always felt the place all Christians want to achieve, their place of Nirvana, is where the satisfaction of being obedient to the Lord overrides your own desires.

You may be dealing with sin. You may be dealing with depression or feelings of inadequacy. It could be you're having a hard time finding a job or maybe you're struggling with addiction. Maybe you have gotten too caught up in 'status.' Is there any greater status than being God's son or daughter-- a joint heir, His workmanship, His friend and part of the Royal Priesthood? Or you may feel like it's 'too late' for you to be redeemed. You have messed up over and over again. Everybody who has ever believed in you, you feel you have let down through making another bad decision. It's not!

If we could see ourselves through God's eyes for a solitary second, our devotion to Him would change, we would never feel not good enough and we would walk with a boldness and stronger faith than ever before. Join me in asking the Lord to reveal to you how He sees you. Your life will never be the same.

'For He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world that we may be holy and umblemished in his sight in love.' (Ephesians 1:4).

'In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses (sins) according to the riches of His grace.' (verse 7).

So the next time you're struggling with anything, ask God to remind you WHO YOU ARE!

He will.

Please check out Jason Gray's song 'Remind Me Who I am.' I believe it will encourage you greatly and serve as a much-needed reminder of who you are!

There's Always Next Year

It's too much like work.

I'm going through a divorce.

I don't feel like it.

She probably won't get to play much anyway!

There is always next year.

One by one, that was the list of excuses I gave in 2006 of reasons I wasn't going to watch my little sister Karson play, as a sophomore, varsity basketball at point guard.

It was true. I was a sports editor for the county newspaper and although I'm an avid sports junkie and fan, going to games had started to feel like I was at work. I couldn't just enjoy the game. My ex-wife is a good woman. She just wasn't suited for me . . . instead of telling her leading up to the wedding I went through with it because I did care about her. The result was less than a year after saying our 'I dos' we were living two separate lives underneath the same roof and I honestly wasn't in much of a mood to socialize with people.

I was SELFISH.  If I didn't feel like going to a game, I wouldn't go or anything else for that matter. If it inconvenienced me, you could just go ahead and count me out! She will only play a couple of minutes of mop-up time. After all, she was an undersized guard playing varsity a year early, so the odds of her playing much weren't very good.

And finally, the easiest and best excuse of all . . . 'There is always next year!' There is always next year, there is always next month, next week, the next day, so it was really no big deal if I missed my little step-sister's basketball game. She would understand and besides she loved me and knew I loved her. Cankles, that's what I called her picking around with her because there was no distinction between her calves and ankles, would be a standout at least in her senior year and I would be there for as many games as possible.

Only One Problem

Mitzi, my wife at the time, walked into the living room.

'Karson died in a car wreck,' she blurted out in the most blunt way possible of giving me the news I would never hug my 16-year-old sister again.

What happened next was a blur. I punched holes in my wooden door, kicked a hole, went outside and pounded the ground as tears flowed down my face. I sobbed, I weeped, I would calm down then repeat the process like clockwork before my big sister (Julie), who was closer to Karson than I was and grown even closer in the final year of her life, came and picked me up.

We headed to Grace Hospital where my family and I were briefed on what happened in a car accident that took Karson Victoria Carroll's life and Matthew Potter's. As I'm listening, I hear the doctor, or state trooper, hell I don't know which, tell us she died in a black Camaro.

This couldn't be happening! See my childhood best friend Jonathan died our sophomore year at Western Carolina in a black Camaro. I couldn't imagine that life would be so cruel as to rob me of two of the people I loved the most in the same car . . . not once, but twice!

We then walked into the morgue before they haul them off to the funeral home. There was my little sister on a metal gurney. I still remember how cold that room was to this day! I can feel the icey-chill on my skin as I write this . . . if only I could feel her breath.The beautiful smile gone forever, her playful giggle, her soft touch, her cuddles . . . never again. I would say she looked so peaceful, but angelic would be a much better word to describe how she looked as my mind tried to process something I never thought I would have to see.

It was agony. That's a memory that stays with you like gum on the shoe of your heart. It never disappears!

I heard Karson's spirit speak to my spirit in that moment.

'It's OK brother, I'm not here.'

I can't describe to you the peace and closure that brought me.

I remembered some of her last words, 'It's OK Poppy (my Dad), if I die I'll run straight into the arms of Jesus!' That's exactly why she wasn't there. She was in Jesus' arms in Heaven.

I Learned the Hard Way!

I learned there is not always next year. There is not always next month, next week, the next day, not even our next hour. For that matter, we aren't guaranteed our next heartbeat, the next breath we draw in our lungs, our next thought or next blink of our eyes. Each moment is a precious gift. No matter how we spend that moment, it is nonetheless invaluable.

Since then, I've quit being nearly as selfish. Of course I have room to grow, and can still think of me FAR more than I should, I've made a big change! My little niece Madison's soccer games when she was six years old, seven, eight etc. were not a burden, but became a joy to attend. See, it didn't matter how much she played, if she scored any goals, had any assists or if her team won . . . the important thing was I was there. I was there as a tangible expression of my love for her, to show her my support and to share in that moment.

Before Karson passed away, I couldn't imagine waking up at 8 a.m. on a Saturday to go out to a freezing cold soccer field for an hour and a half to watch soccer, but after the fact I set my alarm every time Madison had a game.

I wasn't always in the most cheerful mood, and sometimes was still half-asleep, but I was there right there alongside my Mom, Buddy, Julie, Mamaw, Dad, Madison's Father Mark and other members of the family. Now Madison is grown up, a freshman in high school, and she runs track and cross country. I don't go to every single event she does, but I am there. I text her prayers before she runs and I also go to some of her meets.

Every single day of my life, I beat myself up, but ultimately deal with the pain and agony that comes from the selfish decisions of my past, who the old John Mark was. I am learning to forgive myself, but I haven't reached that place yet and honestly who knows if I ever will, but I am FOREVER changed!

My other little niece, who is named after our little sister, Karson Faith is three and Lord willing we will get to watch her play sports as she grows up too. I don't have my own family as I am not married and don't have any children, but my girlfriend Sara has two-- Tyklen (4) and Finley (19 months).  It's changed me with them too. I may not always feel like wrestling with Tyklen, pushing them on the swing, kicking the soccer ball, throwing the football, or any other kind of ball with him. I don't always have the energy to be the 'giant'  or let him mistake me for a jungle gym, but I do.

While I did not help conceive Tyklen and Finley, I love them like my own and when they're being whiney, crying, fussing and ugly or disrespectful, I remember I'll never get this moment back, so it's less about what I feel like doing, or if there is a football game on I really want to watch and more about them! My amazing Sara and I both know they're only this age once and we don't want to miss out on a single thing.

I made a promise to myself I would never miss out on validating my family and friends again. I show them and tell them how much I love them often-- in a text, with my voice, found in a sticky-note or in a warm embrace or soft kiss. I take a ton of pictures because I realize simply tomorrow is not promised and I want to document every step along life's journey along the way!

I try to appreciate every single day I'm on Earth . . . each day the Giver of Life blesses me with one more. I don't, but I do try. I try to live, love, laugh and give, all in and through Jesus, as much as I can. I give the shirt off my back even when I don't have it to give. I'm not patting myself on the back because 'I' do NONE of it, He does it all! Many things, good and bad, can be said about me-- some true and some not-- but I deeply appreciate my God, my Savior Jesus, my family, my friends and moments that intertwine this beautiful tapestry we call LIFE . . . like a man who has been given a second chance because I have!

My Advice

I'm not famous, I'm not a pastor, a counselor and honestly have no professional training whatsoever, so you can take this for what it's worth. But, don't wait until next year! To the moms and dads reading this, even if you've only acted like a mother and father to your children, it's never too late to take an interest in your kids. The reality is, you can give your kid everything they want . . . spoil them rotten, but ALL the gifts in the world won't replace the one thing EVERY kid (no matter the age, no matter the race, or socio-economic background) LOVE.

All kids want to know they belong. Every single person who lives wants to be accepted, affirmed and validated. See death is not the only thief of these moments, but time is as well. When your kids, or your parents, grandparents or friends are a certain age, they are only that age once. The older I get, the faster the years go and talking to my dear friend Mary (103), who is like a second grandmother to me, has given me even more of a sense of urgency because she says her life (the longest one I've ever known) has gone by just like that *snap of a finger*

Avoiding the 'There's always next year' epidemic doesn't just apply to the people in your life, but also to the dreams you have. It applies to things you would like to mark off on your Bucket List, what you want to accomplish, who you want to become, who you need to forgive, who you want to emulate and the lives you want to make a difference in.

Take my advice and not only pursue the dream God placed in your heart or chase it, but do it NOW! Yes, chase the Dream Giver, but in doing so become a Dream Liver. It's not easy to step out of the boat and run toward your dreams when the devil's fear of failure, feelings of insufficiency and past hurts leave you paralyzed with fear, but no exciting journey begins without taking the hardest step of all-- the first one.

Quit putting off. Stop delaying.  Whatever dream the Lord has given you, and not only given you the pursuit but equipped you with the gifts and talents necessary to accomplish that dream, go LIVE it TODAY.

I'm urging you to accept this counsel, but if not . . .
'There is always next year!'

Just one Look

Just one look of your eyes made my whole world stand still
How can someone as gorgeous as you also be so real?

My eyes adored though I couldn't take your hand
Just one look makes me feel like the luckiest man

To look into your pupils is to journey to my dream
My heart explodes with love my soul wants to scream

You are altogether beautiful my darling I am so blessed
Just one look calms me down when I find myself stressed

Holding you in my arms I've already won the prize
Proof God saw my tears and heard all my cries

You make every fiber of my being come alive with just one touch
Each glimpse of your beauty a reminder of why I love you so very much

I close my eyes to breathe you in as I taste you on my lips
Feel your hands on my back as they slide down onto my hips

I feel our bodies morph into one as we form a warm embrace
Your touch is softer than any satin or lace
Where as others wrote a chapter, you've already written the book
You stole me away and captured me and it only took you just one look

Song of Songs 4:7 & 9

The Shufflers

He shuffles across the parking lot and bathes in the creek
Though he's clean his clothes look like he hasn't bathed in weeks

People stare, people laugh, people act like he can't see them at all
They don't know his story, or feel his pain, they only have their gall

He shuffles along the highways and sleeps on a bench in the park
Wanting just one person's flame of love to create in him a spark

He's been cold so long, he's forgotten how it is to be warm
Being hungry, laughed at and hopeless has long since been the norm

He carries his medals in that old shopping cart as grenades echo in his mind
He served in Vietnam, flames took his family, this life hasn't been too kind

He slips his hand underneath his shirt, holds his cross and for a brief moment clings to hope
That moment turns to peace as tranquility helps him cope

You painfully shuffle along in your heart, while he shuffles only with his feet
He wonders aloud what it would be like to be human, that would be so neat

Their missions don't last just hours or days sometimes they last a life
Complete with kids, a job, a home and a loving, supportive wife

So as angels shuffle among us may about you they give a good report
As you hand him a warm meal, God rejoices your parents didn't abort

John Mark Brooks
Copyright Nov. 1, 2012

Santa Claus vs. God

One of the best litmus tests of our hearts Christians can take is through asking a simple question, 'Do I want a Santa Claus God?'

What do you mean? Santa Claus is a mythical figure with no proof of existence, while the other is the Being credited as being the Creator of mankind and the universe . . . they have nothing to do with each other! You're right, but many believers treat the Lord like Santa Claus.

To me, it's elementary-- IF you could ONLY have one . . . would you choose God's blessings or would you simply, yet relentlessly, choose Him? The sad reality is many followers of Christ would much rather have His gifts instead of Him. Think about it, and I'm not casting stones, but how often do you ask Him for MORE of Him vs. asking Him to bless you or lifting a loved one's dire situation, or needs, up?

I'm not saying intercession is bad . . . in fact, we are implored to lift each other up in prayer, but what I am saying is this-- do I want God's hand or do I want His face? Do I want His shadow, things that leave behind residue of Him being there or do I want the Lord Himself?

Christ comes before ALL things and in Him ALL things hold together (Colossians 1:17.) That's what the Holy Word of God says, but if you take a glimpse around-- at home, at school, at work and even at church-- you would think it was written the other way around. 'All THINGS come BEFORE Christ and in them ALL things hold together!'

What if you had a friend, and sadly many of us have had them before, where the only time they would come around or call you is when they needed something. They wouldn't talk to you otherwise . . . it wouldn't be long until you told them to kick rocks barefooted, would it? Doesn't that show you how merciful, loving and patient God is? Long-suffering doesn't even begin to cover it! I believe alongside gratitude and worship, the greatest gift we can give God is US . . . just talking to Him like you would do any of your other best friends. Constant conversation is what we're encouraged to do.

'Pray continually and without ceasing. And in all things give thanks!' 1st Thessalonians 5:17-18.

In other words, NOT just when we need something.

See one of the greatest tricks the enemy Satan has up his sleeve is getting us to focus on God's blessings instead of the Giver of those blessings, encouraging us to focus on our dreams instead of the Dream-Giver . . . or simply to get us to direct our gratitude for God moving in our lives into idolatry. Man, that Devil is sneaky!!

Somebody call 911

This is not my analogy . . . in fact, I've heard it several places, but the reality is a lot of Christians serve a 911-God. They only call on Him, say His name or bow their head and hit their knees when something bad happens. As much as He's given, His only Son, His presence (Holy Spirit), our many blessings (life, health, food, water, shelter, our families and friends), does He deserve much gratitude? Shouldn't we talk to Him just because of WHO HE IS?

Then when you consider what He's given, and what He continues to give, isn't He worthy of our fellowship? I mean the very fact you woke up this morning and are reading these words is enough to give Him praise-- is it not? A lot of people, if given the opportunity to talk to one of their 'heroes' on a daily basis, or even more frequently, would not only jump at the chance, but they would rearrange their schedules to talk to their favorite athlete, entertainer or political figure!

There is One far greater than ANY star who wants to talk to you daily. Why look to a star when you can talk, and more importantly listen, to the very Entity who hung the stars, knows them all by name and put breath in the lungs of the celebrities you look up to and want to emulate? Every day, every hour, every minute, we have the AWESOME privilege of talking to the Creator of the Universe and yet we don't!! That blows my mind.

I'm not persecuting you as I'm guilty of not talking to the Lord nearly as much as I should want to! But I hope this makes you think of the God you serve!

He's Not Santa Claus, He's NOT the Police . . . He is the I AM

God is Jehovah-Jireh (Our Provider), Jehovah-Shalom (the Lord of peace), Jehovah-Rapha (the Lord who heals), Jehovah-Kadesh (the Lord our Sanctifier). He is something we often times forget, but He is El Shaddai (the God who is more than enough!) But perhaps above all those things-- His name, and nature, can be summed up in two words-- I AM.

I Am the Creator.
I Am the Savior.
I Am the Healer.
I Am your Father.
I Am the Trinity.
I Am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, all things seen and unseen.

Or as Valerie Delp described God, on Christian.families.com says,

'God is eternally existent . . . He laid the foundations of the earth and created all things. God is the Alpha and Omega . . . just as He created all things, He will exist forever. God is unchanging. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.'

When I close my eyes in worship, sometimes set to music and sometimes in pure silence, I just wish I could see His face. I wish I could see the angels, the elders, the redeemed sinners who've gone on before all in perfect harmony worshiping my God and King. Sometimes in the midst of just darkness, I am frustrated, but I really believe the reason the Lord often times doesn't allow us to see concrete, vivid images of Him is because, 'Would we continue to seek Him as earnestly if He so easily revealed Himself to us?'

I know I wouldn't.

While I may never catch a glimpse of God while here on earth, or if I am blessed enough to see Him through visions, whether I am given much or little, in the way of blessings, two things will remain the same. I don't want one single crumb from Heaven if I can't have the One whose hands it falls from and the cry of my heart will forever be,

'My heart says of you, 'Seek His face!' Your face, Lord, I will seek.' Psalm 27:8

Until my eyes behold the most beautiful sight we'll ever see, our Creator and Savior's face, I will continue to seek His face.

The Three Reasons

It's the question everyone wants answered.

'Why are we here on earth? What's the purpose of life?'

To claim to know the answer, from God's perspective, would be me subscribing to a level of arrogance I simply refuse to do, but I'll tell you the three reasons I believe we live.

God wanted fellowship. Sure God has angels, of many ranks, to fellowship with, and we know angels have free will (see Lucifer), but for a reason we'll never know this side of Heaven, He wanted something more. He wanted a creation, made in His image, who would begin with a clean slate. What greater love is there than one that is CHOSEN? You see none of us 'have' to love God and Jesus . . . we all have the choice of whether to or not.

Before Adam fell prey to the serpent in the garden of Eden, God walked with Adam and Eve, He talked with them, he taught them, he loved them. Can you imagine what that must've been like?! The Creator of the Universe physically walking beside you and talking with you and although that was enough for them, the serpent was crafty and for one split second they let their guard down, entertained the temptation of the Tree of Knowledge and fell into disobedience.

Their choice changed things. God no longer physically walks with us, at least not where we can see Him, but His craving to fellowship and know us has not changed one iota! Jesus dying on the cross was the Great Reconciliation of us back to the Father . . . it was the ultimate in a long history of 'making up.'

Just like He wanted to spend time with Adam and Eve, and have them know Him, He wants to know us and have us know Him!

I've heard it said life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. I believe the moments we feel most alive are simply gifts from God. Moments so exhilirating we can't put them into words-- the times we laugh so much our stomachs hurt, or smile so big our cheeks feel stuck, our moments of achievement, our moments of education, our moments of sadness, our moments of failure, I believe are all presents. Without the bitter taste of defeat, would we fully appreciate the sweet taste of victory? Without the moments of pain, would we depend on God? Without doubt, would we turn to faith?

He loves us so much-- He allows us to have these special moments . . . warm embraces from the Father Himself. To see a beautiful sunset, feel the sun on our skin, see the radiant white snowflakes fall from the sky, to look into your child's eyes for the first time, to feel grains of sand between your feet, to be on the receiving end of that warm smile, soft touch, or kind word is to experience His love! To see your kid score a touchdown, win the race, make the game-winning shot or watch him hit a home run are all great, but the gift is not found in their performance, but in the simple fact you are sharing in that moment with them by watching them play!

Nature was created by God not just so the animals could have habitats, but as one of the most beautiful gifts this life can afford. The breaking waves reflect God's power and yet the ocean, when it's calm, also reflects His gentleness and peace. Trees bow down to their Creator when the wind blows. The wind itself blows throughout the earth, serving as a constant reminder He is with us. Rain falls, so while we may not be able to see Him, we can feel Him. The leaves change colors to serve as an example of how we should live-- though different in colors we are nonetheless beautiful and can co-exist with the same harmony of the trees.

ALL FOR HIS UNSURPASSABLE GLORY

I believe we are put here on earth to do one thing-- REFLECT God's glory. Each one of us are given gifts and talents. . . not just SOME of us. ALL OF US! And while the gifts and talents may be as different as the ones who possess them, the reason why they were given to us was for the same reason-- to give God glory!

One of my favorite scriptures is 2nd Cor. 4:7
'We have been made jars of clay, so everyone will see the unsurpassable power and glory belongs to God . . . not us!'

In my opinion, one of the most despicable things we can do is to use these gifts and talents for our OWN gain. To do so is idolatry. You can quote all the Scripture you want, and talk to the Lord without ceasing, but if you make your gifts, talents and life about YOU and not about the Father-- you need to check your heart!

That's not me saying that-- look what He says!

'I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols.' Isaiah 42:8.

They are meant to further the Kingdom . . . for everyone who sees them in action to say, 'Isn't the Lord great!?' Not so they can say, 'Isn't he or she great!?'

I know He could've chosen anyone to give the talents and gifts He has given me, so I'm learning how to show Him I am grateful for Him choosing me! I am trying to multiply them ALL for His glory! The pursuit of Him and to reflect His glory are the only things that matter. He, and His Kingdom, is the only thing that's real! Everything else is counterfeit.

I am not humble only because I know it's the right thing to do in God's eyes (Proverbs 25:6 and James 4:6), but rather because I know where my gifts, talents and very life come from . . . from above, 'Every good and perfect gifts comes from above.' James 1:17.

I strive to walk in humility and in gratitude because of that with the knowledge just as quickly as He has so freely given me these things, He can allow them to be taken.

Where's the Love?

The final reason we're here on earth is through Love (Jesus) pointing others to our Love!

I can't imagine how the Lord God Almighty must feel to see beautiful gifts and talents being used as idols . . . and as tools of destruction. . . to see gifts meant to reflect His glory and bring the beholder closer to Him being used as reasons to treat others like they're not even worthy of their time much less of their kindness. We all have issues with sin, but the way we treat others is the most elementary one to correct and it comes down to four letters-- LOVE!

The Bible clearly states this in many places, including the Matthew 7:12, which is known as the Golden Rule.
'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.'

'You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders, and all of you clothe yourselves in humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time.'
(1st Peter 5:5-6)

'And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humily, gentleness and patience.' (Colossians 3:12)

Being famous, having tons of money or big-time status does not mean you are better than anyone; it just means God has given you more so that you can can do more for the Kingdom with it! Take a look at Luke 12:48, 'To whom much is given, much is required.'

Agape love, the way we are called to love our fellow man, is a love without expectation. It's loving because He first loved us . . . truly altruisticly! When you put another's needs and wants in front of your own, embracing being a servant, that's when you have loved as God wants us to love. When you give, not out of an overflow of what you have, but out of faith that God (Jehovah Jireh) will make provision for you, so although you don't have 'it' to give now you give anyway; that's when you are being the arms and feet of Christ.

Does the way you love bring people closer to the Lord and does the love and joy you share cause unbelievers to want to experience that same type of joy and love through accepting Jesus as their Savior because they want it too?

We all have one life, and three reasons for that life, how will you live yours today?

Chasing after the Wind

OK, raise your hand . . . how many of you would run after a poisonous snake?

Anyone?

Hmmm . . . what about charging a lion?

Nobody?

Ooh, I got one. . . how many of you would run toward a bear?

I know what you're thinking, 'He's crazy!' Am I? We chase, no relentlessly pursue, things that are hazardous ALL the time . . . things that are dangerous to our well-being-- our spiritual well-being, thus harmful to our lives!

Let the Chase Begin

We pursue sex, money, power, respect, the opposite sex, status.  Pursue, pursue, pursue . . . chase, chase, chase until our feet get tired, but guess what? They don't! That's how the devil works. He knows there is just one piece left to complete our puzzle.  ONLY one puzzle piece remains one that will make us happy, give us joy and bring us peace. So while we look for it, Satan empties another box, pieces that don't even go to the puzzle, pouring the pieces onto the floor so we will quit searching for the one we need-- the One that COMPLETES our puzzle.

But something happens when we see all the pieces litter the floor of our lives, we try to make MANY fit the space they were never intended for. Sex, money, power, respect, the opposite sex status etc. NONE of those things are bad if used in the proper way. The problem is we are never satisfied!

God made us that way. The only dilemma of our thirst for more is it was given to us as a precious gift not so we could lust after things that, at best, can only bring temporary happiness. The gift is meant to be utilized in the way of Psalm 42:1, in that as the deer longeth for the water so our souls longeth after Thee (God), but surprise, surprise the devil corrupts and distorts it where we are longing after ANYTHING but Him and the innate instinct, when not used in the right context, actually becomes a bad thing! That's what the devil does . . . he takes Truth and sprinkles just enough of a lie onto it to seem like it's still truth. He takes something intended for our good and uses it against us.

Back to the puzzle, here's the kicker! While we frantically, and stubbornly, try to press these puzzle pieces in, we have the missing piece that DOES fit in our other hand. . . it's been there all along!

That piece is JESUS.

TRUE WISDOM

King Solomon calls ALL of it a 'chasing after the wind.' I will speak for myself in saying that I have been, and still am at times, a wind-chaser! 'Yet when I had seen all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Nothing was gained under the sun.' Ecclesiastes 1:11. This was not a successful merchant, fisherman or tradesman, this was the king . . . a king so materially rich, Bill Gates, Oprah, Michael Jordan and Warren Buffett are in envy of. I'll let the gravity of those words fall on you and I pray while they do the scales will be removed off your eyes.

Not only was he King, but he was the wealthiest . . . he had concubines (women galore), had a palace (the likes of which will never be seen again this side of Heaven), he had power, had the people's respect and diamonds and jewels Zales could only dream of!

Or what about, 'I have seen all the things done under the sun, all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.' Eccl. 1:14. Or what about  (See Eccl. 1:12-18.)

Solomon's eyes were opened to pursuing ANYTHING other than God Almighty is counterfeit, is not lasting and is ultimately not as meaningful as the Great Pursuit!

It's Time to Fix our Buckets!

Friends, how could we not be frustrated, depressed, sad, discontent with our lives? How many of us are wind-chasers? We have a bucket that we desperately try to fill. The only problem with our buckets is it has a hole in it! Yet instead of taking the time, energy, effort and humility needed for God to fix our buckets, we just keep trying to fill it. That, my brothers and sisters, is being human (remember we were all born sinners) but it is also INSANITY! Pure foolishness.

We watch hamsters and think how stupid they are for running in a circle and never getting anywhere. Yet, there is only a small remnant of believers who have remembered the puzzle piece is right there in their hand, who have gotten their buckets fixed and who have gotten off the treadmill. So, I ask-- how are we any different?

How do we get our buckets fixed? It's a process. I've heard, 'You don't come to Jesus ALL cleaned up, you come to Jesus to get ALL cleaned up,' and it's the truth. As a believer and follower of Christ, you are always on the gurney (surgery table). God, our Creator, is taking out of us things that hinder us and putting into us the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and I truly believe this surgery does not end until our earthly missions are over and we are in His presence either via death or at the Second Coming!

What's success?

The world views success as who has the biggest mansion, the nicest car, the best job, the best body, the most money in their bank account, who has the sexiest, most beautiful spouse, the smartest and most well-behaved kids. Those all equal status and status = success in our eyes. Yet, while many measure success with 000,000,000s, God measures success kind of like a golf's tournament Closest to the Pin competition, who can get the closest to another 0 . . . Zero selfishness and zero sin. Who can live, love, laugh and give ALL, and ONLY, through His strength and Him dwelling in them and for His glory!

Who walks in John 3:30-- more Jesus in their lives and less of themselves. Who is obedient? Who fights the fight daily by yielding themselves to Him and letting the Lord guide their paths? (Proverbs 3:5-6) Who shares Jesus and plants seeds of eternal life in non-believers? (Matt. 9:37)  Who delights in being just a clay jar (2nd Cor. 4:7), who worships Him, walks in gratitude (Psalm 63:3-4) and loves people in such a way they lead them to Him through their actions and treatment of others.

The danger of chasing is a double-edged sword unless you are pursuing Jesus, you either never catch all those other things or even worse you do, which WITHOUT Him IS deadly!

'What good does it do to gain the world, but lose your very soul in the process?' Mark 8:36

If you have EVERYTHING this life can afford yet do not have Jesus, you have NOTHING.

Thank you Jesus

Jesus, King Yeshua, I just want to tell You thank You!

When I deserved, and still deserve death . . . you instead gave me life. You extend mercy, grace, forgiveness and love to me every single day. Before I even ask for it, it's available to me. Your unconditional love amazes me! That of which I don't deserve and that of which I so eagerly throw away, you STILL so freely give!!

You died on the cross even though you knew all the ways I would turn my back on you during my earth mission. That is mind-blowing to me! How can I wrap my mind around a God who loves me so much He gave up His only child?!?

The very One who made it all with His breath is the One who dwells inside of me. How can that be when at best, I've been unworthy and at worst, I'm a miserable wretch? Lord, I just wanted to tell You how much I love You!! I want Sunday to happen every single day and every single hour in my heart and in my Spirit. I want my heart full of gratitude to serve as my worship to You and the way You love others, through me, to be my praise.

Let my smile shine like the Son, reflecting your glory, let my words bring forth life, my hands be a tangible reminder God is with them and my eyes shine with the hope You have given me!

Who am I that You would walk with me? Who am I that You would want to know me? Who am I that You pick me up and carry me when I am tired, when I fall down or when I throw myself down on the ground, pouting and throwing a tantrum because I don't understand or trust YOUR plan? I could use every single breath, of all the days passing through this dark world, declaring Your love and it would NEVER be enough!

You saved me! You not only died for me, but You forget my sin as soon as I confess it. You don't see how dirty, and destestable I am, you see me as being beautiful, WORTHY and clothed in radiance!! How can I not be amazed Father? Though you knew I would deny you day after day and had the knowledge I would say, 'No, I was not with Jesus. Who is this man you speak of,' You do the exact opposite. At my worst, when I rebel or when I am at rock bottom, You not only say, 'I know him,' but you call me Your son. :o)

People forgive me for smiling so much, but you would smile too if You knew exactly where He has brought me from! If you have seen the way He has made provision for me and the way He shows me daily how much I am loved. If you heard the sweet whispers He has spoken to my heart . . . or felt the warmth of His strong embrace, imparting a peace I never thought was possible wash over me like the sweetest wave, custom-made to fit me and only me. Only just like with waves, they are not just for me . . . but anyone humble and trusting enough to get in the water! Then you would smile too!

Jesus though you know I fail You, You still commission the angels to watch over me. You still protect me from the devil and his henchmen far more fiercely than we would even defend our own children. You guide me, You teach me, You hold me, You talk to me, You let me know how much I mean to You!

You . . . the Creator of the Universe! My mind, my soul, my heart, my mouth cries out in praise!! You meet my needs before I even know I have them and sometimes block my dreams because You know I can't handle them yet or because they wouldn't bring me the most joy . . . not because You are punishing me.

I see SO many people who have far more riches than I'll ever have who have it all EXCEPT You-- they may have a version of You and their lives are certainly coated in Your touch, but they don't TRULY know You. If they did, they wouldn't worship themselves or mistreat others. They would seek Your face and NOT just Your hand-- Your hand is marvelous, but Your Face is the MARVEL!! Yes, they have it ALL, but ALL they have is NOTHING. A void, a bucket with a hole in it that they try to desperately fill with anything they can find and yet nothing works.

I see myself and know there are FAR greater people than me-- they should have the talent You've given me, the gifts You've bestowed, they should have the food You feed me, the roof over my head, the car I drive, the job I do and because of that, I walk in immeasurable gratitude although to the naked eye, by worldly standards, I don't have much at all.

I don't have much money, but I am RICH in the things that matter! I can't even take credit for that . . . it's ALL You-- You come before all things and in You ALL things hold together! From breathing to good works to accomplishments I may achieve, I take NONE of the glory for ANY of it. You're the wires holding me up. I can't 'fly' without You!

Nothing fancy. No flowery language . . . no adorned words . . . just gratefulness from the very depths of my being. Thank You! Thank You while some freak out because the end of this world is upon us, I do not fear, I do not worry for the end of this life only ushers me into Your presence. I will trust in You . . . from the rising of the sun to its going down, You will be my Hope, my Best Friend, my Rescuer, my Strong Tower and Place of Refuge!

You have made me a new man . . . a new creation and I ask every single day while I'm here to turn me into a new wineskin, so You can pour New Wine, Yourself, into me. I walk with GREAT hope and with unfaltering expectancy knowing this life can NEVER bring an obstacle that together I can't overcome through faith . . . for when I can't, I simply KNOW you CAN!!

Thank you King of Kings and Lord of Lords~ every knee shall bow and EVERY tongue WILL confess one day. I thank You for me that is every single day I live.

This Seat's Taken!

Ever feel frustrated?
Ever feel not good enough?
Ever feel like there has to be more to life than this!
Ever wonder why you it seems like as soon as you get focused, you're right back to searching for clarity?
Ever wonder why you feel the need to keep up with the Jones?'

It all comes down to one reason . . . as Christians we have amnesia or maybe it's because we are TOO polite. How? Simple, the one thing we MUST say and remember is, 'This seat's taken!'

See there is a chair, a throne if you will, in your heart, in my heart and there is ONLY ONE Entity who should sit on it. . . Jesus Christ.  The problem is, as believers we have the WORST case of amnesia. Either we have forgotten the seat is taken or we are too polite to pipe up and say, 'This seat's taken!' We not only don't say it to other people, we won't even say it to ourselves in our own spirit.

There is a reason why the Bible tells us 'we must guard the good deposit in our hearts and with the help of the Holy Spirit protect its precious truth.' (2nd Timothy 1:14). In other words, we must learn to say, 'This seat's taken!'

We let way too many things take lordship over our lives: our husband, our wife, our job, our girlfriend, our boyfriend, our money, our family, our reputation and many more. Those are good things, but if we kick Yeshua (Jesus' name in Hebrew) off the throne of our hearts in favor of any of those, we are committing idolatry.

And God's Word is very clear about idolatry. 'Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be their's.' (Jonah 2:8). Or 1st Samuel 12:21, which says, 'Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are worthless!'

We kick Jesus off His throne far too many times and then curiously, and ironically, wonder why where our joy went! Why am I not happy? Why am I frustrated? Why am I not content? The dangerous thing is. . .

Where the Danger Lies

While it's a dangerous enough thing to rob God of His glory, thus, in essence, telling Him something is better, the dangerous thing is when we take sin and make it an idol. When we do that, it becomes a foothold and once Satan gets a foothold, he will soon get a stronghold. What do strongholds become? ADDICTIONS! Think about it. If it's a bad thing for good things to become idols, what is it when BAD things become idols?

Pick lust over Christ enough and sexual sin will wreak havoc in your life! It will run rampant.
Choose alcohol over the Lord enough and sooner than later you find yourself an alcoholic, wondering how you got to this place! Pick the love of money over Him and you will find yourself never satisfied always chasing after the next dollar that with itself will ONLY bring frustration! Pick your job and will always be hungry for status not for knowing Your worth in Him!

What's scary is many of our idols are not things we would think of. . . maybe it's love of a particular sport, movies, music or social media. These things are NOT BAD, but if you give it lordship over your life, they become bad! There are many who exalt people, who have been given exceptional gifts and talents, onto unrealistic pedestals . . . thrones they were never meant to sit on.

There is nothing wrong with being a 'fan' of a favorite athlete, singer or star, but why look to a 'star' when you can look to THE Star . . . the very Creator of the person you look up to! How foolish we ARE! Our adversary is SO slick, he takes good things and turns them into bad things . . . then will just as craftily take bad things and WRECK our lives with them! Through idols he will destroy our intimacy with Christ and leave us so discontent we won't know which way is up.

I'm NOT Casting Stones, but Give Him the Glory!

I have had, and still have, idols in my life. While it may be difficult, in our frail humanity, to completely eliminate them . . . the key is being able to address them and through HIS strength giving Him His seat back!

Our God is a jealous God-- not in a stalker, hiding in your bushes, sort of way . . . but He wants YOU. Your gifts, talents, heart and very life. He wants your attention, your time and your affection. And I think a GREAT adage to keep in mind is this-- Just as quickly as He has given you ALL of it, He can allow any one thing or ALL of it to be taken, so that He gets His seat back! The Lord does not take things away from us because He is a spoiled brat or because He desires to punish us . . . He does it because He LOVES us so much that He knows NOTHING can fill us like Him.

Walk with gratitude, quit walking in judgment, love one another, share His joy and hope with them. Stop acting like you have amnesia . . . We deserved, and still do deserve, death and yet He gave life-- let that be our latest memory and let us extend grace and forgiveness to others instead of the condemnation we so eagerly tend to extend.

Christians often times condemn others for the very thing God delivered them from! Talk about a bad memory! We must cut out this deadly case of amnesia!!

Hear that? That's God knocking on the door of your heart. Feel that? That's Him tapping you on your shoulder. He wants His seat back.

'I am the Lord; that is my name! I will NOT give MY glory to another or my praise to idols!' (Isaiah 42:8).

See that Distraction? No I was Distracted!

We live in a time where technology grows faster than a teenager and social media pops up like zits on their faces. There is MySpace (well kind of), Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumbler, 4Square, GetGlue etc. Seems like every six months a new one pops up.

There are computers, cell phones, computers in cell phones, TVs, Playstations, Xboxes, DVD players, stereos and about anything 'i', you and I can imagine-- iPads, iPhones and iPods. Ever thought to wonder why? Is it man using their God-given ingenuity, creativity and the natural evolution or is there something bigger going on?

The New Slavery

On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln freed all slaves with the Emancipation Proclamation-- a measure that thankfully changed our world for the better! But many remain in shackles, and while it has nothing to do with the color of our skin, it has everything to do with originator of slavery.

Who is that? None other than Satan, the fallen angel Lucifer, the Father of Lies and Ultimate Deceiver. How? What's the No. 1, but least thought of, distraction that keeps us from Jesus and our families? Technology.

Instead of throwing off everything that hinders us and riveting our eyes on Jesus, like Hebrews 12:1 implores us to do, we often times willingly put our shackles on and stop running. Who becomes our new master? Bingo, the Devil himself! No, I'm NOT comparing technology to the heinous, dispicable and evil act of slavery . . . I'm not even saying it is completely bad, but we don't see the distraction because we're too busy being distracted!

We don't notice the forest for the trees.

Don't believe we are in bondage? When is the last time you've gone an entire day without your cell phone? GASP! Many of you shuddered at the very question and propostion. Exactly. . . bondage!


This Isn't the 1950s!

Golly gee, you mean the computer, the phone and iPod are bad? Well shucks, you sound like one of those 'Jesus freaks' to me! None of it is bad, but wouldn't it be swell if we quit letting Satan run rampant in our lives through something that on the surface appears so innocent?

I know in my own life I've been guilty of running to him and begging for my shackles. I couldn't get on the computer fast enough, for hours at a time, and I would be lying if I said I shun modern-day gadgets, but what I've grown more conscious of is, I MUST find balance in using them. I remain a work in progress.

In the 50s, it was common for a family to sit down and have a meal together. No TV, no phone, no distractions . . . just each other. Conversation, laughter and validation were the iPhones, TVs and computers of their day. They fellowshipped, they enjoyed each other's company, they made each other feel important for that hour. It was a special time.

After dinner, they would gather around the TV and catch America Band Stand or listen to the radio, but for that hour parents and children had each other's undivided attention!

And now? We rarely eat dinner together and if we do it's guaranteed at least one person at the table has their cell phone out! Am I judging? FAR FROM IT! In fact, I used to be the world's worst! My Dad, my Mom and my sister made me aware of it and now I'm working on it. Rarely do I have my cell phone out at family dinners, during family time in general and when I'm spending time with my girlfriend and kids.

WATCH THIS VIDEO

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLb0KG6Umlw

Satan hates REAL relationships, but LOVES Distractions

The last thing our adversary wants is relationships. He detests us having a relationship with our God, so he encourages us to do ANYTHING but. He gets us B.U.S.Y.-- Being Under Satan's Yoke. A lot of this busyness is found no farther than our fingertips-- technology. See if the Devil can keep us distant from Jesus, isolate us, he can then pounce on us with frustration, sadness, depression and feelings of being discontent.

He first gets us isolated from our Shepherd (Jesus), pulls us away so we can longer hear His voice, causes us to separate from the flock (our family and other Christians) then gets us stuck in a thicket. I'm sure, by now, you can guess the thicket. What happens when we're stuck? He either kills us or nothing at all. In the thicket, he uses our natural tendency of doubt against us, manipulates our fickle hearts and the aforementioned feelings take over from there. We are miserable!

Finding Balance

The Lord asked Moses in Numbers 11:23 if His arms were too short? Do we believe God's arms are too short to help us find balance? Here are some suggestions on how to not find ourselves in the thicket.

Read the Bible.
Pray often~ talk to God.
Hear His voice (John 10:4 and 5) 'His sheep follow Him because they know His voice, but will never follow a stranger because they do not recognize his voice.'
Spend time with our families.
Validate our loved ones.
Cut back on the time you spend on our modern-day marvels.
Put away your phone during meals and 'quality' time.
Use your gadgets against Satan~ tell of God's love through Social Media. (Psalm 63:3 and 4).
Fast from things that have taken over lordship of your life. . . for hours or days.
Pick a day where you do not use your cell phone or computer.
Show the peope you are with, they are worth more (in that moment) than the person on the other end of that phone!

God will arm you with strength (Psalm 18:32). Do not fear for He will help you (Isaiah 41:10) and just go run your race in such a way as to win the prize (1 Cor. 9:24) straight to Jesus. Just put your cell phone down before you do.

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep ~ the SequeL

Now I lay me my faithful Lord
Of all the blessings this life can afford

Knowing You is simply the best
With gratitude as my pillow, I lay down to rest

I fell today, but You helped me get back up
Asking tomorrow that You fill my cup

Keep me safe from Satan's dart
& I ask You Jesus to touch my heart

May my words be soft, but my actions be loud
And each day Father help me make You proud!

John Mark Brooks
Copyright Sept. 14, 2012

Cross by the Road

There's a cross by the road, but it doesn't tell the whole story
A beautiful life came to a close and damn the end was gory

Two wooden sticks mark the end of your earth's journey
Once you were so alive then stiff carried off on a gurney

Your number was called before your time- at least that's what is said
Years pass, like cars on the road, but I still can't believe you're dead

Yeah that cross by the road makes me pause as I start to reflect
So many laughs, so many smiles, so many memories I'll protect

What was supposed to be a quick trip turned out to be your trip to the sky
And we're all left with broken hearts and tears while we ask the Lord why?

God simply allowed this conclusion for reasons we'll never know on earth
Because God had a special plan for you from the moment of your birth

I look at the cross by the road and think that could've been me not you
And think of the many days I give away though my days may be a few

I see other crosses by the road and I think of their family's tears, grief and pain
Trying to figure out why, is like counting grains of sand, it'll just drive you insane

But just like the cross 2000 years ago it took an ugly end for Jesus to make my life new
I don't remember twisted metal or shattered dreams, I just look at the cross and remember you!

John Mark Brooks
Copyright August 10, 2012

~Dedicated in loving memory and tribute to Jonathan David Brookins, my childhood best friend, and my little sister Karson Victoria Carroll~ I carry your dreams with me like a backpack and each day is like a trip to school. . . I pray I learn much on my journey and that I do not remain a fool.

GRAC3

SO undeserved yet nonetheless true
Mercy, grace, forgiveness~ that's You

I could use every breath to sing Your praises and it still wouldn't be long enough
You've never let me walk alone . . . on the prairie low or terrain that's rough

If I do not praise you Lord, the rocks and trees will surely cry out
Fill me up with Your Living Water then turn me into a spout

May the words of my mouth and Your love, through me, surely get them wet
May the overflow of my heart go toward the price I owe, my endless debt

Grace so unspeakably great, yet, about it, I can not keep my mouth shut
Love that pulls me out of the deepest abyss, yes, out of any rut

I've run from you, eaten the devil's candy, but I'd rather have your bread
I've been disobedient, walked my own way, now by Your hand I'd rather be led

You quiet my storms with a whisper that can only be heard by my Spirit
You give me courage to climb any moutain by telling me not to fear it

I humbly bow my head as I lay my crown at Your beautiful feet
For You my Savior died, so taht I would not feel Hell's unbearable heat

2000 years ago the cost of grace flowed down that piece of wood
Golgotha the place where our very worst changed into better than good

No fancy words just a sincere 'thank you' as tears roll down this sinner's face
No easy solution just a sacrificial, perfect love~ a love we call GRACE.

John Mark Brooks
June 27, 2012

The Verdict

'Judge, jury, ladies and gentleman, I would like to call your attention to the second piece of evidence
Exhibit B.'

Everyone looked at the table of evidence, except the Judge. He just smirked as to what was to come. Jing-a-ling . . . in one swift movement Jesus had jerked keys out of His pocket, but these weren't just any keys.

'Recognize these?,' Jesus said as He looked at the prosecutor.

'That look on your face was priceless when I rained on your victory parade and stopped the music to the greatest celebration hell will ever know. You thought I had died, but behold I Am alive! I snatched these right out of your gnarly claws (Rev. 1:18),' Jesus exclaimed!

'You were dead! I saw your lifeless, bloodied body hanging on the cross, saw them stick the spear into your side, place you in the tomb. I thought I had won that battle. I thought I had won the war. I didn't succeed in overtaking God, but I just knew I had killed His Son,' Satan hissed.

Jesus laughed.
'No need to cry over spilled milk."

'What I have here are the keys to Hades and to death. Like my dear friend Paul said, 'Death was swallowed up in VICTORY! Hades where is your sting? (1st Cor. 15:54-55) and I proved it that day!

The Messiah continued, 'Dad's plan worked!' he said as his voice raised with excitment. No surprise there . . . everything my Dad does is PERFECT!! But through my sacrifice on the cross, and resurrection, humans are able to be forgiven for their sins and have eternal life-- if they just believe, ask and do. Death is no more!'

With two pieces of evidence already presented, it was evident, judging from the jurors' reactions, this final witness was turning the tide.

Just days before a guilty verdict seemed like a mere formality, but now Jesus of Nazareth had laid the perfect foundation to prove His client was innocent. It was time for the third, and final, piece of evidence.

Exhibit C

Jesus took off his tie then unbuttoned the top button of his shirt. As he did this, there were murmurs throughout the courtroom. 'What on earth was He doing,' was what most people were thinking.

Like pulling something out of a stocking at Christmas, the Messiah had removed a necklace from underneath his shirt. But this wasn't just any necklace. Dangling from the cord was a bottle (Psalm 56:8).

Curiousity was at a fever-pitch as to what He was about to present. The anticipation was palpable-- like the kind those Wright brothers must've felt at Kitty Hawk in 1903 before 12 seconds that forever changed aviation and our world as we knew it.

'The contents of this bottle are from the day all of Heaven rejoiced. The day John Mark accepted me as His Savior, through his grandmother, when he was 5 years old in Elk Park, NC. These precious tears prove without any doubt my brother, my client and my friend is not guilty!'

Satan banged his fist on the table and hissed.

'But he's a fake! I've seen him over and over again do MY work and eat MY bread!! What he has proclaimed with his heart, and words, he has not practiced,' the prosecutor blurted out.

'There have been times my client has chosen this world, and his own desires, over me, but I rejoice over Phil. 1:6 . . . The work I have begun in his heart, WILL BE completed! You see that's what the blood, the nails and the cross were for-- the times my sons and daughters don't get it right,' Jesus said.

He continued, 'No, this grace, bought with a cost of my own life, should not be abused (Hebrews 10:26,27). It's as I have said, 'If you love Me, you will keep my commandments (John 14:15).' A simple truth, which requires great discipline and self-denial. I called out to him and he answered. I pursued him like a cheetah does a gazelle. I captured his heart, I inhabited his being and I speak and live through him.'

As Jesus stepped from the witness stand, something never seen before happened. Family members, friends and members of the public, who came out to watch the proceedings, all rose to their feet and applause detonated throughout the chamber.

'Worthy is the Lamb. Holy, holy, holy. We praise You, we worship You, we give You thanks! You alone are worthy,' they exclaimed.

The prosecutor knew he had lost after hearing Jesus defend his client. Furious, sad and without consolation from his legal team, he shouted.

'Make them shut up your honor! Order in the court! Make it stop!'

With great authority the Judge said.

'In my court, the praise NEVER stops! (Rev. 19:6,7)

The Verdict

Was I nervous? Sure, after all, it is my soul but the anxiety that once engulfed up my whole being had been replaced with peace and assurance (Col. 3:15).

'Has the jury reached a verdict?,' the Judge asked.

'We have your honor.'

'In the case of Satan vs. Brooks, the jury has found the defendant NOT-guilty. In addition, I sentence the prosecutor to eternal life in hell without the possiblity of parole,' the Judge said.

Every day we have the opportunity to strengthen the defense's case or the prosecutor's . . . whose will you choose?