In recent weeks I have been faced with greater and greater challenges. In my walk with God and being called to full time ministry, I sometimes feel taking two steps and then all of a sudden I am pushed back 3. However the Lord continues to work on the most important component of a person. That is their heart.
James 17 5-10 and 2 Chronicles 16:9 illustrate how wicked and selfish the human heart is. It this rugged individualistic society, discussing the deepest desires of our heart goes against human nature. Every action and thought is controlled by some desire or priority of our heart. When I meet up with a student or have a spiritual conversation I always try to focus on the priorities of their heart. Our society even in the church has a priority of elevating sins. For example being an alcoholic or drunk attic is greater than being a idolizing money or politics. The biggest probelm with elevating sin is that it goes against the foundation of the gospel. Jesus Christ did not just die for broken sinful people, but he also died for gay people. He also died for Democrats, he also died for people in prison. If a Democrat or homosexual was to repent of their sins and accept Jesus as their lord and savior, that makes them a Christian.
God continues to crush the idea of being self righteous in my heart. I have in recent months continued to use my position and theology to make it look like I have it all together. Being involved in the church for so long, I know how to turn on the "I have it all together sign". God does not want some phony arrogant self righteous lunatic who has it all together. God wants us to come to him broken as a child as a sinner. He wants a heart that is soft so that his love and grace can heal us. I have experienced grace, however I continue to be like a "dog returning to its own vomit (Proverbs 23:11). And I continue to "crucify Jesus Christ and put him into public display and scorning" (Hebrews 6:6).
It does matter if you live a life giving millions to charity, or being a good moral person who attends church on Sunday. If Jesus Christ is not on the throne of your heart, you will not experience pure joy. I need God out of desperation because of my sinful nature. My prayer life and dialogue reflects that, however my thoughts and actions do not. This is the hardest lesson that I have had to learn, and from now on I want to be a humble man who will serve the needs of others greater than myself. I boast in nothing but the precious Lamb of Jesus Christ. I will labor and serve endlessly even in chaos because of the grace Jesus has shown me day in and day out.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Friday, May 4, 2012
WE ARE THE CHURCH, SO START ACTING LIKE IT!!!!
The church is the bride of Jesus Christ. When I think of a bride, I think of expressions like intimacy beauty character and deep love. Many people however in the United States interpret and interact with the church with a political and social matter. For example some see the church as a "social club or country club". There is politics gossip and backstabbing among its members. Other see the church as a political insitution that uses stance and resources to influence both local state and national government. For example in the 1980's the "Moral Majority" was created to bring conserative and social reform to moral issues such as abortion and prayer in public schools.
Based on my expereience and evidence in God's these two illustrations are completely false. And anyone who uses the church soley for the functions above is not a true Christ follower. The church is a place where a group of different political economic and social backrounds come together to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Acts 2: 45-47 provides the ideal illustration for the basic functions and mission of the church. Jesus Christ did not die for a church to put all of their time and resources into politics and doctrine. Jesus Christ died for people. That is right he died for souls. If you do not understand this then you have no idea what true grace is. Please stop being so concerned with correct theology or politics and try to embrace grace by following Christ with audacious obedience in his teachings and character.
Based on my expereience and evidence in God's these two illustrations are completely false. And anyone who uses the church soley for the functions above is not a true Christ follower. The church is a place where a group of different political economic and social backrounds come together to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Acts 2: 45-47 provides the ideal illustration for the basic functions and mission of the church. Jesus Christ did not die for a church to put all of their time and resources into politics and doctrine. Jesus Christ died for people. That is right he died for souls. If you do not understand this then you have no idea what true grace is. Please stop being so concerned with correct theology or politics and try to embrace grace by following Christ with audacious obedience in his teachings and character.
Friday, April 6, 2012
EMBRACE GRACE!!!!
I can remember about a year ago on the surface I had it all together. I had an amazing relationship with a girl that was headed towards marriage, and even looked like a southern charm. Looking towards graduation I had the entire future ahead of me. I had two job offers and was even looking towards marriage. Well here I stand one year later and all of that is taken away.
However on the inside a year ago my relationship with God was like a spiritual tomb. My trust and salvation was still in his hands, but I did nothing to pursue my author and perfecter of my faith. But now I stand one year later where EVERYTHING I do on a hour to hour minute to minute basis is anchored in his Holy Spirit. If I go a day without diving into God's word, I feel apart of me is missing. I feel like a person with cancer without medication.
In recent weeks and months I have been experiencing the "sweet and constant aroma of God's grace" When preachers or folks in the church mention grace, people think of a doctrine or definition. They want the right "theological answer".
Grace is not a definition or theology it is the greatest gift that mankind and this universe has ever experienced. Grace is greater then creation itself. It makes the universe look like a peanut. Grace is Jesus Christ dying on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. Grace is Jesus Christ bearing the SHAME of our shortcomings and sins. Grace is something that is powerful. Grace is Jesus Christ diving into darkness, rescuing you from the depths of hell and bringing you into the light of the Father's mighty unending power. As Christ follower we need to both "embrace experience and elevate" grace! I could write a sermon on this topic. Maybe two or three.
Graces comes to reach us time and time again and we ask ourselves, what the heck is this? Wherever Jesus Christ goes, grace follows. It looks us in the eyes time and time again whenever we sin. It offers unconditional love that is greater than any form of satisfaction this world can offer us. To this Easter season, I am going to "Embrace Grace"
However on the inside a year ago my relationship with God was like a spiritual tomb. My trust and salvation was still in his hands, but I did nothing to pursue my author and perfecter of my faith. But now I stand one year later where EVERYTHING I do on a hour to hour minute to minute basis is anchored in his Holy Spirit. If I go a day without diving into God's word, I feel apart of me is missing. I feel like a person with cancer without medication.
In recent weeks and months I have been experiencing the "sweet and constant aroma of God's grace" When preachers or folks in the church mention grace, people think of a doctrine or definition. They want the right "theological answer".
Grace is not a definition or theology it is the greatest gift that mankind and this universe has ever experienced. Grace is greater then creation itself. It makes the universe look like a peanut. Grace is Jesus Christ dying on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. Grace is Jesus Christ bearing the SHAME of our shortcomings and sins. Grace is something that is powerful. Grace is Jesus Christ diving into darkness, rescuing you from the depths of hell and bringing you into the light of the Father's mighty unending power. As Christ follower we need to both "embrace experience and elevate" grace! I could write a sermon on this topic. Maybe two or three.
Graces comes to reach us time and time again and we ask ourselves, what the heck is this? Wherever Jesus Christ goes, grace follows. It looks us in the eyes time and time again whenever we sin. It offers unconditional love that is greater than any form of satisfaction this world can offer us. To this Easter season, I am going to "Embrace Grace"
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
The Sweet Aroma of Grace
The walk in any person's life is just like the game of golf. It requires patience, skills, determination, and it is an experience with a wide variety of human and non human elements. For some odd reason today I have been experincing a sweet aroma of Jesus Christ. It is an aroma that is powerful than any stronghold. I did not win the lottery, or cash in a huge stock profit. But if you saw the smile that I had on my face while watching this random documentary on golf, you thought something huge would of happend.
I honestly can not describe it, well I can through pointing to God's scriptures, and all of the miracles that he has point into my heart. Some people measure sucess by the checks in their box for life. But I measure my sucess in life by the overflowing joy of Jesus Christ. I measure it by feeling the love and power of Jesus Christ that first rescue me from the deepest dark waters. My passion is to show as many people as I can its power and intimacy. Imagine a husband or wife giving you that perfect intimacy. Everytime unconditionally. That is what the power and love of Jesus Christ is like. It is audacious it is moving it is everlasting. It is far as the eyes can see from the east to the west.
I honestly can not describe it, well I can through pointing to God's scriptures, and all of the miracles that he has point into my heart. Some people measure sucess by the checks in their box for life. But I measure my sucess in life by the overflowing joy of Jesus Christ. I measure it by feeling the love and power of Jesus Christ that first rescue me from the deepest dark waters. My passion is to show as many people as I can its power and intimacy. Imagine a husband or wife giving you that perfect intimacy. Everytime unconditionally. That is what the power and love of Jesus Christ is like. It is audacious it is moving it is everlasting. It is far as the eyes can see from the east to the west.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
An Illusion of Safety: Broken
At church today during our worship service I saw a grown man next to me cry and drop to his knees. The bearing that he carried into church today was broken by the grace and power of the Holy Spirit.
Throughout my entire life I always had this illusion of security or fulfillment. I thought to myself that if I could fill myeslf up with the good things of this world, everything would be ok. I could use those to satsify the longest desires of my heart. I replace the good and supress the bad or negative things that plague my soul. However in my recent time since graduating from college, that illusion has been broken. We can cover it up with money, power, sucess, Brooks Brothers Polos, the perfect golf swing, the perfect body, the perfect wife, even the perfect family.
Now do not get my wrong all of these things are not bad, but when they become the center of your life it creates a big illusion. It is a sad thing that I have seen all of these things break! I have seen all of these illusion break because of the love and grace of Jesus Christ. That is the thing that brings me perfect intimacy, perfect joy, perfect grace. There is no illusion in Christ. There is real relevant life chaning power because of his supernatural grace. Supernatural grace that has sometimes left me speechless. There is true power in the name of Jesus Christ to not only break every chain of our life. But to give us POWER. Power to conquer this broken world and to rejoice in all of his generosity for our life. 1 Corinthians 9:22 highlights this power "To the weak I became weak, to win the weak, I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some."
I am so FREE not living an illusion. Sure I still play golf, wear Brooks Brothers oxfords, and maybe enjoy a steak dinner here and there but I do not MAKE THEM THE CENTER OF MY LIFE. When you put all of your energy, effort, work, and passion into creation rather than the CREATOR of CREATION...ooh boy you are setting yourself up for destruction. I am sorry to say that the "American Dream" is only an illusion. But the "Dream for Jesus Christ" is reality.
Throughout my entire life I always had this illusion of security or fulfillment. I thought to myself that if I could fill myeslf up with the good things of this world, everything would be ok. I could use those to satsify the longest desires of my heart. I replace the good and supress the bad or negative things that plague my soul. However in my recent time since graduating from college, that illusion has been broken. We can cover it up with money, power, sucess, Brooks Brothers Polos, the perfect golf swing, the perfect body, the perfect wife, even the perfect family.
Now do not get my wrong all of these things are not bad, but when they become the center of your life it creates a big illusion. It is a sad thing that I have seen all of these things break! I have seen all of these illusion break because of the love and grace of Jesus Christ. That is the thing that brings me perfect intimacy, perfect joy, perfect grace. There is no illusion in Christ. There is real relevant life chaning power because of his supernatural grace. Supernatural grace that has sometimes left me speechless. There is true power in the name of Jesus Christ to not only break every chain of our life. But to give us POWER. Power to conquer this broken world and to rejoice in all of his generosity for our life. 1 Corinthians 9:22 highlights this power "To the weak I became weak, to win the weak, I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some."
I am so FREE not living an illusion. Sure I still play golf, wear Brooks Brothers oxfords, and maybe enjoy a steak dinner here and there but I do not MAKE THEM THE CENTER OF MY LIFE. When you put all of your energy, effort, work, and passion into creation rather than the CREATOR of CREATION...ooh boy you are setting yourself up for destruction. I am sorry to say that the "American Dream" is only an illusion. But the "Dream for Jesus Christ" is reality.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Some people try to define love in this world. Often they measure love based on how much was shown to them through a realtionship with a father or spouse. When someone ask such a philosophical like that, I often turn to the bible or past experience to try and answer that. However I read this book tonight that illustrated a true definition of love. Of course if comes from the sovern God of the universe who loves us more than any person, or thing on this Earth. That is because he sent his perfect sinless son to die on the cross for our guilt and shame.
People often illustrate the death of Jesus as this clean holy ceremony. But do you think God would just sacrifice his only Son that easily, for our discusting filthy sins? Imagine your deepest darkest secrets being revealed to our spouse or family. Because that is what the day of judgment is going to look like. But by his grace we have been set apart. That darkness will eventually be brought to the light of the Father!
"Christ love for the church is without limit. When Jesus died for his bride (the church), she was dirty and sinful. She was acting like his enemy. Yet he still choose tolove her and lay down his life for her-not in a quick, easy death but allowing himself to be mocked and beaten then nailed to a Roman cross. Jesus, the one who deserved to suffer the least for human sin, paid the highest price to meet his bride's deepest need." (That courageous love)
People often illustrate the death of Jesus as this clean holy ceremony. But do you think God would just sacrifice his only Son that easily, for our discusting filthy sins? Imagine your deepest darkest secrets being revealed to our spouse or family. Because that is what the day of judgment is going to look like. But by his grace we have been set apart. That darkness will eventually be brought to the light of the Father!
"Christ love for the church is without limit. When Jesus died for his bride (the church), she was dirty and sinful. She was acting like his enemy. Yet he still choose tolove her and lay down his life for her-not in a quick, easy death but allowing himself to be mocked and beaten then nailed to a Roman cross. Jesus, the one who deserved to suffer the least for human sin, paid the highest price to meet his bride's deepest need." (That courageous love)
Saturday, January 14, 2012
HEY GOD CAN I GET A BIG BREAK......LIKE NOW....PLEASE?????
Honestly there has been a lot of God's favor in my personal life throughout these past couple o f weeks. Close friends and Campus Outreach have found favor in Christ and he continues to bless his people even though we do not deserve it. Through prayer obedience and walking by faith on a day to day basis, I am truely amazed by his grace.
Some people who are might ask, if God is a giver than why does God take away? Why does God put me through bad situations? God does not owe you a dime! Because of our broken sinful nature we deserve death. The greatest gift in the history of gifts was given on a cross. That should be enough. If we look with a big picture perspective, time on this world is short. There is going to be a lot of giving in heaven. But now even on this world, I am truely content where God has me.
Sure Im not at 100 percent support yet, I have a lonngg way to go till I am a pastor, but God has blessed me time and time again. My love towards others and serving him is because of the joy I have through loving God. Besides if you look at any other person who has everyting a man could have, there is no everlasting joy there. I have seen to many people, and tried to find ultimate joy and purpose in this world. It all falls short! For the past couple weeks I kept asking myself, when will I get my big break? When will God follow through on a certain couple of subjects? I am done with that stuff.
The icing on the cake for that was last night at Winterjam. I met a lady who has honestly been through hell and back. She is from Iran and is a converted Muslim. She told me that a couple weeks ago she returned from Iran because of her son being killed by the government. Even with the loss of her son, she still jumped for joy! She had more joy for God and for life than anyone I have ever met so far in life. It left me speechless, it left me thinking about now and where I would be today if I did not have God in my life. Probaley sucessful but miserable. An alcoholic with a short temper and absoutley no true friends.
However by walking with God day to day (which is by means no walk in the park) I am a game changer! I am a man who is motivating other men to be game changers! I am motivating men to go to the nations and spread the gospel. God has given me the ability to lead people to salvation! God has given me the ability to be the helping hand in inviting people to heaven! Come on if that does not get you motivated then I do not know what will! If you are a follower of Jesus Christ you are a game changer! You are light in darkness! Light of the world! Be the Tim Tebow of your business! Be the Tim Tebow of your family! Let every thought and action be an overflow of joy for others so that they see Christ in YOU! Goodbye apathy goodbye discontent.
Some people who are might ask, if God is a giver than why does God take away? Why does God put me through bad situations? God does not owe you a dime! Because of our broken sinful nature we deserve death. The greatest gift in the history of gifts was given on a cross. That should be enough. If we look with a big picture perspective, time on this world is short. There is going to be a lot of giving in heaven. But now even on this world, I am truely content where God has me.
Sure Im not at 100 percent support yet, I have a lonngg way to go till I am a pastor, but God has blessed me time and time again. My love towards others and serving him is because of the joy I have through loving God. Besides if you look at any other person who has everyting a man could have, there is no everlasting joy there. I have seen to many people, and tried to find ultimate joy and purpose in this world. It all falls short! For the past couple weeks I kept asking myself, when will I get my big break? When will God follow through on a certain couple of subjects? I am done with that stuff.
The icing on the cake for that was last night at Winterjam. I met a lady who has honestly been through hell and back. She is from Iran and is a converted Muslim. She told me that a couple weeks ago she returned from Iran because of her son being killed by the government. Even with the loss of her son, she still jumped for joy! She had more joy for God and for life than anyone I have ever met so far in life. It left me speechless, it left me thinking about now and where I would be today if I did not have God in my life. Probaley sucessful but miserable. An alcoholic with a short temper and absoutley no true friends.
However by walking with God day to day (which is by means no walk in the park) I am a game changer! I am a man who is motivating other men to be game changers! I am motivating men to go to the nations and spread the gospel. God has given me the ability to lead people to salvation! God has given me the ability to be the helping hand in inviting people to heaven! Come on if that does not get you motivated then I do not know what will! If you are a follower of Jesus Christ you are a game changer! You are light in darkness! Light of the world! Be the Tim Tebow of your business! Be the Tim Tebow of your family! Let every thought and action be an overflow of joy for others so that they see Christ in YOU! Goodbye apathy goodbye discontent.
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