8.29.2011
Psalm 1
Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
Today, I was reading back through this passage. Great wisdom can be found in these few verses. We as believers are to look at ourselves and pattern our lives not after the ways of the world, but we are to pattern our lives by meditating on the Word of God throughout the day to be able to rightly divide the word of truth. We are to be able to give an account for Christ. We are to stand out, be difference makers. Not, living in sin, running from God, chasing after thing that will profit nothing. We are to be leaving our mark in the world, for Christ. For it is through him that all things are possible and all truth is revealed. So, go change the world today and see what Christ can do through you! He is able, if you are willing!
May God Bless and Keep you today!
8.28.2011
I'm Back
It is my goal to from this day forward blog here, daily. To present topics evident to what is going on around us and to help us with the daily struggles we all have. Take this journey with me. It is sure to be a blast.
May God Bless and Keep you! Go change the world!
May God Bless and Keep you! Go change the world!
1.22.2010
God is on the Throne!
Greetings in the name of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
The past month has been truly amazing, God has really showed up in mighty ways! From showing up in seconds to show how He can provide money for a trip that He truly wants you to be on, to direction in life situations! Jesus provides and I am proud to say that, by God's will I will be headed to Israel in about a month. I am having the most amazing time in classes, they all are teaching me so much about Jesus! Learning more about Jesus always excites me! I am excited about starting a new bible study at school this semester called "Forgotten God" by Francis Chan. In today's church, the Holy Spirit has been downsized, even excluded from the Christian life! Jesus told His disciples of the Spirit that would come upon them. The Spirit is God within us, its a part of the Trinity that should never be excluded because it like we have a "personal Jesus" with us at all times! This should a fun and exciting semester, I can't wait!!
May God Bless and Keep you!
The past month has been truly amazing, God has really showed up in mighty ways! From showing up in seconds to show how He can provide money for a trip that He truly wants you to be on, to direction in life situations! Jesus provides and I am proud to say that, by God's will I will be headed to Israel in about a month. I am having the most amazing time in classes, they all are teaching me so much about Jesus! Learning more about Jesus always excites me! I am excited about starting a new bible study at school this semester called "Forgotten God" by Francis Chan. In today's church, the Holy Spirit has been downsized, even excluded from the Christian life! Jesus told His disciples of the Spirit that would come upon them. The Spirit is God within us, its a part of the Trinity that should never be excluded because it like we have a "personal Jesus" with us at all times! This should a fun and exciting semester, I can't wait!!
May God Bless and Keep you!
12.08.2009
Day of Rest!
After a very stressful semester, I took a day off to rest and be spiritually recharged. Many times we as Christians run ourselves down and we have to have a renewal, by spending time with God. What a wonderful day it has been and I am writing this at the start of a new day!
Sunday, I got to spend some time with some kin folk and preached the morning service at Amity Baptist Church in Whatley, AL. What a great morning it was! I was able to speak, with God's direction, on the life of Jeremiah. I really love Jeremiah's life, it gives me and every Christian believer great hope and joy.
Jeremiah was a man that was called out by God to be a prophet and was given a task that many people would not prefer to do. He was to carry God's judgments to the nations. These nations had turned their backs on the One and Only, True God, they had turned to other gods. He doubted his calling, saying that he was young and did not know how to speak. God told him that His words would be in his mouth. Jeremiah went to the nations declaring God's judgments.....with no one listening to him and turning from their gods.
We as Christians need to look at Jeremiah's life and see that he was given a task by God and he faithfully obeyed Him, even though the people rejected what he said. He was faithful and he did exactly what God had told him to do.
(Jeremiah 1)
1) Jeremiah was called out by God.
2) Jeremiah doubted that he was capable of doing what God had commanded, God reassured him.
3) Will you be faithful to Him?
Today is the day! Faithfully follow whatever He tells you to do and go wherever He leads!
May God Bless and Keep you!
Sunday, I got to spend some time with some kin folk and preached the morning service at Amity Baptist Church in Whatley, AL. What a great morning it was! I was able to speak, with God's direction, on the life of Jeremiah. I really love Jeremiah's life, it gives me and every Christian believer great hope and joy.
Jeremiah was a man that was called out by God to be a prophet and was given a task that many people would not prefer to do. He was to carry God's judgments to the nations. These nations had turned their backs on the One and Only, True God, they had turned to other gods. He doubted his calling, saying that he was young and did not know how to speak. God told him that His words would be in his mouth. Jeremiah went to the nations declaring God's judgments.....with no one listening to him and turning from their gods.
We as Christians need to look at Jeremiah's life and see that he was given a task by God and he faithfully obeyed Him, even though the people rejected what he said. He was faithful and he did exactly what God had told him to do.
(Jeremiah 1)
1) Jeremiah was called out by God.
2) Jeremiah doubted that he was capable of doing what God had commanded, God reassured him.
3) Will you be faithful to Him?
Today is the day! Faithfully follow whatever He tells you to do and go wherever He leads!
May God Bless and Keep you!
10.31.2009
Conviction Power!
Over the past few weeks, I have been convicted of several things!
1) Not spending enough time with God.
2) Not relying on God to work through things.
3) Not relying on God financially.
4) Limiting God, putting God in a box.
5) Lack of faith.
6) Lacking trust.
7) Blaming others.
8) Being critical of others.
9) Not keeping my blog up to date.
10) Thinking about what others might think.
11) Not going on a mission trip that I believe that I am called to go on because of money.
- The list could go on and on.
Mainly the one that I am most concern with is not spending enough time with the Sovereign God that gave me life through Jesus Christ. Don't get me wrong, I spend a little time with God, but not nearly what I should.
"Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so." (Acts 17:11 NASB)
Paul is telling us of the people of Berea, they are looking into the Word closely to make sure that the things they were being told were right and many believed! We are to be digging daily into scripture, seeking to grow so close to God that every essence of who He is, is who you are! We cannot live, not spending time with Him daily, and not just quickly reading through a few scriptures and saying "I've spent my time with God today!" There has to be a digging into scripture, an examination, of the text. This is so that you can know that what you have been taught is correct!
Paul says in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
Many people will not like you when you stand for the truth, so do not worry about people when you know you are standing for what is right!
So, my brothers and sisters, I know that this all comes from a lack of faith and trust. So, I have a renewed spirit and I hope that an overflowing of God's spirit would be evident over my life. I hope that every essence of who God is, is who I am. Having the same love and passion as our Lord, Jesus Christ.
May God Bless and Keep you!
1) Not spending enough time with God.
2) Not relying on God to work through things.
3) Not relying on God financially.
4) Limiting God, putting God in a box.
5) Lack of faith.
6) Lacking trust.
7) Blaming others.
8) Being critical of others.
9) Not keeping my blog up to date.
10) Thinking about what others might think.
11) Not going on a mission trip that I believe that I am called to go on because of money.
- The list could go on and on.
Mainly the one that I am most concern with is not spending enough time with the Sovereign God that gave me life through Jesus Christ. Don't get me wrong, I spend a little time with God, but not nearly what I should.
"Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so." (Acts 17:11 NASB)
Paul is telling us of the people of Berea, they are looking into the Word closely to make sure that the things they were being told were right and many believed! We are to be digging daily into scripture, seeking to grow so close to God that every essence of who He is, is who you are! We cannot live, not spending time with Him daily, and not just quickly reading through a few scriptures and saying "I've spent my time with God today!" There has to be a digging into scripture, an examination, of the text. This is so that you can know that what you have been taught is correct!
Paul says in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
Many people will not like you when you stand for the truth, so do not worry about people when you know you are standing for what is right!
So, my brothers and sisters, I know that this all comes from a lack of faith and trust. So, I have a renewed spirit and I hope that an overflowing of God's spirit would be evident over my life. I hope that every essence of who God is, is who I am. Having the same love and passion as our Lord, Jesus Christ.
May God Bless and Keep you!
Operation Christmas Child!
Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan's Purse and each year they deliver thousands of shoe boxes around the world to children who may not have anything at all this Christmas. Each box contains the gospel message and a simple gift for a very appreciative child. My Chase the Lion bible study group and I have set to raise 250 boxes with all students at the University of Mobile. I believe it can be done because nothing is impossible with God. So, I urge you to get involved with Operation Christmas Child and create a shoe box that will impact a child's life forever. All you have to do is pack gifts such as school supplies, hygiene products, and toys, excluding war toys or flags. Include $7 in the box to ship your box around the world and that's it! You will greatly impact a child's life and spread the gospel. Please consider packing a shoe box!
May God Bless and Keep you!
10.16.2009
What makes us righteous in God's eyes?
Today I was thinking about my interview for a student pastor’s job at Gateway Baptist Church. God truly spoke at this interview throughout the night. I realize that I have been worrying about what everyone else thinks of me, not realizing God’s purpose in it all. I realized that people look at the things that you do and try to imply something totally different than the original meaning. God knows everything; currently, I am waiting on God to show these people…confronting them may be the best option. The fact of the matter is that I am a new creation in Christ, and at times I do stumble and fall to temptations that I am faced with, but God’s grace abounds. I was told that Gateway, as of yet, does not have a formal youth group. This would definitely be a missionary venture. I want to share the following passage with you; it was the passage that I shared with the students at Gateway, Philippians 3:1-12.
“Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. For we are the real circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness, under the law blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.”
This passage of scripture tells us a lot. To begin with, Paul was a man that was a man that went though a complete conversion. He is writing to the church at Philippi and telling them to REJOICE. He has told them this previously as we can tell from his wordage, he tells it to them again for their sake, so that they will know. He tell them to look out for “dogs,” “evildoers,” and “mutilators.” He is talking about people who try to tell them that they are to abide by the law. The phrase “dogs” were used by Pharisees to describe Gentiles. So, Paul is telling them to be extremely careful to what they listen to and discern what is true, to not listen to people that are trying to tell them to put confidence in what they have done. Paul goes on to say that if anyone should have confidence in the flesh it should be him because he was a Pharisee, one who upheld the law to the tiniest detail, he was a Hebrew of Hebrews, he had it all and was considered righteous by the law. He then tells the church that he counts all things as loss for the sake of Christ, he laid all those things down for the sake of following Christ. He realized that you can only be righteous by faith in the Son of God, Jesus Christ. So, he goes on to say that he strives to be like Him through everything. Lastly, he admits that he is not perfect and is constantly striving to be like Christ and urges them to do the same.
May God Bless and Keep you!
“Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. For we are the real circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness, under the law blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.”
This passage of scripture tells us a lot. To begin with, Paul was a man that was a man that went though a complete conversion. He is writing to the church at Philippi and telling them to REJOICE. He has told them this previously as we can tell from his wordage, he tells it to them again for their sake, so that they will know. He tell them to look out for “dogs,” “evildoers,” and “mutilators.” He is talking about people who try to tell them that they are to abide by the law. The phrase “dogs” were used by Pharisees to describe Gentiles. So, Paul is telling them to be extremely careful to what they listen to and discern what is true, to not listen to people that are trying to tell them to put confidence in what they have done. Paul goes on to say that if anyone should have confidence in the flesh it should be him because he was a Pharisee, one who upheld the law to the tiniest detail, he was a Hebrew of Hebrews, he had it all and was considered righteous by the law. He then tells the church that he counts all things as loss for the sake of Christ, he laid all those things down for the sake of following Christ. He realized that you can only be righteous by faith in the Son of God, Jesus Christ. So, he goes on to say that he strives to be like Him through everything. Lastly, he admits that he is not perfect and is constantly striving to be like Christ and urges them to do the same.
May God Bless and Keep you!
9.01.2009
8.31.2009
Our Life is in Christ, if We Have Believed in Him! Nothing Else!
Today, I was thinking about all of the things that have been going on inside of me through the past few weeks, with the pain that people can bring. For the past few weeks, I really feel that I have not let Christ live through me like He wants to. It has been a heavy burden that I have now give to God to handle completely. God is the most important aspect of anyone's life, if He is now apart of a person's life, they truly have not lived yet. You see, when God comes into a person's life, they are radically changed, they truly experience a love like no other, they experience the love of God. So with that said, He wants to cover every area of your life with His grace, and fill you completely with His Spirit. It is often very easy to get tied down and lose your focus in life, causing you to stumble and to not let the love of Christ shine through your life. I know, I've been there! So, let me tell you this....God is bigger than any pain you can ever bear, stronger than anything that you can imagine (imagine the strongest earthly thing you can think of, now multiply that times infinity, that doesn't even begin to describe how mighty our God is), He know everything that is happening and already knows the outcome. Just trust Him, He will carry all of the load that you are carrying, and provide you with a peace that surpasses all understanding! I love God, He loves us so!!! The world may cast you out, but remember they cast God out first! Jesus was God, in flesh. 100% God, 100% man....they rejected Him and beat Him to almost the point of death and nailed Him to a wooden cross.....He was buried in a borrowed tomb, and after three days He rose again!
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD! (Psalms 117:2)
May God Bless and Keep you!
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD! (Psalms 117:2)
May God Bless and Keep you!
8.22.2009
Through the Good times and through the Bad times!
As follower of the Author and Perfecter of all things, I lift my hands and say "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain" because over the past two weeks I have been burdened with the heaviest burdens that I have ever had to go through, with many questions and thoughts. Why Me? What did I do? How can I make this situation right? God, You live in me, what is causing this to happen? Even to the point of doubting my purpose! Through much prayer, walking and talking to God I have been reminded time and time again of the faithfulness of God and of His love that surpasses all understanding. I have nothing to give, but my ALL. God's love will never change! The past two weeks have been spiritually depressing, even more so than going to Wales and seeing all of the churches falling to the wayside. People even at a Christian university can be very hurtful, by actions and words, but the bible explicitly says that in our lives as Christians that things are going to happen, we will suffer hardships and many temptations and various persecution. We were never promised and life filled with every good thing, but were promised eternal life through Jesus dieing on a cross. People are hard to understand...God is helping me with that, definitely!
God,
Worthy are You, Lord above all the Earth, I pray asking for your wisdom. Also, I ask for Your love to pour from my life, for patience and understanding. I thank you for the life and call you have place in my life! I love you greatly, work through me and make me to be a light shine on the campus at UM, that all may know that You are Lord of ALL! I praise you! Use me to be a mighty warrior and carry the Light of Your Word to a dark and dieing world! I ask that you would cause a great revival on the campus of the University of Mobile, one that has never been seen before. This is Your school, founded on the true inspiration of Your Word. Bless this school with a fire for You! Thank you for loving me so!
In Jesus' name,
Amen
Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.
(Isaiah 40:28-31)
May God Bless and Keep you!
God,
Worthy are You, Lord above all the Earth, I pray asking for your wisdom. Also, I ask for Your love to pour from my life, for patience and understanding. I thank you for the life and call you have place in my life! I love you greatly, work through me and make me to be a light shine on the campus at UM, that all may know that You are Lord of ALL! I praise you! Use me to be a mighty warrior and carry the Light of Your Word to a dark and dieing world! I ask that you would cause a great revival on the campus of the University of Mobile, one that has never been seen before. This is Your school, founded on the true inspiration of Your Word. Bless this school with a fire for You! Thank you for loving me so!
In Jesus' name,
Amen
Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.
(Isaiah 40:28-31)
May God Bless and Keep you!
8.09.2009
Week of Preparation!
This week has been amazing, preparing for the new students at UM. Yesterday, the all moved in and these are some amazing people and can't wait to get to know them all. Being away from home is hard, and if I can make the transition any better that is truly what I aim to do. God knows everything and He is in control of all things. We as believers in Christ sometimes limit what God can do, so don't limit God. God will carry you through!
May God Bless and Keep you!
May God Bless and Keep you!
8.01.2009
Incredible Week in Wales!!!!
7.17.2009
Acts 15: 36-41
Paul is telling Barnabas that he should return to the people they had ministered to. Paul chose Silas and together they went out strengthening the churches. Today, we made our journey across the world, literary. We went from Mobile to Atlanta, Atlanta to Amsterdam, and from Amsterdam to Cardiff. We are still on the Atlanta to Amsterdam flight as the day is ending. I met a missionary that was traveling to Romania and was on the Amsterdam flight with us, while I was in the restroom of all place. Great place to meet new people! The man was going to Romania to deliver 300 lbs. of clothes that he had collected for the people there. Going through security was an experience I will never forget. Mobile security took a bottle of shaving cream that I forgot you couldn’t take on the airplane. Nick Lynch and I laughed about them taking my shaving cream because he had a bottle and they let him through. God’s creation is so beautiful from the sky, and He created it all in only six days! How amazing is He!
7.18.2009
Colossians 4:7
Today, we arrive in Amsterdam and after a few hours of waiting leave for Cardiff, our final destination. The Amsterdam security frisked Jacob. We arrive in Cardiff and we all went to collect our luggage and everyone’s luggage was there except mine. The airline had lost my luggage. I filled out a claim and the told us that they would call us if the found it or anything. Well, I was excited at this point to be in Wales, even though my luggage was lost. The customs officer did not believe me when I told her why I was coming into Wales, so I had to get Dr. Younce to tell the lady why we were there. We met by some of the church members, Glenis and Len, to take us to our host homes. We were then separated in to houses; Jacob, Courtney, and Aaron were in the home of young lady named Julie and her husband. Nick and I were brought to Marilyn and Gerald Manners, two of the nicest people you will ever meet. Dr. Younce and Mrs. Alice stayed with Ms. Glenis. We were told that were should take a 2-hour nap, and then get up and do something with our host families. We took our nap and then woke up and went for a neighborhood walk and went to the nearby shopping mall. Mrs. Marilyn and Mr. Gerald are always asking if they can get us tea or coffee. We ate dinner that night with the Manners. Afterwards we went to bed early.
7.19.2009
John 10:10
Today we got up and we to church service at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, the church that we were helping conduct a Holiday Bible Club. Pastor Rick spoke us to at the morning service. Jacob and Nick both gave their testimonies during the morning service. After morning church service we went to a nice sit down Chinese restaurant. The restaurant was nothing like the American-Chinese restaurants. The food was not as rick with sugary sauces, these were actually pretty healthy. The food was great; I had duck here for the first time, which was really good. The legal drinking age is 18 in Wales, so we were asked if we would like any beer or lager as it is in Wales. We later went for a 2-hour walk with the neighbor’s dogs on the beach and had a fabulous time. I had an oyster, which was an ice cream on top of a marshmallow in and cone oyster shell, it was really good. I was asked if I had ever had any candy floss by Mrs. Marilyn, I didn’t know what it was, so she bought us one to try. Turns out it was cotton candy. Tonight, Nick gave the evening message and Aaron, Courtney, and I gave our testimonies. After church, we ate at Haverty’s Pub & Grill and I had lamb for the first time. I am getting really excited about Wales! Today, I found out my luggage was lost in New York! Got on the wrong plane, oh well it will be alright.
7.20.2009
Psalm 16:11
Today was an exciting day, still no luggage but God is going to do mighty things this week, I can feel it. Today was the first day of the Holiday Bible Club. It amazed me that these children knew very little about Jesus. The most common answer that we got about who Jesus was that Jesus was a good man. The best answer that we got today was that Jesus sacrificed Himself for His friends. These children need Jesus and this week, I hope that God will reveal a small portion of Himself to these children. The children are where the future of the church lies. We also asked the children to day what loves means. One little boy blew us away by His answer, we didn’t expect him to say that, “Love is when a man and woman like each other so much that they do something and have children.” This was a little boy…needless to say we didn’t expect it. We ate at McDonalds; I had a BBQ Beef meal. McDonald’s meals in Wales do not come with a drink and the fries, or chips as they are called in Wales, have little salt, which is much better. We went to St. Frans castle and the Welsh Life Museum. Beautiful places, God has created so many beautiful things! What a mighty God we serve!! Later, we went to Burger King and I had some chili cheese snacks and some onion rings. Later, we went back to the church and had a Bible study and came back to our host family’s homes and went to sleep at about 10:30. It gets dark here at about 10:30pm and the sun rises at about 4:30am, which is very different from 8:30pm sunset and 6:30am sunrise that I am used to.
7.21.2009
Jeremiah 31:3
Today, I got sick in the early morning hours, at about 4am. Mrs. Marilyn told me that I was to stay at home today and not go to the school for the Holiday Bible Club. She gave me some herbal remedy that had a little morphine in it. It made me feel much better. I was really upset that I couldn’t make and told Mrs. Alice that I probably could make it, but she told me that I should rest and not risk getting sicker. Satan is trying to hold me back from ministering to these children, but he has been defeated, I will get better, He cannot hold me back from doing what God sent me here to do. My luggage arrived today, damaged, but everything was in the bag, which was great! Not much else happened, I met Mr. Gerald and Mrs. Marilyn’s son and her grandson named Tom. I was in the bed asleep and Tom asked Mrs. Marilyn if she allowed Americans to come into her living room. She came and told me what he said and that he wanted to meet me because he had never met an American before. Feeling a lot better! ☺
7.22.2009
John 14:6
Today, I was able to go back and teach at the Holiday Bible Club. The kids all had to ask me what was wrong with me and how much they missed my bible stories. Today, I realized that we were like superstars to these children; they really look up to us. They asked us if we had ever met the Queen, President Obama, or Simon Cowell. We told them we hadn’t. We went later to the church where the famous Welsh Revival of 1904 started, Moriah Calvinistic Methodist Church. Evan Roberts started the revival movement. We went into the room where 12 men constantly prayed for revival and the over pouring of the Holy Spirit was poured throughout Wales. Later, we went back to the church where we had Fish & Chips and got to meet some of the pastors from the area. Then we went back to our homes and had ice cream and coffee, studied for the bible study, and went to sleep.
7.23.2009
Psalm 126:3
Today, went to the Bible Club and my stomach felt funny, but eventually everything was great. The week is winding down and I can’t believe how fast this week has gone by, I am going to miss this place greatly. I can always come back! God has shown me so much, through the children. What an amazing God are You God! I am blessed to be surrounded by loving and caring people. The children are learning so much about Jesus, the first of the week they could not answer questions about Jesus or sin or sinners, but now they can answer the questions with a great degree of accurateness. God is moving, seeds are being planted! God will provide the increase, in due time. We also went to Cardiff, the capital city. There we were able to spend about 2 hours shopping. Mrs. Shaun and Rhian went with us and we had a blast. Did I mention that I was learning a lot. Culture is different and there is so much to learn! Tonight, we showed Fireproof and children and their parents came to watch it at the Tabernacle. We had a good turn out for the movie.
7.24.2009
Isaiah 48:17
Today is the last day of the Holiday Bible Club, I will never see some of these children again. Sad! I will probably come back though…hopefully. I We hammered home today that the need for Jesus Christ to be you strength, power, and comforter/ healer and that He save the world from sin, and all who believe in Him will have eternal life. Many seeds were planted and now God will continue to water and harvest those one-day. We had the presentation night and the children recited scripture excellently and sung songs to Jesus. Amazing! These were kid who didn’t know who Jesus was before this week! God can truly work in amazing ways!
7.25.2009
John 8:12
Today is my dad’s birthday and I’m 8000 miles away. Happy Birthday, Dad! Today was a good day we were able to go to a small shopping town, called Brecon, and look in the various types of stores there. Brecon Cathedral is amazing; it is truly a sight to see. It has copies of some very famous painting such as the Madonna. We had some of the best ice cream I have ever tasted there, wonderful. We left and went to supper at the White Horse Pub and Grill and I had the lamb again, which was amazing, even better than the first lamb that I had. Later, we went back home to pack. Packing was really sad, we are actually leaving Wales in a matter of hours.
7.26.2009
1 John 3:16
We woke up at 2am and were being met by Mr. Ion at 3am. I got a shower and finished packing and we were off to the airport. I’m ready to get home to see everyone, but am going to miss Wales greatly. We arrive to the Cardiff airport and say our good-byes to Ion and his son. Ms. Glenis is coming back with us. We arrive to the airport and go through security and eventually head to Amsterdam. Stay in Amsterdam and have lunch at McDonald’s in the airport and then go back and wait to be checked by security again. Finally, we head back to the United States. After 9 hours we are back in the U.S. in Memphis. We eat dinner at Corky’s BBQ. Then at about 7:50pm leave Memphis and head to Mobile. Arrive back in Mobile at 9pm. I am extremely tired and fall asleep on the way home, after telling my mom and dad about my week. It has been a great week and I will never forget the people and look forward to going back again someday.
May God Bless and Keep you!
Acts 15: 36-41
Paul is telling Barnabas that he should return to the people they had ministered to. Paul chose Silas and together they went out strengthening the churches. Today, we made our journey across the world, literary. We went from Mobile to Atlanta, Atlanta to Amsterdam, and from Amsterdam to Cardiff. We are still on the Atlanta to Amsterdam flight as the day is ending. I met a missionary that was traveling to Romania and was on the Amsterdam flight with us, while I was in the restroom of all place. Great place to meet new people! The man was going to Romania to deliver 300 lbs. of clothes that he had collected for the people there. Going through security was an experience I will never forget. Mobile security took a bottle of shaving cream that I forgot you couldn’t take on the airplane. Nick Lynch and I laughed about them taking my shaving cream because he had a bottle and they let him through. God’s creation is so beautiful from the sky, and He created it all in only six days! How amazing is He!
7.18.2009
Colossians 4:7
Today, we arrive in Amsterdam and after a few hours of waiting leave for Cardiff, our final destination. The Amsterdam security frisked Jacob. We arrive in Cardiff and we all went to collect our luggage and everyone’s luggage was there except mine. The airline had lost my luggage. I filled out a claim and the told us that they would call us if the found it or anything. Well, I was excited at this point to be in Wales, even though my luggage was lost. The customs officer did not believe me when I told her why I was coming into Wales, so I had to get Dr. Younce to tell the lady why we were there. We met by some of the church members, Glenis and Len, to take us to our host homes. We were then separated in to houses; Jacob, Courtney, and Aaron were in the home of young lady named Julie and her husband. Nick and I were brought to Marilyn and Gerald Manners, two of the nicest people you will ever meet. Dr. Younce and Mrs. Alice stayed with Ms. Glenis. We were told that were should take a 2-hour nap, and then get up and do something with our host families. We took our nap and then woke up and went for a neighborhood walk and went to the nearby shopping mall. Mrs. Marilyn and Mr. Gerald are always asking if they can get us tea or coffee. We ate dinner that night with the Manners. Afterwards we went to bed early.
7.19.2009
John 10:10
Today we got up and we to church service at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, the church that we were helping conduct a Holiday Bible Club. Pastor Rick spoke us to at the morning service. Jacob and Nick both gave their testimonies during the morning service. After morning church service we went to a nice sit down Chinese restaurant. The restaurant was nothing like the American-Chinese restaurants. The food was not as rick with sugary sauces, these were actually pretty healthy. The food was great; I had duck here for the first time, which was really good. The legal drinking age is 18 in Wales, so we were asked if we would like any beer or lager as it is in Wales. We later went for a 2-hour walk with the neighbor’s dogs on the beach and had a fabulous time. I had an oyster, which was an ice cream on top of a marshmallow in and cone oyster shell, it was really good. I was asked if I had ever had any candy floss by Mrs. Marilyn, I didn’t know what it was, so she bought us one to try. Turns out it was cotton candy. Tonight, Nick gave the evening message and Aaron, Courtney, and I gave our testimonies. After church, we ate at Haverty’s Pub & Grill and I had lamb for the first time. I am getting really excited about Wales! Today, I found out my luggage was lost in New York! Got on the wrong plane, oh well it will be alright.
7.20.2009
Psalm 16:11
Today was an exciting day, still no luggage but God is going to do mighty things this week, I can feel it. Today was the first day of the Holiday Bible Club. It amazed me that these children knew very little about Jesus. The most common answer that we got about who Jesus was that Jesus was a good man. The best answer that we got today was that Jesus sacrificed Himself for His friends. These children need Jesus and this week, I hope that God will reveal a small portion of Himself to these children. The children are where the future of the church lies. We also asked the children to day what loves means. One little boy blew us away by His answer, we didn’t expect him to say that, “Love is when a man and woman like each other so much that they do something and have children.” This was a little boy…needless to say we didn’t expect it. We ate at McDonalds; I had a BBQ Beef meal. McDonald’s meals in Wales do not come with a drink and the fries, or chips as they are called in Wales, have little salt, which is much better. We went to St. Frans castle and the Welsh Life Museum. Beautiful places, God has created so many beautiful things! What a mighty God we serve!! Later, we went to Burger King and I had some chili cheese snacks and some onion rings. Later, we went back to the church and had a Bible study and came back to our host family’s homes and went to sleep at about 10:30. It gets dark here at about 10:30pm and the sun rises at about 4:30am, which is very different from 8:30pm sunset and 6:30am sunrise that I am used to.
7.21.2009
Jeremiah 31:3
Today, I got sick in the early morning hours, at about 4am. Mrs. Marilyn told me that I was to stay at home today and not go to the school for the Holiday Bible Club. She gave me some herbal remedy that had a little morphine in it. It made me feel much better. I was really upset that I couldn’t make and told Mrs. Alice that I probably could make it, but she told me that I should rest and not risk getting sicker. Satan is trying to hold me back from ministering to these children, but he has been defeated, I will get better, He cannot hold me back from doing what God sent me here to do. My luggage arrived today, damaged, but everything was in the bag, which was great! Not much else happened, I met Mr. Gerald and Mrs. Marilyn’s son and her grandson named Tom. I was in the bed asleep and Tom asked Mrs. Marilyn if she allowed Americans to come into her living room. She came and told me what he said and that he wanted to meet me because he had never met an American before. Feeling a lot better! ☺
7.22.2009
John 14:6
Today, I was able to go back and teach at the Holiday Bible Club. The kids all had to ask me what was wrong with me and how much they missed my bible stories. Today, I realized that we were like superstars to these children; they really look up to us. They asked us if we had ever met the Queen, President Obama, or Simon Cowell. We told them we hadn’t. We went later to the church where the famous Welsh Revival of 1904 started, Moriah Calvinistic Methodist Church. Evan Roberts started the revival movement. We went into the room where 12 men constantly prayed for revival and the over pouring of the Holy Spirit was poured throughout Wales. Later, we went back to the church where we had Fish & Chips and got to meet some of the pastors from the area. Then we went back to our homes and had ice cream and coffee, studied for the bible study, and went to sleep.
7.23.2009
Psalm 126:3
Today, went to the Bible Club and my stomach felt funny, but eventually everything was great. The week is winding down and I can’t believe how fast this week has gone by, I am going to miss this place greatly. I can always come back! God has shown me so much, through the children. What an amazing God are You God! I am blessed to be surrounded by loving and caring people. The children are learning so much about Jesus, the first of the week they could not answer questions about Jesus or sin or sinners, but now they can answer the questions with a great degree of accurateness. God is moving, seeds are being planted! God will provide the increase, in due time. We also went to Cardiff, the capital city. There we were able to spend about 2 hours shopping. Mrs. Shaun and Rhian went with us and we had a blast. Did I mention that I was learning a lot. Culture is different and there is so much to learn! Tonight, we showed Fireproof and children and their parents came to watch it at the Tabernacle. We had a good turn out for the movie.
7.24.2009
Isaiah 48:17
Today is the last day of the Holiday Bible Club, I will never see some of these children again. Sad! I will probably come back though…hopefully. I We hammered home today that the need for Jesus Christ to be you strength, power, and comforter/ healer and that He save the world from sin, and all who believe in Him will have eternal life. Many seeds were planted and now God will continue to water and harvest those one-day. We had the presentation night and the children recited scripture excellently and sung songs to Jesus. Amazing! These were kid who didn’t know who Jesus was before this week! God can truly work in amazing ways!
7.25.2009
John 8:12
Today is my dad’s birthday and I’m 8000 miles away. Happy Birthday, Dad! Today was a good day we were able to go to a small shopping town, called Brecon, and look in the various types of stores there. Brecon Cathedral is amazing; it is truly a sight to see. It has copies of some very famous painting such as the Madonna. We had some of the best ice cream I have ever tasted there, wonderful. We left and went to supper at the White Horse Pub and Grill and I had the lamb again, which was amazing, even better than the first lamb that I had. Later, we went back home to pack. Packing was really sad, we are actually leaving Wales in a matter of hours.
7.26.2009
1 John 3:16
We woke up at 2am and were being met by Mr. Ion at 3am. I got a shower and finished packing and we were off to the airport. I’m ready to get home to see everyone, but am going to miss Wales greatly. We arrive to the Cardiff airport and say our good-byes to Ion and his son. Ms. Glenis is coming back with us. We arrive to the airport and go through security and eventually head to Amsterdam. Stay in Amsterdam and have lunch at McDonald’s in the airport and then go back and wait to be checked by security again. Finally, we head back to the United States. After 9 hours we are back in the U.S. in Memphis. We eat dinner at Corky’s BBQ. Then at about 7:50pm leave Memphis and head to Mobile. Arrive back in Mobile at 9pm. I am extremely tired and fall asleep on the way home, after telling my mom and dad about my week. It has been a great week and I will never forget the people and look forward to going back again someday.
May God Bless and Keep you!
7.14.2009
3 days to Wales!
Today, I had to go to Mobile and get some stuff ready for the mission trip to Wales. I had lunch with Ashley and had a great day! I came home and started preparing for the trip. I can not wait! I am praying that God will begin to soften the hearts of the people that we will be going to minister to in Wales! May God Bless and Keep you!
7.13.2009
A day of preparation!
Today, I prepared for my Youth Minister position interview at Marlow United Methodist Church by completing all the necessary paperwork. I am praying that God would direct my steps in this and all areas of my life, serving God through everything that has came about. I hope that I can reach people with the gospel daily and not be a sideline Christian. I want to present my life a living and holy sacrifice to God. I will be going to Wales in 4 days! I am super excited about the experience! God is truly amazing! Blessed the Lord, Oh my soul and all that is within me, bless His holy name. How spectacular is our God! May God Bless and Keep you!
It is the Day that the Lord has made, Let's Rejoice and Be Glad in it!!
Good evening, I did not get to post anything yesterday, but it was a great day none the less. I was able to speak God's Word at Peniel Baptist Church last night. I spoke on the life of Jeremiah and how that throughout his entire prophetic career of roughly 40 years, he declared God's judgements to the nations, and he never saw even one soul turn for their other gods or the works of their own hands. The faithfulness of such a man that stood for God even when the world was laughing at him and persecuting him for following and doing what God told him to do. Jeremiah 1:4-10,16-17 were the scripture references I used. God knew everything about Jeremiah even before he was born and God set his life apart for Christian service as a prophet. After God revealed this to Jeremiah, Jeremiah doubted like many of us when we are called to Christian service or another vocation. Jeremiah said that He was too young and did not know how to speak. God then went on to tell Him not to say that he was too young and that to all the people that He would send Jeremiah to, he was to go. God then told Jeremiah that He had set him over the nations and that His words would be in Jeremiah's mouth and basically pronounce His judgement that would come to the nations if they didn't turn from their gods and the works of their hands. In the end, no one turned back to God, Jeremiah faithfully spoke the word of God, time after time. Even though no one listened and the prophesies came true in the end, Jews were scattered and all that Jeremiah had told these people came true. Jeremiah even grieved for these people. Remember to be faithful through any situation that you are faced with. Follow what God tells you to do, even if it seems to produce no change! What a mighty God we serve! God Bless and Keep you!
7.11.2009
Blogging start!
I have come into the blogging world. I am truly blessed and have awesome God that loves and watches over me daily. Today, I went to work that He provided me with. I had a fun day preparing for my Sunday evening sermon. I believe that God has huge plans in store for my life and I can't let anything get in the way of me becoming exactly who He wants me to be currently, as well as in the future. God, give me direction in this life that I live and reveal to me what You would have me to do to follow Your plan wholly. I love You God. Help me to overcome the power of the world, by Your power that lives in me. Amen. May God Bless and Keep you!
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