thankful

As Christian we have so much to be thankful for every day, but seeing as it is the season of thanks giving take time this week to thank God. For all he has given you and the blessings we truly have as Christians in America. Don't let the heart of thankfulness got lost in the business of the holiday seasons.

NEVER ENDING CYCLE

As we mature we cling to the gospel.
As we cling to the gospel we become more radical.
As we become more radical people and the church do not like what we have to say.
This has not changed much through out history. Most times people got radical they were killed or banished. 
It is about changing our view from a man's and asking God for a God centered view on the world.
Christianity has become alike making a sub at subway. We pick and choose what we want on our sandwich, so we can live with ourselves. We need to break that trend and accept the gospel all of it even the stuff we do not like. We need to remember these are not our words, but God's words. If you think you have a say in his plan read Job 38-41.
Remember we stand before God and he alone some day. Cling to the gospel, be radical and live it out. Buck what the world and even at times what the church is saying in some cases. Our goal in life should be to hear good job my good and faithful servant.

Radical Living

Why is it today that radical living is look at so strange. Didn't the apostle drop everything to follow Christ? They didn't catch one more fish when he called they followed. They saw how God provided for them the rest of the lives because they said yes when he held out his hand.
Today if people live radical we mock them or say there nuts. I was listening to a podcast this morning and Francis Chan gave an update of what he and his family is up to. They are heading to Asia for 6 months to serve and grow, so they sold there house. They wanted to be free to go where God lead. If God told them to stay in Asia they can. People thought he was nuts, why it make sense to me. He wants to follow God he can get another house there is a ton for sale in America.
We are so ingrained into the American culture, I think we lose the whole trusting God part. Instead to many times our attitude is look at what I did, how I planned, or what I accomplished. Our view is so man centered. WE NEED A GOD CENTERED VIEW OF LIFE. God is the author and creater of everything. He used Pharaoh and Darius even though they were wicked to carry out his plan. God doesn't need us. We need him. Luke tells us if we do not cry out, then the rocks will.
I think it is time for us to live a radical life. Trust in God. Live for him and stopping putting our faith in the American dream. God's kingdom is the only thing that will last forever.

worship

As I am sitting here listening to the youth worship team, it is amazing. There is nothing I love more than watching teens lead there peers in worship. A better example cannot be set than that. To watch the love of these teens for the Lord make everything we do as youth leaders worth it. The good, bad, and ugly is all worth when just one more students gets it.
As they lovingly embrace and pursue God I get excited. Next step to send them out to love on the world and share their story.

kingdom building

What kind of kingdom are you building? One for your self here on earth or one for the Lord? Take a moment look at your life. Where does all your time and energy go? Ask yourself what kingdom are you working on?
This is something i have to do routinely in my life or i get my blueprints screwed up and focus on myself and not me Maker.

we have a incomprehensible God

Karen and I recently went away together for the first time in ten years of marriage. What a wonderful time we had in Alabama at refuge. We vowed to go away at least once a year together.
Refuge was exactly what I needed' a refuge to be alone with God and be reminded of how incomprehensible He really is. We spent time in Isaiah 6 just exploring His throne room and Isaiah's response to what he saw. We have a HOLY,AMAZING,HUGE,AWESOME GOD. I forget that all the time trying to put him in my little human box.
Last night I spent time in Job 38-42. God answers Job after all the ranting, raving, and questioning. God speaks. I love verse 3 of ch 38 where God tells him to brace himself like a man. Then for the next 3 chapters God ask Job questions. Much like me reading it Job is instantly humbled and realizes how small he really is. God is HOLY, we are not. His plan is PERFECT, ours is not. We need God, HE DOES NOT NEED US.
I encourage you to spend some time in Job and being reminded of how Holy God really is. To move through life we need to have a proper prospective of God. I was reminded of that in Alabama and reminded last night. Thank you Lord for being everything I need, want, desire, and the things I do not even know. May I find true rest in your arms.

Frustration

You know the hardest thing about serving the Lord is the people. I am so sick of the games, lies, deciet, competition, jealousy, and that is just a few things to name. The problem with the church is we the people are in it. The only way to be the church is deny our self and become more like Christ.
I know this is something I try to do daily and fail daily. I don't know how Christ did it; but with the last month I have had I understand why people do not want anything to do with the church. because there has been a few days I have honestly agreed with them. I want everything to do with God, but at times not with the people who call themselves Christians.
Sorry this post is not uplifting or encouraging I am just frustrated.