The Armor of God: Spreading the Word

New Verse

2008-05-17T19:35:00.000-07:00

"Anyone who even looks at a woman with lust in his eye has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
- Matthew 5:28

Review:

"The Lord is good, His mercy everlasting, and His truth endures onto all generations.'
- Psalm 100:5

"For I am the Lord, thy God. I will hold thy right hand saying onto thee, Fear not: I will help thee."
- Isaiah 41:13

"This world is fading along with all it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever."
- 1 John 2:17

"Surrender your entire being to Him to be used for righteous purposes."
- Romans 6:13

"Jesus said, 'I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can reach the Father except through me.'"
- John 14:6

"We know what love is when we realize Christ died for us. This means we should be willing to give our lives for fellow believers."
- 1 John 3:16

"Turn from your sins and turn to God, for the kingdom of Heaven is near."
- Matthew 4:17

"The Lord is doing what is best for us, training us for God's holy best."
- Hebrews 12:10

"Not my will, but Yours, will be done."
- Luke 24:32

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus."
- Philippians 2:5

"In the beginning God created the Heavens and the earth."
- Genesis 1:1

"I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me."
- Philippians 4:13

"Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God."
- Matthew 5:9

"Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things."
- Colossians 3:2

"The fear of Lord is like a fountain of life, turning people from the snares of death."
- Proverbs 14:17

"For god so loved the world that he gave his only son, and everyone that believes in Him shall not parish, but have eternal life."
- John 3:16

"Sometimes it takes a painful experience to make us change our ways."
- Proverbs 20:30

"You may be sure that your sin will find you out."
- Provers 32:23

"Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will remain forever."
- Matthew 24:35

"How do you benefit if you can the whole world, but lose your soul."
- Luke 9:25

Currently listening to: You Already Did by Russian Circles

New Verse

2008-05-02T18:39:00.000-07:00

"Heaven and earth will disappear, but my word will remain forever."
- Matthew 24:35

Review:

"The Lord is good, His mercy everlasting, and His truth endures onto all generations."
- Psalm 100:5

"For I am the Lord, thy God. I will hold thy right hand, saying onto thee, fear not:I will help thee.'
- Isaiah 41:13

"This world is fading along with all it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever."
- 1 John 2:17

"Surrender your whole being to Him to be used for righteous purposes."
- Romans 6:13

"Jesus said, 'I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can reach the Father except through me.'"
- John 14:6

"We know what love is when we realize Christ died for us. This means we should give our lives for fellow believers."
- 1 John 3:16

"Turn from your sins and turn to God, for the kingdom of Heaven is near."
- Matthew 4:17

"God is doing what is best for us, training us for God's holy best."
- Hebrews 12:10

"Not my will, but Yours, will be done."
- Luke 22:42

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus."
- Philippians *2:5

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.'
- Genesis 1:1

"I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me."
- Philippians *4:13

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."
- Matthew 5:9

*"Keep your minds on things above, not on earthly things.'
- Colossians 3:2

"Fear of the Lord is like a fountain of life, turning us away from the snares of death."
*- Proverbs 14:13

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so everyone that believes in him shall not parish, but have eternal life.'
- John 3:16

"Sometimes it takes a painful experience for us to change our ways."
- Proverbs 20:30

"You can be sure that your sin will find you out."
*- Numbers 32:23

* Things I need to work on

Currently listening to: Yours to Hold by Skillet

Will you go to hell?

2008-04-22T18:25:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone.

I watched this video and it almost moved me to tears. I need to let you all know about Jesus Christ. He is the only savior, the only way to Heaven.

"Jesus said, I am the way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can reach the Father except through me.

"
- John 14:6

Now I know that some of you already believe and that some of you don't, but I love you all too much to go without saying that you need to except Jesus Christ as your savior if you want to go to Heaven. I want to see you all there some day and I couldn't live with myself if I never told you guys about Him. Please, if you have any questions let me know. You don't have to go to hell. You need to except Christ as your savior and confess your sins. You need Him.

If you are a Christian and never talk about Christ than you need to see this video. I'll let it speak for itself.

New Verse

2008-04-20T13:15:00.000-07:00

"Some times it takes a painful experience for us to change our ways."
- Proverbs 20:30

Review:

"The Lord is good, His mercy everlasting, and His truth endures onto all generations."
- Psalm 100:5

"For I am the Lord, thy God. I will hold thy right hand saying unto thee, Fear not:I will help thee."
- Isaiah 41:13

"This world is fading along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever.'
- 1 John 2:17

"Surrender your entire being to Him to be used for righteous purposes."
- Romans 6:13

"Jesus said, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can reach the Father except through me."

- John 14:6

"We know what love is when we realize Christ died for us. This means we should be willing to give our lives for our fellow believers."
- 1 John 3:16

"Turn from your sin and turn to God, for the kingdom of Heaven is near."
- Matthew 4:17

"God is doing what is best for us, training us for God's holy best."
- Hebrews 12:10

"Not my will, but Yours, will be done."
- Luke 22:42

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus."
- Philippians 2:5

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
- Genesis 1:1

*"I can do all thing through Christ which strengthens me."
- Philippians 4:13

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."
- Matthew 5:9

*"Focus on things above, not things on earthly things."
- Colossians 3:2

*"The fear of the Lord is like a fountain of life, turning people from the snares of death."
- Proverbs 14:17

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so everyone who believes in him shall not parish but have eternal life."
- John 3:16

Currently listening to: Demon Hunter - Storm the Gates of Hell

*Verses I neeed to work on

RTM

2008-04-20T13:12:00.000-07:00

Something I've considered and that has impacted me

2008-04-11T19:07:00.000-07:00

As many of you know my dad was in the hospital. The event occurred a week ago about right now. I've come to understand that it is a moment I will never forget. We were eating dinner and watching a program about Africa. I noticed my dad making a groaning sound, which he usually does when he is tired. Then I hear my mom scream Jeff. I look to see my dad unconscious in his chair,the whites of his eyes showing, the left side of his mouth drooping, he was white, and not breathing. My first reaction was to cry out, Lord God. It wasn't a comment in vain, but asking for His help. I grab my dad and removed the food from his mouth. This whole time I asked God for help. My dad came to maybe after a minute and he was ok. He refused to go with the ambulance, but he went to the ER the next day. They didn't find anything wrong with his heart and he didn't have a stroke. I believe that God heard me and helped us, in fact, there is no doubt in my mind that He did. It has me thinking though. You can't waste any second of any day because you don't know when God is going to take you or when you might die. You need to except Christ as your savior. You don't have the time to waste.

New Verse

2008-04-09T18:58:00.000-07:00

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."
- John 3:16

Review:
"The Lord is good, His mercy everlasting, and His truth endures onto all generations."
- Psalm 100:5

"For I am the Lord, thy God. I will hold thy right hand saying onto thee, Fear not:I will help thee."
- Isaiah 41:13

"This world is fading along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever."
- 1 John 2:17

"Surrender your entire being to Him to be used for righteous purposes."
-Romans 6:13

"Jesus said, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can reach the Father except through me."
- John 14:6

"We know what love is when we realize Christ died for us. This means we should be willing to give our lives for fellow believers."
- 1 John 3:16

"Turn from your sins and turn to God for the kingdom of Heaven is near."
- Matthew 4:17

"God is doing what is right for us, training us for God's holy best."
- Hebrews 12:10

"Not my will, but Yours, will be done."
- Luke 22:42

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus."
- Philippians 2:5

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
- Genesis 1:1

"I can do anything through Christ which strengthens me."
- Philippians 4:13

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.'
- Matthew 5:9

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
- Colossians 3:2

"Fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning people away from the shores of death."
- Proverbs 14:17

Why is Christ so important?

2008-03-28T17:08:00.002-07:00

I’ve been tinking a lot, which isn’t new to me, about how important Christ is. Now, I know how important He is and accepting Him as your savior is, but it seems like so many don’t and it bugs me. I’ve been questioned about my "sudden" changes. About why I’m a "Jesus freak", which is actually a complement. Thing is, it wasn’t a sudden change. I can’t even remember the first time I heard about Christ and God and it feels like He has been here this whole time, which He is always there for all of us, knocking at the door, asking for me to let Him in. See, I was lost. I said I believed, that I was saved, and that I had a strong faith in the Bible. Truth be told, I felt hollow, lost and didn’t know one verse of the word of God. I felt a void in me. I need a purpose, a truth, a path. Things seemed to call to me. Friends who knew Christ, music (like Creed), different things, and a voice in me (the Holy Spirit). Yet I ignored the voice of God who was trying to reach me in all these ways. I felt so alone, broken, and empty. I remember being so upset one night that I prayed to God to take my life. I told Him I had nothing to offer this world, no way to help people, no message to deliver, and that death was better than this life. I truly, honestly felt like this. I know many who know me, even my own family, would write this off as a over dramatic statement, but it’s true. I wanted to die!! I didn’t show it in any obvious ways although my music reflected
my being lost. At one point I said, "Music is life." Not so much. I also grew distant and often didn’t talk to people. I poured on a mask that looked like I was happy, but inside I was a mess. I felt such conviction for my sins, the swearing, the lust for sex, the lies, the stealing, everything. It weighed down on me lie a stone. I had nightmares and couldn’t sleep well at all (Now I don’t sleep because I am praying, reading the Bible or other Chirstian book, or someother reason). I knew I was headed to hell if I died today. I need to change. I need Christ and He found me. I want to share the story of what Christ went through to show you why it is so important and amazing to me.

Matthew 27-28
Jesus’ Trial before Pilate
11 Now Jesus was standing before Pilate, the Roman governor. "Are you the king of the Jews?" the governor asked him.

Jesus replied, "You have said it."

12 But when the leading priests and the elders made their accusations against him, Jesus remained silent. 13 "Don’t you hear all these charges they are bringing against you?" Pilate demanded. 14 But Jesus made no response to any of the charges, much to the governor’s surprise.

15 Now it was the governor’s custom each year during the Passover celebration to release one prisoner to the crowd—anyone they wanted. 16 This year there was a notorious prisoner, a man named Barabbas.[d] 17 As the crowds gathered before Pilate’s house that morning, he asked them, "Which one do you want me to release to you—Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?" 18 (He knew very well that the religious leaders had arrested Jesus out of envy.)

19 Just then, as Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: "Leave that innocent man alone. I suffered through a terrible nightmare about him last night."

20 Meanwhile, the leading priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas to be released and for Jesus to be put to death. 21 So the governor asked again, "Which of these two do you want me to release to you?"

The crowd shouted back, "Barabbas!"

22 Pilate responded, "Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?"

They shouted back, "Crucify him!"

23 "Why?" Pilate demanded. "What crime has he committed?"

But the mob roared even louder, "Crucify him!"

24 Pilate saw that he wasn’t getting anywhere and that a riot was developing. So he sent for a bowl of water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of this man’s blood. The responsibility is yours!"

25 And all the people yelled back, "We will take responsibility for his death—we and our children!"[e]

26 So Pilate released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified.

The Soldiers Mock Jesus
27 Some of the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into their headquarters[f] and called out the entire regiment. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him. 29 They wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head, and they placed a reed stick in his right hand as a scepter. Then they knelt before him in mockery and taunted, "Hail! King of the Jews!" 30 And they spit on him and grabbed the stick and struck him on the head with it. 31 When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified.

The Crucifixion
32 Along the way, they came across a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene,[g] and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus’ cross. 33 And they went out to a place called Golgotha (which means "Place of the Skull"). 34 The soldiers gave him wine mixed with bitter gall, but when he had tasted it, he refused to drink it.

35 After they had nailed him to the cross, the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.[h] 36 Then they sat around and kept guard as he hung there. 37 A sign was fastened to the cross above Jesus’ head, announcing the charge against him. It read: "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews." 38 Two revolutionaries[i] were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left.

39 The people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. 40 "Look at you now!" they yelled at him. "You said you were going to destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days. Well then, if you are the Son of God, save yourself and come down from the cross!"

41 The leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders also mocked Jesus. 42 "He saved others," they scoffed, "but he can’t save himself! So he is the King of Israel, is he? Let him come down from the cross right now, and we will believe in him! 43 He trusted God, so let God rescue him now if he wants him! For he said, ’I am the Son of God.’" 44 Even the revolutionaries who were crucified with him ridiculed him in the same way.

The Death of Jesus
45 At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. 46 At about three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Eli, Eli,[j] lema sabachthani?" which means "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?"[k]

47 Some of the bystanders misunderstood and thought he was calling for the prophet Elijah. 48 One of them ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, holding it up to him on a reed stick so he could drink. 49 But the rest said, "Wait! Let’s see whether Elijah comes to save him."[l]

50 Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. 51 At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, 52 and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead. 53 They left the cemetery after Jesus’ resurrection, went into the holy city of Jerusalem, and appeared to many people.

54 The Roman officer[m] and the other soldiers at the crucifixion were terrified by the earthquake and all that had happened. They said, "This man truly was the Son of God!"

55 And many women who had come from Galilee with Jesus to care for him were watching from a distance. 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of James and Joseph), and the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee.

The Burial of Jesus
57 As evening approached, Joseph, a rich man from Arimathea who had become a follower of Jesus, 58 went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. And Pilate issued an order to release it to him. 59 Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a long sheet of clean linen cloth. 60 He placed it in his own new tomb, which had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance and left. 61 Both Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting across from the tomb and watching.
The Guard at the Tomb
62 The next day, on the Sabbath,[n] the leading priests and Pharisees went to see Pilate. 63 They told him, "Sir, we remember what that deceiver once said while he was still alive: ’After three days I will rise from the dead.’ 64 So we request that you seal the tomb until the third day. This will prevent his disciples from coming and stealing his body and then telling everyone he was raised from the dead! If that happens, we’ll be worse off than we were at first."

65 Pilate replied, "Take guards and secure it the best you can." 66 So they sealed the tomb and posted guards to protect it.

The Resurrection
1 Early on Sunday morning,[a] as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb.

2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. 3 His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 4 The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.

5 Then the angel spoke to the women. "Don’t be afraid!" he said. "I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. 7 And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you."

8 The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. 9 And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, "Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there."

The Report of the Guard
11 As the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and told the leading priests what had happened. 12 A meeting with the elders was called, and they decided to give the soldiers a large bribe. 13 They told the soldiers, "You must say, ’Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body.’ 14 If the governor hears about it, we’ll stand up for you so you won’t get in trouble." 15 So the guards accepted the bribe and said what they were told to say. Their story spread widely among the Jews, and they still tell it today.

The Great Commission
16 Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!

18 Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,[b] baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

I know it’s a lot, but it is one of the most important events of the Bible. If Christ didn’t endure what He did, we would all be lost and end up on hell for our sins. This is why I have become a Jesus freak. I have to devote my life to my savior and God. It’s what Christians are called to do and I have to. I can use my broadcasting talents to spread the word and I think pastoring may be something I could do too. I want you all to know that coming to Christ is so important. He is the only savior, the only truth, the only way to God, no matter what you think is true. Christ is the only truth. I will leave you with a verse from the Bible that changed me.

"Jesus said, ’I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can reach the Father accept through me.’"
-John 14:6

Since When?

2008-03-28T17:08:00.001-07:00

Since when was it ok to have an abortion?

Since when was homosexuality alright?

Since when was it ok to keep kids from praying in school if they want to?

Since when was it ok to deny the truth of creationism and let the lie of evolution take it place?

Since when was it ok to have sexual images and comments all over the place?

Since when was it ok to steal?

Since when was it ok to say that you are more righteous than others?

Since when was it ok to spread gossip?

Since when was it ok to say you don’t sin?

Since when was it ok to condemn others and judge them for their sins?

……..

Since we turned away from God.

Since we turned from His word.

Since we forgot that Christ died on the cross.

Since we stopped standing up for God.

Since we stopped loving others and spread judgment and hate instead.

Since we decided that we can’t accept others and try to reach them and show them the truth of Christ.

I am not writing this to stir trouble. I am not writing this because I hate people who have abortions, are gay, that lust, that swear, that are atheist or any of the other sins. I’m writing this because I love everyone. I am a sinner too. I did a lot of things that are wrong. I’ve lusted, sworn, stole, lied, and doubted Christ and God. I am still a sinner even though I know Christ. I am writing this because I want others to know that they aren’t alone. That there sins are forgivable and that the need Jesus Christ in their lives. I am doing this because I care and love all of you. Please consider accepting Christ and His message. He is the only truth and the only way to Heaven.

“Jesus said, ‘I am the Truth, the Way, and the Life. No one can reach the Father accept through me.”
- John 14:6

I am also writing this for my fellow Christians. We have become lazy and worldly. You can barely tell a believer from a nonbeliever. I am not judging you and don’t love you any less then others, but you need to look inside. You need to read the Bible more, you need to follow His word, and you need to spread His word to others. There is no reason to hide or fear the truth. God will guide and protect you. Listen to the cries of the lost. They need us to help them. They need Christ. You know the amazing gift He gives us. Why keep to yourself?

“ Let love be your highest goal!.”
- 1 Corinthians 14:1

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
- Mark 10:45

“What should I do with these people? They are ready to stone me!”

2008-03-21T12:19:00.000-07:00

Moses said this when he talked with God about being persecuted for representing his faith. (Exodus 17:4) I know I am not going to be stoned, but I feel like I am
being persecuted and charged with false accusations. I don’t feel like I am better than anyone or that I am holy and everyone is below me. The Bible clearly teaches about being self righteous and that it’s wrong. I am not judging anyone and I certainly don’t think I am better than anyone. We are
all sinners. I’ve made cahnges in my life and that doesn’t mean you have to. Do I think that giving up swearing, lust, smoking, drinking, etc will improve your life? Yes, I do. But more importantly, and the reason I am trying to change, is that it brings you closer to God and Christ. This is what I want with my life. Another thing that gets me is that I can’t be a lukewarm Christian. Many feel Heaven and what goes on there starts when we die, but it starts when you accept Jesus Christ as your savior. If you read the Bible and truly look at what it says and believe it, then you’ll see why I am cahnging. But what you do with your life is up to you, not me. I can care and pray adn witness to you all I can, but I can’t make the changes for you. It’s not my place and it’s not my right. It’s between you and God. I just pray that you can see how Christ can change your life and how important it is. I do appoligize to anyone that thinks I judge them. I love my family, friends, co-workers, fellow students and teachers, people at church, and people I don’t even know. I just want people to know how important Jesus is. I am here for all of you. I am as broken as you and no better than anyone else. If you want to talk to me feel free to message me, call me, or do whatever it takes to get a hold of me.

God answers prayers

2008-03-20T09:53:00.001-07:00

As many of you know, I asked you to pray that God provides my mom with medication she needs to walk because of her Rheumatoid Arthritis. Well she went to the doctor Tuesday and they gave her this card from the drug company that would cover the co pay on the medication. Today my dad called the drug company and they said they would cover the whole co pay for 6 months and that after that we only have to pay $75. The insurance company is cover the rest of the medication. So today my mom got her meds for free. God does provide. Now my mom will be able to walk and move well. Thank you for your prayers and support. And thank you, Lord, for having it in Your purpose to help my mom. I love You and I am always faithful to You. The last few months have been hard in learning to trust Your judgement, but I knew I had to and look what happened. Thanks again God.

I know who I am

2008-03-16T21:27:00.001-07:00

All right. I have prayed about, talked about, and thought about my actions and possible actions. I know that I have held in anger and things in the past and that, even though I’ve changed, they are still there. I need to let them go and grow. I need to let God change me. I talk to all involved parties and all is good. Everyone, including my self, knows I am not an angry or violent person, but it is true that if feelings are kept in they can explode and I don’t want that. So from no on I’ll let it out and talk about it so it can’t build up. Thanks so much God for helping me and thanks to all my friends for talking to me and being there for me.

Who am I really?

2008-03-16T12:01:00.000-07:00

So today wasn’t the best day. When they say that the truth sucks, they weren’t lying. I want people to be honest and I am glad that they were. I was told that somethings I say are disrespectful and that I made a hand gesture to hit someone, whic I would never hit this person or any woman for that matter. But these things made me think. I know I don’t ever, ever hit a woman and I can’t stand when I hear stories about guys who do. It’s come apparent that people think I have an issue with anger and acutally think that if I blew up I would hit a woman. Now at first this is a crushing and painful blow. To think people actually think I could do this hurts. At the same time it makes me look into myself and ask, is that beast in me? If I lost control, would I hit a woman or anyone else for that matter? If it was on the line, what would I do? And what scares me is that I am not 100% sure I would be able to completely control my anger. It’s hard for me to think of this and it brings a feeling that I haven’t felt in a while. I think I am going to have to pray, read the Bible, and talk with people on this matter. It’s an issue I must address. I want to apologize to anyone I may have said something to that was disrespectful and implied
violence. I am really not a violent person and I don’t mean the things that I joke about, but it is time for me to change my ways. There will be more posts on this for sure.

Being broken

2008-03-11T21:12:00.001-07:00

There is soemthing I've been thinking about. We are all broken. We all sin. We all have things that bring us down. Yet some people think that Christians think they are perfect. They think we are some stuck up, hypocritcal group of people and some are, but not all. True Christians know that they are broken. We also know that Christ makes us whole in our brokeness. Did you ever think of how you can use the pain, and bad mistakes of your life and use them for good? Maybe you used to be an alcholic, or drug addict. You can take what you learned from these things and reach others who are in that same place and who may go there. Those who judge Christians, you need to look for true Chirstians. You need to know that no one is perfect accept Christ.

"For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin,[a] so that we could be made right with God through Christ."
-2 Corinthians 5:21

We are all broken, we all sin no acception at all. It's wrong for Christians to judge the lost and the lost shouldn't
judge Christians. In no way do I feel perfect. I try to change for the better, but I am still dirt compared to Christ. We need to realize we are all on the same ship and we are all headed to one of two places. We can choose which one we end up in for eternity. Think about that word. Eternity. Forever. No end. Think about it. Think about what Christ did for you, me and all 6.4 billion of us and for those who have lived and those yet to be.

"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many."
- Matthew 20:28

It's true, He took the sin of us all onto Himself! How is that not amazing and important to you? How cane you deny that? Why would you want to? I want someone to explain or tell me what is more important. You'll have a hard time changing my mind.

Killing the lion

2008-03-11T20:55:00.001-07:00

This is a story I heard today at youth group and it really touched something in me. Check it out.

2 Samuel 23:20-23 (New Living Translation)
New Living Translation (NLT)

Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers.

20 There was also Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a valiant warrior[a] from Kabzeel. He did many heroic deeds, which included killing two champions[b] of Moab. Another time, on a snowy day, he chased a lion down into a pit and killed it. 21 Once, armed only with a club, he killed a great Egyptian warrior who was armed with a spear. Benaiah wrenched the spear from the Egyptian's hand and killed him with it. 22 Deeds like these made Benaiah as famous as the Three mightiest warriors. 23 He was more honored than the other members of the Thirty, though he was not one of the Three. And David made him captain of his bodyguard.

Benaiah was a great warrior for sure. He did a lot and had a faith in God and God helped him. I too have a faith in God and He helps me, yet there are "lions" I haven't "killed" yet. In other words, there are things that I have to change to feel and get closer to God. I've killed swearing and lust for the most part. I think that when you kill the lion, it can still get you, but you have defeated it for the most part. I mean, I still fight with lust and swearing and other things, but I am not as controlled by that as I was at one time. One lion tha I feel I need to face is the one of witnessing to others. I had a big victory with this by talking to my parents Sunday night, yet more needs to be done. I need to be able to stand up for things God wants me to and say something when I see or hear something that is wrong. I need to be able to talk and witness to my friends and others. I have to kill the lion that is holding me back. So, what things are holding you back? Do you know Christ yet? If not, why? Do you live the way the Bible says we should? If so, how? I encourag you to take a look inside and think about who you are and where you stand with Christ. It's the most important thing you will do in this life and it will change you.

Devotional Thought: James 1:13-15

2008-03-10T19:24:00.000-07:00

Temptation is like a minefield. Danger and death await one step away. But it's refreshing to know that we have a choice to get out of the minefield or to stay and test our fate with every single step. We can chose to walk with God or walk through the minefield of our own sinful desires. Look at temptation as an oppurtunity to choose God. James 1:13-14 says,"And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away."

Often when facing temptation, we forge ahead into the midst of sin rather than resist our fleshly desires. James 1:15 says,"These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death." Temptation is the doorway to sin. We are the link between the to sin. We are the link between the two. We have the ultimate choice to walk through the door or turn away. "The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure." (I Corinthians 10:13)

What a way to give a love note to God by simply choosing Him over self! Be faithful. "For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God." (Titus 2:11-12)

When faced with temptation, don't give in to the devil's lie that his way is better than God's. It will take strength, faith, and endurance to flee from the devil. When you flee, where are you going? What are you running from? Ask the Lord, and He will make it clear.

We are at war. We must have the endurance to finish what we started. The definition of endurence is "the ability to hold up under intense strain, for a length of time
determined by the goal pursued." What is your goal?
- Tony

I read this out of Mandi's book at church and i don't know who Tony is, but he is brilliant. This is such a great devotional and this is like the third time I thought about it. It is so true and his comparison of sin to a
battlefield is so true. Really think about this.

DAY 3 - I'm Overwhelmed

2008-03-06T21:03:00.001-08:00

Dear karl,

Feeling overwhelmed? Today's fast from wrong thinking is for you!

Were fasting today from the thought: "I'm overwhelmed". And the thoughts that go with it: "This will take forever. I've got too much to do. This is too much for me to take. There isn't enough time. I can't take it anymore."

These thoughts have to go! Today!

How?

First, everything you see in this world was created in 6 days. God is in the business of getting things done, and getting them done fast. EXPECT HIS HELP TODAY. You can't do it alone.

Most people don't understand what Jesus meant when He said, "Take My yoke upon you..."

A yoke is a harness or instrument placed upon TWO oxen. It causes them to plow together, so that when one gets weak or OVERWHELMED, he can continue to be pulled by the other. When we feel overwhelmed we need to TAKE HIS YOKE. That means: He is attached to us, and will help carry the load. Of course, He ends up doing most of the carrying, so:

Cast your cares upon Him. He will care for you. (1 Peter 5:7.) How? Be honest. Tell him what's wrong (what's up). Ask Him to carry it for you. Believe that He will.

See yourself attached to Him (yoked to Him). He holds you up.

Begin to believe that you can handle anything. BELIEVE THIS TODAY. You can handle anything. Mark 9:23 "All things are possible for those who believe."

Think it. I can handle anything today, because I am yoked to Jesus.

Say it. I can handle anything today, because I am yoked to Jesus.
Well, this is our third day of "fasting from wrong thinking". I want you to realize something. We're developing a habit. Stay with me. Give me these 40 days. After 40 days (6 weeks), habits are formed. We're forming the habit of ABSTAINING from negative thinking. When the thought comes back, you can go back to that day's email or the archive on www.thinkingfast.org. Go over it again, and again.

There a few things that I can honestly say I know are from God. This is one of them. If we will fast from these thoughts daily, we will have lasting change in our lives. I believe God has put on my heart to take this concept to the world. We are raising up an army of people who will think right, therefore live right!

Friends, success or failure in life is created by how you think. Proverbs 23:7 (you'll see me quote this countless times), "As a man thinks, so is he". You are NOT GOING TO FAIL. You are the head and not the tail!

Your friend,
Gregory Dickow

New Verse

2008-03-03T16:56:00.001-08:00

"I can do all things through Christ which strenghtens me."
- Philippians 4:13

Review
"The Lord is Good, His mercy everlasting, and His truth endures onto all generations."
- Psalm 100:5

"For I am the Lord, thy God. I will hold thy right hand, saying onto thee, Fear not:I will help thee."
- Isaiah 41:17

"This world is fading along with everything it craves, but if you do the will of God, you will live forever."
- 1 John 2:17

"Surrender your entire being to Him to be used for righteous purposes."
- Romans 6:13

"Jesus said,'I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can reach the Father accept
through me.'"
- John 14:6

"We know what love is when we realize that Christ died for us. This means we should be willing to give our lives for fellow believers."
- 1 John 3:16

"Turn from your sins and turn to God, for the kingdom of Heaven is near."
- Matthew 4:17

"God is doing what is best for us, training us for God's holy best." - Hebrews 12:10

"Not my will, but Yours, will be done."
- Luke 22:42

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus."
- Philippians 2:5

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
- Genesis 1:1

Magic, Information, and Faith

2008-03-03T16:16:00.000-08:00

This is a letter I read on AiG about a Scientist and his views on how we got here. It's really good and interesting.

It is amusing that Professor Steve Jones refers to his latest effort (and I use the word advisedly) in the Telegraph as "View from the lab," when nothing he has to say owes anything to the sort of real science carried out in laboratories.1 Professor Jones is one of the "high priests" of scientism, who believe that if you make the piece sound clever enough, you can slip nonsense past the ordinary reader.

For example, he accuses creationists of believing that life started by "magic." And he thinks that his doctor has to believe that he evolved from a fish in order to know how the various organs of the body work. What nonsense! In fact, a belief in evolution has no benefit to a surgeon at all. He is free to believe what he likes, I guess, but the evolutionist belief in vestigial organs has probably damaged a lot of children, over the years, who have unnecessarily had appendices or tonsils removed.

As for the "magic" of how life started, Jones, as a geneticist, should surely have talked about genetic information. But, of course, he believes that inorganic molecules just happened to arrange themselves in self-replicating molecules of tremendous information. No doubt he believes that if you leave a blank CD long enough, it will "magically" rearrange so that he can pop it into his HiFi and listen to a Beethoven symphony.

Creationists understand that the presence of information requires an intelligent designer. So, it is Jones and his ilk who actually believe in magic. But then, his friend Professor Dawkins has commented, "Faith means blind trust, in the absence of evidence, even in the teeth of evidence." A belief that molecules could, by themselves, evolve into mankind, is a good example of blind faith.

Yours Faithfully,

Paul Taylor

I love this part, for sure. Great comparison.
"No doubt he believes that if you leave a blank CD long enough, it will "magically" rearrange so that he can pop it into his HiFi and listen to a Beethoven symphony."

A Letter to Jesus

2008-03-02T18:56:00.000-08:00

Dear Jesus,
I would like to start this letter off with something You said, Lord Christ, that changed my life and my understanding of You profoundly.

"I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can reach the Father accept through me." - John 14:6

Christ Jesus, this verse says so much. Your way is the way I want to live. You are the truth, and the only savior. Lord Christ, without You, I have no life, for You are life. I know that through You, I will live forever with Father God in eternity.

I thank You Lord Jesus, for what You did for me. I don't know how it felt to take every one's sins onto Yourself and suffer for us. You took so much pain and discomfort that words cannot describe. No pain we face compares to what You endured. Then You died on the cross and went to hell for three days. You did all this for me, Lord Christ!! You suffered and died, so I didn't have to! Your blood, that flowed from Your wounds, has cleansed me and washed away my sins. I thank You Lord Jesus. Your sacrifice is amazing to me! It blows my mind, Christ Jesus!

I know that Satan attacks me. I know that his fiery arrows pummel me constantly, but You stand with me and help repel them. And when one of those arrows does get through, hits me, and brings me to my knees, You are there. You pull me back up, remove the arrow, and heal the wounds sin causes. You then take my hand again and help me lift the sword against the Enemy. I thank You Lord Jesus.

You have changed me Lord. You have ignited a passion and fire in my soul. There is nothing more that I want to do then spread Your word and help others find You as the truth. You are my savior, my king, my teacher, my friend, my lord, and my leader on the battle field. You are everything and I am Yours forever, Lord Jesus. I am here to serve You and the Heavenly Father.

Love,

Karl VanPelt

DAY 1 - I Can't

2008-03-02T18:44:00.001-08:00

OK Karl VanPelt, Here we go--

If you'll stay with me for the next 40 days, there is no limit to what great things can happen in your life.

Our 40 day journey begins today!

Each day, you will get an email from me, identifying a thought that we will FAST from.

I want to be clear about this: "fasting" is not about food. It's about "abstaining" from something. In our case, we are abstaining or GIVING UP wrong ways of thinking.

This is simple. Too often, we make things harder and much more complicated than they really are.

Jesus said, "Take My yoke upon you, for My yoke is easy and My burden is light." He did the heavy lifting. Now our job is to 'enter into His rest', by believing what He has already done for us.

Today's thought that we are fasting from is simply: "I can't..."

There are so many things that we think we CAN'T do.

I can't change. I can't believe that. I can't go on. I can't make it. I can't forgive. I can't recover. I can't get it done. I can't find a job. I can't find a spouse. I can't go back to college. I can't pay the bills. I can't figure this out...and the list could go on and on.

Believe me, this MENTALITY and ATTITUDE, sets us up to fail, to quit, and to live a negative existence. It is a poisonous thought that we must no longer eat or drink of.

From TODAY ON...we're replacing this thought with: "I can".

Philippians 4:13 says: I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHICH STRENGTHENS ME.

There's a saying that goes: "if you think you CAN or you think you CAN'T, you're right." Either way, you're right, because as a man thinks, so is he (Proverbs 23:7).

The Spirit of God lives in you. You CAN do what HE CAN do in you. 1 John 4:17 "As He is, so are we in this world."

Think it: "I can"

Say it: "I can".

Meditate on Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me!"

Give up the thought that there is anything you CAN'T do. GET IT OUT OF YOUR VOCABULARY. Stop yourself every time you feel like saying it OR correct yourself if you do say it.
Got it?

Lets roll!

Your friend,
Gregory Dickow

Christ split time

2008-03-01T21:04:00.000-08:00

This is a big argument for many people. What does B.C. and A.D. mean and is our time really meassured by the events of Christ's birth/life? Here is the answer.
B.C. stands for Before Christ. The years count down to His birth. A.D is anno domini. This is latin for the year of our Lord. I am not sure what that means, but it has to do with Christ. I heard that people who don't believe want to change the scale to C.E., common era and say that the religious scale is wrong. Always fighting to prove Christ as truth. We won't stop either.

Christ can heal you and mend your life

2008-03-01T10:16:00.000-08:00

This is a story of how Christ healed a man who was possesed by several demons.

Mark 5
Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Man
1 So they arrived at the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gerasenes.[a] 2 When Jesus climbed out of the boat, a man possessed by an evil[b] spirit came out from a cemetery to meet him. 3 This man lived among the burial caves and could no longer be restrained, even with a chain. 4 Whenever he was put into chains and shackles—as he often was—he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Day and night he wandered among the burial caves and in the hills, howling and cutting himself with sharp stones.

6 When Jesus was still some distance away, the man saw him, ran to meet him, and bowed low before him. 7 With a shriek, he screamed, “Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In the name of God, I beg you, don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had already said to the spirit, “Come out of the man, you evil spirit.”

9 Then Jesus demanded, “What is your name?”

And he replied, “My name is Legion, because there are many of us inside this man.” 10 Then the evil spirits begged him again and again not to send them to some distant place.

11 There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding on the hillside nearby. 12 “Send us into those pigs,” the spirits begged. “Let us enter them.”

13 So Jesus gave them permission. The evil spirits came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the entire herd of 2,000 pigs plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water.

14 The herdsmen fled to the nearby town and the surrounding countryside, spreading the news as they ran. People rushed out to see what had happened. 15 A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons. He was sitting there fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid. 16 Then those who had seen what happened told the others about the demon-possessed man and the pigs. 17 And the crowd began pleading with Jesus to go away and leave them alone.

18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon possessed begged to go with him. 19 But Jesus said, “No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.” 20 So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns[c] of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them.

Christ casted out all the demons in this man and saved his life. He can do that for you too. If you confess your sins and accept Christ as your savior, He will change your life. Christ has done such amazing things for me in my life and I know Hw can and will do the same for you. I know many say I won't give this up or stop doing that, but Christ will change you with time. Christ loves us all. Think about it, He was sinless, perfect, and the son of God. Yet He took the punishment of all our sins on Himself and died on that cross for us. This is a sacrifice was for us. He died and came back for us!!! Think about it.

Verses in depth

2008-02-29T21:47:00.000-08:00

I decided that it would be helpful if I took a deeper look into the verses I have memorized. The first is.
"The Lord is good, His mercy everlasting, and His truth endures onto all generations."
- Psalm 100:5

Obviously this verse is about how great the Lord is and what He does for us. First of all, God is good. I am sure there are few people who would say that God is bad. God has done so much for us and gave His only son for us so we don't have to die. How could He be bad?

Hie mercy is everlasting. This is ture. He will never not have mercy on someone and help them is some way. The Lord loves all of us and wants to help us all, but many chose not to listen to His word.

Lastly, His truth endures to all generations. How many generations now have belived in God? All of them and people will always will. There will be people that believe until He returns. Even after that, the Lord will endure forever.

New Verse

2008-02-25T17:48:00.000-08:00

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
- Genesis 1:1

Review

"The Lord is good, His mercy everlasting and His truth endures onto all generations."
- Psalm 100:5

"For I am the Lord, thy God. I will hold thy right hand saying onto thee, Fear not:I will help thee."
- Isaiah 41:13

"This world is fading along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever."
- 1 John 2:17

"Surrender your entire being to Him to be used for righteous purposes."
- Romans 6:13

"Jesus said,'I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can reach the Father accept through me.'"
- John 14:6

"We know what love is when we realize Christ gave His life for us. This means we should be willing to give our lives for fellow believers."
- 1 John 3:16

"Turn from your sins and turn to God, for the kingdom of Heaven is near."
- Matthew 4:17

"God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God's holy best."
- Hebrews 12:10

"Not my will, but Yours, will be done."
- Luke 22:42

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus."
- Philippians 2:5

Living with purpose is the only way

2008-02-25T15:01:00.001-08:00

Point to Ponder: Living with purpose is the only way

The Purpose Driven Life was a great book that really helped me fing a lot of thingsd and grow in my Christian life. I know now that God has a purpose for me and my life and I am ready to follow it.

Verse to Remember: "For David...served the purpose of God in his own generation." - Acts 13:36

Question to Consider: When will I take the time to write down my answers to life's questions? When will I put my purpose on paper?

I will do this and really think about it, but I also want to take my time and make sure it's well thought out. I will talk to Matt and others from church about it and see what they thing I should include. The Purpose Driven Life is a great book and it helps you understand a lot of things, but it doesn't replace the Bible.

Blessed are the balanced

2008-02-23T21:33:00.000-08:00

Point to Ponder: Blessed are the balanced

Very true, but life is so hard to balance. That is until you let God come into your life. Does this mean you jsut don't do anythuing and God controls you? No. But it helps to have the Lord there and bring your problems and decisions to Him becuase He has a purpose for our lives.

Verse to Remember: "Live life with a due sense of responsibility, not as those who do not know the meaning of life but as those who do." - Epshesians 5:15

Question to Consider: Which of the four activites will I begin in order to stay on track and balance God's five purposes for my life?

I really need to work on reaching out to people. I do this somewhat now, but I need to work on it a lot more. I actually think that blogging is one way for me to reach out to people. I know that not everyone reads what I post, but if just one person finds Christ because of something I said, then all this work is more then worth it. I know I can reach out to others in person too and I am working on this.

Marilyn Manson is one of the most ignorant musicians ever

2008-02-23T21:00:00.000-08:00

I've heard that Manson is all against organized religion and had a speach about the Bible so I checked it out. It was the most ignorant thing I heard in a long while. I prayed for Manson on the spot for the things he said were so blasphamis. He refered to the fact the the Bible talks about kids shouldn't curse their parents and the punishment is death. There is more to it than that. The fith Comandment is to respect your parents. If you curse them, it's a sin. If you don't confess the sin, and turn to christ then, yes death will be your punishment. Manson left out that little fact didn't he.

He then went on to tlak about Psalm 137:9.

1 Beside the rivers of Babylon, we sat and wept
as we thought of Jerusalem.[a]
2 We put away our harps,
hanging them on the branches of poplar trees.
3 For our captors demanded a song from us.
Our tormentors insisted on a joyful hymn:
"Sing us one of those songs of Jerusalem!"
4 But how can we sing the songs of the Lord
while in a pagan land?

5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem,
let my right hand forget how to play the harp.
6 May my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth
if I fail to remember you,
if I don't make Jerusalem my greatest joy.

7 O Lord, remember what the Edomites did
on the day the armies of Babylon captured Jerusalem.
"Destroy it!" they yelled.
"Level it to the ground!"
8 O Babylon, you will be destroyed.
Happy is the one who pays you back
for what you have done to us.
9 Happy is the one who takes your babies
and smashes them against the rocks!

He only refers to the last verse and says that this is God talking and that he is a better influence then God. Hmmm. Lets look at the whole chapter. It's clear that it the exiles from Jerusalem thinking about their homeland and getting revenge on the Babylonians. So it wasn't God talking, but men thinking. As we all know, men sin and have thoughts of anger and revenge. That's clearly what verse 9 is about. Manson lied for his purposes and the sad thing is his fans probably don't look into the facts themselves. A class A example of the blind leading the blind. I pray that God can show them the truth.

Lastly, Manson says God killed His own son. This line made me so mad. It shows how ignorant Manson is. He knows nothing of how and why Christ died. It wasn't God killing Him. Christ is God in the form of man. Christ died for our sins so we didn't have to. Christ made the chocieto die on the cross. God could have intervened, but He knew what Christ was doing and if God did stop Christ, then all of would die and go to hell.

Here is Manson's speach so you can listen to it for yourself.

The Great Commission is my commission

2008-02-22T21:17:00.001-08:00

Point to Ponder: The Great Commission is my commission

I can't wait to get out there and spread the word of God to the world. There are so many ways to do this. Even blogging on line is a way to reach people all over the world.

Verse to Remember: "Send us around the world with the news of your saving power and your saving power and your eternal plan for all mankind." - Psalm 67:2

Question to Consider: What steps can I take to prepare to go on a short term missions experience in the next year?

I need to first and for most pray about the trip and where God wants me to go. I also need to save money and get others to go. I look forward to my first mission trip.

God wants me to say something to the world through me

2008-02-21T18:55:00.001-08:00

Point to Ponder: God wants me to say something to the world through me

I know this and I know I've said it so many times, but I know God has a purpose for me. When I think about it, my life has so much meaning now. I know what I have to do and that's spread the word of God. There is a lot more to it than that, but know that I am saved, I need to help others find Christ.

Verse to Remember: "Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you, but do it with gentleness and respect." - 1 Peter 3:15

Question to Consider: As I reflect on my personal story, who does God want me to share it with?

I think God wants me to share my story with my family, friends, fellow believers, and anyone who is lost. I know my life is a tool that God wants me to use to reach others and show them how Christ has changed my life.

Jesus will stand by you

2008-02-20T20:00:00.000-08:00

I want to share a powerful story from the Book of Matthew from the Bible.

Jesus Walks on Water
22 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. 23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.

24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning[b] Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”

27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here![c]”

28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”

29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said.

So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong[d] wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.

34 After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. 35 When the people recognized Jesus, the news of his arrival spread quickly throughout the whole area, and soon people were bringing all their sick to be healed. 36 They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed.

This story is so great. Peter had faith in Christ and when he saw Him he wanted to move to Him. Jesus let him do this. Peter was fine until he look at the storm and waves around him. He was sinking, but Christ came to him and helped him. This is true of all believers. We want and are moving towards Christ, but we might sink or fall sometimes. Thing is Christ is always there to help us back up and helps us continue are walk to Him. It's so important to realize that He is there for us, no matter how many times we fall. We confess, and repent. God will forgive us and Christ will help us.

Verse practice

2008-02-20T19:24:00.000-08:00

"The Lord is good, His mercy everlasting, and His truth endure to all generations."
- Psalm 100:5

"For I am the Lord, thy God. I will hold thy right hand saying onto thee, fear not: I will help thee."
- Isaiah 41:13

"This world is fading along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever."
-1 John 2:17

"Surrender your whole being to Him to be used for righteous purposes."
-Romans 6:13

"Jesus said, 'I am the Way. the Truth, and the Life. No one can reach the Father accept through me."
- John 14:6

"We know what love is when we realize that Christ died on the cross for us. We should be willing to give our lives for fellow believers."
- 1 John 3:16

"Turn from sin. Turn to God, for the kingdom of Heaven is near."
- Matthew 4:17

"God is doing what is best for us, training us to live His holy best."
- Hebrews 12:10

"Not my will, but Yours, will be done."
- Luke 22:42

"Your attidue should be the same as that of Christ Jesus."
- Philipians 2:5

I was made for a mission

2008-02-20T19:10:00.000-08:00

Point to Ponder: I was made for a mission

I know God has a purpose for my life and I live for it now. I know I am supposed to spread His word and live the way He wants me to. There is son many ways for me to reach out to people. In fact, I believe that blogging is one of them. I've had a few people tell me that they have read things I posted and liked it or got something from it and thats why I do it. God wants me to spread His word and this is a way to do that.

Verse to Remember: "Go and make disiples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." - Matthew 28:19-20

Question to Consider: What fears have kept me from fulfilling the mission God made me to accomplish? What keeps me from telling others the Good News?

I used to fear what others thought of me and this kept me from telling others about God. But I've come to realize that God is the important one and not them. Therefore I need to stand up and tell others about my faith and how it changed my life and that it can do the same for them. Their is no backing out in the eyes of God. He gave me this purpose as a Christian and I need to follow it. Also, my knowledge of the Bible adn God isn't that strong although I am learning and I know where I can go if I don't have an answer.

God works best when I admit my weakness.

2008-02-20T18:54:00.000-08:00

Point to Ponder: God works best when I admit my weakness.

And believe me, I have many. We all do. The key is to admit that we do and realize God gave us them for a reason. One being that we don't think we are perfect. Also, we can use are weakness to help others with the similar weakness and work with people who don't.

Verse to Remember: "My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness."
- 2 Corinthians 12:9

Question to Consider: Am I limiting God's power in my life by trying to hide my weaknesses? What do I need to be honest in order to help others?

There are many weaknesses I have and I am not sure that I see them all yet. I do know that being impatient is one. I also get angry or upset easily sometimes. I often feel rejected although this one is fading. It's often a unfounded feeling espcially with the new realtionships I've developed with fellow Christians. I often hide my feelings and thoughts to. In some cases this is good, but sometimes it leads me to be upset when I don't share an issue I have with someone. These are all things I am working on.

Goronchev thinks he knows what Christians believe

2008-02-18T19:33:00.000-08:00

I pray for Goronchev because he has been tricked by the devil and may be leading others down this path by releasing this video. Goronchev's argument his flawed in many ways and swearing doesn't help it either. I will counter this video first of all with the word of God.

Genesis 1:1 - 2:3 says this in basic terms.
Day 1 - "Let there be light." Night and day were made.
Day 2 - "let there be space between the waters, to seperate water from water." The sky and water was made.
Day 3 - "Let the waters beneath the sky be gathered into one place so dry ground may appear." Land was made.
"Let the land burst forth with every sort of grass and seed-bearing plant." Plants were made.
Day 4 - "Let bright lights appear in the sky to separate the day from the night. They will be signs to mark off the seasons, the days, and the years. Let their light shine down upon the earth." The sun, moon, and stars were made visible to the earth (Not created because the already were.)
Day 5 - "Let the waters swarm with fish and other life. Let the skies be filled with birds of every kind." Birds and fish were made.
Day 6 - "Let the earth bring forth every kind of animal - livestock, small animals, and wildlife." Animals were made.
"Let us make people in our image, to be like ourselves. They will be masters over all life." God made human beings and made them in His image. He made us to be masters and higher then the other creations of this earth.
Day 7 - God rested and made the 7th day holy. This is why Sunday is so important.

So there it is, in a nutshell. Seems to make perfect sense to me as well as millions of people around the world, not just the United States. Mr. Goronchev, did you know that Christianity is the most followed religion in the world, not just the United States? The Bible is the truth and can be trusted for many reasons, some being
One. Christ confirmed the Old Testiment and supported and inspired the New Testiment. Christ also predicted many things that have occured since His time on earth.
Second. The Bible is the longest lasting, oldest, and most trusted, unchanged book ever.
Third. Many things have been found that support the Bible (IE. The Dead Sea Scrolls)

Not only does the Bible prove evolution wrong. Science does too. Evolution is statisticly imposible. It would take 10^121 events for an animal to chane the way evolutionists think.
Those stats are impossible. The earth would have to be billions of years older than it is for all these events to take place, nit to mention the fact that these changes would have to sync and become what they are today. Think about all the systems that it takes just to see! There are chemicals, thoughts, motions, and actions that all take place in our body to see and we don't even think about them. And it just so happens that all these things just randomly came together the way they did through evolution.
You might believe that Mr. Goronchev, but you sure don't have me fooled. It's simple, God made us and everything in this world. He made the universe too and all the laws and rules that effect it too. Does it make sence to say these things all randomly occured? No way! Also, sperate groups are used to classify species of animals (IE. Humans, birds, dinosaurs, etc) If we came from a
common ancestor then how could there be defined groups of species? Wouldn't we all be in one giant group? This proves that God createad us all individualy and special, not to mention there is no other species like the human race. Not to mention, if we all came from one thing, why isn't there more fossils of transitional animals? Say the horse some how evolved into the elephant (Just use this as an example). If the horse were to have evolved into the elephant, why isn't there any fossils found of the animals between the horse and the elephant? Also evolution is based on the idea that things change randomly and that these changes cause the animal to survive. Thing is these random mutations would more likely have killed the animal then helped it survive. In fact, evolutionists would agree that a drastic genetic mutation would kill 99.9 of animals. It's been modernly proven. How then could all these species mutate several times to end up how they are now? Wouldn't everything have died from these major changes? Anoter false idea is the age of the Earth and all the different time periods used to describe the type of species living at the time. The perods used to explain evolution are Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic. The fossils of the world are supposed to fit into these groups and the fossils are found in a layered column that is supposed to consistant all over the world. Thing is it's not consitant. There are different layers around the world and the species are not always found in the same layer. The periods are based on the maturity of the species. (IE. the Paleozoic period has the most ancient and less developed species, etc) Funny thing is the periods are then based on the theory of evolution. How can proof for a theory be based on that theory? Does that even make sence? Another point to be made about fossils is how they come to be. Fossils are only created when the dead organism is covered right away. Billions and billions of fossils exist in the world. How could all these orangisms be preserved perfectly over all these time periods? This is where the Bible and the idea of Catastrophism come in. In order for so many species to be perserved so well a major catastrophic event must have occured. Many religions, not just Christianity, believe that this event was a flood. Well, what do you know? Noah's flood!! The flood would have destroyed all those living things and the Bible says the whole world would change from how it was before. So in that single event all the orangisms (that weren't on the ark) would have been buried and mixed around by the water. There is of course the people that say "How did the animals all end up on the ark?" Well animals are God's creation so he must have told them to go to the arc. That simple. It's all in the Word of God folks.Point three, energy and entropy. The law of energy says that energy can not be created or destroyed. The law of enthropy says that things are getting more and more disorganized, decaying, and dieing. Evolution says species are getting better, stronger, more adapt for their environment. How can this be? If things can't be created, how can species be created a new? And if things are heading in the derection of disorangization and death, how are species be getting more advanced and complex? Hmmm. There was also the point about radioactive isotope of carbon and carbon dating. The idea of carbon dating is that the level of radioactive isotopes is always the same, which means the atmospheric conditions must remain the same, which we all know not to be true. The atmosphere has changed a lot in just the last few years. These are always that science prove evolution wrong. I would like to hear your argument to this Mr. Goronchev since you didn't use any proof or examples in you argument, you only stated that there is proof that
supports evolution.

You said that Christians should reject all science. Thing is we don't. Science is not wrong at all. Evolution on the other hand isn's science as proven above. It's a religious view that often goes in hand with atheism. You don't like the thought that you have to be accountable for your sins. If God doesn't exist, you can get drunk, do drugs, sleep around, steal, swear, and do whatever you want. What I don't understand is that most be realize when they are doing something wrong. Ever wonder why? God. That's why. He gave us a the feelings to know when we sinned. Evolution is away for people to deny God and do what they want.
This is why it shouldn't be in schools. It's a lie made by Satan to lead us away from God. I am truly interested in what Mr. Goronchev has to say.

This video shows that Goronchev is lost and doesn't know anything about Christ. He doesn't have faith either. You are so lost.

God doesn't worry about anything. He has everything planned out all ready. God doesn't stop diseases and disasters because He doesn't work like that. This earthly time and world is controled by Satan and that's why so many bad things happen. Not to mention God has a reason for everything that happens, good and bad. Good often comes from the bad. Goronchev says that God allows for people to smack their wives around and that there is no freewill. You are so wrong.
God gives us the freewill to accept Christ as our savior and follow His purpose. Second, sin and satan causes people to do things like slapping their wives around, not God. I have a feeling you never went to Bible class, son.

New Verse

2008-02-17T21:29:00.000-08:00

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." - Philippians 2:5

Review:

"The Lord is good, His mercy everlasting, and His truth endure onto all generations."
- Psalm 100:5

"For I am the Lord, thy God. I will hold thy right hand saying onto thee. Fear not:I will help thee."
- Isaiah 41:13

"This world is fading away along with all it crave, but if you do the will of God, you will live forever."
- 1 John 2:17

"Surrender your entire being to God to be used for righteous purposes."
- Romans 6:13

"Jesus said, 'I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.' No one can reach the Father accept through me."
- John 14:6

"We understand what love is when we realize Christ died on the cross for our sins. We should be willing to give our lives for fellow believers."
- 1 John 3:16

"Turn from you sins. Turn to God, for the kingdom of Heaven is near."
- Matthew 4:17

"God is doing what is best for us, traing us to live God's holy best."
- Hebrews 12:10

"Not my will, but yours, will be done."
- Luke 22:42

To be a servant I must think like a servant

2008-02-17T13:21:00.001-08:00

Point to Ponder: To be a servant I must think like a servant

There is nothing more that I want to then serve God and do so by helping others. I've always liked helping others and now I
why. I often think about others and if they know Christ. I'll walk down the halls of school and the mall and look at people's faces and see a reange of emotions there. I wonder if they know God cares for them and that Christ can help them. I want to help everyone and it's hard for me to accept that Ican't. The desire to reach people and the fact that not everyone cares about God and Christ makes me want to cry. I know the best way I can reach others is by loving and serving selflessly.

Verse to Remember: "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." - Philippians 2:5

Question to Consider: Am I usually more concerned about being served or finding ways to serve others?

I would believe that I am more concerned about helping others. Don't get me wrong, I have my selfish times and thoughts, but I usally think about helping others. I am often told that I am kind, and helpful. I don't brag about, but it's what I've been told. I want to devote my life to help others and help them find Christ may it be through broadcasting, pastoring, or whatever else God has in store for me.

Creation vs. Evolution

2008-02-17T11:25:00.001-08:00

I read another book about evolution and how it is a religeous view and not science. I've also read Genesis and about how God made Earth and life. First of all, all forms of science prove evolution wrong from Chemistry to Physics. Not only do they prove evolution wrong, but they prove God's creation right. Evolution is statisticly imposible. It would take 10^121 events for an animal to chane the way evolutionists think.
Those stats are impossible. The earth would have to be billions of years older than it is for all these events to take place, nit to mention the fact that these changes would have to sync and become what they are today. Think about all the systems that it takes just to see! There are chemicals, thoughts, motions, and actions that all take place in our body to see and we don't even think about them. And it just so happens that all these things just randomly came together the way they did through evolution.
You might believe that, but you sure don't have me fooled. It's simple, God made us and everything in this world. He made the universe too and all the laws and rules that effect it too. Does it make sence to say these things all randomly occured? No way!

Genesis 1:1 - 2:3 says this in basic terms.
Day 1 - "Let there be light." Night and day were made.
Day 2 - "let there be space between the waters, to seperate water from water." The sky and water was made.
Day 3 - "Let the waters beneath the sky be gathered into one place so dry ground may appear." Land was made.
"Let the land burst forth with every sort of grass and seed-bearing plant." Plants were made.
Day 4 - "Let bright lights appear in the sky to separate the day from the night. They will be signs to mark off the seasons, the days, and the years. Let their light shine down upon the earth." The sun, moon, and stars were made visible to the earth (Not created because the already were.)
Day 5 - "Let the waters swarm with fish and other life. Let the skies be filled with birds of every kind." Birds and fish were made.
Day 6 - "Let the earth bring forth every kind of animal - livestock, small animals, and wildlife." Animals were made.
"Let us make people in our image, to be like ourselves. They will be masters over all life." God made human beings and made them in His image. He made us to be masters and higher then the other creations of this earth.
Day 7 - God rested and made the 7th day holy. This is why Sunday is so important.

So there it is, in a nutshell. I encourage you to read Genesis yourself. I believe in the young earth theroy and that God made things in an advanced age. There is also the old earth theroy, but that is a whole nother topic.

I serve God by serving others

2008-02-16T21:54:00.000-08:00

Point to Ponder: I serve God by serving others

Serving others is something God wants us to do. It can be small things and it usally is. I've realized you can serve or praise God in everything you do with your life, may it be at work or school. There are people everywhere who need your help and God wants you to help them, even if it means giving up something for yourself.

Verse to Remember: "If you given even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded." - Matthew 10:24

Question to Consider: Which of the six characteristics of real servants offers the greatest challenge to me?

The one thing I think i need to work on is making time to serve others. Sometimes I think that it's a burden to help others. I should take my time and help them be nice about. I shouldn't look at it as a waste of time. God doesn't look at helping me as a waste of time, and Christ didn't look at helping others as a waste of His time, either.

God deserves my best

2008-02-15T22:04:00.001-08:00

Point to Ponder: God deserves my best

I don't to give God anything less then my best. He has done so much for me and I love Him. I know He wants me to spread His word and help others find Christ.

Verse to Remember: "Do your best to present yourself in God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." - 2 Timothy 2:15

Question to Consider: How can I make the best use of what God has given me?

I can use my broadcasting/video talent to spread the word of God. I can also talk to people and spread the word that way. I may also be able to do something with guitar and bass. I think that my desire to help others and help others find Christ will help me too. I think that what I am doing at church and RTM is a great way for me to use what God gave me.

The Sword of the Spirit

2008-02-15T22:03:00.002-08:00

Another week completed in Putting on the Armor. The Sword of the Spirit is refering to the Bible. You are to read, know, and live the Word of God. Doing these things allow us to defeat Satan and his lies. If you don't know the Word of God, you can't live the way God wants you to and you will fall in to Satan's grip. Once you learn and know God's word, you need to spread and share the word with the lost. Using the Bible is one of the greatest tools to reach others. The Bible is the core of the Christian faith and our faith cannot be spread witout using it.

Nobody else can be me

2008-02-15T22:03:00.001-08:00

Point to Ponder: Nobody else can be me

Very true. It seems to me that if evolution were true, wouldn't we all be the same. This is just another point that proves God made us and everything else different from us.

Verse to Remember: "God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to other's God's many kinds of blessings."
- 1 Peter 4:10

Question to Consider: What God-given ability or personal experience can I offer to my church?

I think that I've already given my ability of tech stuff to Shelton Park. I also want to give my video talent, music, talking, basicly anything I have. I love helping at teh church and spreading God's word.

I was shaped for serving God

2008-02-15T22:02:00.000-08:00

Point to Ponder: I was shaped for serving God

This is something I've come to know so well now that I know Christ. I am so excited to serve God and His purpose for me, This one reason I
blog so much. I like doing it and I pray that someone might read one of blogs and get the seed planted in them.

Verse to Remember: "God works through different men in different ways, but it is the same God who achieves his purpose through them all." - 1 Corinthians 12:6

Question to Consider: In what way can I see myself passionately serving others and loving it?

I can see myself doing missionary work and maybe even some kind of pastoral services to reach people. I also know that God gave me broadcasting and video talents to reach people. I might even do some type of writing and will continue blogging.

Service is not optional

2008-02-15T22:01:00.003-08:00

Point to Ponder: Service is not optional

Once I truly accepted Christ as my savior, I was filled with the desire to spread the word of God and to serve God. I serve God, not because I feel like I have to or that I owe Him, but because I love Him and want to follow His word.

Verse to Remember; "For we are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

Question to Consider: What is holding me back from accepting God's call to serve him?

To an extent, I think that what others might think of me or say to me holds me a back from serving God in some situations. There are certain people I have trouble talking about my faith around and I am not sure why. I pray that I will mature to the point where I can talk to anyone about my faith.

Helmet of Salvation

2008-02-15T22:01:00.001-08:00

I finished another week in Putting on the Armor. The helmet of Salvation is all about understanding that we are saved when we believe in and accept Christ as our savior.

The first part to this is understand who we were and what our life was like before we accepted Christ as our savior. We were living in sin. We felt empty. Satan ruled us. I know these things applied to me. I felt a huge void in me. I didn't know what my purpose was, and I was living with sin. I started realizing I need change. I realized I need to be saved. That's what Christ did for me.

Next we have to think about how holy God is and what He did when he let his only son die on the cross. I don't know about you, but I believe that there is no greater act of love then when Christ took all our sins upon Himself and died on the cross. Then he went and preached in hell for three days before returning from the dead to go to Heaven. Isn't that just amazing! And He did this for us! US!! God let His son die so we could be save from the fire and brimstone of hell.

Lastly, we must realize that, one day, Christ will return to reclaim the earth for the Heavens and all His followers will be brought to Heaven. This is a thought we should always keep becasue if you think about it, Christ might return right this minute. The rapture could occur. What would happen to you? Would you go to Heaven right away or would you be left behind?

There are no shortcuts to maturity

2008-02-15T22:00:00.001-08:00

Point to Ponder: There are no shortcuts to maturity

Life it self proves this. We can not instantly become adults, just as we cannot become instantly like Christ. I realize that tis is something worked on over time. I know that God has a plan for me to change and become like Christ. I also know that it's on God's time table, not mine.

Verse to Remember: "God began doing a good work in you, and I am sure he will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Chirst comes again." - Philippians 1:6

Question to Consider: In what area of my spiritual growth do I need to be more patient and persistent?

I feel that I need to be patient with being patient with others. Sometimes people frustrate me and I say or think things that I shouldn't. I also need to be patient with helping others to find
Christ. This one is hard for me to be patient with because I know how important to except Christ as your savior, but others ignore it. I know if I am patient and persistent, in a gentle way, I may actually help others. I also have to be patient with realizing that I am not that important and letting go of myself and my selfish wants and thoughts. I've made some progress in this area, but there is room for improvement.

There is a way out

2008-02-15T21:59:00.001-08:00

Point to Ponder: There is a way out

This is very true. The way out is through God and not ourselves. I had this false state of mind at one time and kept falling for all the things I was trying to get rid of. The only way to fight temptation and sin is through Christ's sacrifice and God's strength.

Verse to Remember: "God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show yoy a way out so taht you will not give into it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13

Question to Consider: Who could I ask to be a spiritual partner to help me defeat a persistent temptation by praying for me?

I've already confied in Pastor Steve and Matt. I know both lift me up in prayer as I do for them. Pastor Steve askes me how I am doing to make sure I am still resisting temptation. It really helps to have someone to talk to and confied in as well as hold you accountable. I know this is an answer God has been trying to lead me to for a while.

Every temptation is an opportunity to do good

2008-02-15T21:58:00.001-08:00

This is so true. Every time I avoid a temptation, it's a step closer to being like Christ. If I fall, and I will because I am human, God still loves me and will forgive me.

Verse to Remember: "God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him" - James 1:12

Question to Consider: What christlike character quality can I develop by defeating the most common temptation on face?

I think selfcontrol is the characteristic i would gain if I continue to fight lust. There are some points I wrote in my journal about temptation I would like to put here.

A: I cannot overcome temptation without God's help
B: Christ was tempted, but He resisted
C: Even if I fall, which I will sometimes, God will forgive me and love me still.
Warning!! This doesn't mean I can go ahead and lust because God is going to forgive me anyway. That is Satan trying to trick me into giving in.
D: Through fellowship and prayer, I can tend to resist temptation.
E: We are all broken and all sin. That's the fact we must face.

There is a purpose behind every problem

2008-02-15T21:56:00.000-08:00

Point to Ponder: There is a purpose behind every problem

I really know this now. It's great that this is what I read about today and yesterday because I prayed that God help me understand and except what my mom is going through with her arthrits and this is how He answered me. He also had me read another article which I'll end up posting.

Verse to Remember: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose," - Romans 8:28

Question to Consider: What problem in my life has caused the greatest growth in me?

There are two tests that have really effected me. My grandpa's death, which helped bring me a bit closer to God, but at the same time caused me to do things that didn't. It's hard to explain here, but look at my testimony and I think you will see what I mean. Also, my Mom's battle with arthritsis. It was hard for me to understand why she has to be in so much pain. It's not that it is easier now, but I know God has His reasons I don't understand, but I trust Him, love Him, and know He will take away all the pain in this world when we reach Heaven.

It is never too late to start growing

2008-02-15T21:55:00.000-08:00

Point to Ponder: It is never too late to start growing

This is a key and great point. It is never to late to truly find Christ and to try to live like Him. This has become my goal in life. I try my best to really think about what christ would do (I know i said that before). It really helps me to make the right choice when I stop and think about what Christ would do if he were in my situation.

Verse to Remember: "Let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God - what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect." - Romans 12:2

Question to Consider: What is one area where I need to stop thinking my way and starting thinking God's way?

One area I need to stop thinking about is what I am going to do for myself and buy for myself and focus more on what I am going to do for God and others.
I feel so selfish sometimes. I want to love others the way Christ did and want to help them be bringing them to Christ. I also want to change how I look at and think of women. I know I mentioned my past issue with lust and how that infected my life as a teenage guy. This something I've really made progress in changing and it's because God has giving the strength to change.

Shield of Faith

2008-02-15T21:54:00.001-08:00

I finished another week in Putting on the Armor. This time it was about the sheild of faith. I learned that one needs to know and live by the Bible. I read the Bible daily and memorize verses weekly. I try to go back over past verses and so far I have no trouble remembering them. I know that eventually I' ll have reviewed so many that probably forget some. The key thing is that the Bible is the guide to life and I'm living
by it.

The next thing is to act on your faith. This is something I've really started doing. I reach out to people so much now and I am not worried about sharing my faith. I know my purpose is to activly spread the word of God and help bring people to Christ for salvation. I want to use my life and gifts for this purpose.

Resisting fear, dount, and worry is the next thing. I have felt doubt at the edge of my mind about God and everything my faith, but I pray to God and ask Him to help push doubt and fear away. I look to the Bible for answers to my questions and find help from my fellow believers.

The last, and one of the most important, things I learned is to trust God's promise. God's promise can b a lot of things, but the one I think about is salvation through His son Jesus Christ. I know that if I believe and except Christ as my savior I will go to Heaven and be with God. I know this promise to be true because of what Christ says in John 14:7. "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can reach the Father except through me." I believe that if God let his only son die on the cross for our sins, then I can trust Christ as my savior.

I was created to become like Christ

2008-02-15T21:53:00.000-08:00

Point to Ponder: I was created to become like Christ.

This whole idea has really changed how I live my life. I consider now literally what would Jesus do. I learn from His word on how to act and live and it has totally changed my life. I have purpose, reason, love, and happiness now.

Verse to Remember: "As the Spirit of the Lord works in withing us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory more." - 2 Corinthians 3:18

Question to Consider: In what area of my life do I need to ask for thr Spirit's power to be like Christ today?

I need help being more like Christ in the area of thought. Particularly women. I've always had respect for them, but I have an issue with lust and it is something I truly want to change in the way Christ wants me to. I also in general want to have thoughts that revolve around God and Christ. I also want to treat people with love. I also want to learn how to always stand up for God, Christ, the Bible, and my faith and follow these things without compromising.

I need to surrender fully to God

2008-02-15T21:51:00.000-08:00

I've come to see that I need to trust and fully give myself and my life to God. I was over taken by temptation last night and I realize that I can't beat tempation the Devil if I don't surrender to God fully. I don't know why I hesitated to do this, but I think it is a part of my faith growing. I am so glad that God is loving and so forgiving. If he wasn't there would be know way that any of could be saved through Christ. I prayed so hard earlier today telling God that I give myself to him fully, that I want Christ to control my life and God to deliever me from tempation. I realize that God is going to test this and see if I am truly ready to surrender to him. I pray that he will help be pass this test in some way. I know now for sure that I can't live for myself any more and I can't keep living the way I was because it didn't make me happy and, more importantly, make God happy.

Feet Sandaled with the Gospel of Peace

2008-02-15T21:50:00.001-08:00

I finished another week in Putting on the Armor and this time the topic was using the Word of God to actively defeat Satan. I learned that you have to stand firm in your faith. You have to understand how Christ wants you to live and try living like this. You have to learn and remember verses from the Bible to quote when you face a battle. You have to form a relationship with God and turn to Him in prayer when you need His help. Another part to the battle is to spread the Word of God. You have to be willing to reach out to people who are not Christians and show them the truth by being able to tell them about the Bible.

Some Facts based on population

2008-02-15T21:49:00.002-08:00

There are 6.5 million people in the world

2 billion Christians

1.5 billion Muslims

and 3 billion that belong to another religion or that don't believe at all.

That is a stagering satistic. There are 4.5 billion people that don't know Christ, that are lost, and that, unless that except Christ, will be lost forever. I think it's clear that Christians have their work cut out for them.

Two questions God will ask you at your judgement

2008-02-15T21:49:00.001-08:00

I was reading the Purpose Driven Life and about what judgement will be like. There are two important questions that will be asked.

Did you expect my son, Jesus Christ?
What did you do with your life?

The answer to the first question is to except Jesus Christ as your savior, to realize he died for our sins, to repent/confess your sins, and try to live the way Christ did. Many people, including some Christians, think that you must live a good life and never to anything wrong to get into Heaven. This is so far from the truth. A part of being a Christian is excepting the fact that we are all sinners, and are broken and the only way we can be saved is through Christ. Trust me, I am not perfect and don't think I am. The same goes for all my fellow Christians.

The second answer follows closely to the first. We are to live life by God's Word, the Bible. We are to confess our sins and try to turn away from them. The only way to turn away is by turning to God for help. It's not possiable for man to overcome temptation and sin with out help of the Lord. I know this from personal experance. I had an issue with lust, which many teenage guys do, and I really wanted to stop. I told God I would stop and yet I couldn't. I felt so bad. Then I read that you can't stop giving into temptation if you don't pray to God when it is attacking you. I tried this and for three weeks now I haven't lusted to the full extent. Every once and I while I see a picture or something that tries to spark that desire and thats when I pray to God asking Him to deliever me and He does. So if there is a vice that binds you, may it be drugs, sex, achahol, etc, turn to God in prayer
and see how he helps you. Aside from moving away from sin you need to spred the Word of God and bring others to His glory and family. This is what I want to do with my life. I have made a few videos already that focus on spreading God's glory and have invited a few people to church. I love doing this and I have noticed that everyday I seem less and less afraid to share my faith.

I hope this helps someone. If you ever want to learn more about God and the Christian faith, I encourage you to go to a church and talk to a pastor.

The Purpose Driven Life

2008-02-15T21:47:00.000-08:00

This book is supposed to be a devotional done in 40 days, but I want to truly learn from it and understand it. So. I am going back over what I have read and writing notes all over it and really thinking about what it has to say about God and life. There won't be any posts about new things yet, but I may post about something I read that was very moving or good to share. If anyone ever reads what I post about please tell me or comment me. I am doing thins because I am hoping that someone will read it and see how much God has changed my life and how Christ saved me and can do the same for you.

It is my responsibility to protect the unity of my church

2008-02-15T21:45:00.002-08:00

Point to Ponder: It is my responsibility to protect the unity of my church

I will do everything I can to protect Shelton Park. Church means so much to me and I couldn't stand to see something happen to it.

Verse to Remember: "Let us concentrate on the things whcih make for harmony and the growth of our fellowship together." - Romans 14:19

Question to Consider: What am I personally doing to protect unity in my church family right now?

I pray a lot for God to protect Shelton Park and our leaders. I pray that God will guide us and bring others to His glory. I also plan to fight gossip in both church and any where else. I also want to reach out to people at church who need someone to talk to.

Louie Giglio How Great is Our God sermon

2008-02-15T21:45:00.001-08:00

I first saw this with my friend Matt. If I had any doubt about what God has done and how great he is, this video took way all these doubts. Check out this video on YouTube. It's from Chris Tomlin See the Morning dvd.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfTQqsoa1QQ

Louie Giglio is a pastor that reaches out to young people and uses a lot of visuals during his sermons. He is a powerful speaker and really keeps your attention.

Relationships are always worth restoring

2008-02-15T21:44:00.001-08:00

Point to Ponder: Relationships are always worth restoring

Verse to Remember: "Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody." - Romans 12:18

Question to Consider: Who do I need to restore a broken relationship with today?

There are a few people who I want to restore a broken relationship with today. The one that I really want to fix is my relationship with Zach Curtis. Zach and I were best friends in middle school. We got in trouble for looking at cheerleaders and swimsuit models online. He spilled everything to his parents after he got in trouble at school for having some of this pics in his locker. I denied having anything to do with it and accused Zach of lying. I lied to my parents, his parents, and my principal. Worst of all I betrayed my best friend. After this our friendship, of course, feel apart. We made things up about each other and attacked each other. Months after this, before I moved here, I spilled my guts to my parents. It took a long while to rebuild trust with them. I never got to appoligize to him and ask him to forgive me. There are a few people at school who I either caused some riff with or think there is one there that may not be my fault, but I should fix.

Steps to Forgiving Someone

2008-02-15T21:43:00.002-08:00

I was reading Putting on the Armor and it was about forgiving people. I thought this was some good advice.

1. Admit my anger and ask God's forgiveness

2. Ask God to help me to let go of my pain.

3. Meditate on God's grace toward me.

4. Pray for the other person.

5. Focus on doing good towards others. The change of focus away from my anger will be liberating.

Community requires commitment

2008-02-15T21:43:00.001-08:00

Point to Ponder: Community requires commitment

Shelton Park has become my second home and a great community in my life. I am truly committed to church and I love do whatever I can for it. I am looking forward to all the things that I can do at church and to spread the word of God.

Verse to Remember: "We understand what love is when we realize that Christ gave his life for us. That means we must give our lives for other believers." - 1 John 3:16

Question to Consider: How can I help cultivate today the chatacteristics of real community in my small group and my church?

I think that the best way for me to cultivate the chatacteristics of real community at church is by connecting with people both better and deeper. I think if I reach out to others and let them know I am there for them, it would help a lot. I also want to stop any gossip or rumors going around church and will work to stop this. I pray God will help the church grow and stay strong.

The Nine characteristics of Biblical Fellowship:
We will share our true feelings (authenticity)
Encourage each other (mutuality)
Support each other (sympathy)
Forgive each other (mercy)
Speak the truth in love (honesty)
Admit our weaknesses (humility)
Respect our differences (courtesy)
Not gossip (confidentiality)
Make a group a priority (frequency)

I need others in my life

2008-02-15T21:42:00.001-08:00

Point to Ponder: I need others in my life

I used to think that no one in the world knew me or anything about me. I felt like I was the only one I had. I even felt like God didn't get me. I've come to see that I wasn't getting myself and that I needed others. People all around me care for me and I do the same for them. I know now that I need them

Verse to Remember: "Share each other's troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2

Question to Consider: What one step can I take today to connect with another believer at a more genuine, heart to heart level?

I think that I need to connect deeper with my friends and express/reveal the real me. I need to stop hiding things and be honest. I need to also reach out to many around me a share the glory of God with them

I am called to belong, not just believe.

2008-02-15T21:40:00.002-08:00

Point to Ponder: I am called to belong, not just believe.

This is a very powerful statement. I love Shelton Park, it feels like a home to me. The other members are all like family to me. I am working on becoming a member of the church and love being involved at church too.

Verse to Remember: "In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." - Romans 12:5

Question to Consider: Does my level of involvement in my local church demonstrate that I love and am committed to God's family?

I feel that my involvement at church does reflect this. I put a lot of time into being the tech guy and love doing it. I am currently working on ways to spread God's word and the curch, one of which will be revealed next week. I think that there is always more I can do and I do want to do more and I am looking forward to the future.

The Breastplate of Righteousness

2008-02-15T21:40:00.001-08:00

I got through another section of Putting on the Armor. This part was about The Breastplate of Righteousness. The whole idea of The Breastplate of Righteousness is to live like Christ and fight temptation. I found this section very helpful,
but keep in mind that the whole armor of God is needed to fight the Enemy. I learned that the Enemy, Satan, works through many ways such as money, peer pressure, lust, and so many other things. Satan works through you. He gets you to convince yourself in some way that what you are doing isn't a sin or that it's ok. He draws attention to what we are "missing out" on and makes us want it. He also makes sin look good. I learned that one of the best stratigies against sin is to run from temptation. If greed, lust, or whatever other vice holds you, simply, and sometimes litterealy, run from temptation. Also pray to God and ask Hime to help you because He is always there. You must chose to do what is right to ware the Breast of Righteousness and not just act like you do what is right. You have to stand against temptation. Stay away from people, things, or places that cause you to sin or tempt you. Remember that you don't want to betray someone who trusts you and most importantly, remember you don't want to sin against God or go against His word. You must also be aware that it is a sin to cause someone else to sin. If somethin, such as a R rated movie, doesn't lead you to sin some how, but it cause your friend you brought to the movie with you to sin, you have also sinned.
Remember Jesus said..
"I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can reach the Father except through me." - John 14:6

Life is all about love

2008-02-15T21:39:00.001-08:00

Point to Ponder: Life is all about love

This is very true and I've really come to see this lately.

Verse to Remember: "The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" - Galatians 5:14

Question to Consider: Honestly, are realationships my first priority/ How can I ensure that they are?

I honestly can say that love has been an important thing in my life if not the most important. I love loving God, my family, friends, co-workers, and fellow believers. I feel like my family lately thinks I don't love them which is so untrue. I've been devoting a lot of time to God and church, but I need to spend time with family too beacause God wants me to do that too.

I was formed for God's family

2008-02-15T21:38:00.000-08:00

Point to Ponder: I was formed for God's family

I am glad to be a member of God's family and look forward to eternity with him.

Verse to remember:"His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ." - Ephesians 1:5

Question to Consider: How can I start treating other believers like members of my own family?

I think I need to reach out to fellow christians more and talk to them. I otherwise treat other christians well.

God is real, no matter how I feel.

2008-02-15T21:37:00.000-08:00

Point to Ponder: God is real, no matter how I feel.

I feel God in my life every day, even when things are hard. People attack me and my faith and so does Satan, but I will stay ture to God and his word. I contiune to grow in faith and pray God will give me strength enough to contiune to believe in hime even when I don't feel his presence.

Verse to Remember: "For God has said 'I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.'" - Hebrews 13:5

Question to Consider: How can I stay focused on God's presence, especially when he feels distant? I will pray to God and talk with him all the time. I will contiune to read and laern from the Bible so that I can use God's word to spread his truth and to fight Satan. I pray that the Lord will protect me and guide me so that when the test of him feeling distant in my life doesn't defeat me.

God wants all of me

2008-02-15T21:36:00.001-08:00

Point to Ponder: God wants all of me

I really want to give all of myself to God and have been really thinking about and working on given myself fully to God. I know I still need some work, but I keep praying about it and asking God for his help and strength.

Verse to Remember: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." - Mark 12:30

Question to Consider: Which is more pleasing to God right now - my public worship or my private worship? What will I do about this?

My private worship is more pleasing to God then my public worship. I laught at people's jokes that God wouldn't approve of at work somethimes, and I make fun of/or comments to friends at school that God wouldn't approve of. Today was a much better day in the fact that I didn't participate in any thing God wouldn't approve of as far as conversations and actions go. I want to live for God because I want to live the way Christ did and because I lvoe God. I thought about this all of today at school and several times it kept me from saying something that I really don't want. I really need to get my mind off the old path it was on, but I think I am truly improving.

The Belt of Truth

2008-02-15T21:35:00.003-08:00

I bought a book, Putting on the Armor, about the armor of God and how we can use it to fight Satan and his temptations. I finished the first chapter on the Belt of Truth. The key way to use truth is to know Jesus, knowing his word, and living the word. I learned that I need to trust God, Jesus, and the Bible as truth. I need to regonize the lies and evil plans
of the devil as he tries to courpt my faith in God and Christ. The best way to resist the
Enemy is to study and memorize scripture that I can use to face the devil and temptation. Christ does this in the book of Matthew (4:1-11) when the devil tries to tempt him. Also, not only must I study the word of God, but I have to live it out. I have to have accountability to God and my faith by doing things that God wants me to and act how he wants me to. The best way to do this is to have a friend that you can speak to about things and to keep you in line. Over all, I learned a lot about the belt of truth and what it means and how to use it in the fight against Satan.

The Belt of Truth

2008-02-15T21:35:00.001-08:00

I am as close to God as I choose to be.

2008-02-15T21:34:00.000-08:00

Point to Ponder: I am as close to God as I choose to be.

I choose to be as close to God as I can be. I want to actively share my life with God. I want to share how I truly feel with him. I like being honest and living
my life by his word. I am so amazed that God, in all his mighty glory, wants to be my
close firend. I understand that God is my creator and leader, but he still wants to be my friend.

Verse to Remember: "Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you." - James 4:8

Question to Consider: What practical choices will I make today in order to grow closer to God?

I think I need to act more the way God wants me to. Today I work at laughed at some jokes and comments I didn't really find funny or of a manor God would like. I also made some comments that God wouldn't aprove off. I think that to draw closer to God, I have to live the way he wants me to. I do this because I love God, not out of "duty" as some might think. I look forward to a long relationship with God on this earth and forever in eternity.

God wants to be my best friend.

2008-02-15T21:26:00.000-08:00

Point to Ponder: God wants to be my best friend.

I want God to my best friend too. I want to activly include him in my every day life. I know he see and knows all, but I want to be aware of him at all times.

"Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence him." - Psalm 25:14

Question to Consider: What can I do to remind myself to think about God and talk to him more often throughout the day?

I think that if I use breath prayer and just look at my cross more or carry a Bible or other Christian book so that I think of the Lord I will talk to him more. Maybe if I just focus on God, I will think of him more because I really need him and his strength to help me.

The heart of worship is surrender

2008-02-15T21:23:00.001-08:00

Point to Ponder: The heart of worship is surrender

I think that I still need to completly surrender myself to God. My faith and trust in God is growing daily, so I know that I will soon fully surrender my life to God.

Verse to Remember: "Surrender your whole being to him to be used for righteous purpsoes." - Romans 6:13

Question to Consider: What area of my life am I holding back from God?

The one area that I feel I really need to trust to God is my relationships with others. I seem to dwell on finding a girlfriend. I should just trust it to God for things to happen because he does have my life all planned out. I also think a lot about my relationships with my family and friends and I am starting to realize these are all things I can trust to God. I used to worry about planning out my future, but now I know God has a plan for my life so I don't worry or try to control life. God controls all of life and I am starting to trust him with all of my life.

Facts I learned about the Bible

2008-02-14T21:14:00.001-08:00

These are things I learned while studying to become a member of Shelton Park Baptist Church.
-The Bible had over 40 different writers
-The Bible covered over 1,500 years
-It contains 66 books
-Main themes is that God created all of man kind for His enjoyment, we have the freewill to believe or not, and we need a savior, His son Jesus Christ.
-2 Parts. New and Old Testament.
-39 books in the Old Testament
-27 books in the New Testament
-The Old Testament has 4 Subsections
-The first is The Pentateuch or The Law
-5 books
-Genesis-The Beginning
-Exodus-The Exit
-Leviticus-The Priests
-Numbers-The Numbering of the children of Israel
-Deuteronomy-The Law given a second time
-The next 12 books go over the history of the Hebrews
-Joshua, Judges, Ruth, I Samuel, II Samuel, I Kings, II Kings, I Chronicles, II Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther are these books.
-The 3rd part is The Wisdom/Worship Litrature which is made of 4 books, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiates, Song of Solomon
-The 4th part is The Prophets
-There are 17 prophets including major and minor prophets
-Major:Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, and Daniel
-Minor:Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.
-Thre is 400 years of silence between the New and Old Testament becasue there weren't any prophets in Isreal
-The New Testament has 5 parts.
-The Gospels are testimonials and they include Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
-The first three are known as The Synoptic Gospels because they are similar.
-Acts is the New Testament History and records of Apostle Paul
-The 3rd part is the Pauline Epistles and there are 14 of them
-They are Romans, I Corinthians, II Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, I Thessalonians, II Thessalonians, I Timothy, II Timothy, Titus, Philemon, and Hebrews
- Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians are the prison Epistle
- I Timothy, II Timothy, Titus are the pastoral Epistles
-There are 7 General Epistle, James, I Peter, II Peter, I John, II John, III John, Jude.
-The 5th and final part is the Apocalypthic Literature or the Book of Revelations

Thanks to Pastor Steve for giving me this information so I can become a member to the church and learn more about the word of God.

God smiles when I trust him

2008-02-14T21:11:00.002-08:00

Point to Ponder: God smiles when I trust him.

It's really good to know that God smiles when I trust my life in him. I give myself to him and want to live and do what ever God wants me to. My faith is truly growing each day as I study the Bible and other books that go along with the Bible. I thirst to learn more about God and truly enjoy studying his word.

Verse to Remember: "The Lord is pleased with those who worship him and trust his love." - Psalm 147:11

Question to Consider: Since God knows what is best, in what areas of my life do I need to trust him most?

The areas I need to trust God in most are my future, and death. I need trust that God is guiding my future and how I am going to serve him best. I've started to see this and it has really helped reduce my stress and makes me look forward to what is to come. Death has always been something that I feared and wondered about and it's still something that remains in the back of my mind. My fear is starting to turn into trust, but I need to continue to trust the Lord. I also need to trust God more in my relationships. I haven't had a girlfriend yet and it used to really bug me. But now I know God will help me with this when the time and person is right. I think over all my trust in God is growing stronger and will do so through out my life.

I was planned for God's pleasure

2008-02-14T21:11:00.001-08:00

Point to Ponder: I was planned for God's pleasure

I know I am here to worship God and live for his purpose. It makes me strong knowing I am here for God. I know my purpose and I am ready to serve the Lord.

"The Lord takes pleasure in his people." - Psalm 149:4

Question to Consider: What common task could I start doing as if I were doing it directly for Jesus.

I think that one thing that I could change as if I were acting in a way Jesus would approve of is to treat others nicer. I say or do rude things to people or say something about them when they aren't around and I know it's not right. I know how it feels to have people say rude things about me and I should really stop doing it to others. In common tasks, I should put more joy in everything I do. A lot of the time I think of things as a burden and a waste of my time. If I treat things the way I would if I were doing them for Jesus then nothing would be a burden of waste of time. Also, considering God gave me time, it;s not mine, but his so I should spend it doing things for him.

It’s all for Him

2008-02-14T21:09:00.004-08:00

Point to Ponder: It's all for Him.

Amen! I am starting to really see this truth and I know I want to live my life for the glory of God. I want to serve his purpose and follow His word.

Verse to Remember: "For everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by his power, and everything is for his glory." - Romans 11:36

Question to Consider: Where in my daily rountine can I become more aware of God's glory?

I think all parts of my life can focus on God's glory more than they do now. I really want to live for God and I am learn about his word and changing my ways so I can live for his glory.

This world is not my home

2008-02-14T21:09:00.003-08:00

Point to Ponder: This world is not my home

I've come to see that my real home is Heaven with God. I have truly felt this restless feeling that I couldn't explain. It is like I am never at home and now I know why. I long to be with God in Heaven. I used to fear death and what it may bring. I am starting to see that dieing means I am going home to God.

Verse to remember: "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
- 2 Corinthians 4:18

Question to Consider: How should the fact that life on earth is just a temporary assignment change the way I am living right now?

I think that knowing this life is temporary makes me want to live it the right way, for God. I want to follow God's purpose for me so that when I am at Heaven's door step and God asks me what I've done with my life, I can tell Him I lived for Him. I want to let go of worldly things and I want to help others find the grace of God. I don't want to live for myself any more and want to live for God and helping others. I am really looking forward and I am glad that it's a new year and that I've finally found God.

creed

2008-02-14T21:09:00.001-08:00

A creed is a statement or confession of belief (usually religious belief) or faith. The word derives from the Latin: credo for I believe and credimus for we believe.

Temptation and evil are all around us

2008-02-14T21:07:00.000-08:00

Society uses temptation to get us to do what they want. I've known this for awhile (although I recently have started battling it), but many don't see it. I just saw an ad on my home page for Scope and Crest that said "Bright smile. Dirty mind. You got male." Sex and tooth paste, does no one else see this! They are saying use our tooth paste and you will get some. It's not just here, but every where you look. Beer, smoking, tv show, movie, clothing, music, ads all use this tatic and there are many others who use it I didn't mention. What many don't realize that society is a mask for Satan. He is the one tempting us. He wants us to jion him in hell. He was to see us turn from God and absorb ourselves in sin and worldly things. Don't get me wrong. I am not some self righteous person. I've sinned. I've given in. And it hurts me. But I've also come to find Christ and recieved Him as my savior. He died for my sins so I don't have to. But I am trying to change and defeat the temptations that have binded me for way to long. I want others to realize what temptation is and who is behind it. So I hope you listen to this advice. Check out a church, pick up a Bible and see how it can change your life. What I found is to great to keep silent about and I have to share it with others. In fact, I believe that is my mission as a christian.

Life is a test and a trust.

2008-02-14T21:06:00.000-08:00

Point to Ponder: Life is a test and a trust.

I've come to see this more clearly as I grow in my faith. I never realized all the things that are tests. Really, life as a whole is a test. It's become my mission to pass these tests in the way God wants me to. I also understand that as a human, I may stumble and fail some tests, but those tests are the ones that more important because I may face a similar test down the road and hopefully I can pass it the second time.

Verse to Remember: "Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones" - Luke 16:10

Question to Consider: What has happened to me recently that I now realize was a test from God? What are the greatest matters God has entrusted to me?

I've come to see so many tests around me from God. I noticed at work that I had been making a few small cuts on my clean ups. Now I do everything as I am supposed to. I also think my temper is being test with the owner and how he treats me. I want to explode and cuss him out, but I know this is not the right thing to do. These seem like small, but its every where. At school, someone asked me to buy them cigs and I said no. I mean these tests are every where. I am afraid I might be missing some and failing them, but as my faith grows, I trust that God will help me pass these tests. The greatest matters God has entrusted me with at this time would probably be to learn more about His word and try to grow more in my faith. I also think I am here to help others around me found God and His glory.

Very good quote from the Purpose Driven Life

2008-02-14T21:02:00.000-08:00

"Every act of our lives strikes some cord that will vibrate in eternity." - The Purpose Driven Life

This quote really makes you think about how your actions will impact you when you satnd before God. Ate you ready to face Him? Can you answer the two questions?
Did you accept my Son, Jesus Christ?
What did you do with your life?
The first is straight forward. The second is asking if you severed God with your life. These are some deep and important things to think about. You should really consider accepting Christ if you haven't already, He is the only way to salvation. Only he can bring you to God.

There is more to life then just here and now

2008-02-14T21:01:00.000-08:00

Point to Ponder: There is more to life then just here and now

I know this to be true and I've tried to cast aside earthly things. Most things are easy for me to get past such as swearing and selfishness. The one thing I do have trouble with is lust. I am trying my hardest to get past it and need God's strength to do so.

Verse to Remember: "This world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever."
- 1 John 2:17

Question to Consider: Since I was made to last forever, what is the one thing I should stop doing and the one thing I should start doing today?

The one thing that I've been very hard on stopping is my lusting. This is a battle that I will win with the help of God. Other then that, I want to devote more time to spreading God's word and using my broadcasting talent to help me to do this.

Living on purpose is the path to peace.

2008-02-14T20:56:00.001-08:00

Point to Ponder: Living on purpose is the path to peace.

I found that finding God and leting Him lead me is the path I want to take. I found that taking this path had made me happy and enjoy life a lot more. I know I want to do what God wants me to and I will devote my life to Him.

Verse to Remember: "You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you."
- Isaiah 26:3

Question to Consider: What would my family and friends say is the driving force of my life? What do I want it to be?

I think that people would now see that God is the driving force in my life and that is how I want it to be. If people just listened to God and His word, life would be so much better for a lot of people. This is what I found for myself and I want to spread this to others.

I am not an accident.

2008-02-14T20:55:00.000-08:00

Point to Ponder: I am not an accident.

I've never felt like I was an accident, but I've to come to understand better that God made me for a purpose and has a plan for my life. I want to live for God and His purpose and trust in Him to guide me.

Verse to Remember: "I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born."
- Isaiah 44:2

Question to Consider: I know that God uniquely created me. What areas of my personality, background, and physical appearance am I struggling to accept?

The only yhing about my self that I struggle with is my weight and even that doesn't hold me down that much. Other then that my temper and anger sometimes ar

It's not all about me.

2008-02-14T20:54:00.000-08:00

I started The Purpose Driven Life and I am going to record my thoughts about it here.

Point to Ponder: It's not all about me.

I used to wonder all the time what I was here for and what I was going to do with my life. I've come to realize that it's not about me, but about God. God gave me life and God has a purpose for me. He knows what my whole life is going to be and I have to let Him guide me. It seems hard some times, but I have faith that God will lead me.

Verse to Remember: "Everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him."
- Colossians 1:16

Question to Consider: In spite of all the advertising around me, how can I remind myself that life is really about living for God, not myself?

I've come to see more clearly that God put me here and that it's about him. If he gave me this than I believe I should serve him. I want to spread His word and do what he wants of me. I've never got much out of living for myself and making myself happy. Now I know why. I want to live for God and also help others. The word of God, The Bible has helped me see this.

Karma?

2008-02-14T20:29:00.000-08:00

Karma-(Sanskrit: kárma (help·info), kárman- "act, action, performance"[1]; Pali: kamma) is the concept of "action" or "deed" in Indian religions understood as denoting the entire cycle of cause and effect described in Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Buddhist philosophies.

The explanation of karma can differ per tradition. Usually it is believed to be a sum of all that an individual has done, is currently doing and will do. Karma is not about retribution, vengeance, punishment or reward; karma simply deals with what is. The effects of all deeds actively create past, present and future experiences, thus making one responsible for one's own life, and the pain and joy it brings to others.

I used to kind of believe this stuff. Now I know the truth. There is no punishment for bad actions or good actions based on which we do. It's based on our faith in God and what He does. If we live a sinful life and turn on God, He may do something that would be percieved as bad by many, but it's really His way to help people find Christ. There isn't retribution of sins in this world. We are punished for our sins, if don't accept Christ, in hell. Agian, God can do things to help lead us to Him.
I have seen this in action. I work at a pizza place and we had a time order for 6:00. Well somebody put in the oven at like 5:30 and when came out, the owner of the place just starts freaking out. He took the Lord's name invain more times then I could count. He throws out the food too. About two minuted after this a man comes in and I wait on him. Turns out it's the guy that placed the time order. He was 15 minutes earliy!! An employee said that was karma to the owner, but I knew it was God, telling the owner that his actions weren't right, although I don't think the owner saw it like that.

Symbolism of Thorns

2008-02-14T20:24:00.000-08:00

In Christian symbolism, thorns and thistles represent the fall of man, sin, sorrows, trials, snares, adversity, enemies, temptations, the wicked, and the Passion of Jesus Christ. Thorns came upon the earth when the Lord cursed the ground to punish Adam's transgression (Gen 3:18). Christ, therefore, wore the symbol of sin and punishment as He atoned for our sins.

thorn –noun something that wounds, annoys, or causes discomfort.

Evanescence - Lies

2008-02-10T19:18:00.000-08:00

I love music and thank God for blessing us with it. I like to look at songs and try to find Christian lyrics and meanings behind them. I know Evanescence says they aren't a Christian band, but a lot of their songs sure seem to be influenced by Christ and how He is salvation. The song I am looking into now is Lies. It's off their first album Origin, which was released in Little Rock, Arkansas , their home town.

Lies by Evanescence

Bound at every limb by my shackles of fear
Sealed with lies through so many tears
Lost from within, pursuing the end
I fight for the chance to be lied to again

You will never be strong enough
You will never be good enough
You were never conceived in love
You will not rise above

They'll never see
I'll never be
I'll struggle on and on to feed this hunger
Burning deep inside of me

But through my tears breaks a blinding light
Birthing a dawn to this endless night
Arms outstretched, awaiting me
An open embrace upon a bleeding tree

Rest in me and I'll comfort you
I have lived and I died for you
Abide in me and I vow to you
I will never forsake you

They'll never see
I'll never be
I'll struggle on and on to feed this hunger
Burning deep inside of me
They'll never see
I'll never be
I'll struggle on and on to feed this hunger
Burning deep inside of me

Rest in me, I'll comfort you
I have lived and died for you
Abide in me, I vow to you
I will never forsake you

They'll never see
I'll never be
I'll struggle on and on to feed this hunger
Burning deep inside of me

"Bound at every limb by my shackles of fear
Sealed with lies through so many tears
Lost from within, pursuing the end
I fight for the chance to be lied to again"

I think this whole part of the song is dealing with being
lost and lied to by false prophets and preachers.
When your lost, you cling to false hopes and lies because
you don't know what the truth is. You realize
they are lies and move on to more lies and false teachings.

"You will never be strong enough
You will never be good enough
You were never conceived in love
You will not rise above

They'll never see
I'll never be
I'll struggle on and on to feed this hunger
Burning deep inside of me"

You is talking about the false teachers and beliefs.
All these statements are true about false doctrine.
They aren't strong enough to save you. They are not good enough
to save you because Christ is the only
one who was ever perfect on this earth.
False
teachings aren't conceived in love because God is love.
The Bible says
"Anyone who does not know love does not know God.
- For God is love."
- 1 John 4:8
If you know false teaching instead of God and His word,
you don't know love.
God is love, not lies,

"But through my tears breaks a blinding light
Birthing a dawn to this endless night
Arms outstretched, awaiting me
An open embrace upon a bleeding tree

Rest in me and I'll comfort you
I have lived and I died for you
Abide in me and I vow to you
I will never forsake you"

This verse is clearly speaking of Christ coming through
the darkness to free the lost
of the lies that so many follow in this world.
God can light the endless night that so
many are consumed by. I felt this vacuum myself.
I know how it is to be lost in darkness,
not sure of the truth and which way to go.
If you rest in Christ, He will comfort you.
Christ lived and died for us too!
Think about what He went through on the cross for us.
He was sinless, yet He took all our sins upon
Himself and died for them.
Doesn't that amaze you like it does me.
Lastly, if you follow Him and believe in Him, he will never,
ever forsake you. Many of these things can be found in the Bible
and I have heard my
pastor speak of them, and have read about them.

I hope that this may reach someone out there.
I think that music is a powerful tool that
can be used to reach people without Christ.

Too Christian or obsessed with God?

2008-02-10T17:13:00.000-08:00

I don't think there is such a thing as being too Christian or obsessed with God. What some my not understand is that when you truly find Christ,
your whole life is changed. You realize all the things you have done wrong and how empty you are. You learn that Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and that Christ is the only way to God and Heaven (John 14:6). When you start living the way God and Christ wants you to, you will make major
changes, although they usally take time, and may seemed "obsessed with God" to someone who is lost. I feel that my best response to this comment is to tell the person how knowing and accepting Christ will change your life. I am not going to grow out of my religion, and I pray that my desire to spread the Word of God doesn't fade. I won't be dragged down by the words of men who have no grounds to attack me. I know many people think it's odd or weird when people become really religious. There is something my pastor said that really helps explain the whole "holy roller" sterotype. How religious is too religious? We are supposed to give our lives to God, so wouldn't we give everything to God that we have? Once you truly find Christ, you understand the desire to serve God and to live your life for Him.

New Verse

2008-02-10T16:30:00.000-08:00

"Not my will, but yours, will be done."
- Luke 22:42

This is a verse that Christ said while praying in the garden before he was taken away. It's so powerful because it shows that Christ knew that God had a purpose, a will for Him and He would follow it. This is how I feel I need to be. God has a purpose for me and I wish to follow it.

Bible Verses I have memorized so far

2008-02-10T14:53:00.000-08:00

It's important to study the Bible and memorize verses. These are the ones I've gone over so far.

"The Lord is good, His mercy everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations."
- Psalm 100:5

"For I am the Lord, thy God. I will hold thy right hand saying unto thee, Fear not:I will help thee."
- Isaiah 41:13

"This world is fading away along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever."
- 1 John 2:17

"Surrender your whole being to God to be used for righteous puroposes."
- Romans 6:13

"For Jesus said. 'I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can reach the Father accept through me.'"
- John 14:6

"We know what love is when we realize that Christ died for our sins on the cross. This means we must give our lives for fellow believers."
- 1 John 3:16

"Turn from sin. Turn to God, for the kingdom of Heaven is near."
- Matthew 4:17

"God is doing what is right for us, training us to live God's holy best."
- Hebrews 12:10

Knowing scripture is so important. It's one of our arms in the battle agains Satan. Christ quoted the Word to Satan when he tried to tempt Christ. It's a way to turn your thoughts away from sin and think about God. The Bible is known as the Sword of the Spirit and this is why. I encourage you to try to remember one verse a week. I'll admit that I forgot Matthew 4:17 until I was looking through my verse journal, but I remembered the rest. The key is not to memorize the whole Bible at once, but to know verses that speak to you and that help you fight however Satan tempts you.

Evolution and the Modern Christian

2008-02-09T20:23:00.001-08:00

I read Evolution and the Modern Christian and it totally shoots down the idea of evolution. This book used a lot of proof
and logic to make the whole theroy of evolution look like the huge lie it is. First of all, the author described the main things used to back up evolution.
The first was the sperate groups used to classify species of animals (IE. Humans, birds, dinosaurs, etc) If we came from a
common ancestor then how could there be defined groups of species? Wouldn't we all be in one giant group? This proves that God createad us all individualy and special, not to mention there is no other species like the human race. Not to mention, if we all came from one thing, why isn't there more fossils of transitional animals? Say the horse some how evolved into the elephant (Just use this as an example). If the horse were to have evolved into the elephant, why isn't there any fossils found of the animals between the horse and the elephant? Also evolution is based on the idea that things change randomly and that these changes cause the animal to survive. Thing is these random mutations would more likely have killed the animal then helped it survive. In fact, evolutionists would agree that a drastic genetic mutation would kill 99.9 of animals. It's been modernly proven. How then could all these species mutate several times to end up how
they are now? Wouldn't everything have died from these major changes?

The second idea is the age of the Earth and all the different time periods used to describe the type of species living at the time. The perods used to explain evolution are Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic. The fossils of the world are supposed to fit into these groups and the fossils are found in a layered column that is supposed to consistant all over the world. Thing is it's not consitant. There are different layers around the world and the species are not always found in the same layer. The periods are based on the maturity of the species. (IE. the Paleozoic period has the most ancient
and less developed species, etc) Funny thing is the periods are then based on the theory of evolution. How can proof for a theory be based on that theory? Does that even make sence? Another point to be made about fossils is how they come to be. Fossils are only created when the dead organism is covered right away. Billions and billions of fossils exist in the world. How could all these orangisms be preserved perfectly over all these time periods? This is where the Bible and the idea of Catastrophism come in. In order for so many species to be perserved so well a major catastrophic event must have occured. Many religions, not just Christianity, believe that this event was a flood. Well, what do you know? Noah's flood!! The flood would have destroyed all those living things and the Bible says the whole world would change from how it was before. So in that single event all the orangisms (that weren't on the arc) would have been buried and mixed around by the water. There is of course the people that say "How did the animals all end up on the arc?" Well animals are God's creation so he must have told them to go to the arc. That simple. It's all in the Word of God folks.

Point three, energy and entropy. The law of energy says that energy can not be created or destroyed. The law of enthropy says that things are getting more and more disorganized, decaying, and dieing. Evolution says species are getting better, stronger, more adapt for their environment. How can this be? If things can't be created, how can species be created a new? And if things are heading in the derection of disorangization and death, how are species be getting more advanced and complex? Hmmm.

There was also a point about radioactive isotope of carbon and carbon dating. The
idea of carbon dating is that the level of radioactive isotopes is always the same, which means the atmospheric conditions must remain the same, which we all know not to be true. The atmosphere has changed a lot in just the last few years.

Lastly, the book goes over how all our answers to how life are found in the first book of the Bible, Genesis. A true Christian holds the Bible as the truth and the Word of God. Yet, if we choose to believe in evolution, which the Bible clearly states not to be true because God creates us, how can we believe the rest of the Bible? Jesus quoted Genesis and confirmed the event of the flood and God making the Earth. How can you except Christ as the truth and your savior if you deny the Book of Genesis?

Billions of People in Thousands of Years? (You need to read this)

2008-02-09T20:20:00.000-08:00

Billions of People in Thousands of Years?

Creationists are often asked, "How is it possible for the earth's population to reach 6.5 billion people if the world is only about 6,000 years old and if there were just two humans in the beginning?" Here is what a little bit of simple arithmetic shows us.

One Plus One Equals Billions

Let us start in the beginning with one male and one female. Now let us assume that they marry and have children and that their children marry and have children and so on. And let us assume that the population doubles every 150 years. Therefore, after 150 years there will be four people, after another 150 years there will be eight people, after another 150 years there will be sixteen people, and so on. It should be noted that this growth rate is actually very conservative. In reality, even with disease, famines, and natural disasters, the world population currently doubles every 40 years or so. 1

After 32 doublings, which is only 4,800 years, the world population would have reached almost 8.6 billion. That's 2 billion more than the current population of 6.5 billion people, which was recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau on March 1, 2006. 2 This simple calculation shows that starting with Adam and Eve and assuming the conservative growth rate previously mentioned, the current population can be reached well within 6,000 years.

Impact of the Flood

We know from the Bible, however, that around 2500 BC (4,500 years ago) the worldwide Flood reduced the world population to eight people. 3 But if we assume that the population doubles every 150 years, we see, again, that starting with only Noah and his family in 2500 BC, 4,500 years is more than enough time for the present population to reach 6.5 billion.

Evolutionists are always telling us that humans have been around for hundreds of thousands of years. If we did assume that humans have been around for 50,000 years and if we were to use the calculations above, there would have been 332 doublings, and the world's population would be a staggering figure—a one followed by 100 zeros; that is
10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,
000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,
000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,
000,000,000.

This figure is truly unimaginable, for it is billons of times greater than the number of atoms that are in the entire universe! Such a calculation makes nonsense of the claim that humans have been on earth for tens of thousands of years.

Simple, conservative arithmetic reveals clear mathematical logic for a young age of the earth. From two people, created around 6,000 years ago, and then the eight people, preserved on the Ark about 4,500 years ago, the world's population could have grown to the extent we now see it—over 6.5 billion.

With such a population clearly possible (and probable) in just a few thousand years, we could actually ask the question, "If humans were around millions of years ago, why is the population so small?" This is a question that evolution supporters must answer.

Dr. Monty White is now a young-earth creationist; however, as a young Christian, he believed in theistic evolution. Since 2000, he has been the CEO of Answers in Genesis—UK
http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/am/v1/n2/billions-of-people

How Shelton Park Changed my Life

2008-02-08T22:27:00.000-08:00

(This was an esay I wrote for my english class about how church really impacted my life. I hope people can read this and see how important church is to a soild Christian faith.)

How Shelton Park Changed my Life

There are a few places that I really enjoy. I like my home because I get to spend time with my family. I like Headliners in Toledo because I have seen some great concerts there. But the one place that I would say that is my favorite place is my church, Shelton Park Baptist Church. There are many reasons why I like church and I will explain them in this paper.

The major reason I love church is that Christ made the church and it's a place to worship God, although God should be worshiped outside of church as well. Belonging to a church is the next step in strong faith after accepting Jesus Christ as the savior. I love Shelton Park Baptist Church because it's not a strict church. God loves us the way we are. He doesn't like when we don't express ourselves as whom we are and instead dress up in a way we don't usually and in a way that makes us uncomfortable. This is why Shelton Park doesn't require its' attendants to dress up. I also love Shelton Park because the church is about worshipping God and spreading His word. Even though Shelton Park is a Baptist church, there aren't any Baptist rules or doctrine. Our pastor, Steve Whalen, believes in preaching the Bible and doesn't incorporate any other do doesn't incorporate any other doctrines or agendas. He tries to deliver the Word of God in the purist and most helpful form. Our worship services are very upbeat with a mix of contemporary music and classic Christian hymens. Our worship team consists of two guitarists, three vocalists, and Pastor Steve on drums. The people in worship team are all very talented and bring a lot to our worship services. Another reason I love church is because the people are so kind.

When I first came to Shelton Park, I only knew Matt Reinhart, and I knew his cousin Mellissa a little bit. I felt out of place when I first walked in, but by the time I left I felt like I belonged there. A couple weeks past and I felt like Shelton Park was a second home. Everyone there is so nice and accepted me and didn’t judge me. They treat everyone who walks into Shelton Park this way. I made friends fast with Amy and Mandie, the pastors daughters; Dixie, the pastor’s wife; Toby Sass, Matt’s other cousin; and Amanda Brown, Amy’s friend. All these people are so happy and full with the love of Christ. Matt has become my best friend. He invited me to go to church in November and it was an answer to a prayer. I needed to find a church for a while now and thank Matt for bringing me to Shelton Park. The Bible says that church should be a home and the people there your family, and I truly feel this. Pastor Steve is a great man who is filled with compassion and the desire to spread the word of God. He has really helped change my life and influenced me to find Christ and become and authentic Christian. His sermons are also very enlightening and help me understand the Bible and what it means to be a true Christian.

I always wanted to go to a church that was true to God and the Bible and I wanted to go to a church where I could learn about God, the Bible, and the other aspects of Christianity I found this at Shelton Park. Pastor Steve delivers some of the most powerful messages that I have heard. His sermons not only incorporate the Bible, but he uses examples from the world outside of church such as movies and music to help us understand his message better. He incorporates humor in his sermons too. His most recent sermons have focused on spreading the word of God and being responsible to the church. This is my next reason for loving church.

The Purpose Driven Life states that one needs to be more then a regular attendee of church. One needs to be an active part of the church and this is something I really love doing. I have recently become the tech man of Shelton Park. On Wednesdays I make a slide show presentation with all the song lyrics for the songs we sing on Sunday. On Sunday, before the service starts, I add notes from Pastor Steve’s sermon to the presentation. I play a CD at the start and end of the service, I play the video during offering, and I change the slides during the entire service. I am also in charge of the microphones, the sound levels for all the types of media, and for recording the Pastor’s sermons. I don’t consider any of these tasks work because I love doing things to help the church. I am also looking forward to the things we have planned for the future. I am working on launching a MySpace for our church, and we also want to make videos to advertise the church and spread the word of God. In addition to this Matt and I are working a video for my broadcasting class, and plan on recording the songs he as composed.

Hence forth, I love church for many reasons. The people there are all great and are like family to me. Church is like my second home and I learn a lot from Pastor Steve’s sermons. The most important reason I love church is that Jesus Christ made the church and it is a place to worship God. I really love Christ, God, and His word and I want to spend the rest of my life living for God and spreading His word. I feel that Shelton Park really helped me find this path. I truly found Christ and God. I am the happiest I have ever been in my life and so many things make sense now. I really owe thanks to the people of Shelton Park for helping me and making me feel so welcome. I truly feel the love of God working through these people and I pray that our church can reach more lost people and help them find Christ and purpose.

My Testimony

2008-02-08T20:00:00.000-08:00

(This is my testimony that I wrote for when I get Baptized. If this is the only blog you ever read of mine, please leave comments and let me know what you think.)

Death - My life before Christ
I can't remember exactly when I first learned about God and Christ, but I do remember thinking about them for much of my life. Throughout my young teen years, I recall both my Mother and Grandpa talking to me about Christ. My Grandpa encouraged me to memorize the Lord's Prayer and wanted me to go to church with him. I lost my Grandpa before we could do this. My Grandfather's death was hard, but it didn't push me away from Christ and God.

In fact, it brought me closer. This closeness was short lived and I started down a path that was devoid of the happiness of Christ. I lost my Grandpa in the summer before my eighth grade year. This year was particularly hard for me because my Grandfather was such a deep influence on my life and without him; I looked for other people to replace that relationship. My parents have always been there for me and have raised me to be a person of good morals, but at the time, the relationship I had with them was not the same as the one I had with my Grandpa.

I tired to fit in with guys at school. To do this I did things that compromised my morals, like swearing and judging girls. This bending of who I am really started my spiral downward. I did some things that broke my parents trust and I learned a heavy lesson about lying. We moved here to Lambertville and I thought that this would be a clean slate. I could find a church and perhaps find happiness. I got to Bedford High and didn't know anyone. The size of the school and the fact I didn't know anyone really frightened me. So again, I bent myself to fit in with the guys at school. I put up with them mocking me and did the same back sometimes. I had such desperation to fit in that I was not only willing to compromise what I felt to be the right thing to do, but my self-esteem, as well.

I really felt lost for the first three years of my high school year. I started work in my junior year and again, to fit in I bent who I was to feel like I fit in. It was coming to the point where I was seriously thinking about drinking, smoking pot, and rebelling against my parents. It reached its climax at the beginning of my senior year. I realized that I was going to graduate soon. I started thinking about what I was going to do with my life and what I've done so far. I had a new found talent in broadcasting and I was thinking that this was my future. But I kept asking myself where I was going in life. I mean, the really deep thoughts about what life is all about. I felt I had no purpose. Sure I could be a famous radio or T.V. personality, but is that what it is all about?

I started waking up spiritually. I thought so much about all the times that I had sinned, all the ugly things I've done and thought about doing. I realized that I couldn't blame anyone for it. It wasn't my friends or co workers fault, and certainly not my Grandpa or parents fault. I realized it was my own. I thought about what would happen to me if I died. I believed in Heaven and Hell and God and Satan, and I realized that if I were to die, I was most likely going to hell and this scared me so much. At the same time I felt so lost, so empty. I didn't know what to do with my life and I didn't have the power to change myself and or my destructive habits.

I recall crying so hard one night and praying to God to take my life. I was so lost I wanted death because I didn't know what to do with my life. I was standing at this fork in life. One path; the one my foot was moving towards, was full of more pain, darkness and things like drugs, sex, alcohol, lies, and maybe death or suicide. The other path I saw and recently found was with Christ.

Revelation - How I truly found Christ.
As had mentioned before, I first thought about Christ and God seriously when me Mom and Grandpa talked to me about them. I had my brushes with God and Christ through out my young adult life and actually considered my self a Christian. I believe that the seed of Christ has been growing in me for so long that it finally busted out. I started reading the Bible, hungry for truth and purpose in life. I talked to my parents about finding a church and I researched a few.

One day I get a call from my former manger and friend from Tiffany's, Matt Reinhart. He asked me if I wanted to go to church with him one day and of course I leapt at the chance. So I came here to Shelton Park Baptist Church on November 4th, 2007. I remember that Pastor Steve did a sermon on respecting your parents and I really got a lot out of that. Slowly, I started changing and I knew that this church was going to help me find Christ. So, I went a couple weeks and Matt gave me a Bible study guide for new believers. I finished the third step and really felt something in me. I prayed to God and accepted Christ as my savior, again and this time I knew for sure that I was saved and that my life was forever changed.

It's hard to explain the feeling when you finally know Christ to someone who doesn't know Him, but the best I can do is that it's like this internal uplifting. It's like what is said in the song, Amazing Grace: "I once was lost, but now I am found, was blind, but now I see."
I now know that my life belongs to Christ and God and that they have a purpose for me.

New Life - How my life has changed thanks to Christ
My life has changed so much now that I truly know Christ and God. I realized that I wanted to live life like an authentic Christian and have been changing according to the Bible. The Word of God has become my guide to life and I thirst to know God better. I have a purpose in life now. Actually, I have come to the realization that God has a purpose for my life and I give myself to his purpose, whatever it may be. I am truly happy now. I know that my salvation is secure in Christ and I know that I am trying to live the way Christ did. I realize that God has given me many gifts, such as creating movies, talking with people, and loving to help people. I know that my purpose is to reach out and bring people to Christ for salvation. I've found that God has given me the strength to talk about and represent my faith to everyone. I am in no way embarrassed of my faith and know I need to reach others.

Shelton Park has becoming a great thing in my life and I know God brought me here both to help me and to help others. I love being involved here at church and I've prayed that God help this church, help the lost and to let it grow; we have already started to see this happen. I have to thank a lot of people who have helped the seed of Christ in me. There have been teachers, fellow students, friends, and family members who have helped the seed grow in me. I have to thank Matt for bringing me here to Shelton Park and being a great friend and a fellow brother in Christ. I have to thank Pastor Steve for being a great leader that has helped me understand the Word of God more. I have to thank Mandie, Amy, Dixie, Amanda Brown, and the rest of you for making me feel so welcome here at Shelton Park.

Of the last, but not the least people that I have to thank; is my family. You have stood beside me and helped me so much. Mom and Dad, you guys raised me to be a good and honest person. You've done a great job with me and I thank you so much for you all have done for me. I love you.

And, my sister; you have always been my friend and I love you so much. I want you to know that I am always here for you. I want you guys to know that you are very important to me and I want to share my relationship and life with Christ with you so much. I hope that hearing this plants the seed in you.

Lastly, and certainly most importantly, I need to thank Jesus Christ and God. I thank Christ for dying on the cross for us and our sins. I thank him for giving us all a second chance and for bringing us to the Father. I thank God for giving us everything; Life, earth, each other, everything. I thank him for giving his only son to die on the cross for our sins so we can be saved. I praise God and all his glory.