February 26, 2010
We have feelings of distrust when it comes to Jesus. We are rather hurt at the idea that He can do what we cannot.
-Oswald Chambers
Humans: Fail, fail, fall, get back up, fail, test, trial, error, sin, mistake, complacency, failure.
Jesus: Forgive, Forgive, pick up, walk beside, forgive, faith, mature, success, blood, not mistaken, passion, forgiveness.
I am a slave to righteousness, it will not leave me alone. Jesus will not leave me alone. When I sin he is there, when I am at my best my righteousness is still as filthy rags. Everything I have ever done for him, and will ever do is not enough. Jesus is my only hope. I suck without him. I am still a sinner saved by grace through faith in him, there is no other way to be rid of myself but to be in him. My heart is forever wicked, the only thing good about it is him. O Lord save me all over again, a new heart, a fresh wind, save and keep on saving. Hurry do not delay, for I am in anguish and my soul pants for you like a thirsty deer for water.
To trust or not to trust, whom else should I trust? You are my Shepard...I know your voice and it corrects me, calms me, carries me.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Love is about sacrifice not a feeling
February 25, 2010
The title of this blog alone has tremendous depth. Allow me to unpack it. In American culture love, for the most part, is considered to be a feeling or feelings that we have for a significant other. When that feeling fades we drift away from the one that we "love" until we find someone else that makes us "feel" again. Love was never meant to work in this manner. Ephesians 5:25 says, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." Jesus was denounced by Peter and deserted by many of his disciples on the night of his arrest. For him, the feeling had to go away, yet he still lay his very life down for the ones that he loved, and no greater love has ever been demonstrated save through this one moment in time.
Christians, we to are called to love in this manner. Our husbands, wives, friends, and even our enemies. This is a love that we have to grasp and transfer in this hour of difficulty. To lay down our selfish, ungrateful, ways and go back to the cross where we are taught what love is.
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. While we continue to sin, Christ continues to forgive. Let us seek to love with his love, and be loved by him.
The title of this blog alone has tremendous depth. Allow me to unpack it. In American culture love, for the most part, is considered to be a feeling or feelings that we have for a significant other. When that feeling fades we drift away from the one that we "love" until we find someone else that makes us "feel" again. Love was never meant to work in this manner. Ephesians 5:25 says, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." Jesus was denounced by Peter and deserted by many of his disciples on the night of his arrest. For him, the feeling had to go away, yet he still lay his very life down for the ones that he loved, and no greater love has ever been demonstrated save through this one moment in time.
Christians, we to are called to love in this manner. Our husbands, wives, friends, and even our enemies. This is a love that we have to grasp and transfer in this hour of difficulty. To lay down our selfish, ungrateful, ways and go back to the cross where we are taught what love is.
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. While we continue to sin, Christ continues to forgive. Let us seek to love with his love, and be loved by him.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
To serve or not to serve
February 23, 2010
If we are devoted to the cause of humanity, we shall soon be crushed and broken hearted, for we shall often meet with more ingratitude from men than we would from a dog; but if our motive is to love God, no ingratitude can hinder us from serving our fellow men.
-Oswald Chambers
There is a lot of talk in and out of church about "Who is the greatest." Is it the person with the microphone? The person who has the mega-church? Or the person who does not go to church to get involved with all the hypocrisy and politics? The greatest is like the least, the greatest is the servant of all.
People get hurt in churches around the country every week. Pastors are constantly met with cynicism and critique while the nominal Christian in the congregation does nothing to go deeper in their own relationship with Jesus. They say things like, "This church is not the right one for me" or "They did not meet my needs." The church was never meant to meet just your needs. It is a place where your needs should be met with the intention of you giving back. Service is a two-way street, when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples in John 13 he said, "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
As followers of Jesus Christ we are commanded to wash one another's feet. This means whether our our title is Pastor, Apostle, or Pew sitter it is our duty to serve our fellow man for the glory of God.
If we are devoted to the cause of humanity, we shall soon be crushed and broken hearted, for we shall often meet with more ingratitude from men than we would from a dog; but if our motive is to love God, no ingratitude can hinder us from serving our fellow men.
-Oswald Chambers
There is a lot of talk in and out of church about "Who is the greatest." Is it the person with the microphone? The person who has the mega-church? Or the person who does not go to church to get involved with all the hypocrisy and politics? The greatest is like the least, the greatest is the servant of all.
People get hurt in churches around the country every week. Pastors are constantly met with cynicism and critique while the nominal Christian in the congregation does nothing to go deeper in their own relationship with Jesus. They say things like, "This church is not the right one for me" or "They did not meet my needs." The church was never meant to meet just your needs. It is a place where your needs should be met with the intention of you giving back. Service is a two-way street, when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples in John 13 he said, "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
As followers of Jesus Christ we are commanded to wash one another's feet. This means whether our our title is Pastor, Apostle, or Pew sitter it is our duty to serve our fellow man for the glory of God.
Be still...
February 22, 2010
Tenacity is the supreme effort of a man refusing to believe that his hero is going to be conquered.
-Oswald Chambers
In numerous movies there is a battle between good and evil. Normally, the movie begins with a hero who is inexperienced. He or she trains and eventually goes on to become the hero of the world by vanquishing the evil that has held the world in fear for decades. During those movies there is usually a time of wait. A time where the audience begins to question if the evil man is stronger than the noble man. A time where all hope of redemption is lost in the plot of the wicked.
The Christian life can be like this as well. In those times where it seems like evil will triumph over all is where we lose faith, have doubts, and question if God will ever answer our desperate plea for help. It is a hopeless time, a dark time. The Bible says in these times to, "Be still, and know that he is God." What a command! Do nothing? But shouldn't I be the hero and concur the evil forces? No, the battle was never ours. God will save the day. God will be the hero, he will vindicate his name and his children. Be still, do nothing, and see him work.
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. Rom 12:19
Tenacity is the supreme effort of a man refusing to believe that his hero is going to be conquered.
-Oswald Chambers
In numerous movies there is a battle between good and evil. Normally, the movie begins with a hero who is inexperienced. He or she trains and eventually goes on to become the hero of the world by vanquishing the evil that has held the world in fear for decades. During those movies there is usually a time of wait. A time where the audience begins to question if the evil man is stronger than the noble man. A time where all hope of redemption is lost in the plot of the wicked.
The Christian life can be like this as well. In those times where it seems like evil will triumph over all is where we lose faith, have doubts, and question if God will ever answer our desperate plea for help. It is a hopeless time, a dark time. The Bible says in these times to, "Be still, and know that he is God." What a command! Do nothing? But shouldn't I be the hero and concur the evil forces? No, the battle was never ours. God will save the day. God will be the hero, he will vindicate his name and his children. Be still, do nothing, and see him work.
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. Rom 12:19
Friday, February 19, 2010
Motivation
February 19, 2010
We have to take the first step as if there is no God.
-Oswald Chambers
Motivation is one of the things I struggle with. It is hard for me to be motivated to do the things that I need to do on a normal everyday basis. Time wasters, such as, facebook, video games, and television demand my attention when there is no eternal lasting value in any of them.
The first step to a motivated life is taken by me, of course God is there to help, but my motivation should not depend on him, rather my own human will to get started. There was a man who once said that he, "Was just waiting on the Lord." In response a nearby friend challenged him, "Friend has it ever occurred to you that the Lord is waiting on you?" Motivation is key for the Christian that desires to be used by the Lord in their everyday life. The mind must be set, and the will must be made up to serve God each day.
We have to take the first step as if there is no God.
-Oswald Chambers
Motivation is one of the things I struggle with. It is hard for me to be motivated to do the things that I need to do on a normal everyday basis. Time wasters, such as, facebook, video games, and television demand my attention when there is no eternal lasting value in any of them.
The first step to a motivated life is taken by me, of course God is there to help, but my motivation should not depend on him, rather my own human will to get started. There was a man who once said that he, "Was just waiting on the Lord." In response a nearby friend challenged him, "Friend has it ever occurred to you that the Lord is waiting on you?" Motivation is key for the Christian that desires to be used by the Lord in their everyday life. The mind must be set, and the will must be made up to serve God each day.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Depression
Without depression there is no exaltation.
-Oswald Chambers
I agree with this statement because without the dark night of the soul there is no bright day of the spirit. The older I get it seems the more wildernesses I have to venture through. These wildernesses are never designed to hurt you, but to grow you. To mature you into the person that God wants you to be, his Son in whom he can be pleased. These times of depression and emptiness are allowing you to be moldable clay in his hands.
When we are in touch with our emotions, we begin to see that we are still in desperate need of someone, something. There is a God-sized void within ourselves that can only be filled with God through Jesus Christ.
The opposite of depression is not happiness, for happiness is fleeting. We can be happy in the morning, and mad in the evening. No, the opposite of depression is the joy of the Lord which is your strength.
-Oswald Chambers
I agree with this statement because without the dark night of the soul there is no bright day of the spirit. The older I get it seems the more wildernesses I have to venture through. These wildernesses are never designed to hurt you, but to grow you. To mature you into the person that God wants you to be, his Son in whom he can be pleased. These times of depression and emptiness are allowing you to be moldable clay in his hands.
When we are in touch with our emotions, we begin to see that we are still in desperate need of someone, something. There is a God-sized void within ourselves that can only be filled with God through Jesus Christ.
The opposite of depression is not happiness, for happiness is fleeting. We can be happy in the morning, and mad in the evening. No, the opposite of depression is the joy of the Lord which is your strength.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
You Can't Always Get What you Want
What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? 2You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
James 4:1-3
You can't always have what you want in this world. Nobody gets what they expect they will from life. This passage of scripture reminds me that fights, and disagreements are caused by wrong desires. This passage also reminds me that when praying to God, you must have the right motives in order for your prayers to be answered.
Have you ever selfishly prayed, "Lord let me get that job," then someone else got it, and you were resentful towards that person? Maybe it was not God's will for you to get the job in the first place. And maybe you did not ask with the right motives.
Not getting what you want is a fact of life, it happens. But if you are open to the will of God in your life and delight in him, he will give you the desires of your heart.
Seek first the kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you.
James 4:1-3
You can't always have what you want in this world. Nobody gets what they expect they will from life. This passage of scripture reminds me that fights, and disagreements are caused by wrong desires. This passage also reminds me that when praying to God, you must have the right motives in order for your prayers to be answered.
Have you ever selfishly prayed, "Lord let me get that job," then someone else got it, and you were resentful towards that person? Maybe it was not God's will for you to get the job in the first place. And maybe you did not ask with the right motives.
Not getting what you want is a fact of life, it happens. But if you are open to the will of God in your life and delight in him, he will give you the desires of your heart.
Seek first the kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Spiritual Leadership
Has it ever dawned on you that you are responsible for other souls spiritually before God?
-Oswald Chambers
This quote by Oswald Chambers is very thought provoking. I agree with it and I also disagree with it. I agree with it in the sense that Christians are responsible for presenting a clear gospel message with their words and life to others. I disagree with it in the sense that people are responsible for their own spiritual well being, and actions.
Spiritual leadership is defined by Henry Blackaby as "Moving people onto God's agenda." Spiritual leader my be responsible for this matter, but you cannot move an immovable object and are therefore not responsible. However, an object in motion stays in motion. It should be a primary goal for an individual Christian to feed themselves spiritually.
When I die I will not be held accountable for the sins of my friends and family, but my own.
-Oswald Chambers
This quote by Oswald Chambers is very thought provoking. I agree with it and I also disagree with it. I agree with it in the sense that Christians are responsible for presenting a clear gospel message with their words and life to others. I disagree with it in the sense that people are responsible for their own spiritual well being, and actions.
Spiritual leadership is defined by Henry Blackaby as "Moving people onto God's agenda." Spiritual leader my be responsible for this matter, but you cannot move an immovable object and are therefore not responsible. However, an object in motion stays in motion. It should be a primary goal for an individual Christian to feed themselves spiritually.
When I die I will not be held accountable for the sins of my friends and family, but my own.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
I Can Only Imagine
You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.
-Isa 26:3
The imagination is a terrible thing to waste. I remember when I was a kid I would go out in the woods and make up stories. I would even talk to imaginary characters as if they were really there. If I were to do this now I would be labeled psychotic and be quickly shipped to the nearest mental hospital.
The imagination is without limit because I believe that their is something eternal about it. God is the most imaginative being ever, just look at anything in nature including yourself and you will find that God has an imagination. We are to be sharers in this. We are only limited by what we can dream.
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.
-Isa 26:3
The imagination is a terrible thing to waste. I remember when I was a kid I would go out in the woods and make up stories. I would even talk to imaginary characters as if they were really there. If I were to do this now I would be labeled psychotic and be quickly shipped to the nearest mental hospital.
The imagination is without limit because I believe that their is something eternal about it. God is the most imaginative being ever, just look at anything in nature including yourself and you will find that God has an imagination. We are to be sharers in this. We are only limited by what we can dream.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
We are Created to be Creative
February 10, 2010
For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.
As Humans we are creations of God, works of art by the hand of the almighty creator. We are created by him, for him. This means that we have work to do for the one that gives us life. I also take this passage to mean that we should use our creative talents for his glory as well. If someone is gifted in art, let that person paint for the glory of God. If a person is good at public speaking let him use that for the glory of God, etc.
We are created to be creative for God, some churches have lost this simple truth. Some churches are so resistant to change that they stay locked in a period of time, or an older movement of God. I believe that God wants the church to be creative in the way that they share the gospel, do praise and worship, and even tithe and offering. The reason we get stuck in ritualism and traditionalism is because of lack of creativity, imagination, and a willingness to try the wildest idea on the table.
The saying, "We do that because we have always done it that way" is not going to cut it in today's generation.
I have talked with person after person that has said that they think that the status of the American church is full of religion, and not relationships (with Jesus and each other). Full of ritual and superficiality, not people seeking the living God and authentic relationships with one another.
The church is only limited by its lack of creativity, and willingness to accept new ways of doing things. I had a thought the other day, what if you had a church were the service was never done the same way twice. The same song was never sung twice, in fact, songs were not always sung. Where the tithe and offering was never announced at the same place during the service, or giving was never in the same way. Think about how exciting church may become if we had structure, yes, but creative structure....
Be Creative, you were made in his image!
For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.
As Humans we are creations of God, works of art by the hand of the almighty creator. We are created by him, for him. This means that we have work to do for the one that gives us life. I also take this passage to mean that we should use our creative talents for his glory as well. If someone is gifted in art, let that person paint for the glory of God. If a person is good at public speaking let him use that for the glory of God, etc.
We are created to be creative for God, some churches have lost this simple truth. Some churches are so resistant to change that they stay locked in a period of time, or an older movement of God. I believe that God wants the church to be creative in the way that they share the gospel, do praise and worship, and even tithe and offering. The reason we get stuck in ritualism and traditionalism is because of lack of creativity, imagination, and a willingness to try the wildest idea on the table.
The saying, "We do that because we have always done it that way" is not going to cut it in today's generation.
I have talked with person after person that has said that they think that the status of the American church is full of religion, and not relationships (with Jesus and each other). Full of ritual and superficiality, not people seeking the living God and authentic relationships with one another.
The church is only limited by its lack of creativity, and willingness to accept new ways of doing things. I had a thought the other day, what if you had a church were the service was never done the same way twice. The same song was never sung twice, in fact, songs were not always sung. Where the tithe and offering was never announced at the same place during the service, or giving was never in the same way. Think about how exciting church may become if we had structure, yes, but creative structure....
Be Creative, you were made in his image!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Life of Trials
February 5th, 2010
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
1 Peter 4:12-13
For the past couple of days God has had me in the midst of some of the most hurting people. I try to disillusion myself by pretending that I live in a perfect world where everyone is okay. I try to stay in my bubble of security, but God knows that I have been called to the desperately broken.
I won't go into detail with names, circumstances and situations on this public blog, but I will say in the past 48 hours I have,
1. Talked to a homeless man at the corner of a busy intersection who was in dire need of food and shelter.
2. Talked with a man who is an alcoholic, and is still a Christian at heart.
3. Talked with a woman who is dear to me about her credit card debt and how her husband's wages are being garnished.
4. Worked with a girl who is divorced because the father of her child was abusive and a drug addict, only to find out she is back with him now that she is out of jail (another good girl who deserves better).
I have been thrown in the depths of human depravity and my heart is in despair. I cry out to God for these people, and wonder if things will get better. My faith is tried, my patience tested. When I see the trials of others that are dear to me it hurts. Does human suffering have any limit? Can it be stopped? I cry out to God for redemption.
This is a life of trials I can't live in denial, what we need is Jesus.
How am I to help?
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
1 Peter 4:12-13
For the past couple of days God has had me in the midst of some of the most hurting people. I try to disillusion myself by pretending that I live in a perfect world where everyone is okay. I try to stay in my bubble of security, but God knows that I have been called to the desperately broken.
I won't go into detail with names, circumstances and situations on this public blog, but I will say in the past 48 hours I have,
1. Talked to a homeless man at the corner of a busy intersection who was in dire need of food and shelter.
2. Talked with a man who is an alcoholic, and is still a Christian at heart.
3. Talked with a woman who is dear to me about her credit card debt and how her husband's wages are being garnished.
4. Worked with a girl who is divorced because the father of her child was abusive and a drug addict, only to find out she is back with him now that she is out of jail (another good girl who deserves better).
I have been thrown in the depths of human depravity and my heart is in despair. I cry out to God for these people, and wonder if things will get better. My faith is tried, my patience tested. When I see the trials of others that are dear to me it hurts. Does human suffering have any limit? Can it be stopped? I cry out to God for redemption.
This is a life of trials I can't live in denial, what we need is Jesus.
How am I to help?
Thursday, February 4, 2010
God is Love
February 4th, 2010
Before I decided to put my faith in Jesus Christ I worked in the granite industry. We would make tombstones, and granite monuments. I saw thousands of tombstones with thousands of inscriptions. Mostly names, dates, pictures of praying hands and sometimes of the deceased. Some had bible verses on them, but they never stuck out to me, until one day.
I was pushing a rock up to be crated on a roller system, there was a 5ft black dye (technical term for tombstone) sitting on another set of rollers. The letters were gold and the inscription said this,
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.
-1 John 4:16
These words stuck with me for weeks. God eventually showed me that they were true.
There are not many concise definitions for who God is in the Bible, but one of them is that he is the embodiment, the essence, the source, the epitome of love. If you are feeling judgment and condemnation today live in love...live in God...he will live in you.
Before I decided to put my faith in Jesus Christ I worked in the granite industry. We would make tombstones, and granite monuments. I saw thousands of tombstones with thousands of inscriptions. Mostly names, dates, pictures of praying hands and sometimes of the deceased. Some had bible verses on them, but they never stuck out to me, until one day.
I was pushing a rock up to be crated on a roller system, there was a 5ft black dye (technical term for tombstone) sitting on another set of rollers. The letters were gold and the inscription said this,
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.
-1 John 4:16
These words stuck with me for weeks. God eventually showed me that they were true.
There are not many concise definitions for who God is in the Bible, but one of them is that he is the embodiment, the essence, the source, the epitome of love. If you are feeling judgment and condemnation today live in love...live in God...he will live in you.
The Vile and the Vindicated
February 3rd, 2010
When a merely moral man or woman comes in contact with baseness and immorality and treachery, the recoil is so desperately offensive to human goodness that the heart shuts up in despair.
-Oswald Chambers
Think of the worst person that you know, yes Jesus loves them to. While we were yet sinners Christ died for us. That means that Jesus Christ died for Osama Bin Ladin, Adolf Hitler, and Brandon Floyd. The only difference between us is that I have faith in Christ, and am thereby saved by grace, not through works because if I were saved through works then I could preach works, not Christ.
There is a tension between believers in Christ and non-believers, but I rarely see much difference between the two. We all live our lives the best that we know how, we all shop, watch movies and television. We all have said a cuss word or two, and did somethings we are not proud of (some more than others). Christians go to church on Sunday to fulfill their weekly quota of spiritually, and nonbelievers find themselves at the houses of friends, social clubs, and the like.
What separates us? What is the dividing line? Is it church? religion? Christ?
I believe it is faith.
When a merely moral man or woman comes in contact with baseness and immorality and treachery, the recoil is so desperately offensive to human goodness that the heart shuts up in despair.
-Oswald Chambers
Think of the worst person that you know, yes Jesus loves them to. While we were yet sinners Christ died for us. That means that Jesus Christ died for Osama Bin Ladin, Adolf Hitler, and Brandon Floyd. The only difference between us is that I have faith in Christ, and am thereby saved by grace, not through works because if I were saved through works then I could preach works, not Christ.
There is a tension between believers in Christ and non-believers, but I rarely see much difference between the two. We all live our lives the best that we know how, we all shop, watch movies and television. We all have said a cuss word or two, and did somethings we are not proud of (some more than others). Christians go to church on Sunday to fulfill their weekly quota of spiritually, and nonbelievers find themselves at the houses of friends, social clubs, and the like.
What separates us? What is the dividing line? Is it church? religion? Christ?
I believe it is faith.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Remember
February 2nd, 2010
Today I was faced with a simple challenge, to remember.
To remember the very first encounter that I had with Jesus Christ. For the sake of disbelief of the reader, I will not describe in detail my VERY first encounter with Jesus Christ. That is something I only share with people who are special to me. I will however describe the feelings that I during this experience.
Imagine the coolest person that you know, the person that you could be around for hours and not mind. That was the feeling that I got. Now imagine that person being taken away from you by people who hated him for no reason except for their own prejudice. A mixture of absolute acceptance and forgiveness followed by total absence and confusion. That was my first encounter.
I remember the smile. I remember the dance. I remember joy. I remember the salvation.
The reason that I do what I do (ministry) is because I remember what he did for me, and I want others to experience this as well. The preceding statement is strange because the first encounter that I had was in the absence of an evangelist. There was no pastor to be found. Only him... nobody draws someone to Christ but Christ.
I remember, do you?
Today I was faced with a simple challenge, to remember.
To remember the very first encounter that I had with Jesus Christ. For the sake of disbelief of the reader, I will not describe in detail my VERY first encounter with Jesus Christ. That is something I only share with people who are special to me. I will however describe the feelings that I during this experience.
Imagine the coolest person that you know, the person that you could be around for hours and not mind. That was the feeling that I got. Now imagine that person being taken away from you by people who hated him for no reason except for their own prejudice. A mixture of absolute acceptance and forgiveness followed by total absence and confusion. That was my first encounter.
I remember the smile. I remember the dance. I remember joy. I remember the salvation.
The reason that I do what I do (ministry) is because I remember what he did for me, and I want others to experience this as well. The preceding statement is strange because the first encounter that I had was in the absence of an evangelist. There was no pastor to be found. Only him... nobody draws someone to Christ but Christ.
I remember, do you?
Monday, February 1, 2010
The Call of God
February 1st, 2010
The calling of God upon my life is not to make myself look better and better, but to make Jesus and his redemptive work look better and better, so that others may find the same strength and freedom that I have found (In some areas).
I must decrease, so that he may increase. -John 3:30
The call of God is not to conform to an outer code (religion), but to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. To preach the victory over Satan, over death, and over hell.
The calling of God is not to polish my boots, and put on my best suit and tie. It is to put on my towel and stoop down to serve.
The calling of God upon my life is not to make myself look better and better, but to make Jesus and his redemptive work look better and better, so that others may find the same strength and freedom that I have found (In some areas).
I must decrease, so that he may increase. -John 3:30
The call of God is not to conform to an outer code (religion), but to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. To preach the victory over Satan, over death, and over hell.
The calling of God is not to polish my boots, and put on my best suit and tie. It is to put on my towel and stoop down to serve.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)