Here I am again at Barnes and Noble, sipping some java and watching the world go on around me. I've been reading Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover this past week and I must say it is one of the most profoundly simple pieces of literature I have ever read. Just FYI, this post is going to hit on some issues very close to home for me. Those of you who know me probably won't be surprised. Those of you who do not, it is my prayer that you will be encouraged by the following paragraphs.
Believe me when I tell you this, no matter what your situation, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Be it financial, relational, physical, emotional or spiritual there is an advocate who is constantly without fail or rest working on our behalf to make us more that what this world says we are. That advocate is Jesus Christ. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus the Christ sits at the right hand of The Almighty Creator of the Universe and pleads on your behalf that our Father in heaven spare us from ourselves and through His grace and mercy lead us into a better place. A place where we begin to see God for who He truly is.... a loving Father who longs for His children to know Him more.
Now, on to the hard stuff. Hard for me, hopefully not as much for you. But, either way, here it goes.
I'm not perfect.....BAM! THERE IT IS! THE BIG SURPRISE!
Seriously though, I'm not perfect. As a matter of fact, I'm so far from it, I'm beginning to believe I must have at least another 50 or 60 years left in this world. Because let me tell you, not a day goes by I don't drop the ball in some shape form or fashion. But anyways, I'm not here to tell you how short I fall and make you feel better about yourself. No offense but no one is any better or any worse than me. My solace, my peace, my strength and my hope come from something greater than myself.....
August 31, 2004
I got drunk. No biggie. Same thing I did every day, right? Been doing it for a good decade now. Honestly it was something I was actually pretty good at. Gotta be good at something right? (note the sarcasm, please)
Today was different though. Today was the day that God Almighty had already set aside to save me from a life of pain and anguish. (now would be a good time to grab a cup of joe, take a potty break and maybe some popcorn because there is no condensed version of this story. You have been warned)
Now when I say God saved me from a life of pain and anguish, I do not mean my life has been all sunshine and butterflies since then. Far from it. The thing about finding God and living for Christ is there is sacrifice. For me, a lot of sacrifice, carnally speaking that is. I was a fairly materialistic individual you see. I loved to drink, I enjoyed my smokes, I always had a girlfriend in some shape form or fashion and I LOVED MONEY. I mean loved. Even when I didn't have it, I lived as if I did. I liked to rub elbows and make an entrance anywhere I went. ME, ME, ME, and ME TOO.
I'm not saying I'm the greatest salvation case in the world by any means. I'm only saying that it was and sometimes still is very, very tough to deny the flesh and rely on the spirit. and for every person who has, is or will find themselves in that place of complete emptiness, crying out to God for answers, the road is not an easy one......but......The journey and the destination are infinitely greater than anything you will ever get from this world. No drink, no drug, no man or woman, no amount of money or power can even begin to compare with the power of someone who walks in the Spirit. Seriously, I've seen some crazy stuff in my day. It all pales in comparison to the things God has shown me.
So, anyways, I got drunk. Went to work that morning. My boss and eye were having a bit of trouble seeing eye to eye so I decided he didn't deserve my managerial expertise. I winged my keys at his desk and told him good luck running the place.(See, i was a bit self centered. Not cool.)
I'm free! Cool, i just got the rest of the day or week for that matter off work. Might as well have a drink to celebrate. So, for the next 10 hours or so that's what I did. Then, in my smugness, i decided i would return to my most recent employers bar and have a couple more just for spite and good measure.(seeing a pattern here yet?)
Closed her down. It was good times, really. Midnight rolled around and it was time to make the 1 1/2 mile drive home. No problem. I did it daily for months if not years. So drive I did. Decided not only would I drive but I would drag race a buddy back to my townhouse so we could fire up the grill and have a few more drinks. (I won by the way) As we pulled into the parking lot safe and sound, my beautiful girlfriend stepped out the front door. Yup, this night was going pretty good. Except, those flashy blue lights behind my friends truck were annoying. Neighbors, sheesh. Wait, that looks suspiciously like a State Police Car.(I'm thinking, hmmmmm.....maybe he wants to come in and have a drink.) As the Trooper pulls my buddy from his truck I'm thinking, just get to the door. he's got his hands full with my pal. Just get inside. Smug as always. Little did I know, he had a passenger. And as I put my left foot on the ground I hear, "drop the keys and get up against the car." Well, I must say I didn't see that coming. This guys wearing jeans and a tshirt. Does he know who I am? He cant arrest me. He does have a gun though. That concerns me a bit. Plans change.......
Check back later tonight for more. I hope as you see what God has done in my life and those around me, you find joy, peace, hope and power in the One who has come to save us all. This world will suck you dry. It gives nothing in return. There truly is One Love, One Way, One God and it is my prayer that today you will begin to know Him in all His majesty and see what unimaginable things He wants to do in your life. Don't forget to check back for the second part of Coffee Talk 2.0
Mad Love for all of you Children of God,
J. Gabriel Brangers
Barbarian Disciple
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