College students, can you believe that it is fall break? I can't, but it is definitely a much needed one. As the stresses of school and everyday life build up, it is nice to have a chance to escape reality. It is through these times that I meditate on Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." This has always been true. God is a friend who sticks closer than a brother, Jehovah Jireh our provider...there are so many titles that can be placed on him, but the fact of the matter is he is faithful, no matter what.
We all wish life was perfect, and we could get answers to everything right now. But we can't. We must be patient. There is waiting, trials, and tribulations. But it is important that we remember Jeremiah 29:11 "'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.'" No matter what we go through in the here and now, we must remember that if we go according to God's plan, it is worth the stress, it is worth the trials, it is worth the tests he allows to come our way. God will always provide a way out, he will always provide a means to get through, as long as we follow what he wants according to his plan.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
What does God really see?
Wow, I should really post more things on this, but I'm digressing before getting started.
So, what does God really see? He sees our heart. While I think many traditions are great, there is no reason they can't be broken. I am unashamed to say that I wear blue jeans to church every weekend, sometimes even shorts (Oh, my!). It is very rare that you will see me in a suit and tie. Will this make some people upset? Most likely, but who do I have to answer to? Jesus.
I remember seeing people dressed in baggy jeans with chains, black shirts, spikes, long hair, and piercings everywhere. Even though they were not dressed in what one would call "church attire," they were at the altar, praising God. I then remember hearing some people say "People like that do not need to walk in our church." That one quote made me want to punch the person in the face (not really, but it did infuriate me). These people could have easily been at a party drinking, out doing drugs, having sex, or doing some other destructive behavior. But they were not, they were seeking the face of God. Their HEART was in the right place.
What people need to realize is WHY we go to church. We go to seek and worship God, not to say "oh I like your tie, that dress is pretty, you should have polished your shoes, why isn't your shirt ironed." Those people go to church for the wrong reasons.
Being in the church all my life and seeing the way things are done in different places, also showed me all the ways God can show up. I'll be the first to tell you, I'm a born and bread Pentecostal Holiness boy. I love my Pentecostal roots, and I love throwdown Pentecostal services. I speak in tongues, and the things that go along with it. But typically, I am not a loud and expressive worshipper. You'll see me with my hands up from time to time, I'll shout occasionally, and shed a tear. But there have been times that I have been standing and raising my hands, and there have been times where I have been dead silent, and I still expierenced God in a powerful way. I am very weary of those who say "If you are loud and shout, you are irreverant." Or the other side of the coin, "If you aren't shouting and screaming and jumping, you are under bondage and are not truly worshipping God." My mother once told me that emotion without devotion is commotion. I truly feel that God enjoys and accepts ALL styles of worships, loud or soft or silent...as long as the HEART is in the right place.
In Acts chapter 2, the phenomenon of Pentecost took place. But something that is also great to do, is to sit down and listen to his still small voice, listen with your heart. Read his word and see what he has to tell you in a quiet place.
No matter how you dress to church or how you worship, make sure your heart is in the right place, and know that God will honor that.
So, what does God really see? He sees our heart. While I think many traditions are great, there is no reason they can't be broken. I am unashamed to say that I wear blue jeans to church every weekend, sometimes even shorts (Oh, my!). It is very rare that you will see me in a suit and tie. Will this make some people upset? Most likely, but who do I have to answer to? Jesus.
I remember seeing people dressed in baggy jeans with chains, black shirts, spikes, long hair, and piercings everywhere. Even though they were not dressed in what one would call "church attire," they were at the altar, praising God. I then remember hearing some people say "People like that do not need to walk in our church." That one quote made me want to punch the person in the face (not really, but it did infuriate me). These people could have easily been at a party drinking, out doing drugs, having sex, or doing some other destructive behavior. But they were not, they were seeking the face of God. Their HEART was in the right place.
What people need to realize is WHY we go to church. We go to seek and worship God, not to say "oh I like your tie, that dress is pretty, you should have polished your shoes, why isn't your shirt ironed." Those people go to church for the wrong reasons.
Being in the church all my life and seeing the way things are done in different places, also showed me all the ways God can show up. I'll be the first to tell you, I'm a born and bread Pentecostal Holiness boy. I love my Pentecostal roots, and I love throwdown Pentecostal services. I speak in tongues, and the things that go along with it. But typically, I am not a loud and expressive worshipper. You'll see me with my hands up from time to time, I'll shout occasionally, and shed a tear. But there have been times that I have been standing and raising my hands, and there have been times where I have been dead silent, and I still expierenced God in a powerful way. I am very weary of those who say "If you are loud and shout, you are irreverant." Or the other side of the coin, "If you aren't shouting and screaming and jumping, you are under bondage and are not truly worshipping God." My mother once told me that emotion without devotion is commotion. I truly feel that God enjoys and accepts ALL styles of worships, loud or soft or silent...as long as the HEART is in the right place.
In Acts chapter 2, the phenomenon of Pentecost took place. But something that is also great to do, is to sit down and listen to his still small voice, listen with your heart. Read his word and see what he has to tell you in a quiet place.
No matter how you dress to church or how you worship, make sure your heart is in the right place, and know that God will honor that.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Summer...
Yeah, I know it has been a long time since I've been on here, almost four months. Just for an update...summer school and working two jobs is HARD!! I can't sit here and say it isn't stressful, because that would be a boldface lie. But I can say that Philipians 4:13 gets me through it all. Isn't it awesome that we have a savior who helps us through everything?
The bright side is, I have an internship at the best place ever!! It is at C3 Church. I have no doubt that God has engineered this. After serving on the worship team since last year, it has been great to be able to get to know the staff on a deeper level. I can say I feel at home there and that I love my job!
I'm going to try to do more frequent blogs, hold me to it!!
The bright side is, I have an internship at the best place ever!! It is at C3 Church. I have no doubt that God has engineered this. After serving on the worship team since last year, it has been great to be able to get to know the staff on a deeper level. I can say I feel at home there and that I love my job!
I'm going to try to do more frequent blogs, hold me to it!!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
yet again...
Wow it has been awhile since I have been on here...kinda sad.
Nonetheless, the end of the school year is almost here, and I can't wait. But at the same time, I really can't say that I have many regrets. Campbell has given me the opprotunity to find new friends and find my niche. It won't be a complete break because of the lovely time of summer school.
I have an excitng interview tomorrow, and if all goes well, you'll be sure to know.
God has blessed me in so many ways and I can't think him enough.
Nonetheless, the end of the school year is almost here, and I can't wait. But at the same time, I really can't say that I have many regrets. Campbell has given me the opprotunity to find new friends and find my niche. It won't be a complete break because of the lovely time of summer school.
I have an excitng interview tomorrow, and if all goes well, you'll be sure to know.
God has blessed me in so many ways and I can't think him enough.
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