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!!!
Showing posts with label life. not making any sense. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life. not making any sense. Show all posts
Thursday, February 26, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
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.
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!!!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
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?
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?
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.
- 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."
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!!!
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!!!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, November 10, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
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.....
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.....
Monday, September 8, 2008
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!!!
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!!!
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