Life changes. Fact.
Sometimes those changes are good and bring hope. Sometimes they are hard and bring sorrow. Sometimes you aren't sure what this change means. I've been talking to many people just in the past few days who are sitting on that second or third type of change. Its this change which often leads people along the nervy path of fear, myself included. Sometimes I walk this path by default, others because it is twistedly familiar. But fear will consume you if you let it in, and I'm through with letting it in.
Most changes in life involve things we cannot control. If we claim Jesus Christ as Lord we can control our fear. I've learned a lesson the past few days that, although Biblically true, I never believed or knew: FEAR IS SIN. I always prayed for God to release me from my fears and anxiety, never knowing He was waiting for repentance. I see now how I decide if I am going to trust what I hear in the myraid of noise in life, or if I am going to trust fully in God's Grace and Truth. If I choose to trust God, no matter the circumstances, I am choosing peace. If I choose fear, I am choosing spiritual anemia and death.
We live in a scary world right now, that is if we believe what we hear from everyone around us. However, if we listen to God's truth its the same world that has existed since Adam's fall. Our society is not at fault for the degradation of Christian community and the osteoporosis of the Church, WE ARE.
We have put our faith in the things of this world that are here and gone before we can blink. We have put our faith in things and people that have no real control of this life. We think that since we get everything at our fingertips that the world truly is at our fingertips. IT IS NOT. We have set up idols to the gods of this world that we have created. This is why we are so shaken when our economies teeter on the brink, we have given lipservice to God but put our faith in materialism. I, for one, am guilty of this and I repent before the Lord God Almighty who sits enthroned between the cherubim.
We have a choice, continue in this path of destruction that walks in fear and ends in death. Or we can choose the life God gives through faith in His Son Jesus Christ of Nazareth who ransomed the world by sacrificing his own life.
I choose Christ Jesus. I choose to fully claim the life of peace, grace, joy, hope, love and forgiveness that he offers abundantly. Its a daily decision.
What's your choice?
Friday, September 4, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Rest for the Weary
Have you ever felt nervous and anxious about whats next? Have you ever had dreams that you haven't been somewhere a while and then you return and you don't recognize the place? Thats me right now. I'm heading back to Lexington to a world I left 5 months ago and I am anxious.
I used to have dreams of coming to high school one day and not knowing where i was and being disoriented and not being able to find my locker. I've had that dream on and off for a few years now, but now it feels more like reality. Something about returning to a life that was so routine 5 months ago is a bit nerve racking now. I know that this is the last semester for most of my friends. I have friends I may not see much after May. I'll still be here finishing my last semester in the fall unless God finds a loophole for me. And it kinda scares me. I've done the best I know to get ready for heading back, but its still a bit scary. All I know is that I have to trust in the Lord as my peace. This song 'Rest for the Weary' by Cool Hand Luke keeps circling in my head and its calming me.
"You're my Jesus
You're my hero
Everything I wish I could be....
You're the one who comforts me
When everyone is gone away
I can't stand alone
Here I am
Waiting for You to take me home."
-Lord may I rest in You and You alone. I love You Lord. Keep me close. Bless your Holy Name Christ Jesus. Amen.
I used to have dreams of coming to high school one day and not knowing where i was and being disoriented and not being able to find my locker. I've had that dream on and off for a few years now, but now it feels more like reality. Something about returning to a life that was so routine 5 months ago is a bit nerve racking now. I know that this is the last semester for most of my friends. I have friends I may not see much after May. I'll still be here finishing my last semester in the fall unless God finds a loophole for me. And it kinda scares me. I've done the best I know to get ready for heading back, but its still a bit scary. All I know is that I have to trust in the Lord as my peace. This song 'Rest for the Weary' by Cool Hand Luke keeps circling in my head and its calming me.
"You're my Jesus
You're my hero
Everything I wish I could be....
You're the one who comforts me
When everyone is gone away
I can't stand alone
Here I am
Waiting for You to take me home."
-Lord may I rest in You and You alone. I love You Lord. Keep me close. Bless your Holy Name Christ Jesus. Amen.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Faithfulness is the Antithesis of Failure
As I near the end of my stay in Costa Rica I've started to reflect on things. I think, what has this trip meant to me? What have I done with it? Do I view the world differently? How have I been faithful (or unfaithful) with the opportunities given to me? These are hard questions, and ones that require a lot of honest reflection. Ones that I sometimes like the answers I'm coming up with, other times I don't like the answers I come up with.
To give a microcosm of my thoughts I keep coming back to our ISA Thanksgiving dinner. Some of the students parents were there and one of the dads wanted us to go around (all 30 or so of us lol) and tell what we are thankful for. As everyone was saying what they were thankful for, I started to probe the fathoms of my soul to find an answer. The word 'faithful' kept coming up. I haven't always been 'faithful' to my God, and I know I've disappointed my family and loved ones at times so I wondered why the word kept coming up in my mind. I eventually realized that despite my problems, trip-ups and mistakes, that above all things GOD HAS BEEN FAITHFUL. So when Chris's dad looked at me and said 'how about you mister thinker in the corner?' I knew exactly what I was thankful for.
In Spanish and then in English I proceeded to tell everyone how thankful I was for God's faithfulness during this whole trip. In short He has been faithful in all things, despite my fears, doubts, failures, and timidity.
During this whole trip He's kept me safe, He's allowed me to be challenged and He has helped me through the hard times and helped me enjoy the good ones. In the loneliness of my room I always knew my Savior was there, wiping the tears from my eyes and comforting me. When I tried to tell of Christ's love to others, He was there guiding my words. When I was so down that I could hardly get out of bed, He was there to encourage me. When I was so frustrated with the ridiculousness of school, He was there to give me the courage to speak up and He provided for a new professor for my class. When I was so frustrated with Spanish, I realized He knew all languages, He knew my words. When I fell, He was the first to pick me up and set me on my feet. God has kept me free from sickness, from danger and more. He has provided for me when I couldn't go on anymore. In my loneliness and depression He guided me to those who have gone before me in His Word that have made the same journey of faith. He has kept my family in good health and alive in His Spirit. He has comforted Cali in my temporary absence. He has blessed her family with the miracle of children. He has guided my brother through his first semester at school and all the trials that includes. He has encouraged my parents in the absence of their sons for the first time. He has kept Cali's parents safe in New Zealand. And He has never abandoned me. He has provided opportunities for me to share His love and salvation with many of my peers. He has shown me the poverty of this land, and given me a heart for them. He has allowed me to rub shoulders with his servants here who are preparing missionaries to go throughout the world. He has provided me a Church for encouragement, and He has provided me the understanding of a language to be able to connect with His body in Costa Rica.
In short, the Lord has been ever faithful to me in Costa Rica, just as He has throughout my life. He has been faithful to those I love, as He always has. How can I doubt my God's power? How could I have ever doubted His Providence? He is above all things and in control of all things. He is and was and is to come. He is my Lord and He saved me in His Son Christ Jesus. He is the Trinity, my God three-in-one. He is the Lord God Almighty and for Him I am thankful. For Him I am eternally grateful. And the more I think, I realize this trip wasn't ever about me, it was always about Him. In the midst of my solitude, He made Himself more apparent. And for that, what I deemed a failure many a time has been a portrait for God's faithfulness. Indeed we are only failures when we give up trying to walk close with the Lord. As David proved, a man after God's own heart is one that continues to truly seek God in humility even after falling flat on one's face. May I never stop seeking God in humility even in my failures, that I may not be defined by them.
To give a microcosm of my thoughts I keep coming back to our ISA Thanksgiving dinner. Some of the students parents were there and one of the dads wanted us to go around (all 30 or so of us lol) and tell what we are thankful for. As everyone was saying what they were thankful for, I started to probe the fathoms of my soul to find an answer. The word 'faithful' kept coming up. I haven't always been 'faithful' to my God, and I know I've disappointed my family and loved ones at times so I wondered why the word kept coming up in my mind. I eventually realized that despite my problems, trip-ups and mistakes, that above all things GOD HAS BEEN FAITHFUL. So when Chris's dad looked at me and said 'how about you mister thinker in the corner?' I knew exactly what I was thankful for.
In Spanish and then in English I proceeded to tell everyone how thankful I was for God's faithfulness during this whole trip. In short He has been faithful in all things, despite my fears, doubts, failures, and timidity.
During this whole trip He's kept me safe, He's allowed me to be challenged and He has helped me through the hard times and helped me enjoy the good ones. In the loneliness of my room I always knew my Savior was there, wiping the tears from my eyes and comforting me. When I tried to tell of Christ's love to others, He was there guiding my words. When I was so down that I could hardly get out of bed, He was there to encourage me. When I was so frustrated with the ridiculousness of school, He was there to give me the courage to speak up and He provided for a new professor for my class. When I was so frustrated with Spanish, I realized He knew all languages, He knew my words. When I fell, He was the first to pick me up and set me on my feet. God has kept me free from sickness, from danger and more. He has provided for me when I couldn't go on anymore. In my loneliness and depression He guided me to those who have gone before me in His Word that have made the same journey of faith. He has kept my family in good health and alive in His Spirit. He has comforted Cali in my temporary absence. He has blessed her family with the miracle of children. He has guided my brother through his first semester at school and all the trials that includes. He has encouraged my parents in the absence of their sons for the first time. He has kept Cali's parents safe in New Zealand. And He has never abandoned me. He has provided opportunities for me to share His love and salvation with many of my peers. He has shown me the poverty of this land, and given me a heart for them. He has allowed me to rub shoulders with his servants here who are preparing missionaries to go throughout the world. He has provided me a Church for encouragement, and He has provided me the understanding of a language to be able to connect with His body in Costa Rica.
In short, the Lord has been ever faithful to me in Costa Rica, just as He has throughout my life. He has been faithful to those I love, as He always has. How can I doubt my God's power? How could I have ever doubted His Providence? He is above all things and in control of all things. He is and was and is to come. He is my Lord and He saved me in His Son Christ Jesus. He is the Trinity, my God three-in-one. He is the Lord God Almighty and for Him I am thankful. For Him I am eternally grateful. And the more I think, I realize this trip wasn't ever about me, it was always about Him. In the midst of my solitude, He made Himself more apparent. And for that, what I deemed a failure many a time has been a portrait for God's faithfulness. Indeed we are only failures when we give up trying to walk close with the Lord. As David proved, a man after God's own heart is one that continues to truly seek God in humility even after falling flat on one's face. May I never stop seeking God in humility even in my failures, that I may not be defined by them.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Strength
If anything I know is true, I know this is true, man cannot exist without community. I pray for a community. A community of believers. Being in Costa Rica for the past three months makes me wonder what the early patriarchs felt being in a strange land. I wonder how Joseph felt being the only Israelite in all of Egypt. I wonder how Paul felt being in the prison in Rome for a number of years. He says in Romans 7:19 "For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do-this I keep on doing." He knew what it was to fight for Christ and feel defeated. We all feel that at some point. Some of us feel it more often than not. But later he says "Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand." (Romans 14:4) So there is hope. Insert your name where it says 'he' and you will know that you can stand. It just amazes me that at the end of Acts that Paul is chained to a guard and under house arrest, yet still it is written "Boldy and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ." (Acts 28:31) -God may I boldly preach your Kingdom without hindrance! Amen in Christ Jesus' Name.
Thank God we have Christ to help us stand, because surely not by our might can we stand. For this is the reason Paul says to the Philippians "I Paul have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Christ Jesus who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:11-13)
-God teach me to be able to do all things in Christ Jesus and HIS strength. In Christ Jesus Name, Amen.
Thank God we have Christ to help us stand, because surely not by our might can we stand. For this is the reason Paul says to the Philippians "I Paul have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Christ Jesus who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:11-13)
-God teach me to be able to do all things in Christ Jesus and HIS strength. In Christ Jesus Name, Amen.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Stepping Up To The Plate
Ok people, lets get a few things straight. Obama has just won the election. Thats fine, I'm not thrilled nor down because of this election. Why? Well, because I don't really think that the next President of the United States will change the course of history. Past Presidents have changed some aspects of the world, but surely everything. And it is for this reason that I fear for this nation, not because of who it elected, but because of the reasons why I percieve this president to have been elected (I could be wrong though). The common trend I'm seeing is that many people have pinned the entire future of our country on one person. In reality I feel that many of us felt like that is what this election was about, both republicans and democrats, the entire future of the country. But lets be honest with ourselves people, does the future of this country really rest in one man's hands? - I don't think so.
The future of this country rests in the hands of every American and what we decide to do with our hands on a daily basis. We can choose to do good, or we can manipulate truth and trade truth for a lie. We can use white lies in business negotiations, we can cheat on the test, we can wait another day to get involved in our Church's and communities, or we can do the opposite. We can be honest in our dealings with other people, even when it hurts. We can study harder for the test because we believe an honest grade is better than a fun night before the test. We can get involved in Church and be leaders, with both words AND ACTION. I'm speaking about myself here too, so don't get me wrong, we all have some responsibility in making our world a better place (if you believe in Christ, you make the world better in His Name).
But, we are in very grave danger when we become armchair citizens and give the government a mandate to fix everything. This armchair mentality lead to the nightmare that is social security, the HUGE MONEY spent on this election, the awful immigration laws that has allowed for a system of second-class citizens (illegal immigrants) who work hard and yet have little protection from worker exploitation because our laws don't apply fully to them. Because we have chosen to not take care of our environment, the government steps in to do what we should have been doing all along- making sure we leave a planet for our kids better than the one we were given. So lets do something about our country other than giving a huge check to the government to act like its fixing things. IT'S NOT!
Second thing (i'm probably going to get murdered for this one but i don't care)
There is no such thing as a 'white race,' a 'black race,' a 'mexican race,' or an 'asian race.' There is only a human race. We may have different ethnicities, countries of birth, etc, but we do not have different races. Barack Obama is not of a different race than me, just as much as I am not of a different race as the Costa Rican family I currently live with. We are AMERICANS, and we are united in that, not divided in it. Sure, the people of the world may look different, but lets get this clear, THAT ONLY SHOWS THE CREATIVITY OF THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY! No one is superior to me because of how they look, nor is anyone inferior to me because of how they look. The only distinction God makes is between those who fear Him, and those that despise His ways. And even then, the Lord desires that "all men come to repentance."
Third,
Why are the political pundits talking about 'Confederate' states and 'Union' states? I mean, are you kidding me?! How long ago was the Civil War and we are still allowing ignorant people to be on tv talking about how the ideals of our ancestors still divide us? Most of the people in this country have family that immigrated after the Civil War, so lets allow ourselves to put that piece of history to rest, especially when grouping people together! Good grief! Lets not perpetuate the myth here people.
Fourth,
Pray for the world, and in this time pray for the United States. Especially those of us that are citizens should be concerned right now because we have become a country dependent on buying things we cannot afford, and every leader I've heard has only encouraged more of the same. We are now all more in debt to the government because we keep buying things we cannot afford. The housing 'crisis' is an example of us buying thing we truly cannot afford. Lets pray that the consumer demon that haunts our country is replaced by a country that gets back to the good things in its past where we spend wisely and realize that 'things' wont ever truly make us happy. Lets start investing in people, because they actually matter. Stuff doesn't truly matter. And those of us that accept Christ as Lord, lets invest in people for the Glory of God, that we may bring a smile to His face as we bring invest truth and love into people's lives.
Fifth,
Lets pray that for our new leaders in Washington that they may listen to Heavenly Wisdom in doing their part to make this country, and this world a better place.
The future of this country rests in the hands of every American and what we decide to do with our hands on a daily basis. We can choose to do good, or we can manipulate truth and trade truth for a lie. We can use white lies in business negotiations, we can cheat on the test, we can wait another day to get involved in our Church's and communities, or we can do the opposite. We can be honest in our dealings with other people, even when it hurts. We can study harder for the test because we believe an honest grade is better than a fun night before the test. We can get involved in Church and be leaders, with both words AND ACTION. I'm speaking about myself here too, so don't get me wrong, we all have some responsibility in making our world a better place (if you believe in Christ, you make the world better in His Name).
But, we are in very grave danger when we become armchair citizens and give the government a mandate to fix everything. This armchair mentality lead to the nightmare that is social security, the HUGE MONEY spent on this election, the awful immigration laws that has allowed for a system of second-class citizens (illegal immigrants) who work hard and yet have little protection from worker exploitation because our laws don't apply fully to them. Because we have chosen to not take care of our environment, the government steps in to do what we should have been doing all along- making sure we leave a planet for our kids better than the one we were given. So lets do something about our country other than giving a huge check to the government to act like its fixing things. IT'S NOT!
Second thing (i'm probably going to get murdered for this one but i don't care)
There is no such thing as a 'white race,' a 'black race,' a 'mexican race,' or an 'asian race.' There is only a human race. We may have different ethnicities, countries of birth, etc, but we do not have different races. Barack Obama is not of a different race than me, just as much as I am not of a different race as the Costa Rican family I currently live with. We are AMERICANS, and we are united in that, not divided in it. Sure, the people of the world may look different, but lets get this clear, THAT ONLY SHOWS THE CREATIVITY OF THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY! No one is superior to me because of how they look, nor is anyone inferior to me because of how they look. The only distinction God makes is between those who fear Him, and those that despise His ways. And even then, the Lord desires that "all men come to repentance."
Third,
Why are the political pundits talking about 'Confederate' states and 'Union' states? I mean, are you kidding me?! How long ago was the Civil War and we are still allowing ignorant people to be on tv talking about how the ideals of our ancestors still divide us? Most of the people in this country have family that immigrated after the Civil War, so lets allow ourselves to put that piece of history to rest, especially when grouping people together! Good grief! Lets not perpetuate the myth here people.
Fourth,
Pray for the world, and in this time pray for the United States. Especially those of us that are citizens should be concerned right now because we have become a country dependent on buying things we cannot afford, and every leader I've heard has only encouraged more of the same. We are now all more in debt to the government because we keep buying things we cannot afford. The housing 'crisis' is an example of us buying thing we truly cannot afford. Lets pray that the consumer demon that haunts our country is replaced by a country that gets back to the good things in its past where we spend wisely and realize that 'things' wont ever truly make us happy. Lets start investing in people, because they actually matter. Stuff doesn't truly matter. And those of us that accept Christ as Lord, lets invest in people for the Glory of God, that we may bring a smile to His face as we bring invest truth and love into people's lives.
Fifth,
Lets pray that for our new leaders in Washington that they may listen to Heavenly Wisdom in doing their part to make this country, and this world a better place.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Piedras (rocks)
What motivates you?
It's a good question that I think very few of us ask ourselves. I was viewing the Teach For America website along with a private environmental consulting company in Lexington and it just came to me...what would motivate me if I ever found a future in either? I think that for me, the opportunity for a challenge motivates me. Can I do this? I have yet to find something that is too hard, it all depends on my determination. It's less about if I think something is the right fit and more about the opportunity to try something new. Life is full of new surprises, new opportunities and new adventure, however, we often miss them because we are so focused on one thing that it becomes difficult to take a hold of life's many obstacles and make them stepping stones. Our greatest challenges often open the very doors and truths we have been seeking. Let God help you turn your stumbling stones into bridges to the blessed future He has for you. Blessings in Christ.
-J
It's a good question that I think very few of us ask ourselves. I was viewing the Teach For America website along with a private environmental consulting company in Lexington and it just came to me...what would motivate me if I ever found a future in either? I think that for me, the opportunity for a challenge motivates me. Can I do this? I have yet to find something that is too hard, it all depends on my determination. It's less about if I think something is the right fit and more about the opportunity to try something new. Life is full of new surprises, new opportunities and new adventure, however, we often miss them because we are so focused on one thing that it becomes difficult to take a hold of life's many obstacles and make them stepping stones. Our greatest challenges often open the very doors and truths we have been seeking. Let God help you turn your stumbling stones into bridges to the blessed future He has for you. Blessings in Christ.
-J
Friday, October 10, 2008
Community
Most people have experienced the feeling of loneliness. I know it's something I've had to fight since coming to Costa Rica. It's not something I'm unaccustomed to, I've known the feeling of loneliness before...but that doesn't make it any easier. God told Abraham his descendants would be "strangers in a country not their own" (Acts 7:6). Indeed the Children of Israel knew what it was like to feel out of place. So this is should not be a new concept to me, but it never seems to be any easier. God doesn't promise an easy life, but He does promise to "never...leave"(Hebrews 13:5). That does bring me comfort though.
In any case when I've felt lonely, I start to clam up and further isolate myself. It's easy to pity oneself and try to just endure it solo. But the Bible is very clear that we can't survive in isolation, and that we have to continue to seek out a community of believers and live in fellowship with one another. Christ prays that we "may all be one" (John 17:21) and I can't be one with the Church if I clam up. But also, God calls us to go and "make disciples" (Matt.28:19) and this does not permit simply clinging to a Christian huddle either. So as I have been encouraged to keep trying, I encourage anyone else to not give up in trying to get out of the "shell" of selfism and be in community with other believers, as well as those who don't believe, that they may know Christ and make Him know!
-Glory to God in the Highest! Bless you Lord Jesus Christ! May I honor your Name today in my community and encourage the brothers and sisters while drawing more to You in Love and Repentance for the Glory of Your Name Jesus Christ. Amen!
In any case when I've felt lonely, I start to clam up and further isolate myself. It's easy to pity oneself and try to just endure it solo. But the Bible is very clear that we can't survive in isolation, and that we have to continue to seek out a community of believers and live in fellowship with one another. Christ prays that we "may all be one" (John 17:21) and I can't be one with the Church if I clam up. But also, God calls us to go and "make disciples" (Matt.28:19) and this does not permit simply clinging to a Christian huddle either. So as I have been encouraged to keep trying, I encourage anyone else to not give up in trying to get out of the "shell" of selfism and be in community with other believers, as well as those who don't believe, that they may know Christ and make Him know!
-Glory to God in the Highest! Bless you Lord Jesus Christ! May I honor your Name today in my community and encourage the brothers and sisters while drawing more to You in Love and Repentance for the Glory of Your Name Jesus Christ. Amen!
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