The Closet.
I'm reminded in these moments of sickness how I really enjoy being well. I also am reminded of how apathetic I can become in my prayer life when things are comfortable. It's in these moments of trials that you cry out to God...not just for healing but also for the advancement of His Kingdom.
The last few days of being in the Mts. Mexico and having dysentery, have shown me how my prayer closet looks a lot like beans, rice, and tortillas! Nothing too exciting, or spicy, or even sweet. Just plain old beans, rice and tortillas. I realized that I have lost some passion with My God...when it comes to believing for a greater harvest or meal. You know? I had been so "programed" to pray passionately before church services that I hated it because it wasn't real or sincere. So over the years I would purposely not pray with passion because I wanted whatever was coming from my mouth to be from my heart. Not a bad principal to live by, but... Somewhere in all of that forgot about the passionate, real conversations I had sincerely had with Jesus.
Anyways, the last few days I have begun to 'change' a few things in my pantry or closet. I have been adding some spices, some treats, some protein, some meat, and much more...
James 1
2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
I like the last phrase...not lacking anything. Oh God, lead me to that place of not void of anything. I want my closet to have everything.Passion, Conviction, Hope, Freedom for captives, Freedom for communities, Devotion for You, yes, devotion for you Jesus... Amen.
Video of the Mexico trip coming soon...(its worth seeing and hearing about)
Consumerism pt 1.
Every year Brooke and I have a discussion about Christmas and it's meaning. And every year I think that somehow I am missing "it". We as Americans, as Christian Americans, have lost the real meaning of His, Jesus', birth. You know? And of course I know part of this season is about family and community...but there is more. It's more than gifts, trees, food, family and friends. We as Americans are the richest people in the history of the world and what do we do? We obsess over what we don’t have!
There is a counterfeit "christmas" story that culture is telling us: when we get what we want, we will be satisfied, Happy. This lie pervades our marriages, families, neighbors, friends & local churches.
Hang with me for a moment...
Last year during the holidays, as we celebrated our Messiah's birth, Americans spent a record 154 billion dollars(this is a conservative number). That is roughly $795.86 per person. Every year we spend 18 billion dollars on make up; 15 billion dollars on perfume; 17 billion dollars on pet food...and the list goes on.
To be continued...
Check out this video:
There is a counterfeit "christmas" story that culture is telling us: when we get what we want, we will be satisfied, Happy. This lie pervades our marriages, families, neighbors, friends & local churches.
Hang with me for a moment...
Last year during the holidays, as we celebrated our Messiah's birth, Americans spent a record 154 billion dollars(this is a conservative number). That is roughly $795.86 per person. Every year we spend 18 billion dollars on make up; 15 billion dollars on perfume; 17 billion dollars on pet food...and the list goes on.
To be continued...
Check out this video:
The Journey Continues...
Mexico Trip 2009! We are going into the mountains of Central America to preach the gospel, heal the sick, provide shoes for children, and teach the local people how to brush their teeth. Can Christianity be any more fulfilling? (As I shrug my shoulders..."I think it can be!") Life as a child of God is never dull.
If you are bored, then I want to encourage you to fall in love with Jesus again...
If we do not feel loved and in love, we are spiritually bored and are consequently more vulnerable to comprise, lacking in courage and strength. On the other hand, when we come face to face with the extravagant affections of God, the very core of our being is impacted...for a lifetime!
He has touched me.
My prayer: Use me God to change my community, my city, my nation, my world.
If you are bored, then I want to encourage you to fall in love with Jesus again...
If we do not feel loved and in love, we are spiritually bored and are consequently more vulnerable to comprise, lacking in courage and strength. On the other hand, when we come face to face with the extravagant affections of God, the very core of our being is impacted...for a lifetime!
He has touched me.
My prayer: Use me God to change my community, my city, my nation, my world.