The Gay Thing Does Matter

Why or Why Not

These days I watch a few favorite YouTube videos. I have my favorites which includes Becket Cook. Now, most are all over the country but Becket Cook is from southern Cal. He lives in the Hollywood district and used to work in the movie industry. The most notable thing about him is that he was a gay from a Catholic family and became a born-again Christian in 2009. Then he went to Biola University for training in biblical concepts. He now has guests on YouTube. I think he does a phenomenal job at presenting Christ to a highly skeptical crowd.

His Training

While he was a gay and active as a gay, he saw no reason to go to church or even follow the faith. He knew his life was immersed in the homosexual community. The church at that point mainly suggested that homosexuals get their life right with God and then they could come to church. Now this has changed in some churches. Lots has changed. One day he saw some young Christians with a Bible at a cafe. He asked them what they were doing. They answered, “Studying the Bible.” He was surprised, shocked, and somewhat curious. Why hadn’t they tried to hide their Bible? and they answered his questions with honest answers. They also invited him to their church.

He Goes To Church

Cook was curious but not enough to pursue a look into church. They hadn’t downplayed their beliefs in a hugely gay affirming place. Not only that, but he was curious why they hadn’t? He was used to Christians hiding their beliefs and being shy about them. Sunday morning he pulled himself out of bed and got himself to the church. The people were lively, engaged, and intent. He tried to be invisible but, yet, he went to the side for prayer. He was expecting old people, but younger people filled the pews.

Decision Time

Becket Cook knew this was real. The people weren’t playing a game. The words spoke clearly. He just knew. That day at the end of the service he turned over his walk to Christ. He became a born-again Christian. No longer did he feel confused. He was ALIVE in Christ. He became authentically real. He was so excited that he told others continually about Christ, and his belief in Christ. He chose to walk the walk of a committed person of faith. His life abruptly changed. He told his folks in Texas that he had made a dramatic and consequential decision for Christ. He spoke boldly and still does. I listen to him a couple of times a week. Yes, it’s hard work in a hostile environment, but he doesn’t complain.

Becket Cook’s Advice

I have listened to a few converted former-homosexuals give their testimonies. His testimony is real and genuine. He doesn’t try to impress others with his words. He speaks to draw them into his world so that they may see the truth. He speaks while he encourages. I was skeptical at first. It was normal to be skeptical for we don’t know how much he will say nor do we know how much he will strive to get our attention. However, he’s the real deal. He speaks the truth in love. Oh how we need this. He’s kind but he’s also direct. I’ve watched many of his speaking engagements. He cares and it shows.

God bless you, him, and everyone.

If you have a moment…

A Few of My Thoughts

I sing because I’m happy; I sing because I’m free! for His eye is on the sparrow; and I know he watches me.

God is Aware

Yes, it’s true. He is aware of every step I take. Every thought I think. And every song I sing. God seems far away most of the time, yet he is as close as close can be. Think of that, he is aware of all things, at all times, in every way that he can. God is in the room with you or outside with you. I’ve been reading through the book of Isaiah, God makes his presence known. The people would forget God’s presence, and he’d let them. But then, he’d reach back and get their attention.

God is With Us

I hate to think about the many times I go about my business with little or no thought on God. That must grieve his heart. He waits. Usually, I come around fairly quickly. But too often I am busy doing what I’m doing. My tasks are pressing, and my thoughts have left God behind. I hate to even write those words, but they’re true too often. The glorious days are when I make sure I’ve given God my full attention. We have sweet communion between us. I love the way God whispers his truth into eager ears.

God Reminds Us, Too

Circumstances may bring an abrupt closure to our wishes of God. When I had my mini-stroke, I couldn’t for the life of me get myself going well and appropriately. It was so weird. I’d think of something to do, and just as quickly I’d think of something else to do. I didn’t know if I was coming or going. It was like I could start a task but wouldn’t have the ending in mind. Gradually, I’ve gotten a handle on it. We want to be true to our word–every single time!

God Helps Us Be Faithful

I don’t know what I’d do without my heavenly Father. I appreciate him so much. He is my best friend (and much, much more). As the days go by, I think of how we are the parts of his enablement. He needs a witness, and we go forth telling about his ways. We are irritated with someone’s behavior, then He gets our attention. Before we know it, we are speaking what He wants us to speak. We are giving from our heart because it is natural to do it that way. In fact, it’s the most natural of ways to do things.

God Loves Us

Do you ever wonder why God doesn’t give up on us? You know, we would give up on us. At least, I would give up on myself. But God’s love is remarkable. It is always there. It’s always real. We can count on God, and we can count on his love. God gives us more than we ask for. His love is remarkably strong, wholesome, rich, and plentiful. We truly are lucky to be his children. I really mean that. There is nothing as rich as God’s love.

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A Heartwarming Story

Positive Story S. Shively, Faith like a Child,  1-6-2015

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Faith like a child:

5 …let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.

James 1:5-6

It has been cold, very cold at times over the last couple weeks here. The snow on the ground/street has not been melting at all. T_____ (5 years old) has a new rocket he has wanted to fly since Christmas. As I was tucking him in to bed on Sunday, he asked if we could pray that God would melt all the snow on our street so we could fly it the next day when I got home from work. Brilliant! It slightly worried me that I had not seen the weather forecast at all, but we both prayed for this request, and I thought “this kid completely believes that God will answer his prayer.” This realization strengthened my faith. So, the next day at about 1pm I was hardly surprised when I checked the weather online (I work in a windowless building) and saw that it was 60 degrees outside, or as the site pointed out, 25 degrees warmer than the day before. I called him up and he excitedly reported that the snow was gone from the street!

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