Timothy J. Pruitt's Blog, page 346

iPainting Rudolph Gears Up

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TCSC Ep 9 – Danger Is A Family Trait

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“Half of my life is classified, and I don’t have enough clearance to know what it is.” Monty was joking through his frustrations, but he was upset. Apparently, most likely for safety, he has been kept in the dark about his life for almost the entirety of it so far.

He had a Stepfather that he didn’t know he had. He didn’t know how his crook of a relative , Brendan, figured in, if he was a crook that is. His line over, “We weren’t supposed to be important.”, kept rolling through our brains.

Now, he finds out just enough to create a thousand questions without answers. Sven had been at the prison when Monty got there. He wouldn’t let him talk to the man. Apparently he had a court order that changed everything.

The two of them argued. Monty wasn’t getting anywhere. Until Monty suddenly stopped, smiled, and asked to use the Warden’s office a minute. The man agreed, they both waited at the closed door to keep Monty from trying something. A half hour later they opened it, to make sure he was still there.

He was, and was just ending a call when they did. Monty had found a loophole. The order barred Monty from seeing the man, not talking to him. He had called the man’s lawyer back, and asked for him to conference in his client.

The man agreed, and Monty got his answers. He didn’t tell the Warden, but Sven insisted Monty leave with him instead of the Warden. An Monty shared this story with Sven as they were walking to the car. That was when the argument started, right before a vehicle ran them off the road.

Then the three men in the suv started shooting at them. Monty took out his weapons, yes he carries two when necessary, and is a sharp marksman. He’s almost as good as I am. What surprised him was the gun Sven took out.

It wasn’t the fact that he had a gun, but the kind it was. Once they had wounded the three men, they forced them to switch cars, Sven’s being no longer mobile. Monty held his weapons on both until they pulled away.

After this Monty asked Sven what government agency he worked for. Sven made some joke about no one that knew him believing he worked for the government. Monty’s reply let him know he wasn’t falling for it.

“Exactly what an agent would want people around him to think. What’s so important that you’ve kept secrets from me my entire life. Do I ever get to know why my family is crazy?”

Sven looked at him, smiled, and responded. “My boy, didn’t you know, all families are crazy. You’ll learn the truth one day, but I’m hoping able to put some distance between the parties involved before you do.”

That’s when another vehicle rammed into them head on. This one, Monty had to help Sven limp away from. The other driver took a little while to extract himself from his overturned vehicle. While they did, they looked for cover. It was during these events that Sven shared just enough to make Monty want to know more.

All of this he told me after at least two more gunfights. It was a long day for him, and would be a long night for me. I had just discovered something when Monty hung up the last time. If it was true, Monty wasn’t the only one in trouble, my employer was too, from me. Apparently danger is a family trait!

About And Attending

Luke 2:49

49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? KJV

Luke 2:49

49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” ESV

Jesus said it. He was twelve at the time, but He knew something that too many people seem to have lost sight of. The KJV says “my Father’s business”, the ESV, “my Father’s House”. To be about one, we must make regular visits to the other.

The Lord asked questions of the teachers in His Father’s house. The One with all the answers listened, and regularly. How much more should we, filled with questions, seek His will in His house regularly?

25 Devotions- Day Sixteen

The Native: While You Were There

Luke 2:6

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

“While you’re here, could you?” “We were on vacation and this happened …” We’re used to these statements, although we cringe as we hear them. Those unexpected events in life that we were hoping would happen at a different time. Mary and Joseph had one of those moments when Mary first felt the labor pains.

There is little doubt that she would have preferred to feel those first signs before or after the trip, or at least after they were in a room at the inn. As often in life, even with the most blessed event of all time, it didn’t happen that way. The Lord Jesus was going to arrive, whether they were ready or not.

Whether the room had been prepared, or the water was boiling, or the doctor was at hand. It’s the same way with our situations today. At some point in your life, you’re going to find yourself receiving or giving in what appears to be the off season.

That’s why The Lord counseled us to be instant in season and out of season. I submit to you that the timing of Christ’s arrival was as in season as possible, even though they may not have known it.

“We look at the unexpected, or the untimely as a punishment. Our thinking is, if it arrived without warning, there should have been a warning attached. Obviously, in the case of The Master, that wasn’t true.

At the same time, if we’re not serving Him, the thoughts of His return today can be scary, not because of His condition, but our own. He stated that He is returning for a people that have made themselves ready.

However ready doesn’t mean a perfect people, but a Church that is watching for Him. You can be prepared for surprises, even if you don’t know when it’s exactly going to happen.

Our hearts can still be prepared, even if circumstances throw us. The surprise may shake us for a minute, but if our souls are aligned with His, then all will be well. Later, Jesus tried to teach the Disciples on the boat this principle.

If Jesus is present, the journey will be successful. That doesn’t mean your unexpected, blessed events won’t be painful. In birth, it’s the absence of pain that is abnormal. If we will be faithful in the inconvenient, the untimely, and the unanticipated, the joy of the birth will eclipse the anxiety of the moment.

The same is true of Our King’s return, If we’re watching for Him. Mary and Joseph would have preferred the birth to happen when they were settled, but they were ready when it happened.

Their circumstances weren’t settled, but they were. Mary knew that she had to give her all. Joseph knew that he had to be there for her and Jesus. As a result, although it was in a barn far from home, it was an ordained part of their story and ours.

What ever you’re experiencing right now, whatever the unexpected circumstance in your life, take heart. He saw it coming, and with His help, you can make it through it, and come out on top. You may even reach souls you didn’t know you could win. They may one day begin their story with this statement. “I came to The Lord, while they were there!”

iPainting A Christmas Meeting

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25 Devotions – Day Fifteen

The Native: From Here To Eternity

Luke 2:3-4

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

We make an assumption about Joseph, in fact we make a lot of assumptions about Joseph. One is that his path was somehow less important than Mary’s was. We look at him as if he just was drafted into this. However God had plans for Joseph, just as He had for Mary.

Prior to the birth in a manger, somewhere a little baby was born. His birth wasn’t heralded by Angels, but it was celebrated by God. The very God who would one day wrap Himself in flesh attended the birth of Joseph.

God attends every birth, He rejoices at the potential of every soul. To Him, there isn’t such a thing as an unimportant person. Joseph was integral to the adventure that was about to happen.

Yes, Mary was of the house of David, but that wasn’t enough. To transport them from Nazareth to Bethlehem in time for the birth, Joseph had to be a son of David. “All went to be taxed, every one into his own city.” If you had ask Joseph before this, “what city are you from?”, he would have said Nazareth. After this, his answer was, “my city is Bethlehem.”

When you’re life comes in contact with Jesus, it will change more than just your location, it will reveal your destiny. Like Joseph, you always were meant to come in contact with The Savior from the day of your birth. Your entire existence pointed to the day you meet Jesus.

Nazareth means the guarded one, maybe that’s you today. When Joseph first heard Mary’s news, he was guarded, and he had doubts, but then he met the Angel in a dream. That dream of a better hope changed his life, and it can yours.

Maybe you think salvation sounds to good to be true, like a dream or something. You’ve heard the message and the angel. In Revelation, God called His Pastors the Angels of the Church. You’re guarded, but you know what you’ve felt is real.

That feeling isn’t manufactured, it’s ordained. Just as Joseph’s lineage came from David, your life is no accident. You were born for this moment. God wants to translate you from Nazareth to Bethlehem. He wants you to experience the manger, not as a bystander, but as a participant.

Joseph’s pathway took him from Nazareth to Bethlehem, to Egypt and back, but he was never the same. Yes, there will be hard times on your journey, but Jesus will be with you. There will be precious things along the way, like gold, frankincense, and myrrh. God’s glory, His anointing, and His mission will transcend any obstacle you face.

Today, you may not feel important. You may look at your past as if it’s a dead ancestry of failures, but it isn’t. It just brought you where you are, it doesn’t dictate where you’re going. Let this meeting with Jesus take place in your life, isn’t it worth the trip?

Angels, Shepherds, and Wisemen awaited Joseph, but most of all, he cradled eternity in his arms. God will guide you, He has been waiting for you since you were born. He will Shepherd you through the hard times, and make you wiser for it. Most of all, you’ll see Jesus, as he cradles you from here to eternity.

Watercolor Skating Fun

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25 Devotions – Day Fourteen

The Native: Augustus Doctrine

Luke 2:1

​ 1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

The Monroe Doctrine, the Truman Doctrine, the word doctrine is not a foreign word in the halls of politics. We are more familiar with it from a Biblical perspective, but it’s not always a matter of faith. Ironically, it is, in a political fashion, found in The Book Of Faith.

The word decree in Luke 2 translates dogma and doctrine. A census was very much part of Augustus’ political doctrine. The reason for this goes back some years before the events of Luke 2. When we read of Augustus, we imagine that he became emperor at a specific time. His powers were actually consolidated over time. One of these periods included a compromise with the Roman Senate called the second settlement.

It was in this settlement, that he was granted powers normally reserved for only the Roman Censor. These included the right to supervise public morals and scrutinize laws to ensure they were in the public interest, as well as the ability to hold a census and determine the membership of the Senate.A Censor also, even in the days of the republic, would occassionally take a Census outside of Rome in the provinces.

One of the reasons for this compromise had been Augustus’ illness. The Senate realized that their entire government now was pinned to the health of one man. Ironically, the most powerful man in the known world, suffered with illness throughout his life. When we first read Luke 2, we imagine mighty Caesar and an infant Christ. While that is true, Caesar was not so mighty, and while Our Lord was a baby, He was more powerful in His infancy, than Augustus was in his strength.

The doctrine of Caesar demanded every man to give account of himself and his family. The purpose was for the pleasure of Rome. Make no mistake, one day, all men both small and great will stand before a Throne far greater than Caesar’s. We will all give an account, but that wasn’t the way that Christ began.

Before He ever asked us to give an account of our birth, of our parents, or of our heritage, He shared His own. He shared His lineage of faith from Abraham to David. As well as to all those who were faithful even though not famous.

We know that Christ’s Mother was just like us, flawed but unflinching. Joseph, while not His Father, loved Him as much as any son. Most of all, because Jesus shared, we can become the sons of God!

God wrapped in flesh, born to die, buried to rise, and alive to resurrect men’s souls! That is the doctrine of Christ. Augustus’ doctrine was birthed out of human frailty, they say he suffered ailments all his life. Our Lord’s doctrine was established to take away our diseases, to overcome our weaknesses, and to share His strength with us.

Thank God that the doctrine of God brings life in every arena. Whether your background is religious, non religious, political, or anything else, The Lord will meet you there. So this Christmas, spend some time getting to know a King who crossed worlds to reach you.

Matthew 11:29-30

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Watercolor Silver Bells

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25 Devotions – Day Thirteeen

The Native: He Keeps His Promises

Luke 2:2

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

Can I ask you a question, contextually why does it matter who was governor of Syria? I ask this, not out of disrespect, but out of joy. If you say to give the setting a date, I would argue that Augustus’ decree in verse one could accomplish that. No, the reason for this, is intended, inspired, and inviting.

He recognized his own sins, his own mistakes, and he had received mercy.

Some argue about the date of Cyrenius rule as Governor of Syria.  Some scholars suggest that when should be translated before.  Others indicate that Cyrenius’ first responsibility in the region was the taxing, and that he would rise to governor.

No matter which opinion you are of, doesn’t lessen the importance of this verse.  Frankly, the important meaning of it is not who was governor of Syria, or when he was the governor.  The important part of this was that it reads governor and not king.

Isaiah 7: 1-2,13-16

1 And it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, [that] Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel,

went up toward Jerusalem to war against it, but could not prevail against it.

2 And it was told the house of David, saying, Syria is confederate with Ephraim. And his heart

was moved, and the heart of his people, as the trees of the wood are moved with the wind.

13 And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; [Is it] a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also?

14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

15 Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good.

16 For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.

To understand what I mean by this, we must go back many years.  To another king, one attacked and surrounded by a confederacy of kings. He was scared, he was not where he should be with The Lord, and he knew that he deserved to die.  Then the Prophet came to see him.

Isaiah could have brought news of judgement to the young king.  He could have told him that God was going to allow his destruction, he didn’t.  Isaiah one chapter before, had laid on his face before God.  He recognized his own sins, his own mistakes, and he had received mercy.

Uzziah was Ahaz’ grandfather, so these chapters were not chronologically organized, they were inely placed.  One would serve as a backdrop against another, you see Uzziah wasn’t perfect either.  However, God sent Isaiah with a message of mercy.  This was the same Prophet that The Lord spoke through saying, “Though your sins be as scarlet, I will make them white as snow.”

So Ahaz, fearful of destruction, was given a sign.  He would not die by the hand of these kings, instead, those kings would be defeated.  This was to take place before Immanuel would be born.  Prior to the coming of The Merciful King, the merciless ones would be dust and ashes.

What is it that is bombarding your life today?  Who, or what addiction reigns over you?  Sin whispers that you’ve failed before, why try, you’ll just fail again.  I submit to you, that is a lie.  Your past mistakes do not dictate your future.  Christ has come to make all things new.  He dethroned and discarded a nation that threatened a very flawed king.

He can dethrone everything in your life that binds you, no matter your mistakes.  His promise to Ahaz holds true to you and I today.  He has come to give you life, and life more abundantly.  If you are a believer, and your sins are behind you, do not spend your life regretting past mistakes.  He has forgiven them, you must forgive yourself.

That’s why it’s called a New Testament, a new beginning.

If you desire a new life, don’t worry about all the things in your life that are wrong.  First, come to Him, and let Him dethrone them.  He knows how to overcome everything that you are facing.  It all starts with a conversation with Jesus, it doesn’t end there, but that is your beginning.

Isaiah chapter seven goes on to say that Immanuel knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good.  He knows how to separate you from your issues, even when you can’t yourself.  I’ve seen the drug addict freed from his addictions.  I’ve seen so many souls made new at the feet of The Master.  That’s why it’s called a New Testament, a new beginning. This is the promise of freedom, and I can promise you from personal experience, He Keeps His Promises!