God at work!!!

To all of you! My Family and friends, my fellow laborers in Christ!

Don't you ever stand in wonder at what God chooses to do in, through, around or to you? It says in Proverbs 16 "Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established." We want to commit everything we have to the Lord because we know He knows what's best. Often we have a hard time letting go, because in the back of our mind we have a hard time letting go of our controls. Since my first mission trip in 2005 I have been getting this nagging tugging at my heart, asking me to go somewhere and do something all for the cause of Christ. To what extent, I could not have told you. Neither can I tell you right now. But what I do know is my Lord is setting me up for something I can't even imagine.

As I have been in the process of preparing to go to Peru, God has been on me about where my heart truly stood before Him. Am I Truthfully seeking His guidance, Diligently waiting on His timing and Willingly ready to give my all for Him? In early November I had many questions for my savior and it finally came down to this verse further along in that same chapter. "A man's heart devises his way: but the Lord directs his steps." I knew God wanted me in Peru. And I knew He wanted me to give my all! So why wasn't He getting me out there as soon as "I" had expected or hoped? He likes to take us in steps I guess... First He had to test my heart! It's amazing how God always answers a question with a question. The one God had for me was simple yet HUGE! And I couldn't answer lightly! He wanted to know my true devotion and I needed to answer Him plainly and with everything I had. There are no "halvseys" with God. Either you're in or you're not. I have been telling God this for years, but He finally "called my bluff" if you could say that. He wanted to know of me if I would be willing to leave EVERYTHING I ever knew, had or even desired. This is a HUGE question to ask of someone! And it is no easier for me than for any of you. I value my family and friends with a passion. The connections and love I have with you all is tremendous. And I wouldn't trade a single moment for anything else in this world. However God Himself asked me if I was more devoted to Him or to myself, family and friends. What should my answer be? Not only that, but to top it off, I had to give up my deepest desires as well? That's alot to ask of a simple man. But when it truly came down to it, I know and understand that this physical world has nothing for me in eternity. Yet my everlasting God has everything to offer me in this life AND for eternity. I'm sorry guys... Hate to break it to you, but I had to choose my God over everything and everyone else. But this also meant that (at the time) I was to give my desire to ever marry as well. (That was the cherry on top) Boy did my life look destined for singleness, full of bachelor food and that type of living. Yet to my surprise, I was cool with it! I really had no remorse for my decision. I could hardly wait to see what this crazy God of mine would do next. I mean... I'm all His now!

But wait... There's more! Are you tired of reading yet? You know how I used the verse, "A man's heart devises his way: but the Lord directs his steps." earlier? Well let's keep going! 

So, I'm now thinking... "I'm released from anything that would tie me down or keep me from giving everything I have to my God. Let's get rolling God!" Well, He started things rolling alright! But once again, not where I would have naturally thought! I believe He just wanted me to be sure that no longer would anything take His place as first in my heart or hold anything too tightly that He couldn't use it to it's fullest potential. Once that was officially cleared up, He directed my steps and heart once again. This time towards a beautiful woman named Baily. For a little bit I was confused, thinking, "Um, God, I thought we were done with that! You and I both know I don't "need" this in order to live for you." But His plans are not my plans, His thoughts not our thoughts. I've observed her since 2006, known her since 2008, never really thinking too much about it. Just thinking to myself, "She seems like a great gal! Any guy would be lucky to have her as a wife." But never putting myself in those shoes. Honestly, that hadn't really crossed my mind. Yet I could tell she had a heart that desired a true relationship with the God of the universe and to be an example of a real disciple of His. Boy was I oblivious to God setting us up. Last summer I had the privilege of serving along side her at a summer bible camp for a whole week, spending most of our waking hours side by side because we were team captains together. To cut a long story short, we are now engaged to be married this coming fall. I am a gratefully dumbfounded man! The biggest desire of mine in my whole life was to have a companion by my side, whom I could partner with to serve God in an amazing capacity. I hadn't thought about this much, but Psalm 37:4 really jumped out when this all went down... "Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Wow, I am blessed!!!

Now you ask... "What about Peru? What's gonna happen with that? I've sent money in for you to go. I've prayed for you and all. Is it all for nothing now?" Here's my answer to that!

Peru is still happening! There's just an added body in the mix. Once Baily and I are married, we still believe that God is directing our steps there. Kids Alive International's policy is however, that you be married for at least 9 months before putting you out on the field. So, this means we have at least another 9 months after we are married to be with you. We still are looking to raise our funding for the trip even now. Baily is going through the application process, and as things continue to progress, we will do our best to keep you up to date. As for all of your majorly generous gifts... They are still being held in my "Bank" through Kid's Alive. It has not gone to waste, nor to another program or missionary. Everything you have contributed towards this trip will still be there as Baily and I move forward together! And once we are on the field, that is what we will be living on!

Thank you all for your very generous prayers and support. God still keeps pulling out new surprises. And I can hardly wait to see what He has in store for us! Thank you for being our partners as we seek to continue to Declare who God is.

What's the Point? Pt.2

------ Continued from Pt.1 -------

    Isaiah tells us that "Those that wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." We all see this verse constantly, almost everywhere we go. And I hear myself say exactly what you say all the time... "Yes! I need to wait on the Lord, hear what He has to say to me and I will have a renewed strength to carry on." This is so very true! But nothing will truly happen if I do not first take care of the first half phrase in that verse. WAIT ON THE LORD!!! "Oh I get it... Wait on the Lord... 1sec... 2sec... 3sec... Done! Well, He didn't say anything in particular to me there, so He must be pleased with what I'm doing. I'll just keep up the good work." And off I go! Does anything seem a bit off to you? Did I really spend time with my God? Or did I call it waiting because it was a few seconds longer than it took to heat my dinner in the microwave? The word "wait" is actually a verb (action). When I wait on the Lord, I am to constantly be on my face (maybe not literally all the time, because that would be awkward) before my God seeking His guidance and direction. The words I say, thoughts that cross my mind and things I do should be directed by my Savior and God.
     To get back to my main question, (What's the point?) I want to address our biggest fear... The Future! Why are we so scared of what's to come? It's because we can't truly control it. Each one of us feel the need, and have the desire to always "be in control"! We do so much to do our best to direct and control what will happen or what we will be in 2, 5 or 10 years down the road. We're scared of the unknown! When we know what's coming or exactly what to expect, we seem to be more at ease. But the question remains... To what extent am I willing to trust God? If I'm not willing to trust God completely with my future, then in what other areas will I compromise in down the road? And when I say "completely" I mean completely! No shadow or corner hidden. Not a single item withheld from the all powerful hand of my God.
     When my life seems to change without much warning; when I can't see what's coming even right around the corner; when something seems to go strangely different than the way I expected it, will I reach out and take back that which I have released to my God? When it is just so easy to return to self-reliance, will I leap at the opportunity? Or will I continue to seek Christ's guidance and not my own desires? When everything is so very easy to bring back into my own control, what's the point in letting my Lord keep it all under HIS control. Why not take it back?
     For thousands of years God has held this complete and whole world in the palm of his hand. Not a sparrow has fallen nor a flower wilted that He has not been aware of and cared about. This world has not fallen to pieces or been destroyed by any force. All of this is because of how Christ cares for his creation. Why wouldn't He be the best one to put all my trust in(Not ME!)? Wouldn't He be the best asset to invest in(Not Me!)? Wouldn't He be the most amazing leader to follow(Not Me!)? When I don't know specifics or have a timeline of "the future", don't tell me I'm being irresponsible. When I say that I am seeking Gods direction in what to do next, don't say to me "you have to be doing something!". Because I am actively following my Savior. Sometimes God asks us to be silent and be still. When was the last time you were truly silent or still? I am looking to my Lord for His blessing FIRST, THEN I move in the direction He leads. I will not move in one direction, and then seek His blessing. His leading is what matters in Eternity and not my preference!
     The point is giving unto God what is His. Doing his bidding, not my own. And being His ambassador! Are you a picture of Christ to those who don't know Him? True, the world does not understand "why" we do the things we do when we follow Christ without reserve. But they get to watch and see the "how" as well as the result. I look forward to being a showpiece of God's for all to see. Do you? When I show confidence and joy in diverse situations, others will be confused. But why fear their confusion? Why not show God's power in your life!? When "I laugh in the face of danger", they will know who my God is! I as a  Christian(Christ-follower) of all people should be the happiest! Not full of depression and sadness! Because I have the most to be grateful for. I have the opportunity at an abundant life! Christ is handing it to me on a "silver platter". I'm gonna take it and run with it! Will you run by my side?
That's the point! Each and every one of us is to be a shining light in a dark and dismayed world. The salt of the earth(we're the flavor that makes this world amazing). I am a "picture" of Christ to all, not a mud pie. I am the happiest and most joyful of all; because of what has been done for me and who I represent! My purpose is to HONOR my God. My means, the POWER of God. My end, the GLORY of God. What is yours? Who are you?

What's the Point?

     Have you ever wondered what's the point in waiting for something, when it would be so easy to spend a little more of your resources or energy just to get it "right now"? I mean, why not? I get to have it sooner. Thus experience the happiness that comes from it in a much more "timely fashion". It makes perfect sense does it not? Or does it not...? In this world, we have, through the ingenuity of many visionaries and "go getters", the chance to speed things up a bit. Bicycles helped us speed up our time from walking, cars got us to our destinations quicker, airplanes get us across distances much faster than other modes of transportation.
     And transportation is just one example of how we have been able to get things faster. In alot of our world, we have continued to try and squeeze as many things into "time" as possible! When we have an hour, what is the most we can cram into that limited bit of time? Nowadays, we are almost controlled by time, we have deadlines, schedules, appointments, jobs and time-frames in which we must complete things. Time is not on our side! And I believe most of us are beginning to realize that. We need things faster, smarter, bigger, better and more detailed for us. While time is against us, we have made technology that works for us. Oh what a blessing! Even the Bible tells us in Ephesians it says "Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil." In another version it says "redeeming the time, for the days are evil." I believe in so many ways we have all taken it to heart. In our terms we would  say "change for the better". Wouldn't you say we try to change everything for the better as we move through this life? Especially considering ourselves? I am so grateful for the chance to do so as I walk this world!
     So what's the point? Why wait on something that you feel you could get so much faster doing it or going another way? Why in the world, if we live in such a schedule oriented culture/world, should we take the "slow road". Or the slightly more difficult route? For some of us, we look at the challenge and shirk back. However for others, we see a challenge to be conquered. Just like a mountain to climb, river to rule or video game to master. Whomever you are, you may have great reasoning for your response in this type of situation. Yet I submit to you that there is something missing in all of this.
     When was the last time you truly took the Word of God at face value? How often do you or I claim to believe that scripture is inerrant and "profitable for doctrine, reproof, for correction and instruction in righteousness"? I would wager, most all of us would square up our shoulders hold our chin up and say "For sure I do"! Then why does it seem that much of what the bible says... GOES RIGHT OVER OUR HEADS? The very next verse in Ephesians says "So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." If this is a command, what have we done to make every effort to do exactly that? To understand what the will of the Lord is, we actually need to listen. But if we are constantly running around, typing this, working on that, finishing this project or starting that one... how can we hear? And then on top of that we decide that having a set of ear-buds shoved in our ears will make our day go better or our attitude be nicer. Wait one minute... How can I hear the voice of my God and Father who loves me very dearly if I have chosen to drown him out with all this stuff. Why do you think all this stuff is so easily accessible?  Don't you think it's one more way for our arch-enemy the devil to render us unfit as a soldier and ambassador for Christ's kingdom? "But", you say, "I listen to christian music and even my co-workers know it. So I'm witnessing to them in that way!" Well good for you! But how often do you truly listen to your God? Or do you just talk at Him?

------- To be Continued -------

Goodbye World Pt. 3

-------Continued from Pt. 2-------

We claim Christ as our savior and God as our everything. What exactly does that mean? If he is "my everything", shouldn't most of my conversation, lead to him? Shouldn't my every thought and desire be directed toward honoring Him? What He asks, will I do? Where He leads, will I follow? Where He sends, will I go? Isaiah heard these words directly from the mouth of God... "Whom shall I send, and who shall go for us?" Isaiah had a hard decision to make! Was he going to be willing to leave the comforts that he knew in order to do as his God asked of him? Or would he rather just claim the status of a follower of God, but do his own thing? What is my response to God's call for wholehearted abandonment to my own comforts and desires? I wonder if we have been fooled!? I look around and see something that I hadn't realized until these last few years of my life. So often I see great people! Most of which claim to be Christ followers. I can feel the connection we have through the Spirit of God. Yet where are we going? What are we doing to share the love of God with the lost in this world. Here in the U.S. especially, we have been fooled that what we are doing is "ok". Without realizing it, too often we walk in this fashion... As life unfolds, we look at our options, assess the pros and cons and move forward. Often we take steps in the direction that appeals to us most and just ask God to bless it. If He doesn't, we then and only then begin to wonder if that's "where God wanted me to go". People often say "just walk by faith", implying that it is a type of blind leap we must take. Not really saying it outright, but meaning that very thing just the same. I ask you what is true faith? "Faith is the SUBSTANCE of things hoped for, the EVIDENCE of things unseen." When we are making ourselves sensitive to the word of God. and Listening for what the Holy Spirit is telling us, we can then begin to make decisions that reflect who God is. When we are walking in constant wonder if what we are doing is "God's will", maybe we aren't in it!? How many times this week have you STOPPED doing what you are doing in order to just LISTEN to God? "Oh but there's so much to do and I have a billion things to get done before such-and-such a date", you respond... Maybe that's why we are always in such wonder if "this is what God wants of me"! You ever wonder why we are always so BUSY? I propose to you that it is the doing of the devil himself. He has lost the battle in your eternal state. But maybe he still won't give up on doing his best to thwart yours and my effectiveness for Christ! What does the word BUSY stand for...? Being Under Satan's Yoke...? Possibly! Tell me all the things you did this last week. You say "I can't remember most of it, but I've been BUSY!" There's my proof! Let's stop and listen for once...!
Now that I've ranted a bit, let me finish what I started in Pt. 1!
 Value... Not days before I begun this post, I was asked a very pointed question by my savior. I guess I should have seen it coming in the light of what all has been sticking out to me in scriptures and how our "world" (country) is changing. This question is one that I believe Christ has, is or will ask each and every one of us at one point. I wonder what your response will be? And will it be a truthful, honest answer pulled from the depth of your soul. Christ asks... "Are you willing... to leave it all behind... not just a clean house and warm bed... but the ones you have come to love, respect, admire, and care for? If I(Christ) asked you to drop everything... your job, pursuit of good things, hope of your own family, would you do it for me? If the things you desired most in this world (companionship, friendship) needed to be released, could you let go? If I(Christ) wished that you go somewhere and do something that you have never known before, will you follow? I (CHRIST) want to know if you would do it for me? Remember... I gave up so much more than you ever could! Not to brag or anything (although you know I can in complete righteousness). I left my comfortable home, where Angels worshiped me. Where I, without a shadow of a doubt, possessed all the power in the world. Yet because of my love for you, came down to the place you live. Became like you in order to show my exceeding power and love toward you. I saved you from your depraved state and brought you into my kingdom of glorious light. You now have hope... Only because of me! I know the tangible things are what you really seem to relate with more than the spiritual, unseen, eternal things. But would you do this for me? Could you find it in your heart to follow me with no reserve? Willing to give up the comforts and desires you have in order to be a part in building my kingdom that will last for all eternity? Remember... I don't NEED you! I can do it all on my own. But imagine what an amazing tool you could be in my tool shed. Most likely not the sharpest, but useful just the same. Will you "value" my kingdom above all else?
I'm not afraid to admit it... That was a long hard couple of hours! Even though King David said it many times, I never thought a man could swim in his bed because of so many tears. I mean... who in his right mind would be willing to leave his deepest desires, valued relationships and comfort at the door in order to face discomfort, pain, persecution, and so many other things that require constant dependence on something besides self? The fight seems ludicrous doesn't it? But the question that remains is this... How selfish am I willing to be. I "say" I don't ever want to be selfish. But at what cost will I break? My conclusion is this... Oh my Lord! How can I, a simple man, redeemed by your own blood, released from sin and death, reinstated as a joint heir with Christ, and loved with an unconditional love ever say NO? If need be, I WILL leave my comforts, follow you into the darkest caverns and face the fiercest foes in order to do your bidding. My life is not my own, I have been bought with a price, I am yours. As Isaiah said... "Here am I Lord! Send me!"
And then I wonder to myself... "What have I just said? I committed to a life of complete abandonment to self and the things of this world. How far will God actually ask me to go? This is the next scary thought! In a way, more fearsome than the idea of following without reserve! Now what will He truly ask of me? What have I gotten myself into?" I cannot let these thoughts take hold and keep me back from doing what the early church believers thought was "normal".
Goodbye World! I will follow Jesus all the way! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrVsbbGk29A
What is your resolution? What is your commitment? What will you do for His name?

Goodbye World... Pt. 2

------- Continued from Pt. 1 -------

Who am I to say what I am worth? How do I know what true value is? And what is it that true value is can be found in? When I look around me into the sea of faces, do I feel for them? Or am I indifferent? Looking into the eyes of a stranger, do I see the hurt, pain and anger? Do I see the joy, happiness, and love that eyes can never hide?
What is one thing that Jesus Christ is known for? In almost every instance noted in scriptures, he is noted to have "known their hearts" or "understood the heart". This is what he did on earth. As a man, he knows what we go through and feels, not for us, but WITH us. This is God who inconceivably humbled himself to take on the form of puny man. One reason being, to show how he cares intimately for each and every one of us.
I am a man, not worthy to bear His name. And yet, He has seen fit, to use me for His purposes. What possible good can come from any given man? We have "good" deeds and intentions many times. Yet even the dictionary defines "good" as something that meets up with a standard of character. What is that standard? How can that standard possibly be derived from humanity when most every single being has a separate definition of what is permissible and what is not? I pose to you there must be something beyond complete human understanding, that is unchanging, unwavering and unrelenting. Once again we come back to my God who is all three of these, and more. Do you know Him?
You may have answered yes. You may have answered no. If your response was the latter (no) please at least read the book of genesis and then John in the Bible. Give it a chance and see what he's all about. But if you've answered the former (yes), I ask you once again... "Do you KNOW Him? Who is He to you?" You say "my savior". I ask, "Do you KNOW Him?" You answer "Sure, he's my God!" Yet again, I ask, "Do you KNOW Him? You respond "He's my Lord!" I say, "Hmmm, do you KNOW Him?" You're thinking that this is beginning to get old. Get to the point. But you graciously answer "He's my everything". I say... "Oh, really? Is He?"

------- To be continued -------

Goodbye world...

Have you ever been asked to leave everything you know to be good, fun and comfortable in order to push someone else's agenda? What we hold so dearly in this life of ours can be (most of the time) so good for us. And yet not always the best.

 The people we know so well are those who have invested into our lives. And most, without thought of self gain or preservation. They are the people who care. From the parent/s who raised us with his/her sweat and blood, tears and laughter, reproof and heartfelt encouragement. To the brother/s and sister/s who grew up with us having to deal with our quirks and humor, annoyance and pain, arguments and agreements. Even our stated disdain of each other, yet we know in our heart of hearts, we care deeply for them. From the friends we have gained, who laugh and joke, cry and feel, encourage and challenge us to walk in a manner worthy of what we are called to do. To the people we pass by on the street. The ones we view as "strange" or interesting, ugly or pretty/cute, falling apart or having it all together. Without these, where would we be? These are the people who have molded us in so many ways, innumerable to count.

Life is so full of new things, it is impossible to say... "I've done it all". Each day is a time of learning, taking in the sights and getting to know your surroundings that you have come to have many memories of. Becoming attached to the things around us is oh so easy. It is so good to feel at home in a certain place! To have a stomping ground where you feel at ease. To recognize a street corner or park that brings me back to home. I can relax in place of familiarity. The smell of the coffee shop on the corner or that bakery I pass just down the street. What is life without some kind of consistency? It is so hard to imagine or handle!

Remember all the memories made as a child? Going out on walks or hikes with the family. Or going to the lake for a blast on the water. Maybe playing "army" out in the back 40 with your big brothers. Or playing pranks on your sister/s because you knew they would have the BEST reactions. Playing dodge ball on roller-blades  or digging out a fort in the sand at the beach. Those were the good memories!

Then come the "not so good" memories... The punishments for being caught in the act of disobedience or rebellion. The arguments or fights (physical or verbal) between siblings. Getting the short end of the stick because "you're younger". Or even just losing a loved one to the process of life and death. They are all burned into my memory. Whether I like it or not!

Beginning when we are young, we have a chance to learn. Some more than others. And some quicker than others. I look back and think "Wow... I got to do all that?" Harvesting wood, Gardening, Learning to mow a lawn, Chicken farm, Bucking Hay, Ultimate Frisbee  Volleyball, Many other sports, Construction, Horse training, Schooling(pre-K through College) HVAC training, Mission trips, Travel, Mud Caving, Skydiving, Skiing/Snowboarding, White water rafting, Paintballing, and the list goes on... What a privileged person I am! Among the top 30% of wealthy and privileged people in the world... And what am I doing with it?

------- To Be Continued -------