Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Psalm 32 message
Lord humble my heart to your spirit. I have prepared for this message, and mulled over this message, and thought about these verses for years, but that means nothing if you want me to do something else. I want to be sensitive to your call and your leading. Take this message and make it yours. Take me out of the way, and speak to the youth in a way only Your spirit can accomplish. I pray for the students that are at the end of their leash, striving as hard as they can to accomplish their own plans. I pray for myself. Lord show me where I am. I want to be where you want me, not forging ahead, but following behind you! Speak to my heart as you speak to those students hearts!
Chris
Chris
Monday, November 30, 2009
contentment?
Over the last five weeks in youth Sunday school we have been studying a series of messages titled "Stepping Out". The premise of the messages was obedience. The two that stuck out the most were last weeks lesson on Paul while writing 2 Timothy and this past Sunday's lesson on Jonah.
Both men were called to serve God in very similar ways...they were to preach the name of God to the pagan nations. Both Jonah and Paul had very similar out comes in the end...many many many people were converted and began glorifying God. However their means were very different.
Jonah was of course called to Nineveh (which is in Turkey - the far east of the Mediterranean Sea), while Paul was called to go back to Jerusalem. Jonah refused to go to the pagan city and went to Tarshish instead (which is in Spain - the far west of the Mediterranean). We all know how the story ends up. Jonah is swallowed up by a big fish, vomited out three days later, begrudgingly goes to Nineveh, preaches the word, hundreds of thousands are turned back to God, he wants God to destroy the city, he pouts, he whines, and he cries, and he doesn't get his way. Jonah's lack of obedience causes lots of problems for him, however one very huge side effect that i noticed yesterday blew me away.
Paul on the other hand, was begged by his close friends not to return to Jerusalem. His friends, and even Paul, knew that his return to Jerusalem would mean certain death. Paul, despite the warnings and pleas, was obedient to God's call and went to Jerusalem. He was captured, jailed, and later executed. While in the prison Paul penned 2 Timothy. A letter with a very interesting twist that stuck out to me yesterday.
Paul and Jonah had decisions to make, they could be obedient or disobedient. A very interesting outcome to obedience is contentment. Paul's letter to Timothy is a peaceful writing that reflects on a life well lived. Paul, in the face of death, is satisfied with his outcome. Shortly after writing the letter, Paul is beheaded and turned up-side-down to allow all the blood to run out of his body. Yet he is peaceful knowing that he has "fought the good fight, he has finished the course, he has kept the faith". Whereas Jonah...Jonah was just pissed off and not happy about anything.
I know this sounds like common sense, but it hit me like a ton of bricks. If I am experiencing lack of contentment then maybe I am practicing disobedience...just a thought!
Both men were called to serve God in very similar ways...they were to preach the name of God to the pagan nations. Both Jonah and Paul had very similar out comes in the end...many many many people were converted and began glorifying God. However their means were very different.
Jonah was of course called to Nineveh (which is in Turkey - the far east of the Mediterranean Sea), while Paul was called to go back to Jerusalem. Jonah refused to go to the pagan city and went to Tarshish instead (which is in Spain - the far west of the Mediterranean). We all know how the story ends up. Jonah is swallowed up by a big fish, vomited out three days later, begrudgingly goes to Nineveh, preaches the word, hundreds of thousands are turned back to God, he wants God to destroy the city, he pouts, he whines, and he cries, and he doesn't get his way. Jonah's lack of obedience causes lots of problems for him, however one very huge side effect that i noticed yesterday blew me away.
Paul on the other hand, was begged by his close friends not to return to Jerusalem. His friends, and even Paul, knew that his return to Jerusalem would mean certain death. Paul, despite the warnings and pleas, was obedient to God's call and went to Jerusalem. He was captured, jailed, and later executed. While in the prison Paul penned 2 Timothy. A letter with a very interesting twist that stuck out to me yesterday.
Paul and Jonah had decisions to make, they could be obedient or disobedient. A very interesting outcome to obedience is contentment. Paul's letter to Timothy is a peaceful writing that reflects on a life well lived. Paul, in the face of death, is satisfied with his outcome. Shortly after writing the letter, Paul is beheaded and turned up-side-down to allow all the blood to run out of his body. Yet he is peaceful knowing that he has "fought the good fight, he has finished the course, he has kept the faith". Whereas Jonah...Jonah was just pissed off and not happy about anything.
I know this sounds like common sense, but it hit me like a ton of bricks. If I am experiencing lack of contentment then maybe I am practicing disobedience...just a thought!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Deny yourself...
Matthew 16:24 says very matter of fact "if anyone one wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me." Lord, I'm stuck on the deny yourself part. I'm so let down, so turned off, so hurt by some of my most respected colleagues. Their recent actions are more like immature children rather then dignified, educated and professional adults. Fortunately, you did not give me the ability to control the actions of others. As much as I want to go shake them or tongue lash them or wreck shop on them, you have called me to deny myself. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? WHAT DOES THAT REALLY MEAN? Lord, use this time in my life as a teachable moment. Let me not slide through this time leaning towards selfish ambition. You have created me for a purpose, a purpose that is far above anything that I can fashion for myself. I must act submissively towards you and others in authority. I must follow you towards the goal in which you have set out for me. I must do this in a way that draws glory and honor and praise and worship to you. Teach me to encourage and put others before me!
I love you Lord!
Chris
I love you Lord!
Chris
Friday, October 30, 2009
Fall Retreat
Dear Lord,
I want to praise you for who you are! You are an amazing God that has plans so complex and perfect that I cannot and will not ever comprehend them. You are the God of the universe, you set the world into motion. You control the stars like a puppeteer. I long to glorify you with my life. It's the least that I can do. You grant me each day. I praise you that your mercies come new every morning. You are too good to me.
Lord, this is hard for me. It shouldn't be, but it is. Lord, I agree with you that I am wrong. I know that I have taken matters of life into my own hands. I have put my desires and wants over what you would have for me. I have sinned and done what is wrong in your eyes. Bring me back into right fellowship with you. Restore to me the joy of your salvation.
Yes there is joy in your salvation and I thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you and thank you for that. I am not mired in the pit of sin, but I am above sin, it has been washed away!
Father, I beg you for the students of the youth ministry. I pray that you would wear down their hearts right now. Leave them hungry all day at school. Give them an uneasy feeling in their hearts. I pray that your spirit would move so hard and fast that it would blow some of them away. I pray that you would bring these students into a real relationship with you. Reveal who you are to them. Reveal to them the worth and meaning that you bring to a life that is wholly devoted to you! Show these kids how awesome life can be!
I love You!
Chris
I want to praise you for who you are! You are an amazing God that has plans so complex and perfect that I cannot and will not ever comprehend them. You are the God of the universe, you set the world into motion. You control the stars like a puppeteer. I long to glorify you with my life. It's the least that I can do. You grant me each day. I praise you that your mercies come new every morning. You are too good to me.
Lord, this is hard for me. It shouldn't be, but it is. Lord, I agree with you that I am wrong. I know that I have taken matters of life into my own hands. I have put my desires and wants over what you would have for me. I have sinned and done what is wrong in your eyes. Bring me back into right fellowship with you. Restore to me the joy of your salvation.
Yes there is joy in your salvation and I thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you and thank you for that. I am not mired in the pit of sin, but I am above sin, it has been washed away!
Father, I beg you for the students of the youth ministry. I pray that you would wear down their hearts right now. Leave them hungry all day at school. Give them an uneasy feeling in their hearts. I pray that your spirit would move so hard and fast that it would blow some of them away. I pray that you would bring these students into a real relationship with you. Reveal who you are to them. Reveal to them the worth and meaning that you bring to a life that is wholly devoted to you! Show these kids how awesome life can be!
I love You!
Chris
Thursday, October 29, 2009
what is education?
What does education really mean? Is it a classroom with books and desks and kids and a teacher that pours out knowledge? Is it standards? Is it even learning? Is it regergitating facts in order to appease a man (or woman) in a nice suit, sitting in a comfortable leather chair, in a quiet office over looking a downtown street, sipping tea after their two hour lunch break with a possible campaign supporter? Is it neat? Is it dirty? Does it make sense?
What do you think?
What do you think?
Response to a question about Matthew 24:13
"but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved"
This section of Matthew is talking about the middle point of the seven-year period preceding Christ's second coming, great distress will be experienced. The Antichrist will rise to power. Many people will be deceived by false prophets. This verse does not refer to a personal self-effort at endurance that results in salvation. It instead talks about physical deliverance.
Basically, if the people who follow Christ during the Tribulation can stand firm in their faith by trusting in the Lord, they will be taken up to heaven in their physcial bodies. They would have already been "saved". They will simply be deleivered from the pain and sorrow of the Tribulation. Remember, there is nothing you can do to "earn" or "win" salvation. It is complete trust and faith in Christ Jesus!
let me know what you think!
Chris
This section of Matthew is talking about the middle point of the seven-year period preceding Christ's second coming, great distress will be experienced. The Antichrist will rise to power. Many people will be deceived by false prophets. This verse does not refer to a personal self-effort at endurance that results in salvation. It instead talks about physical deliverance.
Basically, if the people who follow Christ during the Tribulation can stand firm in their faith by trusting in the Lord, they will be taken up to heaven in their physcial bodies. They would have already been "saved". They will simply be deleivered from the pain and sorrow of the Tribulation. Remember, there is nothing you can do to "earn" or "win" salvation. It is complete trust and faith in Christ Jesus!
let me know what you think!
Chris
Response to a question about Matthew 11:28-30
Think about times where you have let a sin really get to you. Think about the feelings of regret and frustration that you feel. You seem beat down and entrenched in this tangled web a burdens. I don't know if you have ever experienced this or not, but I have...multiple times.
Matthew 11:28-30 is in direct contrast to what they Jewish leaders are teaching at this time. They are teaching a doctrine of "earning salvation and forgiveness". Jesus is speaking directly to all of those who are weary (Greek meaning = those tired from toil) and heavy-laden (Greek meaning = those loaded down), he is inviting these unforgivable people in. He uses the agricultural analogy of a yoke. A yoke is used to bind oxen together. He is saying in verse 30 that two will be working to plow the field, Jesus and who ever chooses to slide into the vacant spot. Christ is not saying here that life will be easy, he is saying that the burden of sin will not effect you because I have given you ultimate peace. I have washed your sins away for good, so there is no point in toiling with them, it is now time to move forward with a purpose with me!
Let me know what you think!
Matthew 11:28-30 is in direct contrast to what they Jewish leaders are teaching at this time. They are teaching a doctrine of "earning salvation and forgiveness". Jesus is speaking directly to all of those who are weary (Greek meaning = those tired from toil) and heavy-laden (Greek meaning = those loaded down), he is inviting these unforgivable people in. He uses the agricultural analogy of a yoke. A yoke is used to bind oxen together. He is saying in verse 30 that two will be working to plow the field, Jesus and who ever chooses to slide into the vacant spot. Christ is not saying here that life will be easy, he is saying that the burden of sin will not effect you because I have given you ultimate peace. I have washed your sins away for good, so there is no point in toiling with them, it is now time to move forward with a purpose with me!
Let me know what you think!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Matthew 11:28-30
Think about times where you have let a sin really get to you. Think about the feelings of regret and frustration that you feel. You seem beat down and intrenched in this tangled web a burdens. I don't know if you have ever experienced this or not, but I have...multiple times.
Matthew 11:28-30 is in direct contrast to what they Jewish leaders are teaching at this time. They are teaching a doctrine of "earning salvation and forgiveness". Jesus is speaking directly to all of those who are weary (Greek meaning = those tired from toil) and heavy-laden (Greek meaning = those loaded down), he is inviting these unforgiveable people in. He uses the agricultural analogy of a yoke. A yoke is used to bind oxen together. He is saying in verse 30 that two will be working to plow the field, Jesus and who ever chooses to slide into the vacant spot. Christ is not saying here that life will be easy, he is saying that the burden of sin will not effect you because I have given you ultimate peace. I have washed your sins away for good, so there is no point in toiling with them, it is now time to move forward with a purpose with me!
et me know what you think!
Chris
Matthew 11:28-30 is in direct contrast to what they Jewish leaders are teaching at this time. They are teaching a doctrine of "earning salvation and forgiveness". Jesus is speaking directly to all of those who are weary (Greek meaning = those tired from toil) and heavy-laden (Greek meaning = those loaded down), he is inviting these unforgiveable people in. He uses the agricultural analogy of a yoke. A yoke is used to bind oxen together. He is saying in verse 30 that two will be working to plow the field, Jesus and who ever chooses to slide into the vacant spot. Christ is not saying here that life will be easy, he is saying that the burden of sin will not effect you because I have given you ultimate peace. I have washed your sins away for good, so there is no point in toiling with them, it is now time to move forward with a purpose with me!
et me know what you think!
Chris
Thursday, October 22, 2009
3 miler
I got home today and King looked up at me, then looked up at his leash, then looked back up at me with a "question mark" look on his face. I took that as, "Dad, let's go run 3.1 miles." I took him up on it. Well, he ended up running me for 3.1 miles, I just held on for dear life! With my dead weight, King only ran it in 24:53. I'll be ready for next time!
As I sit here with King panting uncontrollably next to me, and my legs screaming profanity at me...I'm not sure who's more tired!
As I sit here with King panting uncontrollably next to me, and my legs screaming profanity at me...I'm not sure who's more tired!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
1 mile
This morning i started running at 4:56. I ran one mile as fast as I could...i completed it in 7:09. I didn't think that was that bad!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
ACTS
Holy spirit, open my heart to you. Teach me to pray!
Adoration:
Absolutely unbelievable...your works are so mighty and amazing. God, I'm constantly reminded of how large you are. While teaching the kids about weather, it's crazy to think about how powerful you are. The storms you create amaze us, yet that is on an ounce of your power. You set the universe in motion and keep it in motion with the easy of your hand. I praise you, that you are in your holy sanctuary. I long to praise you with my life, with my words, with my actions, with my heart, with my marriage, my teaching, my ministry. My soul purpose is to glorify you!
Confession:
Lord, I know that I'm a sinner and have fallen short of your glory. I agree with you that I have sinned and done what is wrong in your sight. Father, unfortunately, I am only aware of a small portion of my sin. Reveal my sins to my heart. Break my heart for what break yours. Remove the boundaries that I construct that keeps me from you.
Thanksgiving:
Open my eyes to the numerous blessings you pour out on me. Thank you for my salvation. Thank you for my beautiful wife that is way more then i deserve. Thank you for your constant provision. Thank you for my salvation. Thank you for taking man's form and dieing for me on the cross because I couldn't save myself. Thank you for washing away my sins so I can spend eternity with you in heaven even though I deserve hell. Thank you for waking me up this morning so I can learn more about you.
Supplication:
I lift these requests up to you.
Me-my decision about going back to school, my 4th grade class, my teaching abilities, my ministry to the 11th and 12th grade guys, my "husbandship", my ministry to my neighbors, my willingness to submit to authority.
Others-Rachel, 11th and 12th grade boys at Shandon, John Smoak, Shandon Youth Ministry, Gray and Leigh Ladd, Eric, Marshall.
Lord I love you!
Adoration:
Absolutely unbelievable...your works are so mighty and amazing. God, I'm constantly reminded of how large you are. While teaching the kids about weather, it's crazy to think about how powerful you are. The storms you create amaze us, yet that is on an ounce of your power. You set the universe in motion and keep it in motion with the easy of your hand. I praise you, that you are in your holy sanctuary. I long to praise you with my life, with my words, with my actions, with my heart, with my marriage, my teaching, my ministry. My soul purpose is to glorify you!
Confession:
Lord, I know that I'm a sinner and have fallen short of your glory. I agree with you that I have sinned and done what is wrong in your sight. Father, unfortunately, I am only aware of a small portion of my sin. Reveal my sins to my heart. Break my heart for what break yours. Remove the boundaries that I construct that keeps me from you.
Thanksgiving:
Open my eyes to the numerous blessings you pour out on me. Thank you for my salvation. Thank you for my beautiful wife that is way more then i deserve. Thank you for your constant provision. Thank you for my salvation. Thank you for taking man's form and dieing for me on the cross because I couldn't save myself. Thank you for washing away my sins so I can spend eternity with you in heaven even though I deserve hell. Thank you for waking me up this morning so I can learn more about you.
Supplication:
I lift these requests up to you.
Me-my decision about going back to school, my 4th grade class, my teaching abilities, my ministry to the 11th and 12th grade guys, my "husbandship", my ministry to my neighbors, my willingness to submit to authority.
Others-Rachel, 11th and 12th grade boys at Shandon, John Smoak, Shandon Youth Ministry, Gray and Leigh Ladd, Eric, Marshall.
Lord I love you!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Abs and a run
Last night i did an 8-minute ab video with Rachel (KILLER!)
This morning i ran 2 miles with King...or...King ran two miles dragging me.
This morning i ran 2 miles with King...or...King ran two miles dragging me.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Psalms 86-90
For to you oh lord, I lift up my soul.
For You are great and wondrous deeds; You alone are God.
All my springs of joy are in you.
Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.
For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it passes by.
Prayer:
Oh Lord, be God today! Let me play my role in our relationship. Instead of trying to take over, let my words and actions be few. "I often do 'good works' in my own power with such frenzy that I do not seek your heart and face and do not ask you counsel." "Help me to fix my mind on you!" Cleanse me and make me clean, for I am a sinful man. I constantly fall short of your glory, renew me now Lord. My works and my efforts and my strivings are futile! Rest in you is my remedy. I love you Lord. Take the weights on my mind and make them yours!
For You are great and wondrous deeds; You alone are God.
All my springs of joy are in you.
Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.
For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it passes by.
Prayer:
Oh Lord, be God today! Let me play my role in our relationship. Instead of trying to take over, let my words and actions be few. "I often do 'good works' in my own power with such frenzy that I do not seek your heart and face and do not ask you counsel." "Help me to fix my mind on you!" Cleanse me and make me clean, for I am a sinful man. I constantly fall short of your glory, renew me now Lord. My works and my efforts and my strivings are futile! Rest in you is my remedy. I love you Lord. Take the weights on my mind and make them yours!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Tonights work out with Rachel
Rachel ran over a 1/2 mile then ran walk the rest of the mile.
I ran 2 and 1/2 miles and then ran walk the last 1/2 mile.
Both of us had a great workout!
I ran 2 and 1/2 miles and then ran walk the last 1/2 mile.
Both of us had a great workout!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Ruin my life?
Dear God,
I'm sitting here...it's 7:15 on a saturday. I'm jammin' to Jeff Johnson's song Ruin Me...humbling song! I'm distressed though. I have a huge decision to make and I'm scared to pray about it because I'm not sure what I want the answer to be. This decision could completly change my comfortable life. I want the words of this song to penetrate my weak heart. Let this be the cry of my heart 'cause I'm to scared to say it!
Woe to me I am unclean
A sinner found in Your presence
I see you
Seated on Your throne
Exalted, Your Glory surrounds You
(Pre-chorus)
Now the plans that I have made
Fail to compare when I see your glory
(Chorus)
Ruin my life the plans I have made
Ruin desires for my own selfish gain
Destroy the idols that have taken Your place'
'Til its You alone I live for, You alone I live for.
(Bridge)
Holy Holy is the Lord Almighty
Holy is the Lord!
Holy Holy is the Lord Almighty
Holy is the Lord!
I'm sitting here...it's 7:15 on a saturday. I'm jammin' to Jeff Johnson's song Ruin Me...humbling song! I'm distressed though. I have a huge decision to make and I'm scared to pray about it because I'm not sure what I want the answer to be. This decision could completly change my comfortable life. I want the words of this song to penetrate my weak heart. Let this be the cry of my heart 'cause I'm to scared to say it!
Woe to me I am unclean
A sinner found in Your presence
I see you
Seated on Your throne
Exalted, Your Glory surrounds You
(Pre-chorus)
Now the plans that I have made
Fail to compare when I see your glory
(Chorus)
Ruin my life the plans I have made
Ruin desires for my own selfish gain
Destroy the idols that have taken Your place'
'Til its You alone I live for, You alone I live for.
(Bridge)
Holy Holy is the Lord Almighty
Holy is the Lord!
Holy Holy is the Lord Almighty
Holy is the Lord!
Friday, August 14, 2009
God is HUGE in the small things.
I was talking to a colleague today when my phone rang. I didn't know the number but picked up the phone anyway. It was a local pest control company informing me that the family before me bought a lifetime termite protection for the house, the renewal fee was an easy $20. I almost broke out into tears. You're probably wondering why...well I have been burdened since we moved in almost a year ago that we needed termite protection. I have talked to several companies and have been quoted as little as $400 and as much as $600 for protection. We couldn't financially do it, despite the pertinate need! Understanding that we couldn't do it financially didn't not aleviate the burden on my mind about possible termite damage and the problems that they would bring.
I have been praying recently (thanks to a suddle reminder from Jaime Harris) that God would reveal himself to me and that I would see it. Well...as i was talking to the lady, it hit me. GOD'S GOT IT ALL TAKEN CARE OF! I don't need to worry or try to take matters into my own hands. I need to live my life in a way to glorifies him and God will get things to happen in God's own way. They may not always seem right or fit into my "American capitalistic - wealth, health, and happiness ideas", but they are always good!
Termite protection...God is HUGE in the small things!
I have been praying recently (thanks to a suddle reminder from Jaime Harris) that God would reveal himself to me and that I would see it. Well...as i was talking to the lady, it hit me. GOD'S GOT IT ALL TAKEN CARE OF! I don't need to worry or try to take matters into my own hands. I need to live my life in a way to glorifies him and God will get things to happen in God's own way. They may not always seem right or fit into my "American capitalistic - wealth, health, and happiness ideas", but they are always good!
Termite protection...God is HUGE in the small things!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
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