Blood

Today is considered one of the bloodiest days for Palestinians. At least 227 people dead after Israeli warplanes pounded the Gaza Strip. Why do I live in America? I feel as though I have spent so much time thinking about teaching, re-teaching, christians, but I haven't sought a calling to go overseas to non-christian sectors of the world. I am currently reading "Back to Jerusalem", which is a long standing movement of Chinese Christians aiming to spread the gospel from China all the way back to Jerusalem. But how can they make it to Jerusalem when blood is rampant across the country of Israel over largely religious issues? Of course God is the only one who could get them there, but what would happen if God sent me to the front lines to meet with the Palestinians? These men who see death coming soon so they start saying all sorts of verses from the Koran. They don't know Christ.

Transition back to my up-most concern, I weep in church for the lost. I cry when I haven't shared my faith. I can barely focus on singing praises when I know millions across the country haven't heard the gospel. Where does God have me now? I'm tired of "Six Flags Over Jesus" stereotypes. Yes I understand light-hearted humor between religious groups, but don't we understand the problem? We go back and forth about our own church differences when we hardly talk about the 3 billion people in the world who think joy comes from a man-made structure or other man-made thoughts and philosophy. The devil has latched himself to billions across the world, but are we praying for the front lines of this Spiritual Battle? It's real. Don't become lazy. Please always stay focused on the front lines of advancing our gospel. Love the Gospel. Hate sin.

disciples

I just listened to a Question and Answer session with David Platt at Brook Hills Church. One kid asked this...

7th grade boy: How does a 4'9" person speak at his school about Christ when he is much shorter than the 5'11" guys around him?

David Platt: The spirit of Christ and you is taller than any 5'11" 7th grader. I would encourage you..the good thing is the authority and strength is not based on you, but Christ. This temptation of "i don't have what it takes to make disciples" permeates us all. The spirit of Christ is in you, and you have everything it takes to spread the gospel and make disciples of Christ. Continue to press on, and maybe the Lord will use you to lead some 5'11" guys to Christ.

This one question from a 7th grader really breaks my heart. This question breaks my heart because I wonder what my knowledge and ability from Christ is being put to work for Christ and his kingdom. Even though I have always lacked the athleticism and knowledge/understand of others around me, I know a lone-man's life for Christ can make a difference in today's society. As I am usually referred to as the abnormal or crazy guy, I know my life can make a difference.

I want to be the duck that steps his foot out in front of others. I'm tired of following the slow movement of "naval lookers" and I want to penetrate the path not scene. Christ has led me here today for a reason. My abilities have all come from Him whom I follow with all of my heart.

I believe my overall interest and knowledge of sports has decreased in the past few years because I further understand the value of following Christ rather than the value of sports. God is eternal. Sporting Championships come and go.

true love

The moment I start thinking about myself is the same moment I lose sight of true love. So how can a man ever live a life full of true love? The true love I speak of is the love of Christ. Love others just as Christ loved. The love that starts with forgetting one's self and serving. My love today starts with seeing Christ and his worth as I am just a human with a poor spirit. No pride nor selfish ambitions step foot in front of my worship before the Lord. As I'm on my knees, I look up and all I see is Jesus. This is true love to me.
Yet losing sight of true love happens so quickly, but it takes so long to come back to full understanding of love. I say again, the moment I start thinking about my own self is the moment I lose sight of true love. My desire is to focus. Every day I want to cling to his word.
If I rest in His word, I know my life will follow. The greatest joy comes from the divine romance with Jesus Christ, and I know my understanding of true love hinges on my focus on Christ.
I pray my future will always keep me overflowing with love for Christ. And in a time of my overflowing love for Christ, I know God will allow the most beautiful bride to walk across my path. I want to seek after Him.

God is Moving

I sit at my computer with joy. My plate is full.

A few weeks ago I was learning more scripture and I came across the 8th verse of Matthew chapter 5. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus says, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." After reading this my heart crumbled because I instantly thought of the opposite of this verse. I will not see God if my heart isn't pure.
This hit me like a bag of rocks to the face. As I was torn with this verse running through my head, I sat through Tony Merida's sermon about being a righteous man for Christ. This teacher usually preaches a scripture loaded sermon and this sermon was definitely full of verses pointing to the life God has called Christians to live. My heart was heavy as I questioned my recent actions and mindset. Was my heart pure? Will I not see God? As I've said my whole life, scripture and my relationship with Christ are the only things I cry about. For why should I hold in tears for my God whose love surpasses all knowledge? I just pray my tears will always point to the Lord and his compassion.

Another lesson has been on my heart lately. What are we slaves to? Or, to re-word the question, what are we following in our lives? God has called us to a strict calling for our lives, and he definitely tells gives us a clear lesson in Romans 6. If we follow sin, death will take our lives. But if we follow righteousness, holiness will take our lives.
Why stick with sin? Why chase material goods of this world which will all rust and disappear after death? What benefit did you gain from the actions, and lifestyle, you are now ashamed of? Those things lead to death. Why not chase Christ who makes all things good? Why not seek a life which leads to eternal life with Christ after death? Why not give your money to help advance the Kingdom of Christ? Why not be a rebel and never become tired of speaking about the Messiah? Our lives are nothing without Christ. Like the artist Lecrae says, "I'd rather die like Christ, than live unholy. Lord kill me if I don't preach the Gospel." Why not end the routine of talking to Christians and go share with unbelievers about Christ's impact in your life? Yes there is a time to fellowship with other believers, but please don't fill up your schedule complete with christian events/meetings/studies. Representing Christ is a lifestyle. I know you have heard this before, but people are dieing without hearing the name "Jesus." Stand up for the truth. Stand up for Christ.
I have a hard time sending my life to another country to share the name of Christ when people in my own town don't know Jesus Christ. People say we are over preached in America, but tell me why I sit next to people in church who can't find Matthew in the Bible. Or tell me why I work around atleast 3 men who claimed to be gay. They love their things of this world, but they can't clearly see Christ because they don't hear him through his scripture. I want to help others see Christ. My brothers and sisters can go over seas to share Christ, but for now I am staying here.

I praise God for the blessing of knowing him today! I praise Him for the many friends and new relationships he has allowed me to start! He has filled my plate.

God will destroy him

So I was looking through my old post on my xanga blog. I wrote this over a year ago...

"Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple." 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

I am worthless. Nothing in this world can help me find a way home. I deserve nothing. My actions are like dust. My heart pumps in the stirring of tremendous encore of pain in Hell. But God....he came.

He loves me. The creator of this universe loves me for me. I fall 1,000 times, but God picks me up. The dirt inside of me has been washed clean because I can see my dirt and the desire I have for Him. None of my tears can amount to the joy I have inside of me. My God loves me. I have a relationship with Him! Are you kidding? Yet, now I pray. I pray for you who has no knowledge of my love. You walk with sin, but you can't see the road. I pray one day someone will give you glasses to see the road God wants for you. He desires you just like he desires me.