Devotional October 27, 2010

Wow! I love Jesus! I hope this encourages all that read!


"SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER"



⁹ Two are better than one,
       because they have a good return for their work:
 ¹⁰ If one falls down,
       his friend can help him up.
       But pity the man who falls
       and has no one to help him up!
 ¹¹ Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
       But how can one keep warm alone?
 ¹² Though one may be overpowered,
       two can defend themselves.
       A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV)


We need to support one another and hold one another accountable. We have to understand that we can't always do things on our own. A lot of times I find myself wanting to do things on my own, I don't know where that comes from, maybe a bit of pride and ego? Probably. I know I need to get better at that, dying to self. Realizing I can't do EVERYTHING on my own. We need people in our lives that will encourage us, help us when we are down, pray for us and also provide wisdom. We need to surround ourselves with people that are more wise that we are, that will hold us accountable to live a life reflecting Christ Jesus! I encourage you not to go through life solo dolo, but with support and accoutability!


"TOTAL COMMITMENT"



 ^15-16So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it.
 ^17-19Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I've warned you of them many times; sadly, I'm having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ's Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites.
 ^20-21But there's far more to life for us. We're citizens of high heaven! We're waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He'll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him.


Phil 3:15-21 (message)


Commitment is a tough word and a tough thing to do period nowadays it seems like. People are so scared to do something that requires time and loyalty. It's because of what the world is teaching us and what is portrayed in the media as being lazy, going the easy route and quitting if things don't work out, is why this generation is not committed. It says in the Bible that we need to stay focused and totally committed to God and there will be times when people will try to steer you another route, an "easier" route but the reality is that "easy" route will send you off to a dead end.  When I read this, thoughts of the past came in mind of how many people try to take you through that "easy" route, how the world will trick you to think that serving yourself and doing what makes you happy instead of being obedient to God is the way. Reality is God wants our TOTAL COMMITMENT, can you give that today? I encourage you to be totally committed to Jesus and stay focused on what He has planned for you!


"IN RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST"



 ¹⁷The seventy came back triumphant. "Master, even the demons danced to your tune!"
 ^18-20Jesus said, "I know. I saw Satan fall, a bolt of lightning out of the sky. See what I've given you? Safe passage as you walk on snakes and scorpions, and protection from every assault of the Enemy. No one can put a hand on you. All the same, the great triumph is not in your authority over evil, but in God's authority over you and presence with you. Not what you do for God but what God does for you—that's the agenda for rejoicing."


Luke 10:17-20 (message)


Don't get it twisted, joy comes from being in relationship with Christ, NOT from what we do for Christ. God has given us all the power to overcome satan's plans but that is not we should rejoice about. The true rejoicing is that God's Holy Spirit is with us and His authority is over us! A lot of times I find myself rejoicing in doing works for Christ when in reality its not the works but Christ doing a work IN ME. It's easy to forget that I'm doing God's work so that God gets all the glory, NOT ME. I encourage you to remember that its not about the works, but its about being in RIGHT relationship with Christ!


Thank you Lord for all you are doing, and all you're going to do! I love you Jesus! Thank you for another day to live and glorify your name! Jesus I pray that whoever reads this will be encouraged to follow you and that their heart will be open to what it is that YOU are speaking to them about! Holy Spirit fill us! Lord have YOUR WAY! I pray this in Jesus name, AMEN!


"Miracles are happening, miracles are going to happen. Pray.Believe. Get Inspired!"

"Encourage the fainthearted, help the weak" 1Thessalonians 5:14

Why we need each other


A mouse looked through a crack in a farmhouse wall and was distraught to discover a mousetrap. When he went to tell his buddies, the chicken said, "Sorry pal, not my problem." The pig said, "I'll pray for you." The cow was busy and said, "come back later." Dejected, the mouse was left alone to handle his problem. That night a poisonous snake got caught in the mousetrap and when the farmer's wife went to investigate she got bitten. She developed a raging fever, and everyone knows you treat a fever with chicken soup. So the farmer took his axe to the barn for the main ingredient! As his wife's condition deteriorated and neighbor's gathered, he had to butcher the pig to feed them. Finally she died. So many people came to the funeral that he ended up slaughtering the cow to make them dinner for them all. In the end everybody lost!

The Bible says, "Encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone." It only takes one thing to be an encourager: a willingness to "bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves" (Romans 15:1 NAS). Before deciding somebody else's problem has nothing to do with you, read this: "If one member suffers, all the members suffer" (1Corinthians 12:26 NKJV). You can't sit on the sidelines while someone's hurting; tomorrow it may be YOU! We are told to "Share each other's burdens" (Gal. 6:2 NLT). When one of us is threatened we're all at risk. Our lives are woven together for a reason; each of us is a vital thread in another person's tapestry.

---taken from "The Word for you Today"

What a great word! I hope you are encouraged when reading!

"Miracles are happening, miracles are going to happen. Pray.Believe.Get Inspired!"

Back from an awesome week!

Long long long week! Just got back from Fargo, North Dakota for a youth convention! Man it was awesome! A long trip but it was so worth it! Got to really see God move! Man, I love Jesus! He is always with us and its crazy how sometimes we just are so busy that we arent listening!

So much happened while we were there! I wish I had more time to just go detail for detail! But we laughed, cried, smiled, took pictures, spoke, danced and more importantly glorified God's name! Thank you Jesus!

I know I have been missing on this thing they call blog! But I will be back more often than none :), keep praying for me! I will need it, some major things are about to happen here real quick, I just feel it! But pray for wisdom and to stay focused on what I need to do for Jesus! I want to be flexible for God's work!

Picked up right where i left off with life being busy !!!

Today was church, leader's meeting, open house, soccer game, then small groups! WOW!!! LOL!! I LOVE IT!

I really enjoy small groups, they give us a chance to grow together! I really enjoy watching my students grow! Watch out! Training up the Future Leaders of the World!

"Miracles are happening, miracles are going to happen. Pray. Believe. Get Inspired!"

Prayer requests? let me know, i got you! Prayer warriors STAND UP!!!!

Great day!

Had church today! Worship was awesome, I had to reserve myself a little! I thought i was going to bust out and dance right in front row! LOL! Pastor had a great message today about the myth that "God brings good luck." It was good awesome! Sometimes we tend to "USE" God instead of being in a "RIGHT" relationship with HIM!

Been in a chippy mood all day today! Been all over the place hyper :) Had a soccer game right after church, so i had to prep for that! That means stretch, stretch and more stretching LOL! My body is not the same as it was back in high school when I could just jump right onto the field and play! The game went well! we passed better and we played better, we ended up winning 4-1. So no worries! We are now 3-3 as a team, not to bad, i think we should be good for the rest of the season! We are finally getting some chemistry going with the team! I love my soccer team! Full of talent just need to work together! I enjoy seeing these guys every weekend!

After the soccer game, I met up with Jason and some of the students to play some football! LOL!!! mannnnnnn what a fun time!!! I havent played in a long while. It was good to be on the field. I love shaking and baking people. I had a few times that I shook the dude so hard i think his legs popped off like mr potato head LOL!!! I LOVE IT!! At the end of the night, i think my own legs popped off, my feet hurt, my legs hurt, my back hurts, man im just getting old! lol! ICY HOT APPLIED TO LEGS and BODY, AFTER SHOWER!

Not too bad of a day! I LOVE JESUS! Thank you Lord for all you do! YOU ARE AWESOME!

Some big things are happening, I cant wait to see all that God has planned! Thank you JESUS!

"Miracles are happening, miracles are going to happen. Pray. Believe. Get Inspired!"

Back to business!

A lot of things are in the process here. Will be headed to North Dakota here soon with Jason and some of the youth group. Just got my schedule for the next few weeks... its going to be interesting LOL. I will be part time for real now. So its going to be interesting to see what happens. I know it will be good though. More time to get things set with real estate, youth group, young adults/college group and life in general.

Real estate just seems to get better and better. But we'll see how that goes, haven't sold a home yet but opportunities are coming up. Not going to worry about things I cant control. I just want to live for Jesus. When He says GO I GO, thats all i need to know.

Excited for my youth group. We have student leadership this Saturday. Then we have our North Dakota trip, then right after that we got our retreat. Then after that I will be flying to Minneapolis with Rick and Jason! Man its going to be an adventure! Living for Jesus is an adventure!!! Just got one of my close friends to start helping at the youth group! I am excited. I know the kids will be also. Can't wait to see what is going to happen! God is GREAT!

So much happening, i havent been able to get on here to blog it...well really just laziness LOL! but its all good, i am a work in progress!

Please pray for wisdom with all the things that are coming up! I just want to live for Jesus! all other things will and can wait! its GO TIME!

"Miracles are happening, miracles are going to happen. Pray.Believe.Get Inspired!"

Keep God First!

I have been missing in action it seems like when it comes to this blog. I have been really busy, sometimes I feel like I'm on a treadmill and running full speed but not getting anywhere. Its been pretty rough, the past week, had alot to do with work and what not. But I honestly cant complain too much I am thankful i woke up this morning!

Small Groups- I love Jesus! Been seeing some pretty cool stuff happening lately, seeing alot of growth in my students. Had small groups this week and had a great time talking to them. We got off topic a little bit but it was awesome. We talked about life and what it was like to live for Jesus. I am so proud of my students. I cant wait to see what is in store!

Soccer game- We had a big victory this weekend. We beat this team 11-0, i felt really bad but it was good to leave with a victory. We scored all our points in the first half and I got some good advice from one of the leaders on the team stating that we should slow down from scoring. We shouldn't try to demoralize the team and have them quit because it wasn't fun anymore. He had a great point, and thats exactly what we did in the second half. We had some pretty funny moments, it was a pretty fun game, one of my teammates tripped over a mound of dirt and I know it's bad to laugh but we had a good time with it. LOL! i told him that he tripped over a turtle shell. LOL! Like the ones from mario cart the game LOL!! we all had  a great laugh. But it was awesome, he got a kick out of it!

Sunday service- Jonny and Jason preached this Sunday at church! It was a great message. I was excited for them both to be up there speaking God's word! It was very encouraging! My cousin came to service for the first time! So it was awesome to have him come and hear God's word!

Lately, I've been struggling, but came to a realization that I shouldnt worry too much. All i need to do is go to God with all i do and things will be ok. My only problem is i like to be in control of things. But I need God's control ! I need to let Him do His work in me. I need JESUS! For those that read this, please pray for guidance, wisdom and strength. I know it's only temporary that I go through this but it's no joke.

Just got the new LeCrae album. I have been encouraged! All i have to say is i cant wait to see whats about to happen.

Miracles are happening, miracles are happening. Pray. Believe. Get inspired!

A quick break from everything

It has been a while since I have been on here. Life has been crazy, I need to get things together. I have alot going on in my life but that is no excuse.  Honestly there are no excuses, you either get the job done or you don't. Control what you can and don't worry about the things that you can't. Been thinking alot about life and about what the future holds. I have alot of things that are going to happen here real quick. So much going through my mind. I feel like there is so much to do and so little time. I have been tired lately, tired of everything LOL! I was wondering why I was feeling this way, and i realized its from my lack of quality time this week spent with God.  Being involved and going to church doesn't mean I have quality quiet time with God. So its something i need to always remember to make time for. I have been slacking a little bit because let's face it, life happens! But thats no excuse. It's time to get disciplined.

Quiet time was awesome, read Job 1 and 2. Really hit home for me. No matter what I'm going through, I got to keep things in perspective.  Keep my head right and focused on God first! Im still so amazed at what God has done for us and for me! I read 2 Corinthians 5:12 and it just reminds me of how awesome God is and what He really has done! "God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." WOW!! man i LOVE JESUS! really do!

Anyone reading this or anyone period, please keep me in your prayers. So much to do in so little time, so many to impact in a positive way. Only way to get it done is through Christ!

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:16

Fun weekend!

The last Friday as a full time associate! I am officially part time now, it hasn't hit me yet until I get my 1st check as a part time associate.  It's going to be a little different, but I know that it'll be ok. I know things will work out and that God will provide. I am happy to have more time to focus on building my real estate business and more importantly being more available to start speaking and taking the proper steps towards speaking to youth and young adults. So please pray for me, for wisdom and for God to provide for my needs!

Work- Work was good, things are going well, the new manager is really doing a great job with the store, I am excited about what is going to happen at the store! 

Small Groups- Started off with homemade stuffed deep dish pizza! It was AWESOME!!!! man i love small groups :) Got super full! Small groups this week was about judging people. Had a lot of good points and good discussion. Life change, its always good to get to hear other's points of views! After we sang some worship songs, brought out the guitar and keyboard! LOL ! fun times!

Saturday-

Student leadership-  Empowering the future leaders of the world! Had a fun time with my students! I love them! This week was foundational stuff. Teaching the importance of prayer and having a relationship with Christ. Letting them know about the importance of devotional time, quiet time, and time spent with God. The second half of Student leadership was showing them how to write a sermon. Showed them some good exercises to work on how to speak along with how to communicate. Empowering the future leaders of the world!!! Can't wait to see what is in store for them!

Work- Work was crazy on Saturday! We had our Dansko sale. Dansko is one of our biggest brands, so it was pretty busy during the afternoon hours! But overall it was a good day. 

Joseph's Chill and Grill- What a fun night!!!!! Man! started the night with some eats. One of the boys dropped off Fifa 2010 and 4 controllers!!!! You know what that means! After I grabbed a bite, jumped straight on the PS3!!!!! WAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Played 3 v 3!! Man it was awesome!!!! We played for a while then took a quick break...what's crazy is what happened next! One way or another Jason (youth pastor) grabbed a guitar, Delwin (a worship pastor from Chicago) grabbed a guitar and James grabbed a guitar, Felix was in the back humming, i started to hum and then all of sudden we started singing! We sang for a little bit just messing around, making up lyrics. Then we decided instead of playing more Fifa 2010 we went upstairs where there was a studio!!!!!!YESS!!! Then we really got it going!!!!! Felix (drummer on the worship team) made up a quick song, Jason, Delwin, and James were on acoustic guitars! I sang backed Felix up singing! LOL! it was awesome! We recorded it on video and on audio!!!! At the end of the song we made up a funny song called "shoes and socks" lol!!! By that time more people had come up stairs and sang with us as well! lol !! man it was a great night! We did that for a while, it was getting late! So some people left and then the fellas went back to playing some FIFA!!!!! it was intense ! a few games went into penalties!! But what a great time! We all decided that we should have more nights like this!!

Sunday- 

Start of the day- What a long day! Had church! Right after church i had to go straight to my open house ( a home that I have listed for sale). It was good to have the open house, got to talk to some people about the home and see what kind of interest was out there to get my client's home sold. Small world! One of the families that came through was actually one of my friend's parents! It was neat to reminisce with them! 

Soccer game- Right after the open house I had to go straight to my soccer game! It was against the team we had lost to earlier in the season but we had our opportunities to win. I was a about 20 minutes late to the game but as soon as i got there we scored. So not a bad start! Things were looking good for us! Overall we had our chances to win the game but we ended up losing 3-1. From missed penalty kick, missed shots and miscommunication among the team we killed ourselves. The other team even said that we should have won the game! But we just haven't connected like we need to yet. But its all good, i still think we played well for a team that has never played together and dont practice together. I am still optimistic about the season! It's not over yet! Right after the game was prayer and praise at church!! MAN! TALK ABOUT BUSY BUSY BUSY!!!!! and my gas tank was on empty since this morning! lol!!!

Prayer and praise- What a way to end the night! Regardless of the loss in the soccer game, and being hungry! Went into prayer with a joyous attitude! I am so THANKFUL for Jesus! Went in and got my praise on! Prayed for the country of the Philippines! It was good! We had some water baptisms too! That is always awesome to see people make a decision to show the public that they have made a decision to commit their lives to Jesus! Right after the water baptisms we ended like we always do! With a happy song! We sang "I am free!" I have a special dance with that song so I went straight to the front! The song started and i was the only one up there then as soon as they saw the dance, the whole front was filled with people doing the dance!!!! it was awesome!!!! 

Anyone who is reading this please keep me in prayer! i will need it !!!

"Miracles are happening, miracles are going to happen, just pray and believe! Get INSPIRED!!!!!"