Good afternoon everyone!
What a great day it is to be alive! God has indeed been good to us! It is for our joy that we are alive today and will be for our joy to revere Him for all He has done. Celebrate our great Lord this day!
"Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." - John 17:3
This morning I woke up with great joy to be a child of God and I wanted to share this with you all today. God has been so rich in His mercy toward us, and we cannot begin to praise Him enough for His goodness to us. We need His mercy wrapping around us.
As I started this day, I read in Revelation 11 - 14. Revelation is a scary book - no doubt - especially these chapters. And there is much I don't understand about this vision given to John. But as I read, I was drawn to worship, and had to remind myself that this is the purpose of the book. We are to turn from our ugly sinful ways in repentance back to our First Love, Jesus Christ. He will be victorious in the end, and our hope must be firmly on Him. It was really good for me to read these chapters once again.
In these chapters, I began to focus on my eternal life, which I am living out now, as reflected in the verse above. I thought about how I am protected by Jesus Christ Himself and how that will be enough to overcome Satan. He is one scary dude, but our God is greater and will punish Him for His assaults.
Okay, I know I've just discoursed on a lot of thoughts. Here is what ran through my mind as I read these chapters: I thought of a beautiful September day three years ago. It was a day when the leaves were changing and the weather was perfect. The sun was out, and I was walking home from the campus of NDSU. I was praying, and the greatest sense of peace fell over me. I was so enveloped in the love of God as I walked in those moments. The breeze fell on my face, and I teared up. I was so in love with God. This was a piece of the joy that I would know in heaven, when I would be face to face with the Lord. I am blessed to remember this once again.
And I was brought to the present moment. I needed to be reminded of that moment. In the still, small quiet, I was reminded of how much my God loves me. He is for me and His joy is great over who I am. His love for me has produced abundant joy in me. And I praise Him for this moment. As I mentioned yesterday about all the wonderful things God has done in 2010, I thought about where I was a year ago in my walk with God. I have seen the God of a divine plan and story this past year, and I am thankful to be a part of His Story. I also know this is but the fringes, and I'm right on the edge of that string. Can you imagine when we will know fully!?!
How is God producing joy in you?
Have you been enjoying the love of your God in our days?
Has He been preparing you for eternity, and helping Him know you in the early stages of our eternal lives? Are you asking Him to?
Our God longs that we know Him and Jesus Christ. He longs to indwell us with the Holy Spirit and change us for His glory. He longs for us to love Him in return. He desires that we find utmost joy in Him. Our God loves us so much - and He has never given up in that love.
Turn to Him today and just thank of Him. Reflect on all the ways He has worked in your life "up to this point." We have much to be grateful for. We are so abundantly blessed, and we are placed where we are for the very reason of bringing Him glory. How can you do that today? Long for Him in abundance today, and He will fill your need. He loves you. He is overjoyed that you have decided to follow Him. Let His joy fill you to the utmost.
Jesus, you have been a faithful and devoted friend. You are so great to us. You love us and you always stand to intercede for us before the Father. You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. You - Jesus - you, are ALL we need. Thank you for thinking of me when you were on the Cross. Thank you for knowing me from the beginning of time and for caring enough to come to this earth so that I would be reconciled to the Father. Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to indwell me and for bringing such wonderful joy to my life. I am alive because of your mercy and because of your grace. Thank you for covering me. I love you. Help me to see you today more and more. Fill me with all your joy that I would be a more faithful and fruitful disciple. Continue to prepare me my eternal home and give me fervor with eternal perspective to share the joy I have in you. Lead me in my eternal walk right now. To the glory and honor of your precious name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Love you all.
Brandon
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Arrogance
Hi everyone,
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and are looking forward to the New Year! I believe it will be a fantastic one. I thought, before I lay on you what I've been reminded of and thinking about, I would recap this last year!
So, first of all - this year has been one of changes. I feel like I've grown so much and yet, there is so much more I have to learn. I want to know God more and I am realizing how much He has blessed me and called me for.
This year, I started dating a beautiful woman and just like that, I knew. I knew why she was in my life, I knew what we were meant for, and I knew I loved her. I had never felt this way about another person before - and my life changed. I am smiling because it is so beautiful what God has done. So, after 6 months of dating, I asked her to be my wife! And she said yes. A year ago, I was only thinking about her, and not much for that matter, and now I'm going to be her husband! Wow. My breath is taken away.
Another change that happened this year was a big purchase. I already told you about the ring that I bought, but I also purchased a home for my bride and I. We close next month and I'm very excited for all the memories we will make in this home.
Along with that purchase, I also started seminary and am pursuing, albeit very slowly, the plan God has placed on my heart in ministry.
This, and so much more, has happened in this year. There have been so many memories that have been made and that will be cherished throughout my life. God is so good and I have been so very blessed.
Thanks for working with me through that! Okay, onto the good stuff! :)
Last night, my fiancé and I were watching P.S. I Love You and a line just stopped me. I'd seen the film previously, but this time something resonated with me very deeply. The title of this post has come from the thoughts that stem. In the scene, Harry Connick, Jr. and Hilary Swank are on their first date. They stop for a corned beef sandwich by a memorial to the Irish. In the moment, Hilary Swank looks over and sees and old couple and says, "Now, that is an honest to goodness couple." She adds a little more. Then Harry Connick, Jr. rebuts "We're so arrogant. We try all these things to stay young and we take for granted the privilege it is to grow old - and with someone, who doesn't make you want to commit murder or something."
It's a cute moment in the film, and provides for a good laugh. The line that struck me most was, "We're so arrogant." I was blown away by the profundity of this little statement. We are so arrogant. Human beings have this inept ability to choose themselves over any other. We take so many simple blessings for granted.
In the film, Harry Connick, Jr. speaks to our attitude toward aging, and this is a good thing to consider. In America, we are taught how to provide for ourselves. We are delight to do things on our own. We have a very self-focused and selfish way of life. None of us are immune. I think it stuck so well with me, because I'm so guilty of living like this.
As a Christian, I am called to be a part of a community. I am called to build up the body of believers through encouragement and to share the word of Christ with all. I am to make disciples. Yet, often, I REALLY DO think, "What's in it for me?" How arrogant I am. I spit in the Maker's face with the way I want things done, and do not follow after how He has designed them. I'm afraid I'm not the only one who thinks like this. And I work in ministry.
I continued to think about this attitude and I began to notice how prevalent it is in America (in general) and in the American Church. The one place I noticed it the most, however, is the area of homosexuality. I do not normally discuss this topic, because I have my opinions, but as I am discoursing on my own sin, I need to call out sin. Sin is sin before God's eyes. We have NO excuse. Absolutely none. And if we claim to know Jesus Christ, we are called to conform to His image - His holy, perfect image and to turn from our sin and walk in a new life. I'm not saying this is easy, because the Lord knows how I struggle with sin. I am not writing this to condemn the sinner, but the sin. There must be an end to tolerance.
As I was writing, the arrogance we all have deals with our attitude that we're right and God designed it wrong. Now, the Bible is very clear that the act of homosexuality is an abomination. It IS sexual sin, which takes different forms for all kinds of people. This is not the way we were designed by God. We were made man for woman and woman for man! This is His grand design - we cannot change this! Scripture must be looked at completely, not in pieces. No one piece is meant to be exalted over the other. They are all God - breathed, and useful for teaching, rebuking, and correcting so that we may be throughly equipped. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ longs for us to love Him in return. And He longs for us to be free from stain, free to Him, and beautiful in His sight.
This comes through repentance. And that is why I write this. I write so that we would repent and turn back to our first love. I want to be like Him. I want the church to be like Him. I want us to step away from our arrogance. We are not right. We are sinners and we need redemption from our sin. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. The Holy Spirit will change you.
I want 2011 to be a year to remember and I long for us all to seek after God with a new heart and a new mind. Jesus is working for our benefit, interceding so that we will be free! Turn now, and choose to live for His glory.
I leave with a verse I have chosen to be my theme for 2011. I pray that it will benefit you as well.
"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." - 2 Timothy 2:15
Love you all.
Brandon
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and are looking forward to the New Year! I believe it will be a fantastic one. I thought, before I lay on you what I've been reminded of and thinking about, I would recap this last year!
So, first of all - this year has been one of changes. I feel like I've grown so much and yet, there is so much more I have to learn. I want to know God more and I am realizing how much He has blessed me and called me for.
This year, I started dating a beautiful woman and just like that, I knew. I knew why she was in my life, I knew what we were meant for, and I knew I loved her. I had never felt this way about another person before - and my life changed. I am smiling because it is so beautiful what God has done. So, after 6 months of dating, I asked her to be my wife! And she said yes. A year ago, I was only thinking about her, and not much for that matter, and now I'm going to be her husband! Wow. My breath is taken away.
Another change that happened this year was a big purchase. I already told you about the ring that I bought, but I also purchased a home for my bride and I. We close next month and I'm very excited for all the memories we will make in this home.
Along with that purchase, I also started seminary and am pursuing, albeit very slowly, the plan God has placed on my heart in ministry.
This, and so much more, has happened in this year. There have been so many memories that have been made and that will be cherished throughout my life. God is so good and I have been so very blessed.
Thanks for working with me through that! Okay, onto the good stuff! :)
Last night, my fiancé and I were watching P.S. I Love You and a line just stopped me. I'd seen the film previously, but this time something resonated with me very deeply. The title of this post has come from the thoughts that stem. In the scene, Harry Connick, Jr. and Hilary Swank are on their first date. They stop for a corned beef sandwich by a memorial to the Irish. In the moment, Hilary Swank looks over and sees and old couple and says, "Now, that is an honest to goodness couple." She adds a little more. Then Harry Connick, Jr. rebuts "We're so arrogant. We try all these things to stay young and we take for granted the privilege it is to grow old - and with someone, who doesn't make you want to commit murder or something."
It's a cute moment in the film, and provides for a good laugh. The line that struck me most was, "We're so arrogant." I was blown away by the profundity of this little statement. We are so arrogant. Human beings have this inept ability to choose themselves over any other. We take so many simple blessings for granted.
In the film, Harry Connick, Jr. speaks to our attitude toward aging, and this is a good thing to consider. In America, we are taught how to provide for ourselves. We are delight to do things on our own. We have a very self-focused and selfish way of life. None of us are immune. I think it stuck so well with me, because I'm so guilty of living like this.
As a Christian, I am called to be a part of a community. I am called to build up the body of believers through encouragement and to share the word of Christ with all. I am to make disciples. Yet, often, I REALLY DO think, "What's in it for me?" How arrogant I am. I spit in the Maker's face with the way I want things done, and do not follow after how He has designed them. I'm afraid I'm not the only one who thinks like this. And I work in ministry.
I continued to think about this attitude and I began to notice how prevalent it is in America (in general) and in the American Church. The one place I noticed it the most, however, is the area of homosexuality. I do not normally discuss this topic, because I have my opinions, but as I am discoursing on my own sin, I need to call out sin. Sin is sin before God's eyes. We have NO excuse. Absolutely none. And if we claim to know Jesus Christ, we are called to conform to His image - His holy, perfect image and to turn from our sin and walk in a new life. I'm not saying this is easy, because the Lord knows how I struggle with sin. I am not writing this to condemn the sinner, but the sin. There must be an end to tolerance.
As I was writing, the arrogance we all have deals with our attitude that we're right and God designed it wrong. Now, the Bible is very clear that the act of homosexuality is an abomination. It IS sexual sin, which takes different forms for all kinds of people. This is not the way we were designed by God. We were made man for woman and woman for man! This is His grand design - we cannot change this! Scripture must be looked at completely, not in pieces. No one piece is meant to be exalted over the other. They are all God - breathed, and useful for teaching, rebuking, and correcting so that we may be throughly equipped. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ longs for us to love Him in return. And He longs for us to be free from stain, free to Him, and beautiful in His sight.
This comes through repentance. And that is why I write this. I write so that we would repent and turn back to our first love. I want to be like Him. I want the church to be like Him. I want us to step away from our arrogance. We are not right. We are sinners and we need redemption from our sin. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. The Holy Spirit will change you.
I want 2011 to be a year to remember and I long for us all to seek after God with a new heart and a new mind. Jesus is working for our benefit, interceding so that we will be free! Turn now, and choose to live for His glory.
I leave with a verse I have chosen to be my theme for 2011. I pray that it will benefit you as well.
"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." - 2 Timothy 2:15
Love you all.
Brandon
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
The Body
Hello everyone! It's been a little while since I last posted, but to be honest, if you were living in my October, you would completely understand! I'm just finishing catching up! But here I am - and God is so strong in all my life!
A lot has happened since I last posted. One, I got engaged! It is very exciting to know that God has given me a woman to love and care for for the days of our lives. And I am very excited! Two, I have been wedding planning. Enough said there. Three, I have been working with young men and women, and helped 39 make a profession of Christ as their Savior in October. Usually, this means that they've graduated from church - but what is even more wonderful is the number of them that want more of Christ! I can for sure count on 25 of those kids on a regular basis and know that they desire to be disciples and not just mere Christians. It is so amazing!
Well, I'm in the week of Thanksgiving, and I have much to give praise for! It is so wonderful to be alive and to be working for God's kingdom and seeing that kingdom grow! I am blessed, and I know there has been a specific calling on my life. I do not take that for granted, nor use that to boast; but I say this, and know that I am humbled before a mighty God and thankful to be His servant and disciple.
This morning, I share with you what God has been laying on my heart. I'm jamming to Lecrae and I'm just excited! God has been so good to us and He is showing Himself in great ways. I titled this post "The Body" because this is what I am to be about, as are all Christians. Coming next week, I am teaching on the song "City on our Knees" by TobyMac, and as I prepare, God is showing me I have to be completely focused on building His body on this earth.
I start writing this with the words of Paul to the Thessalonians in 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 19 - 20:
"And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe...For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus, when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy."
I read these verses again this morning and was so blessed as I remembered my job and my duty as a follower of Christ. We are called to rejoice and cover those who accept God's Word in prayer. We cannot be simply kept at how they have turned to Christ, we have to move them closer to the Lord. That happens through our prayers to God. I know that when I have seen this in my life, I have been so filled with joy in the Lord - but I know that there is more work. We must remember that. But more are joined together and the bride becomes more beautiful as more come to faith in Jesus.
But the second part is really the gem in this passage. When Paul writes that his joy and hope and crown is in the people, I first got a little confused. As I dwelt more on what Paul is writing, here is what I came up with. We will be rewarded for what we do for Jesus. We will be given crowns, which (even more awesome that we get to do) we will leave at Jesus feet for His glory. But, we still can see that reward. When Paul writes this, I believe he says that the faith and commitment to Jesus are a reward he receives for being faithful with his calling. And Paul prays for the people, presenting them to Christ continually, and leaving "his crown" before Jesus. But he still gets to see that crown. He rejoices in the body of Christ.
This is what we get to experience as disciples of Christ. We get to see others grow and fall in love with Jesus. This is our "glory and joy." But we have to leave it before Jesus, and continue to work for Him. We are called to rejoice in the body of Christ! Those we lead to Christ and make disciples are our crown, but we have to leave them before Christ.
However, in order to do this, we must be faithful to Christ first. The body is beautiful - very beautiful - but in order to make disciples, you have to be a disciple first. God longs for you - and He will use you - but He loves you so much.
Turn to Him! God yearns for us to be the body and to love as He loves! We will one day be a "City on our Knees!" Let's move that forward to come soon!
God bless you all and I love you so much!
Brandon
Heavenly Father, you are glorious! You are worthy of all praise! You are calling us to be the body - living, moving, breathing, caring, sharing - just as you are. Lord, we are so blinded though. We cannot be the body without your Spirit. So pour on us your Spirit. Revive us Lord to you and for your glory! Call us unto you Lord that we would glorify the Mighty Jesus! It is Him we live for and it is Him I praise! Lead us Glorious King! Amen.
A lot has happened since I last posted. One, I got engaged! It is very exciting to know that God has given me a woman to love and care for for the days of our lives. And I am very excited! Two, I have been wedding planning. Enough said there. Three, I have been working with young men and women, and helped 39 make a profession of Christ as their Savior in October. Usually, this means that they've graduated from church - but what is even more wonderful is the number of them that want more of Christ! I can for sure count on 25 of those kids on a regular basis and know that they desire to be disciples and not just mere Christians. It is so amazing!
Well, I'm in the week of Thanksgiving, and I have much to give praise for! It is so wonderful to be alive and to be working for God's kingdom and seeing that kingdom grow! I am blessed, and I know there has been a specific calling on my life. I do not take that for granted, nor use that to boast; but I say this, and know that I am humbled before a mighty God and thankful to be His servant and disciple.
This morning, I share with you what God has been laying on my heart. I'm jamming to Lecrae and I'm just excited! God has been so good to us and He is showing Himself in great ways. I titled this post "The Body" because this is what I am to be about, as are all Christians. Coming next week, I am teaching on the song "City on our Knees" by TobyMac, and as I prepare, God is showing me I have to be completely focused on building His body on this earth.
I start writing this with the words of Paul to the Thessalonians in 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 19 - 20:
"And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe...For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus, when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy."
I read these verses again this morning and was so blessed as I remembered my job and my duty as a follower of Christ. We are called to rejoice and cover those who accept God's Word in prayer. We cannot be simply kept at how they have turned to Christ, we have to move them closer to the Lord. That happens through our prayers to God. I know that when I have seen this in my life, I have been so filled with joy in the Lord - but I know that there is more work. We must remember that. But more are joined together and the bride becomes more beautiful as more come to faith in Jesus.
But the second part is really the gem in this passage. When Paul writes that his joy and hope and crown is in the people, I first got a little confused. As I dwelt more on what Paul is writing, here is what I came up with. We will be rewarded for what we do for Jesus. We will be given crowns, which (even more awesome that we get to do) we will leave at Jesus feet for His glory. But, we still can see that reward. When Paul writes this, I believe he says that the faith and commitment to Jesus are a reward he receives for being faithful with his calling. And Paul prays for the people, presenting them to Christ continually, and leaving "his crown" before Jesus. But he still gets to see that crown. He rejoices in the body of Christ.
This is what we get to experience as disciples of Christ. We get to see others grow and fall in love with Jesus. This is our "glory and joy." But we have to leave it before Jesus, and continue to work for Him. We are called to rejoice in the body of Christ! Those we lead to Christ and make disciples are our crown, but we have to leave them before Christ.
However, in order to do this, we must be faithful to Christ first. The body is beautiful - very beautiful - but in order to make disciples, you have to be a disciple first. God longs for you - and He will use you - but He loves you so much.
Turn to Him! God yearns for us to be the body and to love as He loves! We will one day be a "City on our Knees!" Let's move that forward to come soon!
God bless you all and I love you so much!
Brandon
Heavenly Father, you are glorious! You are worthy of all praise! You are calling us to be the body - living, moving, breathing, caring, sharing - just as you are. Lord, we are so blinded though. We cannot be the body without your Spirit. So pour on us your Spirit. Revive us Lord to you and for your glory! Call us unto you Lord that we would glorify the Mighty Jesus! It is Him we live for and it is Him I praise! Lead us Glorious King! Amen.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Lost Fathers
Good afternoon everyone!
I have had such a refreshing 24 hours! I have been so burdened to be praying and contending for the people of the world and for my church. So please know, if you attend my church, that you are being covered in prayer.
I love prayer, getting close to the Father and really seeing His heart. Along with this, being burdened to humble myself and depend on God. I have found myself wanting nothing more than to get on my knees and spend periods of time. Today, I have just been reinvigorated to have a heart of prayer. Thank you Lord for turning me around! PTL! (For those that do not know acronyms, PTL means Praise the Lord!)
But aside from this, I do want to address something that has bothered me a little bit and its just going to come out. In my meeting this afternoon, we prayed for a single mother and her child. We also prayed for her father, but also mentioned how he is nowhere to be found. As I read this, my heart grieved.
Earlier today, I read from Colossians (I've picked the book up again) and 2 verses stuck out very blatantly to me. They both are commands to men and their roles. The first is Colossians 3:19, which in the NIV reads, "Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them." The second verse is Colossians 3:21, "Fathers, do not embitter your children or they will become discouraged."
As I reflect on these two verses, I just see a high importance on the role a man plays in the life of the people around him. First, God commands us to love our wives. The wife is a person who has committed to a life-long walk with this man. This is a person who was designed to be unashamed with her spouse and viewed as of utmost importance. When we love them, we are not harsh with them, for we will treat them dignity and respect. But loving a woman is not an easy task. That might be why God commands it of us - because it is worth it!
Secondly, fathers are not to embitter their children. First, a father has to be around his children in order to play a role like this on their child's life. Children needs their dads - so much research shows this, and fathers do have a responsibility to their children to love them in the best way they can.
But our society is showing something else. As I mentioned earlier, we prayed for a mom and her daughter where the father is absent, and it just grieves my heart. This is not how God meant it to be and it is not how it should be! This is becoming WAY to common in our area and it is so sad.
Fathers, do you not realize what a significant role in your child's lives? You have to turn from thinking about yourself to thinking about your children. They need you. I am not a father, but I know it is not easy. But that should never be a reason to give up! If that was the way it was with God and He gave up on us, what would we do?
Men, let's change what we're doing to this society and this next generation. Your presence means so much more than you can even imagine in the lives of your children. Be there for them, pay attention to them, and love your wife. I plead with you to change the way we've let our society become.
"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God." 1 John 4:7
Heavenly Father, we need you. God, I plead and petition you now to do a work in your children in this world. Lord, we live in a broken and hurting world, and gradually and more gradually we see a generation growing up with a male father figure. Lord, you can change this. Lord, I know that the way children are fathered is how they view you - and I want nothing less for the generation to see you as a loving, nurturing, caring, strong Father. Lord, do not let them be dismayed, but encouraged to know the deep love you have for them. Lord, I pray for all the single mothers and ask that you would give them wisdom, love, and immense strength in the task they have in raising their children. Guide these women Lord to depend on you and love you more. God, I pray for the dads and ask you to fill these men with joy and love for their wives and their children. Lord, would these men be filled with encourage to pour that on their children and love them. God would you give them immense love for their wives. Thank you so much Lord for the gift of fathers in our lives, only to reflect the true nature of You, our Heavenly Father. Lead us men Lord, to take a stance that glorifies you as well Jesus in all our ways. Help us to set our priorities, with you first, our spouses second, and our children third. Guide us after your heart Lord and fill us with your Holy Spirit. I ask all this in the glorious name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
I have had such a refreshing 24 hours! I have been so burdened to be praying and contending for the people of the world and for my church. So please know, if you attend my church, that you are being covered in prayer.
I love prayer, getting close to the Father and really seeing His heart. Along with this, being burdened to humble myself and depend on God. I have found myself wanting nothing more than to get on my knees and spend periods of time. Today, I have just been reinvigorated to have a heart of prayer. Thank you Lord for turning me around! PTL! (For those that do not know acronyms, PTL means Praise the Lord!)
But aside from this, I do want to address something that has bothered me a little bit and its just going to come out. In my meeting this afternoon, we prayed for a single mother and her child. We also prayed for her father, but also mentioned how he is nowhere to be found. As I read this, my heart grieved.
Earlier today, I read from Colossians (I've picked the book up again) and 2 verses stuck out very blatantly to me. They both are commands to men and their roles. The first is Colossians 3:19, which in the NIV reads, "Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them." The second verse is Colossians 3:21, "Fathers, do not embitter your children or they will become discouraged."
As I reflect on these two verses, I just see a high importance on the role a man plays in the life of the people around him. First, God commands us to love our wives. The wife is a person who has committed to a life-long walk with this man. This is a person who was designed to be unashamed with her spouse and viewed as of utmost importance. When we love them, we are not harsh with them, for we will treat them dignity and respect. But loving a woman is not an easy task. That might be why God commands it of us - because it is worth it!
Secondly, fathers are not to embitter their children. First, a father has to be around his children in order to play a role like this on their child's life. Children needs their dads - so much research shows this, and fathers do have a responsibility to their children to love them in the best way they can.
But our society is showing something else. As I mentioned earlier, we prayed for a mom and her daughter where the father is absent, and it just grieves my heart. This is not how God meant it to be and it is not how it should be! This is becoming WAY to common in our area and it is so sad.
Fathers, do you not realize what a significant role in your child's lives? You have to turn from thinking about yourself to thinking about your children. They need you. I am not a father, but I know it is not easy. But that should never be a reason to give up! If that was the way it was with God and He gave up on us, what would we do?
Men, let's change what we're doing to this society and this next generation. Your presence means so much more than you can even imagine in the lives of your children. Be there for them, pay attention to them, and love your wife. I plead with you to change the way we've let our society become.
"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God." 1 John 4:7
Heavenly Father, we need you. God, I plead and petition you now to do a work in your children in this world. Lord, we live in a broken and hurting world, and gradually and more gradually we see a generation growing up with a male father figure. Lord, you can change this. Lord, I know that the way children are fathered is how they view you - and I want nothing less for the generation to see you as a loving, nurturing, caring, strong Father. Lord, do not let them be dismayed, but encouraged to know the deep love you have for them. Lord, I pray for all the single mothers and ask that you would give them wisdom, love, and immense strength in the task they have in raising their children. Guide these women Lord to depend on you and love you more. God, I pray for the dads and ask you to fill these men with joy and love for their wives and their children. Lord, would these men be filled with encourage to pour that on their children and love them. God would you give them immense love for their wives. Thank you so much Lord for the gift of fathers in our lives, only to reflect the true nature of You, our Heavenly Father. Lead us men Lord, to take a stance that glorifies you as well Jesus in all our ways. Help us to set our priorities, with you first, our spouses second, and our children third. Guide us after your heart Lord and fill us with your Holy Spirit. I ask all this in the glorious name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Christ in you, the hope of glory
Good afternoon all!
I hope this post finds you well and celebrating newness in your walk of faith. I have exciting things to share as well!
I'm going to begin this post with a prayer.
"God, we need your grace. Our hearts are broken. We are cisterns that cannot hold water. Our own efforts do nothing and we must repent for trying to think they would. Bring us to our knees and whisper truth to us now. Jesus you are the only hope we can proclaim. We are aimless without your guidance. Stand firm to strengthen and transform your children after your beautiful heart. Thank you Jesus for your love and faithfulness. We turn to you now."
I have been listening to a young woman by the name of Sarah Reeves for a little over a year now, and she has one powerful song that is so beautiful. It's called "Come Save" and just about every time I hear it, I am pushed to worship.
The song talks about how much we need God and we need to depend on His saving work. This afternoon I heard the song and I was so moved to turn and repent. I was turned back to God for the ugliness I see in myself. I beat myself up so many times because of how I fail to obey God. I hate that I don't love Him as much as I should. I hate that I lack in self - control of my body in many ways, and I know how depraved I am in myself.
As I heard this song, I was reminded to turn to God. So, this post begins with a confession, one that I must say over and over - I'm not perfect. This heart of mine is broken and is contrite. But I am reminded from Psalm 51 that this is what God desires, not sacrifice. He is full of grace and can accomplish all that I cannot. He is so good.
I jumped into my Bible at this time, and a few weeks ago, I started to read Colossians. I decided to come back to this book and I looked at one verse I had underlined. It's Colossians 1:27. It says, "To them God has chosen to make known...the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." This verse powerfully speaks of what matters most and what God has placed in us by His own choosing - our hope. It is Christ alone. He is living inside us. He is the one who gives me any righteous standing before God at all.
Do you realize that when God looks at us He sees His Son Jesus inside of us, and He alone makes us righteous to stand before the God of all the Universe? It is Jesus alone that allows us to approach the Father and have a relationship with Him. And not only God, we have access to the Holy Spirit and to Jesus. We are called into communion with all three and we are so blessed.
I believe many of us have forgotten this, or continually forget it. We are saved to a glorious redemption, never dependent on ourselves. It is our duty to depend and trust in the Father. Our sin should never overwhelm us to the point of death, because that's how much bigger and mightier God is. He is cleansing us and purifying us for a glorious heaven.
And if I am to judge, there is a lot of refining He has left to do on me. But I have hope that He is working. And I will continue to press in and assure myself in His heart. I am a child of the mighty King of Heaven, and He calls me to a new life, one that I continue to envelop myself in.
Lord Jesus, I am amazed at your redemption of my heart and the hearts of your people. I bow before you for your excellencies and worthiness. You are the King. And you have opened my heart to see you. Yes, Lord, I ignore looking at and to you sometimes. I apologize for my acts and I ask that you would once again cleanse away all that separates us. I know much of the road blocks have been self - induced, and some from the enemy. Lord, it doesn't matter. Lord, you are righteous. Lord, I want to love you more. Draw me near, and all your children, to you and your heart. I pray in the powerful name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
I hope this post finds you well and celebrating newness in your walk of faith. I have exciting things to share as well!
I'm going to begin this post with a prayer.
"God, we need your grace. Our hearts are broken. We are cisterns that cannot hold water. Our own efforts do nothing and we must repent for trying to think they would. Bring us to our knees and whisper truth to us now. Jesus you are the only hope we can proclaim. We are aimless without your guidance. Stand firm to strengthen and transform your children after your beautiful heart. Thank you Jesus for your love and faithfulness. We turn to you now."
I have been listening to a young woman by the name of Sarah Reeves for a little over a year now, and she has one powerful song that is so beautiful. It's called "Come Save" and just about every time I hear it, I am pushed to worship.
The song talks about how much we need God and we need to depend on His saving work. This afternoon I heard the song and I was so moved to turn and repent. I was turned back to God for the ugliness I see in myself. I beat myself up so many times because of how I fail to obey God. I hate that I don't love Him as much as I should. I hate that I lack in self - control of my body in many ways, and I know how depraved I am in myself.
As I heard this song, I was reminded to turn to God. So, this post begins with a confession, one that I must say over and over - I'm not perfect. This heart of mine is broken and is contrite. But I am reminded from Psalm 51 that this is what God desires, not sacrifice. He is full of grace and can accomplish all that I cannot. He is so good.
I jumped into my Bible at this time, and a few weeks ago, I started to read Colossians. I decided to come back to this book and I looked at one verse I had underlined. It's Colossians 1:27. It says, "To them God has chosen to make known...the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." This verse powerfully speaks of what matters most and what God has placed in us by His own choosing - our hope. It is Christ alone. He is living inside us. He is the one who gives me any righteous standing before God at all.
Do you realize that when God looks at us He sees His Son Jesus inside of us, and He alone makes us righteous to stand before the God of all the Universe? It is Jesus alone that allows us to approach the Father and have a relationship with Him. And not only God, we have access to the Holy Spirit and to Jesus. We are called into communion with all three and we are so blessed.
I believe many of us have forgotten this, or continually forget it. We are saved to a glorious redemption, never dependent on ourselves. It is our duty to depend and trust in the Father. Our sin should never overwhelm us to the point of death, because that's how much bigger and mightier God is. He is cleansing us and purifying us for a glorious heaven.
And if I am to judge, there is a lot of refining He has left to do on me. But I have hope that He is working. And I will continue to press in and assure myself in His heart. I am a child of the mighty King of Heaven, and He calls me to a new life, one that I continue to envelop myself in.
Lord Jesus, I am amazed at your redemption of my heart and the hearts of your people. I bow before you for your excellencies and worthiness. You are the King. And you have opened my heart to see you. Yes, Lord, I ignore looking at and to you sometimes. I apologize for my acts and I ask that you would once again cleanse away all that separates us. I know much of the road blocks have been self - induced, and some from the enemy. Lord, it doesn't matter. Lord, you are righteous. Lord, I want to love you more. Draw me near, and all your children, to you and your heart. I pray in the powerful name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Spiritual Power
I have just one quote to share with you today, but it is a very good and profound one. I have been dwelling on it and thinking about the way God works. I hope it blesses y'all. It is from a book I have been reading lately called, "Called to Lead" by John MacArthur. And he writes:
"God is still bypassing the elite. He's leaving the proud intellectuals in universities and seminaries, and He's looking for clay pots who will carry the treasure of saving truth with humility. By using frail and common people, God makes it clear that the power is His, not ours. The fact that God can make spiritual leaders out of such unsightly clay jars is proof of the greatness of His power. Spiritual power is not the product of human genius or human technique. The power is from God.
"And the wonderful thing is that our weakness doesn't prove fatal to the cause of truth...knowing our weakness isn't a disadvantage; it is essential to what we do as leaders." (pg. 114 - 115)
I don't know about you, but that is powerful to me! It signifies to me how it is not about us. It is completely about God and His glory. We can just get in the way - but His power is beyond us!
We are clay pots, and yet there is a beautiful treasure hidden in us if we belong to Jesus Christ. It is our job to let that shine through, even in our frail bodies.
God does crazy things! His power is made perfect in our weaknesses and He uses you and me to be His vessels to carry His message and to shine His light in dark places. He involves us, not by our own volition, but because He wants to. He wants us and we can play a role in the greatest thing in this universe.
I hope you're blessed today and I pray that blessing over you!
Love you all more than you know!
To Him Be The Glory!
Brandon
"God is still bypassing the elite. He's leaving the proud intellectuals in universities and seminaries, and He's looking for clay pots who will carry the treasure of saving truth with humility. By using frail and common people, God makes it clear that the power is His, not ours. The fact that God can make spiritual leaders out of such unsightly clay jars is proof of the greatness of His power. Spiritual power is not the product of human genius or human technique. The power is from God.
"And the wonderful thing is that our weakness doesn't prove fatal to the cause of truth...knowing our weakness isn't a disadvantage; it is essential to what we do as leaders." (pg. 114 - 115)
I don't know about you, but that is powerful to me! It signifies to me how it is not about us. It is completely about God and His glory. We can just get in the way - but His power is beyond us!
We are clay pots, and yet there is a beautiful treasure hidden in us if we belong to Jesus Christ. It is our job to let that shine through, even in our frail bodies.
God does crazy things! His power is made perfect in our weaknesses and He uses you and me to be His vessels to carry His message and to shine His light in dark places. He involves us, not by our own volition, but because He wants to. He wants us and we can play a role in the greatest thing in this universe.
I hope you're blessed today and I pray that blessing over you!
Love you all more than you know!
To Him Be The Glory!
Brandon
Monday, July 19, 2010
response
Good morning!
Just have a little bit to share today, but I'm excited!
The past few weeks I have been reading through the Gospel of John and this morning I read through John 13. In this chapter Jesus and the disciples get ready for the Passover meal - also know as the Last Supper. John depicts this night very clearly and expands it to many chapters of Jesus' final teachings and exhortations. It is a very profound and great reading. There is so much to learn!
As I stated earlier, I read through John 13 this morning, and the famous footwashing ceremony occurs here. There is such beauty in reading and recreating the scene in my mind. I love thinking about how the Savior gets on His knees to bless His disciples. It completely challenges me and how I respond to people.
As I read the verses I was struck by what Jesus did. Jesus knew how this would all go down, and He also knew how He was going to be betrayed. He knew what Judas was going to do the whole time. He knew that the Cross was coming soon and He willingly stepped forward to take on my sins. I look at this moment when Jesus cleanses His followers feet and I think of the moment He washed Judas' feet. I look inward and think of how I would wash his feet. Would I scrub hard with much force? Would I gracefully touch them with a veneer of cynicism?
I don't know how I would respond. But I don't think I would respond the way Jesus did. He touched the feet lovingly. He washed them just as He would wash anyone else and He cared for Judas. Judas was one of His closest friends - He had deep care for who this man was, and yet, He knew the failings of this man. Sometimes, I think we think Jesus never trusted Judas and that He looked down upon this one that Satan chose to use for his evil plan. I was shown this morning that this was not the case. Judas was a friend of Jesus. And he betrayed Him.
I don't think we're much different sometimes.
I think we are friends with Christ, and we still betray Him. I say this because I do it. I don't think I'm the only one.
Where are you at? Do you respond to those you know could betray you with the same love Jesus did to Judas? Do you respond to your enemies with that kind of care?
Honest confession reveals the place our heart is at and how God can transform us. I want Him to transform me. I am not always responding to His call of love, grace, and forgiveness the way I should. I fail. And I want God to change this. My human condition is broken and ONLY repaired by the grace of God.
And His grace is calling to me. It is desiring me. God wants me. He is for me. He wants me to love Him and His children the same way and sacrificially. I love that thought of being desired by the Most Holy God. And I want to respond His way.
God, you call me out of my defeat, out of my ugliness, out of my despair. You call me and you love me. Lord, I don't respond as I should to my friends, my enemies, or to you. I want a new way of thinking and I want to respond the way you desire. God make me new once again. Forgive me as I confess and repent, as I turn to you, to walk as the man you call me to be. I want your integrity, to walk in your boldness, and to surround my heart only in your goodness. You are ever faithful and you love me. You are for me and I praise your Holy Name. I love you Jesus. Amen.
Just have a little bit to share today, but I'm excited!
The past few weeks I have been reading through the Gospel of John and this morning I read through John 13. In this chapter Jesus and the disciples get ready for the Passover meal - also know as the Last Supper. John depicts this night very clearly and expands it to many chapters of Jesus' final teachings and exhortations. It is a very profound and great reading. There is so much to learn!
As I stated earlier, I read through John 13 this morning, and the famous footwashing ceremony occurs here. There is such beauty in reading and recreating the scene in my mind. I love thinking about how the Savior gets on His knees to bless His disciples. It completely challenges me and how I respond to people.
As I read the verses I was struck by what Jesus did. Jesus knew how this would all go down, and He also knew how He was going to be betrayed. He knew what Judas was going to do the whole time. He knew that the Cross was coming soon and He willingly stepped forward to take on my sins. I look at this moment when Jesus cleanses His followers feet and I think of the moment He washed Judas' feet. I look inward and think of how I would wash his feet. Would I scrub hard with much force? Would I gracefully touch them with a veneer of cynicism?
I don't know how I would respond. But I don't think I would respond the way Jesus did. He touched the feet lovingly. He washed them just as He would wash anyone else and He cared for Judas. Judas was one of His closest friends - He had deep care for who this man was, and yet, He knew the failings of this man. Sometimes, I think we think Jesus never trusted Judas and that He looked down upon this one that Satan chose to use for his evil plan. I was shown this morning that this was not the case. Judas was a friend of Jesus. And he betrayed Him.
I don't think we're much different sometimes.
I think we are friends with Christ, and we still betray Him. I say this because I do it. I don't think I'm the only one.
Where are you at? Do you respond to those you know could betray you with the same love Jesus did to Judas? Do you respond to your enemies with that kind of care?
Honest confession reveals the place our heart is at and how God can transform us. I want Him to transform me. I am not always responding to His call of love, grace, and forgiveness the way I should. I fail. And I want God to change this. My human condition is broken and ONLY repaired by the grace of God.
And His grace is calling to me. It is desiring me. God wants me. He is for me. He wants me to love Him and His children the same way and sacrificially. I love that thought of being desired by the Most Holy God. And I want to respond His way.
God, you call me out of my defeat, out of my ugliness, out of my despair. You call me and you love me. Lord, I don't respond as I should to my friends, my enemies, or to you. I want a new way of thinking and I want to respond the way you desire. God make me new once again. Forgive me as I confess and repent, as I turn to you, to walk as the man you call me to be. I want your integrity, to walk in your boldness, and to surround my heart only in your goodness. You are ever faithful and you love me. You are for me and I praise your Holy Name. I love you Jesus. Amen.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
The goodness of God
Today, I was planning on blogging, and I was going to take a look at and share what I have learned as I have meditated on a verse. Right before I decided to blog, I thought I would preview a curriculum DVD I recently purchased and then go after this writing. As I watched the DVD I was blown away and want to talk about something I learned instead.
So, let's jump right into it! The DVD I watched was on stewardship, and the lesson I watched was based on Matthew 25:14 - 30, also known more commonly as the Parable of the Talents. This parable is one on work and working for God.
In the passage, we learn about 3 workers who are given a sum of money by a nobleman, or their master, who was leaving for a period of time. The nobleman ordered the servants to invest the money for him as however they saw fit, but to do something. Two of the servants were faithful in investing their money. The nobleman, after discovering what they had done with the talents told these two men to "enter into the joy of your master." (verses 21 & 23) The third worker, however, did not do anything with what he was given.
The response the third worker gives goes like this, "Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours." (verses 24 - 25)
As I was watching the DVD, they pointed out the obvious things in the parable, such as God is the nobleman, or master, and we are the workers. They also pointed out that God equips us all with certain attributes and things to control. We are to work for God and bring Him glory - things most people hit on when they hear this passage preached. But they made one astute observation, and it dealt with how the third worker responded to the master. When the servant answered the master, the DVD stated that this worker did not trust in the goodness of God and therefore, was complacent with what God gave him. WOAH!
Think about that - this man did not trust in the goodness of God. The whole of the Gospel revolves around the belief that we think of God as good and working for our good. The Bible is full of this truth, and for many, this is not what they believe. And many of these people are ones who claim Christ as their Savior.
The Bible calls ALL Christians to action - not complacency. God calls us to be good stewards, which means we must work. And in our work we need to rely on God's goodness.
I thought more on this, and looked around at many people I see in church who see it as a piece of their life, and not interconnected. Are people missing that God is good? I think this might be a bigger problem than I completely realize and I think there might be an immense amount of truth to this thought.
Even in my own life, I look at the things I struggle with. Am I seeing that God is working this for good in my life? Do I believe God to be good and that when I work for Him that I will be blessed because of my investment? Do I trust in His goodness?
We who do trust in God's goodness can spout it out for as long as we have breath, but God's goodness cannot be captured in our words; it must be experienced. We must challenge our congregants to seek out God's goodness in their lives. We also must be calling on God to display His goodness to them, and partly, through our lives.
I also think about my life right now. I will use this as an example, even though I think I might have beaten it a little bit to an extreme. Still...I currently am in a relationship and it is fantastic! And this is SO exciting for me! I was single for many years and I always wondered when it would happen. I trusted God to do what He wanted to do, and now I am getting to experience something better than I could have ever imagined.
The same is true with a friend of mine. She has been single for a little while and has been waiting to find someone, and now someone is entering into her life and it is very exciting! She has trusted God to do what He wants and she is getting to experience something wonderful too! We are blessed!
I know those words can be hard to hear - especially if you have wanted a relationship for a long time. God does work for good for those who trust Him and wait on Him. And He wants us to be faithful.
This parable also ties into our faith. It's all about our faith. And our faith is tied to our work. Our faith is about a man named Jesus, who was completely God, and He entered into humanity to show us the Father's heart. Our faith rests on Him dying on a cross for our sins and rising to life again to give us new life. Our faith completely lies on what He accomplished. And that new life is what we get to have now!
Turn to God now, and if you haven't trusted in His goodness for your life, ask Him to show you it. Ask Him to reveal to you who He really is and all that He is about in a profound way. I bet He will answer in a more amazing way than you could believe! Trust in Him, I speak with my life that He will never turn on you.
God you've been so good to us. I pray that you would use these words to show others how wonderful you are! God would you work in a profound way to show all your children that you are good? Remove their fears that tell them differently. God be so evident. You are good to me Lord and you have shown me your goodness. Thank you Father. I know that you are for me! =D Lead me in the way everlasting. I love you Lord. In the precious name of Jesus. Amen.
Brandon
So, let's jump right into it! The DVD I watched was on stewardship, and the lesson I watched was based on Matthew 25:14 - 30, also known more commonly as the Parable of the Talents. This parable is one on work and working for God.
In the passage, we learn about 3 workers who are given a sum of money by a nobleman, or their master, who was leaving for a period of time. The nobleman ordered the servants to invest the money for him as however they saw fit, but to do something. Two of the servants were faithful in investing their money. The nobleman, after discovering what they had done with the talents told these two men to "enter into the joy of your master." (verses 21 & 23) The third worker, however, did not do anything with what he was given.
The response the third worker gives goes like this, "Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours." (verses 24 - 25)
As I was watching the DVD, they pointed out the obvious things in the parable, such as God is the nobleman, or master, and we are the workers. They also pointed out that God equips us all with certain attributes and things to control. We are to work for God and bring Him glory - things most people hit on when they hear this passage preached. But they made one astute observation, and it dealt with how the third worker responded to the master. When the servant answered the master, the DVD stated that this worker did not trust in the goodness of God and therefore, was complacent with what God gave him. WOAH!
Think about that - this man did not trust in the goodness of God. The whole of the Gospel revolves around the belief that we think of God as good and working for our good. The Bible is full of this truth, and for many, this is not what they believe. And many of these people are ones who claim Christ as their Savior.
The Bible calls ALL Christians to action - not complacency. God calls us to be good stewards, which means we must work. And in our work we need to rely on God's goodness.
I thought more on this, and looked around at many people I see in church who see it as a piece of their life, and not interconnected. Are people missing that God is good? I think this might be a bigger problem than I completely realize and I think there might be an immense amount of truth to this thought.
Even in my own life, I look at the things I struggle with. Am I seeing that God is working this for good in my life? Do I believe God to be good and that when I work for Him that I will be blessed because of my investment? Do I trust in His goodness?
We who do trust in God's goodness can spout it out for as long as we have breath, but God's goodness cannot be captured in our words; it must be experienced. We must challenge our congregants to seek out God's goodness in their lives. We also must be calling on God to display His goodness to them, and partly, through our lives.
I also think about my life right now. I will use this as an example, even though I think I might have beaten it a little bit to an extreme. Still...I currently am in a relationship and it is fantastic! And this is SO exciting for me! I was single for many years and I always wondered when it would happen. I trusted God to do what He wanted to do, and now I am getting to experience something better than I could have ever imagined.
The same is true with a friend of mine. She has been single for a little while and has been waiting to find someone, and now someone is entering into her life and it is very exciting! She has trusted God to do what He wants and she is getting to experience something wonderful too! We are blessed!
I know those words can be hard to hear - especially if you have wanted a relationship for a long time. God does work for good for those who trust Him and wait on Him. And He wants us to be faithful.
This parable also ties into our faith. It's all about our faith. And our faith is tied to our work. Our faith is about a man named Jesus, who was completely God, and He entered into humanity to show us the Father's heart. Our faith rests on Him dying on a cross for our sins and rising to life again to give us new life. Our faith completely lies on what He accomplished. And that new life is what we get to have now!
Turn to God now, and if you haven't trusted in His goodness for your life, ask Him to show you it. Ask Him to reveal to you who He really is and all that He is about in a profound way. I bet He will answer in a more amazing way than you could believe! Trust in Him, I speak with my life that He will never turn on you.
God you've been so good to us. I pray that you would use these words to show others how wonderful you are! God would you work in a profound way to show all your children that you are good? Remove their fears that tell them differently. God be so evident. You are good to me Lord and you have shown me your goodness. Thank you Father. I know that you are for me! =D Lead me in the way everlasting. I love you Lord. In the precious name of Jesus. Amen.
Brandon
Monday, June 28, 2010
Today is the Day
Hi everyone,
I hope you all are fantastic and enjoying the beautiful weather outside! Today is a grand day and it is great to be alive! The Lord has filled us so joyously with His grace. He is good!
I wanted to spend a little bit updating you all as to what I have been up to. Let me tell you - it is a lot! I started seminary a month ago and it has been difficult, time - consuming, and good. I have learned lots in the class I am taking on God's heart for the world through missions and I have been blessed by what I have learned. I pray that I will not be complacent with what I've learned, but use it to bring God glory.
Also, I have traveled a lot over the month with my beautiful girlfriend. We have been to a wedding, my parent's place, and her parent's place all in the matter of three weeks! Wow! But it has been so much fun and we have had some wonderful talks. God is doing some great things in our relationship, and I just wanted to share how wonderful the past four months have been with her! :)
Over the weekend, God opened my eyes to some of the ways I have been unfaithful to him. He has shown me my depravity and how my own personal efforts without Him fail miserably. It was good to be reminded, but it broke my heart to know how I'd hurt the Father. With that, He also showed me how my faithlessness and sin affects so many people around me. I'd always heard that our sins affect others, but never has it been more clearly revealed to me than the other day. And that was hard.
A week ago I read a book by Marilee Pierce Dunker, the daughter of World Vision Founder Bob Pierce, called Man of Vision, and in it she writes how her father began the organization. As he was on a trip to China, he shared the Gospel with a group of girls and then told them to go tell their moms and dads that evening. When he came back in the morning, one of the girls was kicked out of her home and severely beaten by her father for proclaiming Christ. In that, Dr. Pierce wrote about how he had never been responsible for the message he was sharing or the way he was living it out. He had a moment to decide what to do from there, and in it World Vision was born.
I bring this up because I too had never realized the message that I am proclaiming and how it affects my witness. When I don't live like I am proclaiming, I dishonor God, first and foremost, and that message that I send has deep affects. I too had to come to a decision.
God brought this even more clearly before me yesterday in our worship service here at Atonement. Pastor Becky shared about how we can have "one day" moments, such as "one day I'm going to read the Bible." As I sat listening to her, the Holy Spirit revealed to me that what I was doing wasn't going to cut it. I either had to decide to follow hard after him and renounce the ways I was walking, or I was going to be defeated.
I have decided. Christ is worth it. I am in a process of changing the way I'm living and I'm through with being lukewarm. I want the heart of a lion that roars ferociously for the Living God. I want Jesus Christ to always be revealed out of life - in ALL that I say and do. And I want to be concious of what I'm doing, for it has affects on all the people I come into contact with. As a man, desiring to be one of integrity, I have to leave behind the sin that has so easily entangled me and choose the better portion. I am choosing Jesus Christ.
I don't know if this is a struggle for others, but I plead with you to leave it behind, leave it in the ruins, and press hard after God. He is the glorious, worthy One. He is worth. I pray the Scriptures will show you that as you spend time in them.
Today is the Day! A brand new day! It is a day of life and it will glorify God! I will not have it any other way!
Love you all! God's blessings.
Brandon
I hope you all are fantastic and enjoying the beautiful weather outside! Today is a grand day and it is great to be alive! The Lord has filled us so joyously with His grace. He is good!
I wanted to spend a little bit updating you all as to what I have been up to. Let me tell you - it is a lot! I started seminary a month ago and it has been difficult, time - consuming, and good. I have learned lots in the class I am taking on God's heart for the world through missions and I have been blessed by what I have learned. I pray that I will not be complacent with what I've learned, but use it to bring God glory.
Also, I have traveled a lot over the month with my beautiful girlfriend. We have been to a wedding, my parent's place, and her parent's place all in the matter of three weeks! Wow! But it has been so much fun and we have had some wonderful talks. God is doing some great things in our relationship, and I just wanted to share how wonderful the past four months have been with her! :)
Over the weekend, God opened my eyes to some of the ways I have been unfaithful to him. He has shown me my depravity and how my own personal efforts without Him fail miserably. It was good to be reminded, but it broke my heart to know how I'd hurt the Father. With that, He also showed me how my faithlessness and sin affects so many people around me. I'd always heard that our sins affect others, but never has it been more clearly revealed to me than the other day. And that was hard.
A week ago I read a book by Marilee Pierce Dunker, the daughter of World Vision Founder Bob Pierce, called Man of Vision, and in it she writes how her father began the organization. As he was on a trip to China, he shared the Gospel with a group of girls and then told them to go tell their moms and dads that evening. When he came back in the morning, one of the girls was kicked out of her home and severely beaten by her father for proclaiming Christ. In that, Dr. Pierce wrote about how he had never been responsible for the message he was sharing or the way he was living it out. He had a moment to decide what to do from there, and in it World Vision was born.
I bring this up because I too had never realized the message that I am proclaiming and how it affects my witness. When I don't live like I am proclaiming, I dishonor God, first and foremost, and that message that I send has deep affects. I too had to come to a decision.
God brought this even more clearly before me yesterday in our worship service here at Atonement. Pastor Becky shared about how we can have "one day" moments, such as "one day I'm going to read the Bible." As I sat listening to her, the Holy Spirit revealed to me that what I was doing wasn't going to cut it. I either had to decide to follow hard after him and renounce the ways I was walking, or I was going to be defeated.
I have decided. Christ is worth it. I am in a process of changing the way I'm living and I'm through with being lukewarm. I want the heart of a lion that roars ferociously for the Living God. I want Jesus Christ to always be revealed out of life - in ALL that I say and do. And I want to be concious of what I'm doing, for it has affects on all the people I come into contact with. As a man, desiring to be one of integrity, I have to leave behind the sin that has so easily entangled me and choose the better portion. I am choosing Jesus Christ.
I don't know if this is a struggle for others, but I plead with you to leave it behind, leave it in the ruins, and press hard after God. He is the glorious, worthy One. He is worth. I pray the Scriptures will show you that as you spend time in them.
Today is the Day! A brand new day! It is a day of life and it will glorify God! I will not have it any other way!
Love you all! God's blessings.
Brandon
Monday, May 24, 2010
God's heart
Good afternoon everyone!
So, today has been a beautiful day in the city of Fargo and it has been a day to help me see God in such amazing ways. I have been able to recount my blessings and I am so joyous. I am happy, but more than that, I want to worship God and thank Him abundantly. Along with that, I have been doing some reading and studying. One of the things I have been studying is the Lord's Prayer.
The Lord's Prayer impresses me. It draws me into the beautiful heart of God and how He longs for us to call on Him. In this prayer, we find God and so strongly. We feel Him and recognize that He is what we need most of all. He surrounds us and excites us! He loves us lavishly!
Along with studying, I have been reading on God's heart for this world. He longs to be worshiped. His desire is to be lifted up - He is jealous for His name and longs to be the devotion of our hearts. John Piper's book, "Let the Nations Be Glad!" says it greatly:
"With all his heart and soul and strength and mind he delights in the glory of his manifold perfections. The most passionate heart for God in all the universe is God's heart...'the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.' (Westminster Catechism)" (pg. 39 - 40)
God yearns for us to rejoice in Him. Even though we only glimpse the fringes of His absolute glory, this is what is supposed to draw us in. Just think, He knows this is all we can handle of His glory - and we experience an amazing amount!
My desire to just rest in God's abundance and to recount that abundance to Him has been the cry of my heart today. I am so thankful. That stems out of devotion. God longs for our devotion to be to Him. And with that, I'm putting in another plug (hehe!), but I have been also listening to a cd titled, "The More I Seek You - Songs of Devotion." This cd is what it is all about - singing about God's devotion to us and how that transforms us to love Him. When we see His devotion toward us, that turns us to be devoted to Him. We see Him as He truly is. There is one song in particular that spoke this truth to me today and so I post the chorus. It's beautiful. The name of the song is called "Stay Amazed" by Kirsten Takape.
O Holy God, I stay amazed
You are so much more than words could ever say
O Holy God, I pour out my praise
On the One who never ceases to amaze
What a great God. God's heart is for He to be worshiped! And as we grow in obedience and love toward Him, we see His beautiful heart even more radiantly. And doesn't this world need to see that? Oh you are lying if you say no.
Lord, you teach us how to stand, to walk, to run, all toward You. You call our names and invite us in to see You, to know You, to love You. Lord, how simple and beautiful it is to the soul to say, 'I love You,' and these are the only words my soul wants or desires to echo. Lord, let that devotion to You spill out to this world. Help me not to hoard that but to splash and drench this world with that good news! Jesus, You are the friend who sticks closer than any other human. You have loved me in the most powerful way. You become my joy! Lord, I will rejoice, I will praise, I will glorify You. You are the best thing. I love You Savior. I love You. I want that to be the complete reflection of my entire life. Let that be so. To you be the glory! Amen.
So, today has been a beautiful day in the city of Fargo and it has been a day to help me see God in such amazing ways. I have been able to recount my blessings and I am so joyous. I am happy, but more than that, I want to worship God and thank Him abundantly. Along with that, I have been doing some reading and studying. One of the things I have been studying is the Lord's Prayer.
The Lord's Prayer impresses me. It draws me into the beautiful heart of God and how He longs for us to call on Him. In this prayer, we find God and so strongly. We feel Him and recognize that He is what we need most of all. He surrounds us and excites us! He loves us lavishly!
Along with studying, I have been reading on God's heart for this world. He longs to be worshiped. His desire is to be lifted up - He is jealous for His name and longs to be the devotion of our hearts. John Piper's book, "Let the Nations Be Glad!" says it greatly:
"With all his heart and soul and strength and mind he delights in the glory of his manifold perfections. The most passionate heart for God in all the universe is God's heart...'the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.' (Westminster Catechism)" (pg. 39 - 40)
God yearns for us to rejoice in Him. Even though we only glimpse the fringes of His absolute glory, this is what is supposed to draw us in. Just think, He knows this is all we can handle of His glory - and we experience an amazing amount!
My desire to just rest in God's abundance and to recount that abundance to Him has been the cry of my heart today. I am so thankful. That stems out of devotion. God longs for our devotion to be to Him. And with that, I'm putting in another plug (hehe!), but I have been also listening to a cd titled, "The More I Seek You - Songs of Devotion." This cd is what it is all about - singing about God's devotion to us and how that transforms us to love Him. When we see His devotion toward us, that turns us to be devoted to Him. We see Him as He truly is. There is one song in particular that spoke this truth to me today and so I post the chorus. It's beautiful. The name of the song is called "Stay Amazed" by Kirsten Takape.
O Holy God, I stay amazed
You are so much more than words could ever say
O Holy God, I pour out my praise
On the One who never ceases to amaze
What a great God. God's heart is for He to be worshiped! And as we grow in obedience and love toward Him, we see His beautiful heart even more radiantly. And doesn't this world need to see that? Oh you are lying if you say no.
Lord, you teach us how to stand, to walk, to run, all toward You. You call our names and invite us in to see You, to know You, to love You. Lord, how simple and beautiful it is to the soul to say, 'I love You,' and these are the only words my soul wants or desires to echo. Lord, let that devotion to You spill out to this world. Help me not to hoard that but to splash and drench this world with that good news! Jesus, You are the friend who sticks closer than any other human. You have loved me in the most powerful way. You become my joy! Lord, I will rejoice, I will praise, I will glorify You. You are the best thing. I love You Savior. I love You. I want that to be the complete reflection of my entire life. Let that be so. To you be the glory! Amen.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Life in the Spirit
Hey Y'all!
Hope you are all excellent and enjoying life in abundance. It is great to be alive. Every moment we have in this life is on purpose and we can know that God wanted and needed us to have this moment to learn about Him. We are alive in this moment for a purpose. Sometimes, we don't understand that purpose, but we are here on purpose anyway!
Isn't it a huge blessing just to know that every moment of your life has a purpose!?! It is on purpose! Maybe it's just me, but knowing that this moment has purpose and it is not coincidence elates me.
And a tear comes to my face because there are so many that don't see life that way. In fact, at this moment, I know so many young people who are scared because they can't see purpose at all to their life. They can't find hope and choose ways to hurt themselves, or worse, end their lives.
Christians, why have we let this happen? I am guilty as the next person for not speaking the message of hope to all. But why have we sat idle on this issues? These struggles are real, and it disheartens me.
God give us understanding! Holy Spirit, speak to us! Give us the counsel we need to minister to so many people and draw them into the hope we have in your Son! We need your words; please help us to rely on your strength. We need your words and your strength. Guide us Blessed Savior!
For too long, we have relied on ourselves. I include myself in this.
This past week I have taken a good look at my relationship with the Holy Spirit. I need the Holy Spirit and I need to acknowledge His presence in my life. I need to build my relationship with the Holy Spirit and I need to rely on Him. He is the One who allows me to have faith - He gives me the gift of faith! - and He allows me to see Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Only One who can save, and I would not know that without the Holy Spirit.
He lives inside us. It is a process to know and understand that we walk with Him. It is something we need to voluntarily pursue this relationship and it is something that is not always experiential. It is also a continual act.
I read a devotional by Chris Tiegreen, and today's devotional spoke on how the Holy Spirit lives inside us, and this is what we need to guard. We need to treasure the Holy Spirit and when we do, we won't even look for things to distract us from God. We won't pursue sin. He writes, "Treasuring the wellspring that God has birthed in your heart will leave little room for the corruptions you once obsessed over." (C. Tiegreen, Walking with God, pg. 130, 2004)
Christians, we need to stop living like God is not existent or a part of our lives. He must be displayed. We must actively pursue this - ME included! We need to turn and start treasuring the Holy Spirit that lives in us and in turn live a life of love that glorifies the only God who can give life!
Join with in reforming this world! Pray for the change and the revelation of the Holy Spirit!
Jesus, you are my Savior - and you have given me such hope! Everlasting hope! I am so happy to be called your child. But I want to live a life that honors you so fully! I want to walk in the Spirit always and live a life in the Spirit! Guide me to the Holy Spirit.
Holy Spirit, pour out yourself on my life. Let me eyes see you so clearly. I know your presence and have felt that so wonderfully. But I am greedy - I want more of you in my life! Guide me in all wisdom and speak so powerfully through me to the honor of the GLORIOUS KING! Holy Spirit, I want more of you overflowing so exuberantly out of me. Glorify the Holy Name of Jesus in my life! To you be all honor, power, and glory!
Everlasting Father, you draw me into your arms. Transform this world! Continue to sanctify your children. And let us know that you are doing it! We want to play a role! Show us how you may be magnified - made huge!!! Show us Lord, take our hand, and teach us to call you Father! We need you. To you be praise always! The honor and glory all belong to you! In the powerful name of Jesus I lift this pray to you. Amen.
Brandon
Hope you are all excellent and enjoying life in abundance. It is great to be alive. Every moment we have in this life is on purpose and we can know that God wanted and needed us to have this moment to learn about Him. We are alive in this moment for a purpose. Sometimes, we don't understand that purpose, but we are here on purpose anyway!
Isn't it a huge blessing just to know that every moment of your life has a purpose!?! It is on purpose! Maybe it's just me, but knowing that this moment has purpose and it is not coincidence elates me.
And a tear comes to my face because there are so many that don't see life that way. In fact, at this moment, I know so many young people who are scared because they can't see purpose at all to their life. They can't find hope and choose ways to hurt themselves, or worse, end their lives.
Christians, why have we let this happen? I am guilty as the next person for not speaking the message of hope to all. But why have we sat idle on this issues? These struggles are real, and it disheartens me.
God give us understanding! Holy Spirit, speak to us! Give us the counsel we need to minister to so many people and draw them into the hope we have in your Son! We need your words; please help us to rely on your strength. We need your words and your strength. Guide us Blessed Savior!
For too long, we have relied on ourselves. I include myself in this.
This past week I have taken a good look at my relationship with the Holy Spirit. I need the Holy Spirit and I need to acknowledge His presence in my life. I need to build my relationship with the Holy Spirit and I need to rely on Him. He is the One who allows me to have faith - He gives me the gift of faith! - and He allows me to see Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Only One who can save, and I would not know that without the Holy Spirit.
He lives inside us. It is a process to know and understand that we walk with Him. It is something we need to voluntarily pursue this relationship and it is something that is not always experiential. It is also a continual act.
I read a devotional by Chris Tiegreen, and today's devotional spoke on how the Holy Spirit lives inside us, and this is what we need to guard. We need to treasure the Holy Spirit and when we do, we won't even look for things to distract us from God. We won't pursue sin. He writes, "Treasuring the wellspring that God has birthed in your heart will leave little room for the corruptions you once obsessed over." (C. Tiegreen, Walking with God, pg. 130, 2004)
Christians, we need to stop living like God is not existent or a part of our lives. He must be displayed. We must actively pursue this - ME included! We need to turn and start treasuring the Holy Spirit that lives in us and in turn live a life of love that glorifies the only God who can give life!
Join with in reforming this world! Pray for the change and the revelation of the Holy Spirit!
Jesus, you are my Savior - and you have given me such hope! Everlasting hope! I am so happy to be called your child. But I want to live a life that honors you so fully! I want to walk in the Spirit always and live a life in the Spirit! Guide me to the Holy Spirit.
Holy Spirit, pour out yourself on my life. Let me eyes see you so clearly. I know your presence and have felt that so wonderfully. But I am greedy - I want more of you in my life! Guide me in all wisdom and speak so powerfully through me to the honor of the GLORIOUS KING! Holy Spirit, I want more of you overflowing so exuberantly out of me. Glorify the Holy Name of Jesus in my life! To you be all honor, power, and glory!
Everlasting Father, you draw me into your arms. Transform this world! Continue to sanctify your children. And let us know that you are doing it! We want to play a role! Show us how you may be magnified - made huge!!! Show us Lord, take our hand, and teach us to call you Father! We need you. To you be praise always! The honor and glory all belong to you! In the powerful name of Jesus I lift this pray to you. Amen.
Brandon
Monday, April 19, 2010
I'm A Saint!
Hello everyone,
I hope you are all well as you read this today! What a glorious day it is?! It is so beautiful here in town! I love it - kinda makes you wonder what I'm doing sitting on a computer huh?!?
I had a thought this morning and I'm going to develop it a little more for you all. I hope it doesn't bore you. And I also can't take credit for the thought - it originally came from a book called "Walking in Freedom" by Neil Anderson and Rich Miller. It is a great devotional that is helping me understand my freedom in Jesus Christ.
So, here was the thought that Anderson and Miller had me think through today - God is holy. Wow - just dwell on that! It is so cool!
Okay, after that, I thought through this a little. God is holy and no sin will enter His presence. It cannot. That is why we all need Jesus because He is the satisfaction of God's wrath and the perfect high priest that enters God's presence to intercede for us. All forgiveness starts with the cross of Jesus Christ.
When we understand what Jesus has done for us and how we are forgiven only through His sacrifice, there is a transfer that occurs. We are born again, into a sainthood. So, as I worked through the thought that I am a saint, I started to realize who I am in Christ.
Only through Him am I forgiven. And only through Jesus can I know that I will be preserved by God and the Holy Spirit unto eternity. The devotional also had me look at who I am now. I am a saint - not a sinner. I often think of myself as a sinner, but I am a saint who is capable of sinning still. There is a difference. There is no hope for sinners (the Bible is clear on that), but for saints - that's a different story!
Anderson and Miller then had me take a gander at 1 Corinthians, which is written to "those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus and called as saints." (verse 2) The book then goes on to address very un-saintly behavior. So, those who are called saints are still capable of sinning.
Isn't that cool to know that we are saints and we are becoming more like Christ based all on how we trust Him. There is a deep reliance we need to have in Christ, but in Him we are made into a new person.
I think Satan likes to remind us that we are sinners and we have a natural inclination to the negative aspects associated with sin. That drags us down. But when we see ourselves as saints, there is a change that occurs in our thoughts. Maybe it is just me, but the thought that I am a saint persevered by the grace of God alone really astounds me.
And with that, I am made more and more into the likeness of Christ and that changes how I can pursue after Him. Knowing this gives me deeper passion to know Him more and know that He keeps me. That astounds me how I am eternally kept by Jesus Christ Himself. What a wonderful Savior we have! What He has bonded nothing will loose.
Glory to Jesus! Bless His Holy name! Praise belongs to Him alone!
Blessings to y'all!
Brandon
I hope you are all well as you read this today! What a glorious day it is?! It is so beautiful here in town! I love it - kinda makes you wonder what I'm doing sitting on a computer huh?!?
I had a thought this morning and I'm going to develop it a little more for you all. I hope it doesn't bore you. And I also can't take credit for the thought - it originally came from a book called "Walking in Freedom" by Neil Anderson and Rich Miller. It is a great devotional that is helping me understand my freedom in Jesus Christ.
So, here was the thought that Anderson and Miller had me think through today - God is holy. Wow - just dwell on that! It is so cool!
Okay, after that, I thought through this a little. God is holy and no sin will enter His presence. It cannot. That is why we all need Jesus because He is the satisfaction of God's wrath and the perfect high priest that enters God's presence to intercede for us. All forgiveness starts with the cross of Jesus Christ.
When we understand what Jesus has done for us and how we are forgiven only through His sacrifice, there is a transfer that occurs. We are born again, into a sainthood. So, as I worked through the thought that I am a saint, I started to realize who I am in Christ.
Only through Him am I forgiven. And only through Jesus can I know that I will be preserved by God and the Holy Spirit unto eternity. The devotional also had me look at who I am now. I am a saint - not a sinner. I often think of myself as a sinner, but I am a saint who is capable of sinning still. There is a difference. There is no hope for sinners (the Bible is clear on that), but for saints - that's a different story!
Anderson and Miller then had me take a gander at 1 Corinthians, which is written to "those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus and called as saints." (verse 2) The book then goes on to address very un-saintly behavior. So, those who are called saints are still capable of sinning.
Isn't that cool to know that we are saints and we are becoming more like Christ based all on how we trust Him. There is a deep reliance we need to have in Christ, but in Him we are made into a new person.
I think Satan likes to remind us that we are sinners and we have a natural inclination to the negative aspects associated with sin. That drags us down. But when we see ourselves as saints, there is a change that occurs in our thoughts. Maybe it is just me, but the thought that I am a saint persevered by the grace of God alone really astounds me.
And with that, I am made more and more into the likeness of Christ and that changes how I can pursue after Him. Knowing this gives me deeper passion to know Him more and know that He keeps me. That astounds me how I am eternally kept by Jesus Christ Himself. What a wonderful Savior we have! What He has bonded nothing will loose.
Glory to Jesus! Bless His Holy name! Praise belongs to Him alone!
Blessings to y'all!
Brandon
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Integrity
Good morning everyone! I hope you all are doing well!
Okay - scripture right away for you - "Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place." (Psalm 51:6)
Lately God has been opening up the thought to me about being a Christian of consistency. That means, being a person of integrity. What I say and how I live are according to how I believe. This verse was part of my devotionals today - yes, two of them that I read both talked about this topic (think God's trying to tell me something?) :)
When I read this verse I look at how God wants my life to reflect my deep down faith in Him. He wants me to be a consistent Christian, not a part-time one. This a full one, every day in and out blessing on my life. And it revolves around my obedience.
Oh, how I kinda hate that word. Obey. Do you know how hard being obedient can be sometimes?!? It is difficult! It is not easy being obedient!
But that is the great thing about integrity - you do the right thing, especially when it is hard. And Jesus had told us that our life will not be easy. In fact He tells us that persecution is a sign of being identified with Him.
I got a good picture of this last night. I watched "The Passion of the Christ" with my youth last night and it impacted them profoundly. I am so glad they got the opportunity to see a very real depiction of what Jesus endured to make His sacrifice perfect for us. Anyway, as I was watching the movie, I really was moved by the scene where Simon the Cyrene helps Jesus carry His cross up the hill. Simon was with his daughter, and as the Roman soldiers order him to help Jesus, he first says that he is not acquainted with Jesus and he wanted the people to know that he wasn't. He knew that people would associate that and they would look down on him for that. But as they continued together, Simon gets a real glimpse of who Jesus was and how innocent He was. I tried putting myself in the place of Simon, standing next to the bloodied Savior, helping Him carry His cross. Simon eventually becomes identified with Christ. As they continue, (and part of this is the elaboration of the director - which I do really like this part) Simon utters something very prophetic. Jesus cannot go on and Simon says to Him, "Almost there. It is almost finished." Simon encourages the Savior and identifies myself with Him.
Would I have done that? I don't know. Following Jesus at that time was much different then it is now, and it makes me wonder why that is. We do not face the same kind of persecution. I can still live a life of complete safety and be a follower of the LORD.
Am I failing as a follower of Christ? Is my faith lacking?
I want to live boldly for the LORD. And I know that the world has changed; but I want to be a man of integrity. I want my life to strongly reflect all my hope in Jesus Christ. I want people to know without a shadow of a doubt that I am identified with Christ. And only Christ can claim that on me - that's an act of His grace - not anything I can do.
So, I submit and want Christ to change me. I want Him to transform me and let my faith move in a way that only brings glory to the Father. I want to be all about that. I want to be a consistent Christian - I'm tired of this inconsistency in the world. I submit and surrender to Him. He knows what is best.
Is there anyone else that wants to start a revolution. Is there anyone that will join me?
God's blessings to you all. Love you.
Brandon
Okay - scripture right away for you - "Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place." (Psalm 51:6)
Lately God has been opening up the thought to me about being a Christian of consistency. That means, being a person of integrity. What I say and how I live are according to how I believe. This verse was part of my devotionals today - yes, two of them that I read both talked about this topic (think God's trying to tell me something?) :)
When I read this verse I look at how God wants my life to reflect my deep down faith in Him. He wants me to be a consistent Christian, not a part-time one. This a full one, every day in and out blessing on my life. And it revolves around my obedience.
Oh, how I kinda hate that word. Obey. Do you know how hard being obedient can be sometimes?!? It is difficult! It is not easy being obedient!
But that is the great thing about integrity - you do the right thing, especially when it is hard. And Jesus had told us that our life will not be easy. In fact He tells us that persecution is a sign of being identified with Him.
I got a good picture of this last night. I watched "The Passion of the Christ" with my youth last night and it impacted them profoundly. I am so glad they got the opportunity to see a very real depiction of what Jesus endured to make His sacrifice perfect for us. Anyway, as I was watching the movie, I really was moved by the scene where Simon the Cyrene helps Jesus carry His cross up the hill. Simon was with his daughter, and as the Roman soldiers order him to help Jesus, he first says that he is not acquainted with Jesus and he wanted the people to know that he wasn't. He knew that people would associate that and they would look down on him for that. But as they continued together, Simon gets a real glimpse of who Jesus was and how innocent He was. I tried putting myself in the place of Simon, standing next to the bloodied Savior, helping Him carry His cross. Simon eventually becomes identified with Christ. As they continue, (and part of this is the elaboration of the director - which I do really like this part) Simon utters something very prophetic. Jesus cannot go on and Simon says to Him, "Almost there. It is almost finished." Simon encourages the Savior and identifies myself with Him.
Would I have done that? I don't know. Following Jesus at that time was much different then it is now, and it makes me wonder why that is. We do not face the same kind of persecution. I can still live a life of complete safety and be a follower of the LORD.
Am I failing as a follower of Christ? Is my faith lacking?
I want to live boldly for the LORD. And I know that the world has changed; but I want to be a man of integrity. I want my life to strongly reflect all my hope in Jesus Christ. I want people to know without a shadow of a doubt that I am identified with Christ. And only Christ can claim that on me - that's an act of His grace - not anything I can do.
So, I submit and want Christ to change me. I want Him to transform me and let my faith move in a way that only brings glory to the Father. I want to be all about that. I want to be a consistent Christian - I'm tired of this inconsistency in the world. I submit and surrender to Him. He knows what is best.
Is there anyone else that wants to start a revolution. Is there anyone that will join me?
God's blessings to you all. Love you.
Brandon
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
music
The other day I was in the gym. I normally have my iPod going with a mix of upbeat songs, all ranging from 80's hair metal to country to pop to contemporary Christian music. For some reason, I decided to go with a different mix, my "worship" mix.
I started my workout on the elliptical and was really enjoying the songs. I continued onto the free weights and started lifting. Now, when I lift and work out - I tend to sing along, not loudly, but I do mouth the words. I start my workout with squats. I began my lift and was singing along. I finished my first set and rested the normal 30 seconds in between. About this time, one of my favorite hymns started going in my ears, "Holy, Holy, Holy."
I found myself starting my next set and as I did, I was unable to sing along. I just listened. As I listened, I found myself being invigorated and strengthened. It was such a cool feeling that is so unexplainable.
I was having an intense week and it was stressful, and so working out was a way that I was relieving my stress. I found as I just listened, I was finding comfort and rest in the Only One who could provide it.
On another note, I found it ironic that as I was strengthening my body, He was strengthening my soul. He was reminding me who was in control and putting me in a place to hear Him profoundly. It is wonderful to hear God speaking! I love hearing His voice and I long for Him to speak more.
Well, if I must continue, I will then! After the workout, I had a busy weekend with work and it was good - but God started stirring in my heart about some issues. As He was doing that, He started peeling away some sin that I had kept. I have never known myself to be a self-righteous person, and yet that is what He is showing me. It stinks to see that but it is what He is showing me. And as I read through Proverbs, I find myself convicted and really seeing myself for the fool I am.
There is sin that He wants to work on in this heart and so, I trust it to Him. I leave it before Him to let Him do a work. I can't say that sanctification is always fun, especially in moments like this, but I know it is worth it.
I came to this realization after a few things that I have been quick to say recently that I have immediately regretted. I am quick to judge people and situations - and that dishonors God. My role as His child is to love and offer forgiveness so abundantly as He has done for me. And I fail at this so profoundly.
I have repented, but see that God wants to change my heart in these moments. Please pray for me that I would be diligent to follow after Him, fix my eyes on Him, and trust Him as my complete refuge.
Thanks for reading my ramblings. I hope you are blessed this day!
Brandon
I started my workout on the elliptical and was really enjoying the songs. I continued onto the free weights and started lifting. Now, when I lift and work out - I tend to sing along, not loudly, but I do mouth the words. I start my workout with squats. I began my lift and was singing along. I finished my first set and rested the normal 30 seconds in between. About this time, one of my favorite hymns started going in my ears, "Holy, Holy, Holy."
I found myself starting my next set and as I did, I was unable to sing along. I just listened. As I listened, I found myself being invigorated and strengthened. It was such a cool feeling that is so unexplainable.
I was having an intense week and it was stressful, and so working out was a way that I was relieving my stress. I found as I just listened, I was finding comfort and rest in the Only One who could provide it.
On another note, I found it ironic that as I was strengthening my body, He was strengthening my soul. He was reminding me who was in control and putting me in a place to hear Him profoundly. It is wonderful to hear God speaking! I love hearing His voice and I long for Him to speak more.
Well, if I must continue, I will then! After the workout, I had a busy weekend with work and it was good - but God started stirring in my heart about some issues. As He was doing that, He started peeling away some sin that I had kept. I have never known myself to be a self-righteous person, and yet that is what He is showing me. It stinks to see that but it is what He is showing me. And as I read through Proverbs, I find myself convicted and really seeing myself for the fool I am.
There is sin that He wants to work on in this heart and so, I trust it to Him. I leave it before Him to let Him do a work. I can't say that sanctification is always fun, especially in moments like this, but I know it is worth it.
I came to this realization after a few things that I have been quick to say recently that I have immediately regretted. I am quick to judge people and situations - and that dishonors God. My role as His child is to love and offer forgiveness so abundantly as He has done for me. And I fail at this so profoundly.
I have repented, but see that God wants to change my heart in these moments. Please pray for me that I would be diligent to follow after Him, fix my eyes on Him, and trust Him as my complete refuge.
Thanks for reading my ramblings. I hope you are blessed this day!
Brandon
Monday, February 22, 2010
1 John 3:1 - "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"
What profound words these are. And how wonderful they are to the redeemed soul.
Yesterday, our sermon focused on the immense, "crazy love" God has for us who He has called His own. As we opened up the Scriptures, my pastor called me to notice the word "lavished."
Lavished. Lavished! Lavished? Has an interesting, yet inviting sound to it. And God has done this to us. Lavished - what does it mean to be lavished?
I love words, so I'm gonna let the dictionary do it's job. Lavish - to expend or give in great amounts or without limit. Wow! As we are made God's children, He pours out without limit His love for us. We are loved by the God of the Universe! WE ARE LOVED BY THE GOD OF THE UNIVERSE!!! WOW!
In Jesus Christ alone will I glory! It is only and all because of Him that I am loved. I know love only because He gave His life for me and for us! How richly we are blessed! How deep the Father's love!
And with that, we are "fearfully and wonderfully made." (Psalm 139:14a) Yesterday, it also occurred to me as to what being "fearfully made" means. When I look at the gift I have been given with a body, I am to stand in awe of God for the magnificence of what He can do. I am made to fear Him, but moreso, I am made to praise Him and give Him the reverence He is due. He is my Maker - and because He loved me so infinitely, He created me for this moment and time in life. God blows my mind.
Yet, I give Him leftovers of my life. My pastor asked us why that is so. Think about it - is God the source of your every thought? Is He the One that infests your mind? Why not?
I don't want to live a life that only gives God the leftovers - the pieces that are too hard for me. That's not what He wants. He wants my all. I want Him to have my all.
How about you?
Brandon
What profound words these are. And how wonderful they are to the redeemed soul.
Yesterday, our sermon focused on the immense, "crazy love" God has for us who He has called His own. As we opened up the Scriptures, my pastor called me to notice the word "lavished."
Lavished. Lavished! Lavished? Has an interesting, yet inviting sound to it. And God has done this to us. Lavished - what does it mean to be lavished?
I love words, so I'm gonna let the dictionary do it's job. Lavish - to expend or give in great amounts or without limit. Wow! As we are made God's children, He pours out without limit His love for us. We are loved by the God of the Universe! WE ARE LOVED BY THE GOD OF THE UNIVERSE!!! WOW!
In Jesus Christ alone will I glory! It is only and all because of Him that I am loved. I know love only because He gave His life for me and for us! How richly we are blessed! How deep the Father's love!
And with that, we are "fearfully and wonderfully made." (Psalm 139:14a) Yesterday, it also occurred to me as to what being "fearfully made" means. When I look at the gift I have been given with a body, I am to stand in awe of God for the magnificence of what He can do. I am made to fear Him, but moreso, I am made to praise Him and give Him the reverence He is due. He is my Maker - and because He loved me so infinitely, He created me for this moment and time in life. God blows my mind.
Yet, I give Him leftovers of my life. My pastor asked us why that is so. Think about it - is God the source of your every thought? Is He the One that infests your mind? Why not?
I don't want to live a life that only gives God the leftovers - the pieces that are too hard for me. That's not what He wants. He wants my all. I want Him to have my all.
How about you?
Brandon
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