My Ride – It’s A Beautiful World

On July 20, 2015July 20, 2015 By roberthansen1317In beautiful life, beautiful world, Christian life, everyday thoughts, music, Remembering God7 Comments

I have been dealing with a heel/ankle injury so this morning I decided to get out on my bike again and get some exercise. It is amazing how God uses a normal ride to strengthen my faith.

There is this place on my ride that I swear I am going downhill. It looks like I am going downhill. It is only for about 200 yards but if you would look at it you would say its a downward slope. I am OCD when it comes to things like this so I have questioned this everytime I ride this route. However, for whatever reason, I struggle. I have to switch to easier gears and pedal like crazy to get out of it. I don’t understand it.

This brought to my mind some of the people in this world. The false teachers. The ones that act like they are one way but really there are not. The ones that try to tell me this is the right way or do this and things will be better. I knew they were just selling me poison but I listened. Their way seemed like it would be the right way but there is only one right way.

There is another spot on this route about seven miles in that I don’t understand either. It is an incline, not a hill, for about a mile. It isn’t a steep incline or anything but looking ahead I can tell it is going up. I either have to go into easier gears and pedal faster or go into harder gears and stand up and power through, or a combination of both. I have rode up big hills that aren’t nearly as difficult as this one mile incline. I don’t get it. Maybe there is a stronger pull of gravity there.

God made me think of my sins. How this sin may not seem like a big sin but it is still a sin. Especially when I keep doing it over and over again. Before I know it this “little sin” is weighing me down. It is wearing me out. How do I get out of it? I confess to God. I ask Him for help. I may try to get out of it myself by doing a combination of things but until I admit I need help from God and He steps in, I struggle.

The Hill. It’s only about 1/3 mile but it is steep. I think all cyclists ride this hill because it’s really only one or two in my town. The first time I went up it it took all my physical and mental strength to get up it. I remember being about 3/4 up and thinking what the heck, but mentally, I wouldn’t let me stop until I got to the top. The second time wasn’t much easier. The third still a struggle. The fourth getting easier. The fifth time I finally hit my stride and was able to fly up the hill. Now if I don’t go up this hill for awhile, once again it’s a struggle when I do.

This reminded me of the sermon I heard last week. We had Tommy Oaks as a guest speaker and he talked about the seven dips of Naaman. How he wondered what Naaman was thinking each time he dipped. He wondered if the first time Naaman dipped if he was thinking this water is cold. The second time about all the animals in the water with him. The third about he wasn’t being cured. The fourth about him looking stupid out there etc. etc. Until the seventh time when he came up and was cured. The point, don’t give up after one or two or a hundred tries, eventually, if you believe in all your hearts that God will make it happen and you have asked for God’s help, it will happen.

Up ahead I see something in the road. I could either keep going fast or slow down and use caution. Gravel was all over the road so I slowed down and maneuvered through it without any mishaps. If I had kept going the speed I was I probably would’ve been on the ground.

It made me reflect on the times in my life when I knew this person was trouble but yet I hung around them. It reminded me of the situations I have been in where I could’ve slowed down and thought about my actions or the situation more and saved myself a lot of trouble instead of plowing right into a bad situation.

The ease of a downhill. I can stop pedaling, rest for a few seconds, and be on cruise control. No worries, catch my breath, relax.

How many times in my walk with Jesus have I thought things were going smoothly, nothing but blue skies ahead. Then I get lazy and don’t read my Bible as much or don’t pray as much. Then I get to the bottom of the hill and realize there is a big uphill coming. Uh oh! Got myself in a bad situation again.

The key to life is no matter what ride you are on you need someone else to help you on that journey. Whether you are on flat ground, going downhill or are facing a big uphill, ask God to help you. Sometimes the devil is telling you you can do it on your own but don’t stop and listen to him. Keep pedaling. There is only one way, one truth.

We Won’t Give Up by The Afters –

My Lighthouse by Rend Collective –

Walk On Water by Family Force 5 –

Light Up The Sky by Thousand Foot Krutch –

If You’re Going Through Hell by Rodney Atkins –

Beautiful Day by U2 –

Helluva Life by Frankie Ballard –

Best Days by Lincoln Brewster –

Move by MercyMe –

A Beautiful Life by Tim McMorris –

Beautiful Day by Jon Bon Jovi –

Today Is Beautiful by David Dunn –

Shake by MercyMe –

Amazing Life by Britt Nicole –

It’s A Beautiful Life by Jamie Grace –

Beautiful World by The Chevin –

It’s a Beautiful World by Dierks Bentley (feat Patty Griffin) –

What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong –

New, forgotten, unknown 7/17/15 – New music Friday

On July 17, 2015July 17, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, musicLeave a comment

More of the music that is following me. Thanks for the follows. Let’s all spread the word about each other. (and don’t forget my song with Lily Messer)

Way Down The River by Cody Summer –

Records by The Lasting Hope –

Rain by Derek Ray –

Self Portrait by See The Rise –

His Eye Is On The Sparrow by Molly Rae (cover song)-

Say The Word by Iza Hannemann (Hillsong cover)-

How It Goes by Relly Mane (produced by Yung Shy) –

Never Met by Scarlet White –

He Gives Me Strength by Lauren Moscato –

Hold On by Poynte –

Cold by Wreckage Of Society –

Hold On by Downward Summer –

Open the Eyes of My Heart by August Aniano (cover song) –

Soul Survivor by Tony Ramey –

I Was 194 by Carousel Scene –

One-Thousand Words by Imagine the Silence –

Starting over by Idalee –

and don’t forget to share our song:

I Question You by Lily Messer –

Now on i tunes : https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-question-you-single/id1018588943

New, forgotten, unknown 7/16/15 – New music Friday – Special Edition on Thursday

On July 16, 2015July 25, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, musicLeave a comment

Wait a minute, it’s only Thursday. I wanted to take today and tomorrow just to give a shout out to some of my followers who are musicians. Some I have heard of before but most I have not and I have enjoyed listening to them. (Of course I had to be able to find you on youtube to post you)

One Step Away by Free Reign – lead singer Marc Colombo and drummer Cory Proctor from my Dallas Cowboys

Yesterdays Gone by Matt Franklin Band –

We Should Get Together by Kelly Vaughn –

We All Fall Down by Never Forsaken –

Not Gonna Not Do Nothin by J.R. Byrd –

Sinners Prayer by Richard Thomas –

The Change by As We Are –

Be The Change by Shuree Rivera –

Chelseys Boyfriend by Maddie Wilson –

Help Me Stand Strong by Daniel George –

Smile by Sheri Chaffin –

You Stand Alone by Johanna J –

Here I Am by Circle of Faith –

So I Can Climb by Patrizia Dilorenzo –

He Died For Me by Pascoal Noronha –

and don’t forget to share our song:

I Question You by Lily Messer –

now on itunes : https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-question-you-single/id1018588943

God I am tired

On July 15, 2015September 25, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, God, music5 Comments

God if you have a minute I need to talk to you. I am tired. I don’t want to complain because You have given me so much but I am tired. I am tired of so many things, I am tired mentally, physically and emotionally.

First off God I am tired of all the rain this summer. I know You send us rain for our crops and animals and for us to use but seriously God we don’t need this much. Our fields are flooded. Our houses are flooded. My friends at pools, golf courses, construction etc are losing money because they can’t work in this weather. Our friends in California are in desperate need of rain. I pray that You can send some of this to them. I do understand that I do not know the future and what Your plans are but in the present I am tired. Maybe next summer we will have a drought and the rain this summer will get us through next year.

I am tired of being inside all the time. Yes, I know I am still complaining about the rain. I can’t run outside, I can’t ride my bike, I can’t play outside. I can’t sit outside and just relax. I can’t open the windows and let fresh air in. A lot of I can’ts I know but God can You hear my cries? I have been able to write more since I have been inside. I have been able to spread the words You give me to others. Is that your plan?

I am tired. I am so tired I didn’t even hear the storm last night. Wait a minute, am I still complaining about the rain? What a storm You sent our way. It shook the whole house. Kylie woke up at 2:00 and came into our bed. My wife is so tired. Kylie likes to sleep right on top of her. What a blessing it was to wake up and see my daughters beautiful face though. Thank You for giving us Your daughter to take care of while she is here. She is truly a blessing. Oh, and what a beautiful rainbow. (You even sent a double rainbow)

A reminder that You are always with us.

I am tired. I am overwhelmed. Is this what You want for my life? I have so many people to try to reach to tell them about You. I wasted my entire life ignoring You and I feel like I have so much time to make up. Can You give me an extra hour today? Stop the day like You did for Joshua? Give me just a little more time today. I need to spend more time writing about You, more time with my family, more time exercising, more time… and I need a nap.

I am tired Lord. This world wears me out. It pulls me this way and that way. There are so many people promising me so many things God. God, I beg you to give me the strength to look to You. Give me the strength to fall to my knees and pray to You.

I am tired God. It seems like everyone is out for themselves. Who can I trust God? Lead me God and I will follow. Bring people into my life that I can trust. People I can open up to, that I can share my burdens with. At least I know I can trust You God.

I am tired God. I am tired of letting others down. I am tired of letting myself down. I am tired of letting You down. I want to do more than go through this life like I am. I want to make a difference.

God I know you have blessings in all this. I know that in these trials I will persevere and be stronger for them. Thank you God for everything You do for me. I know You delight in me and are there for me when I am down and tired. Thank you God for giving me words to speak when my mind is blank. Thank you God for never giving up on me. Thank you God for listening to me complain. I know that in Your time You will show me the blessings You have in store for me. Thank You for giving me Your words, words to remember that when I am tired and weary, You are always with me.

Thank you for today God. A reminder that sometimes you have to dance in the rain to appreciate the sun.

Worn by Tenth Avenue North –

I’ll Keep On by NF –

The One I’m Running To by 7eventh Time Down –

Strong Enough by Matthew West –

Overcomer by Mandisa –

Overcome by Jeremy Camp –

Theater of My Soul by Poison –

Shoulders by For King & Country –

Stay True by Hector Cortez –

Sick and Tired by Cross Canadian Ragweed –

Last Hope by Paramore –

This Song Saved My Life by Simple Plan –

Holding On by All Things New –

Safe by Phil Wickham –

Suitcases by Dara Maclean –

Blessings by Laura Story –

Praise You In This Storm by Casting Crowns –

Rise by Shawn McDonald –

Wake Me Up by Avicii –

The Cave by Mumford and Sons –

Oceans by Hillsong United –

Hold On by Wilson Phillips –

I Didn’t Like You

On July 14, 2015July 15, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, friends, love1 Comment

Dear friend,

I am writing this today to be honest with you. I hope you know you are near and dear to my heart now but when I first met you I didn’t like you. When I first saw you I didn’t like the way you looked. I turned away from you and didn’t give you a chance. The second time I saw you you were with a group of people I knew so I came over to talk to everyone. I didn’t like the sound of your voice or how you laughed- at everything. The third time I saw you were just sitting there staring out into space. I was like what’s up with this guy but for some reason I was compelled to sit beside you. We didn’t even say a word. Funny when you look back on it since I can’t stop talking to you now. The fourth time I saw you I actually introduced myself. I remember it felt kind of awkward since we have been together before but I didn’t even know your name yet. I don’t know why but it came as a surpise to me that my favorite NFL team was also yours. Not many Dallas Cowboy fans in Ohio. I almost quit talking to you when you told me you were from Michigan and liked that team up north.

I remember I didn’t see you for a few months after that. I asked around but it seemed like no one knew where you went. You just disappeared. When you came back you weren’t the same. I could tell something was going on but I am not one to pry. As you know I am an introvert and I don’t reach out easily. We didn’t really have any conversations for awhile. Just the occasional hi, how are you, see ya later, keep in touch. Every time I thought to get more involved and invest some time in you, fear kept me from opening up. I could see you were hurting but I didn’t know what to say. I am so sorry I let you go through that alone.

I then met a girl and she was a Christian. I didn’t know much about God or praying and the have not but she invited me to go to her church. I was reluctant at first but I really liked her. I finally gave in and went. That first time was a little awkward but I could feel something. It was like someone was pulling me. The second time I went I opened the Bible and the page it opened to was in the book of Job.

It was like God was talking to me about you. Then I flipped through the pages and stopped. It stopped on Ecclesiastes 4.

Even a doubter like me was starting to think something was going on here. I said ok God, third time is a charm. I shut the Bible then opened it up and you would not believe where I opened it up to. 1 John 3:17.

Just for kicks I said one more time and I opened the Bible to 1 Thessalonians

God was giving me a message.

I asked this girl about prayer. She told me she prays all the time. Prays for me, her family, strangers, friends, her dog, her old rickety car to last one more day, etc.. I was thinking if she can pray for all those things all the time it can’t be that hard. My first prayer was “Dear God” and that was it. I couldn’t think of anything else to say. What kind of person am I? She told me not to give up, God knows what I need before I do. He knows what I will say before I do. I laughed, so what’s the point of asking for something He already knows I need. I think I offended her but she was patient with me. I was really falling in love with her. I kept trying and I got past the “Dear God” part and I prayed for you. I prayed that whatever you are going through that you will be okay. I asked her if it was selfish to pray for myself and she smiled and said heck no, I pray for myself all the time. I then prayed for me. I prayed that God would give me the courage and the words to say to you to help you.

As you know it’s been ten years since I reached out to you. You know I married that girl and that we have four girls now. I am so sorry I waited so long to talk to you. I know I wasted a lot of time that I can never get back. I know that I missed hours and days of laughter and tears with you, even though I still didn’t like the way you laughed. I know you are a loving, special, awesome person who changed me for the better. You made me a better person. You taught me a lot about God, hope, faith, family. You are like a brother to me.

I miss you. I can’t believe I let you go through that alone. All because I was afraid. I can’t believe today is the 9th anniversary of your death. I can’t believe you have been with God for 9 years now. I can’t believe I only had one year to truly get to know you. Even when you were at your weakest you were the strongest person I have ever met. Thank you for being my friend.

Hard to believe I didn’t like you at first.

P.S. Until I see you again I will talk to you all the time. Don’t laugh. You know I don’t like your laugh. Okay, your laugh isn’t all that bad. Thinking of you all the time my dear friend. I love you.

Your friend,

Rob

I don’t know where this letter came from. My original intent was to write about songs I didn’t like at first. Then I started to type and God put the words in my head. I don’t even know what songs to put on here now. I do have lyrics to a song I am trying to get out there on this topic.

I’ve decided no music today. You’ve had a lot over last few days anyway. Today we will just reflect. How many times have you not liked someone because of the way they looked, the clothes they wore, the food they ate, the color of their skin, their disability, the way they talked or laughed? How many times have you not liked someone because they weren’t like you? The list to not like someone is long but the list to like someone is short.

Jesus hung out with tax collectors, lepers, adulterers, women, sinners – just like you and me. What if Jesus said I can’t be your friend because….?

The Original

On July 13, 2015August 28, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, God, musicLeave a comment

Have you ever heard a remake of a song and thought that isn’t as good as the original. What about a movie? Some remakes are better than the original. I believe though that most remakes aren’t as good. Sometimes I have to think about it though. I mean, if an original was 30 years ago and the remake comes out now look at how much technology has changed. The action scenes might be better. The acting may even be better. I go back and watch the original again and say hhmm, the new version is better. Go back 30 years though and the first time I saw the original it was amazing. One of the best movies I have ever seen. If that is true, then how can the remake be even better? What about a song? That song that every time you hear it it takes you back to that time. Then a new version comes out. How do you feel about it? Do you feel like it is taking those memories from you or are you open to new memories being made with the new version?

Times they are a changing my friend. Perceptions change as we get older. A new director can give a new spin on part of or all of the story line. One of your favorite singers now could remake a song from one of your favorite singers then. They could slow it down or speed it up, give a new twist to the song. They may add a new verse to make it more now. Whatever the reasons, sometimes the remake is better than the original. Sometimes it is not.

We all have one original. One tried and true person in our life that there will never be a remake of. There will be many that will try to imitate Him. There will be many false teachers, false prophets, and false words.

There is only one King, one Lord, one Savior. There is only one God. There has never been anyone else like Him nor will there ever be anyone else like Him in the future. He is original and unique.

God made us to be original. He made us to be unique. He made us in His image. No one else in this world is like you or me. No one else has my, or your, exact personality, exact gifts, exact DNA. He doesn’t want you to live your life trying to be like this celebrity or that star. Not all of us are called to be famous. We are called to do the work God has assigned to us specifically. My words are not the most elegant but I believe God will use them for His good.

I urge you my friends to be YOU. No one else is like you so why try to be like someone else. Sometimes it will be hard being you but all you have to remember is the One who made you to be in His image. You won’t always like yourselves. I don’t always like myself, especially when I mess up. I know that even when I mess up and even when I don’t like myself there is someone who loves me, forgives me, and who wants me to follow Him and do the work He set for me to do.

Even though there are many cover songs, these are a few that I like. Of course some are from the tv shows Stalker and Grey’s Anatomy. and I really like the duets with Boyce Avenue. Not saying any of these songs are better than originals, just different.

Careless Whisper by Shinedown –

Careless Whisper by Wham –

Be My Baby by Snowhill –

Be My Baby by the Ronettes –

Fast Car by Boyce Avenue feat Kinna Grannis –

Fast Car by Tracy Chapman –

Simple Man by Shinedown –

Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd –

Every Breath You Take by Denmark & Winter –

Every Breath You Take by the Police –

You Give Love A Bad Name by Jax –

You Give Love A Bad Name by Bon Jovi –

Heaven by Boyce Avenue feat Megan Nicole –

Heaven by Bryan Adams –

I Want You To Want Me by Gary Jules –

I Want You to Want Me by Cheap Trick –

Roar by Boyce Avenue and Bea Miller –

Roar by Katy Perry –

Time After Time by Quietdrive –

Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper –

Fame by Mree –

Fame by Irene Cara –

Man in the Mirror by J2 –

Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson –

and of course the old hymns that I don’t have originals on but..

Amazing Grace by Chris Tomlin –

It Is Well by Matt Redman –

Come Thou Fount by David Crowder Band –

Be Thou My Vision by Rend Collective –

Jesus Paid It All by Newsboys –

I’m With The Band, I’m With The Team

On July 12, 2015July 30, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, music, teamLeave a comment

I’m ~~with~~ the band. I’m ~~with~~ the team.

Big difference if you take out a word.

Why do bands break up? Egos, creative differences, age, family, money, or maybe they just give up. After trying for so many years to make it, they just give up. Get tired of trying. The lead singer could think they are better than the band and could do better on their own. If they are successful maybe they get addicted to success, or other things, that take them away from the main purpose they started the band for in the first place.

What about athletes? How many times have their been athletes that had a few good years with one team then their contract is up and they leave to go somewhere else for more money and they aren’t as successful. How many times has the team they had been so loyal to thought they were no longer good enough and traded them away?

I have left my band before. I thought I would do better on my own. Why would I need these other guys when I can do it all myself. The problem ended up being even when I was a solo artist, I still couldn’t play all the instruments myself. I still had to have other members in my band, some I didn’t even like as much as the original members.

I have left my team before. I walked away to think the grass was greener on the other side. I was so much better than my team. It turned out my team was better after I left it. It turned out that maybe I was the problem.I have questioned my coaches decisions. I have demanded a trade when the team didn’t succeed. I have told the coach I was done. I was the one that wanted to do whatever I wanted to do. I was so good I didn’t want to practice too hard. I was so good that I didn’t need to listen to my coach or my other teammates. I was so…

Of course these are just metaphors. I have never been in a band or been that great on a team. But I have gone through these things in my walk of faith. I thought I didn’t need anyone else, that I could do this on my own. I thought I could do whatever I wanted and not have any consequences. Instead of trying to take care of my yard, water it, fertilize it, spend time taking care of and helping it, I have gone to where the grass was greener. Only to have it turn brown and my old grass flourished without me.

Image result for famous sports quotes

That is no longer me. I know I need my band members and my teammates. I know I need to spend the time nourishing the relationships I have now. I know I can’t do this on my own. I know I am only a single part of a bigger thing in my life. My walk with God is bigger than me. God will always be loyal to me. He will never trade me away. He may bench me if I fall out of line and that is the price I will pay to be on His team. I know I need to be benched sometimes and I know I have to do what is right for the good of the team to get my starting position back. I also need you, my teammates, to pick me up when I fail, to encourage me when I am injured, to put me in line when I fall out, to give me advice when I need it.

I have a lead singer. I have a head coach. I love being in this band I am in. I love being on the team that I am on. I don’t have to be the star. I just need to do my part. The part that my coach, Jesus, has called me to do. I don’t have to be the whole team, God has given me and each of you a talent to help our team succeed and thrive. When we each listen to God and do our part, we will defeat our enemy. God doesn’t need us on His team, He WANTS us on His team. Will you quit being a free agent and come to our team? I guarantee no other team will win as many battles as our team will.

Hold My Hand by Hootie and the Blowfish –

So I Sang by Darius Rucker –

Right Now by Van Halen – I liked Van Halen better with Sammy than Dave.

Give To Live by Sammy Hagar –

Baby Girl by Sugarland –

Me Without You by Jennifer Nettles –

Trailer Hitch by Kristian Bush –

Push by Matchbox Twenty –

Her Diamonds By Rob Thomas –

When I Look To The Sky by Train –

Two Ways To Say Goodbye by Pat Monahan –

If You Could Only See by Tonic –

If You’re Gonna Leave by Emerson Hart –

Carry On by Fun –

Nothing Without Love by Nate Ruess –

Higher by Creed –

Only One by Scott Stapp –

He Reigns by Newsboys –

I’m Alive by Peter Furler –

It’s Been Awhile by Staind –

Red White and Blue by Aaron Lewis –

New, forgotten, unknown 7/10/15 – New music Friday

On July 11, 2015July 15, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, musicLeave a comment

Sorry a day late. Crazy days at work last few days.

My Only Answer by Austin Adamec –

Change My Life by Nightcore –

Gone by Bebe Rexha –

Say Goodbye by Something To Burn –

They Don’t Make ‘Em Like That Anymore by Jason Blaine –

Forever I Will by Lonnie Hunter –

Don’t Let Me Down by Amel Larrieux –

Speaking Up, Standing Up

On July 9, 2015September 25, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, music, stand up for Jesus, teslaLeave a comment

When my oldest daughter Kayhla was four years old she stole a pack of gum from the grocery store. We were grocery shopping and when we got home, she had it in her pants. Of course, she didn’t know it was stealing but I had a choice. I could laugh about it and let her have it or I could take her back to the store and let her give it back to the manager and explain what happened. I took her back and explained what happened and everything was okay. It is something we remember to this day. I call that a teachable moment. What would you have done?

Now I have a question for you. Who invented the radio? Growing up you no doubt heard Marconi. All the school books say he did so it has to be true. They are wrong. Nikola Tesla invented the radio.

Kylie brought home her science book and we were going over it together and when it came to Marconi invented the radio I told her that was wrong. She asked “how can it be wrong if it is in my school book?” I told her about Tesla inventing it and showed her on the internet. Being the smart nine year old she is she said “you can’t believe everything on the internet.” I told her she was right but to trust me. I did a report on Tesla in high school and college and I know it is right. I did some more research to show her that even the US Government Patent Office declared Marconi’s patent invalid in 1943.

Kylie went to school the next day and told her teacher the book was not correct. Her teacher looked it up on the internet and was astonished that she had never heard of Tesla before or that he had invented the radio. Kylie told me when she went up to her teacher her hands were sweating and she felt like she was going to get sick. She stood up for the truth.

‘In December 1901, Marconi established wireless communication between Britain and the Newfoundland, Canada, earning him the Nobel prize in 1909. But much of Marconi’s work was not original. The Brandley coherer increased the distance messages could be transmitted. The coherer was perfected by Marconi. However, the heart of radio transmission is based upon four tuned circuits for transmitting and receiving. It is Tesla’s original concept demonstrated in his famous lecture at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia in 1893. The four circuits, used in two pairs, are still a fundamental part of all radio and television equipment. The United States Supreme Court, in 1943 held Marconi’s most important patent invalid, recognizing Tesla’s more significant contribution as the inventor of radio technology.’ – Tesla Society

He also invented AC current, developed the technology for the light bulb forty years before Edison (his had neon lights) and the theory for our current smartphones – in 1926.

Tesla

So, why am I giving you a history lesson on Nikola Tesla? Because most people have never heard of him. They don’t know what he did and how it has impacted our lives today. Sound familiar?

Most people have not heard of Jesus Christ. They don’t know what he did and how it can affect their lives today and in the future. Some people that have heard of Jesus say he isn’t really God. That He was just a man, even though there is a ton of evidence from non-Christian sources to the contrary.

‘Let’s summarize what we’ve learned about Jesus from this examination of ancient non-Christian sources. First, both Josephus and Lucian indicate that Jesus was regarded as wise. Second, Pliny, the Talmud, and Lucian imply He was a powerful and revered teacher. Third, both Josephus and the Talmud indicate He performed miraculous feats. Fourth, Tacitus, Josephus, the Talmud, and Lucian all mention that He was crucified. Tacitus and Josephus say this occurred under Pontius Pilate. And the Talmud declares it happened on the eve of Passover. Fifth, there are possible references to the Christian belief in Jesus’ resurrection in both Tacitus and Josephus. Sixth, Josephus records that Jesus’ followers believed He was the Christ, or Messiah. And finally, both Pliny and Lucian indicate that Christians worshipped Jesus as God!’ -excerpt from Ancient Evidence for Jesus from Non-Christian Sources by Michael Gleghorn.

All the historical people named above really existed and no one doubts that they did. They wrote about Jesus, the dates they wrote about Him and what He did match with the dates in the Bible that Matthew, Luke, Mark, John, Peter, etc. wrote about Jesus. So why do people still doubt the fact that Jesus was real and did what the Bible says He did?

Maybe it is because people like me haven’t taken a stand for Jesus. I haven’t talked about Him enough to others that don’t know Him. I have many times taken a stand and talked about Tesla. I have many times taken a stand and talked about my favorite sports team/athlete. How many times have I taken a stand and talked about Jesus?

How many times have you?

Edison’s Medicine by Tesla –

Hold You Up by Shane Harper –

Speaking Louder Than Before by Jeremy Camp –

Until The Whole World Hears by Casting Crowns –

I’ll Breathe For You by Decyfer Down –

Stand Out by Tye Tribbett –

Love You With The Truth by Casting Crowns –

Let It Shine by Tyler James Williams –

God’s People Stand Up by Holinite –

Running For God – Motivational

What Are Waiting For by Matt Papa –

Stick to Your Guns by Scarlet White –

Fix My Eyes by For King and Country –

We Are by Thousand Foot Krutch –

More Than Conquerors by Never Forsaken –

Is It You?

On July 8, 2015July 15, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Be somebody, change the world, Christian life, music4 Comments

Is it you? Is it me? Who will change the world? You never know how the Holy Spirit will work through you. Today, maybe only ten people will read these words. Tomorrow, maybe a million. The Holy Spirit could lead someone who reads my words to change the world. You say one person can’t change the world. I used to believe that. I am only one person, what can I do? Now I say why not me! I may never see the results of what I do today but I have faith in my God that He will use them to touch someone that can change the world.

Martin Luther King Jr., Nikola Tesla, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela, Gandhi, Isaac Newton, Mother Teresa, Rosa Parks, Marie Curie, Jesus Christ and many more. All people who changed the world. I believe that there is one person out there right now that will turn our world around.

Have you heard of Clara Barton? She was a shy, timid child, afraid of strangers. At the age of fourteen she became a nurse. By the age of seventeen she was a schoolteacher with over forty students. She later founded the American Red Cross.

There are young girls at our church that are changing the world. Three sisters raised money to buy two cows for a village in Africa. There are other children that told relatives to not buy them presents for their birthdays but to donate money to the food container we shipped to that same village in Africa. A few years ago when my wife and I were going through some issues, our daughter would play Matthew 4:1-11 about Jesus not giving in to the devil’s temptations.

God will use you whether you are five or ninety-five. Are you open to hearing him? Age is not a restriction when it comes to doing good, doing the right thing.

Moses was not a good speaker. He was a murderer. He questioned God, but what if they don’t believe me, what if they don’t listen. Moses even asked God to send someone else. In the end, God used Moses, his strengths and his weaknesses, to further the kingdom of God. Exodus 4:1:13

What about Jonah? He told God no way, and ran away. Then God came to Jonah a second time and Jonah obeyed and spread the word of the Lord to the city of Nineveh, a very sinful city. Jonah 1-4

What about you? Is God telling you to do something and you are ignoring Him? Are you saying are you sure God, who am I to do this? Sorry God, I’m too busy right now, maybe later. Send someone else.

What about you? Are you the one that is keeping someone from doing what God wants them to do? Do you discourage instead of encourage? If someone came to you and said God wants me to…. what would you say?

God has given all of us abilities and talents. Some of us have five star talent, while others have one star. If you are a five star, are you helping the one stars get better? If you are a one star do you still do the most with the gifts that God has given you or do you give up, thinking you aren’t good enough? Michael Jordan cut from his middle school basketball team. What if he just gave up? Tom Brady drafted in the sixth round. What if he thought he wasn’t good enough to be a starting quarterback? Thomas Edison made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts at the light bulb before he was successful. What if he gave up after 999 failed attempts?

Romans 12:6-8: Romans 1268, God Words, Quote, Spiritual Gift, Scriptures, Time God, Bible Verses, Romans 12 6 8, Political Government

It is easy to fall into bad habits and once you start, it is hard to quit. They say the more bad you do you can become numb to doing bad. It just becomes a way of life. God can step in and change that way of life. Look at Paul. A persecutor of Christians who became a Christian and spread the word himself. Can you imagine that?

Likewise, once you start doing good, it is hard to stop doing good. Once you get over the fear, which is a major inhibitor and which I had to overcome to start letting others read my words, and you take that first step toward God, and you keep going forward you will experience more of God’s intentions for your life.

I am speaking now to the younger generation. Because of technology you have more freedom and more opportunities at your finger tips to do good, or bad. Are you being a cyber-bully or are you using your social media sites to spread good? Are you constantly looking down on your devices or do you look up to see this great big, wonderful world God has made for you? Are you following the ways of your boyfriend or girlfriend or friends in general? Do you step up and say I won’t do that when they do bad, even if they make fun of you? Are you going with the flow or are you going against the norm? If you never attempt to do hard things, things that stretch, grow and strengthen you, then how do you know what you can become?

If you treat an individual as he is he will remain as he is but if you treat him as if he were what he ought to be and could be he will become what he ought to be and could be

Are you being honest with yourself? Is how you spend your time now preparing you for the future? Are you just skating by, doing enough to make it? The choices you make today will prepare you to be the person you will be later on in life. Don’t let fear stop you. God is with you!