Author: Java And Jesus

Imagine this: sitting down for a cup of coffee.....with Jesus. Sounds too simple, huh? We chose the name "Java and Jesus" because it symbolizes the ability to have a relationship with Jesus no matter where you are in your journey. Maybe it was been years since you talked to him or maybe you do not know him at all. Our desire is that you know the love and freedom that come from knowing Jesus. We try not to over complicate the spiritual life; life is complicated enough! Many blessings as you seek out who you are.............in Jesus.

Jesus is Bigger Than the Government

We are only a few days removed from the Presidential Election.  Many are celebrating their candidate’s win; others are upset over the results.  I will not lie–I am not happy with the results.  But I have faith.  I have faith because Jesus is bigger than the government.

When you take a look at Scripture, Jesus is consistently talking about the Kingdom of God.  Jesus is not concerned with getting all political because Jesus knows that the Kingdom he speaks of it out of this world.  Many people expecting the Messiah (Jesus) to come onto the scene and overthrow the government.  Jesus mixed things up a bit.  Sometimes Jesus would work behind the scenes and do God’s work.  In other situations, Jesus would go right to leaders (political and religious) and give them the truth.

Jesus did what was needed–not what was popular.  He did not worry about what people thought of him.  Jesus could have played the political game and rode his way around Jerusalem like a king.  But Jesus had other plans.  He knew what was needed.  He picked average people to carry out an extraordinary mission: restore humanity.  Restoring humanity would take Jesus through the wilderness, ignoring Satan, getting sold out by his own followers, and getting nailed to the cross as a criminal.

Jesus was different.

And this is why Jesus is bigger than the government—regardless of whether our President is Republican or Democrat.

Jesus wants to restore people’s hearts.  Jesus desires to give each of us a purpose in life.  We are not here by accident and we should not spend the rest of our lives taking up space.  We must move forward.

Jesus is bigger than the government because he brings authentic hope and change.  The government deals with laws.  Jesus deals with the heart, mind, and soul.  The government promises provisions for all people.  Jesus promises peace that no government, person, and society could deliver.

Jesus is bigger than the government.

Where do you put your hope these days?

A Season of Change

The weather is changing.

Leaves are turning colors of bright red, burnt orange, and loud yellow.

You wear your favorite hoodie to battle cold, autumn mornings.

Your coffee cup contains flavors of pumpkin,caramel, or apple mixed into your coffee or tea.

Autumn is upon us.

This is a season of change.

As the seasons change, our bodies change.  We attempt to go to bed later in the evening due to darkness.  We also do not desire to wake up in the morning due to total darkness!  Mowing our lawns is less frequent but disposing of the avalanche of leaves has become our new priority.  Our lawn furniture goes into hibernation and our Halloween/fall decorations are hung with care.

Now is a  great time to evaluate our inner selves.  When I am talking about the inner self, I am talking about our hidden agendas, our pride, our fears.  So often, we approach Jesus with a half-hearted attempt.  We are tired from our jobs.  Stressed about relationships.  Concerned about our finances.  Don’t half-heart it with Jesus.

Some of us are recovering from spiritual abuse.  We have seen many horrible things done “in the name of God” by pastors or churches.  Whether these actions were on purpose or by accident, we look for some truth, some comfort, some PEACE.
NOW is the time for change.

When we seek change in Jesus, we ask for him to come into the dark place in our hearts and souls.  The dark place that shapes our hidden agendas and our arrogant moments.  The dark place that applauds us for being more concerned about looking Christian THAN being a Christian.  It is in the dark place that we stuff down EVERYTHING……our dreams and our desires.  We wander through life, through the motions, not really concerned about what we may produce.  We are living…just to get by.
Friends, Jesus does not want you to JUST GET BY.  He wants you to experience freedom from the things that hold you captive.  Jesus wants you to succeed at work, in your marriage and parenting, and in living out God’s plan for your life.  Who wants to be bored and just live each day for a paycheck and lose their dreams in the process?  This is not a wealth and prosperity gospel that I am bringing to you.  That gospel is weak–it just teaches that you pray quick, get rich quick, and that’s it!  BAM!  No, no, no.  The gospel I am telling you about is far bigger than that.  You will encounter trials and tribulations when you follow Jesus.  You will walk through darkness to get to the light.  But Jesus grants you…..peace.

Peace is not easily obtained.  We live in a fast-paced world.  Just go post on Facebook and see how fast “news” flies around.  We work more work hours now (paid or unpaid) than previous generations have.  We have much going on and it seems like time is flying us by.

Desire some change and some peace?

Pray–Ask Jesus to enter into the dark places and show you where you need to change.  When praying, also ask him if you are putting off any dreams or desires that you have smothered years ago. Remember that healing takes time.  Invite some people you trust to journey with you.

Look at your calendar–Look at where you are spending your time, energy, and finances.  If you volunteer, remember there is a difference between service and slavery.  Doing good things does not always fair well if you are doing them for the wrong reasons.

Mix it up–Maybe your routines need adjusted.  Try a new ministry at your church.  Read a new book or stop reading…..and attempt art or writing.  Allow your creativity to speak through you as you seek NEW.

How and Why to Vote…….

ImageMany of you reading this blog are watching the debate tonight between our current president (Obama) and Mitt Romney (possible future President).

I am writing this blog because I want to give you a fresh perspective on the Election.  FRESH.  This is not a campaign ad and I am not even putting whom I am voting for on this blog.  Not necessary at this time.

Here’s some ideas on HOW to vote:

  • Research the candidates.  Find out what policies they have passed and where they are headed in the future.
  • Chat with a few people you trust.  By people you trust, I am not referring to popular talk radio hosts. 
  • Take a look at your own beliefs, dreams, and values.  Do your morals line up with a particular candidate?  Are there certain dreams that you have that may happen (or be hindered) if a particular President takes office?
  • Pray.  It sounds simple enough but hear me out.  We live in a very tough economy.  People are desperate and desperate times call for desperate measures.  People are desperate and they will make dumb decisions.  Make a smart decision and pray.

Ideas on WHY to vote:

  • It is your duty.  As an American citizen you need to vote.  If you do not vote, then you really do not have a say in the direction of our country.  I know some will say “but I pay taxes”.  While this is true, voting is ESSENTIAL because the President has a say in where your hard earned money goes!
  • You are blessed.  In some countries, they are ruled by dictators.  They would love to be able to pick their ruler.  Exercise your right to who runs our country.

Now What?

Welcome to my blog!  Many of you whom are reading this used to follow the writings and podcasts we produced as part of 4-C Ministries.  You may wonder why 4-C Ministries is no more and I have started this blog.

  • Simplify-By maintaining just this blog, I am able to write more often which is what I enjoy doing the most.  I did enjoy co-hosting podcasts with other guests on our podcast site; however, constantly recording and editing podcasts is a time drainer.  Less is more, friends!
  • Focus-I have contemplated doing more writing and possibly piecing together a book.  This blog will serve as a way for me to continue to write to encourage and empower you as you seek to be more like Jesus.
  • Accessibility-It is easier for people to follow a blog than a whole website.  Enough said!

My prayer is this: When you stumble across this blog either accidentally or on purpose; I pray that you leave here changed.  I pray that you wrestle with Jesus and that he reveals things to you that maybe you have not examined (your desires, interests, shortcomings).

                                  – J –