Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Love

I have been learning a lot lately about love, and not the kind of love between a husband and wife, or boyfriend and girlfriend. But the love that Jesus showed everyone, and the love that I should be showing people I am close to or the people I encounter on an everyday basis.

I am not the best at showing just straight up love to people, or doing something because of love or compassion I have towards someone or a group of people. Everything Jesus did to help people or talk to them was because of love and compassion and we are called to live as Christ, therefor we need to do things and acts of kindness out of pure love and compassion for others.

The reason I say this is because a lot of things that Christian's do can be seen out of judgement and that we are the most judgmental people, so when we do something we need to be sure that we are doing these things out of love and compassion for others so that no one can question our motives. Sure there will always be people there to question why we do things or what we are doing, but that's o.k. as long as our actions match what we are saying with our mouths and match what Jesus was doing in His life, then we can know we did what we are called to do no matter what anyone questions us with.

I am not very good at talking about doing things and then following through with my actions, and I need to become better at this, especially in the sense of saying how I'm going to live as Christ and love people as Jesus did, and then my actions not show that at all. I need to do things out of love and compassion for others instead of just for self-satisfaction.

And I guess it goes so much farther into just what people will say when we are doing something because we know that's what God's will is, as it goes into that we need to make sure we aren't complaining about what we are doing and just do it again with an open, loving heart.

Philippians 2:14-16
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, "Children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation." Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.

We should do things out of love and compassion and do them because that's what we are called to and not complain about it. I need to work on this more than anyone I'm quite positive because I complain about a lot of stuff when I have to do it. So please pray for me to grow in this area and to be more willing to do things without complaining and do it out of love and compassion. 


Sorry if this one went in a few different ways. Again I hope it made sense because I'm always scared it doesn't. Let us love the world as Christ did, and have a love and joy like a child though. And as we are loving the world we need to make sure we go out and do what we are called to without complaining about it. This was very convicting in my life today as something I need to work on a lot.

Have a great night!

Monday, January 30, 2012

Stuff that's difficult....


Sorry everyone for not getting on here and putting up any new blogs this past weekend, I was spending an awesome few days with my girlfriend and her family and it was what I needed very much; I've missed her a ton.

Today I have been convicted very strongly about somethings, and it's some things that I've been hearing at church for a while now and just never done anything about. Talking to my friends or family about Jesus and about what it's like to have a personal relationship with Him.

I was with my friend Nick last night and we were looking through bibles that my family has so that I could give him a new one and I found one that I had at a camp in Georgia so I started looking through it at notes I had written from the services and just remembering the week I spent there and then, I read something that hasn't left my mind or my heart since. Written on a piece of paper in Isaiah was, "We are more concerned about the friendship than the friend."

This hit me hard, really hard. Because I know that sentences is talking about me. I care more about not hurting a friend's feelings that to try to help them know Jesus. Can we just let that sink in for a second.

We need to talk to our friends who are living lifestyles that are not showing Christ in every move they make, or friends that just don't know Jesus. I mean that is what we are here for! To 1)Love God 2)Worship God 3) Tell the world about how AMAZING God's love is towards us. (I know there are so many other things that could be listed.)

We don't need to talk to our friends in a mean or hateful way about it though, we need to be loving and caring when we try to talk to them, and we definitely have to be leading by example also, our words must match our actions. Jesus hung out with the most undesirable people to show them love; so I'm sure that if the son of God can do that then we can show our friends in a loving and caring way that they need some Jesus in their hearts.

I am awful at doing this too. I need to step my game up more and not feel awkward about having talks about God and what He's doing in my life or what His love means.

I know a lot of people don't read this blog, but for the one's that do, can we start a movement?! Let's not be hateful or hurtful, but loving and caring and giving. Let's seriously be like Jesus to the people who are closest to us. It's the hardest thing to do, but taking our next step in with the Lord takes strength.

Matthew 28:16-20
The 11 disciples traveled to Galilee to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. When they saw Him, they worshiped, but some doubted. Then Jesus came near and said to them, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."


Let's go out and change the world people! God bless, and I love you all.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Honestly, I don't know where this will go...

If you have been reading my blogs I hope that you have enjoyed them!!!! I also hope that God has used each blog to help you in your life. I'm trying to keep it on my mind now to pray for everyone that reads each blog, and pray that the Lord uses the words I write in a positive way, and the words that I write aren't even my words, that they are His just being sent through me.

Let's talk about Satan. He is a freaky dude, and he's really not cool......at all. Haha. The reason I say let's talk about him is because a friend of mine is going through a struggle right now and he is starting to figure everything out in his walk with Christ. Like stuff that he says just puts me in awe sometimes, and it's just so awesome because I'm like, "Dude you've got it!!!!! You're exactly on the right path!!!!!" and he does have it, and if he keeps going in the direction he's going now then God's destination for him is seriously gonna be awesome! (see how I did that, I used yesterday's blog title there haha)

But the place that's getting him right now is that Satan is just filling his head with all this stuff, and when he goes to pray and ask the Lord for strength Satan just starts piling on more junk.

Satan doesn't want us to succeed in God's will, he wants us to fail and fail miserably. And if we don't keep staying persistent praying to the Lord for strength and guidance then we won't be able to make it through on our own. We need God all the time, but we really need God when Satan is attacking us, we aren't strong enough to hold Satan off forever without the strength of the Lord helping us.

The way Satan gets into your mind can be so tricky too, he's a lot smarter than we think. When we are fulfilling what the Lord has planned for us that's when Satan comes in, and he starts filling your mind with all these thoughts, making you question yourself, making you think if what you did was right or if you should have waited to do what you did. We just have to be deep in prayer with the Lord at these times and just listening to God for what He is saying to us, and listening very intently.

The reason I say listening very intently is because when Satan comes to get us he will use our strengths against us, to ruin everything we have done to build our relationship with the Lord. If Satan knows you care about people a lot and that you just want to help them, he can use that against you to make you question what you did, if you should have really stopped hanging out with those people who were getting you into trouble and bringing you down. The answer is YES you should have totally done what you did, because if you felt the Lord prompting you to do it, then it was totally the correct thing to do.

We have to guard ourselves from Satan's attacks. He will always make it seem like what he tells you is good. You can see this in scripture in the garden of Eden when the serpent is talking to Eve, Genesis 3:1-7, or especially in Matthew 4:1-11. Satan comes to Jesus, in Matthew 4, and tempts Jesus with scripture! He was trying to make Jesus fall in a trap by using the Lords word against Jesus the Son of God!!!!! Jesus is awesome though and shut that dude down with some more scripture though! Because while Satan was using scripture, he wasn't using all of scripture, just the parts that made him sound right.

We must not fall into what Satan is trying to trick us into doing. He is a tricky fellow, and he knows how to get us, but you know what he can't do? Satan can't beat God, ever, and Satan can't beat us when we have God keeping us strong and when we are strong in the Lord. Watch for the tricks Satan will use, and always stay faithful in the Lord that He will give you the strength and the power to get through anything.

I hope this made sense. I really don't know if it did because I didn't even know what I was going to start writing till I wrote it. I pray that the Lord uses this to help someone and that it will help you see something the Lord is showing you, because just in writing this it has shown me stuff that God is showing me.

I'm praying for you all.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Direction Determines Destination

As I sit here at the good ole age of 21 I am wondering what to do with my life, and where to go next. It's a crazy thing, just like I talked about in the blog about the future. It's a tough decision though on what to do for the rest of your life!!!! It's a decision that I have had the hardest time trying to make too.

As Christian's we are called to follow God's will for us, and when He fills us in on what His will is we are to run as fast as we can to fulfill it. Because if we don't start going for what God's will is for us, then we won't set ourselves up to end up at the destination in life that He has for us. Hints the blog name, Direction Determines Destination ;)

Let me break this down for you some more.

Direction: We have to be preparing ourselves now for what direction God wants to send us in. In that preparation we must be patient, praying, listening, willing, and making sure you're seeking after God's own heart. We have to be patient because who knows what God's timing is gonna be on letting you in on His will for you, but while being patient still be active in your church and community, trying to change the world for God. Pray that God is keeping your eyes, ears, and heart open to what He is telling you, and that you continuously have a willing heart to do His will. Listen to what the Lord is telling you. Again make sure that you stay willing while you are waiting for the Lord to show His will to you. Last but not least make sure you are seeking after God's own heart. Obviously you already will be seeking after His heart by wanting to know His will for you, but make sure you don't lose that enthusiasm about it. Keep seeking after God's heart and God's desires for you, don't lose the passion and drive for this.

We as Christian's need to remember all of that and be doing that to set ourselves up for the correct direction we are called to go in for Christ. If you are wanting to know God's will for you so that you can do what He asks of you, don't lose sight of that if it takes a while for Him to show His will to you. If you lose sight of it and don't practice the things I was just talking about then you may end up going in the wrong direction, leading you to the wrong destination from what God had set out for you.

The destination that God has for us will be amazing and awesome. It will be more than we ever dreamed of, or could have asked for. We just have to stay faithful in the Lord while we are waiting so that we come to the destination God has for us. And then remember that when we get to one destination there will be something us God has waiting for us, and has another destination in our life to go to.

I know it can be really tough to do this and stay persistent with waiting for God to reveal His will and perfect plan to you, but it's something that you have to do so that we can end up where God wants us, and so that we can be the most effective in changing the world for the Lord. I pray that all of you reading this will seek God's plans for your life, and will be patient and prayerful in waiting for Him to reveal the plans to you.

Changed people, Change the world.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Honestly.......I'm scared

Is saying you're scared of something acceptable still? I know people try to act all big and tough and all, and try not to admit that something is scaring them, but honestly.........there is something that scares me A LOT. And that would be the future.....


I know that everyone has to grow up and move on and all that great stuff, but honestly it scares me to death. Moving on from my comfortable life and eventually leaving school to start a life in the real world is terribly frightening to me. I've always talked about how much I hate school and can't wait to be out of it, but really I feel comfortable in school because I know while there I don't have to make any big decision's or do anything to drastically change my life.


 I really just wish I could happily be a bum and sleep on the beach sometimes haha. I mean how awesome would that be. No worries in the world, wake up and be at the beach already. You'd be tan as all get out and looking good all the time, and you'd see the most amazing sunrises on a daily basis. But let's be honest, that would never work or be a fitting lifestyle for someone who is looking to have a family and all.


I know what some people are saying, "You need to just grow up and deal with it. This happens to everyone and everything turns out fine." And you know what....you're exactly right, I do need to get over it and just accept the fact that if I want to have a successful life and have a family, that I need to just deal with growing up. But you can't say that you've never been scared, or afraid to do something  even though you knew you had to; everyone has been through it. The best example is probably Jesus......actually not even probably, the best example IS Jesus.


When Jesus was getting ready to be arrested and crucified he wasn't exactly jumping for joy. In Luke 22:42 Jesus even asked God that if He would, to please take the task of being crucified away from him, but that he didn't want his own will done, but God's will done, and if that was for him to be crucified then it was ok.


Now in no way am I comparing myself to Jesus, but it is awesome to know that he went through troubles and had feelings about things the way that we do. I mean that is the reason Jesus was on earth right? To die for our sins and to fully understand what we go through every day?? It's so awesome to know that my Savior and God cares that much about me, to just come here to die for me, and to come to fully know what I go through on a daily basis. So amazing.


This blog really turned out differently than I intended it to haha, but it's all good. I guess I just need to be more like Jesus and use that scripture as an example for my life and just let whatever happens next in my life happen, and know that I just have to trust God because His will is perfect and He will take care of me, and provide for me.

I'm so lucky to have God taking care of me, there's no better feeling of safety in my past, present, and the thing I'm most scared of......the future.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Amazing Transformation

First off I would just like to say this is my first blog and i'm really hoping that I don't mess this up or do anything stupid on here haha. I love writing things and discussing about topics with people, and just kind of sharing my insight and opinion on certain topics, or events that have happened in my life or in someone else's life; or just the world in general. When I post a blog and talk about something I am never going to try and bash anyone, or any group of people, so I would please ask that you give me the same respect and don't bash what I'm saying; let's just have a conversation about it. I'm going to do my best to give everyone respect in what they believe, think, feel, etc, so I please ask that you do the same for me, even if you don't agree on a topic with me. If I ever say something that completely offends someone I will most certainly apologize ASAP.

With all of this being said......

I used the name of this post "Amazing Transformations" because I am a very strong Christian and try my hardest to be solid in my faith, even though I screw up on a daily basis. I have gone through amazing transformations in my walk/relationship with Christ many times, and I am so grateful for all of them because they brought me to where I am today, but I don't want to talk about any transformation I've had, I want to talk about a transformation one of my best friend's has been having.

I met this buddy of mine about 2 years ago going to school and we just started hanging out with a huge group of guys, there were about 11 of us. It was crazy how we all met and just clicked; it's one of the best group of friends I've ever been a part of; it really became more of a family. But anyways, we all partied and smoked cigarettes, and anything else you can think of, all the time. It was what we did for fun, and we made a lot of memories.....even though we can't all remember them. Then the group of friends started to not be as close, and after one year we really all stopped hanging out except for a few of us.

Right after this was when I went through my awesome transformation with God and just grew so much in Him, and really started seeking to understand more about Him, and how to be close in my walk with Him. So I was doing my thing, straightening up my life, and my buddy started asking me all these question's about stuff, and we talked about everything. He and I could sit somewhere and talk till 3am every night about so much stuff, it was pretty crazy. But awesome, because he kept just seeking stuff out and starting to see things and understand what God was really about and was really trying to do in his life, and everyone's life.

Sometimes I felt like what we talked about he wasn't really understanding what we were talking about, because he would say one thing when we talked about God, and then do the complete opposite, which is cool, I respect his and everyone's free right to do whatever they want, but by what I believe I just didn't want to see one of my best friends end up in Hell. I would never want anyone to end up there.

Then this past fall something crazy happened. My buddy went out drinking with some people and went to the bars downtown, and just got smashed. Long story short, he ended up blackout drunk, walking around in the neighbor beside the bars, ended up walking into someone's house while they were sleeping on the couch, and ultimately ended up in jail. But the crazy thing is how positive he was when he came out of the situation. He called me and was talking about how lucky he was, and I was just like....."Dude, that story doesn't sound like it has any luck in it at all!" But he came back and was just like, no, that guy could have shot me or something when I walked into his house, and I could have gotten breaking and entering charges, burglary, and everything, but I only got a ticket for public drunkenness.

This totally opened my eyes. He was soooo right. He talked about how God really protected him in that time, and kept the worst from happening to him. After all the times that I had talked to him, trying to help him with his relationship with Christ, he totally taught me so much in that moment, and just showed how he trusts God, and how he saw that God was there even though at a time like that he could have asked God why he wasn't there and why he didn't protect him. I mean honestly, that's what I would have done. But my buddy taught me so much, and it was there that I saw how far he had come, and how much of an amazing, and awesome, transformation he went through.

I am so thankful to God for friends like this...