Me, Mo, and Rambo

Rambo meets Moses, and finds Scott Brutsche somewhere in between. Growing up, I could so relate with John J., here he was just a simple guy, looking for his place in the world, and the next thing you know, he’s getting harassed. Don’t tell him what to do, and don’t ask him to walk an extra mile. Like Rambo, I’m a runner, not very good at sitting down and talking things over, or confronting problems. We both can handle million-dollar equipment, but when it comes time to doing normal, everyday life, we have a little trouble. We would both be all right, but they drew first blood. They kept pushing. Life really got the best of both of us. After having nowhere else to run to, finding nothing else to fill that hole inside, we both broke down. Thank God there was somebody for us to go to in that time of desperation. We both had somebody who was willing to do anything to help out, and to be there to cry on their shoulder. If Rambo can ask for help, so could I, fly me back to Brag.

Putting down our weapons, our comfort, our safety zone, we started over, but this time we were willing to listen, and do things a different way. How about prayer? First surrender, now this! As a beginner, I had doubts, and didn’t believe that God would listen, or be interested in me, but my friends said “That doesn’t matter, just do it anyway.” Ok, so we kept it simple, 1) God please help me to stay sober today, 2) thank you at night,3) meet up with somebody, and 4) read. So simple even I couldn’t mess it up. Colonel Troutman showed us a new way to live, by going over some of those resentments, and fears that have ruled my life for a long time. He helped me to see where I was a fault, and showed me that I can clean up my side of the street and move on with my life. So days add up and me and Johny are growing, though we don’t recognize it, and we are going to the Colonel for help, and all he’s telling us is to go get quit, and pray. There is that word again.

Enter Moses.

Here’s a guy who felt a little different than other people, a little out of place, a little clumsy with words, ok way clumsy. We’re either all or nothing people, what can I say. We end up venturing out; we are going to give this prayer thing a shot. So we’re outdoors in the fresh air, no people around to distract us, and what do you know, we come upon a burning bush! Something that’s very foreign, new and out of this world! We were seeking. We drew close to God, and in return, He had drawn close to us. He had spoken very softly, from inside. We had never taken the time to get that close before; we never needed His help until now. He let us know that He’s got some plans for our lives, and of course Moses and I tell Him why we can’t. Moses stutters, and I’m afraid of my own shadow, but God says “Go for I will be with you.” (Deuteronimy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Enter obedience. (not easy)

Coming down from the Mtn. experience, we run into all kinds of trouble to get to the Promise Land. We actually have to face our fear and troubles, and even the killer…reality. But all along the way, the Lord is reminding us, “It’s gona be alright, your Mine, you know the time has come to grow, and I can show you if you want, I can pour into your heart, lots and lots of Love.” What a ride it’s been, it hasn’t been easy, but it hasn’t been to hard. One of the best things I’ve ever done is say a simple prayer in my heart for God to put me where he wants me to be, and to help do His will. This was only possible because He gave me a 2nd chance in life by His grace. Over time more has been revealed about spiritual matters, and how they tie in with everyday life. God’s Spirit has revealed who Jesus really is, with the help of a priest who explained Jesus as Emmanuel, or-God with us. Something inside just clicked and finally it made sense!

I’ve come to put my trust in Jesus for taking care of all my sins (present, past, and future), and making me clean because of His perfect sacrifice on the cross. Oh death where is your sting! I no longer try to do good deeds to get into Heaven, but go by the way scripture describes in Romans 3:21(But now a righteousness from God, apart from the law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in His blood. He did this to demonstrate His justice, because in His forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished-He did this to demonstrate His justice at the present time, so as to be just and the One who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.)

So with God’s Spirit guiding the way a day at a time, and His children there to help me, we have begun a new life. One that trades old thinking, like fear and resentments, jealousy, envy and lies of the enemy, for truth, love and tolerance, patience, trust, forgiveness and mercy. Not an easy task, but John and me and Moses keep on keeping on, and do what’s in front of us, which is this project for the moment, Inward Out. A lot of these songs are prayers; they come from a place of being broken, and needing help. I think everyone can relate to that.

Well at least me, Mo, and Rambo can. Check it out.