| Bib # | First Name | Last Name | Overall | Finish Time (Chip) | Overall in Div. | Overall in Gender | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8891 | LORA | JARRELL | 9764 | 01:04:47 | 631 | 4024 | ||||||
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Lora's Results for the 10k
Here are Lora's results for the 10k. She did finish at a faster time than I did. She does have alot more experience and she has definitely been running much longer than I have been. Anyways here are her results...
I FINISHED MY FIRST 10K
Here are the results of my very first 10k...It was tough and quite honestly I struggled. I am happy with my results, next year I will do better.
| Bib # | First Name | Last Name | Overall | Finish Time (Chip) | Overall in Div. | Overall in Gender | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17378 | CHRIS | JARRELL | 12208 | 01:11:41 | 1002 | 6609 | ||||||
Today Is The Day for the 10K
Today, Lora and I run the Ukrop's Monument 10k in Richmond, VA. Please pray we make it. Just not feeling it this morning. Hopefully we will survive today. Afterwards, we are going with several from our YMCA family to Bottoms Up Pizza.
Well we are about to leave. Hopefully, I will be able to update later. :-)
Well we are about to leave. Hopefully, I will be able to update later. :-)
Daily Caffeination 03/31/07
Your Epitaph
He will bless those who fear the Lord- small and great alike. - Psalms 115:13
What will be written on your epitaph? How do you want people to remember you? What type of legacy will your life leave behind?
I interviewed a very successful and powerful man one time for a magazine when this question came up. The man ran an international business that is a household name to all. He was a professed Christian, but he had difficulty answering my question. "I always knew someone would ask that question some day. I am not sure I am any more prepared to answer it now either," was the man's answer. He grappled for a few nice words, but it was clear he had not seriously considered his life much beyond his business success.
It is said of George Washington Carver that he got up early in the morning each day to walk alone and pray. He asked God how he was to spend his day and what He wanted to teach him that day. Carver grew up at the close of the Civil War in a one-room shanty on the home of Moses Carver-the man who owned his mother. The Ku Klux Klan had abducted him and his mother, selling her to new owners. He was later found and returned to his owner, but his mother was never seen again.
Carver grew up at the height of racial discrimination, yet he had overcome all these obstacles to become one of the most influential men in the history of the United States. He made many discoveries with the use of peanuts and sweet potatoes. However, after he recommended farmers to plant peanuts and sweet potatoes instead of cotton, he was led into his greatest trial. The farmers lost even more money due to the lack of market for peanuts and sweet potatoes. Carver cried out to the Lord, "Mr. Creator, why did You make the peanut?" Many years later, he shared that God led him back to his lab and worked with him to discover some 300 marketable products from the peanut. Likewise, he made over 100 discoveries from the sweet potato. These new products created a demand for peanuts and sweet potatoes, and they were major contributors to rejuvenating the Southern economy.
As he made new discoveries, he never became successful monetarily, but he overcame great rejection during his lifetime for being black. He was offered six-figure income opportunities from Henry Ford, and he became friends with presidents of his day, yet he knew what God had called him to do. His epitaph read:
He could have added fortune to fame, but caring for neither, he found happiness and honor in being helpful to the world. [John Woodbridge, More Than Conquerors (Chicago, Illinois: Moody Press, 1992), 312.]
He will bless those who fear the Lord- small and great alike. - Psalms 115:13
What will be written on your epitaph? How do you want people to remember you? What type of legacy will your life leave behind?
I interviewed a very successful and powerful man one time for a magazine when this question came up. The man ran an international business that is a household name to all. He was a professed Christian, but he had difficulty answering my question. "I always knew someone would ask that question some day. I am not sure I am any more prepared to answer it now either," was the man's answer. He grappled for a few nice words, but it was clear he had not seriously considered his life much beyond his business success.
It is said of George Washington Carver that he got up early in the morning each day to walk alone and pray. He asked God how he was to spend his day and what He wanted to teach him that day. Carver grew up at the close of the Civil War in a one-room shanty on the home of Moses Carver-the man who owned his mother. The Ku Klux Klan had abducted him and his mother, selling her to new owners. He was later found and returned to his owner, but his mother was never seen again.
Carver grew up at the height of racial discrimination, yet he had overcome all these obstacles to become one of the most influential men in the history of the United States. He made many discoveries with the use of peanuts and sweet potatoes. However, after he recommended farmers to plant peanuts and sweet potatoes instead of cotton, he was led into his greatest trial. The farmers lost even more money due to the lack of market for peanuts and sweet potatoes. Carver cried out to the Lord, "Mr. Creator, why did You make the peanut?" Many years later, he shared that God led him back to his lab and worked with him to discover some 300 marketable products from the peanut. Likewise, he made over 100 discoveries from the sweet potato. These new products created a demand for peanuts and sweet potatoes, and they were major contributors to rejuvenating the Southern economy.
As he made new discoveries, he never became successful monetarily, but he overcame great rejection during his lifetime for being black. He was offered six-figure income opportunities from Henry Ford, and he became friends with presidents of his day, yet he knew what God had called him to do. His epitaph read:
He could have added fortune to fame, but caring for neither, he found happiness and honor in being helpful to the world. [John Woodbridge, More Than Conquerors (Chicago, Illinois: Moody Press, 1992), 312.]
Friday, March 30, 2007
Packing Up My Closet/Office @ Church
Over the last few days, I have been boxing up my books and my things in my church closet/office. I say closet/office because my is office is serious no bigger that a medium size walk-in closet, actually closet in our bedroom at home is bigger.
I have packed five boxes worth of stuff (mostly books) and I need a sixth box. I didn't realize I had so much stuff packed in my office. I am not even sure if I am going to get any substantial workspace at NCC. So, I may have to store a few of these boxes somewhere.
This is so surreal...I knew this day was coming but it is all happening so quickly. It is so awesome to have a great Senior Pastor, boss, and friend - Pastor Mike Buckley, who is so supportive. He is an amazing man of God and friend, with no hang ups about me taking this next step in ministry and allowing me to seize this great opportunity. He has absolutely no insecurities about him to the point of having the church (not just individuals) support us during this internship for the next two years. I know Pastor Mike and I will stay very connected and great friends, because he is one of those pastors who is for real and doesn't cut you off from the "family" or the "church community" when you leave.
There honestly as been no better place to serve than Crosslight Assembly and no better person to do ministry with than Pastor Mike Buckley. He actually told me when I leave that I will a lifetime supply of the church directories (man no insecurities there).
I also want to mention the Crosslight family has also been very supportive, loving and giving during this time as well, it is truly what the Christian faith and family is all about, even if you do leave one place as the Lord moves you, you don't have to feel cut off like the mafia. I truly love the people here and looking forward to continuing our relationships that we have built with each one over the last six years.
Thank you so much Pastor Mike and the Crosslight family, Lora and I are going to miss you all so much.
I have packed five boxes worth of stuff (mostly books) and I need a sixth box. I didn't realize I had so much stuff packed in my office. I am not even sure if I am going to get any substantial workspace at NCC. So, I may have to store a few of these boxes somewhere.
This is so surreal...I knew this day was coming but it is all happening so quickly. It is so awesome to have a great Senior Pastor, boss, and friend - Pastor Mike Buckley, who is so supportive. He is an amazing man of God and friend, with no hang ups about me taking this next step in ministry and allowing me to seize this great opportunity. He has absolutely no insecurities about him to the point of having the church (not just individuals) support us during this internship for the next two years. I know Pastor Mike and I will stay very connected and great friends, because he is one of those pastors who is for real and doesn't cut you off from the "family" or the "church community" when you leave.
There honestly as been no better place to serve than Crosslight Assembly and no better person to do ministry with than Pastor Mike Buckley. He actually told me when I leave that I will a lifetime supply of the church directories (man no insecurities there).
I also want to mention the Crosslight family has also been very supportive, loving and giving during this time as well, it is truly what the Christian faith and family is all about, even if you do leave one place as the Lord moves you, you don't have to feel cut off like the mafia. I truly love the people here and looking forward to continuing our relationships that we have built with each one over the last six years.
Thank you so much Pastor Mike and the Crosslight family, Lora and I are going to miss you all so much.
Daily Caffeination 03/30/07
Do You Believe?
Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?”—John 11:40
You know what I like about Martha? People always knew where they stood with her. She was someone who would speak her mind. After Lazarus died, she said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” That was classic Martha, calling it as she saw it. She was disappointed, but she was honest.
So what did Jesus say? “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25–26).
After He had also spoken to Mary, Jesus commanded Lazarus to come out of the tomb. The same voice that spoke creation into existence spoke beyond the veil that separated eternity from life on Earth. Only Jesus could call to the other side of eternity and be heard.
You would think this would be the miracle that would convert everyone. John tells us, “Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him. But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did” (verses 45–46).
Ultimately they decided to put Jesus to death. It just goes to show that miracles will not necessarily convert a person. What will bring people to faith in Christ is the message of the gospel, the recognition that we are all sinners and have sinned against a holy God. But God loves us so much He sent His own Son to die on the cross in our place and take all the sin of the world upon himself. Do you believe this?
(Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?”—John 11:40
You know what I like about Martha? People always knew where they stood with her. She was someone who would speak her mind. After Lazarus died, she said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” That was classic Martha, calling it as she saw it. She was disappointed, but she was honest.
So what did Jesus say? “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25–26).
After He had also spoken to Mary, Jesus commanded Lazarus to come out of the tomb. The same voice that spoke creation into existence spoke beyond the veil that separated eternity from life on Earth. Only Jesus could call to the other side of eternity and be heard.
You would think this would be the miracle that would convert everyone. John tells us, “Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him. But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did” (verses 45–46).
Ultimately they decided to put Jesus to death. It just goes to show that miracles will not necessarily convert a person. What will bring people to faith in Christ is the message of the gospel, the recognition that we are all sinners and have sinned against a holy God. But God loves us so much He sent His own Son to die on the cross in our place and take all the sin of the world upon himself. Do you believe this?
(Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Quick Update On the Transition
Over the last few we have been getting work done on the house as well as doing yard work getting it prepared for renters. I will put up pictures of the house in the next few days. If you know of anyone moving to Chester/Richmond, VA area and they need to rent an awesome home send them our way.
We also have been packing and down-sizing. We sold serveral things on Craigslist, as well getting stuff ready for a yard sale next month. Life is currently moving at the speed of light.
Much more updates to come as we transition to the DC area,
We also have been packing and down-sizing. We sold serveral things on Craigslist, as well getting stuff ready for a yard sale next month. Life is currently moving at the speed of light.
Much more updates to come as we transition to the DC area,
Daily Caffeination 03/29/07
When God Cried
Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled.—John 11:33
At the tomb of Lazarus, Jesus surveyed the scene. Mary, Martha, and the others were all weeping and mourning. And Jesus wept. Tears rolled down His cheeks.
Jesus wept tears of sympathy for Mary and Martha and for all of the sorrow that is caused by sin and death. The Bible says that He was “a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). When you have lost someone you love, He knows and understands the pain and hurt deep inside your soul. Maybe other people will never completely understand, but Jesus has wept with you.
His tears were also tears of sorrow for Lazarus. Those tears were for one who had known the bliss of heaven and now would have to return to a wicked Earth, where he would have to die again.
Jesus also wept tears for the unbelief of the people: “Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled” (John 11:33). Jesus was troubled. And He was angry.
What brought not only His sorrow, but also His anger were the ravages of sin in the world He had created. He was angry. Here was God’s creation, and His original plan was flawed by sin. Death was a part of the curse, and it angered Jesus to see the devastating effect sin had on humanity.
Some may wonder, well, why doesn’t He do something about it? He has. He went to the cross of Calvary and died for our sins so that death does not have to be the end. There is life beyond the grave for the Christian. There is something beyond . . . something we can look forward to.
(Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled.—John 11:33
At the tomb of Lazarus, Jesus surveyed the scene. Mary, Martha, and the others were all weeping and mourning. And Jesus wept. Tears rolled down His cheeks.
Jesus wept tears of sympathy for Mary and Martha and for all of the sorrow that is caused by sin and death. The Bible says that He was “a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). When you have lost someone you love, He knows and understands the pain and hurt deep inside your soul. Maybe other people will never completely understand, but Jesus has wept with you.
His tears were also tears of sorrow for Lazarus. Those tears were for one who had known the bliss of heaven and now would have to return to a wicked Earth, where he would have to die again.
Jesus also wept tears for the unbelief of the people: “Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled” (John 11:33). Jesus was troubled. And He was angry.
What brought not only His sorrow, but also His anger were the ravages of sin in the world He had created. He was angry. Here was God’s creation, and His original plan was flawed by sin. Death was a part of the curse, and it angered Jesus to see the devastating effect sin had on humanity.
Some may wonder, well, why doesn’t He do something about it? He has. He went to the cross of Calvary and died for our sins so that death does not have to be the end. There is life beyond the grave for the Christian. There is something beyond . . . something we can look forward to.
(Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Can I Be Real With You?
I really hope I can be real with you all! I feel overwhelmed right now. Yesterday, we signed the lease on our place in DC, we did this without have a renter for our house here in Chester or a dollar raised in support yet for our (mine) internship position.
I am overwhelmed with emotions right now with the thoughts of leaving our church and YMCA family and friends. Also, I am thinking about leaving our awesome "kids".
I know transitions are always tough and stressful, I also know this is an extremely amazing opportunity. I just feel so overwhelmed right now. Please pray for us! Please! Please! Please!
Also, if you would like to support us prayerfully or financially for the these next two years, please email me @ facedownworshipper@gmail.com.
Again, I hope it was okay that I was totally transparent with you as we begin this huge transition.
Thanks for all your prayers and support.
I am overwhelmed with emotions right now with the thoughts of leaving our church and YMCA family and friends. Also, I am thinking about leaving our awesome "kids".
I know transitions are always tough and stressful, I also know this is an extremely amazing opportunity. I just feel so overwhelmed right now. Please pray for us! Please! Please! Please!
Also, if you would like to support us prayerfully or financially for the these next two years, please email me @ facedownworshipper@gmail.com.
Again, I hope it was okay that I was totally transparent with you as we begin this huge transition.
Thanks for all your prayers and support.
Daily Caffeination 03/28/07 - This One Really Speaks Volumes To Me Right Now
Trust His Plan
Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.—John 11:5
When Mary and Martha informed Jesus that Lazarus was sick, they expected to see their brother recover as soon as the message reached Jesus. But nothing happened. And instead of coming right away, Jesus intentionally waited for two more days. By the time He arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been dead four days.
Like Mary and Martha, maybe you had a need that you brought before the Lord, only to receive an answer you didn’t want. You may have concluded that God doesn’t love you. But God had a different plan than you did. Isaiah tells us, “ ‘My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ says 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’ ” (55:8–9).
Martha and Mary’s message said, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick” (John 11:3). Their word for “love” can be translated, “brotherly love,” which speaks of love that a friend has for a friend.
Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son . . . ” (John 3:16, emphasis mine). This word “love” speaks of a sacrificial, agonizing love, which loves a person in spite of anything. And this is how Jesus loved Lazarus, Mary, and Martha.
Mary and Martha only thought of friendship, while Jesus thought of sacrificial love. They thought of their temporal comfort, while Jesus thought of their eternal benefit. They wanted a healing, while Jesus wanted a resurrection. Jesus wanted to do above and beyond what they could ask or imagine. He loved them with a deeper love. And He loves us with a deeper love as well.
(Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.—John 11:5
When Mary and Martha informed Jesus that Lazarus was sick, they expected to see their brother recover as soon as the message reached Jesus. But nothing happened. And instead of coming right away, Jesus intentionally waited for two more days. By the time He arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been dead four days.
Like Mary and Martha, maybe you had a need that you brought before the Lord, only to receive an answer you didn’t want. You may have concluded that God doesn’t love you. But God had a different plan than you did. Isaiah tells us, “ ‘My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ says 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’ ” (55:8–9).
Martha and Mary’s message said, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick” (John 11:3). Their word for “love” can be translated, “brotherly love,” which speaks of love that a friend has for a friend.
Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son . . . ” (John 3:16, emphasis mine). This word “love” speaks of a sacrificial, agonizing love, which loves a person in spite of anything. And this is how Jesus loved Lazarus, Mary, and Martha.
Mary and Martha only thought of friendship, while Jesus thought of sacrificial love. They thought of their temporal comfort, while Jesus thought of their eternal benefit. They wanted a healing, while Jesus wanted a resurrection. Jesus wanted to do above and beyond what they could ask or imagine. He loved them with a deeper love. And He loves us with a deeper love as well.
(Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
We Are Headed Back To DC Today
The application we filled out for the house we want to rent in DC has been approved. So, we are driven up today to sign the lease. Please pray for us as we make this trip up. Also, please pray that God gives us absolute peace on this place as well.
Daily Caffeination 03/27/07
Temporary Unknowns
For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.—1 Corinthians 13:12
Often the question comes up as to whether we will know one another in heaven. I cannot give a definite answer to that, because the Bible does not specifically address this, although it does say we will know as we are known (see 1 Corinthians 13:12).
For the time being, I don’t have a complete knowledge of what is going on. I have an incomplete knowledge of God. But one day in a new body, I will see Him face-to-face, and all of my questions will be answered.
The apostle Paul had a remarkable experience in which he died and then was revived (see Acts 14:19–20). This wasn’t a near-death experience; Paul literally died. But he didn’t write a book about it. He basically said, “I was caught up in the third heaven and heard things that I can’t even describe to you, but it was paradise” (see 2 Corinthians 12:2). That is all he would say.
It does appear, however, that we will recognize one another in heaven. After all, when Moses and Elijah met with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration, the disciples recognized them. So you might ask, “How will I know you if I’m looking for you?” Well, look for the guy with the full head of brand-new hair. That will be me.
Yes, there is that day when we will be with the Lord. We don’t know everything about heaven. But we know it will exceed our wildest dreams. We will see the Lord and we will see one another. And all of the mysteries will be solved.
(Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.—1 Corinthians 13:12
Often the question comes up as to whether we will know one another in heaven. I cannot give a definite answer to that, because the Bible does not specifically address this, although it does say we will know as we are known (see 1 Corinthians 13:12).
For the time being, I don’t have a complete knowledge of what is going on. I have an incomplete knowledge of God. But one day in a new body, I will see Him face-to-face, and all of my questions will be answered.
The apostle Paul had a remarkable experience in which he died and then was revived (see Acts 14:19–20). This wasn’t a near-death experience; Paul literally died. But he didn’t write a book about it. He basically said, “I was caught up in the third heaven and heard things that I can’t even describe to you, but it was paradise” (see 2 Corinthians 12:2). That is all he would say.
It does appear, however, that we will recognize one another in heaven. After all, when Moses and Elijah met with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration, the disciples recognized them. So you might ask, “How will I know you if I’m looking for you?” Well, look for the guy with the full head of brand-new hair. That will be me.
Yes, there is that day when we will be with the Lord. We don’t know everything about heaven. But we know it will exceed our wildest dreams. We will see the Lord and we will see one another. And all of the mysteries will be solved.
(Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
Monday, March 26, 2007
Invitaion To Visit
Hey I want to throw out an invitation to all family, friends, and fellow bloggers, when we get settled in our new place, wherever that might be in DC you are more than welcome to come crash at our home. Our home is your home.
Again, thank you for all of your prayers, love and support. It means so much to us.
Again, thank you for all of your prayers, love and support. It means so much to us.
Daily Caffeination 03/26/07
Death Turned to Victory
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.”—John 11:25
As we get older, a new question begins to gnaw away at us: Is there life after death? Sometimes it will come earlier if someone close to us dies without warning, and we come face-to-face with the uncomfortable fact of death. This shouldn’t come as a revelation to you, but we are all going to die. As it’s been said, there are two things in life that are always certain: death and taxes. You can be sure of it.
Some Christians will say, “I am going to go to heaven, so when I die, don’t weep for me.” But death is hard for everyone, and there is nothing wrong with feeling sorrow over the loss of someone you care about. Christians experience that sorrow too. It’s part of the grieving process. Even the Bible says there is “a time to weep, and a time to laugh” (Ecclesiastes 3:4).
Death even brought tears to the eyes of Jesus when His friend Lazarus died (see John 11:35). But, of course, we know there is life beyond the grave for Christians. We know we can look forward to life after death.
Jesus Christ came to give us life and that more abundantly. We know that life is not limited to this time on Earth. We know it’s temporary. Of course, we will feel sorrow and loss for a Christian who has died. But as believers, we know we will see that person again in heaven. That is God’s great gift to us. His Son Jesus personally intervened and turned death into victory.
(Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.”—John 11:25
As we get older, a new question begins to gnaw away at us: Is there life after death? Sometimes it will come earlier if someone close to us dies without warning, and we come face-to-face with the uncomfortable fact of death. This shouldn’t come as a revelation to you, but we are all going to die. As it’s been said, there are two things in life that are always certain: death and taxes. You can be sure of it.
Some Christians will say, “I am going to go to heaven, so when I die, don’t weep for me.” But death is hard for everyone, and there is nothing wrong with feeling sorrow over the loss of someone you care about. Christians experience that sorrow too. It’s part of the grieving process. Even the Bible says there is “a time to weep, and a time to laugh” (Ecclesiastes 3:4).
Death even brought tears to the eyes of Jesus when His friend Lazarus died (see John 11:35). But, of course, we know there is life beyond the grave for Christians. We know we can look forward to life after death.
Jesus Christ came to give us life and that more abundantly. We know that life is not limited to this time on Earth. We know it’s temporary. Of course, we will feel sorrow and loss for a Christian who has died. But as believers, we know we will see that person again in heaven. That is God’s great gift to us. His Son Jesus personally intervened and turned death into victory.
(Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
Sunday, March 25, 2007
One out of Four please Pray!!!
Yesterday, we looked at four houses in Washington, DC on the Hill. There was one that we absolutely loved and actually put an application on to rent. Please pray that God provides this place for us. It is located on 10th and G St. in Northeast DC. It is a good price and it is also in a good location.
We need your prayers. This is the place we will be renting for the next two years. This will be more than a house it will be our home. Pray...Pray...Pray!
We need your prayers. This is the place we will be renting for the next two years. This will be more than a house it will be our home. Pray...Pray...Pray!
Big Day - Part 2
Well here is the big announcement as I promised this past week. Today, it was officially announced at our church that we would be leaving Crosslight in May, to start at National Community Church in Washington, DC as their next Church Planter in Residence.
This both an exciting and an amazing opportunity for us. We have a whole lot of mixed emotions, we are leaving our amazing church family who we love so much, as well as our YMCA family who we have really gotten close with over the last year. However, we have this awesome opportunity and a chance to gain some practical experience.
Please pray for us as we make this exciting transition to Washington, DC. Also, pray we find the right place for us to rent in DC and we will be able to rent our house here in Chester. We also need prayer to raise our financial support, we are needing raise $1500 a month in support. We know with your prayers and God's provision everything will happen according to His perfect will and plans.
I will give you details and updates as we go through this transition and beyond...
You can check out our new church National Community Church or my new boss' blog at evotional.com.
This both an exciting and an amazing opportunity for us. We have a whole lot of mixed emotions, we are leaving our amazing church family who we love so much, as well as our YMCA family who we have really gotten close with over the last year. However, we have this awesome opportunity and a chance to gain some practical experience.
Please pray for us as we make this exciting transition to Washington, DC. Also, pray we find the right place for us to rent in DC and we will be able to rent our house here in Chester. We also need prayer to raise our financial support, we are needing raise $1500 a month in support. We know with your prayers and God's provision everything will happen according to His perfect will and plans.
I will give you details and updates as we go through this transition and beyond...
You can check out our new church National Community Church or my new boss' blog at evotional.com.
Big Day - Part 1
Today, March 25th, is my amazing wife Lora's birthday!
I want to wish the most amazing woman in the world a Happy Birthday! I hope you have a wonderful day, I love you so much sweetie.
I just want to say, I am so blessed to have such an amazing and awesome woman to go on this journey with. Lora is an a great helpmate and incredible wife. She is truly my better half.
Lora, I thank God everyday for you, thank you for coming along with me on this wild ride known as life.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
If you want to wish her a Happy Birthday go here...www.lorafayre.blogspot.com.
I want to wish the most amazing woman in the world a Happy Birthday! I hope you have a wonderful day, I love you so much sweetie.
I just want to say, I am so blessed to have such an amazing and awesome woman to go on this journey with. Lora is an a great helpmate and incredible wife. She is truly my better half.
Lora, I thank God everyday for you, thank you for coming along with me on this wild ride known as life.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
If you want to wish her a Happy Birthday go here...www.lorafayre.blogspot.com.
Daily Caffeination 03/25/07
The Passion - Something to be Passionate About
Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:4-5
The church has been called a "body" of believers with Christ at the head. And just like our human bodies, the body of Christ has many parts. But what are these parts? What does this body consist of? Is it the church building, the classrooms, the landscape, and the parking lot? No. The body of Christ consists of much more profound and important parts than physical locations or buildings.
The parts of the body of Christ are you and me.
Without each of its parts, a body will not function the way that it is designed. If your nose were missing, your body would not function to its full potential. Without your shoulder, your arm would not be as useful. For the church to function as the vehicle to spread God's message of truth, hope and love, all of the parts of the body must be present.
But there is one more thing necessary for the body to reach its potential. The parts of the body must be functioning - they have to work. If you have ever broken your arm or leg, then you know how useless that broken limb is until it is working again. That is true with the church too. Just showing up for one hour a week to worship corporately is not enough to keep the body healthy and working. God wants each of us to use our gifts for his glory and to use those gifts to serve in the church.
Too many of us, though, put church and service at church on the back burners of our lives. We cram our schedules full of events and activities until there is no longer room for everything. And too often church is what gets pushed aside. But that is not what Christ intended. He wants us to live our lives with the church - to do life with church as a priority. And nothing should take priority over living the life that Christ wants for each of us.
This week, remember that you are a vital part of the body of Christ. Remember that you are needed in order for that body to reach its potential. Use the gifts that you have to help spread God's message. Remember, the church is one thing that Christ was passionate about. It is something that you should be passionate about too.
Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:4-5
The church has been called a "body" of believers with Christ at the head. And just like our human bodies, the body of Christ has many parts. But what are these parts? What does this body consist of? Is it the church building, the classrooms, the landscape, and the parking lot? No. The body of Christ consists of much more profound and important parts than physical locations or buildings.
The parts of the body of Christ are you and me.
Without each of its parts, a body will not function the way that it is designed. If your nose were missing, your body would not function to its full potential. Without your shoulder, your arm would not be as useful. For the church to function as the vehicle to spread God's message of truth, hope and love, all of the parts of the body must be present.
But there is one more thing necessary for the body to reach its potential. The parts of the body must be functioning - they have to work. If you have ever broken your arm or leg, then you know how useless that broken limb is until it is working again. That is true with the church too. Just showing up for one hour a week to worship corporately is not enough to keep the body healthy and working. God wants each of us to use our gifts for his glory and to use those gifts to serve in the church.
Too many of us, though, put church and service at church on the back burners of our lives. We cram our schedules full of events and activities until there is no longer room for everything. And too often church is what gets pushed aside. But that is not what Christ intended. He wants us to live our lives with the church - to do life with church as a priority. And nothing should take priority over living the life that Christ wants for each of us.
This week, remember that you are a vital part of the body of Christ. Remember that you are needed in order for that body to reach its potential. Use the gifts that you have to help spread God's message. Remember, the church is one thing that Christ was passionate about. It is something that you should be passionate about too.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Daily Caffeination 03/24/07
David's Source of Direction
Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul. - Psalm 143:8
David is the only person in the Bible whom God describes as a man after His own heart. Despite David's many setbacks he continually sought to know and do God's will in his life. Like many of us, his will got in the way of a sinless life.
In the morning hour, David sought to hear from God. I can imagine David sitting on the open deck of his palace looking over the hills of Jerusalem, listening to God. There, in his morning watch, he felt God's unfailing love. He reaffirmed his trust in God. He also understood that the key to knowing God's will lay in spending such moments alone to reflect on what God had done and was doing in his life.
Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground (Psalm 143:10).
Sometimes we fall prey to believing that God is not concerned, and that He does not lead us in our work life. We are tempted to think that He leads us in other areas, but not in our daily workplace. The truth is that God is in every aspect of life and desires to direct us.
Do you need direction in your life today? If so, David provides the best example of gaining direction. Set aside the morning hour to draw close to His presence. There, you will sense His unfailing love for you. His direction for your life will be a natural by-product of this time of communion with Him. Ask God to lead you by His Spirit today.
Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul. - Psalm 143:8
David is the only person in the Bible whom God describes as a man after His own heart. Despite David's many setbacks he continually sought to know and do God's will in his life. Like many of us, his will got in the way of a sinless life.
In the morning hour, David sought to hear from God. I can imagine David sitting on the open deck of his palace looking over the hills of Jerusalem, listening to God. There, in his morning watch, he felt God's unfailing love. He reaffirmed his trust in God. He also understood that the key to knowing God's will lay in spending such moments alone to reflect on what God had done and was doing in his life.
Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground (Psalm 143:10).
Sometimes we fall prey to believing that God is not concerned, and that He does not lead us in our work life. We are tempted to think that He leads us in other areas, but not in our daily workplace. The truth is that God is in every aspect of life and desires to direct us.
Do you need direction in your life today? If so, David provides the best example of gaining direction. Set aside the morning hour to draw close to His presence. There, you will sense His unfailing love for you. His direction for your life will be a natural by-product of this time of communion with Him. Ask God to lead you by His Spirit today.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Daily Caffeination 03/23/07
A Tune-up for Your Life
“For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.”—Luke 6:43
People can talk all day about their love and deep sense of devotion for God, but the proof is in the pudding, so to speak. If you are a real Christian, if you have really asked Christ into your life, there will be evidence.
So here are a few tune-up questions we should ask ourselves as believers:
Do I obey the Word of God? We can’t obey it if we don’t know what it says. So first, we need to read it. Are we keeping His commandments?
Do I reject this world system that is hostile to God? When a person becomes a Christian, he or she sees this world for what it is, because his or her priorities have changed.
Do I eagerly await Christ’s return? If we truly are followers of Christ, we will look forward to the day when He will come again.
Do I see a decreasing pattern of sin in my life? That is not to say true Christians will not sin, because they will. But there is a difference between continuing in sin and trying to sin less and less.
Do I love other Christians? Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). If we are children of God, then we will love His people, and we will love to be around them.
You might be thinking, After that little list, I don’t think I measure up. But I don’t measure up in every way either. There is always room for improvement. That is why it’s good to periodically tune up our lives to see whether we are doing what we ought to do.
(Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
“For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.”—Luke 6:43
People can talk all day about their love and deep sense of devotion for God, but the proof is in the pudding, so to speak. If you are a real Christian, if you have really asked Christ into your life, there will be evidence.
So here are a few tune-up questions we should ask ourselves as believers:
Do I obey the Word of God? We can’t obey it if we don’t know what it says. So first, we need to read it. Are we keeping His commandments?
Do I reject this world system that is hostile to God? When a person becomes a Christian, he or she sees this world for what it is, because his or her priorities have changed.
Do I eagerly await Christ’s return? If we truly are followers of Christ, we will look forward to the day when He will come again.
Do I see a decreasing pattern of sin in my life? That is not to say true Christians will not sin, because they will. But there is a difference between continuing in sin and trying to sin less and less.
Do I love other Christians? Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). If we are children of God, then we will love His people, and we will love to be around them.
You might be thinking, After that little list, I don’t think I measure up. But I don’t measure up in every way either. There is always room for improvement. That is why it’s good to periodically tune up our lives to see whether we are doing what we ought to do.
(Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
Thursday, March 22, 2007
700th Post
I feel since this will be my 700th post on facedownworshipper, I want to mention to the you the blog reader that a huge announcement will be made this Sunday right here on this blog.
What could it be? Mmmmmm!
I also want to inform all my friends/blog readers my email is changing...it will no longer be revivalgeneration@comcast.net, it will now be facedownworshipper@gmail.com. So go ahead and change it in your address book or connections.
If you want to contact me through email it is...facedownworshipper@gmail.com.
What could it be? Mmmmmm!
I also want to inform all my friends/blog readers my email is changing...it will no longer be revivalgeneration@comcast.net, it will now be facedownworshipper@gmail.com. So go ahead and change it in your address book or connections.
If you want to contact me through email it is...facedownworshipper@gmail.com.
Daily Caffeination 03/22/07
The Key to Contentment
Now godliness with contentment is great gain.—1 Timothy 6:6
As you begin to know God’s love and purpose for you, you can live a life that is unending—even overflowing. It is life as it was meant to be lived. This is exactly what David meant when he said, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1).
Have you been able to say that? Have you been able to say, “Lord, if You want to give me more, fine. If you don’t want to, fine. I shall not want, because I have found my contentment in You.”
The apostle Paul found that contentment. He said he was content, regardless of his circumstances (see Philippians 4:11–12). But how many of us have thought, I would be content if I just had a little more money. . . . I would be content if I just got that promotion. . . . I would be content if I just got married. . . . We never quite reach that place of contentment, however. We are always looking for something just a little beyond what we have.
There are certain things that only God can give. And when you are in a relationship with Him in which you say, “The Lord is my Shepherd,” you can say with David, “I shall not want.”
In fact, only the person who has said, “The Lord is my Shepherd” can say, “I shall not want.” Our contentment does not come from what we have. It comes from Whom we know. Hebrews 13:5 tells us, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ ”
So when you get down to it, everything you need in life is found in a relationship with God.
(Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
Now godliness with contentment is great gain.—1 Timothy 6:6
As you begin to know God’s love and purpose for you, you can live a life that is unending—even overflowing. It is life as it was meant to be lived. This is exactly what David meant when he said, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1).
Have you been able to say that? Have you been able to say, “Lord, if You want to give me more, fine. If you don’t want to, fine. I shall not want, because I have found my contentment in You.”
The apostle Paul found that contentment. He said he was content, regardless of his circumstances (see Philippians 4:11–12). But how many of us have thought, I would be content if I just had a little more money. . . . I would be content if I just got that promotion. . . . I would be content if I just got married. . . . We never quite reach that place of contentment, however. We are always looking for something just a little beyond what we have.
There are certain things that only God can give. And when you are in a relationship with Him in which you say, “The Lord is my Shepherd,” you can say with David, “I shall not want.”
In fact, only the person who has said, “The Lord is my Shepherd” can say, “I shall not want.” Our contentment does not come from what we have. It comes from Whom we know. Hebrews 13:5 tells us, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ ”
So when you get down to it, everything you need in life is found in a relationship with God.
(Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Daily Caffeination 03/21/07 - First Day Of Spring...YEAH!
Peace in the Kingdom
For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. —Romans 14:17
Jesus calls us His sheep, and we know that the Shepherd’s primary objective for His sheep is that they flourish. He wants His sheep to be well-fed. He wants them to be well-cared for. He wants them to be content and satisfied. It is the joy of the Shepherd to lead His sheep to green pastures and still waters.
Jesus also has given His sheep a great promise. He said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:27–28). There is great security in knowing that the Lord is our Shepherd. We are under His protection.
Did you know that God loves to bless you? Did you know that God loves to pour His grace out upon you? Did you know that the Lord enjoys working in your life? He wants to bless you more than you want to be blessed. He wants to answer your prayers more than you want them answered. He wants to speak to you even more than you want to be spoken to. And He wants to use you even more than you want to be used. He loves you. Jesus said, “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). It is His joy, His pleasure, to give you the kingdom.
And what is that kingdom? The Bible says the kingdom of God is “righteousness and peace and joy and the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). He wants His righteousness, peace, and joy to permeate every level of your life.
(Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. —Romans 14:17
Jesus calls us His sheep, and we know that the Shepherd’s primary objective for His sheep is that they flourish. He wants His sheep to be well-fed. He wants them to be well-cared for. He wants them to be content and satisfied. It is the joy of the Shepherd to lead His sheep to green pastures and still waters.
Jesus also has given His sheep a great promise. He said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:27–28). There is great security in knowing that the Lord is our Shepherd. We are under His protection.
Did you know that God loves to bless you? Did you know that God loves to pour His grace out upon you? Did you know that the Lord enjoys working in your life? He wants to bless you more than you want to be blessed. He wants to answer your prayers more than you want them answered. He wants to speak to you even more than you want to be spoken to. And He wants to use you even more than you want to be used. He loves you. Jesus said, “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). It is His joy, His pleasure, to give you the kingdom.
And what is that kingdom? The Bible says the kingdom of God is “righteousness and peace and joy and the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). He wants His righteousness, peace, and joy to permeate every level of your life.
(Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
WOW!
Can I just say when you live your life in the center of God's will and His perfect plans, life is exciting and it moves at the speed of light. There is never a dull moment or amazing opportunities. Yes, it is scary but there is no better place to be.
Live your life in center of His will!
Live your life in center of His will!
Daily Caffeination 03/20/07
Choose Life
“I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.”—Deuteronomy 30:19
God has provided us with a radical contrast regarding the choice that we can make in life. Jesus has essentially told us, “Here is your choice: you can either follow the thief who wants to kill and destroy you, or you can follow Me, because I want to give you life. So here is your choice in life: you can have fullness or emptiness. You can choose life or death. As a result, you can face eternity in heaven or in hell.”
Yet it is amazing to me how many people today are consciously choosing death. Not only do they choose a lifestyle that can lead to a premature death on Earth, but they also choose a lifestyle that can certainly lead to an eternal death. People are choosing death. They are choosing to throw their lives away. And as society watches its so-called heroes destroying their lives, many people simply follow. It is the blind leading the blind.
That is the devil’s plan for you. So if you want to do what everyone else is doing, then here is his plan—get ready for it: it is death. It is misery. It is emptiness. And it will result in a life of regret when you look back one day.
Contrast that option with the promise Jesus made when He said, “I have come that they might have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). Check that out—and choose life.
Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
“I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.”—Deuteronomy 30:19
God has provided us with a radical contrast regarding the choice that we can make in life. Jesus has essentially told us, “Here is your choice: you can either follow the thief who wants to kill and destroy you, or you can follow Me, because I want to give you life. So here is your choice in life: you can have fullness or emptiness. You can choose life or death. As a result, you can face eternity in heaven or in hell.”
Yet it is amazing to me how many people today are consciously choosing death. Not only do they choose a lifestyle that can lead to a premature death on Earth, but they also choose a lifestyle that can certainly lead to an eternal death. People are choosing death. They are choosing to throw their lives away. And as society watches its so-called heroes destroying their lives, many people simply follow. It is the blind leading the blind.
That is the devil’s plan for you. So if you want to do what everyone else is doing, then here is his plan—get ready for it: it is death. It is misery. It is emptiness. And it will result in a life of regret when you look back one day.
Contrast that option with the promise Jesus made when He said, “I have come that they might have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). Check that out—and choose life.
Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
Monday, March 19, 2007
Daily Caffeination 03/19/07
Life during Life
“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”—John 10:10
A few years ago, there was a lot of interest in the possibility of life on Mars. I was even interviewed for an article about that possibility. When asked what I thought about life on other planets, I said, “I don’t see anything in the Bible that would indicate there is life on other planets, but if there is, God created it.” They closed the article with another of my statements: “Maybe we shouldn’t be so worried about life on other planets and ask ourselves the question, ‘Is there life on Earth, and are we living it the way God wants us to?’ ”
We often wonder if there is life after death. But is there life during life? That is a question we should all consider.
When I was 17, that was my question. I wasn’t so concerned with what happened beyond the grave at that age, because I thought I would live a long, long time. Rather, my primary concern was what life was all about. What was the purpose of life? I thought there had to be more. I was desperately searching for meaning in life. I just had to know.
Thankfully, I didn’t have to look very far, because on my high school campus was a group of very outspoken Christians. They practiced what they preached, and I was intrigued by them. So I began to watch them. I saw that they were experiencing a dimension of life that I had never known. Not long after that, I gave my life to Jesus and discovered the truth of Jesus’ great statement from John 10:10: “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” That is what I had been searching for.
Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”—John 10:10
A few years ago, there was a lot of interest in the possibility of life on Mars. I was even interviewed for an article about that possibility. When asked what I thought about life on other planets, I said, “I don’t see anything in the Bible that would indicate there is life on other planets, but if there is, God created it.” They closed the article with another of my statements: “Maybe we shouldn’t be so worried about life on other planets and ask ourselves the question, ‘Is there life on Earth, and are we living it the way God wants us to?’ ”
We often wonder if there is life after death. But is there life during life? That is a question we should all consider.
When I was 17, that was my question. I wasn’t so concerned with what happened beyond the grave at that age, because I thought I would live a long, long time. Rather, my primary concern was what life was all about. What was the purpose of life? I thought there had to be more. I was desperately searching for meaning in life. I just had to know.
Thankfully, I didn’t have to look very far, because on my high school campus was a group of very outspoken Christians. They practiced what they preached, and I was intrigued by them. So I began to watch them. I saw that they were experiencing a dimension of life that I had never known. Not long after that, I gave my life to Jesus and discovered the truth of Jesus’ great statement from John 10:10: “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” That is what I had been searching for.
Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Daily Caffeination 03/18/07
Discerning the Work of God
Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, O my God, because of what they have done; remember also the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets who have been trying to intimidate me. - Nehemiah 6:14
Nehemiah set out to rebuild the wall at Jerusalem that had been destroyed. Nehemiah held a position in the Persian Empire that would be comparable to Chief of Staff in our government. Nehemiah wept over the destruction of the city wall and repented for the sins of his generation and the generations before him that had led to the fall of Jerusalem. Nehemiah responded to the news by seeking approval from his superior to take time off to rebuild the wall. Tobiah and Sanballat met Nehemiah's action with resistance, as did Noadiah the prophetess and other prophets. These were the religious and political leaders of his day. They became distractions to his work and opposed him.
Whenever God does a new work, it is often met with resistance by those in the established religious community, and sometimes among those from whom we would expect support. Jesus met the same resistance when He began His public ministry. This same phenomenon happens today. When God begins a new work that cannot be easily explained based upon prior experiences, many make the mistake of assuming it not to be of God. The very people who should embrace and encourage the work become the source of skepticism and opposition. God tells us that His ways are not our ways. He does things in ways beyond our limited understanding.
Before you are tempted to criticize or oppose something that looks different from your past experience, ask God for wisdom and discernment. Examine why you might be tempted to oppose it. The Lord cannot be put in a box. He delights in doing things in ways that may not fit our former paradigms.
Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, O my God, because of what they have done; remember also the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets who have been trying to intimidate me. - Nehemiah 6:14
Nehemiah set out to rebuild the wall at Jerusalem that had been destroyed. Nehemiah held a position in the Persian Empire that would be comparable to Chief of Staff in our government. Nehemiah wept over the destruction of the city wall and repented for the sins of his generation and the generations before him that had led to the fall of Jerusalem. Nehemiah responded to the news by seeking approval from his superior to take time off to rebuild the wall. Tobiah and Sanballat met Nehemiah's action with resistance, as did Noadiah the prophetess and other prophets. These were the religious and political leaders of his day. They became distractions to his work and opposed him.
Whenever God does a new work, it is often met with resistance by those in the established religious community, and sometimes among those from whom we would expect support. Jesus met the same resistance when He began His public ministry. This same phenomenon happens today. When God begins a new work that cannot be easily explained based upon prior experiences, many make the mistake of assuming it not to be of God. The very people who should embrace and encourage the work become the source of skepticism and opposition. God tells us that His ways are not our ways. He does things in ways beyond our limited understanding.
Before you are tempted to criticize or oppose something that looks different from your past experience, ask God for wisdom and discernment. Examine why you might be tempted to oppose it. The Lord cannot be put in a box. He delights in doing things in ways that may not fit our former paradigms.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Daily Caffeination 03/17/07
A Refiner's Fire
For he will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap. - Malachi 3:2b
The Lord has a specific manner of preparing His people for useful service. God desires to turn His children from rough, hard-edged stones into gems of gold and silver.
He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the Lord, as in days gone by, as in former years (Malachi 3:3-4).
The refiner's fire can only accomplish its purposes when the heat is turned up to extraordinary temperatures. It breaks down the metal in order for it to become moldable and shapeable. Only when the temperatures reach this level can the work be fully accomplished. So it is in our lives.
Until the Lord completes His refining process, the offerings we make are not made in righteousness and cannot be acceptable. Thank God that Jesus is our righteousness and that there is no righteousness apart from Him. Still, the Lord continues to purge all that is not of His righteousness out of our lives. This comes through trials that bring each of us to the end of ourselves in order that He may only reflect that which is Himself.
When God takes you through the refiner's fire, be encouraged because it is His overriding commitment to turn you from a rough, hard-edged stone to a precious metal. He will do this through certain events in your workplace, your relationships, and other circumstances in your life. Our job is to avoid trying to blow out the fire.
For he will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap. - Malachi 3:2b
The Lord has a specific manner of preparing His people for useful service. God desires to turn His children from rough, hard-edged stones into gems of gold and silver.
He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the Lord, as in days gone by, as in former years (Malachi 3:3-4).
The refiner's fire can only accomplish its purposes when the heat is turned up to extraordinary temperatures. It breaks down the metal in order for it to become moldable and shapeable. Only when the temperatures reach this level can the work be fully accomplished. So it is in our lives.
Until the Lord completes His refining process, the offerings we make are not made in righteousness and cannot be acceptable. Thank God that Jesus is our righteousness and that there is no righteousness apart from Him. Still, the Lord continues to purge all that is not of His righteousness out of our lives. This comes through trials that bring each of us to the end of ourselves in order that He may only reflect that which is Himself.
When God takes you through the refiner's fire, be encouraged because it is His overriding commitment to turn you from a rough, hard-edged stone to a precious metal. He will do this through certain events in your workplace, your relationships, and other circumstances in your life. Our job is to avoid trying to blow out the fire.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Daily Caffeination 03/16/07
Moved to Action
For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you.—2 Corinthians 2:4
Even before Titanic arrived on the big screen in 1997, people have been fascinated by its story, perhaps because there is so much to it. Clearly, many mistakes were made that led to its sinking. Although it was called the unsinkable ship, it sank. And it sank relatively easily.
We know that 1,500 people perished in an icy grave. We know there were not enough lifeboats on board. We know that many of them went out half-full, some with only four or five people when they had the capacity to carry at least 60.
But one of the greatest tragedies about the Titanic is the fact that while there was room in the lifeboats, no one went back to save anyone else. They had rowed out a distance from the sinking vessel because they were afraid of its suction. Survivors said they could hear the screams of the people as the Titanic finally disappeared below the surface.
Here were people in lifeboats that had room. They could have rowed back and pulled others in. Yet they did nothing about it. They waited for about an hour, and then they went back. By then, they were only able to save a handful of people. They waited until it was too late.
Right now, there is a lost world around us. People are going down, and we have room in our lifeboat. Do we care enough to go and pull them on board? Do we care enough to do something for them? Or will we say, “They should have gotten into the boat when there was time”?
Do you have a burden for lost people? That is where it starts.
Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you.—2 Corinthians 2:4
Even before Titanic arrived on the big screen in 1997, people have been fascinated by its story, perhaps because there is so much to it. Clearly, many mistakes were made that led to its sinking. Although it was called the unsinkable ship, it sank. And it sank relatively easily.
We know that 1,500 people perished in an icy grave. We know there were not enough lifeboats on board. We know that many of them went out half-full, some with only four or five people when they had the capacity to carry at least 60.
But one of the greatest tragedies about the Titanic is the fact that while there was room in the lifeboats, no one went back to save anyone else. They had rowed out a distance from the sinking vessel because they were afraid of its suction. Survivors said they could hear the screams of the people as the Titanic finally disappeared below the surface.
Here were people in lifeboats that had room. They could have rowed back and pulled others in. Yet they did nothing about it. They waited for about an hour, and then they went back. By then, they were only able to save a handful of people. They waited until it was too late.
Right now, there is a lost world around us. People are going down, and we have room in our lifeboat. Do we care enough to go and pull them on board? Do we care enough to do something for them? Or will we say, “They should have gotten into the boat when there was time”?
Do you have a burden for lost people? That is where it starts.
Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
Thursday, March 15, 2007
VCU BEATS Duke
Sorry, I could not sleep through this one! Virginia Commonwealth University Beats Duke 79-77 in today's NCAA Tournament upset! For those of you do not know, my amazing wife Lora graduated last May from VCU. Being in the Richmond, VA area I also have to cheer on the hometown team, except if they play Pittsburgh or Georgetown.
Unbelievable game. I was yelling and no one was hear to hear me. Woohoo! Way to go Rams.
Good night. :-)
Unbelievable game. I was yelling and no one was hear to hear me. Woohoo! Way to go Rams.
Good night. :-)
Simple and Sweet
What an intense week. I am home now, I am exhausted, I am sick, and I am about to head to bed and watch the VCU/Duke game. Can I just tell you how glad...hold on VCU JUST TIED THE GAME 38-38...Again, can I tell you how glad I am to be home. I just wish Lora was here with me.
Good night and I will post tomorrow. I am home...YEAH!!!
Good night and I will post tomorrow. I am home...YEAH!!!
Daily Caffeination 03/15/07 - Live from Panera's in Hagerstown, MD (Church Planters Bootcamp)
Compelled to Preach
Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols.—Acts 17:16
Do you ever feel righteous indignation as you look at our confused society today? Righteous indignation is the result of seeing something that disturbs you deep in your soul.
Maybe you see something on television that is wicked and perverse. Maybe you see someone misrepresenting God. Maybe you see a situation in which you realize that people are turning to false gods. It grieves you and causes you to be stirred deep within.
The Book of Acts tells us that when Paul arrived in Athens, he was grieved to see the absolute absence of the living God, and in His place, every conceivable substitute. Acts 17:16 says that Paul’s spirit “was provoked within him.” Another way to translate this is, “His spirit was exasperated,” or “He was irritated or aroused to anger,” or my favorite, “He was hot and mad.”
This doesn’t mean that Paul lost his cool and he was basically ticked off. This was righteous indignation.
Does it grieve you inside as you see generation after generation going down the same path that leads to destruction, buying into the same lies the generation before them bought into? Does that concern you?
Here is what it comes down to. We can take as many classes as we want on how to share our faith. We can memorize verses. We can prepare ourselves. But unless we have a God-given burden for unbelievers, it won’t matter.
Paul said, “Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16). But if some Christians were honest, they would say, “Woe is me if I have to preach the gospel.” We need to ask God to change our hearts.
Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols.—Acts 17:16
Do you ever feel righteous indignation as you look at our confused society today? Righteous indignation is the result of seeing something that disturbs you deep in your soul.
Maybe you see something on television that is wicked and perverse. Maybe you see someone misrepresenting God. Maybe you see a situation in which you realize that people are turning to false gods. It grieves you and causes you to be stirred deep within.
The Book of Acts tells us that when Paul arrived in Athens, he was grieved to see the absolute absence of the living God, and in His place, every conceivable substitute. Acts 17:16 says that Paul’s spirit “was provoked within him.” Another way to translate this is, “His spirit was exasperated,” or “He was irritated or aroused to anger,” or my favorite, “He was hot and mad.”
This doesn’t mean that Paul lost his cool and he was basically ticked off. This was righteous indignation.
Does it grieve you inside as you see generation after generation going down the same path that leads to destruction, buying into the same lies the generation before them bought into? Does that concern you?
Here is what it comes down to. We can take as many classes as we want on how to share our faith. We can memorize verses. We can prepare ourselves. But unless we have a God-given burden for unbelievers, it won’t matter.
Paul said, “Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16). But if some Christians were honest, they would say, “Woe is me if I have to preach the gospel.” We need to ask God to change our hearts.
Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
What A Day!!!
Another full day packed full of information. My brain hurts...I may duct tape for my head that just may explode by the time tomorrow ends. I am looking forward to the time where I get to apply all the stuff I am learning and taking in.
Today, we covered the following questions concerning church planting...continued from yesterday, Who Will Do It WIth Me? And How Will We Do It? We really took a good look at those people who will partner with us to reach those in need of Jesus. As much as we are called to plant a community of faith, God has called others to join with us as well. Again, so much information it will take awhile to process and digest.
On another note, I am not feeling well at all, I have a bad cold going on and I just feel, well, kind of blah. Please pray for me. I need to recover quickly so I can get through tomorrow and be able to do the three hour drive tomorrow afternoon. To be honest, I feel really achy.
Anyways, I finished eating my 1/2 of salad and bowl of brocolli & cheese soup, I may go back to my room at the camp and go to sleep.
Today, we covered the following questions concerning church planting...continued from yesterday, Who Will Do It WIth Me? And How Will We Do It? We really took a good look at those people who will partner with us to reach those in need of Jesus. As much as we are called to plant a community of faith, God has called others to join with us as well. Again, so much information it will take awhile to process and digest.
On another note, I am not feeling well at all, I have a bad cold going on and I just feel, well, kind of blah. Please pray for me. I need to recover quickly so I can get through tomorrow and be able to do the three hour drive tomorrow afternoon. To be honest, I feel really achy.
Anyways, I finished eating my 1/2 of salad and bowl of brocolli & cheese soup, I may go back to my room at the camp and go to sleep.
Daily Caffeination 03/14/07 - Live from Panera's in Hagerstown MD
One at a Time
When they heard Paul speak about the resurrection of the dead, some laughed in contempt, but others said, “We want to hear more about this later.”—Acts 17:32
The apostle Paul was probably the greatest communicator the church ever produced. As a brilliant orator and a great student of Scripture, history, and culture, he knew how to make his case. That is clear when you read anything that the Holy Spirit inspired him to write. Yet even Paul’s preaching of the gospel was rejected by some.
It serves as a reminder that even if you are the greatest witness, even if you live a truly godly life, even if you are an effective communicator, even if you usually have the answer to every hard question people come up with, not everyone will be convinced.
After all, Jesus Christ was the perfect example. He never slipped up, not even once. He was God in human form. He was absolutely flawless and perfect. Yet in spite of that, Judas Iscariot sold Him out for 30 pieces of silver.
This refutes the timeworn argument of those who say the reason they are not a Christian is because there are so many hypocrites in the church. Jesus was never a hypocrite. But Judas sold Him out anyway.
Even if you are a godly person, you are not going to convince everyone. Even the great apostle Paul did not have everyone believe when he preached.
So what do we do? We need to start with the world around us. We should seek to live godly lives and share the gospel with those we come in contact with. We need to remember that the process will not always be easy. But just as it was in Paul’s day, God is in the business of changing lives, one person at a time.
(Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
When they heard Paul speak about the resurrection of the dead, some laughed in contempt, but others said, “We want to hear more about this later.”—Acts 17:32
The apostle Paul was probably the greatest communicator the church ever produced. As a brilliant orator and a great student of Scripture, history, and culture, he knew how to make his case. That is clear when you read anything that the Holy Spirit inspired him to write. Yet even Paul’s preaching of the gospel was rejected by some.
It serves as a reminder that even if you are the greatest witness, even if you live a truly godly life, even if you are an effective communicator, even if you usually have the answer to every hard question people come up with, not everyone will be convinced.
After all, Jesus Christ was the perfect example. He never slipped up, not even once. He was God in human form. He was absolutely flawless and perfect. Yet in spite of that, Judas Iscariot sold Him out for 30 pieces of silver.
This refutes the timeworn argument of those who say the reason they are not a Christian is because there are so many hypocrites in the church. Jesus was never a hypocrite. But Judas sold Him out anyway.
Even if you are a godly person, you are not going to convince everyone. Even the great apostle Paul did not have everyone believe when he preached.
So what do we do? We need to start with the world around us. We should seek to live godly lives and share the gospel with those we come in contact with. We need to remember that the process will not always be easy. But just as it was in Paul’s day, God is in the business of changing lives, one person at a time.
(Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Sitting in Panera's again! Long day at the Bootcamp.
I am chillin' here in Panera's again. The only place in this internet forsaken town that has WiFi. Today, has been a good day here at the Bootcamp. We have had two primary speakers sharing with us, Pastor Mark Morrow from Crosswalk in Williamsburg, VA. Mark is an awesome speaker, very engaging and has led the way in our district as a churchplanter. I have a huge amount of love and respect for Pastor Mark, he is an awesome and godly man. The other person that has been primarily sharing is Pastor Roger Stacy, Church Planting and Home Missions Director from Minnesota.
Today, we learned and discussed the questions...What Does God Want To Do? Who Am I? What Am I Called To Do? Throughoutt this process and time I absolutely feel confident with what God wants to do in my life and through me. I have a complete understanding of who I am...I kind of figured this part out about two years ago. This is referring to my profile, personality, gift assessment and temperment. I am also convinced what God has called me to do.
As always, conferences like this are filled with so much information and not really an opportunity to apply it. Information without application equals frustration. I also feel like the sessions are a little rushed and there's not enough time to discuss issues with our group and team captain. After saying all this I feel I am gaining some valuable resources and insights from some great people, that I will be able to apply eventually.
I am looking forward to the day where I can apply all that I am learning, I truly pray it will be sooner rather than later.
On a side note be praying for Lora this week. I am here at the Bootcamp in Falling Waters, WV/Hagerstown, MD, and Lora is traveling out to San Francisco for her job. Also, we are hoping to hear back this week about an amazing opportunity.
Today, we learned and discussed the questions...What Does God Want To Do? Who Am I? What Am I Called To Do? Throughoutt this process and time I absolutely feel confident with what God wants to do in my life and through me. I have a complete understanding of who I am...I kind of figured this part out about two years ago. This is referring to my profile, personality, gift assessment and temperment. I am also convinced what God has called me to do.
As always, conferences like this are filled with so much information and not really an opportunity to apply it. Information without application equals frustration. I also feel like the sessions are a little rushed and there's not enough time to discuss issues with our group and team captain. After saying all this I feel I am gaining some valuable resources and insights from some great people, that I will be able to apply eventually.
I am looking forward to the day where I can apply all that I am learning, I truly pray it will be sooner rather than later.
On a side note be praying for Lora this week. I am here at the Bootcamp in Falling Waters, WV/Hagerstown, MD, and Lora is traveling out to San Francisco for her job. Also, we are hoping to hear back this week about an amazing opportunity.
Daily Caffeination - SItting In Paneras @ 7:00 am
(Sitting in Panera's right now. :-) At the Potomac Park Camp in Falling Waters, WV, where the Church Planters Bootcamp is, there is NO connection to the outside world. So I woke up with my roommate Jason and headed to Hagerstown, MD to come to this fine establishment to get connected to all of you, the outside world. There are no TVs, no radios, and of course no internet, welcome to the stone age.)
Not of This World
“My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.”—John 18:36
So often the world misconstrues what Christians say. It draws erroneous conclusions because it never takes the time to really listen carefully to the gospel message. Jesus said, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36).
The early Christians were insulted and criticized for what they were doing and were even accused of treason. It was suggested they were actually advocating the overthrow of Caesar, which really was not the case. It was a complete misunderstanding of what the objectives of the Christians really were. Anyone who would give even a careful listen to what they were saying would realize these Christians were not seeking to establish an earthly kingdom. They were not seeking to overthrow Caesar or Rome.
Yet it is worth nothing that the first-century Christians made no attempts to conquer paganism by reacting blow by blow. Instead, they outthought, outprayed, and outlived the unbelievers. Their weapons were positive, not negative. They prayed, preached, and proclaimed the message of the gospel.
As a result, these Christians dramatically impacted their world. In the end, they prevailed. In retrospect, where is Rome today? It is no longer a world power. Do we remember the names of the great emperors of Rome? For the most part, no.
There have been numerous attempts throughout history to destroy the Christian faith. But they will always fail for one simple reason: Christianity is Christ. He will prevail in the end and establish His kingdom. And because we are with Him, we will win in the end too.
(Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
Monday, March 12, 2007
Daily Caffeination 03/12/07
Nuclear Giants and Ethical Infants
Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!—Isaiah 5:20
In 1948, General Omar Bradley made a statement with a prophetic ring to it: “We have grasped the mystery of the atom and rejected the Sermon on the Mount. . . . Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants.”
What an accurate description of our times right now. Today, with all our technology, we have simply discovered new ways to kill one another and to eradicate what God has done. Despite our great technologies and great abilities, we have made no progress in solving our basic human problems. That is because the world is upside down.
While the early church turned their world upside down, it seems today that the world is turning the church upside down. The early church consisted of a relatively small group of Christians. Their numbers were not large like ours today. They did not have the technology like we have today to get the Word out. Yet they made a dramatic difference wherever they went.
Today, with so many naming the name of Christ, our impact on the world seems to be null and void. And that is my point. Christians are allowing secular attitudes to find their way into the church and into their lives. It seems like our culture is affecting us more than we are affecting our culture.
The world needs to see a genuine man or woman of God living the Christian life. They need to see the real thing. In short, they need to see you. God can use you. Maybe you are not a preacher, but you can proclaim the gospel message through your life and through your words. You can turn your world upside down.
(Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!—Isaiah 5:20
In 1948, General Omar Bradley made a statement with a prophetic ring to it: “We have grasped the mystery of the atom and rejected the Sermon on the Mount. . . . Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants.”
What an accurate description of our times right now. Today, with all our technology, we have simply discovered new ways to kill one another and to eradicate what God has done. Despite our great technologies and great abilities, we have made no progress in solving our basic human problems. That is because the world is upside down.
While the early church turned their world upside down, it seems today that the world is turning the church upside down. The early church consisted of a relatively small group of Christians. Their numbers were not large like ours today. They did not have the technology like we have today to get the Word out. Yet they made a dramatic difference wherever they went.
Today, with so many naming the name of Christ, our impact on the world seems to be null and void. And that is my point. Christians are allowing secular attitudes to find their way into the church and into their lives. It seems like our culture is affecting us more than we are affecting our culture.
The world needs to see a genuine man or woman of God living the Christian life. They need to see the real thing. In short, they need to see you. God can use you. Maybe you are not a preacher, but you can proclaim the gospel message through your life and through your words. You can turn your world upside down.
(Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Daily Caffeination 03/11/07
The Passion - Like Jesus
The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. John 1:14
Whether they are traveling through a small farming town in Nebraska, a surfing village in California or an industrial community in Pennsylvania, politicians love to show how they can relate to the people in that area. But the sad thing is that they can't really meet those people on the same level; they can't identify with them no matter how hard they try to make it appear like they can.
Jesus, though, never gives us that illusion of identity. He doesn't throw up a façade to try and appear like he gets where we are coming from. Jesus Christ connected with the people of two thousand years ago, and he connects with you and me today on a level that we can understand and appreciate.
At one point we've all said, "No one understands my situation." But that statement could not be farther from the truth. Jesus understands; he's been there; he knows what we go through day in and day out. He had a job - for most of his life he was a carpenter. He had the same relationships that you and I have today - mother, father, brothers, sister, friends, and enemies. He even faced the same temptations that you and I face. Jesus knows what daily living is like. He knows because he's been there himself.
So this week, when you feel like there is no one that can grasp what you are going through; when you feel like throwing up your hands and giving up; when you have that gut reaction of, "No one understands my situation..." remember that our Savior has been there and then add two words to your statement: "Like Jesus."
The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. John 1:14
Whether they are traveling through a small farming town in Nebraska, a surfing village in California or an industrial community in Pennsylvania, politicians love to show how they can relate to the people in that area. But the sad thing is that they can't really meet those people on the same level; they can't identify with them no matter how hard they try to make it appear like they can.
Jesus, though, never gives us that illusion of identity. He doesn't throw up a façade to try and appear like he gets where we are coming from. Jesus Christ connected with the people of two thousand years ago, and he connects with you and me today on a level that we can understand and appreciate.
At one point we've all said, "No one understands my situation." But that statement could not be farther from the truth. Jesus understands; he's been there; he knows what we go through day in and day out. He had a job - for most of his life he was a carpenter. He had the same relationships that you and I have today - mother, father, brothers, sister, friends, and enemies. He even faced the same temptations that you and I face. Jesus knows what daily living is like. He knows because he's been there himself.
So this week, when you feel like there is no one that can grasp what you are going through; when you feel like throwing up your hands and giving up; when you have that gut reaction of, "No one understands my situation..." remember that our Savior has been there and then add two words to your statement: "Like Jesus."
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Church Planters Bootcamp
This week coming up I will be attending the Church Planters Bootcamp that the Potomac District Council will be doing for all perspective church planters (that is me). During this next week I will be in West Virginia and Lora, my amazing wife will be in San Fransisco for a business trip. I do not think I got the raw end of the deal, however I wish I was hanging with her in San Fransisco.
I am looking forward to hooking up and getting together with others church planters. I truly believe church planters are some the most crazy, creative and cool people to be around. The only negative about this retreat is that we are staying at our district's campground in Falling Waters, West Virginia and they do not have TVs or internet access, with that said I may be disconnected from the blogosphere for a few days. I am looking and researching Wi-fi areas near there so I can get online and feed my addiction and hopefully at the same time feed my other addiction of good coffee, *cough, cough* Starbucks.
I also would love and need your prayers over the next week and even the next few month for a great potential opportunity that is on the horizon. Pray specifically for God's will and plans, as well that God would take care of every little and big detail involved. Oh and one more thing, His peace. I will tell you more about this when things are clearer and a little more certain.
I am looking forward to hooking up and getting together with others church planters. I truly believe church planters are some the most crazy, creative and cool people to be around. The only negative about this retreat is that we are staying at our district's campground in Falling Waters, West Virginia and they do not have TVs or internet access, with that said I may be disconnected from the blogosphere for a few days. I am looking and researching Wi-fi areas near there so I can get online and feed my addiction and hopefully at the same time feed my other addiction of good coffee, *cough, cough* Starbucks.
I also would love and need your prayers over the next week and even the next few month for a great potential opportunity that is on the horizon. Pray specifically for God's will and plans, as well that God would take care of every little and big detail involved. Oh and one more thing, His peace. I will tell you more about this when things are clearer and a little more certain.
Daily Caffeination 03/10/07
When God Restores What the Locusts Eat
I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten - the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm - My great army that I sent among you. - Joel 2:25
There are seasons in our lives that involve times of famine and times of restoration. Solomon tells us that He has made everything beautiful in its time and that there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under Heaven. (See Ecclesiastes 3:1,11.)
God brings about both the good and the bad. The seasons of famine have a divine purpose in our lives. They accomplish things that only these hard places can accomplish. But there is a time when those hard places have accomplished their purpose and He begins to restore. God did this with the nation of Israel after a season of famine and devastation.
Be glad, O people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for He has given you the autumn rains in righteousness. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before. The threshing floors will be filled with grain; the vats will overflow with new wine and oil. "I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten - the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm - My great army that I sent among you. You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will My people be shamed. Then you will know that I am in Israel, that I am the Lord your God, and that there is no other; never again will My people be shamed" (Joel 2:23-27).
God wants each of us to know that there is a time when He will restore in order to demonstrate His gracious hand in our lives. He is a loving Father who tenderly guides His children through the difficult places. If God has taken you through a time of leanness, know that He is the restorer of that which the locusts have eaten. Wait patiently for Him to bring this about in your life. He will do it.
I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten - the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm - My great army that I sent among you. - Joel 2:25
There are seasons in our lives that involve times of famine and times of restoration. Solomon tells us that He has made everything beautiful in its time and that there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under Heaven. (See Ecclesiastes 3:1,11.)
God brings about both the good and the bad. The seasons of famine have a divine purpose in our lives. They accomplish things that only these hard places can accomplish. But there is a time when those hard places have accomplished their purpose and He begins to restore. God did this with the nation of Israel after a season of famine and devastation.
Be glad, O people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for He has given you the autumn rains in righteousness. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before. The threshing floors will be filled with grain; the vats will overflow with new wine and oil. "I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten - the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm - My great army that I sent among you. You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will My people be shamed. Then you will know that I am in Israel, that I am the Lord your God, and that there is no other; never again will My people be shamed" (Joel 2:23-27).
God wants each of us to know that there is a time when He will restore in order to demonstrate His gracious hand in our lives. He is a loving Father who tenderly guides His children through the difficult places. If God has taken you through a time of leanness, know that He is the restorer of that which the locusts have eaten. Wait patiently for Him to bring this about in your life. He will do it.
Friday, March 09, 2007
God Is Awesome
I will just simply say that the God I serve is simply amazing. You have to be willing to trust Him and be obedient. I just want to praise Him for all that He is doing!
Thank you Lord!!!
Thank you Lord!!!
Daily Caffeination 03/09/07
When Not to Pray
Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.—1 John 5:14
In a broad sense, we should pray about everything. But there are certain things we don’t need to pray about. For example, if someone were to say, “I am praying about robbing a bank. Would you pray with me?” I will pray for that person, but I won’t pray that God will bless their efforts. Why? Because the Bible says, “You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15). We don’t need to pray about that.
Yet there are certain things God tells us we can pray for. He tells us we can pray for wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 5:5).
We can pray for His provision. Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
We can pray for protection. Psalm 91:5–7 says, “You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you.”
The key to effective prayer is getting our will in alignment with God’s will, because 1 John 5:14 tells us, “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”
Nothing lies outside the reach of prayer except that which lies outside of the will of God. God only answers the requests that He inspires.
(Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.—1 John 5:14
In a broad sense, we should pray about everything. But there are certain things we don’t need to pray about. For example, if someone were to say, “I am praying about robbing a bank. Would you pray with me?” I will pray for that person, but I won’t pray that God will bless their efforts. Why? Because the Bible says, “You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15). We don’t need to pray about that.
Yet there are certain things God tells us we can pray for. He tells us we can pray for wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 5:5).
We can pray for His provision. Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
We can pray for protection. Psalm 91:5–7 says, “You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you.”
The key to effective prayer is getting our will in alignment with God’s will, because 1 John 5:14 tells us, “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”
Nothing lies outside the reach of prayer except that which lies outside of the will of God. God only answers the requests that He inspires.
(Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
Thursday, March 08, 2007
10k Training Update
I know I haven't update recently my 10k training, so here is what has been going on with the running.
Last week, I only ran two days, last Tuesday I ran 3 miles for 34 minutes and last Thursday I only ran 2 miles in 22 minutes. I really wasn't feeling it last week, so I took it easy and did what I could do.
This past Tuesday, I ran 3.5 miles in 37 minutes. This morning, I ran 3 miles in 33 minutes. I felt a little better running this week. I only have three more weeks left for the Ukrop's Monument 10k. I believe I will do well. Someone told that you hit these walls when you run, I just have to push through them and persevere.
Last week, I only ran two days, last Tuesday I ran 3 miles for 34 minutes and last Thursday I only ran 2 miles in 22 minutes. I really wasn't feeling it last week, so I took it easy and did what I could do.
This past Tuesday, I ran 3.5 miles in 37 minutes. This morning, I ran 3 miles in 33 minutes. I felt a little better running this week. I only have three more weeks left for the Ukrop's Monument 10k. I believe I will do well. Someone told that you hit these walls when you run, I just have to push through them and persevere.
Daily Caffeination 03/08/07
(Pray for us today please. we have a huge meeting this evening. Thanks!)
A Guide for Prayer
Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of his disciples came to him and said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”—Luke 11:1
For prayer to be powerful and effective, there has to be at least a few moments of recognizing the One to whom we are speaking.
“What? Isn’t all prayer offered to God?” some might ask.
Not necessarily. I think it is entirely possible to pray and never think of God at all. I think it is entirely possible to rush into God’s presence and rattle off our grocery list as though we are talking to Santa Claus, without even taking a moment to contemplate whom it is we are addressing. Often in prayer, there is little thought of God Himself. Instead, our mind is taken up with what we need.
Jesus gave us a model prayer that we call the Lord’s Prayer. In reality, the Bible doesn’t call it that. It could be more accurately called the Disciple’s Prayer, because one day, the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” Notice they didn’t say, “Lord, teach us a prayer.” Rather, they said, “Teach us to pray. . . . ”
Some people will attach a mystical significance to the reciting of this prayer. They view it as sort of the big-gun prayer to pull out when all else fails. But this is not a prayer that Jesus gave as much as it was a model for praying. There is nothing wrong with praying the Lord’s Prayer. If you choose to pray it as it is written, that is fine, as long as it is coming from your heart. But more importantly, it is a prayer that gives us a guide to all prayers that we would offer to God.
(Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
A Guide for Prayer
Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of his disciples came to him and said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”—Luke 11:1
For prayer to be powerful and effective, there has to be at least a few moments of recognizing the One to whom we are speaking.
“What? Isn’t all prayer offered to God?” some might ask.
Not necessarily. I think it is entirely possible to pray and never think of God at all. I think it is entirely possible to rush into God’s presence and rattle off our grocery list as though we are talking to Santa Claus, without even taking a moment to contemplate whom it is we are addressing. Often in prayer, there is little thought of God Himself. Instead, our mind is taken up with what we need.
Jesus gave us a model prayer that we call the Lord’s Prayer. In reality, the Bible doesn’t call it that. It could be more accurately called the Disciple’s Prayer, because one day, the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” Notice they didn’t say, “Lord, teach us a prayer.” Rather, they said, “Teach us to pray. . . . ”
Some people will attach a mystical significance to the reciting of this prayer. They view it as sort of the big-gun prayer to pull out when all else fails. But this is not a prayer that Jesus gave as much as it was a model for praying. There is nothing wrong with praying the Lord’s Prayer. If you choose to pray it as it is written, that is fine, as long as it is coming from your heart. But more importantly, it is a prayer that gives us a guide to all prayers that we would offer to God.
(Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Daily Caffeination 03/07/07
Make Every Day Count
So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.—Psalm 90:12
It is hard to explain when someone’s life has been cut short, when someone who is relatively young dies. We expected them to live a much longer life. But who is to say that it was not the appointed time for them to go? Who is to say that it was not the exact length of life that God had preordained for them from the very beginning?
That is why we want to make every day count. The Bible says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Or to paraphrase, “Lord, help us to realize our lives can end on any day, so let’s use them wisely.” We don’t know when our day will come.
When God calls you home, you are going home. You can live on vitamin C, zinc, and Echinacea. You can drink green tea, and avoid all the toxins you can, but when your number is up, your number is up.
On the other hand, you will be around until God is done with you. You are not going to go before your time. You may or may not be the healthiest person, but you will live to the time that God has appointed for you.
Worrying isn’t going to extend our lives. At the same time, we are not to take foolish risks and tempt the Lord.
We can be assured that we are here until God is done with us. As the apostle Paul said, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians. 1:20). So let’s make the most of the lives God has given us. Let’s live life to the fullest.
(Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.—Psalm 90:12
It is hard to explain when someone’s life has been cut short, when someone who is relatively young dies. We expected them to live a much longer life. But who is to say that it was not the appointed time for them to go? Who is to say that it was not the exact length of life that God had preordained for them from the very beginning?
That is why we want to make every day count. The Bible says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Or to paraphrase, “Lord, help us to realize our lives can end on any day, so let’s use them wisely.” We don’t know when our day will come.
When God calls you home, you are going home. You can live on vitamin C, zinc, and Echinacea. You can drink green tea, and avoid all the toxins you can, but when your number is up, your number is up.
On the other hand, you will be around until God is done with you. You are not going to go before your time. You may or may not be the healthiest person, but you will live to the time that God has appointed for you.
Worrying isn’t going to extend our lives. At the same time, we are not to take foolish risks and tempt the Lord.
We can be assured that we are here until God is done with us. As the apostle Paul said, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians. 1:20). So let’s make the most of the lives God has given us. Let’s live life to the fullest.
(Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Daily Caffeination 03/06/07
Just Ask
You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask.—James 4:2
It is my firm conviction that some Christians today don’t have God’s provision, God’s healing, or God’s blessing in their lives because they have not asked for it.
I am not saying that God will give us everything we ask for. But I am saying that many of us are going through life missing out on many of the things God has for us. The Bible says, “You do not have because you do not ask” (James 4:2).
Some Christians pray only as a last resort, when everything else fails, after they’ve called all their friends and all their relatives. When no one can help them, they say, “What else can I do? All I can do now is pray.” Prayer should not be a last resort. It should be the first thing we do.
As the old hymn says, “Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saints upon their knees.” The devil doesn’t want you to pray. He will do everything he can to keep you from it, because he is afraid of the power that can be exercised through prayer. He whispers, “Don’t pray. Try this. Try that. You are not worthy to pray. God won’t hear your prayers.” He will do anything to keep you from approaching the throne of God.
Prayer is a privilege that is given to the child of God. God will hear the prayer of an unbeliever who calls out to Him for forgiveness, but only a person who has put his or her faith in Christ can have a prayer life. So pray with fervor. Pray with energy. Pray continually. Don’t give up, because you never know what God will do.
(Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask.—James 4:2
It is my firm conviction that some Christians today don’t have God’s provision, God’s healing, or God’s blessing in their lives because they have not asked for it.
I am not saying that God will give us everything we ask for. But I am saying that many of us are going through life missing out on many of the things God has for us. The Bible says, “You do not have because you do not ask” (James 4:2).
Some Christians pray only as a last resort, when everything else fails, after they’ve called all their friends and all their relatives. When no one can help them, they say, “What else can I do? All I can do now is pray.” Prayer should not be a last resort. It should be the first thing we do.
As the old hymn says, “Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saints upon their knees.” The devil doesn’t want you to pray. He will do everything he can to keep you from it, because he is afraid of the power that can be exercised through prayer. He whispers, “Don’t pray. Try this. Try that. You are not worthy to pray. God won’t hear your prayers.” He will do anything to keep you from approaching the throne of God.
Prayer is a privilege that is given to the child of God. God will hear the prayer of an unbeliever who calls out to Him for forgiveness, but only a person who has put his or her faith in Christ can have a prayer life. So pray with fervor. Pray with energy. Pray continually. Don’t give up, because you never know what God will do.
(Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
Monday, March 05, 2007
A Few More Pictures from Fine Arts
Here are a few more pictures I wanted to include from Fine Arts this past weekend. There is nothing like creating positive memories with the "kids".
Rebekah and Meggie
Ashley and Jordan
Ashley getting into my self picture
Rebekah and Meggie
Ashley and Jordan
Pictures from A Fun & An Awesome Weekend @ Potomac Youth Ministries Fine Arts Festival
This past weekend we took some of our "kids" from Fuse Student Ministries to our district's annual Fine Arts Festival in Lutherville, MD. I am so proud at well our girls did in their dance, human video and Meggie with her art work. The three girls created and came up with everything in their dance and human video...I love seeing our "kids" put their creativity to use. And Meggies artwork is spectacular.
This year's theme for the PYM Fine Art's Festival was Sacrifice. There were about 1500 students who participated at Fine Arts in different events, from dance, drama, christian band, praise & worship, short sermon, vocal solos, chorus, vocal ensemble, percussion, intrumentals, art, photgraphy, website design and I could go on. It was amazing to see such incredible talent used for God. This creativity and talent is what churches need to be tapping into to reach this generation.
Here are some random pictures from the Potomac Youth Ministres Fine Arts Festival.
This year's theme for the PYM Fine Art's Festival was Sacrifice. There were about 1500 students who participated at Fine Arts in different events, from dance, drama, christian band, praise & worship, short sermon, vocal solos, chorus, vocal ensemble, percussion, intrumentals, art, photgraphy, website design and I could go on. It was amazing to see such incredible talent used for God. This creativity and talent is what churches need to be tapping into to reach this generation.
Here are some random pictures from the Potomac Youth Ministres Fine Arts Festival.
At the Holiday Inn in Timonium, MD Friday Night
Hanging out and eating pizza in one of the rooms
Hanging out and eating pizza in one of the rooms
Eating our breakfast Saturday morning...it was a buffet. Good food!
Waiting for the Katelyn, Abbie, and Meghan's dance performance
And the girl's dance performance
Waiting around in between performance
In the main sanctuary watching large group human video performances
Lunchtime outside in the brisk cold air
Katelyn, Abbie, and Meghan performing their human video
Meggie's picture up on the big screen in the main sanctuary right before the showcase
Our niece Emily singing here solo and her youth choir being showcased
A really awesome percussion group being showcased, these young men were unbelievable
In the main sanctuary watching large group human video performances
Lunchtime outside in the brisk cold air
Katelyn, Abbie, and Meghan performing their human video
Meggie's picture up on the big screen in the main sanctuary right before the showcase
Our niece Emily singing here solo and her youth choir being showcased
A really awesome percussion group being showcased, these young men were unbelievable
Daily Caffeination 03/05/07
Why Prayer is Essential
Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.—Acts 12:5
Have you ever been in a situation where there seemed to be no way out? Everything is going along just fine when, all of a sudden, a storm cloud comes along and rains on your parade. Insurmountable obstacles seem to be growing worse by the minute, and you find yourself wondering what to do.
In Acts 12, we find the story of how God took a tragic, even hopeless, situation and turned it around. It was done by the power of prayer, the kind of prayer that storms the throne of God and gets an answer.
Both James and Peter were in prison. Tragically, James was put to death. But Peter remained alive in prison. Though all doors were closed, one remained open: the door of prayer. The church recognized that “the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4).
Prayer was and is the church’s secret weapon. Although the devil struck a blow against the church, the church gained victory through prayer as Peter was miraculously released.
Sadly, we don’t pray often enough. Yet it is essential that Christians learn more about effective prayer, because we will face difficulties. We will face hardships. We will face problems. So we need to discover what God can do through the power of prayer.
Prayer for the Christian should be second nature, like breathing. We should automatically pray, lifting our needs and requests before the Lord. Jesus said that we should always pray and not lose heart (see Luke 18:1).
Prayer is something we should never grow tired of and something we should never avoid. We should be doing it constantly.
(Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.—Acts 12:5
Have you ever been in a situation where there seemed to be no way out? Everything is going along just fine when, all of a sudden, a storm cloud comes along and rains on your parade. Insurmountable obstacles seem to be growing worse by the minute, and you find yourself wondering what to do.
In Acts 12, we find the story of how God took a tragic, even hopeless, situation and turned it around. It was done by the power of prayer, the kind of prayer that storms the throne of God and gets an answer.
Both James and Peter were in prison. Tragically, James was put to death. But Peter remained alive in prison. Though all doors were closed, one remained open: the door of prayer. The church recognized that “the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4).
Prayer was and is the church’s secret weapon. Although the devil struck a blow against the church, the church gained victory through prayer as Peter was miraculously released.
Sadly, we don’t pray often enough. Yet it is essential that Christians learn more about effective prayer, because we will face difficulties. We will face hardships. We will face problems. So we need to discover what God can do through the power of prayer.
Prayer for the Christian should be second nature, like breathing. We should automatically pray, lifting our needs and requests before the Lord. Jesus said that we should always pray and not lose heart (see Luke 18:1).
Prayer is something we should never grow tired of and something we should never avoid. We should be doing it constantly.
(Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Daily Caffeination 03/04/07
Knowledge + Action = Faith
For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith. - Hebrews 4:2
The people of Israel were called out of the bondage of Egyptian slavery. God said they would be brought out of 400 years of slavery so that they might worship Him. God desired to bring them into a place of milk and honey - the Promised Land. Yet that generation never entered into the Promised Land. Why? They never took what they knew in their head and transferred it to their heart. Finally, it never resulted in actions that were based on what they believed.
When I was a new Christian I heard an illustration of what belief and faith looked like when combined. If you were a trapeze artist and were skilled at walking across tightropes over high places, you might even be willing to walk across Niagara Falls. In fact, I would have confidence that you could because I had seen your abilities as a trapeze artist. However, if you asked me if you could push me in a wheelbarrow across Niagara Falls, you would be challenging me to put my beliefs into action. This requires faith, participation, and risk, which, until now, was based only on mental assent.
The writer of Hebrews is telling us that if we believe God but do not enter in to those promises, we are like the man who chooses not to get into the wheelbarrow. If we don't act on our beliefs, then we remain in the desert like the people of Israel who never received God's promises. They did not combine what they knew in their head with a faith that was put into action.
Has God spoken to you about an area in your life that requires a step of faith? Let God provide the courage, as He does the knowledge, to act in faith on what you believe.
For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith. - Hebrews 4:2
The people of Israel were called out of the bondage of Egyptian slavery. God said they would be brought out of 400 years of slavery so that they might worship Him. God desired to bring them into a place of milk and honey - the Promised Land. Yet that generation never entered into the Promised Land. Why? They never took what they knew in their head and transferred it to their heart. Finally, it never resulted in actions that were based on what they believed.
When I was a new Christian I heard an illustration of what belief and faith looked like when combined. If you were a trapeze artist and were skilled at walking across tightropes over high places, you might even be willing to walk across Niagara Falls. In fact, I would have confidence that you could because I had seen your abilities as a trapeze artist. However, if you asked me if you could push me in a wheelbarrow across Niagara Falls, you would be challenging me to put my beliefs into action. This requires faith, participation, and risk, which, until now, was based only on mental assent.
The writer of Hebrews is telling us that if we believe God but do not enter in to those promises, we are like the man who chooses not to get into the wheelbarrow. If we don't act on our beliefs, then we remain in the desert like the people of Israel who never received God's promises. They did not combine what they knew in their head with a faith that was put into action.
Has God spoken to you about an area in your life that requires a step of faith? Let God provide the courage, as He does the knowledge, to act in faith on what you believe.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Daily Caffienation 03/03/07 - Live From Maryland - Potomac Youth Ministries Fine Arts Festival
Forgiveness Ensures Freedom
See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. - Hebrews 12:15
In business and life the opportunity to harbor bitterness for a wrong suffered is great. We are given plenty of opportunities to grow bitter from relationships that bring hurt and pain. The writer of the Hebrews passage above admonishes us not to miss the grace of God so that we won't take up bitterness as a response to life's pain. He cautions us against this because he knows that a bitter root grows and grows until it eventually defiles many others through a wake of bitterness. If bitterness is allowed to take root, we become imprisoned to it. God's grace will no longer have as great an effect in our lives. We become ineffective, insensitive, and spiritually dead. We can even become physically ill from it. God does not live in bitterness. He lives in grace. He has provided grace for every person to walk in.
One day I was challenged to deal with an individual who hurt me terribly. I was faced with a decision. Would I choose bitterness, or would I choose grace? Oh, how my natural tendency was to choose bitterness. But God provided the courage to choose grace. With that grace came freedom-a freedom to love and even accept the person who was the source of such pain.
This is the real place where Christ's power is most revealed. We cannot live without His supernatural grace. Are you in need of grace today? It is there for the receiving. It will take courage to accept it and walk in it. This will be your step to freedom.
See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. - Hebrews 12:15
In business and life the opportunity to harbor bitterness for a wrong suffered is great. We are given plenty of opportunities to grow bitter from relationships that bring hurt and pain. The writer of the Hebrews passage above admonishes us not to miss the grace of God so that we won't take up bitterness as a response to life's pain. He cautions us against this because he knows that a bitter root grows and grows until it eventually defiles many others through a wake of bitterness. If bitterness is allowed to take root, we become imprisoned to it. God's grace will no longer have as great an effect in our lives. We become ineffective, insensitive, and spiritually dead. We can even become physically ill from it. God does not live in bitterness. He lives in grace. He has provided grace for every person to walk in.
One day I was challenged to deal with an individual who hurt me terribly. I was faced with a decision. Would I choose bitterness, or would I choose grace? Oh, how my natural tendency was to choose bitterness. But God provided the courage to choose grace. With that grace came freedom-a freedom to love and even accept the person who was the source of such pain.
This is the real place where Christ's power is most revealed. We cannot live without His supernatural grace. Are you in need of grace today? It is there for the receiving. It will take courage to accept it and walk in it. This will be your step to freedom.
Friday, March 02, 2007
Daily Caffeination 03/02/07
Away with Jesus?
“He who is not with Me is against Me.”—Luke 11:23
After Jesus cast the demons out of the man who lived among the tombs, they went into a herd of pigs and ran over a cliff. When the people saw that, instead of rejoicing that their neighbor was saved, “they began to plead with Him to depart from their region” (Mark 5:17).
That really sums up the reaction of all humankind to Jesus Christ. You are either saying, “Jesus, I want to be close to you.” Or you are saying, “Jesus, go away. I don’t want you in my life.”
You might protest, “Now wait a second. I admit that I haven’t yet made a commitment to Christ. I’m simply saying I haven’t decided yet.” But if you don’t say yes to Jesus, you are essentially telling Him to go away. Jesus said, “He who is not with Me is against Me” (Luke 11:23). Either you have faith and trust in Christ or you have unbelief. There is no other option.
Have you said, “Away with Him?” You say, “What do you mean, away with Him. I have never said, ‘Jesus, go away.’ ” Maybe you have, indirectly. Maybe you resisted God’s work in your heart. Maybe you don’t want to give up some things in your life that you know are wrong. Or maybe you are just too busy—you have time for everything but Jesus.
It really boils down to this—what have you done with Jesus? What are you going to say right now? “Away with Jesus!” Or are you going to ask Him to become a part of your life? He offers you His forgiveness. Take it. The choice is yours. Don’t put it off.
(Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
“He who is not with Me is against Me.”—Luke 11:23
After Jesus cast the demons out of the man who lived among the tombs, they went into a herd of pigs and ran over a cliff. When the people saw that, instead of rejoicing that their neighbor was saved, “they began to plead with Him to depart from their region” (Mark 5:17).
That really sums up the reaction of all humankind to Jesus Christ. You are either saying, “Jesus, I want to be close to you.” Or you are saying, “Jesus, go away. I don’t want you in my life.”
You might protest, “Now wait a second. I admit that I haven’t yet made a commitment to Christ. I’m simply saying I haven’t decided yet.” But if you don’t say yes to Jesus, you are essentially telling Him to go away. Jesus said, “He who is not with Me is against Me” (Luke 11:23). Either you have faith and trust in Christ or you have unbelief. There is no other option.
Have you said, “Away with Him?” You say, “What do you mean, away with Him. I have never said, ‘Jesus, go away.’ ” Maybe you have, indirectly. Maybe you resisted God’s work in your heart. Maybe you don’t want to give up some things in your life that you know are wrong. Or maybe you are just too busy—you have time for everything but Jesus.
It really boils down to this—what have you done with Jesus? What are you going to say right now? “Away with Jesus!” Or are you going to ask Him to become a part of your life? He offers you His forgiveness. Take it. The choice is yours. Don’t put it off.
(Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.)
Thursday, March 01, 2007
If Everyone Cared by Nickleback
I really like this song from Nickleback, it is called If Everyone Cared. I believe this song speaks volumes and I believe it should challenge us as Christ followers, to not only care genuinely for people but to love people unconditionally.
I think we need to stand up for the needs of the poor, the widows, those who are treated unjustly, we need to have a deep concern for all people and not shut our church doors or turn our backs on those who are hurting and in need.
Jesus, when He lived on Earth, cared and loved all people. He sat at wells with a Samaritan woman, He ate with sinners, He held out his hands to those that were need. If His love and grace is truly amazing, we would extend it to all people.
It is the church and Christ followers that need to be leading the way to meeting the practical and spiritual needs of the world. We need to lift up the standard of what the world can expect from the church. The world is sick and tired of knowing everything the church is against (some churches I think are against breathing in the same air as sinners), let us start showing them what we are for, the greatest of all things is love. Loving people unconditionally, loving people no matter what. Last time I checked, love is a verb...it is an action.
I hope and pray that this song challenges you.
I think we need to stand up for the needs of the poor, the widows, those who are treated unjustly, we need to have a deep concern for all people and not shut our church doors or turn our backs on those who are hurting and in need.
Jesus, when He lived on Earth, cared and loved all people. He sat at wells with a Samaritan woman, He ate with sinners, He held out his hands to those that were need. If His love and grace is truly amazing, we would extend it to all people.
It is the church and Christ followers that need to be leading the way to meeting the practical and spiritual needs of the world. We need to lift up the standard of what the world can expect from the church. The world is sick and tired of knowing everything the church is against (some churches I think are against breathing in the same air as sinners), let us start showing them what we are for, the greatest of all things is love. Loving people unconditionally, loving people no matter what. Last time I checked, love is a verb...it is an action.
I hope and pray that this song challenges you.
Desperate Prayer Request
John Kenney is a great friend of mine and his son, Andrew, is not doing well and is in desperate need of prayer. This email was sent out from our District Superintendant, Pastor Larry Hickey.
February 28, 2007
John Kenney, was our former District Youth Director of the Potomac District of the Assemblies of God and is a great friend of mine. I have a great deal of love and respect for John and his family, I have known them for over ten years and he has always been very supportive of me and my ministry as well as a great leader. Please pray for his son and the Kenney family.
March is Here!!!
Let me be the first to tell each of you...Happy First Day of March. What a week and month I have coming up, I believe this is one of those super crazy months.
First of all, my pastor just left to go out of town for a week, so when he is gone I get to lead the church, including having the opportunity to preach this Sunday and minister to the needs of our church family. This weekend, we are taking our "kids" to Maryland for the Potomac District's Fine Arts Festival. We have several of our students participating in Fine Arts, including human video, hip hop dance and creative writing. I really enjoy seeing our "kids" using their talents and gifts for God. I believe we have some of the most creative and gifted students at Fuse Student Ministry...they get from their Youth Pastor :-).
Next week, I have a huge meeting in Washington DC, please be in prayer for this. Then the week after, I will be attending a four day church planter's bootcamp that our district is leading and during that time my wife will be out in San Francisco, CA for her job.
Also, March 25, is my amazing wife, Lora's birthday. Finally, Saturday March 31, Lora and I will be running the Ukrop's Monument 10k. Through the month of March I will continue my training for the 10k. Also, throughout the month of March I will be helping with the work we are doing in our community center/sanctuary as we do some changing and fixing up, and switching everything around, this includes some demolition of our old stage, building the new stage, framing up and working on the stage lighting.
So to say the least we have a busy March, but I am looking forward to it. I also failed to mention spring is right around the corner...YEAH!!!
I am still Chasing the Lion!!!
First of all, my pastor just left to go out of town for a week, so when he is gone I get to lead the church, including having the opportunity to preach this Sunday and minister to the needs of our church family. This weekend, we are taking our "kids" to Maryland for the Potomac District's Fine Arts Festival. We have several of our students participating in Fine Arts, including human video, hip hop dance and creative writing. I really enjoy seeing our "kids" using their talents and gifts for God. I believe we have some of the most creative and gifted students at Fuse Student Ministry...they get from their Youth Pastor :-).
Next week, I have a huge meeting in Washington DC, please be in prayer for this. Then the week after, I will be attending a four day church planter's bootcamp that our district is leading and during that time my wife will be out in San Francisco, CA for her job.
Also, March 25, is my amazing wife, Lora's birthday. Finally, Saturday March 31, Lora and I will be running the Ukrop's Monument 10k. Through the month of March I will continue my training for the 10k. Also, throughout the month of March I will be helping with the work we are doing in our community center/sanctuary as we do some changing and fixing up, and switching everything around, this includes some demolition of our old stage, building the new stage, framing up and working on the stage lighting.
So to say the least we have a busy March, but I am looking forward to it. I also failed to mention spring is right around the corner...YEAH!!!
I am still Chasing the Lion!!!
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