No More Pretending...

Okay, we are into the New Year a couple weeks now. How are you doing with those resolutions? Did you make any this year, or just give up on even trying anymore? One of the things I am trying to keep focused on is being real. That's right...just be real. We are not expected to be perfect, but be real and let others see how we can face anything through the power of Jesus' name. With that thought in mind, I would like to share the following video of one of my favorite songs. It talks about just being humble and acknowledging that we don't have the answers and we need help. I'll include lyrics after the video, which will play the first verse and chorus only.

No More Pretending from Chris Ko on Vimeo.

No More Pretending by Scott Krippayne
I can look good when I want to
I know the right things to say
I cover up what I don't want you to see
But you see it anyway
Maybe I think I can fool you
Maybe I'm fooling myself
I want to change but I don't know how
And I need your help

Chorus
No more pretending
No more pretending
Lord, I know I need to tell you the truth tonight
But everything is not alright in my life
And I need you like never before
I don't want to pretend anymore

I'm tired of hiding my weakness
I'm tired of trying to look strong
I don't want to say that everything's fine
When there's so much that's wrong
Tell me again that you love me
Though it's more than my heart understands
And I will lay down my disguises
And show You who I am

No more pretending
No more pretending
Lord, I know I need to tell you the truth tonight
But everything is not alright in my life
And I need you like never before
I don't want to pretend anymore


Can you relate? I can...and I realize I need the Lord more and more everyday. I pray that this was encouraging to you today. Please let me know if you have a special prayer request I can word on your behalf.

Oh, by the way, thanks Scott for giving me permission to use your song. I appreciate you taking the time to answer my request! If you would like to know more about Scott and his music, head over to his site by clicking here.

What are you determined to know???

As I look forward to the New Year, I was looking up the mentions of the word "resolve" in the Bible on YouVersion. When looking, I realized I was searching under the Amplified Bible, which pulled up 1 Corinthians 2:2. I would like us to take a look at the passage, 1 Corinthians verses 1-5 (this is the KJV)..."And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. (2) For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. (3) And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. (4) And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: (5) That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God."

Looking to 2009, my prayer is that I am not drawing others to myself, but to Jesus!!! I must daily deny self and the sinful habits that can come so easy when walking in my own power. I like the way verse 2 was brought out in the Amplified version, shown here..."For I resolved to know nothing (to be acquainted with nothing, to make a display of the knowledge of nothing, and to be conscious of nothing) among you except Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and Him crucified." This just makes it jump out that much more...I need to worry not of the things that are of this world! My mind needs to be on Christ crucified...and realize that because of that crucifixion and resurrection, no matter what happens, therein lies my Hope!

Look at this passage and leave a note about what else jumps out at you...let's truly discuss the subject!!! More to come...

Please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf!!!

How was your 2008?

As I have been thinking about the past year over the past couple days, my mind has been on the abilities of God to use an imperfect being to achieve His perfect will. Many of my friends on Twitter saw a small note about what is to come in the following words in a short note I posted yesterday...

We are at a point in the year where we are all looking back on the past year, and looking forward to what the possibilities are for 2009. How many of you are planning to fall miserably? That was not what my mind was on either, but that is the result nonetheless.

Many times in my life I had bowed my knees and said God, you can have me...although I was still holding a part for myself. "Hey, nobody knows about my personal sins anyway, so it won't hurt, will it?"

I am reminded of the verse found in Romans 7:18..."For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. " Too often, I catch myself counting the works that "I" have done for God...but really, without the gifts He gave, none would be accomplished anyway, right?

I have to remind myself DAILY "that in me dwelleth no good thing"...I also must keep straight that personally I can not perform that which is good.

It has been one year since God chose to open my eyes. A year that has held not only shame, regrets, questions about my future, my calling, and anguish on my family, but also great personal and spiritual growth, a better awareness that the devil is always there...seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8), and learning that through some of the greatest "tragedies" in life, come some of the greatest rewards for those who continue in God's call.

I am thankful to have the family, both human and spiritual, that I have...a God who is a God of second, third, fourth, etc chances...and an enhanced view of those around me, who are looking for someone who is real, not a facade on stage and in the public places, but in and out of season.

Our weaknesses prove the strength of the God we serve. Like I have said before..."A superman would have made it look easy. It took an ordinary man to make it look like God"...the world around us is looking for people who don't have all the answers all the time...to be a witness, we must allow ourselves to become more transparent and that does bring vulnerability, but God will bless if we let Him show through us...

As I stated in my Twitter post yesterday afternoon, my goal is to be able to look back each year and see how much I have grown and been used by God. This past year it is obvious, but shouldn't we see that kind of growth each and every year? This year, that is my goal...not a resolution!!!

What are your personal and spiritual goals for 2009? Or do you have resolutions? Is there a difference in your mind? Share your thoughts...

Please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!