A season of Preparation: 4 F's of Ministry.

I sat down with my Mentor, Dr. Rev William Green, associate pastor of First United Methodist Church of Cary, N.C. Brother Green has been doing all kinds of ministry for many years and he has blessed so many people. He has a large repertoire of expertise that ranges from being a pastor at a mega church to spending time with the inmates in the correctional facilities during the week pouring God's love out on them. He has helped to influence life change for hundreds if not thousands over the course of his ministry. William is my Paul if you please, and I am his timothy. He has always been there for me, thick and thin.
Yesterday, we had a chance to sit down over coffee at Starbucks of course, and I just had a chance to sit in the presence of a great man of God as he poured life and truth into me. He really spoke to my potential challenging me to seek out God in the areas of my life where I need Him more. He encouraged me, as always to test the spirits, and to strive daily to be more like Christ. Brother Green as he is often affectionately refereed to, is one of the key influences in my life, and one of the reasons why I am going into the ministry.

We talked about seminary, and I feel as if I am being drawn there more and more each day. I will be obedient and apply, and God and I will go from there. A seminary education would be a great key as Brother Green says, to unlock doors that may help me in my ministry 10years from now.
It was just soo good to finally catch up with him.

Here are the 4 F's to answering the Call to ministry.

1. FAITH FULLNESS- Am I being faithful to God by pursing the Call which He has placed in my heart, or am I running away from it?
2. FRUIT FULLNESS- Is the area of ministry that I believe to be my specific calling bearing fruit, or is it withering?
3. FULFILMENT- Am I being fulfilled in this ministry that I am doing? Does my soul feel alive and intimately connected with Christ? If not, then maybe it is the wrong area.
4. FAMOUS- Is it making God famous and not me? If God is getting the glory, then often times in the case of ministry, we are overworked, underpaid, and overlooked. Even for those who are famous, ie lead/head pastors, they have their own issues of insecurity which is a way that God humbles them.
   

So... right now... I am passionately pursing and pouring into college students, homeless persons, and learning the ropes of effective, life changing, hope giving, evangelism that will glorify God.
I love being a volunteer leader at Elevation Church, and growing in the areas of administration that will help me be a better servant. It would be cool to be an intern there someday soon if it is God's will.

I am building my ministry, brick by brick. I know that I will look back on this season some day and fully appreciate the lessons that God is teaching me right now.

Christmas Eve Blessings!!!

Yesterday was one of the best Christmas eve's that I can ever remember because I could actually spend some drama-free quality time with my family, and be old enough to remember it.

My parents and I went to my mom's parents house way out in the country in a lil place called Snow Camp, nc, out on the farm!! oh yeah!!

It was just good to have real fellowship with loved ones and to remember the One who made all things possible!! Even though my heart is a lil saddened that I did not go to the Elevation Christmas, I am so thankful and so happy to be able to record my maw-maw's Christmas memories and to be able to record her salvation story. It was cool to hear how they did Christmas a long time ago, and how life was so different back then. It was good to help her make her bed and lift up the mattress for her so that she could straighten things. It was heart warming to see my paw-paw tear up as maw-maw told those awesome stories of life and being in love as a young woman. Praise God! There is such wisdom, and compassion in that household.

It was good to be able to go back to my home church and to experience my frist Christmas contemporary service. It was held in our fellowship hall, and it was awesome. My mentor. Dr. Rev William Green gave an awesome sermon on the three purposes of Christmas. It was a home run for Jesus. It was good to be able to serve others communion last night and to pour into some young people.

Today, we are going to my dad's parents who live in Stokesdale, 30 minutes from Greensboro. It should be fun, and I bet I am getting my first ever digital camera. Sweet haha.

I am so thankful that my Jesus was born on this day. This day is a day of new beginnings and a new hope for mankind. Thank you God and Praise You for sending us your very best when we deserve your very worst. You are an Awesome Lord, Gracious, slow to anger, rich in love. You are a Great God, a God who hears his people's cries, and who answers them from His Holy Throne.

Sunday Night Reflections

So today was an awesome day!!! Church was crazy today. Pastor brought a challenging word today and it rocked my spirit. Pastor Steven has been challenging us these past couple of weeks in the area of owning our potential in Christ, listening to Christ, and acting upon what He has placed in our hearts. It has been crazy.

www.elevationchurch.org

I am been more emotional this past month in service. I have been brought to tears it seems every Sunday, and throughout the week. God, despite my crazy self, is speaking life and truth into my soul.
As I look back on today's events with the homeless gang at Elevation Uptown, and how freaking awesome our volunteers are, I have a peace in my spirit knowing that I am where I am suppossed to be. God is getting ready to do some crazy things, and He has been preparing me. Today I talked with Josh Blackson (our awesome Uptown Campus Pastor) about a crazy awesome idea that will revolutionize how college kids from my campus will get to Church.
It is part of the very reason why I came to the Uptown campus from the Butler Campus at the start of Uptown. A 2 year prayer has been answered. I am so stoked!!

I am in the process of getting information on how to start a small group at one of the Men's Homeless shelter's in Uptown. Had a chance to talk with my homeless buddies today about how they would feel about an Elevation Small Group at their shelter. It was well recieved with great excitement. I am finding that God is breaking my heart and giving me a pasison for the homeless more and more each week.

My wonderful gf is back from her mission trip. She is a lil under the weather, but that is to be expect when you have been away for two weeks. So glad she is back safe, sound, and radically changed for Christ.

I am learning more and more about the power of Interceding on the behalf of someone. Oh I have been doing this for a good while, but latley God has been speaking to my heart. I am so glad that I have a friendship built on prayer, centered on Christ, and the overflow of that friendship has created a great relationship. I am so glad that I can pray for her, and intercede on her behalf. You never know the affect that prayer has in someone's life, even if it is just a quick one time prayer. Our God is so big, and so awesome.

I would have to say that it was crazy here when my gf was not around. So many doubts, and frustrations that came from being attacked by the enemy. By praying, reading God's word, and seeking sound council, I have grown in my walk with Christ. It has been a time of testing the spirits, seeing which things are from God, and which are from man. It has been a challenge, but an awesome one.

I get to sleep in tomrrow, and I do not really know how to deal with that.

The Great Divide (mini series)

I have been sitting all day at Jackson's Java, here by the university and it was awesome!!! well kinda not really. It was great to see old friends, some of them more than once in a single day lol.

It was good to go to Chen's Bistro- the RELIGIOUS STUDIES DEPARTMENT took us Seniors out, well the ones who did Senior Seminar this Semester.

Psalm 37:23-24 (New International Version)

23 If the LORD delights in a man's way,
he makes his steps firm;

24 though he stumble, he will not fall,
for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

Proverbs 16:9 (New International Version)

9 In his heart a man plans his course,
but the LORD determines his steps.

Today, is a day to be remembered. It is the last full day that I will have to sit at Jackson's as a Undergrad flipping out over writing two finals.

There is just so much ministry that has to be done, its crazy, but its awesome.

I am proud of my HS Small Group Buddy. yeah!!!

not much to say.... Gotta Man up for Christ.... nough said!!!

It's all part of the process, but God is soo awesome!!!! Brick by Brick. Little bit of yeast, little bit of faith. okay so I am rambling, but that is okay, I just wanted to ramble. This is for me.

Almost Saturday..... Thunder Road Half Marathon with dad. It will be awesome!!!

The Great Divide (mini series)

Today, marks the third day, well four if you count the day spent in another state before going on The Great Divide and the beginning of the first full week of The Great Divide.
I wish it was the Sunday after Next.

Although I am a little depressed, well for good reasons haha, I know in my spirit that someone special, duh my girlfriend, is affecting great change.

I know that she is seeking and saving that which is or those who are lost. She is showing the love of Christ to people who are far from God. She is ministering healing to those affected by a broken world with broken systems.
I can sense in my spirit that today has been a good day for her. I am just so excited for her because I know that God using her to advance His kingdom.

There is more to come, more in store for her and for those around her.

I am praying as always for you. I am praying Psalm 20, and Colossians 1:9-14, Ephesians 1:16-19a, and what ever else I can find.
You got this, go get em! I know you are!!

Confessions of a dating man. Part 1. "Fear of The Lord"

When I look at my girlfriend, (who is amazing by the way, Praise God) I see Christ and His love and power in her. I see and feel the anointing of the Holy Spirit as she speaks life and truth into my life. Oh I will talk more about this heavenly creature, full of mystery, wonder, beauty and grace later on. But there is something about a Godly woman that captivates a man, yet at the same time scares him half to death. And I mean that with the utmost respect and honor. It is a good thing.

The thought of being in a relationship has always scared the daylights out of me, and even though I am in one, it still is scary. But what is the cause of this fear? For me at least, it is the "Fear of The Lord."
It is an awesome fear, one that speaks life in truth into this almost 23year old man of God. It is good to fear God, to acknowledge His holiness, His perfectness. Now without trying to go really deep, which I probably will, I need to draw out this fear, and why it is import in the walk of a Christian.

I am sorry for sounding a bit heady here. I am a Religious Studies Major, and sometimes the academic study of religion is helpful in the explanation of biblical terms......

Father I pray, that the words that I write will give You glory, and that Your words speak through me to reach those who read this expression of my soul. Amen.

What is the "Fear of the Lord?" What does it mean?

• Robert B. Strimple says, "It is the convergence of awe, reverence, adoration, honor, worship, confidence, thankfulness, love, and fear."
• Rudolf Otto (19:17) states that the fear of the Lord can be explained as numinous, that is wholly other, which is associated with meanings such as command, or divine majesty.
• C.S. Lewis, who wrote the book "The Problem of Pain," builds upon Otto's numinous, stating that the "Fear of The Lord" is to "feel wonder and a certain shrinking" or "a sense of inadequacy to cope with such a visitant of or prostration before it".
• This is a fear of out love, love for our Father who is the great I AM.

Let us now look at some scripture to draw this out, and the benefits of fearing the Lord, who loves us unconditionally. Proverbs, to me, is the best source of explaining this "Fear of the Lord" and it does so in a simple yet so powerful way.

• Proverbs 9:10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."
• Proverbs 14:26 "In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And his children will have refuge."
• Proverbs 14:27 "The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, That one may avoid the snares of death."
• Proverbs 15:16 "Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil."
• Proverbs 15:33. "The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom, And before honor [comes] humility."
• Proverbs 16:6 By lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for, And by the fear of the LORD one keeps away from evil."

• NOTE ( Hesed- is Hebrew for Lovingkindness which equals Christ. Christ is Hesed and truth.) To me this is the nature of Christ. Hesed and Truth, what does this mean? His death, that is to say His willingness to lay down His life so that we may have life in Him and through Him, is the atonement for our iniquity. When we have a relationship with Him, and when we fear the Lord, we keep away from evil.) There is of course more going on but I wanted to present an illustration using Christ. I hope that helps, I love that word Hesed, it is one of my favoraite words.

• Proverbs 19:23 "The fear of the LORD [leads] to life, So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil."

Okay, so I hope you get the point. Anyways the Holy Spirit speaks to me, and guides me in this whole relationship process.
I am spending a lot more time listening to God, which is exactly what Pastor Steven preached on this morning.
What about you? are you in a relationship with a wonderful woman of God, trying to be the Man of God that God has created and called you to be? If so, take heart, relax, and remember that God wants so badly for us to be in awe of Him, and to listen as He guides us. I mean relax in the sense not to get lazy, but to give all your fears and doubts to Him, not to Satan, the father of lies.

Proverbs 16:9
In his heart a man plans his course,
but the LORD determines his steps.

The fear of the Lord is so awesome. It builds character, builds boldness and confidence in who you are and Who's you are. I like that. Don't you?

how to turn "Waiting on God" into "Running With Your Heart"

So I can be very impatient at times, like really!! One thing that really bothers me is having to wait in line for things. I am ADD/ADHD, whatever, and I just can't sit or stand still for very long time without getting restless.

Which reminds me of how frustrated I get sometimes when people say "Oh well you need to just wait on God," when I am going through a trial in my spiritual life. "Let go and let God." Oh man that floors me because people usually do not tell me how to wait on God. How do I "let go and let God?"
"What do you mean?" "Do I just sit around, and do nothing?" "Or, should I be doing something?"

I think people just say that a lot ( me included) to other people without thinking. It is like the "Christian thing to say." Its good to tell others to wait on God before making bad decisions, or continuing in negative thought which can leave you feeling alone and unloved. But what does that mean?

I believe that God does want us to wait on Him. In his Word, God says in Psalm 27:14.

Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.
But the lie that Satan uses to trick us into becoming static is something like this: "Oh well yes, wait on God, sit back, do nothing, and maybe if you wait long enough, God will do something." "Just wait around, and in time, God will do something...probably....well not really.....okay, you gotta act now"

The danger in doing nothing, is that you are doing something: running away from God. Not God running away from you, you are running away from Him. God is not a God of just waiting around. He is not a static God who wants you to pick a number, and get in line ( the whole time you are complaining about just standing around).

Waiting on God means that you keep praying, you keep asking God to give you revelation. You still go to Church, you still read your Bible, and seek counsel from His Word. I know it is easy to get frustrated, but as Pastor Perry Noble of NewSpring says, "how can you expect to get any revelation from God when you are frustrated with God?"

Remember Paul said in Romans 12:12
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
Waiting is an action the requires us to be joyful in the hope we have in Christ. To be patient in affliction by praying, always without ceasing.

I have been more mindful and intentionally in how I use my mouth to give advice from the Lord. I do not want to use some cliche in place of pouring out what God has on my heart. Now I explain what waiting on God really means. There are tons of verses that can help a person who is struggling with waiting, and it would take me all day to say them. But I just wanted to use the ones that spoke to my heart.

Remember that you are more than a person standing in line, you are more than just some guy/girl. You, as Pastor Steven Furtick says, are a "Divine Design with a Divine Destiny." Go claim it, do not loose heart, keep praying, keep looking, watching, praying, asking, seeking, knocking.

I hope these last verses really encourage you as you struggle with waiting.
1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.
Matthew 11:12
From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.

THAT IS HOW YOU TURN WAITING ON GOD INTO RUNNING WITH YOUR(not just your, but YOUR) HEART!!!

Early Morning Reflections

God is leading me more and more each day. He is giving me more responsibilities for His Kingdom, and it is a bit overwhelming, but I know that I am in a good place. I am joyful and excited to know that my God, is a God who saves, who loves, and who pours out abundant blessings. I have been reading Ecclesiastes and it has spoken volumes into my life. I am just reminded more and more that my own selfish pursuits are as useless as chasing after the wind. As I take on more leadership at Elevation, and in my friendships, I must remember the One who has given me life. I must keep my focus on Christ.

Also, I am listening to Jason Upton's "You're Not Alone"
but there is an awesome part of another song that carries over to that part:

"Breaking off rejection, with a spirit of adoption, you're not alone."


so much to say, but I have to get to work, blah. But here is some scripture that you can use to pray over your friends as they go through the struggles of life. It has always lifted me up, and I hope it lifts you and your loved ones up.
Try this: replace the word you with the name or names of the ones you are praying for. Let the Holy Spirit speak through you as you intercede for those you love.

Colossians 1:9-14

9For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you^[a] to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14in whom we have redemption,^[b] the forgiveness of sins.

Senior Thesis Updates.

Praise God, that after a whole freakin semester of loosing sleep, gaining weight, then loosing it, gaining it back, loosing it again, trying to train for a half-marathon, only because I do not have time for a full one, missing class, weekend meetings with my professor, long hours in the library, missing my friends, missing intimate time with Jesus.... I am finally almost done with my Senior Thesis. PRAISE GOD!!! This has got to be the hardest year of college in my whole entire life.

I am so thankful for all the prayers, and words of encoragement durng this semester. I am sorry to those of you whom I have not talk with, or hung out with. Most of you, well except for Sarah Fields haha, are not up at 12-2am ever night, so it just makes fellowship hard. I am so thankful for Sarah being there because she has prayed with me over the phone late at night. God is so good.

Anyways, I am almost done, and I am looking at over 20 pages, which is so awesome. My professor Dr. Fagan, has really called out my potential, and she has helped me to write fine work. I only say this because she her self has said it is fine work, something I still have not gotten use to hearing. I have never been one to logically put my thoughts on paper---academic wise.

It is just so amazing to see God working in my life, even when I have not taken consistent time this semester to get into His Word. I have gotten into the Word, but there have been days when I have missed it.

Thank You Jesus, for loving me as I am, Just as I am, and for blesing me with your Love, Grace, and Mercy.

My presentation went really well. Here is a snapshot of what I spoke about, and what my research is on.

Nicholas Cook, “Black No More: A Literary Analysis of Race, Culture, and Religion Using Rene Girard”

Thesis: Using Rene Girard’s theories, I argue that Schuyler’s novel, Black No More, illustrates the tricky relationship between race, culture, and religion in the early twentieth century United States.

PRAISE GOD!!

Bradelyn Levi's Devo: "Heart's Desire"

hey gang, crazy day at work, mom and tot day. Crazy little rascals running around the pool deck, life guards jumpin in.... another day at the office lol.

GO READ BRADELYN'S BLOG, her DEVO that got published on the PROVERBS 31 Ministry website!!

now time for more senior thesis, and then high school small group! YEAH!!
then to the library to do a paper, blah.

God is soo good though.

This is going to be interesting

so apparently.. I am smooth..., real smooth, how smooth Nico, well about as smooth and as subtle as shooting a bullfrog with a cannon... which results in a splatter pattern everywhere.

haha

oh i love this! I am such a guy!!
well, at least I can be honest about it.

ha, oh well, at least I am trying to be strategic.....

Past 48 hrs

These past 48hours have been awesome!!!!
Great conversations, and great company.
I think I will go buy some gumboots.
My small group that meets on Wednesdays (men's group) has got to be the breakfast club of Small groups at Elevation!! RANDOM FACT!!
Church was awesome today!! Praise God!!!

Paper edit went well with Dr. Fagan today. I think I will hit a home run on this Senior Thesis.



Def say that I have had an amazing past two days getting away from Charlotte, and hanging out with Elevation people in SC.

Great conversations!!
REI was great!

Philippians 1:3

I thank my God every time I think of you.

God is soo Good!

Faith Palmer!!! MUST READ!!

You guys have got to check out Audrey Pannell's blog on my best friend Faith Palmer!!!

GO READ NOW!!!
AND THEN VOTE FOR HER HAHA!!



Gotta Have Faith-The Loveliest Village.

WATCH THE VIDEO AT THE BOTTOM!!!

Budget

So we have been talking about money at Elevation. THE REAL CHANGE series. My dad and I are sitting down together, via email and Excel, to discuss ways in which I can personally be more responsible with my money. I am not a frivolous spender, but I know I spend way to much money on junk food, and probably gas. I know I spend too much money on Coffee. When I run out of the stuff at home, I usually hit the local shop.

I know that down the road, I will have to lead my wife. Part of my job is knowing how to budget.

Other than that, school is okay, Senior Seminar paper is finally due next week, and the final presentation is next week. I just hope I can do really well on my next tests coming up so I can pass all my classes.

Next Semester...only need 3 credit hours to graduate, and its an intro class haha. Praise God!!!

The waiting is the hardest part

why is it that the waiting is the hardest part?
Why is it as Christians we struggle when God tells us to wait. As humans we see this.
I am at one of those times when I can't wait to hear from God about which direction to move.
There is joy, but also I am impatient. I am learning more and more about focusing on Christ as I wait for Him to show me which direction I need to go.

But I am excited to see what God is going to do, because when He moves, He really does moves.
He can do something in five minutes what it takes us a lifetime and then some to do.

Praise God!!

Advice for Single guys part one!!!

ADVICE FOR SINGLE GUYS-PASTOR PERRY NOBLE OF NEWSPRING!!!!


enough said!!!

Short and Sweet!!!

I RAN TODAY!!

DUDE!! it has been 5 days of no running, and it has been nothing short of a hell, literally. I am not my self when I do not run/workout. I get very impatient, moody, and I am just plain vile sometimes.

At least Erbie-my roomie and i went for a little jog around the block. I am so looking forward to tomrrow, my like 3 hour class is not meeting, so I can stay up work on my Thesis, sleep in, go to class, run, work on school stuff, and SMALL GROUP!! PRAISE GOD!!!

like 7.5 weeks till the Half-Marathon with dad!!!
Praise God!!!

5 Dollar Faith

I don't want to have a 5 dollar faith. Sometimes, well recently in some areas of my life, I have felt that way.
Pastor Craig Groeschel spoke at Catalyst, and it was intense.

Three things really spoke to my heart.

1) God Ruin me. I pray that God will continue to break my heart for what breaks His. Right now it is the homeless situation in this city. My heart is breaking for the people who are addicted to drugs, alcohol and who are going through hell right now. Yesterday I saw a guy who was so drunk at 8:30 in the morning that he just kept falling over in the middle of uptown. He was desperately trying to grab a hold of one of the crosswalk posts, but he kept missing. When I ran over to help him, he was just so broken inside, and so drunk. Luckily there was an officer who was near the scene, saw the whole thing and called the medics to come and take him to the hospital. I later found out from one of the other homeless guys that he was in the middle of the street at 4am punching and yelling at cars. That breaks my heart and God has put this vision of seeing homeless people who are broken healed by the sheer awesomeness of Christ.

2) God Heal Me. I need God to continually heal me as I struggle with the issues in my life. Broken relationships, daily struggles as a man of God fighting Satan, and the temptation to freak out when I get really stressed. I pray that God will continue to show me the issues in my life that I need to surrender to Him, and to run to Him, not from Him. I am human just the rest of us, and I have my own baggage as well.

3) God Stretch Me. God is really stretching me right now. With Senior Year Thesis stuff, work, Church, and pouring into people, I am stretched. It is such a blessing to be stretched for God's Glory, but honestly, it sucks sometimes. Gina yesterday, really encourage me yesterday at Fuel Pizza. Sometimes she said, it is God's will for us to love people from a distance...because we no longer are a blessing, we become a burden. This reminded me that I have to make sure that there are people pouring into me, while I am pouring into others. It's part of this process. Balance, Gina said is hard, but it is soo needed. It was such a blessing to spend time with Gina yesterday. She really spoke to my heart, and I am so thankful that she asked me up front, "so what are you struggling with." Even though God is stretching me, pulling me, growing me, He still provides people in my life who can come along side of me and encourage me.

(I took a nap, and now I feel so much better) Time for Small Group!! YAY!!!!

Twitter

So I got a Twitter now. yay!!
TRI4HIM.
The name comes from Triathlons. I want to Race for Christ, but not just triathlons, but in life.
Just some random thoughts.
God is ruining me, messing me up big time. My vision to help the homeless, the addicts, the prostitutes is growing. There is a guy I know, Kevin who I pray is one of the ones who can get me further on the inside.
I would like to network with organizations in Charlotte, and get educated in the programs that are helping to deal with homelessness. It would be awesome to coordinate something with IMPACT Ministries on Campus, Elevation Church, and Homeless Helping Homeless, with the other churches and orgs, to reach these people for Christ.
I want to help these people, and call out their potential in Christ. How awesome would it be to see more homeless people get out of that hell, get plugged into a Church, and reach other homeless people for the Glory of God.
How awesome would it be to raise up and army in this city that brings hope and healing. The kind that only Christ can give.

CATALYST-"Louder Than Words"

Andy Stanley has got to be one of the greatest preachers out there, and his messages really hit home. Not only does he incorporate humor, and real life stories, but the way he presents the Gospel is amazing. He is so easy to follow, but do not let that make you doubt. Andy Stanley really challenged me at Catalyst.

Here are some of the notes from his sermon "Louder Than Words," that really hit home in my heart.

1) Moral Authority means an alignment between our creeds and our deeds.
As a Christian, I want what I say about Christ, and being a Christian to align up with how I act out my faith.

2) INFLUENCE. Andy said that all we have is Influence. It is at exact value. In other words, it means that what we say and do can radically alter history. I believe that what I say and do impacts others around me. It is the determining factor in showing someone the love of Christ.

3)Moral Superiority= sacrifice & Obedience to Christ. As Christians, we need the Holy Spirit to move in us, to direct our steps, our actions. The Word of God has the final say in all things, but do we really see this as true. I know in my own life, I try to trump God's word with my own word, and those words of others around me. I sometimes doubt the word of God. This Moral Superiority is all about us using the word of God, praying for the Spirit to intercede on not just our behalf but others, and taking the steps to make our creed and deeds match.

4) Public alignment= the mission and the vision. What is our goal as Christians, and the Church(body of believers)? church(institution)? Do we project the message of Christ, or do we try to own it, make the Gospel serve our needs? For too long, I have seen churches and people take the Gospel and make it fit their needs. I my self have done the very same thing in the past. I pray that we(Church) can become one in Christ, and seek and save that which is lost, together. (Luke 19:10)

5) FORGIVENESS- our message should be that. Since we have been forgiven, then we need to forgive others. How can we live out our faith, when we have bitterness in our hearts. How can our creeds match up with our deeds, when we are walking around with bitterness?
Sometimes I struggle with this one. The people in my past sometimes haunt me. The things that I have done, and the fights I have had with my friends sometimes haunts me. I am not an angry person, I just sometimes loose it. I have been better at forgiving, and asking for forgiveness from my friends in the past. It sucks, ya know, the people who really really wronged you, or the people you really really wronged. But lets face it, we need to get over it. Christ has called us to live in His Glory.

Jesus, I pray that You continue to convict me of my own sin, and that I can humbly lay it all down at the foot of the cross. Jesus I pray that You do the same to this generation, and that by Your Grace and Mercy, You, Jesus, make us one. Lead us in the path that leads to righteousness.
Thank You Jesus, Amen.

CATALYST!!! "Bradelyn's Post"

So I just got back from an amazing CATALYST experience. I am really tired, and God has spoken to my heart so much these past two days. I have lots to say, but more importantly my vision is stronger, and more focused than ever.

Here is Bradelyn Levi's post. I really think yall need to check it out. I hope to be able to write some blogs with her soon. She is an awesome friend, a voice of clarity in my life. She is really on fire for Christ. I hope her post will encourage you and really challenge you.

Past Two Weeks

okay so I am sorry for not posting, but I have been going out of my mind.

for those of you who have not heard yet, two weeks ago I hydroplaned my car, only going 20miles an hour, and got into an accident. Everybody is fine with no injuries, Praise God!!
well my saturn is totaled. well not really, but considering the year and the miles on it, the insurance company said it would be cheaper for them to just write it off as totaled. So in the meantime I have been using a rental, and bumin rides from Ethan!!! Who is by the way, an awesome man of God, and one of my closest friends. I believe that he knows my better than anyone because of how long I have known him, and plus the fact that we intereact almost on a daily basis.

I have been uber busy with my Senior Seminar Thesis paper, which for the past two weeks has been kicking my butt. All the outlines, revisions, meetings with my class advisor, and my paper advisor. It has not been a pic nic. But at least I am doing the things that I am supposed to be doing.

anywho, my parents have been really supportive about this whole wrecking of the car ordeal. I really love them, and God is teaching me more and more about honoring my parents. I think it changes when you get older, independant like. I still need my parents, it seems is if I am always on the phone with them. I love the communication that I have with my parents. They love me so much and they see the potiential in me, probably more than I see it in my self.

I get my mom's blazer, which I am so excited about getting. Heck, I am just excited that I get a set of wheels. Mom gets a new car, yay!! good for you mom!!! Gas will not be cheap, but I'm getting a system set up.

I think I will start to read up on finances. I am not perfect, I am better off than most people my age. But I need to continue to deveolp good habits that I will use in marriage and the rest of my life. My dad is really good with money, and balancing. I hope to be half as good as him one day.

I am yearning more and more to raise up and army for the Lord. I yearn to be one of those people who can help lead people to Christ, and to present the Gospel in a way that is revelant to my generation, and generations to come. Whether or not I become a Chaplin in the US Army or not, I have known for a long time, that God has called me to be a leader. I am not prideful about this, in fact, it is overwhelming and scarry... I'll write more on that some day.

Anywho, I am growing in my faith, and it has been tough these past two weeks. Oh I have lost my temper, a lot, and it has been directed to this stupid paper, but God is working on my heart. There are still some things that I struggle with, I am like eveybody else, but God is doing more than I can ask or ever imagine.

CATALYST CONFERENCE this WED, THUR, and FRIDAY!!!!

Please pray for safe travel, and that God will just do some more amazing things in my life, and the lives of those who are attending. Please say a prayer for not only Pastor Furtick, but also for the other speakers and volunteers!!!!
PRAISE GOD!!!

Sorry this is generic, but its only a recap

Senior Soul Searching.

There is a time, I believe in the life of every Senior in College, that they freak out about what it is they are going to do once they graduate.
For some, it is choosing the right gradschool, others, the right job right out of college.
The fear of being hired, the fear of earning a degree that seems promising, but looking at out economy, may not be so promising.

For me, right now, I am yearning. I am yearning so much to know what it is that God has called me to do. I know it is ministry, that is something I have been embracing these last 3 years.
I have been freaking out this past week because I have not spent enough time in the Word, and I have not taken care of my body. It has been two weeks since I have ran, and before that, it was all over the place.
Senior year for me is tough. With my Senior Seminar class, and my textual analysis on theorists, I have spent many late nights and early mornings reading over countless texts.

This Sunday at IMPACT, Justin really spoke some truth that spoke to my inner being. It is Wednesday, and after speaking to my dad last night for like an hour, the truth is finally sinking in. How great is our God, who works His will in spite of me. My dad is a wise man. He really speaks truth into my life, and is both encouraging and challenging.
In order to know what specific ministry God is calling me to, I have to talk with a lot of people.
Military and non-military pastors, church staff members, missionaries, and motivational speakers are on my list.
Maybe going to seminary is for me, maybe it is not. That is not up to me to decide.

The good thing about passionately seeking God, and being fueled with the thought and desire of ministry makes my heart pound. (Job 37:1,5)
My heart is stirred (Psalm 45:1)
This whole thing reveals my desires. (Psalm 37:4)
My heart is set free (Psalm 119:32-34)

God can do anything, more than we can ask or imagine. (Eph 3:20-21)

I did run today, and let me just tell you, I feel better, I feel more alive, a sense of clarity. Emotionally balanced, more in tune with God. I like to pray while I run, and today, I feel better.

Thanks to Bradelyn for encouraging me, and for sharing her heart with me today. We are both in similar spots (ministry after college). It is good to be able to talk with someone who is dealing with that, but who is not struggling as much as me.

I know that today is a great day. I feel as if a heavy weight is being lifted up.

Thank You Jesus, for Your Love!!! You are the sustainer, the great redeemer.

SAVIOR KING-HILLSONG

"Song of Hope" Robbie Seay Band

When God is going to move mightily in my life, like never before, I experience attacks from the Enemy. There is a sort of discernment in my heart and soul that I get. This uneasy feeling of like being followed, watched...a coldness.
Like some people, or most, who knows haha... I get attacked at night.... dreams, visions, noises, body pain... etc.

I'll tell you more about it one on one, but suffice to say..... It Sucks. It is something that you have to spiritually fight your way through, leaving you tired, and for me, cranky. I get cranky because it throws off my "routine." But that is the point right? To catch us off guard, and make us freak out and panic? Oh I think So.

But the beautiful thing is that I am always, always delivered!!!! ALWAYS! It's one of those things that you know before the attack happens. Like 2+2=4.... Attack +Holy Spirit(calling on the name of Jesus) = DELIVERED!!!!!! OH and The PEACE of CHRIST, that follows after, words cannot express. Even if I do loose sleep, and emotionally I am cranky the next day, I have this peace, this comfort knowing that I have been delivered.

I know that this weekend is going to be huge for me, HUGE. With all the things that are going on in my life right now, this weekend's message from Pastor will speak to my heart, and help to bring about change. There are things in my life that are set into motion and this weekend God will speak to my heart, and tell me which direction to move. There are people that I have to further encourage to come to Church this weekend(beg, plead).

"Song of Hope" by the Robbie Seay Band has really hepled me a lot. This song has helped me to focus on the Goodness of God, and His Love for me.

I am just so excited about SUNDAY!!!

Please Enjoy This Song "Song of Hope"

Visionary Love, Dream Sex: late night ramblings

So after listening to Visionary Love, Dream Sex part one:Attraction for the second time, here are some of the things that spoke to my heart. Sorry I will ramble a bit, but here it goes.

• Be attracted to someone's name: a person's name reflects their character, their reputation. There is a lot in a name... ie JESUS. I personally am more attracted to a person's character than their physical appearance. They could be the hottest thing since sliced bread, but its their character in Christ that I am really focused on.

• I have been learning more and more these past 2 years to be a better banner, a covering of Love. To cover my sister's in Christ, to protect them, and their hearts, as would Christ do. It is not always easy, and sometimes it is very painful. I am finding more and more that it requires me to listen more, and then speak. But speak what God has placed on my heart and not just my opinions.

• But the joy, and the fruit of being a banner is that I get to see God move in their lives. I am learning more and more to call out their potential, and encourage their hearts. Prayer is really the key, and God is really the one who is doing all of this. I am just so excited to see my sister's in Christ become bold, unashamed, and sold out for Christ.

• The good thing about having pure, Godly friendships with my sister's in Christ, is that I get to see real live models of how a Woman of God should live her life. I do have close guy friends, and I do spend a lot of time with the fella's, just fyi haha.
  

• These women have taught me the standards that a woman of God should have.
  

• The best example is my mom. She embodies a Godly Woman. Always striving to grow closer in Christ. Always encouraging me, and calling out my potential. I love my mom very much, and I am so thankful to have her in my life. She has always helped me to find my confidence in Christ.
  

well I guess I am done for now... not really, but I gots stuff to do.

Women, pray hard about a guy who is pursuing you. Please do not settle for less than God's best.
I beg you from the bottom of my heart, please do not give in to sexual temptation, and let some guy put his hands all over your body.

Guys, relax, get an accountability partner or group. Focus more on your spiritual walk, than your body. Don't date women just because they are "hot" The most attractive thing should her walk with Christ. Yes duh, looks are big, but "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised."-Proverbs 31:30

If you can not be a leader and cover your sister's in Christ in your friendships, what makes you think you can be a leader in a relationship. Wake Up!!!
Seriously, get the whole putting the hands all over her body thing under control.

Pursue through Prayer, always, never stop. Always intercede for your sister's in Christ, and for the person you are interested in/relationship with.

One Thing I have learned...God has revealed this to me...
Do not pray for a girl that you are interested because you think that it will build up credit for you, and make God okay with your stupid self dating her. Instead pray for her because you are excited to see God move in her life, and because you are a man of God. ouch, that stings.

Women, seriously, be modest. Don't be a hoochie, and really, showing your boobs and all that junk, really makes you look slutty. I believe it is one of the most frustrating things for a Man of God. If you want to attract Godly men, then dress with modesty. AND NO DRUNK PICTURES ON FACE BOOK.

Sorry, I just needed to ramble... stressful week with school. Not directed at anyone, just at the World.

Visionary Love, Dream Sex

What an awesome day today!!
The sermon was just so ummm AWESOME!!
God really brought the Word, and it really hit home!!

Just so much to process.... I will write about it when I listen to the Sermon again.

WOW!!

Praise God!!!

I am just so excited!!

Vision Casting, next steps in this process in order to be more of the man that God created me to be!!!

Stay Tuned!!!!

Mean while, Elevation Made the Front Page Paper!!

Check it out!!
A Cool Pastor, And A Hot Church

1,000 Fliers

I am posting Ethan's blog in here so that yall may read it and be caught up on what God is doing in our lives this week.

We got some fliers this past week, and went door to door in his dorm. It was crazy awesome, you have to read about it here. Ethan King

We have this passion to reach people for Christ on this campus.
Anyway, we pretty much ran out of fliers and we wanted to get more.
I called the office, but I could not get a hold of anyone at the time who knew if there were more fliers to give me and Ethan so we could pass them out on campus.

Wednesday night I prayed before going to bed: Lord, we love doing this for You we want to see lost people come into a relationship with you, and see others who are saved be able to find a church where they can get plugged in. If this is Your will, and Your desire for us, would you please have someone from the Elevation Office call me in the morning and give me more fliers.

OH MAN CHECK THIS OUT!!

So Thursday morning, I am getting some breakfast, and the phone rings. It is Larry Brey, and he says that he has 1,000 fliers specifically for the UNCC campus, and they are all mine to come and pick up. PRAISE GOD!! HE IS SOO GOOD!! WHAT A MIRACLE!!!

Could yall just please pray for Ethan and my self, but more importantly could y'all pray for the people when hand these fliers out to. I am declaring in the Lord that people's hearts would be open to receive the drawing of the Holy Spirit, and that people from UNC-C will get saved during this series.
Thanks for being in agreement.

(if you want to help, please post a comment here or on facebook)

Praise God!!!

The Fruit of Intercessory Prayer

"Prophetic intercession is the ability to receive an immediate prayer request from God and pray about it in a divinely anointed utterance" (Dutch Sheets) .

Romans 8:27 & 34: "Intercession" – Greek = "entugchano" meaning "to chance upon, to confer, to entreat," and is translated as – "to plead, to appeal."

Romans 8:26 – The Spirit of God "intercedes" for us – root word means – "to intercede, to make petition" – like the petitions we make to Government, when we want to be heard – signed by thousands. The Holy Spirit doesn’t have to get millions of signatures – His Word is enough before God.

I have just been in awe, sheer awe of the Goodness of God. He is moving mightily in my life, and the people's lives around me.
I am seeing both saved and un-saved people's lives affected by prayer.
I am seeing God do amazing things, one after another.
God has given me this gift in order that I may help bear people's burdens, and encourage change in their lives. It is such an awesome gift that I get to use to help Glorify God. By praying specifically for people, and watching God move, always changes my outlook on life and prayer.

I am seeing the Holy Spirit draw un-saved people closer to Christ on a daily basis, and I am seeing saved people deepen their walk with Christ.

God is moving in people's relationships, drug and drinking problems, contentment with singleness, family issues, issues with revelation, healing, eating disorders...and more.

Right now, a lot of it has to do with the fact that I am finally content in my singleness. Thank all of you for the many prayers, and the long time it has taken me to get here. Thank all of you for interceding to God on my behalf that I would continue to reach my full potential in Christ. These prayers have changed my outlook in like, and have fueled my passion more and more these past several months. Your support; words of wisdom, encouragement, loving rebuke, and the sheer power of prayer, have been huge factors in my walk with Christ. Thank you all!!

I know God gets all the glory, but thank you for being obedient to His Will.

Who is it in your life that you need to specifically pray for? Who in your life needs life changing prayer in order to deal with the blows of life and reach their potential in Christ?

Earth Shaking Prayer

just some rambling

So I am very very excited because my dad and I are both going through the book of John together. We are going to read a chapter each day, and then discuss what really stood out to us.

I just got done reading Black No More for my senior seminar, and let me just tell you it is a great book!! I am so excited to be able to do my senior paper (at least 20pages) on something which really speaks to my heart. Religion, and Race, and the problem of justifying racism using religion.

DAVIDSON WORSHIP TONIGHT!! OH YEAH!!!!
I'll write more on what God has been doing in my life this week later on!!!

Ethan King...nuf said!!

So much can be said about Ethan King, my main man, and very true friend of about 4-5 years.
I have gotten to know Ethan really well, especially these past 2 years.
I have seen him grow in Christ, through the tough times and the great times.
I have seen first hand what God can do with a young person who is passionately seeking God first, before anything else.
He has always been there for me, and even though I have been mentoring him, he is now mentoring me in some areas of my life.

God is just so good.

Hebrews 10:24 says this:
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."

Ethan, has just been a positive influence in my life. To be able to fellowship with him, has just changed my perspective of life. When God calls us to pour into people, and when we do, He can do more than we can ever ask or imagine!!

Ethan is just sold out for Jesus. He walks Jesus, talks Jesus, he breathes Jesus. God has such a mighty hand on him, and God has called Ethan to do big, things, life changing things. To impact this campus, and this city for the Glory of God.

To just be around him, really brings me joy. Ethan is so positive, and others are attracted to the Joy of the Lord that is in him.

Ethan, I love you man!! Man of God!! I just wanted to say thank you, publicly for all the hard work you put in for Christ. All the late night talks you have with others, and the passion in which you serve Christ, is challenging, and encouraging.

Continue to walk in the way that leads to life. Continue to push through the hard times, running hard after Christ.
We both have a long way to go, but I know that God has placed you in my life as my sounding board. A person who I can always turn to when in need. And this year, already, you have done a hands down job of that already.

Be encouraged man of God, and challenged by this.

Acts 20:24, remember!!!
Luke 19:10.

Again, I love you so much man of God!!!

GO READ HIS BLOG OKAY!! RIGHT NOW EVERYBODY!!!

ETHAN KING

how to turn "Waiting on God" into "Running With Your Heart"

So I can be very impatient at times, like really!! One thing that really bothers me is having to wait in line for things. I am ADD/ADHD, whatever, and I just can't sit or stand still for very long time without getting restless.

Which reminds me of how frustrated I get sometimes when people say "Oh well you need to just wait on God," when I am going through a trial in my spiritual life. "Let go and let God." Oh man that floors me because people usually do not tell me how to wait on God. How do I "let go and let God?"
"What do you mean?" "Do I just sit around, and do nothing?" "Or, should I be doing something?"

I think people just say that a lot ( me included) to other people without thinking. It is like the "Christian thing to say." Its good to tell others to wait on God before making bad decisions, or continuing in negative thought which can leave you feeling alone and unloved. But what does that mean?

I believe that God does want us to wait on Him. In his Word, God says in Psalm 27:14.

Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.
But the lie that Satan uses to trick us into becoming static is something like this: "Oh well yes, wait on God, sit back, do nothing, and maybe if you wait long enough, God will do something." "Just wait around, and in time, God will do something...probably....well not really.....okay, you gotta act now"

The danger in doing nothing, is that you are doing something: running away from God. Not God running away from you, you are running away from Him. God is not a God of just waiting around. He is not a static God who wants you to pick a number, and get in line ( the whole time you are complaining about just standing around).

Waiting on God means that you keep praying, you keep asking God to give you revelation. You still go to Church, you still read your Bible, and seek counsel from His Word. I know it is easy to get frustrated, but as Pastor Perry Noble of NewSpring says, "how can you expect to get any revelation from God when you are frustrated with God?"

Remember Paul said in Romans 12:12
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
Waiting is an action the requires us to be joyful in the hope we have in Christ. To be patient in affliction by praying, always without ceasing.

I have been more mindful and intentionally in how I use my mouth to give advice from the Lord. I do not want to use some cliche in place of pouring out what God has on my heart. Now I explain what waiting on God really means. There are tons of verses that can help a person who is struggling with waiting, and it would take me all day to say them. But I just wanted to use the ones that spoke to my heart.

Remember that you are more than a person standing in line, you are more than just some guy/girl. You, as Pastor Steven Furtick says, are a "Divine Design with a Divine Destiny." Go claim it, do not loose heart, keep praying, keep looking, watching, praying, asking, seeking, knocking.

I hope these last verses really encourage you as you struggle with waiting.
1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.
Matthew 11:12
From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.

THAT IS HOW YOU TURN WAITING ON GOD INTO RUNNING WITH YOUR(not just your, but YOUR) HEART!!!

Last day of Daniel Fast

Dude, today was just so awesome!!!!
Today the Daniel Fast ended, and it has been just an amazing time for me.
The results of fasting and praying as a church for those whom we want to see come to know Christ are just mind blowing. 903!!! 903 people who have given their lives to Christ, and who are starting their next steps.

All the fasting, the not eating of the foods that we take for granted each day is nothing compared to the suffering of those who need a relationship with Christ. To see the Church as a whole come together to fast and pray for others, opens the door for God's Holy Spirit to be unleashed and do more than we can ever ask or imagine.

I am just so blessed to be a part of something bigger than me, something that is so huge, it can only come from God: To see lost people come into a personal intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.

Oh yeah, today I got to help do set up with Lance Daniels, and Mark Bowen. Man was that fun!!!! I def love setting up with those guys, and I feel so alive serving Elevation. Being a greeter, and setting up, building community, just brightens up my soul.

OH CHECK THIS OUT!!
Today, my friend Gina and I got to serve HOLLY FURTICK!! OH YEAH!!
To be honest, I didn't know what to expect, I didn't know how we would be able to serve her. It was just so awesome being able to do small things, to serve one of our key leaders. It was a very humbling and wonderful experience. Holly is such an amazing person, filled with the Holy Spirit. She is so sweet and kind. And man, does she love Jesus!!
I am just so blessed to be a part of Elevation, a Church where it's leaders are just so focused and sold out for Christ!!

And finally, I got to eat some real food at the Cook/Angel family reunion. OH YEAH! Southern style Mac and Cheese, meatballs, pork tenderloin, ham, Home Made Chicken Pot Pie!!! OH YES, with Home Made Ice Cream!!!! oooohhh man!! Praise God!!!!

God is soo good!!

Thursday Night Worship @ Davidson

One thing I really look forward to as school starts is going to Davidson College Thursday nights for worship.

It is a time and place where I can go and get refreshed by spending intimate time with Jesus.
Last night was just so amazing. Ethan, my main man from back home who is a freshman, rolled out there with me early to pray before worship.
I really had an amazing time praying with people for God to move in worship. God is soo good!!
He showed up last night, just as He always does, and man, I was just blown away.

For me, Davidson worship means a lot to me because no matter how bad my week has been, I have a place and a time where I can just go worship God and how good He is. I get to journal while people are singing over me.

I really am so blessed to have Lauren, Jake, James, Conor, Brad, Sarah Kay, and all those who are a part of Davidson worship in my life.
Davidson Worship always helps me to get the right perspective of just how good God is.
I just feel so refreshed, and so excited to see God move more in my life and those around me.

Man, God is soo good. Thank you God for this amazing week, and the amazing friends you have placed in my life.

Can God really use our suffering to bring others closer to Him?

So recently there has been some stretching and pulling from God that has been going around in my life and my friend's lives as well.

Each of us have been experiencing growth, at different times, and at different levels. In fact for most of us, there is always a hard trial that God leads us through, before we (humans) see the work that God is doing and see the impact it has in other people's lives.

Like Christ, our sufferings have the potential to lead others to God. Our sufferings have the ability to show others just how much we need Christ, and just how good God is, even when the bottom falls out. We can show others the hope that we have in Christ.

Now, I know this is not all oooey gooey...Life is hard, and it really sucks at times.
When our everyday rituals get shredded, we tend to loose focus, get frustrated, and head off course.

This past Sunday Pastor Steven used the story about when Lazarus died, and when Jesus raised him from the dead, to teach how to deal with the times when it seems as if God is not showing up in our lives in times of crisis.

Pastor Perry Noble also preached on what do to when it life gets harder and the bottom falls out. When we run so hard after Jesus, and when we are faced with life changing, faith altering circumstances that leave us frustrated, scared, and ready to throw in the towel.

I challenge you guys to watch both sermons in order that you may better understand how "God can take our greatest pain, and turn into our greatest gain"
Elevation Sermon: "I Am The Resurrection"
NewSpring Sermon: "It's Midnight"
Sermon starts around 11:30 if you wanted to skip the worship.

For me, and you can ask my mom, and those who know me very well... when I get out of my normal ritual, especially my workout ritual...I get very very cranky. I get stressed out, and I have all this energy that I need to get out.
I am already an impatient person, and I become even more impatient. And the reason why I do not get to work out is because I have so much school work to do, and ministry work.
My intimate time with God also goes out the window, so I am tempted to sin, to get angry with others, to doubt my self, and to become static.

Sometimes after that, I get the fear of never getting back to the place where I was before, or moving forward. I feel as if I am worhtless.
BUT, God does deliver me, every time, whether it is in the way I want it to, or not. and that gets me pumped up. God is so great.

Point: I am not perfect, I am human like the rest of us. Others believe that life is always great for me, that I do not struggle with insecurities, that I do not get stressed out, maxed out. But I do, and I need Christ just as much as the next person. Sometimes I feel I need Christ more because I become such a wreck.
Main Point: God will use our sufferings, just as He used Christ's to lead others to Him, and He will always deliver us, ALWAYS. He is God, He is just soo good.

What will you do? How will you give your suffering to Christ so that He can use it to bring others closer to Him? How will you let God deliver you?

Have you told someone today that JESUS loves them?

So it was a typical Saturday at Ray's Splash Planet.
Lots of people, rain, small Thunderstorm... the usual summer thang.

So I was having fun in the Lazy river, spinning kids, and rocking their inner tubes, and these kids come up to me...
"Hey man, you're a Christian right"
"Yeah" I reply
"well Jesus loves you man" the young boy said (Jimmy)
His buddy John and their friends all kept saying it to me.

Then they went around the pool telling the life guards and people there that Jesus loves them.

How awesome is that!!!
I think me, included that we often get intimated to share the fact that Jesus loves you with people because we don't know how they will react.
I feel that we often feel ashamed (our culture is not really a huge fan of religion).

God brought those kids into my life this weekend to encourage me, and to challenge me.
This week, I am going to pass out fliers for Elevation, and to tell people that Jesus loves them instead of just beating around the bush about church.

Don't get me wrong, I do invite people, but I need to also tell them that Jesus loves them just as they are.

What will you do?

Thank God for Trader Joe's!!

well as most of you know, the Daniel Fast is still on!!

All ORGANIC, fruits, juices(no artificial sugars), whole wheat bread(Kosher) Brown Rice... you get the point

no meat, dairy, enriched foods, soda, coffee, candy, chocolate, etc, you get the point.

(herbal tea i believe is okay).

Trader Joe's the wonderful place, where I can get Vegan foods, like veggie hot dogs, soy milk, vegie ice cream(not real ice cream, all soy hahah but with real fruit)
I got like everthing, brown rice, lentils, etc, it was amazing.

Sorry this post is like all over the place, very busy day, but yes, if you are looking for a place to get food for the Daniel Fast, I highly recommend Trader Joe's. Its not too expensive!!!

IMPACT

Last night, it was the kick off service for IMPACT!!! God did more than we ever expected or could ever imagine.
The place was almost packed out. There were so many new people who came out last night, and who worshiped like never before.
I firmly believe that God is going to do something awesome on our campus.
At first, Justin Wallace, gave us some sad statistics. 25000 students attend UNCC, but as of last year, only about 500 attended Campus Ministries.

I believe with all my heart, that this year, things will be different. Christ has called this generation to rise up, and to spread His Love, be His hands, His Feet.
With my whole heart, I believe that at least 100 people will give their lives to Christ by the end of the school year. God has placed that number so deeply on my heart this past summer. The harvest is so plenty, and we are getting more harvesters each day. Through Impact specifically, I know that God will do more than we can ever ask or imagine to reach this campus for Christ.

We are a Luke 19:10 ministry, seeking and saving that which is lost.
The passion is more intense this year, there are more broken hearted people who need an intimate relationship with Christ.

Lord, Thank YOU so much for your Love, and for sending Your Son to die on the cross for our sins. Thank YOU Jesus for rising from the grave, and giving us a new start, a new life.
Bought at the highest price, love with the fiercest love, we are a people undeserving.

This is the song of the day:

To Know Your Name-Hillsong United

Daniel Fast Week 1

Sorry Bradelyn lol, I stole your title haha.

So yesterday marked the end of the first week of the Daniel Fast!! Wow, God is just doing so much not only in my life, but also in the people of this city as well.
Ethan, my main man and I had a chance to go to the Awakening, an event specifically to challenge and encourage middle schoolers and high schoolers. Pastor preached amazing messages, Friday and Saturday night. I really felt the Spirit move in those students. The place was packed. Over 180 Students gave their lives to Christ!!! AWESOME!!

Also, yesterday, over 4800 people attended Elevation Church!!! 420 people in the services professed Christ, with a total of 600 people this past weekend. PRAISE GOD!!!

Yesterday at UPTOWN was so amazing!! The place was almost packed out!! Praise God!!!!
Over 500 people came out.
Just being able to serve Christ, and serve people is a really humbling, yet exciting experience. Being able to greet these people as they come to Christ really encourages my soul, as well as theirs.

I am just so excited to see what Christ does next!!! Tonight is the first night of my hs small group. I am so excited!!!

Thank You Jesus!!!

To Know Your Name-Hillsong United

Actively Single, or Passively Single? This past month...

So this past month has been amazing for me. God has really been stretching and pulling me. He has moved me out of my comfort zone.

I started off these past month passively single. I was talking with Danah and Womack today at Java's and their friend came up with this theory, that Pastor, and other pastors have talked about for ages. Brett's theory is simple, yet so powerful.
Here it is:
Are we passively single, that is not content, not taking full advantage of our singleness to advance God's Kingdom. OR Actively Single, that is content, knowing full well that we are God's hands, and that we are called right now, to live, fully, and boldly in our singleness to advance God's Kingdom. Do we set our aim on things higher than this world, honed in to God's Holy Spirit? If we are actively single, than we are caught up in matters of God's Kingdom.

1 Corinthians 7:32-35

This reminds me of the many talks, I have had with my Entourage.
I don't have it all together, I make mistakes, I mess up. I worry, I get stressed out, and one issue for me is this whole singleness thing.
This past month, God has shown me where my fault has been on this issue.
Yes I am doing ministry, yes, I am advancing God's Kingdom, but I have been yearning for my wife. ya know, looking, searching, daydreaming.
I have wonderful friends who have prayed for me, and still are, friends who care about me, and who want to see me reach new places in Christ Jesus.

I firmly believe that God uses people around us, people in our lives, not just our friends but random people, to speak life and truth into our lives.

I have realized that I have not been embracing my singleness. I have not been joyfully enjoying this season of my life.
God has shown me what great credibility I have as a single man of God. I have this great and special opportunity to live my life as a witness to others who are struggling with this same issue.
I can relate to others, and encourage others using the Gospel. I can be fully focused on God's affairs because I am single.

I am a better man today, because I have finally let God fill me up, and breathe His creative power in me. I have stopped fighting God, and just let His truth take hold in my life.

I am excited about this season now. I am fully content, knowing full well that He has that special wife out there for me. This has been a struggle of mine. Even though I have not had a gf in over a year, I still have been pursuing possible candidates.

Just because this world tells me to not wait, does not mean that God is telling me to not wait. In fact He is working so mightily in my life right now, that the best thing for me to do is to stay focused and stay in the race, running for the prize. In other words, to just chill out on this whole finding a wife business and focus fully on seeking and saving that or those who are lost by being an example.

Who do you have in your life who has your back? Who do you have in your life who will speak life and truth into your life, whether you want to hear it or not?
I pray that you have somebody. I know I have quite a few, and that is very frustrating at times because I am hard headed.

Praise God!!!!

HELLO HELLO!!

So I have been taking a hiatus from blogging, only because I have been journaling a lot on the fly. I just carry it with me wherever I go now. I journal at work, home, even at the beach.

I am sorry for those of you who have checked to see if i have written anything crazy latley. I have not, but rest assured, I will be posting journal entries from the past month.

I am excited to have had the chance to stay at my grandparents beach house in Emerald Isle this past week. No internet, it was great.
I am excited about the GOSPEL, the new series Elevation will be kicking off the fall with.
Tomrrow night I go to Providence for the AWAKENING, an event for students. I am so pumped to meet the high school boys who will be in my small group. How awesome is that!! Plus my main man Ethan King will be going to UNCC in the fall, so me and him get to sharpen each other this whole year!!!

adios

YES!

Long Story Short...
I am just so glad that Marissa is back and that God is moving in her life.

Also I had the most amazing time home with the rents ( why I have not been blogging)
Race was allright, run was a lil slow because I was sick for a week (bad chicken) blah.
Poo Pantz's birthday was awesome, great to see the gang and meet new faces from Victory Fellowship Church!!!
Great to finally meet up with some youth from back home!!

I can't wait to see how God works in these next few weeks!!!

just a few things

So I have been so busy with life latley to blog. I know I know... blah blah

But I just have the most amazing friends who sharpen me, and encourage me to passionately pursue Christ.
I have an awesome family who loves me and supports me.
ELEVATION IS FOR ME... FYI... ha ha

I had a good race today despite being sick for a week due to food poisoning. My run was slow, but my swim was good and my bike was good. I got to catch up with old friends, and make new friends.

I just love being back home in Cary and spending quality time with my family.

"The More I Seek You"

Okay, so at first, I was very reluctant to watch this video by Kari Jobe,(click on the name for the video) that my friend Meredith Workman recommended. I guess it was the fact that I would probably end up crying my eyes out, and all that mushy stuff. (many of you already know I have a soft side, shh let us not tell the whole world)

Well I just have to say that you have to watch it. And try to find some room to move around, or lay out.
Also get a box of tissues, because you are going to cry. Yes, Yes, I cried. I throughly enjoyed this video.

• Just me and my Maker, alone, spending intimate quality time, breathing life and peace into my soul. Being filled up with His creative Power. His Creative Life. A peace that transcends all understanding (phil 4:7).

Here is the progression....

• A whirlwind of thoughts and emotions
• a raging sea of anxiety
• Only to be tranquiled by a still small whisper...
  
• A whisper that is so quite, so within me, yet so powerful, it created the heavens...something I cannot wrap my mind around, yet melts my heart at the thought of it... a whisper that I yearn to hear from God each and every day.
• The sense of worth, the feeling of knowing that I am a Divine Design, with a Divine Destiny.
• The joy of having loved ones who love me for who am I.
  I could go on and on... but let us focus on the peace.
  

"I melt in your peace, it's overwhelming."
THE LYRICS ARE:

The more I seek you,
the more I find you,
The more I find you, the more I love you

C:I wanna sit at your feet
drink from the cup in your hand.
Lay back against you and breath, here your heart beat
This love is so deep, it's more than I can stand.
I melt in your peace, it's overwhelming
(From Top)

Chorus:4x

PRAYER REQUEST!!!!!!

I would love if it you guys would pray for Wade and Ferris Joye, and their two new little girls Liana and Adleigh as they battle for their health.

Here is the scoop from Kelly Mac's Blog

Thank You All, and God Bless!!

A still small whisper... my devo today

1 Kings 19:11-13

11 The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by."
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

Psalm 46:10-11

10 "Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."

11 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah

In Small Group tonight, we were talking about being frustrated, or in a state of anticipation of what God is doing in our lives. Are we more frustrated because He has not shown Himself in our current situations the way we want Him to, has He not delivered us from a trial yet? etc...

Or are we in a state of anticipation of what He is going to do next in our lives? Are we willingly seeking Him with our whole heart, and excited knowing that whatever it is that He does, it will be mind blowing?

This topic was picked from the One Prayer Series sermon by Pastor Perry Noble

As I was reading my devo today, I came across the passage where Elijah was seeking after God. He was frustrated because he had done so much, but it seemed pointless because he said that he was the last prophet (the one God was using) and people were looking to kill him. God's people were off doing sinful things, and not turning back to God.

Sometimes in my life, especially when life is busy, I get frustrated at God. I expect Him to show up and do big things, with loud bells and whistles. I have this yearning to do His will, to be the Man of God He wants me to be, but I get impatient and frustrated.

I throw my hands up, and get frustrated because I do not take the time to listen to God. Elijah witnessed 4 major shocking events; the Wind that tore the mountains apart, the Earthquake, the Fire and finally the Still Small Whisper. I feel that I expect God to show up in my life in a similar scenario. Well like an angle, or a heavenly voice... that sort of thing.

What I should be doing in those times is looking to God's Word, and spending more intimate time in prayer. God appeared to Elijah in a still small whisper.

I should be still before the Lord, and let Him guide me the way that is Perfect, not the way that is Convenient to me...

My one prayer this week is this:

Dear Jesus, please help me and the World to be able to listen for that still small whisper, that same voice that spoke the earth into existence and motion, so that I may be the Man of God you created me, and called me to be. Help the World hear that voice so that they may come into a relationship with You, and have and abundance of life in You. Thank You Jesus for willingly dying on the cross for our sins, and rising from the grave, so that each of us may have the chance to spend eternity with You. Amen.

"All Because of Jesus"

All Because Of Jesus lyrics
Casting Crowns


Giver of every breath I breathe
Author of all eternity
Giver of every perfect thing
To You be the glory
Maker of Heaven and of Earth
No one can comprehend Your worth
King over all the universe
To You be the glory

And I am alive because I'm alive in You

It's all because of Jesus I'm alive
It's all because the blood of Jesus Christ
That covers me and raised this dead man's life
It's all because of Jesus I'm alive
I'm alive, I'm alive

Giver of every breath I breathe
Author of all eternity
Giver of every perfect thing
To You be the glory
Maker of Heaven and of Earth
No one can comprehend Your worth
King over all the universe
To You be the glory

And I am alive because I'm alive in You

It's all because of Jesus I'm alive
It's all because the blood of Jesus Christ
That covers me and raised this dead man's life
It's all because of Jesus

Every sunrise sings Your praise
The universe cries out Your praise
I'm singing freedom all my days
Now that I'm alive

I'm alive, I'm alive, I'm alive

I think this sums it up...

STEVE FEE "Burn For You"
(I bolded some of the things that spoke to my heart)
ps hearing Kelly Mac and Mack Brock sing this song, really sends chills, good chills down to the depths of my soul...

There's a stirring in my heart
Unexplainable
There's a calling on my days
Undeniable, yeah
And there's a fire in my bones
Uncontainable
And it's causing me to burn
It's causing me to burn
It's causing me to burn
For you

I'll go anywhere
I'll do anything
At any cost for you
My King

There's a passion in my heart
For the world to see
Revival fires burn
A great awakening
And there's a raging fire inside
That's so high
And it's causing me to burn
It's causing me to burn
It's causing me to burn
For you, yeah

[Repeat Chorus 2x]

Oh, burn for you
Yeah, burn for you
To the ends of the earth
To the ends of the earth
To the farthest part
Til every heart has heard

To the ends of the earth
To the ends of the earth
To the farthest part
Til every heart has heard

There's a stirring in my heart
Unexplainable
And there's a calling on my days
Undeniable
And there's a fire in my bones
Uncontainable
And it's causing me to burn
It's causing me to burn
It's causing me to burn
For you

[Repeat Chorus 2x]

Burn for you
Yeah, burn for you
Oh, burn
Burn for you
Yeah, burn
Burn for you
To the ends of the earth

Yearning( what is on my heart...past month or so)

latley I have been too busy to blog. I have been keeping a daily devotional journal, and I have been working two jobs, training for races, racing, spending time with God, and reading BLUE LIKE JAZZ and now reading Pastor and Clayton King's book on relationships.

I am sorry to the few readers who have been reading and keeping up with my blogs.
I have been keeping up with yours (blog roll) but I have been so busy latley.

I cannot sleep, I am just yearning. Yearning to get closer with God. Things are great, amazing, and God's Grace, Love, Power, inspiration have been doing great things in my life.

Between reading 1,2 Samuel, and now 1 Kings, Blue Like Jazz, and Pastor and Clayton King's book on relationships... I have this yearning, deep inside of me. Its a deepening hunger and thirst to be filled more and more with Christ, and less and less of me.

I have been preaching more sermons to my house, and to my self, saying the many things that God is placing on my heart and soul. I have been conversing with close friends about the sheer AWESOMENESS of CHRIST. I have been seeking Wisdom, and yearning to be more like King David and King Solomon. I yearn more and more to be the Man of God that God wants me to be.
I yearn to be filled with God's wisdom, His understanding of my heart, and the world around me.
This One Prayer series is really messing with me. I cannot help but to talk with others, Christian and non-Christian alike about all the petty differences that THE CHURCH focuses on.
I yearn to break off the unnecessary traditions of my past, my pride and pre conceived notions about other Christians, or those who profess that they are Christians(but who are not really Christians). I yearn pull out the plank in my own eye about "religiosity" and to encourage people more about the Gospel.

I yearn more and more each day to be a minister in the Army, and to reach out the the lost people in this city (esp the homeless)

I yearn to see and speak with my old friends who are back home.
I yearn for the healing of my of Grandpa's knee, and for the clarity of my grandma's mind(dad's side)
I yearn for the healing of my Aunt Gayle's heart as she deals with a bad breakup.
I yearn for the healing and clarity of mind for my paw-paw, and the patience of my maw-maw as she helps him with all his ailments. I pray for health for her. (mom's side)
I yearn for the seeking of Christ for my aunt and uncle
I yearn for the move of God in my many friends lives's as they seek God, and for peace, and joy.

I yearn for this world to stop hating each other, and for us to embrace Christ.
I yearn to see more lost people come to Christ, and start a new life with Him.
I yearn to see us Christians learn to become dangerous for Christ, to step out of our comfort zones, and allow God's healing, and power to consume us, so that we may be a light in this dark world.


I yearn to be more like Christ...

Foundations

in response to my friend Sarah Field's note on Facebook...she wanted me to post my encouragement here as well....

MATTHEW CHAPTER 7

The Wise and Foolish Builders
24"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."

Here is what the Lord laid on my heart last night, and we talked about it. I will try to write it the way God's wants me to.

So many of us try to find the perfect relationship. We look in all the wrong places, and we listen to all the worldly advice from the "guru's." Sarah, like we talked about, not just in our own lives, but the lives of others, we have built our houses on faulted foundations.

When the foundation is not level, or it is cracked ( our perspective's and aspirations of a perfect relationship) the house that we build will crumble and fall. When we build our hopes and dreams around those things that do not come from Christ, we tend to find ourselves having to renovate our houses(our hearts, lives) time and time again. We try new things, go to great heights to make our houses attractive, or inviting. But all that is foolish like the fool who built his house on the sand. Only after countless "home projects" we realize that we have to tear the whole house down, and start again, which is dreadful, horrible, and leads us down a road filled with Satan's influence.

2 Corinthians 5:17
17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

So when we let Christ be our foundation, His Word, His Love, we do not have to tear our house down anymore. It will stand the test of time because our foundation will be firm. We are a new creation, and we will always remain a part of Him and His "Hood" so corny but i love it!!

Only when we spend intimate time with Him...studying His Word and praying... will we become content in our singleness. Content in knowing that Christ has already picked out that one perfect spouse for us. We should also surround our selves with other strong believers who set the standard high, just like in your note. When we have those who shine for Jesus and lead by example in our lives, our lives will start to shine more for Jesus.

Proverbs 27:17
"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another"

1 Thessalonians 5:11

11Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Hebrews 10:24
24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

Maybe we should be spending more time making sure our foundation is firm and true instead of focusing on the decor of our houses.