So the Lord has been hitting me upside the head the past few weeks like crazy on the subject of not getting caught up in numbers. The Gathering is the area in my life, where I stress most when it comes to people attending. Yes, I should care about people coming so that they can hear the gospel. But at the same time, it does not mean if you are successful or not. The Lord has showed me how its more important to follow God and be biblical than to have a large crowd and having the Gathering become extremely popular.
Jesus was not very popular at times in His ministry. In fact, He dwindled it down to 12 because of His harsh statements He made about what it means to truly follow Him.
I also look at the apostles and great men of God in our history, and I see a lot of failure when it comes to people increasingly coming. Adoniram Judson was a missionary who went to an unreached people group and translated the Bible for the Burmese people. He did not experience a single profession of faith until 6 years into his ministry. He was obviously fruitful in his work for the Lord before that person came to Christ.
So God has been humbling me to realize that success is based off of preaching the Word for what it is, and doing everything for the glory of God. If that means a lot of people come, praise God, if a lot of people don't... Praise God!!!
I leave you with a quote that has changed me a lot this past week.
"To evangelize does not mean to win converts... but simply to announce the good news, irrespective of the results" - John Stott
Monday, November 8, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Thankful!
If I have learned anything from being away from my home, is that I should be so much more thankful than I really am! I really miss my close friends and family back home, and they have done so much for me!
Specifically Jordan: Jordan has been so amazing through this whole thing. I keep hearing how tough it is to have a long distance relationship, but Jordan and I are doing so great! Its been such a blessing to get a word of encouragement from her daily, and it is so noticeable how much more she has gotten into the Word. This being away thing has been the best thing for us. Its taught me personally, how to be a lot more thankful than I ever was. I never recognized how much of a servant's heart she had, until I left. She is willing to do so much for the body of believers, and its such an encouragement to me. Although I have been a believer longer than her, she continues to teach me so much every day. This also has created both of us to seek God even more through this trial. Trials are always used by God for our good, and I can definitely see that evident in our relationship. We have both grown individually with God through this, as well as a relationship. Our prayer's every night has really been a huge factor in keeping me positive in this entire experience.
She is so awesome!!! I am very very lucky :)
Specifically Jordan: Jordan has been so amazing through this whole thing. I keep hearing how tough it is to have a long distance relationship, but Jordan and I are doing so great! Its been such a blessing to get a word of encouragement from her daily, and it is so noticeable how much more she has gotten into the Word. This being away thing has been the best thing for us. Its taught me personally, how to be a lot more thankful than I ever was. I never recognized how much of a servant's heart she had, until I left. She is willing to do so much for the body of believers, and its such an encouragement to me. Although I have been a believer longer than her, she continues to teach me so much every day. This also has created both of us to seek God even more through this trial. Trials are always used by God for our good, and I can definitely see that evident in our relationship. We have both grown individually with God through this, as well as a relationship. Our prayer's every night has really been a huge factor in keeping me positive in this entire experience.
She is so awesome!!! I am very very lucky :)
Encouraged
Okay, so the past week or so I have sat down to type my blog, and I do not even know where to begin. Instead of trying to figure out how to structure it all, I just decide to do it another day.
Well, I finally want to take this time to write down all of my thoughts. If I pontificated on every thing that God has done in my life since I have been to CBU, this would be pages long... We all know I am not that captivating at writing, so I am just gonna type it out in short form so you get the gist of it.
- God has taught me about caring for others a whole lot more. Queen Creek does not have community the way CBU does. Of course a lot of it has to do with a lot more believers being here, and it automatically evokes encouragement. But what I have learned a lot here, is that we should care for each and every person. Don't get me wrong, I believe that I cared for each person while in Queen Creek; but my mentors here have taught me a lot on how to constructively care for someone.
Its as simple as a one on one lunch. I have been so blessed by doing this, just asking them how their life is, what God has been doing for them. Its insane to hear their responses, and its even more insane that it encourages both parties SO MUCH!
Its also as simple as a phone call, keeping them accountable with their walk with God in an encouraging way!!
- I was blessed today by sitting in a "Intro to Pastoral Ministry" class (a class I will take my sophomore year). It was presentation day, and I was blown away by my fellow students and how they dissected God's word. One group looked at Paul in the book of Acts. They revealed to the class how effective he was as a pastor, and what we should learn from him. I was encouraged to see how Paul preached publicly, but also from home to home! He did life with everyone!
Paul also had the spirit of humility when it came to the pastor's position.
In other words, we must continually remind ourselves that while we hold ourselves to be above reproach, we must never forget that we are not above anyone.
As pastors we should live a life that is above reproach, but with a humble attitude knowing that we are sinners just as much as anyone in the crowd.
The second group worked through 1 Timothy.
Key points I gained from the presentation:
1. Pastors should: - preach the Word of God AGGRESSIVELY
- Raise up other leaders (at least 2 at a time)
- Serve ALL people
- Expositional teaching
- Be servant of men, and a slave to God
- Hold the church accountable. .
- Defend the doctrine!
It was so encouraging to hear fellow peers who will be pastors one day, have this so right.
God has been doing amazing things in my life.
I pray that He is impacting yours.
I leave you with a passage to MEDITATE over.
Habakkuk 3:17-19
17Though the fig tree should not blossom,
nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail
and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold
and there be no herd in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD;
I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
19GOD, the Lord, is my strength;
he makes my feet like the deer’s;
he makes me tread on my high places.
Well, I finally want to take this time to write down all of my thoughts. If I pontificated on every thing that God has done in my life since I have been to CBU, this would be pages long... We all know I am not that captivating at writing, so I am just gonna type it out in short form so you get the gist of it.
- God has taught me about caring for others a whole lot more. Queen Creek does not have community the way CBU does. Of course a lot of it has to do with a lot more believers being here, and it automatically evokes encouragement. But what I have learned a lot here, is that we should care for each and every person. Don't get me wrong, I believe that I cared for each person while in Queen Creek; but my mentors here have taught me a lot on how to constructively care for someone.
Its as simple as a one on one lunch. I have been so blessed by doing this, just asking them how their life is, what God has been doing for them. Its insane to hear their responses, and its even more insane that it encourages both parties SO MUCH!
Its also as simple as a phone call, keeping them accountable with their walk with God in an encouraging way!!
- I was blessed today by sitting in a "Intro to Pastoral Ministry" class (a class I will take my sophomore year). It was presentation day, and I was blown away by my fellow students and how they dissected God's word. One group looked at Paul in the book of Acts. They revealed to the class how effective he was as a pastor, and what we should learn from him. I was encouraged to see how Paul preached publicly, but also from home to home! He did life with everyone!
Paul also had the spirit of humility when it came to the pastor's position.
In other words, we must continually remind ourselves that while we hold ourselves to be above reproach, we must never forget that we are not above anyone.
As pastors we should live a life that is above reproach, but with a humble attitude knowing that we are sinners just as much as anyone in the crowd.
The second group worked through 1 Timothy.
Key points I gained from the presentation:
1. Pastors should: - preach the Word of God AGGRESSIVELY
- Raise up other leaders (at least 2 at a time)
- Serve ALL people
- Expositional teaching
- Be servant of men, and a slave to God
- Hold the church accountable. .
- Defend the doctrine!
It was so encouraging to hear fellow peers who will be pastors one day, have this so right.
God has been doing amazing things in my life.
I pray that He is impacting yours.
I leave you with a passage to MEDITATE over.
Habakkuk 3:17-19
17Though the fig tree should not blossom,
nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail
and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold
and there be no herd in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD;
I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
19GOD, the Lord, is my strength;
he makes my feet like the deer’s;
he makes me tread on my high places.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
God's Lessons In My Life
Luke 14:27 "And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple"
Have you ever had those weeks where you know God has His hand completely on you? Where it seems that every minute, is a lesson God is teaching you something? From July 25, to now, I have been having those weeks!
God recently, has opened my eyes to the gospel in a way I have never fully understood before. And it all started with Luke 14:27. When we think of the cross, we think of what we put on the rear view mirror of our vehicles, the necklaces we wear, the pictures we put up in our house. And in a sense, we do love the cross because its what saved us! But because of this, we forget what the cross means in the culture where Jesus spoke these words. Back then, He was saying pick up your instrument of torture and follow me. In today's terms, pick up your electric chair, and follow me. That is radical! And its not the gospel we are parading today. Today we just ask, "do you want love? Pray this prayer, and your life will be so much better". We never tell them that the gospel will cost you your life, and because we do so, they never receive life in the first place.
Because of this I have really looked into the gospels, to present to my Heart Cry family what the gospel is according to America verses what the gospel is according to the Bible.
If I were to have never been around today's church, and all I had was the Bible. I would think the gospel is totally different than what many preach today. So I presented this to Heart Cry on August 1st, and it was amazing to see God speak to the congregation. you can find it here: http://www.messageshare.com/messages/memberID483/Follow%20Me.mp3
But parts of my message was about how do we disciple? How do we make disciples? And our culture is wrapped up in the idea that the next program is the key to success in making disciples. But I preach that Jesus laid it out to us clearly in Matthew 28:18-20.
We make disciples by:
1. Share the Word. Going.
Our strategy is dependent upon the best lights, speaker, band, and building. While God's strategy is dependent upon people!
We are all preachers of the word, not just the pastor twice a week!
2. Show the Word. Baptizing.
We are baptized to identify ourselves with Christ. But from then on, we show this identity.
Read 1 Cor 10:31-33, Phil 3:17. Phil 4:9.
Paul is exclaiming to follow his walk, and in so doing, you will get closer to the Father. this is great pressure.
We have become so individualistic, that we do this walk for ourselves. But in fact, its biblical to say that we are to live for others. In other words, my holiness has a direct effect on others Christianity. We tell the ones who follow us, to watch us and do what we do. This brings true accountability, causes you to grow, and also causes other to grow.
(Listen to message for this to make complete sense)
3. Teach the Word. Teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
Does the word stop with you, or spread with you?
Stop listening to messages without a pen and paper. That means you are listening just for your own health. Rather, take notes for those who aren't listening to the message. so that you may share that word with your neighbor.
Challenge: every time you read something in the word, share it with at least one other person.
4. Serve the world.
Invest in 1 or 2 people, do these 3 steps, and they will begin serving with you. They will impact the world.
Then you go get 2 others to disciple, and the one you just discipled gets 2 of their own.
This will begin to multiply into strong disciples!
Please take this message, and apply it to your life. For the sake of the gospel!
The other thing God has taught me these past weeks, is through others lives.
I will not mention their names, but I have been radically impacted by 2 guys who have poured their life into me. They have shared with me their life story, their sins, their punishments of their sin, and the precious gospel that has liberated them.
Hearing stories about prison, not having much, living in a homeless shelter, is very humbling to say the least. These man have impacted my life the 2 past weeks, more than a Sunday school teacher ever has.
Doing life together, sharing experiences, and learning about other people's mistakes is such a blessing.
I have gone to sleep every night, just so thankful for the gospel. So refreshed and re-energized knowing that God saves the worst, uses the lowly, and has His hand on His sheep wherever they are.
Please. Please. Please. Invest your life into someone. Show them what you have learned so far, and look for someone to invest their life into you. That is what the early church did, we must go back to it.
I have seen the positive results first hand.
Summer Trips
Wow. What a summer I have had, and it has been so busy that I have had no time to blog whatsoever!
But I would love to use this post, just to catch up with the summer trips I have taken.
Virgina/Tennessee:
In June, my family and I were blessed with the opportunity to go to the "South" and enjoy some family time while celebrating my Papa and Grandma's 50th Anniversary of their marriage. God really worked on my heart the week that we were there. It was just so refreshing to see churches there, passionate about the gospel of Jesus. I loved seeing the Tuttle family (my relatives), doing so much for Christ. We rarely ever have the time to connect because they move all around the world for the gospel.
I particularly needed the time I had with my cousin Jace. It was very encouraging to see his willingness to help me with my church plant in Arizona. He offered so much of his time to help the Gathering, and it was so apparent to see it was because he is so hooked on the love of Jesus and pursuing Him.
Georgia Team:
Once I left the south, the south came and visited us with a mission team from Georgia. My previous post explains in further detail about their visit, but please keep them in prayer as they present and live the gospel in Lavonia Georgia.
San Francisco:
God richly blessed Heart Cry Church's youth by financially providing our way to San Fran to spread the precious gospel. Powerplant was the name of the organization that held the mission trip/camp experience. The staffers their were amazing, and it deeply encouraged me to see fellow young people serve the gospel with their entire life!
The best part of the trip, was the mission aspect! We helped a new church plant called, Ministerio Hispana, in Richmond, CA. For those who don't know where that is, its very close to San Fran but also known as the "gangster area". We were in the hispanic region, with many of them only speaking spanish. But the language barrier did not stop us a bit.
We helped the church by doing a VBS event for the children of the area. I taught the 5th and 6th graders, and they were such a blessing. We had 10 kids consistently for my grades, and they heard about Jesus every single day! 2 of them surrendered to Jesus, through the preaching of the gospel to them. The others claimed that they were followers, but realized they need to sacrifice more to God. They probably impacted my life, more than I impacted theirs. It was amazing to see their happy spirits, knowing someone cared for them. All they need is hope, and thats all any community needs. And that hope is found in Jesus Christ!
Please pray for Richmond, CA. They are a desperately wicked community that has fallen into the fascination of gangs and violence. Pray for certain teenagers at the church, who recently gave their life to Christ and trying to get out of their gang without getting shot!
Through these trips God has humbled me, broadened my horizons, and assured me that there are disciples of God's word out there. They just need to be reminded, and trained to spread this gospel to others in their community. I love that God hears every language, I love that God can bless me through a homeless man just as much as a youth pastor can. It doesn't matter what walk of life, you can still gain wisdom, knowledge, and encouragement from them.
But I would love to use this post, just to catch up with the summer trips I have taken.
Virgina/Tennessee:
In June, my family and I were blessed with the opportunity to go to the "South" and enjoy some family time while celebrating my Papa and Grandma's 50th Anniversary of their marriage. God really worked on my heart the week that we were there. It was just so refreshing to see churches there, passionate about the gospel of Jesus. I loved seeing the Tuttle family (my relatives), doing so much for Christ. We rarely ever have the time to connect because they move all around the world for the gospel.
I particularly needed the time I had with my cousin Jace. It was very encouraging to see his willingness to help me with my church plant in Arizona. He offered so much of his time to help the Gathering, and it was so apparent to see it was because he is so hooked on the love of Jesus and pursuing Him.
Georgia Team:
Once I left the south, the south came and visited us with a mission team from Georgia. My previous post explains in further detail about their visit, but please keep them in prayer as they present and live the gospel in Lavonia Georgia.
San Francisco:
God richly blessed Heart Cry Church's youth by financially providing our way to San Fran to spread the precious gospel. Powerplant was the name of the organization that held the mission trip/camp experience. The staffers their were amazing, and it deeply encouraged me to see fellow young people serve the gospel with their entire life!
The best part of the trip, was the mission aspect! We helped a new church plant called, Ministerio Hispana, in Richmond, CA. For those who don't know where that is, its very close to San Fran but also known as the "gangster area". We were in the hispanic region, with many of them only speaking spanish. But the language barrier did not stop us a bit.
We helped the church by doing a VBS event for the children of the area. I taught the 5th and 6th graders, and they were such a blessing. We had 10 kids consistently for my grades, and they heard about Jesus every single day! 2 of them surrendered to Jesus, through the preaching of the gospel to them. The others claimed that they were followers, but realized they need to sacrifice more to God. They probably impacted my life, more than I impacted theirs. It was amazing to see their happy spirits, knowing someone cared for them. All they need is hope, and thats all any community needs. And that hope is found in Jesus Christ!
Please pray for Richmond, CA. They are a desperately wicked community that has fallen into the fascination of gangs and violence. Pray for certain teenagers at the church, who recently gave their life to Christ and trying to get out of their gang without getting shot!
Through these trips God has humbled me, broadened my horizons, and assured me that there are disciples of God's word out there. They just need to be reminded, and trained to spread this gospel to others in their community. I love that God hears every language, I love that God can bless me through a homeless man just as much as a youth pastor can. It doesn't matter what walk of life, you can still gain wisdom, knowledge, and encouragement from them.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Georgia!
This past week I have been extremely blessed by the mission team from Georgia. It is amazing to see God work through people's lives of all ages, and of all different cultures. It was great for me specifically, because it was encouraging to know that we are not alone. Sometimes I get into this mode of thinking that there are not many out there who want to give God everything anymore. But this week, God reminded me that He has his people throughout the world, living to glorify the Father. It reminds me a lot of the prophet Elijah, when he felt that he was the only one left for God, but found out that there were seven thousand that still worshipped Him in his his area. (1 Kings 19)
I loved serving with them by passing out flyers to the surrounding neighborhoods of the church. We passed out 3500 flyers in 3 days!! They did so with such a happy heart. We also had a great conversations together about so many different aspects of life. It really felt like they were family, which they are! The family of God is so powerful.
I am looking forward to the friendship that I will have with them in the future.
They are in my prayers daily!
Thank you God, for your blessings.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Hospitality to a stranger - God's call for us to do
God has been working on me a lot lately. He has been revealing to me what the church is, and what it should be. I have been so blessed to take in what God has told me, and I feel that if I don't apply it I am a hypocrite.
Well God put me to the test today. I went to Subway with my mom for lunch today. As we were standing in line, I saw a man named Scott (about my age) just sitting there with a look of anticipation. After we had gotten the food, Scott stood up and went to the counter. He asked for an application. But the manager told him that there were none left, and that he can go online to get it. The look on Scott's face was heart breaking. I saw him walk out of Subway and go to his bike. He just stood there for awhile, as if he were thinking of a way to get that application. So my mom and I walked to the car, and right when I got in I felt so tense. I knew that I just learned about how the church is supposed to get out in the community and serve. So I got out of the car and walked towards this gentleman. Not knowing his name yet, I said, "hey man. I am gonna get you your application, if you just wait here. I'll see if the one a few miles down has it, and if not I will print one off of my house". I could not believe the joy I saw in this guys face, but it was a humble joy. And realizing he did not have any money, I gave him a few bucks to get a drink while he was waiting for me.
So mom and I drove to the next Subway to get an application, and sure enough there were none. God wanted us to work for this :) So we ran home, I got out of the car quickly and printed off an application for him. But before I ran out, I got a Bible (one of my favorite ones) and I put the bookmark on John 3:16. We took off and got there, and sure enough Scott was standing there with a drink in his hand. (I appreciated that he used the money the way I asked him to). So I gave him the application, but insisted that in order to take the pen to fill it out, he must take this Bible. I explained to him that I am not pressing a religion down his throat. But that I am totally in love with Jesus and His word, and I promise you that if you take this book and read it you will never be the same again.
I then asked his name, and I told him I loved him and was praying for him. As we said bye, he said thanks again for the bible. How cool is that?! Not thanks for the application, but thanks for the Bible.
I was so excited. I am praying that Scott finds eternal life and the King of Kings through reading God's word. Pray for him.
Well God put me to the test today. I went to Subway with my mom for lunch today. As we were standing in line, I saw a man named Scott (about my age) just sitting there with a look of anticipation. After we had gotten the food, Scott stood up and went to the counter. He asked for an application. But the manager told him that there were none left, and that he can go online to get it. The look on Scott's face was heart breaking. I saw him walk out of Subway and go to his bike. He just stood there for awhile, as if he were thinking of a way to get that application. So my mom and I walked to the car, and right when I got in I felt so tense. I knew that I just learned about how the church is supposed to get out in the community and serve. So I got out of the car and walked towards this gentleman. Not knowing his name yet, I said, "hey man. I am gonna get you your application, if you just wait here. I'll see if the one a few miles down has it, and if not I will print one off of my house". I could not believe the joy I saw in this guys face, but it was a humble joy. And realizing he did not have any money, I gave him a few bucks to get a drink while he was waiting for me.
So mom and I drove to the next Subway to get an application, and sure enough there were none. God wanted us to work for this :) So we ran home, I got out of the car quickly and printed off an application for him. But before I ran out, I got a Bible (one of my favorite ones) and I put the bookmark on John 3:16. We took off and got there, and sure enough Scott was standing there with a drink in his hand. (I appreciated that he used the money the way I asked him to). So I gave him the application, but insisted that in order to take the pen to fill it out, he must take this Bible. I explained to him that I am not pressing a religion down his throat. But that I am totally in love with Jesus and His word, and I promise you that if you take this book and read it you will never be the same again.
I then asked his name, and I told him I loved him and was praying for him. As we said bye, he said thanks again for the bible. How cool is that?! Not thanks for the application, but thanks for the Bible.
I was so excited. I am praying that Scott finds eternal life and the King of Kings through reading God's word. Pray for him.
I can't shut up
Psalm 71:8 "My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long".
My morning verse today really spoke to me. Usually when I pick my verse, its from something I read that morning in my studies. But oddly, today was different. The verses I read were very meaningful, but I felt led to flip through the book of Psalms. And I came across this highlighted verse.
As I pray this scripture, my heart jumps with joy. I jump with joy with the possibility of reaching that stage in my life. To literally give praise to Him and declare it all day long. I am praying that my life will be so full of Christ, that its all that I can think of. I mean, imagine that lifestyle!! I personally would love to hang around someone with this way of life. But what is funny, is that it is achievable in all of us to live this way. God is so loving, so gracious, so infinite that we can marvel about it through eternity. But we are so dumb, I just worry about the government and how we can pay the bills.
What happened to just sitting down and being in awe of the creation around us? What happened to finding people crying in the morning during the Bible study, at just how amazing God is in their life?
I know God is still as amazing as when he first started! We just forget to wake up and smell the coffee. Let this serve as a reminder to set a time in your life every day, to marvel at his works.
Not only is it so joyful to declare His beauty all day, it does something else for us too. It takes away the sin in our life. The devil can't distract us into our dull life if we are so focused on the conquering King of Kings. Its like what I heard from Adrian Rogers when it comes to sinful thoughts. If I were to tell you to not think of an elephant. You most likely will have an elephant in your mind, its just natural. You see, that is not the way in going about battling sin. Its not "I will not do this sin, I must not do that sin". Its rather, focusing on what Jesus is. And through focusing on Jesus, there is no room to focus on anything else. and when you focus on Jesus, it becomes automatic to serve and preach the gospel.
Be encouraged family, God is in control. Lets get to caught up in his majesty that we can't shut up about Him.
Monday, June 7, 2010
JESUS
I am currently reading "Confessions of A Reformission Rev." by Mark Driscoll. And I am loving every bit of it. I am not saying that I agree with Mark Driscoll on every issue, including drinking and I am still trying to study extensively on Calvinism, but regardless, anyone can come away with something from this book.
The book is about how Driscoll planted Mars Hill and records all of the ups and downs of the church. It gives great insight on how you can handle trials that will be experienced as a pastor. So far, a lot of the stories are quite identical to the planting of Heart Cry Church AND Heart Cry Gathering.
But what I am loving most is how he has handled the church as a shepherd. Especially in the area of dealing with the wolves.
The book is about how Driscoll planted Mars Hill and records all of the ups and downs of the church. It gives great insight on how you can handle trials that will be experienced as a pastor. So far, a lot of the stories are quite identical to the planting of Heart Cry Church AND Heart Cry Gathering.
But what I am loving most is how he has handled the church as a shepherd. Especially in the area of dealing with the wolves.
p131 “Over the years, I’ve just accepted that if I do not quickly open the back door when God is trying to run people out of our church, I am working against God by keeping sick people in my church so that they can infect others”
His whole philosphy is to keep the ones in church that are focused on the lost. As I look at so many churches in our area, it breaks my heart. People love their church because their gym is awesome, or they have a pool party every week, etc. What happened to the church existing for reaching the lost? What happened to the sole focus of the gospel?
It is so refreshing to read about a pastor who only cares about the lost. He focuses the members of his church to focus on the lost. Its all about the great commission.
God is waiting for more churches to stop entertaining one another like some breakfast club, and start weeping over the ones who have not met Jesus.
Its all about Jesus.
Jesus is the center. Not relationships. If you focus on Jesus, relationships will automatically become a bi-product.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Tired of the Word?
I am pretty sure all of us have been there at some point in our lives. Where we THINK that we are tired of the word... Or in other words, just don't have the appetite to go open it up and dive in.
Its obvious that we all have this problem, or else our churches would be looking a lot healthier today.
Well, I must admit that I have been in a weird funk the past week that has broken my heart.
The finals, the stress of graduation etc, for some reason made me excuse myself from the word of God.
I would think of excuses every time I had the opportunity to really dive in. Of course, I read some but it was only at face value. Towards the end of the week, I was truly hurt that my heart was not hungry.
But then tonight, my eyes were opened. I listened to a sermon by my favorite preacher, Adrian Rogers, called "Welcoming the Word"
In it, he talked about how there are 4 ways/steps to welcome the word and make it come alive in your life. Using James 1:21-25 as his text.
1. Repentant Heart.
We must come before the Lord clean in order for us to hear him. In the book of James, it translates in Greek that the sin in our lives is like wax in our ears. It must simply be removed in order for us to hear anything.
He also made the illustration, that before you plant the seed for a garden, you weed the garden first. Same with us in our spiritual lives.
2. Receptive Heart.
God wants you to be meek, to be sensitive to His commands.
First clean, then meek.
The minute you open your heart, God displays Himself.
3. Responsive Heart
Once clean, surrendered, you must begin to obey.
So many church goers sit, soak, and sour. They never apply the word.
BE DOERS!
"The best way to understand the part of the bible you don't understand, is to follow the part of the bible you already understand"
He makes the point, "Why should God show anybody understanding if they aren't acting upon what He was already shown them?!"
Study of the bible gives you knowledge about God, obedience gives you knowledge OF God.
4. Reflective Heart
James 1:23-25
Don't just glance at the Word, see the problem but not do anything about it.
That is just like a man seeing a dirty spot on his face in the mirror, but then leaving without wiping it off.
its absurd. See the problem, and wipe it clean.
Apply it to your life. Reflect upon it. Look intently into yourself.
Read the word of God, and let the word of God read you.
Bring your heart, mind, everything to the bible when you are reading, and it will become real to you.
This gave me so much comfort, such a boost I needed.
I suggest printing out these 4 ways to welcome the Word and remind yourself daily.
We forget things O so quickly. How we need not forget the importance of actively being in the word of God!!
Its obvious that we all have this problem, or else our churches would be looking a lot healthier today.
Well, I must admit that I have been in a weird funk the past week that has broken my heart.
The finals, the stress of graduation etc, for some reason made me excuse myself from the word of God.
I would think of excuses every time I had the opportunity to really dive in. Of course, I read some but it was only at face value. Towards the end of the week, I was truly hurt that my heart was not hungry.
But then tonight, my eyes were opened. I listened to a sermon by my favorite preacher, Adrian Rogers, called "Welcoming the Word"
In it, he talked about how there are 4 ways/steps to welcome the word and make it come alive in your life. Using James 1:21-25 as his text.
1. Repentant Heart.
We must come before the Lord clean in order for us to hear him. In the book of James, it translates in Greek that the sin in our lives is like wax in our ears. It must simply be removed in order for us to hear anything.
He also made the illustration, that before you plant the seed for a garden, you weed the garden first. Same with us in our spiritual lives.
2. Receptive Heart.
God wants you to be meek, to be sensitive to His commands.
First clean, then meek.
The minute you open your heart, God displays Himself.
3. Responsive Heart
Once clean, surrendered, you must begin to obey.
So many church goers sit, soak, and sour. They never apply the word.
BE DOERS!
"The best way to understand the part of the bible you don't understand, is to follow the part of the bible you already understand"
He makes the point, "Why should God show anybody understanding if they aren't acting upon what He was already shown them?!"
Study of the bible gives you knowledge about God, obedience gives you knowledge OF God.
4. Reflective Heart
James 1:23-25
Don't just glance at the Word, see the problem but not do anything about it.
That is just like a man seeing a dirty spot on his face in the mirror, but then leaving without wiping it off.
its absurd. See the problem, and wipe it clean.
Apply it to your life. Reflect upon it. Look intently into yourself.
Read the word of God, and let the word of God read you.
Bring your heart, mind, everything to the bible when you are reading, and it will become real to you.
This gave me so much comfort, such a boost I needed.
I suggest printing out these 4 ways to welcome the Word and remind yourself daily.
We forget things O so quickly. How we need not forget the importance of actively being in the word of God!!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Come Home
So I have not been on here for a very long time. For my 2 readers or so, I apologize :)
But now that I am winding down from my last message etc. I just felt like blogging to encourage others. My past blogs lately have been very heartbroken. Asking for those to stop acting fake and start living for Christ. And I still stand by that. But I feel I need to be thankful always, as I feel I am, I have not been on my blog!
I just want to encourage you that the Gospel is so loving and just as passionate as it was 2,000 years ago... It NEVER gets old! I just am so in love with Jesus, because He loved me first.
I encourage you to check out this video thats on the bottom of my blog. Maybe a little wake up call to the reality of how much God truly loves us.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Jonathan Edwards
These words were written by the great Jonathan Edwards, and have really impacted my life.
As I ponder my life, I realize that this is my goal. This is not a long post, I just want you to linger on this quote.
Take this bit by bit and examine your own life.
"As he has more boldness, so he has less of self-confidence… and more modesty. As he is more sure than others of deliverance of hell, so he has more of a sense of the desert of it. He is less apt than others to be shaken in faith, but more apt than others to be moved with solemn warnings, and with God’s frowns, and with the calamities of others. He has the firmest comfort, but the softest heart: richer than others, but poorest of all in spirit; the tallest and the strongest saint, but the least and tederest child among them"
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Crushed
I am currently going through a struggle right now in my life.
I admit that it has been a long time since I have been down like this. But I am excited for God to pull through as He always does.
I really don't know what college I am going to anymore :/ CBU has always stacked scholarships, but has changed the policy THIS year. So, if I was just a year older I would not have to deal with any of this. Now I have to deal with expenses, and loans are not my preference... Not large loans. And my girlfriend is going through the same situation. Its funny how a week ago, I thought a major chunk of my life was planned out. But now I must rely on God.
I ask you to please remember me in your prayers. That Gods will will be done.
Psalm 34:18
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
O, how only Christians can rejoice in their trials!
Thank you Father for giving us victory through the blood!
I admit that it has been a long time since I have been down like this. But I am excited for God to pull through as He always does.
I really don't know what college I am going to anymore :/ CBU has always stacked scholarships, but has changed the policy THIS year. So, if I was just a year older I would not have to deal with any of this. Now I have to deal with expenses, and loans are not my preference... Not large loans. And my girlfriend is going through the same situation. Its funny how a week ago, I thought a major chunk of my life was planned out. But now I must rely on God.
I ask you to please remember me in your prayers. That Gods will will be done.
Psalm 34:18
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
O, how only Christians can rejoice in their trials!
Thank you Father for giving us victory through the blood!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Did You Hear The Voice?
I am honestly so speechless at this moment.
I keep reciting Psalm 100:5 "For the Lord is good. His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations!"
Just minutes ago I completed quiet time with the Lord. I started by rehearsing my sermon, and I found the Holy Spirit speaking to me. Teaching me about true suffering and the reward of it. I found that I learned a lot from the sermon (sounds funny I know) but God truly spoke to me. He told me to give it all for Him, absolutely everything in every area. And I have had this sort of moment before, but not in such a great degree as today. I really felt His grace. I really felt surrender of my own heart. And I really felt His presence. O how I wish to suffer for His name!
After the sermon, I prayed for an extended period of time. But time seemed to not be an issue at all. He spoke to me. It was such a powerful voice that I have never experienced before. I can still recollect the voice and I know that it was very real. Its an answer to a prayer that I have been shouting to Him for months now. I begged to experience Him at such a deep level, and God's timing was perfect.
I found myself crying before the feet of my Father, asking for His power! That He will use me, a small vessel, for His huge story of His glory!
God's grace is truly... I don't even know how to describe it. My prayer is that others in Arizona, America, and the world find that grace as I have. I did not deserve a single ounce of it, but I have received it! O Lord, how everlasting is Your mercy.
I felt led to writing this to encourage the believers. God is merciful and we (myself included) need to be CONSISTENTLY reminded of that.
I encourage you to come to the Gathering this Sunday night. I am very passionate about what I will be talking about and I am reassured that God will truly speak through me.
I keep reciting Psalm 100:5 "For the Lord is good. His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations!"
Just minutes ago I completed quiet time with the Lord. I started by rehearsing my sermon, and I found the Holy Spirit speaking to me. Teaching me about true suffering and the reward of it. I found that I learned a lot from the sermon (sounds funny I know) but God truly spoke to me. He told me to give it all for Him, absolutely everything in every area. And I have had this sort of moment before, but not in such a great degree as today. I really felt His grace. I really felt surrender of my own heart. And I really felt His presence. O how I wish to suffer for His name!
After the sermon, I prayed for an extended period of time. But time seemed to not be an issue at all. He spoke to me. It was such a powerful voice that I have never experienced before. I can still recollect the voice and I know that it was very real. Its an answer to a prayer that I have been shouting to Him for months now. I begged to experience Him at such a deep level, and God's timing was perfect.
I found myself crying before the feet of my Father, asking for His power! That He will use me, a small vessel, for His huge story of His glory!
God's grace is truly... I don't even know how to describe it. My prayer is that others in Arizona, America, and the world find that grace as I have. I did not deserve a single ounce of it, but I have received it! O Lord, how everlasting is Your mercy.
I felt led to writing this to encourage the believers. God is merciful and we (myself included) need to be CONSISTENTLY reminded of that.
I encourage you to come to the Gathering this Sunday night. I am very passionate about what I will be talking about and I am reassured that God will truly speak through me.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Suffer
Howard Guinness wrote a book called Sacrifice.
“Where are the young men and women of this generation who will hold their lives cheap? And be faithful unto death. Who will lose their lives for Christ. Flinging them away for the love of Him. Where are those who will live dangerously and will be reckless in His service. Where are the men of prayer? Where are the men who count God’s word as more important to them than their daily food?! Where are the men who like Moses of old commune with God face to face. As a man speaks with his friend. Where are God’s men, in this day of God’s power?”
This is such a burden on my heart! This is so true! Why are we not modeling what the Bible has set out for us? It is so clear in the bible that we will suffer for His name! The early Christian's clearly set the precedent that we will do anything to bring glory to the Father!
What has happened to that radical attitude? That is why we no longer look different in this world. That is why we have nothing to offer, because we have lost the edge. We have lost what Christ has commanded us. If we are to live for Christ, we are to die for Christ. I am tired of American Christianity, aka convenient christianity.
We can start a revolution. We just have to be all out for Christ. We need to go back to our roots and see that Jesus suffered. We need to see that Jesus said, If they persecute me, they will persecute you. Being crucified on the cross is persecution to me, thus I know I will be persecuted. I want to suffer for His name!
Must I be carried to the skies on flowery beds of ease, while others fought to win the prize and sail through bloody seas
My answer: NO! Why would we want that? Why would we want to go to heaven without fighting for His name? In every other area of our lives we take pride in fighting for something. Why do we think that the christian life is any different?!
As for me, I want to serve the Lord with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength. I am burdened that I have not searched for ways to stand up for Jesus in face of persecution. I don't know what you feel about this, but I want to look for suffering. I don't want to just get by and take persecution if it comes. I want to blaze ahead, sharing the gospel to the ones who need it. I want to share it to the ones who are forbidden to hear it! I want to be persecuted for our Lord Jesus Christ. What could be better than dying for His name?!?!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Obedience.
It seems like a word that we love to say, but hate to act out.
I mean, if we really were obedient to Christ, imagine what our community would look like? I have been examining myself and am realizing that I have hindered the mission of God. He has called us to make disciples. But how many have I really made?
Examine yourself.
This is not a post to teach, but to just ask to examine yourself.
Are you a leader and living in sin? Do you find yourself amening passages in scripture and using them against people, but completely being disobedient to another passage?
I see christians tell people to show the love of Christ, but are unequally yoked.
I see christians stress the importance of worship, but find prayer a thing we are forced to do.
I see christians wanting blessings from Christ, but will not suffer for Him.
I see christians know just as much about the word as the day they were saved.
Why aren't we waking up! Obey the WHOLE WORD!
But I guess it's hard to obey the word, when you don't open it and read it yourself.
My heart is hurting. As I see Christians walking around living the life of chasing material goods, chasing physical needs, and never desiring to give Christ their all.
It honestly makes me sick when I hear of people who have not prayed to God regularly every hour. It makes me sick when I ask my peers if they are in the word, and their reply is simply "no". And it never changes.
What must we do to bring about this change?
What needs to happen to make people wake up and realize that Jesus is all they have!!
This post is not for unbelievers, but for believers... Have you made ministry your Jesus? Have you forgotten that its all about growing in Christ?
It seems like a word that we love to say, but hate to act out.
I mean, if we really were obedient to Christ, imagine what our community would look like? I have been examining myself and am realizing that I have hindered the mission of God. He has called us to make disciples. But how many have I really made?
Examine yourself.
This is not a post to teach, but to just ask to examine yourself.
Are you a leader and living in sin? Do you find yourself amening passages in scripture and using them against people, but completely being disobedient to another passage?
I see christians tell people to show the love of Christ, but are unequally yoked.
I see christians stress the importance of worship, but find prayer a thing we are forced to do.
I see christians wanting blessings from Christ, but will not suffer for Him.
I see christians know just as much about the word as the day they were saved.
Why aren't we waking up! Obey the WHOLE WORD!
But I guess it's hard to obey the word, when you don't open it and read it yourself.
My heart is hurting. As I see Christians walking around living the life of chasing material goods, chasing physical needs, and never desiring to give Christ their all.
It honestly makes me sick when I hear of people who have not prayed to God regularly every hour. It makes me sick when I ask my peers if they are in the word, and their reply is simply "no". And it never changes.
What must we do to bring about this change?
What needs to happen to make people wake up and realize that Jesus is all they have!!
This post is not for unbelievers, but for believers... Have you made ministry your Jesus? Have you forgotten that its all about growing in Christ?
What We Can Learn From An Atheist
As I woke up this morning, I felt God really tugging on my heart. So I prayed, and I found myself yearning for more of Him. I then was led to read "The Coming World Revival" by Robert Coleman... I have never heard of this book before, but I found it in our library and felt compelled to start reading.
I have read a lot of stuff that I will blog about soon, but this jumped out at me the most.
An atheist once wrote in derision:
Did I firmly believe, as millions say they do, that the knowledge and practice of religion in this life influences destiny in another... I should esteem one soul gained for heaven worth a life of suffering. Earthly consequences should never stay my hand nor seal my lips. Earth, its joys and its grief, would occupy no moment of my thoughts. I would strive to look upon eternity alone and on the immortal souls around me, soon to be everlastingly happy or everlastingly miserable. I would go forth to the world and preach it in season and out of season, and my text would be "what shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his soul?"
This powerful statement has rocked my world. You may not fully understand it the first time, but read it until you get it. He is saying that, if he were a Christian, he would strive for nothing else than to tell people about Christ! That he would go through the worldly pain, that he would do anything to let people know about the everlasting happiness.
Its funny what we could learn from an atheist. And this is not the first atheist that has come out and made these statements. I know some that have personally. I think it should be a wake up call. In my opinion, we should not feel bad for telling someone the gospel! We should feel bad if we don't!
We have the key to LIFE! And yet we hate our friends so much that we don't show them life.
What have we come to? As I pray and meditate, what needs to be done to wake up this generation and make us realize that we need to share Christ?! Yes, we need to share it in love. But also, yes, we need to share it! We need to have a sense of urgency!
I believe that if your heart isn't captivated on spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth, then there is definitely a problem. There is a disconnection with you and the Father. Because, you may not be able to travel to the unreached. But you can do 2 things that will help the unreached hear the gospel.
1. Pray. Pray that God sends people there. Pray just that the gospel will be sent to the ends of the earth.
2. Share Christ where you are at. First of all, you are expanding the kingdom. Lives will be forever changed. And second of all, that person you are leading to Christ here, may be called to go out into the world. But if you never led that person to Christ here, then that person can never go there!
It is beautiful how God has made it this way. We can all have our hands on global missions! We just first need to be captivated with the mission!
We are to be sold out for THE cause! To reach and teach men and women, boys and girls for Christ!!!
Do you care for your friends? Do you care for your community?
Share Jesus.
I have read a lot of stuff that I will blog about soon, but this jumped out at me the most.
An atheist once wrote in derision:
Did I firmly believe, as millions say they do, that the knowledge and practice of religion in this life influences destiny in another... I should esteem one soul gained for heaven worth a life of suffering. Earthly consequences should never stay my hand nor seal my lips. Earth, its joys and its grief, would occupy no moment of my thoughts. I would strive to look upon eternity alone and on the immortal souls around me, soon to be everlastingly happy or everlastingly miserable. I would go forth to the world and preach it in season and out of season, and my text would be "what shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his soul?"
This powerful statement has rocked my world. You may not fully understand it the first time, but read it until you get it. He is saying that, if he were a Christian, he would strive for nothing else than to tell people about Christ! That he would go through the worldly pain, that he would do anything to let people know about the everlasting happiness.
Its funny what we could learn from an atheist. And this is not the first atheist that has come out and made these statements. I know some that have personally. I think it should be a wake up call. In my opinion, we should not feel bad for telling someone the gospel! We should feel bad if we don't!
We have the key to LIFE! And yet we hate our friends so much that we don't show them life.
What have we come to? As I pray and meditate, what needs to be done to wake up this generation and make us realize that we need to share Christ?! Yes, we need to share it in love. But also, yes, we need to share it! We need to have a sense of urgency!
I believe that if your heart isn't captivated on spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth, then there is definitely a problem. There is a disconnection with you and the Father. Because, you may not be able to travel to the unreached. But you can do 2 things that will help the unreached hear the gospel.
1. Pray. Pray that God sends people there. Pray just that the gospel will be sent to the ends of the earth.
2. Share Christ where you are at. First of all, you are expanding the kingdom. Lives will be forever changed. And second of all, that person you are leading to Christ here, may be called to go out into the world. But if you never led that person to Christ here, then that person can never go there!
It is beautiful how God has made it this way. We can all have our hands on global missions! We just first need to be captivated with the mission!
We are to be sold out for THE cause! To reach and teach men and women, boys and girls for Christ!!!
Do you care for your friends? Do you care for your community?
Share Jesus.
Monday, March 15, 2010
3/14 Gathering
Last night was BOMB!
And honestly that is an understatement. I just cannot believe how God showed up.
It was exactly what I prayed for! Recently, I have been typing out my prayers to God... May seem weird to some, but don't diss it until you try it! And more than anything else, I just asked God to show up. I knew in full assurance that if God showed up at the Gathering and showed an ounce of His glory, mighty things will happen. And as I look back at the prayers I wrote out each day leading up to the Gathering, it is so encouraging to read the prayers I offered to God and see how He answered them in abundance. In fact, I am now going to be addicted to prayer typing :)
The message I delivered was the most important message I will ever give. The Gospel! I am so passionate about this story (as every other Christian should be!) and I was so excited to deliver it to the people. Knowing it was so important, I told the crowd immediately that I will speak to them as if it will be the last time I will ever speak. That I am speaking as one dying man to another, that has found the key to life. I told them that I do not want them to go to hell, and I begged them to listen to me earnestly.
Of course, this was a huge thing to ask for, but I had faith in God that He would open the ears of the deaf, and soften the hardened hearts. As I began, I spoke about our filthiness. How truly wretched we are. That we can never fully appreciate the Gospel and cling to it, until we are sickened with our own sinfulness. This shocked the crowd, knowing that they have been brought up thinking that they can do anything through their own will power.
I won't go in to every detail (look up "Heart Cry Gathering" on iTunes and download the message if you want to hear it) but I then spoke about propitiation. And how God used Jesus as a tool to use so that He can justly forgive us.
It really hit home for many of them, because they have never heard of God having wrath before! I had people coming up to me after saying "It's funny how I am so ok with God having wrath, because it mean's we are worshipping a Holy God!" And I was like "Exactly!"
After explaining the crucifixion and how to react to the gospel, I gave them a chance to come to the "Living Room". It was a room we designed so that they can come and talk to me in private instead of in front of the whole crowd. And it was a complete success. The second I walked in the door, 6 came in right after and surrendered their life to the Lord. And 4 proceeded them. All together, 7 teenagers were added to the kingdom of God last night. Praise God! Get the warm water ready for April 11th!
He is Holy!
He is Loving!
He ALWAYS Provides.
It is amazing what prayer can do.
God, thank you for showing up.
And honestly that is an understatement. I just cannot believe how God showed up.
It was exactly what I prayed for! Recently, I have been typing out my prayers to God... May seem weird to some, but don't diss it until you try it! And more than anything else, I just asked God to show up. I knew in full assurance that if God showed up at the Gathering and showed an ounce of His glory, mighty things will happen. And as I look back at the prayers I wrote out each day leading up to the Gathering, it is so encouraging to read the prayers I offered to God and see how He answered them in abundance. In fact, I am now going to be addicted to prayer typing :)
The message I delivered was the most important message I will ever give. The Gospel! I am so passionate about this story (as every other Christian should be!) and I was so excited to deliver it to the people. Knowing it was so important, I told the crowd immediately that I will speak to them as if it will be the last time I will ever speak. That I am speaking as one dying man to another, that has found the key to life. I told them that I do not want them to go to hell, and I begged them to listen to me earnestly.
Of course, this was a huge thing to ask for, but I had faith in God that He would open the ears of the deaf, and soften the hardened hearts. As I began, I spoke about our filthiness. How truly wretched we are. That we can never fully appreciate the Gospel and cling to it, until we are sickened with our own sinfulness. This shocked the crowd, knowing that they have been brought up thinking that they can do anything through their own will power.
I won't go in to every detail (look up "Heart Cry Gathering" on iTunes and download the message if you want to hear it) but I then spoke about propitiation. And how God used Jesus as a tool to use so that He can justly forgive us.
It really hit home for many of them, because they have never heard of God having wrath before! I had people coming up to me after saying "It's funny how I am so ok with God having wrath, because it mean's we are worshipping a Holy God!" And I was like "Exactly!"
After explaining the crucifixion and how to react to the gospel, I gave them a chance to come to the "Living Room". It was a room we designed so that they can come and talk to me in private instead of in front of the whole crowd. And it was a complete success. The second I walked in the door, 6 came in right after and surrendered their life to the Lord. And 4 proceeded them. All together, 7 teenagers were added to the kingdom of God last night. Praise God! Get the warm water ready for April 11th!
He is Holy!
He is Loving!
He ALWAYS Provides.
It is amazing what prayer can do.
God, thank you for showing up.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
My thoughts
I am going through a lot of intense Bible study for my next sermon. But as I reflect, I want to leave you this thought that God keeps on running through my head.
God's power shows up more and more as I find out how terrible I am more and more.
It has always been the time of me feeling the lowest, that the highest results of souls are brought to the Lord.
I love that God is so much unlike the world. He hires the lowly, and for that I am so very thankful God!
God's power shows up more and more as I find out how terrible I am more and more.
It has always been the time of me feeling the lowest, that the highest results of souls are brought to the Lord.
I love that God is so much unlike the world. He hires the lowly, and for that I am so very thankful God!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
I'm done
I am done settling.
So much has gone through my mind as I prepare for a new phase of my life. The change will be dramatic, but I am very ready to see it coming.
But there are two different phases that I am entering into.
First one: Going to college. I am excited to learn more about my loving Savior, and find new ways to apply His love to the community. I am dedicating my life to do everything Christ wants me to do. And I feel He has led me to enter into this.
Second phase: Revival.
I AM DONE BEING LUKEWARM!
I am done going to bed without weeping for souls.
I am done comparing myself to my fellow peers and thinking I know enough about God.
I am done not caring for each person that I come across.
I am done fooling around with these that have nothing to do with giving glory to God.
I am done not rebuking people when the Lord has called me to do so.
I am done doing anything that brings me glory over the Father.
I am done giving God a "good" effort, He deserves my best.
I am done not telling people that they need Jesus.
I am done thinking I did enough for God, now He needs to bless me for it.
I am done settling for the verses I have already memorized, I must memorize more.
I am fed up thinking that God will not do a miraculous thing in the lives of everyone around me.
I am done adding to my little bitty story, and am committed to throw in my life into the HUGE story of the Glory of God!!
I am done accepting Christians are normal.
I am done thinking that people will accept God, but won't catch on fire.
I am now expecting each saved soul to get baptized, obey Christ with their whole life, and bring others to Christ!
I am done thinking that my life story is good enough if I died today.
I am done thinking that I have tomorrow! Let's do everything we must today!
I am going to live as if Jesus died this morning, rose again this afternoon, and is coming back tonight!!
I am going to share my heart with my church.
I am done treating them as just members, they are family!
I love my family, so I will do everything I can for my family.
I am done thinking that I must do it all when it comes to leading a service. I am now expecting every Christian to serve through their spiritual gift they have been blessed with.
God is going to do so much through us. We must wake up to that. We need to stop giving ourselves into the devil, and giving in for a small satisfaction. Lets give our entire lives for the ultimate everlasting satisfaction of giving Him EVERYTHING!
I know that so many people have this sort of emotional experience, but by the time next week rolls around it was just a distant thought.
I am putting this on my blog to show the world, that I am dedicated to this cause.
The cause to follow the Word of God!!! The WHOLE Word!
Not just the verses that I think are comfortable.
I will step out of my comfort zone for the sole purpose of giving all glory to Christ!
Souls need to be saved! People need to be loved! We are not doing what God has called us to do!
I must also inform you that it is not me who will fulfill these goals. It will be Christ through me!!!
But I will set up perameters in my life so that I stay accounted for, and will not set up barriers between me and Christ.
Christ, I love you. With my whole heart. I am sold out.
Here is my soul. Use it. However you want to.
Holy Holy Holy, is the Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come.
Amen.
So much has gone through my mind as I prepare for a new phase of my life. The change will be dramatic, but I am very ready to see it coming.
But there are two different phases that I am entering into.
First one: Going to college. I am excited to learn more about my loving Savior, and find new ways to apply His love to the community. I am dedicating my life to do everything Christ wants me to do. And I feel He has led me to enter into this.
Second phase: Revival.
I AM DONE BEING LUKEWARM!
I am done going to bed without weeping for souls.
I am done comparing myself to my fellow peers and thinking I know enough about God.
I am done not caring for each person that I come across.
I am done fooling around with these that have nothing to do with giving glory to God.
I am done not rebuking people when the Lord has called me to do so.
I am done doing anything that brings me glory over the Father.
I am done giving God a "good" effort, He deserves my best.
I am done not telling people that they need Jesus.
I am done thinking I did enough for God, now He needs to bless me for it.
I am done settling for the verses I have already memorized, I must memorize more.
I am fed up thinking that God will not do a miraculous thing in the lives of everyone around me.
I am done adding to my little bitty story, and am committed to throw in my life into the HUGE story of the Glory of God!!
I am done accepting Christians are normal.
I am done thinking that people will accept God, but won't catch on fire.
I am now expecting each saved soul to get baptized, obey Christ with their whole life, and bring others to Christ!
I am done thinking that my life story is good enough if I died today.
I am done thinking that I have tomorrow! Let's do everything we must today!
I am going to live as if Jesus died this morning, rose again this afternoon, and is coming back tonight!!
I am going to share my heart with my church.
I am done treating them as just members, they are family!
I love my family, so I will do everything I can for my family.
I am done thinking that I must do it all when it comes to leading a service. I am now expecting every Christian to serve through their spiritual gift they have been blessed with.
God is going to do so much through us. We must wake up to that. We need to stop giving ourselves into the devil, and giving in for a small satisfaction. Lets give our entire lives for the ultimate everlasting satisfaction of giving Him EVERYTHING!
I know that so many people have this sort of emotional experience, but by the time next week rolls around it was just a distant thought.
I am putting this on my blog to show the world, that I am dedicated to this cause.
The cause to follow the Word of God!!! The WHOLE Word!
Not just the verses that I think are comfortable.
I will step out of my comfort zone for the sole purpose of giving all glory to Christ!
Souls need to be saved! People need to be loved! We are not doing what God has called us to do!
33,887 less people were baptized in 2008 than 1950 in the SBC while the USA's population more than doubled.
This sad fact has shaken my world. We MUST rise up against the tide and give Christ our all. For the sake of His name.
I must also inform you that it is not me who will fulfill these goals. It will be Christ through me!!!
But I will set up perameters in my life so that I stay accounted for, and will not set up barriers between me and Christ.
Christ, I love you. With my whole heart. I am sold out.
Here is my soul. Use it. However you want to.
Holy Holy Holy, is the Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come.
Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)