It's just a God thing

Last July I told my parents that I wanted to go to El Salvador this summer. They thought I was crazy. Despite their response, I knew that this was God's will, so I did the only two things I knew to do...Pray and Save. Then, November hit. I was invited by my youth pastor to go on the youth's mission trip to Missions, Texas. I prayed about it, once again knew it was God's will, so I told my parents. There response was less than desirable. So once again, I did only what I knew to do, pray and save. Now, it's June. I leave in 2 weeks for El Salvador and 6 weeks for Texas. The fact that I am going on these trips is totally a God thing. He has worked out so many details. It's been so amazing to sit back and watch how God's been working. This is the first time in my life, where I knew God had called me somewhere, and I had to totally rely on Him to make it happen. He has opened up doors, changed hearts, and provided for my needs. When I first signed up for these trips it was to go and help others, but I can see already that my purpose wasn't just to minister to the kids in El Salvador and Texas. My purpose for Christ to take me on a journey that would challenge me more than ever before.

One True Love

February 14, the Day of Love. It's the day where couples both young and old express their feelings for one another. Dozens of roses are delivered to front doors, millions of poems are written, and billions of helpless romantics secretly wish they had a special someone to spend the day with. As Christians though, we already have a true love that has shown us love far better than any box of chocolate or dozen of roses ever could. God is our true love. He loved us so much that He died for us. He took all of the bad stuff you've done, all of the lies you've spoke, and all of the dirty thoughts that only you know about, put them upon Himself, and died for us. He paid a high price so He could spend forever with you. He loves you with a perfect love, a love that won't break your heart, ignore you when you call, or say "it's over" after a few months. I don't know what your relationship status is today, but whether single, married, or dating, take some time some time today and thank your true love for all He's done for you and how much He loves you.

1 John 4:19 "We love, because He first loved us."

One

This is it. We have one life, one chance,on time. We only get on shot to make a difference for Christ in this world. There are no second chances, no do-overs, and no make up exams. Everyday we are given the opportunity to reach out to others and show them the love of Christ, but the question is, are we taking those opportunities? Take some extra time this week to share Christ with those around you. After all, we're not promised tomorrow.

A Song to Sum up my Week

Came to My Rescue-Hillsong United

Falling on my knees in worship
Giving all I am to seek Your face
Lord all I am is is Yours

My whole life
I place in Your hands
God of mercy
Humbled I bow down
In your presence at Your throne

I called You answered
And You came to my rescue and I
I wanna be where You are

In my life be lifted high
In our world be lifted high
In our love be lifted high

Whatever you're going through this week I pray that you will lean on God, and not lose heart. He's there with you, don't give in, get out or shut up. Keep preaching the Word and doing what He's called you to do.


Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18

More satisfying than a glass of limeade on a hot summer day

Americans in general are not satisfied. We spend $1.20 for every $1 we make, and we have an average of $12,000 in credit card debt alone. Our nation has adapted the "I can't get no satisfaction" mentality. Don't believe me? Turn on the T.V. and watch 1 set of commercials. What will you see, almost every ad telling you that you MUST have this or you MUST buy this. It's always telling us to get more. Bill Gates was once asked the thing a millionaire wants most. His reply was "another million". As Christians, we should not be constantly wanting more. We shouldn't be constantly searching for satisfaction, we shouldn't have to. We can find our satisfaction in Christ. Whether we have a lot of money or a little, or are the best at what we do or the worse, it doesn't matter. Christ is all we need. Paul says "Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need." (Phil. 4:11-12). His secret, Christ. Today, take some time and thank God for all He's given you, and try to be satisfied with everything He has given you, both big and small.

More than just "hanging in there"

Sometimes life just plain stinks. Things happen that are out of our control that drastically affect us. This could be anything from getting fired, a loved one dying, or having to quit your favorite sport due to an injury. Times like these are rough, but our attitude makes a huge difference. You Have you ever thought about how most people act when life gets rough? Most of the time, they're grumpy, just wanting to make it through the day so they can start over tomorrow just to do the same. As Christians, if we were to change our attitudes and be joyful for the blessings God has given us, it's going to make people stop and take a second look. It we, while siting on the side says, wounded and bruised, can say "How Great is our God?", people are going to know there is something different about us...and our God. They are going to notice that, even though our life may be a wreck, we can have peace and security in the King of the Universe. Take time and tell God just how great He is, even if life isn't going perfectly for you. After all, you may never know who's watching.

A Prayer to God

I am once again up in the wee hours of the morning unable to sleep. Tonight, unlike like most other nights, I decided to take this time and really pour out my heart to God and spend some time in His throne room. Tonight I've written a little prayer I'd like to share with you, and I pray that it will become your prayer too.

Take me O God, Use me O Lord. My life means nothing, unless its purpose is You. Take my wants, take my dreams, and take all of my desires, please mold them to be a reflection of you. Help me become like a pen in your hand, that I may tell the World about all of You. Take me O God, Use me O Lord, may my life be an offering to reach those who don't know you.

Minutes In My Day

Minutes In My Day
Sleeping- 480
Going to School- 360
Eating- 75
Talking on the Phone- 90
Spent with God- Not Enough

God has given me 1,440 minutes a day. That's it, no more, no less. I have 1440 minutes in a day to spend, and it's my choice on how I use them. I can spend the surfing the web, hanging out with my friends, relaxing at Benettis (the little coffee shop we have in town which I love). Unfortunately, not very many of those minutes are spent with God. How do you spend your time? Do you set aside time everyday to spend with your Maker? I can say from experience, it's one of the best way to spend those 1440 minutes. Take time now to evaluate on how you spend your time. You might be surprised on just how many minutes are wasted.


This post was inspired by Emily Cummins blog. To see more about how you spend the minutes in your day, click here.

I'm Back

If it doesn't start here, where will it start?
If it doesn't start now, when will it start?
If we don't take a stand for this, what will we take a stand for?
If we don't stand for Truth now, when will we put our foot down and start making a difference?

God has given many of us different passions and gifts, each which we can use to make a difference in this world. This will look different for many of us. For some, it may be making a movie exposing abortion clinics covering up statuary rape, for others, it may be publishing a newspaper article about the facts for Intelligent Design, or for you, it could be having coffee with a close friend and presenting the Gospel to them. It doesn't take long to look around in our nation and see how we've become corrupted and distorted the Truth. The time to act is now. Not tomorrow, not when you're older or have more money. The place isn't there, across the street, or in a higher paying office, but right here, where God has placed you. Be praying about where God will use you this year to make a difference for Him!

R.I.P. Jacob

This past week we had a kid in our youth group passed away. Jacob Blair was on the roof of an abonded building with some friends Thursday night making a video for a class project. Jake went to go set up the camera, and the roof gave in. He fell around 25 feet hitting his head. He was pronounced dead upon arriving at the hospital.

This really hit our youth group hard. We have once again lost another member, but we are not totally morning. Jacob was a Christian, he had accepted Christ. We all take comfort in the fact that he is now in Heaven, rejoicing with God. This has also served as a reminder about just how short life it. We don't know when our life, or anyone else's for that matter, will end. For me, it has really reminded me on just how important it is to witness to others and be an example of Christ's love. After all, we never know when our time will be up.

Rest in Peace Jake. You had a BIG influence on a TON of people. I know you're in Heaven right now rejoicing with God, but we still miss you. I can't wait for the day when I will get to see you, once again, face to face.