God’s call…

These words by Oswald Chambers always seem to stir my mind and my heart.  Everyone is not called to preach.  But we are all “called” to serve the Lord with the gifts that we have been given. 

Once someone begins to hear that call, a suffering worthy of the name of Christ is produced. Suddenly, every ambition, every desire of life, and every outlook is completely blotted out and extinguished. Only one thing remains— “. . . separated to the gospel. . . .” Woe be to the soul who tries to head in any other direction once that call has come to him…  Beware of competing calls once the call of God grips you.  (My Utmost for His Highest, February 2).

On the RBC Ministries website, there is a link to “Discover the Word Daily.”  There is further teaching available as a PodCast on the subject.  It’s called “Looking at Your Job from God’s Perspective“.  The teachings purpose is to help people understand God’s call (ministry or in the workforce).

Filed under: Calling, Faith, Obedience, Oswald Chambers, Spiritual Gifts, Spiritual Growth

I give you my life…

I give you my life and all that I am  – But what have I to give  – So I hand you a candid photograph of this little boy  – ’cause I have nothing to my name  – But I can give you that. (Derek Webb, “Somewhere North”).  Photo taken while I was in Seminary (1994).

I began this post several days ago in “Where’s my Mind?“  While praying that day my thoughts went back to those days while in seminary.  It was a tremendous time of growth and testing.  (I’m not just talking about all the tests I had to take either).  God allowed quite a few tests in my life outside of the classroom.

So I hand You a candid photograph of this little boy  – ’cause I have nothing to my name…

If you spend anytime around me at all, you will know I talk alot about the past… probably too much.  The past that I think about is full of dreams serving the Lord.  Those dreams aren’t gone.  But God has me living in a new day. I choose to give Him my life.  To stand firm and to not let life steal what He purposed to give.  I choose to grow where He plants. 

If you do not read Oswald Chambers devotional My Utmost for His Highest, I highly recommend making it a part of your daily life along with reading your Bible.  These are a couple of quotes from today’s devotional,

“Consider the lilies of the field . . .” (Matthew 6:28). They grow where they are planted. Many of us refuse to grow where God plants us. Therefore, we don’t take root anywhere. Jesus said if we would obey the life of God within us, He would look after all other things…

…Consecration is the act of continually separating myself from everything except that which God has appointed me to do. It is not a one-time experience but an ongoing process. Am I continually separating myself and looking to God every day of my life?. (January 26).

…But I can give you that.

Filed under: Derek Webb, Dreams, Future, Hope, Obedience, Oswald Chambers, Trials and Testing, Trusting God

Stop Signs

Some may look at this sign and do exactly what it says every-time.  Some may see this sign and think it really doesn’t mean stop at this intersection.  Then there are those who may think that this only means STOP if there are other cars coming or if the Police are watching.

So, what do you do?  Do you stop, slow down, or ignore this sign.

This morning I’m reading Exodus 28.  As I read, I am recognizing how detail-oriented God is.  Now, when He says to use “purple thread” on the Ephod does that mean purple or a violet… it could mean some other shade of blue.  I guess you may use whatever color you deem appropriate if you are one that doesn’t stop at the stop sign.

God is a God of details.  He cares about the details of our lives.  He desires the best for each of us… no matter where we may find ourselves within our circumstances… He cares. 

The next time you are out driving and you see a sign that tells you what to do at the intersection, how fast you are to drive, or see on the pavement when and where you can change lanes – remember God cares about the details of your life.  Probably a whole lot more than the DOT who is responsible for putting up those signs and markings on the road.

Thanks to Darrell for the insight here…  Thanks for helping us make a memory too.  What do you think – does he stop, coast, or speed up?

Filed under: Friends, Making memories, Obedience, Random Thoughts, The Bible

U2: Praise & Worship

I was talking with a good friend of mine this morning.  As we talked, he began to share a passage of Scripture with me from Psalm 116.  As he read this passage to me I was reminded of this praise and worship set by U2.  It’s a very moving moment. 

According to RNS Blog, while speaking with reporters at the National Prayer Breakfast (February 2, 2006), Bono is quoted as saying,

I believe being a worship leader is the highest of all art forms, to worship and call people into the presence of God.

 

Filed under: Christian Music, Concert, Hope, Inspiration, Obedience, U2, Worship

Harvest Community Church/Soul Rio Celebrates….

…it’s 10th Anniversary.

So much of my life has been shaped by the 5 years of my life spent at Harvest Community Church.  I moved to Albuquerque with my family in September 1999.  We arrived not knowing what God had in store for us.  No home… no job… no money… no money… just my good friend Jason who was leading worship at Harvest and let us crash at his house the first couple of nights.  It was a rough start for us but God blessed the ministry and my life tremendously through Dan Lewis (lead pastor), Jason Taylor, and Mike Goff. Thanks guys for taking me in!!

This video tells the story of Harvest Community Church now named Soul Rio.

Filed under: Calling, Church Planting, Dreams, Faith, Friends, Making memories, Obedience, Prayer, Small Group, Spiritual Growth

It’s time to be a warrior.

Prayer, intercession, calling out to God from within the depths our own hearts and souls with groaning that cannot be understood… 

At various times in our lives, our cirumstances often dictate how we pray.  I’m sure when Jonah was first thrown overboard and swallowed up by a giant fish he was relieved and scared all at the same time.  The Lord “provided” the fish for Jonah.  See Jonah 1:17.  I would bet his repentance was in the first several seconds of being eaten alive.  I’m sure the circumstances of the next 3 days and nights dictated a different kind of prayer. 

Jonah 2:2 lets us in to see how Jonah prayed,

He said:
       “In my distress I called to the LORD,
       and he answered me.
       From the depths of the grave ^[a] I called for help,
       and you listened to my cry.

I’m learning I can run from God but I cannot out run Him.  In fact, I don’t even think God tries to chase any of us down.  I am beginning to think that our running from Him actually catches up with us on its own -through our circumstances.  I look at the various times I have run from God and I can see the destruction that has followed.  There have been many times when I decided to do plan B because somewhere down the road I thought plan B would help me accomplish plan A.  WRONG!

In fact, look at Jonah 2:2 one more time.  Jonah prayed, “In my distress…”  The distress he caused himself by not doing what God told him to do in plan A.

The circumstances of a saint’s life are ordained of God. In the life of a saint there is no such thing as chance. God by His providence brings you into circumstances that you can’t understand at all, but the Spirit of God understands. God brings you to places, among people, and into certain conditions to accomplish a definite purpose through the intercession of the Spirit in you. (Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, November 7).

I got up this morning and knew I had to get up and go cry out to Him.  I want answers, I want a word from Him, I want Him to speak to me, and I want Him to deliver me from the circumstances I find myself in today.  Today, I call out to Him out of my distress (the distress I brought on myself).  I remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

I have an anticipation of the future - that’s a good thing.  I am calling out to God not so that I can obtain those things but rather so I can know Him.  I’m sure many of us feel the same way with a different set of circumstances.  It’s time to get on our knees and seek the Father.  For some, life has never been better.  For those of you who are experiencing that I ask you to get on your knees and intercede for the many who are in need of seeking God…  the many who are in need of a miracle from God.

I’m reminded of the intro to a song by Jerusalem on the live Album… “I am a warrior, you are a warrior, in the Army of God. Stand up, take your sword, take your shield, and start fighting - don’t sit down.” No matter where you find yourself today:  On dry land living life, in the belly of ship sound asleep (Jonah 1:5), or in the belly of a great fish… it’s time to take your sword, take your shield, and start fighting – PRAY!

Filed under: Calling, Conversation with God, Faith, Focus, Intercessory Prayer, Jonah, Obedience, Oswald Chambers, Prayer, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Warfare

Great experience today

I’m reluctant to share the following story… I do so hopefully to inspire you to do whatever God leads you to do.  No matter how small or large a thing God tells you to do… just do it.  Be obedient and see what He does.

There’s a wonderful lady in our town God gives me the incredible pleasure of praying for.  She was my next door neighbor when I was in Middle School through College.  I pass by her house daily going back and forth from work.  Since her house is right off of the road I travel each day I always look that way… looking that way is a habit from my youth.  The Lord uses that habit as a reminder to pray for her everyday.

Today, while at the Post Office – God’s Spirit said go see her.  So I drove to her house to finish off my lunch hour.  We got caught up with each other for a few moments and I told her why I was there.  I told her, “I stopped by to pray for you.”  Wow!  What an awesome moment!  God’s love and grace is so beautiful.

Do you have someone you pray for regularly?  Do you have someone who has meant a lot to you over the years?  Why not drop in and share God’s love and the love you have for them!!  If you don’t live near by then write them a little note to let them know you are praying for them. 

I went there today to bless her with God’s Spirit working through me… I left blessed!

Filed under: Faith, Friends, Inspiration, Intercessory Prayer, Obedience, Prayer

Finding help in a time of trouble

Psalm 50 is on my mind as I lay in the bed.  So I just got up to read it.  I am troubled.  I have prayed and prayed and prayed tonight.  Throughout the day.  For weeks I’ve desired to not worry my prayers to God.  Tonight I am asking God to allow me to breakthrough into a prayer of power and strong faith. 

So now at 12:30 AM I get out of bed to read Psalm 50.  In verse 10, God tells his people he owns the cattle on a thousand hills.  Every bird and animal belongs to him. 

Verse 14 God states, “What I want instead is your true thanks to God; I want you to fulfill your vows to the Most High.”  Hear what God says here in verse 15, “Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.”

Psalm 50 ends with these two verses:  “Repent, all of you who ignore me, or I will tear you apart, and no one will help you.  But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.  If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.” (23 – 24, NLT).

Do you find yourself in a time of trouble?  Do you need God’s help? Then keep to His path!  Walk His road.  Live in obdience to His Word.  Love Him.  Trust Him.  And give Him thanks!

He’s not looking for our sacrifices – our burnt offerings.  He is asking that we repent… trust him in our time of trouble… give Him thanks – this is the sacrifice He is looking for.  God wants us to stay true to Him.  Put our trust only in Him.  He owns it all.  Everything belongs to Him.  Repent and keep to His path and we will see His salvation.

Filed under: Conversation with God, Faith, Obedience, Prayer, Psalms, Spiritual Growth, Trust, Trusting God

Post Catalyst Blues

Alright, so why does someone have the blues after attending such an incredible conference?  I don’t know… I guess I’m messed up.

There was so much covered during those two days.  I have been able to apply some of what I have gained to my life at work.  The 2 books I picked up are going to keep me moving forward on the “business” side of the conference. (Tribes by Seth Godin and Saving the World at Work by Tim Sanders)  Still there is this unresolved portion of what happened while there. 

I was reading Jayme’s blog this morning and she definitely hit on some of the nerve surrounding this that I feel.  I highly encourage you to read it!

There’s an “emptiness” to what I feel now… some unfinished business maybe. 

Joel read to us in our men’s group this morning Psalm 107.  It’s the “cried out to the LORD” verses that keep ringing in my head right now. 

I’m not sure I have really “cried out to the LORD” yet.  It is time to…

Filed under: Catalyst, Conversation with God, Faith, Fasting, Obedience, Prayer, Psalms

Obedience: an act of love

The following are some words I wrote down in my journal during Worship at Catalyst Day 2 – October 10, 2008:

God, You are beautiful.  I am limited with my words.  I do not know how to truly express my love I have for You.  I can’t find the words.  The only way I can truly express myself to you would be through a life of obedience.  Yes – obedience – this is the word… the action… to express my love for You.

In this moment, I recall the words of My Utmost for His Highest this morning:

Even the smallest bit of obedience opens heaven, and the deepest truths of God immediately become yours.  Yet God will never reveal more truth about Himself to you, until you have obeyed what you know already. (Oswald Chambers, October 10).

Filed under: Catalyst, Conversation with God, Journaling, Love, Obedience, Oswald Chambers, Prayer