The Genesis Factor Pt. 1

Genesis- literally the "coming into being or existence" from the Hebrew "bereshit" literally "In the beginning."

I asked myself, "what does this have to do with me?" God asked Job. "where you there when I laid the foundations of the Earth?" Job was not. So, most certainly I didn't have a hand in it either. Does that mean that Genesis is nothing more than and archaic story that documents our glorious yet humiliating beginnings? Sadly that is what it would seem.

But.....look closer. Does life not spring forth from all around us everyday?

Genesis 1:26-28 NIV

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

So God created man in his own image,

in the image of God he created him;

male and female he created them.

God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

God has granted us dominion over all living creatures in the earth. Although we ourselves have no power in and of ourselves, we are given limited access to our Father's unlimited power. The power to create and the power to destroy. This is the Genesis Factor.

How could a being so great and powerful entrust to us, the weak, frail and flesh-minded the power of life and death? Does God not know the wickedness that resides in the heart of a man? God's plan was never for us as His creation to carry the role of demi-gods. Instead, He desires to have us become a part of His "master plan".

Being created in His image, we are ingrained with a desire to create life and sadly apart from Him the will to destroy it. As disciples of Jesus Christ, being a part of God's ongoing creation draws us nearer to His heart.

Unfortunately, after the Fall in the Garden of Eden, the heart of man was severed from the heart of God. This separation has left us with the unquenchable desire to create and destroy without the pure and Holy motives of a Father whose only purpose is to love and be loved by His creation.

In Pt. 2 of this little snippet we will explore what creation means to us as children of the Creator and why our part in Genesis is as important today as it was when Adam breathed his first breathe of life in the Garden.

Hope to see you soon for part 2 of the Genensis Factor.

Blessings,

Gabriel

Barbarian Disciple

OK. I'm back!

Hey everybody! Long time no see. Yeah it's been a wild and crazy summer. I will be sharing all the amazing things God has and is doing in my life. But right at this moment I want to tell you guys and gals that no matter where you are at this exact moment, the Creator of the universe loves you.

Look around you and for just a moment be still and reflect on the unfathomable complexity of the world around you breath in. Now try to imagine how great and powerful the being is that could have created all of this not to mention the heavens above us. That wonderful and infinite being wants you to know one thing in this moment.....

HE LOVES YOU!

He wants to wrap HIS arms around you and embrace you in a way you have never even imagined.

I ask that for your sake and because of the love HE has for you that today you focus on the world around you. I pray that you will see HIS great might around you and open your heart to the love HE has to give.

Love and Blessings,
J. Gabriel
Barbarian Disciple

Who's in Control?

Sometimes finding the path you're supposed to be on can be a daunting task. It's mind boggling to me how one minute you are smack dab in the middle of what you believe is God's will for your life and then BAM chaos ensues. It's like going downhill on a bike. Things seem fine as you pick up speed and enjoy the ride but before you know it you're out of control as you accelerate faster and faster. Then you're stuck with a decision. Do you try to stop and regroup or let go and let God take steer you in the right direction? That's a scary place to be. Everything in you wants to hit the brakes and regain control but is that what God wants. Or does He want you to trust Him that He has you right where He wants you? Is this where you're supposed to be in the first place? Is God putting you in a place where you must rely on Him? Have you lost your way or is the Father just working to expand and stretch your faith?

Paul states in 2Cor 1:8-9, 8 We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters,s about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it.9 In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. NLT.


Is God moving in your life in a way that forces you to rely fully on Him. His word leads me to believe that in this life that is where we should live. Complete and total surrender to His will, fully relying on the Holy Spirit to carry us, guide us and direct our steps. It is then that we find ourselves out of control but completely in His will.

This life is not ours. It was purchased with a price. God bought our lives with the blood of His son, Jesus Christ. When He did that He gave us the unique privilege and honor to live for Him and the name of His son, Jesus. In return we can trust that He will fulfill all of His promises made to us in His word. He will never fail us. He will provide all of our needs. The righteous will never be forsaken and we have been made righteous in Christ.

I pray that this week you and I will begin to look at where we are at this exact moment and ask our gracious Father if it's time to let go of the handle bars and learn to rely on Him. He will not fail us if we humble ourselves and submit to His authority.

Then we will truly begin to live.

Blessings to you all,
J. Gabriel
Barbarian Disciple

Temple......

If the body is a temple, mine is in need of some home improvement. Just rode 10 miles on the mountain bike and man did it hurt. Think it's time to change that. If I can't discipline my body how can I ever discipline my spiritual life? Don't think biking is my thing though. Gonna start hitting the gym again. This could be the start of something great. I'll keep you abreast of my progress. If you don't hear from me in a few days, call for help. LOL

L'chai- to life,
Gabriel
Barbarian Disciple

On the way back from Florida. It was an awesome trip. So wish I could just travel all the time. Hang out with people from other churches and help people in need

Check out www.12stone.com

Atlanta....

Folks,
I'm in Atlanta at the Drive conference. North Point Community Church, Andy Stanley and about 3000 incredible Children of God. Check back tomorrow for details about what God is doing down here. He has already showed me so much in these two short days. More to come......

Blessings,
Gabriel
Barbarian Disciple

Saturday Night!

Just a quick plug. Saturday March 28th Josh Brown will be playing live at the Caboose Cafe in Cool Springs Center. 2407 Ring Road. Show starts at 7:00p.m. Join us for an evening of incredible music, coffee, food and fellowship. Should be a blast.

Blessings,
J. Gabriel
Barbarian Disciple

What are we?

Christian?

Do we even know what that word means?

Christ

1. (Judaism) The ‘Lord's anointed one’ or messiah predicted in Jewish prophecy.

2. (Christianity) (literally) The title given to Jesus of Nazareth, seen as fulfilling messianic prophecy; often treated as a personal name

-ian

1. (as an adjective) From, related to, or like.
2. (as a noun) One from, belonging to, relating to, or like

Christian

1. A believer in Christianity.
2. An individual who seeks to live his or her life according to the principles and values taught by Jesus Christ.

The Lord's anointed one, the title given to Jesus of Nazareth. The Man we call our savior. But, believing and following are two completely different things. According to the definition of the suffix -ian, just believing in Christ does not make you a Christian. Hitler was a man. He was for the most part what the history books tell us. I believe he existed that does not make me a follower of Hitler any more than believing Jesus existed makes me a Christian.

The definition of -ian say to be "from", related to or like. So how much are we truly like Christ. How often during the course of one short day do we do the complete opposite of what we know in our hearts what our Savior would have us do. Is it really that difficult? I'm not saying that it is or isn't, I'm just saying we know what Christ would have us do. it's right there in His word. He teaches us how to live with His words and His actions. If we really are from Christ would this world really be that difficult to overcome. Yet we see struggles, sin and pain everyday. And I'm talking about inside the church.....

to be continued....

J. Gabriel

How do you smell?

14 But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ's triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. 15 Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. 16 To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this? 17 You see, we are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit. We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ's authority, knowing that God is watching us.

2Cor 2:14-17

How does your life "smell". If we live our lives entertaining the world are we really living for Christ. The scriptures tell us that we will smell of death and doom to those who aren't in Christ. Take a look at your life and the things you find yourself doing most often. Then ask yourself, am I a sweet smelling insence to God? Or do I smell like the world. As for me, it's my prayer that each day I become more like our savior Christ. So, that when the world smells my fragrance and they are stricken with fear of death and doom that they will turn to Him. The only One who can save us from the impending death that is sin. I pray that you too are an enticing scent to our Lord so that others may come to know Him. May the Lord's blessing rest upon each of you as you live undignified.


In Christ, Your brother,
J. Gabriel
Barbarian Disciple

What to do when you don't know what to do.

7 Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. 8 You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.

James 5:7-8

God knows our needs better than we ever could. Be patient and wait upon Him. Continue to seek His face with all your heart and in His perfect time He will reveal His plan for you. No matter how great or small your trial, He has a plan for you. Never give up the hope that was given to you in your salvation.

11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you," declares the LORD,

Jeremiah 29:11-14a


Be encouraged. Let your hope rest in Him and He shall never fail you. God bless you all.

Gabriel

Back and better than ever!

Ladies and gentlemen,

My sincerest apologies for the delay. Things have been a little crazy around here lately but we're back and better than ever. Praise God and His Holy name. Check back tomorrow and every day for words of encouragement, hope, love and salvation. Jesus is ALIVE and he wants YOU. Be blessed so that you may bless others and let's live this life to its fullest. God bless each of you.

J. Gabriel

Keeping up to speed with Blogger mobile. New posts tomorrow.

God bless,
Gabriel

Food. Continued.

Ok. Back to the subject of food. And what a wonderful subject it is. Just so we are all on the same page, scroll down and read the post entitled, What about Joseph. Intermission. When you're finished shimmy back up here so we can continue diving into this wonderful aspect of life, faith and family.

Alright, let's start with the facts. The word food can be found 349 times in the Holy Bible(NLT).
Bread-258 times. Drink-346 times. Meat-83 times. Cheeseburger-Zero times(I did extensive research on this one folks.) Anyways, all jokes aside, I think it's plain to see that there is a little more to food than just providing nutrition for the body. Although nutrition in itself is an amazing concept. The complexities of this human body we are given are unimaginable. The intricate and beautiful design of life are beyond anything we can begin to fathom. God created man and gave us food to sustain ourselves while we are in this fragile yet amazing physical existence. Food is a gift from God Himself. A means to sustain ourselves while we are here to do His will. Therefore, how can we possibly take food for granted? The Hebrews knew this. They were fed with manna directly from heaven. They prepared each and every meal in accordance to the laws given to them from the Creator. Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking the restaurant industry. Heck, it's been my financial inlet for many years. But oh how we have bastardized the importance of food in this present day society.

Tonight was one of those nights when it was very clear to me that sharing a meal means so much more than just getting our bellies full. When was the last time you sat down with friends or family or both and had a nice meal and just shared eachothers company. I did tonight. And although my stomach was more than content, my spirit was satisfied. Tiffany, Theresa, Megan and Mike, thank you.

You see, sharing a meal with someone without the distractions of this modern world we live in allows us to share in eachothers life. This is how we grow as a family. We learn, laugh and live. Sitting down for a quiet meal with the ones we love or a total stranger just might bring you closer to God than you know. The need and desire to eat is something that we all share. Therefore it will always be a common thread that binds each of us. To eachother and our Father. Jesus shared a meal with His disciples on the eve of the most important and most trying day of His life as a man.

More in a bit. Take a few and think about how much food and sharing has influenced your life. There is so much more to be said. In due time.

In the mean time, I pray that you are blessed, encouraged and engaged by what you have read. I hope that this will push you to look deeper into the significance of what the world may see as routine. Nothing is trivial. God has a will for each and every moment of your life. Seek it with all that you are.

Be Blessed,
J. Gabriel
Barbarian Disciple

Check back in the morning for more on this post and the first of many posts on becoming more UNDIGNIFIED FOR HIM!