Mike and Todd are gone, and I have some time to reflect on this past weekend here at Life Quest Church.
This past weekend LifeQuestChurch baptized 37people, in fact, some were families who had never been to our church. It was their first time. I saw healing among families and those around who were present at the Baptism service. 6 people accepted Jesus. I had the honor to baptize children. man, was that humbling. Still is, in fact, the more I think of it, the more I laugh in joy because of what God did.
I am just so filled with all of these different emotions this morning. To think that God has a special plan for our Church, and for those who are a part of this revolution for Christ here in KC. To think that Christ would allow me, yes me, to have a part in His work. I am just so in awe. I am a wreck this morning...lots of emotions, so overwhelming...mostly Joy. I am so grateful to be a part of something that will last forever... the work of reaching out to lost people, loving on them, and sharing the Gospel with them. Not that I am perfect haha, I am progressing. That's the overwhelming part. Not only am I redeemed, but I am somebody in Christ. Hey guess what...if you have accepted Christ, then so are you. You are somebody, you are a peculiar people, you are a leader. You do have what it takes. Grab on to what Christ has in store for you. Dive into the Word and prayer like never before. Let Christ and others call out your potential, the potential that He planned for you before you were even born.
What my soul longs for is to see a generation rise up and advance His Gospel like never before. The look on those Children has changed my life forever. I just yearn to see God do more miracles through the Church here in KC. We as a Church have got to give our kids our best, and not our leftovers.
p.s. I am listening to Phil Wickham's Sing Along. its free, down load it.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Ways in which parents can get involved in Children's Ministry
here are some ways in which parents can get involved in the ministry of their children.
1) become a Sheppard/helper in their Children's program. (not saying you have to teach the thing if you can't teach or if you get nervous, just be a body there to help who ever is teaching teach) pretty easy...
2) Teach!! yay, become a teacher and help teach the program. If that is your cup of tea, then dive right in. Not for everyone, but anyone can at least give it a shot
3) Help to lead worship... I can't sing, ask @Jr_brown lol our worship pastor. But if you can sing, then help out and sing songs with the kids, its a lot of fun!!
4) Nursery/preschool area. If you like changing diapers, or rocking the babies, playing with them, give it a shot. It is a lot of fun, and you will be a better person for it!!
5) Children's Check in/Greeter. Man, nothing makes parents feel safer than people who take ownership of their children's program. People who are warm and fuzzy, the ooey gooey type who love Children and who want to see Children raised up in the ways of the Lord.
6) Children's security! (MEN)!! If you are a fan of kids, but not a real fan, you can stand and help keep these kids safe. You big strong men can help to ensure the safety of these kids. Are ya a coward? Besides, a lot of churches have people who can teach basic martial arts skills that come in handy during those weekend games of pick up haha. shhhh.
7) Tech people!! yeah, u geeks and freaks out there who love to do stuff on the computer with graphics, lights, and sounds! We need you, and you are very important!!
8) Set Up/Tear Down. Oh Yes, (MEN) again... since you brag to the boys about how strong you are, why not help to move props, boxes,totes around. Great place to meet women you single college and hs boys haha. ;) Yeah, i just went there :)
There are so many more ways, but these are a great start. Ask your local Children's Pastor, or Ministry Director for more details.
Remember, who is the best expert on your Children.... YOU ARE :) Get involved, its rewarding!!
1) become a Sheppard/helper in their Children's program. (not saying you have to teach the thing if you can't teach or if you get nervous, just be a body there to help who ever is teaching teach) pretty easy...
2) Teach!! yay, become a teacher and help teach the program. If that is your cup of tea, then dive right in. Not for everyone, but anyone can at least give it a shot
3) Help to lead worship... I can't sing, ask @Jr_brown lol our worship pastor. But if you can sing, then help out and sing songs with the kids, its a lot of fun!!
4) Nursery/preschool area. If you like changing diapers, or rocking the babies, playing with them, give it a shot. It is a lot of fun, and you will be a better person for it!!
5) Children's Check in/Greeter. Man, nothing makes parents feel safer than people who take ownership of their children's program. People who are warm and fuzzy, the ooey gooey type who love Children and who want to see Children raised up in the ways of the Lord.
6) Children's security! (MEN)!! If you are a fan of kids, but not a real fan, you can stand and help keep these kids safe. You big strong men can help to ensure the safety of these kids. Are ya a coward? Besides, a lot of churches have people who can teach basic martial arts skills that come in handy during those weekend games of pick up haha. shhhh.
7) Tech people!! yeah, u geeks and freaks out there who love to do stuff on the computer with graphics, lights, and sounds! We need you, and you are very important!!
8) Set Up/Tear Down. Oh Yes, (MEN) again... since you brag to the boys about how strong you are, why not help to move props, boxes,totes around. Great place to meet women you single college and hs boys haha. ;) Yeah, i just went there :)
There are so many more ways, but these are a great start. Ask your local Children's Pastor, or Ministry Director for more details.
Remember, who is the best expert on your Children.... YOU ARE :) Get involved, its rewarding!!
Confessions of a Children's Ministry Director...
These kids are the next generation of leaders. These kids will one day rule the world. I am so blessed and honored to be silly, to dress up, to sing songs, and do motions, to play games that to an adult are silly, but to these kids, its is the difference between Heaven and Hell. Why can't we as the church, esp in America understand that fact?
Why are so we so focused on your own lives that we forget to build up next generation?
Two things I have noticed, one that breaks my heart, but the other fans a burning flame within my soul.
The first, is that the parents in the church in America have for too long dropped off their kids at church thinking that the Church can fix whatever is wrong with them. The Church, the body, has to have parents who are involved in the lives of their children not only in church but outside so that they can be raised up in the ways of God. The Church is not here to babysit your kids or to slap them on the wrist when they do something wrong. The Church exists to educate and empower your kids to have a growing relationship with Christ that results in the multiplication of His Kingdom.
It just breaks my heart that parents do not get involved in the ministry of their local church to help raise up the next generation.
What fans a burning flame in my heart is this: I serve an awesome God, a God who answers by fire, who gives us light in the darkness. A God who works through the little Children to impact a nation to seek Him. These children are having a blast learning about Jesus and who He is. These children will go back and tell their friends about not only the fun they had at church, but about Jesus and His love for them. I serve a Great God who has placed me at a church who is not ashamed of the Gospel, or stepping out of the bounds of traditional church in order to reach nontraditional children. I serve a Church who serves Christ with a level of excellence and creates an environment where anyone can come and learn about who Jesus is and what He has done.
Why are so we so focused on your own lives that we forget to build up next generation?
Two things I have noticed, one that breaks my heart, but the other fans a burning flame within my soul.
The first, is that the parents in the church in America have for too long dropped off their kids at church thinking that the Church can fix whatever is wrong with them. The Church, the body, has to have parents who are involved in the lives of their children not only in church but outside so that they can be raised up in the ways of God. The Church is not here to babysit your kids or to slap them on the wrist when they do something wrong. The Church exists to educate and empower your kids to have a growing relationship with Christ that results in the multiplication of His Kingdom.
It just breaks my heart that parents do not get involved in the ministry of their local church to help raise up the next generation.
What fans a burning flame in my heart is this: I serve an awesome God, a God who answers by fire, who gives us light in the darkness. A God who works through the little Children to impact a nation to seek Him. These children are having a blast learning about Jesus and who He is. These children will go back and tell their friends about not only the fun they had at church, but about Jesus and His love for them. I serve a Great God who has placed me at a church who is not ashamed of the Gospel, or stepping out of the bounds of traditional church in order to reach nontraditional children. I serve a Church who serves Christ with a level of excellence and creates an environment where anyone can come and learn about who Jesus is and what He has done.
Boomerang Express and Sports Camp Week!
Can I just say that I am just in awe of the Goodness of Christ. How about the fact that this week at Sports Camp and VBS God has just messed me up as a man running passionately after God's heart. These kids, this is where it's at. Building up a generation of young people sold out for Christ just consumes me, overwhelms me.
I am just brought to tears as I write this post reflecting on the fact that so many kids came out these past couple of days. 16 kids for the bball camp, and 38 kids came to the night VBS.
Not only is there a team of committed believers there all the way from TEXAS, but the curriculum is excellent. BOOMERANG EXPRESS.
I have had a chance to meet these kids, and build a closer relationship with them. These kids are bright, and they are full of life and Child Like Faith. Yes, I think these songs are silly, and they are stuck in your head the whole week, but you know what, they are awesome! They work, and they communicate the Gospel in a pretty awesome way that is so simple. I like that. Sometimes we as Christians get so caught up in the deep doctrine of religiosity that we often stray from the Child Like faith in which Jesus talks about in the Gospel. This camp makes me feel more alive. The simple way that the Gospel is shown is so pure, so easy to understand. We serve a great God who loves us and who wants us to follow Him with child like faith.
I am just reminded of the Goodness of God, and the fact that He can use little Children to ruin me for His Glory. Our God is a God of Love. He loves these Children, they are His. We are His Children, and being able to serve these kids and serve God just blows me away.
These Children declare the beauty of the Lord.
I am just so blessed to be able to spend time with these Children and be reminded what Child Like Faith is! I love you Jesus!!
A child gave her life to Christ tonight. I don't know about you, but all of the video stuff, the music, the props, the games, the skits, the stories...the money... was worth it. She came to know CHRIST!! I mean that is freakin awesome!!
I am just brought to tears as I write this post reflecting on the fact that so many kids came out these past couple of days. 16 kids for the bball camp, and 38 kids came to the night VBS.
Not only is there a team of committed believers there all the way from TEXAS, but the curriculum is excellent. BOOMERANG EXPRESS.
I have had a chance to meet these kids, and build a closer relationship with them. These kids are bright, and they are full of life and Child Like Faith. Yes, I think these songs are silly, and they are stuck in your head the whole week, but you know what, they are awesome! They work, and they communicate the Gospel in a pretty awesome way that is so simple. I like that. Sometimes we as Christians get so caught up in the deep doctrine of religiosity that we often stray from the Child Like faith in which Jesus talks about in the Gospel. This camp makes me feel more alive. The simple way that the Gospel is shown is so pure, so easy to understand. We serve a great God who loves us and who wants us to follow Him with child like faith.
I am just reminded of the Goodness of God, and the fact that He can use little Children to ruin me for His Glory. Our God is a God of Love. He loves these Children, they are His. We are His Children, and being able to serve these kids and serve God just blows me away.
These Children declare the beauty of the Lord.
I am just so blessed to be able to spend time with these Children and be reminded what Child Like Faith is! I love you Jesus!!
A child gave her life to Christ tonight. I don't know about you, but all of the video stuff, the music, the props, the games, the skits, the stories...the money... was worth it. She came to know CHRIST!! I mean that is freakin awesome!!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
LIFEQUEST CHURCH, KC MO!!
Well Folks, the move was soo smooth and now I am all settled in my new house( I'm staying an awesome family, the Rouse's)!!! Praise Jesus for my awesome family back home who is supporting this move of God in my life.
I just wanted to say that I am so blown away by the sheer awesomeness of Christ and how He has placed me at Life Quest to not only build momentum here in KC but also to grow me in my own walk with HIM.
The staff, the volunteers and the body here at Life Quest have been so warm and welcoming. I am just so blown away by the passion to serve Christ that exists here at Life Quest Church. In fact, I feel as if I have known these people for like 2 years. Talk about the provision of God. The Church has been so supporting.
How about that Pastor, Pastor Chris Pinion. Talk about a mighty man of God. His passion to serve Christ with excellence and to reach lost people is so infectious. He has spoken so much truth into my life already. He is a man after God's own heart. Pastor Chris has Twitter!!!
ChrisPinion
We are currently setting up systems that will allow us to relieve some of the burden of Pastor Chris so that he can spend more time in the word and listening to God as He allows Pastor Chris to be His mouthpiece. I am so excited, so honored to come along side my Pastor and to lift us his arms like Arron did for Moses.
How are you as a volunteer, as a staff member, as a member of your church coming alongside your pastor and lifting up his arms while He leads the people?
One thing I have learned these past 3 years is this:
Just because you know the pastor does not entitle you to have personal time with the pastor when ever you feel like it. In fact, I believe that if you are sold out on the vision of what God is doing in your church, then you should feel honored to fall on your face and intercede on behalf of your pastor. It's not that your pastor does not care, or that he does not love you... its the simple fact that he can't be everything to everyone and still have time to listen to God and preach a sermon that will create life change.
How about instead you write him a letter of encouragement telling him that you have his back. How about a letter boasting in what God has done in your life being under the leadership of your pastor.
I am so blessed to be a part of this awesome move of God here at LifeQuestChurch and I am so honored to be an armor bearer for my pastor. I am willing to lay down my life, to take a bullet for him. Are you that sold out? I know I am.
I just wanted to say that I am so blown away by the sheer awesomeness of Christ and how He has placed me at Life Quest to not only build momentum here in KC but also to grow me in my own walk with HIM.
The staff, the volunteers and the body here at Life Quest have been so warm and welcoming. I am just so blown away by the passion to serve Christ that exists here at Life Quest Church. In fact, I feel as if I have known these people for like 2 years. Talk about the provision of God. The Church has been so supporting.
How about that Pastor, Pastor Chris Pinion. Talk about a mighty man of God. His passion to serve Christ with excellence and to reach lost people is so infectious. He has spoken so much truth into my life already. He is a man after God's own heart. Pastor Chris has Twitter!!!
ChrisPinion
We are currently setting up systems that will allow us to relieve some of the burden of Pastor Chris so that he can spend more time in the word and listening to God as He allows Pastor Chris to be His mouthpiece. I am so excited, so honored to come along side my Pastor and to lift us his arms like Arron did for Moses.
How are you as a volunteer, as a staff member, as a member of your church coming alongside your pastor and lifting up his arms while He leads the people?
One thing I have learned these past 3 years is this:
Just because you know the pastor does not entitle you to have personal time with the pastor when ever you feel like it. In fact, I believe that if you are sold out on the vision of what God is doing in your church, then you should feel honored to fall on your face and intercede on behalf of your pastor. It's not that your pastor does not care, or that he does not love you... its the simple fact that he can't be everything to everyone and still have time to listen to God and preach a sermon that will create life change.
How about instead you write him a letter of encouragement telling him that you have his back. How about a letter boasting in what God has done in your life being under the leadership of your pastor.
I am so blessed to be a part of this awesome move of God here at LifeQuestChurch and I am so honored to be an armor bearer for my pastor. I am willing to lay down my life, to take a bullet for him. Are you that sold out? I know I am.
Friday, May 22, 2009
I BLOGGED!!!!!
Hey so I have not blogged in like 3 months.... I am just too busy to blog lately.
I have been in 3 community groups a week. 1 hs kids I lead, one College I lead, and 1 men's group that I am a part of. Graduation is finally over, so I don't have to study anymore haha. Then there is time in the WORD, ELEVATION CHURCH and all the wonderful volunteering that goes on!!! and Work.
But, hey it's the summer time now, so I may be able to start blogging haha.
Just Follow Me on Twitter if you are interested. http://twitter.com/TRI4HIM
God has been doing great things in my life this past year. I have been growing so much, its soo overwhelming. I love it. God has got a special plan for me, just as HE has for everybody. "You can't manage a mighty move of God" ~Perry Noble. Pastor P is soo right, the only thing that we can do is to prepare for it by being obedient, and when it happens, we lean on God. That is the only thing we can do, but trust me, it is worth the waiting and all those mixed emotions.
HEY, I GRADUATED!!!! But even though I have graduated College, I am teachable, willing to grown in my walk with Christ. I am GOOD at my gifting...but not GREAT. I am willing to swallow my selfish pride, and lean on the counsel of those who are wiser than I. I know that I am not the best person at ADMIN stuff. BUT give me a model, a guide, take me by the hand, and I can then reproduce. Encourage me, Correct me, Help me, Believe in me, and then I be sold out on the vision. Then I can take initiative, be faithful in the small things, and be a catalyst for change.
I find that the more I grown in Christ, the more things I don't know about God And the more I want to learn about His Heart. I think we as Christians get caught up in the work of God, and forget to focus on the Heart of God. I have been studying up on this. We are called to Worship a Holy God, but when we do not take time to bask in His Splendor, the Splendor of Him and His Son, we end up running on fumes, and not a full tank.
THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT SATAN WANTS: The Church(Bride of Christ) to get so caught up on the "Work," stressed out maxed out, that we end up running on fumes. We are so consumed with the "Work" of the Father, that we forget to refuel ourselves. Only by coming before the Lord, being still, always asking for a Kingdom Minded perspective, then we will see the Heart of God. And with that means that we have to surround ourselves with Kingdom minded people.
hmmmmmm Anyone can do the work of God, anyone can serve someone... but to Serve God, means to place Him First, to seek His Heart. Then we will know what it means to have a heart full of passion that is striving to serve Christ with excellence. Then we will know how love like Christ as a servant.
My two key words for this season are Prayer and Faithfulness. ha, funny how they go hand in hand.
Well, that was some great rambling. Just needed to get some things off my chest. Ha, and its more for me than for you. It's more like a broken code. When I have time, I will look back on this and God will fill in the blanks, and speak to my heart on a whole new level.
I have been in 3 community groups a week. 1 hs kids I lead, one College I lead, and 1 men's group that I am a part of. Graduation is finally over, so I don't have to study anymore haha. Then there is time in the WORD, ELEVATION CHURCH and all the wonderful volunteering that goes on!!! and Work.
But, hey it's the summer time now, so I may be able to start blogging haha.
Just Follow Me on Twitter if you are interested. http://twitter.com/TRI4HIM
God has been doing great things in my life this past year. I have been growing so much, its soo overwhelming. I love it. God has got a special plan for me, just as HE has for everybody. "You can't manage a mighty move of God" ~Perry Noble. Pastor P is soo right, the only thing that we can do is to prepare for it by being obedient, and when it happens, we lean on God. That is the only thing we can do, but trust me, it is worth the waiting and all those mixed emotions.
HEY, I GRADUATED!!!! But even though I have graduated College, I am teachable, willing to grown in my walk with Christ. I am GOOD at my gifting...but not GREAT. I am willing to swallow my selfish pride, and lean on the counsel of those who are wiser than I. I know that I am not the best person at ADMIN stuff. BUT give me a model, a guide, take me by the hand, and I can then reproduce. Encourage me, Correct me, Help me, Believe in me, and then I be sold out on the vision. Then I can take initiative, be faithful in the small things, and be a catalyst for change.
I find that the more I grown in Christ, the more things I don't know about God And the more I want to learn about His Heart. I think we as Christians get caught up in the work of God, and forget to focus on the Heart of God. I have been studying up on this. We are called to Worship a Holy God, but when we do not take time to bask in His Splendor, the Splendor of Him and His Son, we end up running on fumes, and not a full tank.
THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT SATAN WANTS: The Church(Bride of Christ) to get so caught up on the "Work," stressed out maxed out, that we end up running on fumes. We are so consumed with the "Work" of the Father, that we forget to refuel ourselves. Only by coming before the Lord, being still, always asking for a Kingdom Minded perspective, then we will see the Heart of God. And with that means that we have to surround ourselves with Kingdom minded people.
hmmmmmm Anyone can do the work of God, anyone can serve someone... but to Serve God, means to place Him First, to seek His Heart. Then we will know what it means to have a heart full of passion that is striving to serve Christ with excellence. Then we will know how love like Christ as a servant.
My two key words for this season are Prayer and Faithfulness. ha, funny how they go hand in hand.
Well, that was some great rambling. Just needed to get some things off my chest. Ha, and its more for me than for you. It's more like a broken code. When I have time, I will look back on this and God will fill in the blanks, and speak to my heart on a whole new level.
Monday, March 9, 2009
SPRING BREAK
YAY!! I am so excited to be back home in Cary for the next 3 days!!!
It will be good to see mom and dad and spend some time with them.
I get to spread mulch around the yard which will be awesome because I can work on my tan haha.
Also I can do some triathlon training!! SO EXCITED!!
UNLEASH 09 IS THIS THURSDAY DOWN AT NEWSPRING CHURCH!!! OH YEAH SOO EXCITED!!!
Hope you guys can enjoy this weather and spend some time outside!!!
It will be good to see mom and dad and spend some time with them.
I get to spread mulch around the yard which will be awesome because I can work on my tan haha.
Also I can do some triathlon training!! SO EXCITED!!
UNLEASH 09 IS THIS THURSDAY DOWN AT NEWSPRING CHURCH!!! OH YEAH SOO EXCITED!!!
Hope you guys can enjoy this weather and spend some time outside!!!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wrestling
So life is really really good right now... School this semester is so amazing, building friendships with people, work is awesome, CHURCH JUST ROCKS... but... God is doing some things in my life right now that I have to wrestle through.
The main thing right now is the whole after college. I have always been told time and time again that in order to be a minister, I have to go to seminary as soon as I graduate. Right now, I do no have a desire to go to seminary. In fact right now, I just want to get as much practical experience of learning about being the hands and feet of Christ. Right now my heart's desire is to network, pour into college kids, and passionately pursue people who are far from God. Now, I know that God may lead me to go to seminary in the future, but right now I desire to pour all I have into doing ministry and not sitting in a classroom. I have been doing that for almost four and a half years, and honestly I am getting tired of learning theory. And so I am wrestling with God. Wrestling hard to determine to if after the summer if it is God's will that I go to seminary of if I will get a job that enables me to make a decent living while doing the very things that I am so passionate about.
I am processing a lot of information, and seeking advice from those who are in the ministry, both "ordained" and non "ordained." The weight of the call is so heavily burdened on my heart and all I want to do is be obedient. Some of the things that I have to process through deal with the issue of my flesh. Since I am rebellious in my ways, some good some bad, is not going to seminary after the summer really my flesh, or is it a direct call from Christ to gain practical ministry experience for an a season that I really have no clue how long it will last?
I do know one thing, and that is Christ will determine my steps. He has already prepared His perfect plan for me. I know that I will be a minister, and that I will pastor people. I take joy in knowing that I cannot see my self doing anything else but to preach His Word.
I know that after Monday I will have a better clue as to which direction God wants me to go. It's just that the waiting is the hardest part. I have been waiting it seems for a very long time haha.
Tonight, I had a great a time with my battle buddy, my armor bearer, Jonathan Reeves. Jonathan is soo anointed, so in tune with the Holy Spirit. He always has a way of being a mouthpiece for Christ in my life. It's always good to have someone assure about the Goodness of Christ. It is always good to have someone in your life who tells you the very things that make you squirm, and uncomfortable. It is always good to have someone who can encourage you, and gently rebuke you. I love Jonathan Reeves, he is the brother I never had, but always wanted. HA! but The LORD worked it out!!!
I do feel challenged, but yet at the same time, I have more of a peace in my spirit about the future. Jeremiah 29:11. Habakkuk 1:5. Hebrews 11:6-7. God is soo good, and I know that the best is yet to come!!!
Just felt like being open and honest with you guys!!!
The main thing right now is the whole after college. I have always been told time and time again that in order to be a minister, I have to go to seminary as soon as I graduate. Right now, I do no have a desire to go to seminary. In fact right now, I just want to get as much practical experience of learning about being the hands and feet of Christ. Right now my heart's desire is to network, pour into college kids, and passionately pursue people who are far from God. Now, I know that God may lead me to go to seminary in the future, but right now I desire to pour all I have into doing ministry and not sitting in a classroom. I have been doing that for almost four and a half years, and honestly I am getting tired of learning theory. And so I am wrestling with God. Wrestling hard to determine to if after the summer if it is God's will that I go to seminary of if I will get a job that enables me to make a decent living while doing the very things that I am so passionate about.
I am processing a lot of information, and seeking advice from those who are in the ministry, both "ordained" and non "ordained." The weight of the call is so heavily burdened on my heart and all I want to do is be obedient. Some of the things that I have to process through deal with the issue of my flesh. Since I am rebellious in my ways, some good some bad, is not going to seminary after the summer really my flesh, or is it a direct call from Christ to gain practical ministry experience for an a season that I really have no clue how long it will last?
I do know one thing, and that is Christ will determine my steps. He has already prepared His perfect plan for me. I know that I will be a minister, and that I will pastor people. I take joy in knowing that I cannot see my self doing anything else but to preach His Word.
I know that after Monday I will have a better clue as to which direction God wants me to go. It's just that the waiting is the hardest part. I have been waiting it seems for a very long time haha.
Tonight, I had a great a time with my battle buddy, my armor bearer, Jonathan Reeves. Jonathan is soo anointed, so in tune with the Holy Spirit. He always has a way of being a mouthpiece for Christ in my life. It's always good to have someone assure about the Goodness of Christ. It is always good to have someone in your life who tells you the very things that make you squirm, and uncomfortable. It is always good to have someone who can encourage you, and gently rebuke you. I love Jonathan Reeves, he is the brother I never had, but always wanted. HA! but The LORD worked it out!!!
I do feel challenged, but yet at the same time, I have more of a peace in my spirit about the future. Jeremiah 29:11. Habakkuk 1:5. Hebrews 11:6-7. God is soo good, and I know that the best is yet to come!!!
Just felt like being open and honest with you guys!!!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
NEW LEVEL!!!!
So latley I have not been blogging, ha, what is usual. Whatever lol.
Life has been crazy latley, and that is really okay with me.
God has been placing me in ministry opportunities to help me grow, and to lean more on Him and not my self. I am so excited that my high school community group is picking up. I have 4 guys who I can really pour into and grow closer in Christ with. I have a passion to see the next generation take back this country for Christ, to succeed where my generation has failed, and to do impossible things for Christ's Glory. Now on to UNC-Charlotte!!! The Party bus is going great!!!!! J.R. and his gang really are doing an amazing job with this ministry. And God is blessing them because of their passion and willingness to obey His Word. Freshmen and Sophomore men and women have started a College Ministry that has been a huge success from day 1. I mean that blows my mind. Christ has plans for these young men and women to do unbelievable things for His Glory here at UNC-C and for this city. I am so honored to be able to encourage them and be a part of the mighty move of God.
Yesterday we did some vision casting on campus and spent some time going over our dreams and what we all want to do for Christ. Pastor Steven preached an awesome message this past Sunday on being a Visionary Leader. Pastor used the analogy of being dressed for a wedding but at the gas station pumping gas and feeling out of place. In fact, most of us felt as if we were at the gas station pumping gas, dressed for a wedding. We are dressed for not where we are, but where we are going. When we get to where we are going in Christ, we will fit in because we will be dressed and equipped for His purpose in our lives. I love how Pastor Steven put that. Check out this Sermon
It still blows my mind that despite my imperfections, and my own struggles with pursuing Christ, that He would use me to be a connector to the current of Christ. Jonathan Reeves and I both agreed that we have arrived at the point where our callings are just starting to take off. I mean they have in the past, but right now, God has turned up the intensity, and we are doing the things that we have dreamed about for years. "The difference between a daydream and a burning vision is the audacity to act." I just love this quote from Pastor.
I am so excited and pumped up to see how Christ moves in this city, and how He moves in me and my friends. Even though we know that we are in over our heads, we have peace knowing that Christ has us where we need to be for this season.
Praise God!!!
Life has been crazy latley, and that is really okay with me.
God has been placing me in ministry opportunities to help me grow, and to lean more on Him and not my self. I am so excited that my high school community group is picking up. I have 4 guys who I can really pour into and grow closer in Christ with. I have a passion to see the next generation take back this country for Christ, to succeed where my generation has failed, and to do impossible things for Christ's Glory. Now on to UNC-Charlotte!!! The Party bus is going great!!!!! J.R. and his gang really are doing an amazing job with this ministry. And God is blessing them because of their passion and willingness to obey His Word. Freshmen and Sophomore men and women have started a College Ministry that has been a huge success from day 1. I mean that blows my mind. Christ has plans for these young men and women to do unbelievable things for His Glory here at UNC-C and for this city. I am so honored to be able to encourage them and be a part of the mighty move of God.
Yesterday we did some vision casting on campus and spent some time going over our dreams and what we all want to do for Christ. Pastor Steven preached an awesome message this past Sunday on being a Visionary Leader. Pastor used the analogy of being dressed for a wedding but at the gas station pumping gas and feeling out of place. In fact, most of us felt as if we were at the gas station pumping gas, dressed for a wedding. We are dressed for not where we are, but where we are going. When we get to where we are going in Christ, we will fit in because we will be dressed and equipped for His purpose in our lives. I love how Pastor Steven put that. Check out this Sermon
It still blows my mind that despite my imperfections, and my own struggles with pursuing Christ, that He would use me to be a connector to the current of Christ. Jonathan Reeves and I both agreed that we have arrived at the point where our callings are just starting to take off. I mean they have in the past, but right now, God has turned up the intensity, and we are doing the things that we have dreamed about for years. "The difference between a daydream and a burning vision is the audacity to act." I just love this quote from Pastor.
I am so excited and pumped up to see how Christ moves in this city, and how He moves in me and my friends. Even though we know that we are in over our heads, we have peace knowing that Christ has us where we need to be for this season.
Praise God!!!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Why Am I So Passionate About Christ?
People often ask me why I am so hyped up about Jesus. People often ask me why I am so crazy about life, and why am I so joyful all the time. People ask me why am I so passionate about the Gospel even though it seems dead and irrelevant to this day and age. What is it that makes me enjoy life?
My passion is to see Lost people become saved. To give hope to the hopeless, to give strength to the weak. To seek out lost, lonely and broken people and show them Love of Christ. Why? Because I know a Savior who has redeemed me. I know a Savior who has given me life. I use to go through life hating my self and trying to live up to the standards of the world. I use to feel as if I had to fit in. I thought that if I had sex I would fit in more with my friends. I thought that if I got plastered, then I would fit in. I thought that if I smoked a few joints here and there I would be cool. On the outside, I was cool, very cool in fact. But on the inside, I was so hollow. The more I did those things, more lonely I felt. I found out that all my friends were lonely as well.
I just want people to find hope. I just want people to come into an intimate relationship with Jesus in order that they can be set free. I have been set free. I have a Savior who died on a cross for my sins and who rose from the grave in order that I may be able to have a relationship with Him. I want to see people healed. This Savior loves me freely, unconditionally. If I can love people the way Christ loves me, then I can sow seeds and help to point people to a better life. I want to see a generation, specifically my generation raised up and become great leaders. I want so see an army of people sold out for Christ and who can show Christ's love to a lost and broken world. I ask my friends to come to Church because I see them suffering from the weight of sin. I see them hurt, lost, lonely and broken. They are carrying around so much baggage and it hurts me to see them struggle to try to fix it themselves. I don't ask them to come to Church because I am judging them. I want them to come to Church so that Jesus can save them, and give them a life that they can enjoy. A life where they can live out their full potential, the potential that Christ put in them before the universe was formed. I don't see junk, I see potential. I don't see dimly lit coals, I see burning flames. I don't see followers, I see leaders.
I am so excited that I serve a Church that gets it. I serve a Church who would pay to have college kids picked up at their school by party buses. The same buses that take them to the clubs and back during the week are going to take them to and from Church in the morning without judging them. I go to a Church that is not ashamed to say, Church is a party. A party that does not leave you hung over, but a party that motivates you to seek Christ more and more each day. Elevation Church has been called many things, but one thing it is not is afraid. My friends who party hard, and I mean hard say that the Party Bus is an awesome idea. They are actually thinking about riding the bus and giving Church a try. Why? Because someone actually gets the fact that they want to change their lives and is providing a really cool way to do so. And you know what... we are not going to play just Christian music, but secular music in order to make them feel comfortable and that we care about them. I have been praying about this for over two years, and now we have the means to show them Christ's love in a radical way.
And the best part is that I do not get credit for any of this. Christ, and Christ alone gets the glory, and I am so fired up about that fact. How awesome is it that J.R. Hopson, a freshman, is heading up this project. Praise God for raising up the next generation to boldly advance His kingdom.
"Makes me wanna STOMP!"
My passion is to see Lost people become saved. To give hope to the hopeless, to give strength to the weak. To seek out lost, lonely and broken people and show them Love of Christ. Why? Because I know a Savior who has redeemed me. I know a Savior who has given me life. I use to go through life hating my self and trying to live up to the standards of the world. I use to feel as if I had to fit in. I thought that if I had sex I would fit in more with my friends. I thought that if I got plastered, then I would fit in. I thought that if I smoked a few joints here and there I would be cool. On the outside, I was cool, very cool in fact. But on the inside, I was so hollow. The more I did those things, more lonely I felt. I found out that all my friends were lonely as well.
I just want people to find hope. I just want people to come into an intimate relationship with Jesus in order that they can be set free. I have been set free. I have a Savior who died on a cross for my sins and who rose from the grave in order that I may be able to have a relationship with Him. I want to see people healed. This Savior loves me freely, unconditionally. If I can love people the way Christ loves me, then I can sow seeds and help to point people to a better life. I want to see a generation, specifically my generation raised up and become great leaders. I want so see an army of people sold out for Christ and who can show Christ's love to a lost and broken world. I ask my friends to come to Church because I see them suffering from the weight of sin. I see them hurt, lost, lonely and broken. They are carrying around so much baggage and it hurts me to see them struggle to try to fix it themselves. I don't ask them to come to Church because I am judging them. I want them to come to Church so that Jesus can save them, and give them a life that they can enjoy. A life where they can live out their full potential, the potential that Christ put in them before the universe was formed. I don't see junk, I see potential. I don't see dimly lit coals, I see burning flames. I don't see followers, I see leaders.
I am so excited that I serve a Church that gets it. I serve a Church who would pay to have college kids picked up at their school by party buses. The same buses that take them to the clubs and back during the week are going to take them to and from Church in the morning without judging them. I go to a Church that is not ashamed to say, Church is a party. A party that does not leave you hung over, but a party that motivates you to seek Christ more and more each day. Elevation Church has been called many things, but one thing it is not is afraid. My friends who party hard, and I mean hard say that the Party Bus is an awesome idea. They are actually thinking about riding the bus and giving Church a try. Why? Because someone actually gets the fact that they want to change their lives and is providing a really cool way to do so. And you know what... we are not going to play just Christian music, but secular music in order to make them feel comfortable and that we care about them. I have been praying about this for over two years, and now we have the means to show them Christ's love in a radical way.
And the best part is that I do not get credit for any of this. Christ, and Christ alone gets the glory, and I am so fired up about that fact. How awesome is it that J.R. Hopson, a freshman, is heading up this project. Praise God for raising up the next generation to boldly advance His kingdom.
"Makes me wanna STOMP!"
Thursday, January 22, 2009
The Call!!!
I am in a season of preparation, where I am discovering how to strategically and intentionally use my gifts to further the Kingdom, and where I can grow in my weaknesses.
This process is one that is all over the place because I often feel so overwhelmed, and at times small and insignificant. For me this season of preparation, the laying and building onto the foundation if you please has at times been emotional. There is a daily fight, a constant battle with the enemy who is trying oh so desperately to hinder my daily walk with Christ. Yet, yet, I am so joyful because I know that God is refining me in the refiners fire, cleansing me, burring away my inequities in order that I may fully glorify Christ in my walk.
ALSO...The Call is so deeply rooted into my being that I cannot run away from it. Oh I have tried in the past, with such fervor and recklessness. I have tried to out run and out distance God by pot, sex, and of course binge drinking. In the early days of college, my friends affirmed my fear of being a preacher by stating that "I would have to be perfect all the time. A preacher's life is boring, full of reading, and spending time with people telling them they are going to hell if they mess up." And the scary thing is, that is what a lot of us think a preacher's life really is. I knew I needed to rededicate my life to Christ, but the pull of college life seemed oh so strong. I thought that I could run away from God for at least a little while. Ha, but trying to run from God is like chasing the wind, useless. Oh but wait, there in the darkness, a light shined forth giving me hope. Bruised and broken, lost in my sin, I had arrived at a Turing/tipping point in my life. A point where I knew that I had to stop running from this Call, and fully surrender my life to Christ.
As I step forward into 2009, I have looked back lately at my past and I am amazed of how far I have come in my walk with Christ. It was been almost three and a half years since I started the process of "Coming Home" as Pastor Furtick puts it.
As I look around me, I see that over these years I have learned to walk more with Christ, than against Him. I have learned more about what it is to be a man, a real man. A real man is a man who fiercely loves Christ, who passionately pursues Him on a daily basis,and who boldly proclaims the Gospel. Our actions, how we walk, talk, live, those actions are bold. Its more than just telling people about the Love of Christ, its is about being the Love of Christ.
I leave you with this passage from 2nd Timothy which speaks volumes to my soul. I will continue to fight, with more intensity than ever. I will encourage more this year, teach more, share my testimony more with others, and spend more time with Christ. I am finding that as I grow more in Christ, I need to spend more and more time with Him. I love that. That pumps me up!!
2Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
This process is one that is all over the place because I often feel so overwhelmed, and at times small and insignificant. For me this season of preparation, the laying and building onto the foundation if you please has at times been emotional. There is a daily fight, a constant battle with the enemy who is trying oh so desperately to hinder my daily walk with Christ. Yet, yet, I am so joyful because I know that God is refining me in the refiners fire, cleansing me, burring away my inequities in order that I may fully glorify Christ in my walk.
ALSO...The Call is so deeply rooted into my being that I cannot run away from it. Oh I have tried in the past, with such fervor and recklessness. I have tried to out run and out distance God by pot, sex, and of course binge drinking. In the early days of college, my friends affirmed my fear of being a preacher by stating that "I would have to be perfect all the time. A preacher's life is boring, full of reading, and spending time with people telling them they are going to hell if they mess up." And the scary thing is, that is what a lot of us think a preacher's life really is. I knew I needed to rededicate my life to Christ, but the pull of college life seemed oh so strong. I thought that I could run away from God for at least a little while. Ha, but trying to run from God is like chasing the wind, useless. Oh but wait, there in the darkness, a light shined forth giving me hope. Bruised and broken, lost in my sin, I had arrived at a Turing/tipping point in my life. A point where I knew that I had to stop running from this Call, and fully surrender my life to Christ.
As I step forward into 2009, I have looked back lately at my past and I am amazed of how far I have come in my walk with Christ. It was been almost three and a half years since I started the process of "Coming Home" as Pastor Furtick puts it.
As I look around me, I see that over these years I have learned to walk more with Christ, than against Him. I have learned more about what it is to be a man, a real man. A real man is a man who fiercely loves Christ, who passionately pursues Him on a daily basis,and who boldly proclaims the Gospel. Our actions, how we walk, talk, live, those actions are bold. Its more than just telling people about the Love of Christ, its is about being the Love of Christ.
I leave you with this passage from 2nd Timothy which speaks volumes to my soul. I will continue to fight, with more intensity than ever. I will encourage more this year, teach more, share my testimony more with others, and spend more time with Christ. I am finding that as I grow more in Christ, I need to spend more and more time with Him. I love that. That pumps me up!!
2Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Does Black go with Brown?
Does Brown go with Black? My grandma told me that they have always gone together and that is a silly notion that they do not mix.
An article published by a popular men's magazine stated that if you wear Black for your suit or pants then black, tan or camel colored shoes would match.
I also heard that if your suit or pants are Brown then any shade of brown, black, camel colored shoes would match.
In Europe it seems as if Black does go with brown. Certain shades at least?
The Sartorialist
Men.Style.Com
talks about how Brown is the new black, but I think how can brown be the new black when black is black. haha. oh well.
I am in the process of getting a brown jacket, but right now all my jackets are jet black. Some people tell me that my black jacket does not go with my brown shoes(dark color) or my matching belt and some tell me its fine. The only reason I ask is because there are a lot of fashion police out there who love to tell people they don't know that they don't match.
I am not one for dressing up, and I find it a hassle. I usually wear athletic clothing because I find my self doing two workouts on an ideal day. Wearing something nice just makes it a hassle.
What do you think? I have asked a lot of people and I have gotten mixed reviews. I guess I have become obsessed with this question because I just wanted to know if there is a "set ruling."
Your thoughts are welcomed!!!
Thank You!!
~Nick Cook~
An article published by a popular men's magazine stated that if you wear Black for your suit or pants then black, tan or camel colored shoes would match.
I also heard that if your suit or pants are Brown then any shade of brown, black, camel colored shoes would match.
In Europe it seems as if Black does go with brown. Certain shades at least?
The Sartorialist
Men.Style.Com
talks about how Brown is the new black, but I think how can brown be the new black when black is black. haha. oh well.
I am in the process of getting a brown jacket, but right now all my jackets are jet black. Some people tell me that my black jacket does not go with my brown shoes(dark color) or my matching belt and some tell me its fine. The only reason I ask is because there are a lot of fashion police out there who love to tell people they don't know that they don't match.
I am not one for dressing up, and I find it a hassle. I usually wear athletic clothing because I find my self doing two workouts on an ideal day. Wearing something nice just makes it a hassle.
What do you think? I have asked a lot of people and I have gotten mixed reviews. I guess I have become obsessed with this question because I just wanted to know if there is a "set ruling."
Your thoughts are welcomed!!!
Thank You!!
~Nick Cook~
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Weekend before Grandpa's Triple Bypass
So today I had the privilege and honor of hanging out with my Grandparents (dad's side) who live in Stokesdale NC. I call them Buelo and Buela which is short for grandpa and grandma in Spanish. Buelo just turned 81 on December 31st and He is in great shape for his age even though he needs triple bypass surgery. He is a vibrant, refined country gent who just got elected to Town Council. He is the God-fearing sort who plays golf at the country club, goes to the beach house when ever he feels like it, and has a made a good name for himself. He grew up dirt poor, farmed most of his life, raised cattle, and drove a truck while raising three kids. He got into the insurance business and has done really well, passing on the family business to his youngest child, my Auntie Angel. He loves to sing, and play guitar. Oh how I love him dearly.
He is getting triple bypass this Thursday because he has 90% 75% and 100% percent blockage in his arteries.
so anyway, today we went to mayflower, ate seafood, and then came back to the house to watch Country music and Bluegrass before going to bed. I like that!! We have had great conversations tonight about the Church, and the importance of music in the Church.
I know God is taking care of Buelo, and tonight, for the first time, I laid hands on him and Buela before going to bed and prayed over them. It was so intense, that I started to cry. Not the few tears, but the kind where if you don't stop to breathe you will pass out. The power of the Holy Spirit overcame us in that room and we all started crying as we thanked Jesus for His goodness. We all felt the power of the Holy Spirit as we lifted up Buelo and prayed protection over him and for God's healing to be present these next few months. I prayed over my grandma because she has dementia and she is scared to death of the possibility of Buelo not recovering from surgery. All I could really say clearly was Thank You Jesus for loving us, and for this family. This family is real love. You are real love.
We have an awesome intercessor for our prayers, and I praise God mightily.
I think I have seen them tear up once or twice, but I have never seen both of them cry.
Oh Gracious and eternal Father, I thank you from my innermost being that You have graciously placed me in a family where I can know Love. I am so thankful and blessed to have been adopted into a family who loves me, and who points me towards you. We are not all perfect, but You oh God, refine us with a fierce fatherly love, burning away our inequities through Your son Jesus Christ. I thank You in advance for the healing that will take place in Buelo whether it be in this life or the ultimate healing that will take place when You call him up. Strengthen us oh Lord so that we may be living examples for Your Glory in this time of need. Thank You Jesus for being the mediator, and for paying our sin debt. All glory, honor and praise to You oh Father, in Christ's Holy name, Amen and Amen.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Back to school
I have not been blogging because I have been busy with work and trying to get ready for the my last semester as an undergrad!!!
Classes I am taking are:
1) Step Aerobics which should be awesome!!
2) Ballet I. ha, yes I am taking it. Both Step and Ballet will help me on my balance and coordination while building my core. Should help for my Triathlons
3) African American Religions: The African American Church/Civil Rights Course
I love Dr. Rob, and I she is my fav professor. I have a passion for the African American Church and learning more about how I can apply this to my Urban Ministry. Her courses have challenged my faith, yet also have made my faith so much stronger! Praise God!! She is a Christian and that really helps!!
4) Intro to Western Religions. ehh, it should be interesting.
I'll be working almost 35hours as well, blah. But I have a light load so this should be fun.
My small group is awesome!! I know God is doing amazing things in the upcoming generation!!
Classes I am taking are:
1) Step Aerobics which should be awesome!!
2) Ballet I. ha, yes I am taking it. Both Step and Ballet will help me on my balance and coordination while building my core. Should help for my Triathlons
3) African American Religions: The African American Church/Civil Rights Course
I love Dr. Rob, and I she is my fav professor. I have a passion for the African American Church and learning more about how I can apply this to my Urban Ministry. Her courses have challenged my faith, yet also have made my faith so much stronger! Praise God!! She is a Christian and that really helps!!
4) Intro to Western Religions. ehh, it should be interesting.
I'll be working almost 35hours as well, blah. But I have a light load so this should be fun.
My small group is awesome!! I know God is doing amazing things in the upcoming generation!!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Theophany
So I was reading Isaiah last night, and Chapter 6 always speaks to me. It is the part when Isaiah has a vision, he sees the Lord, and the he answers the Lord's call to go prophesy to the nations.
This post would be too long if I copied and inserted the whole chapter here, but I would highly recommend you reading it here. Isaiah 6
What scholars call this encounter with the living God is a Theophany.
"A theophany is a manifestation of God in the Bible that is tangible to the human senses. In its most restrictive sense, it is a visible appearance of God in the Old Testament period, often, but not always, in human form."
Even though in the scriptures no human, save Jesus, though He is a part of God has seen the face of God, or the whole entity, people do see manifestations of God. ( Ex 33:20; John 1:18; John 6:46; John 8:58)
He manifests Himself in ways that the human mind can comprehend in order to fulfill His will on earth. Not only did Isaiah see God, but he saw seraphs, smoke, and he heard the voice of the Lord.
This reminds me of other instances throughout the Bible where God revealed Himself to people.
Take Abraham for example, when the Lord appeared to him on his arrival in the promised land, or when the Lord came to visit him and Sarah to tell them that Sarah would be with child. Gen 12:7-9, and Gen 18:1-33.
Jacob also had an encounter with the living God when wrestled with what was thought to be a man but was actually God. Scholars also believe this could have been an encounter with Christ. That is called a Christophany. Gen 32:22-30.
A few of my favorite ones are when the Lord led the Children of Israel by a could of smoke by day, and a pillar of fire by night.
Gideon saw the Angel of the Lord.
Moses saw a burning bush. (God using and turning the ordinary into the extraordinary to get Mose's attention). Awesome Sermon by my Pastor, Steven Furtick on the Presence of God. Check out the sermon series Presence at Elevation Church
Another one is the encounter that Elijah had at mount Horeb in 1 Kings 19. Not only does the Elijah have an encounter with the Angel of the Lord before going to Mount Horeb but four more times after that encounter Elijah encountered the Living God. The Lord passed by in a powerful wind that tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks, an earthquake, a fire and to me the most important, a still small whisper.
Okay, so what does that have to do with you, me and the rest of us Christians living today? Here is my point. God, in all of His glorious splendor can still manifest Himself today in ways that speak to us. Take nature for example. Have you ever caught yourself watching a sunrise or a sunset? Or how about the stars at night or some sort of beautiful image of nature. Has it ever spoken to your heart, and reminded you of the presence of God? Has it ever spoken to you in that special unique way that automatically makes you think of the sheer awesomeness of God?
We have God's Word, His word handed down to us through the prophets and saints in order to help guide us. What I am trying to say is that yes, it would be nice to see God, or to have an audible conversation with God like Moses did. But as Pastor Furtick says, God can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. My Question is this. How is God trying to speak to you? How is He trying to get your attention through the ordinary, only to turn it into the extraordinary?
Challenge:
What do you have to do in order to get the revelation from God that you are seeking? Is it reading your Bible more and praying? Is it fasting or seeking wisdom from a pastor or a fellow believer? Is it putting God first in an area of your life where you have put up and Idol before the Lord? What ever it is, the Lord is faithful. He is true, He is compassionate. He has a plan for you and remember that your circumstances and situations do not determine who you are. God wants to bring out your full potential, the potential He has placed in you way before you were ever created.
I hope this rambling has helped you. God is sure ruining me right now, and this is just the outpouring of my heart.
This post would be too long if I copied and inserted the whole chapter here, but I would highly recommend you reading it here. Isaiah 6
What scholars call this encounter with the living God is a Theophany.
"A theophany is a manifestation of God in the Bible that is tangible to the human senses. In its most restrictive sense, it is a visible appearance of God in the Old Testament period, often, but not always, in human form."
Even though in the scriptures no human, save Jesus, though He is a part of God has seen the face of God, or the whole entity, people do see manifestations of God. ( Ex 33:20; John 1:18; John 6:46; John 8:58)
He manifests Himself in ways that the human mind can comprehend in order to fulfill His will on earth. Not only did Isaiah see God, but he saw seraphs, smoke, and he heard the voice of the Lord.
This reminds me of other instances throughout the Bible where God revealed Himself to people.
Take Abraham for example, when the Lord appeared to him on his arrival in the promised land, or when the Lord came to visit him and Sarah to tell them that Sarah would be with child. Gen 12:7-9, and Gen 18:1-33.
Jacob also had an encounter with the living God when wrestled with what was thought to be a man but was actually God. Scholars also believe this could have been an encounter with Christ. That is called a Christophany. Gen 32:22-30.
A few of my favorite ones are when the Lord led the Children of Israel by a could of smoke by day, and a pillar of fire by night.
Gideon saw the Angel of the Lord.
Moses saw a burning bush. (God using and turning the ordinary into the extraordinary to get Mose's attention). Awesome Sermon by my Pastor, Steven Furtick on the Presence of God. Check out the sermon series Presence at Elevation Church
Another one is the encounter that Elijah had at mount Horeb in 1 Kings 19. Not only does the Elijah have an encounter with the Angel of the Lord before going to Mount Horeb but four more times after that encounter Elijah encountered the Living God. The Lord passed by in a powerful wind that tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks, an earthquake, a fire and to me the most important, a still small whisper.
Okay, so what does that have to do with you, me and the rest of us Christians living today? Here is my point. God, in all of His glorious splendor can still manifest Himself today in ways that speak to us. Take nature for example. Have you ever caught yourself watching a sunrise or a sunset? Or how about the stars at night or some sort of beautiful image of nature. Has it ever spoken to your heart, and reminded you of the presence of God? Has it ever spoken to you in that special unique way that automatically makes you think of the sheer awesomeness of God?
We have God's Word, His word handed down to us through the prophets and saints in order to help guide us. What I am trying to say is that yes, it would be nice to see God, or to have an audible conversation with God like Moses did. But as Pastor Furtick says, God can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. My Question is this. How is God trying to speak to you? How is He trying to get your attention through the ordinary, only to turn it into the extraordinary?
Challenge:
What do you have to do in order to get the revelation from God that you are seeking? Is it reading your Bible more and praying? Is it fasting or seeking wisdom from a pastor or a fellow believer? Is it putting God first in an area of your life where you have put up and Idol before the Lord? What ever it is, the Lord is faithful. He is true, He is compassionate. He has a plan for you and remember that your circumstances and situations do not determine who you are. God wants to bring out your full potential, the potential He has placed in you way before you were ever created.
I hope this rambling has helped you. God is sure ruining me right now, and this is just the outpouring of my heart.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Something About The name JESUS
B and I recently drove up to see my grandparents on Sunday to celebrate my Grandpa's birthday. It was really awesome. On the way, we listened to "Something About The Name Jesus," by Rance Allen and featuring Kirk Franklin. Talk about a Holy Ghost moment.
Well this morning, as I got up early to pray, I watched the youtube video of that song. I thought that I could listen to some music while I read my bible. Ha, when that song came on, all I could do was to stop reading and start praising the Lord. There is something about the name Jesus, there's something about who He is. He is everything to me and when I hear His name being praised, well all I can do is stop what I am doing and start praising His name.
Let me give you another example.
Last night, at small group Andy and I went to the McDonald's near his house. It one of those gas stations/McDonald's that was on a busy road in the middle of the country. Lots of people stopped by to get food and gas and it was interesting to watch them. Well as Andy was telling me about who he would like to see "Come Home" this guy sat down near us and started eating his food.
And every time Andy would talk about Jesus, saying His name, and how good Jesus is, this guy looked at us. I guess that's understandable, and it did not surprise me. I mean hey, we are in the South and everybody talks about God, and throws around the name of Jesus to sound religious. It is something we do down here.
But what was so interesting, was when Andy was pouring out his heart to me about who he would like to see "Come Back Home," come into a relationship with Jesus Christ, this young man stopped his eating, and just watched us. It was just so obvious, and it seemed as if he was trying to make it not obvious. Something about the name Jesus.
Anyway to make a long story short... after Andy had prayed for us, this young man approached us.
"I am so deeply touched and moved to hear you guys talk about Jesus in a way that is real" something like that. "I have recently given my life to Christ this past year, backslided, and I would like have a better relationship with Him." etc you get the point.
My point, is that even by saying His name in our everyday conversations, people's lives can be transformed. We as the Church should not be afraid to lift up the name of Jesus in our daily lives.
I leave you with some quotes from Kirk Franklin.
Well this morning, as I got up early to pray, I watched the youtube video of that song. I thought that I could listen to some music while I read my bible. Ha, when that song came on, all I could do was to stop reading and start praising the Lord. There is something about the name Jesus, there's something about who He is. He is everything to me and when I hear His name being praised, well all I can do is stop what I am doing and start praising His name.
Let me give you another example.
Last night, at small group Andy and I went to the McDonald's near his house. It one of those gas stations/McDonald's that was on a busy road in the middle of the country. Lots of people stopped by to get food and gas and it was interesting to watch them. Well as Andy was telling me about who he would like to see "Come Home" this guy sat down near us and started eating his food.
And every time Andy would talk about Jesus, saying His name, and how good Jesus is, this guy looked at us. I guess that's understandable, and it did not surprise me. I mean hey, we are in the South and everybody talks about God, and throws around the name of Jesus to sound religious. It is something we do down here.
But what was so interesting, was when Andy was pouring out his heart to me about who he would like to see "Come Back Home," come into a relationship with Jesus Christ, this young man stopped his eating, and just watched us. It was just so obvious, and it seemed as if he was trying to make it not obvious. Something about the name Jesus.
Anyway to make a long story short... after Andy had prayed for us, this young man approached us.
"I am so deeply touched and moved to hear you guys talk about Jesus in a way that is real" something like that. "I have recently given my life to Christ this past year, backslided, and I would like have a better relationship with Him." etc you get the point.
My point, is that even by saying His name in our everyday conversations, people's lives can be transformed. We as the Church should not be afraid to lift up the name of Jesus in our daily lives.
I leave you with some quotes from Kirk Franklin.
“Even when we take God for granted, what’s so amazing about God is Paul says He does not treat us as our sins deserve. So that means that even in my imperfections God is still perfect with His grace and His Mercy.
"That's why I don't want people getting comfortable praising the Lord, just when He gives them something. See you gotta learn how praise Him because of who He is, because, see, when you praise Him for who He is you don’t have to wait till the trouble come, to learn how to praise Him.” ~Kirk
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