Set Free Ministries

Tonight was an amazing experience. Stacey, the McDavid's and I, went to Set Free Ministries in Phoenix. We arrived there around 4:30 and stayed til about 9. I was just completely blown away by what I saw around me at that church.

What the church does, is take in people from the streets and house and feed them. But the great part, is that they teach the Bible daily and pray daily as a group. One thing that impressed me, is that they had a white board where they ate. And on it was prayer requests that the entire group prayed for every day. One of the pastors said that they get erased all the time because they always get answered. I can't imagine how the unbelievers in the house think when they see that so frequently. It really shows why they do not have many non-believers in their ministry. Because they actually see Jesus and the power and it is so undeniable!!! They take them where they are at, but show them where they can be. And that really stood out to me.

I already was so impressed before 6 o'clock service came, and when it did... I was even more blown away, and felt a bit of a fire being relit in my soul. The pews were full, people were standing in the back listening to the service. Everyone came as they were (remember this was a church that served homeless people, as well as drug addicts and alcoholics). So if you looked at the crowd, it was a bit intimidating. But if you heard and truly felt the crowd, you would get a sense of inspiration. It is so funny to me, because they truly understand what the New Testament church is about. They come as they are, and they understand that God is almighty, and they have a duty to serve Him in some capacity. Everyone is held accountable to serve once they have given their lives to Jesus. The greatest part, is that their hearts want to serve Jesus! Their hearts were so happy in the Lord. They did not need a house, or a car, but all they needed was Jesus.

I know these people have made bad choices in their lives before, but you can truly see 2 Cor 5:17 in action. They had completely new lives, not necessarily in appearance, but in heart. The service began with music from Amazing Grace in the form of an Eagles song, to Jesus Freak. And they sure jammed. People worshipped how they were felt led to. Tradition and legalism was definitely not present. Not everybody stood, but the ones who sat had a reason. I saw so many before worship just reading the Word... Even during and between songs some were led to just keep readin.. Where is that fire in most Christian's lives?

I know that churches such as mine, cannot conform to their style of worshipping. For example, I do not expect San Tan Heights to all get tatoos and long hair. But what they had, that I do not see in most churches, is just a real heart. It was not fake, it was true, genuine, and honest. They all knew that they did not deserve Jesus, and they understood that they could not do it alone. Sure, they had to go through a lot of bad things to find that out... But I don't think that our churches can't find it out. They were transparent, and confessed to one another!

That is the key to the church! I felt like I could write a whole sermon just off of the experience I had tonight ( and I probably will).

We ended the night with our group putting together and serving the food. We served a lot of food, and it was so great to see how appreciative they were of us. Another great part, was that the people living there were serving out food themselves. Because they realize they need to serve God in all they can. But luckily some of them let us take their spot so we can enjoy the experience of serving them. We served lots and lots and lots of food. It was so worth it.

I just really think they know whats going on. I think it'd be wise for our church, and the churches that are "civilized" to go visit Set Free. It is humbling, and it is a wake up call.

Faith Tested

This blog is a little more personal... Tonight Jordan, (my girlfriend) got injured at volleyball and most likely tore her mcl and meniscus. Her parents were not there when it happened, so I had to do a lot of the "taking care" job. But thankfully her mom arrived and she went to the hospital. We stayed there for about 3 hours to get results. She was crying the entire time.

I feel bad for her because it is her senior year and volleyball means a lot to her. She has spent a lot of effort into her "last year of high school volleyball". But in the midst of all this mess and this feeling of hurt. I feel that God has a plan.. He always does. God does things to glorify Him. She has been a very obedient child of God and I am so proud of her. I know that if God is gonna use her, Jordan will not get in the way of it. I just am at that point where I wish I knew what the purpose was. But that's what faith is all about. A faith that cannot be tested, is a faith that cannot be trusted!

Jordan, being a Christian for not even a year yet, has not gone through the "trials" of faith exactly. But I know she is going through it now. But please pray for her, and for me to help give comfort. Jehovah Jirah- The Lord Will Provide!

One of my favorite quotes is "Faith is like a roll of film. It develops best in the dark" (Adrian Rogers).

God's Chisel

I was browsing through videos today on Tangle, and God spoke to me through this specific one. It is called "God's Chisel" by the Skit Guys.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXut0HxncvY
It is about how we (meaning Christians), do not think we measure up to anything. But at the same time, we don't let God take over. We want to control our lives and not be controlled by the father. It makes me think.... How many Christians actually let God use them completely? I believe if there were at least just some, the world we live in would be much different. We need to constantly set God before us, and let Him take over. We are the glove and He is the hand doing all the work through us!

I know this is easier said then done, but it is my prayer. A prayer that states that my family, my church,my fellow believers in Christ actually realize what the Christian walk is about! About letting Him walkthrough us. And not have him as our last resort when nothing else can fix it.

This is just something to think about.. Please watch the video, and I challenge you to let God do it all. And you just sit back and let him. "You can't do it, He never said you could. God can do it, He always said He would. Why don't you just let Him?" (Adrian Rogers).

One Day Too Late...

I recently just got the new album by Skillet called "Awake". And in this album there are many songs that make me think and really inspire me. But one I want to point out a song that sticks out: "One Day Too Late".

V1

Tick tock hear the clock countdown
Wish the minute hand could be rewound
So much to do and so much I need to say
Will tomorrow be too late

Feel the moment slip into the past
Like sand through an hourglass
In the madness I guess I just forget
To do all the things I said

Pre
Time passes by
Never thought I’d wind up
One step behind
Now I’ve made my mind up

Chorus
Today I’m gonna try a little harder
Gonna make every minute last longer
Gonna learn to forgive and forget
’Cause we don’t have long, gonna make the most of it

Today I’m gonna love my enemies
Reach out to somebody who needs me
Make a change, make the world a better place
’Cause tomorrow could be one day too late
One day too late
One day too late

V2
Tick tock hear my life pass by
I can’t erase and I can’t rewind
Of all the things I regret the most I do…
Wish I’d spent more time with you

Here’s my chance for a new beginning
I saved the best for a better ending
And in the end I’ll make it up to you, you’ll see
You’ll get the very best of me

Bridge
Your time is running out
You’re never gonna get it back
Make the most of every moment
Stop saving the best for last..

How many of us put off Jesus? 'Well you know, he looks so busy. I can tell them about this amazing Savior tomorrow." "I can serve him, but I bet he doesn't want that kind of attention today. Maybe tomorrow will be a better and more appropriate time."

We are all guilty of these thoughts. I know that just one song won't change our lives and we stop putting off these things.. But we should get thinking about this. And start PRAYING for God to remove the spirit of complacency and exchange it for a spirit of urgency! We do not know how long the lives around us will live, and we do not know how long we'll live ourselves, or when Jesus is coming back! Make this our prayer!!! Devote ourselves to not give God "tomorrow" but today!

To fail to grow is a sin!

1 John 2:12-14

What stage in maturity are you in?

Each is necessary, but only for seasons in each individual.

First stage is the Baby stage. You can only digest the milk of the Bible. So you open in John and start learning about Jesus. But it is a crime for a christian to stay a baby for years. Lets open the word and study!!!

The next stage is young men. Young men are the ones who can say they have overcome evil. No longer milk bottles, but mighty battles.

Last stage, is fathers. Father does not mean a male, or an old person, in this context. It means in maturity. Father's are known for having children... Are you reproducing? Have you led people to Christ and raised them? Do you have grand children? Where the people you led to Christ have led others to Christ?! This is the goal!!

A church that has just fathers is not a healthy, amazing church. That would mean our church was not leading more to Christ. Let's meet everyone where we are at as Christians, and disciple them to grow. And in turn, you yourself will grow from it!

So earlier today I was very stressed and discouraged about what I have done, the decisions I have made about football. I then felt God call me to do some bible studies. I wound up taking notes to 3 sermons by different pastors. I feel very refreshed now. I am realizing that I am called to preach, not to play football. Not to take self glorification, but to give God all the glory. I believe this decision will be used to give God glory if I am not lazy. "All of our decisions are either God's will, or are permissed by God. No matter what, He is going to work with it." - Dr. Mac Brunson.

Maybe this wasn't the best decision, but I am confident that God will take this and use it for His glory.

This week has been a very rough week for me. There has been a lot of persecution and discouragement. It seems like nothing has really gone my way, and I feel like I have been removed from importancy. I say that because I feel like I have not accomplished a thing. I felt like the Lord told me to stop playing football... But did I make my decision based off emotion and not God's guidance? If so, I am paying for it now and I am miserable and feel like a lazy individual. I stopped playing thinking it is a chance to do more for the ministry... This week I think is my most futile week in the standards of sharing the Gospel.

But then I have another theory about this week. ( I wish I knew which one was correct). And I realized that maybe I did make the choice that God wanted me to make. Maybe the Devil is working overtime to make me feel like I am a failure, because now I can do even more for the kingdom. The devil is trying to make me discouraged and get me down.

I do wish I knew which one was correct because both seem valid to me. I am just very incontent with my life right now and I am trying to figure out a way to change that. Reader, please pray for me. I just need wisdom and God's peace.

O Lord, Please use me in any way possible!!! Amen.