Have you ever felt like you were stuck in mud, trapped never being able to escape? For many of us this is a metaphor; however, for Nick Seagrave it was a reality. Sinking ever so deeply into mud, no way to escape. Just then he saw a "gentle rider" on horseback. Who was the gentle rider?
We all have these situations -- ones that we feel we can't escape. The fact of the matter is we can't, at least, not on our own. However, when the gentle rider comes along, we can get out of these situations.
We can try to flail our arms about, strecthing beyond our limits to reach the branch that seems to elude our grasp no matter how hard we try. We can squirm and twist, thinking that somehow that might help, but the reality is that we cannot escape the mud on our own.
As the mud creeped up around Nick's neck, he cried out to the Gentle Rider. "What can I do?!?" To which the Gentle Rider replied, "You're not using all you have to get out."
One last feeble and meaningless attempt to elude the clutch of the mud. No success.
"What else do I have?" cried Nick. "You have not asked me to help you," said the Gentle Rider.
Why in our weakest moments do we fail to call out to the Gentle Rider? Why are we so stubborn to recognize our weaknesses?
Pray for enlightenment to your weaknesses. Ask Him to point them out. When you realize them, cry out!
Cry out to Him for help! He is here to rescue us from the mud. He is here to lend a hand. Don't fail to ask Him for the aid we so desperately need and long for.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Friday, December 08, 2006
Seeing
When recently diving into the depths of myself for my weaknesses, I came across one that made me question my reaction to my brothers around me.
I have recognized that I continue to see people from a worldly perspective.
Have you ever seen that guy on the street with about a hundred tatoos, piercings everywhere the eye can see (and probably some where it cannot), clothed in black, fashioning skulls throughout his wardrobe? I am sure that you have.
Now, what is your immediate reaction to this man? Well, for me, it is usually a cowering -- maybe even a quick dash across the street to avoid contact. It sounds horrible, I know, you do not have to tell me. However, this is not the reaction we are called to have. Being a new creation in Christ requires that we no longer see anyone from a "worldly point of view" (2 Cor. 5:16).
So, what should I see when I look at this person? Certainly not a "goth", but more as one of God's dearly loved children, just as I am. He and I have the same great Father; why do I dismiss him as a brother? Not only do I do that, but I do it without even knowing him. I can certainly recognize myself doing this with those whom I know as well.
This is just a beginning to me probing into my life and examining my weaknesses. I pray that you can examine your lives, no, not just the good, but also the bad and the ugly. See where you are weak. Cry out to God! Pray for guidance. I am asking God to direct me in my relationships with those around me that I might be able to neglect any worldly point of views, but see others as God sees them.
"For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Cor. 12:10)
I have recognized that I continue to see people from a worldly perspective.
Have you ever seen that guy on the street with about a hundred tatoos, piercings everywhere the eye can see (and probably some where it cannot), clothed in black, fashioning skulls throughout his wardrobe? I am sure that you have.
Now, what is your immediate reaction to this man? Well, for me, it is usually a cowering -- maybe even a quick dash across the street to avoid contact. It sounds horrible, I know, you do not have to tell me. However, this is not the reaction we are called to have. Being a new creation in Christ requires that we no longer see anyone from a "worldly point of view" (2 Cor. 5:16).
So, what should I see when I look at this person? Certainly not a "goth", but more as one of God's dearly loved children, just as I am. He and I have the same great Father; why do I dismiss him as a brother? Not only do I do that, but I do it without even knowing him. I can certainly recognize myself doing this with those whom I know as well.
This is just a beginning to me probing into my life and examining my weaknesses. I pray that you can examine your lives, no, not just the good, but also the bad and the ugly. See where you are weak. Cry out to God! Pray for guidance. I am asking God to direct me in my relationships with those around me that I might be able to neglect any worldly point of views, but see others as God sees them.
"For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Cor. 12:10)
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Slowing Down
So, as it turns out, the other day I had started to write a post and didn't finish it. I am actually now thankful that I did not get to finish it. I have been able to tie it in with some things that have happened to me since Sunday, so this should be able to cover what I was writing then.
Well, let me start on Sunday. I was sitting in church, and as usual, I felt myself drifting away a little from the message. (I absolutely hate when I do this. I tend to find myself doing it later in the sermon.) However, I heard one of the things that my pastor was speaking about, which she had tied back to the gospel reading. It hit me pretty hard and has left a pretty good impression on me the last couple of days. She said, "God doesn't save us in halves and bits, so why do we give Him bits and pieces of our lives?"
It doesn't make much sense, does it? Why are we so unable as humans to give Him our entire lives? Well, that answer is pretty easy -- sin. However, what isn't so easy to accept is the fact that we do it. The fact that we don't give our Creator, who could take everything away if He so desired, our complete devotion and lives. So, how do we change this? How can we rededicate our lives to our precious and loving Father? It won't be easy, or maybe even possible, but I am willing to try.
One thing that I have recently read in a book that I highly recommend, Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell, has helped me in this area. Or maybe provoked more questions about the issue. I am not sure, but I guess sometimes that is a good thing. So, Rob writes, "We have to stop. We have to slow down." What he is speaking about here is observing the Sabbath and finding the peace in God that Jesus offers, and how we need to alter so that we might be able to find this peace.
Slow down?
In today's society. Everything keeps on going, and going, and going.
It is a challenge to slow down. How many classes did you go to today? How many meetings are you attending today? This week? Just think about it. Our society pushes us to the extreme, making us seem like we aren't doing enough. We've all heard it, "If you want to do something about it, then join so-and-so group." Or, "I would love to devote more time to God, but school is just so pressing." It is amazing, isn't it? How far out of line our priorities are.
Think for a second about Jesus' disciples (well, that is all of us, but here I am refering to those he called in his human life). Jesus is just strolling along the Sea of Galilee and sees some fishermen. They are working, making money, doing what they are supposed to in their culture. But this was a special day for them; Jesus calls them to follow them. And what do they do? They don't say, "Wait, we have to finish our work for the day. We'll catch up with you later." They immediately drop their nets and FOLLOW HIM.
No delay, no hesitation. They took the time to slow down from their lives and follow Jesus.
I am guilty of not slowing down my life; however, it is now apparent to me. I know where I must slow down, let God to work, do His thing. He is faithful, He will be there, He will help you through it. We just have to slow down, not rush through life -- notice God and what he does.
Disclaimer: This is a little disorganized, meant to be so. I must admit that Rob Bell is rubbing off on me a little with his style of writing. It is unique, and thought-provoking.
Well, let me start on Sunday. I was sitting in church, and as usual, I felt myself drifting away a little from the message. (I absolutely hate when I do this. I tend to find myself doing it later in the sermon.) However, I heard one of the things that my pastor was speaking about, which she had tied back to the gospel reading. It hit me pretty hard and has left a pretty good impression on me the last couple of days. She said, "God doesn't save us in halves and bits, so why do we give Him bits and pieces of our lives?"
It doesn't make much sense, does it? Why are we so unable as humans to give Him our entire lives? Well, that answer is pretty easy -- sin. However, what isn't so easy to accept is the fact that we do it. The fact that we don't give our Creator, who could take everything away if He so desired, our complete devotion and lives. So, how do we change this? How can we rededicate our lives to our precious and loving Father? It won't be easy, or maybe even possible, but I am willing to try.
One thing that I have recently read in a book that I highly recommend, Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell, has helped me in this area. Or maybe provoked more questions about the issue. I am not sure, but I guess sometimes that is a good thing. So, Rob writes, "We have to stop. We have to slow down." What he is speaking about here is observing the Sabbath and finding the peace in God that Jesus offers, and how we need to alter so that we might be able to find this peace.
Slow down?
In today's society. Everything keeps on going, and going, and going.
It is a challenge to slow down. How many classes did you go to today? How many meetings are you attending today? This week? Just think about it. Our society pushes us to the extreme, making us seem like we aren't doing enough. We've all heard it, "If you want to do something about it, then join so-and-so group." Or, "I would love to devote more time to God, but school is just so pressing." It is amazing, isn't it? How far out of line our priorities are.
Think for a second about Jesus' disciples (well, that is all of us, but here I am refering to those he called in his human life). Jesus is just strolling along the Sea of Galilee and sees some fishermen. They are working, making money, doing what they are supposed to in their culture. But this was a special day for them; Jesus calls them to follow them. And what do they do? They don't say, "Wait, we have to finish our work for the day. We'll catch up with you later." They immediately drop their nets and FOLLOW HIM.
No delay, no hesitation. They took the time to slow down from their lives and follow Jesus.
I am guilty of not slowing down my life; however, it is now apparent to me. I know where I must slow down, let God to work, do His thing. He is faithful, He will be there, He will help you through it. We just have to slow down, not rush through life -- notice God and what he does.
Disclaimer: This is a little disorganized, meant to be so. I must admit that Rob Bell is rubbing off on me a little with his style of writing. It is unique, and thought-provoking.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Plans and Goals
One of the issues that I have wretled with this semester is what my plans will be in the next year. I have already made some plans, but I am still pondering others. If you have any suggestions please leave them:
Wrestling -- no longer for me. I feel God calling me in other areas than wrestling. This semester has been amazing without it; therefore, I haven't missed it at all.
Summer plans -- right now, I feel a strong, strong calling to the Ocean City Beach Project, held by the Coalition for Christion Outreach. This was one of the hardest decisions. I was also thinking about going to Student Leadership Training or Xining, China for a "cultural and linguistic exchange." I am still keeping my options open; however, the strong calling to OCBP has been overwhelming.
Life -- still unclear. I am hoping that OCBP and Jubilee will help me to see where God is calling me with my accounting major. Also, Urbana might be able to help.
I also have some goals for the rest of the semester:
Memory verses -- up to 50 or more by the end of the semster. I would have to memorize about 5 to 10 for the next five weeks. If you have any good verses or passages for me to memorize, let me know.
Small group -- have at least 3 regular attendees. Hopefully, when Ryan and I change the time and meeting location, more people will be able to attend. Also, this change will provide a reason to talk to those who we already have and get to see how their semester has been already.
Academics -- maintain at least a 3.8 this semester. I will have to work to keep this, but I am hoping to raise my grade in Intermediate and Principles.
With Ryan -- learn to play at least 2 songs on the piano and maybe the guitar. This area will be more difficult than the others. I will have to keep on myself to practice and, with Thanksgiving break, this could prove to be difficult.
By writing down my goals and plans, I am hoping that it will allow me to really see where I am going and what I need to do to get there. With God's help, anything that will glorify Him is possible.
Wrestling -- no longer for me. I feel God calling me in other areas than wrestling. This semester has been amazing without it; therefore, I haven't missed it at all.
Summer plans -- right now, I feel a strong, strong calling to the Ocean City Beach Project, held by the Coalition for Christion Outreach. This was one of the hardest decisions. I was also thinking about going to Student Leadership Training or Xining, China for a "cultural and linguistic exchange." I am still keeping my options open; however, the strong calling to OCBP has been overwhelming.
Life -- still unclear. I am hoping that OCBP and Jubilee will help me to see where God is calling me with my accounting major. Also, Urbana might be able to help.
I also have some goals for the rest of the semester:
Memory verses -- up to 50 or more by the end of the semster. I would have to memorize about 5 to 10 for the next five weeks. If you have any good verses or passages for me to memorize, let me know.
Small group -- have at least 3 regular attendees. Hopefully, when Ryan and I change the time and meeting location, more people will be able to attend. Also, this change will provide a reason to talk to those who we already have and get to see how their semester has been already.
Academics -- maintain at least a 3.8 this semester. I will have to work to keep this, but I am hoping to raise my grade in Intermediate and Principles.
With Ryan -- learn to play at least 2 songs on the piano and maybe the guitar. This area will be more difficult than the others. I will have to keep on myself to practice and, with Thanksgiving break, this could prove to be difficult.
By writing down my goals and plans, I am hoping that it will allow me to really see where I am going and what I need to do to get there. With God's help, anything that will glorify Him is possible.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
"For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Where are you weak? Is it in sexual immorality? Perhaps it's the lust for money? Or maybe even confrontation? Worse yet, maybe you cannot control what comes out of you mouth -- profanity, discouragement, whatever?
There is comfort in all of our weaknesses though. It took me until now, well actually Sunday night/Monday morning, to realize this. For so long, I thought that I was the only one in our community here at W&J to struggle with the things I do; however, God has opened my eyes, ears, and heart to those who share my struggles.
Recently, I was discussing some of these struggles with some of my friends and one of them quoted a passage which has hung in my heart the last couple of days. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in my weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Cor. 12:9-10)
Delight in my weaknesses? Who does that? Who boasts when they are weak? Do we freely express the areas in our lives where we cannot do it ourselves, but completely rest on the faith that God will provide for us? The last two days have challenged me to do this, which has been one of the most freeing times in my life. I have felt a burden lifted from my shoulders, allowing me to express my joy freely again.
It is so hard for us to rely on God for everything, but Christ has commanded us to do just that. We cannot do anything on our own; we cannot continue to carry our burdens, for we will be crushed in our feeble attempts to do so. Christ tells us that he will take our burdens: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Mat. 11:28-30)
God, take my burdens, for You alone can ease my load; You alone are able to bear my burdens. God, thank You for Your willingness to take my weary heart and give it rest. Thank You for taking my yoke from me.
There is comfort in all of our weaknesses though. It took me until now, well actually Sunday night/Monday morning, to realize this. For so long, I thought that I was the only one in our community here at W&J to struggle with the things I do; however, God has opened my eyes, ears, and heart to those who share my struggles.
Recently, I was discussing some of these struggles with some of my friends and one of them quoted a passage which has hung in my heart the last couple of days. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in my weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Cor. 12:9-10)
Delight in my weaknesses? Who does that? Who boasts when they are weak? Do we freely express the areas in our lives where we cannot do it ourselves, but completely rest on the faith that God will provide for us? The last two days have challenged me to do this, which has been one of the most freeing times in my life. I have felt a burden lifted from my shoulders, allowing me to express my joy freely again.
It is so hard for us to rely on God for everything, but Christ has commanded us to do just that. We cannot do anything on our own; we cannot continue to carry our burdens, for we will be crushed in our feeble attempts to do so. Christ tells us that he will take our burdens: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Mat. 11:28-30)
God, take my burdens, for You alone can ease my load; You alone are able to bear my burdens. God, thank You for Your willingness to take my weary heart and give it rest. Thank You for taking my yoke from me.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Community
Would you give everything you had to help a friend in need? Would you sacrifice your own well-being to help a less fortunate friend? Would you be willing to allow a friend to probe into every facet of your life?
If you can honestly answer yes to all of these questions, you are to be lauded. It is rare to find someone so willing to be sacrificial. However, Luke calls us to do all of these things, and more, in Acts (2 and 4). Imagine a community in which everyone lived this life.
Pretty awesome, huh? So what is it that makes this "grace of giving" (2 Cor. 8) so difficult?
Until this summer, May to be exact, I was focused on one thing with my career plans -- how to make the most money and get ahead in life. I didn't give one hoot about giving to those less fortunate than myself; it was all about me, myself, and I. However, in May, our Father smacked me across my face and opened my eyes to His plan, His direction, His mercy. He has never thought of Himself before us, never thought of taking and not giving.
Our challenge here on Earth is not to see who can get the furthest ahead in life, not to see who can make the most money, not to see who has the fanciest car, rather it is to complete give ourselves to God, our Father.
Tim, Ryan, Emily, Deanna, Hobgobbler, Heff, anyone else who wants to join:
Imagine a community like that on campus here. That is our vision, our goal, our prize, our gift from our Father. We must accept this awesome responsibility to build it here; we must give ourselves to the Lord for it to happen. I love all of you guys, and you all continue to be an inspiration for me. Thank you for all you have done for me, and all that you continue to do without even realizing it.
If you can honestly answer yes to all of these questions, you are to be lauded. It is rare to find someone so willing to be sacrificial. However, Luke calls us to do all of these things, and more, in Acts (2 and 4). Imagine a community in which everyone lived this life.
Pretty awesome, huh? So what is it that makes this "grace of giving" (2 Cor. 8) so difficult?
Until this summer, May to be exact, I was focused on one thing with my career plans -- how to make the most money and get ahead in life. I didn't give one hoot about giving to those less fortunate than myself; it was all about me, myself, and I. However, in May, our Father smacked me across my face and opened my eyes to His plan, His direction, His mercy. He has never thought of Himself before us, never thought of taking and not giving.
Our challenge here on Earth is not to see who can get the furthest ahead in life, not to see who can make the most money, not to see who has the fanciest car, rather it is to complete give ourselves to God, our Father.
Tim, Ryan, Emily, Deanna, Hobgobbler, Heff, anyone else who wants to join:
Imagine a community like that on campus here. That is our vision, our goal, our prize, our gift from our Father. We must accept this awesome responsibility to build it here; we must give ourselves to the Lord for it to happen. I love all of you guys, and you all continue to be an inspiration for me. Thank you for all you have done for me, and all that you continue to do without even realizing it.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
For whom or what are you living?
Just a few days ago, one of my closest friends presented a question to me. I never thought a question would affect me the way this one did, tearing my heart the last two weeks. I encourage each of you to take a closer look at this question as well:
For whom or what are you living?
For most of us, this question is difficult to answer. I am hoping that in the coming years of my life, I can give a definite and conclusive answer to this question -- God, and God alone.
body (n.): the physical structure of a human being or animal, not including the head, limbs, and tail; trunk; torso.
This definition is provided by dictionary.com. Is that all our body is? just our physical structure? useful for only this life, none other? What hope do we have then? Is our life constrained to the 80 years (if you're lucky) here on Earth? This definition would make you think so.
body (n.): earthen vessels, such as "jars of clay" (2 Cor. 4:7), used to glorify God and His word.
This definition is a combination of several of Paul's writings, as well as other Scriptures. To me, this defintion is more appropriate, leaving hope for an age to come -- the age of the coming of Christ. Our bodies are not our's, rather, they belong to God to do with as He pleases and sees fit for His Kingdom here on Earth.
Does everything you do glorify God, His honor? Do you follow selfish ambitions rather than following God's plan for your life? "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will -- to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves." (Eph. 1:4-6).
Jeremy Camp "Take My Life"
Take my life, take my mind
Take my soul, take my will
I am your's now, and I give it all to You.
For whom or what are you living?
For most of us, this question is difficult to answer. I am hoping that in the coming years of my life, I can give a definite and conclusive answer to this question -- God, and God alone.
body (n.): the physical structure of a human being or animal, not including the head, limbs, and tail; trunk; torso.
This definition is provided by dictionary.com. Is that all our body is? just our physical structure? useful for only this life, none other? What hope do we have then? Is our life constrained to the 80 years (if you're lucky) here on Earth? This definition would make you think so.
body (n.): earthen vessels, such as "jars of clay" (2 Cor. 4:7), used to glorify God and His word.
This definition is a combination of several of Paul's writings, as well as other Scriptures. To me, this defintion is more appropriate, leaving hope for an age to come -- the age of the coming of Christ. Our bodies are not our's, rather, they belong to God to do with as He pleases and sees fit for His Kingdom here on Earth.
Does everything you do glorify God, His honor? Do you follow selfish ambitions rather than following God's plan for your life? "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will -- to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves." (Eph. 1:4-6).
Jeremy Camp "Take My Life"
Take my life, take my mind
Take my soul, take my will
I am your's now, and I give it all to You.
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