"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!