O Lord, My soul is filled with joy!
Today as I sit and write this post my heart is filled with peace and joy. I...ordinary old me...have a loving Savior. I have a Father in Heaven who is watching out for me. His Spirit guides my every move. Sometimes I'm distracted and cannot hear Him. Other times I hear Him perfectly clear and embrace the truth He is sharing with me. Right now the truth is that I am blessed beyond my comprehension. While I sit here in my cozy office working away the time, anxiously waiting until I can leave the office to go be with my family, I realized that I am blessed. Today, this 24th of December 2012, is a day for all who are living. Everyone around the world are experiencing this day. And everyone's day is different. Some are facing persecution...being persecuted for trusting in our Savior Jesus. Other are living in sin...not knowing the true peace or the reason for this season of celebration. Many are in deep depression because of financial bondage. Regardless of our life circumstances...we are blessed. We are ALIVE and living and breathing because our creator, God the Father, chooses to give us this day.
It's easy to think about all the negative things in our world today. It's easy to fall into the trap of making my problems and troubles seem HUGE. When in all reality, my problems would be a welcomed problems for some who are facing even greater challenges. I am so thankful for God sending His precious Son Jesus to save the world. His Son, the Savior of the World, so freely gave His life so that I might be blessed and have eternal life. He gave His life so that I might be alive and living this day. I am still alive and breathing because my God has a purpose for me. My purpose is to KNOW Him and to make Him KNOWN.
This Christmas, I want my family to know Jesus. I want my family to know that He is the reason we get together and love one another. He gave His life, what more could He give? The gifts we give are not even comparable to the gift that God gave. When God sent His Son Jesus, He knew that Jesus would pay the price so that the gift of eternal life could be offered to us. Out of all the gifts that you will receive this year, be a blessing to someone and share Jesus with them. Tell them all of who He is and all that He wants to be in there life. Be a Christmas Blessing! God bless you all this Christmas.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Thursday, September 20, 2012
A Singing Soul
This morning started off to an early start. I woke up at 5:30AM to go and drive a bus for the school. It was still dark outside and kind of cool. I arrived and the bus barn and greeted the few that were waiting to leave the school, grabbed my keys to Bus #2 and headed out to the bus. I checked everything over and made sure it was good to go. I waited for the bus to warm up a bit and then for my departure time. As I was waiting I just began to talk with my Father. "God, this is going to be a great day. Let me be a blessing to these children as they get on this bus today."
The route began and I picked up the first 2 students. I asked one of them to help guide me on this route because I had never driven this route before. So this 10th grade boy said he'd help me. He did a great job and I arrived at the school to drop off the students safe and sound.
After the route I headed to my office to spend time with the Lord. I've been reading in Hosea and it has really been grabbing my mind and heart. Even though it is hard to understand, with the study helps, I am understand what's going on. The people of Israel were still disobeying God and still trying to do things on their own. God was trying to get their attention, but they kept refusing and giving their sacrifices and worship to their man made idol, Baal. I finished the book of Hosea today and began to write in my journal. I was writing all that I had understood and learned and expressing to God my love and thankfulness for all that He's done. As I wrote the words, "You are the Only LIVING God..." The presence of the Lord came upon me. I was speechless and awestruck with wonder of my God. I began to weep. Suddenly it hit me. This is the God of Moses, the God of many great people in all history. This is MY God. He speaks to me. He hears me when I call Him. WOW!!!!! I was overwhelmed with joy and amazement at His presence. The lyrics to an old hymn began to flood my heart.
O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
How GREAT my God truly is!! Words cannot describe how my heart fills this very moment. There are no words in the human language to describe how I feel about my King, MY GOD and Savior.
Wherever you are at today in your walk with God. Know that He is alive and real. He loves you and wants what is best for you. Just as He spoke over and over to the people of Israel, wanting them to realize that He was their provider and wanted them to return to Him, He may be calling you to do the same. Worship your King today! Give Honor and Glory to your King today! Let your heart and soul sing out to Him today!! <><
The route began and I picked up the first 2 students. I asked one of them to help guide me on this route because I had never driven this route before. So this 10th grade boy said he'd help me. He did a great job and I arrived at the school to drop off the students safe and sound.
After the route I headed to my office to spend time with the Lord. I've been reading in Hosea and it has really been grabbing my mind and heart. Even though it is hard to understand, with the study helps, I am understand what's going on. The people of Israel were still disobeying God and still trying to do things on their own. God was trying to get their attention, but they kept refusing and giving their sacrifices and worship to their man made idol, Baal. I finished the book of Hosea today and began to write in my journal. I was writing all that I had understood and learned and expressing to God my love and thankfulness for all that He's done. As I wrote the words, "You are the Only LIVING God..." The presence of the Lord came upon me. I was speechless and awestruck with wonder of my God. I began to weep. Suddenly it hit me. This is the God of Moses, the God of many great people in all history. This is MY God. He speaks to me. He hears me when I call Him. WOW!!!!! I was overwhelmed with joy and amazement at His presence. The lyrics to an old hymn began to flood my heart.
O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
How GREAT my God truly is!! Words cannot describe how my heart fills this very moment. There are no words in the human language to describe how I feel about my King, MY GOD and Savior.
Wherever you are at today in your walk with God. Know that He is alive and real. He loves you and wants what is best for you. Just as He spoke over and over to the people of Israel, wanting them to realize that He was their provider and wanted them to return to Him, He may be calling you to do the same. Worship your King today! Give Honor and Glory to your King today! Let your heart and soul sing out to Him today!! <><
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Dreams
Do you ever dream? I know everyone probably dreams at night or while they are sleeping. But I mean do you every dream that certain things in your life would be a certain way?
I have a dream. Wow, that sounds familiar. Never heard that before. :)
No serious. I have a dream. I dream about having a Student Ministry where students are so on fire for the Lord and it's the talk of the town. Everyone is talking about the students and how they serve one another. Lost students come in and other students that know Jesus get to lead them into a relationship with Him. There is no students that judge each other. They all get along and love each other. The student ministry is known at the school for being a place where anyone of any gender, race, ethnicity can come and feel accepted and loved. That's my dream.
Sometimes I wish that I could literally paint a mental picture for them to see what life would be like if they were completely sold out for Jesus. If they gave up their desires of being popular or fitting in with the "in crowd" how awesome things could be.
O Lord, I pray for guidance. Let it NEVER be about me or my plans but always about You. I pray for adult men and women to love You with their whole hearts. I pray for the parents of the students to grow up and be the parents that you are calling them to be. I pray for Moms and Dads to be the spiritual leaders in their homes that you want them to be. I pray for the students that do know you to have a deep compassion for others. Lord hear my prayer. I love you Father!
What do you dream about?
I have a dream. Wow, that sounds familiar. Never heard that before. :)
No serious. I have a dream. I dream about having a Student Ministry where students are so on fire for the Lord and it's the talk of the town. Everyone is talking about the students and how they serve one another. Lost students come in and other students that know Jesus get to lead them into a relationship with Him. There is no students that judge each other. They all get along and love each other. The student ministry is known at the school for being a place where anyone of any gender, race, ethnicity can come and feel accepted and loved. That's my dream.
Sometimes I wish that I could literally paint a mental picture for them to see what life would be like if they were completely sold out for Jesus. If they gave up their desires of being popular or fitting in with the "in crowd" how awesome things could be.
O Lord, I pray for guidance. Let it NEVER be about me or my plans but always about You. I pray for adult men and women to love You with their whole hearts. I pray for the parents of the students to grow up and be the parents that you are calling them to be. I pray for Moms and Dads to be the spiritual leaders in their homes that you want them to be. I pray for the students that do know you to have a deep compassion for others. Lord hear my prayer. I love you Father!
What do you dream about?
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Comfortable
Comfortable. That's a comforting word, huh. Just thinking about the word makes me immediately think of things that give me comfort. Lazy boy recliner, hammock with a nice cool breeze, etc.
But today I am thinking about comfortable in a totally different way. Comfortable can sometimes get us into trouble. Comfortable can sometimes cause us to become lazy or complacent in our spiritual lives. It's VERY difficult at times to get away from our comfortable things when God calls us to do something that is out of our comfort zones. Do you have a comfort zone? Of course you do. Everyone does. We all have comfort zones. We know our limits to the edge of that zone. We know things that try to break into our zones. We are the warriors of keeping our life within that zone.
What happens when the Lord speaks to our hearts and the plans He has for us challenge us to step out of or away from that comfort zone? Our initial reaction is to defend that zone and make excuses or reasons why we cannot leave that comfort zone. But as the Spirit speaks to our hearts, we began to realize that we MUST step out of that comfort zone to be obedient to our King, our Lord, our Savior, our Father.
I can think of some many things that if the Lord called me to do, I would be stepping out of my comfort zone. I feel like I am ready to step. I feel like I am ready to leap. I am learning each new day that He is my ultimate. He's my provider, my guide and source of strength. Whatever He wants me to do, we will give me what I need to get it done.
What about you? What is the Lord speaking to your heart about right now that is challenging you to step out of your comfort zone? Following the Lord won't always be comfortable.
Britt Nicole's Song, "Walk on the Water" sums this up. The song says,
You look around
It's staring back at you
Another wave of doubt
Will it pull you under
You wonder
What if I'm overtaken
What if I never make it
What if no one's there?
Will you hear my prayer?
When you take that first step
Into the unknown
You know that he won't let you go
Chorus:
So what are you waiting for?
What do you have to lose?
Your insecurities try to alter you
You know you're made for more
So don't be afraid to move
Your faith is all
It takes and you can
Walk on the water too
Verse 2:
So get out
And let
Your fear fall to the ground
No time to waste
Don't wait
Don't you turn around and miss out
Everything you were made for
I know you're not sure
So you play it safe
Try to run away
If you take that first step
Into the unknown
He won't let you go
(chorus)
Bridge:
(step out)
Even when its storming
(step out)
Even when you're broken
(step out)
Even when your heart is telling you telling you to give up
(step out)
When your hope is stolen
(step out)
You can't see where you're going
You don't have to be afraid
Step out of comfortable and FOLLOW HIM today! <><
But today I am thinking about comfortable in a totally different way. Comfortable can sometimes get us into trouble. Comfortable can sometimes cause us to become lazy or complacent in our spiritual lives. It's VERY difficult at times to get away from our comfortable things when God calls us to do something that is out of our comfort zones. Do you have a comfort zone? Of course you do. Everyone does. We all have comfort zones. We know our limits to the edge of that zone. We know things that try to break into our zones. We are the warriors of keeping our life within that zone.
What happens when the Lord speaks to our hearts and the plans He has for us challenge us to step out of or away from that comfort zone? Our initial reaction is to defend that zone and make excuses or reasons why we cannot leave that comfort zone. But as the Spirit speaks to our hearts, we began to realize that we MUST step out of that comfort zone to be obedient to our King, our Lord, our Savior, our Father.
I can think of some many things that if the Lord called me to do, I would be stepping out of my comfort zone. I feel like I am ready to step. I feel like I am ready to leap. I am learning each new day that He is my ultimate. He's my provider, my guide and source of strength. Whatever He wants me to do, we will give me what I need to get it done.
What about you? What is the Lord speaking to your heart about right now that is challenging you to step out of your comfort zone? Following the Lord won't always be comfortable.
Britt Nicole's Song, "Walk on the Water" sums this up. The song says,
You look around
It's staring back at you
Another wave of doubt
Will it pull you under
You wonder
What if I'm overtaken
What if I never make it
What if no one's there?
Will you hear my prayer?
When you take that first step
Into the unknown
You know that he won't let you go
Chorus:
So what are you waiting for?
What do you have to lose?
Your insecurities try to alter you
You know you're made for more
So don't be afraid to move
Your faith is all
It takes and you can
Walk on the water too
Verse 2:
So get out
And let
Your fear fall to the ground
No time to waste
Don't wait
Don't you turn around and miss out
Everything you were made for
I know you're not sure
So you play it safe
Try to run away
If you take that first step
Into the unknown
He won't let you go
(chorus)
Bridge:
(step out)
Even when its storming
(step out)
Even when you're broken
(step out)
Even when your heart is telling you telling you to give up
(step out)
When your hope is stolen
(step out)
You can't see where you're going
You don't have to be afraid
Step out of comfortable and FOLLOW HIM today! <><
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Things
Wow. It is so easy to fill out life up with a lot of THINGS. Things that we love dearly. Things that we enjoy. Things that honestly have zero value. Things tend to fill up our schedules and take our time.
I was reading a devotional the other day and it said, "We can do numerous things, but our main thing should be to make disciples." After reading this I realized how truly important our life is. We can get so easily distracted by "things" that really have no importance to making disciples. Some might say, "stop being some 'holier than thou' type of person." But when it gets down to it...that's what we were created to do. As the Word of God guides us each day, the truth in Matthew 28 tells us to 'go and make disciples'.
God has placed each one of us in very unique places. He knows what is best for us. I am learning each day that EVERYTHING in life comes down to knowing Jesus and making Him known to those that don't know Him. He places me where He wants to use me. It is so hard to get a student to realize this truth. It's hard to get a student to know that they are in "that class" or sitting in "that seat" for a reason and purpose. Can you imagine life without all the "things" that Satan places before us? Can you imagine waking up tomorrow and the ONLY "thing" on your plate to do is to stand before a perfect and holy God and worship Him? Wait a minute...we can! :)
Each new day we can honor and worship our Lord and Savior no matter where we are, no matter how many tasks or things we have to do, Jesus can be the guide and front runner. It takes us to surrender our EVERYTHING to Him and let Him guide us with one act of obedience at a time. Time. That's a whole other talk. Time is so precious, but the reality is that we make time for whatever we want to make time for. If we took the 24 hours in each day that the Lord gives to us and surrender them over to Him...wow...what a difference that would make. That's what I'm trying to do each day. Every moment of every day that I have breath, I want to give it to the Lord. Even as I'm typing I'm praying that what I say on this blog is what someone needs to hear (including myself). I am praying that you who read this will know that the most important relationship and "THING" of your life is your relationship with Jesus! Nurture it! Feed it! And let's see what happens. <><
I was reading a devotional the other day and it said, "We can do numerous things, but our main thing should be to make disciples." After reading this I realized how truly important our life is. We can get so easily distracted by "things" that really have no importance to making disciples. Some might say, "stop being some 'holier than thou' type of person." But when it gets down to it...that's what we were created to do. As the Word of God guides us each day, the truth in Matthew 28 tells us to 'go and make disciples'.
God has placed each one of us in very unique places. He knows what is best for us. I am learning each day that EVERYTHING in life comes down to knowing Jesus and making Him known to those that don't know Him. He places me where He wants to use me. It is so hard to get a student to realize this truth. It's hard to get a student to know that they are in "that class" or sitting in "that seat" for a reason and purpose. Can you imagine life without all the "things" that Satan places before us? Can you imagine waking up tomorrow and the ONLY "thing" on your plate to do is to stand before a perfect and holy God and worship Him? Wait a minute...we can! :)
Each new day we can honor and worship our Lord and Savior no matter where we are, no matter how many tasks or things we have to do, Jesus can be the guide and front runner. It takes us to surrender our EVERYTHING to Him and let Him guide us with one act of obedience at a time. Time. That's a whole other talk. Time is so precious, but the reality is that we make time for whatever we want to make time for. If we took the 24 hours in each day that the Lord gives to us and surrender them over to Him...wow...what a difference that would make. That's what I'm trying to do each day. Every moment of every day that I have breath, I want to give it to the Lord. Even as I'm typing I'm praying that what I say on this blog is what someone needs to hear (including myself). I am praying that you who read this will know that the most important relationship and "THING" of your life is your relationship with Jesus! Nurture it! Feed it! And let's see what happens. <><
Monday, August 13, 2012
Following
Over the past 10 years in student ministry I have seen the word "Christian" used to identify so many people that I wonder if people really even know the meaning. I hear it used as people who go to church are called Christians. The people who do good things are called Christians. People who are in a biblical marriage are called Christians. Do people actually know what it truly means to be a Christian?
It's in every human to want to follow someone. But our culture tells us not to follow anyone but to be ourselves. I have stopped using the word "Christian" so often. When talking with our students about having a relationship with God I have began using the term being a "follower" of Jesus Christ. I want our students to understand that when we are a follower of Christ, we are to be different from the world. God's word tells us in Romans 12:2 not to conform to the pattern of this world. This is a hard thing for people to do. We so desperately desire relationships with others that we will just about do whatever it takes to make friends with those people. Regardless if they are doing things or are apart of things that dishonor our Lord Jesus. To be a follower of Jesus we mu deny our selfish desires. OUR way will always get in the way of following Jesus. Either we deny OUR ways or we deny Christ. We must make a conscious choice every day to surrender OUR wants and OUR desires over to our guide and our Savior. We let our Lord Jesus take control of the wheel and let him guide use through each day.
What do you want me to wear this morning Lord?
What food should I eat to make me healthy today?
Father, who should I sit by this morning?
What do you want me to say to him/her?
Should I do this or should I do that?
We ALWAYS need to be in communication with our Father. I have heard many people say, "Pray without ceasing and you'll never cease to pray." I love this because it is so true of our life with Christ. If we are in constant communication with Him, we will not step out of that communication line.
So today...I make a choice to do my best to following my Lord and my Savior. I am following!
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Not Mine but His
It's so difficult each day to remember that this day is not your own. The offering that we have to give to the Lord is the very LIFE that He gave to us. With each new day there are many battles that I seem to face to give it ALL to the Lord. So many times it is so much easier to do it my way and the way that would make me happier (so I think). Yet no matter what life throws at me, I constantly have to stop and say, "I am living for my King, not myself. What would you have me do Lord? What would you have me say Father?"
Living for a King is no easy task. Yet the rewards and blessings of serving a King are unexplainable.
I get the honor of teaching students about the Word of God. I am a Student Pastor at Harbor Church in Oologah, Oklahoma. It's pronounced (oo-luh-gah). We hear some pretty funny pronunciations of this town. But I get the privilege of sharing God's word with groups of students and watching the Lord work in their lives.
Each week as I prepare for the message I am constantly asking my Father what I should teach and how I should teach it. I NEVER want to have my own agenda. I only want to teach what He lays on my heart. I am looking forward to tonight. He has lay it on my heart to talk with the students about getting rid of idols. We ALL have idols at times in our lives that sneak in on us and stick around for a while before we realize what they actually have become. Anything can be an idol if it takes priority or place of our Lord and Savior. Television, Sports, Family Time, etc. Things that we spend A LOT of time doing can easily become an idol to us and we don't even realize it.
I challenge you today as I challenge myself. Do a life inventory and see if there are any idols hanging around. The Word of God says "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting," Psalm 139:23-24. Sometimes we get all wrapped up in life and all the while God is trying to get us to slow down and take a look a few things.
As He has blessed us with this new day. Let us fix our eyes on Him and surrender all we've got to our King!
Living for a King is no easy task. Yet the rewards and blessings of serving a King are unexplainable.
I get the honor of teaching students about the Word of God. I am a Student Pastor at Harbor Church in Oologah, Oklahoma. It's pronounced (oo-luh-gah). We hear some pretty funny pronunciations of this town. But I get the privilege of sharing God's word with groups of students and watching the Lord work in their lives.
Each week as I prepare for the message I am constantly asking my Father what I should teach and how I should teach it. I NEVER want to have my own agenda. I only want to teach what He lays on my heart. I am looking forward to tonight. He has lay it on my heart to talk with the students about getting rid of idols. We ALL have idols at times in our lives that sneak in on us and stick around for a while before we realize what they actually have become. Anything can be an idol if it takes priority or place of our Lord and Savior. Television, Sports, Family Time, etc. Things that we spend A LOT of time doing can easily become an idol to us and we don't even realize it.
I challenge you today as I challenge myself. Do a life inventory and see if there are any idols hanging around. The Word of God says "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting," Psalm 139:23-24. Sometimes we get all wrapped up in life and all the while God is trying to get us to slow down and take a look a few things.
As He has blessed us with this new day. Let us fix our eyes on Him and surrender all we've got to our King!
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