Well it's been a while since I blogged. I wanted to put the Christmas story on here, but I never got around to it. But it's high time I put up a new post. 

I have been reading in psalms lately, and in many of those psalms, David is intent on living wholeheartedly for God. As I read these, I think about my life and what I have been doing about this. And I realized that I haven't given my whole self to Him. I have given parts of it, but that's not enough. There are some things that I have done well in giving to Him, and some that I haven't given at all, like my time. I have not given Him my time. I wasted a lot of time last semester, and I don't think that's what God has called me to do. He wants us to not waste a minute, but give glory to Him always. There is no describing what He has done for us, so to give Him this life is nothing. 

So when you are thinking about giving yourself to God, remember that He was the one who gave you life, and He was the one who sacrificed His son so that you could be saved, and He is the one who loves us no matter what we do. So wherever you are in your life, just think about what God has done in your life and what you have given to Him. If He is worthy and you believe that with all your heart and soul, then give Him everything. Don't waste a second doing something that won't honor Him. Cause He does deserve it!

Psalm 3

O Lord, how many are my foes! 

How many rise up against me!

Many are saying of me, 

"God will not deliver him."

But you are a shield around me, O Lord;

you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.

To the Lord I cry aloud, 

and he answers me from his holy hill.

I lie down and sleep;

I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.

I will not fear the tens of thousands 

drawn up against me on every side.

Arise, O Lord! 

Deliver me, O my God!

Strike all my enemies on the jaw;

bread the teeth of the wicked.

From the Lord comes deliverance.

May your blessing be on your people.

This is psalm 3. "The Lord sustains me." He is all that David needs according to this. This is how we should be. I know right now I'm not like that. I don't focus on him as much as I should. God is the only thing that we really need. He is the bread that we eat and the water we drink. He provides for us, and He is the only thing we need. 

During the Christmas season, we tend to forget about the One who we really need. We focus on the music and the lights and the presents, even if we are giving them. We do everything for us, not for Him. I know that sometimes even when I give others presents, it's about me and how I feel after. The Lord should be our passion. So this season, when your thinking about all those things, stop and ask yourself how you can be like Christ, and serve Him.

bread of life

Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." 

"Sir," they said, "from now on give us this bread."

Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never grow hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of them up at the last day. For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."

 

Life is so difficult sometimes. We get all caught up in being busy and trying to get everything done, especially around Christmas and finals time. We just go and go and go and go. We go out trying to find the perfect gift or get the perfect grade on that test. But we go right past the truth of the matter. The truth is that God doesn't care about that one gift or that one grade. He cares about our heart. He cares if we believe in what He says. He is the bread of life. He says that anyone who believes in Him and lives to serve Him will never go hungry or thirsty. This is such a great feeling! To know that God doesn't care about how well we do on a test or how perfect that gift is! He is awesome! If we give it all our effort and do it by honoring Him, He couldn't care less about how good it looks to everyone else.

So in this season, don't be looking to impress anyone. Look to impress the one who can give us life! Now I don't mean that you shouldn't spend a little extra to get a good gift for someone or spend more time studying; these are very good things. Just don't overlook the thing that really matters.

Today is December 7. This is the anniversary of Pearl Harbor. This is the day that men at Pearl Harbor were attacked without warning and died because of it. These men are the reason that we are here now. They are heroes. I believe they should never be forgotten because they deserve to be remembered. 

This country is changing from its roots. The Founding Fathers built it based on equality and liberty, and the way we are heading, we will soon lose those. The government will take them away from us. It was also founded with God at its base. This is being lost as we continue in this direction. We are losing sight of the original goals, and it's not a good thing. We need to keep in mind those who serve us every day, whether that be the troops in Afghanistan or our family members that do their best to make our lives better. 

So as you reflect today or this week or this holiday season, think about those who have made your life better and who love you. Think about those who you love. And think about those in need of God's love. Think about how you can make a difference in their life, because we are all called to do this. 

This video is crazy awesome! God is amazing and His love is unending! Just think about that.

http://www.crazylovebook.com/videos_stop.html

It was just before the Passover Feast, Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." "No," said Peter, "You shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me." "Then, Lord." Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well." Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me Teacher and Lord, and rightfully so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."

Is this amazing or what? God, Lord of the heavens strips himself of all His authority to become like a servant. He washes his disciples' feet! Back in that day, this was the dirtiest thing to. Yet, God himself was willing to serve us. This is the extent of His love for us. He loves us in spite of our sinful ways. We are all imperfect, yet He forgives us each and every day when we ask for it. Then He tells us to be a light. To go out and do the same thing to our brothers. I know at least in my life, I don't do enough of loving. I need to take care of others and go out and love them even though they might be dirty. 

Love is the best way to witness, so go out and love on others because God was willing to do it, so we should too. The best way to change the world isn't by doing everything yourself, but to give the gift of love to someone around you. 

Well, today was such a fun day! Our pledge class went out and serenaded many of the sororities and girl's cooperative houses. It was very tiring, but it was great! We pretty much melted their hearts! 

But, on another topic, I have been reading a lot in Job, and I was thinking about perseverance. At this point in the year, we just have to keep persevering to the finish. We don't have very much left, so we just need to continue to persevere. 

Then Job replied: "How long will you torment me and crush me with words? Ten times now you have reproached me; shamelessly you attack me. If it is true that I have gone astray, my error remains my concern alone. If indeed you would exalt yourselves above me and use my humiliation against me, then know that God has wronged me and drawn his net around me. Though I cry, 'I have been wronged!' I get no response; though I call for help, there is no justice. He has blocked my way so I cannot pass; he has shrouded my paths in darkness. He has stripped me of my honor and removed the crown from my head. He tears me down on every side till I am gone; he uproots my hope like a tree. His anger burns against me; he counts me among his enemies. His troops advance in force; they build a siege ramp against me and encamp around my tent. He has alienated my brothers from me;my acquaintances are completely estranged from me. My kinsmen have gone away; my friends have forgotten me. My guests and my maidservants count me a stranger; they look upon me as an alien. I summon my servant, but he does not answer, though I beg him with my own mouth. My breath is offensive to my wife; I am loathsome to my own brothers. Even the little boys scorn me; when I appear, they ridicule me. All my intimate friends detest me; those I love have turned against me. I am nothing but skin and bones; I have escaped with only the skin of my teeth. Have pity on me, my friends, have pity, for the hand of God has struck me." Job 19:1-21 

Job was in the worst circumstance anyone could ever give him. Yet, he didn't give up. He wanted to with all his heart, but he loved the Lord even more. Yearn for God, and desire Him in all you do! And He will bless you.

This Thanksgiving break was wonderful! It gave me a chance to reflect on what God has done in my life, and hear what He has done in friends' lives as well. It was a time of getting together with family and friends (some of whom are pretty much family anyways). There have been many struggles that everyone has gone through, but each and every one of us has made it through. There is something to be said for perseverance. No matter who we are, we all go through these struggles. But God is right there beside us throughout it all. 

It became very evident to me that God is working in our lives. Everyone that I talked to had stories of how God had changed them and how He had become an influence in their life. 

God is everywhere, and I am now very much aware of that! I can't wait to see how He will continue to work in our lives. 

I hope everyone had a good break!

God Bless

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say this- those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south. Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle. They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Some sat in darkness and the deepest gloom, prisoners suffering in iron chains, for they had rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High. So he subjected them to bitter labor; they stumbled, and there was no one to help. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron. Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities. They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy. Others went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful deeds in the deep. For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away. They reeled and staggered like drunken men; they were at their wits' end. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders. He turned rivers into a desert, flowing springs into thirsty ground, and fruitful land into a salt waste, because of the wickedness of those who lived there. He turned the desert into pools of water and the parched ground into flowing springs; there he brought the hungry to live, and they found a city where they could settle. They sowed fields and planted vineyards that yielded a fruitful harvest; he blessed them, and their numbers greatly increased, and he did not let their herds diminish. Then their numbers decreased and they were humbled by oppression, calamity and sorrow; he who pours contempt on nobles made them wander in a trackless waste. But he lifted the needy out of their affliction and increased their families like flocks. The upright see and rejoice, but all the wicked shut their mouths. Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the Lord." - Psalm 107

Reading this showed just how immense God's love is for us. He doesn't have to love us because he doesn't need us, but he chooses to! As we can see from our lives and also from this passage, we don't deserve it. The people in this passage continued to fall into sin, and every time God lifted them out of it because they asked Him to. Are we not the same? God forgave us our sins when we let Him into our lives. 

God is amazing! His power is more than we could ever imagine, and His love for us is many times more than we could ever give to others. So what are we waiting for? He is so generous, and we are wasting time during our busy lives not trying to glorify God. He will be glorified no matter what, it's not about us. But we can give Him our everything and desire Him every minute of every day. 

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." -1 Corinthians 13:13

Love.

As Thanksgiving Day rolls around,
It brings up some facts, quite profound.
We may think that we're poor,
Feel like bums, insecure,
But in truth, our riches astound.

We have friends and family we love;
We have guidance from heaven above.
We have so much more
Than they sell in a store,
We're wealthy, when push comes to shove.

So add up your blessings, I say;
Make Thanksgiving last more than a day.
Enjoy what you've got;
Realize it's a lot,
And you'll make all your cares go away.

What if we all loved the way God has showed us? What if we all stood beside each other in the good and the bad times? Could we show a generation of hypocrites and wannabe's that God is better than anything? Could we make a difference in the lives of people everyday?

I believe we could. I believe that God moves through those who move toward Him. He tells us that we need to love others. He tells us that we need to be different. I have witnessed this being acted upon. People are always watching. If we can prove that happiness and true love isn't based on possessions, but instead on helping others and giving God everything we have. If you think that you are not big enough to make a difference now, just remember that you don't have to be perfect. In fact, perfection is a turn-off for telling people about Jesus. We are all in need of a savior, and showing people that we don't have it all together just helps prove that they can be as happy as we are. Being different is not about extracting yourself from the culture completely and acting as if you have it all. Instead, it's about living in an imperfect world and showing that God is better. 

Failure is inevitable. It's going to happen. Out here, I have realized that getting outside your comfort zone is the best thing that can happen. It has been a challenge, and I have failed big time, but God has been right beside me throughout it! He is awesome, and He is the reason for everything that I do, and everything that I want to do!

Live a life of true courage by being imperfect, and letting the God who is do great things. And change the world!

Tell me where its hurting
Are you burning?
Running just to catch your breath
And going nowhere
It's getting old when you feel like you got nothing left
Well it ain't over 'til it's over
I told you since the day we met
So let me be the voice through all the noise
Whatever I gotta be
I'll be for you

Whatever you need from me
To see you through
Everyone of us has stumbled
Everybody's humbled
We hit the ground and our lives crumble

Whatever I gotta be
I'll be for you
I'm for you 
If you never knew
If you never knew
I'm for you
You know it's true

I know the feeling
I know it's real when the drama's all in your face
You see a mountain 
I hear a promise - it's never more than we can take
Well it ain't over, 'til it's over
We can learn from our mistakes
So let me be the voice through all the noise

Everyone of us will fall
Have our backs against the wall
And everyone shares a need to be loved

You've always been for me
So I will be for you
That's just what it means to love

This is Toby Mac's song "I'm for you".

Yesterday was a good day. It started out pretty bad when I missed church because I didn't wake up to the snooze, but throughout that, I realized that I needed to get away for a while. I had the new member talent show last night, which was fun and everything, but after that I was feeling out of touch with God and with myself. So I came home and started reading Job. This was amazing because I felt very similar to him at that point when he is desperate to stop suffering. He doesn't want to fight another day, but he still relies on God for all of his strength. I realized that I needed to go somewhere and just think, so I went on a run in the rain. It was one of the best things I have ever done. I thought about life and how I have been acting and how I should be acting. I have not been a light like God has called me to do. I have been depressed lately and been pretty mean to those around here, and I need to do a better job representing Him in my life. I have been very busy, but while in the midst of troubles, God shines out even brighter. So if I want to represent Him, this is the perfect time. 

Life moves fast, and we do our best to catch up with it, but I don't think this is the best idea. We will never be able to actually catch it because it doesn't stop and we have to. So why don't we just step back and enjoy what God has created for us. It was so nice just to run in the rain because I didn't have a care in the world, no worries, just me and God. 

If you are struggling with keeping up with life, stop and let God move through you. We can't move that fast, but He can through us.

While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, "Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother's house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!" At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.

Job is one of the best examples we have of faith and perseverance. So while we are struggling with our own battles, we should just think about what he went through and ask ourselves if we can handle our own problems. God says that he will not give us anything too great for us to conquer, so just remember, God made you so that you could conquer that. Keep holding strong, and continue to grow in faith.

Everybody struggles with procrastination. Some not as much as others, but everyone does it. Whether it's for a project that seems a long way off or just homework that's due tomorrow, sometimes we just want to do something else instead of what needs to be done. I have been doing this a lot lately, although it hasn't been so much with doing homework, but more not going to classes. But, from what I have learned in high school and also here, the key to not procrastinating is setting your mind to doing it. If we go into it doubtful, we will fail over and over. But if we set our mind to doing it, we will do it most of the time. 

College has been a time of reevaluation for me. Back in Colorado I was content to just live in comfort and not really take responsibility. Out here, it has been a much different scenario. I didn't have the mindset that it was time to take over my life. To stop letting my parents guide me, and to really take it by the reins and go where I want to go. And, so far, it hasn't been great. I mean, I've had a good time and everything. But I haven't been nearly as responsible as I should be. But failure is not the end. When I fail, I learn from my mistake so that I won't do it a second time. I will make sure that I don't make the same mistake again. 

Tonight at devos, we talked about running the race. In 1 Corinthians 9 Paul says, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in sucha way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." I have not been running in the direction that I should be. I am not running full speed toward God's prize. But there is always a chance to change direction. I am going to run toward the Lord because He is all that matters. I want to glorify Him with everything I have and everything I am. 

I will exalt you, O Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. O Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me. O Lord, you brought me up from the grave, you spared me from going down into the pit. Sing to the Lord, you saints of his; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. When I felt secure, I said, "I will never be shaken." O Lord, when you favored me, you made my mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed. To you, O Lord, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy: "What gain is there in my destruction, in my going down into the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness? Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me; O Lord, be my help." You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever. - Psalm 30

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should." Ephesians 6:10-20

Actually I will put up a verse that I just read.

"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature." - Romans 13:8-14

You know, some moments in life are great! You have so much fun, and it's awesome! Well, I have had those this week, and this weekend will be great, but many times I don't give it all back to the One who gave it to me. When good things are happening, I start to think I was the cause of it, but that's not right at all. God gave me life, and He keeps me going, so I am going to give the good times to Him. 

Man, I never knew Settlers of Catan was so addicting! It's a great game, especially if you're playing with people who have fun with it! I don't have a specific verse to put up tonight, but if you are struggling with something, whether it be homework or relationships or whatever, give it to God, and you will soar on wings like eagles. Make the best of every situation. And most of all, never give up. Persevere to the end!

This is an email that one of the guys in my pledge class sent all of us. These are not my words, but his. I thought it was extremely true, and I know I haven't thought about it a lot until now, but it's great.

Heaven's Reward
People talk about how we will inherit great and wondrous treasures when we enter into heaven. People turn down earthly gain and possession believing they will be given a much greater gift once past those pearly gates. I think it's really funny how people take Jesus saying that we will inherit greater treasure in heaven as actual treasure! Yes we will be given crowns, to show our co-reign with Christ. But what use will riches be in heaven!? What will the great saints buy with our trillions of trillions of dollars of worth?! Will that reward of treasures last eternity!? I think we've missed it beloved, Jesus told us we would inherit a great reward and I'm sure he smiled when he said that—for a second. I believe He smiled for just a second, because he soon started frowning due to the looks on the disciples faces, due to what happened in their hearts, due to the wayward teachings that future generations would follow. We've missed it beloved. 1) Why do you think we hear of the saints in heaven throwing down their crowns to Jesus so easily? 2) What is the greatest gift you can think of receiving? The saints don't think twice about laying down their crowns because they get it, they finally get it! They figured out what the real reward is! What is it? What's the most wondrous, most valuable gift you can think of? Not the Sunday school answers like grace, or salvation or love, those are great...but we have those beloved. Think of what you don't have…yet--or what you haven't seen yet! What accompanies the laying down of crowns? Who is always present when we here of yet again saints and kings throwing down their inherited gift? It's Jesus!!! He's there; he's right in front of them! He smiles and breaks down as each crown leaves the head of a saint.

 Beloved, the smile on Jesus’ face is far greater than any reward I can even fathom. I don't want anything else, we shouldn't! Jesus told the young prince to give it all up, yet what we've been taught is
that all we have to do is give up a little gain here and get a lot of gain there...no no no no beloved, that's so wrong. I know that breaks the heart of God. Our mindset has become: ok I just get through this lull in my pocket book in this life and God will bring me into a life of wealthy living in heaven...beloved get real. In a pure, simple human way we are using god. We are using, by how we perceive, his promise to us to our own gain. Beloved get over yourself, our reward in heaven is NOT wealth and treasures! The very streets of heaven are gold! What need would we have to be rewarded with pavement!? Beloved wake up and realize our reward is something that's worth beyond belief. Just think about it, try imagining it: Jesus smiling. What you just imagined is not even 0.000000000001% close to what it'll be like! Besides, beloved, we are already surrounded with riches and power and might! We’ve already inherited more riches and power than anyone of this world will ever possess again (Jesus being the first and will be the last), by being redeemed through Christ! We will be kings, soon, for He is coming soon. We will be given power and authority.

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

Jesus, himself, said it so it's gotta be important!!

"Remember this, fix it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. Remember the former things, those of long ago, I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please."

I think it is so good to just reflect on God's to us. We usually take credit for what we do, and even though we might have done it, we really don't deserve any credit. God is sovereign. As this verse says, "My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please." God has the power to do anything He wants and sees fit. He knows everything. He is in control! So, next time you succeed or someone gives you the credit for something, just stop and think that it really isn't you who do that. All of you comes from God. He gives you the strength and the will to do the impossible. Just give Him all the glory! 

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see the works of the Lord, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.  - Psalm 46

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!" 

Have you ever wondered what would have happened if God had granted Jesus' request to not go through with this? Well, it would be so much different. Jesus didn't want to be crucified. He didn't want to go through with it and suffer that much. I mean, I think all of us are like that. We don't want anything bad to happen to us. And we would do the exact same thing if we were in that situation. The thing that separates Jesus is what He does after that. When He says "may your will be done", He gives us a perfect representation of what it means to act inside God's will. He gave everything up so that God's plan could happen. I know I need to work on that. I struggle with giving up even half of me to Him on any day. It's hard to give everything to Him, but no matter what happens, we need to give it all up for God's plan. I don't know what I will be doing next year or even tomorrow, but if I give it to God, it doesn't matter because He will make it happen.

So the next time you are thinking about throwing the towel in, think of Jesus and how He was able to submit to God's plan even though He knew what would happen. Life isn't going to be easy. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that; in fact it says that we will be persecuted, but when we are persecuted, we can be like Jesus, and give it all up to God! 

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. - Romans 12:9-16

I was thinking today about how great God is and what I should be doing to give back to Him. God is bigger and greater than we could ever imagine, and no matter what we do, it will never equal what He has done for us. So we can try to give God our money or our time or our friendship, but really, the thing He wants is for us to give everything up for Him. This is the hardest thing we can do, though, so we usually rationalize our sins and say that nobody is perfect, so we don’t have to give Him anything else. But God asks for everything. I know what that means in my life. It means I have to give Him my schoolwork, my relationships, my friendships, my time, my energy, and every breath I have in me. When I asked Jesus Christ into my heart many years ago, I told Him that I would seek after Him, and love Him with all my mind, soul, heart, and strength. I chose to lay everything down for Him. It’s like marriage in some respects. When someone gets married, they agree to give everything to that person. They choose to do whatever is required to continue that relationship, and grow in it.

So are you ready to give everything to the One who gave you everything and more? If you are, then do it. Give God everything, and He will guide your steps. Love others, have fun, and don’t worry about what’s going to happen, because as long as you are working for the good of His people, it doesn’t matter where you are. 

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21

Well, a couple days ago, I was given a request to become a son to my roommate, named Adam Speicher. And, in turn, I requested my other roommate to become my brother. So, if you look on facebook, I have a brother my age and a father who is three years older. 

Now, this brother of mine is kind of loco! He dances to a song called "love machine" and he just does random things that I laugh at, but don't really think are funny. You know, I am going to have to have a talk with him about that soon. He rolls his eyes at me all the time, and it doesn't even make sense! I don't know about this guy. I mean I've seen him up late at night, and I don't think he get sleep ever. I think he must be on something. (Drugs, I'm thinking!) He has his days, but life is never dull. He does absolutely nothing that he should, and he is a very mean guy! He backtalks me all the time, and it is quite annoying! 

Actually, he is a really cool guy! I am totally kidding about this! He is awesome, and I love him like a brother! We have great times studying late every night, and it's awesome! This is just a joke!

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ⁹Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. ¹⁰Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." - James 4:7-10

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called s to a holy life- not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. " 2 Timothy 1:7-9

Don't be afraid! Go out and live your life for the One that gave you life!

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with the wrong motives, that you may sped what you get on your pleasures. You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." James 4:1-6

Hearing that Jesus had silenced he Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." - Matthew 22: 34-40

Love the Lord and others. That is it. The most important thing you can do. 

Hey, sorry it's been so long since I posted anything. I have been at a men's retreat with one of the churches here, and I haven't had a computer around. But I learned so much there. We talked all about being on the right path. We should have a goal of where we are going, but in order to get there, we need to be on the right path. Good intentions don't mean you will get where you need to be. It was awesome, and I definitely think I will be attending Faith Baptist while I am here at Purdue. I got to hang out with some great guys, and it was really fun! I became a lot closer to another guy who lives here at Fairway, named Greg, and his brother. They are from Colorado, actually went to Heritage, so we have a lot in common. It's been really fun, and I can't wait to see where God will lead me next.

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you at toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Colossians 4:2-6

"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature, rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' If you deep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other." 

10/7/09

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." - Matthew 5:43-48

God calls us to be different than the world. He calls us to love even our enemies. This is completely against society, but that is what separates those of us who call ourselves Christians. We do things backwards. And when you think about it, isn't it better to love those who hurt us. When we do this, they are confused and they don't know what to do. This is the perfect time to be a witness for Christ. So when you are being persecuted, no matter what that entails, love those who are doing the persecuting because that is what Jesus would do!

This morning, I was woken up at my usual 6:30 time, but I was woken up by somebody who told me that it was a great day to live. It just helped me put the day into perspective. God has given us this day, and too often we take it for granted. We don't use the time we have to glorify Him, and to be a testament to His faith and love. So no matter what kind of day you are having, just think that it's a great day to be alive because God cares about you even though he doesn't have to! He is amazing, and I am gonna live this day for the one who gives me everything!

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. - Philippians 4:4-9

slow fade

Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray 
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray 
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see

10/3/09

"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit- just as you were called to one hope when you were called - one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." - Ephesians 4:1-6

some fall quotes

"There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spots may be lighted on, and produce so pleasant an effect on 
the feelings, as now in October." 
-  Nathaniel Hawthorne

"The leaves fall patiently
Nothing remembers or grieves
The river takes to the sea
The yellow drift of leaves."
-   Sara Teasdale

"Colors burst in wild explosions
Fiery, flaming shades of fall
All in accord with my pounding heart
Behold the autumn-weaver
In bronze and yellow dying
Colors unfold into dreams
In hordes of a thousand and one
The bleeding
Unwearing their masks to the last notes of summer
Their flutes and horns in nightly swarming
Colors burst within
Spare me those unending fires
Bestowed upon the flaming shades of fall."
-   Dark Tranquility, With the Flaming Shades of Fall  

"When all the cows were sleeping
And the sun had gone to bed,
Up jumped the pumpkin,
And this is what he said:

I'm a dingle dangle pumpkin
With a flippy floppy hat.
I can shake my stem like this,
And shake my vine like that."

"October's the month

When the smallest breeze
Gives us a shower
Of autumn leaves.
Bonfires and pumpkins,
Leaves sailing down -
October is red
And golden and brown."

10/2/09

"O Lord Almighty, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. Give ear, O Lord, and Hear; open your eyes, O Lord, and see; listen to all the words Sennacherib has sent to insult the living God. It is true, O Lord, that the Assyrian kings have laid waste all these peoples and their lands. They have thrown their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods but only wood and stone, fashioned by human hands. Now, O Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all kingdoms on earth may know that you alone, O Lord, are God." Isaiah 37:16-20

This is Hezekiah's prayer to God when the king of Assyria was threatening Jerusalem. This is a great prayer because he earnestly asks God to deliver them. But he doesn't want it for selfish reasons, but so that everyone would know that the Lord alone is God. Strive to pray that way. When we pray that way, God answers our prayers. God delivered Jerusalem by killing 185,000 men in the Assyrian army. God may not answer your prayer in the same way. He might not answer it in the way you want, but He does listen to you, and He does love you. Trust that He will do what is best for your life. Just like when we were kids, and we hated when our parents told us "no, you can't have that toy", God knows what is best, and He will make sure it happens. 

"Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does." - James 1:22-25

Top Ten Reasons To Date an Engineer

1. The world does revolve around us... We pick the coordinate system.
2. Find out what those other buttons on your calculator do.
3. We know how to handle stress and strain in our relationships.
4. Parents will approve.
5. Help with your math homework.
6. Can calculate head pressure.
7. Looks good on a resume.
8. Free body diagrams.
9. High starting salary.
10. Extremely good looking

Top Ten Reasons NOT to Date an Engineer

1. T-shirt and jeans are their formal dress. Hot dog and a six-pack is their seven-course meal.
2. The only social life known of is to post and talk on the net.
3. Flames like a monster and speaks like a pussycat.
4. Works from 6:30am to 7:30pm daily. No morning kisses and no evening walks.
5. No matter how hard you cry and how loud you yell, he just sits there calmly discussing your emotion in terms of mathematical logic.
6. Only listens to classic rock. Hates everything from Bach to Prince.
7. Touches his car more often than you.
8. Talks in acronyms.
9. Can't leave that damn pencil off his ear for a minute.
10. Will file a divorce if you call him in the middle of debugging.

"In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry. You hurled me into the deep, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me. I said, 'I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple. The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head. To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you brought my life up from the pit, O Lord my God. When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple. Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the Lord." -Jonah 2:2-9

9/28/09

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:37-39

This is one of my favorite verses of all time. NOTHING can separate us from Christ's love! God is AMAZING!

Again Jesus called the crowd to him and said, "Listen to me, everyone, and understand this. Nothing outside a man can make him 'unclean' by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him 'unclean.' After he had left the crowd and entered the house, his disciples asked him about this parable. "Are you so dull?" He asked. "Don't you see that nothing that enters a man from the outside can make him 'unclean'? For it doesn't go into his heart but into his stomach, and then out of his body." He went on: "What comes out of a man is what makes him 'unclean.' For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean.'" - Mark 7:14-23

9/26/09

Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, "see, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for." Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" - Isaiah 6:6-8

This is one of my favorites. We are called to be like Isaiah. When God asks us to do something for Him, say here I am, send me! 

9/24/09

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of
witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that
so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked
out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of
our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning
its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you
will not grow weary and lose heart." -Hebrews 12:1-3

Do it!

9/22/09

Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline, and understanding. The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him. May your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice! - Proverbs 23:22-25

random quote

"If a tree falls in the forest, and no one's around to hear it and it hits a mine, does anyone care?" - Gary Larson, Farside comic

9/21/09

"So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back." - Philemon 1:17-19

Philemon was the owner of the slave Onesimus who stole from him and fled. Onesimus went to Paul, and became a follower of Christ. So Paul wrote this to Philemon as Onesimus was returning to Philemon. Paul is like Christ. And we are like Onesimus. We have sinned, but Jesus pleads with God to treat us like He would treat Jesus. It's an awesome analogy. This came from a pastor at a church I went to yesterday. But the message is clear. We don't deserve to be treated the same as Jesus, but because of His love and His sacrifice, we are! That is love!

7/19/09

"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice. " Ephesians 5:1-2

9/18/09

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." - James 1:12

The surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that it has never tried to contact us.  ~Bill Watterson, Calvin and Hobbes

9/17/09

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16-17

"Drink free or dye laughing!" - bumper sticker in Germany

9/16/09

"For by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." - Ephesians 2:8-10

He has prepared us to do great things. Give him an opportunity.

Don't worry about the world coming to an end today.  It is already tomorrow in Australia.  ~Charles Schulz 

9/15/09

Alright, what I am trying to do with this blog is create a place where you can find encouragement if you are having a bad day, or if you just want to go to a place full of love. I will do my best to put up a Bible verse every day, and if I can find one, I will put up a good quote or something else. If you want to talk about it, do. I can't promise I will answer because I am quite busy with school, but I will try. 

So living at Fairway has been a great experience so far. For those of you who don't know what I am talking about, Fairway is the co-op house I am living in at Purdue. It is a Christian house with great guys. We have our differences, which comes with communal living, but it is a constant encouragement to know that there are others who are in this fight with me. We do some crazy, fun things, but overall it has been a huge step for my faith.

"To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

We all struggle. We all have hardships. But God is there through it all. When we are at our weakest, He is at his strongest. He loves us and delights in helping us get through the hardships. Because we can do anything with God by our side.

We weren't meant to be alone

Have you ever felt alone? There is no one to put your shoulder on, no one to care for you. Well, if you have, you can end that feeling. There is someone who is just waiting for you to ask for help. If you are ever having a bad day, He is there for you. He will lift your distress and put it all on His shoulders. No one is better at it. No matter where you are, who you are, or what your problems are, He doesn't care. He will care for you! If you don't know who I am talking about, his name is Jesus Christ. He died for us because he loves us. He loved us so much that he took the sins of the world on his shoulders and made us free in Him!

Life doesn't have to be full of crud. You don't have to live in a life of sin. Become free in God, and you will find unbelievable joy.