"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