As I write this post, I am sitting in the house (our first house) that Lauren and I just purchased a week ago. We started browsing the home market in early December last year and really got serious about finding something at the first of the year. Well, we found it and I can't believe that this is really happening.
Lauren and I started dating 7 and a half years ago and have been on a journey ever since. God has been so faithful and merciful to us. As we prepare to move into our first house tomorrow I can't help but reflect on everything God has done for us so early in our lives. The journey of His will is always adventurous and exciting! He is so good and I continue to be blown away at all that he so graciously blesses us with.
We all have things in our lives that are not perfect, that are stressing us out, that are causing us grief and uncertainty. But, we also all have things to reflect on and thank God for. Take time to be thankful.
"...Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise" Philippians 4:8 NLT
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
WOW! I want to live like that!
Have you ever met some one, read some ones story, watched some one give beyond their ability to give, or observed some one live out their faith in a way that makes you say "WOW! I want to live like that!"? I can think of numerous stories about missionaries, pastors, christian activists, and even people helping those in Haiti right now, that challenge me to be more of a risk taker for God.
Over the past few days I have been reading in the book of Acts. I have purposefully been trying to read slowly through the verses in Acts because there are just so many pieces of Acts that make me say "WOW!" The people and the Apostles that we read about in Acts were risk takers for God. They had the kind of faith that either made people angry to the extreme of wanting to murder them or made people want to live for the God (Jesus Christ) they were living for. In Acts chapters 1-7 we see the coming of the Holy Spirit change the lives of people in such a drastic way that others accused them of being drunk. We see a bold and simple sermon preached by Peter "cut to the heart" of many and 3000 people were saved and baptized. We see believers devoted to the word of God, community with one another through eating together and praying together. In fact even they were saying "WOW" at what was happening, the bible tells us they were in "awe." They weren't worried about imposing on each other, they were willing to sell possessions and belongings to help one another out! They had "generous hearts". We see Peter and John healing a crippled beggar and giving God all the glory! The crippled man went from being overlooked by others and bound by his physical barriers to having a new identity in Christ and leaping and praising God! WOW! We see Peter and John speaking boldly before the council, so much so that they are thrown in jail and asked to never speak of Jesus name again. Their response "We must obey God rather than men." WOW! We read about an angel of the Lord opening up the prison doors freeing Peter and John to preach the word! We witness a Pharisee named Gamaliel held in honor by the people, encourage the council to release Peter and John for "You might be opposing God" is what he told them. We also read about Stephen being stoned to his death by a group of angry people who were convicted by the truth he spoke into their lives.
When I read about the amazing things God was doing around, in, and through the lives of the Apostles and Christians in the book of Acts, I can't help but be amazed at the mighty things he was up too. Some may read these stories and think "whats the big deal?" but for most we read this and think "Man God was doing amazing things in those days!"
The same God that was doing amazing things in Acts 1-7 is the same God that you and I have access to today. I think the people in the book of Acts were aware of just how big and capable their God was. Because of their faith and risk you and I are left thinking "WOW! I want to live like that! The truth is, we can! But faith requires risk and its the faith initiated risk takers that get the attention of people and most of all God! What does your story make people say?
PJ
Over the past few days I have been reading in the book of Acts. I have purposefully been trying to read slowly through the verses in Acts because there are just so many pieces of Acts that make me say "WOW!" The people and the Apostles that we read about in Acts were risk takers for God. They had the kind of faith that either made people angry to the extreme of wanting to murder them or made people want to live for the God (Jesus Christ) they were living for. In Acts chapters 1-7 we see the coming of the Holy Spirit change the lives of people in such a drastic way that others accused them of being drunk. We see a bold and simple sermon preached by Peter "cut to the heart" of many and 3000 people were saved and baptized. We see believers devoted to the word of God, community with one another through eating together and praying together. In fact even they were saying "WOW" at what was happening, the bible tells us they were in "awe." They weren't worried about imposing on each other, they were willing to sell possessions and belongings to help one another out! They had "generous hearts". We see Peter and John healing a crippled beggar and giving God all the glory! The crippled man went from being overlooked by others and bound by his physical barriers to having a new identity in Christ and leaping and praising God! WOW! We see Peter and John speaking boldly before the council, so much so that they are thrown in jail and asked to never speak of Jesus name again. Their response "We must obey God rather than men." WOW! We read about an angel of the Lord opening up the prison doors freeing Peter and John to preach the word! We witness a Pharisee named Gamaliel held in honor by the people, encourage the council to release Peter and John for "You might be opposing God" is what he told them. We also read about Stephen being stoned to his death by a group of angry people who were convicted by the truth he spoke into their lives.
When I read about the amazing things God was doing around, in, and through the lives of the Apostles and Christians in the book of Acts, I can't help but be amazed at the mighty things he was up too. Some may read these stories and think "whats the big deal?" but for most we read this and think "Man God was doing amazing things in those days!"
The same God that was doing amazing things in Acts 1-7 is the same God that you and I have access to today. I think the people in the book of Acts were aware of just how big and capable their God was. Because of their faith and risk you and I are left thinking "WOW! I want to live like that! The truth is, we can! But faith requires risk and its the faith initiated risk takers that get the attention of people and most of all God! What does your story make people say?
PJ
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Patience
I don't know about you, but I really struggle with patience in my life. I don't know if its because we live in such a instant gratification culture that fuels my impatience, that its just a weakness of mine, or both. Probably both. But either way, I am one impatient person. I have noticed I am impatient when it comes to certain areas of my life. I'm pretty patient with others (my wife would object to that), patient with Gods will for my personal life and marriage, but extremely impatient when it comes to the ministry to that God has placed me in. Not impatient with those I serve with but impatient with the progress "I want to see" at times.
I came across a passage the other day in Genesis 29:20-28. A story that many are familiar with. Jacob serves for seven years to be with a woman he loved deeply named Rachel. In fact his love for her was so great that scripture tells us "they (the seven years) seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her" Throughout the passage we see Jacob having to jump through hoops and get past barriers to be with the woman he wanted badly. Many might say he was crazy for putting up with Rachel's father Laban, many might say they would have just walked away and sought "greener grass." But I think we see a picture of a man waiting PATIENTLY for what he knew God wanted for him.
Sometimes the goals we are working towards God is quick to show his faithfulness by giving us the grace to achieve them. Other times God is still faithful, but is testing our faithfulness and PATIENCE over time. He is at work in us developing our faith and our character. Patience is the hardest when we need it the most, but it is the key to achieving our goals and Gods will for our lives.
PJ
I came across a passage the other day in Genesis 29:20-28. A story that many are familiar with. Jacob serves for seven years to be with a woman he loved deeply named Rachel. In fact his love for her was so great that scripture tells us "they (the seven years) seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her" Throughout the passage we see Jacob having to jump through hoops and get past barriers to be with the woman he wanted badly. Many might say he was crazy for putting up with Rachel's father Laban, many might say they would have just walked away and sought "greener grass." But I think we see a picture of a man waiting PATIENTLY for what he knew God wanted for him.
Sometimes the goals we are working towards God is quick to show his faithfulness by giving us the grace to achieve them. Other times God is still faithful, but is testing our faithfulness and PATIENCE over time. He is at work in us developing our faith and our character. Patience is the hardest when we need it the most, but it is the key to achieving our goals and Gods will for our lives.
PJ
Sunday, January 24, 2010
There's Something Different About You
In Genesis 21 we come across Abraham making a treaty with with a guy named Abimelech King of Gerar. In verse 22 we see that Abimelech noticed there was something different about Abraham.
"At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, "God is with you in all that you do..." Gen. 21:22
There are lots of verses throughout scripture that remind us that God is constantly with us. I think this verse can serve as one of those reminders. However, in this verse Abimelech isn't trying to remind or encourage Abraham that his God was with him. Abimelech was making a statement. Abimelech basically says "There is something different about you"..."God is with you in all that you do." Abrahams life was a living breathing testimony of Gods presence.
When others are around you and I do they notice there is something different about us. Do our lives make others say "God is with you in all that you do"? Or, in other words "There is something different about you." Are our lives a living breathing testimony of Gods presence? Just something to think about.
PJ
"At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, "God is with you in all that you do..." Gen. 21:22
There are lots of verses throughout scripture that remind us that God is constantly with us. I think this verse can serve as one of those reminders. However, in this verse Abimelech isn't trying to remind or encourage Abraham that his God was with him. Abimelech was making a statement. Abimelech basically says "There is something different about you"..."God is with you in all that you do." Abrahams life was a living breathing testimony of Gods presence.
When others are around you and I do they notice there is something different about us. Do our lives make others say "God is with you in all that you do"? Or, in other words "There is something different about you." Are our lives a living breathing testimony of Gods presence? Just something to think about.
PJ
Friday, January 22, 2010
First Last Last First
Currently the bible reading plan I am going through has me reading about 1 chapter a day in the book of Luke. As I have been reading Luke I see Jesus speaking some tough truths into peoples lives. Truths that are convicting, truths that are hard to accept, bold truth, and truths that are just difficult for one to wrap their mind around.
In Luke 13:30 Jesus says "...some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last"
I think those words are very difficult for people like you and I. We live in a culture where we are taught its best to be "first". First in line, first to arrive, first in the ranks, first at the top of the ladder, first, first, first. But if you are a Christian you belong to a Kingdom of God culture.
According to Jesus in the Kingdom of God culture last is the first place to be. Or maybe the kingdom isn't even really about being first or last. But about putting others before ourselves and placing God first in our lives. About being faithful to His Kingdom and the lifestyle that comes with it. After all the kingdom of God is all about serving others, looking beyond ourselves, and looking through the lens of Christ. A lens that takes the focus off ourselves and focuses on others.
In the Kingdom of God being Last is the First place we should be.
PJ
In Luke 13:30 Jesus says "...some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last"
I think those words are very difficult for people like you and I. We live in a culture where we are taught its best to be "first". First in line, first to arrive, first in the ranks, first at the top of the ladder, first, first, first. But if you are a Christian you belong to a Kingdom of God culture.
According to Jesus in the Kingdom of God culture last is the first place to be. Or maybe the kingdom isn't even really about being first or last. But about putting others before ourselves and placing God first in our lives. About being faithful to His Kingdom and the lifestyle that comes with it. After all the kingdom of God is all about serving others, looking beyond ourselves, and looking through the lens of Christ. A lens that takes the focus off ourselves and focuses on others.
In the Kingdom of God being Last is the First place we should be.
PJ
Monday, January 11, 2010
The At&t Uverse Pagan
Last fall I read a book that God used to challenge me to be more aware of the opportunities he places in front of me daily to invite others to church, lend a hand to others, share my faith, and whatever else he may want me to do. As a result I set a goal this year to invite 5 total strangers to church every week. Now to some that may seem high and to others that may seem low. But I felt like God could use the simple invitation to possibly lead into more meaningful conversations about Himself.
Last Thursday night was a very cold night here in central Arkansas. So cold, that all I wanted to do was stay inside snuggled up and watch the national championship. That's when someone knocked on the door. I opened the door wearing jeans and a t-shirt. No socks. Immediately the cold air hit my feet. Standing there was a guy who worked for at&t and wanted to sell me their uverse package. He asked me a series of questions and I stood there thinking "Dude its freezing here and you want to ask me these questions, fill out paper work, and buy your stupid cable package!?" I was freezing and I almost told the guy that I didn't have time to talk to him that evening. That's when I saw the opportunity.
I told the guy I was not really in a position at the time to try a new cable package and then asked him if he had ever heard of our church. He answered no and said he wasn't interested because he and his wife were pagans. He asked me what we did at our church and I told him that we worshiped Jesus the savior and creator of the world. He laughed and said that he might show up sometime to just ask me some questions. Shortly after he said it was time for him to move on.
I'm not sure I'll ever see the at&t uverse pagan again. I'm not sure if he will ever step foot in our church. But I do know that God used me as a link in a chain of events that he is using to draw this man to himself. What this man does with the links is between him and God.
Take time to slow down and notice the opportunities that God places in front of you to reach out to others, to speak to them about your faith, to lend a hand, to pray with them, to invite them to church. And don't always expect it to be on your terms, God rarely works that way. Be a link in the chain.
PJ
Last Thursday night was a very cold night here in central Arkansas. So cold, that all I wanted to do was stay inside snuggled up and watch the national championship. That's when someone knocked on the door. I opened the door wearing jeans and a t-shirt. No socks. Immediately the cold air hit my feet. Standing there was a guy who worked for at&t and wanted to sell me their uverse package. He asked me a series of questions and I stood there thinking "Dude its freezing here and you want to ask me these questions, fill out paper work, and buy your stupid cable package!?" I was freezing and I almost told the guy that I didn't have time to talk to him that evening. That's when I saw the opportunity.
I told the guy I was not really in a position at the time to try a new cable package and then asked him if he had ever heard of our church. He answered no and said he wasn't interested because he and his wife were pagans. He asked me what we did at our church and I told him that we worshiped Jesus the savior and creator of the world. He laughed and said that he might show up sometime to just ask me some questions. Shortly after he said it was time for him to move on.
I'm not sure I'll ever see the at&t uverse pagan again. I'm not sure if he will ever step foot in our church. But I do know that God used me as a link in a chain of events that he is using to draw this man to himself. What this man does with the links is between him and God.
Take time to slow down and notice the opportunities that God places in front of you to reach out to others, to speak to them about your faith, to lend a hand, to pray with them, to invite them to church. And don't always expect it to be on your terms, God rarely works that way. Be a link in the chain.
PJ
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Happy Birthday!
I turned 24 yesterday January 6 2010. It was awesome! It was one of the best birthdays I have had in several years. Our church staff got me a Bday cake, I received lots of encouraging words on my face book, and Lauren (my wife) got several of our closest friends and family to pitch in and help her get me a xbox360 with Call of Duty, and Donald Millers newest book. I loved the gifts that Lauren, our friends, and family, went in on to get me. In fact my face began to hurt I was smiling so much at the gift. :) But it really wasn't the gifts that made the day so special. It was the people.
Through out the day yesterday I couldn't help but reflect on the people God has placed in my life both in the recent years and now to make a difference in my life. I am thankful that God has placed such great people in my life and I am thankful that these people have allowed God to work through them in my life.
Jesus said in John 10:10 "...I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
Ever since I made the decision to allow God to use me, send me wherever he wanted, speak what he wanted me to speak, fight for what he wanted me to fight for, and live the life he wants me to live, I have watched those words in John 10:10 come to life!
Jesus has not just given me a ticket to heaven, if that's all he did, then it would totally be worth it. But he has also given me abundant life, right here, right now, he shows up each and every day wanting to give a life of Joy and Freedom! I am blessed with friends, family, church family, a beautiful wife who loves God, and I have the privilege of doing Kingdom work for a living! That's what I call abundant life, a life that only Jesus can give!
PJ
Through out the day yesterday I couldn't help but reflect on the people God has placed in my life both in the recent years and now to make a difference in my life. I am thankful that God has placed such great people in my life and I am thankful that these people have allowed God to work through them in my life.
Jesus said in John 10:10 "...I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
Ever since I made the decision to allow God to use me, send me wherever he wanted, speak what he wanted me to speak, fight for what he wanted me to fight for, and live the life he wants me to live, I have watched those words in John 10:10 come to life!
Jesus has not just given me a ticket to heaven, if that's all he did, then it would totally be worth it. But he has also given me abundant life, right here, right now, he shows up each and every day wanting to give a life of Joy and Freedom! I am blessed with friends, family, church family, a beautiful wife who loves God, and I have the privilege of doing Kingdom work for a living! That's what I call abundant life, a life that only Jesus can give!
PJ
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