On Starting Over - Part 1: Writing a New Bible

Nearly 10 years ago was the infamous Y2K scare where many thought the world would turn upside down. Some gathered extra food, others backed up their computer files, and many bunkered down at midnight preparing for the worst. Would the world be over as we knew it?

Thankfully, the clock struck 12:00am without much abnormal happening (except Dick Clark seemed to get even younger…?). As the New Year approaches, this moment made me think about the apocalyptic reality of starting over. The question entered my consciousness, what if Christianity had to start all over again tomorrow… with me?

Whoa – Would I be capable of relaying the message? Could I write a new Bible? Could I explain countless testimonies and spiritual revelations? Have I learned/heard/experienced anything spiritual that is worth writing about?

This idea has captured my thoughts for the last week. What would I need to do in order to share the spiritual world of Christianity all over again? The very concept is hard to completely grasp, but so far, I would at least need the following: a connection with God through scripture, the spiritual testimonies/stories of others, and a personal relationship with God. I will spend the next 3 posts exploring these.


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Writing a New Bible

I mentioned that I think I would need a connection with God through scripture. Before moving forward though, why use the Bible? Should I even write another one? There have been wars, persecution, and endless bickering over it’s pages. Some don’t seem to read it much anyways. Would the spiritual world be better off without it?

In some ways, yes, having a standard text that proclaims itself to be the irrefutable word of God can be divisive. Yet, in other, I believe more important ways, a spiritual text is critical in the life of the spirit.

Having a spiritual text is like a “home base”. It gives generations of believers a place to go that is consistent. It also sets certain precedents and expectations. Without it, people can waver between their emotions and the cunning thoughts of others. This is no way to lead a spiritually stable life. In order to build, you need a foundation. In order to build something solid, you need a solid foundation. The Bible, even with all of it's mysteries, provides that.

Ok, so I would definitely have to write a new Bible. But, where would I begin? To be honest, I don’t know. The only things I know would HAVE to be included would be the creation of the world in Genesis and Jesus in the gospels. I would have to recollect as much as I knew and write it down. It would be a much shorter version, but I would need to stay true to myself. If I don’t remember it EXACTLY like it was in the “old” Bible, I wouldn’t include it. (Sadly, the current - old – Bible we use may not have been constructed in the same way. More on that in the next post.)

There would likely be some mention of valuable lessons like Cain and Abel, Noah and the flood, Moses and the Israelites, Sampson, Esther, King David, King Solomon, and Jonah from the our current Old Testament. I would definitely try to include Mary, Joseph, John the Baptist, the twelve disciples, Paul, Timothy, and others from our current New Testament. But this new Bible might focus on key concepts rather than detailed accounts from the Bible we remember. Maybe there’d be a chapter on love and hate. Maybe there’d be another on grace. Maybe another on sacrifice. Definitely one on the Holy Spirit. These themes might take the place of some of the stories we know now (probably some of the “begats” too – it’s impossible to remember all those).

Even more pointed, this new Bible would probably include topics that impact the spiritual world today outside of the church. It may include sections about education, politics, marriage, family, the environment, health, and money. I could also talk about some of the spiritual poisons of the world; greed, lust, violence, envy, pride, prejudice, and fear. Finally, I’d write about what happened and what was to come (Revelation 1:19 below). One thing my new Bible would have in these sections is a disclaimer: “Some of the views you read here may be personal interpretations through Jeremy Gilmore. There may have been other views on this topic, however, I believe those included have been revealed to me by God. Please pray for your own clarity and God's discernment about these matters.”


I feel like I could go on and on about this, but this is the general thought: a text can outlast a person. The Bible would need to be written if it didn’t exist. It should address contemporary issues and foundational tenets (which the original Bible does). Although today we don't have to start from scratch, it is helpful for current children of God to write down what God is telling/showing them. We will talk about this more in the next posts. God didn’t finish speaking to people in the book of Revelation. He’s speaking now and still desires us to write the word today for the next generation to read. The question now rests with us: Are we able?






Lord, let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be holy and acceptable in your sight. I praise You for the Bible and for people who have written it for us. It seems like such a big job to do. Please give me the discipline and discernment to chronicle Your hand in the earth today. I pray for all people. Please give us a faith that, if necessary, can re-create what has been created in us. We need You today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.






Writing,
j.a.g.

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Exodus 17:14 - And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua…
Jeremiah 30:1-2 - 1The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, 2Thus speaketh the LORD God of Israel, saying, Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book.
Revelation 1:19 - Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

On Minding Your Business

Last Sunday, I attended a prayer vigil for the unemployed (thank you Angie!). We listened to testimonies of those who lost their jobs and prayed for improved employment conditions in our community. While I was there, I have to admit, I felt a little guilty. Here I was, an employed person, standing there as if I had I had a right to testify about this issue. What qualified me to stand with the unemployed? What was my testimony?

This was really deep to me.. During the recession, I didn’t lose a job, I actually got a better job. I didn’t become underemployed, I became over-employed. Inside, I praised God as I left the vigil that night. I was blessed with a new job. That was my testimony - or so I thought.

As I was reading the Bible later that week, a wave of guilt washed over me again. I read Romans 12:10-13 and immediately was convicted. Verse 11 is what completely tripped me up. It says believers shouldn't be "…slothful in business". I was unnerved by what this may have meant. Was the Bible saying that we were not to be slothful (or lazy)? Oh no, it couldn’t be saying that. So I looked in another translation and the same verse said "… not lagging behind in diligence". OH NO! Not lagging behind? You mean God doesn’t want me to be late?

This was devastating to me. Inside, I didn’t want this to be true, but I knew it was. These verses were saying that having favor with God doesn’t mean having a job, but it means doing a job well. (I was not blessed because I had a job, I was blessed to work.) I was convicted because there are times where I may want to coast in life. There are countless other times where I am late (my wife will tell you this is an epidemic). Neither of these are qualities God desires in a believer. He wants us to be exemplary employees. I was convinced after reading this, that I wanted this to be my new testimony. I wanted to be known as a hard and diligent worker, for being on time and accountable. I wanted to be known as someone who minded his business and took care of it.

As I came to this conclusion, God showed me there is a reason He desires this type of character. He wants believers to have the Spirit of the “getter”. This is a spirit that is open and primed to get what God has for them. Those who are lazy and late are non-expectant. They are complacent and not ready to receive. Those who are diligent workers are constantly in preparation to receive from God. Whether He blesses today or tomorrow, they are prepared. (Quick sidebar: when God chose someone in the Bible, they were always busy working. Moses – for his father-in-law, David – as his father’s shepherd, Jesus’ disciples – as tax collectors, fishermen, etc. Before God chose them, He saw that they were hard and faithful workers… Hmm.)

We have to ask ourselves every day on which side of the coin do we fall. Am I minding my business in preparation to receive from the Lord, or not? God is trying to create in us a spirit ready to receive. He is teaching us this more and more each day we mind our business.





Lord, I honor You for my job. It is worthy work. It allows me to make a difference, but more importantly, it allows me to come into contact with Your people. All that, AND you feed and clothe my family through it! Please give me the wisdom and humility to work hard as if You were my boss, because in reality, You are. Give me a diligent and punctual spirit. Please forgive me for being lax and even murmuring. I am blessed to work. Thank You for my co-workers and our relationships. I love You.



Confessing,
j.a.g.








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Romans 12:10-13
10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
11Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
12Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
13Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

On Brett Favre's Birthday

Yesterday, October 10, 2009, marked the birthday of three people who will forever be connected: My twin brother Jermaine, me (duh), and Brett Favre. Why us three, you ask? Because we have each tried not to let our ages hold us back from being excellent.

For those who know Jermaine and/or me, we just turned 27. After reading that, you may be thinking, “What’s the big deal? Twenty-seven is not old. Why are you tripping about that?” Well, to that I say, you’re right… kind of. Twenty-seven has not traditionally been considered old. But one recent study is beginning to change the way the aging process is viewed. According to Timothy Salthouse at the University of Virginia, old age ‘technically’ begins at 27. This study purports that mental abilities such as reasoning, speed of thought, and spatial visualization begin to decline at 27. Does that mean that a 27 year old should be worried about being slower at reasoning and thinking? To that, I say, kind of. This study was meant to be a call and challenge to all in their later 20’s or early 30’s. Personally, it was a wake up call that old age is nearer than I might think.

However, although old age is 'technically' nearing, that does not mean that I have to accept a decline in my abilities or expectations. This birthday, I have completely decided that 27 will not be the peak in my mental, physical, or spiritual life. After winning battles in the civil rights movement at a young age, Martin Luther King, Jr. once said (paraphrasing), any person who peaks at the age of 27 has a long life ahead of them. I am on a quest to continue improving, continue sharpening, continue rising. For help doing that, I need only look around me -


Jesus Christ did not begin his ministry until around the age of 30 (Luke 3:23 below). Although he knew he would only be on earth 33 years, he didn’t peak until most of his earthly life was over. He was being stretched emotionally and spiritually (such as in the Garden of Gethsemane) until the moment he died. He is an inspiration that I can grow spiritually stronger and deeper as long as I’m on earth.

Jermaine has recently been accepted to college now that he’s finished the Navy. He also was just offered a new job and begins this week. He also has an opportunity to travel to Florida for a possible career option. Best of all, he and his wife just had their first child, Isaiah Allen Gilmore (pictured w/me to the right - he was born exactly a week after our Jocelyn!). Jermaine is one of the most driven individuals I know. He is destined to continue rising.

Brett Favre… yes, Brett Favre. Favre is enjoying one of the best stretches of his career at the age of 40. He is back in the NFL (he kinda never left) and playing at an exceptional level. He is proof that you can’t allow yourself to be limited or accept complacency due to your age.

These figures help me see that while Salthouse's study may say I should be declining, I can combat that. In fact, there are countless ways we can all fend off noticeable declines in our mental abilities. Reading books, doing math equations, and challenging ourselves with complex problems, all strengthen our minds to continue rising. I look forward to further growth and one day, far from now, reaching my cognitive peak.


To close...
So how do I feel about this birthday? At 27, I feel good. Jesus, forever my Savior, has risen and urges me to continue peaking… Jermaine, at 27, is still hopeful and rising everyday… And Brett Favre, at 40, rose once, then rose again, and is now throwing 50 yard touchdowns on Sunday afternoons. Lol. They have eached reached new peaks over and over again. To that, I say, thanks for the example and pass me the ball.




Lord, You are incredible. Thank You for the gift of a mind. Please let this mind be in us that was also in Christ Jesus. Let it be a mind that will continue improving as we age. Please allow us to be diligent about keeping ourselves fresh and sharp. Let us not become complacent or satisfied in reaching our peak at an early age. Remind us that there are many years left and that the best is yet to come. Thank You for friends and family who celebrated my birthday with me yesterday. Thank You for every phone call, kind word, and Facebook message. I am grateful for the village You have placed me in. I love You.

Upward,

j.a.g.

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Luke 3:23a
Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry.

On the Me He Saved

The end of August marked one year since Ashley and I moved from our church here in Bloomington. I had been serving there as an associate minister for nearly five years when God called us to leave and search for a new church home. That was the beginning of a very interesting and winding journey. Leaving a church is difficult enough, but when God tells you He wants you to go somewhere, and doesn’t tell you exactly where, that is enough to make you truly lose it for a second. Graciously, God did not allow that (for too long). He took us through about six months of praying, visiting, and searching, until we found a great place to call our church home (City Church in Bloomington, Indianapolis). What He did along the way, however, is reveal more of His love and purpose for me.

This revelation was prompted by subtle critiques I received about the role I now played in the Christian community. From many, I heard, “So what will you be doing now”? Or, “Where are you preaching?” Some of the most piercing comments came from family, “At this new church, do you sit in the pulpit?” and “You’re still called, right?” In answering these questions over the last year, I have had the opportunity to assess what I really feel my relationship with God is built on. Is it built on the fact that I am someone in my Christian community or on something else? Through some soul searching and the revelation of the Holy Spirit, I found strength in who I was in God. This is best understood in the wise words of a dear friend who happens to be a preacher. He said, (paraphrasing) “Jeremy, the Lord loved us before we were called and He doesn’t love us because we are called. He just loves us.”

That is the testimony of my faith travels so far. I have seen that God did not call me because He wanted me to be a preacher – He called me because He loves me. That’s what I knew when I accepted Jesus Christ years ago. I had no clue about a calling, no aspirations of a title, no desire for a pulpit. I just wanted the relationship. I wanted the satisfaction and peace that came with knowing I was a child of the living God with a place secured in heaven with Him. That was enough for me. That is what God is getting me back to being – the me He saved. The one more concerned with His presence than with accolades or attention. That’s where I desire to be. That’s what I pray I am always traveling towards. I want to be someone grateful for my salvation and convinced it is available to all who ask.

In Romans, Paul describes a similar scenario. His desire is that the Israelites be saved. Although they are very enthusiastic and ritualistic about God, their knowledge of where their standing with God comes from is wrong. Paul is letting them know it does not come from their enthusiasm or rituals, but something more. Paul is reminding them that salvation comes from accepting and living for Jesus Christ, not how much we 'establish our own righteousness'. (Romans 10: 1-4 and 10 below)

I believe that in my life, God will use me to preach, teach, and lead. After some time now, I have accepted that and made peace with His plan for my life. However, I also believe there is a more pure and purposeful life God has for me. One dedicated to personal growth, love of family, and service to others. That is the me He desires, that is the me He saved.




* A little sum’ extra: Another nugget God has exposed through this process is the joy and privilege of serving people. Sometimes people in the church or in ministries become burnt out or jaded because they are overworked. This hiatus in formal ministry has given me the opportunity to step back, reassess my commitments, and enrich my personal walk. This experience has also left me burning to serve God again. Not just in a church, but everyday. I have definitely learned more about the value of serving God in formal ministry. But I have also seen the true joy of unexpected service; action not because you are a minister, but because you are a child of God. Both formally and informally, service is an honor.




Lord, You are all powerful, all knowing, and all encompassing. You have been my shield, sustainer, and strength. My prayer is that I continue to grow more like You. Lord, please remind us all of Your unconditional love for us. Please let it encourage and propel us to a life seeking Your truth. Thank You for loving us beyond any accomplishment or action. In the most sincere way possible, You just love us because we are Yours. Thank You!







Closer,
j.a.g.






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Romans 10:1-4 & 10 -
1Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
2For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
3For they being ignorant of God's rigthousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the rightouesousness of God.
4For Christ is the end of the law to every one that believeth.

10For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

On Losing Bob and Gaining Insight

Preach the gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.

- St. Francis of Assisi

Last week, the world lost a special person. Bob Vantine, a friend, mentor, and colleague of mine died after a long bout of illness. I met Bob in my position at Indiana University as an academic advisor. He was the assistant director of the program and was the epitome of a people-person. He loved reaching out to students and watching them become successful. He was also very well read. Nearly once a week, he would suggest a new educational model or text that was a "must read". I was always amazed at how he was able to read so much after being so busy.


What I gleaned from Bob the most however, was not his position in our program or his expansive reading lists. What I learned most from him is how much one can embody something without ever saying it. Confused?... Let me use a reference in scripture to explain...

In the book of Esther in the Bible, the words "God" or "Lord" are never mentioned. It has been said that this is the one book where God is not named. However, this one book displays so much of God's character. In it, Esther goes from rags to riches and becomes the queen of the kingdom. She then witnesses a plot to kill all those in her bloodline (Jews). Finally, she gathers enough courage and faith to overthrow the plot and save the Jewish people! (a great book in the Bible to study; there's also a pretty good movie on it - One Night With the King) How could she have done all this without God???

You see, Bob and I never talked much explicitly about faith or God. But I believe he knew God and believed in Christ. Much like the book of Esther, I could not always tell that from listening to him, but I could see it in his actions. In the tireless way he supported students, I saw Christ's love of children (Matthew 19:13-15; scriptures below). In the vigor of his defense of standards and order, I saw Christ's lack of patience with foolishness (Matthew 21:11-13). In the selfless way he spent his final months of diminishing health giving to others, I saw Christ's mission of sacrifice (Matthew 16:21).


Although Bob never openly talked about God with me, he lived his life as if he was being watched all along. As if, in his dealings with others, someone was watching and taking note. In looking at his life, I now see this more than ever. I truly believe that Bob is now away with the Maker, thanking Him for life, asking that He watch over the young, and, undoubtedly, suggesting a good book.




Gaining,
Jeremy







Lord, thank You for Bob. He was such an amazing person. Thank You for his example to me of what faithful service to youth should look like. God, thank You also for the wisdom of living a life that displays You. Let us all live out our purposes with the humble integrity, passion, and excellence you embody. Remind us that in doing this, we are truly "living witnesses".

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Matthew 19:13-15

13Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.
14But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
15And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.

Matthew 21:11-13

12And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
13And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

Matthew 16:21

From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

On Resting Like Jocelyn

Time with a child can bring inspiration; having a child can bring transformation.


Our daughter, Jocelyn Ariana Danielle Gilmore, was born June 29 at 8:23 am. She is a healthy beautiful baby. Like most new parents, my wife and I are finding a new rhythm to life with her. The one thing that has been compromised the most is rest. Whatever we thought about missing sleep before, we really had no idea. Jocelyn requires consistent attention and devotion. - Though this may seem taxing (and at times it is), it is much easier to do than you would think. When your child needs something, there is something in you that just kind of kicks into gear. It is an amazing testimony of the relationship God creates between parents and children. - All this said, I now have a much deeper appreciation for rest. When you can get it, take it. When you take it, value it.

Other interesting observations about rest have come from Jocelyn herself. Babies need lots of sleep. Yet, they need certain things done in order to sleep well. God has been sharing with me the similarities between Jocelyn’s physical rest and our spiritual rest. In order to have spiritual rest, we can model these behaviors in our relationship with God.

Jocelyn rests easiest when…

She is near my heart. When we place Jocelyn on our chest, she is comforted. She knows who we are, trusts us, and feels safe in our presence. Likewise, we must be close to God’s heart in order to be at rest. We must know Him, trust Him, and rely on Him. Exodus 33:14 below

She has been fed. Ok, you knew this already, but when she eats, she is ready to rest easy. (It’s actually quite funny – her eyes roll back when she’s done and she starts to fall asleep immediately.) Similarly, we must eat/drink the sincere milk of the word in order to be satisfied and strengthened. One of the most practical ways we can receive from God is right under our noses – from the Bible. I Peter 2:2 below

She has been cleaned/changed. After a bath or after changing a dirty diaper (oddly, you get used to this too), Jocelyn is usually ready to sleep. She feels refreshed and is comforted by being clean. This is the same in the spirit with us – we become dirty with sin and need to be forgiven and cleansed. Even if we don’t sin, we can become complacent and need to be changed. We must seek purity, holiness, sanctification, or as I like to put it, better-ness. Psalm 34:14 below

Finally, there was another way I just found out to give Jocelyn rest. The other morning, she was lying next to me and I simply put my hand on her and she went to sleep. It was amazing. I did nothing more than gently place my hand on her chest. It was here that God revealed to me His desire for us. We can have rest when His hand is on our lives. Every day we can walk in His peace, in His rest when we know He is covering us. I leave with a scripture from Job that sums this up… Job 22:21 – Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.

Grateful,

j.a.g.

Thank You Lord for the blessing of a child. Please allow me to continue learning from her. Thank You for rest in You. Please forgive me for times when I am impatient, unclean, or unaware. Allow me to be sensitive to Your Spirit and Your hand on my life. I believe that as I trust in You, You will give me perfect peace and perfect rest. Finally, Lord please bless those who are troubled in their spirits. Give them a peace about their lives, their decisions, and their place with You. Thank You in advance.

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Exodus 33:14 – And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.

I Peter 2:2 – As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.

Psalm 34:14 – Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

On Spiritual (ESPN) Distractions

Yesterday, Ashley and I went to Indianapolis for a doctor’s visit and to attend the Glory to Glory Conference at Cathedral of Praise COGIC. We were not sure if we would go due to the weather forecast – there was a flood warning in Bloomington and thunderstorms were expected throughout the area. We talked about it, prayed, and decided to go in faith that God would watch over our trip.

What we experienced was a reminder of the significance of focusing on the spirit. At the conference, the preacher spoke about many things, but what resonated was his celebration of the Holy Ghost (or Holy Spirit) as an essential part of victorious living. Christians have been given the Holy Ghost, promised through Jesus Christ (John 16:7, below), to empower their witness and allow them to live in love. Last night was a powerful experience of God’s desire for all believers, a life of fruitfulness through His Spirit.

Personally, this reached me because lately there has been one thing that has tried to distract me from focusing on things of the spirit. That is sports. Wow, I said it… My name is Jeremy and I am addicted to sports. I watch ESPN at least once daily and monitor my fantasy baseball team during work hours, during home hours, and other hours in between. Recently, I have begun to pull back from this hobby because I noticed it was consuming too much of my time and thoughts. (I should say that there is nothing wrong with having a hobby – in fact, we NEED hobbies, they give us balance, perspective, and variety in life – but when a hobby makes demands that limit your spirituality, it has become a distraction.) Last night, the preacher articulated why I need to control things that threaten to steal my effectiveness as God’s child. He said “de-emphasize the flesh, and you maximize the spirit”.

That is the thought that I carry with me today and moving forward. My flesh, or human nature, focuses on being entertained, my spirit should focus on being like God. Simply put, if I am seeking to be more like the heavenly Father, I have to make the spirit of God a priority in my life. As we arrived home after our trip, I realized that in the 9 hours we were gone yesterday, it only rained for 5 minutes. Indeed, God held back the flood and storms (our own Red Sea experience - Exodus 14:21-22, below)! He must have been seeing if we were going to travel in faith or be distracted by doubt. I’m glad we trusted the spirit…




Lord, thank You for last night. Thank You for the Holy Ghost. Thank You for obedience. Please let us hear Your voice and live in the Spirit daily. Give us the strength and wisdom to remove distractions. We have to seek His leading, be open to His instruction, and utilize the gifts he’s given us for Your glory. It is an awesome task to be used as Your child. Let us remember this when we are tempted to become distracted, even by innocent activities. I love You and thank You for all things.





Grateful for the blog-iversary,
j.a.g.








John 16:7 (NASB)
"But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.”


Exodus 14:20-21 (NASB)
21...and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.
22And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

On The Shack

Recently, a good friend (our coming child’s Godmother) told me about a book she read, The Shack, by Wm. Paul Young. She said the book was a must read. She was so convincing in her description of it, that I ordered it and read it myself. The book was priced at $11.24 through Amazon.com, but what I have gained is invaluable.

As I opened the book and traveled the story, I was enraptured. The journey was so amazing, so powerful, so unbelievable, that there were parts of the book where I had to literally stop and reflect on the goodness of God (and at times change what I thought about God, confirming Isaiah 55:8, below). Since completing it, the messages have been seared into my conscience.

This month, I only want to recommend you go and get this book. Again, GET THIS BOOK. It will change the way you live your life, the way you value others, the way you deal with pain, the way you see religion, and display to you a God you never knew. Read it, internalize it, and share this freedom with others.

On the back of many books are quotes that others write to share a little about the book and encourage you to purchase it. Reading this, I came up with my own that I thought may be helpful. God bless you on this journey.

“It felt like I was introduced to God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit all over again for the first time.”

“It has changed how I view…everything.”

“A transformative text for anyone who has lost someone, questioned God, or felt oddly out of place in the current nature of religion.”

“Outside of the Bible, no other book has introduced me more to the character of God.”

“A must read.”

Lord, please open our eyes and hearts to see beyond what we see. Thank You for keeping prophets in the earth to share their revelations of You. Give us the imagination and innocence of children, to view the world as You do. Free us from the chains of rituals, religions, and rigidity. Give us an appreciation of Your love and forgiveness. I love You and thank You for being so good to each of us.



Speechless,

j.a.g.




Isaiah 55:8 - "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD.

On Fatherhood (soon-to-be)

Over the last six months, the most amazing thing has happened to me. I have become a soon-to-be father. My wife, Ashley, and I are expecting a baby girl (over 95% sure according to the ultrasound) at the end of June. It has been one of the most exhilarating, anxious, and curious times of my life. How will she be when she arrives? How will I be when she arrives? How will Ashley be when I arrive (back to reality)?

Lately, among the questions and emotions, I have been admittedly envious of Ashley’s ability to spend so much time with our daughter (who will be named Jocelyn). Because Ashley is the one physically pregnant, Jocelyn goes everywhere with her. She eats everything Ashley wants her to eat. She listens to the music Ashley listens to and is essentially controlled by Ashley. All the while, I must sit by and wait for opportunities to speak to Ashley’s belly or rub it to feel Jocelyn kick. Why can’t I get as much contact with Jocelyn? In no way do I want to question the laws of nature, but this makes me want to use one of my heavenly lifelines (Ask, Seek, Knock - Matthew 7:7 below). I’ll use my Ask - God, why would you make women have to carry the baby while men must sit on the sidelines? I believe the following are answers to this question:

To teach soon-to-be fathers how to love our wives… (Ephesians 5:25 below)
During pregnancy, I cannot make any physical difference in Jocelyn’s life unless I make it in Ashley’s life. The only way to feed Jocelyn is to feed Ashley. The only way to speak life into my daughter is to speak life into my wife. The only way I can be close to my daughter is by being close to her mother. What a revelation! God needs men to understand the value of loving their spouse. When we love our wives, we will love our children. This will translate to healthy relationships and a healthy self-image for the child. When Jocelyn sees how I treat her mother, she will understand how she should be treated by a man and respected by others.

To remind soon-to-be fathers who controls it all… (Matthew 5:36 below)
If you ever wanted to know how much control you really have, study the development of a child. From the moment he/she is conceived, a miracle begins. They turn from a bunch of cells into an embryo, an embryo into a fetus, a fetus into a baby and the entire time, you are on the outside…waiting and praying that everything goes ok. True, you can and should do some things to make sure the baby is ok (eat right, exercise, rest, etc.), but otherwise you control nothing. You can do nothing to make the baby taller, or darker, or smarter, or have a better singing voice (big in the Gilmore household!). You can only wait and pray. In a child’s life, fathers are contributors, but not controllers of God’s perfect will for them. God allows us to nurture and teach them, but their final outcome belongs to Him.

Ah, now I see. The times I want to be close to Jocelyn, I should focus on loving my wife and contributing to (not controlling) her growth. While I prepare for her to arrive, I will practice these principles and find peace in the calling of being - and becoming - a father.




Lord, thank You for the blessing of soon-to-be fatherhood. Please encourage fathers and mothers around the world in their special assignments as parents. Let us all keep You at the forefront of our relationships and homes. God, the sooner we realize we need love and we need You, the better off we will be. Please use this time of pregnancy to be a time of preparation and development. I love You and I pray that I am a father to Jocelyn as You have been to me. Just as You cannot wait until Your children arrive to You, I cannot wait until she arrives. And like you, I will spend every moment from now until forever loving, praying, and contributing to the growth of this new life.






Waiting for you,
j.a.g.







Matthew 7:7
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

Ephesians 5:25
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

Matthew 5:36
Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.

On the Low Days

Growing up, I remember not having much. Never the nicest clothes, never the nicest shoes, never the nicest anything. My loving mother worked hard to provide all we did have, but as a child, we never quite understood the significance of her sacrifice. Because of that there were many days where I felt low. Days where I felt lower than low because of what we didn’t have. Looking back, those low days cultivated other qualities that I am only now coming to understand fully. While reading Proverbs 11, the scripture spoke to me that there are lessons in being low. Low days can bring:

* God's Wisdom (Proverbs 11:2, below) – Someone who is struggling knows intimately what it feels like to struggle. They have an insight to tough times that is genuine and can possibly understand the situation enough to provide possible solutions for others. They can approach things as God would, empathizing with the person in need while discerning potential obstacles.

* God’s Respect (Psalm 138:6, below) – God’s RESPECT? Wow. Someone who is having a low day, moment, season is respected by God! This is a powerful concept. Respect can mean to be esteemed, but it also means to be considered (www.dictionary.com). God in his glory, looks on those who are low as perfect candidates for His grace and fellowship. His hand stretches out to them, acknowledging his concern and considering them for His provision.

* God’s Reward (Luke 14:10-14, below) – This passage in Luke reminds us that God is not about self-glorification. He doesn’t reward degrees, titles, or resumes. He honors humility. The person who humbly learns from their low times is someone who God can exalt and reward. The person most qualified for a feast from God is not the healthiest, but the hungriest.

All this said, in a twisted way, I am now happy for the things that I DIDN’T have growing up. Those low moments have helped me appreciate every opportunity (or piece of clothing or pair of shoes) I have now. Prayerfully, the low days that I experience today continue to bring the same maturity and growth. Every day will not be a bed of roses (cliché, I know, but true). However, there is a lesson in every high and every low. As creatures with good days and bad days, let’s remember that God's wisdom, respect, and reward come when we learn from our low days.

God, I need to trust You more. I think I do sometimes, but I often only trust You with things that are easy. Please let my faith explode enough to trust You in the low times. The times when all hope seems gone and the fight seems lost. At those low points, I want and need to trust You more. Please forgive me for times I have not done this. Remind me and all of us that there are lessons in the pain we go through. As we mature as Christians, we will see that You respect and reward us when we surrender all to you.

Digging,

j.a.g.

Proverbs 11:2 - When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

Psalm 138:6 - Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.

Luke 14:10-14 ^{- 10}But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. ¹¹For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. ¹²Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee. ¹³But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: ¹⁴And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

On Finding Nemo (An Example of Hope)

My mother-in-law, Hope, is legally blind. For a while, it has sometimes been difficult for her to travel alone or to experience new things because of this. For the last month, however, she has been in Michigan with a program called LeaderDogs. LeaderDogs pairs dogs with the blind in order to give them increased mobility, independence, and companionship (check them out – www.leaderdog.org). There, she was paired with Nemo, a black Labrador. She was immediately lifted by her new partner and had many ups and a few downs as they got to learn one another. The day after she arrived back to her hometown, she was immediately offered an opportunity to go to Richmond, VA in two weeks. It was as if God was approving of her desire to seek new opportunities in her life. Before attending LeaderDogs, she likely would not have considered such a trip. But now with Nemo, she can travel more confidently and more fully experience the world around her. It felt like a divine reward for her obedience and courage.


Hope’s example has really spoken to me. It has shown me what God can do with those who place their trust in Him and move forward. In life, things are not easy. We don’t always know the way and are constantly bumping our spiritual heads. Yet God does not desire us to be perfect, to never fall, to never trip or stumble. He only desires us to put our faith in Him. That is what Hope has done. She is now not walking by sight, but she is walking by trusting in Nemo and herself. I believe this mirrors a life of faith. One where we don’t simply trust what we see or know (which is limited, narrow, and at times deceiving), but we live by faith (our spiritual guide).


Who then is our Nemo, our spiritual “LeaderDog”? It is the Holy Spirit. God has given us the Holy Spirit to lead and direct us. John 16:13 says "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come." The Spirit of truth is God’s answer for all of us who are blind. He is our leader and guide, our compass in the confusion, our light in darkness. What this shows is that the danger in living a life of faith is not in being blind - we are all blind to a degree in this life. The danger is in not believing; not putting your trust in God through the Holy Spirit. Put simply, God can help someone who cannot see, He cannot help someone who cannot believe (John 20:29 below). If you are discouraged that you can’t see how everything is working in life or exactly where you’re headed, trust Hope’s example, trust the Holy Spirit… and keep walking.




Lord, thank You for the testimony of those in our society who are in some way differently-abled. Being blind, deaf, mute, etc. makes no one less of a person. In fact, it may heighten their humanity. Bless them in their lives. There is no way for me to know that experience, but I believe they have the daily opportunity to sense you in a real and personal way. They put their trust in You and in the strength You’ve given to them and they march forward. Lord, please allow us all to be inspired by one another and to live by faith and not by sight. Please close our eyes and open our hearts. Lead us into all truths and a new life of victory. You are our blessed Father, Savior, and Leader. Thank You. Amen.



Blinded by You,
Jeremy









John 20:29 - Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

On Washing Your Hands

Psalm 26:6-7
6 I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD: 7 that I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.


Most Christians would agree that reading the Bible is important. Yet, most Christians also find it extremely difficult to do this consistently. Even those who do read consistently often find times where the Bible is hard to understand. Personally, there have been times where I read something and it just does not register at all. I will stare at the passage and nothing will come from it. I am sure you can empathize if this has happened to you. What I have begun to do is say a short prayer over my mind every time I read. My prayer comes from Psalm 119:18: Lord, open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. This helps my spirit focus on receiving what God has for me at that appointed time of reading.

God revealed to me that praying before we read is a lot like washing our hands before we eat. In our physical bodies, washing our hands is an important act. In fact, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported that hand washing is probably the single most important measure in preventing and stopping the transmission of some very serious illnesses (reference below). The University of Maine also suggests that people should wash their hands 1) before touching food, or 2) as often as needed.

While we can’t rub soap on our spirit (not even going to attempt to go there), we can prepare our minds to be free from “contamination” when we read. We can adopt the University of Maine’s physical standards to our spiritual condition and wash our minds –

1) Before we read God’s Word. This is the spiritual “food” for the believer (Jeremiah 15:16 below). Cleansing our mind with prayer can help to remove the distractions and allow us to receive the specific truth or lesson God wants for us during that time.
2) As often as needed. This prayer can also help in secular atmospheres. When reading for work, class, or leisure, I have often confessed, “Lord, open my eyes that I may see wonderful things from THIS (law, text, assignment, etc.)!”


All the Bible reading in the world does no good without proper understanding. In order to understand, we should cleanse our minds of anything that would prevent God’s word from penetrating our hearts. Let's wash our minds with prayer before reading in order to see good things from what we read and prevent negativity. We need to confess our desires to hear God’s voice “cleanly” through His Word. He will reveal Himself and we will be surprised at how much we can receive by simply “washing our hands”.



Lord, I pray that our eyes are opened to see the wonderful things in Your law. I pray that Your Word becomes milk and meat in our lives. That we can drink and eat of it and be strengthened to serve You. As we attempt to digest Your Word, Lord please prepare our hearts and minds. In addition, God please prevent any contamination from things that are not like You. When we are reading other materials, let us be able to sift out Your truths in order to remain pleasing to You. Give us the wisdom to retain and also the wisdom to release. I pray that as we make vows and resolutions to read Your Word more consistently, You bathe us in Your blessings and cleanse us with Your care. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Rinsing,

Jeremy











http://www.umext.maine.edu/onlinepubs/htmpubs/4067.htm


Jeremiah 15:16 - Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.