Names of God: "G"

Do you have a new life?

Generous

Gentle

Gift

Giver of every good gift

Giver of Life

Glorious Lord

Glory of Israel

God of all Comfort

God of all Grace

God of deliverances

God of Glory

God of Hope

God of Israel

God of love and peace

God of retribution

God of vengeance

God our Savior

God the Father

God who sees

Good

Good Shepherd

Governor

Gracious One

Great

Great High Priest

Guardian of my soul

Guide

Names of God: "F"

Faithful

Father

Father of Lights

Father of mercies

Father to the fatherless

First

Firstborn of creation

Forerunner

Forgiver

Fortress

Foundation

Fountain

Fragrance

Friend

Fullness

Names of God: "E"

El Shaddai

El Elyon

Elohim

Elroi

Endures

Enthroned

Eternal God

Eternal life

Ever-present

Everlasting

Exalted

Excellent

Expected

There is no reason we shouldn't believe in the diety of Jesus, and there is no reason that we shouldn't live like Jesus is divine, if we believe the Bible.

Names of God: "D"

Defender and Defense

Deliverer

Desire of nations

Despised and rejected of men

Died and lives again

Discerner

Dominion

Door

Dwelling Place

If you have been delivered, you will talk about the Deliverer. If you believe that He died and lives again, your life will scream that He lives in you.

Names of God: "C"

Captain of the Lord’s host

Carpenter

Chief

Chief cornerstone

Chief shepherd

Choice

Chosen

The Christ

Christ the power of God

Cleaner

Comforter

Coming again

Commander

Compassionate

Complete

Confidence

Conqueror

Consolation

Consuming Fire

Counselor

Covenant-keeper

Cover for sin

Creator

Crucified

Names of God: "B"

Balm of Gilead

Banner to the people

Beautiful

Before All Things

Beginning

Beloved Son of God

Betrothed

Blameless

Blessed Hope

Blessing

Bread from heaven

Bread of Life

Bridegroom

Bright morning star

Brightness of Glory of God

Brother

Burden-bearer

Names Of God: "A"

To know God, we have to know who He is. Over the next month or so, we are going to dive into the names of God. We will look at attributes and the foundation of who God is. Some days will be longer than others, and to get anything out of this, your going to have to read your bible a bit. You're going to have to research your God, and the names mentioned and listed below. A big part of knowing God, is chasing after His heart. Let's be partners in this effort...

Abba, Father

Abiding

Able

Abounding

Abundant

Adequate

Adonai, Lord and Master

Advocate

All

All-Knowing

All-Powerful

Almighty

Alpha

Amen

Ancient of Days

Anointed

Answer

Architect

Ascended

Atonement

Author of Faith

Authority

Available

Avenger

Awesome

Japray

Let's Get Wasted!

"Get Wasted. Do enough to get by. Meet that girl, and do that thing thing."

"Make the grade. Study all night. Do extra credit. Never stop brown nosing."

"Work hard. Be at every workout. Score the winning basket. Cut down the net."

"Be the best employee. Show up early, and leave late. Make up for others' mistakes. Smile, and nod."

"Trust Jesus. Keep the Faith. Make Him your everything."


You can waste your life doing all these things, except for one. Only one of these attitudes count. Only one of these mindsets matter. Four of them, all but one, are wastes.

Do you know? Don't give me Sunday School junk either. Be serious for a second. Look in the metaphorical mirror, and ask yourself, "Which of these, do I live like, lasts?"

So often, we shoot ourselves so much bull that we lose sight of who we really are. We live a life, but don't indentify ourselves as the one who is living that life. You know, "Well I believe.."



In life, we make investments. Some people make investments in land. They buy land, hope that it's "stock" goes up, then they sell it for more than they bought it. Some do this with cars, businesses, and education. But, with investments are risks. You risk losing what you spent, and making nothing more.

Where do you invest your life?

"Where you invest your love, you invest your life."- Mumford and Sons


Everyday, you make an investment. You invest your time. You invest your money. You invest your love. Every choice is a investment. You pour yourself into your job, your good time, and your academics. Those are investments.

Let me state this: You don't get your life back.

Parties, buzzes, and pleasures run out and end. No matter how smart you are, you will never know everything and someone will always know more. Trophies? Seasons end, and there is a whole new season.

Point?

Everything has limits. Everything is temporary. Everything fails. Everything is a waste... Except for Christ.

He is the beginning and the end. He has no limits, and never runs out. He is the best investment that you could ever make with your life.



If we really believe this, won't it change the way we live? Won't we put our stock in the promises of Christ, and not the ever-changing things of the world around us?

I'm not saying it's bad to study. I'm not making an argument against athletics. I'm not hating on money. But, the bible says that we are to hate all of these things IN COMPARISON to Jesus. Make good grades, make big plays, and make money, but not at the expense of your character and faith.

Never, ever compromise. Not at work, not during school, and not even in Christian community. Never settle for anything less than what counts. What counts is Christ.

New Hangout

Fact: Coffee is delicious.

Opinion: La Vida Mocha is a great place to get it.

I love coffee. I have had 5 cups...today. If I go into work slightly ill, they assume that I haven't had my morning cup of coffee.

There is a small coffee shop right down the road from work called La Vida Mocha. They have great Butter Pecan Mochas. I have started to visit regularly and I really enjoy it. I have used my time there to blog, read, and I have also met a friend there a time or two. It's a new hangout for me.

I'm obviously not the only one who has recognized its quality. Every time I visit, there are quite a few people there.

A few weeks ago I blogged about being a missionary wherever you go. It is my job to show these people Jesus. Whether they see me reading my Bible, or over-hear a discipling session, they need to see me being Jesus. I have been called to engage them in conversation. I am called to tell them the Gospel.

Over the next few weeks, I will make an attempt to build relationships, and pray that God opens the door for evangelism. Pray with me that God will use this for His glory and His kingdom.

Where do you go? Are the people there changed by the way you love Christ? I encourage you to make an effort to engage the world around you for the glory of God. Don't take it as your break, or time off, because we can't afford to take time off from loving God and loving His children.

Go...and don't hesitate to grab a cup of coffee on your way.

Where I Live

There is a saying in North Carolina... "If you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes."

The weather is constantly changing. Cold one day, and burning up the next. Pouring rain and thunderstorms usually turn to beautiful sunshine in the matter of minutes.

I love it. I like rain. I like the sun. I like the summer. I love the winter! I love where I live.




Life is like this. It is constantly changing. Things can seem cold and wet one second, but in a few minutes your life can seem like paradise. You can be sitting with your metaphorical feet in the sand, and one moment later your sailing on a stormy sea. That's life.

I must say, "I am ready for spring."

God is teaching me. I have been being stubborn. He's been trying to teach me that whether I am in a storm, or in the sunshine, He has me there for a reason. Things change, life is hard, and worry will wash you away if your not careful, but we must constantly stand in the Son's light.



We have to be content with where God has us. Remember, those who complain the most, do the least. Don't complain about the rain. It is going to weather your surface and make you smooth. Soak up the sun, but don't get comfortable and complacent, because the tide will turn and you want your shores to be ready.

When things are tough, look at the whole picture. You are blessed. In that storm, are some awesome sights and sounds. Search for the pretty sights and rejoice in them. Look at the bad, and say, "Lord, use it."


God has you where you are for a reason.

Decisions and Milestones

This is my 100th blog post. Wow.

My first post was at 6:59 pm on July 21st of 2009. I've blogged about everything from fire ants and coffee, to drugs and sex. We've walked through the book of Romans and I have told you lots of meaningless facts about my daily life.

100 seems to be what you call a milestone. A measuring point. A good place to stop and look. TV shows celebrate their 100th episodes and 100 yds. rushing is the definition of a good game for NFL running backs.

We are at 100.

In life you have milestones and decisions that get you to those milestones. Lots of things have changed since my first blog post, and decisions are a big part of that. To get any where, you've gotta get up and go there. And, you actually have to do something to do nothing.

Where do you want to be? What decisions are coming up that will determine your destination?

As believers, we do not escape decisions, but the decision to follow Christ affects every decision and defines the correct destination.

So, what is a right decision? How do we make that right decision? The key to successful decision making is not about being wise. It is not about analysis and calculation. Being right doesn't mean being "smart". Making right decisions is about being faithful. It is about being full of faith in a God who is Faithful. It is about doing the things that don't make since when God says to do them. Right decision making is dependent on our submission to the full and graceful sovereignty of God.

How good of a decision maker are you?

Making the right decision is usually not the same decision that others are making. The right decision will probably tell you to swim against the current. Right decision making requires us to put our big boy pants on and do things that matter. Make a tough decision and don't waver. Stand on the rock and refuse to be moved by anything other than the Holy Spirit(Luke 6:46-49).

I'm not a Bob Marley fan. No, not even a little bit. But, "Don't worry, be happy", is a decent motto. With a foundation like Christ, we don't have to stress about the future. Our faith and futures are in His hands. Leave heart attacks alone, and give every desire and thought of your heart to Jesus.

So, make decisions that bring glory to God. That defines a right decision, because that is what we were created to do. If that is not your purpose and mission, you need a heart check. Time to put our big boy pants on..




Keep Loving Jesus.

"Goooooal!"

"Goooooooooooooooooal!"

If you're a soccer fan, your heart just skipped a beat. If you're not a soccer fan, join the club. I played one season when I was little. I was awful. I've hated it ever since.

But, I do watch the world cup. I have been to Brazil. That's soccer. When a team scores, the broadcast crew lets you know. One of the analyst will shout, "Gooooooooooooooooooal." He is announcing that a team has achieved success.

Whether on the athletic field, in the business world, or in the classroom, success is desired.

I was talking with a friend this morning, and she said, "Sometimes I feel like a loser". She explained her situation as an effort to persuade me to feel the same.

We often look at our bank account, trophy case, and personal records to define our level of success. This is sad. This is wrong.

If our level of success is determined by what we have done, we've all come up way short. We have mistakes and we find ways to fail even when things seem to be going semi-well. But, there is hope for the believer.

A believer in Christ doesn't have to keep a personal score card. An awesome thing about following Jesus is that our success is defined by what Jesus has done, and what He will do in us.

Two awesome verses:

 "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”" -John 16:33



"And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns."- Philippians 1:6




Let's focus on Christ. Only things done in His name will last. Shouldn't we consider things that pass away as failures?

I am currently praying that Jesus will do things through me so that that fruit may last. Pray with me.

Missionary or Mission field?

I work with the public. I am a waiter so I am in constant contact with people. As a minister this awesome. But, it brings up questions about how I am to serve certain individuals. Do I treat everyone as they are lost? Do I treat everyone as they are saved? Or, if they mention church or Jesus, do I assume they are a believer? Do morals play a role in this?

I have come to a conclusion. There are two kinds of people. Not good and bad, because we are all bad. Not saved or lost, because only God knows every man's heart. But, by mission. By partnership.

When Christ calls us to salvation, He calls us to ministry. He calls us to serve Him, and to serve others for His glory. We are called to a mission, as missionaries. So, we are to minister to people based on their mission and how they are living it out. Are they a missionary, or a mission field? Are they my partner, or what I am working towards for the Glory of God?

This brought up another question: When people look at me, do they see a missionary or a mission field? Do they see a servant of Christ, or a way to serve Christ?

This question has turned into a conviction. So often, as the American church, we look at Africa, Asia, and Haiti as mission fields. But, what about our workplace? What about our household? What about our school? And, this is scary, but what about our church? We often assume that everyone has heard, or we assume that every situation around us will take care of itself. We assume that it is someone else's responsibility. Don't assume, because "assumers" accomplish little for the Kingdom.


So, are you a missionary or a mission field? There is no other option, and often enough, this answers the question of "saved or lost?" So, looking at your life, are you on mission.? Are you serving Christ with true conviction, passion, and love?

Matthew 28:18-20

18 Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,* baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."


Are you making disciples or do you need to be made into a disciple?
 
Mission or Mission Field...

Lose Everything

Cover via Amazon

I have been reading two books at the same time. For me, this is quite difficult. I am not the brightest star in the sky, but God is using it. Along with daily bible reading, I am reading Radical by David Platt and Crazy Love by Francis Chan.

Both of these are challenging books. Though I have just begun reading, I have already been deeply convicted.

The biggest theme that has stuck out to me in both books is that Jesus is worth losing everything for. Both writers have written about the greed of the American Church, and how lazy we are when it comes to loving Christ.

I recently asked my Sunday School class if they were willing to get their tongues cut out for Christ. Is Jesus worth it to you? As you look at your life, are giving everything to Christ or living out the typical SBC bull. We have fallen into the trap of giving our possessions and comfort higher value than our relationship with God.

Jesus is worth much more.

If you don't want to settle, I recommend these books to you. Check them out!

Watch This video by David Platt.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZfC7vAbte4&feature=player_detailpage

You're Beautiful

It's the first date. You're nervous. Your stomach is full of butterflies. Your palms are sweating ferociously, and you probably used too much cologne.

You want to be impressive, because you are impressed. Why? She's beautiful.

How do we feel about the Lord?


I was recently convicted on the way I approach daily devotions and worship. I'm lazy when it comes to these things. I don't act the least bit impressed with Jesus. My stomach doesn't turn, and His breath no longer causes my hands to sweat.

So, how should we approach these things?

Like we are in love.

As the Bride of Christ, we are to live and worship with all passion and faithfulness driven by a deep love for our King.

Are you impressed?

If so, you will approach every devotional with intensity. If so, you will approach every chance to worship like you are going to meet the love of your life.

We are not to "casually" worship. But, God calls us something way more intense. He calls us to be in love with Him, which is not a casual, or less-than exciting.

Are you impressed?

Identification, please.

I'm a waiter. The restaurant in which I work serves alcohol. Often enough, someone will order a drink, and I will have to ask the question of, "May I see your I.D?"



On a license you see very limited info.  You see a birth date, eye color, height, and gender. It also includes race, and address. These are what we call demographics. I think we would all agree that there is more to a person than demographics.

Who are you? Don't tell me your age. Don't start describing yourself with physical traits.

We have come to a place in society where we sum ourselves by saying what others can already see. To know me, you have to know my heart. To truly know Thomas Seth Springs, who was born on 12/22/92, you have to know my desires. To know me, you gotta really know me.

So, I ask again, who are you? I had to ask my self this same question recently. To really know, we have to escape what others see. We have to look beyond the obvious. We have to look at private moments. We have to look at our thought-life.

In some places I was disappointed. In some places I realized that I was not who others think I am, and that I was not living for Jesus 100% of the time.  If you are not Jesus himself, you will probably see the same thing.

So, Who are you? Are you playing church. What is the difference between who you are, and what others see? Who do you want to be?

Do you want to be someone who is sold out to Jesus, or do you want to be a pretender. I look at my brother Trey, and I am impressed. Trey loves Jesus. It is genuine. He has his struggles, but he admits to them, and tries to abandon them. Trey wants to be someone who is totally committed to Christ, therefore he pushes toward the goal.

There are others who claim to walk the walk, but don't. They may admit their faults, but they probably don't have a true, Christ-centered, desire to grow towards Christ. These are the people who are at church. They go, and they feed off of everyone elses fruit, but struggle to bare their own. See, but don't seriously serve. They use the product, but they don't pay.


So, who are you?

Are you pouring your life into your friends, family, and church? Or, do you sit back, go to bible study, and refuse to grow?

Identification, please.

February of 2011? (Video)

My Top 10

At the top of my blog it says, "A blog used for voicing biblical truths, personal opinions, and motivations."
Time for some opinions. My top 10.

Here is a list of the top 10 things that I enjoy...

1. God-to-Man Companionship- Man. This is unexplainable. There is nothing like walking hand in hand with the King.
2. Christian Fellowship- I love meeting with my brothers in Christ. Whether it's over breakfast or a football game, it's a blessing.
3. Coffee and Breakfast food- I love coffee and breakfast food. I am a firm believer that they both can be consumed at any time of the day.
4. Charleston, SC- The prettiest place on the planet. I miss it. I'm feeling a trip soon.
   
5. Pictures- I love pictures. There is nothing like catching moments on film.
6. Comfortable Shoes- Cleats, tennis shoes, or dress shoes. Look good, feel good, and do good.
7. Chopping Wood- A stress reliever. Enough said.
8. Bond Fires and Cold Weather- I love winter. I could live in Alaska.
9. Writing- I like to blog, but I'd much rather be writing poetry. Yes, poetry.
10. My Brothers- I have 3.

You're Trash

You are despicable. You are low down and disgusting. You're scum. You just aren't good enough. You're not worth it.

Ever heard this?

Chances are that you have. And, chances are that you will again. People like to be-little others. It makes them feel big, to think little of you. No matter where you turn, there is someone to criticize you and to blame you.

So, who are ya? Did you grow up rich or poor? Are your parents together, divorced, or are you adopted? What kind of car do you drive? Oh, and do you happened to have a past?

To the world, these are the things that define us. Our occupation, standard of living, and relationship status puts us in a category. Jocks, nerds, and Emo's. Pretty, ugly, and pretty ugly. Monroe, Waxhaw, and Marvin.

Despite what the world says, this is not you. You are not your parents, and you are not your car. You are not athletics, and you are not a stack of text books. You are not a mansion and you are not a trailer.

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." -Psalm 139:14

God did not make you as trash, and he does not see you as trash. You were made wonderfully, and even though we a filthy, God sees you as clean through the Jesus.

Who is the authority? When you die, this world will not judge you. You do not receive salvation from the world, nor do you receive damnation from it. God is the Judge. It is by His standard we are tested, and by His Son's blood, we pass the test. Through Jesus, the Father sees us as blameless.

So? Find your identity in Christ. Seek to please Him, and Him alone. Do not stress over the words of others, but rest in God's purpose for you. By Him we are saved, so by Him we must live.

How does it feel? How does it feel to know the Lord of the universe finds you to be wonderful? He sees you as beautiful, by the grace of His Son. God loves you so much that He chose you. He called you by name. How does it feel?