I used to worry and freak out about things that happened to me, about why I God put me in certain situations, and other questions like those. These were questions that I asked God; questions that began with the word "why". I should know better than to ask God "Why?", cause He is in complete control of my life.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose--Romans 8:28
This verse (in particular) has helped me to stop asking God "why?", and trust Him with every area and detail of my life. Cause I know that He is with me always, and that nothing separate me from Him!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Prayer ( Acts)
I was at Twin Lakes Camp for my 4th and final time as a camper this past week. I had an awesome time making new friends, meeting new people, enjoying myself there. The theme of the this year is "Cowboy Up"........or to put it in more clear term, overcoming the challenges of the Christian life. The oh familiar Don Helton was the speaker of the week, and he spoke on the different spiritual disciplines (sweet stuff!!), like, devotion to God's word, generosity, evangelizing, thanksgiving, and prayer (not all in that order). It was awesome, to learn more about these spiritual disciplines that we touched on.
Out of these 5 though, only one is something that struck me in a certain degree. Prayer. Yes!
pray without ceasing--1 Thessalonians 5:17
I read this short verse before, and ended up with a partial understanding of what it meant. Though after last week at camp, I now have a complete understanding of what it means.
A-adoration
C-confession
T-thanksgiving
S-supplication
This is something that Don presented in the message of prayer one night. I thoughts that it was so useful that I had to write it down. Each of these are types of prayers that can be offered to God any time throughout the day. Not just before bed, during personal devotions, or at Church/youth group/Bible study.........but whenever!
Adoration--this a much another word for praise. It can come in many different situations, like safety in a storm, gazing at the stars in the summer night sky, or anytime God displays His power, love, mercy, etc. So there are many oppurtunities to lift up prayers of adoration to the God of the universe.
Confession--this is confessing your sin, which is like "duh", but here's the thing, this is a prayer that we lift up to God every now & then. Think about this for a minute or two: every time you sin, come before God to confess to Him of that sin and ask Him for forgiveness. This is also known as keeping a short account with God. We sin just about everyday, so this act of confession should be a daily thing.
Thanksgiving--this a prayer that should be the most common in the Christian life......or so that's what I believe. God gives blesses us with so much, and puts us in many different situations. So thanking God for rain, sun, shelter, food, family, friends, finding a lost wallet, the chance to hang out with friends, and many more things like these are easy to give God thanks for. Yet it does say in God's word, that we should give thanks to God for the hard, painful, rough, and trialing situations like the death a close friend or family member, being bullied everyday at school, losing your job, just to name among the few of many rough and painful times in one's life. 1Thessalonians 5:18 states--give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Also note that in Romans 8 Paul tells us that everything that God lets happen to us (good or bad), happens for our good. So when bad things happen, instead of pointing your finger at God blaming him, remember Paul's word's in Romans 8 and the words in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and thanks God.
Supplication--this is where you lift up specific requests you have to God. For example, an uncle who has cancer, a friend who isn't a christian, finding a good mother's day gift for you mom, a big chemistry test, pretty much whatever comes your way. As these needs come, we shouldn't hesitate to lift them up to God.
So yes! Now I have a complete understanding of 1 Thessalonians 5 :17. I thank God, that through Don Helton's message that one night last week, that my prayer life has improved greatly!!
Out of these 5 though, only one is something that struck me in a certain degree. Prayer. Yes!
pray without ceasing--1 Thessalonians 5:17
I read this short verse before, and ended up with a partial understanding of what it meant. Though after last week at camp, I now have a complete understanding of what it means.
A-adoration
C-confession
T-thanksgiving
S-supplication
This is something that Don presented in the message of prayer one night. I thoughts that it was so useful that I had to write it down. Each of these are types of prayers that can be offered to God any time throughout the day. Not just before bed, during personal devotions, or at Church/youth group/Bible study.........but whenever!
Adoration--this a much another word for praise. It can come in many different situations, like safety in a storm, gazing at the stars in the summer night sky, or anytime God displays His power, love, mercy, etc. So there are many oppurtunities to lift up prayers of adoration to the God of the universe.
Confession--this is confessing your sin, which is like "duh", but here's the thing, this is a prayer that we lift up to God every now & then. Think about this for a minute or two: every time you sin, come before God to confess to Him of that sin and ask Him for forgiveness. This is also known as keeping a short account with God. We sin just about everyday, so this act of confession should be a daily thing.
Thanksgiving--this a prayer that should be the most common in the Christian life......or so that's what I believe. God gives blesses us with so much, and puts us in many different situations. So thanking God for rain, sun, shelter, food, family, friends, finding a lost wallet, the chance to hang out with friends, and many more things like these are easy to give God thanks for. Yet it does say in God's word, that we should give thanks to God for the hard, painful, rough, and trialing situations like the death a close friend or family member, being bullied everyday at school, losing your job, just to name among the few of many rough and painful times in one's life. 1Thessalonians 5:18 states--give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Also note that in Romans 8 Paul tells us that everything that God lets happen to us (good or bad), happens for our good. So when bad things happen, instead of pointing your finger at God blaming him, remember Paul's word's in Romans 8 and the words in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and thanks God.
Supplication--this is where you lift up specific requests you have to God. For example, an uncle who has cancer, a friend who isn't a christian, finding a good mother's day gift for you mom, a big chemistry test, pretty much whatever comes your way. As these needs come, we shouldn't hesitate to lift them up to God.
So yes! Now I have a complete understanding of 1 Thessalonians 5 :17. I thank God, that through Don Helton's message that one night last week, that my prayer life has improved greatly!!
Monday, June 8, 2009
He Has Me Where He Wants Me
Yes, it's true that I didn't take the SAT or ACT. Yes, it's true that I'll be spending most of my summer trying to finish my school. Yes, I'm taking a year off, then next fall plan or attending Crossroads to major in Theology or missions & evangelism. Yes, God is calling me to become a missionary, not even caring if I get shot up, hanged, or burned alive for sharing my faith. I don't care what others say and think to be honest with ya. Call me stupid, call me insane. I listen to the words of my Father, and walk in the footsteps of my Savior. I myself can choose to quetion Him or freak out about where I'm at in this life right now, but I choose not to. "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28) "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11) "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak in the world to shame the strong" (1 Corinthians 1:27)
Monday, May 25, 2009
Moving On Day By Day (Justin & Janet Taylor)
Yesterday me and my family got back down from southern Indiana. We had such a great time; it was amazing! We were down there for my oldest brothers wedding. Me and my other 2 brothers took a bus down to Louisville late Wednesday night and met up with our older brother, Justin. The next day was his bachelor's party which consisted of "Quills" coffee, a run to Goodwill, a few insane 4 on 4 games of paintball, amazingly good "Wick's Pizza", and Terminator Salvation.
Friday was the rehearsal, which went by quick, then afterwards was the rehearsal dinner at the bride's parent's place. Good food, good times. Saturday the day of the wedding, and really tiring and stressful day for many, but also really fun and exciting. Yes, it was am amazing weekend!
So as I sat there in the first row, my gaze on the young couple that were getting ready to be wedded, this came across my mind. Yesterday Jutin was 8 years old playing cops and robbers with me, Jordan and CJ, and now, he's 21 and getting married. Gosh it's amazing to see that he's has grown so strong and fast. It's amazing to see that he's grown up into and godly young man, and now....a husband. God has done a lot in Justin's life to get him where He wants him to be. Through the good and bad, highs and lows, sun and rain, joy and pain; Justin is where God wants him to be, and I clearly see that he's content with that. I'm glad to see that he is. Then there's Janet, what a beautiful young woman. I have to be honest to say that I don't know where she's at in here faith in Christ, or more so how strong she is in her faith, but I got a hint that she is strong in her faith, and that's good to know. I couldn't think of anyone better to be my sister-in-law.
I pray now that God will bless Justin and Janet, and their marriage, and that they will spur one another on towards Christ! May others see Christ in their marriage, and their individual lives. There's nothing more, there's never less, it's only Christ, and they are blessed.
Justin & Janet Taylor.....if you read this I want you 2 to know that I love you both, but you both know that God loves you more. Thanks!
Friday was the rehearsal, which went by quick, then afterwards was the rehearsal dinner at the bride's parent's place. Good food, good times. Saturday the day of the wedding, and really tiring and stressful day for many, but also really fun and exciting. Yes, it was am amazing weekend!
So as I sat there in the first row, my gaze on the young couple that were getting ready to be wedded, this came across my mind. Yesterday Jutin was 8 years old playing cops and robbers with me, Jordan and CJ, and now, he's 21 and getting married. Gosh it's amazing to see that he's has grown so strong and fast. It's amazing to see that he's grown up into and godly young man, and now....a husband. God has done a lot in Justin's life to get him where He wants him to be. Through the good and bad, highs and lows, sun and rain, joy and pain; Justin is where God wants him to be, and I clearly see that he's content with that. I'm glad to see that he is. Then there's Janet, what a beautiful young woman. I have to be honest to say that I don't know where she's at in here faith in Christ, or more so how strong she is in her faith, but I got a hint that she is strong in her faith, and that's good to know. I couldn't think of anyone better to be my sister-in-law.
I pray now that God will bless Justin and Janet, and their marriage, and that they will spur one another on towards Christ! May others see Christ in their marriage, and their individual lives. There's nothing more, there's never less, it's only Christ, and they are blessed.
Justin & Janet Taylor.....if you read this I want you 2 to know that I love you both, but you both know that God loves you more. Thanks!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
My Heart Is Burning
My friend and his mom were my ride last night, as we joined a few other in downtown Indy to witness. We had to leave around 9, but I wanted to stay longer, I knew....that I wasn't finished, so I asked myself last night, "Why didn't you ask someone who was staying to give you a ride home so you can stay longer?" Yes I could've, and I should've, but didn't. It's at this very moment that I want to go back down there, even if I have no one else beside me to go get into conversations with people, and share the gospel with them........the message that so desperately need to hear! Yet I must be patient, and wait; God will bring somebody across my path today.....yes that is my prayer.
I finished reading Mark Cahill's "One Heartbeat Away" this morning. Such an awesome book! Yet there was something at the end that caught my attention, and it was this:
FELLOWSHIP OF THE UNASHAMED
(An African martyr's last words)
I am part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed
The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line.
The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ
I won't look back, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is
redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure.
I'm finished and done with low living, sight-walking, small
planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions,
mundane talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.
My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way
is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear.
I won't give up, back up, let up, or shut up until I've preached up, prayed up
paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ.
I must go until He returns, give until I drop, preach
until all know, and work until He comes.
And when He comes to get His own, He will have no
problem recognizing me. My colors will be clear.
"For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16)
This is burning in my heart, yes, I will not stop proclaiming the Gospel of Christ! I want the lost, unsaved, deaf, blind, lame, brokenhearted, sinners to hear of the Great Love that fills my heart! I want to see them in heaven, and so does my God, their Creator. I want the lost to hear, see, know, and understand who Jesus Christ is, and came to be. No nothing, and no one will deter me from obeying the "Great Commission"! They can take away my eyes, arms, family friends, money, house, job, even my life, but they can't take away my God!
Come close, come near, let me tell you of the One I love and fear
Come one, come all, let me tell you of the Great Love that fills my heart
I finished reading Mark Cahill's "One Heartbeat Away" this morning. Such an awesome book! Yet there was something at the end that caught my attention, and it was this:
FELLOWSHIP OF THE UNASHAMED
(An African martyr's last words)
I am part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed
The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line.
The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ
I won't look back, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is
redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure.
I'm finished and done with low living, sight-walking, small
planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions,
mundane talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.
My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way
is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear.
I won't give up, back up, let up, or shut up until I've preached up, prayed up
paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ.
I must go until He returns, give until I drop, preach
until all know, and work until He comes.
And when He comes to get His own, He will have no
problem recognizing me. My colors will be clear.
"For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16)
This is burning in my heart, yes, I will not stop proclaiming the Gospel of Christ! I want the lost, unsaved, deaf, blind, lame, brokenhearted, sinners to hear of the Great Love that fills my heart! I want to see them in heaven, and so does my God, their Creator. I want the lost to hear, see, know, and understand who Jesus Christ is, and came to be. No nothing, and no one will deter me from obeying the "Great Commission"! They can take away my eyes, arms, family friends, money, house, job, even my life, but they can't take away my God!
Come close, come near, let me tell you of the One I love and fear
Come one, come all, let me tell you of the Great Love that fills my heart
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Love? Yes......Love!
Today I was reminded about what love truly is.....and what is not.
Love is going out on a limb
Love involves suffering
Love is laying down your life
Love is doing the unthinkable
Love is doing the uncomfortable
Love has no limits
Love is beyond human comprehension
Love goes the extra mile
Love is not of this world
Love gives hope to the hopeless
Love gives strength to the weak
Love gives sight to the blind
Love fills the void in our hearts
Love leaves us speechless
Love captivates our hearts
Love is all we need to live
Love is being different
Love is a sacrifice
Love is what we don't deserve
Love came down to put a dandy smile on our faces
Love came down to save us
Love came down to be our remedy
Love gives us life
All in all......God is Love.
There's nothing more, there's never less, it's only Love, and we are blessed
Love is going out on a limb
Love involves suffering
Love is laying down your life
Love is doing the unthinkable
Love is doing the uncomfortable
Love has no limits
Love is beyond human comprehension
Love goes the extra mile
Love is not of this world
Love gives hope to the hopeless
Love gives strength to the weak
Love gives sight to the blind
Love fills the void in our hearts
Love leaves us speechless
Love captivates our hearts
Love is all we need to live
Love is being different
Love is a sacrifice
Love is what we don't deserve
Love came down to put a dandy smile on our faces
Love came down to save us
Love came down to be our remedy
Love gives us life
All in all......God is Love.
There's nothing more, there's never less, it's only Love, and we are blessed
Friday, April 24, 2009
A Purpose That Is Crucial And Key!
I was driving to work the other day, when I came up with line, that hits home and summarizes my purpose/reason for writing. This is what I came up with : "To encourage + challenge others Christians to boldy & passionately pursue and embrace the life that Jesus set before us to live" Yes, I believe it's a very key and crucial purpose, and that it's a good in-depth purpose for writing this book.
I have a hunch that Jesus says somewhere in the Bible that following Him isn't going to make your life more easygoing and laid back to live. No you're going to get your hands dirty and do things that are uncomfortable to you, and the world will hate you. Well He might not have said it in those words, but I'm for sure that it's in the Bible somewhere.
Once I came to that conclusion when I decided to write this book, I was hit something that echoed from a point that Francis Chan the author of Crazy Love gave. It is this : that most Christians nowadays play it safe, meaning they don't speak boldly about their faith, put others before themselves, and do other radical things for Christ sake. Basically....they go through the motions, you know go to church on Sunday mornings, be involved in a Bible study on Wednesday, then just live however they do. Well....I don't know if that really clarifies what I mean, but I would think it should. I've been challenged and encouraged to live passionately, boldly, and radically for Christ....living the life that He's called all His disciples to live! He's worthy, and we're not!
I have a hunch that Jesus says somewhere in the Bible that following Him isn't going to make your life more easygoing and laid back to live. No you're going to get your hands dirty and do things that are uncomfortable to you, and the world will hate you. Well He might not have said it in those words, but I'm for sure that it's in the Bible somewhere.
Once I came to that conclusion when I decided to write this book, I was hit something that echoed from a point that Francis Chan the author of Crazy Love gave. It is this : that most Christians nowadays play it safe, meaning they don't speak boldly about their faith, put others before themselves, and do other radical things for Christ sake. Basically....they go through the motions, you know go to church on Sunday mornings, be involved in a Bible study on Wednesday, then just live however they do. Well....I don't know if that really clarifies what I mean, but I would think it should. I've been challenged and encouraged to live passionately, boldly, and radically for Christ....living the life that He's called all His disciples to live! He's worthy, and we're not!
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