Christianity, what is this word of which so many of us will lay claim to yet have no part of when THE ONE who paid the price ask us to simply follow him?
I am guilty at times of this very charge yet, over and over again God continues to take me back into his love and shelter me from the storm. Most times I feel as if I am a turtle who can leave his shell naked and defenceless yet for the dumbest reasons I continue to think I know better than the shell (Father) has provided for me. Am I bulletproof in my shell NO, am I safe from attacks NO, am I more able to move freely NO, yet when I am in my shell I am at the most comfortable place I can possiblie be. While the world outside throws all it can at me. Dinged, dented and sometimes even cracked yet, it will always be the place I call home.
All this to say, if we are to profess to be Christians and love our neighbors as are selves then why are we so selfish not to let them have a wonderful shell like ours with all the amenities and safety while at the same time letting them also know the boundaries of the shell.Oops I said it didn't I Boundaries
Why would anybody want to subject themselves to giving up all the things they enjoy right? well maybe like the frog in boiling water no one ever told or showed them how to get out. I haven't blogged in a while because God is really working on me inside and out but the thought of not sharing his Love makes me cry, especially for all of us who have the joy of feeling it. Share the word..Share Gods love... Share your shell... There is always room for one more I think God would love the idea of having to figure out where to put us all I really really do.. Love Justin
Friday, October 7, 2011
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Life Lessons from a YO YO
Many believers and non-believers are caught in a YO YO type relationship wether it be in a sprirtual sents or in our everyday lives. At one point we are so close almost to touch fathers heavenly presents. At the next moment we are spinning out of control far, far away from him or at least in our eyes that is how it must seem. All the while connected by a single thread called his love.
Satan would love for you to believe that this is exactly the way Father works in our lives just keeps us out there dangling about until he pulls us in again but only for a moment. All the while God would love for nothing more than to hold you in his hands forever. We had one of those moments today at Foundations Church God wrapped us in his arms and we where swimming in the holy spirit and the presents of the Lord.
As this Journey continues I am learning that these moments don't happen all the time and to really take it in when they do. This YO YO relationship doesn't have to be so extreme if only we will put forth half the effort God does and push towards him. Not just relying on the Pastor to feed us enough to get through the week realistically we probably won't make it any farther than the drive way from the Church before we start our steady decline down the string again. Spinning spinning spinning not even taking into account the moment we where just in. By chasing after God and realizing that his Grace is enough we can see that string grow shorter and shorter. When finally we become wrapped in his arms and no matter what life may throw at us it'll be OK because everything short of his love is just that Short...
You are so beautifully and wonderfully created find the time to get somewhere quiet so he doesn't have to scream so loud for you to hear his voice. He really wants the very best for you and the very best for you is his un dying love and never changing way. God is the same yesterday, today and forever.
To all who read I serve no mask only our heavenly master and will rest the rest of my life in Fathers love being enough. When we make Gods power to be power to be our site of his love we will have fallen from the mark and missed how his son chose to walk upon the earth. Seeing Fathers love in all and always pointing back to him for fullness.
Satan would love for you to believe that this is exactly the way Father works in our lives just keeps us out there dangling about until he pulls us in again but only for a moment. All the while God would love for nothing more than to hold you in his hands forever. We had one of those moments today at Foundations Church God wrapped us in his arms and we where swimming in the holy spirit and the presents of the Lord.
As this Journey continues I am learning that these moments don't happen all the time and to really take it in when they do. This YO YO relationship doesn't have to be so extreme if only we will put forth half the effort God does and push towards him. Not just relying on the Pastor to feed us enough to get through the week realistically we probably won't make it any farther than the drive way from the Church before we start our steady decline down the string again. Spinning spinning spinning not even taking into account the moment we where just in. By chasing after God and realizing that his Grace is enough we can see that string grow shorter and shorter. When finally we become wrapped in his arms and no matter what life may throw at us it'll be OK because everything short of his love is just that Short...
You are so beautifully and wonderfully created find the time to get somewhere quiet so he doesn't have to scream so loud for you to hear his voice. He really wants the very best for you and the very best for you is his un dying love and never changing way. God is the same yesterday, today and forever.
To all who read I serve no mask only our heavenly master and will rest the rest of my life in Fathers love being enough. When we make Gods power to be power to be our site of his love we will have fallen from the mark and missed how his son chose to walk upon the earth. Seeing Fathers love in all and always pointing back to him for fullness.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Lord let us learn to be content in our selfish discontent
Just as the Jews thought that they were the chosen people. They had the right to the promise Land yet even after Moses pleaded to save there life God eventually let them die anyway. The Israelites shortly after every miracle were discontent and wanting more. (Exodus 17: 1-16, Number 21: 4-9) God spent all his energy to try too show them that if they would truly trust in him then the kingdom would be open to them. The spirit of Caleb as the bible called it. No matter how great the miracle, they were never content because of there selfish nature.
Fast forward to the Disciples they would end up fighting amongst each other about who would set at the hand of Jesus. ( Luke 22: 24-30) Even in the presents of the fully God, fully man they still fell into the trap of selfish nature. Now after he would leave could they only realize the request they ask for was far more than they could ever receive.
Welcome to modern day when was the last moment you were blessed only to turn around and ask again for another blessing. God wants you to know that no matter how great a miracle he provides. It will never fill the void of a relationship with Father. So lets go back to the title, if we are going to learn to be in a full blown relationship with father. We must first learn to be content in our own selfish nature. Then and only then will God be able to work on those things that concern your heart. For he may fill the void that you have now allowed to become vacant.
" MAY WE SERVE GOD BEYOND OUR HEARTS THEN AND ONLY THEN WILL HE BE ABLE TO BE OUR STRENGTH OUR HEART BEAT"
Fast forward to the Disciples they would end up fighting amongst each other about who would set at the hand of Jesus. ( Luke 22: 24-30) Even in the presents of the fully God, fully man they still fell into the trap of selfish nature. Now after he would leave could they only realize the request they ask for was far more than they could ever receive.
Welcome to modern day when was the last moment you were blessed only to turn around and ask again for another blessing. God wants you to know that no matter how great a miracle he provides. It will never fill the void of a relationship with Father. So lets go back to the title, if we are going to learn to be in a full blown relationship with father. We must first learn to be content in our own selfish nature. Then and only then will God be able to work on those things that concern your heart. For he may fill the void that you have now allowed to become vacant.
" MAY WE SERVE GOD BEYOND OUR HEARTS THEN AND ONLY THEN WILL HE BE ABLE TO BE OUR STRENGTH OUR HEART BEAT"
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Sad end to what will be the end
Today Mike Starr of Alice in Chains died from a drug overdose he was 44 years old. I am 41 yet while we travelled in the same circles we had 2 dermatically different outcomes. His was a battle with addiction to drugs which ultimatley cost him his life. Mine was to find peace in a savior who for no reason at all let me know he loves me more than anything in this world. I wish after all the help Dr. Drew gave him someone would of shared with him how special he is in Fathers eyes and how if he could just spare a moment Father would show him just how great his love is for him. Dr. Drew did prove one thing that no matter how hard we try or care. The end result layes soaley in the hand of our own decision.
My heart breaks as I write this because it is the same scene that is repeated over and over again. All the anger, all the sadness, all the hate, all the hurt, all the pride, very simply just missing a place where God is allowed to enter.
As paul so put it 1 Timothy 1:15-16, This was my truth, that Father had a place for me in his Kingdom. All the messages back and forth between Christians and Non-Christians really makes me sad neither grasp the fact Jesus did not come to heal the healthy nor did he come to judge John 3:17.
He came to fill the gap that was broken by Adam and Eve to be the bridge that leads us home to Father. His tears he cried where all for you and just like Mike Jesus heart hurts for one of his beloved is gone.
I am in no way saying he is in Heaven or Hell. I am saying with Gods great love this tragedy could of been avoided it was for me. I speak only through personal experience. A tear is shed tonight and I pray so hard for Mikes Family and friends sadly he will be missed. I pray in those last moments Him and Jesus got to know each other and Mike found the peace that he avoided for so long. We will miss you Mike Good night
My heart breaks as I write this because it is the same scene that is repeated over and over again. All the anger, all the sadness, all the hate, all the hurt, all the pride, very simply just missing a place where God is allowed to enter.
As paul so put it 1 Timothy 1:15-16, This was my truth, that Father had a place for me in his Kingdom. All the messages back and forth between Christians and Non-Christians really makes me sad neither grasp the fact Jesus did not come to heal the healthy nor did he come to judge John 3:17.
He came to fill the gap that was broken by Adam and Eve to be the bridge that leads us home to Father. His tears he cried where all for you and just like Mike Jesus heart hurts for one of his beloved is gone.
I am in no way saying he is in Heaven or Hell. I am saying with Gods great love this tragedy could of been avoided it was for me. I speak only through personal experience. A tear is shed tonight and I pray so hard for Mikes Family and friends sadly he will be missed. I pray in those last moments Him and Jesus got to know each other and Mike found the peace that he avoided for so long. We will miss you Mike Good night
Sunday, March 6, 2011
The First or of a Last at Last
As I write tonight I am reminded of the prodigy I am. Most if ask would say that they didn't start lying until later in life and that if ask it was their first sin.
So let me start by saying this was not my first. I had done something wrong and had to lie to cover it up. How amazing it is that when I spoke to my son about this very subject he could see clearly where it was going before I could even finish my story. Since that day I have lied to my parents, my friends, complete strangers, and even lied about stories I've told just because the truth inside my head didn't sound as exciting as the lie. On this point the truth was actually much more exciting than the lie, funny huh.
The oddist part about lying isn't the lye itself but the barrier it puts between us and father. It is a space that is filled in our hearts that Father can not enter.
So first I must ask bareing this in mind, what could have been so terribly important to seperate God from my heart? The fact is nothing, generally we play the justifying game ie. I don't want to hurt their feelings or they wouldn't understand or best of all it won't hurt anyone this one is my favorite.
Remember we are not Christ, we are followers of Christ who are called to be like Christ. Then we are brought back to the original Question. Was the first the last or was it of the last. When Christ put himself upon the Cross he took the weight of our sin upon himself in a very literal since. So could it be God knew our sinful nature before we where ever born? Yes all to clearly and he still sent his son to bridge the gap between us and him. So remember you are forgiven if you will just humble your heart before the Lord and ask for his forgiveness.
Sorry side tracked by his love. No matter what sin you have commited it is not above his forgiveness and really not worth lying. The biggest lie you can tell is when you think you can lie to God or tell a half truth. He sees your heart and knows your every breath so don't waste your time with lying its just a speed bump in the way of Gods love through you to others.
Start your day in prayer and ask God for the strength to no matter what the circumstance you will choose the truth over a temperary fix. Lying never fixes anything. Great love and God speed for your Journey remembering He is with you NOT against you.
So let me start by saying this was not my first. I had done something wrong and had to lie to cover it up. How amazing it is that when I spoke to my son about this very subject he could see clearly where it was going before I could even finish my story. Since that day I have lied to my parents, my friends, complete strangers, and even lied about stories I've told just because the truth inside my head didn't sound as exciting as the lie. On this point the truth was actually much more exciting than the lie, funny huh.
The oddist part about lying isn't the lye itself but the barrier it puts between us and father. It is a space that is filled in our hearts that Father can not enter.
So first I must ask bareing this in mind, what could have been so terribly important to seperate God from my heart? The fact is nothing, generally we play the justifying game ie. I don't want to hurt their feelings or they wouldn't understand or best of all it won't hurt anyone this one is my favorite.
Remember we are not Christ, we are followers of Christ who are called to be like Christ. Then we are brought back to the original Question. Was the first the last or was it of the last. When Christ put himself upon the Cross he took the weight of our sin upon himself in a very literal since. So could it be God knew our sinful nature before we where ever born? Yes all to clearly and he still sent his son to bridge the gap between us and him. So remember you are forgiven if you will just humble your heart before the Lord and ask for his forgiveness.
Sorry side tracked by his love. No matter what sin you have commited it is not above his forgiveness and really not worth lying. The biggest lie you can tell is when you think you can lie to God or tell a half truth. He sees your heart and knows your every breath so don't waste your time with lying its just a speed bump in the way of Gods love through you to others.
Start your day in prayer and ask God for the strength to no matter what the circumstance you will choose the truth over a temperary fix. Lying never fixes anything. Great love and God speed for your Journey remembering He is with you NOT against you.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Setting out on the journey
I started this with only one goal, to share the things that God is revealing to me. Over and over again he keeps stressing to me, relationship its me they should seek not a building, not a miracle, not riches, not my power...
I understand very well we all need miracles in our life but all to often just like the Israelites shortly after a miracle Exodus 16:8. We forget and desire another one. After all it is our nature. But it is not an excuse, the only way you will ever be truly fulfilled and at peace is when your relationship with your heavenly father is more important than anything of this world. God will provide for you. I am in no way saying you will not suffer or all your desires will be granted or all your questions will be answered. What I am saying is the life you experience on earth will be greatly enhanced just knowing father has you in his hands.
No, God does not just exist in a Church the Holy Spirit is with you all through your days your choice to hear him or not relys totally upon you. God has provided many types of vehicles in which you may come to know him better the choice has always been yours on weather or not you will follow him and form a relationship that will see you through eternity. Gods love for you is unconditional. Sadly to often we think we have done something so wrong that we can not be forgiven I call this the Judas Trap. God loves you right where you are right now hes waiting for you call out to him I pray. If my words mean nothing to you understand I love you all to greatly so much that it hurts my heart for you not to know father the way I have come to know him. He is the original I AM.
Let me say I am far from perfect but having a father that is sure makes your day much better Great love always Justin
I understand very well we all need miracles in our life but all to often just like the Israelites shortly after a miracle Exodus 16:8. We forget and desire another one. After all it is our nature. But it is not an excuse, the only way you will ever be truly fulfilled and at peace is when your relationship with your heavenly father is more important than anything of this world. God will provide for you. I am in no way saying you will not suffer or all your desires will be granted or all your questions will be answered. What I am saying is the life you experience on earth will be greatly enhanced just knowing father has you in his hands.
No, God does not just exist in a Church the Holy Spirit is with you all through your days your choice to hear him or not relys totally upon you. God has provided many types of vehicles in which you may come to know him better the choice has always been yours on weather or not you will follow him and form a relationship that will see you through eternity. Gods love for you is unconditional. Sadly to often we think we have done something so wrong that we can not be forgiven I call this the Judas Trap. God loves you right where you are right now hes waiting for you call out to him I pray. If my words mean nothing to you understand I love you all to greatly so much that it hurts my heart for you not to know father the way I have come to know him. He is the original I AM.
Let me say I am far from perfect but having a father that is sure makes your day much better Great love always Justin
Monday, February 28, 2011
Zero Hour
Me and my wife where recently talking and I brought up about zero hour. She let me know this would be a great title for a blog. I believe she is right but I'm sort of bias she is a great women and loves me and the Lord dearly :)
Zero hour occurs anywhere from 2 to 20 times a day. It is the time when the pavement hits the road, when your faith is truly tested, when you find yourself reaching for God because there is literally no other way or absolutely no one else to turn too.
As casting crowns put it" It is deep water faith in the shallow end" it is easy to have faith when it is not tested ,I would like to introduce you to someone who had Zero hour faith, all the time the first martyr after Jesus, his name was Stephen. I would like to show you 3 verses from his life. Acts 6:5 A man full of faith and of the holy spirit and Acts 7:59,60 And as they were stoning Stephen he called out, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit and falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Now just the fact that his wording in his exit would take total belief and he would almost utter the same words of his savior is by any account incredible, yet just before this we find that he was "FULL of faith"
The reason he was full of faith was not because he had memorized Bible verses or he went to church every Sunday or he tithed 10% no not at all. The reason was in the short period of time he had spent with Jesus he developed a great relationship with his heavenly Father and embraced what was to be by the sacrifice of the lamb and also his good friend and mentor Jesus.
My friends God does not abandon you even in your Zero Hour( read Hebrews 13: 5,6) Call out to him, he's right there waiting. The times I have found myself distant from God is not because he has left me it is because I have turned my back on him. What a wonderful feeling it is when you turn around and hes right there just longing to hold you in his embrace again he keeps account of no wrongs if you are just willing to ask him for forgiveness.
PS to all YOU CAN NOT EARN GODS LOVE, FOR YOU CAN NOT EARN SOMETHING THAT IS GIVEN
Great love and greatest dreams to be revealed to you as you grow in him Amen
Zero hour occurs anywhere from 2 to 20 times a day. It is the time when the pavement hits the road, when your faith is truly tested, when you find yourself reaching for God because there is literally no other way or absolutely no one else to turn too.
As casting crowns put it" It is deep water faith in the shallow end" it is easy to have faith when it is not tested ,I would like to introduce you to someone who had Zero hour faith, all the time the first martyr after Jesus, his name was Stephen. I would like to show you 3 verses from his life. Acts 6:5 A man full of faith and of the holy spirit and Acts 7:59,60 And as they were stoning Stephen he called out, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit and falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Now just the fact that his wording in his exit would take total belief and he would almost utter the same words of his savior is by any account incredible, yet just before this we find that he was "FULL of faith"
The reason he was full of faith was not because he had memorized Bible verses or he went to church every Sunday or he tithed 10% no not at all. The reason was in the short period of time he had spent with Jesus he developed a great relationship with his heavenly Father and embraced what was to be by the sacrifice of the lamb and also his good friend and mentor Jesus.
My friends God does not abandon you even in your Zero Hour( read Hebrews 13: 5,6) Call out to him, he's right there waiting. The times I have found myself distant from God is not because he has left me it is because I have turned my back on him. What a wonderful feeling it is when you turn around and hes right there just longing to hold you in his embrace again he keeps account of no wrongs if you are just willing to ask him for forgiveness.
PS to all YOU CAN NOT EARN GODS LOVE, FOR YOU CAN NOT EARN SOMETHING THAT IS GIVEN
Great love and greatest dreams to be revealed to you as you grow in him Amen
Monday, February 21, 2011
After All
After all isn't this the easiest way to describe Gods love for us.
If you look inward it becomes very clear that we would be very easily forgotten and deemed unlovable by the worlds standard. Isn't it great news God doesn't love by the worlds standard just quick reference of what Gods love looks like 1 Corinthians 13:4. If that isn't layed out plain enough I would like to quote one verse that is so quickly over looked. Romans 13:10 " Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law."
True and even I am guilty of it, all to often we pass judgement on someone on an assumption which I will not even go into what happens when we assume. :) The biggest obstacle I have had to over come on this pursuit toward God is to first Get out of his way and and second leave my pride at the door . IT IS NOT ABOUT ME... When we are so caught up in serving our father everything else falls in to place or falls into the place where it should of been all along. Jesus has a very unique way of straightening out the things that concern our heart.
As well when we become so full of the Lord that we place others above our own selfish desires then God has full reign over our lives and is able to do miracles and wonders for others through us.
I know what your saying that's all fine and all but what about me what do I get out of it?
There I said it you where thinking it and I put it out there. So let me tell you what you get. You get the incredible opportunity to have the living God work through you and fill your days with a love no one on earth can provide. You get the happily ever after, no matter who wrongs you, You get the victory before you ever raised a hand to fight and greatest of all you are never alone .
Wow thank you God not because you need us but because you want us. Amen
If you look inward it becomes very clear that we would be very easily forgotten and deemed unlovable by the worlds standard. Isn't it great news God doesn't love by the worlds standard just quick reference of what Gods love looks like 1 Corinthians 13:4. If that isn't layed out plain enough I would like to quote one verse that is so quickly over looked. Romans 13:10 " Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law."
True and even I am guilty of it, all to often we pass judgement on someone on an assumption which I will not even go into what happens when we assume. :) The biggest obstacle I have had to over come on this pursuit toward God is to first Get out of his way and and second leave my pride at the door . IT IS NOT ABOUT ME... When we are so caught up in serving our father everything else falls in to place or falls into the place where it should of been all along. Jesus has a very unique way of straightening out the things that concern our heart.
As well when we become so full of the Lord that we place others above our own selfish desires then God has full reign over our lives and is able to do miracles and wonders for others through us.
I know what your saying that's all fine and all but what about me what do I get out of it?
There I said it you where thinking it and I put it out there. So let me tell you what you get. You get the incredible opportunity to have the living God work through you and fill your days with a love no one on earth can provide. You get the happily ever after, no matter who wrongs you, You get the victory before you ever raised a hand to fight and greatest of all you are never alone .
Wow thank you God not because you need us but because you want us. Amen
Friday, February 18, 2011
Relationship
OK this will upset some and will liberate others. To be like Christ is not to blindly follow him like a lost dog. He doesn't need anyone to follow him, the disciples didn't and we should not either. Ok, ok, let me explain before you claim heresy hehehe. Are the hairs on your neck standing up yet? Just set back and listen for a minute please.
Jesus taught the disciples how to develop a relationship with the Father just as he has. The greatest gift Jesus could give the disciples was not another miracle but a deep relationship for the time after he would leave. He knew they would be left with nothing else. Just as to come later Paul would only have this same relationship to grasp a hold of, even in the darkest of times.
Could you imagine if you had such a relationship with Jesus that you died truly of self and walked in the glory of his light? It is very near yet so many times we put Jesus on termed belief. We say that we trust him with all but immediately take control of some areas thinking all the while "I got this part". The biggest area I have seen Christians fall into this trap is in their finances and no before I go any further this is not about tithing that is a blog all by its self and churches cringe at my view on that.
I can tell you the truth knowing the fathers will for my life has changed my life forever. HAHAHHAHAHA got you didn't I, try trusting in the fathers will for my life is more realistic. I don't have to know the end broke or rich what real concern is that over all the lost souls in this world. Jesus walked and loved as a true friend would and was always honest and true. The sad part is if we look deep inside ourselves. I'd say hes a better friend to us than we are to ourselves. We trick ourselves, lie to ourselves, condemn ourselves and make ourselves out to be false prophets just so people will like us or admire us. What a treacherous journey we put ourselves in all for the sake of denying the one who gave his life to save us. Please my dear friends, again I plead with you spend time in conversation with God our heavenly father. You'll be amazed at the journey he has in store for you. Really its the truth Love Always Justin
Jesus taught the disciples how to develop a relationship with the Father just as he has. The greatest gift Jesus could give the disciples was not another miracle but a deep relationship for the time after he would leave. He knew they would be left with nothing else. Just as to come later Paul would only have this same relationship to grasp a hold of, even in the darkest of times.
Could you imagine if you had such a relationship with Jesus that you died truly of self and walked in the glory of his light? It is very near yet so many times we put Jesus on termed belief. We say that we trust him with all but immediately take control of some areas thinking all the while "I got this part". The biggest area I have seen Christians fall into this trap is in their finances and no before I go any further this is not about tithing that is a blog all by its self and churches cringe at my view on that.
I can tell you the truth knowing the fathers will for my life has changed my life forever. HAHAHHAHAHA got you didn't I, try trusting in the fathers will for my life is more realistic. I don't have to know the end broke or rich what real concern is that over all the lost souls in this world. Jesus walked and loved as a true friend would and was always honest and true. The sad part is if we look deep inside ourselves. I'd say hes a better friend to us than we are to ourselves. We trick ourselves, lie to ourselves, condemn ourselves and make ourselves out to be false prophets just so people will like us or admire us. What a treacherous journey we put ourselves in all for the sake of denying the one who gave his life to save us. Please my dear friends, again I plead with you spend time in conversation with God our heavenly father. You'll be amazed at the journey he has in store for you. Really its the truth Love Always Justin
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
The Journey
We must realize that no matter where you are or what your going through Jesus is forever and is never leaving see (Deuteronomy 31: 8). If a church calls you more to works than to grace maybe you should ask why? God knows that the end goal is the same for everyone. The journey goes at different intervals for each and everyone of us. Just as we are beautifully and wonderfully created in his eyes, so is our journey.
We are not called to just follow our Christ, we are called to develop a true relationship with him. As our love with him grows and his love shines in us. You will find that the things that you cared about for so long mean nothing. Yet you will also discover that even a passing thought of anyone seeing hell drives you to the point of tears. No matter how much suffering you may endure it will become a far cry from the thought of an eternity in hell.
"STOP"
Right now where you are and understand, do not take my word for this if the bible says something different then heaven for bid I might be wrong.
But if I'm right, then our only concern is to share the gospel with everyone. Why is it that Paul would endure so much see (2 corinthians 11:25)while at the same time being in the perfect will of God? Could it be that he realized that truth which I believe is that we are really called to not just for self preservation but self abandonment so he may have more room to work?
Jesus spent his life trying to break us out of a system and into a relationship. Hebrews 8 :10 this is why it is so important to understand that we do not have to have all the answers for in his timing he will reveal that which we need.
If you have made it this far then there is something inside of you that says he may have something here? I pray that you spend the remainder of your evening just in a 1 on 1 conversation with our God he misses hearing from you and really loves the sound of your voice no matter what mood your in always be honest about how you feel your only fooling yourself otherwise he sees your heart act like it. Really the God I have come to know is big enough to handle it trust me.
We are not called to just follow our Christ, we are called to develop a true relationship with him. As our love with him grows and his love shines in us. You will find that the things that you cared about for so long mean nothing. Yet you will also discover that even a passing thought of anyone seeing hell drives you to the point of tears. No matter how much suffering you may endure it will become a far cry from the thought of an eternity in hell.
"STOP"
Right now where you are and understand, do not take my word for this if the bible says something different then heaven for bid I might be wrong.
But if I'm right, then our only concern is to share the gospel with everyone. Why is it that Paul would endure so much see (2 corinthians 11:25)while at the same time being in the perfect will of God? Could it be that he realized that truth which I believe is that we are really called to not just for self preservation but self abandonment so he may have more room to work?
Jesus spent his life trying to break us out of a system and into a relationship. Hebrews 8 :10 this is why it is so important to understand that we do not have to have all the answers for in his timing he will reveal that which we need.
If you have made it this far then there is something inside of you that says he may have something here? I pray that you spend the remainder of your evening just in a 1 on 1 conversation with our God he misses hearing from you and really loves the sound of your voice no matter what mood your in always be honest about how you feel your only fooling yourself otherwise he sees your heart act like it. Really the God I have come to know is big enough to handle it trust me.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Luke 9-23
And he said to all," If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
I am afraid for far to long we have used self preservation for our own humanistic views. Instead of asking God to call us out. We ask God what can he do for us or "well God would never ask me to do that". So many saying I've encountered in this brief journey into the world of God. The truth of the matter is if God would call his own beloved son to the cross why would we expect any less. His son never saw his 33rd birthday yet in his 3 1/2 years that the disciples got to spend with him he spent every moment fully alive and always putting his father first. Now this part is important no matter what the cost he put his father FIRST.
Even at the end of his journey as they staked him to the cross he utters. Father please forgive them for they no not what they do. The truth is they knew exactly what they were doing, yet Jesus could see a much greater picture for the fullness of time was at hand and knew that no one could fully see what was coming to fulfillment in him.
Then Luke 23 (39-43), Jesus even as he was preparing to rest he offers a last chance to the 2 men being crucified with him. The point being it was never about him, Jesus never made it about him it was always to save souls and leading others to the father.
One of the questions I ask believers is what was the greatest pain Jesus suffered at the cross. The sakes being drove through his hands or the fact that no matter how great the sacrifice it would never be enough to stop people his beloved from choosing hell. Jesus Wept. (John 11:35)
I am afraid for far to long we have used self preservation for our own humanistic views. Instead of asking God to call us out. We ask God what can he do for us or "well God would never ask me to do that". So many saying I've encountered in this brief journey into the world of God. The truth of the matter is if God would call his own beloved son to the cross why would we expect any less. His son never saw his 33rd birthday yet in his 3 1/2 years that the disciples got to spend with him he spent every moment fully alive and always putting his father first. Now this part is important no matter what the cost he put his father FIRST.
Even at the end of his journey as they staked him to the cross he utters. Father please forgive them for they no not what they do. The truth is they knew exactly what they were doing, yet Jesus could see a much greater picture for the fullness of time was at hand and knew that no one could fully see what was coming to fulfillment in him.
Then Luke 23 (39-43), Jesus even as he was preparing to rest he offers a last chance to the 2 men being crucified with him. The point being it was never about him, Jesus never made it about him it was always to save souls and leading others to the father.
One of the questions I ask believers is what was the greatest pain Jesus suffered at the cross. The sakes being drove through his hands or the fact that no matter how great the sacrifice it would never be enough to stop people his beloved from choosing hell. Jesus Wept. (John 11:35)
Conviction
Dear friends,
If you are reading this, this is the first blog in an ongoing mission I have taken on purely for the love of Christ and to bring back the nature of the text as how God is revealing it to me. I have a facebook account and twitter both have limitation on there ability to let me say all God is leading me to say. That being said these messages " ARE NOT" for the weak at heart or ones who believe they already have all the answers. I do not. I am simply on a journey with my wife and son into the presents of the almighty God and that is enough for me.
So without further a do lets get started.
If you are reading this, this is the first blog in an ongoing mission I have taken on purely for the love of Christ and to bring back the nature of the text as how God is revealing it to me. I have a facebook account and twitter both have limitation on there ability to let me say all God is leading me to say. That being said these messages " ARE NOT" for the weak at heart or ones who believe they already have all the answers. I do not. I am simply on a journey with my wife and son into the presents of the almighty God and that is enough for me.
So without further a do lets get started.
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