Sick poem
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
Veteran's Day (a week late)
Veteran's Day was last week. I would say this is an interesting day on the calender. I by all means support the people in our military and I thank them for their service. I honor and respect them for so many reasons. However I find this an interesting time again to ponder my view on war as a whole and the fact that while I support the people in our military I find it harder and harder to support the military itself. I have stated a few times on this blog how I have been ever growing towards being a straight up pacifist and I think the journey is complete. However, just because I have made a decision on my viewpoint does not make it something I have stopped pondering and thinking about in my mind. With this new found viewpoint I definitely feel out of place in America especially considering that even within the church (which seems to be more Nationalistic than ever) we are very much within the American mindset that it is our duty to police the world and to spread democracy to all nations (wait...I thought we were supposed to disciple all nations...) While we should strive to bring peace everywhere, I think our current way of doing it is flawed and flat out wrong.
The following is an article written by Shane Claiborne, the instigator of my change of viewpoint. If you ever get a chance to read his books, "The Irresistible Revolution" and "Jesus for President," take that chance. While I do not agree with Shane on every issue (biggest thing I disagree with is I think he operates from a poverty mindset instead of one of royalty, authority, and wealth that we are given from heaven), these books remain two of the most radical books I have ever read. They do not fall in line with most of the American church today (though strangely enough they seem to fall in line with the Bible) and they bring up many things that are often overlooked even within so said "on-fire" believers. Please comment with your thoughts.
Here's the article,
When Soldiers Become Saints
The following is an article written by Shane Claiborne, the instigator of my change of viewpoint. If you ever get a chance to read his books, "The Irresistible Revolution" and "Jesus for President," take that chance. While I do not agree with Shane on every issue (biggest thing I disagree with is I think he operates from a poverty mindset instead of one of royalty, authority, and wealth that we are given from heaven), these books remain two of the most radical books I have ever read. They do not fall in line with most of the American church today (though strangely enough they seem to fall in line with the Bible) and they bring up many things that are often overlooked even within so said "on-fire" believers. Please comment with your thoughts.
Here's the article,
When Soldiers Become Saints
Saturday, October 1, 2011
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is great. Here's 50 reasons why.
(This list was pulled off of here)
1. He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8).
2. He guides us into all truth (John 16:13).
3. He regenerates us (John 3:5-8; Titus 3:5).
4. He glorifies and testifies of Christ (John 15:26; 16:14).
5. He reveals Christ to us and in us (John 16:14-15).
6. He leads us (Rom. 8:14; Gal. 5:18; Matt. 4:1; Luke 4:1).
7. He sanctifies us (2 Thess. 2:13; 1 Pet. 1:2; Rom. 5:16).
8. He empowers us (Luke 4:14; 24:49; Rom. 15:19; Acts 1:8).
9. He fills us (Eph. 5:18; Acts 2:4; 4:8, 31; 9:17).
10. He teaches us to pray (Rom. 8:26-27; Jude 1:20).
11. He bears witness in us that we are children of God (Rom. 8:16).
12. He produces in us the fruit or evidence of His work and presence (Gal. 5:22-23).
13. He distributes spiritual gifts and manifestations (the outshining) of His presence to and through the body (1 Cor. 12:4, 8-10; Heb. 2:4).
14. He anoints us for ministry (Luke 4:18; Acts 10:38).
15. He washes and renews us (Titus 3:5).
16. He brings unity and oneness to the body (Eph. 4:3; 2:14-18). Here He plays the same role that He plays in the Godhead. The Spirit is the life that unites Father and Son. He plays the same role in the church. When He is operating in a group of people, He unites them in love. Therefore, a sure evidence of the Holy Spirit working in a group is Love and Unity. Not signs and wonders (those are seasonal and can be counterfeited).
17. He is our guarantee and deposit of the future resurrection (2 Cor. 1:22; 2 Cor. 5:5).
18. He seals us unto the day of redemption (Eph. 1:13; 4:30).
19. He sets us free from the law of sin and death (Rom. 8:2).
20. He quickens our mortal bodies (Rom. 8:11).
21. He reveals the deep things of God to us (1 Cor. 2:10).
22. He reveals what has been given to us from God (1 Cor. 2:12).
23. He dwells in us (Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 3:16; 2 Tim. 1:14; John 14:17).
24. He speaks to, in, and through us (1 Cor. 12:3; 1 Tim. 4:1; Rev. 2:11; Heb 3:7; Matt. 10:20; Acts 2:4; 8:29; 10:19; 11:12, 28; 13:2; 16:6,7; 21:4,11).
25. He is the agent by which we are baptized into the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13).
26. He brings liberty (2 Cor. 3:17).
27. He transforms us into the image of Christ (2 Cor. 3:18).
28. He cries in our hearts, “Abba, Father” (Gal. 4:6).
29. He enables us to wait (Gal. 5:5).
30. He supplies us with Christ (Phil. 1:19, KJV).
31. He grants everlasting life (Gal. 6:8).
32. He gives us access to God the Father (Eph. 2:18).
33. He makes us (corporately) God’s habitation (Eph. 2:22).
34. He reveals the mystery of God to us (Eph. 3:5).
35. He strengthens our spirits (Eph. 3:16).
36. He enables us to obey the truth (1 Pet. 1:22).
37. He enables us to know that Jesus abides in us (1 John 3:24; 4:13).
38. He confesses that Jesus came in the flesh (1 John 4:2).
39. He says “Come, Lord Jesus” along with the bride (Rev. 22:17).
40. He dispenses God’s love into our hearts (Rom. 5:5).
41. He bears witness to the truth in our conscience (Rom. 9:1).
42. He teaches us (1 Cor. 2:13; John 14:26).
43. He gives us joy (1 Thess. 1:6).
44. He enables some to preach the gospel (1 Pet. 1:12).
45. He moves us (2 Pet. 1:21).
46. He knows the things of God (1 Cor. 2:11).
47. He casts out demons (Matt. 12:28).
48. He brings things to our remembrance (John 14:26).
49. He comforts us (Acts 9:31).
50. He makes some overseers in the church and sends some out to the work of church planting [through the body] (Acts 20:28; 13:2).
(This list was pulled off of here)
1. He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8).
2. He guides us into all truth (John 16:13).
3. He regenerates us (John 3:5-8; Titus 3:5).
4. He glorifies and testifies of Christ (John 15:26; 16:14).
5. He reveals Christ to us and in us (John 16:14-15).
6. He leads us (Rom. 8:14; Gal. 5:18; Matt. 4:1; Luke 4:1).
7. He sanctifies us (2 Thess. 2:13; 1 Pet. 1:2; Rom. 5:16).
8. He empowers us (Luke 4:14; 24:49; Rom. 15:19; Acts 1:8).
9. He fills us (Eph. 5:18; Acts 2:4; 4:8, 31; 9:17).
10. He teaches us to pray (Rom. 8:26-27; Jude 1:20).
11. He bears witness in us that we are children of God (Rom. 8:16).
12. He produces in us the fruit or evidence of His work and presence (Gal. 5:22-23).
13. He distributes spiritual gifts and manifestations (the outshining) of His presence to and through the body (1 Cor. 12:4, 8-10; Heb. 2:4).
14. He anoints us for ministry (Luke 4:18; Acts 10:38).
15. He washes and renews us (Titus 3:5).
16. He brings unity and oneness to the body (Eph. 4:3; 2:14-18). Here He plays the same role that He plays in the Godhead. The Spirit is the life that unites Father and Son. He plays the same role in the church. When He is operating in a group of people, He unites them in love. Therefore, a sure evidence of the Holy Spirit working in a group is Love and Unity. Not signs and wonders (those are seasonal and can be counterfeited).
17. He is our guarantee and deposit of the future resurrection (2 Cor. 1:22; 2 Cor. 5:5).
18. He seals us unto the day of redemption (Eph. 1:13; 4:30).
19. He sets us free from the law of sin and death (Rom. 8:2).
20. He quickens our mortal bodies (Rom. 8:11).
21. He reveals the deep things of God to us (1 Cor. 2:10).
22. He reveals what has been given to us from God (1 Cor. 2:12).
23. He dwells in us (Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 3:16; 2 Tim. 1:14; John 14:17).
24. He speaks to, in, and through us (1 Cor. 12:3; 1 Tim. 4:1; Rev. 2:11; Heb 3:7; Matt. 10:20; Acts 2:4; 8:29; 10:19; 11:12, 28; 13:2; 16:6,7; 21:4,11).
25. He is the agent by which we are baptized into the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13).
26. He brings liberty (2 Cor. 3:17).
27. He transforms us into the image of Christ (2 Cor. 3:18).
28. He cries in our hearts, “Abba, Father” (Gal. 4:6).
29. He enables us to wait (Gal. 5:5).
30. He supplies us with Christ (Phil. 1:19, KJV).
31. He grants everlasting life (Gal. 6:8).
32. He gives us access to God the Father (Eph. 2:18).
33. He makes us (corporately) God’s habitation (Eph. 2:22).
34. He reveals the mystery of God to us (Eph. 3:5).
35. He strengthens our spirits (Eph. 3:16).
36. He enables us to obey the truth (1 Pet. 1:22).
37. He enables us to know that Jesus abides in us (1 John 3:24; 4:13).
38. He confesses that Jesus came in the flesh (1 John 4:2).
39. He says “Come, Lord Jesus” along with the bride (Rev. 22:17).
40. He dispenses God’s love into our hearts (Rom. 5:5).
41. He bears witness to the truth in our conscience (Rom. 9:1).
42. He teaches us (1 Cor. 2:13; John 14:26).
43. He gives us joy (1 Thess. 1:6).
44. He enables some to preach the gospel (1 Pet. 1:12).
45. He moves us (2 Pet. 1:21).
46. He knows the things of God (1 Cor. 2:11).
47. He casts out demons (Matt. 12:28).
48. He brings things to our remembrance (John 14:26).
49. He comforts us (Acts 9:31).
50. He makes some overseers in the church and sends some out to the work of church planting [through the body] (Acts 20:28; 13:2).
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Fun Offerings
So many of you know I visited Bethel Church in the spring. One of the things I really enjoyed were the prayers they said before the offerings. I think for a long time we as a church especially in America have completely misunderstood Heaven's economic system. We think that tithing is a sufficient amount of giving, we actually use it as an excuse to only give 10% instead of just living a consistent lifestyle of giving above and beyond what we think we can. Did you know that the American church currently spends more money on their pets than it does on world missions? Not good. Anyway when we can get into the Kingdom mindset that there will always be more than enough then we can be free to give more than we think we should be able to. When we give more we increase the spirit of generosity in an area and we can break the power of materialism and poverty and whole bunch of other stuff. Not only that but we break off the poverty spirit in our own lives stepping out in faith that God will always provide what we need. In other words, give and you will receive. Oh wait, Jesus said that. Anyway, enjoy the prayers.
OFFERING OF THANKS #1
As we receive today's offering we are believing the Lord for:
Jobs and better jobs,
Raises and bonuses
Benefits Sales and commissions
Favorable settlements
Estates and inheritances
Interests and income
Rebates and returns
Checks in the mail
Gifts and surprises
Finding money
Debts paid off
Expenses decrease
Blessing and increase
Thank You, Lord, for meeting all of my financial needs that I may have more than enough to give into the Kingdom of God and promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Hallelujah!!!!!!
OFFERING OF THANKS #2
As we receive today's offering
We are believing You for:
Heaven opened, Earth Invaded
Storehouses unlocked, and Miracles created;
Dreams and Visions, Angelic Visitations
Declarations, Visitations, and Divine Manifestations,
Anointing, Gifting, and Calls,
Positions, and promotions,
Provisions and Resources,
to go to the nations;
Souls and more souls,
from every generations,
Saved and set free,
Carrying Kingdom revelation!
Thank You, Father, that as I join my value system to Yours, You will shower FAVOR, BLESSINGS and INCREASE upon me so I have more than enough to co-labor with Heaven and see JESUS get His FULL REWARD.
Hallelujah!!!!!!
OFFERING OF THANKS #3
As we pray for new wells of revival, we pray for new economic wells in Redding to be created.
So Lord we ask you for:
Favor for our city with CEO’s, Government leaders & Kings.
Manufacturing firms that produce goods for the nations and provide new jobs for our people.
Technology to establish new markets, energy sources, and efficient solutions to grow as a population.
Laws & Courts that measure with the justice and the freedom of our land’s Constitution.
Civil servants that encourage entrepreneurs.
Media known for wisdom truth.
Natural resources released, harvested, sold & reproduced.
Education, books, and Universities that develop mind molders who influence the influential.
Capital to build small businesses that provide services, arts and culture attracting both young and old.
Medical community known for integrity and excellence.
Repentance from poverty, small thinking, and envy.
Courage to recognize opportunities and make wealth.
Abundance to bless the world and the Prudence to save and invest.
Revelation to pass on wealth to our children’s children…
So we declare that when the righteous prosper, the city rejoices!
OFFERING OF THANKS #1
As we receive today's offering we are believing the Lord for:
Jobs and better jobs,
Raises and bonuses
Benefits Sales and commissions
Favorable settlements
Estates and inheritances
Interests and income
Rebates and returns
Checks in the mail
Gifts and surprises
Finding money
Debts paid off
Expenses decrease
Blessing and increase
Thank You, Lord, for meeting all of my financial needs that I may have more than enough to give into the Kingdom of God and promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Hallelujah!!!!!!
OFFERING OF THANKS #2
As we receive today's offering
We are believing You for:
Heaven opened, Earth Invaded
Storehouses unlocked, and Miracles created;
Dreams and Visions, Angelic Visitations
Declarations, Visitations, and Divine Manifestations,
Anointing, Gifting, and Calls,
Positions, and promotions,
Provisions and Resources,
to go to the nations;
Souls and more souls,
from every generations,
Saved and set free,
Carrying Kingdom revelation!
Thank You, Father, that as I join my value system to Yours, You will shower FAVOR, BLESSINGS and INCREASE upon me so I have more than enough to co-labor with Heaven and see JESUS get His FULL REWARD.
Hallelujah!!!!!!
OFFERING OF THANKS #3
As we pray for new wells of revival, we pray for new economic wells in Redding to be created.
So Lord we ask you for:
Favor for our city with CEO’s, Government leaders & Kings.
Manufacturing firms that produce goods for the nations and provide new jobs for our people.
Technology to establish new markets, energy sources, and efficient solutions to grow as a population.
Laws & Courts that measure with the justice and the freedom of our land’s Constitution.
Civil servants that encourage entrepreneurs.
Media known for wisdom truth.
Natural resources released, harvested, sold & reproduced.
Education, books, and Universities that develop mind molders who influence the influential.
Capital to build small businesses that provide services, arts and culture attracting both young and old.
Medical community known for integrity and excellence.
Repentance from poverty, small thinking, and envy.
Courage to recognize opportunities and make wealth.
Abundance to bless the world and the Prudence to save and invest.
Revelation to pass on wealth to our children’s children…
So we declare that when the righteous prosper, the city rejoices!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Friday, September 16, 2011
Longing
Yesterday was Mexico’s Independence Day. I miss Mexico. Correction, my heart aches for Mexico (for those of you who don’t know I spent the better part of 9 months with YWAM in Mazatlan). Last week I saw a friend of mine post something on facebook that said, “I never knew it was possible to miss so many people and places at the same time.” I couldn’t agree more. It’s amazing, especially in the world today how you can be friends with so many people from around the globe and you can feel like you have several different homes spanning across different states and nations. Over the past couple years I’ve begun to realize what Paul is talking about in many of his letters when he says things like “God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:8) and “I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy” (2 Timothy 1:4).
I think this is a part of the text we kind of skip over when we read it. However these kind of versus tell us how much Paul really loved the people he met and the places he went to. They tell us that he had really deep connections with these people so much so that not only did he miss people but he longed to be with them again and that just seeing them would fill him with joy. His heart ached to see them. Being back at school has been great; I’m learning new things and building relationships with many people that I love here. However my heart longs for other places and people just as Paul longed with all the affection of Christ.
Why am I sharing this with you? I’m not sure. Maybe it is to encourage you to build friendships with people that are so deep, so open, and so real that when you don’t see those people, your heart actually aches to see them again. I don’t ever expect this longing feeling to go away. There will always be someone that I am longing to see and to be with no matter where I go in life. However the longing means that I have something of worth and of value. It means I have people worth living for and fighting for. It means I always have someone that is going to encourage me to keep going. Let’s live deep. We can’t stay in the shallow end forever, at some point we got to learn to swim.
I think this is a part of the text we kind of skip over when we read it. However these kind of versus tell us how much Paul really loved the people he met and the places he went to. They tell us that he had really deep connections with these people so much so that not only did he miss people but he longed to be with them again and that just seeing them would fill him with joy. His heart ached to see them. Being back at school has been great; I’m learning new things and building relationships with many people that I love here. However my heart longs for other places and people just as Paul longed with all the affection of Christ.
Why am I sharing this with you? I’m not sure. Maybe it is to encourage you to build friendships with people that are so deep, so open, and so real that when you don’t see those people, your heart actually aches to see them again. I don’t ever expect this longing feeling to go away. There will always be someone that I am longing to see and to be with no matter where I go in life. However the longing means that I have something of worth and of value. It means I have people worth living for and fighting for. It means I always have someone that is going to encourage me to keep going. Let’s live deep. We can’t stay in the shallow end forever, at some point we got to learn to swim.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
Patient Endurance by Faith
So I was looking through my files tonight and I found this lil nugget. It's something I wrote almost 2 years ago while in Mexico. Hope you guys enjoy it, it is really long but it certainly encouraged me while reading it over again.
--------------------------
Patience. It’s a word that is often over looked. It is something that we see as valuable, “it’s a virtue we may say. We know it’s important, but how patient are we really? In a world that is about high speed internet and fast food we have become very impatient people. If we are a people that are impatient about little things like this how much harder will it be for us to be patient for the big things of God?
Patience is something that is clearly necessary throughout the Bible. Sometimes we read the Bible and because we can read the whole story in a matter of minutes we fail to see the details and the patience required for the people involved. Let’s start with Noah. The Bible doesn’t say exactly how long Noah was building the ark for but at my guess is it was probably at least 20 years at the most 100. I’m reading 1 Kings and it took Solomon 7 years to build the temple and 13 to build his palace and he had the best materials and work force of his day. So maybe it took Noah 100 years maybe it took 20 I don’t know. (More info: http://www.godspointofview.com/public/qanda/how_long_to_build_the_ark.htm) Either way 20 years is quite a long time to build a boat in your backyard with everyone asking him what it was for. And Noah’s response would have sounded quite ridiculous to people who hadn’t even seen rain before (Gen. 2:6). How many of us would have the patience to get up everyday for 20 years (7300 days at the least) and build this huge boat that you probably aren’t even sure you’re going to need to use it. But Noah had faith in God and through patient endurance he was rewarded and saved from the flood.
I want to share a couple more stories from the Bible but first let’s talk about the term I just used. Patient Endurance. Using e-Sword (most awesome free Bible app ever) I found 4 times in the ESV Bible where these 2 words are used together. All are used in Revelation. Three of them are used by Jesus in talking to the churches and commending them for their patient endurance.
Rev 2:2 “'I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false.
Rev 2:19 “'I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first.
Rev 3:10 Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.
The last time John uses it he is talking about himself.
Rev 1:9 I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
I think it is significant that these words are used together. Doing a little e-Sword work, the Greek for these words is actually one word meaning patient endurance. It also means a cheerful endurance and waiting. This Greek word is used 32 times in the New Testament. Therefore this means that other times in my Bible where it talks about patience it is talking about a patient endurance or waiting that is done with cheerfulness. Well what do these words mean? What is patience what is endurance and why does the Bible group them together? Dictionary.com has a few definitions for patience. I like these:
1. The quality of being patient, as the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like.
2. an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay: to have patience with a slow learner
3. quiet, steady perseverance; even-tempered care; diligence: to work with patience
Now what about endurance?
1. The fact or power of enduring or bearing pain, hardships, etc.
2. the ability or strength to continue or last, esp. despite fatigue, stress, or other adverse conditions
Sometimes we think as Christians that life is going to be easy. When the truth is it’s not. It’s going to be hard it’s going to be rough and everything is not going to go just great all the time. Both these definitions talk about being able to withstand hardship. Therefore if we want the approval of Jesus we must be able to withstand hardship. We must be willing to wait, to endure, to continue or last despite fatigue, stress, or other adverse conditions. How many of us use the excuse to God I’m tired, I’m sick, I’m stressed out. I know I do because I did yesterday…Jesus I repent. Also we need to have the quiet, steady perseverance or diligence, being able and willing to be okay with delay and waiting,
Back to the Bible. John is chilling on this island he got exiled to. Who knows what is going on. We usually just think about the big Revelation God gave him. What was he doing before he got it. I don’t think there was a whole lot to do on this tiny little island in the middle of nowhere, maybe he went swimming a lot I don’t know. He probably got bored and there were probably times he was wondering why God let him be put on this island where there weren’t many people to tell the great message of Christ too. I don’t think John was seeing a lot of fruit. Maybe he was the Bible doesn’t say. Maybe he didn’t get bored but I bet I would’ve. Anyway he’s chilling on this island for who knows how long and then suddenly BAMB!!! Revelation happens. John probably wasn’t expecting this huge amazing thing to happen he was probably just like, Jesus told us to be patience and to endure so I’m going to keep seeking God even though I’m tired, I’m bored, and I’m on this stupid little island in the middle of nowhere. The BAMB!!! doesn’t happen all the time and it doesn’t happen right away but if we lose focus during the chilling on the island time we miss the BAMB!!!
I could give a million examples of this in the Bible, God has just been showing me patience pretty much every time I read my Bible in every place of the Bible. The disciples waiting for the gift of the Holy Spirit, Paul building tents for 3 years after the road to Damascus before beginning his ministry, the list goes on and on. But I’m only going to share one more story. John the Baptist had a life that was mostly lived in the desert with patient endurance knowing that his time would come. He lived in the desert eating honey and locusts waiting until finally it was time for his ministry. When it came he baptized people for 18 months before getting his head cut off. How many of us would see that as a fruitful life? If you did ministry for only 18 months of your life and didn’t see a single miracle how successful would you claim to be? Yet Jesus said in Matthew 11:11, “Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist.”
I think a lot of the time we just want everything now. We want to see revival now. We want to see miracles now. We want to see our ministry in full swing now. We want people to change now. We want our hearts to be changed now. Now now now. We want everything now. God doesn’t work that way. If we want to see things happen we have to put in the work. We reap what we sow. One of the biggest revelations that God has given me is about His character. Why does God want us to be patient? Why does he want us to endure with all patience and steadfastness? Because God is patient. God is so patient I don’t even understand it. The first time I got this huge revelation of how big the patience of God was I was praying asking God to give me patience. While I was praying I got distracted and started thinking about other things and about 10 minutes later I was like wait a second, I was praying. Have you ever tried to talk to someone and then they get distracted for 10 minutes with other things before they remember they were talking with you. You get annoyed, maybe you leave and don’t talk with them anymore. But God is always there just waiting for us. God is a God of patience, a God of endurance (Rom 15:5) Think about your own life. How has God been patient with you? With your sins? Your character? Your actions? Anything. God oozes patience, otherwise He would have blown us all up by now. He could do everything by Himself but He has so much patience that He chooses to work WITH us. Have you ever had something you could do really fast and easy on your own but instead you had to do it with someone else who had no idea how to do it. Yeah it’s dumb, it’s like I could be done with this 3 hours ago but no I’m not. We have a God who is unlimited, but loves us so much that he limits himself to us. God can only move as much as we let Him and want Him to move. That is ultimate patience because we are really good at not allowing Him to move.
Well this has now gotten super long and I feel like I’m kind of all over the place but I hope I am getting my point across. Without patience, it is impossible to run the race and receive the reward. The inheritance of God is not instantly won it is not a 100m dash. “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.” (Heb 10:36)
God has a plan to do things, and God will answer all our prayers if they are in Jesus name and according to His will. The problem with us is we want God to answer them and do things our way. When really He maybe has already done what we’re waiting for we just haven’t seen it. Or maybe if He waits and does it later it will have more impact. Whatever it is we have to have the patience and the faith to allow God to work His way on His timing trusting that His way is the best way. God says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isa 55:8-9) Do we have enough faith in God to trust He is going to answer our prayers even if we don’t see it right away or maybe at all? Do we have enough faith in God to believe God is who He says He is and that He truly keeps ALL of His promises?
By being patient we allow God to move in the way He wants to. It means we have to rely on God that He is moving even when we can’t see it. We have to trust God more, we have to be dependant on God more because we cannot see all the work that is being done. The Bible tells us to bear fruit with patience. Luk 8:15: “As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.” Jas 5:7: “Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.” There are also many promises in the Bible for those who endure, for those who are steadfast, for those who are patient. There are also many examples. For example the disciples prayed with patience and endurance for 10 days straight, their reward? The Holy Spirit and Pentecost, not bad. Elijah in 1 Kings 18 prayed 7 times for rain before the fist of a cloud came. He could have given up after praying a couple times. It didn’t come right away so it must not be coming. No he kept praying and he kept sending his servant out to look until the rain came. Most of us would be too impatient to pray for the same thing 7 times in a row. After a couple times we would probably be more like try again tomorrow instead of having the patience to sit there and keep praying and keep praying until something happens. Pray until something happens is a phrase I have heard a lot. I usually take it as if you are praying for healing you pray until something happens. But it works in all areas. If you are praying for revival you should pray with patient endurance until something happens. If you are praying for someone to turn to Christ, you should pray patiently until something happens. If you are praying for the power of God to fall you should pray patiently until something happens. If you are praying for greater intimacy with God you should pray and seek His face patiently until something happens. I have a list of verses below that you can look at for more good nuggets but my favorite is this. “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Gal 6:9)
One of the enemy’s biggest tactics is to try and get us to give up. To try and get us to coast and be complacent. To think that we are not having an impact on people even though we are. We read a story in DTS this week. It’s found here: http://spiritlessons.com/Documents/Frank_Jenner/Frank_Jenner_of_George_Street.pdf read it but you may cry. Mr. Jenner reached people by pure simple patient obedience. He didn’t need fancy technology or lots of money. He did what he knew he could and offered God what he had to offer. Mr. Jenner could have given up. He didn’t see with his eyes one single person come to Jesus. He could have said I don’t have the patience for this, I don’t have the endurance, I’m not making a difference anyway, I give up. If he had done this thousands of lives would not have been touched by the love of Jesus Christ. We are limited in our perceptions. We can only see a fraction of what is going on around us and the true impact we have on other people. Who knows you could have smiled at someone today and completely changed their day around. This is why it is so important that we have patience and we endure and we honor God with everything we do at all times because we never know when we may be having an impact on people. But God knows, and through this patient endurance we will receive our reward in full, we will reap the harvest, and we will make a difference in the world, if we do not give up.
I have so much to say on this I could probably write a book but I’m going to try to wrap it up here. Why am I talking about patience? Well patience is probably the biggest thing God has been showing me and teaching me while being here on DTS. As stated in my blog post Sculptures and Deserts, my growth in God during this DTS is not something easily seen, it is not black and white, it is not a fast easy process. It is something that takes time, that is delicate, and requires patience. Secondly, I’ve been learning a lot about hearing God’s voice. If we want to hear God’s voice then when we pray we need to actually shut up and let Him speak. And this doesn’t always happen right away, sometimes you got to sit there for 5 minutes before God says anything, sometimes half an hour. I know stories of people staying up all night and not getting anything till 4 in the morning. Hearing the voice of God takes patience. Why doesn’t he just tell us and yell it at us and scream it at us. I don’t know I wish He did sometimes. But that wouldn’t be much of a relationship if He always was like do this. Okay do this. Okay do this. God wants to reason with us and He wants to plan with us and work with us. I think if he just instantly told us all the time our relationship would become limited to us just getting orders from God like a private in the army getting orders from a General. God doesn’t want us to be privates in His army He wants us to be in His secret council (its somewhere in the Bible I couldn’t find the verse).
God has also been teaching me patience with other people. The biggest part is that sometimes I want everyone to be where I’m at, or where I think they should be. I want them to be completely on fire for God and going after God in everything and I want it to happen right away. I don’t think this in itself is bad but God likes to work in what we call a process. Sometimes we learn more from the process than the actual end result. Other times I wonder why its taking me so long to get where other poeple are at. However when I look back on where God has taken me He didn’t instantly just take me from being complacent in my faith and then a week later I was on fire for Him healing the sick, speaking in tongues, consecrated in all areas of my life. No God is doing it in steps and through each different step I learned things and grew in my character. We need to realize that God wants to work on people and us in this process. Sometimes the process can be faster depending on how hungry the person is for God and that is where we can come in and encourage, but we also have to allow God to work and act in a spirit of grace not impatience or legalism.
Okay so I’ve talked a lot about why we need patience and the importance of patience and what is patience but how do we get patience? This is probably the biggest thing God is still teaching me. I think that if God is trying to teach us patience He will throw us into situations where we are forced to be patience. Or we’ll ask for patience and instead of just giving it to us He gives us a situation to be patient in and by being patient in situations we become patient. We become people of patient endurance by not giving up day in and day out. Each time we resist the temptation of the enemy to give up we are becoming more and more patient. Another way to get patience, maybe easier than the first is to ask for more of the Holy Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Gal 5:22-23) So if we want patience just ask for more of the Holy Spirit because one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is patience. If the Spirit of God is truly alive in us we will be patient and have endurance because God is patience and God is a God of endurance (Rom. 15:5).
Patience is something that is very important for our walk with God. With it we will gain eternal life. Rom 2:7: “to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.” With it we will grow closer to God and rely on Him and trust on Him more. With it we will reap the rewards not only of eternal life but the rewards of this life as well. If we truly want to make a difference in the world and bring this generation back to Christ we need to realize it will not happen overnight. This is not God’s fault for not acting big enough or fast enough but our own fault for getting ourselves into this big of a mess. Paul realized that patience was the sign of a true witness of Christ. 2Co 12:12: “The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works.”
With patient endurance we can not only reach those around us but we can see the beauty of God working His plan through us in His way on His timing. With patient endurance we can not only run the race, but finish the race and receive our reward in full once we cross the finish line. Therefore my brothers, “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Rom 15:5-6)
-----------------------------------
(Ecc 7:8) Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
(Luk 8:15) As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.
(Luk 21:19) By your endurance you will gain your lives.
(Rom 2:7) to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life;
(Rom 5:3) More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,
(Rom 5:4) and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
(Rom 8:25) But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
(Rom 12:12) Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
(Rom 15:4) For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
(Rom 15:5) May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,
(1Co 13:4) Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant
(2Co 1:6) If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer.
(2Co 6:4) but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities,
(2Co 12:12) The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works.
(Col 1:11) May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy,
(1Th 1:3) remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
(1Th 5:14) And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.
(2Th 1:4) Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.
(2Th 3:5) May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.
(1Ti 6:11) But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.
(2Ti 3:10) You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness,
(Tit 2:2) Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.
(Heb 10:36) For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.
(Heb 12:1) Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
(Jas 1:3) for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
(Jas 1:4) And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
(Jas 5:7) Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.
(Jas 5:8) You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
(Jas 5:11) Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
(2Pe 1:6) and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness,
(2Pe 3:9) The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
(Rev 2:3) I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary.
(Rev 13:10) If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.
(Rev 14:12) Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.
--------------------------
Patience. It’s a word that is often over looked. It is something that we see as valuable, “it’s a virtue we may say. We know it’s important, but how patient are we really? In a world that is about high speed internet and fast food we have become very impatient people. If we are a people that are impatient about little things like this how much harder will it be for us to be patient for the big things of God?
Patience is something that is clearly necessary throughout the Bible. Sometimes we read the Bible and because we can read the whole story in a matter of minutes we fail to see the details and the patience required for the people involved. Let’s start with Noah. The Bible doesn’t say exactly how long Noah was building the ark for but at my guess is it was probably at least 20 years at the most 100. I’m reading 1 Kings and it took Solomon 7 years to build the temple and 13 to build his palace and he had the best materials and work force of his day. So maybe it took Noah 100 years maybe it took 20 I don’t know. (More info: http://www.godspointofview.com/public/qanda/how_long_to_build_the_ark.htm) Either way 20 years is quite a long time to build a boat in your backyard with everyone asking him what it was for. And Noah’s response would have sounded quite ridiculous to people who hadn’t even seen rain before (Gen. 2:6). How many of us would have the patience to get up everyday for 20 years (7300 days at the least) and build this huge boat that you probably aren’t even sure you’re going to need to use it. But Noah had faith in God and through patient endurance he was rewarded and saved from the flood.
I want to share a couple more stories from the Bible but first let’s talk about the term I just used. Patient Endurance. Using e-Sword (most awesome free Bible app ever) I found 4 times in the ESV Bible where these 2 words are used together. All are used in Revelation. Three of them are used by Jesus in talking to the churches and commending them for their patient endurance.
Rev 2:2 “'I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false.
Rev 2:19 “'I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first.
Rev 3:10 Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.
The last time John uses it he is talking about himself.
Rev 1:9 I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
I think it is significant that these words are used together. Doing a little e-Sword work, the Greek for these words is actually one word meaning patient endurance. It also means a cheerful endurance and waiting. This Greek word is used 32 times in the New Testament. Therefore this means that other times in my Bible where it talks about patience it is talking about a patient endurance or waiting that is done with cheerfulness. Well what do these words mean? What is patience what is endurance and why does the Bible group them together? Dictionary.com has a few definitions for patience. I like these:
1. The quality of being patient, as the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like.
2. an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay: to have patience with a slow learner
3. quiet, steady perseverance; even-tempered care; diligence: to work with patience
Now what about endurance?
1. The fact or power of enduring or bearing pain, hardships, etc.
2. the ability or strength to continue or last, esp. despite fatigue, stress, or other adverse conditions
Sometimes we think as Christians that life is going to be easy. When the truth is it’s not. It’s going to be hard it’s going to be rough and everything is not going to go just great all the time. Both these definitions talk about being able to withstand hardship. Therefore if we want the approval of Jesus we must be able to withstand hardship. We must be willing to wait, to endure, to continue or last despite fatigue, stress, or other adverse conditions. How many of us use the excuse to God I’m tired, I’m sick, I’m stressed out. I know I do because I did yesterday…Jesus I repent. Also we need to have the quiet, steady perseverance or diligence, being able and willing to be okay with delay and waiting,
Back to the Bible. John is chilling on this island he got exiled to. Who knows what is going on. We usually just think about the big Revelation God gave him. What was he doing before he got it. I don’t think there was a whole lot to do on this tiny little island in the middle of nowhere, maybe he went swimming a lot I don’t know. He probably got bored and there were probably times he was wondering why God let him be put on this island where there weren’t many people to tell the great message of Christ too. I don’t think John was seeing a lot of fruit. Maybe he was the Bible doesn’t say. Maybe he didn’t get bored but I bet I would’ve. Anyway he’s chilling on this island for who knows how long and then suddenly BAMB!!! Revelation happens. John probably wasn’t expecting this huge amazing thing to happen he was probably just like, Jesus told us to be patience and to endure so I’m going to keep seeking God even though I’m tired, I’m bored, and I’m on this stupid little island in the middle of nowhere. The BAMB!!! doesn’t happen all the time and it doesn’t happen right away but if we lose focus during the chilling on the island time we miss the BAMB!!!
I could give a million examples of this in the Bible, God has just been showing me patience pretty much every time I read my Bible in every place of the Bible. The disciples waiting for the gift of the Holy Spirit, Paul building tents for 3 years after the road to Damascus before beginning his ministry, the list goes on and on. But I’m only going to share one more story. John the Baptist had a life that was mostly lived in the desert with patient endurance knowing that his time would come. He lived in the desert eating honey and locusts waiting until finally it was time for his ministry. When it came he baptized people for 18 months before getting his head cut off. How many of us would see that as a fruitful life? If you did ministry for only 18 months of your life and didn’t see a single miracle how successful would you claim to be? Yet Jesus said in Matthew 11:11, “Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist.”
I think a lot of the time we just want everything now. We want to see revival now. We want to see miracles now. We want to see our ministry in full swing now. We want people to change now. We want our hearts to be changed now. Now now now. We want everything now. God doesn’t work that way. If we want to see things happen we have to put in the work. We reap what we sow. One of the biggest revelations that God has given me is about His character. Why does God want us to be patient? Why does he want us to endure with all patience and steadfastness? Because God is patient. God is so patient I don’t even understand it. The first time I got this huge revelation of how big the patience of God was I was praying asking God to give me patience. While I was praying I got distracted and started thinking about other things and about 10 minutes later I was like wait a second, I was praying. Have you ever tried to talk to someone and then they get distracted for 10 minutes with other things before they remember they were talking with you. You get annoyed, maybe you leave and don’t talk with them anymore. But God is always there just waiting for us. God is a God of patience, a God of endurance (Rom 15:5) Think about your own life. How has God been patient with you? With your sins? Your character? Your actions? Anything. God oozes patience, otherwise He would have blown us all up by now. He could do everything by Himself but He has so much patience that He chooses to work WITH us. Have you ever had something you could do really fast and easy on your own but instead you had to do it with someone else who had no idea how to do it. Yeah it’s dumb, it’s like I could be done with this 3 hours ago but no I’m not. We have a God who is unlimited, but loves us so much that he limits himself to us. God can only move as much as we let Him and want Him to move. That is ultimate patience because we are really good at not allowing Him to move.
Well this has now gotten super long and I feel like I’m kind of all over the place but I hope I am getting my point across. Without patience, it is impossible to run the race and receive the reward. The inheritance of God is not instantly won it is not a 100m dash. “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.” (Heb 10:36)
God has a plan to do things, and God will answer all our prayers if they are in Jesus name and according to His will. The problem with us is we want God to answer them and do things our way. When really He maybe has already done what we’re waiting for we just haven’t seen it. Or maybe if He waits and does it later it will have more impact. Whatever it is we have to have the patience and the faith to allow God to work His way on His timing trusting that His way is the best way. God says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isa 55:8-9) Do we have enough faith in God to trust He is going to answer our prayers even if we don’t see it right away or maybe at all? Do we have enough faith in God to believe God is who He says He is and that He truly keeps ALL of His promises?
By being patient we allow God to move in the way He wants to. It means we have to rely on God that He is moving even when we can’t see it. We have to trust God more, we have to be dependant on God more because we cannot see all the work that is being done. The Bible tells us to bear fruit with patience. Luk 8:15: “As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.” Jas 5:7: “Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.” There are also many promises in the Bible for those who endure, for those who are steadfast, for those who are patient. There are also many examples. For example the disciples prayed with patience and endurance for 10 days straight, their reward? The Holy Spirit and Pentecost, not bad. Elijah in 1 Kings 18 prayed 7 times for rain before the fist of a cloud came. He could have given up after praying a couple times. It didn’t come right away so it must not be coming. No he kept praying and he kept sending his servant out to look until the rain came. Most of us would be too impatient to pray for the same thing 7 times in a row. After a couple times we would probably be more like try again tomorrow instead of having the patience to sit there and keep praying and keep praying until something happens. Pray until something happens is a phrase I have heard a lot. I usually take it as if you are praying for healing you pray until something happens. But it works in all areas. If you are praying for revival you should pray with patient endurance until something happens. If you are praying for someone to turn to Christ, you should pray patiently until something happens. If you are praying for the power of God to fall you should pray patiently until something happens. If you are praying for greater intimacy with God you should pray and seek His face patiently until something happens. I have a list of verses below that you can look at for more good nuggets but my favorite is this. “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Gal 6:9)
One of the enemy’s biggest tactics is to try and get us to give up. To try and get us to coast and be complacent. To think that we are not having an impact on people even though we are. We read a story in DTS this week. It’s found here: http://spiritlessons.com/Documents/Frank_Jenner/Frank_Jenner_of_George_Street.pdf read it but you may cry. Mr. Jenner reached people by pure simple patient obedience. He didn’t need fancy technology or lots of money. He did what he knew he could and offered God what he had to offer. Mr. Jenner could have given up. He didn’t see with his eyes one single person come to Jesus. He could have said I don’t have the patience for this, I don’t have the endurance, I’m not making a difference anyway, I give up. If he had done this thousands of lives would not have been touched by the love of Jesus Christ. We are limited in our perceptions. We can only see a fraction of what is going on around us and the true impact we have on other people. Who knows you could have smiled at someone today and completely changed their day around. This is why it is so important that we have patience and we endure and we honor God with everything we do at all times because we never know when we may be having an impact on people. But God knows, and through this patient endurance we will receive our reward in full, we will reap the harvest, and we will make a difference in the world, if we do not give up.
I have so much to say on this I could probably write a book but I’m going to try to wrap it up here. Why am I talking about patience? Well patience is probably the biggest thing God has been showing me and teaching me while being here on DTS. As stated in my blog post Sculptures and Deserts, my growth in God during this DTS is not something easily seen, it is not black and white, it is not a fast easy process. It is something that takes time, that is delicate, and requires patience. Secondly, I’ve been learning a lot about hearing God’s voice. If we want to hear God’s voice then when we pray we need to actually shut up and let Him speak. And this doesn’t always happen right away, sometimes you got to sit there for 5 minutes before God says anything, sometimes half an hour. I know stories of people staying up all night and not getting anything till 4 in the morning. Hearing the voice of God takes patience. Why doesn’t he just tell us and yell it at us and scream it at us. I don’t know I wish He did sometimes. But that wouldn’t be much of a relationship if He always was like do this. Okay do this. Okay do this. God wants to reason with us and He wants to plan with us and work with us. I think if he just instantly told us all the time our relationship would become limited to us just getting orders from God like a private in the army getting orders from a General. God doesn’t want us to be privates in His army He wants us to be in His secret council (its somewhere in the Bible I couldn’t find the verse).
God has also been teaching me patience with other people. The biggest part is that sometimes I want everyone to be where I’m at, or where I think they should be. I want them to be completely on fire for God and going after God in everything and I want it to happen right away. I don’t think this in itself is bad but God likes to work in what we call a process. Sometimes we learn more from the process than the actual end result. Other times I wonder why its taking me so long to get where other poeple are at. However when I look back on where God has taken me He didn’t instantly just take me from being complacent in my faith and then a week later I was on fire for Him healing the sick, speaking in tongues, consecrated in all areas of my life. No God is doing it in steps and through each different step I learned things and grew in my character. We need to realize that God wants to work on people and us in this process. Sometimes the process can be faster depending on how hungry the person is for God and that is where we can come in and encourage, but we also have to allow God to work and act in a spirit of grace not impatience or legalism.
Okay so I’ve talked a lot about why we need patience and the importance of patience and what is patience but how do we get patience? This is probably the biggest thing God is still teaching me. I think that if God is trying to teach us patience He will throw us into situations where we are forced to be patience. Or we’ll ask for patience and instead of just giving it to us He gives us a situation to be patient in and by being patient in situations we become patient. We become people of patient endurance by not giving up day in and day out. Each time we resist the temptation of the enemy to give up we are becoming more and more patient. Another way to get patience, maybe easier than the first is to ask for more of the Holy Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Gal 5:22-23) So if we want patience just ask for more of the Holy Spirit because one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is patience. If the Spirit of God is truly alive in us we will be patient and have endurance because God is patience and God is a God of endurance (Rom. 15:5).
Patience is something that is very important for our walk with God. With it we will gain eternal life. Rom 2:7: “to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.” With it we will grow closer to God and rely on Him and trust on Him more. With it we will reap the rewards not only of eternal life but the rewards of this life as well. If we truly want to make a difference in the world and bring this generation back to Christ we need to realize it will not happen overnight. This is not God’s fault for not acting big enough or fast enough but our own fault for getting ourselves into this big of a mess. Paul realized that patience was the sign of a true witness of Christ. 2Co 12:12: “The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works.”
With patient endurance we can not only reach those around us but we can see the beauty of God working His plan through us in His way on His timing. With patient endurance we can not only run the race, but finish the race and receive our reward in full once we cross the finish line. Therefore my brothers, “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Rom 15:5-6)
-----------------------------------
(Ecc 7:8) Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
(Luk 8:15) As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.
(Luk 21:19) By your endurance you will gain your lives.
(Rom 2:7) to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life;
(Rom 5:3) More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,
(Rom 5:4) and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
(Rom 8:25) But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
(Rom 12:12) Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
(Rom 15:4) For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
(Rom 15:5) May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,
(1Co 13:4) Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant
(2Co 1:6) If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer.
(2Co 6:4) but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities,
(2Co 12:12) The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works.
(Col 1:11) May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy,
(1Th 1:3) remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
(1Th 5:14) And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.
(2Th 1:4) Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.
(2Th 3:5) May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.
(1Ti 6:11) But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.
(2Ti 3:10) You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness,
(Tit 2:2) Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.
(Heb 10:36) For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.
(Heb 12:1) Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
(Jas 1:3) for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
(Jas 1:4) And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
(Jas 5:7) Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.
(Jas 5:8) You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
(Jas 5:11) Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
(2Pe 1:6) and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness,
(2Pe 3:9) The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
(Rev 2:3) I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary.
(Rev 13:10) If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.
(Rev 14:12) Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
He Loves His Job
I found this the other day and decided it was more than worthy of re-posting here. I believe the full message (this is just an excerpt) can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEtZVzaenxg&NR=1
Monday, July 11, 2011
Love Can Take It
This was my final project for my Honors Global Literature class. I decided to edit a video of various news footage that I could find on the internet along with quotes that I thought were interesting concerning war, peace, and the concept of justice and redemptive violence. A lot of the inspiration for this video came from discussions I've had since the death of Osama Bin Laden, including those in this class, my International Relations class, and discussions with friends. However, this film probably more than anything shows the struggle I've had over the past year or so as my views on war and "redemptive violence" have slowly but significantly changed to the point where I am almost ready to say I am a pacifist. (This change in thinking was sparked after reading the book "Jesus for President" by Shane Claiborne) It is not an easy or clean topic, but an important one nonetheless. This video isn't quite what I want it to be, its not the most organized or as artistic as I'd like and I may work on it more time. But for now, I hope it is found to be thought provoking and challenging as it takes you back over the past decade of history.
"We cannot in all good conscience obey your unjust laws, because noncooperation with evil is as much a moral obligation as is cooperation with good. Throw us in jail, and we shall still love you. Bomb our homes and threaten our children, and we shall still love you. Send your hooded perpetrators of violence into our community at the midnight hour and beat us and leave us half dead, and we shall still love you. But be ye assured that we will wear you down by our capacity to suffer. One day we shall win freedom, but not only for ourselves. We shall so appeal to your heart and conscience that we shall win you in the process, and our victory will be a double victory. . . .
Now there is a final reason I think that Jesus says, “Love your enemies.” It is this: that love has within it a redemptive power. And there is a power there that eventually transforms individuals. That’s why Jesus says, “Love your enemies.” Because if you hate your enemies, you have no way to redeem and to transform your enemies. But if you love your enemies, you will discover that at the very root of love is the power of redemption."
– Martin Luther King, Jr., “Loving Your Enemies”, 17 November 1957, Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, Montgomery Alabama
"We cannot in all good conscience obey your unjust laws, because noncooperation with evil is as much a moral obligation as is cooperation with good. Throw us in jail, and we shall still love you. Bomb our homes and threaten our children, and we shall still love you. Send your hooded perpetrators of violence into our community at the midnight hour and beat us and leave us half dead, and we shall still love you. But be ye assured that we will wear you down by our capacity to suffer. One day we shall win freedom, but not only for ourselves. We shall so appeal to your heart and conscience that we shall win you in the process, and our victory will be a double victory. . . .
Now there is a final reason I think that Jesus says, “Love your enemies.” It is this: that love has within it a redemptive power. And there is a power there that eventually transforms individuals. That’s why Jesus says, “Love your enemies.” Because if you hate your enemies, you have no way to redeem and to transform your enemies. But if you love your enemies, you will discover that at the very root of love is the power of redemption."
– Martin Luther King, Jr., “Loving Your Enemies”, 17 November 1957, Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, Montgomery Alabama
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
War School
My friend Joel posted this on his blog The Way I See It. As a film student as well as an advocate for social justice I figured it was worthy of reposting.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Two Things
Two things, first is a quote by Mark Driscoll that I love. Second is a video by the band Gungor that I got to see play live last night. They are wonderful. Very anointed and very talented. This video is more something funny but its got some good things to say. I have 3 days left of my first year of college. Yah!
“Some emergent types [want] to recast Jesus as a limp-wrist hippie in a dress with a lot of product in His hair, who drank decaf and made pithy Zen statements about life while shopping for the perfect pair of shoes. In Revelation, Jesus is a prize fighter with a tattoo down His leg, a sword in His hand and the commitment to make someone bleed. That is a guy I can worship. I cannot worship the hippie, diaper, halo Christ because I cannot worship a guy I can beat up.” –Mark Driscoll
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Therefore go…and invite all your friends to church?
Since when did “therefore go and make disciples of all nations” turn into, “go to all your friends and invite them to church.” Now don’t get me wrong, inviting people to church is not a bad thing (I do it), nor is it bad that churches and ministries encourage people to invite their friends. The problem is that when this becomes the focus and extent of our reaching out (which for many it is) then we’ve missed it. Jesus never said to his disciples, go bring the lost into the temple so that they receive some good teaching and maybe be around good righteous people for a little bit. No he told his disciples to, “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:8). And he said therefore GO…(Matthew 28:19). In other words what YOU receive (perhaps in church) YOU go out to the lost and give it to them. I think a big reason we struggle with this is that we struggle with the issue of us actually telling someone about Christ, actually letting God use OUR hands to heal someone, or God speaking to US maybe by giving us a word of knowledge or a prophetic word. If we can just bring someone to church then we don’t have to do anything, that’s what the pastor is for. And while sometimes our role is to bring someone to church and have them be impacted by a service, a worship team, or a pastor, the fact remains that God wants to use us to reach the world in the world, not just in church.
I bring this up because I hear this more and more often in churches at various meetings. Invite your friends! Sometimes I’m like no I don’t want to bring my friends here they’d be bored out of their minds (no offense to the church but sometimes we make God pretty boring, not sure how since he’s the most exciting being in the universe but somehow we do it). Very rarely do I hear, now go out and heal the sick this week, ask someone if you can pray for them this week, try to get a prophetic word for someone and encourage them this week. I think if we did a better job of encouraging and doing these things, then after they encounter God in the world, people will see that God is not contained to a building or a service, yet at the same time they will be more willing and desiring to come to our meetings.
I bring this up because I hear this more and more often in churches at various meetings. Invite your friends! Sometimes I’m like no I don’t want to bring my friends here they’d be bored out of their minds (no offense to the church but sometimes we make God pretty boring, not sure how since he’s the most exciting being in the universe but somehow we do it). Very rarely do I hear, now go out and heal the sick this week, ask someone if you can pray for them this week, try to get a prophetic word for someone and encourage them this week. I think if we did a better job of encouraging and doing these things, then after they encounter God in the world, people will see that God is not contained to a building or a service, yet at the same time they will be more willing and desiring to come to our meetings.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
One Man
So I haven’t really written much lately. It’s been weird, I’ve been getting revelation and good thoughts but I just haven’t gotten that urge or need to write things down lately like I have in the past. Or when I have sat down to write I’ve drawn blanks and haven’t been able to get started. I mean when I’m lying in bed, for some reason I’m able to preach a whole sermon to myself in my head before I fall asleep, yet I’ve had trouble articulating things to other people. So yea, anyway I’m going to try to get some things out.
One of the things that has really been on my heart lately is the idea of how one person can make a difference. God has been teaching me this a lot the last few weeks, and He’s been teaching it to me a lot for the last 2 years at YWAM and now here at RIT. However it got kind of got brought up a few weeks ago when I was talking to my friend Jake Engen. We were talking about college life and he mentioned how so many times in the Old Testament it only took one man to change things. There have been many times in my life the last two years where I have felt like the only one pressing in for the Kingdom of God to advance. (I'll talk about this later but a lot of times this was a feeling brought upon by circumstances as I saw them and not an actually true reality. In fact I'll just quickly say that I am spoiled in terms of the amount of amazing on fire Christians I have met the last two years of my life all of which are doing great and amazing things to advance the Kingdom of God all over the world and here in the US. That being said please continue.) There have been times when I’ve had to have a lot of one-man prayer meetings because either there were no others with the desire to press in or those who had the desire were busy with other things and responsibilities. And while this has been hard I’ve learned a lot of things through it. For one, my intimacy with the LORD has grown to new heights over the past couple years. It used to be that I would go to church or some form of prayer meeting or worship service probably around 4-5 times a week. Since not living in Minnesota, in order to maintain the level and amount of prayer and worship that I am accustomed to, I’ve had to go to the secret place. Many times it’s worship alone or not at all. Intercede alone or not at all. What I really want to get at is not my testimony specifically but I want to speak a word of encouragement that emphasizes the importance and significance of pressing in alone. If you dedicate yourself wholly to Christ and to His purposes there are probably going to be times in your life when you feel like you are the only one or one of the few who is going after the purposes of God.
Luckily there is a wonderful example of someone in the Old Testament who felt the same way. If you get a chance and want more context go ahead and read 1 Kings 18-19. I’ll be taking excerpts from there from the story of Elijah. I’m going to pick up in a place where we have Elijah, he just dominated these prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, and then he outruns a chariot (And you thought Usain Bolt had the world record for fastest man). Anyway after all this, he is being sought after to be killed and he runs in the desert discouraged. He says this to God, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.” (1 Kings 19:10) Here we see Elijah feeling like He is the only one. He feels like the only zealous man of God left. Before I get to God’s answer I want us to realize that part of what Elijah says is true and I also want us to realize what he did pretty much on his own (with God of course). He was the only man of God on Mt. Carmel. In 1 Kings 18:22 Elijah states, “I alone am left a prophet of the LORD; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men.” And yet, Elijah stood up to all the prophets of Baal and the LORD moved through and sent down fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice. Not only that but then Elijah prays (he prays 7 times, remember that next time you want to give up after praying for something only once) for the rain to come and end the 3 ½ year drought and it does. This is a huge testimony of what one man can do when he stands up for the things of God through actions and through prayer.
In Ezekiel this concept is shown again through Ezekiel 22:30, “So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.” This scripture points out that God is looking for a man. ONE MAN. To stand in the gap, to pray, to intercede on behalf of the land (or the whole nation) in order that it might be saved. Let this grip you with the POWER that prayer can have to shift a nation. O that we would be people who would say I want to be that ONE MAN. That one man who will make a difference, that one man who will stand up to the powers of darkness and say enough is enough. That one man who will finally get sick of seeing a generation killing itself through drugs, alcohol, pre-marital sex, pornography, eating disorders, cutting, suicide, and the false hope of the American dream. That one man who will raise his voice in prayer and bring a shift in the heavenly places and lay a foundation for God to move in their generation. Beloved it is time that we let God grip us with something higher. It is time that we get an understanding that me, one man, one woman, can make a difference in the kingdom of God and in the lives of the people around me. Unless we get this revelation, unless we get an understanding that what we do not only matters but has eternal implications, we will not act or step out to the level that God calls us to and we will not pray. Because if you believe that what you do does not make a difference you will not step out, you will not be willing to have one-man prayer meetings, you will not be willing to take those steps of faith to pray for that man in the wheelchair, or to be friends with the quiet girl in your class who always sits by herself and is probably struggling with depression. But if we do get this revelation, that’s when God can use us. When our hearts are completely after His and like Isaiah we say, “HERE I AM GOD SEND ME.” (Isaiah 6) USE ME! That’s all it takes, a heart that is lovesick for Jesus and a spirit that is willing. 2 Chronicles 16:9 says, "For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is completely His." God is on the move. He wants to move. He wants to do miracles. He’s just waiting and constantly looking for that one man or woman that is after His heart and when He finds that man or woman He WILL show Himself strong on their behalf and will move through their life in POWER and in signs and wonders as is promised in Mark 16. Will you be that one man?
Just to shy away any doubts that you’re not “spiritual” enough to be a prayer warrior, and just to tear down that lie that says God doesn’t answer your prayers. James 5:16-18 says, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.” Two things I want to pull from this. One is that if you have accepted Jesus you are a righteous man. You have been made righteous by the blood of Jesus and therefore your prayers availeth much. I don’t care if you feel righteous, if you love Jesus, and He is your LORD and savior you are righteous and your prayers have POWER to shift the spiritual atmosphere around you. Second, Elijah was just like us. Elijah called down fire from heaven, Elijah outran a chariot, Elijah prayed for it not to rain and it didn’t for 3 ½ years. Elijah prayed for it to rain and it did. Everything Elijah did you can do. The things Jesus did, you can do. (Jesus said we would actually do greater things than he did – John 14:12) Why? Because the same spirit that lived in Elijah, the same spirit that raised Jesus Christ from the dead lives inside of you (Romans 8:11). Cool right?
Ok last thing I want to hit goes back to the story of Elijah I was talking about at the beginning. So yes, we can change things, one person can change things. We need to be willing to step out on our own to do things and to bring God’s Kingdom to earth. However I also want to highlight God’s response to Elijah in the passage. In the passage the LORD speaks to Elijah in the still small voice. “Then the LORD said to him: “Go, return on your way to the Wilderness of Damascus; and when you arrive, anoint Hazael as king over Syria. Also you shall anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi as king over Israel. And Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place. It shall be that whoever escapes the sword of Hazael, Jehu will kill; and whoever escapes the sword of Jehu, Elisha will kill. Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” (1 Kings 19: 15-18)
In other words, God is saying “Elijah this whole time you have felt like you were alone, you have felt like you were pressing in by yourself, but there are SEVEN-THOUSAND others whose hearts are still after me.” I bring this up because just as there have been times in the last couple years where I have felt like I was pressing in alone, and times where I’ve had to press in alone, God has always shown me those 7,000 who have not bowed their knees to Baal. Yes they aren’t always right next to me in the physical, they are not always praying with me in the same room, but they are there. I just got to look for them.
I hope that makes sense, I ended up writing a lot more than I intended haha. Pretty much to sum up, sometimes in our lives there can be seasons where we feel like we are the only one really going after God. When this happens we need to remember two things. One, that us by ourselves can make a difference. Everything we do matters, and God only needs one willing person to move through to do amazing and miraculous things. Second we need to remember that even when we feel alone we never are. There are always other believers pressing in whether we see them or not. God always preserves a remnant. Lastly, remember God is faithful and if you commit your way to the LORD and trust in Him, HE WILL DO IT (Psalm 37:5).
One of the things that has really been on my heart lately is the idea of how one person can make a difference. God has been teaching me this a lot the last few weeks, and He’s been teaching it to me a lot for the last 2 years at YWAM and now here at RIT. However it got kind of got brought up a few weeks ago when I was talking to my friend Jake Engen. We were talking about college life and he mentioned how so many times in the Old Testament it only took one man to change things. There have been many times in my life the last two years where I have felt like the only one pressing in for the Kingdom of God to advance. (I'll talk about this later but a lot of times this was a feeling brought upon by circumstances as I saw them and not an actually true reality. In fact I'll just quickly say that I am spoiled in terms of the amount of amazing on fire Christians I have met the last two years of my life all of which are doing great and amazing things to advance the Kingdom of God all over the world and here in the US. That being said please continue.) There have been times when I’ve had to have a lot of one-man prayer meetings because either there were no others with the desire to press in or those who had the desire were busy with other things and responsibilities. And while this has been hard I’ve learned a lot of things through it. For one, my intimacy with the LORD has grown to new heights over the past couple years. It used to be that I would go to church or some form of prayer meeting or worship service probably around 4-5 times a week. Since not living in Minnesota, in order to maintain the level and amount of prayer and worship that I am accustomed to, I’ve had to go to the secret place. Many times it’s worship alone or not at all. Intercede alone or not at all. What I really want to get at is not my testimony specifically but I want to speak a word of encouragement that emphasizes the importance and significance of pressing in alone. If you dedicate yourself wholly to Christ and to His purposes there are probably going to be times in your life when you feel like you are the only one or one of the few who is going after the purposes of God.
Luckily there is a wonderful example of someone in the Old Testament who felt the same way. If you get a chance and want more context go ahead and read 1 Kings 18-19. I’ll be taking excerpts from there from the story of Elijah. I’m going to pick up in a place where we have Elijah, he just dominated these prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, and then he outruns a chariot (And you thought Usain Bolt had the world record for fastest man). Anyway after all this, he is being sought after to be killed and he runs in the desert discouraged. He says this to God, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.” (1 Kings 19:10) Here we see Elijah feeling like He is the only one. He feels like the only zealous man of God left. Before I get to God’s answer I want us to realize that part of what Elijah says is true and I also want us to realize what he did pretty much on his own (with God of course). He was the only man of God on Mt. Carmel. In 1 Kings 18:22 Elijah states, “I alone am left a prophet of the LORD; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men.” And yet, Elijah stood up to all the prophets of Baal and the LORD moved through and sent down fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice. Not only that but then Elijah prays (he prays 7 times, remember that next time you want to give up after praying for something only once) for the rain to come and end the 3 ½ year drought and it does. This is a huge testimony of what one man can do when he stands up for the things of God through actions and through prayer.
In Ezekiel this concept is shown again through Ezekiel 22:30, “So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.” This scripture points out that God is looking for a man. ONE MAN. To stand in the gap, to pray, to intercede on behalf of the land (or the whole nation) in order that it might be saved. Let this grip you with the POWER that prayer can have to shift a nation. O that we would be people who would say I want to be that ONE MAN. That one man who will make a difference, that one man who will stand up to the powers of darkness and say enough is enough. That one man who will finally get sick of seeing a generation killing itself through drugs, alcohol, pre-marital sex, pornography, eating disorders, cutting, suicide, and the false hope of the American dream. That one man who will raise his voice in prayer and bring a shift in the heavenly places and lay a foundation for God to move in their generation. Beloved it is time that we let God grip us with something higher. It is time that we get an understanding that me, one man, one woman, can make a difference in the kingdom of God and in the lives of the people around me. Unless we get this revelation, unless we get an understanding that what we do not only matters but has eternal implications, we will not act or step out to the level that God calls us to and we will not pray. Because if you believe that what you do does not make a difference you will not step out, you will not be willing to have one-man prayer meetings, you will not be willing to take those steps of faith to pray for that man in the wheelchair, or to be friends with the quiet girl in your class who always sits by herself and is probably struggling with depression. But if we do get this revelation, that’s when God can use us. When our hearts are completely after His and like Isaiah we say, “HERE I AM GOD SEND ME.” (Isaiah 6) USE ME! That’s all it takes, a heart that is lovesick for Jesus and a spirit that is willing. 2 Chronicles 16:9 says, "For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is completely His." God is on the move. He wants to move. He wants to do miracles. He’s just waiting and constantly looking for that one man or woman that is after His heart and when He finds that man or woman He WILL show Himself strong on their behalf and will move through their life in POWER and in signs and wonders as is promised in Mark 16. Will you be that one man?
Just to shy away any doubts that you’re not “spiritual” enough to be a prayer warrior, and just to tear down that lie that says God doesn’t answer your prayers. James 5:16-18 says, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.” Two things I want to pull from this. One is that if you have accepted Jesus you are a righteous man. You have been made righteous by the blood of Jesus and therefore your prayers availeth much. I don’t care if you feel righteous, if you love Jesus, and He is your LORD and savior you are righteous and your prayers have POWER to shift the spiritual atmosphere around you. Second, Elijah was just like us. Elijah called down fire from heaven, Elijah outran a chariot, Elijah prayed for it not to rain and it didn’t for 3 ½ years. Elijah prayed for it to rain and it did. Everything Elijah did you can do. The things Jesus did, you can do. (Jesus said we would actually do greater things than he did – John 14:12) Why? Because the same spirit that lived in Elijah, the same spirit that raised Jesus Christ from the dead lives inside of you (Romans 8:11). Cool right?
Ok last thing I want to hit goes back to the story of Elijah I was talking about at the beginning. So yes, we can change things, one person can change things. We need to be willing to step out on our own to do things and to bring God’s Kingdom to earth. However I also want to highlight God’s response to Elijah in the passage. In the passage the LORD speaks to Elijah in the still small voice. “Then the LORD said to him: “Go, return on your way to the Wilderness of Damascus; and when you arrive, anoint Hazael as king over Syria. Also you shall anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi as king over Israel. And Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place. It shall be that whoever escapes the sword of Hazael, Jehu will kill; and whoever escapes the sword of Jehu, Elisha will kill. Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” (1 Kings 19: 15-18)
In other words, God is saying “Elijah this whole time you have felt like you were alone, you have felt like you were pressing in by yourself, but there are SEVEN-THOUSAND others whose hearts are still after me.” I bring this up because just as there have been times in the last couple years where I have felt like I was pressing in alone, and times where I’ve had to press in alone, God has always shown me those 7,000 who have not bowed their knees to Baal. Yes they aren’t always right next to me in the physical, they are not always praying with me in the same room, but they are there. I just got to look for them.
I hope that makes sense, I ended up writing a lot more than I intended haha. Pretty much to sum up, sometimes in our lives there can be seasons where we feel like we are the only one really going after God. When this happens we need to remember two things. One, that us by ourselves can make a difference. Everything we do matters, and God only needs one willing person to move through to do amazing and miraculous things. Second we need to remember that even when we feel alone we never are. There are always other believers pressing in whether we see them or not. God always preserves a remnant. Lastly, remember God is faithful and if you commit your way to the LORD and trust in Him, HE WILL DO IT (Psalm 37:5).
Sunday, April 17, 2011
The Bride of Christ
If you're a Christian, you are the bride of Christ. This means you are the bride, and Jesus is the bridegroom. This means that He is the one pursuing you, He is the one out to win your love. Not the other way around. If your not a Christian it works the same way because Jesus passionately desires to make you His bride. Either way your pursued and have no need to earn His love. All you have to do is say yes and let Him draw you into a deep intimate friendship with the all-powerful uncreated God of the universe.
Yea.
So good.
Yea.
So good.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Carnaval Stories 2011 (part 2)
This is my last post about my spring break trip! It's longer but its got some awesome testimonies of the power of God so make it to the end! I wrote this in my journal on Monday March 7, 2011 from the airplane when going from Phoenix to LA.
-------------------------------------------
Haha ok wow. There is Internet on my flight and I’m getting distracted but Heavs yea!! Last 2 nights were SICK!!!! I’ll start with Saturday night. Crazy busy. Greg said he hadn’t seen it that busy in several years. I went into Carnival with Greg, Harmony and a few others. We totally got wrecked by the Holy Spirit and His joy on the way over to Looney Bean (a coffee shop located inside the gates of Carnival, YWAM Mazatlan is friends with the owners). It was great. Then we worshipped at Looney Bean. Outside the fireworks went off, they completely destroyed me (in a good way). At one point Josh (a DTS student), Harmony and I got on our knees in the middle of the huge crowd and just cried out repentance on behalf of the bloodshed. Also Dan (another DTS student), Josh and I went through the crowd praying for people as we passed them. It was really loud so we could be loud which was great. We were constantly just praising God or lifting up His name. It was a lot of fun. Near the end of the night we were exiting Carnival and Josh had to go back to Looney Bean to get something we had left behind. So the rest of us as we waited ended up seeing 3 salvations. One guy was working the gate and the Holy Spirit gave me a word of knowledge about his back hurting. I told our group I wanted to pray for him and David (DTS student) said he had felt the same so we went over to talk to him. We introduced ourselves to the guy (Roman) and I asked if he had backpain. He was surprised and said yes he does. I asked if we could pray for him and he said yes. We then prayed for God to heal his back. His back was healed and he accepted Christ within a few minutes.
Sunday was crazy. In the afternoon we did evangelism during the parade. I was with two other girls. We didn’t even make it down Las Palmas (the street the base is on) before we ran into Francisco who was selling chips. I had seen him the other day when I was doing security at Casa del Marino (the building where we based our Carnival ministry) and said hi but didn’t think much of it. Anyway so he our attention and is like I want to give you a bag of chips as a gift from my heart. So I was like cool but can we pray for you in return. Somehow we got from there to him crying about how he’d been addicted to drugs and weed and how he wanted to take that time and money and spend it with his family but he couldn’t break the addiction. We told him about Jesus and the power he has to break the power of sin and he accepted Jesus and we broke the spirit of addiction off his life. By the end he was super happy and was giving us hugs and stuff.
Then Rikka wanted to talk to the police officers standing about 10 yards up the hill so we did. I got a word of knowledge about one of the officer’s knee. He was like who told you that. I told him Jesus did and that Jesus wanted to heal him. So we prayed for him and God healed his knee and his throat. This man was already a Christian but his friend was not and though his friend did not accept Christ he did confess and interest and a desire to go to church.
Alright now the good stuff. Haha as if the above wasn’t good. In prayer we had been getting words about how it was the 4th night. The 3rd night had been hard and we all felt the 4th would be better. Worship confirmed that, we went super deep into the presence of God. When we met up as a prayer team after, I felt led to go into Carnival but wasn’t sure what I was supposed to do. Tasha, Megan, Heather, and David felt the same. So we headed into Carnival not sure what to do. 2 days before some of us from the prayer team including Tom and Jessy had gone into Carnival to pray. Tom felt this one spot next to the beer stand across from the devil’s cave was significant especially for healing including the deaf and the blind. So we anointed it with oil and prayed over the spot. I sat down and prayed that he person who sat there would encounter Jesus. This was also right below the high place we took on Friday night with worship and below the place on Ice Box Hill where we pray all the time.
Anyway I felt like on Sunday night we were to go to this spot but I didn’t know what we should do. On the way we ran into a blind guy and prayed but nothing happened. We were kind of disappointed but moved on. Eventually we came in sight of the spot so we stopped to ask God what we should do there. All we really got was dance. So we went over there with the intention of dancing. However, when we got over there I felt like we should talk to this dude so we did. Heather ended up talking to him and he got saved. But they were talking for a while so I got bored. I saw these 2 guys sitting on the curb so I grabbed Tasha and we went and said hi. Remembering what we had done earlier I asked if either of them had any pain in their body and one of them said yes. I asked him if it was in his back (because that’s where I felt the Holy Spirit said it was) and he said yes. So we prayed and he stood up to test it out, he was healed! Then he asked us to pray for his wrist. We did and it got healed. Then he asked us to pray for the pain in his legs. We did and those got healed and he got up and did a little dance. By this point the other guy wanted prayer. He had us pray for his throat because it hurt to talk, he also had a really raspy voice. We prayed and it got better. He then had us pray for his ears because he was hard of hearing. His ears got healed and he could hear better! By this time people around were kind of watching what was going on so we went around asking people if they needed healing. And if we weren’t asking them, they were asking us pointing to various parts of their bodies asking for prayer. At one point this girl who was with her husband called me over. I grabbed Heather and we prayed for her cough, it went away and she got saved. I also got to pray for one of the guys working the beer stand. He said his hands and his feet hurt but that he was working. I told him that was OK he could keep working and I would just stand there and pray for him without laying hands on him or anything. So I did and he got healed. He ended up getting saved the next night. At another point, we were just preaching the gospel and describing how these things were possible and the blind dude we had previously prayed for runs right into us. Literally. Were like OK let’s pray again because by this time our faith was pretty much exploding. So we prayed for him several times. He went from seeing nothing but black, to seeing the color blue, to seeing multiple colors, to by the time we were done praying for him he could see colors and flashes of light. He also said he was going to go to church to get more prayer. So yea it was pretty crazy. In all we saw 18 healings and 2 salvations at this spot in about a couple hours.
Healings we saw:
• 2 throats
• Should pain
• 2 knees
• Hands and feet
• Wrist pain/limited movement
• Pain in the arm
• Partial deafness
• 2 necks
• A cough
• Leg pain
• Back pain
• Pain in both legs
• Pinched nerve on leg
• Blind man from seeing nothing to seeing colors and flashes of light
Everybody we prayed for got at least partially healed. Later I also realized that right where I had sat and prayed a couple days earlier was right where the 1st guy we talked to was sitting as well as the girl with the cough (at different times). Both got saved. We also later found out the whole time this was going on the team on Ice Box Hill was right above us praying even though they couldn’t see what was going on. Also the prayer team back at Casa said they had a crazy night with the heavens just open. The evangelists also had a good night with around 75 people saved that night I think. Also a side note, the next night a group went into Carnival and prayed for a man who couldn’t talk and after they prayed he was able to say words such as gracias.
One thing that was awesome is all week I kind of felt like prayer wasn’t really doing much but by the end it could not have been more obvious how important the prayer team is. There were stories of people just dropping their beer and leaving Carnival. One guy traded his marijuana in for our tracts. Both got saved. When you have that much prayer and spiritual warfare going on the heavens are just open, people are ready, and evangelism is easy.
So yea spring break was awesome. God is good. And it is time to start having stuff like this be part of regular daily Christian life. Hope you all enjoyed the stories, and I hope that you understand that Jesus wants to use YOU to heal the sick and bring salvation to those around you. Be blessed.
Chris
This is a video the YWAM Mazatlan media team made with a couple Carnaval testimonies.
-------------------------------------------
Haha ok wow. There is Internet on my flight and I’m getting distracted but Heavs yea!! Last 2 nights were SICK!!!! I’ll start with Saturday night. Crazy busy. Greg said he hadn’t seen it that busy in several years. I went into Carnival with Greg, Harmony and a few others. We totally got wrecked by the Holy Spirit and His joy on the way over to Looney Bean (a coffee shop located inside the gates of Carnival, YWAM Mazatlan is friends with the owners). It was great. Then we worshipped at Looney Bean. Outside the fireworks went off, they completely destroyed me (in a good way). At one point Josh (a DTS student), Harmony and I got on our knees in the middle of the huge crowd and just cried out repentance on behalf of the bloodshed. Also Dan (another DTS student), Josh and I went through the crowd praying for people as we passed them. It was really loud so we could be loud which was great. We were constantly just praising God or lifting up His name. It was a lot of fun. Near the end of the night we were exiting Carnival and Josh had to go back to Looney Bean to get something we had left behind. So the rest of us as we waited ended up seeing 3 salvations. One guy was working the gate and the Holy Spirit gave me a word of knowledge about his back hurting. I told our group I wanted to pray for him and David (DTS student) said he had felt the same so we went over to talk to him. We introduced ourselves to the guy (Roman) and I asked if he had backpain. He was surprised and said yes he does. I asked if we could pray for him and he said yes. We then prayed for God to heal his back. His back was healed and he accepted Christ within a few minutes.
Sunday was crazy. In the afternoon we did evangelism during the parade. I was with two other girls. We didn’t even make it down Las Palmas (the street the base is on) before we ran into Francisco who was selling chips. I had seen him the other day when I was doing security at Casa del Marino (the building where we based our Carnival ministry) and said hi but didn’t think much of it. Anyway so he our attention and is like I want to give you a bag of chips as a gift from my heart. So I was like cool but can we pray for you in return. Somehow we got from there to him crying about how he’d been addicted to drugs and weed and how he wanted to take that time and money and spend it with his family but he couldn’t break the addiction. We told him about Jesus and the power he has to break the power of sin and he accepted Jesus and we broke the spirit of addiction off his life. By the end he was super happy and was giving us hugs and stuff.
Then Rikka wanted to talk to the police officers standing about 10 yards up the hill so we did. I got a word of knowledge about one of the officer’s knee. He was like who told you that. I told him Jesus did and that Jesus wanted to heal him. So we prayed for him and God healed his knee and his throat. This man was already a Christian but his friend was not and though his friend did not accept Christ he did confess and interest and a desire to go to church.
Alright now the good stuff. Haha as if the above wasn’t good. In prayer we had been getting words about how it was the 4th night. The 3rd night had been hard and we all felt the 4th would be better. Worship confirmed that, we went super deep into the presence of God. When we met up as a prayer team after, I felt led to go into Carnival but wasn’t sure what I was supposed to do. Tasha, Megan, Heather, and David felt the same. So we headed into Carnival not sure what to do. 2 days before some of us from the prayer team including Tom and Jessy had gone into Carnival to pray. Tom felt this one spot next to the beer stand across from the devil’s cave was significant especially for healing including the deaf and the blind. So we anointed it with oil and prayed over the spot. I sat down and prayed that he person who sat there would encounter Jesus. This was also right below the high place we took on Friday night with worship and below the place on Ice Box Hill where we pray all the time.
Anyway I felt like on Sunday night we were to go to this spot but I didn’t know what we should do. On the way we ran into a blind guy and prayed but nothing happened. We were kind of disappointed but moved on. Eventually we came in sight of the spot so we stopped to ask God what we should do there. All we really got was dance. So we went over there with the intention of dancing. However, when we got over there I felt like we should talk to this dude so we did. Heather ended up talking to him and he got saved. But they were talking for a while so I got bored. I saw these 2 guys sitting on the curb so I grabbed Tasha and we went and said hi. Remembering what we had done earlier I asked if either of them had any pain in their body and one of them said yes. I asked him if it was in his back (because that’s where I felt the Holy Spirit said it was) and he said yes. So we prayed and he stood up to test it out, he was healed! Then he asked us to pray for his wrist. We did and it got healed. Then he asked us to pray for the pain in his legs. We did and those got healed and he got up and did a little dance. By this point the other guy wanted prayer. He had us pray for his throat because it hurt to talk, he also had a really raspy voice. We prayed and it got better. He then had us pray for his ears because he was hard of hearing. His ears got healed and he could hear better! By this time people around were kind of watching what was going on so we went around asking people if they needed healing. And if we weren’t asking them, they were asking us pointing to various parts of their bodies asking for prayer. At one point this girl who was with her husband called me over. I grabbed Heather and we prayed for her cough, it went away and she got saved. I also got to pray for one of the guys working the beer stand. He said his hands and his feet hurt but that he was working. I told him that was OK he could keep working and I would just stand there and pray for him without laying hands on him or anything. So I did and he got healed. He ended up getting saved the next night. At another point, we were just preaching the gospel and describing how these things were possible and the blind dude we had previously prayed for runs right into us. Literally. Were like OK let’s pray again because by this time our faith was pretty much exploding. So we prayed for him several times. He went from seeing nothing but black, to seeing the color blue, to seeing multiple colors, to by the time we were done praying for him he could see colors and flashes of light. He also said he was going to go to church to get more prayer. So yea it was pretty crazy. In all we saw 18 healings and 2 salvations at this spot in about a couple hours.
Healings we saw:
• 2 throats
• Should pain
• 2 knees
• Hands and feet
• Wrist pain/limited movement
• Pain in the arm
• Partial deafness
• 2 necks
• A cough
• Leg pain
• Back pain
• Pain in both legs
• Pinched nerve on leg
• Blind man from seeing nothing to seeing colors and flashes of light
Everybody we prayed for got at least partially healed. Later I also realized that right where I had sat and prayed a couple days earlier was right where the 1st guy we talked to was sitting as well as the girl with the cough (at different times). Both got saved. We also later found out the whole time this was going on the team on Ice Box Hill was right above us praying even though they couldn’t see what was going on. Also the prayer team back at Casa said they had a crazy night with the heavens just open. The evangelists also had a good night with around 75 people saved that night I think. Also a side note, the next night a group went into Carnival and prayed for a man who couldn’t talk and after they prayed he was able to say words such as gracias.
One thing that was awesome is all week I kind of felt like prayer wasn’t really doing much but by the end it could not have been more obvious how important the prayer team is. There were stories of people just dropping their beer and leaving Carnival. One guy traded his marijuana in for our tracts. Both got saved. When you have that much prayer and spiritual warfare going on the heavens are just open, people are ready, and evangelism is easy.
So yea spring break was awesome. God is good. And it is time to start having stuff like this be part of regular daily Christian life. Hope you all enjoyed the stories, and I hope that you understand that Jesus wants to use YOU to heal the sick and bring salvation to those around you. Be blessed.
Chris
This is a video the YWAM Mazatlan media team made with a couple Carnaval testimonies.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Carnaval Stories 2011
Alright on to Mexico! This is a portion of my journal entry on March 5, 2011
-----------------------------
Saturday already. Only a couple more days here in Mazatlan. It’s been awesome though. After the first 24 hours or so where it was really weird, its really just been so good to be home. That’s something that’s really hit me is that I actually have a home in Mazatlan and even if some things about the base change, I will always have a home here on the Pacific Ocean. That’s just awesome!
Carnival has been awesome so far. We’re done with 2 days of outreach and I’ll be here for 2 of the remaining 4 nights. The first night we went out evangelizing. My little group of 5 saw 9 salvations in the first couple hours!! The first was this couple selling gum, candy, and cigarettes outside of the Carnival gates. They had been in a car accident on the way to Mazatlan and had lost a lot of their stuff. Also the guy had twisted his ankle. So we talked, prayed and prophesied over them and their business. God healed the guy’s ankle and they both got saved! It was cool because they both kind of got saved separately but still together. Laura and I were talking to the woman while Mark and Ben and Montse were talked to the man. The LORD gave me a word for the woman about not giving up on dreams and she said she had a lot of business dreams so we prayed and released favor upon her and her husband and asked God to open up doors for them in the area of business.
We also prayed for this little boy Josue who was a small child with only one lung. We prayed that God would do a creative miracle and release a new lung from the storehouses of heaven. While we were praying, his mom got saved and tons of people gathered around curious as to what was going on and some of them received Jesus as LORD and savior as well.
Last night I led a team into Carnival. We walked all the way through to the other gate and back. I really had to fight the lie that we weren’t doing anything because we weren’t doing any evangelism, though we did see one salvation and we prayed for a few healings. It was however really intense intercession and spiritual warfare the whole night. I think one of the things God is growing me in is to be obedient to Him and do what needs to be done rather than just wanting cool stories. He’s also just reminding me the importance of prayer and spiritual warfare. However I think God is also being really faithful in also giving me rest while I am here. I’ve gotten to go to the beach twice and have time to spend with the LORD so it’s been great.
-----------------------------
Saturday already. Only a couple more days here in Mazatlan. It’s been awesome though. After the first 24 hours or so where it was really weird, its really just been so good to be home. That’s something that’s really hit me is that I actually have a home in Mazatlan and even if some things about the base change, I will always have a home here on the Pacific Ocean. That’s just awesome!
Carnival has been awesome so far. We’re done with 2 days of outreach and I’ll be here for 2 of the remaining 4 nights. The first night we went out evangelizing. My little group of 5 saw 9 salvations in the first couple hours!! The first was this couple selling gum, candy, and cigarettes outside of the Carnival gates. They had been in a car accident on the way to Mazatlan and had lost a lot of their stuff. Also the guy had twisted his ankle. So we talked, prayed and prophesied over them and their business. God healed the guy’s ankle and they both got saved! It was cool because they both kind of got saved separately but still together. Laura and I were talking to the woman while Mark and Ben and Montse were talked to the man. The LORD gave me a word for the woman about not giving up on dreams and she said she had a lot of business dreams so we prayed and released favor upon her and her husband and asked God to open up doors for them in the area of business.
We also prayed for this little boy Josue who was a small child with only one lung. We prayed that God would do a creative miracle and release a new lung from the storehouses of heaven. While we were praying, his mom got saved and tons of people gathered around curious as to what was going on and some of them received Jesus as LORD and savior as well.
Last night I led a team into Carnival. We walked all the way through to the other gate and back. I really had to fight the lie that we weren’t doing anything because we weren’t doing any evangelism, though we did see one salvation and we prayed for a few healings. It was however really intense intercession and spiritual warfare the whole night. I think one of the things God is growing me in is to be obedient to Him and do what needs to be done rather than just wanting cool stories. He’s also just reminding me the importance of prayer and spiritual warfare. However I think God is also being really faithful in also giving me rest while I am here. I’ve gotten to go to the beach twice and have time to spend with the LORD so it’s been great.
 |
| Our Prayer Gazebo |
 |
| YWAM Mazatlan and the Pacific Ocean |
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Just Normal Life
So it’s been about a week since I got back from my spring break trip to California and Mexico. I have to admit that it was probably the best spring break I have ever had. Not only did I get to see many friends, but I got to encounter Jesus and in just amazing unbelievable ways. Over the next few days I’m going to be posting stories, videos and typed up journal entries from my trip. I do this not to glorify how awesome my life is (even though its pretty awesome), but to give testimony to the powerful name of Jesus. I would hope that these testimonies more than anything encourage you to see that the impossible is possible anywhere and everywhere and that God wants to do the impossible through you. Anything I or the other people in these stories have done you can do because the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives inside of you just as He lives inside of me (Romans 8:11).
Ok so for this entry I want to describe a little bit about my time at Bethel Church. My first stop over spring break was to a small city (more like town) in northern California called Redding. In this town there is this church called Bethel (http://www.ibethel.org/site/). I’m sure most of you have heard of it and if you haven’t its time you have (If you haven't heard of Bethel maybe you've heard of Jesus Culture or Bill Johnson both from there). For about a year and a half I have been reading, hearing, and watching stories that are coming out of this church. Stories of miracles, of the blind seeing and the deaf hearing, the lame walking, stories of generosity and miraculous provision. Getting to go and visit Bethel was something that I’ve wanted to do for a while now and it was definitely an honor.
At Bethel Church they have a ministry school called the School of Supernatural Ministry. I currently know 6 people who are doing this school. Therefore my trip had a two-fold purpose, visit my friends and see the church. Neither disappointed. While I was there, there was a conference going on where I got to hear the likes of Bob Jones and Graham Cooke speak. I got to worship while Kim Walker-Smith was leading. I also got to attend the healing rooms on Saturday morning where I stood in line for 2 hours just to get into the room because there were so many people waiting in line in order to receive healing. It didn’t bother me though as people were getting healed in line as well. I was able to strike up conversation with two other ladies and we prayed and prophesied over each other. When I finally did get to the front of the line I got to experience so much joy. I got to see a leg grow out, people walking without their previous needed canes, and many, many people laughing from the joy of the LORD. On Sunday I got to attend a regular church service and hear Bill Johnson speak. On Sunday night I went to the Twin View Campus where they have a worship service every week and my friend Hunter who is a second year student was leading worship. It was incredible; I got a lot of breakthrough that night.
Despite all the cool things I experienced and saw I think the thing I got out of the most from being at Bethel was how normal everything was. I was seeing and experiencing abnormal supernatural stuff but it was so normal. Like this is what the regular Christian life should look like and this is a place where it does. These people weren’t any different than you and I, the church wasn’t even very big (much smaller than I expected), they were just people living in the reality of a Heavenly Kingdom that is not only amazing, but it is available now. Another thing I loved about Bethel was the way they honor other people. They know how to honor the Spirit of the LORD upon other people and to receive from each other and to respect each other. They also are the only place I’ve been to that has the structure of the church (outlined by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:28 and Ephesians 4:11) figured out. They have men and woman operating in all 5 of the fivefold positions and all know and do their role wonderfully resulting in the Kingdom being brought to earth.
To wrap up my time in Redding, it was really a great time of refreshing after a very tiring and exhausting Winter Quarter in college. I got to go snowboarding and to watch Megamind and go on Adventure Time with Jake Oie. It was great.
Ok so for this entry I want to describe a little bit about my time at Bethel Church. My first stop over spring break was to a small city (more like town) in northern California called Redding. In this town there is this church called Bethel (http://www.ibethel.org/site/). I’m sure most of you have heard of it and if you haven’t its time you have (If you haven't heard of Bethel maybe you've heard of Jesus Culture or Bill Johnson both from there). For about a year and a half I have been reading, hearing, and watching stories that are coming out of this church. Stories of miracles, of the blind seeing and the deaf hearing, the lame walking, stories of generosity and miraculous provision. Getting to go and visit Bethel was something that I’ve wanted to do for a while now and it was definitely an honor.
At Bethel Church they have a ministry school called the School of Supernatural Ministry. I currently know 6 people who are doing this school. Therefore my trip had a two-fold purpose, visit my friends and see the church. Neither disappointed. While I was there, there was a conference going on where I got to hear the likes of Bob Jones and Graham Cooke speak. I got to worship while Kim Walker-Smith was leading. I also got to attend the healing rooms on Saturday morning where I stood in line for 2 hours just to get into the room because there were so many people waiting in line in order to receive healing. It didn’t bother me though as people were getting healed in line as well. I was able to strike up conversation with two other ladies and we prayed and prophesied over each other. When I finally did get to the front of the line I got to experience so much joy. I got to see a leg grow out, people walking without their previous needed canes, and many, many people laughing from the joy of the LORD. On Sunday I got to attend a regular church service and hear Bill Johnson speak. On Sunday night I went to the Twin View Campus where they have a worship service every week and my friend Hunter who is a second year student was leading worship. It was incredible; I got a lot of breakthrough that night.
Despite all the cool things I experienced and saw I think the thing I got out of the most from being at Bethel was how normal everything was. I was seeing and experiencing abnormal supernatural stuff but it was so normal. Like this is what the regular Christian life should look like and this is a place where it does. These people weren’t any different than you and I, the church wasn’t even very big (much smaller than I expected), they were just people living in the reality of a Heavenly Kingdom that is not only amazing, but it is available now. Another thing I loved about Bethel was the way they honor other people. They know how to honor the Spirit of the LORD upon other people and to receive from each other and to respect each other. They also are the only place I’ve been to that has the structure of the church (outlined by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:28 and Ephesians 4:11) figured out. They have men and woman operating in all 5 of the fivefold positions and all know and do their role wonderfully resulting in the Kingdom being brought to earth.
To wrap up my time in Redding, it was really a great time of refreshing after a very tiring and exhausting Winter Quarter in college. I got to go snowboarding and to watch Megamind and go on Adventure Time with Jake Oie. It was great.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Spring Break!
Hey Everyone who reads this!
So Winter Quarter is finally over. It was definitely a hard one, a busy one, but one where I learned A LOT in school as well as spiritually. Over my spring break I will be going to Bethel Church in Redding, CA and will be helping with YWAM Mazatlan’s Carnival Outreach in Mazatlan, Mexico. Please pray for me if you remember, especially for our outreach in Carnival that we would be able to reach the lost and see God move in powerful ways. I have a lot I’d like to say but don’t have time now so I’ll probably do like a summery blog about winter quarter when I get back from my trip. Also my final film for the quarter is up on Vimeo (I've embedded it below). I will probably also blog about this when I get back but enjoy it for now let me know what you think. Love you all! God bless!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Deciding by Faith
This is something the LORD spoke to me earlier last week. Wasn't really anything new it was just put things in a different perspective and spoke specifically into some things in my life. Hope you can find it helpful as well.
Emotions, such as those of anger, attraction, etc...in and of themselves are not bad and are not sin. However, they put a haze over our vision making it harder to see and we all know that without vision you perish. (Proverbs 29:18) This is why we must learn to act not only beyond what we see but also beyond what we feel. We must act from the place of faith. We must align ourselves with truth and the will of God by being intimate with Him, reading His word, and connecting to His heart through prayer. When we do this it will lift the haze that emotions can bring allowing us to see clearly to make decisions based on truth instead of decisions based on what we see and feel. As we continue to act from truth and abide in the vine (John 15), eventually our emotions will follow. This is a hard thing for us to understand sometimes because in America it is common for us to make decisions based upon desire instead of basing them on principles (consumerism and marketing for example all target, you should want this and therefore you should get it). However, when we do make decisions based upon the will of God the reward is great because emotions are awesome and are a gift from God...but if you let them they can destroy you.
"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be my people, and I will be your God." --Ezekiel 36:26-28
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
HD Television
This is a homework assignment I had for my Film/Video Materials & Technology class. In case you are interested in some of the stuff I am learning, this is a snapshot.
----------------------
Over the past decade, especially in recent years, HD television sets have became increasingly more popular. With the increase of popularity have come new display resolutions that have brought confusion and debate among consumers and broadcasters alike. The two most popular displays, 720p and 1080i have perhaps brought the most confusion. Many are confused as to the difference between these two displays. In this brief article I hope to explain the difference as well as explain the newer 1080p resolution and its future.
The differences between 720p and 1080i are not too difficult to understand. 720p is a signal that consists of 720 horizontal lines. It then displays each frame in its entirety on the screen for 1/60th of a second. When each frame is displayed in its entirety like this it is called progressive scan (which is why there is a p after 720). 1080i on the other hand consists of 1080 horizontal lines. However each frame is not all displayed at once. First the odd lines are displayed and then the even lines. Each set of lines is displayed at 1/60th of a second making the total frame rate 30fps. This is called interlacing (which is why there is an i after 1080). Even though not all the lines are not displayed at one time, because they are flashing so fast your brain is able to connect them for you.
So what makes one better than the other? Well, it really depends what you use it for. As a consumer, it really isn’t something that you need to pay attention to because all HDTV’s are required to be compatible with both. However when it comes to the broadcasting companies, some choose 720p and some choose 1080i. It really depends on their content as each resolution works better with different things. 720p is usually considered better for showing sports. One of the reasons for this is that most sports are shot in 60fps and therefore it works great with the progressive 60fps playback of 720p. Progressive scanning also tends to work better with the fast motion, which is quite common in sports. On the other hand, interlacing is usually thought better for shows where fast motion isn’t as present such as drama or comedy shows. One of the common stated advantages of 1080i is that is has 1080 lines compared to 720 lines. This is essentially the same thing as when you have a 6-megapixel camera instead of a 3-megapixel camera. More pixels means better resolution. However 1080i is better for CRT HDTV’s and it has to be deinterlaced before it can be shown on the 1080p or 720p sets. While this may lower the images quality some it usually still creates a slightly crisper image than 720p due to there being more lines of resolution.
Many networks seem to agree with the fact the more lines is better. Approximately 3 out of 4 networks that broadcast HD have chosen to use the 1080i format. This includes CBS, NBC, TNT, and Discovery’s HD Theater. Networks that have chosen the 720p include ESPN (for sports reasons), Disney, FOX, and ABC.
Lastly let’s talk about 1080p. 1080p TV sets are being sold more and more often. So why is it better than 720p and 1080i? Well essentially it is the best of both worlds. It has the progressive technology of 720p with the 1080 resolution of 1080i. However, because of its high bandwidth size, no networks are currently using it, nor are any expected to in the near future. Therefore the only 1080p content that would currently make the upgrade worth it would be if you had a blue-ray player or if you used your pay-per-view satellite service. If you use blue-ray a lot this may be worth it as most blue-ray discs are encoded in 1080p. I’m sure someday broadcasters will move to 1080p once they can figure out how to either send more bandwidth or to develop better compression techniques. However it could be a while, if I had to predict a date I would say at least 5-10 years.
----------------------
Over the past decade, especially in recent years, HD television sets have became increasingly more popular. With the increase of popularity have come new display resolutions that have brought confusion and debate among consumers and broadcasters alike. The two most popular displays, 720p and 1080i have perhaps brought the most confusion. Many are confused as to the difference between these two displays. In this brief article I hope to explain the difference as well as explain the newer 1080p resolution and its future.
The differences between 720p and 1080i are not too difficult to understand. 720p is a signal that consists of 720 horizontal lines. It then displays each frame in its entirety on the screen for 1/60th of a second. When each frame is displayed in its entirety like this it is called progressive scan (which is why there is a p after 720). 1080i on the other hand consists of 1080 horizontal lines. However each frame is not all displayed at once. First the odd lines are displayed and then the even lines. Each set of lines is displayed at 1/60th of a second making the total frame rate 30fps. This is called interlacing (which is why there is an i after 1080). Even though not all the lines are not displayed at one time, because they are flashing so fast your brain is able to connect them for you.
So what makes one better than the other? Well, it really depends what you use it for. As a consumer, it really isn’t something that you need to pay attention to because all HDTV’s are required to be compatible with both. However when it comes to the broadcasting companies, some choose 720p and some choose 1080i. It really depends on their content as each resolution works better with different things. 720p is usually considered better for showing sports. One of the reasons for this is that most sports are shot in 60fps and therefore it works great with the progressive 60fps playback of 720p. Progressive scanning also tends to work better with the fast motion, which is quite common in sports. On the other hand, interlacing is usually thought better for shows where fast motion isn’t as present such as drama or comedy shows. One of the common stated advantages of 1080i is that is has 1080 lines compared to 720 lines. This is essentially the same thing as when you have a 6-megapixel camera instead of a 3-megapixel camera. More pixels means better resolution. However 1080i is better for CRT HDTV’s and it has to be deinterlaced before it can be shown on the 1080p or 720p sets. While this may lower the images quality some it usually still creates a slightly crisper image than 720p due to there being more lines of resolution.
Many networks seem to agree with the fact the more lines is better. Approximately 3 out of 4 networks that broadcast HD have chosen to use the 1080i format. This includes CBS, NBC, TNT, and Discovery’s HD Theater. Networks that have chosen the 720p include ESPN (for sports reasons), Disney, FOX, and ABC.
Lastly let’s talk about 1080p. 1080p TV sets are being sold more and more often. So why is it better than 720p and 1080i? Well essentially it is the best of both worlds. It has the progressive technology of 720p with the 1080 resolution of 1080i. However, because of its high bandwidth size, no networks are currently using it, nor are any expected to in the near future. Therefore the only 1080p content that would currently make the upgrade worth it would be if you had a blue-ray player or if you used your pay-per-view satellite service. If you use blue-ray a lot this may be worth it as most blue-ray discs are encoded in 1080p. I’m sure someday broadcasters will move to 1080p once they can figure out how to either send more bandwidth or to develop better compression techniques. However it could be a while, if I had to predict a date I would say at least 5-10 years.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Mexico City Outreach 2010
I made this for my Found Footage project for my Digital Production I class. It is summery/remembrance video of my 2010 YWAM DTS outreach to Mexico City.
For more information on YWAM Mazatlan or about doing a DTS (Discipleship Training School) go to www.ywammazatlan.com
For more information on YWAM Mazatlan or about doing a DTS (Discipleship Training School) go to www.ywammazatlan.com
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Studies in the Book of James: Chapter 3
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Wonders of Old
Not sure why but I’ve felt like writing a lot lately. I’ve found I really enjoy writing when its something that interests me. For example the last blog post I wrote was really easy and really fun for me to write. I think one of the reasons I’ve had an urge to write this week is that I’ve wanted an outlet for my thoughts and many times writing is the easiest and best place to go. I’ve also been finding that to be honest, things at RIT are slow. Not in a sense that I’m not doing anything, because I’m busy all the time. What I mean to say is that I feel like a lot of the time I’m not doing anything. I have found myself missing the missionary lifestyle I had last year where we were constantly learning, evangelizing, worshiping, praying etc…Tonight for example, I was interviewed by a friend for a paper. She asked me various questions about my trip to Mexico last year. I found an hour go by as fast as it ever has as I related stories, experiences and convictions that I had. It was probably one of the best parts of my week. Not only that, but it is the second time this week I’ve gotten to share stories from my past. The past is any interesting thing. In many ways the past hinders us as we have trouble forgiving God, others, and ourselves for things that have happened. Many times we focus on our mistakes and past failures instead of what is happening and what we can do now. Other times we glorify the past, just as we glorify the future, which always steals from the current glory of the present. However, I have found that remembering the past, mainly remembering the things that God has done in our past, is a vital and important part of being able to walk the Christian lifestyle with endurance. It is so good to have a history with God and to be able to remember when he provided this way, healed that way, spoke this, and revealed that. I guess what I want to say is that when we remember what God has done in the past in inspires us to not give up now. God was faithful before, He’ll be faithful again. Revelation says we overcome by the power of the blood and the word of our testimony. (Revelation 12:11) It is so important to share our testimonies with others. It is so important to ask other people to share their testimonies with us. It brings about faith, it brings about hope, and most of all it exalts God.
Anyway the point of this was to be more of a life update. Life is good. God has been good and blessed me with so many things. The first two weeks back from break have gone quick and have brought a wide range of emotions and challenges. I’ve started doing some things with some friends. We get together Tuesday nights to focus on intercession and Friday nights we worship. A friend and I have also been meeting with the healing and deliverance team from my church getting advice on various things. I’ve been going to Dmitri House about every other Thursday night. Dmitri House is a small homeless shelter and I organize two people from RIT to go every Thursday night and hang out with the 7 guys that stay there, spend the night, and wake up at 6 to cook them breakfast. Other than that my week is packed with things such as Physics, video editing and learning how color is displayed and perceived. I would appreciate prayer for a few things. One is direction with my major and with class registration. The other is housing for next year as I need to make decisions on that in a few weeks. Pray that God would show me who to move in with and where and that He would open doors for it to happen. Lastly, I would like some prayer for my spring break trip. I am planning to go to Redding, CA to visit some friends as well as Bethel Church and I am planning to go to Mazatlan to help out with YWAM Mazatlan’s Carnival outreach. I need a small amount of funds for this still, so pray for that as well as for safety, that I’d be able to receive from the LORD at Bethel, and that I can then pour out at Carnival.
Psalm 77:11-12:
“I will remember the works of the LORD;
Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.
I will also meditate on all Your work,
And talk of Your deeds.”
Revelation 12:11: “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.”
Anyway the point of this was to be more of a life update. Life is good. God has been good and blessed me with so many things. The first two weeks back from break have gone quick and have brought a wide range of emotions and challenges. I’ve started doing some things with some friends. We get together Tuesday nights to focus on intercession and Friday nights we worship. A friend and I have also been meeting with the healing and deliverance team from my church getting advice on various things. I’ve been going to Dmitri House about every other Thursday night. Dmitri House is a small homeless shelter and I organize two people from RIT to go every Thursday night and hang out with the 7 guys that stay there, spend the night, and wake up at 6 to cook them breakfast. Other than that my week is packed with things such as Physics, video editing and learning how color is displayed and perceived. I would appreciate prayer for a few things. One is direction with my major and with class registration. The other is housing for next year as I need to make decisions on that in a few weeks. Pray that God would show me who to move in with and where and that He would open doors for it to happen. Lastly, I would like some prayer for my spring break trip. I am planning to go to Redding, CA to visit some friends as well as Bethel Church and I am planning to go to Mazatlan to help out with YWAM Mazatlan’s Carnival outreach. I need a small amount of funds for this still, so pray for that as well as for safety, that I’d be able to receive from the LORD at Bethel, and that I can then pour out at Carnival.
Psalm 77:11-12:
“I will remember the works of the LORD;
Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.
I will also meditate on all Your work,
And talk of Your deeds.”
Revelation 12:11: “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.”
Sunday, January 9, 2011
I Wish
Sometimes I just wish people could see what I see. I wish people could know what I know, feel what I feel, and experience what I experience. I do not mean this in a prideful way. I do not mean this in a way that what I see and know is 100% perfect and right and better than everyone else. Its just there is this person inside me called the Holy Spirit and He tells me things. He helps me experience things and feel things. He takes me on adventures and ensures that my life is never boring. He reveals things to me about this man called Jesus that I could have never possibly seen before. He makes me stand in wonder and awe at the majesty of this man. He stirs my heart with joy to the point where its really hard to not smile, rather its really hard to not laugh all the time (I swear people think I’m crazy…probably cuz its mostly true). When the Bible says that there is fullness of joy in the presence of God and pleasures forevermore that isn’t just some nice statement. For those who seek the face of God this is reality. It has been my reality. There really is more joy (real joy like laughter and smiling) in God’s presence than anywhere else. There really are pleasures, real pleasures that feel good.
For about two years now I feel like I have been living on top of the mountain. Yes I have had struggles, yes I have had seasons of difficulty, I have even had dry parts, but I am starting to realize that living on the mountaintop is not only possible, it has become the reality of my life. Sometimes I have to remind myself that my life is actually my life. That my life really is as good as it is because to be honest its hard to believe despite the fact that I’m living it. Why does the all-powerful uncreated God of the universe bless me and love me and care about me so much. I got no clue. All I know is that I love Him for it and I love the life He has blessed me with. Granted it should be known that this life first off is not something I love because of my circumstances and surroundings (though they have been pretty great) it is because my heart is more alive than it has ever been before, it is because His joy gives me strength, it is because though I am killed (yes physically) I cannot be harmed (yea try to grasp that statement, good one Jesus), it is because the greatness of God is unsearchable (Psalm 145) which means I can search out His greatness the rest of my life and always find something new, I can always go deeper, I never have to get bored with God. EVER. Yea. Then on top of that there is this crazy book called the Bible, which never ceases to amaze. Thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. What!? In heaven? On earth? Yea come on. This has been my reality for two years. Pulling heaven down to earth through prayer, worship, prophecy, healing the sick, casting out demons, feeding the poor and helping the oppressed.
I was at IHOP last weekend. Over 30,000 people, many of them high school and college students just totally on-fire for the LORD worshipping, praying, soaking up teaching with a hunger and a passion that most the western church doesn’t even know exists. Why are they so passionate? It’s because they’ve seen what I’ve seen. Why do I want you to see what I see? Because I want you to see God, I want you to see His beauty and His majesty, I want you to see how much He loves you, I want you to see how ENOURMOUSLY HUGE AND AWESOME His plans are for you, I want you to see how strong He can be for you in your weakness, I want you to see the ABUNDANT life He has for you, I want you to see His power over all darkness, all disease, all lies, I want you to see how He has enabled you to live a life of freedom found through an all out surrender to the King of Kings and the LORD of Lords, I want you to see Him. I want you to see His face as He smiles down on you and speaks His love over you as He tells you that He is not angry at you, He isn’t disappointed, He loves you just as you are, you don’t have to fake it, you don’t have to try to be something your not. I want you to see Him roll over and laugh at the stories and the jokes that you tell. I want you to see that He calls you Hephzibah (Isaiah 62), which means that the LORD, the omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, uncreated, unlimited God of the universe, DELIGHTS in you. He loves your smile, He loves your personality, He loves you when you are you because He created you that way and He created you unique. I want you to see that you have the power to touch a part of God’s heart that nobody else in all of history (billions of people) couldn’t, can’t or ever will be able to. Why? Because nobody can love God like you can. But you gotta let Him love you first. You gotta receive His love before you can love Him back. We love because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19)
I dare you today, open your heart to the man called Jesus. Whether it’s the first time or the 500th. Open your heart to Him, let Him in, let Him speak to you, let Him help you. Let Him take you deeper. THERE IS SO MUCH MORE FOR YOU IN LIFE. Do not settle. Let Him take you deeper into His heart, He is burning with desire for your heart and He cannot wait for you to crack open the door and give Him a chance. I urge you let Him in. Let him take you deeper. Let Him turn your ashes in beauty and your mourning into dancing. (Isaiah 61) Seek Him with ALL your heart, all your mind, all your soul, all your strength (what would that look like in your life?) because God says if you seek me with all your heart, you WILL find me (Jeremiah 29). He says call to me and I will tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know (Jeremiah 33:3). He wants to tell you things! Not only does God say search me, but he says if you search me out and go after my kingdom and my righteousness, if you put me as the priority of your life, then everything else in your life, your job, your physical needs, money, a place to live, whatever it is, these things will be added unto you (Matthew 6:33). I wish you could see what I see. I wish you could see Him. Maybe you already have, maybe you do all the time, but maybe you haven’t. When you do, you’ll never be the same, and you’ll never stop searching to see more.
Proverbs 25:2 --> “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter. “
“One thing I have desired of the LORD,
That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the LORD,
And to inquire in His temple.” (Psalm 27:4)
“Surely I will not go into the chamber of my house,
Or go up to the comfort of my bed;
I will not give sleep to my eyes
Or slumber to my eyelids,
Until I find a place for the LORD,
A dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.” (Psalm 132:3-5)
I dare you. Open your heart to the LORD. Seek Him out with all your heart. He is waiting.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” (Jesus in Revelation 3:20)
For about two years now I feel like I have been living on top of the mountain. Yes I have had struggles, yes I have had seasons of difficulty, I have even had dry parts, but I am starting to realize that living on the mountaintop is not only possible, it has become the reality of my life. Sometimes I have to remind myself that my life is actually my life. That my life really is as good as it is because to be honest its hard to believe despite the fact that I’m living it. Why does the all-powerful uncreated God of the universe bless me and love me and care about me so much. I got no clue. All I know is that I love Him for it and I love the life He has blessed me with. Granted it should be known that this life first off is not something I love because of my circumstances and surroundings (though they have been pretty great) it is because my heart is more alive than it has ever been before, it is because His joy gives me strength, it is because though I am killed (yes physically) I cannot be harmed (yea try to grasp that statement, good one Jesus), it is because the greatness of God is unsearchable (Psalm 145) which means I can search out His greatness the rest of my life and always find something new, I can always go deeper, I never have to get bored with God. EVER. Yea. Then on top of that there is this crazy book called the Bible, which never ceases to amaze. Thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. What!? In heaven? On earth? Yea come on. This has been my reality for two years. Pulling heaven down to earth through prayer, worship, prophecy, healing the sick, casting out demons, feeding the poor and helping the oppressed.
I was at IHOP last weekend. Over 30,000 people, many of them high school and college students just totally on-fire for the LORD worshipping, praying, soaking up teaching with a hunger and a passion that most the western church doesn’t even know exists. Why are they so passionate? It’s because they’ve seen what I’ve seen. Why do I want you to see what I see? Because I want you to see God, I want you to see His beauty and His majesty, I want you to see how much He loves you, I want you to see how ENOURMOUSLY HUGE AND AWESOME His plans are for you, I want you to see how strong He can be for you in your weakness, I want you to see the ABUNDANT life He has for you, I want you to see His power over all darkness, all disease, all lies, I want you to see how He has enabled you to live a life of freedom found through an all out surrender to the King of Kings and the LORD of Lords, I want you to see Him. I want you to see His face as He smiles down on you and speaks His love over you as He tells you that He is not angry at you, He isn’t disappointed, He loves you just as you are, you don’t have to fake it, you don’t have to try to be something your not. I want you to see Him roll over and laugh at the stories and the jokes that you tell. I want you to see that He calls you Hephzibah (Isaiah 62), which means that the LORD, the omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, uncreated, unlimited God of the universe, DELIGHTS in you. He loves your smile, He loves your personality, He loves you when you are you because He created you that way and He created you unique. I want you to see that you have the power to touch a part of God’s heart that nobody else in all of history (billions of people) couldn’t, can’t or ever will be able to. Why? Because nobody can love God like you can. But you gotta let Him love you first. You gotta receive His love before you can love Him back. We love because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19)
I dare you today, open your heart to the man called Jesus. Whether it’s the first time or the 500th. Open your heart to Him, let Him in, let Him speak to you, let Him help you. Let Him take you deeper. THERE IS SO MUCH MORE FOR YOU IN LIFE. Do not settle. Let Him take you deeper into His heart, He is burning with desire for your heart and He cannot wait for you to crack open the door and give Him a chance. I urge you let Him in. Let him take you deeper. Let Him turn your ashes in beauty and your mourning into dancing. (Isaiah 61) Seek Him with ALL your heart, all your mind, all your soul, all your strength (what would that look like in your life?) because God says if you seek me with all your heart, you WILL find me (Jeremiah 29). He says call to me and I will tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know (Jeremiah 33:3). He wants to tell you things! Not only does God say search me, but he says if you search me out and go after my kingdom and my righteousness, if you put me as the priority of your life, then everything else in your life, your job, your physical needs, money, a place to live, whatever it is, these things will be added unto you (Matthew 6:33). I wish you could see what I see. I wish you could see Him. Maybe you already have, maybe you do all the time, but maybe you haven’t. When you do, you’ll never be the same, and you’ll never stop searching to see more.
Proverbs 25:2 --> “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter. “
“One thing I have desired of the LORD,
That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the LORD,
And to inquire in His temple.” (Psalm 27:4)
“Surely I will not go into the chamber of my house,
Or go up to the comfort of my bed;
I will not give sleep to my eyes
Or slumber to my eyelids,
Until I find a place for the LORD,
A dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.” (Psalm 132:3-5)
I dare you. Open your heart to the LORD. Seek Him out with all your heart. He is waiting.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” (Jesus in Revelation 3:20)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)