The past 8 days have taken their physical and mental toll on me. I do not think since be able to work, I have felt more exhausted. Working 70 hours is great because you get so much done, but at the end it leaves you exhausted.
We finished up or Campus Evaluation today at JU. It sure is great to see the 70-100 students that our ministry has impacted in some way shape or form on campus. Over the past semester I have been able to create solid relationships with 10-15 guys in 2 different fraternities. And even better the Lord has blessed me with two guys one in Sigma Chi and Sigma Nu who want to do nothing but share their faith.
I could honestly go on and write a book how hard it has been over the last week. I think a trick the enemy plays is boasting our weaknesses and minimizing our victories. It is so easy and natural for us to become like this. We are broken people living in a broken world, and are in a natural state of rebellion against God. No wonder!
The next 3 months are going to be crazy. Usually it is a time of highs lows and change. On the high going to Puerto Rico and be able to invest in our future leaders. The low seeing faithful students of the ministry graduate and go off into the work world. Also losing two staff members and a close friend. One who is going to China to be a missionary for two years. Here what lies ahead
1. Raising 1250.00 dollars a month in new support (15000)
2. Going to Puerto Rico for a month
3. Going to Massachuetts? If all the pieces work out
4. Going to Orlando for a global staff conference
5. Moving out to Riverside
I'm ready lets do this. Or should I say I show up and let Jesus do the rest.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Being Real
Over the past couple of days life has sure been a challenge. On the campus of JU, support, relationships, and trying to stay healthy and active. I can honestly say that my faith in Jesus Christ is the only thing that I have to hold onto. Through all of these circumstances God continues to blow my mind away. His favor is crazy
1. Being able to serve as a disciple maker at JU
2. Being able serve as an informal Greek Life Advisor
3. Having an informal relationship with President Tim Cost.
4. Being on a college campus that is going through a major make over (85 million dollars worth).
5. Being in a city that is going through a make over
6. Being apart of a movement that is changing generations.
Walking daily with Jesus takes faithfulness in the small things. It is like baseball we all want to see the homerun. But really singles or base hits are just as important. They are not flashy. Honestly neither is my life right now. Im a 25 year old college graduate who is in debt, barely getting by, living with the parents, and there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel.
Through this whole process I have seen people's true character through the good and bad. I have seen the ups and downs. The only thing I have to hold onto is Jesus nothing less. Going through the book of Genesis and studying Joseph has made me realize a couple of things:
1. Be faithful in the small things
2. Serve others audaciously with the gospel
3. No matter what season of life you are in give thanks to God.
I really do not have time to talk about the "5 year plan" or what the next season is going to look like. There will sure be changes: Puerto Rico, Orlando, Boston, raising 15,000 dollars more in support, moving out, close friends moving to China and Chicago, but Jesus will still be there. As long as Jesus is here and I love others I'll be fine.
1. Being able to serve as a disciple maker at JU
2. Being able serve as an informal Greek Life Advisor
3. Having an informal relationship with President Tim Cost.
4. Being on a college campus that is going through a major make over (85 million dollars worth).
5. Being in a city that is going through a make over
6. Being apart of a movement that is changing generations.
Walking daily with Jesus takes faithfulness in the small things. It is like baseball we all want to see the homerun. But really singles or base hits are just as important. They are not flashy. Honestly neither is my life right now. Im a 25 year old college graduate who is in debt, barely getting by, living with the parents, and there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel.
Through this whole process I have seen people's true character through the good and bad. I have seen the ups and downs. The only thing I have to hold onto is Jesus nothing less. Going through the book of Genesis and studying Joseph has made me realize a couple of things:
1. Be faithful in the small things
2. Serve others audaciously with the gospel
3. No matter what season of life you are in give thanks to God.
I really do not have time to talk about the "5 year plan" or what the next season is going to look like. There will sure be changes: Puerto Rico, Orlando, Boston, raising 15,000 dollars more in support, moving out, close friends moving to China and Chicago, but Jesus will still be there. As long as Jesus is here and I love others I'll be fine.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
False doctrine
One of the things that gets my blood flowing is churches who preach a false doctrine. Christians out of all the religions across the world like to tweak and work the Bible towards an agenda. This is often common in the United States. If Jesus were to come back and take a look at the local church, he would have to say "shame on us." Do not get me wrong there are some foundations that all Christians should have.
1. Jesus is the son of God. He is the only way to salvation through repentance and accepting him as our Lord and savior. John 14:6 Romans 8:23 Ephesians 2:1-8
2. The church is a local body of broken people who come together to celebrate prayer and encourage each other with Jesus at the front. It is also the hope of the world. Acts 2:42-47 Matthew 5:14-15
3. God has commanded all of us to go to all nations and make disciples. Matthew 28
As a college minister I spend so much time having to work through false doctrine. There are so many church kids who have grown up and been exposed to condemnation and religion (Romans 8:1). There are so many people who think being a good moralistic person, and going to church on Sunday is actually carrying out the Great Commission. There are some people who think that our hope and strength is in creation rather than the creator.
What Jesus does want us to see is he is someone who brings order into chaos. Even in the church even in South (God help us), there is chaos. As Christ followers our eyes and hearts need to be on Jesus. The Holy Spirit goes beyond the religion and the make up. He goes straight to the heart. In fact the heart is deceitful and broken above all things. We at all times worship something. Jesus needs to be the center of our worship. As a fraternity man, a college minister, a Republican, I still need Jesus. Homosexuals, murderers, womanizers, Democrats, Barack Obama, we all need Jesus.
Jeremiah 17:7-10, 2 Chronicles 16:9
No sin makes us different from another person. Our world and the church have a tendency to elevate certain sins. Great movements of God's kingdom are started and maintained by faithful followers. Joel Osteen the Republican/Democratic Party or even the United States do not define the kingdom of God!
Lets stop all the bickering and complaining and actually be a people eternally connected and driven by the love and hope of the gospel. That is Jesus took the penalty of death for us. Because we are by nature unable to love God.
1. Jesus is the son of God. He is the only way to salvation through repentance and accepting him as our Lord and savior. John 14:6 Romans 8:23 Ephesians 2:1-8
2. The church is a local body of broken people who come together to celebrate prayer and encourage each other with Jesus at the front. It is also the hope of the world. Acts 2:42-47 Matthew 5:14-15
3. God has commanded all of us to go to all nations and make disciples. Matthew 28
As a college minister I spend so much time having to work through false doctrine. There are so many church kids who have grown up and been exposed to condemnation and religion (Romans 8:1). There are so many people who think being a good moralistic person, and going to church on Sunday is actually carrying out the Great Commission. There are some people who think that our hope and strength is in creation rather than the creator.
What Jesus does want us to see is he is someone who brings order into chaos. Even in the church even in South (God help us), there is chaos. As Christ followers our eyes and hearts need to be on Jesus. The Holy Spirit goes beyond the religion and the make up. He goes straight to the heart. In fact the heart is deceitful and broken above all things. We at all times worship something. Jesus needs to be the center of our worship. As a fraternity man, a college minister, a Republican, I still need Jesus. Homosexuals, murderers, womanizers, Democrats, Barack Obama, we all need Jesus.
Jeremiah 17:7-10, 2 Chronicles 16:9
No sin makes us different from another person. Our world and the church have a tendency to elevate certain sins. Great movements of God's kingdom are started and maintained by faithful followers. Joel Osteen the Republican/Democratic Party or even the United States do not define the kingdom of God!
Lets stop all the bickering and complaining and actually be a people eternally connected and driven by the love and hope of the gospel. That is Jesus took the penalty of death for us. Because we are by nature unable to love God.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Image
Its been awhile since I wrote in this thing. Honestly life has been incredibly busy and chaotic over the past couple of months. With raising full support and being on campus, this is my first real season of ministry. That is making disciples, redefining standards, and changing generations.
Mega churches, twitter, Facebook and Instagram paint a really awesome picture of life. In fact I feel sometimes that there are so many false pictures being painted. In today's world we are wired to both images and sounds like never before. For example if I want to read a bible verse, I can view it the actual book IPhone IPad and even listen to it. Sounds like too much work to me.
I often find myself comparing other's highlight real's to the lowest points of my life. That is a bad day on campus, a low turn out for a bible study or just feeling like crap. The only thing I can compare my situation to is Jesus. That is the only image that is consistent with reality. Jesus is reality and he helps us cope with the highs and the lows. Even in your walk with Christ can can run to so many false images (latest podcast, mega church pastor's twitter accounts, self help books). All we really need is Jesus.
Ive been going through the book of Genesis lately and let me tell you it would make for a great season of Dr. Phil. It is a story of God's promise for a nation to be blessed through a family line. But with every twist and turn there is polygamy, and lots of waiting. More waiting and even more waiting.
Waiting for a gift that God has promised your sometimes sucks. That is students to come to Christ, or that future someone. But through all of that God's presence makes those worldly things seem like nothing. Now those are all great things but Jesus is greater. Follow him and experiencing his grace is greater.
I'm done with putting my hope in false God's and blessings. I just want to put my hope in Jesus. I just want to continue to live out my audacious faith for Christ by starting every morning in his presence. Nothing greater, nothing less. Because when I do not do this, I turn away from my purpose. That is to glorify God in a broken chaotic world and bring others into his presence.
Mega churches, twitter, Facebook and Instagram paint a really awesome picture of life. In fact I feel sometimes that there are so many false pictures being painted. In today's world we are wired to both images and sounds like never before. For example if I want to read a bible verse, I can view it the actual book IPhone IPad and even listen to it. Sounds like too much work to me.
I often find myself comparing other's highlight real's to the lowest points of my life. That is a bad day on campus, a low turn out for a bible study or just feeling like crap. The only thing I can compare my situation to is Jesus. That is the only image that is consistent with reality. Jesus is reality and he helps us cope with the highs and the lows. Even in your walk with Christ can can run to so many false images (latest podcast, mega church pastor's twitter accounts, self help books). All we really need is Jesus.
Ive been going through the book of Genesis lately and let me tell you it would make for a great season of Dr. Phil. It is a story of God's promise for a nation to be blessed through a family line. But with every twist and turn there is polygamy, and lots of waiting. More waiting and even more waiting.
Waiting for a gift that God has promised your sometimes sucks. That is students to come to Christ, or that future someone. But through all of that God's presence makes those worldly things seem like nothing. Now those are all great things but Jesus is greater. Follow him and experiencing his grace is greater.
I'm done with putting my hope in false God's and blessings. I just want to put my hope in Jesus. I just want to continue to live out my audacious faith for Christ by starting every morning in his presence. Nothing greater, nothing less. Because when I do not do this, I turn away from my purpose. That is to glorify God in a broken chaotic world and bring others into his presence.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
It starts now!!!!
I am about to enter a new season of my life, and let me tell you it is already looking busy as anything. From the events going on at JU with Campus Outreach, Rush week, Fall Retreat, Vision Day the list keeps going and going. Doing college ministry requires a huge sacrifice because it is not your typical 8 to 5 job. Sure I sometimes has week days off, however there are some days I will put in 70-80 hours a week.
For almost a year now I have seen God work a supernatural miracle by putting together my support team. I have also witnessed him put together a family of brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ who are like family to me. Almost every night, friends from church are getting together for fellowship and just celebrate all that God has done. Over half the time, we do not have serious conversations but simply the presence of another person means so much in a dark broken chaotic world.
This semester I have an amazing vision and plan, however I know that God is the one with the final word on what happens. That is honestly ok. If I had it my way personally, I would of been at 100 percent a long time ago. But the presence of Jesus Christ and the grace that he has showed really means so much more. The lessons he has taught me, the people and experienes he has put in my life illustrate he relenlessly love for me.
In a 4 month span I will be spending a lot of time at JU, Daytona, Christ Church, and hopefully take a trip to North Carolina and visit a buddy of mine in NYC. I hope that I can find some quiet time to play golf, and maybe go on a hunting trip or two. Well here it goes
For almost a year now I have seen God work a supernatural miracle by putting together my support team. I have also witnessed him put together a family of brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ who are like family to me. Almost every night, friends from church are getting together for fellowship and just celebrate all that God has done. Over half the time, we do not have serious conversations but simply the presence of another person means so much in a dark broken chaotic world.
This semester I have an amazing vision and plan, however I know that God is the one with the final word on what happens. That is honestly ok. If I had it my way personally, I would of been at 100 percent a long time ago. But the presence of Jesus Christ and the grace that he has showed really means so much more. The lessons he has taught me, the people and experienes he has put in my life illustrate he relenlessly love for me.
In a 4 month span I will be spending a lot of time at JU, Daytona, Christ Church, and hopefully take a trip to North Carolina and visit a buddy of mine in NYC. I hope that I can find some quiet time to play golf, and maybe go on a hunting trip or two. Well here it goes
Friday, August 3, 2012
I still can not believe that Campus Outreach is three weeks away from their second year on the campus of JU. A year ago there was so much up in the air including the follow.
1. The sucess or failure of moving from UNF to JU
2. The sucess or failure of doing our first Puerto Rico Project
3. The sucess or failure of two staff raising 36,000 dollars in financial support
It only because of God that all of these things are possible. It is only because of God that students lives have been and will continued to be changed by the love and grace of Jesus Christ. God is for God and he is most glorified through his people showing unconditional love for others in a broken chaotic world. God did not send us on this world to glorify ourselves, he sent us for his glory.
All of the favor and blessings that I continue to experience day after day are great, but I must not lose my sight of Jesus. Often at times Christians focus on the blessing rather than the source of a blessing. What if God gave you nothing, and all you had was Jesus? Sure would be a tough time. It would really test our faith. But time on this world is only a vapor, and our king has prepared us a great home in heaven! (John 14). It was bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ, not your hard labor or good works. So for a short while let us rejoice by loving others like Jesus first loved us. Yes that even means homosexuals too.
If we want to see a Christ Centered Resurgence in the western church, we simply need to get back to basics, aka what Jesus teaches us to do . Worship experiences, 10 million dollar churches, and dynamic preaching are great but that is only 10 percent of the equation. In a world that lacks true authentic relationships, people are searching. Church we need to step up.
Over the past couple of weeks I have been so convicted of this. The simple face of loving your neighbor, and folks in your sphere of influence is what we need to do. Stop living self centered lives and it around Jesus Christ!!!
1. The sucess or failure of moving from UNF to JU
2. The sucess or failure of doing our first Puerto Rico Project
3. The sucess or failure of two staff raising 36,000 dollars in financial support
It only because of God that all of these things are possible. It is only because of God that students lives have been and will continued to be changed by the love and grace of Jesus Christ. God is for God and he is most glorified through his people showing unconditional love for others in a broken chaotic world. God did not send us on this world to glorify ourselves, he sent us for his glory.
All of the favor and blessings that I continue to experience day after day are great, but I must not lose my sight of Jesus. Often at times Christians focus on the blessing rather than the source of a blessing. What if God gave you nothing, and all you had was Jesus? Sure would be a tough time. It would really test our faith. But time on this world is only a vapor, and our king has prepared us a great home in heaven! (John 14). It was bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ, not your hard labor or good works. So for a short while let us rejoice by loving others like Jesus first loved us. Yes that even means homosexuals too.
If we want to see a Christ Centered Resurgence in the western church, we simply need to get back to basics, aka what Jesus teaches us to do . Worship experiences, 10 million dollar churches, and dynamic preaching are great but that is only 10 percent of the equation. In a world that lacks true authentic relationships, people are searching. Church we need to step up.
Over the past couple of weeks I have been so convicted of this. The simple face of loving your neighbor, and folks in your sphere of influence is what we need to do. Stop living self centered lives and it around Jesus Christ!!!
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
A Great Commission Resurgence
It was really great seeing men and women come together today and make a stand for Christian values. It is very American too! Standing in line for one hour to bite into a refreshing chicken sandwich. I must admit Chick Fil A is one of my favorite places to eat.
After really thinking about it, I thought to myself WWJT: What Would Jesus Think? Sure we are taking a stand for what is right in our faith but are we doing this only because of "convenience"? What if Jesus asked you to take a stand, and dedicate 1-2 years out of your life to go and spread the gospel among the nations? What makes me so sad about the average Christian is their hyporcisy. A lot of Christians who have been born and raised in gospel centered churches only take a stand for Jesus out of convience. But do you realize that Jesus calls EVERYONE OF HIS FOLLOWERS TO GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS?" (Matthew 28). "Well Eric let me tell you theres enough people for that"
You must be out of your mind. More than ever there is a need for a Great Commission Resurgence in the church. If the following data below does not stir you up, you might want to question your salvation in Jesus Christ. We were once broken sinners, sentenced to death because of our sin. But now Jesus has rescued us and given us his Holy Spirit to go and be the light of the world!! (Matthew 5). Below are some facts about spreading the gospel to the nations.
2.3 billion people in the world have never heard the name or story of Jesus Christ.
1,568 ethnic groups across the globe have no Christians in their region
2 missionaries for every 1 million Muslims across the world
The church aka those who profess Jesus as their lord and savior need to get off their butt and make a radical lifestyle change for this to take place. We should not be chasing the American Dream, but rather chasing the Dream that Jesus has laid out for his disciples. If you want to experience the presence of God like never before in your life, you do not need another worship experience. What you need to do is begin my developing a heart for the a nation or certain social culture.
To see change and revivial in an ever increasing broken chaotic world, we need to fight our hope and salvation in Jesus Christ and the church!! Not a political or moral set of values but rather what Jesus tells us to do! You have one life do not waste it.
Dr. Daniel Akin, President Southeast Baptist Seminary, Great Commission Resurgence
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKWcJ1j2HHQ
Dr. John Piper, Pastor Bethlehem Baptist Church
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOc-l8mJ0Vw
After really thinking about it, I thought to myself WWJT: What Would Jesus Think? Sure we are taking a stand for what is right in our faith but are we doing this only because of "convenience"? What if Jesus asked you to take a stand, and dedicate 1-2 years out of your life to go and spread the gospel among the nations? What makes me so sad about the average Christian is their hyporcisy. A lot of Christians who have been born and raised in gospel centered churches only take a stand for Jesus out of convience. But do you realize that Jesus calls EVERYONE OF HIS FOLLOWERS TO GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS?" (Matthew 28). "Well Eric let me tell you theres enough people for that"
You must be out of your mind. More than ever there is a need for a Great Commission Resurgence in the church. If the following data below does not stir you up, you might want to question your salvation in Jesus Christ. We were once broken sinners, sentenced to death because of our sin. But now Jesus has rescued us and given us his Holy Spirit to go and be the light of the world!! (Matthew 5). Below are some facts about spreading the gospel to the nations.
2.3 billion people in the world have never heard the name or story of Jesus Christ.
1,568 ethnic groups across the globe have no Christians in their region
2 missionaries for every 1 million Muslims across the world
The church aka those who profess Jesus as their lord and savior need to get off their butt and make a radical lifestyle change for this to take place. We should not be chasing the American Dream, but rather chasing the Dream that Jesus has laid out for his disciples. If you want to experience the presence of God like never before in your life, you do not need another worship experience. What you need to do is begin my developing a heart for the a nation or certain social culture.
To see change and revivial in an ever increasing broken chaotic world, we need to fight our hope and salvation in Jesus Christ and the church!! Not a political or moral set of values but rather what Jesus tells us to do! You have one life do not waste it.
Dr. Daniel Akin, President Southeast Baptist Seminary, Great Commission Resurgence
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKWcJ1j2HHQ
Dr. John Piper, Pastor Bethlehem Baptist Church
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOc-l8mJ0Vw
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