Tues, Wed, Thurs 5/27, 5/28, 5/29 - I'm a hipster...
Well, friends, it's been a while. Life got away from me the last couple of days. It was mostly because of the message that I had to prepare for Wednesday evening. I forgot how much time one took. Then, after that, I was less focused on this blog and whatnot. Anyways, I will do my best to summarize the past 3 days.
Tuesday - I do not remember too much. I remember working on my message. Not a whole lot, but I still worked on it. I went to a concert that was held at a friend's church. The choir who sung was from another church in AL. They were touring the state of FL and singing in many different churches. Then, we, some other friends and I, went and picked up one of my roommates! So, I am no longer alone in the apartment!
Wednesday - This day was all message and youth group prep. I woke up early and went to Starbucks and wrote out my full message. It took several hours! Rarely do I spend that much time at Starbucks actually working on something. Then, I practiced my message in front of some friends. (That was more nerve wracking than actually speaking it to the youth) Next, I went to a friend's house to work on some of the music for the night. Finally, youth group! It was terrifying to have the reins. I made the choices and lead the evening. Yikes! But, the leaders were there in full support of me! It was great to know that they had my back. We went to Chick fil a afterwards!
Thursday - I slept in! I met with a friend later in the afternoon and we spoke for a little bit. Then, some friends and I decided to go to the beach. We ended up not going because it was raining and there was an accident that slowed up the interstate. So, we chose to go to the movies instead. After getting Starbucks, we walked around a park for an hour or so. While there, I had another ballet lesson. I did not see this first hand, but was told afterwards that as we practiced people would smile at us as we worked. (I think they were laughing at me, but I could not tell) My friends decided to see the new X-Men movie. I went to the mall instead, walked around, ended up in Barnes and Nobles.
It is interesting because being inside of Barnes and Nobles reminds me of home. Reminds me of the Northeast. Reminds me of when I first began college. What I mean is that when I began college back in 2010, there was a sense of academia that is different than the one that I experience now. Being in the Northeast, there is a lot of historical landmarks that make me feel smart(er). It's hard to explain, but in the city of Philadelphia, there are 2 major universities that all sit right next to each other; University of Penn and Drexel. (There are lot more universities, but these two stand out because I spent a lot of time there) There is a level of academics that is required when studying there; at either of those universities. I did not grow up there, but often would be in that area, walking on the campuses and, more often when I began college, when I had spare time in the city, studied in the coffee shops there. I remember going to a old, run down bookstore. Not rundown in the sense of gross and dirty, but tons of character. Sitting in some of the coffee shops and not having a place to sit because every single table had a student studying something there. Going to a couple a different forums that just the mere introduction made your head hurt. Having so much history at my fingertips that it surrounded me. So many museums and major historical landmarks nearby that that's where we went for fun. Boathouse row, the art museum, the liberty bell, etc. All of this, comically, was during the major hipster movement; which I fell into. Yes, I have a little part of me that is hipster, or, at least is drawn towards being a hipster... But, aside from that, walking into that Barnes and Nobles transported me back home. The people, the smells, the academia, the everything! It was so good to go there!
Thank you!
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Friday, May 30, 2014
Monday 5/26/14 - Good Friends!
Monday 5/26/14 - Good Friends!
Today was fun! I was up really late, so I slept in. Then, I have a lesson in ballet. (Now, let me clarify. I'm not planning on becoming a ballerina. I enjoy dancing and I'm taking these lessons to get a better understanding of the basics of dancing and to better strengthen my ability) Next, I spent hours at a friend's apartment. Helping them pack at times, and working on my message at others. These two are some of my closer friends. I will miss them when they leave for the summer. Later, after helping them move some of their belongings, we watched a movie.
I praise God everyday for my good friends! I think of these two, but they are not the only friends I have. I think of the ones who I can call at any time or text when I need something or need prayer. I think of the ones who will give great advice on problems in my life, and of the ones who are amazing at listening. I think of the ones who have been there for many years and, until one of us passes away, will always be there. I think of when we've laughed and laughed for hours about nothing. I think of the ones who will sit by my side during some of the most difficult times in my life. Praise God for friends!
Thank you!
Today was fun! I was up really late, so I slept in. Then, I have a lesson in ballet. (Now, let me clarify. I'm not planning on becoming a ballerina. I enjoy dancing and I'm taking these lessons to get a better understanding of the basics of dancing and to better strengthen my ability) Next, I spent hours at a friend's apartment. Helping them pack at times, and working on my message at others. These two are some of my closer friends. I will miss them when they leave for the summer. Later, after helping them move some of their belongings, we watched a movie.
I praise God everyday for my good friends! I think of these two, but they are not the only friends I have. I think of the ones who I can call at any time or text when I need something or need prayer. I think of the ones who will give great advice on problems in my life, and of the ones who are amazing at listening. I think of the ones who have been there for many years and, until one of us passes away, will always be there. I think of when we've laughed and laughed for hours about nothing. I think of the ones who will sit by my side during some of the most difficult times in my life. Praise God for friends!
Thank you!
Monday, May 26, 2014
Sunday 5/26/14 - Praise God!
Sunday 5/26/14 - Praise God!
Well, this is a momentous occasion! This blog has been up and running for an entire week! It's a little crazy to think about. My thoughts for the world to see up for a week. But anyways, life continues.
The post for yesterday could be argued to be the start of today's as well. Seeing that I was up until 4am, some of my thoughts from yesterday apply for today. I woke up, still saddened, but lesser than before. I did not go to Sunday school, but I did go to the main service at my church. Beforehand, I went to McDonalds and listened to a message from Matt Chandler entitled A Theology of Struggle. At church I saw a bunch of people. I was surprised because normally when I feel like this I choose to avoid people, but it was good. Good to see them and talk with them! This was the last Sunday before our youth director left for the air force for 5 weeks, so we all said goodbye. It felt odd because I am stepping into his role for 3 of the 5 weeks. Later, I played football with some friends from another church. Finally, I spent the rest of the evening at home where I watched a ton of Netflix and worked on my message for youth group.
Continued from yesterday, I did not feel well when I got up. Not sick as in a cold or the flu, but depressive moods and stuff. Awfulness, essentially. All I could do was pray. Pray for deliverance from this. The wonderful thing is that it worked. God was gracious to me and the fog lifted from my eyes. Praise God!
Thank you!
Well, this is a momentous occasion! This blog has been up and running for an entire week! It's a little crazy to think about. My thoughts for the world to see up for a week. But anyways, life continues.
The post for yesterday could be argued to be the start of today's as well. Seeing that I was up until 4am, some of my thoughts from yesterday apply for today. I woke up, still saddened, but lesser than before. I did not go to Sunday school, but I did go to the main service at my church. Beforehand, I went to McDonalds and listened to a message from Matt Chandler entitled A Theology of Struggle. At church I saw a bunch of people. I was surprised because normally when I feel like this I choose to avoid people, but it was good. Good to see them and talk with them! This was the last Sunday before our youth director left for the air force for 5 weeks, so we all said goodbye. It felt odd because I am stepping into his role for 3 of the 5 weeks. Later, I played football with some friends from another church. Finally, I spent the rest of the evening at home where I watched a ton of Netflix and worked on my message for youth group.
Continued from yesterday, I did not feel well when I got up. Not sick as in a cold or the flu, but depressive moods and stuff. Awfulness, essentially. All I could do was pray. Pray for deliverance from this. The wonderful thing is that it worked. God was gracious to me and the fog lifted from my eyes. Praise God!
Thank you!
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Saturday 5/24/14 - Plead with Him
Saturday 5/24/14 - Plead with Him
Have you ever seem to have a day that went from worse to worser to worstest? (If there is such a thing) That was Saturday. Once again, I slept in. That just brought frustration in the morning. Then I went to Starbucks. (I'm a creature of habit) Next, some friends and I went to the movies. That was fun! I truly enjoyed that time with them. Later, I went to a party. The party was fine. I, however, had such a bad attitude that it made it all the worse. I was unable to enjoy the fellowship and friendship. I actually left early because of it. Granted, I was incredibly tired, but still, bad attitude. And when I got home, it was the "worstest". This might have been one of the most painful nights of my life. (Remember, this is an honest moment. I'm not sharing everything, but you are getting a glimpse into my life) I stayed up for hours. I think I truly went to bed at 4am, or sometime around then.
So, what do you do when you are laying there and cannot sleep because of the sadness and depression that so plagues your soul? Plead with God! Plead for His merciful hand to rest upon you. Plead with Him to comfort your aching soul. Plead with Him for His grace to so surround you and hug you that it might be the warm blanket that puts you to sleep. Plead with Him that the cleansing of your sins is not a facade or temporary, but that it lasts forever according to His promises (Not that it can fade, but that I may remember it fully). Plead with Him that when you wake up you will not feel the same way as you did when you could not fall asleep before. Plead with Him that the fears that you experience will not overtake you and devour you in the night. Plead with Him that the tears you shed will be wiped away. Plead with Him that you may once again be restored to a place of rejoicing of His name. Plead with Him that you may experience the full joy that is only offered through Him. Plead with Him! Him, the heavenly Father who loves you. Who cares for you. Who delights in you. Who wants you. Who will never leave you. Who has caused you to be born again to a living hope. (cf. 1 Peter 1:3) Who has given you His Spirit that we may call Him Abba! Father! Who has cleansed you. Who has chosen you. Who has given you a new heart and removed the heart of stone. (cf. Ezekiel 36:26) We confess our sins knowing that he will forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (cf. 1 John 1:9) We draw near to Him once again, even when, for a moment, we felt galaxies away. We praise His name in the trial, knowing that it, thought it may not seem so, is for our good. We remember of the great and wonderful inheritance that awaits us.
This is what you do. Does it fix everything? Unfortunately, no. But, it is the right thing to do. Does the fact that, in the moment of serious distress, we might still not feel close to God mean that he is truly far away? No. There are probably others that know more of what to do and not to do in situations like this. I'm just writing about the things I went through on Saturday. Praise God for His wonderful grace!
Thank you!
Have you ever seem to have a day that went from worse to worser to worstest? (If there is such a thing) That was Saturday. Once again, I slept in. That just brought frustration in the morning. Then I went to Starbucks. (I'm a creature of habit) Next, some friends and I went to the movies. That was fun! I truly enjoyed that time with them. Later, I went to a party. The party was fine. I, however, had such a bad attitude that it made it all the worse. I was unable to enjoy the fellowship and friendship. I actually left early because of it. Granted, I was incredibly tired, but still, bad attitude. And when I got home, it was the "worstest". This might have been one of the most painful nights of my life. (Remember, this is an honest moment. I'm not sharing everything, but you are getting a glimpse into my life) I stayed up for hours. I think I truly went to bed at 4am, or sometime around then.
So, what do you do when you are laying there and cannot sleep because of the sadness and depression that so plagues your soul? Plead with God! Plead for His merciful hand to rest upon you. Plead with Him to comfort your aching soul. Plead with Him for His grace to so surround you and hug you that it might be the warm blanket that puts you to sleep. Plead with Him that the cleansing of your sins is not a facade or temporary, but that it lasts forever according to His promises (Not that it can fade, but that I may remember it fully). Plead with Him that when you wake up you will not feel the same way as you did when you could not fall asleep before. Plead with Him that the fears that you experience will not overtake you and devour you in the night. Plead with Him that the tears you shed will be wiped away. Plead with Him that you may once again be restored to a place of rejoicing of His name. Plead with Him that you may experience the full joy that is only offered through Him. Plead with Him! Him, the heavenly Father who loves you. Who cares for you. Who delights in you. Who wants you. Who will never leave you. Who has caused you to be born again to a living hope. (cf. 1 Peter 1:3) Who has given you His Spirit that we may call Him Abba! Father! Who has cleansed you. Who has chosen you. Who has given you a new heart and removed the heart of stone. (cf. Ezekiel 36:26) We confess our sins knowing that he will forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (cf. 1 John 1:9) We draw near to Him once again, even when, for a moment, we felt galaxies away. We praise His name in the trial, knowing that it, thought it may not seem so, is for our good. We remember of the great and wonderful inheritance that awaits us.
This is what you do. Does it fix everything? Unfortunately, no. But, it is the right thing to do. Does the fact that, in the moment of serious distress, we might still not feel close to God mean that he is truly far away? No. There are probably others that know more of what to do and not to do in situations like this. I'm just writing about the things I went through on Saturday. Praise God for His wonderful grace!
Thank you!
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Friday 5/23/14 - Bold coffee, Beaches, and Ballet
Friday 5/23/14 – Bold coffee, Beaches, and Ballet
Today, I slept in (What a common occurrence…).Then, went to
Starbucks to work on school work. Next, I went home and was lazy. Finally, some
friends and I went to the beach! Totally spontaneous, but entirely fun! A good
friend also began to teach me the basics of ballet. It was a lot of fun! I truly
enjoy dancing! (The lessons on ballet will continue)
Yesterday, I posted about loneliness. I didn't really have a
great answer on how to combat loneliness. One of the ways I proposed was to be
out and with friends. Well, that happened today. I got out and went to Starbucks,
then went to the beach with some really good friends. (For the record, it does help. It is not the only or final fix for loneliness, but it helps) For the longest time, I
always considered myself as an extreme introvert who disliked people, didn't want to talk with people, didn't want to be around people, and so on. I’m almost positive that in the last couple of weeks that I
totally debunked that myth. There are certain aspects of introversion that show themselves, but also extroversion. I enjoy time by myself where I can think and
process. However, there are also times where I really want to be out with friends,
laughing and enjoying life together. I don’t think I’m unique in this. There are, I’m guessing,
others who would categorize themselves as both. I can, with full honesty, thank God for making me this way. Sometimes I wish I more of one or the other, but that's silly; He made me this way and this way is in His image. There is not much more I could do to make myself "better".
Thank you!
Thursday 5/22/14 - Loneliness
Thursday 5/22/14 – Loneliness
Today was semi uneventful. Slept in and didn’t do anything
until 1 in the afternoon. Later I went to RTS to check out some books for the
upcoming teaching I’ll be doing. Later, I had some friends over to watch a
movie; which promptly and understandably turned into a dance party! The
unexpected thing that happened is that the roommates that I thought would be here, they have all left. I am alone in the apartment. Which, don’t get me wrong, is
nice! I enjoy the space, I enjoy the quiet, I enjoy being able to do what I
want. I can do whatever I want! But, what I want is not always what I need. For
example, I have never watched so much Netflix, consecutively, before in my life. (Or so it
seems) What I need to do is to be productive and diligent. I need to actually do
my work for school and the internship! Netflix does not help either of these. I
know I wrote about a similar situation before where I didn’t do much (or anything for that matter) for the
entire day and it led, frankly, to an awful day! I am fearful that being alone,
where I am more susceptible to laziness, will lead to more awful days.
Ok, this is not the how I should be thinking. I should not
be dwelling on the negative side of what might happen. This, most likely, will
lead to more depressive moods and even less productive days. The scary thing is how much my mind and my body are drawn to laziness. One way to fight this is to get out. Get out of the apartment and be with friends, be with people. Be out in public. That's one way. Another is to draw nearer to God. Through His Word, in prayer, meditation; all of which is glorifying to God and a comfort for the soul. There can be no greater comfort! (Although, did you notice the order I placed my thoughts? First, get out, then God...) Both of these are...well...hard to do. Very hard. I don't always want to leave the comforts of my apartment, and when I'm hours into Netflix I don't always want to read the Bible or pray.
I feel like I need to have the answer. Right now! Right here on this blog. I must have the cure to loneliness to be anything, but alas, I do not. I do not have another strategy. And these strategies I don't even employ all the time. So, where am I going with all of this? Not entirely sure. I need prayer. And praise God that he does not leave me! Even when I'm feeling lonely, he does not leave! What a wonderful and glorious God we have!
Thank you!
Friday, May 23, 2014
Wednesday 5/21/14 - My Story/Our Story
Wednesday 5/21/14 - My Story/Our Story
Surprisingly, this day has been revolving around a specific theme. The theme is that of my story, or my history. Not specifically mine, although some of it was focused around my story, but more the universal story of believers. (I will explain further in a moment) This morning I moved out of my apartment and into another for several weeks while I am working for my church as the interim youth director. Later, I spent some time with a Pastor from my friend's church. Later, went to youth group. Finally, spent some time with friends at a birthday party.
When I met with the Pastor, we (mostly him) talked about what it looks like to have a story. More importantly, how to take our history and not let the negative or positive affect our story in Christ. Our personal history is important. It shows the massive amount of grace God has given to us. I often overlook this, but one area of grace is in the fact that I am alive. The fact that you are alive. There is many other areas in my history where I can specifically point to the grace and mercy of God, but simply the fact that we woke up is grace! Our story is important too, but often we allow our circumstances tell our story. For instance, when I'm asked about myself, I often go to facts about myself. "I'm a student. I'm 22. I'm fast. I'm ..." These are facts about myself that give a handful of information about myself, but it does not fully communicate the nature of my being, namely, that I am a sinner saved by grace. I'm a child of God. That Christ is my righteousness. That I'm united to him and he is united to me. My story is exactly the same as everyone else who has been born again by the Spirit! Our conversion happened at different times and places, but the act is all the same. What a wonderful thought! This is how I can call other believers brothers and sisters. United to Christ, to the one Christ, we are all in the same family of God.
Later on in the evening, at youth group, we were discussing evangelism (Ironically convicting...)! To finish out the series we decided to talk about our story. We looked at how our Maker made us, the mess we've made because of sin, and the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and his righteousness and love for us! It was awesome to see the students thinking hard about their story and how Christ has transformed them!
Thank you!
Later on in the evening, at youth group, we were discussing evangelism (Ironically convicting...)! To finish out the series we decided to talk about our story. We looked at how our Maker made us, the mess we've made because of sin, and the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and his righteousness and love for us! It was awesome to see the students thinking hard about their story and how Christ has transformed them!
Thank you!
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Tuesday 5/20/14 - What a terrifying thought!
Tuesday 5/20/14 - What a terrifying thought!
As compared to yesterday, today has been busy. First, I went to Starbucks to study and write. Then, I met with our youth director at church to go over the plans for the internship where I'll be serving. Next, I went to a friend's house to spend time and do some more study. (I promptly fell asleep though) After that, I went, with the same friend and another, to a community group from their church. Finally, I spent several hours walking with a good friend and talking about life. She was very encouraging to me. I pray I was to her as well. Each day is entirely different. To think back just one day and see the difference between yesterday's laziness and today's productivity - what a transformation! There are many differences between the two, but the one that seems to be more significant is that I began the day in prayer and in the Word. Simple, right? Prayer and the Word. Not a huge difference outwardly, but inwardly, tremendous! This morning, while in 1 Peter, I tried to think and meditate on the great inheritance waiting for us in heaven. What a thought! To have an inheritance means that we will see Christ face to face, have a wonderful, glorious new body that does not ache nor has pain, and we will dwell in the divine presence praising and worshiping God Most High!
At community group we read several passages. All on the great commission and some of Jesus' final words before his ascension. The main theme we were discussing is of evangelism; what it looks like to share the Gospel in our lives, and to proclaim the good news of Jesus to all. This subject of evangelism is one that is incredibly tough for me. It is one that brings great anxiety and sleeplessness. Speaking to another person about Christ is terrifying and I often shy away from it. (Remember this is my honest moment with you) In our discussion, many helpful thoughts were shared. One of which is that in our everyday talk with people, the thing that should be most prevalent is of the one for whom we love the most, namely, Jesus Christ. Naturally, we will share, or want to share, with others the things we love most. Although, I still do not proclaim Christ like I should. Does that mean that I do not love him? No. It does, however, show that the things in my heart that I love the most are in odds with the person and work of Christ. I love other things just as much as, if not more, than Christ. That's a terrifying thought! The problem is that the things I think about and love are in and of themselves not bad. I study a lot and read a lot and listen to sermons; all of which is often Bible saturated and Gospel oriented, but I would rather sit and never speak to another individual about the power of the Gospel. I love the study of the Gospel rather than the God of the Gospel. Is this every single second of the day? No, but I would argue that it might be a majority. All of this is convicting and, to be honest, confusing. Where do I go from here? What is the first step? Well, this summer will be, partly, the first step. I will be working with people. Lots of people! Both Christians and non-Christians. Praise God!
Thank you!
As compared to yesterday, today has been busy. First, I went to Starbucks to study and write. Then, I met with our youth director at church to go over the plans for the internship where I'll be serving. Next, I went to a friend's house to spend time and do some more study. (I promptly fell asleep though) After that, I went, with the same friend and another, to a community group from their church. Finally, I spent several hours walking with a good friend and talking about life. She was very encouraging to me. I pray I was to her as well. Each day is entirely different. To think back just one day and see the difference between yesterday's laziness and today's productivity - what a transformation! There are many differences between the two, but the one that seems to be more significant is that I began the day in prayer and in the Word. Simple, right? Prayer and the Word. Not a huge difference outwardly, but inwardly, tremendous! This morning, while in 1 Peter, I tried to think and meditate on the great inheritance waiting for us in heaven. What a thought! To have an inheritance means that we will see Christ face to face, have a wonderful, glorious new body that does not ache nor has pain, and we will dwell in the divine presence praising and worshiping God Most High!
At community group we read several passages. All on the great commission and some of Jesus' final words before his ascension. The main theme we were discussing is of evangelism; what it looks like to share the Gospel in our lives, and to proclaim the good news of Jesus to all. This subject of evangelism is one that is incredibly tough for me. It is one that brings great anxiety and sleeplessness. Speaking to another person about Christ is terrifying and I often shy away from it. (Remember this is my honest moment with you) In our discussion, many helpful thoughts were shared. One of which is that in our everyday talk with people, the thing that should be most prevalent is of the one for whom we love the most, namely, Jesus Christ. Naturally, we will share, or want to share, with others the things we love most. Although, I still do not proclaim Christ like I should. Does that mean that I do not love him? No. It does, however, show that the things in my heart that I love the most are in odds with the person and work of Christ. I love other things just as much as, if not more, than Christ. That's a terrifying thought! The problem is that the things I think about and love are in and of themselves not bad. I study a lot and read a lot and listen to sermons; all of which is often Bible saturated and Gospel oriented, but I would rather sit and never speak to another individual about the power of the Gospel. I love the study of the Gospel rather than the God of the Gospel. Is this every single second of the day? No, but I would argue that it might be a majority. All of this is convicting and, to be honest, confusing. Where do I go from here? What is the first step? Well, this summer will be, partly, the first step. I will be working with people. Lots of people! Both Christians and non-Christians. Praise God!
Thank you!
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Monday 5/19/14 - Ya Lazy Bum!
Monday 5/19/14 - Ya Lazy Bum!
Today I spent almost of the day watching stuff. Going back and forth between two shows for the morning, afternoon, and early evening. What a waste of a day! Watching Netflix or whatever is fine, but for the entire day? Nah! The reason I could tell it was bad for me is because it affected my mood and thoughts. I felt no desire to be productive or to think about anything. Later in the evening, I spent time with friends and we watched a movie. This was good! Great friends, good laughs, and an ok movie! But the reason I don't like sitting around all day and doing "nothing" is because it, as stated before, affects my mood. By this I mean that instead of starting the day in prayer or the Word, I began it with culture and things "of the world". It changes the entire day for the worse. From here it is a downward slippery slope of awfulness. I praise God for my friends who are there for me. I sent out a text and asked for prayer and, by God's grace, was able to see the light again! No longer did I sit in the muck and mire. Does this mean that I will never spend an entire day online again? No, well, probably not. I hope not. But, even so, if it happens again, I know the power of prayer among believers. There was not some special spiritual power that happened where my laptop just shut off, hit me in the face, and a voice came from heaven saying, "Stop being lazy!" It was an inward change within my thoughts. Whereas before I had no desire to stop being lazy. Now I had a desire to stop. And not only that, but I had power to stop as well.
For a little bit, I listened to a message from Matt Chandler from Galatians 1:11-24. I was not listening closely, but the main idea from the text that he was speaking on was on the former life of Paul. And, subsequently, the our former life before regeneration. He spoke on the life of Paul; that he was both the best Jew out there and the worst persecutor of the church. He claimed both extremes; the perfect church kid who knew all the answers and rules, and the foremost enemy of the church. But that was his former life. Because of the transforming work of the Father to show grace to him, he can live a life differently than the one he did. He still has the inclinations of the flesh, but the power of Christ dwell in him. God set him apart before the he was born to call him out of his former life into saving faith, and to be a missionary for the God of whom he was protesting and warring against. He can not claim any of it on his own. Only by the power of God is he what he is. In the same way, my lazy day, without the Holy Spirit's guiding, would be my only inclination. But praise God for his calling of my life into his saving faith, by His grace alone. The conviction was there because of the Spirit. He is, and will continue to be, gracious to me! Praise God!
Thank you!
Today I spent almost of the day watching stuff. Going back and forth between two shows for the morning, afternoon, and early evening. What a waste of a day! Watching Netflix or whatever is fine, but for the entire day? Nah! The reason I could tell it was bad for me is because it affected my mood and thoughts. I felt no desire to be productive or to think about anything. Later in the evening, I spent time with friends and we watched a movie. This was good! Great friends, good laughs, and an ok movie! But the reason I don't like sitting around all day and doing "nothing" is because it, as stated before, affects my mood. By this I mean that instead of starting the day in prayer or the Word, I began it with culture and things "of the world". It changes the entire day for the worse. From here it is a downward slippery slope of awfulness. I praise God for my friends who are there for me. I sent out a text and asked for prayer and, by God's grace, was able to see the light again! No longer did I sit in the muck and mire. Does this mean that I will never spend an entire day online again? No, well, probably not. I hope not. But, even so, if it happens again, I know the power of prayer among believers. There was not some special spiritual power that happened where my laptop just shut off, hit me in the face, and a voice came from heaven saying, "Stop being lazy!" It was an inward change within my thoughts. Whereas before I had no desire to stop being lazy. Now I had a desire to stop. And not only that, but I had power to stop as well.
For a little bit, I listened to a message from Matt Chandler from Galatians 1:11-24. I was not listening closely, but the main idea from the text that he was speaking on was on the former life of Paul. And, subsequently, the our former life before regeneration. He spoke on the life of Paul; that he was both the best Jew out there and the worst persecutor of the church. He claimed both extremes; the perfect church kid who knew all the answers and rules, and the foremost enemy of the church. But that was his former life. Because of the transforming work of the Father to show grace to him, he can live a life differently than the one he did. He still has the inclinations of the flesh, but the power of Christ dwell in him. God set him apart before the he was born to call him out of his former life into saving faith, and to be a missionary for the God of whom he was protesting and warring against. He can not claim any of it on his own. Only by the power of God is he what he is. In the same way, my lazy day, without the Holy Spirit's guiding, would be my only inclination. But praise God for his calling of my life into his saving faith, by His grace alone. The conviction was there because of the Spirit. He is, and will continue to be, gracious to me! Praise God!
Thank you!
Monday, May 19, 2014
Sunday 5/18/14 - The Adventure Begins!
This is the first post! How cool! Well, as a matter of brief description as to what this blog is, it is an honest moment from me to you. This comes from the suggestion of a dear friend to do this blog. The summer ahead will be incredibly tough. I will be taking two independent studies for school and be embarking on two internships. I hope that this blog will be one of encouragement and honesty. This is not my personal journal, nor a Bible study of some sort, but rather, just my thoughts. Just the thoughts of the adventures that will happen this summer!
Sunday 5/18/14 - The Adventure Begins!
Today, because of some complications with my car, I went to River Oaks Presbyterian for morning worship. The service was wonderful. I have always enjoyed River Oaks when I have been. The service, however, was lessened because my mind was on other matters. I did listen to the message and greatly benefited from the whole service, but my thoughts were swimming with other things. Later, we, some of the students from RBC, went to a friend's house to enjoy and celebrate the end of the school year and the beginning of summer! (I figured that that would be a good day to begin writing) It was wonderful to see all my friends spending time together! Again, however, my thoughts were elsewhere. I was off. I was trying to hold on to the promises of God. Promises of my Father to hold me and keep me. Promises that he will never leave me nor forsake me. Promises that he is all I need and that he provides all that I will ever need. Promises, the wonderful promises of the Living God! Several times yesterday I read Isaiah 12. Verse 2 was especially helpful and hopeful. "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation." I cried, trying to hold on to passages like this. Praise God for His sovereignty and His love! To be honest, yesterday may have been the worst day here in Florida. But, to be honest, it is ok. I'll be ok. Why? Because God is sovereign and His love surrounds me and guides me! There is no greater comfort in the whole world!
Well, what a way to start the summer! With tears and fears, joys and friends, singing and praying, movies and moving, etc. All of it under the banner of the most wonderful and sovereign love of the Father! I wonder what the next day has in store!
Thank you!
Sunday 5/18/14 - The Adventure Begins!
Today, because of some complications with my car, I went to River Oaks Presbyterian for morning worship. The service was wonderful. I have always enjoyed River Oaks when I have been. The service, however, was lessened because my mind was on other matters. I did listen to the message and greatly benefited from the whole service, but my thoughts were swimming with other things. Later, we, some of the students from RBC, went to a friend's house to enjoy and celebrate the end of the school year and the beginning of summer! (I figured that that would be a good day to begin writing) It was wonderful to see all my friends spending time together! Again, however, my thoughts were elsewhere. I was off. I was trying to hold on to the promises of God. Promises of my Father to hold me and keep me. Promises that he will never leave me nor forsake me. Promises that he is all I need and that he provides all that I will ever need. Promises, the wonderful promises of the Living God! Several times yesterday I read Isaiah 12. Verse 2 was especially helpful and hopeful. "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation." I cried, trying to hold on to passages like this. Praise God for His sovereignty and His love! To be honest, yesterday may have been the worst day here in Florida. But, to be honest, it is ok. I'll be ok. Why? Because God is sovereign and His love surrounds me and guides me! There is no greater comfort in the whole world!
Well, what a way to start the summer! With tears and fears, joys and friends, singing and praying, movies and moving, etc. All of it under the banner of the most wonderful and sovereign love of the Father! I wonder what the next day has in store!
Thank you!
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