"About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earth quake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all of the prison doors blew open, and everyone's chains came loose." Acts 16:25-26
Sometimes in our trials we beg God to deliver us from our situation, with the focus being on ourselves and our well being. God, however, already knows our situation and what we need better than we do. When we don't know how to go before Him in these times, we need to remember who He is and respond to that, because He doesn't change like our shifting circumstances. Always praise God for who he is, not just for that which can change in an instant. With praise and worship to God comes freedom in the most trying times.
"And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." Matthew 6:7-8
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Finding Freedom
"So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him...
Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell... and the chains fell off Peter's wrists." Acts 12 5-7
A picture I got when reading this is that of an unbeliever imprisoned, and the importance of our intercession for them. It was not what Peter was praying, but the prayers of the ones who cared about him that God answered. Like an unbeliever sleeping, bound in chains, we must intercede for them to be free. They may be incapacitated and unaware of their captivity, but we must earnestly plead with God for their freedom so that He will deliver them.
Another important revelation that was shared with me by a friend is the power of a Godly person. Peter was a man of God. He was viewed as a convicted felon and was more dangerous than the worst of them. He was kept in a prison cell, bound in chains, two guards on either side of him and a guard at the door. This guy was dangerous!! And after all of that security he still managed to escape. This is a man who doesn't need weapons or physical strength to prevail, it's the spiritual forces that guard him that the world is powerless to defend against. And the same God who rescued Peter is the God who will deliver us.
Psalm 91
" If you say,' the Lord is my refuge'
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
For he will command his angels
concerning you to guard you in all your ways."
If we truly live this out, we will be unstoppable. We will no longer fear the dangerous places or situations that once kept us at bay; for those are often the places of greatest potential for advancing the kingdom of God. Imagine if we no longer feared death. We would become far more dangerous than any threat this world has to pose.
Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell... and the chains fell off Peter's wrists." Acts 12 5-7
A picture I got when reading this is that of an unbeliever imprisoned, and the importance of our intercession for them. It was not what Peter was praying, but the prayers of the ones who cared about him that God answered. Like an unbeliever sleeping, bound in chains, we must intercede for them to be free. They may be incapacitated and unaware of their captivity, but we must earnestly plead with God for their freedom so that He will deliver them.
Another important revelation that was shared with me by a friend is the power of a Godly person. Peter was a man of God. He was viewed as a convicted felon and was more dangerous than the worst of them. He was kept in a prison cell, bound in chains, two guards on either side of him and a guard at the door. This guy was dangerous!! And after all of that security he still managed to escape. This is a man who doesn't need weapons or physical strength to prevail, it's the spiritual forces that guard him that the world is powerless to defend against. And the same God who rescued Peter is the God who will deliver us.
Psalm 91
" If you say,' the Lord is my refuge'
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
For he will command his angels
concerning you to guard you in all your ways."
If we truly live this out, we will be unstoppable. We will no longer fear the dangerous places or situations that once kept us at bay; for those are often the places of greatest potential for advancing the kingdom of God. Imagine if we no longer feared death. We would become far more dangerous than any threat this world has to pose.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Finding the Balance
I'm realizing more and more that I'm in a season of preparation. I came here expecting to simply go and do, but things aren't happening that quickly. As with anywhere you go, you have to soak into the environment. It's been a culture shock for me in the sense that I'm used to having so many obligations and commitments that I never had to decide how to spend my day, someone else has always done that for me! Here, however, I haven't acquired those obligations that used to dictate so much of my time; I'm having to learn how to manage it myself. What I'm discovering is that in doing this, there is a lot of freedom, but there's also a lot of room for mismanagement. Many times, I get discouraged, feeling like I should be conquering some notable task, making some kind of colossal difference in the world, but instead, I find myself going to bed yet one more time without having done anything like that. Darn you addicting Disney movies!
It didn't take long to realize I needed to remedy this situation, but coming up with the solution is not as easy as it may seem. What I realized is how big of a role inspiration plays in the self-motivated world. When commitments aren't telling me what to do, inspiration has to. The problem is when there is no inspiration, I tend to avoid doing anything that doesn't sound like fun. If you've ever been in that predicament, you know that discipline goes out the window and boredom sets in fast. So in solving this quandary, I decided to compartmentalize one day at a time and fill it with a certain amount of mental stimulation (learning, filling up) and an amount of charity (teaching, pouring out). Both sides must be present and balanced.
For the charity aspect, I'm working on making it a life style. It can't be just an event or a task during the day, it must become a mindset that thinks outwardly, eyes that look for need and arms that are willing to reach out and meet it. One step I'm taking in this field is by building relationships with people in town and around the community. The nice thing about living on a small island is that you tend to see a lot of people that you recognize. My first step is to meet those people. If I were to meet 5 people every time I went into town, I would know half the island in no time. That's where the ministry begins for me. Without relationships, it's nearly impossible to make any kind of long term impact in someone's life.
As for the mental stimulation part, I find that the more I learn, the more inspired I get to keep learning. It's just the digging in that takes some patience. Reading, in and of itself, is a great mental exercise, but studying subjects that interest you can be so rewarding when you're not under the pressure of school. Go figure!
Right now, I'm studying from several books of the bible, both Old and New Testaments, a music book on Afro-Cuban drumming styles, a book on singing, a devotional book, and a novel, as well as Spanish and Kriol language books. Just little by little, I try to study as if I were taking a course in that particular subject.
Living in this new environment has so much to teach me. I've learned so much from the people who have lived here forever, just by watching them and talking to them, they'll show me all kinds of new things. Everything from fishing, to cooking, to music styles, and languages, it's all so fascinating to me. Living on an island where most people have little money, and a lot of time and natural resources, results in some crazy ingenuity. I love learning their quirky ways of doing things. It's an interesting way of learning, and as I discover, the world becomes my school!
Oh, and it's amazing what difference it makes to get up early! the sun rises at 5:30 and if you're not up by then, you're burning day light! as a wise friend Matt Bell would say.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Yet another update
I've kind of taken up the hobby of taking pictures. I see so much of God's artwork that and I can't help but immortalize it in my camera! sort of. Just an update, I have gotten a little bit more adapted to life in Belize. I've been going to a Spanish speaking church and helping out the two drummers for their praise team. I'm more or less of a mentor to them I guess. I met with a guy who owns a christian radio station on the island and he really wants some volunteers to work at the station. Live Djs and such. I'm not sure if that's where I'm called yet or not, but I would love to help wherever God wants to use me. There are so many seekers here and many people are almost there, they just don't have anyone to walk with them and disciple them. Until now! We definitely have our work cut out for us. God will do awesome things in San Pedro! 
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Everything under heaven
"The LORD said to Job: 'Can you pull in Leviathon with a fishhook
or tie down its tongue with a rope?
Can you put a cord through its nose
or pierce its jaw with a hook?
Will it keep begging you for mercy?
Will it speak to you with gentle
words?'"
"... No one is fierce enough to rouse it.
Who then is able to stand against me?
Who has a claim against me that I must
pay?
Everything under heaven belongs
to me."
Job 41:1-3,10-11
Saw this little guy in the lagoon along the way to go fishing last night. When I got off of my bike to take pictures he came up on to the land because he thought I was going to feed him. Or he was wanting to eat me! I'm not sure, but I didn't want to stick around for that.
or tie down its tongue with a rope?
Can you put a cord through its nose
or pierce its jaw with a hook?
Will it keep begging you for mercy?
Will it speak to you with gentle
words?'"
"... No one is fierce enough to rouse it.
Who then is able to stand against me?
Who has a claim against me that I must
pay?
Everything under heaven belongs
to me."
Job 41:1-3,10-11
Monday, October 17, 2011
Fishing this morning
This morning was fairly adventurous. We got up with the sunrise at 5:30 to go spear fishing. We finally bought a spear to maximize our efficiency yesterday. It was raining as we traveled along the mud roads on our bikes. We were ready to catch our food for the first time out of necessity rather than just for fun. As we got to our favorite dock, it stopped raining. We swam around a little bit and eventually found where the larger fish congregate. Slowly learning what works and what doesn't, we eventually got a few black snapper. We saw all kinds of crazy marine life, stingrays, starfish, lots of colorful fish, some dolphins swam by, it was awesome.
A few of the local guys were on the same dock and showed me how to catch a barracuda. They showed me how to throw in our sardine net, put a lively one on the hook, through the mouth, then cast it behind the barracuda, slowly pulling it past him. The baros hang out in really shallow water and the water is crystal clear, so we could see when it was checking out the bait. It didn't show much interest unless the sardine was moving. Eventually he went for it though and I caught him! That was exciting.
Later, we fished behind Jeff's apartment in the lake (the conventional way for the most part), and we caught a ton of little snapper. We learned the cheapest and easiest way to fish is by winding the line around a glass coke bottle, then casting off the end of that. No fishing rod is necessary! We had fish tacos for dinner!
A few of the local guys were on the same dock and showed me how to catch a barracuda. They showed me how to throw in our sardine net, put a lively one on the hook, through the mouth, then cast it behind the barracuda, slowly pulling it past him. The baros hang out in really shallow water and the water is crystal clear, so we could see when it was checking out the bait. It didn't show much interest unless the sardine was moving. Eventually he went for it though and I caught him! That was exciting.
Later, we fished behind Jeff's apartment in the lake (the conventional way for the most part), and we caught a ton of little snapper. We learned the cheapest and easiest way to fish is by winding the line around a glass coke bottle, then casting off the end of that. No fishing rod is necessary! We had fish tacos for dinner!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Life on an island
This is our first week living on the island and we're learning how to survive. From day 1 to day 2, we discovered a lot about what not to do! The culture is entirely different than what we're used to in the states. I thought people from Texas were friendly but Belizeans put us to shame! There's a difference between being friendly and being hospitable. People you've never met before will go way out of their way just to help you out with anything they see you need help with.
To describe it here as 'laid-back' would be an understatement. No one's in a hurry to get anywhere. When we go too fast or appear to be in a hurry, the guy with a monkey on his shoulder will say, "slow down mon!"
We're eating pretty healthy and I love it. Fresh fruit, vegetables, chicken, fish, eggs and hot tortillas are the cheapest and most abundant things to buy here, aside from rice and beans. I'm glad to have two roommates who like to cook!
Fishing is still not our forte but we'll get the hang of it. We have a sardine net which we're still learning how to use and some coke bottles which we tie the line around and cast it out. Today we will buy a spear and a sling so we can spearfish! I can't wait for that. It's like snorkeling with ulterior motives.
We travel on bikes most of the time, but we walk if we're not going far. We can get pretty much anywhere we want to go in a fairly short amount of time. But when it rains, it gets really muddy. It's not like brown mud, it's more like clay, sort of a beige color.
It's very apparent that God has called us here to bring truth to these people. Many of our friends we have met are seeking but still without the Lord. Pray that we plant the seed in the right soil!
To describe it here as 'laid-back' would be an understatement. No one's in a hurry to get anywhere. When we go too fast or appear to be in a hurry, the guy with a monkey on his shoulder will say, "slow down mon!"
We're eating pretty healthy and I love it. Fresh fruit, vegetables, chicken, fish, eggs and hot tortillas are the cheapest and most abundant things to buy here, aside from rice and beans. I'm glad to have two roommates who like to cook!
Fishing is still not our forte but we'll get the hang of it. We have a sardine net which we're still learning how to use and some coke bottles which we tie the line around and cast it out. Today we will buy a spear and a sling so we can spearfish! I can't wait for that. It's like snorkeling with ulterior motives.
We travel on bikes most of the time, but we walk if we're not going far. We can get pretty much anywhere we want to go in a fairly short amount of time. But when it rains, it gets really muddy. It's not like brown mud, it's more like clay, sort of a beige color.
It's very apparent that God has called us here to bring truth to these people. Many of our friends we have met are seeking but still without the Lord. Pray that we plant the seed in the right soil!
Finally Here
His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse,
nor his delight in the legs of the warrior;
the Lord delights in those who fear him,
who put their hope in his unfailing love.
psalm 147:10-11
Surely you will summon nations you know not,
and nations you do not know will come running to you,
because of the Lord your God,
the Holy one of Israel,
for he has endowed you with splendor.
Isaiah 55:5
So is my word that goes out from my
mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I
sent it.
Isaiah 55:11
So here we are, in Belize! It's been a long time since we first began planning the move, 9 months in fact... Like a baby being birthed! The first day was pretty awesome getting here; God came through in so many ways and clearly paved the way. All of the things we expected to stand in our way just eased on by with no problem. We found a lot of favor with the people at the airlines and at customs in Belize. No extra fines!
Thinking of the trip here, Isaiah 43:1 comes to mind when the Lord says "I have summoned you by name". Two times on the way here were we "summoned by name". The first time was kind of our mistake.. As Cam and I were waiting in Houston for our connecting flight, thinking we had plenty of time, we made our way to terminal E. After about 10 minutes of heading towards our gate, we realized how late we were. Then over the loud speaker we heard "passengers Schmitt and Barlow, your flight is about to take off" and on top of that, Cam's shoes came untied. AH! we ran, shoe laces flying, we made it just in time. Praise God!
The second time we were called out was shortly after we got into the Belize City airport. As we walked outside to find Nick, who's flight got in a few hours prior, we were approached by a man who said "Jarod and Camden?!" "Yes?" "Nick sent you a ride!" We then saw a man holding a cardboard sign with our names on it, signed Nick. Lol He sent a cab for us when he left early.
All the way, God was with us and he provided.
nor his delight in the legs of the warrior;
the Lord delights in those who fear him,
who put their hope in his unfailing love.
psalm 147:10-11
Surely you will summon nations you know not,
and nations you do not know will come running to you,
because of the Lord your God,
the Holy one of Israel,
for he has endowed you with splendor.
Isaiah 55:5
So is my word that goes out from my
mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I
sent it.
Isaiah 55:11
So here we are, in Belize! It's been a long time since we first began planning the move, 9 months in fact... Like a baby being birthed! The first day was pretty awesome getting here; God came through in so many ways and clearly paved the way. All of the things we expected to stand in our way just eased on by with no problem. We found a lot of favor with the people at the airlines and at customs in Belize. No extra fines!
Thinking of the trip here, Isaiah 43:1 comes to mind when the Lord says "I have summoned you by name". Two times on the way here were we "summoned by name". The first time was kind of our mistake.. As Cam and I were waiting in Houston for our connecting flight, thinking we had plenty of time, we made our way to terminal E. After about 10 minutes of heading towards our gate, we realized how late we were. Then over the loud speaker we heard "passengers Schmitt and Barlow, your flight is about to take off" and on top of that, Cam's shoes came untied. AH! we ran, shoe laces flying, we made it just in time. Praise God!
The second time we were called out was shortly after we got into the Belize City airport. As we walked outside to find Nick, who's flight got in a few hours prior, we were approached by a man who said "Jarod and Camden?!" "Yes?" "Nick sent you a ride!" We then saw a man holding a cardboard sign with our names on it, signed Nick. Lol He sent a cab for us when he left early.
All the way, God was with us and he provided.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
The Counterculture of Jesus Christ: verses in Matthew
To study the culture of Jesus, I began by reading the book of Matthew and writing down every instance I could find where Jesus demonstrated or taught something that was opposite of the social norm. Here they are.
Matthew 5:11-12
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Matthew 5:38-39
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also."
Matthew 5:43-44
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,"
Matthew 6:1
1 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven."
Matthew 6:19-20
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."
Matthew 6:25
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?"
Matthew 6:32-33
32 "For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Matthew 7:12
12 "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."
Matthew 10:38-39
38 "Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it."
Matthew 15:10-11
10 Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen and understand. 11 What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”
Matthew 16:24-25
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.
Matthew 18:3-4
3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 19:9
9 I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”
Matthew 19:21
21 Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Matthew 19:23
23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 19:29
29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.
Matthew 19:30
30 But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.
Matthew 20:25-27
25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—
Matthew 20:28
28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 23:11-12
11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Matthew 25:40
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Matthew 5:11-12
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Matthew 5:38-39
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also."
Matthew 5:43-44
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,"
Matthew 6:1
1 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven."
Matthew 6:19-20
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."
Matthew 6:25
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?"
Matthew 6:32-33
32 "For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Matthew 7:12
12 "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."
Matthew 10:38-39
38 "Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it."
Matthew 15:10-11
10 Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen and understand. 11 What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”
Matthew 16:24-25
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.
Matthew 18:3-4
3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 19:9
9 I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”
Matthew 19:21
21 Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Matthew 19:23
23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 19:29
29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.
Matthew 19:30
30 But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.
Matthew 20:25-27
25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—
Matthew 20:28
28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 23:11-12
11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Matthew 25:40
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
The Counterculture of Jesus Christ
I have been sitting on this blog post for a while, reluctant to put anything out there due to the depth of the topic itself. Frankly, I'm intimidated by it! So, I'll start with this.
Somewhere within every person is a desire to go against the grain. A desire to be different than society and no longer be bound by the norm. Typically, people will go through a rebellious stage, but come to realize that being different for the sake of being different is not practical. Society has shaped and evolved over the years into the most accommodating mechanism that it can be for the purpose that it serves.
However, 2,000 years ago, Jesus Christ came to Earth and turned everything as society knows it entirely upside down. Jesus didn't just go a different way that was unique and winding, he went dead on against the current.
To look at the teachings and lifestyle of Jesus Christ, we see that everything he did was entirely opposite of the norm and entirely more effective. How could we have been that far off?!
When God created the Earth, He created man in his image, and the world was perfect. Life was just as God had intended for it to be. We were created to live in a pure, selfless way. But from the moment sin entered the world, things began to slide. As God gave us the law, we began to see just how far we have strayed from life as God intended.
Then right in the middle of time, God sent his son, the second Adam. He stepped in to seek and save that which had been lost. He stopped the world and pushed everything back, spinning the other direction, redeeming it to its original purpose for those who follow him.
To study the culture of Jesus, I began by reading the book of Matthew and writing down every instance I could find where Jesus demonstrated or taught something that was opposite of the social norm. The verses are in the following post.
Somewhere within every person is a desire to go against the grain. A desire to be different than society and no longer be bound by the norm. Typically, people will go through a rebellious stage, but come to realize that being different for the sake of being different is not practical. Society has shaped and evolved over the years into the most accommodating mechanism that it can be for the purpose that it serves.
However, 2,000 years ago, Jesus Christ came to Earth and turned everything as society knows it entirely upside down. Jesus didn't just go a different way that was unique and winding, he went dead on against the current.
To look at the teachings and lifestyle of Jesus Christ, we see that everything he did was entirely opposite of the norm and entirely more effective. How could we have been that far off?!
When God created the Earth, He created man in his image, and the world was perfect. Life was just as God had intended for it to be. We were created to live in a pure, selfless way. But from the moment sin entered the world, things began to slide. As God gave us the law, we began to see just how far we have strayed from life as God intended.
Then right in the middle of time, God sent his son, the second Adam. He stepped in to seek and save that which had been lost. He stopped the world and pushed everything back, spinning the other direction, redeeming it to its original purpose for those who follow him.
To study the culture of Jesus, I began by reading the book of Matthew and writing down every instance I could find where Jesus demonstrated or taught something that was opposite of the social norm. The verses are in the following post.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Beautiful Lord
When the storm is raging all around me
You are the peace that calms
My troubled sea
And when the cares of this world
Darken my day
You are the light that shines
And shows me the way
Oh, the beauty of Your majesty
On the cross You showed Your love for me!
"Beautiful lord" by Leeland
The song of the redeemed
Lord be my infection. Make me highly contagious. Become viral through all who surround me. Infect me with your own nature to the point where I deny my own flesh. Let people walk right past me, look right through me, and not see me. Let it be you that they see, consuming by body, eating my flesh. Become my identity. Rid me of all other cares. Engulf me.
Let it be terminal. I will die to myself. Bury me in the earth with all of my possessions, my earthly kingdom.
Then, once I am no more than a fading memory, an impression in the sand, bring about revival. Breathe life into my spirit. Speak truth into my life. Satisfy me in the morning with your unfailing love. Bring me into your presence. Be my remedy. Restore my soul. Send me into the world to preach good news; to free the oppressed; to provide the poor wanderer with shelter; to clothe the naked and not turn away from my own flesh and blood. Let my light break forth like the dawn. Let my healing quickly appear; let my righteousness go before me and your glory be my rear guard. Then I will call and you will answer; I will cry for help and you will say; Here I am.
Let it be terminal. I will die to myself. Bury me in the earth with all of my possessions, my earthly kingdom.
Then, once I am no more than a fading memory, an impression in the sand, bring about revival. Breathe life into my spirit. Speak truth into my life. Satisfy me in the morning with your unfailing love. Bring me into your presence. Be my remedy. Restore my soul. Send me into the world to preach good news; to free the oppressed; to provide the poor wanderer with shelter; to clothe the naked and not turn away from my own flesh and blood. Let my light break forth like the dawn. Let my healing quickly appear; let my righteousness go before me and your glory be my rear guard. Then I will call and you will answer; I will cry for help and you will say; Here I am.
A love too deep
"Pilate said, 'Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.'" John 18:31
How can I fathom? Jesus came down from Heaven to live the life of a servant and be handed over to be judged by the world? and yet it agreed to do so? and what does it give him but the death sentence.
"My father, if it is possible may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." Matthew 26:39
And on top of that, the death he faced was not the worst of it. His brutal death and betrayal on the cross was only the outer fringe of what was actually happening. The cup he drank was filled with the wrath of God which was meant for us. All of the sin we have ever committed were on him. As he was mocked and beaten, the nails driving through his hands, he drank the cup that was ours to bear. He has saved us from death.
"For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:17
The world put him away and sentenced him to death as though he were the problem, all the while, he is the remedy. The ONLY remedy. The light in the darkness. The narrow path to life. The savior of the world.
"If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very last words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day." John 12:47-48
How can I fathom? Jesus came down from Heaven to live the life of a servant and be handed over to be judged by the world? and yet it agreed to do so? and what does it give him but the death sentence.
"My father, if it is possible may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." Matthew 26:39
And on top of that, the death he faced was not the worst of it. His brutal death and betrayal on the cross was only the outer fringe of what was actually happening. The cup he drank was filled with the wrath of God which was meant for us. All of the sin we have ever committed were on him. As he was mocked and beaten, the nails driving through his hands, he drank the cup that was ours to bear. He has saved us from death.
"For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:17
The world put him away and sentenced him to death as though he were the problem, all the while, he is the remedy. The ONLY remedy. The light in the darkness. The narrow path to life. The savior of the world.
"If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very last words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day." John 12:47-48
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
An update on the Belize mission
Time line:
We fly out on October 10th and we will return on April 20th for probably a couple of weeks then we'll head back to Belize.
Crew:
Camden Barlow(22), Nick Schmitt(24), Jarod Schmitt(22).
Location:
San Pedro, Belize. It is on a small island called Ambergris Caye, probably about 20 miles off the coast of Belize.
Mission:
The Lord has called us to go and make disciples of the nations (Matt. 28:19). As far as we know, we will be spending a lot of time with people of all ages and walks of life, teaching them the word of God and modeling that for them in our own lives. We will be following the model of the early church in Acts 4 as well as the methods of Jesus Christ. We believe that the most important thing we can do for new believers is mentor them, while giving up our own time and agendas in order to spend it with them. That is why the early church was so effective.
Your support:
We ask everyone of you for your prayer support, for that is the greatest strength we have. We believe strongly that the Lord will provide as long as we are seeking first his kingdom (Matt. 6:33). He may provide through money, or materials, or even by eliminating our need for certain things, but none the less, He will provide.
We do not at this point in time feel compelled to ask anyone for money and here's why...
We would rather have a dollar that the Lord prompts you to give than a thousand that he does not. If we ask for money, that would confuse you to the Lord's will, and you may end up giving something out of guilt that the Lord did not ask you to give. To avoid this, we are trusting that He will put it on the hearts of the people through which He chooses to provide, and it will be done.
If you feel a joy about giving to our cause and you have no doubt that it is God's will that you do so, here is how you can help.
To get the tax deduction, go through Lifeway church. Lifewayfamily.org
to give directly, you can go to Nick's website. disciplingnations.info
If you have any questions or would like to talk, send me an email at commodoreperry8@gmail.com
We fly out on October 10th and we will return on April 20th for probably a couple of weeks then we'll head back to Belize.
Crew:
Camden Barlow(22), Nick Schmitt(24), Jarod Schmitt(22).
Location:
San Pedro, Belize. It is on a small island called Ambergris Caye, probably about 20 miles off the coast of Belize.
Mission:
The Lord has called us to go and make disciples of the nations (Matt. 28:19). As far as we know, we will be spending a lot of time with people of all ages and walks of life, teaching them the word of God and modeling that for them in our own lives. We will be following the model of the early church in Acts 4 as well as the methods of Jesus Christ. We believe that the most important thing we can do for new believers is mentor them, while giving up our own time and agendas in order to spend it with them. That is why the early church was so effective.
Your support:
We ask everyone of you for your prayer support, for that is the greatest strength we have. We believe strongly that the Lord will provide as long as we are seeking first his kingdom (Matt. 6:33). He may provide through money, or materials, or even by eliminating our need for certain things, but none the less, He will provide.
We do not at this point in time feel compelled to ask anyone for money and here's why...
We would rather have a dollar that the Lord prompts you to give than a thousand that he does not. If we ask for money, that would confuse you to the Lord's will, and you may end up giving something out of guilt that the Lord did not ask you to give. To avoid this, we are trusting that He will put it on the hearts of the people through which He chooses to provide, and it will be done.
If you feel a joy about giving to our cause and you have no doubt that it is God's will that you do so, here is how you can help.
To get the tax deduction, go through Lifeway church. Lifewayfamily.org
to give directly, you can go to Nick's website. disciplingnations.info
If you have any questions or would like to talk, send me an email at commodoreperry8@gmail.com
Friday, August 26, 2011
Love untamed
Here is an excerpt from "The Barbarian Way" by Erwin McManus about the church today.
"Two thousand years ago God started a revolt against the religion He started. So don't ever put it past God to cause a groundswell movement against churches and Christian institutions that bear His name. If He was willing to turn Judaism upside down, don't think for a moment our institutions are safe from divine revolt. I am convinced that even now there are multitudes of followers of Jesus Christ who are sick and tired of the church playing games and playing down the call of God. My travels only confirm that the murmurings of the revolution are everywhere. I am convinced that there is an uprising in the works and that no one less than God is behind it."
"Two thousand years ago God started a revolt against the religion He started. So don't ever put it past God to cause a groundswell movement against churches and Christian institutions that bear His name. If He was willing to turn Judaism upside down, don't think for a moment our institutions are safe from divine revolt. I am convinced that even now there are multitudes of followers of Jesus Christ who are sick and tired of the church playing games and playing down the call of God. My travels only confirm that the murmurings of the revolution are everywhere. I am convinced that there is an uprising in the works and that no one less than God is behind it."
Monday, August 22, 2011
Community of the early church
"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them."
Acts 4:32-34
Community is one of the most important traits we as believers have, yet in today's culture, it has been diminished, if not forgotten. Independence is seen as a positive thing, while having to ask for help is seen as a sign of weakness. How contrary this is to the gospel! yet it is so dominant even in the church today! Giving is seen not as a sign of surrender, but as a sign of power, because the giver is "beyond self-sufficient" to the point of having excess to give away to the "less fortunate." Most of my life, I've been a part of different communities that did not live out the faith the way it is portrayed for us in Acts. Consequentially, in that time, I didn't see much fruit, and had a very difficult time following the Lord with all of my heart. It wasn't until recently that I became a part of a community that truly takes the model given in Acts and lives it out. And this community has become viral. For all that we as individuals try to do on our own, we as a community can do exponentially more, and as we do, more people join us and turn their lives completely around.
For a personal story, last night, as our guy's accountability group met, one of us had a need. My initial reaction would be to keep him anonymous, but that would be under the mindset that asking for help is a sign of weakness, when it's actually the one of the strongest things I've seen anyone do. Toby came to us humbly with a debt that he could not pay. It was due the next day and it was for $900, and if it was not payed the next day, it would be raised to $3000. As he was telling us about it, my heart leapt and I felt a desire to help him out. Sitting next to me was my cousin Nick (Also known as Herby), who wrote down that he was selling his car today for $900 and showed me quietly to see what I thought. At that same moment, Camden jumped out of his chair and said to Herby, "It's your car isn't it!" Then he read us the passage in Acts 4. The spirit was clearly prompting the three of us to pool our resources together and help our brother out. Interestingly, the other three guys at the table were silent and it was apparent that as they wanted to help, they didn't have the means to do so, and didn't feel the spirit compelling them to do so either. The three of us that God spoke to are the three that are moving to Belize on mission in a month and don't have any money to spare. It became apparent to me that God was teaching the three of us to rely on His provision and not to trust in our own understanding before we go. And I can't describe the peace I felt after handing over the money, because, I knew that we would no longer have financial worries, because God will always provide. And besides, What's $900 to an infinite God?!
So today, Toby sends me a message saying that he found favor with the one collecting his debt and it was reduced to only a tenth of the original amount!!! All glory to God!!
As we set Isaac on the altar, the lord spared him! or at least most of him LOL.
I say all of this not to boast in myself or my brothers, but to boast in God and to bring glory to him. I hope that you too will be inspired to follow the model of the early church and dare to put your life as you know it on the line to see God transform it into something beautiful.
Acts 4:32-34
Community is one of the most important traits we as believers have, yet in today's culture, it has been diminished, if not forgotten. Independence is seen as a positive thing, while having to ask for help is seen as a sign of weakness. How contrary this is to the gospel! yet it is so dominant even in the church today! Giving is seen not as a sign of surrender, but as a sign of power, because the giver is "beyond self-sufficient" to the point of having excess to give away to the "less fortunate." Most of my life, I've been a part of different communities that did not live out the faith the way it is portrayed for us in Acts. Consequentially, in that time, I didn't see much fruit, and had a very difficult time following the Lord with all of my heart. It wasn't until recently that I became a part of a community that truly takes the model given in Acts and lives it out. And this community has become viral. For all that we as individuals try to do on our own, we as a community can do exponentially more, and as we do, more people join us and turn their lives completely around.
For a personal story, last night, as our guy's accountability group met, one of us had a need. My initial reaction would be to keep him anonymous, but that would be under the mindset that asking for help is a sign of weakness, when it's actually the one of the strongest things I've seen anyone do. Toby came to us humbly with a debt that he could not pay. It was due the next day and it was for $900, and if it was not payed the next day, it would be raised to $3000. As he was telling us about it, my heart leapt and I felt a desire to help him out. Sitting next to me was my cousin Nick (Also known as Herby), who wrote down that he was selling his car today for $900 and showed me quietly to see what I thought. At that same moment, Camden jumped out of his chair and said to Herby, "It's your car isn't it!" Then he read us the passage in Acts 4. The spirit was clearly prompting the three of us to pool our resources together and help our brother out. Interestingly, the other three guys at the table were silent and it was apparent that as they wanted to help, they didn't have the means to do so, and didn't feel the spirit compelling them to do so either. The three of us that God spoke to are the three that are moving to Belize on mission in a month and don't have any money to spare. It became apparent to me that God was teaching the three of us to rely on His provision and not to trust in our own understanding before we go. And I can't describe the peace I felt after handing over the money, because, I knew that we would no longer have financial worries, because God will always provide. And besides, What's $900 to an infinite God?!
So today, Toby sends me a message saying that he found favor with the one collecting his debt and it was reduced to only a tenth of the original amount!!! All glory to God!!
As we set Isaac on the altar, the lord spared him! or at least most of him LOL.
I say all of this not to boast in myself or my brothers, but to boast in God and to bring glory to him. I hope that you too will be inspired to follow the model of the early church and dare to put your life as you know it on the line to see God transform it into something beautiful.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
How to have powerful and effective prayers
"Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers." 1 Peter 3:7
"For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." 1 Peter 34:12 (psalm 34:12-16)
"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them, he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:17-18
"And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:15-16
"You don't have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." James 4:2-3
Feel like it's too late? Like you have to be righteous for God to hear your prayers and you're too far gone? Here's what He says..
"'Even now,' declares the Lord,'return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.' Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity." Joel 2:12-13
"Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray." 1 Peter 4:7
"For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." 1 Peter 34:12 (psalm 34:12-16)
"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them, he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:17-18
"And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:15-16
"You don't have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." James 4:2-3
Feel like it's too late? Like you have to be righteous for God to hear your prayers and you're too far gone? Here's what He says..
"'Even now,' declares the Lord,'return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.' Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity." Joel 2:12-13
"Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray." 1 Peter 4:7
Physical appearance
"Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame."
Psalm 34:5
"Who is like the wise?
Who knows the explanation of things?
A person's wisdom brightens their face
and changes it's hard appearance."
Ecclesiastes 8:1
It's all his
For by him all things were created: things in Heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.
1 Colossians 1:16
1 Colossians 1:16
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
What's money to an infinite God?
"So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Matthew 6:31-34
As simple and beautiful as this is, it's something that I constantly have to be reminded of. So often, I find myself resting on my own provision, or stressing over my lack thereof. Most recently, while searching for our plane tickets to Belize, Camden and I found that it was significantly cheaper to buy a round-trip ticket than it would be to get a one way. The solution seemed simple, just get the round trip ticket and don't show up for the return flight. The airlines probably count on that to a degree anyway, and besides, wouldn't it be my loss if I didn't use the ticket I payed for? Cam, however, had a very convicting rebuttal. It was something along the lines of, "If we are going because God has called us to go, then we need to be above reproach. If we are planning on flying there and not flying back, we need to be honest about it."
Honestly, I thought his statement was really frustrating, considering how little it would actually affect anyone and how much money we would save. But what he said after that struck me.
"What's $200 to an infinite God?"
Just think about that.
As if my extra money saved would do me any good whatsoever, compared to the unlimited resources of God. This had opened my eyes to what pride had blinded me of, and how freeing it is! I haven't worried about money since!
Little reminders like that sometimes hurt for a minute, but I'm so thankful to have friends that hold me accountable, even when it means stepping on my toes.
"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge."
Psalm 62:5-8
Matthew 6:31-34
As simple and beautiful as this is, it's something that I constantly have to be reminded of. So often, I find myself resting on my own provision, or stressing over my lack thereof. Most recently, while searching for our plane tickets to Belize, Camden and I found that it was significantly cheaper to buy a round-trip ticket than it would be to get a one way. The solution seemed simple, just get the round trip ticket and don't show up for the return flight. The airlines probably count on that to a degree anyway, and besides, wouldn't it be my loss if I didn't use the ticket I payed for? Cam, however, had a very convicting rebuttal. It was something along the lines of, "If we are going because God has called us to go, then we need to be above reproach. If we are planning on flying there and not flying back, we need to be honest about it."
Honestly, I thought his statement was really frustrating, considering how little it would actually affect anyone and how much money we would save. But what he said after that struck me.
"What's $200 to an infinite God?"
Just think about that.
As if my extra money saved would do me any good whatsoever, compared to the unlimited resources of God. This had opened my eyes to what pride had blinded me of, and how freeing it is! I haven't worried about money since!
Little reminders like that sometimes hurt for a minute, but I'm so thankful to have friends that hold me accountable, even when it means stepping on my toes.
"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge."
Psalm 62:5-8
Monday, July 18, 2011
Psalm 96
Psalm 96
Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth.
Sing to the LORD, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the LORD made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and glory are in his sanctuary.
Ascribe to the LORD, all you families of nations,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering and come into his courts.
Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth.
Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns.”
The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.
Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;
let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
Let all creation rejoice before the LORD, for he comes,
he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
and the peoples in his faithfulness.
From the rooftops
Matthew 10:26-27
“So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
God gives us what we have chosen
Proverbs 1:28-33
28 “Then they will call to me but I will not answer;
they will look for me but will not find me,
29 since they hated knowledge
and did not choose to fear the LORD.
30 Since they would not accept my advice
and spurned my rebuke,
31 they will eat the fruit of their ways
and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.
32 For the waywardness of the simple will kill them,
and the complacency of fools will destroy them;
33 but whoever listens to me will live in safety
and be at ease, without fear of harm.”
I find it interesting that people blame God for everything that goes wrong, when in reality, he gives us what we ask for. Maybe it's because we know that he is all powerful and he alone is able to keep those things from happening so we think it is his fault for letting us suffer; but it seems to me that the disconnect is a lack of understanding that all good things come from God. People think that they can go their own way and do their own things in order to have the most fulfilling life, but as soon as something goes wrong, they blame God. So here comes the heavy question.. How can a loving God send people to hell?
I'm sure there are many answers to this question, but you may want to brace yourself for this one. He does it out of love. What?! how can that be?! Like it says in Proverbs 1:31, "they will eat of the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes." He gives them what they have chosen. To get a better grasp of the question, we need to understand what hell is. Put simply, hell is eternal separation from God. Yes, it's horrible, but as we've already established, all that is good comes from God; if God's not there, neither are those things. It is not God's will to send anyone to hell, but he gives us what we have chosen. If we choose to live by our own ways because we don't want to surrender to God's plan, then he's not going to force himself on us; he will remove himself from us in spite of his desire to be with us, for love without freewill is not love at all. People don't seem to understand that without God, there is no peace, there is no love and there is nothing desirable. We can't fathom the love that God has for us, nor are we capable of bearing the pain he feels when one of his children chooses to separate from him.
John 3:16
1 Corinthians 2:9
"'What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived'
the things God has prepared for those who love him"
James 1:17
Isaiah 55:6-7
6 Seek the LORD while he may be found;
call on him while he is near.
7 Let the wicked forsake their ways
and the unrighteous their thoughts.
Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them,
and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
28 “Then they will call to me but I will not answer;
they will look for me but will not find me,
29 since they hated knowledge
and did not choose to fear the LORD.
30 Since they would not accept my advice
and spurned my rebuke,
31 they will eat the fruit of their ways
and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.
32 For the waywardness of the simple will kill them,
and the complacency of fools will destroy them;
33 but whoever listens to me will live in safety
and be at ease, without fear of harm.”
I find it interesting that people blame God for everything that goes wrong, when in reality, he gives us what we ask for. Maybe it's because we know that he is all powerful and he alone is able to keep those things from happening so we think it is his fault for letting us suffer; but it seems to me that the disconnect is a lack of understanding that all good things come from God. People think that they can go their own way and do their own things in order to have the most fulfilling life, but as soon as something goes wrong, they blame God. So here comes the heavy question.. How can a loving God send people to hell?
I'm sure there are many answers to this question, but you may want to brace yourself for this one. He does it out of love. What?! how can that be?! Like it says in Proverbs 1:31, "they will eat of the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes." He gives them what they have chosen. To get a better grasp of the question, we need to understand what hell is. Put simply, hell is eternal separation from God. Yes, it's horrible, but as we've already established, all that is good comes from God; if God's not there, neither are those things. It is not God's will to send anyone to hell, but he gives us what we have chosen. If we choose to live by our own ways because we don't want to surrender to God's plan, then he's not going to force himself on us; he will remove himself from us in spite of his desire to be with us, for love without freewill is not love at all. People don't seem to understand that without God, there is no peace, there is no love and there is nothing desirable. We can't fathom the love that God has for us, nor are we capable of bearing the pain he feels when one of his children chooses to separate from him.
John 3:16
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
1 Corinthians 2:9
"'What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived'
the things God has prepared for those who love him"
James 1:17
17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Isaiah 55:6-7
6 Seek the LORD while he may be found;
call on him while he is near.
7 Let the wicked forsake their ways
and the unrighteous their thoughts.
Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them,
and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Spiritual battles
"Satan is more afraid of our prayers than we think they have power"
How much do you typically think about spiritual warfare? Is it something that crosses your mind every now and then, or maybe something you've heard of, but aren't clear on what it really is? The more I think about it and the more I study the bible, the more I realize how much is actually affected by spiritual battles. I'm beginning to see that everything we do and everything that happens to us is closely related to what goes on that is unseen. I know that as I pursue God and become proactive in furthering his kingdom, I become a force to be reckoned with.
Today, as one little thing went wrong after another, I realized that I was under spritual attack. Instead of just resisting the urge to lose my temper, like I normally would, and eventually giving into anger, I thought about it for a minute and had a realization. If the demons are picking on me because they don't like what I'm doing, what is keeping them from going all out and making my life miserable? Usually when someone has a beef with someone else, they will pick on them a little, but the fear of retaliation is what keeps them from going too far. So I thought about what it is that I am capable of retaliating with that the demons apparently see and I don't. Then it came to me, if I'm caught in a spiritual battle, I'm not just going to resist, and I'm certainly not going to give in to frustration, or even run from it, I'm going to fight with the power of the holy spirit. What I am capable of that keeps the demons shaking are my prayers to the Living God who hears me. When I am attacked, I will plead with the Almighy for revival. That God will rain down fire from heaven, consuming his enemies on every side. I will pray for the oppressed to be set free and all that is unholy to be devoured. I will respond to spiritual attack with worship and joyful songs. That is the retaliation that makes hell tremble.
that the mountains would tremble before you!
2 As when fire sets twigs ablaze
and causes water to boil,
come down to make your name known to your enemies
and cause the nations to quake before you!
3 For when you did awesome things that we did not expect,
you came down, and the mountains trembled before you.
4 Since ancient times no one has heard,
no ear has perceived,
no eye has seen any God besides you,
who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.
5 You come to the help of those who gladly do right,
who remember your ways.
How much do you typically think about spiritual warfare? Is it something that crosses your mind every now and then, or maybe something you've heard of, but aren't clear on what it really is? The more I think about it and the more I study the bible, the more I realize how much is actually affected by spiritual battles. I'm beginning to see that everything we do and everything that happens to us is closely related to what goes on that is unseen. I know that as I pursue God and become proactive in furthering his kingdom, I become a force to be reckoned with.
Today, as one little thing went wrong after another, I realized that I was under spritual attack. Instead of just resisting the urge to lose my temper, like I normally would, and eventually giving into anger, I thought about it for a minute and had a realization. If the demons are picking on me because they don't like what I'm doing, what is keeping them from going all out and making my life miserable? Usually when someone has a beef with someone else, they will pick on them a little, but the fear of retaliation is what keeps them from going too far. So I thought about what it is that I am capable of retaliating with that the demons apparently see and I don't. Then it came to me, if I'm caught in a spiritual battle, I'm not just going to resist, and I'm certainly not going to give in to frustration, or even run from it, I'm going to fight with the power of the holy spirit. What I am capable of that keeps the demons shaking are my prayers to the Living God who hears me. When I am attacked, I will plead with the Almighy for revival. That God will rain down fire from heaven, consuming his enemies on every side. I will pray for the oppressed to be set free and all that is unholy to be devoured. I will respond to spiritual attack with worship and joyful songs. That is the retaliation that makes hell tremble.
Isaiah 64
1 Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down,that the mountains would tremble before you!
2 As when fire sets twigs ablaze
and causes water to boil,
come down to make your name known to your enemies
and cause the nations to quake before you!
3 For when you did awesome things that we did not expect,
you came down, and the mountains trembled before you.
4 Since ancient times no one has heard,
no ear has perceived,
no eye has seen any God besides you,
who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.
5 You come to the help of those who gladly do right,
who remember your ways.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Love your neighbor
Matthew 22:37-40
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
I love this outlook. Now, small talk doesn't have to be fake. I don't have to be talking about something of huge importance in order to allow someone to experience the joy that God has given me. If I'm only talking about the weather, yet I do it with a genuine care for the person I'm talking to, that becomes a rich conversation. And besides, isn't a shallow conversation necessary before delving into any in-depth confabulation?
One of my favorite examples of how far simple kindness goes, happened to me one day a while back. I was at Jack in the Box and as I went to throw away my trash, another customer nearby opened the lid and held it for me. It was a small gesture of kindness, but as I thanked him, with a big smile on his face he said," You're welcome brother, you're welcome." It was a simple statement, but the way he said it was so genuine. It wasn't just a programmed response. I genuinely felt like this guy who I had never met cared about me. I saw the love of Christ in him and it has impacted me to this day.
So, the moral of the story.. dare to love people and see what happens.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Redeemed from the empty way of life
"'Be holy, because I am holy'
Since you call on a Father who judges
each man's work impartially, live your lives
as strangers here in reverent fear.
For you know that it was not with perishable
things such as silver or gold that you were
redeemed from the empty way of life
handed down to you from your forefathers,
but with the precious blood of Christ,
a lamb without blemish or defect."
1 Peter 1:16b-18
How awesome is it that we have been redeemed from the empty way of life both now and forever?! We are no longer bound by the things that earth has to offer and we are no longer slaves to our possessions! The things of this world that people seek for pleasure and satisfaction never seize to disappoint, regardless. The reason for this being, that it was not for the things of this world that we were created, but for God. He is our joy and satisfaction. He alone can save and he alone can quench our thirst, so much so, to the point that suffering for the sake of the kingdom is way better than delighting in the things of this world.
"But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. 'Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened' But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord."
1 Peter 1:14-16a
Since you call on a Father who judges
each man's work impartially, live your lives
as strangers here in reverent fear.
For you know that it was not with perishable
things such as silver or gold that you were
redeemed from the empty way of life
handed down to you from your forefathers,
but with the precious blood of Christ,
a lamb without blemish or defect."
1 Peter 1:16b-18
How awesome is it that we have been redeemed from the empty way of life both now and forever?! We are no longer bound by the things that earth has to offer and we are no longer slaves to our possessions! The things of this world that people seek for pleasure and satisfaction never seize to disappoint, regardless. The reason for this being, that it was not for the things of this world that we were created, but for God. He is our joy and satisfaction. He alone can save and he alone can quench our thirst, so much so, to the point that suffering for the sake of the kingdom is way better than delighting in the things of this world.
"But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. 'Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened' But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord."
1 Peter 1:14-16a
shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth!
"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness,
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his,
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name,
for the Lord is good and his love
endures forever; his faithfulness
continues through all generations."
Psalm 100
Is this not what we were made for? A life of joy in him, wholly surrendered in worship at all times? How refreshing it is to be around people who live by this; in a world full of selfishness and frustration, these people are a breath of fresh air! When we are truly in a state of constant worship, all of the things of this world that try to get in our way and try to bring us down become powerless. All of the trifles that may have offended us or stepped between us and God before are now something to laugh at.
We can't forget how important this is!
"Satisfy us in the morning
with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy
and be glad all our days."
Psalm 90:14
Worship the Lord with gladness,
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his,
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name,
for the Lord is good and his love
endures forever; his faithfulness
continues through all generations."
Psalm 100
Is this not what we were made for? A life of joy in him, wholly surrendered in worship at all times? How refreshing it is to be around people who live by this; in a world full of selfishness and frustration, these people are a breath of fresh air! When we are truly in a state of constant worship, all of the things of this world that try to get in our way and try to bring us down become powerless. All of the trifles that may have offended us or stepped between us and God before are now something to laugh at.
We can't forget how important this is!
"Satisfy us in the morning
with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy
and be glad all our days."
Psalm 90:14
Friday, July 1, 2011
Money
I had this thought today about money.
Hard earned money, earned in the right way and spent in the right places is a blessing, but easy money spent on selfish things is a curse.
Sadly, many people would probably disagree, yet they can't figure out why they're still not happy.
:]
Hard earned money, earned in the right way and spent in the right places is a blessing, but easy money spent on selfish things is a curse.
Sadly, many people would probably disagree, yet they can't figure out why they're still not happy.
:]
Holding people to the right standards
It occurred to me today while I was working, that I sometimes hold people to the wrong standards. After dealing with a cantankerous customer who was less than satisfied with my pool cleaning abilities, I asked God to help me see the man the way God sees him. What I realized was eye opening.
As a believer, I am to be held to a different standard than an unbeliever. Because I have given my life away in order to serve God, I no longer have a right to defend myself or even get offended, nor do I need to. The unbeliever, however, has not chosen to give their life to God, so they are still living for themselves while they maintain their rights. This life is all they have and everything they do is in effort to build their own kingdom. Wouldn't it make sense that they would get frustrated when things don't go right, and don't they have that right?
God has given them what they have chosen, a life where they call their own shots, without giving anything up for the sake of God's kingdom. And after all, this life is fleeting; the grave is already approaching from day one.They don't have the eternal rewards to look forward to that believers have, so their time on earth is precious.
At that moment, I saw the depth of the situation, or at least to the extent of my comprehension. I realized, that the only thing that I am entitled to give is love. Pure, selfless love.
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said,"Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you."
A clever statement, but how contrasting it is to the gospel! This lends great insight and explanation to the motives of the world, but we as believers cannot be held to this standard because we have already died to ourselves!! There is no more of us. Our identity is found in Christ alone, for he payed our ransom and we are his. So, here's my revision to Emerson's statement,"We are to make the most of God, for he is all there is of us."
Something to keep in mind.
As a believer, I am to be held to a different standard than an unbeliever. Because I have given my life away in order to serve God, I no longer have a right to defend myself or even get offended, nor do I need to. The unbeliever, however, has not chosen to give their life to God, so they are still living for themselves while they maintain their rights. This life is all they have and everything they do is in effort to build their own kingdom. Wouldn't it make sense that they would get frustrated when things don't go right, and don't they have that right?
God has given them what they have chosen, a life where they call their own shots, without giving anything up for the sake of God's kingdom. And after all, this life is fleeting; the grave is already approaching from day one.They don't have the eternal rewards to look forward to that believers have, so their time on earth is precious.
At that moment, I saw the depth of the situation, or at least to the extent of my comprehension. I realized, that the only thing that I am entitled to give is love. Pure, selfless love.
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said,"Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you."
A clever statement, but how contrasting it is to the gospel! This lends great insight and explanation to the motives of the world, but we as believers cannot be held to this standard because we have already died to ourselves!! There is no more of us. Our identity is found in Christ alone, for he payed our ransom and we are his. So, here's my revision to Emerson's statement,"We are to make the most of God, for he is all there is of us."
Something to keep in mind.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
To the skeptic
People sometimes see that we're going to Belize for mission work and become skeptical. They question whether we're actually called there, or if we just chose a place we wanted to go and decided on it. To that person, I have this to say. Don't be hatin'! It is cool how God works though.
I've always had a desire to live on an Island. I've even dreamed of saving up some money and going to Jamaica or somewhere in the Caribbean to sell hemp bracelets on the beach, but have since neglected that possibility. As I practiced obedience to God and sought what it was he wanted me to do, doors started to open. All of a sudden that dream I had dormant within me began to come to life. All of the pieces just started falling into place. So in a way, I did choose it because God chose a place that was a desire within my heart, that I had set aside in order to pursue him. So stick that in your pipe and smoke it!!
I think the issue people have with missionaries who go to beautiful places is that from their experience, they have seen people use God as an excuse to do what they want to do, but in reality, God is being faithful to those who are faithful to him. Why do people think you have to be miserable in order to serve God? What a lie that is! God may very well call me to a 'miserable' place, but the fact is, wherever I'm at, He will bring me joy and satisfaction.
Like Paul as he writes in Philippians 4:4 from a horrible Roman jail situation, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice!"
Because the goal we are seeking is so much greater than the details of this world.
I've always had a desire to live on an Island. I've even dreamed of saving up some money and going to Jamaica or somewhere in the Caribbean to sell hemp bracelets on the beach, but have since neglected that possibility. As I practiced obedience to God and sought what it was he wanted me to do, doors started to open. All of a sudden that dream I had dormant within me began to come to life. All of the pieces just started falling into place. So in a way, I did choose it because God chose a place that was a desire within my heart, that I had set aside in order to pursue him. So stick that in your pipe and smoke it!!
I think the issue people have with missionaries who go to beautiful places is that from their experience, they have seen people use God as an excuse to do what they want to do, but in reality, God is being faithful to those who are faithful to him. Why do people think you have to be miserable in order to serve God? What a lie that is! God may very well call me to a 'miserable' place, but the fact is, wherever I'm at, He will bring me joy and satisfaction.
Like Paul as he writes in Philippians 4:4 from a horrible Roman jail situation, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice!"
Because the goal we are seeking is so much greater than the details of this world.
Delight yourself in the Lord
"Delight yourself in the Lord
and he will give you the
desires of your heart."
Psalm 37:4
I have found that the more I delight in him, the more of himself he gives me. It's a transformation process; as you draw near to God and stop thinking about what he can do for you, but instead focus on him in worship and adoration, he will change your heart. You will no longer desire the things and the details of this world, nor will you be concerned about them. God owns everything. It all belongs to him and he will do with all of it what he wants. As you leave those things behind, he will give you freedom, freedom from the worry and stress that those things bring and freedom from the selfishness that they promote. You will have a new life overflowing with joy because all you want is with you always.
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Romans 12:2
I've heard that as you begin to change your thinking, your brain takes on physical changes. Even just the decision to start thinking more positively or whatever will cause dendrites and other crazy stuff to grow. So... I think as we transform our minds, we begin to take on physical characteristics of Jesus. How cool is that!?
and he will give you the
desires of your heart."
Psalm 37:4
I have found that the more I delight in him, the more of himself he gives me. It's a transformation process; as you draw near to God and stop thinking about what he can do for you, but instead focus on him in worship and adoration, he will change your heart. You will no longer desire the things and the details of this world, nor will you be concerned about them. God owns everything. It all belongs to him and he will do with all of it what he wants. As you leave those things behind, he will give you freedom, freedom from the worry and stress that those things bring and freedom from the selfishness that they promote. You will have a new life overflowing with joy because all you want is with you always.
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Romans 12:2
I've heard that as you begin to change your thinking, your brain takes on physical changes. Even just the decision to start thinking more positively or whatever will cause dendrites and other crazy stuff to grow. So... I think as we transform our minds, we begin to take on physical characteristics of Jesus. How cool is that!?
Who is healthy?
"For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors."
Isaiah 53:12
I know there are some big words in this. This is a prophetical verse about Jesus, written several hundred years before hand. Jesus being without sin took the sins of the sinners as a burden upon himself and took the consequences for them. He interceded for the transgressors, which means he stepped in and drank from the cup of God's wrath, which belonged to us.
Jesus' people are the down and out, the lowest of the low. It's not the healthy that need a doctor but the sick, but aren't we all sick? are not all of our righteous acts as filthy rags before God? is it only the "sick" who know they are sick? who accept healing because they recognize their need for it? I only consider myself healthy because I have the great physician work on me every day. If it weren't for that, I would be a walking corpse! It's not about being strong or independent, but it's about being dependent on Christ and allowing him to take the reigns. The more we allow him to dwell in every aspect of our lives, the more our sickness leaves us. As light is shed in us, our darkness vanishes.
Isaiah 53:6
"We all, like sheep, have gone
astray,
each of us has turned to his own
way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all."
God give me a heart for the sinners.
Isaiah 53:12
I know there are some big words in this. This is a prophetical verse about Jesus, written several hundred years before hand. Jesus being without sin took the sins of the sinners as a burden upon himself and took the consequences for them. He interceded for the transgressors, which means he stepped in and drank from the cup of God's wrath, which belonged to us.
Jesus' people are the down and out, the lowest of the low. It's not the healthy that need a doctor but the sick, but aren't we all sick? are not all of our righteous acts as filthy rags before God? is it only the "sick" who know they are sick? who accept healing because they recognize their need for it? I only consider myself healthy because I have the great physician work on me every day. If it weren't for that, I would be a walking corpse! It's not about being strong or independent, but it's about being dependent on Christ and allowing him to take the reigns. The more we allow him to dwell in every aspect of our lives, the more our sickness leaves us. As light is shed in us, our darkness vanishes.
Isaiah 53:6
"We all, like sheep, have gone
astray,
each of us has turned to his own
way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all."
God give me a heart for the sinners.
Comfort? No thanks
I feel compelled to a life of less comfort. The more I am able to adapt to harsher conditions, the more I feel equipped to fulfill my mission. When I am around too many comforts, I feel uncomfortable oddly enough, like I'm threatened by complacency.
To this point, complacency has been my biggest struggle and I'm ready to break away. My job as a pool cleaner is helping some. Spending 25 hours a day toiling in the sun is helping me build quite the tolerance for heat and b.o. Something about being satisfied with little comforts makes it so much easier to get up and do what you know you must do. You don't feel like you're giving anything up or having to part with anything too good.
I also want to become as low maintenance as possible. The less time, effort and non-renewable energy it takes to sustain what is me, the more effective I will become to do my mission and other such things.
To this point, complacency has been my biggest struggle and I'm ready to break away. My job as a pool cleaner is helping some. Spending 25 hours a day toiling in the sun is helping me build quite the tolerance for heat and b.o. Something about being satisfied with little comforts makes it so much easier to get up and do what you know you must do. You don't feel like you're giving anything up or having to part with anything too good.
I also want to become as low maintenance as possible. The less time, effort and non-renewable energy it takes to sustain what is me, the more effective I will become to do my mission and other such things.
Wherever we go
Here's another verse that God has been showing me a lot lately. I've been reading it and thinking about it for a while and strangely enough, immediately after reading it one day, Camden texted me the same verse. It comes from psalm 139, my favorite chapter in the bible.
Psalm 139:7
"Where can I go from your spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
if I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast."
God comforts us no matter where we are, even if we are in the depths of hell, he will be there with us. We cannot get lost from his spirit. Praise God for that!
Psalm 139:7
"Where can I go from your spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
if I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast."
God comforts us no matter where we are, even if we are in the depths of hell, he will be there with us. We cannot get lost from his spirit. Praise God for that!
Be at rest once more, o my soul
This is the part where I share what God is sharing with me.
Psalm 23
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
He restores my soul"
5 "You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies."
I know there is a reason for the time that I am still in Celina, or the U.S. for that matter. I want to be in San Pedro really badly, but I'm waiting on my financial savings. If it were just the money holding me back, God could provide that with no problem. I believe he still has me here for a reason, and I must accomplish that before I go.
This verse comforts me when I feel restless and unsatisfied with where I'm at. He makes me lie down in green pastures. When I get worked up and anxious, running around like a dog chasing its tail, he makes me lie down and rest.
Also in verse 5 "you prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies"
when I'm anxious and can see the battle in my midst, He prepares a table for me to sit down and eat. He says not to worry.
In this case, fear is my enemy. Fear of missing opportunity or not seeing people again. But God knows otherwise. He makes me lie down and rest while he takes care of the details.
Psalm 24
"The earth is the Lord's and everything in it."
Why should I worry about what I have or don't have? It's all God's anyway. He will do with all of it what he pleases.
Psalm 23
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
He restores my soul"
5 "You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies."
I know there is a reason for the time that I am still in Celina, or the U.S. for that matter. I want to be in San Pedro really badly, but I'm waiting on my financial savings. If it were just the money holding me back, God could provide that with no problem. I believe he still has me here for a reason, and I must accomplish that before I go.
This verse comforts me when I feel restless and unsatisfied with where I'm at. He makes me lie down in green pastures. When I get worked up and anxious, running around like a dog chasing its tail, he makes me lie down and rest.
Also in verse 5 "you prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies"
when I'm anxious and can see the battle in my midst, He prepares a table for me to sit down and eat. He says not to worry.
In this case, fear is my enemy. Fear of missing opportunity or not seeing people again. But God knows otherwise. He makes me lie down and rest while he takes care of the details.
Psalm 24
"The earth is the Lord's and everything in it."
Why should I worry about what I have or don't have? It's all God's anyway. He will do with all of it what he pleases.
The Fam
Here are the 12 people I consider to be my missional community. All of us went to Belize for a one week fact finding mission. I love these crazy people.
San Pedro
15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hell will not overcome it.
Matthew 16:15-18
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hell will not overcome it.
Matthew 16:15-18
What's the dillio? (my calling to Belize)
You may be wondering what this Belize thing is all about or how it started, or maybe you've just stumbled across my blog randomly and thought who is this guy and why am I so intrigued by his awesome blog and run-on sentences? well, here's my best attempt at satisfying that for you.
Sometime last year, I began meeting with my mentor, Jeff and several of my closest brothers. We would meet every week for accountability and whatever else. One night, while we were praying, Jeff got a vision. The vision was of us starting a church in a coffee shop. We didn't talk about it much; Jeff tends to have a lot of visions. The next week, as we met, Jeff told us he had a location for the vision he saw.. San Pedro, Belize. That stirred my interest. He had never heard of it before, he had basically just started researching possible places to go and San Pedro just kept coming up. So as he looked into it, he found that Belize is the only English speaking country in Central America, which is a plus! Among other things, San Pedro has a huge need for revival. It's a place where people are hungry and searching, yet their resources are limited and they have a huge need for strong leadership. This whole idea captured my heart and the ideas started flowing.
At the time, I was one week away from auditions for UNT. I had spent the past two and a half years studying and training to get into one of the top music schools in the world as a jazz drum set major. It had been a dream of mine since early high school to study music and move to New York to play jazz, as one of my drum instructors had done. I had poured everything I had into that dream and in an instant, it felt so unappealing. For three days, I fasted and asked God for direction. On the final day of my fast, I asked God to speak to me in a dream....so he did. In my dream, I received a phone call from an unknown number. As I answered, it was my drum teacher, Gene, the one who had been helping me prepare for UNT. Without me saying anything, he said, "I've been thinking about what you said, don't go to UNT." Well if that's not a clear answer, then I don't know what is! So I didn't go to auditions. Here's the crazy part.. As I went to my drum lesson on Monday, Gene asked me how the big audition went. "I didn't go." I told him about the dream and how I felt God leading me toward Belize. His response? I've actually been thinking about that and I'm fully supportive of your decision. I had just mentioned the idea to him a week earlier. That was the beginning of my confirmation.
As I began telling people about this idea, which had already began to take shape, I found that responses were totally different than I expected. Never once did I get a negative reaction. I didn't get any criticism, everyone who heard was filled with joy for me, as though God was preparing the path. Friends, parents, grandparents, relatives and all kinds of people were supportive of me and the path I had set out on. I would have at least expected some confrontation, but that never came.
Sometime last year, I began meeting with my mentor, Jeff and several of my closest brothers. We would meet every week for accountability and whatever else. One night, while we were praying, Jeff got a vision. The vision was of us starting a church in a coffee shop. We didn't talk about it much; Jeff tends to have a lot of visions. The next week, as we met, Jeff told us he had a location for the vision he saw.. San Pedro, Belize. That stirred my interest. He had never heard of it before, he had basically just started researching possible places to go and San Pedro just kept coming up. So as he looked into it, he found that Belize is the only English speaking country in Central America, which is a plus! Among other things, San Pedro has a huge need for revival. It's a place where people are hungry and searching, yet their resources are limited and they have a huge need for strong leadership. This whole idea captured my heart and the ideas started flowing.
At the time, I was one week away from auditions for UNT. I had spent the past two and a half years studying and training to get into one of the top music schools in the world as a jazz drum set major. It had been a dream of mine since early high school to study music and move to New York to play jazz, as one of my drum instructors had done. I had poured everything I had into that dream and in an instant, it felt so unappealing. For three days, I fasted and asked God for direction. On the final day of my fast, I asked God to speak to me in a dream....so he did. In my dream, I received a phone call from an unknown number. As I answered, it was my drum teacher, Gene, the one who had been helping me prepare for UNT. Without me saying anything, he said, "I've been thinking about what you said, don't go to UNT." Well if that's not a clear answer, then I don't know what is! So I didn't go to auditions. Here's the crazy part.. As I went to my drum lesson on Monday, Gene asked me how the big audition went. "I didn't go." I told him about the dream and how I felt God leading me toward Belize. His response? I've actually been thinking about that and I'm fully supportive of your decision. I had just mentioned the idea to him a week earlier. That was the beginning of my confirmation.
As I began telling people about this idea, which had already began to take shape, I found that responses were totally different than I expected. Never once did I get a negative reaction. I didn't get any criticism, everyone who heard was filled with joy for me, as though God was preparing the path. Friends, parents, grandparents, relatives and all kinds of people were supportive of me and the path I had set out on. I would have at least expected some confrontation, but that never came.
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