New York City

So on Wednesday, I’m getting on a plane at 7:00 in the morning and flying from the south up to New York City. I’ll be there until Sunday when I hop on another plane at night and fly back home. I’m going up there with a business class from school. We’re having a sort of trade fair up there. I think it’ll be kind of neat.

But I’m a little nervous about flying. I’ve flown before, but not into New York City. Plus the fact that several airliners have grounded planes to reinspect them kind of makes me nervous. I know none of them ended up having wiring issues, but it still bothers me.

Anyway, there won’t be any blog posts from me for a while. Unless my new Blackberry will be fast enough and cooperate with WordPress and I’m not too lazy to type up a post on that little keyboard. Not like anyone’s actually reading this every day or anything. Hah hah.

That’s another thing, while I’m on the subject. If anyone has been coming back here to read, or if it’s your first time, feel free to comment! I like comments, and like hearing what people have to say. I promise I’ll respond to them too! So yeah. Comment me (:

So yeah. Wednesday through Sunday I’ll be traveling. Please pray for safe travels for me if you can (: Thank you.

The enemy is attacking

I’ve been in an extremely good place with God and Jesus lately. Things have been wonderful. I’ve been the happiest that I have been in a long time. Everything is brighter. Everything is just plain better. And I thank God for that. I am growing closer to Jesus everyday.

And there is someone who that infuriates. The enemy. I know that he is very very angry right now at where I am with my God. And the past two days he has tried several ways to break me down and get me upset and weaken my relationship with God. He’s used my friends, with their constant arguing and putting me in the middle of their arguments. Today he arranged to have me half get run over because a truck popped up the hill where I was turning in, and have the driver, a large man, get out and start yelling at me in a church parking lot. He has polluted the minds of youth to where they are selling drugs at church, and that upsets me. Not counting everyone constantly reminding me of the almost-vehicle-accident.

I have to admit. For a little while tonight it was working. I couldn’t even get into worship because I was down. But when I got home and reflected on it, I realized that this is what the devil was trying to do. Break me down. But luckily I have the full armor of God to defend me.

Ephesians 6:10

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of
this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

I know that the enemy cannot hurt me because I am protected. His words and actions will not touch me. I am strong in the Lord, and I can do all things in him. I will not let the enemy break me. I will not let him stop me from proclaiming that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Saviour and the love of my soul. He is Almighty, Glorious, Holy, Worthy, Gracious, Merciful, and Perfect. I praise His name eternally.

Calvary

Last night I did something I read about in a blog earlier this week (I
forget which blog. Sorry! If it was yours, tell me so I can change this ). I actually sat down, well really I was kneeling in prayer but in
any case, and went through the events of the final hours of the life of
Jesus in my head. I imagined him being betrayed by Judas, and the pain
he must have felt then. I imagined him being mocked by the soldiers,
beaten, forced to carry his own cross, and nailed to it. Him seeing my
sins, and the sins of the world. I was on the verge of tears. Then I
moved on to imagine him walking out of the grave and ascending into
Heaven.

It opened my eyes more to the reality of what He went through. And Thank You will never be enough.

Happiness

Have you ever gotten really into your prayer? Where you’re praising the Lord’s name and asking for his blessings and mercy to pour down on you, and proclaiming him as the love of your life, and all the sudden you start giggling with excitement and happiness?

I have. It’s an amazing feeling. A sort of understanding that Jesus hears your prayers and is right there with you, listening to you praise Him and lending you a hand. It’s an overall excitement that sends shivers up your spine. When the Lord fills you with Joy. I thank Him that I can feel this sort of joy, and carry it with me through the darkness. He is the light of my world, my eternal protector.

Dealing with persecution

It occurs to me that, after my prayer post yesterday about persecution, I should probably make a post about persecution itself.

Persecution is defined as a program or campaign to exterminate, drive away, or subjugate a people because of their religion, race, or beliefs. (Subjugate manes to bring under complete control or subjection; conquer; master. Also: to make submissive or subservient; enslave)

We have, as Christians, always been persecuted. Throughout history there are numerous accounts of mass persecution of the followers of Christ. In the present day we are still attacked on a huge scale.

Persecution comes from many places, and in many different ways. In my opinion, public sacrilege is just as much a persecution as someone openly denouncing Christianity and its followers. That means all those little cartoons (i.e. Family Guy) that make the wise cracks about Jesus, Christianity (particularly Catholicism), etc. I derive that theory from the goal of persecution (as defined above) being to make someone subservient. Making someone Subordinate. Below everyone else. (Wow. Am I being wordy or what?)

While I’m sure most people are aware of this, I’d still like to make something clear. You may be thinking that I’m over analyzing or overreacting, but physical, deadly persecution is still going on in the world today. Everyday in countries across the world, including India, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, and dozens of others. If you don’t believe me, take a look at this website: http://www.christianpersecution.info

Jesus even told us we would face persecution, especially near the end times.

Mark 13:8-9 & 13

(8) For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows. (9) But take heed in yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.

(13) And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

But he tells us not to worry when we are lead before the councils. We are not to think about what we will say, or mediate on it. Whatever we are told to say by the Holy Ghost, we will say it before them. (Mark 13:11) This is a promise that God will be with us during these times, as he always is, and will give us the strength and wisdom to defend ourselves and glorify our risen Lord.

We should not be afraid of being persecuted, or ashamed of it. We are called to rejoice when we are persecuted in the name of Jesus.

Jesus had to suffer and be rejected by his generation and people much like we are persecuted and rejected by our own.

Matthew 27:20-23

(20) But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. (21) The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!” (22) Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!” (23) Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they cried out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!

Influential people (chief priests and elders) convinced the people that they should destroy Jesus. Sort of sounds like modern day in some ways.

Jesus suffered the ultimate persecution. Crucification. He was hung on a tree and died for our sins. That’s why we turn over our lives to Him. We live because He died. Say that out loud. We LIVE because HE DIED. So when we are persecuted and suffer for Him, we are being more like Him, right? We should take joy in suffering because He suffered for us!

I Peter 4:12-14

(12) Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. (13) But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. (14) If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

I Peter 2:20-21

(20) But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. (21) To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

We are also reassured in I Peter that God will reward us for our suffering

I Peter 5:10

And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.

Also do not hold it against someone or hate someone because they persecute you. If anything you should pray for their souls, and of course you should love them.

Matthew 5:44-45

(44) But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (45) that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.

So don’t fret when someone persecutes you because you are a Christian. Don’t get down hearted. For you are suffering for the one who suffered for you. Be happy! Thank the God Almighty for your suffering. Pray for these enemies who persecute you, and love them always.

We will only suffer for a little while, for one day we will be called up to Heaven and live eternally with our Saviour in His amazing grace.

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Father,
Thank you for inspiring me
I pray that the message you have given me
Will touch those who need to hear it
Amen

Persecution

Father,

Your people are hated by many. They wish to see us torn down, trampled, and our dust blown away by the wind. The enemy works through these people. It’s obvious that he works through them by how much they hate us, and how much they desire to destroy all that we believe in and love.

Oh Lord, I pray for their souls. I pray that you would send your servants to reach out to them and show them the way to you in our Lord Jesus. They are so lost. I pray that you would lead me to help bring them home where I can. Send the Holy Spirit to inspire me, so that I can witness to them and bring them to you.

I know that we are to take joy in suffering for our Lord, and I do. But I pray that you would be near me and take some of the sting out of their words. Be with me so that I don’t let the things they say and do get under my skin and bother me.

It’s days like these that make me feel we are closer to the end times than we can imagine. I pray that you be with me and fill me with strength to go through these troubled times.

Oh dear Jesus, please hurry and come back for us. Your faithful servants are waiting for you to carry them home.

Amen

God Speaks to His Children!

I found this through StumbleUpon. I thought it was very inspirational and figured I would share it ^^ It’s a nice reminder that God’s word is His word.

You say, “It’s impossible.”
God says, “All things are possible.”
(Luke 18:27)

You say, “I’m too tired.”
God says, “I will give you rest.”
(Matthew 11:28-30)

You say, “Nobody really loves me.”
God says, “I love you.”
(John 3:16 & Jeremiah 31:3)

You say, “I can’t go on.”
God says, “My grace is sufficient.”
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say, “I can’t figure things out.”
God says, “I will direct your steps.”
(Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say, “I can’t do it.”
God says, “You can do all things.”
(Philippians 4:13)

You say, “I am not able.”
God says, “I am able.”
(II Corinthians 9:8)

You say, “It’s not worth it.”
God says, “It will be worth it.”
(Romans 8:28)

You say, “I can’t forgive myself.”
God says, “I forgive you.”
(1 John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say, “I can’t manage.”
God says, “I will supply all your needs.”
(Philippians 4:19)

You say, “I’m afraid.”
God says, “I have not given you a spirit of fear.”
(II Timothy 1:7)

You say, “I’m always worried and frustrated.”
God says, “Cast all your cares on me.”
(I Peter 5:7)

You say, “I’m not smart enough.”
God says, “I give you wisdom.”
(I Corinthians 1:30)

You say, “I feel all alone.”
God says, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”
(Hebrews 13:5)

Weathering the Storm

In our lifetimes, we will suffer innumerable hardships. We will go through much pain, much misery, and much despair. There will be times when something doesn’t go our way and we want to give up and crawl into a hole somewhere. Most likely there will be times when we will ask God why we are going through all of this.

Right now my biggest trouble is dealing with a certain child in my family. She really does behave horribly. Now granted, she is only three and a half, but she is still old enough to know that no means no. She’s old enough to know how to talk back, and know she’s doing it. When you tell her not to do something, she goes and tempts you, doing the exact thing that you just told her not to do. I also admit that most three year olds are like this, but it’s not just the misbehaving that gets under my skin.

No one disciplines her for it. My sister, her mother, does some, but the extent of that is sitting her in a chair for all of two minutes before letting her get up. My mother and father just let her get away with everything. In fact dad, being the good grandfather that he is, lets her do things that the rest of us tell her not to do, knowing that we said we didn’t want her to do that. And none of them listen to me at all. She spits, hits, kicks, pinches, bites, and otherwise abuses me. And gets away with it. Sometimes her mother gets mad at her for it, but it’s rare that they see it or pay any attention to it. She has absolutely no respect for me.

I know I sound like I’m whining. And really, I am. But it has gotten to the point now where I’m unsure if I want to have kids or not. My kids definitely won’t act like she does. I might just move across the state before I have them, that way my parents aren’t around to spoil them.

Now to the point of all of this. I told you this story about one of my hardships, to make a point. It’s not a very good story to make this point with, but it will do.

We will always face hardships in life. The question is. Why? About a year ago at Saints Alive, which is a mission trip I will tell you all about in three months, I worked with a man who enlightened me on the subject a bit. We had just called an ambulance for the lady who lived in the house we were working at, and she was being taken to the hospital. I walked up to him and kind of sighed. He sat me down and had this to say about what had happened. I’ll paraphrase for you.

Sometimes, actually a lot of the time. Come to think of it, every time something hard comes up in the life of a Christian, God has put that situation there so that we can learn from it. He has set it there so that we can go through that experience, analyze it, and decide what could have been done differently, and also what He wants us to do in the situation. That way when the day comes that we must be in that situation again, something similar to it, or when a friend is in that situation, we know how to deal with it in a Godly manner.

Did any of that make sense?

The man’s point for me was that God had allowed this little storm to happen so that when I become a Saints Alive team leader someday, which I plan on doing, I will have the experience necessary to deal with situations that might pop up. I just have to endure the situation now, and I will be rewarded someday.

The Bible likes to use the words Endure and Hardship in the same sentence a lot. Lets take a look at some scripture.

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2 Timothy 2:3

Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

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2 Timothy 4:5

But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

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Hebrews talks about some hardship as being the discipline of a loving Father. Which is true. God gives us situations that test us and come out with some sort of message to shape us and make us better followers of Him.

Hebrews 12:7

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?

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This next passage from Revelation is Jesus talking to the church at Ephesus, and is encouragement for us to endure hardship in His name.

Revelation 2:3

You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.

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From Timothy again, promise that the Lord will rescue us from our sufferings.

2 Timothy 3:11
persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.

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In short. Endure the hardships you are faced with. Know that the Lord is with you, and that his love Endures Forever. He will rescue you from the hardships, and you will grow.

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Father,
Thank you for inspiring me
I pray that the message you have given me
Will touch those who need to hear it
Amen

My blog

I’ve decided to keep the same blog in two places. At least for now. I’ll post here, as well as at http://sansearth.lifewithchrist.org Why I’ve decided to do this, I don’t really know. I guess so I can keep up with other blogs and bloggers on both sites easier. Not that I really know anyone

Scripture

Sometimes I underestimate the power of scripture. God’s word is truly a wonderful gift He has given us. Where would we be without it? I hate to even imagine such a scenario. But luckily we serve a loving God who chose to guide us by giving us His word.

Lately I’ve been more reliant on scripture, which is a good thing. There’s a special power in it that makes you think twice, and brings you closer to God each time you make a realization about said verse(s).

There has been one piece of scripture the past few days that has been effecting me most of all. Philippians 4:8.

“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

I found a website through StumbleUpon that has this verse on it, with a nice picture to go with it. I have set this particular website as my homepage, so that whenever I come online I can ’start my web browsing off right’. It has definitely helped me do so.

If you’re struggling with problems online, I encourage you to set this page as your homepage. Every time you come online, take a moment to read the scripture there and reflect on it, then continue browsing always keeping it in mind. Here’s the link to the website:

http://wideplace.com/whateveris.html

(Opens in new page)