Melchizedek compared to Jesus

 The priestly order of Melchizedek is compared to our perfect high priest Jesus in Hebrews 7.   The unknown author in Hebrews.   Melchizedek was the king of Salem, a priest of God, in the Levitical priesthood.   He is only mentioned in Psalm 110:4.   Melchizedek gives a tithe to Abraham in Genesis 14:18-20, showing why he is a high priest.  

Melchizedek is a type of Christ and is compared to as a temporary Son of God, Genesis 7:3.   He is not the Son of God but in some ways resembles the Son of God.   He is shown as a priest forever in the he has no genealogy and no beginning or end.     Melchizedek ends up being blessed by the inferior, (Abraham).   Abraham's offspring also share in this future tithe of sacrifice.  

Then we see in Genesis 7:11, how the author shows how the Mosiac law does not bring perfection.  This Levitical priesthood was specified for Aaronic lineage.  In Jesus' perfect priesthood, the Mosiac covenant is no longer valid (12-14).   In verse 16, Jesus established his eternal high priesthood through his resurrection.    Thus, showing how Jesus' priesthood lasts forever.  The author ends this section comparing Jesus to Melchizedek by showing how the old Mosiac covenant is no longer valid through Jesus' death on the cross, (18-19).  

This year as whole

This year has been a growing year personally for me.   First, growing and learning through Heart of Dating on how to date.   Second, growing in trusting God in his leading for a Children's Ministry position. Third, growing in using my gifts to teach the Bible.     God has used my mentor the Children's Pastor to encourage me to trust in God's sovereignty for the Children's Ministry position that God is calling me to.   He has also used the friends he has given me to encourage me in seeking God's will in this area of my life.  

God used Heart of Dating ministry this past year to grow me as a guy in leading a godly woman in a relationship.   God also grew me in HOD through the fellowship of the Men's Group and JJ Tomlin in leading as a man.  That time on Wednesday night was a time that pivotal time for me and a time of fellowship that I looked forward to every week.   Also, the weekly podcasts have equipped me in growing me rejection, relationship struggles, other various Christian dating aspects, and leading women in a godly relationship.  Now, I am currently in a relationship with a godly woman because of HOD.  

Second, I have gone through struggles of seeking the Lord's will for a Children's Ministry position.   I had an in-person interview for this Children's Ministry position at a campus site of this big church in Arlington in April this past year.   I thought the interview went well and I answered the questions with examples of my past experiences.  Through it all, God has reminded me to trust in his timing and leading in my life.  The Children's Pastor at FBC Irving reminded that God is still good and his timing is good, pleasing, and perfect in our life.  

Recently, the Children's Pastor gave me some more upfront teaching experience.   It was really great to be able to teach upfront to the kids and practice teaching through a simple lesson about miracles.   I was nervous at first but God gave me the strength to recall my points and get back on track.   I was able to finish the lesson well and ask good questions.   Then, I summarized and closed the lesson well.  

Gratitude

 Thanksgiving reminded to be grateful for what God has done in my life this past year.   He has used some circumstances to for his good.  He used things that did not work out and were frustrating in ways that I did not know.   I had to go through some things in my life that were not so good so God could lead me to some great things in my life.   The frustrating things in my life ended up leading to some great things and God still helped me trust him through some things in my life.  

I went through periods of rejection in relationships and in seeking a ministry position.   God gave me the strength to trust him through those times.   God used the Children's Pastor at church to remind me to trust God in his timing when a position did not work out.   God reminded me through Heart of Dating podcast that rejection can lead me redirection in life.   I faced rejection in mid-July from a godly woman from an HOD speed dating event after we had met in person.   I thought there was something there when we talked on the phone and our in-person date but she was not interested after we texted a few days afterwards.  

At the end of August, I met Amanda Love at an HOD Texas event in Austin.  We talked for about three hours that day.   It seemed like there was an instant connection between us that day.   I thank God for bringing her into my life that day.   I did not realize that God would bring me a girlfriend this year but I have been praying for a godly woman to serve with for a long time.   She is someone I want to serve God with together.  

Lean into my gifts/passions

 God has been showing me that I need to lean into my gifts and passions then he will provide for me in his timing.  This past week I was able to teach God's Word in the Children's Ministry on Wednesday night.   I stumbled a little bit at first but once I settled in then I hit on my points well.   God has given me a passion to teach the Bible.   I will improve teaching in front of groups once I keep doing it and practicing it.   The Children's Pastor said it's okay for me to look at my notes throughout.  

Amanda Love

 God's been doing something since I have been getting to know this godly woman Amanda Love.   We just met six weeks ago and it's close to a few months.   It's crazy that we both really like each other in this short time span.  I did not realize that I would like her this much that early.    It's amazing that we both feel comfortable with each other, and I feel like I can be myself with her.  Also, I feel like we can both help each other grow in Christ.  

Amanda Love has been an encouraging influence in my life.  She has encouraged me to seek out rest in Christ.   Also, encouraged me to find more physical rest and mental rest.   Another way she has encouraged me is to give up control over my struggles with parents and brother.   She has reminded me to trust in God's timing in my brother's salvation and my parents desiring to have a stronger relationship with Christ.   

Also, she is godly woman in my life that has a growth mindset.   She discusses her discipleship program on Monday nights that has helped her.   Also, she told me how God has healed her from her past struggles with family.   God has brought her closer to him through her health struggles.    Lastly, she realizes the areas where she needs to grow in.  

Dating this a godly woman

 In the past two weeks I have been dating this godly woman from Austin named Amanda.  We met at a Heart of Dating event.   At the event, we connected right away on a number of topics.  First, we hit it off on the fact that we both serve in Children's Ministry.  Second, we hit it off on the fact we have both struggled with finding Young Adult community.  Another thing, we both went into the event thinking we would meet someone.  

There's a few ways that we are similar.  One, we both want to raise a strong godly family.  Two, we both enjoy hiking and the outdoors.  Three, enjoy journaling.  Fourth, we are both honest and intentional.  

I feel like meeting her happened in the right time in my life.   I went through some struggles with rejection in January.   Then, some frustration with a woman with lack of clarity/rejection in the summer.   Then, in late summer someone from online ghosted me.    I feel like reading Kait Warman's book on rejection had helped me though these things and various podcasts in HOD.  

God's been showing me that he is in the early stages of this dating relationship with Amanda.    He's been working all things out for his good in our life.   It says in Romans 8:28-29, ESV "And we know that those that love God all things work together for good, for those that are calling according to his purpose.   For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be firstborn among many brothers."  Both of us had struggled through many difficulties during this past year.    God has used all these hardships in our life so that we could finally meet three weeks ago.  

On Thursday night, we talked about four and 1/2 to five hours.   It seemed like we could not stop talking to each other.   We have tried to set a time limit to end our calls but sometimes it does not happen according to plan.   It does not shock me anymore.    I have not had a connection with any godly woman before in my life.   

Lastly, we of both have been seeking the Lord's will for a godly relationship.   God calls us to trust in his will for our life.   It says in Jeremiah 29:11 ESV, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare, and not for evil and to give you a future and a hope."  Also, Jesus has been showing me that through my constant surrender to his leading, conforming my thoughts to his image, and he is working out things out according to his plans for my life (Romans 12:1-2).   In summary, the past three weeks have been reminding me God's ways are not our ways.  

Habakkuk-Wait on God and rejoice in his strength.

 Today I was ready Habakkuk, and the Lord was reminding me to wait on him.   When we wait on him, he becomes our joy and salvation.  He gives us strength during these times of waiting.   He lifts us up and pulls us together when go through these times of waiting.  

In the book of Habakkuk, he the prophet Habakkuk questions the justice of God in midst of judgement of Judah.   Judah is being punished for their sins.  Habakkuk questions why Judah is being punished and judged instead of Babylon.  At the end of the book, he says he will wait on the Lord for this day of judgement on Babylon.   He trusts that God's plans and will, God will bring out true justice.  

He does not barter with God.  The people have to go through a time of waiting until all this future waiting is over in Jeremiah 31 and is done in Ezra/Nehemiah.    This type of waiting has a type of reproof and correction to it.  God uses it to accomplish his good purposes for his people.  God's glory and power is shown through his justice and power.  

God reminded me through this short book that I need to keep waiting on him for a Children's Ministry position.   I need to keep trusting in God for a godly wife.  God's reminding me of the importance to, "rejoice in the Lord,' I will take joy in the God of my salvation."  As we wait on him, we can rejoice he is with us in these times.    Then as it says in verse 19, "God, the Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like dear's; he makes me tread on high places."   Even in the hard times God has given he strength as I wait for his provisions in my life for a Children's Ministry position and a godly wife.  

We can cry out to God

 I was reading in Jeremiah 15 and 17 of how Jeremiah cried out to God.   He questioned why God called him to be a prophet.   He questioned why he was suffering persecution.   Also, he questioned why this violence was being done to him.   He sensed God's calling on his life.   Jeremiah listened to where God was leading him.  

In verse 15, Jeremiah asks God to remember him in his suffering and attacks from Judah's leaders.   He told God he digested his words in verse 16.   He was free from the sin of the leaders of Judah in verse 17.   He then compares his frustration with God with a brook and a spring.   Then in verse 19, God calls him to repent and he will save him/and protect him from the people attacking him.  

Lastly, Jeremiah calls on God in heal him, be his refuge, and that his persecutors would be put to shame.  In verse 14, he calls on God to heal him in verse 14 and in second half of the verse he praises God.   He knows God will heal him and he praises him for his power.   He calls out to God in frustration in verse 15 that God's words are in vain and in verse 16 he says that the words that God tells him are on his lips.   In verse 17, he calls on God as his refuge and strength.   In his frustration, he calls on God to put his persecutors to shame in verse 18. 

Trust in His Timing in My life

 The past three to four weeks God has been showing me the importance of trusting in his timing for my life.   First, I tried to give it a go in a possible LDR relationship with this godly woman named Lindsay Stewart from HOD.   I felt like we had a great video date around July 4th weekend, a great time chatting on the phone, and texted decent amount back and forth but not too much.   It seemed like there was a connection when we met for an in-person date at a museum.   We had great conversation throughout the date, I made eye contact, and I said I would follow up with her afterwards, so I thought I secured a good first date.  She texted three days later that she just wanted to remain friends at the moment which was really hard on me for a couple days because I thought we had a connection.  

Two, this mission trip fell through at the last week and a half.   One thing that happened with it was my expedited passport took a while to go through when calling the National Passport Center and getting a passport in Dallas area.   Then, the total cost of the trip went up a 1,000 after I signed up and was a little behind the eight ball.   It was still encouraging that I still raised close to 3,000 in the past month and a half from various friends through emails, group messages, and Facebook.    God showed me that he will provide for me and give me what I need.   Lastly, he showed me that wide range of friends that God has blessed me with the past few years.   

Third, waiting to hear back from this Connections Minister position.  I had the phone interview a few weeks ago but I have not heard if my application is moving forward with the position or not.  Last I heard from the Discipleship Pastor that they were still doing initial phone interviews for the position.  I am hoping to hear something from him early next week after I called him and left a voicemail.   Some people take a long time to even do initial interviews. 

Trust in his plans for my life

 On Thursday through meeting with someone on staff at the Dallas Baptist Association, God reminded me that I need to keep trusting in his plans for my life.   James Pendergrast told me his story of finding a ministry position and how he had to wait for a while.   He told me to keep a witness in my current job until the Lord opens a door for a ministry position.  James then told me more people came to faith in his secular job then his ministry position.    So, at the end of this week he has been reminding me of Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 12:2.   I need to keep surrendering and giving my life to him every day. 

Friendship

The Lord reminded me of the importance of friendship when I went home to see my best friend last weekend.   Andrew Boone and I have been friends since the summer of my sophomore year of high school.   We initially met during our freshmen year of high school.  His family has been kind of like my second family for many years.   His house was a great place to hang out at during high school.  We have been there for each other all these years and still keep in touch though he has a family.  

Healing

 Over the past few months, God has given me the strength to heal after rejection easily.   He has helped me trust him in these times.   He has showed me he has a timing for a future relationship that is pleasing to him.   Kait Warman's book has helped me process through times of rejection and trust in God's love for me.   Colossians 2:10 says we "are complete in Christ."  2 Corinthians 5:17 says we are a "identity in Christ."  Our identity is found in Christ not in a relationship.  

HOD Dating Training

 HOD has teaching me how to date, secure the first date, and date in a way that honors God.   HOD has been teaching me how to God in touch with my body so I can flirt and date well.   Also, how important it is to make sure the other person knows that the first date is low pressure.   The HOD training session shows us how we can repel the other person we are attracted to.    Also, Kait and JJ gave a simple dress, how to go about your date with 3-5 questions, tips, easy first date ideas, 

His Timing not Mine

 Through a ministry position not working out and other encouragement, God has been reminding me that he will provide for me in his timing not mine.   God has a plan and he will work it out in his timing.   Jesus was tempted by the devil for 40 days before he began his ministry.   Moses went through beating a Hebrew before he started his ministry.   God is doing some molding in my life like the potter in Jeremiah before he will lead me in ministry.  

Seek the Lord

 God has been showing me that I need focus on his kingdom alone; Matthew 6:33 and he will provide for me.   When I seek the desires of my heart, Psalm 37, he will lead me in direction he wants me.   God is still calling me to serve him in ministry.   I have to trust him in this process.   He is still good and knows what is best for me.  

Heart of Dating

 The Heart of Dating podcasts have been challenging me overall.  First, for three weeks Kait and JJ did a few podcasts on Long Distance relationships.  They challenged us to be open to Long Distance Relationships.     Also, they pushed us to get us out of our comfort zone and help us see how LDR's can be really fun.  They described their journey in their specific LDR and they started out as friends before meeting in person and officially dating.   This week they Kait discussed how JJ was not initially her "type," and God challenged her to get out of her specific "type."

Family Ministry

 Today, God used Jonathan Williams and various speakers in the church to equip me for my passion for family ministry.   I want to disciple and teach my future family.   Also, I want to teach kids in ministry a biblical worldview.    It is important I implement a biblical worldview in my home when I teach and disciple my own kids.   If I do become a parent, I have to consistently teach my kids the Word of God.  

Be About The Gospel

 Today, at church we finished the book of Matthew.   We reviewed the most often quoted and used section in Matthew, The Great Commission.   It was a reminder of what we have been discussing throughout the whole book of Matthew how Jesus is the Christ and the King of Kings.   Also, Jesus has authority over all things in life whether it is sickness, death, or disease.   Jesus has authority over all areas of our life, our life is not ours.  

The main Jesus gives us is to "Go" and carry out his commands as his disciples.   The rest of Matthew 28:16-20 is passive and acts alone.  As disciples, we are to teach, baptize, and carry out his commands as we go.  When we do this, we remember he is with us as we go and carry out his commands.  Jesus will never leave us and he is with us until the end of the age.

As believers, we can invite others along with us to share.  Ask ourselves how schedule opportunities to share and look for events in the community.  Ask God for other believers to come alongside us as we go and share.  Also, we can look for opportunities to share in the community wherever we are.   It is important to pray for those in our family or family that need the gospel.   

Seeking God's leading in my life

 Lately God has been calling me to ask other mentors, others in ministry, and those from different churches advice to get into ministry.   I have been praying about this specific advice.   Then, I have been praying this advice before God to if that is something God is calling me to do.  In the past few days, I followed up with something I feel that God is calling me to do.   Through all of this I feel that God is calling me to trust him where he is leading me in my life.  

Trust in God is calling and leading me

 At the end of this week, a pastor at a similar Baptist church was reminding me that I need to keep trusting me God's calling and leading in my life.   I have been sensing God leading me into Children's Ministry.  I discussed with the pastor this calling on my life and how I have been serving God in Children's Ministry.   The pastor encouraged me to pursue ordination at my current church FBC Irving.   He said that this could open up more opportunities and could help me.   At the end of this week, I have felt like God has been saying to trust God is still leading me and he will use me in ministry in his timing.  

How to Get A Date Worth Keeping

 The new Henry Cloud book has helped my personal perception on dating.   It has changed my overall perspective on dating in general.   It has reminded me how I do not need to rush dating and marriage.   Marriage will happen for me in God's timing and his purposes.    In our culture, we always want to rush everything.    In my parent's traditional culture, you find someone early in life and you settle down with that person.  

I like how he makes the analogy of Tiger Woods rushes straight to the U.S. open but he does not do the other tournaments.   If we do not date other people and explore, then we are rushing to the end.   Cloud talks to a woman in the book who wants to rush finding a husband.   She tells Henry that she cannot wait for finding a husband.  We cannot rush future marriage.   Cloud helps us see if we rush marriage, we won't be able to get to know ourselves in dating.  

HOD Conference 2-

 Other things God showed me through the HOD conference: making a relationship decision based on fate over faith.   Not trusting God in faith over my relationships.    We need to break up with the lie of failure in relationships.   It's important to not let one bad/failed relationship pull us down.   Do not quit on relationships but just God's timing for our life.  

HOD conference

 The HOD conference has reminded the importance of finding our identity in Christ and not dating/marriage.   It has reminded me to keep myself rooted in Christ.   We cannot look to the person of the opposite sex to fill our needs.    As singles, we have to be healthy before we can truly date and be molded to the person God has called us to marry.   It's important to be whole and healthy before marrying.  At times, we try to meet the opposite sex's needs and fix them in relationships.     

Healing from Rejection and Abandonment

 God has been showing me from Kait's book how important it is to heal from rejection and abandonment.  Jesus has told me that he need to heal from these things in my life so I can be whole in a relationship.  Debra Fileta says, "Healthy people attract healthy people in relationships."   What I learned in these chapters is that we need to remind ourselves constantly that God's love never fails us.   When other people reject us, God's love and passion for us never fail us.   

Trust in where he is calling me

 God has reminding me that I need to trust in his good purposes for my life.   Joseph tells his brothers in Genesis 50 that it was God's purposes that he allowed his brothers to do evil so he could save many people in the famine.   God used that hard time in his life to save people.   God gave Joseph the strength to trust him and realize God was in control in that time in his life.   

Trust where God is leading me

 Today's blog will be similar to the others on the theme of trusting God.   I have been reading Genesis in the story of Abraham.   God has been reminding to keep trusting him where he is leading me in life.  He has been reminding me that his ways and bigger than my ways and plans.   Abraham trusted God where he was leading him and it was credited to his as righteousness in Genesis 12.   Another aspect of this trusting was when Abraham had to trust God after not having a child at old age and his wife Sarah laughed and doubted God would provide for them.   The angel appeared to him that Sarai would have a child at her old age and he trusted in God's provisions for their life.  

Trust that God is still good

 God has been reminding me through the book of Job that I need to keep trusting that he is still good in my life.   Job held onto to his integrity through his struggles and suffering.   He held onto the fact that God would hear his case.  He knew God was on his side despite his twisting of God's character.   I need to hold onto the fact the goodness of God despite my circumstances and having to wait on God's timing to serve him and for a Godly wife.     In our circumstances, we have to trust he is good and is working all things for our greater good.

Trusting in God's timing

 Tonight I have been struggling with trusting in God's timing my life.   I want to be married as an older single guy but it has not worked out yet.   I want to find the right godly woman who can be a helpmate for and I can serve God with.   I am praying for a wife who loves Jesus, serves him, there's common interests between us, and loves me as much as I love her.    I am praying Jeremiah 29:11 and Philippians 1:6 today as