Fall (HOOK'EM)

So, the weather man says, it's going to start feeling a little like fall this weekend. With highs in the 60's, and a nice breeze, summer seems to be saying bye-bye.

 

I am pumped! Fall is my favorite season! Winter is my second. I'm not a fan of walking outside and sweating instantly. I love the coolness in the air, the ability to wear jeans, and the comfort of my TEXAS hoodie. (HOOK'EM!) Fall also means that football is in full swing. Though the first few weeks have passed, this is when things get serious. My Longhorns are playing well, so fall is looking to be even better than usual.

Image via Wikipedia

HOOK'EM HORNS

I'm excited for mornings. After the gym, I'll be able to come home and go out for a run. I'll be able to see my breath on the extra-cool days. Then I'll be able come back, grab some coffee, and do some from porch sittin'.

BTW, the Pumpkin Spice Latte is back at Starbucks.

Oh, did I mention the leaves? I love'em. Burnt orange (HOOK'EM!) is my favorite color. I love looking outside and seeing the awesome combination of orange, yellow, brown, and such. Nothing like it. I'm hoping to make some mountain trips. Hike some, and just enjoy the outdoors without sweating my way through my t-shirt.

Oh yea. The boots.

My boots. I have had the same pair of work boots since the sixth grade. Yes, I have graduated high school, and yes they do still fit. I wear'em huntin'. I wear'em out. I may even wear'em to church. But, you better believe that I'm gonna wear'em.

So, get out. Enjoy it. Don't let this season pass without making some memories, watching some football, and wearing jeans.

Better.

Adam and Eve chose the Apple.
Kane chose jealousy and murder.
David chose pleasure.
Samson chose Delilah.
The Israelites chose the wilderness.

But ask them...

and they will tell you that Jesus is better.







Throughout  the bible and history, the human race has had to make a choice. As we have lived, temptations and options have been offered from the world. From an item of our worldly desire to a refusal to follow the road in  which we have been called, we have been called to choose.

We have been called to Christ. We have been called to salvation and to walk with Christ in submission. Loving Him, and serving Him. But, sometimes we choose wrong. We get cloudy minded. We fall into a slumber. We fall into sin.

We do this thinking that it will pay out. We do so thinking that the temporary and instant pleasure will be worth it, but also knowing that in the end it won't be. We look at all of our options, and weigh them out like we are looking at the dollar menu at McDonald's. But, when choosing anything other than Christ, we settle. It's like settling for McDonald's when you could be eating at Ruth's Chris. Jesus is Better.

Ask Peter. This man chose denial over Jesus. He refused to know Jesus to save himself from bodily harm. But, it made him miserable. But, by grace, Jesus came back to him. Jesus reiterated His call on Peter's life, and told him to feed His sheep. Peter did so. By grace, Peter built the early church. Though Peter faced persecution, and what Peter was called to do was tough, he did so with His joy in The Lord. Peter would tell you that Jesus is better.

What choices are you having to make? Have you already made the wrong choice? Are you leading a life of addiction? You may be refusing to follow God's calling. You may be looking for a way out. Just like Christ offered a way out to Peter, He is offering His grace to you. He is giving you an opportunity to choose Him. Don't wait. You may not have much more time. And even if you do, you don't want to waste it on anything other than Jesus. Why?

Jesus Is Better.

What I'm Reading

Being in The Word of God daily is an essential part in growing in Christ. When approached correctly, not out of duty or obligation, it is an awesome time of fellowship and companionship. It is a time where we read from the very lips of God, and learn so much, as we all need to.

I can tell when I read, and when I don't. The days that I don't read are drastically different from the days that I do.

Do you drink coffee? I do. I love it. I love it, because when I drink it I feel like I fly off a trampoline into my day. When I don't? I'm sluggish. I get tired rolling the sleeves of my shirt up. Reading the Bible daily is like this. But, multiplied by 8765348756238765. Reading the Bible starts your day off with Christ. How could that not effect your day so much more than caffeine?

Dudes, the probability is that you make time for Sportscenter. Girls, you make time for makeup and hair. Which is more important to you, growing in Christ or growing in your knowledge of Cam Newton's passer rating? Do you love yourself (hair and image) or Jesus more? Prioritize. Be faithful to read the Word. It'll change your life.

I'm currently reading Nehemiah. It is changing the way I think. Christ, through His word, is changing my faith. Nehemiah's fear of God is being used to impress on my heart the reality of Christ. Nehemiah's commitment to God's will is challenging me to become a man of promises kept, and not a social prostitute. Faith is not a part of the Christian life. It is the WHOLE thing. Reading the Word is an essential part of our faith. The Word keeps us grounded in our faith, and turns us into people who are faithful.

Read, and grow. 

A Fresh Start

Awesome stuff I heard on my way home last night. I often listen to a local christian radio station, K-Love 94.1. This station isn't the norm. It is focused on doing ministry, and I'm encouraged by it almost every day.
www.klove.com Take a look.

Well, back to my point. Last night they were talking about an event coming up this Sunday morning. It's national "Back to Church Day". I thought it was cheesy at first, but I kept listening. The focus is to get those who have gotten out of the habit back in the habit. There are many who have left church for various reasons, but this could serve as a fresh start, even if local churches don't even recognize this day.

Maybe you've gotten out of the habit. You may be saying, "Well, we're looking for something new", or maybe you were hurt by something and have no intentions on making your return to Christian fellowship. Listen, Christ loves you. Christ wants you to grow in Him. Christ knows that being in fellowship, and coming together with other believers is essential. Let me encourage you to get in a good, bible believing and teaching church. There is no better time than now. Say, "No more excuses, No more procrastination", and get back into the swing of things.



To those who are in church. I also heard a statistic that blew me away! According to a source, 82% of unchurched people would consider coming to church if they were invited. 82%! That's a huge number. All you have to do is invite. Be who Christ has called us to be. Tell others about Christ, and try to get them into church. Though an invitation to church is not the Gospel, it is a big part of individual growth and discipleship. Get out of your comfort zone, and penny loafers. Put on your gloves and work boots. Get to it, Church!

Sky High

I love the sky. This week especially.

We have had storms in our area early this week, and beautiful landscapes above have become of them. This morning as the sun came up, I was outside, and was able to see all of the colors intertwined. It was cooler than usual this morning too, so it was close to perfect.

I thank God for surrounding us with reminders of Himself. This sky was magnificent, but its just a glimpse of how stunning He must be. I thank God for filling the earth, and the things above it, with beauty and excitement. I thank Christ for loving us enough to give us the pleasure of observing what He has done.