Devoted

Light and Truth

2012-01-30T06:18:00.000-08:00

"Send forth Your Light and Your Truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to Your holy mountain, to the place where You dwell. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight." Psalm 43:3-4a

How is your soul?

Where do you meet with the Lord?

Has He become your joy and delight?

"Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else." -2 Corinthians 9:10-12

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart. For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power! Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you. Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Prepare your minds for action; be self controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Jeremiah 29:13; 1 Corinthians 4:20; 1 Peter 5:6-7; James 4:7; Romans 12:2a, 13:14, 12:12; 1 Peter 1:13-16; John 3:16;

The New Jerusalem - God's Covenant Blessing

2011-10-27T13:46:00.000-07:00

What do you think the significance is of Heaven being referred to as the New Jerusalem? I have not studied about Heaven. I am not talking about the essence of Heaven, I am talking about God's act of giving Heaven to us. Here are my thoughts around this question. If you think I've overlooked something or missed an idea or a thought, comment and add it right in! I'm just writing what I think.

The OLD Jerusalem, the promised land, was a land 'flowing with milk and honey.' A very blessed land that will be the epitome of 'good land.' This promised land was near water, it was flourishing with crops and plants and animals. The Israelite's troubles were taken care of in that land!

I want to suggest that Jesus was, perhaps, a second form of 'promised land' given to mankind. As Jerusalem was a physical gift that met their physical need, So is Christ an eternal gift to meet our eternal need! It was in Christ that God overcame sin. God met with His people on a level they could not have foreseen! His provision of forgiveness in Christ was far beyond what their imagination would consider. The Israelites had the mentality that the Christ would come much like Moses and Abraham did. They actually thought that the Christ would be a human prophet and/or king figure who would overrule the Romans - setting the Israelites free from oppression. If only they had known God better than they knew His statutes; they would not have missed the Christ.

Heaven will be the NEW Jerusalem! A third promise! Jerusalem was a physical blessing, Jesus is the eternal blessing, and Heaven...I will call the beautiful blessing (In this case, the word beautiful can describe no other thought, feeling or thing! There is not a word appropriate for titling Heaven!). Jerusalem brought tangible provision, Jesus brought Spiritual provision, and Heaven will bring us into the Glory of God. The religious leaders were oblivious to Jesus' teachings. Jesus did not match up to their tradition, so they ruled Him out before seeing Him in light of Scripture "In light of Scripture" is not an easy term. They would have had to read into many of the prophet's writings in a way that hadn't been done before. We're talking about a reformation, here! Rewriting theological structure that the leading religious people held - about everything: especially about Christ, but in turn, they would have to revise their thinking to conform to Jesus. Understanding the culture in context really helps us to see why the pharisees and teachers of the law never believed Jesus. To accept Jesus was to deny the legacy of their ancestry, as it had become a vile institution of false worship and teaching.

We are the ones looking for the New Jerusalem! The third promise! In a sense, we are the 'Israelites' and the 'religious leaders.' Just as He did for the Israelites and for the teachers of the law, God is bringing about us a wonderful promise that we cannot imagine (not even if we were told! Habakkuk 1:5). The reality is, our response is within the same principles as the Israelites and the teachers of the law as well - meaning that our receiving the promised blessing hinges on the condition that we are obedient and faithful to God first. So our inability to imagine the promise is bittersweet. The Israelites knew what their promise looked like - a land flowing with milk and honey was very difficult to oversee. The teachers of the law knew every thing there was to know about the Christ who was to come, yet they did not walk in obedient faith with God, and so their knowledge was irrelevant. This leads me to wonder - what marvelous things God can do! What marvelous things He WILL do. How dreadful it is to have missed the Christ. I will not be among those who will miss His glory.

Take Heart. Strength Will Rise. Believe!

2011-10-25T20:13:00.001-07:00

I wrote this literally talking to myself. Every 'you' is meant for me. I post it in hope that some others can relate.

What is your hearts desire? Is it worth your attention and effort? Is it something you must strive for, or something you merely insist on waiting around for?

Do you have you a desire that runs exclusively deep in your mind, even in your heart, whether it is that you are praying for your child to know Christ, for a personal preference, for your friend to be healed, or for your congregation to grow? I believe in you. The Lord believes in you. I believe that if, by prayer, you do still find that one thing to be deserving of your time and effort, of God's time and effort, and if you believe that God has in mind to bless you and/or others in that way, you must keep on believing.

Believing in God's promises is a sacrifice that this world renders foolish. Many of my friends have rendered me foolish in my dealings. When I am influenced in their words, however, I slip up and am reminded that I can trust the voice of God even when it is the only voice of it's kind. I know these truths all the more: Jesus is my hope. I must choose to hope for nothing else. He will keep His promises. I will be blessed and protected and will be being satisfied when I dwell in the shelter of His presence.

Be encouraged in this: In the deepest realm of my being (whether it's my mind or my heart or my actions or presuppositions, who knows), many things are at war with God for my time, but at least one thing is even at war with God for the actual throne of utmost worth. I would never consciously (as it seems to me) give up God's place of worth to any other thing. I know that God is most worthy, but sometimes, perhaps I know it less.

So your prayer must be absorbed into every inch of what God made humans to consist of, because of faith in Jesus. God must have all you are; yet, nobody has adequate understanding of humanity to know what 'all' may entail. God must be all you want; still, the blows of the enemy discourage and tear you down, even now. It seems you can barely coherently think even sufficiently to survive! And too, the pressure of being continually aware of where you place value is wearisome, not a natural practice in your society!

Do not fear. Do not be discouraged.
Be courageous. Dwell in God's encouragement.
BE STRONG in the Lord. He is Mighty to Save.
Dwell in Him, and He will be the Rock upon which You will stand firm.

What Does Not Meet the Eye

2010-09-01T23:35:00.001-07:00

Random thought: I am one to read into things. Not so much paranoia or overthinking, but I really like to look closer and to realize what does not meet the eye. I remember a sermon Ravi Zacharias once gave about 'wonder' or 'awe' or 'amazement' at the Lord and the fulfillment of His promises. You see, children are so easily amused and amazed. As people grow old, things become less exciting. Ravi's point was that the longer we live in relationship with God the more often we tend to sell Him short. At first, when someone first comes to believe, that person is encouraged and motivated be every little thing! Even in something like finding a parking space near the entrance of a store! There is an aspect of wonder in the new believer's mind which makes the person so expectant of God's devotion and His blessings. That awareness easily fades as the years, even as the days go by. Referred to as faith in the Bible, this awareness of the ability and active love of God in our lives is so important. When we take Him at His Word, He accepts us as we are.

Read into things. Train yourself to think.‎1 Peter 5:6-7 talks about God's ultimate capability over ours, and His infinite love and care for us! We can cast all anxieties on Him, but this won't ever do any good for anyone until we realize and proclaim and actively believe that God is God, and is Almighty and All-Powerful. If you don't believe that, and realize the practical truth in it, then it's like you're trying to trust some deaf and dumb object. God is not deaf or dumb. He knows your heart, and is ready to prove to you His unaltering love for you! Just take Him at His Word. Recognize how, great or small, every good thing is from above. Acknowledge (Psalm 91) BOLDLY and WITH FAITH, BELIEVINGLY, that He who is most powerful is the source of your life, and the source of even the small things that make your day brighter.

Anything Worth Saying?

2010-06-25T13:50:00.000-07:00

I found out today that it is my turn to preach the sermon on Sunday morning. I’m so excited! There have been multiple Scripture passages standing out in my mind the past few days. What a wonderful opportunity I have to share, or pour out, all that God is filling me with.

There is so much going on in me that I cannot easily discern what it is I ought to speak about. This is good! I believe prayer should be the first step. I think I will focus on Colossians 1:17 and maybe touch on a few side-scriptures here and there that were on my mind (1 Peter 5:6-7, Isaiah 61). As I go to seek the Lord’s heart, I think a good question to ask is (in context of who I am, where I am, who I am talking to) “what is essential to say?” I think of particular words taken from Aaron Shust’s song ‘Give me Words’ that say “Give me words to speak, don’t let my spirit sleep, because I can’t think of anything worth saying.” The difference is that he writes about being speechless when conversing with the Lord, I am about to speak with people and I am everything but speechless. The difficulty is that I cannot ‘preach on every topic.’ So my prayer is that He would provide me with the words to speak(although God has already provided me with many many words, I feel as if I have nothing to say).

I will write more later. Peace!

Come Se Dicce…

2010-06-24T14:40:00.000-07:00

What a day! There continues to be difficulty communicating with people here in Italy, but today I actually experienced blessings because of the language barrier. Realize, please, how it does take some effort in order to communicate words and meanings between languages. Tonight we had an outdoor church service – we sang songs, did a sketch (house built on sand, house built on rock), Steph gave her testimony, and Emma preached. Following the service, we went to a barbeque at one of the family’s home from the corps. It was the best time I have had in Italy yet, possibly. Without exaggerating, I can honestly say that I have never eaten so much in my life. On my second helping of salad, one man exclaimed, “Americani no eat much food, but you (to Josh, Emmanuel and I) eat much food!” This was when I decided I wasn’t going to stop. For me at the barbeque tonight, it sometimes seemed like we really weren’t going to stop eating. It was wonderful!

Earlier today, we had a little bit of down time – I had the chance to look up some Scripture and reflect on it. The first was 1 Peter 5:6-7. I noticed an interesting connection between these verses that is hidden. You see, verse 6 advises us to ‘humble’ ourselves under the strength of the LORD, I believe it says. See that you understand – it is us doing the ‘humbling’ and it specifically says ‘under God,’ it does not mean humility in everyday life with family and friends. He is saying, essentially, “Dude, realize how small you are in comparison to God. No, but for real, you need to imagine all that you are capable of; also, think of all that God is capable of. Know and see His ultimate power next to your tininess.”

Now check out verse 7, “Cast your anxieties on Him, for He cares for you!” Of course, the author just emphasized the infinite power and ability of God to work. He just pumped us up about the infinite power of God! This is the left hook – this all powerful God cares so much for us, and we can cast our worries and such on Him. Know the reality of these verses. Find the heart in the verse.

Shalom for now!

Full Surrender to an Unseen Cause

2010-06-21T00:21:00.001-07:00

“It is not the quality of the instrument you place in the hands of God that determines its usefulness, it is the full surrender you make of it. It is not the quality of the agent, it is God’s having the full disposal and undisputed sway in using him.”
-Catherine Booth

“It is not our duty to bring every individual to Christ, but it is our business to see that Christ is brought to every individual.”
-William Evans

Everyday, I am realizing more how the effectiveness we have for furthering the Kingdom of God is not determined by the completion of the tasks we have been given so much as it is the spirit in which we accomplish those tasks.

“Christ be with us, Christ within us,
Christ behind us, Christ before us,
Christ beside us, Christ to win us,
Christ to comfort and restore us.
Christ beneath us, Christ above us,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love us,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.”
-From St. Patrick’s ‘Breastplate Prayer’

Shalom! :)

When God Promises

2010-06-09T12:07:00.001-07:00

Leaving Jerusalem University College for Tel-Aviv (to fly home), so many thoughts raced through my mind. The main question I had was: what had been accomplished in me? In what ways was I different than I was three weeks ago when I arrived in Jerusalem? Are these differences beneficial for God’s kingdom? Had I taken opportunities to glorify God? Had I passed many up? How can I go on being a good steward with the experiences and knowledge I have?

I tried to think of other times I had been as expectant and deeply concerned with being equipped for serving the Lord as I currently was – my heart sank. I couldn’t think of any. I could, however, think of many times when I was being equipped but ignorantly refused further filling because I was not boldly convinced of the reality of God’s promises, of their immediate and active nature through the Holy Spirit, and of their assurance in Christ Jesus.

In this, I saw one small fraction of how the trip to Israel changed me. It was by experiencing the regret and imagining the extreme cost of passive belief in the Scriptures. Oh, and all of this happened on a bus. All of this - and many more questions and discoveries and feelings and anticipation and cries of my heart - came sort of reeling through my brain on our ride to the airport.

These words came to mind, (Philippians 1:6) “He that began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.”

This is when I looked out the window…
There was a rainbow!

This is God's land

2010-06-05T00:55:00.000-07:00

When I walk to the different places that Jesus has previously walked (in some cases I have been able to walk on the very surface that Jesus walked on!), there is one consistent thought running through my mind.

As I have been walking through God's land, He has spoken volumes of encouragement to me! The Lord has shown me His love as I walk through His land. Through other people - God has been working inside of me! It is an extreme understatement to say that I will never be the same because of the transformation the Creator has initiated in my life - walking in His land.

Science is confusing for me to read. Electrical currents and other things that do not meet the eye - I get that its real, but it doesn't make sense. When I see science experiments or exhibits (like the electric ball that makes your hair stand on end!!) though, it helps me to understand in realistic terms how all of the scientific explanations and stuff are truly real and accurate, etc.

I am not equating God with science. Science has nothing to do with what I want to say. Focus on the process of transformation my understanding undertook. This is what it is like for me when I know the Scriptures and then walk in God's land.

Okay, so before I go any further, I need to explain my thoughts coming to Israel. So many people had mentioned that it was their dream to come to Israel - and that I am very fortunate! I agree. I realize that not many people get the opportunity to walk the streets or walls of the Old City, and I also realize how everyone keeps telling me that I will never be the same again. Putting two and two together, it appears that there is some vital change of heart that happens visiting the place where Jesus lived. I did not believe this conception, and still think it is a terrible misunderstanding. (Just to say - I do not think that this is what anyone meant by saying to me, "You won't be the same," but I think many people do take it that way.)

I spoke earlier about the blessings I have received while living in Canton Ohio - I called it God's land because it is God's land. I am blessed ten-fold with the people He has placed in my life and the opportunities, etc. About my personal experience in Jerusalem so far: I see rocks and stones and walls and roads and palaces that are ancient and so awesome to see, as I am so interested in seeing any such ancient places. Don't get me wrong - being in this land I have been given many different opportunities to have an improved understanding or outlook of the scriptures and of the life and work of Jesus. The great problem I see with American Christian's desire to come here is...well let me say it like this: It is quite ridiculous to hold high respect for the ground on which Jesus walked when we do not take the commands seriously to look for the good of our neighbors and enemies as we look out for our own good.

On a practical note, think about it this way: My grandfather died when I was 10. I miss him more than ever. I remember seeing some things he had made as gifts before he died. Never did I consider the carpet on which he walked to have been acknowledging his love for others - nor did I experience any type of comfort being on the carpet he had walked on. The gifts he made, however, are concrete evidence of his love for people - and nobody can deny it. Likewise, God created the heavens and the earth. In fact, He created you and I as well. During the time of the Old Testament Law, the Temple was where God resided. We are the temple now.

Do not restrict God from tweaking your mind and your heart to be aligned with His. You are as near to Him now as ever, and as near as you can be! Where do you live? Where are you sitting or standing at this moment? That place is God's land. Live likewise. :)

What is your name?

2010-04-19T11:09:00.000-07:00

"Alexander the Great, one of the greatest military generals who ever lived, conquered almost the entire known world with his vast army. One night during a campaign, he couldn't sleep and left his tent to walk around the campgrounds. As he was walking he came across a soldier asleep on guard duty – a serious offense. The penalty for falling asleep on guard duty was, in some cases, instant death; the commanding officer sometimes poured kerosene on the sleeping soldier and lit it. The soldier began to wake up as Alexander the Great approached him. Recognizing who was standing in front of him, the young man feared for his life.

"Do you know what the penalty is for falling asleep on guard duty?"
Alexander the Great asked the soldier.
"Yes, sir," the soldier responded in a quivering voice.
"Soldier, what's your name?" demanded Alexander the Great.
"Alexander, sir."
Alexander the Great repeated the question: "What is your name?"
"My name is Alexander, sir," the soldier repeated.
A third time and more loudly Alexander the Great asked, "What is
your name?"
A third time the soldier meekly said, "My name is Alexander, sir."
Alexander the Great then looked the young soldier straight in the
eye. "Soldier," he said with intensity, "either change your name or change
your conduct." "
(http://message.snopes.com/showthread.php?t=6515)

Christology is first and foremost the central doctrine in Christian theology. Belief in Christ Jesus is (at best) a burden to the gospel if it remains head knowledge and if it is never imitated by the believer. Let no unbeliever’s testimony of Christianity be negatively influenced by your lifestyle – you may never know who it is that you are influencing. More importantly, you may never know the impact that the people whom you influence will one day make. Mahatma Gandhi once said, “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” How embarrassing.

Let this be on our minds often. If we call ourselves Christians, living for the will of God, we must do it in His strength – always abiding in Him – always having a humble and repentant heart. Sin happens, I understand – even God understands! But to the person who is a professed Christian without making constant effort toward life for Christ, I believe God is lovingly, but sternly, saying:

“Soldier, either change the Name by whom you live or change your conduct.”

I need hunger pains

2009-11-15T05:51:00.001-08:00

When the time passes which I am without food, I begin to know more evidently my need to eat: both in my mind and in my body. My prayer is that the Lord would make every moment more painfully clear to you and me, day by day, the need to be dwelling in Him and the need for Him to be exclusive to us. I pray it with hope that we would not cease to actively live for Him until we are like Him and are satisfied with Him: this, when He finally brings us to Him – in paradise.

God does not merely desire more of us; in all actuality, He requires all of us. Satisfaction is a state of 'that’s good enough' where further seeking is not wanted or found to be needed. Our goal in seeking God while we are on Earth is not to be satisfied in Him, but to have a deeper longing for Him. That, for all that He has called us to.

TIME (to ramble again)

2009-11-05T11:57:00.000-08:00

I was just thinking... every day one single year takes up less and less percentage of my life. This has resulted in my recognizing that when I was a kid a year was a long long long time. Now, a year is pretty long, but not unbearable at all.

It's true, isn't it, that the older a person gets the more a minute's measurement of time will resemble a second, as will the hour's measurement of time resemble a minute? Imagine the consequences!

(No wonder children are always asking "are we there yet?" It's been soooo long for them as compared to the adult driving, who doesn't understand two hours to be a long trip what-so-ever)

I wonder to what extent our perception of time shapes how we live. Are we tossing a minute here and a minute there and still fall short to spend a solid minute in prayer?

Time. Interesting.

If my body will die one day (I have a hunch that it might :O), then it's only a matter of TIME until that moment comes that I breathe my last breath. Since day one, my time on this planet has been counting down (Although, my time with the Lord is eternity!). Going with this idea, there is a set number of times I will have the opportunity to lead songs, make people laugh, make people think, encourage somebody, pray for somebody, be there for somebody, be the one leaning on somebody else...I wonder how many more opportunities I have left.

God's will for you and for me, I believe, comes not by means of force but in form of opportunity. My temptation is to think about all of the times I have disregarded opportunities. In doing so I would disregard the opportunity I have in this moment.

So..

God be praised! He has been flawlessly faithful to all generations. In no storm can I find a reason to be complaining. Let a storm come over Your people, Lord, that we may cry out in fear of our lives. Scared to death, help us dwell in Your presence always. This, I pray, so that You may be given our opportunities...our lives.

Baptism

2009-10-16T12:24:00.000-07:00

What is your take on baptism? I've been wrestling with this a lot recently.

I agree with Colonel Richard Munn who stated The Salvation Army's stance on the issue: "With regard to tradition, the Army views itself as providing a distinctive witness to the universal Church concerning the non-observance of sacraments. Salvationists stand as a reminder to the Church that grace is mediated from Christ, not Christ and prescribed ceremony." (In his article: An Army of Salvation)

This past week, one of my core classes was focused on Baptism. Baptism's necessity was affirmed, not for salvation, but for some different communal and individual accomplishments. Communally - to recognize the need for accountability and to acknowledge this person's commitment to be beneficial on the communal level (for the Body of Christ) as well as on an individual level. Individually - in being baptized, a person is being brought to his or her right place in God's Meta-Narrative (Grand Story). This is a twist on the issue, for me, because I thought it was always argued that baptism is intended to be a means of salvation and receiving grace, but this is not always the case.

The main argument in class was that baptism is not necessary for receiving grace but it is still necessary for Christians. Christ commanded it to be done and it is as such necessary for believers to be baptized. (I really think I am justifying the argument well, but please correct me if this isn't the case.)

I brought the point in class that, personally, I have had every good result of what they brought up about baptism - communally and individually - yet I have not been baptized, and have witnessed this in the lives of others as well. I argued that the meaning for which baptism is done is essential, of course, but that water baptism is not necessary for the person who believes. My reasoning is: If the meanings of baptism can be accomplished through the power of the Holy Spirit outside of water baptism (this I testify to be experiencing, and do witness others to experience it as well), and baptism is done solely in order to accomplish these certain communal and individual needs, the result is that the physical act of baptism is, at most, very useful in portraying the subject, but baptism is not something needed to have been done.

Let me contrast with foot washing: Jesus said that this was to be done among believers, and while the essence of humble service is evident in genuine Christians, it is not portrayed in the act of washing feet. In this way, I feel like I am experiencing unity in the Body of Christ and unity with God, because of the commitment I have made to Him in the presence and community of other believers, in accepting His commitment so graciously and faithfully made to me. It is argued that foot washing was meant to be a metaphor, and the reasoning is that we don't see the early church continually practicing the act. But why should our lesser response to this commandment be determined to be as such in view of the early church's lack of practicing it? I find it inconsistent to respond differently to these two commands.

My very limited experience and understanding leads me to the following consideration: we must determine what Jesus is commanding. Is Jesus commanding us to (physically/ritually) reenact the Lord's Supper in remembrance of Him, or is He commanding us to (spiritually/daily) live in unity with one another in Him? Is Jesus commanding us to (physically/ritually) wash each others feet, or is He commanding us to (spiritually/daily) live in humble service toward each other? Is Jesus commanding us to (physically/ritually) be baptized with water in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, or to (spiritually/daily) live in unity with other people as the body of Christ, and in unity with Christ Himself?

I'm in a hurry, because I need to go to work. But I hope this is clear and humble, not worded offensively toward any opinion or denomination. Please share your thoughts!

How Appearance May Lead to Corruption

2009-08-29T16:15:00.000-07:00

You say that you love the ‘beat’ of the song, the ‘moral’ of the movie, and do not pay attention to the lyrics or sex scenes, not to mention the violence and profanity. In other words, you love the external and ignore the internal. What if God did that?

What if God decided to lift Hitler up into glory because He admired his mustache? What if God decided not to lift Mother Theresa into glory because of her deformed feet, overlooking the sacrificial humility behind her having that defect?

It would not happen because this logic is the exact opposite of God’s logic. The Scriptures say “The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). I came to the conclusion, above, that you love the external and ignore the internal, but you must acknowledge that, no-matter what you profess to admire and despise, you entertain both the good and the bad by listening to the song anyway, or watching that movie anyway. This is not justified for the worker of God because evil in and of itself is not welcomed in God’s house. You are the presence of the One True Light in this dark world. You ARE God’s house.

My thought is that God wants His workers to have hearts like His - to hate the things He hates and to love the things He loves. Consequently, NOTHING with unholy intentions should be attractive to the worker of God – that’s a high standard. The workers of God today (even ones in roles of leadership) become entertained and consumed by these things. Even if you are not in a role of leadership, even if you are a child and are understanding these words, do not overlook the absolute foolishness of that lifestyle! God does not allow anyone into His Kingdom on the opinion of physical appearance. Although, He may admire the beauty in his or her face, He will not defile His Kingdom with sin. Likewise, you ought not to entertain anything with your mind on the opinion of the external. As this also goes for impure music, you may appreciate the tune a lot, but do not defile His Temple by entertaining the whole of it. Do not find justification on the premise of the sound (outward), but justify everything according to the intention (inward) of the song laid bare before the Gospel of Christ. (This goes for many things, not just music.)

God will not let anything unholy, internally, defile His Kingdom. The external doesn’t matter, for His Kingdom is for those who “believe in the name of the Son of God” (1 John 5:13); His Kingdom has nothing to do with outward appearances and everything to do with the conditions of the heart – INTERNAL conditions.

Why, then, should you buckle at movies and music as if you don’t let those unholy parts bother you (which is YOUR edict). First of all, imagine how God feels when He hears you state that these things having to do with profanity, violence, and sexual immorality are no longer things that bother you. Evil and injustice should move you to anger, as it did Christ in the temple (Matt 21:12-17) – and that was only in reaction to cheating. If you are one who still continues to find ways of justifying this behavior, you need to ask yourself the question ‘why are you trying to be a worker of God?’ It seems that you will only be disappointed in the lifestyle of a Christian, anyway. If you are eager to live for the Lord in the sense that He wants you to live for Him, call on Him. You will never be satisfied with Christ until you realize the entirety of the sacrifice God requests of you and, at once, by the power of the Holy Spirit, leave it all at His throne. How the Lord weeps over your entertainment with evil. How He must grieve at your cheating on Him with the evil one! He who is good to you, He who provides for you, He who loves you faithfully, must suffer every time you choose the abusive master over Him. Imagine His hurt when the majority of your decisions are just like that!

The Lord of Hosts, Almighty God, Savior of the broken, wants to give you peace and remove your suffering and guilt. He wants to fill you with things having to do with Holiness and Righteousness and Godliness, but characteristics of God cannot dwell with the characteristics of satan. This is why “no one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24). For a long time, you have chosen television above diligence, violent movies above the peace of Christ, profane music above purity of heart, and the list goes on and on. You are so loved and held so dear by God! Know that! Surrender with tears and sobbing! In your realization of His Lordship over you, His power over your sin, and His perfect plan over your entertaining lifestyle, surrender. Yes! Surrender your all to Him today!!

Here is my heart! It is questionable and vulnerable, but intending to be used in the way You desire.

2009-08-28T12:29:00.000-07:00

Response to reading Ezekiel 1-5:

The Lord says to return to Him, to do away with your distracted lifestyles. Television is your plan for the week. Entertainment has become your priority. Comfort, you are not willing to sacrifice. Financial security in your homes and organizations has taken priority over the needs of others. False efforts are given in your hope to justify your laziness! Hollow words are used as your defense! Does God not look at the heart? Does He not see YOUR heart? Will He not tear down all that denies Him, lift high all that acknowledges and honors Him, and, with rage, destroy all that falsely testify (I don’t only mean with words, but with two-faced/inconsistent lifestyles) and use His Wonderful Gospel as a means of financial gain or some job accomplishment? It’s better for you to become an atheist or Buddhist or someone else who denies Christ than for you to claim the Almighty as the one responsible for guiding you into making your lousy decisions. I mean you – YES YOU! – who are able and blessed with the opportunity to do good, and deny it. Don’t you know the Scriptures? “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves, do what it says.” (James 1:22) It is your business to bring the Gospel to this world, yet you are easily entertained with unwholesome junk. Please stop trying to justify those television programs and music and other things which defile your mind. Stop trying to justify your deeds which do not match up with the sound-doctrine: To do the works of Christ in His Holy Spirit to glorify the Father in Heaven. You who proclaim Him are now supporting the absence of God in one additional dark corner of life. WHY!?

Fast! Sacrifice! Become filled with passion at the realization of your stupidity! If you are not in the business of saving souls, you are working against the Lord of Hosts…..good luck with that. If you claim to be one of Christ’s own and still do not save souls, weep uncontrollably, feel deep compassion for the lost souls, or feel anger toward the evil forces keeping them lost and in pain, then you do not understand the Scriptures with your heart. Pray! that you may be a worker for God, that you may feel conviction for the lost and that you may feel pain and agony at the thought of millions in the world dying without the light of Christ in their souls. And if you're still filled with selfishness, continue to pray until the Holy Spirit reveals to you the condition of your own heart. When you are brought to know your value outside of God's will and power, you will find foolishness in selfishness.

Dude, turn back to the Scriptures. Stop arguing about abortion, homosexuality, smoking, murder, suicide, and all the issues that the Scriptures claim as obvious sin. Stop arguing about secular music, rated R movies, the ‘morals’ of it all and remember the verse which says “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do, and does not do it, sins.” (James 4:17) Do you trust that the Holy Spirit will show you what TO keep from doing or watching or listening to if He really despised your doing so? Anyone who does not trust Him will never be at peace, and certainly will not experience the fullness of Christ. Such matters are between you and God; why do you need to justify your reasoning to others? You, why do you need to challenge others of their personal decisions because they are different from your own? Are workers of God not called to live as the body of Christ? Why, then, do you make assumptions and judgments about others in your mind? Worse, why do you verbally attack others? Eyes like yours see the evil in everyone but yourself. Your intention is to bring attention to yourself and your accomplishment, sadly, is the bringing of division to the Body of Christ.

Whether it be television you stop watching, or food you stop eating, games you stop playing or some other lie of a proclaimed human [relational] [interactional] [insert YOUR excuse HERE] ‘need,’ take the time to fall on your face before the throne of Grace. Your loving Father is merciful and has the greatest plans for you, if you would only leave your selfishness at the foot of the throne to be executed and invite the Spirit of the Living God to be your guide. Your life will be filled with good things and you’re genuine efforts will produce good fruit as soon as you begin to be more alert and aware of the Lord’s speaking to you and guiding you.

Your potential is far greater than where you are now. Listen, you are not making the opportunities happen of which the revolutionary does make; you are not praying in the Spirit in the presence of God as does the spiritual giant; you are not taking the opportunities already granted you and are beginning to desensitize yourself to the convictions of the Holy Spirit. If you are not being a follower of Christ in the sense that He wants you to be, than your efforts will only produce partially committed followers (hired hands), inconsistent to their proclamations of the Gospel, like yourself. Before you can save souls, you need be saved. Where is your courage and your confidence in Christ? Come to Him and be saved!

The God of Hosts wants to speak with you right now. Not to lecture you or to make you feel guilty or to condemn you of all the things you know you’ve screwed up on, but to offer you the chance to be forgiven of it all and start brand new. Take His offer. Turn to God. Leave your old, rotten, selfish self behind.

Lord, help me to act on the convictions that You put on my heart.

TAM Reflection - MASKS

2009-08-18T18:43:00.000-07:00

The first time I saw the masks we used at TAM - I could only think of how weird they looked. Honestly, it was difficult to take the whole idea very seriously - at first.

What a revelation! ... that sometimes God doesn't 'look' or 'sound' or 'feel' anything like what we expected Him to. Actually, I'm thinking that it is extremely rare for God to reveal Himself to us in ways which we totally expect Him to.

I saw some people dressed up as knights and swordfighting with woden swords not long ago... In watching them, I realized that if all things we DO are found righteous or unrighteous on the premise of what is Godly and what is unGodly, than no action we do is different to God than any other given action, so far as the physical nature of the movement itself. In other words, I move my arm up and down when I strum the guitar - riight? I move my vocal chords in certain tunes and sounds and what-not... right?? What I do can very well be an act of worship no more or less than the movements of those people sword fighting. Why? Worship a condition of the heart, not a movement of the body.

I walked past a garbage bin last summer - NOT a peaceful stream of spring-water - a GARBAGE BIN, and I thought about what was inside that I began to smell as I walked by. It reaked. To God, sin is far worse than that trash was to me - and that was one of the most powerful realizations I've ever experienced. Ever since, I will randomly see a garbage can or bin or whatever - and think of all the things in my life which I should 'throw away,' and make a concious effort to do so.

Okay, so when I first learned that God says (in Jeremiah 29:13) "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart." ...I expected to like find Him - to feel a certain way all of the time - the big one was I wanted to HEAR Him. I learned, by means of walking past trash cans whilst watching people sword-fighting (hahhaa), that He reveals Himself in ways we sometimes would literally never expect coming. There is no way for us to discern how God 'looks' or 'feels' or 'sounds' except by our constant drawing near to His Heart.

So, even while I write, God uses uncommon things to speak to me. Masks (the oddest looking masks I've ever seen) have been the tools, this time, with which God has revealed to me the irrefutable, undeniable beauty of the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

What a wonderful Savior! :D

Loving with the heart of God

2009-06-05T18:57:00.001-07:00

A few days ago, it was my earnest prayer to see the world as God sees it. To have understanding as He does about it. To have the love that God has! Well, tonight, me and my dad went downtown Canton to eat the Dominoes that we picked up, and to walk around the 'First Friday' fair thing going on.

My eyes and ears are not sheltered from the 'corruptness' of society, but tonight I have understood that corruptness in a different viewpoint - God's. It was not 'uncomfortable' to walk amidst the many different characters that appeared tonight, as many Christians would explain their experience to have been 'uncomfortable,' as if in the presence of evil. I do believe them, surely there is tension when evil sees Christ in us. We do fight a war not of flesh and blood, but of the Spirit.

Driving home, me and my dad spotted black smoke in the air. We decided to follow it and see what was up. At first, we thought it was just a big mechanical plant or something, I would have laughed! But there was a truck-fire at an auto repair shop. This was yet another notable moment in my life. As we slowly drove past, I could not help but see the people standing on the street observing - again, many different characters, all of which shared common threads: hopelessness, carelessness.

My heart was torn apart as we were getting on the highway and a rusty old car cut us off, nearly side-swiping the front of our blue Toyota. It missed, only because my dad put on the breaks. The car acted as if, quite literally, we were not there. When my dad pressed on the horn, there wasn't a reaction from those in the car, except the small amount of energy the passenger was willing to deal with, lifting the finger out the window.

When we were finally on I-77, I wanted nothing but to go back to where we had just left. It would do no good to wave a Bible in the faces of passerby's, screaming "TURN OR BURN!" It may even do no good to try and speak rationally about the Bible with them. But what I saw in the people tonight was far more than Godlessness. I saw the Godless, restless, friendless, fatherless, hopeless, careless, and the list is never-ending.

It was natural to think "what would Jesus be found doing, here?" I saw a man sitting on a bench alone - Jesus would have spoken to that man. I saw people dressed in knight's armor, battling each other with wooden weapons, Jesus would have asked them about it! Does not Jesus love the things we are passionate about, like "Facing the Giants" says when the coach explains how God is out on the football field with the players? Yes, Jesus would have shared the passion these people had for the fun they were having. It is just like Him to meet us where we are.

I'm beating myself up tonight. I did nothing. A conversation could have brought a friendship - which could have led hundreds of people to Christ in itself. God provided the opportunity; twenty times at least. I walked right on without thinking twice. Now, I'm feeling discouraged because I was not faithful to discerning His specific purposes for me.

Lord, do not keep Your Holy Spirit from me. Please deal with me as you have David! My I have the privilege of having a heart so like Yours, a mind so like Yours, discernment as from Your wisdom, courage as from your confidence! Give me success in just one 'part' of my life - the part that is completely surrendered to You; bringing You glory and a smile.

Just thinking (about the comings of Christ)

2009-06-04T23:23:00.001-07:00

The 'pastors' of the day in Biblical times were so excited about the Christ' soon-coming. They expected Christ to be, as was told by the Old Testament, a war-Lord, a conqueror of nations, a victor in battle, etc.. Jesus was all of these things, but each in a way that the leaders were not expecting. For, our battle is not one of flesh and blood, but of the Spirit.

Thinking about Christ' second coming, we usually are told in church that it will be magnificent, unforgettable, marvelous! All of these things, it couldn't help but be. However, do not keep your eyes looking for a flash of light! Do not keep your ears intently listening for a loud trumpet blast! The religious leaders held expectations for the day Christ would come to save them of sin. Little did they know that their imagination was not nearly in line with the ways of God, let alone know that they were the perpetrators who would execute the very Son of the Living God, who came to save them, that they've been waiting for since the fall of man.

When reading the Scriptures, it's easy to take away our own image of what an event will look like. Especially with events like the second coming of Christ (trumpet blast - the opening of the heavens - the multitudes of angels). Make no assumptions, however; especially audible and visual assumptions! Have little expectation other than for the Almighty God to be glorified. Ask for His wisdom and insight when concerning the Scriptures; lest we have the very Word of God in our worldly minds, like the pastors and religious leaders of Biblical times, and fail to receive the heart-translation.

Just Thinking (about prayer)

2009-06-01T14:32:00.000-07:00

Conversation with myself today:

You’re a Christian, right?
How do you spend your time?
How do you use your energy?
What do you think about most?
An idol is something that takes up your time, energy, and thought.
Ouch.
Is God your idol?
Where is your loyalty?
Have you lied to yourself all along, believing that you are living for God when you are really devoted to yourself?

You profess to be for Him, in Him, and of Him.
I wonder if you know Him.
I wonder if you love Him.

Today, I recognize:
God's infinite wisdom - about everything!
His ultimate power - to do anything!
His transformation - so we can do something!
I recognize the desire of God’s heart - to be being loved by His creation.

I proclaim that God is calling every person to play a considerably small and eternally significant role in His grand story.

Nobody can fill your shoes. God only called one person to build the ark, to deliver the Israelites, to draw water from a well. You are called to do something(s) especially, things which nobody else ‘will do.’

Instead of focusing on the sea of regrets and unholy routines that are in your life currently and need to be replaced, just follow the streams flowing into that sea (sea = your life). Construct a single stream to overcome all others, a stream of prayer! Let His love be flowing from His heart into your life, that you may truly be of Him, for Him, in Him, and truly devoted to Him. (Romans 12!)

I agree with Phillip Yancey who said, “Prayer, and only prayer, restores my vision to one that more resembles God’s.” When you pray, you will be given insight from the mind of God as to what you are called to do. Whatever you decide to do with the wisdom you are given determines who/what you are serving.

As for now, pray. For me, prayer is a matter far greater than life or death. William Booth once said something like this: “Work as if everything depended on your work. Pray as if everything depended on your prayer.” Yet another person, I’m still unsure who – I believe he is from Akron Citadel Corps – once said,

“The greatest regret Christians will have when they get to Heaven will be when they realize how powerful prayer really is and how lightly they regarded it while here on earth. They will realize how much more of a difference they could have made, but it will be too late.”

Praise God for the power and wisdom and guidance He gives us through the gift of prayer. I praise Him too, now, for the realization of my slack of a prayer life. I’ve said a prayer for you today, who read this. May you feel the Lord’s tug, call on Him, and reap the tools and peace and guidance He has in store for you by it.

(Stream/Sea illustration was the idea of Phillip Yancey, used in his book "Prayer")

Just thinking (about consistency in its relation to exclusivity/having a focused concentration)

2009-04-05T12:40:00.000-07:00

What am I trying to say?
1) We will be very effective in prayer if we pray throughout the day - if we pray with consistency.
2) Our prayer life will be more effective, still, if we set aside time to pray with no distractions.

Here's how I understand it...
When I am in the process of trying to memorize lines for drama, sometimes I try and memorize them while I am on the go. When I'm driving, for instance, I will try and recite my lines and remember them. In memorizing my lines, this kind of consistency is very important. BUT when I set aside the time to memorize and practice my lines in my room with no distractions, I get it done so much quicker and I even begin to act out my role, not just know the lines. It is so helpful to be reciting my lines throughout the day, but setting aside time to memorize lines is so much more effective, and it makes the times I recite in the car to be much more effective as well.

Now here's the kick to my stomache that got me today:
When I'm driving, I pray alot. And when I'm on facebook, sometimes I will pray. I am pretty consistent in praying throughout my day, and I'm sure that is a great thing and all, but how more effective could my prayer life be if I would simply set aside time to pray without distractions? Only when you seclude yourself from the world and come before God with NOTHING ELSE on your schedule for that particular moment will you find the necessity of focused and concentrated prayer. You will also find the uncomfortable convictions of the heart and challenging of the Spirit.

Remind me, if you know, the man who once said "I begin my day in prayer for TWO hours except for the days that I am extremely busy, in that case, I begin my day in prayer for THREE hours."

I do not feel that any more needs to be said. Be challenged today. Pray to the Lord with me.

Don't forget...
1) We will be very effective in prayer if we pray throughout the day - if we pray with consistency.
2) Our prayer life will be more effective, still, if we set aside time to pray with no distractions.

Digging deeper
I'm being redundant in this statement on purpose: "having a focused cocentration." There's a difference (in my mind) between having a focus and having a focused concentration.

Having a focus: I find to be setting aside the time to pray, focusing your time to pray and not to be distracted while you are praying.
Having a focused concentration: This means, to me, to focus on more than just being in 'prayer mode.' It means to focus (1) on your prayer and (2) on the intentions of your heart in praying.

(For instance: When you ask God to give you a good day, what is your intent? What do you expect? Do you assume that God will answer your prayer by making your day comfortable for you? Do you assume that God would answer your prayer by helping His will to be done in you - no matter how painful it is for you? In having a focused concentration, you will acknowledge the actual prayer that you pray, and the intentions of your heart in praying it.)

Just thinking (about revolution)

2009-04-05T12:18:00.000-07:00

Revolution is the talk of the day.
Let me give you a word of encouragement and inspiration about it.

REVOLUTION is not the 'product' of believers becoming Christ-Like; it is the 'process' of believers becoming Christ like.

For example...
The 'great awakening' was not a product of a multitude of people who came to an active framework in their lives that fit the description of what they perceived to be Biblical or upright living. In fact, the 'great awakening' was not a change in the hearts of Christians at all...

...sin was the change in the hearts of Christians. The great awakening was when their hearts returned to the UNchanging gospel. The love, acceptance and convictions of God.

REVOLUTION is not when our hearts will change. Rather, SIN is when our hearts change.
REVOLUTION is the turning back of our lives to Christ.

What have we been doing all this time?
What, still, are we waiting for?

Awake! whoever you are! today!
Read the Word - pray sincerely!
Awake! Awake! Awake!

Just thinking (about living as God desires us to live)

2009-04-04T12:45:00.000-07:00

What am I trying to say?

Our efforts are equally important to the Holy Spirit's efforts in our living as God desires us to live: totally for the will of God.
The way in which we ought to be living for God is to be in a mutual relationship with God where-in our efforts are put forth and God, through the Holy Spirit, makes something great of them.

Here's how I understand it...
Firstly, let me say that it is God's power through Jesus Christ which has made the connection between man and God possible. I affirm that nothing but the power of God in the life of Christ Jesus makes true salvation an option for us. Now that the foundation is laid – now that salvation is something to be grasped (because of Christ) - my question becomes: What, if anything, is primary to God's will being done in our lives? What needs to happen for Him to be pleased with us? Is this a possible feat?

God is able to cause us to do His will, but He decides to let us choose Him instead. Since God's desire for our lives is not forced upon us, two things are absolutely essential in order for you and me to be so transformed as to live as God desires us to live (in order for His will to be done in our lives): 1. We need to do our part. 2. God needs to do His part in us through the Holy Spirit.

(1) ‘Our part’ is to KNOW the ways in which God wants us to live and to DISCIPLINE ourselves to live in those ways.
(2) ‘God's part’, through the Holy Spirit, is to help us to live in such a way so as for His will to be done in our lives.

Some people focus primarily on our actions and disciplines and devotion to Christ and His way of life. They find that God will not let us ‘be tempted beyond what we can bear.’ This kind of thinker is stricter about the everyday decisions and actions, saying that these things are too easily ‘overlooked’ and taken too lightly. They are often misunderstood to be heavily judgmental of Christians and non-Christians because their primary belief is to become like Christ, not letting anything to get in the way or become a hindrance to them in this vision.

Some people focus primarily on how God should be helping us to do His will. They see that God promises to help us become and remain righteous and they hold Him somewhat responsible for our lifestyles. This kind of thinker is seen as more easy-going and welcoming of all people from all different lifestyles. They are very active in sharing the love of Christ and claiming it for their own lives. They openly admit their imperfection and claim that they will probably never be perfect while on Earth. They are often misunderstood as rebellious and anti-church.

I’m sure you can imagine the conflict these two kinds of people have. Let me explain how both of these viewpoints hold truth in them, but are, perhaps, missing out on the whole truth. Our part (as explained by #1) is just as important as God's part (as explained by #2).

If I had a broken chair, I would use tools to fix that chair. The tools and I are equally important. The tools aren't as smart as me, or as powerful as I am, but without the tools, I am unable to fix my chair. Similarly, God's will is for the world to be rid of evil, or ‘fixed’. As we give our lives to Him, we become what He uses for His will to be accomplished on the Earth. We aren’t as powerful as God, as wise as God, or as big as God . . . but His will cannot be accomplished without us. Again, He could always cause us to accept Him, but that is not within His will. He wants us to choose Him.

The first step toward living totally for God’s will is to claim the grace of God which is only by Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. It is important to realize that eternal life starts when you begin to live for God, not when you die. Step two is for us to live in such a way as God desires us to. How is this done? What does this look like? For the will of God to be done in our lives, effort is needed from the Holy Spirit and from us. It is humanly impossible to live a life of holiness, and that is why our and the Holy Spirit’s activity are equally important.

Don't Forget...
Our efforts are equally important to the Holy Spirit's efforts in our living as God desires us to live: totally for the will of God.

The way in which we ought to be living for God is to be in a mutual relationship with God where-in our efforts are put forth and God, through the Holy Spirit, makes something great of them.

Weather - Seasons - Action!?

2009-02-10T08:27:00.000-08:00

How's the weather been for you all?

No idea why my mind has been wondering all around the place lately.

The Spring brings me peace. I think I understand what it is. Life will bring about change. Some will experience change more often than others. Being in The Salvation Army, change is bound to occur. Big change.

We've moved from Sandusky to Salem to Painesville to Canton. We've been so blessed! Especially blessed to stay in NEOSA. Going back to visit Salem and Painesville is nice to do. I really enjoy it. It just is not the same now, however. God has called me elsewhere, and I went. I enjoy going back to visit, but it will never be the same. Life, for me, has changed. And with it, so have I.

The spring, however, is the same. The first rain with semi-warm weather - the snow melting everywhere - the smell of winter's departure!! FINALLY!! It's all so familiar. The scent, the rain, everything.

God loves to give us new life! He loves to be our redeemer! As the trees go in season, so do we. Spring - God gives us new life, restoring the joy of His salvation. Summer - our faith and trust in the LORD flourish and shine brightly. FALL - we begin to come down off of our mountain top experience, and begin to face hard times. Winter - our endurance is totally tested, and trials and temptations weigh heavy on us. We may feel alone, we may feel like God has deserted us. But sure enough, the LORD is faithful to His promises - and the Spring is here in no time.

Praise God, you people who read my blog. :)
Praise Him! Dude, worship the LORD our God with your life.
He has plans for your future. That is, He has plans for you for when that time comes. Right now, however, this time has come. He has called you to something today. I can only encourage you to seek first the LORD. I have no idea what you are to be doing.

Sick of 'the church' being shallow?
Do you have questions as to why God isn't found in 'Christians' today?

Do something about it in your life. If you can live in the way God wants you to, He will surely use you to inspire the rest.

I used to love talking about revolution. Let me tell you - revolution is something that every church wants, it is something that every individual Christ Follower needs! Holiness is a huge aspect of revolution happening. Becoming selfless servants, wanting no recognition. This is where revolution is begun.

Instead of anticipating a change in the church, if you are one who would be excited about it, let me be the one to challenge you not to wait until your pastor or parent does something about it - do something about it, yourself!

Colossians 1:28-29: "We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in me."

James 1:5, 22:
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should as God, who gives generously to all without finding fault(HE WILL NOT RESENT YOUR ASKING) , and it will be given to him."
"Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves, but do what it says."

Galaxies to Nanometers - Wrap Your Brain Around This!

2009-02-03T09:30:00.000-08:00

The Earth’s circumference at the equator is 24,901.55 miles (the red line on the map)
From Portland Maine, Los Angeles California is 2,644 MILES away (the red line beyond the map)

About Nanometers: A week or two ago I shared some insights on Nanometers. I described them as microscopically microscopic. That is, when you zoom into something microscopic, a nanometer is still too small to be seen. The only way I can put it concisely, for those who may not stick around for this whole post, a Nanometer is microscopic – even at the microscopic level.

I want to share more research I did on Nanometers. First, I wonder if you have heard Louie Giglio’s speeches about the universe. I like comparisons. Louie Giglio got me hooked on comparisons when I first heard his speech about the size of other planets in comparison to the earth. To give a very general overview of what Giglio said:

There are planets so huge that if the Earth were the size of a golf-ball, in comparison, there is a planet with the width of two golden-gate bridges. Another planet is so big that, if the Earth were the size of a golf ball, this planet’s width is the length of something like two Eiffel Towers on top of each other! The last planet that Giglio spoke of utterly amazed me. If the Earth were represented as a golf ball, and that golf ball was placed beside this last planet, than it would be like a golf ball next to Mount Everest! So, climb to the top of Mount Everest, place a golf ball on a tee at the top, climb down and then look up at that golf ball – and that is the size of the Earth in comparison to this star/planet.It is difficult to wrap my mind around the vastness of these planets. This information, as intense and unbelievable as it is, isn’t the beginning of the measurement or understanding of the universe, or the God who created it.

Nanometers . . . I don’t have a clue where to begin! Okay, so I mentioned before that a Nanometer was so tiny that 750 million of them can fit across the width of a strand of human hair. I did some figuring, and found other interesting ways to think about the Nanometer. Instead of a golf ball, I thought a pea would be more fitting for this task.

I found that, if a Nanometer were the size of a pea, the width of a strand of human hair would be 26,600 miles long! To help you understand this, look at that photo. These lines put together equal about 27,545 miles long. Imagine, now, a giant strand of hair. These lines put together represent the approximate width of that piece of hair. Long-ways, the hair is laying North/South – and you are merely looking at how thick the piece of hair is. That is how wide one piece of hair would be in comparison to a nanometer, if a nanometer were only the size of a pea.

The smallest of things can crush us, be careful of what you are getting yourself into!
The greatest of things can humble us, be careful of where your mind is when pride becomes an
issue!

Our God is so BIG that He created the many stars within countless galaxies - the whole universe that is still expanding! Yet, He paid attention to each detail. Nanometers - even atoms! And to think that all of it was created through Christ Jesus for Christ Jesus. Knowing this, it is amazing to think that He still became one of us because of His unfathomable love for us, and held it all together even as a man. (Colossians 1:15-23)

I'm amazed at the wonder in creation. I'm sure there is much more to learn! And I'm sure when my time of learning it comes, I will share it with you. I hope you have better understood and seen the greatness of God by the examples used in this post and my humble attesting to it in my own life.

2009-01-31T10:00:00.001-08:00

Under severely freezing weather conditions, small amount of water vapor freezes into ice crystals, forming thin stratospheric clouds - these are called Polar Stratospheric Clouds.

When I think about the LORD
How He saved me, how He raised me
How He filled me with the Holy Ghost
Healed me to the utter most

When I think about the LORD
How He picked me up and turned me around
How He set my feet on solid ground! It makes me want to shout!

Hallelujah, thank you Jesus!
You are worthy of all the glory
And all the honor and all the praise!

Hallelujah, thank you Jesus!
You are worthy of all the glory!
And all my honor! and all my praise!

Inspiring People/Having A Servant's Heart

2009-01-30T15:46:00.001-08:00

Many people seek to be successful, but few people take the time to notice opportunities given to them at their current 'appointment,' or circumstances.

I’ve been thinking much about missionary work. Why, I wonder, am I so looking forward to Christ’s ministry overseas when I have perfect opportunity for doing ministry here in Canton? Honestly, I haven’t given more than an ounce of effort or discomfort into it.

Of those who notice current circumstances, many are too selfish to deny themselves and 'take up' the (selfless) lifestyle of a man or woman of God, when nobody will see their deeds. False humility and false hearted-action are two of my greatest pet peeves… also two of my greatest tormentors.

The Bible says to have a servant’s heart – not a servant’s occupation. I pray that one day I’d have the character of a spiritual giant; so to joyfully serve, even while performing the filthiest of tasks, without hope of recognition, but assurance in glory being given to my God.

Thank you Mom and Dad
Thanks Aunt Janice and Uncle Steve
You too, Matt Frye
(and many, many others of you who may be reading this that I haven't mentioned..)

...for inspiring me with your lives, by living with a true servant's heart

God Wants to Walk WITH You

2009-01-28T21:03:00.001-08:00

The two main things I want to communicate to you tonight are these:
1. Your role in living for God is as essential as His role is. Although, His role is much greater!
2. There is no need to ‘hurry up’ to be righteous or holy. Do your best to obey God's Word, yes! However, the only ‘hurrying up’ needed is for you to get in good communication with God. A relationship is what He wants to have with you, not some business transaction.

Like a coach training a football team, God wants to train you. Like an athlete, you must have the willingness to be trained. (Otherwise the coaching would have been done in vain) If you are willing to be trained and you seek Him out to train you, then you are good as gold… right? Well, sure... except that the efforts given by the athlete are ultimately what determine his or her success in the area of training. In other words, you can ask God to train you all you want - but nothing will happen until YOU begin to hear Him and YOU decide to put effort into living in righteousness.

God accepts you the way you are, and for a reason. He doesn't merely want to change you; He wants YOU to change, too! What I mean is that our relationship with God is a mutual relationship (that means that something is needed to come from both ends in order to fulfill the reason for coming together in the first place). This is similar to the relationship between a coach and an athlete. The coach needs to teach and guide while the athlete must listen and act on what the coach advises. It takes effort from both people in order for the athlete to get better. (1 Corinthians 3:8)

James 1:22 gives incredible account for the athlete: "Do not merely listen to the WORD and so deceive yourselves, do what it says."

For the athlete, this reads: “Do not merely listen to the coach, and in doing so waste your time at football practice, do what the coach tells you to do!”

God could always flip a switch to make you righteous and holy when you ask Him to... but this would make your relationship with God more like a business transaction than a personal relationship. If He did flip a switch, what effort would we have given in order to become holy or righteous?

God wants to spend time with you. In your walk with God, He has a place He wants to bring you to. Holiness – Righteousness – SALVATION. More than simply arriving at that place, however, He wants to walk with you the whole way. I believe that God desires to walk with you just as much as He desires for you to arrive at your destination.

(Think of it like this: A man and a woman who are in love take a walk. What is their intent: to arrive at some destination, or to be with each other? Likewise, God isn’t in a hurry on our walk)

(Or like this: When I’m a father, I will hope for my son to grow up as an honorable dude and to one day be a godly husband and father. By no means will I want to skip his childhood! I want to take life as it comes, teaching him the importance of kindness, love, respect, black forest gummy bears, and the endless other lessons he will learn, as well as laughing with him and enjoying his company. In the same way, God wants to have a relationship with us – taking time to get to know us - not to be our taxi driver!)

So, the two main things I want to communicate to you tonight are these:
1. Your role in living for God is as essential as His role is. Although, His role is much greater!
2. There is no need to ‘hurry up’ to be righteous or holy. Do your best to obey God's Word, yes! However, the only ‘hurrying up’ needed is for you to get in good communication with God. A relationship is what He wants to have with you, not some business transaction.

The Assurance of Heaven

2009-01-26T10:43:00.000-08:00

Here is a small reflection I wrote on my dad's phone while on my way home from East Liverpool on Sunday 1/25 (where the finale was at for mid-winter retreat).

At the end of the service, I was able to see a number of friends I haven't seen in months, some I haven't seen in years!

I was most excited to see this one elderly man in particular. This man is one I hadn't seen in years. He came across to me just as he had the last time I had seen him. Though, aged and seeming ill, the most humble and glad man I am yet to meet.

Already blessed, what was most interesting was what he said next. I had to go get some things done and said goodbye, to which he replied, smiling, "I'll see you again."

After years having not seen him and not knowing if I will see him again in this life, the assurance of heaven was evident through his words. This assurance echoes in my heart tonight.

The Challenge of Today

2009-01-21T09:21:00.000-08:00

I get so wrapped up in thinking about who I am supposed to be tomorrow that I seem to disregard who I am supposed to be today. I pray often that I would be a man of God, pointing my future family straight to Christ. That I would be a godly father and husband.

It is good to be aware of who you once were and it is also good to be mindful of the person you are becoming; unless this mindfulness has caused you to be less concerned with today.

Perhaps the single question in the majority of children's heads is this: "what do I want to 'do' when I grow up?" Why, I wonder, don't they ask "what should I do today?" I asked that question.. my answer was to make people smile.

In Salem, I was about 10 or 12 years old when I began developing a method of smile-making (lol). There was an older woman named Libby. She was having a bad day, so I went up to her and said in a loud voice: "Oh, LIBBY! I looooove you! You know that? We should totally get married!" It worked then, so I had done this to four or five others in Painesville as well. Needless to say, it caught many people off guard and laughter did occur! For the remaining year or three in Salem, I continued to call Libby my wife. Her twenty year old daughter even called me dad!

As stupid, weird, or really weird this small action was, it really made people laugh. At the age of 10 or 12, making people laugh was what I felt God wanting me to do.

MORAL OF THE STORY :)
You are not alive today so that you can become something greater in order to do something magnificent tomorrow. Although, you may do enormous things in your lifetime, you are alive today to be successful in the opportunities given to you and the convictions stirring up within you TODAY.

James 1:12

2009-01-19T20:36:00.001-08:00

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God promises to those who love Him." -James 1:12

I find the bold/italicized words especially interesting.

Under trial - bearing the weight of it. Not necessarily putting effort into anything but being a recipient of its weight or its burden.

Stood the test - more than bearing its weight, to stand takes muscle activity and strength, putting a great deal of effort to lift both one's own body weight, and the weight of his or her burden.

There is an enormous difference in 'bearing weight' and 'lifting weight.' For instance, when me and Brennen are around a lot of kids, we tend to play and wrestle around with them. It never fails that either myself or him winds up on the floor with five or six kids directly on top. For me, it is easy to lay on the ground while having the weight of five children on my back. It is much more difficult to put effort into standing up, lifting all of my own weight and all of theirs.

"Blessed is the man … who is UNDER trial. … he will receive the crown of life that God promises … when he has STOOD the test."

How heavy are the things being laid on you? Surely, to overcome these obstacles in life, it will take a great deal more pain and effort to overcome them than it will take to 'get through' them. Face it! it is useless to rely on your own strength to overcome life and its obstacles.

How heavy IS your yoke? Do you know what a 'yoke' is? Not the egg yoke. A 'yoke' is like a trailer hitch used in the old days. Instead of a truck, they used horses, and instead of a metal trailer, they used carriages to carry people, or wooden trailers to carry food and probably other stuff. When a horse would pull things like carriages or trailers, the yoke was a wooden device that was placed on the back of the horse (or the horses). It was connected to the trailer or carriage so that most of the weight that was put onto the trailer or carriage was held up by the horse. A lot of times, this 'yoke' was a very heavy burden to hold up while walking/running.

How heavy is your yoke? How heavy are the burdens inside of your 'trailer of life' that you are trying to pull?

I'm not sure that everyone can see the true weight of life's burdens upon their lives. However, let me assure to you this truth in my life: the yoke in my life that is so much bigger than me, and seems much too heavy for me to BEAR (survive), let alone CARRY (overcome). To anyone who realizes this as truth in his or her own life, here are the spoken words of Christ:

"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." -Matthew 11:30

I am no match for my circumstances when I do not allow Christ to carry my burdens. I have no ability to overcome or to get the best of circumstances when I am on my own. However, when I PUT EFFORT into prayer and reading the Holy Word(s) of the LORD, the strength of The Almighty suddenly embodies me, the hope and light of Christ Jesus become my vision, the Holy Spirit convicts me and keeps my mind, and I find myself looking forward to the carrying out of James 1:12 in my own life. Here it is again:

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God promises to those who love Him." -James 1:12

May you be overwhelmed with the LORD, and allow His mighty hand to do good things inside of you. Carry out those good things inside of you in your life. (If you have a light in your heart act on the convictions of that light to share its radiance with the world.)

The Smallest Of Things Can Cause The Greatest Concern

2009-01-14T10:24:00.000-08:00

I posted a short thought not long ago about Casting Crown's "Slow Fade." Well, this post is sort of a second version of that. Slow fade says that WHO we are in character is developed by a series of actions over a long amount of time. Well, this post is more about those actions and less about the amount of time. Here goes:

Get this, even within the context of a tiny particle, there are microscopical particles. Just like a piece of dust in Who-Ville, the town which is floating upon a snowflake. What I find most amazing about these extremly small particles is that they are, perhaps, MOST harmful to our bodies.

What decisions are so miniscule that you are very rarely mindful of them? For me, my use of time and my use of the mind are two things that I am never constantly aware of. I notice that these are weighing me down, and I want to gain control of them. They can act like an unending domino effect: the lack of mindful (or of wise, beneficial, good) thinking may be causing poor use of time; on the contrary, the poor use of time may be causing my mind to become (or to remain) lazy. When in the end, I want to use time effeciently in order to grow nearer to the heart of God, do well in classes, and to have some hope of a social life.

Scripture (James 4:17) says, concerning the person who knows the good that he or she ought to do, if he or she does not do it, for that person, it is sin. Be aware of your decisions! Both obvious ones and ones that generally are not a concerned; the decisions that seem to be too small to even be a worry (be assured that some decisions may not matter to many, but each one makes a difference to all). The Lord sees all sin equally. He sees the intent of our hearts (which is not always the same). Is not our heart's intent different when we 'ignore' doing good from when we mindfully reject temptation (James 4:14-26)? We can be free of lying for a lifetime, but even the man or woman who keeps from committing lies will not feel content or at peace until every decision to be made by them is under careful control. We must not do the things that the Bible communicates that we shouldn't do. We must do the things that the Bible communicates we ought to do!

To follow in Christ steps the best that we are able to we must be constantly mindful of our lives, Jesus' place in the center of them, and our place in the will of God

Every Word - to speak with truth and intensity, and not with hollow words to fill in time. That is, in the cafeteria, at work, in a hallway, in walmart, AT HOME. We must be constantly mindful of our lives, Jesus' place in the center of them, and our place in the will of God.
Every Thought - instead of staring lazily into the lighted buttons or floor numbers while on an elevator, be mindful about even your state of mind. Recite Scripture in your mind, think a prayer to God. Be free to wonder, and allow God to bless you and convict you by ways of imagination, and by some simple thoughts. We must be constantly mindful of our lives, Jesus' place in the center of them, and our place in the will of God.

Our everyday decisions are much like the smallest of small particles. The smallest decisions, which we have no choice but to confront, often-times have the most extreme results in our lives, both mentally and spiritually. Further, many people (maybe you) are not aware of these decisions. Chemists know the very detailed information on the 'particle' issue, but the general knowledge that normal people have of chemistry, I assume, is very ignorant to the danger of the tiny particles. Likewise, those of us who are seeking Christ diligently have a conviction to devote our WHOLE lives as living sacrifices to God. See Romans 12. Looking upon the general church of the day, including The Salvation Army, not too many have this knowledge of the danger in 'small' decisions. Not too many people take into account the seriousness of the matter, atleast. Holiness is a rare quality among the people who know and profess to believe that it is something worth striving toward.

Who are you? God knows us Completely (Psalm 139). He has one very powerful microscope.. what sorts of things will He see when He focuses in on the most miniscule particles of your life? I ask myself: how can I better make use of my mind, and time? In what ways can you better make use of those things which you have recently forgotten all about?

Finally, will you do it? Please share your thoughts.

James 1:9-11

2009-01-10T20:43:00.000-08:00

James 1:9-11 (NRSV)
"Let the believer who is lowly boast in being raised up, and the rich in being brought low, because the rich will dissappear like a flower in the field. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the field; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. It is the same way with the rich; in the midst of a busy life, they will wither away."

James 1:9-11 (NIV)
"The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed.
In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business."

I've been wrestling to understand the comment about the rich. If being brought low, for the rich, means that they will 'pass away like a wild flower,' 'its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed,' 'the rich man will fade away even while he goes aboubt his business...' BUT the rich should boast in being brought low. The difficulty a rich man has entering Heaven is spoken about in Scripture. Is that what this passage is saying? That the trials of a rich person will be for them like the scorching sun upon a flower? Why does this verse foretell the destruction of the rich man as if the temptations of pride and selfishness are not something he can overcome? "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13

Is it the arrogant of which this passage speaks? Proverbs 20:18 says that God will richly bless the obedient, but the one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.

Insights, anyone?

faith, trust, and believing in God's promises

2009-01-09T08:40:00.000-08:00

James 1:2 talks about how we should have joy in times of trials 'of many kinds.' Verse 3 continues with the words "because you know."

In verse two, what question do you think James is trying to answer? I can imagine the dialogue going something like this...

James: "Consider it nothing but joy, brothers, when you face trials and hard times of many kinds."

(Because James is speaking to other Christians, I think they would assume 'why' they should consider it joy. It is natural assumption of a Christian to do ANYTHING for the glory of God.)

People: How?

James: Have trust in God and faith in the truth that you know.
(You already know "that the testing of your faith develops perserverance.." You can have joy in any circumstance when you BELIEVE in the hope that Christ brings you.)

Think of the things God has promised you..

Psalm 91:1: "Those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." - If you are one to dwell in the Word of the Lord, and in Prayer, than He promises that you will rest in 'His shadow!' Trust in His promise!

Psalm 125:1 "The Lord's people are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever." - If you take hold of the new life Christ offers you, than the only harm that may come upon you is to your body, which has no effect on your spirit. That is, if you BELIEVE that God will keep His promise.

Jeremiah 29:11-14a "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you, and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me, and will come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart. I will be found by you,' declares the Lord."

You will never cease to have purpose on this earth, Heavenly purpose, if you Trust in the Lord, and have faith that He will keep His promises.

Broken and made strong :)

2008-10-30T22:36:00.000-07:00

How refreshing to know that God doesn't need me. How amazing to find that He still wants me. (I think this is from a Casting Crowns song)

Brokenness is my only strength: It forces me to put more and more trust in God. It forces me to realize how I am ever decreasing in strength and in quality when I begin to take matters, great and small, into my own hands.

Far be it from me, O LORD, in my endeavor to follow in Jesus' footsteps, to not rely wholly on You alone; No! Not even in one effort.

I love you!

christopher

Celebrate good times . . . come on!!

2008-09-19T13:52:00.000-07:00

This title doesn't really have anything to do with the post :)

We had Celebration in the quad last night. Celebration is a worship gathering of all Malone students who want to come. It was a great time. Great worship! Awesome songs, and a wonderful sermon. One thing bothered me all night long and it wasn't the lack of sincerety in everybody's hearts; I believe they were sincere. It was said that satan was working, trying to distract. It was mentioned that people were struggling last night because of it. It bothered me that the devil's attempt to distract us actually distracted us!

How faithless we are, if when we are gathered together with the multitude to sing praises to God we become distracted by the weakest link.

My question was: "what should we expect the devil to try tomorrow?" If he can distract us when we are together as one, what is he capable of when we part to our seperate lives the next morning? Excuse me, let us not emphasize the meaesure of satan's ability, rather, let us emphasize the lack on our part.

"Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken, but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people. Both now and forevermore." Psalm 125:1-2

Where is our faith? Where is our trust?

This was not addressed last night. This idea was not mentioned. People walked away seeking the light of Christ; however, they remain BLIND to the darkness that surrounds them. Surely, they are satisfied too easily . . . so as to be happy in seeing a mere flicker of the light.

Pray with me for the generations. People as such are seeking revival, proclaiming that the revolution has begun. Truly, if there should ever be revival, it must first occur in the hearts of these people.

And it will show through the bruises on their knees.

Backward Thinking - Bible Logic

2008-09-17T19:52:00.000-07:00

Society says to desire praise and honor
We naturally desire praise and honor
The Bible says to desire praising and honoring God - and not ourselves. Paul actually says in 1st Corinthians 12:

7To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Thank You, Jesus, for putting a thorn, also, in my side. Thank you for crushing me! Forbit it from me to ever become prideful in Your strength, as if it were my own. Now, I know what boasting in the LORD is. Now, I will brag about You!

Psalm 51:
8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.
10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Passion

2007-06-16T08:48:00.000-07:00

Never before in history has today, Monday, June 16th 2007, ever come to be; nor will it come again. The thing's you do today cannot be changed tomorrow. The thing's you say today cannot be taken back, or reversed. With every decision you make, you are making history... that is, everyday.

How does your history look from where you are now? How do you want it to look when you are older? Christ said that whoever accepts His offer of life is a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come. Have you accepted His generous offer? If you have, then where has the 'old' gone? What's new about your life?

If your desire is to be a faithful, bold witness for Christ Jesus, you must work toward that today. If you fail to work toward that today, then you will not have progressed tomorrow.

"If we keep doing what we've always done, we will only get what we've always gotten." (James MacDonald)

If you want something different in the future, you must do something different today.

Far Away?

2007-04-28T07:07:00.000-07:00

For all of those who feel really far from God. Know now, that you aren't alone. Not only God is there with you, but I'm here praying for you.

Right now, I feel like I am miles away from God. It's hard to understand!! I've been in prayer, studied the WORD, spent time with the LORD - why am I so far away from God?

That's where the problem comes, when we allow human feelings and earthly emotion to fool us. Most time when you get very close to God, and feel very close to God, God is going to want to see whether your love for Him is genuine, and real.

Knowing that our true heart is seen when we are facing trials of faith, God will allow testing in you, so that it's out in the open whether you are for real or not. And if you are, then you will grow tremendously in faith! You'll feel alone and deserted by God, as if He never loved you. You see, human feelings and human emotions are not stable or trustworthy. That’s confusing…

Just as the strength of a human boy is not trustworthy or stable enough to defeat a giant, so human feeling and emotion are also not trustworthy or stable. We must trust that God's strength and God's power are within us.

Even when all we see is a boy standing next to a giant (an armed giant), and even when our minds cannot fathom the thought of that boy containing enough strength to defeat the giant, we must trust in God's strength, instead of trusting in the boy's, even when the boy is all that we see.

When you look in the mirror, you may see a mere man or woman who feels very far away from God, facing all kinds of trials (armed giants). Even when all we see is small faith in a weak body, we must believe in the power of God, rather our feelings or our emotions; For you know, mere human strength is not trustworthy enough to face the giant, well, mere human feelings and emotions are not trustworthy enough to face any trials of faith.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds"
James 1:2

Now, when I feel far away from God, I rejoice; I trample over satan with laughter! My God reigns, now and forever! I can laugh because whether I feel God by my side, or whether feel like I'm alone in this cold world – I will always know that He is there, and I will always know that He is always within me, to the very end of my very last breath.

And so I make this promise for you to hold me accountable to; I will do my very best to not allow my human feelings or emotions to control any area of my life. Whether I feel joyous or depressed, I will stand none-the-less. Whether I feel close to God, or far away, I will fight.

To the Glory of God,
Chris Hinzman

Elimiate the Drain of God's Strength (2)

2007-04-12T08:50:00.000-07:00

The principles were taken from a message by James MacDonald, a pastor in Rolling Hills, Illinois.

1. Teacher Principle (2 Timothy 2:1-2)
"TRANSFER WHAT YOU LEARN"

2. Soldier Principle (2 Timothy 2:3-4)
"FOCUS ON THE MISSION"

________
3. The Athletes Principle (2 Timothy 2:5)
"FOLLOW THE RULES"

We need to live according to God's rules. Athletes who don't follow the rules are disqualified for the prize. Even if an athlete sets the FASTEST and LONGEST and FARTHEST and GREATEST record, if he was pumped with steroids, everything he did is now worthless.

We know the Ten Commandments, we know the rules. We need to follow them with all of our hearts. Because if we don't give effort, if we don't put our heart into God's WORD, then we will be disqualified for the prize on judgment day, and everything we have done to further the kingdom would then be to no benefit of ours in eternity.

4. Farmer Principle (2 Timothy 2:6)
"FEED YOURSELF FIRST"

If you don't feed yourself first, you'll have nothing to give to people! Be faithful to lifting others up in prayer. Be faithful in hearing God's WORD for you at every given day, every given moment even.

The dead sea has INput, but no OUTput. How terrible it would be if a Sea had no INput, but seven OUTputs. The sea would quickly dry up, because of the water flowing into the seven branches. Not only that, but because the sea would be dry, the seven branches off of it would also dry up, because the sea had no water to provide the seven branches with.

If we as Christians have others coming to us for answers, and for the WORD of God, how could we ever keep giving them what they need to hear, if we have no IN-Flow of God's WORD into our own lives? When we fail to give time for God's teaching into our own lives, we will have no WORD from the LORD to provide anybody else with.

Transfer what you learn. Focus on the mission. Follow God's rules. Feed yourself first.

May you all recieve strength from God this day.

Eliminate the Drain of God's Strength (1)

2007-04-12T08:46:00.000-07:00

This is for those who seem to have struggle with containing God's strength in the hard times. The problem isn't that God doesn't provide the strength you need in those situations, because He is the GREAT provider. However, we tend to drain God's strength in our everyday lives, and therefore - can't stand up to the trials we face when they come.

ELIMINATE THE DRAIN!

Here are some principles taken from a sermon by James MacDonald.

1. Teacher Principle (2 Timothy 2:1-2)
"TRANSFER WHAT YOU LEARN"

The thing's you know, teach others. Don't hold back the wisdom that you are given for yourself, that's a good way to drain the strength of God in your life. The way to get is to give.

For instance, many Christians are like the dead sea - 6 1/2 million tons of water flow in daily. However, there is no outlet or out-flow, so no fish or even plant can live in it. Which is why it's the 'Dead Sea' - I suppose! Don't be like the Dead Sea. Allow wisdom to flow in, and then share that with others. Sooo... Don't drain God's strength; "TRANFER WHAT YOU LEARN."

2. Soldier Principle (2 Timothy 2:3)
"FOCUS ON THE MISSION"

From the beginning of mankind, the beginning of time up until the year 1999, all of the information (EVERYTHING ever recorded... names, dates, events... all information) amounted to 12 exabytes. One exabyte alone amounts to 50,000 times the information in the Library of Congress.

Get this... in the past three years alone, that amount has doubled because of the use of computer and other technology.

The world is full of all of this information, everywhere! Ads, television, internet, newspapers... don't get distracted with all of this stuff and drain God's strength; "FOCUS ON THE MISSION."

God's Abundance VS. Our Iniquities

2007-02-20T10:44:00.001-08:00

How much do you want to bet; that many people go to church, but do not make an eternal decision just yet because they don't feel that they're good enough of a person to ask for such abundance in God, for themselves?

I can see this in teens, for real... but God's grace is for the sinners, just as the healthy man isn't in need of a doctor, the sick man is. The only direction one recieves when not involved in a heartfelt relationship with God is direction intentionally directed away from the path that God's made for us to follow. Who intended it..? The only one who intends to rip us off of the fullness Christ offer's through His sacrifice for us... satan.

Ever thought about it? Such people who think this way strongly need to find God in their life, and that isn't going to happen unless they realize that God is willing to, and God wants to accept them as they are.

How foolish for a dying man to insist that he must wait until his health is stable to see a specialist. Honestly, he won't get any better without the doctor's help. For his life will fade quickly, and he will surely die.

Truly, God's grace overpowers our failures... easily.
Now, to share this with them...

Trusting with your whole being

2007-01-14T23:27:00.000-08:00

I've posted this before, but I feel like I need to say it again. I learned this word from God through a sermon of James MacDonald.

When your upside goes downside, whatever's inside comes outside. ANYONE can trust in God when things are going good! But what happens when everything good goes bad? It isn't so easy anymore. When life itself seems to be going fine, it's easy to trust in God. But when life goes from 'fine and dandy' to 'totally stinks' these are the times we need to pay attention to our actions, because during the tough times is when your true heart's desire will ring out in front of you. Here are some examples of tough times... when you are struggling with finances, when a relative's or even your own health goes down the drain, when you can't find joy in anything, when you don't have anybody to confide in, any other tough thing you are or may go through!

God and, if you decide to pay attention, you will see your heart's true intent in the actions during tough times. If you react to these times in doubt - such as asking God "Why would you let this happen?!" Then obviously, you have some stuff to straighten out before bed tonight.

Forgiveness from sin is free. However, to live for God, we must serve. To serve, we must face trials & persecution. To face trials & persecution, we have to trust in God with our whole being. Now you may say 'I do trust God with all I got!' but it's alot easier said than understood, let alone done. Be sincere about trusting God, don't make light of this. Pay attention when God test's your trust in Him, or in other words (again) pay attention to your actions when life seems to go down the drain. Pray and Fast for a Godly heart - That you will be that much more useful to His master plan. If you truly seek this, God will see your heart's intension and will grant your request. I testify to that. So yes, pay attention to your actions! Look for signs of where you are spiritually, in your actions.

Wrapping this up now... I repeated myself a few times above, but I pray that any inconveniences are overlooked, that anyone who reads this would understand what point I meant to make.

There's coming a time when we'll face trials and persecution, wether or not we mean it in our hearts when we say "I am a Christian." There's coming a time where we're gonna suffer to so much as keep our Bibles. There's coming a time when churches will be burned, and we Christians will once again suffer for our faith! (It's closer than we think, look, prayer & Bibles are already banned from schools!) There's coming a time when satan will decieve mankind once again, but as for us whose trust is in the LORD and who's hope is the LORD, we wil stand firm through those last days.

Far greater than those things, there's coming a time when Christ Jesus Himself in all glory and power will return for those who He bought with His own blood, for those who recieved His free gift with thanksgiving in their hearts! He will return and will bring us home!!

Furthermore, the time will come when those who have persecuted us and those who made us suffer and die for our faith will experience something far greather than themselves (themselves....being the wrath of satan). They will experience the wrath of God.

Let's save as many as we can. We need to become great warriors of prayer and great warriors of faith. We need to strengthen the faith and devotion of the people of our churches, think of the potential we have here. And once again, do NOT make light of these things! It's soo easy to think lightly of something like this in an environment like ours currently. Don't be decieved, pray for this revolution, pray escpessially for those lost to sin!

Who is on the LORD's side?
Who's willing to fight?
Before you can fight, you must first learn well how to use a sword and shield; otherwise, you will fall!

I'm praying for you all.

It's Begun

2007-01-14T05:58:00.001-08:00

If you read this, read on with an open heart to the LORD. I have so much on my heart! So much I need to say, so much I feel you need to hear. Bear with me, please.

Yesterday I posted a prayer I had in regards to a heavy heart toward those certain people who seek God's face. Today I have a heavy heart for the lost. If you haven't yet, read what's written on the top of my page.

I'm moved, I haven't merely been challenged lately, but I've been changed. I have a message from God and I can only imagine the potential we all have with the grace of God to carry out this dream. Two years ago, many of us came together in prayer for revolution, we learned much about the need of one and how it can becom reality through our lives.
The revolution has begun.If not in your heart as of yet, I can feel it in mine. America is deeply lost in darkness, terribly lost! I can't stand keeping this in any longer. There's a song by Phillips Craig and Dean that explains my feeling right now, the beginning is:

"You don't have the right to remain silent, if you've been arrested by God's grace. You've got to take the stand to tell the story - of how your guilty stains have been replaced. Everything you've done has been erased by the evidence of love. So you don't have the right."
Listen to me, Sodom and Gomorrah (spelling?) were both destroyed because they wouldn't repent. I can bet you that there were few who lives Holy lives before God. I see the same situation in America. There are many people who seem to be kind & loving, but they fail to be Holy before God. This nation needs to repent before America ends up like Sodom and Gomorrah, and don't think it won't! Television is full of impurities, movies are full of impurities, music is full of impurities! The devil is really working against God's army in these areas give/take 1 or 2 channels out of a minimum of 99.

Abraham didn't pray for the lost in Sodom & Gomorrah, he prayed for the righteous. It's good to pray for our brothers in Christ, for strength and for more souls to be won! But we need to be in desperate prayer for the lost souls. It's up to us, dude. If we don't pray - nobody will. If we don't change, though we're continually challenged, nobody will. If we don't start this revolution, this nation is going down in flames - out of Love. It would have been better for the people to roast then for God to allow them to rot in their own sin and then die - just like Sodom & Gomorrah.
God aint calling us to be challenged. God aint calling us to be moved. God doesn't want us to feel impacted or thought-provoked. He wants us to change, He wants to deliver us, He wants to deliver the lost. And if we stop at words, if we stop at sermons, then like Sodom and Gomorrah, we're going down in flames.

About changing, it's between you and God. Notice things in your everyday life that do not benefit this revolution that's taking place.....crush everything in the way. PS2 occupying your time? Get out a sledge hammer and smash is, don't get money for it - don't give it away - smash it. (Exodus 34:13, Deut. 7:1-10) Seek holiness, but do not be so occupied in saving yourself that you forget about the lost, or you would have lost the origional message that God planted in you.

Be with me in prayer for revolution. Be with me in prayer for holiness in this nation. Pray for the leaders, the followers, the blind, the lost. God's going to do something miraculously radical! So radical that those who truly live for God will be persecuted for their faith - pray for strength among God's Army, and weakness among evil. Peter 2:21 says "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps."

Be courageous. Do something out of the ordinary with the passion God's planted in your heart. Put in faithfulness for the LORD and make this revolution happen with those you come in contact with. I'm in this boat with you, and am in prayer for you all! LETS DO IT

Update - Ramblings

2006-12-31T18:08:00.000-08:00

In alot of my previous posts I say how I have struggled with devotions, can't pick them up, can't stay faithful, nothing. I've been praying about it, throughout those posts up until this day.. yesterday somethin came up.

So I got an ipod for Christmas, so I was on itunes, a program where I can download things onto the ipod, browsing around. Did you know that you can put podcasts on the ipods? Well obviously, you can! So I was looking at them and I found a whole bunch of sermons and different Bible studies, they are all free downloads! So I downloaded like three different sermons to my ipod.

I've noticed many times that I just plainly spend way too much time online, or on the computer in general. I've tried to come away from it, but it doesn't always work out. I've tried to limit my time, that doesn't last longer than the first day. I'm almost positive that this has got to be the reason for my unfaithfulness in devotions, all my time is given to my computer! These podcasts were the answer God brought to my attention! Coo, eh?

Maybe, just maybe, the answer isn't totally getting away from the computer, although it would be good. What I do is put in my earphones, and play these podcasts while I browse the internet. It's soo simple! When I start listening, i'm brought into a thinking process, and find myself hungry for more. So I wind up leaving my computer anyways to take notes and such!

I have faced a few times over the past few days that I just felt like scum, really far from God! Maybe it's testing? Whatever it is, I think I defeated it. I won the battle! I didn't lose my temper, I didn't even give up my devotional time because of my not 'feeling like' doing them!

I'm really excited! And felt the urge to share this with... well... you, I guess! :)

If you have prayed for me, thank you very much! There is something about it when somebody lifts another person's hard times and situations before our All-Powerful God! Its nothing to be overlooked, and nothing to be looked down upon! Miracles happen when we come before God with a sincere heart about anything, anyone. I genuinely THANK you your prayers.

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OH I almost forgot.. I'm not sure wether it was sunday school, my dad's sermon, or somewhere else where this was bought to my attention. But anyway...

Acts 9 talks about Saul's conversion. He was still a threat to the Christians, and a killer of them! While he was traveling from one place to another, God Himself confronted him, ordered him to go to the city. Saul was blind, and for three days he didn't eat or drink anything.

In Damascus, a man called Ananias was also confronted by God. God told him to go and meet Saul in the city... his responce to this could be seen as "Say what? Don't you know who he is?" But none the less, Ananias obeyed!

If you think about it, Saul wasn't much different than Saddam Hussien. In this perspective, there are a few awesome points to this story. Ananias had great enough faith to meet Saul and help him recieve God's forgiveness, and Saul was forgiven! His name was even changed! God gave Saul a 'clean slate'. God loved Saul, so he gave him the name Paul, a whole new reputation, a clean slate! Paul then started his new life in Jesus, not even confronting the priests or the others, God went right to work in him! Compare Saul & Paul...two completely different people. Only by the power of God could this happen!!

Liek Saul, God wants to give us a clean slate. Our names might not be changed, and we might not have previously been a threat, but none the less, we arent perfect. God provides a way out. I see the new year as a clean slate. But there are specific ones! If anybody reads this, think of how God gives you clean slates. What ways? What reasons? How do you react?

God wants us to see His immediate reaction to our immediate obedience. But for this, we have to have immediate obedience! Do it, don't sit back and think. God's provided a way out, take it and run for the finish line all the more!! I thank you for your patience if you actually read all of my ramblings...
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I just have one request, be with me in specific prayer for this world.

James 1

2006-12-11T09:10:00.000-08:00

'Lord, open my mind and my heart to the things I read this day. Share with me Your wisdom to understand, and diligence to apply your word, daily. In the name of Christ, and in the will of God I ask."

James 1 -click to read

Things to think on;

Don't let temptation and trials and troubles get the best of you. Instead, get the best of them! (2-8)
When you recieve Scripture, apply it, act on it! Don't let it go in one ear and out the other. (22-25)
God doesn't tempt us, temptation is our own evil desires at work within us. (13-14)

"When troubles come your way, welcome them as teachers, nomatter how unpleasant they may be. Take advantage of your bad circumstances by depending on God to get you through hard times. He will not only take care of you, but He will make you a better person through it."

(Quote taken from 'One Year Through the Bible')

Hurt

2006-12-10T19:00:00.000-08:00

There can't be much worse than having your child treat you like dirt after you raise the child in a good Christian home, and love him over-abundantly.

One thing that seems to compete well though, is being the other son; Watching my parents treat Jeremy more lovingly with each passing day - as he accepts their good gifts, walking away telling lies about them dishonoring them to others.. for my parent's to accidently find those very conversations. He knows the things he does wrong, and says he will work on it. We've forgiven him everytime he asked it, we put in the past the thing's he's done to us!!! This is still going on.

I'm not speaking cruely about my brother.. Im hurt!! And I'm soo worried about him. We've prayed and prayed for God to take control. We wait, and wait, knowing that in God's time, God willing, it will be. It just get's worse though. Me and Brennen hurt when we see our parent's with broken hearts!!

Please don't speak or even think badly about my family, including Jeremy. I really needed to vent and this seems to be real private. I hope.

Please keep my family in your prayers.

Learning Zone Kettle

2006-11-16T20:16:00.000-08:00

I decided to host an online Salvation Army red Christmas Kettle for our Learning Zone here in Painesville.

^^Click on this pic to visit my kettle page!^^

EVERYTHING that goes into this kettle is given to our Learning Zone in the Painesville Salvation Army! I've been working with the kid's in this learning zone ever since I moved to Painesville, and I've really grown to love them!! Every one of them are awesome kids, and I appreciate any size donations that are made for them, they totally deserve it!....most of the time :) just kidding

If ANYTHING matter's to me, it's these KIDS!!! Please support me...support them!!

-Christopher Hinzman

The life you live is the example you leave

2006-10-17T20:50:00.000-07:00

First of all, I sat and wrote this while in the car. I do not doubt the power of God at all! But I do doubt my sense of judgment, and with my imagination..I don’t want to risk giving a false testimony. So the things written in this post – I really feel like God spoke these words to me. Just don’t quote it as a word from God!

I have been having a hard time sitting and just doing devotions and things lately. Ok so plainly, I’ve just been down right lazy. I was wondering why, if someone continues in setting a good example of Christ for others to see, it is soo important to soak themselves in God’s Word..? How does it affect my life?

Well, I realize now that by not taking out time for God regularly, I have been affected by being so blind that I would ask such a question.

Here it is, as if God were speaking it to me - or you:

Look at the candles, do you realize anything? Two of them are out of wax. Yet the flame is still there.

Think hard on these questions.

What is the purpose of a candle?
What is your purpose?
What happens when the candle is all out of wax, and the flame continues to shine?
What happens when you are not soaking yourself daily in my Word, but remain faithful to shining your light, sharing my joy with others.

Read closely

The candle is used to give off light, and very often it’s used for the smell.
You were made to shine! To spread my love, my joy! I want you to bring glory and honor to My name by carrying out the Will that I have through you.
The light from the candle will still be used. But the candle’s purpose isn’t carried out fully, if only the container would be filled with wax again, so that the flame is surrounded by wax – it would be able to do more than just give off light! It could give a whole room a scent.
I will still use your willingness to shine and to share My Joy. However, My purpose for you wouldn’t be carried out fully. If only you would be soaked up in My Word! Filled with My Holy Spirit – you would be able to do much more than just share My Joy!! You could carry my very purpose of this world, into this world!

Even though you may be useful to me when you aren’t totally devoted..in devotions, our relationship..you can do so much more if you would only take the time!

Look how beautiful this is…!

So, are you only going to shine? Will you stop at only lighting up the pathway that I made for you to find.. Or will you allow me to fully carry out my plans in you and through you?
Remember this: For my plans to be carried out and fully fulfilled, you also have to be willing. Give up everything, and I mean everything that you have! Yet you will NOT be at loss, I will bless you soo much!

I love you. I want to use you, but you have to want that too. Remember this: The life you live is the example you leave, this includes the life that nobody else see’s but you, or so you may think. Are you going to live in rebellion and stay lazy? Are you going to rise up a lazy people? Or will you rise the worshippers.

I heard your request, along with all of the prayers of My people for a revolution, I LOVE IT!!! But you need to be willing to do more than pray about it. Soak yourself all around - inside and out, with my Word. I will put into you what you must do. This must start with you. (All of those who are willing, not literally YOU)

So then, stop this laziness! Let’s start fresh. I’m ready whenever you are!

……LORD, forgive me for being so blind!!

Overcome

2006-05-28T21:29:00.000-07:00

I was just thinking about all of the troubles we go through and about when we fall in our walk with God. I was trying to think of a different way to look at it all.

I started thinking about things that I'm going through, and wonder how I'm ever going to overcome it. I thought that I will with God, but that was a given. Randomly I remembered times in the past when I had really screwed up. Then I saw it, nomatter how hard I fell, nomatter how far I backslid or even how long, God was always there to catch me, to comfort me.

I thought about when I moved, that has got to be the hardest thing I've gone through in life. I was mad at my parents, my brothers, I was mad at God.

So now I think in these terms:

If God's gotten me through all of the mess that I got myself into before, allowing me to grow that much closer to Him and that much further in my walk with Him, showing me grace and forgiveness, then not only will I get through the current issues and 'mess' I'm dealing with now, but God will surely bring me closer to Him and further along in my walk with Him, teaching me the Love and forgiveness of which He has influenced me with, bringing me that much closer to holiness.

And if God has delivered me through the times in the past when I struggled with dedication and devotion, strengthening my faith and trust in Him, teaching me sacrifice, then SURELY He can deliver me now, making my faith even stronger, showing me to trust in Him unconditionally, teaching me sacrifice, bringing me that much closer to holiness.

There is a lesson in everything that we do.
Keep your eyes open on a daily basis for God's teaching.

The presence of God

2006-04-22T18:50:00.000-07:00

I love traveling! Our family (except Jeremy..he had to work) went to P.A. today to help my grandma finish up on moving. And I gotta say, the best part wasn't when we got to see family or even when we got home..It was the trip! I had my headphones on the whole time..yes..but having the great opportunity just to watch out the window with music on loud so I can't hear anything going on in the car, I just spent time talking with God, praising Him silently. How cool!

I wished I had a camera when I realized how beautiful the sunset was! I saw deer too!

I look around tonight, and see all the accecories and gadgets and conveniences I have in my room alone, let alone my whole house. I'm very blessed and very thankful for it all! Escpessially seeing how there are others around the world who have literally nothing compared to what I have. However, knowing I have all of this stuff doesn't compare to when I see the sunset, knowing that my family has food on the table doesn't give me happiness like seeing God's creation does. I'm thankful that those who cannot enjoy modern conveniences, let alone food three times a day or even a pair of shoes, can experience the Glorious presence of God also. That is the greatest gift or blessing anyone can recieve, to simply experience God.

I pray for whoever reads this. I pray that God will bless you beyond your imagination as He has blessed me tonight.

"Once Saved, Always Saved" Part 3

2006-03-30T16:29:00.000-08:00

Read Psalms 91:14-16 & Psalms 118:14

By reading these I'm confused as to what Salvation actually IS.
In the first verse given above, God says that "With long life" He will show us His salvation. Meaning that along with heaven, He will show us His salvation? Or will he provide long life on earth? Whichever it is, it is then when God will show us His salvation.

In the second verse given above it says that God "Has become" my salvation; The author has aquired salvation on earth.

Salvation then goes alot deeper than I would have ever imagined:

"Jesus is my Salvation." "He has become my Salvation" Means: Jesus is my Savior. He has, by saving me from all sin through the crucifixion, become my Savior.
"God will show us His Salvation." MeansL God will share with us His Salvation when we enter heaven.

If God becomes the Savior in our life, being that He is what we absalutely need daily instead of the internet or TV (etc), if we sacrifice or dedicate our time into the hands of God (rather than into worldy things), then we will recieve His Gift of both everlasting life and the gift of God's Salvation.

If our life concludes more toward the things of this world, (if we revolve around media and technology daily to a point where it aquires more time in our life than God does) than we will have planted our lives in it. And we would (instead of living by God and recieving God's Salvation eternally) have gained that of which is given to those who are dedicated to the world. (But that would be eternal suffering in Hell)

Salvation, then, is what we live for. Personally, God has become my Salvation. God is what I live for.

Salvation is like a folder!

It's like we recieve a folder-journal combo when we get to earth. Whatever we decide to fill our life with (Whatever we put in our folder given to us) and whatever we decide to devote to (what we will write about in our journal) Is how we would live our life. Though we were given a topic to write about, and we were given things to put in this folder we still have free will to do so or not. If we use these things that the folder was made for, then we will recieve our reward. If we don't, we will not recieve reward but will be punished for our foolishness and/or misuse of the gift given to us.

If we fill our life with God's Word and if we live for God, we will recieve what God has set aside to give us.
If we fill our lives with the things from this world, it would have been pointless in the first place to do so and we would not gain a thing by it exept punishment for our foolishness and our misuse of the gift given to us. AND would miss out on God's gift for us.

We can base our salvation in God, and then turn and base it in the world (We can fill our life, or folder, with God and God's good works. And then completely rip him out of our lives filling our life with things of this world) if one does this then Hebrews 6:4-6 would apply to them. Proving that "Once save, Always Saved" isn't correct.

We aquire, or can aquire our Salvation on earth, which is accepting God and making him the center of our lives. After we die, we get to heaven and God shares with us His salvation. Psalms 91:16

But just think!!! Once we get to heaven, our point to existing which is God promises to share His point to existing (His Salvation)! WOW I can only imagine.

If I'm falsley speaking, TELL ME! The last thing I want to do is #1 believe something false and even worse #2 teach something false. Let me know your thoughts!

"Once Saved, Always Saved." Part 2

2006-03-29T15:51:00.000-08:00

Hebrews 6:4-6 proves my thoughts on wether or not you can lose salvation true...does it not? (I didn't mean that rudely or as if bragging..It was a literal question for those who may see something in it that doesn't agree with my previous post)

2 Timothy 2:12b Says that if we disown God, he will also disown us. Is it possible for me to walk up to somebody I have never met and disown them? No, because I don't know the person. Even with a friend I could not. It would not work unless the person is a family member, or one who is like one; someone really close to you. So to disown God we would have had to have a close relationship with him first.

"Once Saved, Always Saved" is false!

"Once Saved, Always Saved"

2006-03-22T19:21:00.000-08:00

"Once saved, always saved" - I have been thinking about this saying, trying to figure out the truth behind it. And wether or not it itself is true or not. I have heard this being taught and the way it was taught was that if you have known God, loved God and truly obeyed His commands, sharing in the Holy Spirit and then fall away, you are still saved.

Well here are my thoughts on it.

I learned on the Camp Neosa Forums that while on earth, we don't experienced salvation but repentance. And if this is true, this saying would make a whole lot of sense! If being "Saved" consisted of entering the gates of heaven, then once saved always saved is correct, I mean once we are in heaven we aren't leaving!

With the way it was being taught, however, they could have said "once repented, always repented"...that's wrong! If a man truly seeks God, loving and obeying His ways and then turns away from God and dies in the condition of one who's turned down God, he will not live in heaven because of his short sacrifice earlier on! For example; Judas, the one who betrayed Jesus. He had seen the light. He literally walked with God himself! Followed Jesus and then he betrayed Him! He turned his back on God. Now he isn't in heaven because he had once walked with God, but he suffers the consequences of the condition his soul was in on the day that he passed away.

Romans 8:38-39 is oftentimes stated on behalf of "Once saved (repented), always saved (repented)" But I think it's meaning does not back this subject at all. It says that nothing can seperate us from God's love, which is true (It IS in the Bible, lol). But "once saved always saved" isn't about God's love for us, it's about our love for God. What I mean is in Romans 8 it says nothing can bring us from God's love, but unfortunately our love for God can often times be distracted, and sometimes it get's too far into worldly things to come back, like Judas. God's love is unending, but a relationship goes two ways, and without our love to God we cannot have a relationship with God, without our end being about God, we can't enter heaven.

Study, you won't regret it.

2006-03-16T21:17:00.000-08:00

I've hit the point where I can get my permit, BUT now I am deeply troubled with the fact that I have to pass a test, in turn I have to study this BORING book!! I told myself to just suck it up and I'd be behind the wheel in no time; that was two day's ago and I'm on page 5.

For me to recieve my permit, I need to pass a test. For me to pass a test, I need to apply SOME effort and study. If I don't give effort into what I aim for, I don't pass the test and don't recieve the blessing of a permit.

If we do not study God's instruction manual for our life (the Bible), how will we know what we as Christians are supposed to do or say when our "test" or opporntunity comes? And if we blow the opportunity that God's provided, then how will we recieve the blessing that follows it? We won't.

I think that is where I am RIGHT NOW. Hmm, should have studied.

Now that my heart has been opened to this, I'm going to go and study my Bible. I mean, I have to start somewhere. If it's been a while since you've picked up your Bible too, what better time to pick it up than now?

Teaching

2006-02-13T20:47:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of me at Music camp teaching that boy the guitar. I absalutely loved it! I have never really taught it before, and if so not to a kid! It was so cool seeing how he was growing in this talent God's giving him. I mean after a week of guitar class he learned alot. That might have just been enough to put it in his mind to someday become a worship leader, using this gift to further glorify God.

I love children. This is yet another reason why we should be more Christ-like. I've talked about being like Christ to set an example for other believers, and non-believers, teens, your enemies, and the ones who may hold higher authority than you on this earth. But this is the best part I believe! The Children. Children are so awesome! They don't have everyday stress' like a job or bill's. And when you respect them, they respect you. Most of the time :)

It is amazing and SO awesome when children sing to God. But what is even more awesome is when they truly worship God, when they understand to a point what true worship is, and heartfully sing to God out of love for Him. I watched Katie Bett's sing sunday night, and she wasn't just singing, she was worshipping God! That's what made it so beautiful! Not just the fact that she has been given the gift of a beautiful voice, but the fact that she used the gift God's given her to further Glorify God! (She isn't really a child, but you get the picture, I think you do atleast..?) It is awesome when anybody worships God, don't get me wrong. But hearing the children, or youth for that matter, worship the Lord is so amazing.

It's our place to once again, set the example. Be MORE like Christ. Show children how awesome God is! Don't let them think of God as boring - which may come across to them in church. Be lively! God loves you tremendously, show it! Most of all, pray for our youth. That Just maybe this next generation will be closer to God then this one. Maybe they will say the same as I am saying now and coninue praying for those generations to come. But it once again starts with you and me in everyday life, simply showing off what we have found. God's Mercy and love.

Life

2006-02-09T16:03:00.000-08:00

I find myself constantly thinking about life. How I've in the past lived it, how I am presently living it, how I will live it. And I think about when the end of the road comes for me, what will people remember about me when I'm gone? What example would I have left?

I think of what I would be like later on down the road. What would I have regretted in life as a 5o year old man? What would I change then? Maybe I can catch it right now in stead of suffering for it later on down the road.

Example: School is really frusterating here. And if I keep on letting it get to me, then when college comes I will be suffering from loss of both discipline and education. I'll "reap what I sow."

(By now you may realize my thoughts are unending, and random too sometimes. You are free to stop reading at any point, hehe.)

I've talked before on how I want to fulfill God's plan for me. And I can see it happening before my eyes! Through camp, my goal was to become more like Christ, and looking back I have come a long way! For Christmas it was focusing on God. And I've come a long way! God used me soo much last year. I became a living sacrifice ya know? I wasn't perfect - boy o boy that is for sure. But looking back I can see how God's used me in many ways! The only thing I regret right now about my past years is that I didn't spend MORE time with God, instead of that I was wrappped up in sin. I am only 15, and I regret my sin in the past years. Imagine what I will have regretted at the age 50! This conclusion is what brings me to this thought when decisions are to be made in my life.

After Christmas I decided once again I wanted to become even more close to God than ever before! I wanted God to use me beyond my imagine! I didn't know what I was accepting, I didn't know what God had in store for my life. I laid it down anyways.

It always seems that the divisional weekends get to me. Mid-Winter retreat was amazing! There were points in the weekend where I felt God's presence stronger than ever before! A devotion that Carrie did left a huge impact on my life, well it didn't right that moment but later on (last week) it did. She shared so many things about herself that she had done wrong in the past, with all of us, that we would not do them.

Last week in our "New Creations" service led by our teens it was my turn to give the testimony. Again, little did I know what God had in store for me the day I accepted this responsability. I didn't know what all I would say, all I could think of about it was to just pray. So I prayed that God would work through me once again. That He would give me the words to say.

Sunday morning God let me know what He wanted me to say. I was astonished on how it came to me - plain as day it seemed. I don't remember what triggered the thought or what lesson was being taught! All I know is that God had a plan for me that night.

I have this deep secret in life that haunts me daily. A sin I've committed. God brought that to my attention during Sunday School class and I remember thinking "If only I were to share this. Wait! No way! when would I ever have the opportunity to?" Then it hit me. I was giving a testimony that night.

Throughout our Sunday school class and throughout church I felt God tugging at my heart ya know? I mean even knowing how scared I was about sharing such a personal experience or memory. I knew it was what God wanted.

When it was time for me to speak, I started off saying how I've been an officer's kid all of my life, and a homeschooled one at that! I said how I felt like I had to meet so many expectations throughout life because of my situation. I talked about how I wanted so badly to leave a good example that it got to my head and became a good impression. I had become a hypocrite!I said how I believe the world's view of a "Christian" is either a hypocrite or someone who lives a perfect life, no matter what it become's twisted up someway or another.

I then shared my long kept secret. I told them that if they believe they cannot be true Christians because of the unholiness in their life, they are wrong! I said how I regret this sin to this day, but I'm no longer ashamed of it, because I shared it I am not ashamed! Do you understand? I allowed God to use this unholiness in my life for good! Jeremiah 29:13 says "You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all of your heart." I Seeked God with all of my heart!

satan tries and tries to conquer us and shouts victory when we give in to temptation. But we are on God's side, satan has no victory! God can use even the work of the devil's for the better good!! We just need to allow it!

Also at midwinter, Mrs Bett's sermon on starting a "revolution" changed my life incredibly! David, being a small, young boy, took a leap of faith and because of him the whole army was fired up! David started a revolution! I too, want to do this. I feel God calling me. The thing is we are all called to start a revolution! We are all called to live daily by His Word.

I still pray that I will have the faith to leave an impact on this world. I long to fulfill God's plan in my life!

Paul & Silas were arrested because of their faith. They were thrown into prison because of their belief! (I would think satan would give up by now.) But they prayed and worshipped God anyways! And because of their sacrifice of praise being lifted up, every door in the jail opened, every chain was broken. Even the ones of those who deserved to be there!

When I heard this story, and acutally thought on it, I learned that even though we may not be in David's positian, where we are of so much authority, we stand and fight to represent an army. We are still given opportunity to start a revolution!

Here is what I mean...We may not be the president of the united states and may not have the decision of where God is allowed inside of the local communities. But Paul & Silas also were not of that authourity on earth, they were in jail! Look how God used them! By them simply worshipping God, those around them were freed. If only we would continue our lives in holiness, worshipping God and praying...the chains of those who are around us wil be broken, they will be freed!

It starts with little places like so, where if we worship others may be saved, that we can start a revolution.

Now that I think about it, when I am 50 years old and look back on life, I don't want fullfilment in an investment of a $30,000 guitar or a $1,000,000 mansion. I want to see how God will have worked through me. I want to see an impact on those around me. I want to see myself as a man willing to live for His Father, totally devoted. I want to see a smile on God's face. This expectation I have set for myself, I will definately work at living toward.

"I want to please my God." That is my testimony.

God is good - Technology stinks

2006-02-08T19:41:00.000-08:00

I just typed up a big long post. I mean my fingers were going non-stop! The Holy Spirit was definately speaking through me in it. I went to copy it and past it into WORD to save it for fear it may be deleted and by doing so it somehow was deleted. I recovered about one third of the whole thing and do not feel the fire i did then. I don't feel the urge to write that all again. I mean I would but I don't know all that I said. I'm so upset!

Satan really get's to me sometimes and maybe this happened to me purposely. I really wish I could re-type it all but I don't feel the Holy Spirit upon me like I did 10 minutes ago! It is awful! I should feel that way all of the time! Not only so I can live perfectly for my Lord, but so I could re-type that post! hehe

But I aint going to let it get to me. God must not have wanted me to post it all, yet atleast cause I'm not going at it again right now! Ah I can't believe it. I have so much to say, but I can't always get it out, I had it all out! And now its gone.

I'm going to moap around the house now - hehe just kidding :)

Just Live

2006-01-20T22:30:00.000-08:00

You know when we tend to give into temptation, we may be comforted at the fact that it is expected of us, being human. It’s sad that it is expected of us to give into temptation so easily. If we are expected to give into temptation why don't we go the opposite way and refuse the devil?
Why is it so easy to recognize sin, and even then is so easy to commit?
Why is it so hard to recognize the will of God, and is so hard to follow?

This world brings so much disaster, so much grief and problem. But did you know that that is still no excuse for losing your temper? That is still no excuse for swearing, or even for being mean or rude to someone. Being human or even being within this world is no excuse for sin. Jesus also was human and He also has walked on earth, look at what's he's done! If you believe that life was any easier for Jesus because He was God's Son, then you need to start thinking again

It had to of been harder for Christ then us, to overcome the devil, to live for His Father. Our souls mean nothing to the devil compared to Christ' soul! Satan knew the Scriptures, which means he knew Jesus would one day be the ultimate sacrifice that many may be saved! This must have only added to the flames, satan didn't want this to happen, and did everything in his power to stop it, but as we see, it didn't work. And because It didn't, because Jesus even still didn't give into temptation, being human is no excuse for sin.

If one is living life for God then they have such a meaning in life! But if one is not living for God, then there is no point in life, no meaning what-soever! One cannot ever live in happiness on earth or even do good on earth without God in their lives, for God is good.

If we were set on this earth to love our Heavenly Father, and decide not to love Him, then whats the point in being here? I'm not saying those who don’t have God in their lives should die, I'm saying those who don't have God in their lives should live!

Jesus has offered salvation as a free gift, He has offered grace as a free gift. He has offered heaven and life as a free gift! Take it or leave it, its up to you.

And If one decides to continue to reject God, (continuing in one's ways, knowing the riches one will have lost in heaven, knowing what one will have received in hell) "One" must be a fool!

" 'For I know the plans I have for you.' declares the Lord. 'Plans to prosper you, and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.' " Jeremiah 29:11

If you have received Christ as your savior already, then congratulations! But it doesn't stop there. God has a plan for your life, a perfect plan. That as long as you follow His will, nothing will bring you down, you will be untouchable!
(Psalm 125:1-2 For the Lord's people are like mount. Zion, which cannot be shaken but endure forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people. Both now and forevermore.)

Not only does the one true God love you and me, not only does the creator of heaven and earth have a perfect plan for you and me, it goes even further! Listen to the next verse in Jeremiah.

"Then you will call upon me, and will come and pray to me. And I will listen." Jeremiah 29:12

God also promises to listen to your prayers, YOUR prayers! In this verse, He didn't mean "you" as in everyone in general, He means everyone individually! Although He is of so much more power and authority than we will ever have, He will listen. Although He know's what has gone on in your day, He wants to hear it from you! Although He knows your troubles and your problems, He wants you to bring them to Him. "And He will listen."

" 'You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all of your heart. I will be found by you!' declares the LORD Almighty." Jeremiah 29:13-14a

Seek God" to me means a lot more than just watching and listening for God, and God's will. But to look for ways you can better serve Him, all the time. To be more like Jesus, how can you be more like Jesus? You try your hardest to stop that swearing. Try your hardest to stop treating others badly. You Seek God! Now if you are seeking to truly find God then you will Seek God with all of your heart (All of who and what you are.) Do you worry? Seek God with it, or find ways you can better serve Him with worrying, which would end up not worrying at all, for me, it ends up in prayer. Give it all to God! Seek God.

What is fear?

Proverbs 9:10 says that fear of the Lord is only the beginning of wisdom.

"Fear" in this is meant in a more respectful way, as if you were to see the president, would you not be the nicest person to him because of his authority in this nation? Wouldn't you be nervous of saying the wrong thing, or what-not? For at any moment he could call security and have you taken out of his presence. Would you not look nice and smell good, chew trident for good breath wear your nicest watch to impress him? So we should do so for God. Only God has authority over all of mankind, He is above us all, we should fear Him not because He commanded us, but because He is God! He holds the decision of our eternal destination. That alone brings me to fear God

Another kind of fear would be fear as in being scared or frightened. When you are in a crowd with your friends from school, or work or even at home, say they start gossiping, no you should not join in but why stay quiet? Why not stop the gossiping? Would you fear of what they would say? How they would take it? I do at times, when I am in that situation. But in the end I realize that It doesn't matter if they are offended because I stood up and said something. In fact we should expect that as a reaction

We should not fear them for what they may say or how they would react, all that can be done to us is either harm to our earthly body or they can try and bring us down, they cannot touch our soul. Plus they could not bring us down, regarding the scripture in psalms I said earlier (The Lords People are like mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endure forever. Psalm 125:1)

God sets us free from:

Fear of temptation - He sent His son into the world to live a perfect life, setting the ultimate example that we may not fear temptation but may take His example, and face temptation.
Fear of failure - God has promised us a meaning in life! If only we would humbly live for God. If we are on God’s side, we cannot fail.
Fear of rejection - Since God, in all of His authority and glorious majesty, humbles Himself to not only befriend you and me, but promises to take care and watch over us. Who cares if we are rejected by humans, for God, the creator of heaven and earth, is still right here next to us, with open arms!
Fear of Humility, and shame - Christ already bore your humility and shame on the cross, and like Jeremiah 29:13 says, if we seek God with our shame and humility, truly give it all to God, it will be eliminated. And if it remains, then you will have the blessing of an opportunity to be persecuted in Christ’ name.
Fear of eternal destruction - Jesus Christ paid the debt we could not. He took our place. He was the perfect, ultimate Sacrifice so that we can one day, truly have life. If we accept God’s Grace then we have no reason to fear Hell. For we are going to be with our Lord.

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36

Do not be discouraged

2006-01-03T18:29:00.000-08:00

There are people in life you learn to respect, possibly because of their senority over you and also sometimes because of your relationship with that particular person.

For instance, say you have known someone for a very long time, and knew that he/she was raised in a Christian household and because of your relationship with them you automatically assume that this person loves God, you have always thought of this person as a true Christian. But when you actually start paying attention to this person's lifestyle, maybe this person doesn't seem to really "Seek God" after all.

If this happened to me, It would bring me down alot. If it were someone who I respected, I would be heartbroken to find out that they didn't actually "Seek God" or even have the faith they've always seemed to have.

Nomatter the circumstances, wether it was intentional or not, you should never let anyone bring you down. So if someone ever disappoints you, maybe because of their lack of faith? Maybe something else, don't let it bring you down. Just think, It is yet another great opportunity to witness, and better serve our Lord.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

My goal

2005-12-31T17:52:00.000-08:00

Its amazing looking back, like my devotions journals from the summer (SOAP.. Scripture, Own words, Application, Prayer) I've grown in the Lord so much! All those little devotionals I did had such a huge impact on my life.

I think the one verse that has "guided" me through life this far is:
1 Timothy 4:12 "Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for other believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity."

In my daily life I searched for ways I could be a better example of Christ. And at camp whenever people would put me down, I just frorgot about it and accepted them anyway, It was hard to adapt to this all at first, but God guided me through it all.

Before camp I figured my own personal goal for the rest of the year, to be the best example of Christ I could be.

I watched the camp staff more closely to see what I noticed first, and I noticed humbleness right off the bat. I decided this will be the area I work on for the summer. I figured, since I noticed it first, maybe others will notice it too, and if I become humble like Jesus, I may set that example.

Later on in the summer I went to TAM which was during Teen Camp. The Subject at TAM was "Be a Hero" now many probably know that we set a goal, and together raised over $11,000 for a village in nigeria. This alone made all of the participants Hero's in the eyes of the people who lived in this village. But what I learned was to be a hero in more than physical ways.

Example: My dad is my hero. He's been the best dad and the greatest example of Christ i've seen in a man. What makes him a hero, is that he doesn't even know that he's a hero. What he does, and how he does it makes him my hero. I've seen in him humbleness toward the homeless, and the wealthy for that matter. I don't see that in people very often.

I've learned that our lifestyles or the way we live can set such an example on others, wether that example is Godly or not. And I know, that I am going to stand for Christ and try and be more like Him that I may leave an example for the next person to see, that they may, in-turn be, an example of Christ, a true hero.

My goal continues for the year 2006, I long to be like Jesus. I want to GROW unimaginably throughout the year in my walk with Christ, and I want to show Christ to everyone I meet.

But I know that none of this is possible for me, Chris Hinzman. So I offer my life as a sacrifice to my Lord.
In God alone all things are possible. In Him alone is my trust.

Too busy

2005-12-28T22:17:00.000-08:00

Again I seem to be slacking, I've been getting down so easily lately, so frusterated so easily. The week seems to be getting hectic, well for me atleast. I just need to remember to see the plus side, what is going well, not the other way around. I guess its alot harder than it looks.

Capt Bett's post "Loss of Routine" really got me. But sometimes it isn't just when I'm on vacation that I fail to spend time with God.
Sometimes, Its hard to admit, but I can see in my life that I am so wrapped up or overwhelmed in life and its small, many matters, that I forget that it's all for God and I forget to live and do these things for Him, life is too short to live like this. It seems sometimes like I'm too busy in my daily life to stop and spend time with God, when I should be too busy spending time with God, to stop and eat.

I want to come back to You my God, I surrender my life, make it worth living. Only in You will I ever find peace in a day. Lord, All I need is You.

The way I was made

2005-12-24T20:19:00.000-08:00

When I write songs on the guitar, I always play them for my mom but always refuse to sing it, I don't know why I just don't like singing in front of people.. Unless its like in church, then I don't care who hears me.. Kinda Wierd huh?

Anyway, I got a new CD at the Christmas party, Chris Tomlin "Arriving", and it has a song on it named "The way I was Made" here is a part of it:

Made in Your likeness, made with Your hands
Made to discover who You are and who I am
And All I’ve forgotten help me to find
All that You’ve promised let it be in my life

I want to live like there’s no tomorrow
I want to dance like no one’s around
I want to sing like nobody’s listening
Before I lay my body down
I want to give like I have plenty
I want to love like I’m not afraid
I want to be the man I was meant to be
I want to be the way I was made

It's one of them songs that just make you want to you and proclaim Jesus, getting arrested because we won't shutup. Kinda like Joe the Turk, what an example he's left for us by the way, he would preach on the streets and when arrested, he would preach in jail. And it like woke me up ya know? The song pretty much speaks for itself. I want to live my life the way God wants me to, the way I was made.
God wants me to use the talents and gifts He's given me to my best ability. Its kind of like when I moved here to painesville, opportunities were given to serve Christ. Although I'm not moving There are opportunities for me to share the gift God's personally blessed me with. And yes sometimes It can be hard to come out of my shell, alot of times it can actually, but I refuse to live life inside of a little shell. I'm going to step out of my confort zone for once, It may take a while and a lot of prayer, but I am here for Christ and yet again, I am not about to pass up what God has in store.

Again Lord, I say to you
I will follow, Your words are true
Your promise just, Your will sustained
And in Your shadow, I will remain

"The Christmas Season"

2005-12-21T20:20:00.000-08:00

This time of year within the Salvation Army can get so stressful. Its sad knowing even as an organization working in light of God, and to serve God, we can get sidetracked so easily. Kettles may not going very smoothly, you haven't eaten dinner yet, and with how busy you already are you still need to prepare a sermon for sunday. It can be very hard going about life like this.

I've been working kettles so much! And life itself seems to be so overwhelming. Lately I've been trying to buy gifts for my family and friends, yet I want to work kettles to help out the corps while practicing my guitar for the new praise-band and having to put aside yet more time to meet with the group, trying to memorize and practice a monologue for January and having to eat, sleep and relax in between. I really want to do all of these things, they are all very important to me, but it can get so hectic trying to get it all done ya know?

I said "this time of year" on purpose instead of the Christmas season. When this time of year comes around, I don't know about you but I tend to lose the thought of Christmas. What I think when I hear Christmas now is bellringing, shopping for loved ones etc. Alot of people, including me, hate the thought of target and many others saying happy holidays, taking Christ out of Christmas. But what we fail to see is that we also tend to take Christ out of Christmas. With kettles and visiting family and work and all sorts of stuff. Although it is wonderful to help the needy that they also may have a blessed "Christmas day" and it is also nice to give presents to the people you love, it still is not the true meaning of Christmas.

Christmas Day represents Christ's birthday, the day Almighty God became man, knowing that 32 or so years later He would have suffered the ultimate penalty for our sins. Yes, He loves us that much. This is actually what Christmas is all about! Can you imagine how it's evolved? I mean what would it be like to have an extra long church service on Christmas day instead of exchanging gifts. And though many do not admit it, its become alot about the presents. Maybe not for yourself, but it is. I mean how miserable would an average person be if on Christmas Day they neither recieved nor gave away a gift? Pretty miserable I would think.

Although it is sweet seeing the look on your childerens face when they see the new (SHINY) bike in the living room, or that certain something they have asked for, for a long time. It still isn't what Christmas is about. It is simply, all about Christ. For this Christmas Season and the ones to come, I pray that I can stay focused on God, not myself or even others. Just Him.
I'm coming back to the heart of Christmas, and it's all about Him.

The Move, My Testimony

2005-12-18T21:29:00.000-08:00

Moving has to be one of the hardest parts of life, depending on the person and situation I guess. For me, my past move from Salem Ohio to Paineville Ohio was a huge faith tester.

I grew up in Salem, I knew Theresa Everson as the YPSM since I was 2 and a half and she was like my second mother, though I've never told her that. So many relationships where friends in this corps became family. I mean I was so attached there, it is something about the place, that corps building to me, is home. We would have everybody's birthday party, with a nice dinner and everybody would come..!
I remember running the sound booth every week, I was the head man for the sound booth ministry team, I would run the sound, tape the service and teach others how to work everything. I felt needed and important and it was just where I seemed to "Fit into" the corps. It was what I did in church. Brennen Jeremy and my Dad were in the band, my Mom led songs, I did the sound.
Life was great! Our family was really close, at times we would argue but that is understandable right?
Then I remember one day right before the teen group was about to start, my mom who appeared to have been crying called me along with my brothers to my dad's office. When we got there and saw my that my dad was also upset, we knew something was wrong. Here we were being stationed to Painesville Ohio.
Now this was hard enough to handle, let alone the fact that we couldn't tell anyone. I was mad, mad at my parents, mad at the Salvation Army, mad at God, mad at the world! We had to go about a month I would say, maybe longer maybe shorter without telling anyone. It was complete torture to go to teen group and hang out with my friends, knowing that I would be moving soon and wouldn't be able to hang out with them any longer.

So when we were able to tell people, we did, And that brought on the tears, and the frusteration of having to face reality. Our neighbors wanted to have a petition to keep us in Salem, lol It sounded good to me, but my parents insisted that God must have a plan for us in Painesville, Ohio. We came up one day before the move to check things out, and ofcorse I didn't delight in anything, accept the Gym at the corps that is, haha. On the tour of the corps I was confused, not knowing where we came in or anything. I felt lost. And then we went to see the house. When we pulled up the first reaction was, Its pink. (lol) We had a tour of the house and on the way home I didn't say a word. I tortured my family for "putting me through this" when it actually wasn't their fault, in fact, they were just as scared as I was. We seemed to grow apart through this part of the move. I thank God that by the end of it we ended up growing closer to each other, and closer to God.

We had to come home from camp for our "goodbye party", I think they called it. It was really nice, people were so thoughtful! I didn't want to leave that night. But ofcorse, I ended up leaving and going back to camp the next day, which was alot better then lingering around our empty house with a truck full of boxes outside.
That night, my parents took us to camp and drove to painesville from there, spent the night in a hotel for about two nights until they moved into the house.

When break came, I wasn't looking forward to going to "the house" (I refused to call it home.) But by the end of the summer, the house wasn't looking too bad, and I finally got to go to church in painesville for the first time. It was OK but I didn't know anyone. Everybody welcomed us right away though, and treated us well too!
I still didn't like the place, but by now I realized what a fool I had been to doubt God, and decided although I know nothing about why I am here, I will do this for Him and not me.

Its almost two years since we've moved to Painesville. God has richly blessed us far beyond what we deserve. Our church is starting to grow, we are blessed with having the Goiz family here also, opening a hispanic corps. And although I am not head honcho in the sound booth, and Theresa Everson isn't the YPSM. This is a blessed place also, it is not the walls of the building that are blessed, its the people inside those walls. I'm also starting to find my place in the corps, we are currently working on a project that our youth group had come up with. Its a contemperary service run by the teens with some help from the adults. January 15'th at 6:30 is when our first service starts. We are also currently forming a praise band for this.
Later down the road we plan to raise enough money to shut down one of the few "Adult Eyes Only" bookstoores, possibly two, but shutting down one is a good start.

I now can call this place, Painesville Ohio, "Home". There are still those times where I really miss Salem, cause I am still adapting, slowly. I will always miss Salem and the friends and family I have there. But I will choose to not dwell on what i've lost, but on what I've gained! I've decided to not see negitive in everything, but to look at the positives, because by the looks of things, we arent going anywhere anytime soon.
God's blessed us here in Painesville with wonderful people and a wonderful opportunity to better serve Him, I'm not about to pass it up.

" 'For I know the plans I have for you' declares the Lord 'plans to prosper you, and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me, and come and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all of your heart. I will be found by you.' declares the Lord" Jeremiah 29:11-14

Whoever takes the son, gets it all

2005-12-18T14:00:00.000-08:00

Here is a story my dad shared in church today that really got to me.

Years ago, there was a very wealthy man who, with his devoted young son, shared a passion for collecting art. Together they traveled all around the world, adding only the finest art treasures to their collection. Priceless works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet and many others adorned the walls of the family estate. The widowed father looked on with satisfaction as his only child became an experienced art collector. But the day came when war engulfed the nation, and the young man left to serve his country. After only a few short weeks, his father received a telegram that his beloved son had been killed while carrying a fellow soldier to a medic. On Christmas morning a knock came at the door of the old man’s home, and as he opened the door, he was greeted by a soldier with a large package in his hand. He introduced himself to the man by saying, “I was a friend of your son. I was the one he was rescuing when he was killed. May I come in for a few moments? I have something to show you. I’m an artist,” said the soldier, “and I want to give you this...” As the old man unwrapped the package, the paper gave way to reveal a portrait of his son. Though the art critics would never consider the work a piece of genius, the painting did feature the young man’s face in striking detail, and seemed to capture his personality. The following spring, the old man became ill and passed away. The art world was in anticipation! According to the will of the old man, all of the art works would be auctioned. The day soon arrived, and art collectors from around the world gathered to bid on some of the world’s most spectacular paintings. The auction began with a painting that was not on any museum’s list. It was the painting of the man’s son. The auctioneer asked for an opening bid. The room was silent. “Who will open the bidding with $100?” he asked. Minutes passed with not a sound from those who came to buy. From the back of the room someone sarcastically called out, “Who cares about that painting? It’s just a picture of his son. Let’s forget it and go on to the important paintings.” There were other voices which echoed in agreement. But the auctioneer replied, “No, we have to sell this one first. Now, who will take the son?” Finally, a friend of the old man spoke ... “I knew the boy, so I’d like to have it. I will bid the $100.” “I have a bid for $100,” called the auctioneer. “Will anyone go higher?” And after a long silence, the auctioneer said, “Going once. Going twice. Sold. The gavel fell. Cheers filled the room and someone was heard to say, “Now we can get on with it!” But the auctioneer looked at the audience and announced that the auction was over. Stunned disbelief quieted the room. Someone spoke up and asked, “What do you mean it’s over? We didn’t come here for a picture of some old guy’s son. What about all of these paintings? There are millions of dollars worth of art here! We demand that you explain what’s going on!” The auctioneer replied, “It’s very simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes the son... gets it all.”

By the will of God, whoever recieves the son, recieves all of the riches in heaven. And some.

“God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” 1 John 5:11-12

Seek first His kingdom

2005-12-17T16:49:00.000-08:00

To "Seek God" in my words, means alot more than just watching and listening for God, and God's will. But to look for ways you can better serve Him, all the time. To be more like Jesus, how can you be more like Jesus? You try your hardest to stop that swearing. Try your hardest to stop treating others badly. You seek God.

How can we overcome our sin? I have been asked this question many times, and never quite knew how to answer it. If we know we have sinned and accept forgiveness from the Lord, there are times, when there is still shame there. Although we may know that God forgave and forgot all of it, It still sticks with you.
How can we overcome this?

By "Seeking" God. If we are busy trying to be more like Jesus and finding all sorts of ways to better serve our Lord, we will have no time to worry about our past! And whenever you have time to worry about it, remember to Seek First the Kingdom of God!

If we keep backsliding as we do, or realize that we seem to be weaker than usual when it comes to temptation itself, then we must be either looking in the wrong places, or looking from the wrong places.

It is in God alone where we find our needs met. We need to learn to seek Him always. If we do so, seeking from deep within our hearts and souls, we will find peace within Him. Temptation will still come, but in those times instead of dwelling on the fact you are being tempted, pull out your bible and read, It doesn't have to be a certain psalm or anything, just read. Sing praises to God. Or just literally run away from the temptation no matter how hard it is.
With God all things are possible!

The truth is, we cannot overcome our sin without Christ in our lives. We cannot overcome temptation without Christ Carrying us through life. The only way we can ever possibly have peace here in this lost place, also known as Earth, is in Christ alone. SEEK first His kingdom.

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given unto you aswell. Matt 6:33

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine

2005-12-16T22:00:00.000-08:00

This photo, in a way, presents alot.
You see here a black and white forest, but there is that one tree that is different. Its colorful! And by spreading its color, it brings hope of one day having a colorful forest.

Although this world is severely spiritually lost, we should stand firm in God, though we may be different stand firm in Christ that we may show this world that there is hope in Christ, and spread that hope throughout the nations.

Be different. Shine your light. Show to this world hope.
Bring to this world God.

Total Devotion

2005-12-16T09:36:00.000-08:00

(Somewhat taken from "Total Devotion" by Kevin Johnson)

Look at our troops over in Iraq and also other places, who are sacrificing there life totally for there country. Knowing that in any battle they may face, can be there last. And yet they march on.

Look at the terrorists who took down the twin towers. I wouldn't quite call what they did total devotion but you get the picture. They wanted to show the world that their cause worth murdering, and dying for. But they couldn't have made it any clearer to us why Christ is worth living for. You aren't trying to earn heaven as a suicide killer, God offers His eternal Life as a free gift. (Eph 2:8)
God offers eternal life as a gift and asks next to nothing from you, as opposed to what we have asked of Him.
He is the God of love and is worthy of so much more than what we can offer. The least we can do is totally devote our lives to Him, be a living sacrifice holy and pleasing to God.
When you think of what He has done for you, is this too much to ask?

Romans 12:1
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This is your spiritual act of worship.

Dreams or more?

2005-12-16T08:30:00.000-08:00

I can't stop thinking about these dreams.

I had a dream last night that I was right beside the ice watching a few people perform ice skating. Among them was a little girl, really little too! I was amazed at how well she went about the ice. And somehow I fell out of my seat onto the ice just as this little girl was coming my way, and I tried my hardest not to mess up her performance so I skattered for the bleachers but I couldn't get there fast enough, she seemed to have been skating toward me, and she ran into my shoe and fell. She seemed fine and got back up and started again but then started crying. Her mother who was also skating embraced her and then the girl ran to me and gave me a great big hug. Right after that I made her smile and tossed her in the air (and caught her) making her laugh, and then I told her to go back out on the ice and finish the performance. She then was fine and did so.

Here is the other one.

I was in my hometown, Salem, and at a friends house who was a neighbor a long time ago. I was swinging in their backyard of which was fenced in, and was watching everyone do whatever they were doing. Then I realized it was some kind of party. When I got off of the swing I was talking to my old neighbor, Zach, and then he walked ove by the gate to the fence and I followed, then he walked out of the gate, when he did I turned around and saw some treats or snacks. So I went over and had a nice peanut butter fudge cookie. Then when I realized my friend had come back into the backyard, we were talking again but i don't remember what about. then I noticed I hadn't seen his sister. I realized her in a group of other girls right outside the entrance to the backyard. Zach brought to my attention that they had moved from this house. and they hadn't sold this one yet so they're using it for the party.

Do these have any meaning? Or are they just dumb and random dreams?

Pontoon Boat Ride with the staff kids

2005-12-15T21:01:00.000-08:00

I figured out how to put pictures on here! I thought it was complicated, then I saw that SueBee had done it and somehow knew that it must be simple. And whatya know it was!

Here are some pictures from when we went on our pontoon boat ride at camp.. Enjoy!

Emily in the blue tube! (Al)

Here is Katie (Jack)

JIMMY! (Corkey) He's the man if you didn't know

Jessica! (Strawberry)

Marky! (Porkey)

Kate again! Thumbs up (that meant, make the boat go faster)

There is Ashley Jessica and Emily.

Emily again!

JIMMY AGAIN! That is a priceless face he is making, wouldn't you think? lol

Here is the Crew! (Missing is Jimmy who is located on the very right of the photo, examinating the water?

That was the highlight of my WHOLE summer! It was so awesome! These guys are the best!

Here is the pic from when Katie, Me, Emily, Jimmy and Brennen were listening to polka music on the golf cart. These guys are really the best!

Trust

2005-12-15T09:57:00.000-08:00

At first when I think about wether or not I trust God, I automatically think well of corse I trust in God. But when I sit down and actually think about it, do I really put my trust in God? Its harder than it sounds. Hard to explain also.
When you walk across the floor you somehow know that you will not fall through the ceiling below. You can jump or walk or run and you know that you will stand firm on the floor. If you step on a skateboard and fall, the floor will catch you, in a way. Complete trust that the floor stands firm.
Does this correspond to our walk with God? While living for God I need to have ultimate faith in Him that as long as I'm with or of God I will not die and though I may fall, sometimes harder than other times, God Grace is still availabe, to catch me.

Now the hard part. How can I apply it to my life?

Starting with the little things. Such as when I'm sick and most likely times of temptation.
The point i'm taying to make, is if only we let His will be done in our life, then everything is gauranteed to be Okay.

Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding.