We are here!
Everything went wonderfully! Only security issue was my shaving cream. Guess I´ll go with the John the Baptist look the rest of the trip.
We just ate our firt meal here... It was delicioso!
I speak NO portugese. Please pray for me, as well as all of our speakers, and all interpreters.
Thanks for all of your prayers!
I do not have access to phone service at the moment but, email is available.
Please pray for safety, all areas of ministry including medical clinic, street evangelism, and construction teams as they build 3 churches, and etc.
I hope to stay in touch, I love you all, continue to pray for a spiritual revolution to take place here.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Stinkin' excited!
Please be in prayer me as I prepare to leave on Thursday, the 8th, for Belo Horizonte, Brazil. I will be ministering there until July 21st. I will preaching every night. I will also be street evangelism during the day. Please pray for me.
Please be in prayer for my team members. I am part of team that consists of approx. 200 members. This team ranges from doctors to a drama team. God willing, Christ will presented in many ways. Please pray for the team.
Please be in prayer for the Brazilian people. Brazil, like everywhere, needs Jesus. Pray for this need to be met.
Please be in prayer for my team members. I am part of team that consists of approx. 200 members. This team ranges from doctors to a drama team. God willing, Christ will presented in many ways. Please pray for the team.
Please be in prayer for the Brazilian people. Brazil, like everywhere, needs Jesus. Pray for this need to be met.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Who are you?
Many struggle with the question of, "Who am I?" for a lifetime.
Who are you?
Are you are an encourager? Are you a heart-breaker? Are you a complication? Are you a reflection of righteousness and purity?
Fact: The moments in a day, within your life, define you. The situations that you are in and the way you deal with them answer the question of your identity.
Are you a stumbling stone? Are you the dog with flees to lay with? Are you the son who brings tears to his mother's eyes? Are you the husband or wife that refuses to stay faithful? Are you the parent that is to busy? Are you the friend who brings a million distractions to the table? Are you a reflection of this world?
-OR-
Are you the adult who stays after bible study to pray with a hurting youth? Are you the friend who gives a friend Godly advice, and then lives by it? Are you the parent who loves your child and shows them that with discipline? Are you the brother who escapes all selfishness and bails your sibling out of that terrible situation? Are you a reflection of Jesus?
WHO ARE YOU?
Who are you?
Are you are an encourager? Are you a heart-breaker? Are you a complication? Are you a reflection of righteousness and purity?
Fact: The moments in a day, within your life, define you. The situations that you are in and the way you deal with them answer the question of your identity.
Are you a stumbling stone? Are you the dog with flees to lay with? Are you the son who brings tears to his mother's eyes? Are you the husband or wife that refuses to stay faithful? Are you the parent that is to busy? Are you the friend who brings a million distractions to the table? Are you a reflection of this world?
-OR-
Are you the adult who stays after bible study to pray with a hurting youth? Are you the friend who gives a friend Godly advice, and then lives by it? Are you the parent who loves your child and shows them that with discipline? Are you the brother who escapes all selfishness and bails your sibling out of that terrible situation? Are you a reflection of Jesus?
WHO ARE YOU?
Friday, June 18, 2010
Issue #5: Acknowledgement
The final issue that this blog series will cover is that of Acknowledgement. The fact is that this blog was written for believers. The sad part is that there a many people out there who have gotten faith, belief, and acknowledgment mixed up. We are saved by faith in Christ Jesus. Acknowledgement (belief alone) gets you no where but a false hope.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: A CALL TO COMFORT
"American Christianity" has twisted the definitions of salvation and redemption so much that it doesn't resemble the same salvation and redemption in scripture. "American Christianity" has added Hollywood effects to the Gospel in attempt to beautify it but has created a falsehood. (The story of God saving mankind needed no beautifying) We, as a nation, have birthed evangelists and preachers that call the lost to acknowledgement instead of repentance. Acknowledgement is simply having the knowledge of a greater power.
Someone who has fallen to the myth of acknowledgement seems to think that everything is okay. These are the ones who have no idea what it means to repent. An individual who only acknowledges that there is a God is one who will sin, say a quick apology, and then move on like nothing occurred. These are the ones who sin and say, "Well, I believe", shrug their shoulders, and move on as if nothing happened. This is comfortable. You don't have to deal with conviction of the Holy Spirit and you get to live your life, thinking that everything is okay. Its not.
"You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that-and shutter." -James 2:19
The demons know that there is a God, they know who God is, and they shutter in fear because they have no commitment or faithfulness to Him. Do you have a reason to fear?
FAITH: A CALL TO COMMITMENT
Acknowledgement and Faith have two different calls and two different outcomes. Acknowledgement requires nothing. Faith requires everything. If you have a true saving faith in Jesus Christ, then you have made a commitment. A commitment to righteousness, and a commitment to a life that is fully consecrated to Christ! Throw out the lies of carnality and take it as it is. As you have faith, you don't only believe, but you act on that belief and follow. What good is it if I say a chair is strong, but don't sit down? What good is it to say a bridge is strong, but not walk? Are you committed to the Call of Christ? Are you a true believer and follower.
The last issue is that all believers aren't believers.
"Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”
James 2:18
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: A CALL TO COMFORT
"American Christianity" has twisted the definitions of salvation and redemption so much that it doesn't resemble the same salvation and redemption in scripture. "American Christianity" has added Hollywood effects to the Gospel in attempt to beautify it but has created a falsehood. (The story of God saving mankind needed no beautifying) We, as a nation, have birthed evangelists and preachers that call the lost to acknowledgement instead of repentance. Acknowledgement is simply having the knowledge of a greater power.
Someone who has fallen to the myth of acknowledgement seems to think that everything is okay. These are the ones who have no idea what it means to repent. An individual who only acknowledges that there is a God is one who will sin, say a quick apology, and then move on like nothing occurred. These are the ones who sin and say, "Well, I believe", shrug their shoulders, and move on as if nothing happened. This is comfortable. You don't have to deal with conviction of the Holy Spirit and you get to live your life, thinking that everything is okay. Its not.
"You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that-and shutter." -James 2:19
The demons know that there is a God, they know who God is, and they shutter in fear because they have no commitment or faithfulness to Him. Do you have a reason to fear?
FAITH: A CALL TO COMMITMENT
Acknowledgement and Faith have two different calls and two different outcomes. Acknowledgement requires nothing. Faith requires everything. If you have a true saving faith in Jesus Christ, then you have made a commitment. A commitment to righteousness, and a commitment to a life that is fully consecrated to Christ! Throw out the lies of carnality and take it as it is. As you have faith, you don't only believe, but you act on that belief and follow. What good is it if I say a chair is strong, but don't sit down? What good is it to say a bridge is strong, but not walk? Are you committed to the Call of Christ? Are you a true believer and follower.
The last issue is that all believers aren't believers.
"Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”
James 2:18
Issue #4: Tolerance of Sin
Tolerance. Tolerance is a word with many definitions. Obviously it means to tolerate, in general. An example is social tolerance, in which you choose to "tolerate" a specific social idea, movement, or group. Over the years, tolerance has become a roaring trend. Clubs have been set up in schools, political groups have included it in their campaigns, and the media has aired commercials that are in support of tolerance. I am not here to rant about political topics, or to ruffle feathers. I am here to talk about the believer's heart and the tolerance of sin that may be fighting its way in.
TOLERANCE OF NEW IDEAS
Yes, I do realize that many who read this are going to to call me close minded. I just choose to believe the bible.
Tolerance of sin is dangerous, but is not usually obvious at first. Over looking or down playing sin usually starts with the tolerance of a new idea. A thought, image, or idea will become a new trend. Maybe you see it in a movie or hear it in the lyrics of a song. It may not seem like it, but everything that you don't reject, you accept. When you hear song lyrics and say, "Well, thats not that bad", you have accepted the idea portrayed by the words and they become engraved in your mind. You have just tolerated a new idea. This tolerance is the beginning to a long road marked with the tolerance of what sets us apart from God.
IT IS EASY
Sound overwhelming? I agree, but its real. It is easy to become tolerant of the ideas that match the sins that we like. Those who struggle with alcohol see no problem with a sip every now and again or even a "funny" beer commercial. Those who struggle with lust like the new idea of girls wearing long t-shirts as dresses and axe commercials that seem harmless. Just as homosexuals have no problem with idea of two guys kissing. Get my point there? Things may seem harmless because they don't go "all the way" and we happen to a like it "a little". There is probably a guy or girl reading this that is tolerant of "straight" sexual connotations but the minute it becomes gay, it becomes wrong. NEWS FLASH: JUST BECAUSE YOU LIKE OR PREFER SOMETHING DOESN'T MAKE IT OKAY. Homosexuality is wrong and leads to death as every other sin does, and a straight guy's lust happens to be one. Be aware, it is easy.
TOLERANCE OF SIN
Sin. We are all sinful creatures. We were all once lost in our sin, but the moment that we accept Christ we make a commitment to throw away all of the garbage in our hearts and in our lives. If you love God, you hate sin. It is not a choice of preference, but a choice of teams. James, the half brother of Jesus, had this to say...
"You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God."- James 4:4
It is no myth that sin is an issue, and so is the tolerance of it. We are to cast down all Idols, not just the ones that we dislike or struggle with. Oil and water do not flow from the same fountain, so we must rid ourselves of all sin and thoughts that glorify it.
We all have sin and through the grace of Jesus we should declare war on our it. Unless we do something about it, sin is going to keep on cluttering our conscience and finding ways to discourage us. Are you a friend to the world or a friend and child of God.
Ask yourself this question: How long can you pet a rattlesnake?
TOLERANCE OF NEW IDEAS
Yes, I do realize that many who read this are going to to call me close minded. I just choose to believe the bible.
Tolerance of sin is dangerous, but is not usually obvious at first. Over looking or down playing sin usually starts with the tolerance of a new idea. A thought, image, or idea will become a new trend. Maybe you see it in a movie or hear it in the lyrics of a song. It may not seem like it, but everything that you don't reject, you accept. When you hear song lyrics and say, "Well, thats not that bad", you have accepted the idea portrayed by the words and they become engraved in your mind. You have just tolerated a new idea. This tolerance is the beginning to a long road marked with the tolerance of what sets us apart from God.
IT IS EASY
Sound overwhelming? I agree, but its real. It is easy to become tolerant of the ideas that match the sins that we like. Those who struggle with alcohol see no problem with a sip every now and again or even a "funny" beer commercial. Those who struggle with lust like the new idea of girls wearing long t-shirts as dresses and axe commercials that seem harmless. Just as homosexuals have no problem with idea of two guys kissing. Get my point there? Things may seem harmless because they don't go "all the way" and we happen to a like it "a little". There is probably a guy or girl reading this that is tolerant of "straight" sexual connotations but the minute it becomes gay, it becomes wrong. NEWS FLASH: JUST BECAUSE YOU LIKE OR PREFER SOMETHING DOESN'T MAKE IT OKAY. Homosexuality is wrong and leads to death as every other sin does, and a straight guy's lust happens to be one. Be aware, it is easy.
TOLERANCE OF SIN
Sin. We are all sinful creatures. We were all once lost in our sin, but the moment that we accept Christ we make a commitment to throw away all of the garbage in our hearts and in our lives. If you love God, you hate sin. It is not a choice of preference, but a choice of teams. James, the half brother of Jesus, had this to say...
"You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God."- James 4:4
It is no myth that sin is an issue, and so is the tolerance of it. We are to cast down all Idols, not just the ones that we dislike or struggle with. Oil and water do not flow from the same fountain, so we must rid ourselves of all sin and thoughts that glorify it.
We all have sin and through the grace of Jesus we should declare war on our it. Unless we do something about it, sin is going to keep on cluttering our conscience and finding ways to discourage us. Are you a friend to the world or a friend and child of God.
Ask yourself this question: How long can you pet a rattlesnake?
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Issue #3: Holding On
From the time we were born we have been taught to hold on. You always hold Mommy's hand when crossing the street. You always hold on to the bottle because it is oh so good, and you hold on to the handle bars while you learn to ride a bike. Then come the manners. We are taught to "hold on" to our "yes ma'ams" and our "no sirs". We are taught to hold on to our burps at the kitchen table. We are taught to hold on, but are we ever taught to let go?
UNFORGIVENESS
For me forgiveness has always been an issue. I have always needed forgiveness and I have been slow to give it. Growing up, like most, I had a lot of hurt. I had a lot of struggles. Over time I allowed my hurt, my pain, and my disappointment to mold me. As a scared and hurt little boy I learned how to build up emotional walls. As a boy I learned to hold on. I began to grasp on to my pain, holding it tightly, while having no desire to release it.
This hurt quickly turned to anger. As I grew so did my hate for the ones who hurt me. I began to blame myself and the ones who were reaching out to help me. As a young boy, I was wrapped up in the world of unforgiveness.
Things happen, people have pain, and feelings are hurt. People tend to hold on to these hurts and refuse to release the burden. Unforgiveness has always been an issue in relationships, whether it is a friendship, the church, or the family. As we have been taught, we hold on to our past and quickly find out how it has an effect on our future.
SIGNS OF UNFORGIVENESS
Some signals you ask? Anger is the number one, I would say. Hurt has a wicked way of transforming itself into anger. As a result of the pain in my childhood, the older I got the angrier I grew. If you have been hurt in your past(you have) and you find yourself being generally angry or even quick tempered, you probably have an issue with unforgiveness.
For the believer, no sign should be greater or more obvious than the conviction and discernment of the Holy Spirit. If God is telling you that you have an issue with unforgiveness and holding on, YOU DO.
ISSUES WITH THE ISSUE
If what I've said so far hasn't sent up a red flag or two about unforgiveness, this should. Unforgiveness is trap used by Satan so that he can entangle believers and hinder them from submitting to the will of God. He uses it as a rope to tie up our hands and our hearts. There are many issues with this issue. It will rob you of your hopes, your dreams, your joy, and any desire you may have to please God. Satan will use unforgiveness to kill your joy, steal your hope, and ultimately destroy your relationships! This issue has helped put a damper on the work of the Church for centuries.
FORGIVENESS
Forgiveness is a beautiful thing. There is an argument to be made for it's beauty. Forgiveness is a reflection and a product of God's love. We, as followers, have gained the forgiveness of our sins only through the love of God, which was displayed on the Cross of His Son and through the Resurrection of our King. Forgiveness is a beautiful thing! And God has given us the privilege of forgiving others. Forgiveness sets debtors free, erasing all debt. Forgiveness sets slaves free, fulfilling the job. Prisoners are made saints because forgiveness is a beautiful thing.
WHY FORGIVE?
Why? To pass on the gift of God. Why? To get rid of the pain and bitterness that your unforgiveness is causing you. Why? HAVE YOU READ THE PAST SEVERAL PARAGRAPHS?
Maybe a little extra motivation. A liitle more gas in the engine of forgiveness...
Matthew 6:14 "For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you."
We all are sinful. Just as someone has sinned against you, you have sinned against God. We are all guilty. We spit in the face of The King, while screaming for Him to be crucified. How can hold anything against anyone? We are no better than the other. We can make excuses and try to justify it, but the fact is that WE ARE GUILTY and won't be shown forgiveness unless we show forgiveness.
CURE
LET GO. How? Forgive like Jesus did as he died a criminal's death. The desire of every beleiver should be to look like Jesus. Why any different in this area? Defy the nature of man and let go.
UNFORGIVENESS
For me forgiveness has always been an issue. I have always needed forgiveness and I have been slow to give it. Growing up, like most, I had a lot of hurt. I had a lot of struggles. Over time I allowed my hurt, my pain, and my disappointment to mold me. As a scared and hurt little boy I learned how to build up emotional walls. As a boy I learned to hold on. I began to grasp on to my pain, holding it tightly, while having no desire to release it.
This hurt quickly turned to anger. As I grew so did my hate for the ones who hurt me. I began to blame myself and the ones who were reaching out to help me. As a young boy, I was wrapped up in the world of unforgiveness.
Things happen, people have pain, and feelings are hurt. People tend to hold on to these hurts and refuse to release the burden. Unforgiveness has always been an issue in relationships, whether it is a friendship, the church, or the family. As we have been taught, we hold on to our past and quickly find out how it has an effect on our future.
SIGNS OF UNFORGIVENESS
Some signals you ask? Anger is the number one, I would say. Hurt has a wicked way of transforming itself into anger. As a result of the pain in my childhood, the older I got the angrier I grew. If you have been hurt in your past(you have) and you find yourself being generally angry or even quick tempered, you probably have an issue with unforgiveness.
For the believer, no sign should be greater or more obvious than the conviction and discernment of the Holy Spirit. If God is telling you that you have an issue with unforgiveness and holding on, YOU DO.
ISSUES WITH THE ISSUE
If what I've said so far hasn't sent up a red flag or two about unforgiveness, this should. Unforgiveness is trap used by Satan so that he can entangle believers and hinder them from submitting to the will of God. He uses it as a rope to tie up our hands and our hearts. There are many issues with this issue. It will rob you of your hopes, your dreams, your joy, and any desire you may have to please God. Satan will use unforgiveness to kill your joy, steal your hope, and ultimately destroy your relationships! This issue has helped put a damper on the work of the Church for centuries.
FORGIVENESS
Forgiveness is a beautiful thing. There is an argument to be made for it's beauty. Forgiveness is a reflection and a product of God's love. We, as followers, have gained the forgiveness of our sins only through the love of God, which was displayed on the Cross of His Son and through the Resurrection of our King. Forgiveness is a beautiful thing! And God has given us the privilege of forgiving others. Forgiveness sets debtors free, erasing all debt. Forgiveness sets slaves free, fulfilling the job. Prisoners are made saints because forgiveness is a beautiful thing.
WHY FORGIVE?
Why? To pass on the gift of God. Why? To get rid of the pain and bitterness that your unforgiveness is causing you. Why? HAVE YOU READ THE PAST SEVERAL PARAGRAPHS?
Maybe a little extra motivation. A liitle more gas in the engine of forgiveness...
Matthew 6:14 "For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you."
We all are sinful. Just as someone has sinned against you, you have sinned against God. We are all guilty. We spit in the face of The King, while screaming for Him to be crucified. How can hold anything against anyone? We are no better than the other. We can make excuses and try to justify it, but the fact is that WE ARE GUILTY and won't be shown forgiveness unless we show forgiveness.
CURE
LET GO. How? Forgive like Jesus did as he died a criminal's death. The desire of every beleiver should be to look like Jesus. Why any different in this area? Defy the nature of man and let go.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Issue #2: Mediocrity
Mediocrity by definition is averageness. Basically this means being okay in a certain area of life and being okay with that. Mediocrity, in my eyes, ranks in the top 3 of issues on the hearts of today's believer. Mediocrity can destroy hopes of obtaining a goal, demolish a family, and even break up the ministry of an individual and a church.
HOW IT STARTS
There are many reasons for mediocrity but if I could pin-point one it would be laziness. As we discussed in Issue #1, we are sinful creatures. As sinful creatures the only way to redemption is Jesus. So when we accept this redemption and salvation He demands and commands us to live like the redeemed. This takes effort. As we were lost in our sin we could do what we wanted and do it when we wanted, but at the moment of salvation we were set apart for the purpose of Christ. My point? Mediocrity begins when we get tired of running the race and slip towards the back of the pack.
BEING OKAY WITH BEING OKAY
Mediocrity is dangerous. Within mediocrity is a serious lie. If you have fallen to mediocrity at one point or another(you have) you have believed this lie. Mediocrity says that God saved you to be comfortable. That it is okay to "just get by".
Inside of mediocrity is complacency. Believers who struggle with mediocrity have no or little desire to grow. They are okay with rotting in the pews every week while feeling no passion for the Lord that they profess to be saved by. Mediocre teams do not win championships. Mediocre actors do not bring tears of enjoyment to audience's eyes. And believers with mediocrity on the heart do not answer the call of Christ effectively nor productively.
KILLER OF PASSION
Mediocrity has murdered the passion of many. It has taken hearts captive and put them to work for the glory of everything but Christ. Through this death of passion, habits are born. Those who once broke sinful habits begin to try and dip their toes in the waters of this world. Mediocrity tells believers that is okay to watch less than appropriate TV shows. It tells wives that flirting with men at work is harmless and tells husbands that lusting over women passing by is decent. It twists young lust and calls it young love. Mediocrity destroys every bit of purity that was in an activity. Mediocrity is not of God. Mediocrity is from hell.
NO OKAY
The word okay should not be part of a believer's vocab. We proclaim to serve a great, and holy God so why not serve Him in that way. There is no okay when it comes to serving Christ. You either are, or you are not. The Lord says that you are either with him or against him. It is that simple. When we fall to mediocrity we are not doing anything to glorify to God. What team is a believer who is okay with being okay on? There is no gray area when it comes to following Christ.
THE CURE
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men" says Colossians 3:23. Who do you serve? Is it Jesus? Then why not serve as if so. There is no quick fix to mediocrity but the remedy is simple. Just serve Christ the way he deserves to be served. Do not accept giving anything less than all you have to the Lord. Do not accept okay. A TV show, even a commercial, comes on that does not bring glory to God in the highest? Turn it. Need in the church or of another? Answer it. Have Jesus as Lord and Savior? Serve Him!
THE CHALLENGE
I challenge you to refuse being mediocre. Today make the committment to run the race with endurance and rise up. Live as a true believer, in spirit and in truth. Accept no lust, no pleasure, and no gossip. Be committed to becoming what Christ saved you to be so that you may bring glory and honor to His Name.
HOW IT STARTS
There are many reasons for mediocrity but if I could pin-point one it would be laziness. As we discussed in Issue #1, we are sinful creatures. As sinful creatures the only way to redemption is Jesus. So when we accept this redemption and salvation He demands and commands us to live like the redeemed. This takes effort. As we were lost in our sin we could do what we wanted and do it when we wanted, but at the moment of salvation we were set apart for the purpose of Christ. My point? Mediocrity begins when we get tired of running the race and slip towards the back of the pack.
BEING OKAY WITH BEING OKAY
Mediocrity is dangerous. Within mediocrity is a serious lie. If you have fallen to mediocrity at one point or another(you have) you have believed this lie. Mediocrity says that God saved you to be comfortable. That it is okay to "just get by".
Inside of mediocrity is complacency. Believers who struggle with mediocrity have no or little desire to grow. They are okay with rotting in the pews every week while feeling no passion for the Lord that they profess to be saved by. Mediocre teams do not win championships. Mediocre actors do not bring tears of enjoyment to audience's eyes. And believers with mediocrity on the heart do not answer the call of Christ effectively nor productively.
KILLER OF PASSION
Mediocrity has murdered the passion of many. It has taken hearts captive and put them to work for the glory of everything but Christ. Through this death of passion, habits are born. Those who once broke sinful habits begin to try and dip their toes in the waters of this world. Mediocrity tells believers that is okay to watch less than appropriate TV shows. It tells wives that flirting with men at work is harmless and tells husbands that lusting over women passing by is decent. It twists young lust and calls it young love. Mediocrity destroys every bit of purity that was in an activity. Mediocrity is not of God. Mediocrity is from hell.
NO OKAY
The word okay should not be part of a believer's vocab. We proclaim to serve a great, and holy God so why not serve Him in that way. There is no okay when it comes to serving Christ. You either are, or you are not. The Lord says that you are either with him or against him. It is that simple. When we fall to mediocrity we are not doing anything to glorify to God. What team is a believer who is okay with being okay on? There is no gray area when it comes to following Christ.
THE CURE
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men" says Colossians 3:23. Who do you serve? Is it Jesus? Then why not serve as if so. There is no quick fix to mediocrity but the remedy is simple. Just serve Christ the way he deserves to be served. Do not accept giving anything less than all you have to the Lord. Do not accept okay. A TV show, even a commercial, comes on that does not bring glory to God in the highest? Turn it. Need in the church or of another? Answer it. Have Jesus as Lord and Savior? Serve Him!
THE CHALLENGE
I challenge you to refuse being mediocre. Today make the committment to run the race with endurance and rise up. Live as a true believer, in spirit and in truth. Accept no lust, no pleasure, and no gossip. Be committed to becoming what Christ saved you to be so that you may bring glory and honor to His Name.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Issue #1: The "ME" Disorder
As I searched myself through and through I found many issues and they all had one thing in common: Me.
I asked this series of questions: "Do I want to be great? Do I want to be recognized? Do I want to be needed? Do I want to be a hero?"... If I answered yes, my heart was not where it needed to be. When we answer yes to these questions we create the habit of recognizing "ME".
The "ME" disorder is when all of your wants and all of your desires have to do with ME(YOU). We often look out for numero uno, me, myself, and I. It is my job, my house, my time, and ultimately my life in the eyes of someone who has this disorder. The number one priority of someone who has this disorder is in someway circulating around themselves.
What are your priorities? Are they revolving around you? So often believers make up this list of priorities in their minds and number one is labeled "God". But is it true? I can write a fictional story about being a super hero, but does that make it true? Of course not. Throw out all religious, biased, or fictional answers when asking yourself where your priorities fall. If you fail to do this you simply become wrapped up in another myth of "ME".
John 3:30 says this-
"He must increase, but I must decrease."
When Jesus said get up, leave everything, and follow me he meant it. As we have made a commitment to Christ, all pre-existing appointments have been cancelled and we have been booked for an eternity. It is no longer our agenda, or our schedule but we are to be what and where God commands us to be, when he commands it.
If you want to be great, Christianity is not for you. As Christ called his disciples, he let them know up front that it would not be a walk in the park. He broadcasted the message and allowed everyone there to know that those who followed him would be hated by the world and persecuted abroad. This is not the rockstar lifestyle.
The lie titled, "the Health, Wealth, and Prosperity Gospel", was created for someone with the "ME" disorder. It tells us to come just as we are and that if we simply believe, Christ will paint your porch, wash your car, fill your bank account, and send you on vacation. We have missed a major point. Christianity is not about serving self but about falling to our knees a praising Christ and being thankful that he would even allow us to kiss his feet. Christianity was not meant to focus on Christians but to focus on Jesus as an all sufficient savior.
Obviously Christians gain an eternity with Christ in heaven but we have twisted the Gospel and made it about us. Christ did not only come so that we would accept him, but so that God could accept us. See I am sinful and you are sinful. We are not good, but in the heart of "ME" we create a persona, an untruth, and a myth that says we are great. By doing this we create a long life of disappointment, heart-break, and confusion because we cannot live up to the hype.
THE CURE
Find your cross and carry it daily. Come to a grip with reality and realize that it is not about you. Lay down your life and pick up your cross. I encourage you as a brother in Christ to stop trying to fulfill your childhood dreams, and make Christ your dream.
Believe Jesus. Love Jesus. Live Jesus.
I asked this series of questions: "Do I want to be great? Do I want to be recognized? Do I want to be needed? Do I want to be a hero?"... If I answered yes, my heart was not where it needed to be. When we answer yes to these questions we create the habit of recognizing "ME".
The "ME" disorder is when all of your wants and all of your desires have to do with ME(YOU). We often look out for numero uno, me, myself, and I. It is my job, my house, my time, and ultimately my life in the eyes of someone who has this disorder. The number one priority of someone who has this disorder is in someway circulating around themselves.
What are your priorities? Are they revolving around you? So often believers make up this list of priorities in their minds and number one is labeled "God". But is it true? I can write a fictional story about being a super hero, but does that make it true? Of course not. Throw out all religious, biased, or fictional answers when asking yourself where your priorities fall. If you fail to do this you simply become wrapped up in another myth of "ME".
John 3:30 says this-
"He must increase, but I must decrease."
When Jesus said get up, leave everything, and follow me he meant it. As we have made a commitment to Christ, all pre-existing appointments have been cancelled and we have been booked for an eternity. It is no longer our agenda, or our schedule but we are to be what and where God commands us to be, when he commands it.
If you want to be great, Christianity is not for you. As Christ called his disciples, he let them know up front that it would not be a walk in the park. He broadcasted the message and allowed everyone there to know that those who followed him would be hated by the world and persecuted abroad. This is not the rockstar lifestyle.
The lie titled, "the Health, Wealth, and Prosperity Gospel", was created for someone with the "ME" disorder. It tells us to come just as we are and that if we simply believe, Christ will paint your porch, wash your car, fill your bank account, and send you on vacation. We have missed a major point. Christianity is not about serving self but about falling to our knees a praising Christ and being thankful that he would even allow us to kiss his feet. Christianity was not meant to focus on Christians but to focus on Jesus as an all sufficient savior.
Obviously Christians gain an eternity with Christ in heaven but we have twisted the Gospel and made it about us. Christ did not only come so that we would accept him, but so that God could accept us. See I am sinful and you are sinful. We are not good, but in the heart of "ME" we create a persona, an untruth, and a myth that says we are great. By doing this we create a long life of disappointment, heart-break, and confusion because we cannot live up to the hype.
THE CURE
Find your cross and carry it daily. Come to a grip with reality and realize that it is not about you. Lay down your life and pick up your cross. I encourage you as a brother in Christ to stop trying to fulfill your childhood dreams, and make Christ your dream.
Believe Jesus. Love Jesus. Live Jesus.
5 Issues on the Believer's Heart
I recently began to dissect my heart. I wanted to go deeper and I knew there were things in my heart that hindered me from doing so. We all have issues. Yes, even you ha. Believers have struggles as individuals and as a whole.
I believe, the Church is at a crossroads. We can choose to grow or simply become non-existent. We can become defeated by the issues on our hearts or reign victoriously with a clear and redeemed conscience.
Over the next work week I hope to unveil 5 issues that can bring down the believer. These are not issues that are outer-existent but that are present in our own hearts.
I hope that over the next 5 days you can hang on and try to eliminate each issue from the surface of your very own soul.
I believe, the Church is at a crossroads. We can choose to grow or simply become non-existent. We can become defeated by the issues on our hearts or reign victoriously with a clear and redeemed conscience.
Over the next work week I hope to unveil 5 issues that can bring down the believer. These are not issues that are outer-existent but that are present in our own hearts.
I hope that over the next 5 days you can hang on and try to eliminate each issue from the surface of your very own soul.
Monday, June 7, 2010
It Is Time
John 4:23 states this...
23 But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way.
Here is a little of what you could call a rant.
It is time for believers to grow up! We need to mature in a way that pleases God, and we need to do so in a hurry. We need to move from the bottle and begin drinking from the cup.
It is time that we refuse to accept mediocrity. This generation needs to fully sell out to the cause of Christ because we were bought at a pice. It is time for us to be a holy and blameless product because the price was paid by the blood of Christ. Through that he gave us His righteousness.
It is time for us to speak with honesty, respectability, and with purity.
It is time that we love God and that we love His.
It is time for us to live like we believe and put to death the lifestyles of pagans and athiests.
It is time to worship in spirit and in truth.
It is time to rise up!
Believe Jesus. Love Jesus. Live Jesus.
23 But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way.
Here is a little of what you could call a rant.
It is time for believers to grow up! We need to mature in a way that pleases God, and we need to do so in a hurry. We need to move from the bottle and begin drinking from the cup.
It is time that we refuse to accept mediocrity. This generation needs to fully sell out to the cause of Christ because we were bought at a pice. It is time for us to be a holy and blameless product because the price was paid by the blood of Christ. Through that he gave us His righteousness.
It is time for us to speak with honesty, respectability, and with purity.
It is time that we love God and that we love His.
It is time for us to live like we believe and put to death the lifestyles of pagans and athiests.
It is time to worship in spirit and in truth.
It is time to rise up!
Believe Jesus. Love Jesus. Live Jesus.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Its Miraculous!
Do this. Do that. I want to see this. I know its difficult, but I really need it.
This is how a lot of our prayers sound like. First, we list a few things that we "need". As soon as we finish with our demands, we begin to negotiate a deal. We creat a hypothetical comittment, hoping for a miraculous sign of God.
The jewish leaders asked Jesus for a sign. They were asking The Lord of Lords and the King of Kings to prove himself. Jesus responded by calling them an evil, and faithful generation.(Matthew 16)
We are that generation.
Are you asking for a miracle, for a little insurance. Here is a miracle...Jesus saving sinners through grace.
I am a terrible person. I am a drug addict and an adulterer. I am guilty of fraud, alcohlism, and theivery. I am an orphan. I am despicable. I am a disgrace to the human race that God created. But Jesus chose me. By his blood, by his nail pierced hands, by the crown of thorns that was placed upon his brow, and through his ressurection I am forgiven. He chose us, a sinful nation, over his crown in heaven and gained both. That is Miraculous!
This is how a lot of our prayers sound like. First, we list a few things that we "need". As soon as we finish with our demands, we begin to negotiate a deal. We creat a hypothetical comittment, hoping for a miraculous sign of God.
The jewish leaders asked Jesus for a sign. They were asking The Lord of Lords and the King of Kings to prove himself. Jesus responded by calling them an evil, and faithful generation.(Matthew 16)
We are that generation.
Are you asking for a miracle, for a little insurance. Here is a miracle...Jesus saving sinners through grace.
I am a terrible person. I am a drug addict and an adulterer. I am guilty of fraud, alcohlism, and theivery. I am an orphan. I am despicable. I am a disgrace to the human race that God created. But Jesus chose me. By his blood, by his nail pierced hands, by the crown of thorns that was placed upon his brow, and through his ressurection I am forgiven. He chose us, a sinful nation, over his crown in heaven and gained both. That is Miraculous!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Pile of Junk!
I recently began to explore a bag of clothes that I hadn't worn in a very long time, and was reminded why. As I searched through the bag for something decent looking, I began to think(scary huh?). Why would I have been interested to keep any of that junk, at any time? I wasn't wearing any of it, and if I was I would've looked absolutely ridiculous. All that the bag was doing was taking up space. From time to time I would have to move it all and maneuver it so that I could find something worth finding.
Psalm 55:22- "Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall."
So often we carry around needless junk, not only on our shoulders, but in our hearts. Over time we accumulate pain, heart-break, and bitterness. Our memory allows us to deposit our anger in our minds like you would a large check into the bank. We look at this junk and know that it's weighing us down but for some reason we decide to lug it around with us wherever we go.
This baggage tends to make us miserable. As we look for happiness and joy we find it trapped behind the bars of our burdens. As we try to build new relationships we are soon to find that the painful memories that we hold on to causes us to build up mental and emotional walls. We try to get past it but somehow, this pile of junk always manages to find its way back into our lives and back into the way.
Good news! Psalm 55:22 words it perfectly. So often WE try to remove our junk ourselves. As we continuously find a new place to re-locate it, we become tired and bogged down. It is impossible for US to remove our junk, and this is why we are called to give it to God.
Man has had junk since the Garden of Eden. We sin. Thats why Christ chose to die upon the cross. He chose to rescue us from our junk. And just like we hold on to hurt, we hold on to sin.
This is going to be a short entry because my point is...GIVE IT UP. Whatever it is that you have clinched in your fist and grasped in you heart, let it go. Don't just let it go as a child releases a balloon into the air but release it from you hands into God's. All of our issues cannot fit in our palms and they are to heavy to carry upon our backs. Why not give to someone who has, can, and will handle it? What is stopping you?
You may think that God doesn't want your junk or that he won't accept it. The thing is... God cares for you. He wants to remove the weight of the past from your shoulders. He gave us victory and he desires for us to feel victorious. He seeks to feed the hungry, so be fed. Stop lugging around the junk and GIVE IT UP!
Believe Jesus. Love Jesus. Live Jesus.
Psalm 55:22- "Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall."
So often we carry around needless junk, not only on our shoulders, but in our hearts. Over time we accumulate pain, heart-break, and bitterness. Our memory allows us to deposit our anger in our minds like you would a large check into the bank. We look at this junk and know that it's weighing us down but for some reason we decide to lug it around with us wherever we go.
This baggage tends to make us miserable. As we look for happiness and joy we find it trapped behind the bars of our burdens. As we try to build new relationships we are soon to find that the painful memories that we hold on to causes us to build up mental and emotional walls. We try to get past it but somehow, this pile of junk always manages to find its way back into our lives and back into the way.
Good news! Psalm 55:22 words it perfectly. So often WE try to remove our junk ourselves. As we continuously find a new place to re-locate it, we become tired and bogged down. It is impossible for US to remove our junk, and this is why we are called to give it to God.
Man has had junk since the Garden of Eden. We sin. Thats why Christ chose to die upon the cross. He chose to rescue us from our junk. And just like we hold on to hurt, we hold on to sin.
This is going to be a short entry because my point is...GIVE IT UP. Whatever it is that you have clinched in your fist and grasped in you heart, let it go. Don't just let it go as a child releases a balloon into the air but release it from you hands into God's. All of our issues cannot fit in our palms and they are to heavy to carry upon our backs. Why not give to someone who has, can, and will handle it? What is stopping you?
You may think that God doesn't want your junk or that he won't accept it. The thing is... God cares for you. He wants to remove the weight of the past from your shoulders. He gave us victory and he desires for us to feel victorious. He seeks to feed the hungry, so be fed. Stop lugging around the junk and GIVE IT UP!
Believe Jesus. Love Jesus. Live Jesus.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Switch-a-roo!
Do you know the definition of a "Switch-a-roo"? As you can already tell, it's not "correct" terminology. To be honest I don't even know if you would classify it as slang. To be totally honest, the only reason I used the term Switch-a-roo was to hopefully catch your attention. Anywho, a switch-a-roo is simply a change.
I know that we have all heard about change. This is a little different than you may have heard. I'm not talking about political change. I'm not speaking of changing your stomach flab to rock hard abs. And by the way, I'm not writing about changing from terrible to mediocre.
Christians are Christians through faith. Contrary to common belief, faith is not only belief but it is belief in action. Faith in Christ doesn't only make a claim, but it makes a change. When or how? Do you really care? Many people profess to love Christ and know the call that comes with him but don't follow through.(But Jesus told him, "Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God."-Luke 9:62) Will you?
When Jesus saves your heart, he changes your heart. When he changes your heart, he changes your life. Have you been transformed?
Saves Your Heart.
It all starts with being saved through Christ Jesus. He is the only way to be saved. Christ died on a cross for you, and the rest of humanity. After he died, he came back to life. Some choose to believe this and live like it happened. Both are key components of saving faith. Do you have both? See, we must have faith in Jesus(God's Son). The first step in being changed by Christ, is being saved by Christ.
Changes Your Heart.
If you have been saved by Christ, he changes your heart.
"This is the new covenant I will make with my people on that day,* says the LORD:I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds."- Hebrews 10:16
We usually complain that living for Christ is difficult. It is often so difficult because we are trying to do so on our own. The probable reason for this is that you have not been saved. People without Christ have no power over sin, therefore are defeated by this world. But as a believer, God changes our heart. As he does this he re-writes our morals, our thoughts, and our desires. You begin to hate what you used to lust. Christ gives you love for the people that you used to hate. God is unchanging but changes those who follow him so that may bring glory and honor to him. Are you desiring the same things? Do you love sin as you once did, or are you now desiring things of the LORD? Inspect youself, see where your heart is and see who is controlling it.
Changes Your Life.
When Jesus changes your heart, he changes your life. This one takes alot of common sense. As you begin to have a desire for things of God, you have to begin choosing those things over sin. Sorry for the weak comparison, but it is like a diet. You look in the mirror and don't like what you see. The sight gives you a desire to look differently. You have the desire to lose weight. This desire brings on a choice. What you usually do is sit on the couch, comfortably, and watch TV or read. You know that you need to exercise. Do you sit or get up and take a jog around the block? You love brownies! All of a sudden you get the craving for something belly-filling. Do you take the chocolate or grab an apple?
Desires bring on choices. Paul spoke of these battles within one's heart. Your life should be reflecting and imitating the one who saved you. Is it? A disciple desires to be like his master. You have to decide if you desire this world or God. If you are a true believer, the choice has been made.
Transformed?
Have you been transformed? Has Christ changed you? Has a "switch-a-roo" taken place in your heart and life?
I know that we have all heard about change. This is a little different than you may have heard. I'm not talking about political change. I'm not speaking of changing your stomach flab to rock hard abs. And by the way, I'm not writing about changing from terrible to mediocre.
Christians are Christians through faith. Contrary to common belief, faith is not only belief but it is belief in action. Faith in Christ doesn't only make a claim, but it makes a change. When or how? Do you really care? Many people profess to love Christ and know the call that comes with him but don't follow through.(But Jesus told him, "Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God."-Luke 9:62) Will you?
When Jesus saves your heart, he changes your heart. When he changes your heart, he changes your life. Have you been transformed?
Saves Your Heart.
It all starts with being saved through Christ Jesus. He is the only way to be saved. Christ died on a cross for you, and the rest of humanity. After he died, he came back to life. Some choose to believe this and live like it happened. Both are key components of saving faith. Do you have both? See, we must have faith in Jesus(God's Son). The first step in being changed by Christ, is being saved by Christ.
Changes Your Heart.
If you have been saved by Christ, he changes your heart.
"This is the new covenant I will make with my people on that day,* says the LORD:I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds."- Hebrews 10:16
We usually complain that living for Christ is difficult. It is often so difficult because we are trying to do so on our own. The probable reason for this is that you have not been saved. People without Christ have no power over sin, therefore are defeated by this world. But as a believer, God changes our heart. As he does this he re-writes our morals, our thoughts, and our desires. You begin to hate what you used to lust. Christ gives you love for the people that you used to hate. God is unchanging but changes those who follow him so that may bring glory and honor to him. Are you desiring the same things? Do you love sin as you once did, or are you now desiring things of the LORD? Inspect youself, see where your heart is and see who is controlling it.
Changes Your Life.
When Jesus changes your heart, he changes your life. This one takes alot of common sense. As you begin to have a desire for things of God, you have to begin choosing those things over sin. Sorry for the weak comparison, but it is like a diet. You look in the mirror and don't like what you see. The sight gives you a desire to look differently. You have the desire to lose weight. This desire brings on a choice. What you usually do is sit on the couch, comfortably, and watch TV or read. You know that you need to exercise. Do you sit or get up and take a jog around the block? You love brownies! All of a sudden you get the craving for something belly-filling. Do you take the chocolate or grab an apple?
Desires bring on choices. Paul spoke of these battles within one's heart. Your life should be reflecting and imitating the one who saved you. Is it? A disciple desires to be like his master. You have to decide if you desire this world or God. If you are a true believer, the choice has been made.
Transformed?
Have you been transformed? Has Christ changed you? Has a "switch-a-roo" taken place in your heart and life?
- No? The probability is that you have not expirienced the saving grace of Jesus. With faith comes evidence. Maybe your a young believer. The change is coming. Don't fear, the times may be tough but with a change of heart, your life will be changed easier than anticipated. Maybe you've found yourself in a whole. God didn't put you there, but he will sure help you out. Go back to the Gospel. Change starts and finishes there.
- Yes? Keep it up. Don't get comfortable. Believe Jesus. Love Jesus. Live Jesus.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Don't Think...
Many test-takers and students have something in common. It's an issue and usually causes many mistakes. They think. Seriously. Let me show you...
Your taking you final exam and are about to finish, but then you read the last question. You think the answer is A. Your set to bubble it in, but then another crazy question crosses your mind, "What If I'm wrong?". So you think, think, think. B is a ridiculous answer, but C and D are reasonable. So you ponder on it. Then you do some real decision making and decide that C can't be it because the word cat starts with C, and you hate cats. Then D is real reasonable because your great aunt's brother's name is Doug. You think some more. You pick D. You get your test back and see that A was the answer. You wonder how in the world you got the question and then you remember thinking about it...
See how ridiculous it sounds? Athletes do the same thing. Basketball players think, then hesitate about the big shot and don't get it off in time. Certain people think about a certain health care bill. Now do you get my point? We think way to much.
We do that same very thing in faith, it's called theology. Wow, now before you get bent all out of shape let me explain. As you look at human life, its not hard to see that we humans don't always make the best of decisions. We got it all wrong when we ate that fruit off of that one tree, when we were told not to by the creator of us and the tree. I think I got the story right.
For the last 6 months I have been tormented with theological questions. Among the topics are predestination, the loss of salvation, denomination, and others. I tried to find answers, but what I was led towards was personal opinion and selfish reasoning. Through all of this I have found one answer...I am no theologian, nor have I been called to be one. As a Christian, I have been called to read the Bible and believe every word and every point of punctuation in it.
With theology, we try to make sense of God. And by the way, why do we try to make sense of God when he created sense in the first place. As believers we are to live as we believe God would have us to, not the way that makes sense. I encourage you to read more of the Bible and believe what it says. I say this because theology is God through the eyes of man, but the Bible is God through the eyes of God.
Now don't get me wrong, I am not talking about sound biblical doctrine. I am speaking of theology, which is opinionated and biased. We are to believe and live as God says, not believe and live the way God says after we modify what he says.
Does this sound like a rant, yet? We live in a time that everyone believes in something. I mean even atheist believe in nothing, and nothing is something! We need to remember that our opinions don't mean squat if they are not in line with the Word of God. The Bible is our foundation and our houses are to be built out of bricks of faith, and that faith being in our foundation! As one wise woman of God reminded me, "Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain."
No matter what you believe, the truth is the truth. The Truth is Jesus, and if you are living outside of him and his grace you are living a lie. One day, whether it makes sense or fits your vocabulary every knee shall and every tongue shall confess that JESUS CHRIST IS LORD. That is not theology, but that is the Word of God.
Your taking you final exam and are about to finish, but then you read the last question. You think the answer is A. Your set to bubble it in, but then another crazy question crosses your mind, "What If I'm wrong?". So you think, think, think. B is a ridiculous answer, but C and D are reasonable. So you ponder on it. Then you do some real decision making and decide that C can't be it because the word cat starts with C, and you hate cats. Then D is real reasonable because your great aunt's brother's name is Doug. You think some more. You pick D. You get your test back and see that A was the answer. You wonder how in the world you got the question and then you remember thinking about it...
See how ridiculous it sounds? Athletes do the same thing. Basketball players think, then hesitate about the big shot and don't get it off in time. Certain people think about a certain health care bill. Now do you get my point? We think way to much.
We do that same very thing in faith, it's called theology. Wow, now before you get bent all out of shape let me explain. As you look at human life, its not hard to see that we humans don't always make the best of decisions. We got it all wrong when we ate that fruit off of that one tree, when we were told not to by the creator of us and the tree. I think I got the story right.
For the last 6 months I have been tormented with theological questions. Among the topics are predestination, the loss of salvation, denomination, and others. I tried to find answers, but what I was led towards was personal opinion and selfish reasoning. Through all of this I have found one answer...I am no theologian, nor have I been called to be one. As a Christian, I have been called to read the Bible and believe every word and every point of punctuation in it.
With theology, we try to make sense of God. And by the way, why do we try to make sense of God when he created sense in the first place. As believers we are to live as we believe God would have us to, not the way that makes sense. I encourage you to read more of the Bible and believe what it says. I say this because theology is God through the eyes of man, but the Bible is God through the eyes of God.
Now don't get me wrong, I am not talking about sound biblical doctrine. I am speaking of theology, which is opinionated and biased. We are to believe and live as God says, not believe and live the way God says after we modify what he says.
Does this sound like a rant, yet? We live in a time that everyone believes in something. I mean even atheist believe in nothing, and nothing is something! We need to remember that our opinions don't mean squat if they are not in line with the Word of God. The Bible is our foundation and our houses are to be built out of bricks of faith, and that faith being in our foundation! As one wise woman of God reminded me, "Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain."
No matter what you believe, the truth is the truth. The Truth is Jesus, and if you are living outside of him and his grace you are living a lie. One day, whether it makes sense or fits your vocabulary every knee shall and every tongue shall confess that JESUS CHRIST IS LORD. That is not theology, but that is the Word of God.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Your Out!
Your Out! That is the call that baseball players hate to hear. As the batter walks up to the plate, desiring the perfect pitch, he fears those two words. See, the phrase announces the batter's failure to reach the base. I'm glad that our faith and, more importantly, God's grace isn't hit and miss. See, for the hitter, one key mistake can send him right back to the dugout or even end the game. With Christ, there's a second chance. According to the word, God has extended a helping hand that is accompanied by love, grace, and mercy.
"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God."- Romans 5:1-2
God has given us the perfect pitch. He sent his Son, to die for us, and to give us redemption. How do we get the redemption? We have faith in Christ, trusting him with our minds, bodies, hearts, and souls. Heard it before? Probably so. But how have you heard it and how have you received it?
You may have heard it the watered-down, 21st century church way or you may have heard it as the truth. In today's church, some voice God's grace as a ticket to heaven but a pass on holy living. Now of course, they don't say it that way. What happens is they talk more about programs, more about Sunday school, and more about what they have done, than they do Jesus. They ignore the cross and speak of grace, altogether forgetting that the cross is what brought grace in the first place! This carelessness for the gospel has brought terrifying results. I say, that this is a big reason denominations that don't denounce homosexuality exist. I say, that this watered-down disgrace is a reason that we have youth group members who have no idea that oral sex is sin. Receive it.
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,"- Titus 2:11-13
I encourage you to receive and accept the Gospel. I also stress that you accept it for what it is. Don't degrade it, and please don't try to change it. It is holy, pure, and has saved the souls of many. It's purpose is to save, but should also be used to motivate. This "Good News" is not to be used as an excuse but as a motivation. Pushing us and training us to live as one who has seen the Saviour. Motivating us to understand the cross and to wear it daily.
Recently I had my heart broken. My heart was broken because I realized where my heart's desire was. My heart was not as a disciples of Christ should be. My love had been divided and my wants had been scattered. Studies have shown that approx. 138,000 people die without Jesus each die, which means they face eternal damnation. I was not living to change that number. Are you? The problem is, I took the emphasize off of the Gospel. The Gospel saves, so why don't we live accordingly?
See hearing the Gospel and accepting the Gospel are to different matters. Acceptance brings appliance. Once a person hears the Gospel, then he may accept the Gospel, finally the Gospel is applied. For the Christ that we accept, applies his love and his blood to our hearts, minds, and lives. This changes everything. Our minds change, so we think differently. Our hearts change, so we want differently and we are given the ability to love. And through these changes, our life is transformed. We are now made new. We are saved when the Gospel is applied and until then, we are destined for hell.
The Gospel is Genuine. It's true, and it's pure. There is no other. It is not a get rich quick scheme. It is not an excuse. But it is the way. It's all about Jesus. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. NONE get to the Father, except through HIM. Your resume? It doesn't matter. What we need is a stamp of approval, in which our souls are the paper and in which the ink is the blood of Christ. We are not only to be pressed by this ink, but we are to be covered in it. Is it Glamorous? Maybe not. Will it make you famous? Probably not. Is it the one and only way to salvation? Definitely so.
Take it or leave it. The Gospel is. I warn you, it is offensive. It will change you inside and out... but it's worth it. It can't be bought with money because the price has been paid the precious blood Christ. As the blood is precious, even more so is the man from who it flowed. Take it. It was purchased for you. He took the nails for us.
"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God."- Romans 5:1-2
God has given us the perfect pitch. He sent his Son, to die for us, and to give us redemption. How do we get the redemption? We have faith in Christ, trusting him with our minds, bodies, hearts, and souls. Heard it before? Probably so. But how have you heard it and how have you received it?
You may have heard it the watered-down, 21st century church way or you may have heard it as the truth. In today's church, some voice God's grace as a ticket to heaven but a pass on holy living. Now of course, they don't say it that way. What happens is they talk more about programs, more about Sunday school, and more about what they have done, than they do Jesus. They ignore the cross and speak of grace, altogether forgetting that the cross is what brought grace in the first place! This carelessness for the gospel has brought terrifying results. I say, that this is a big reason denominations that don't denounce homosexuality exist. I say, that this watered-down disgrace is a reason that we have youth group members who have no idea that oral sex is sin. Receive it.
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,"- Titus 2:11-13
I encourage you to receive and accept the Gospel. I also stress that you accept it for what it is. Don't degrade it, and please don't try to change it. It is holy, pure, and has saved the souls of many. It's purpose is to save, but should also be used to motivate. This "Good News" is not to be used as an excuse but as a motivation. Pushing us and training us to live as one who has seen the Saviour. Motivating us to understand the cross and to wear it daily.
Recently I had my heart broken. My heart was broken because I realized where my heart's desire was. My heart was not as a disciples of Christ should be. My love had been divided and my wants had been scattered. Studies have shown that approx. 138,000 people die without Jesus each die, which means they face eternal damnation. I was not living to change that number. Are you? The problem is, I took the emphasize off of the Gospel. The Gospel saves, so why don't we live accordingly?
See hearing the Gospel and accepting the Gospel are to different matters. Acceptance brings appliance. Once a person hears the Gospel, then he may accept the Gospel, finally the Gospel is applied. For the Christ that we accept, applies his love and his blood to our hearts, minds, and lives. This changes everything. Our minds change, so we think differently. Our hearts change, so we want differently and we are given the ability to love. And through these changes, our life is transformed. We are now made new. We are saved when the Gospel is applied and until then, we are destined for hell.
The Gospel is Genuine. It's true, and it's pure. There is no other. It is not a get rich quick scheme. It is not an excuse. But it is the way. It's all about Jesus. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. NONE get to the Father, except through HIM. Your resume? It doesn't matter. What we need is a stamp of approval, in which our souls are the paper and in which the ink is the blood of Christ. We are not only to be pressed by this ink, but we are to be covered in it. Is it Glamorous? Maybe not. Will it make you famous? Probably not. Is it the one and only way to salvation? Definitely so.
Take it or leave it. The Gospel is. I warn you, it is offensive. It will change you inside and out... but it's worth it. It can't be bought with money because the price has been paid the precious blood Christ. As the blood is precious, even more so is the man from who it flowed. Take it. It was purchased for you. He took the nails for us.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Left Standing...
I have been called a lot of things in my life. I am viewed in different ways by different people. Some positive, probably more negative. Kinda like mushrooms, some people view them as delicious and some(myself) view them as nauseating. There are many things in life that are debatable. Presidential elections, favorite sports teams, and even the character of some individuals. But as we argue and contest, there are some things that were, are, and always will be. Some topics stand as fact with no ifs, ands, or buts.
All people are bad is a "good" fact to start off with. I state this and am reminded of the one man who managed to remain pure and holy for all 33 years of his life but we will get to that in a minute. Like said, all people are bad. Fault can be found in all men and women despite the myths. When you really inspect the heart of man, you discover that no matter how clean the outside is, the inside somehow resembles the clog in a dirty sink. No debating to it, All men (except for that one) are bad.
Now to that one. The most significant facts revolve around Jesus for he is fact itself. Lets list these facts. Jesus is God. Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus was born into this world as a man by a virgin to save man. Jesus died on a cross, for you and I. Jesus went to hell for you and I and defeated sin and death. Jesus came back and rose again three days after his Crucifixion. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life and none gets to the father except through him (John 14:6). Those are facts. Non debatable even if the attempt is made over and over again by this world.
We need Jesus. All we need is Jesus. The fact is Jesus stands alone and we should should be kneeling before him.
For the past week or so I have been studying Idolatry and the fact that we are so engulfed in it. We whore ourselves to myths, ways, and culture of this world. Exodus 20:2-6 tells us that there is one God and we are only to serve, worship, and live for that God. This is not a new discovery. The problem is that we would rather worship the things of this world, that will pass away, than worship the one true God that will remain forever. Do we realize the wrath that awaits idolaters? I think not.
So who/what rules your life? Idols are not only hand made statues of the old testament but they are the things in our lives that we allow to compete with Jesus. I'm talking relationships, entertainment, your job, academics, and etc. Anything that you prioritize equally to or above Chris is sin and an idol. Who do you want to please more, God or the other people in your life. Are you ok with watching television shows and movies that defile the name of Christ? What do you worship and how do you worship it. We are called to have no other God's so look at you life and ask yourself, who is you number one? Is it Christ, is it a tie, or is it another part of you life?
The comparison shouldn't even be close. Who is your God and who are you serving? One day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Do it now or later, you make the choice. The truth stands and his name is Jesus.
All people are bad is a "good" fact to start off with. I state this and am reminded of the one man who managed to remain pure and holy for all 33 years of his life but we will get to that in a minute. Like said, all people are bad. Fault can be found in all men and women despite the myths. When you really inspect the heart of man, you discover that no matter how clean the outside is, the inside somehow resembles the clog in a dirty sink. No debating to it, All men (except for that one) are bad.
Now to that one. The most significant facts revolve around Jesus for he is fact itself. Lets list these facts. Jesus is God. Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus was born into this world as a man by a virgin to save man. Jesus died on a cross, for you and I. Jesus went to hell for you and I and defeated sin and death. Jesus came back and rose again three days after his Crucifixion. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life and none gets to the father except through him (John 14:6). Those are facts. Non debatable even if the attempt is made over and over again by this world.
We need Jesus. All we need is Jesus. The fact is Jesus stands alone and we should should be kneeling before him.
For the past week or so I have been studying Idolatry and the fact that we are so engulfed in it. We whore ourselves to myths, ways, and culture of this world. Exodus 20:2-6 tells us that there is one God and we are only to serve, worship, and live for that God. This is not a new discovery. The problem is that we would rather worship the things of this world, that will pass away, than worship the one true God that will remain forever. Do we realize the wrath that awaits idolaters? I think not.
So who/what rules your life? Idols are not only hand made statues of the old testament but they are the things in our lives that we allow to compete with Jesus. I'm talking relationships, entertainment, your job, academics, and etc. Anything that you prioritize equally to or above Chris is sin and an idol. Who do you want to please more, God or the other people in your life. Are you ok with watching television shows and movies that defile the name of Christ? What do you worship and how do you worship it. We are called to have no other God's so look at you life and ask yourself, who is you number one? Is it Christ, is it a tie, or is it another part of you life?
The comparison shouldn't even be close. Who is your God and who are you serving? One day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Do it now or later, you make the choice. The truth stands and his name is Jesus.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
"Wow, so how'd you get that Scar again?"
And there they are, your Superbowl winning New Orleans Saints! Wow, how about that declaration? After playing in 42 previous seasons and only accumulating 2 playoff wins, the Saints have stated their status as champions boldly. Boldly, Quarterback Drew Brees shuts up all doubt. And yes, boldly, the Saints defeated the highly favored Colts.
As followers of Christ we are called to do the same. Now, I don't mean we are called to hold up the Lombardi trophy, or even play in professional sports. What I do mean, is that we are called to be BOLD.
Once upon a time I was asked the question of, "Seth, what does it mean to be bold." To be honest I was dumbfounded. I had spoken of the term "boldness", as if it had no more significance to believers than an accessory to writing. So this is my answer to the question that I will never forget. Drum roll please...... Jesus!
What do you know, the answer is Jesus. You say, "Seth, this makes no sense. How is Jesus the definition of bold and how does he make me bold?" Well, lets think about it guys. Princeton gives the definition of "Boldness" as "the trait of being willing to undertake things that involve risk or danger". Now lets go over some examples people... Walking on water. Wait, not just water but stormy, sea tossed water and not walking in water but over and on top of the liquid substance. Jesus did it. I say that is pretty risky business. That's not enough, eh? How about battling and resisting temptation from Satan himself(Matthew 4). Oh I almost forget, when he realized the religious leaders were spitting on the house of God, he ran in and literally began flipping tables with the hypocrites. Bold enough? Not quite? Okay. This man predicted his on death, was the word and is the word, God in the body of a man, born of a virgin, founded the Church, made the lame walk, made the blind see, and made demons run off of a cliff. The simple fact is dictionaries have it all wrong. The definition of boldness is Jesus.
The boldest of all, was when he boldly accepted our nails in his hands and carried our cross on his back to the site of his death . You think he stopped there? No. Jesus went to hell and back. Yes, he went there for you and I, defeating death and sin, and rising from the tomb on day number 3.
You want bold, there you have it. How can you be bold? Believe it. Live it. Many of you who are reading know all of these accounts. Do you apply that knowledge? Are you walking as Christ is commanding? I can know how to speak, care, and act but if I don't do these things in the name of Jesus its all worthless. My challenge to you is to be crucified with Christ, and to be raised in new life. Live like you have new life.
How to pray for boldness? Ask for Jesus to help you become what he saved you to be. He saved you to be like him. Jesus is holy and pure. To be holy and pure is to be BOLD.
As followers of Christ we are called to do the same. Now, I don't mean we are called to hold up the Lombardi trophy, or even play in professional sports. What I do mean, is that we are called to be BOLD.
Once upon a time I was asked the question of, "Seth, what does it mean to be bold." To be honest I was dumbfounded. I had spoken of the term "boldness", as if it had no more significance to believers than an accessory to writing. So this is my answer to the question that I will never forget. Drum roll please...... Jesus!
What do you know, the answer is Jesus. You say, "Seth, this makes no sense. How is Jesus the definition of bold and how does he make me bold?" Well, lets think about it guys. Princeton gives the definition of "Boldness" as "the trait of being willing to undertake things that involve risk or danger". Now lets go over some examples people... Walking on water. Wait, not just water but stormy, sea tossed water and not walking in water but over and on top of the liquid substance. Jesus did it. I say that is pretty risky business. That's not enough, eh? How about battling and resisting temptation from Satan himself(Matthew 4). Oh I almost forget, when he realized the religious leaders were spitting on the house of God, he ran in and literally began flipping tables with the hypocrites. Bold enough? Not quite? Okay. This man predicted his on death, was the word and is the word, God in the body of a man, born of a virgin, founded the Church, made the lame walk, made the blind see, and made demons run off of a cliff. The simple fact is dictionaries have it all wrong. The definition of boldness is Jesus.
The boldest of all, was when he boldly accepted our nails in his hands and carried our cross on his back to the site of his death . You think he stopped there? No. Jesus went to hell and back. Yes, he went there for you and I, defeating death and sin, and rising from the tomb on day number 3.
You want bold, there you have it. How can you be bold? Believe it. Live it. Many of you who are reading know all of these accounts. Do you apply that knowledge? Are you walking as Christ is commanding? I can know how to speak, care, and act but if I don't do these things in the name of Jesus its all worthless. My challenge to you is to be crucified with Christ, and to be raised in new life. Live like you have new life.
How to pray for boldness? Ask for Jesus to help you become what he saved you to be. He saved you to be like him. Jesus is holy and pure. To be holy and pure is to be BOLD.
Monday, January 18, 2010
The Great Idea of...
There have been many great ideas over time, and I mean many. How about the one to place little white letters across the big green signs on highways? Oh and the classic, washing a new red sweater with your also "newly-purchased" white polo. The examples keep coming. Abortion and Alcohol to end all of our problems, ever heard of that one? Maybe lets try the, "Fill my life with sex to numb my body of pain" route?
Welp, get the point yet? I heard another "fantastic" idea this weekend. I was told by a fellow that a great way to witness, was to not witness at all. That we should all just make T-Shirts that read, "I am not ashamed to be a Christian". And the so called purpose behind this ground-breaking idea was to escape persecution and still reach people. I was given the example of an old
coffee cup that says, "Tell someone about Jesus today, use words if needed".
Are you INSANE?! Two points here guys. The last thing a person who's soul is headed to hell for eternity needs is a T-Shirt or Coffee Cup! They need Jesus! They need you to love them, care for them, and part of that is TELLING them. It is YOUR responsibility! It's not only a command but common sense. You don't show a man on fire a T-Shirt that says "Your Burning", but you take that Shirt and smother out the flames! What you do, is everything you can to notify that person of the issue and take action no matter what the cost because that's exactly what Christ DID FOR YOU! He didn't slip on a T-Shirt but a cross and he was not slipped there but NAILED!
Which brings us to "Number two" and that is, We were not called to wear T-Shirts! For some reason Christianity has been projected as comfortable. In Acts 20, Paul the Apostle shows the most urgency I've ever heard of in a man. This is a man who is leaving one place to another, and the other he knows will lead to his death. He gives the people all he has emotionally. He pours out his heart so they may know that there is One King, One Lord, One way, and One JESUS. On other hand we want to wear T-Shirts.
Think of your kids, Mom and Dad. Think about your husbands and wives. Think about your brothers, sisters, and friends. Think about the one who means the most to you. What if they were the one dying, and going to hell? What if your loved ones were the people destined for eternal damnation? Wear a T-Shirt now? I think not. You would say something, if what you felt was anything near love! The "lost" have families and friends. You should take them and the task of telling them no differently than you do your own.
So what do you do now bud? Do you let many perish and put on a T-Shirt, merely being too lazy to reach out at all. Or do you show your salvation, telling others, putting yourself on the cross, showing the Lost how to be found. It's up to you.
Welp, get the point yet? I heard another "fantastic" idea this weekend. I was told by a fellow that a great way to witness, was to not witness at all. That we should all just make T-Shirts that read, "I am not ashamed to be a Christian". And the so called purpose behind this ground-breaking idea was to escape persecution and still reach people. I was given the example of an old
coffee cup that says, "Tell someone about Jesus today, use words if needed".
Are you INSANE?! Two points here guys. The last thing a person who's soul is headed to hell for eternity needs is a T-Shirt or Coffee Cup! They need Jesus! They need you to love them, care for them, and part of that is TELLING them. It is YOUR responsibility! It's not only a command but common sense. You don't show a man on fire a T-Shirt that says "Your Burning", but you take that Shirt and smother out the flames! What you do, is everything you can to notify that person of the issue and take action no matter what the cost because that's exactly what Christ DID FOR YOU! He didn't slip on a T-Shirt but a cross and he was not slipped there but NAILED!
Which brings us to "Number two" and that is, We were not called to wear T-Shirts! For some reason Christianity has been projected as comfortable. In Acts 20, Paul the Apostle shows the most urgency I've ever heard of in a man. This is a man who is leaving one place to another, and the other he knows will lead to his death. He gives the people all he has emotionally. He pours out his heart so they may know that there is One King, One Lord, One way, and One JESUS. On other hand we want to wear T-Shirts.
Think of your kids, Mom and Dad. Think about your husbands and wives. Think about your brothers, sisters, and friends. Think about the one who means the most to you. What if they were the one dying, and going to hell? What if your loved ones were the people destined for eternal damnation? Wear a T-Shirt now? I think not. You would say something, if what you felt was anything near love! The "lost" have families and friends. You should take them and the task of telling them no differently than you do your own.
So what do you do now bud? Do you let many perish and put on a T-Shirt, merely being too lazy to reach out at all. Or do you show your salvation, telling others, putting yourself on the cross, showing the Lost how to be found. It's up to you.
Needs?
Hey Guys, long time no blog for me. I wanted to leave some personal and ministry information on here so you could get in touch with me if ever needed. As most know, I'm on facebook and twitter so that is always an option. Here are some other places you can find me. I am open for preaching, teaching, counseling, and basically love ya to the best way I know how(through Jesus)
email: tsethsprings@aol.com
cell: 704-451-5582
Love you guys, and God Bless
email: tsethsprings@aol.com
cell: 704-451-5582
Love you guys, and God Bless
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