Going to the Dance with “Grace”

Posted on March 27, 2013 by Tom Bazow

We’ve all been there.  Showing up at a high school dance wondering what everyone is thinking when you enter.  Stepping out on the dance floor believing all eyes are on you.  Then it hits you, it’s not you they’re watching.  It’s who you’re dancing with.  Guess what?  When you have Grace as your partner the only eyes that matter are God’s.  Psalm 84:11 NLT.  For the Lord God is our sun and our shield.  He gives us grace and glory.  The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.Copy (2) of wo-celebration party 002

 

Your life is a dance, if you will.  You will always be on stage in front of the world.  You will be judged, you will be mocked, and you might just be forgotten.  But when you seek and obtain grace nothing else matters.  Grace is the peace that only God can give.  It is the unmerited favor of the Father.  It allows us to do the will of God.  Ephesians 2:8 AMP.  For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved.

 

Somehow, the eyes of the world seem trivial.  With grace you still care about others but you don’t need the approval of man.  How cool is that?  Imagine going through the day not worrying about what others think, because you are covered in His grace.  For grace elevates you to a different level.  Things start going your way and you suddenly are able to cope, not just cope but excel.  A difficult situation is no match for God’s grace. 

 

So how do we obtain grace?

 

  • You must walk humbly and seek God.  God’s favor will find he who humbles himself.  James 4:6 says “But He gives us even more grace to stand against such evil desires. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but favours the humble.”

 

  • You must pray with a sincere heart.  She, whose heart is true toward The Lord, will receive answers to her prayers.

 

  • You must be patient in your efforts.  Grace can fall upon you at any time, but prayer is answered in God’s timing.

 

I think people underestimate the power of God’s grace upon their lives.  Would you rather worry about your finances, health, relationship, or simply seek and obtain grace because of your obedience to The Lord?  Remember, grace is God’s divine favor.  It is His approval or support of you. 

 

Every time I receive God’s grace upon my life I feel as though I have experienced my own personal miracle.  Miracles are for the masses but grace is for the believer.  And I will gladly go to the dance with “Grace” any time!

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Just Go With It…

Posted on March 18, 2013 by Tom Bazow

I always wondered what exactly that phrase meant till I put it in context with one word, peace.  When you allow peace to rule your life you allow God to work through you.  We should always strive to obtain peace.  If we just go with it, peace allows us to not to think about tomorrow and not worry about today.  John 14:27 NLT, Jesus said.  “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.outer banks 08 014

 

Having peace is having victory in your life, and peace leads to joy.  God’s peace comes when we lead a righteous life, or when we act in a morally correct manner.  How simple is that?  Do what’s right and obtain peace.  But, the world is constantly in turmoil and if we allow the influences to affect us then peace will be hard to acquire.  We often hear the saying all I want is peace and quiet, and usually that is because of what’s happening around us.  We say we want peace, but are we doing what is required to obtain it?  Isaiah 32:17 AMP.  And the effect of righteousness will be peace [internal and external], and the result of righteousness will be quietness and confident trust forever.

 

Righteousness stems from doing the following:

 

  • Not judging others.  You cannot be at peace when you’re constantly judging someone else.  To judge someone is the result of something they already did.  So what does it accomplish to make judgment of their act?  You can’t change it, and you certainly aren’t going to change them.  We should constantly be moving forward not dwelling on the past.

 

  • Not taking offense.  How can you have peace if you’re upset by the actions of another?  If you hold a grudge/offense toward someone you’re allowing the enemy to control your life.  Chances are that person has no idea you are upset, so in essence you’re just hurting yourself.  Let it go and watch how peace will fill your heart.

 

  • Walking humbly.  God’s grace and peace falls upon those who walk without pride.  When you have pride you’re trying to impress your fellow man, but walking with humility impresses God.  Whose favor would you rather have?

 

So you can see that peace can be easily acquired and once you do obtain it, life is good.  You worry less, but you care more.  I urge you to seek the Lord’s peace and then, just go with it.  II Thessalonians 3:16 MSG.  May the Master of Peace himself give you the gift of getting along with each other at all times, in all ways. May the Master be truly among you!  Go in peace…

 

 

 

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Band of Brothers/Daughters of the King

Posted on March 7, 2013 by Tom Bazow

You were meant to be special.  Every one of us has the DNA of the King.  When God molded each and every one of us He did so with the intention of fellowship.  For without fellowship we are doomed for failure because the enemy is constantly on the prowl.  1 Peter 5:8 NIV Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

 Tres

We are to be an encouragement for each other, and I just recently discovered another way how.  Tres Dias!  This interdenominational group of Christians is the epitome of love.  And love conquers evil!  1 Peter 4:8 AMP Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and [a]disregards the offenses of others].  Simply put, Tres Dias must be experienced in order to fully grasp what it can do for you.  The love one takes in from the selfless servitude of others during a Tres Dias weekend is overwhelming.  It moves you to tears.  But more importantly, it moves you to serve.

 

When the Father came down in human form of Jesus Christ He came to show the world love.  But because satan figured out His plan the world was easily influenced.  Fast forward two thousand years and we can see that satan is still in control of this world and it hasn’t gotten any better.  Oh, but God!  You see He has given us the opportunity to get it right this time by experiencing what Christ meant for us back then. 

 

  • Show the world love.

 

  • Serve your fellow man.

 

  • Worship God.

 

These three principles are the key to living a Christ like life.  And if you haven’t gotten the point of living, like I once did, there’s still time before its too late.  Life is a call to action, but there is a price.  We are to be ready and able when the call comes.  Better yet, we are to say, Isaiah 6:8 AMP, I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send? And who will go for Us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

 

Do yourself a favor and find out how to be sponsored to attend a Tres Dias weekend.  It’s not a club, it’s not a church, and it’s most certainly not a cult.  Tres Dias is three days to gather with others who have a passion for Christ.  Three days to become a more effective leader and three days to learn YOU are special in God’s eyes.  I can assure you your life will be transformed, you will never be the same, but you will definitely draw closer to Christ.  And in the process you’ll discover what a priceless piece of art you really are, because You were made by the ultimate Creator!  De Colores.

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Blog Tag: The Next Big Thing

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Tom Bazow

A couple weeks ago, an author friend invited me to participate in a Blog Tag. Here’s the idea: There’s this list of questions about an author’s current work in progress. We answer, we post, and we tag other authors to do the same. I was tagged by Michael E. Gunter who was tagged by Katherine Logan, and I tagged Alane Pearce (links below). So let’s go – my first official word on my upcoming novel…Persecution

What is the working title of your next book?

Persecution of the Saints

 

Where did the idea come from for your book?

I was attending a Perry Stone Conference at my church a few years back, and he spoke about how the government might start implanting chips in our hands so they can keep track of our medical information.  That very concept seems to be on the horizon.  Consequently, I decided to run with the idea of a big brother” type of system.  I ended up with a fictional story about modern day plagues occurring as a result of government interference into Christian principles.

 

What genre does your book fall under?

Fictional thriller/suspense, with supernatural elements.

 

What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?

I think for the role of Pastor Jacob Conley, Kirk Cameron would be a good fit because of his obvious Christian beliefs.  For President Stuart Pollard, I could see Gary Sinise because he is such a versatile actor and perhaps playing someone corrupt and evil would be a good challenge.  For Ra Farman, the president’s sinister advisor, I could see Liam Neeson because it’s a role far from the good guy image he often portrays.

 

What is a one-sentence synopsis of your book?

When a corrupt US government does everything in its power to persecute the Christian way of life, Pastor Jacob Conley must decipher exactly what God is trying to reveal to him through a series of visions before his inevitable showdown between darkness and light. 

 

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

Presently seeking representation but may opt for self publishing.

 

How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?

About six months.  I would always pray before writing and there were times when I looked up from my laptop; wondered where did the hours go, and how did I write this.

 

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

The Influence by Matt Slick or possibly The Visitation by Frank Peretti.

 

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

All of my stories are inspired by the Holy Spirit.  I just go with it…

 

What else about the book might pique the reader’s interest?

I have a sequel planned that will take the main characters of the story into a great new revival.

 

 

Don’t forget to check out:

Michael E. Gunter 

http://klyvian.com/2013/02/15/blog-tag/

 

This is the author I tagged:

Alane Pearce

http://alanepearce.com/2013/02/25/the-next-big-thing/

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What Market is Your Money in?

Posted on February 22, 2013 by Tom Bazow

Tired of constantly hearing you gotta invest in gold?  Wondering if your 401K is gonna take another dive?  Worried whether the dollar will hold its value much longer?  You’re not alone, but even more importantly you don’t have to be concerned.  When it comes to finances two verses from the bible clearly tells the believer what to do.  Proverbs 3:13-14 AMP.  Happy (blessed, fortunate, enviable) is the man who finds skillful and godly Wisdom, and the man who gets understanding [drawing it forth from God’s Word and life’s experiences].  For the gaining of it is better than the gaining of silver, and the profit of it better than fine gold.dollar-1

 

Do not be afraid of future circumstances and do not believe what the world is telling you.  Because every faithful believer can stand on God’s word and those who seek His wisdom will be all right.  God’s Word goes on to say that “skillful and Godly wisdom is more precious than rubies.”  Nothing you can want can be compared to wisdom.  Why?  Because wisdom is insight into the ways and purposes of God.  In other words, Seek wisdom and know God.  Know God and He will take care of you.

 

Think about it.  Why would you need money if you have confidence and knowledge from the Father?  The bible also says the following about wisdom:

 

  • Proverbs 3:16 NLT.  She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left.  (Wisdom leads to godliness which holds promises for your present life and a fruitful life yet to come.)

 

  • Proverbs 3:17 NLT.  She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. (Wisdom negates all worry and steers you away from stress.)

 

  • Proverbs 3:18 NLT.  Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly.  (Wisdom provides for all your needs and brings everlasting joy.)

 

Gold may be the “standard” of the world’s monetary system, but when did God ever want us to rely on the world?   His Word tells us that wisdom causes those who love her to inherit true riches and their treasuries to be filled.  When you take the time to understand what is being said you begin to realize that you can believe one of two things.  You can either put your trust in what the economists are saying, or you can put your trust in the Father.

 

Seek wisdom and invest in God’s word.  For whoever finds wisdom finds life and draws forth and obtains favor from The Lord.  Now, that’s something you can retire on!

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The Attitude of Heaven

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Tom Bazow

If Heaven is filled with everything positive and nothing negative, then shouldn’t we be preparing ourselves now with the right type of attitude?  The bible clearly tells us that we can expect light, not darkness, joy, love, and constant worship of the Father when we reach Heaven.  Revelation 4:10 AMP.  The twenty-four elders (the members of the heavenly Sanhedrin) fall prostrate before Him Who is sitting on the throne, and they worship Him Who lives forever and ever;best 014

 

My attitude now should not reflect fear, anger, hatred, or just being down right self-absorbed.  I need to use my “talents” to glorify God and not worry about what the world thinks.  For when I do this I am using the attitude of Heaven while I’m temporarily here in this world.  This is not our home, so why should we act differently than we would if we were in Heaven?

 

If your God given talent is being an artist, then why wouldn’t you paint that which is glorifying to God?  I’ll tell you why.  Most people want the accolades from man instead of approval from the Father.  We strive to become wealthy by giving into our flesh and creating something that would never be hung in Heaven.  But!  When we use that same talent to edify our spirit we earn jewels for our crown which we achieve in Heaven. 

 

So what do you do if you feel you don’t have a specific talent?  Then ask The Lord for guidance, and in the meantime:

 

  • Be an encourager.  Offer words of praise to someone; give compliments that lift up a person’s spirit.  You’d be surprised how much you can help guide and inspire others in their walk with the Lord. 
  • Be a teacher.  There is always someone who can be taught God’s Words and His Ways.  As you grow you can help others as well.
  • Be a servant.  Try giving your time to some worthy organization or church. 

 

The point is, spending time doing something positive and pleasing to God is preparing you for eternity.  Not to mention storing up treasures where they mean the most.  Matthew 6:20 AMP.  But gather and heap up and store for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust nor worm consume and destroy, and where thieves do not break through and steal;

 

Don’t let the devil influence your attitude while you are passing through this world.  For if this truly is not our home and we are on temporary assignment, then shouldn’t our attitude and efforts reflect who we really serve?  Find peace and joy by pursuing God and prepare yourself for the best that is yet to come!

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Obtaining the “Rest” of God

Posted on January 26, 2013 by Tom Bazow

Glorious!  Yes, glorious it is to know and have God’s rest.  That is because the “rest” of God is having peace, joy, and knowing God will take care of your troubles.  Hebrews 4:10 AMP.  For he who has once entered [God’s] rest also has ceased from [the weariness and pain] of human labors, just as God rested from those labor peculiarly His own.

 

A classic example of a people who did not enter God’s rest was the Israelites following Moses.  They failed to believe in God and ended up with hardened hearts toward Him.  For forty years they wandered about aimlessly all because they didn’t pass the test God put before them.  In order to enter God’s rest you will have to go through a trial or test first.  Once you pass this test then you can obtain His rest.

 

So why is it so important to seek His rest? 

 

  • Because then you can experience the joy that only God can bring.  Imagine the joy that Joseph experienced when he was reunited with his brothers in Egypt.  Joseph persevered over the years and was tested many times, but he always listened to the Lord.

 

  • Because you can obtain a peace that eliminates the turmoil surrounding you.  Moses had constant turmoil around him after leading his people from bondage.  Yet, he obeyed God’s commands and was rewarded with peace.

 

  • Because whatever trouble you’re facing, your faith in God takes care of it.  Paul faced death when on a ship heading to Rome.  But he didn’t hesitate to have faith and believe that God would save him and the “whole” crew.

 

Everyone will have tests and trials that they must encounter.  You will have these throughout your life.  It’s how you hold up that counts.  James 1:12 AMP.  Blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive [the victor’s] crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him.

 

When you put your trust and faith in God and believe, His rest will follow.  Once again, pass the test and obtain His rest.  Don’t let your heart become hardened like the Hebrews did in the desert.  Seek Him and He will bring you rest.  Hebrews 11:6.  And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.  Life is worth living when God is in control, and the peace and joy that comes with it is truly worth the trial you may be going through.

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Maybe My Message Got Through

Posted on December 31, 2012 by Tom Bazow

I don’t usually write about the things I actually witness, but today something happened that impacted me and I believe many others.  I had the privilege of volunteering in the children’s service at my church, and heard a very good message from my dear friend and Children’s Pastor, Mike Goodberlet.  His message touched on having a hardened heart and how and why we need to seek Jesus to change it.  The beauty of this message was that Mike captivated the kids and held their attention by using visualizations and words that grabbed hold of them.  Ezekiel 11:19 AMP.  And I will give them one heart [a new heart] and I will put a new spirit within them; and I will take the stony [unnaturally hardened] heart out of their flesh, and will give them a heart of flesh [sensitive and responsive to the touch of their God],

 

Now to the point of the story.  After the service, I straightened out chairs, picked up little pieces of paper and generally helped tidy up before leaving.  However, one piece of folded paper caught my attention.  I looked around to see if any of the kids were still present and perhaps looking for the paper, but there were none.  The message was printed in a child’s hand writing and said the following:  “Dear Family.  Please forgive me…”  There was no name on the paper, but it didn’t matter.  It could have been any of the precious children in attendance.  All I know is that one child definitely got the point of Pastor Mike’s message.  But, I like to think they all did.

 

When I handed the piece of paper to Mike I watched as he read it.  Instantly his eyes lit up as he smiled.  He simply said, “maybe they got my message.”  They did indeed!  Sometimes we never know the impact of our words, unless God leaves us a sign.  Today the words of a faithful servant impacted me and an impressionable child.  And a sign from The Lord said, well done.  Proverbs 10:11 AMP.  The mouth of the [uncompromisingly] righteous man is a well of life.

 

As I think back on how the morning unfolded I realize two important things.  One, I am blessed to be able to serve in my church’s children’s ministry, and two, I am even more blessed to know those who lead it!

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Lose the Weight by Consuming More!

Posted on December 18, 2012 by Tom Bazow

Wanna know the best weight loss secret?  It’s simple.  Take all the weight off yourself by placing everything on God.  When we lean on Him and cast our concerns over to Him, it shows we have faith in Him.  Colossians 1:4 AMP, For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus [[a]the leaning of your entire human personality on Him in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness] and of the love which you [have and show] for all the saints (God’s consecrated ones).

 

So what exactly does this mean?  Take the weight off yourself by submitting to God’s ability, timing and way.

 

  • Activate God’s power to do what needs to be done.  By showing your faith, you display confidence in His ability to take care of your circumstance.

 

  • Activate God’s power in a timely manner.  By submitting to His will you are saying, Lord you know when it’s time to help me.

 

  • Activate God’s power the best way to help you.  By trusting in the Lord you are acknowledging that He knows you best, so His way will produce results. 

 

Bottom line, we need to immerse ourselves in the Father and consume His Word.  The bible should be your cookbook because it contains every “recipe for life.”  I think my pastor says it best.  “Sometimes I wish I could eat my bible because it’s so good, and the Word within fills me.”  John 1:1 AMP, In the beginning [before all time] was the Word ( Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself.   

 

Show God that you trust Him and have confidence that He will take care of your need.  Activate the power of His Holy presence by taking the weight off yourself and placing your concerns at the foot of the Cross.  Then you too can consume the best that God has to offer.

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GET YOUR HANDS OFF MY SON!

Posted on December 7, 2012 by Tom Bazow

In the parable referred to as “the prodigal son” I often wondered if the father secretly cried out against satan, regarding his son.  Here his son leaves a home life that most people would love to have and ends up hitting rock bottom.  Without a doubt the son was tempted and influenced by the enemy to go off on his own.  Luke 15:13 NKJ, And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living.

 

Whether the father realized that the enemy was responsible or not he still did two things that helped defeat satan and his plans to separate the family.  The father never quit loving his son and never gave up believing that his son would return home.  Although it had to be painful waiting, the father was patient and allowed time to work its course.

 

You may have a son or daughter, or perhaps a grandchild who has chosen to live the way of the world.  I encourage you to continue to do the following:

 

  • Have hope that they will one day return.  This allows you to be confident and expectant in positive results. 
  • Have faith that the seeds planted and the prayers made are the sparks that turn them around.
  • Continue to love that family member no matter what, because love is the “beacon” that allows a lost person to find their way home.  Luke 15:24 MSG, My son is here—given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!’ And they began to have a wonderful time. 

 

Jesus told this parable because He wanted everyone to know that God never gives up loving us, no matter what!  So, shouldn’t we do the same for that “lost” family member or friend?  Fight against the evil that grasps and tempts the ones we love.  Allow time to bring them back to you, and never give up loving them.   Be strong and faithful like the father in the prodigal son and you too will rejoice in victory when your loved one comes home.

 

 

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