Mat Kearney has to be my favorite music artists right now. His first CD 'Nothing Left To Lose' is simply unique and phenomenal. His recent release 'City Of Black & White' is a bit different musically, but certainly not a disappointment.
My favorite song on 'City Of Black & White' has got me thinking. The last phrase in the First verse goes like this "We aren't promised tomorrow".
Yes, there are quite a few verses in the Bible that talk about how our lives here on this earth are short. Yet, this phrase in Mat Kearney's "Never Be Ready" really hit me hard, and got me thinking about how this applies to Christians and non-believers alike. Whether you are a Christian, atheist, muslim, agnostic, a Jehovah's witness........or whatever. Young, old, german, canadian, Scottish, Korean, Peruvian, Ethiopian etc. Regardless of how and where you grew up. This phrase applies to every human. on this earth.
So this appiles to Christians, in 2 ways. The first is that we don't know if when we're leaving this place to go home, so this phrase 'We Aren't Proimised Tomorrow' should remind and encourage us not to waste our lives. To live every day to the fullest, givng God our all, glorifying Him in everything we do, and not going through the motions. Read "Don't Waste Your Life" by John Piper. It's such a phenomenal book that has also encouraged me to get down on my hands and and knees and dig in the dirt every day.
The second way the phrase 'We Aren't Promised tomorrow' applies to Christians is by our calling to embrace and obey the Great Commission. The phrase applies to the lost & unsaved. Millions of people die everyday who haven't heard of the gospel. I say this phrase every time I leave to go out somewhere like, running an errand for my mom, work, or out witnessing, so I can be reminded that there are many people out there who haven't heard of the Gospel, and today could be their last day. Also the the importance and cruciality of the Great Commission.
Not all Christians are called to be evangelists, but all Christians are called to evangelize--Paul Washer
This Phrase applies to all non-believers out there too. I can't wait to see or hear the puzzled or confused reaction of a non-believer when I would ask them. "Hey did you know that we aren't promised tomorrow?" I think that it would get them thinking about life after death, and what they are living for, and ultimately draw them to repentance and trusting God with their lives. I wonder......
We Got our feet on the wire
Talking bout flying
Maybe we're diving in over our heads
Scared of what I'm feeling staring at the ceiling here tonight
Come on and lay down these arms
All our best defenses
We're taking our chnaces here on the run
If fear is an anchor
Then time is a stranger
If love isn't borrowed
We aren't promised tomorrow
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
So Much So Fast!
It sure has been awhile since I posted a blog, and since my last blog so much has happened! To really summarize all that has happened over the summer to now is this: God is oh so worthy, and I am oh so unworthy.
God has given me oppurtunities to serve in couple places. Like for instance me, my friend, his brother, his dad, and a friend of our form a band to help lead worship at a inner city kids church every other Saturday morning (started yesterday). It's so awesome to be able to serve that way, and my prayer is that me and the other band members will get to know these kids that we will be ministering to through worship so well and point them to Christ. Another oppurtunity is that I am co-leading a small group for the 6th grade Sunday school at the church! I'm loving it, cause first off I will able to help these kids learn and point them towards Christ, plus these kids will be learning about apologetics, worldview, and doctrine this year, and I can even learn along with them. Haha, and well the truth is when I was in 6th grade, I never learned about this stuff so, I'm jealous for these 6th graders :)
Witnessing to the lost and unsaved has become a part of my life. Back in my senior year of highschool God has given me a heart for the lost and unsaved that they may embrace Christ's redemption, and have a relationship with the One True living God. Jesus had compassion for the lost and unsaved
When He saw the crowds, He had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd--Matthew 9:36
Then throughout this summer I've been awakened to how important and crucial it is for Christians to witness, share the Gospel with the lost and unsaved. These three quotes helped me see the importance.
Most Christians are like a person enjoying themselves in a lifeboat oblivious that there are other people in the surrounding water drowning--Ray Comfort
I know it's sad that gift we have we keep it for ourselves most of the time--Wake Up by Leeland
Not all Christians are called to be evangelists, but all Christians are called to evangelize--Paul Washer
Those first 2 quotes made me realize that American Christianity has become selfish thinking that why we have evangelists and missionaries. Yet the last quote is one of many things that helped me realize that all Christians are called to evangelize, not just the evangelists. So with these things, and actively witnessing every week, has drastically changed my Christian walk.
As far as college goes, well, things are coming together. In Sring of 2010, I will be taking classes at a local community college (and my awesome aunt is paying for those classes!). Just a couple basic class like english and algebra. Then next Fall I plan on going to the same college to study nursing. This is what God laid on my heart: Be a nurse in southern Africa. Like an amazing friend of mine told me "How would they hear if they're dying physically?" That is oh so true. Also, unlike my early years in highschool, I would just sit around and wait for God to make that idea or plan to happen. Though I learned that if God has laid something on my heart, I have to pursue it!
So that is what has happened over the summer and my senior year. I'm now starting to make my own choices with some wisdom from my parents. Basically I'm an adult now, but I'm still relying on God for guidance, strength, and wisdom in my life, and I always will. I am unworthy of His boundless love, but is worthy of my unashamed love.
God has given me oppurtunities to serve in couple places. Like for instance me, my friend, his brother, his dad, and a friend of our form a band to help lead worship at a inner city kids church every other Saturday morning (started yesterday). It's so awesome to be able to serve that way, and my prayer is that me and the other band members will get to know these kids that we will be ministering to through worship so well and point them to Christ. Another oppurtunity is that I am co-leading a small group for the 6th grade Sunday school at the church! I'm loving it, cause first off I will able to help these kids learn and point them towards Christ, plus these kids will be learning about apologetics, worldview, and doctrine this year, and I can even learn along with them. Haha, and well the truth is when I was in 6th grade, I never learned about this stuff so, I'm jealous for these 6th graders :)
Witnessing to the lost and unsaved has become a part of my life. Back in my senior year of highschool God has given me a heart for the lost and unsaved that they may embrace Christ's redemption, and have a relationship with the One True living God. Jesus had compassion for the lost and unsaved
When He saw the crowds, He had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd--Matthew 9:36
Then throughout this summer I've been awakened to how important and crucial it is for Christians to witness, share the Gospel with the lost and unsaved. These three quotes helped me see the importance.
Most Christians are like a person enjoying themselves in a lifeboat oblivious that there are other people in the surrounding water drowning--Ray Comfort
I know it's sad that gift we have we keep it for ourselves most of the time--Wake Up by Leeland
Not all Christians are called to be evangelists, but all Christians are called to evangelize--Paul Washer
Those first 2 quotes made me realize that American Christianity has become selfish thinking that why we have evangelists and missionaries. Yet the last quote is one of many things that helped me realize that all Christians are called to evangelize, not just the evangelists. So with these things, and actively witnessing every week, has drastically changed my Christian walk.
As far as college goes, well, things are coming together. In Sring of 2010, I will be taking classes at a local community college (and my awesome aunt is paying for those classes!). Just a couple basic class like english and algebra. Then next Fall I plan on going to the same college to study nursing. This is what God laid on my heart: Be a nurse in southern Africa. Like an amazing friend of mine told me "How would they hear if they're dying physically?" That is oh so true. Also, unlike my early years in highschool, I would just sit around and wait for God to make that idea or plan to happen. Though I learned that if God has laid something on my heart, I have to pursue it!
So that is what has happened over the summer and my senior year. I'm now starting to make my own choices with some wisdom from my parents. Basically I'm an adult now, but I'm still relying on God for guidance, strength, and wisdom in my life, and I always will. I am unworthy of His boundless love, but is worthy of my unashamed love.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Done Asking "Why.?"
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!
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, 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
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