God's timing in life is hard but something we have to trust in. God will work it out for his good in his timing. God has a plan and will use our situations for his glory.
God has shown me he will use waiting for his timing for his leading. At the beginning of Jesus' ministry, Jesus had to wait in the desert for 40 days. Paul also had to wait before he could start full time ministry to the Gentiles. God is using this waiting period in my time to perfect my trust in God. He is showing me he wants me to wait on him for everything.
Also, God is showing me that his using this waiting for his timing for his good. Romans 8:28-29 says that God works all things in our life to conform his to his image. This means that God uses any and all situations to bring us closer to him. God can use any big or small situation to bring us closer to him. God can work in our life even while waiting for him to lead us.
Lastly, God has been using this waiting in my life to show me his will is bigger than my will for my life. Jeremiah 29:11 says that, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. God has revealed to me that I have to trust in his plans for my life. It may not turn out the way I want right away but he has me right where he wants me. God's timing in my life is not about me but about trusting him daily.
Saturday, October 15, 2016
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Destroying Porn
God has been giving me the strength to defeat porn through him and the Fortify program. The Fortify program has helped me see how the media pull us in to porn as well as how our brain changes through porn. God also helped me defeat this addiction forever.
The first area God has helped me in defeating this addiction is the things I look at on a daily basis. God helped me examine the things I look at and watch daily. Also, I examined what I look at online and how that is a detriment to leading me to porn. The sites that I go to on a daily basis have led to my addiction to porn in High School and in my Young Adult life. Now, that I have examined these areas I have destroyed porn forever in my life.
Secondly, God and the Fortify program has shown me the devastating effects Porn can have on our lives. I have seen first hand the lasting effects porn has on friend's lives. Fortify has shown me stats, information, and research, how porn destroys our lives. Fight the Drug, another website of Fortify has shown me the effects of porn. Also, porn kills you in your future marriage and your lasting relationships.
It has now been a month and a half since I have been officially porn free. God has given me the strength to defeat this addiction. Fortify also has shown the the lasting effects of this addiction.
The first area God has helped me in defeating this addiction is the things I look at on a daily basis. God helped me examine the things I look at and watch daily. Also, I examined what I look at online and how that is a detriment to leading me to porn. The sites that I go to on a daily basis have led to my addiction to porn in High School and in my Young Adult life. Now, that I have examined these areas I have destroyed porn forever in my life.
Secondly, God and the Fortify program has shown me the devastating effects Porn can have on our lives. I have seen first hand the lasting effects porn has on friend's lives. Fortify has shown me stats, information, and research, how porn destroys our lives. Fight the Drug, another website of Fortify has shown me the effects of porn. Also, porn kills you in your future marriage and your lasting relationships.
It has now been a month and a half since I have been officially porn free. God has given me the strength to defeat this addiction. Fortify also has shown the the lasting effects of this addiction.
Sunday, August 21, 2016
How to Minister to the Lost and Broken
In this post I am going to explain how we can share Jesus Christ with others by our actions. God can use us to love people and open up conversations about Jesus Christ. When we show others the love of Jesus Christ, then people see the light of Christ in us and want to know him more.
Jesus gives a clear picture of this concept in Matthew 5 in the Sermon on the Mount discourse. Jesus says in Matthew 5:13, "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt becomes tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men." This verse shows how we are to act as Christians in the world. We are to be salt, which means our character and actions should be distinct from those around us.
In this next section of verses Jesus describes the power of our witness to non believers. Jesus goes on to say in verses 14-15, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; not does anyone light a lamp and put in under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in a house." This section describes how our witness has the power to affect those around us. Our actions and words can bring people to know the life of Jesus Christ. How we live our life can make people see the difference in their world.
In conclusion, let us remember to love those that are different than us this week. As Christians, we also need to pray for opportunities to share the gospel in this dark culture. Ask yourself are you being the salt and light in the culture today?
Jesus gives a clear picture of this concept in Matthew 5 in the Sermon on the Mount discourse. Jesus says in Matthew 5:13, "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt becomes tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men." This verse shows how we are to act as Christians in the world. We are to be salt, which means our character and actions should be distinct from those around us.
In this next section of verses Jesus describes the power of our witness to non believers. Jesus goes on to say in verses 14-15, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; not does anyone light a lamp and put in under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in a house." This section describes how our witness has the power to affect those around us. Our actions and words can bring people to know the life of Jesus Christ. How we live our life can make people see the difference in their world.
In conclusion, let us remember to love those that are different than us this week. As Christians, we also need to pray for opportunities to share the gospel in this dark culture. Ask yourself are you being the salt and light in the culture today?
Sunday, August 14, 2016
Ministering to others in the workplace
Today's sermon of Jesus and Zacchaus was a reminder that we have to find those in the community that need God's love. God calls us to find the lost and the broken that we work with to show them the love of Jesus Christ.
As we enter into the lives of others we have to live our lives in a way that attracts other non-Christians to us. In Luke 19:4, Zacchaus ran ahead to look to get a glimpse of Jesus. That is how others should interact around us. Jesus' presence should radiate through our lives so that people would want to get a glimpse of who he is in our lives and what is different about us. There has to be a radiate that flows through our lives with the presence of Jesus Christ.
Next, in the story in verse six Zacchaus welcomes Jesus gladly into his home. This is what happens next in the relationship with other people we work with daily. Others around welcome these people into their lives and begin to open up to them. Through this the love of Jesus Christ is shown to those that have not experienced this love. Thus, when this occurs the next step in this process where the gospel of Jesus Christ can be shared.
In this last section, in verses 8-10, Zacchaeus repents. of his sins and gives us life to Jesus Christ. At this point, we can ask God to use us to share with others about our sinful nature and how Jesus died on the cross for our sins. We can then share how to trust Christ with our life and how to daily surrender to him. Lastly, we if the person has received Jesus Christ we as the believer can discuss baptism with the other person. Baptism signifies a new step of surrender and a public profession for faith for this new Christian.
This is by no means the correct steps in ministering to another person who is not a believer. It is just an example from Scripture of how to be a light in a dark world and minister to others like Jesus did. So, I challenge you today to be a "Friend of Sinners."
As we enter into the lives of others we have to live our lives in a way that attracts other non-Christians to us. In Luke 19:4, Zacchaus ran ahead to look to get a glimpse of Jesus. That is how others should interact around us. Jesus' presence should radiate through our lives so that people would want to get a glimpse of who he is in our lives and what is different about us. There has to be a radiate that flows through our lives with the presence of Jesus Christ.
Next, in the story in verse six Zacchaus welcomes Jesus gladly into his home. This is what happens next in the relationship with other people we work with daily. Others around welcome these people into their lives and begin to open up to them. Through this the love of Jesus Christ is shown to those that have not experienced this love. Thus, when this occurs the next step in this process where the gospel of Jesus Christ can be shared.
In this last section, in verses 8-10, Zacchaeus repents. of his sins and gives us life to Jesus Christ. At this point, we can ask God to use us to share with others about our sinful nature and how Jesus died on the cross for our sins. We can then share how to trust Christ with our life and how to daily surrender to him. Lastly, we if the person has received Jesus Christ we as the believer can discuss baptism with the other person. Baptism signifies a new step of surrender and a public profession for faith for this new Christian.
This is by no means the correct steps in ministering to another person who is not a believer. It is just an example from Scripture of how to be a light in a dark world and minister to others like Jesus did. So, I challenge you today to be a "Friend of Sinners."
Saturday, July 30, 2016
Waiting on the Lord
Waiting on the Lord in life is a very hard and necessary thing. It is a necessary evil at times as well as something God uses to push us toward him. I will be using the next couple posts to describe my journey of waiting on the Lord right now.
God is giving me the strength to believe that he will provide me some type of ministry job soon. There are some opportunities that I am waiting on hear back from right now. God is giving me trust in him through this time in my life. God is reminding to seek advice from others then in interviews tell how God has used me in my gifts. Also, there is a the reminder that how God has already been working in me: Phillippians 1:6.
God is also giving me the peace through this waiting time in my life. He will provide me the right opportunity in his timing. I just have to remind myself that he is in control of my life.
God is giving me the strength to believe that he will provide me some type of ministry job soon. There are some opportunities that I am waiting on hear back from right now. God is giving me trust in him through this time in my life. God is reminding to seek advice from others then in interviews tell how God has used me in my gifts. Also, there is a the reminder that how God has already been working in me: Phillippians 1:6.
God is also giving me the peace through this waiting time in my life. He will provide me the right opportunity in his timing. I just have to remind myself that he is in control of my life.
Saturday, July 23, 2016
Is this God's Will?
Paul asks this question is the book of Acts and in some of his letters in the Prison Epistles. It is a question that we should be asking as Christians as we live out our life every day. We have to examine and ask God does God want us share about him certain situations as well as where he is leading us in life.
In my life this applies in asking and looking at specific ministry jobs that he is leading me to. God is calling me to ask him the pertinent question, "Is this where you are leading or "Is this where you are leading me." In these instances, I am also asking God, "Is this a great fit for me personally." I am seeking God's direction as to where God will use me the best when I am asking these questions. They seek to show an introspective on God's greatness and leading.
In reading the book of Acts lately God has revealed to me that I need to ask this question for often. Jesus says in Matthew 7:7-8 and Revelation 3:20 if we seek him then it will be given to you. When we seek after God then he will provide for us in life. Lastly, in Matthew 6:33 Jesus says, "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." This truth reminds us that we are to be bold in serving and telling others about him then he will provide for us.
Lastly, this question can help us trust God more. It will help put our struggles in whatever we are waiting on and help remind us the God is in control. This question can further embody our trust in God and our ability to abide in our relationship with Jesus Christ.
In my life this applies in asking and looking at specific ministry jobs that he is leading me to. God is calling me to ask him the pertinent question, "Is this where you are leading or "Is this where you are leading me." In these instances, I am also asking God, "Is this a great fit for me personally." I am seeking God's direction as to where God will use me the best when I am asking these questions. They seek to show an introspective on God's greatness and leading.
In reading the book of Acts lately God has revealed to me that I need to ask this question for often. Jesus says in Matthew 7:7-8 and Revelation 3:20 if we seek him then it will be given to you. When we seek after God then he will provide for us in life. Lastly, in Matthew 6:33 Jesus says, "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." This truth reminds us that we are to be bold in serving and telling others about him then he will provide for us.
Lastly, this question can help us trust God more. It will help put our struggles in whatever we are waiting on and help remind us the God is in control. This question can further embody our trust in God and our ability to abide in our relationship with Jesus Christ.
Saturday, July 16, 2016
Singleness
Singleness and finding the right person for you has to be the hardest thing alive. Sometimes you think that this person is the right fit while other times this one is. When it doesn't work out at times, God still encourages you and shows you he will provide for you.
Singleness allows you to be the person that you want to become in life. It helps you realize that you are content in Jesus Christ alone. It reminds you that you are desperately dependent on Jesus for everything in life. As Christians, Jesus is the only thing that gives us joy in life. You realize that it is necessary to cut out the useless things in your life that pull you away from Jesus Christ in your life in order to become you who want to marry become.
Singleness helps reveal the person we should be pursuing in marriage when that time comes. I thought opposites attract but this one relationship I was trying to make work ended up not working out. When you start a conversation the person talking back has to talk back as well. Also, the person you marry has to have similar interests and passions. If they do not have similar passions and interests there will not be a connection.
Lastly, remember that God providing you a life will happen in his timing. It is really frustrating being single in your 20's. Being single in your 20's is about maturing and God's leading to the woman/man that he has for life.
Singleness allows you to be the person that you want to become in life. It helps you realize that you are content in Jesus Christ alone. It reminds you that you are desperately dependent on Jesus for everything in life. As Christians, Jesus is the only thing that gives us joy in life. You realize that it is necessary to cut out the useless things in your life that pull you away from Jesus Christ in your life in order to become you who want to marry become.
Singleness helps reveal the person we should be pursuing in marriage when that time comes. I thought opposites attract but this one relationship I was trying to make work ended up not working out. When you start a conversation the person talking back has to talk back as well. Also, the person you marry has to have similar interests and passions. If they do not have similar passions and interests there will not be a connection.
Lastly, remember that God providing you a life will happen in his timing. It is really frustrating being single in your 20's. Being single in your 20's is about maturing and God's leading to the woman/man that he has for life.
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Desperately Dependent on Jesus
Reading through the Discipleship Focus study on reminded me of how much I need to be desperately dependent on God for everything in life. John 15:5, says "without depending on our relationship with God we can do nothing" of eternal significance. This means we need God every hour of the day for all things in life.
God calls us to depend on him for our thought life. In Psalm 19:14, King David says, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in your sight, O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer." King David acknowledges the our thought life and the things that come out of our mouth has to be acceptable and pleasing to God. God calls us to surrender all desires that are not of him. In 1 Corinthians 6:20, Paul reminds us that we are bought with a price.
In another aspect, we have to be desperately dependent on God for God's will for our life. God promised a future in the Israelites in Jeremiah 31:11. He helped them see through the prophet Isaiah that he will restore all things to the people and give them a future. This is a promise that I need to remind myself of when I am asking for God's guidance on a future ministry position. God has been using the past couple years in a small part time volunteer role at church and he will use me in whatever full time position he leads me to.
Lastly, Proverbs 3:5-6 helps us trust God with these struggles with our future. This verse helps remind us to trust God with all we have. Also, it helps us see that God will lead us when we trust him with the future.
I hope you are encouraged about this blog. These are some things I am struggling with and God is teaching me right now.
God calls us to depend on him for our thought life. In Psalm 19:14, King David says, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in your sight, O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer." King David acknowledges the our thought life and the things that come out of our mouth has to be acceptable and pleasing to God. God calls us to surrender all desires that are not of him. In 1 Corinthians 6:20, Paul reminds us that we are bought with a price.
In another aspect, we have to be desperately dependent on God for God's will for our life. God promised a future in the Israelites in Jeremiah 31:11. He helped them see through the prophet Isaiah that he will restore all things to the people and give them a future. This is a promise that I need to remind myself of when I am asking for God's guidance on a future ministry position. God has been using the past couple years in a small part time volunteer role at church and he will use me in whatever full time position he leads me to.
Lastly, Proverbs 3:5-6 helps us trust God with these struggles with our future. This verse helps remind us to trust God with all we have. Also, it helps us see that God will lead us when we trust him with the future.
I hope you are encouraged about this blog. These are some things I am struggling with and God is teaching me right now.
Friday, April 15, 2016
Godly wisdom
Godly wisdom leads to insight, understanding, abundant life, and a fear of God. These things give us direction when we follow God's ways. These certain characteristics are a result of living a godly life.
The fearing God aspect of godly wisdom is an important aspect of godly wisdom. When we fear God we revere him as Lord of our life. This means we honor him when making our decisions. In this, we ask for his direction in all that we do. In putting God first in fearing God we are seeking God's ways not ours.
Insight and understanding are a by-product of godly wisdom. When we seek God's ways, then he gives us insight and understanding for a certain decision. Seeking Godly wisdom leads to a life of understanding where God wants us in life. God gives us insight to where he wants us to go. Lastly, he gives us understanding about this decision for our life.
Lastly, overall God gives us abundant life when we rely on Godly wisdom. This abundant life includes insight, understanding, humility, grace, and abundant life. John 10:10, says "the theif comes to kill and destroy but I have come to give you life and life abundant." Jesus' desires is for us to rely on his ways not our ways. Godly wisdom gives us guidance and direction in life.
What decision in life do you need to rely on Godly wisdom? What other sources of wisdom are you seeking?
The fearing God aspect of godly wisdom is an important aspect of godly wisdom. When we fear God we revere him as Lord of our life. This means we honor him when making our decisions. In this, we ask for his direction in all that we do. In putting God first in fearing God we are seeking God's ways not ours.
Insight and understanding are a by-product of godly wisdom. When we seek God's ways, then he gives us insight and understanding for a certain decision. Seeking Godly wisdom leads to a life of understanding where God wants us in life. God gives us insight to where he wants us to go. Lastly, he gives us understanding about this decision for our life.
Lastly, overall God gives us abundant life when we rely on Godly wisdom. This abundant life includes insight, understanding, humility, grace, and abundant life. John 10:10, says "the theif comes to kill and destroy but I have come to give you life and life abundant." Jesus' desires is for us to rely on his ways not our ways. Godly wisdom gives us guidance and direction in life.
What decision in life do you need to rely on Godly wisdom? What other sources of wisdom are you seeking?
Saturday, April 9, 2016
Romans 8:28-29- suffering for his glory
God has used hard circumstances in my life to conform me to his image. Through these trying times he has molded me to the person he wanted me to be. These times have helped me mature in my walk with Jesus Christ.
God used my driving struggles in high school to conform me to his image. He used that time of suffering in my life for his glory. Through that time, God pushed me closer to him. God was still faithful even through those struggles. God still worked in my life in a really hard time in my life.
God also used frustrating circumstances after I graduated from college to lead me to D-focus and shortly after that lead me to seminary. D-focus helped me see how much I needed to depend and abide in Christ in all circumstances. I grew in my walk with God in all aspects of my life. God changed my circumstances from this YL year long internship to do D-focus. D-focus helped change my outlook in my walk with God.
Also, after college God led me from doing Broadcast Journalism to seminary. God showed me that he will use me to accomplish something bigger than myself. He also helped me realize that I have gifts and talents that he wants to use for his glory. He reminded me that despite my struggles his grace is sufficient for me. He gave me the verse Ephesians 3:20 to help me realize that only God can do great things in me and not myself.
Lastly, it is important to remember that God will use things in our lives to conform us to his image. God is bigger than we ask or imagine. We have to trust in his plans for our life.
God used my driving struggles in high school to conform me to his image. He used that time of suffering in my life for his glory. Through that time, God pushed me closer to him. God was still faithful even through those struggles. God still worked in my life in a really hard time in my life.
God also used frustrating circumstances after I graduated from college to lead me to D-focus and shortly after that lead me to seminary. D-focus helped me see how much I needed to depend and abide in Christ in all circumstances. I grew in my walk with God in all aspects of my life. God changed my circumstances from this YL year long internship to do D-focus. D-focus helped change my outlook in my walk with God.
Also, after college God led me from doing Broadcast Journalism to seminary. God showed me that he will use me to accomplish something bigger than myself. He also helped me realize that I have gifts and talents that he wants to use for his glory. He reminded me that despite my struggles his grace is sufficient for me. He gave me the verse Ephesians 3:20 to help me realize that only God can do great things in me and not myself.
Lastly, it is important to remember that God will use things in our lives to conform us to his image. God is bigger than we ask or imagine. We have to trust in his plans for our life.
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