well people will say sometimes well i would never become a christian because of this person or this group of people and you try and say well you have to look past them and look to Christ and we expect that to change their lives in some way. but look at this:
1 Corinthians 4:16
Paul says for the Corinthians to imitate him! how crazy is that could you imagine telling people "live like me"
paul continues later in the book with this
wow i was just kinda shocked by this. word of mouth is the strongest advertising that a company can have but did you know for every one positive comment there have been about 7 or 8 negative ones!
you don't get many chances unfortunately but you have to live your life as an example and have the boldness in Christ to know that people are looking at you and welcome it.
so im going to give you a few examples in my life that i have looked to:
Jeff Hill, this guy is bold bold bold. He gets a word and he sticks to his guns. People are afraid of the stands that he takes most of the time because they aren't willing to sacrifice as much as him. Me and him relate so well because i balance him out. I appreciate his boldness and his stand and desire a simdge of that for my own life.
Mrs. Robyn, teacher. She can get a point across in so many different ways but she is so humble and seeks for God to be the true teacher. Understand mrs. robyn that you are a tool that God has continued to use in my life and in so many other lives. Please don't ever get discouraged you are awesome.
Kristen Barfield, you think you can relate to people you have no idea!! People literally flock to her like soap in the bathroom. She is incredible with people and with kids. kids adore her and they see people for who they are they really do and she is just so incredible she has a reserved boldness that she only lets me see i guess but so wise when it happens. I wish i could relate to people in the way that she does.
Toddles, i waited for you to have kids for so dang long man. Todd is always happy it seems, i've seen him frustrated maybe once but there is always a smile on his face. I haven't had the privelege to know his heart as much bcuz i was in high school at the time but he loves people and is so humble. The only thing wrong with him is that he's a clemson fan. i really do see how brayden and anniston just cling to you. Thanks for showing people how to reach people.
Jack Ronald, you are alot like me, you desire excellence, business and leadership qualities about you are undeniable. You will not settle for second best. You will do whatever it takes to reach people. You build relationships with those you work with better than i've seen done and i desire that for my life.
my dad and charlie bishop, i know most of you that read this will be like who is that? i will write a post about him later but these two men have taught me all about servanthood. its not about me its about God use what you have with all you have. Be a man open the door for people, shake hands, live up to your promises carry a big stick not a big mouth. These are lessons that i've learned from you. I desire to be able to make the sacrifices that my dad made and continue to know that it was the right thing even when it sucks.
mom and stacie, are you kidding me they're nuts! jk but talk about boldness me and mom clash honestly because we are both strong willed leaders. but i wish i could have half of the discernment that my mom has. she is so in touch with the Holy Spirit its nuts literally insane. Stacie is a reserved leader that is sometimes shy about stepping up to the plate but me and her have a bond that cannot be broken and i hope that i can have as much fun in life as she has already had.
thanks guys so much to learn from all of you and you all mean so much to me. Please continue to live in a way where God is always glorified in all that you do.
o u t
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Friday, July 13, 2007
finally a free day
well today is friday and no class today....yayayayay!
looking for plans on saturday any ideas let me know. plus im really tired.
you can laugh at this by the way: i have a modeling and acting contract and earlier this week i had a message on my answering machine at home asking if i wanted to schedule an appointment with a national talent scout. will i call back to set up an appointment probably not but it was funny cuz i haven't heard from these guys in like a year and a half.
becks is hear in america and frankly im pumped because that means there is gonna be some more coverage of soccer. And i am super excited about that but im gone now to basically waste time until work.
out
looking for plans on saturday any ideas let me know. plus im really tired.
you can laugh at this by the way: i have a modeling and acting contract and earlier this week i had a message on my answering machine at home asking if i wanted to schedule an appointment with a national talent scout. will i call back to set up an appointment probably not but it was funny cuz i haven't heard from these guys in like a year and a half.
becks is hear in america and frankly im pumped because that means there is gonna be some more coverage of soccer. And i am super excited about that but im gone now to basically waste time until work.
out
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
the test
so 2 corinthians 13. paul wants us to examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith.
Paul has been battling for the people of Corinth's attention throughout the letter and not only that but also has been battling for the people themselves.
so Paul in this last chapter wants the people to see that they must examine themselves in the faith. that if they do that they will see Paul as he truly is a messenger of truth.
he says that when they examine themselves and when they past the test they will also approve of Paul and the group of ministers with him and reject the outsiders.
now this should be evidence enough but Paul also tells them to do the right thing? why would he do this knowing that if they examine themselves in the Spirit that God would show them that Paul is right and he cares for them and his message is from God.
why would he ask them to do the right thing? well number one it would be weird if he asked them to do the wrong thing. but we see Paul's heart here. the consequences of them saying Paul we don't think that you are of God is not as important as the people doing what is right.
are we worried about the consequences of what people will think of us or do we really really want the best of them. did it bother Paul i think that you can tell that it did throughout this letter but Paul remained true to his purpose. To see God do a work in the Corinthians lives.
is that my passion? could i honestly say that i am more worried about people learning from me than the circumstances of my actions. honestly no i can't but i can tell you boldly that my response is changing. And that is all an act of God.
God is shaping me to serve others to obey even when it makes me upset and to live a life as an example for Christ. see is it enough to teach excellently and for people to hear my words and learn from them....i guess it is.
But do people look at my lifestyle and see that i live up to the things that i teach that i am an example not just through speech but through purity deed and service.
i am learning these things. I know that God is moving in my midst. I pray that everyone would carefully read Galatians 5. This involves the test that Paul so earnestly desires that we take.
realize these two things:
it is a continuous battle (Gal. 5:17)
and
that it is not a negotiated peace it is our execution of the sinful nature totally
(Gal. 5:24)
it is our responsibility to walk in the Spirit and also to crucify the flesh
the battle will not end in this life and yet we cannot negotiate peace with the flesh.
we must fight
out
Paul has been battling for the people of Corinth's attention throughout the letter and not only that but also has been battling for the people themselves.
so Paul in this last chapter wants the people to see that they must examine themselves in the faith. that if they do that they will see Paul as he truly is a messenger of truth.
he says that when they examine themselves and when they past the test they will also approve of Paul and the group of ministers with him and reject the outsiders.
now this should be evidence enough but Paul also tells them to do the right thing? why would he do this knowing that if they examine themselves in the Spirit that God would show them that Paul is right and he cares for them and his message is from God.
why would he ask them to do the right thing? well number one it would be weird if he asked them to do the wrong thing. but we see Paul's heart here. the consequences of them saying Paul we don't think that you are of God is not as important as the people doing what is right.
are we worried about the consequences of what people will think of us or do we really really want the best of them. did it bother Paul i think that you can tell that it did throughout this letter but Paul remained true to his purpose. To see God do a work in the Corinthians lives.
is that my passion? could i honestly say that i am more worried about people learning from me than the circumstances of my actions. honestly no i can't but i can tell you boldly that my response is changing. And that is all an act of God.
God is shaping me to serve others to obey even when it makes me upset and to live a life as an example for Christ. see is it enough to teach excellently and for people to hear my words and learn from them....i guess it is.
But do people look at my lifestyle and see that i live up to the things that i teach that i am an example not just through speech but through purity deed and service.
i am learning these things. I know that God is moving in my midst. I pray that everyone would carefully read Galatians 5. This involves the test that Paul so earnestly desires that we take.
realize these two things:
it is a continuous battle (Gal. 5:17)
and
that it is not a negotiated peace it is our execution of the sinful nature totally
(Gal. 5:24)
it is our responsibility to walk in the Spirit and also to crucify the flesh
the battle will not end in this life and yet we cannot negotiate peace with the flesh.
we must fight
out
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
hey hey hey
well after yesterdays crazy post i know that you are all thinking im close to committing suicide or somehow am going to raise an awareness that my life is worse than yours.
i also hope you understand that neither of these are close to my desire. I am however trying to let people in the doors that i have put up.
i have so much to say but man is God sovereign today in 2 Corinthians Paul talked about the thorn in his flesh and how when he is weak that is when he is made strong.
wow
one more time
wow
so now im not saying that i have some thorn in my flesh because when you study this i think that its much more than just a certain situation but something that you can not rid yourself of. God wouldn't take the thorn from Paul but instead chose to leave it there.
but also understand that God uses things to draw us closer to Him and mold us into what He wants us.
so understand that God is working and always is.
so now im waiting for the doors to be open somewhere else. thanks for the encouragement and love you all.
also for those of you bible junkies out there i read where it is actually a biblical principle to major on the majors and minor on the minors so look for this soon im sure there are people ready to argue but honestly im not looking for that just will relay some info that i gathered.
love you guys.
out
i also hope you understand that neither of these are close to my desire. I am however trying to let people in the doors that i have put up.
i have so much to say but man is God sovereign today in 2 Corinthians Paul talked about the thorn in his flesh and how when he is weak that is when he is made strong.
wow
one more time
wow
so now im not saying that i have some thorn in my flesh because when you study this i think that its much more than just a certain situation but something that you can not rid yourself of. God wouldn't take the thorn from Paul but instead chose to leave it there.
but also understand that God uses things to draw us closer to Him and mold us into what He wants us.
so understand that God is working and always is.
so now im waiting for the doors to be open somewhere else. thanks for the encouragement and love you all.
also for those of you bible junkies out there i read where it is actually a biblical principle to major on the majors and minor on the minors so look for this soon im sure there are people ready to argue but honestly im not looking for that just will relay some info that i gathered.
love you guys.
out
Monday, July 09, 2007
my struggle
i guess that i have struggled with what to write for about 18-24 hours now.
you see its hard for me to be very honest and yet show love. I was completely taken aback yesterday by the attendance at our church. How can you refuse to show up when you are most needed at your church and then come on a celebratory day for those of us who stuck with it. Frankly i don't know how God was pleased with our worship yesterday.
but that is not what im struggling with. See in no way am i perfect or would i ever think of claiming to be. But i also make this my goal 1 Timothy 4:12 as a young person growing up in church you always hear about how people shouldn't look down on you because of your youth and the message usually stops there.
but i've always taken and i do mean always cared about the "being an example" paul doesn't tell timothy "hey man don't let people get you down cuz of your age, you don't deserve that" instead its more like "hey tim, people shouldn't look down on you for your age but you have to be an example, you must put a priority on your lifestyle more than a priority on their criticism.
its also funny that speech is the first thing mentioned o be careful what you say.
but with this blog i want people to know the real me and i struggle to do so because of this verse sometimes. lately i have let more people "in" than ever before to what im thinking, to how i feel, and to my needs and desires but not everyone.
the reason why is because well im supposed to be above board im an example. I'm not a say one thing do another guy im an example, a hard worker, and im committed. it straight up makes me mad when i see the lack of commitment i saw the other day. it hurts, really hurts.
that people have so many bad things to say and be so just down right evil in their speech and can come into a worship service and praise God like nothing ever happened is just completely shocking.
but you know what i said hey God is a miracle working God and these people can change, this pastor has a heart for discipleship and really loves teaching the Holy Spirit will change some lives here.
at this same time im really starting to realize where my place is what im good at and embracing it with more passion and fervor than ever before. and yet i get the news from my parents that we are leaving.
do i know why? yes
am i upset? yes
do i blame them? not in the least bit
do i think its the right decision? honestly im not sure
so now that i have this passion this deep driving passion to teach young people i have to start all over again from scratch of being an example. you have to earn people's trust and devotion and i was beginning to do that. but now i have to start over.
and im just not sure why. why would i suddenly discover this passion and God take it away not just once but twice. not only that but have to start over from scratch. if you know me you know im not a sit and soak guy im completely the opposite.
so why? i have essentially 5 months left before the prospect of moving becomes a reality why now? why the distance?
before ya know kristen is in sc but i've still got my friends now those relationships are sure to take a dent. why? frankly im heart broken and i want you guys to understand my heart. its hard for me to let people in. im just tired.
its so hard. i try to smile and bear it like hey my fiance lives in another state but im doing awesome! but i just can't its too hard. im tired of the distance i can't fulfill my passion i just can't see where God is moving right now except for that im learning.
im tired of tears im tired of the struggles im just looking for the end of the valley and basically it looks like a 5 month old valley.
im not looking for answers or advice because i want God to answer my questions so if you have advice keep it to yourself. i don't want advice i just don't. and guess what you probably haven't been there. i'm sure your fiance didn't live about 12 hours away or go out of the country for a year. i just don't want advice.
but this is where im at. i don't what or how to feel and im just...
its just hard ya know.
so i need prayers i need encouragement and i need God more than anything else.
stay steadfast please. be honest and open and challenge people.
Crosspointe i pray that God would ultimately change you in a way that you can't see right now a way that i know God wants you to. Quit being mediocre start being great.
......
you see its hard for me to be very honest and yet show love. I was completely taken aback yesterday by the attendance at our church. How can you refuse to show up when you are most needed at your church and then come on a celebratory day for those of us who stuck with it. Frankly i don't know how God was pleased with our worship yesterday.
but that is not what im struggling with. See in no way am i perfect or would i ever think of claiming to be. But i also make this my goal 1 Timothy 4:12 as a young person growing up in church you always hear about how people shouldn't look down on you because of your youth and the message usually stops there.
but i've always taken and i do mean always cared about the "being an example" paul doesn't tell timothy "hey man don't let people get you down cuz of your age, you don't deserve that" instead its more like "hey tim, people shouldn't look down on you for your age but you have to be an example, you must put a priority on your lifestyle more than a priority on their criticism.
its also funny that speech is the first thing mentioned o be careful what you say.
but with this blog i want people to know the real me and i struggle to do so because of this verse sometimes. lately i have let more people "in" than ever before to what im thinking, to how i feel, and to my needs and desires but not everyone.
the reason why is because well im supposed to be above board im an example. I'm not a say one thing do another guy im an example, a hard worker, and im committed. it straight up makes me mad when i see the lack of commitment i saw the other day. it hurts, really hurts.
that people have so many bad things to say and be so just down right evil in their speech and can come into a worship service and praise God like nothing ever happened is just completely shocking.
but you know what i said hey God is a miracle working God and these people can change, this pastor has a heart for discipleship and really loves teaching the Holy Spirit will change some lives here.
at this same time im really starting to realize where my place is what im good at and embracing it with more passion and fervor than ever before. and yet i get the news from my parents that we are leaving.
do i know why? yes
am i upset? yes
do i blame them? not in the least bit
do i think its the right decision? honestly im not sure
so now that i have this passion this deep driving passion to teach young people i have to start all over again from scratch of being an example. you have to earn people's trust and devotion and i was beginning to do that. but now i have to start over.
and im just not sure why. why would i suddenly discover this passion and God take it away not just once but twice. not only that but have to start over from scratch. if you know me you know im not a sit and soak guy im completely the opposite.
so why? i have essentially 5 months left before the prospect of moving becomes a reality why now? why the distance?
before ya know kristen is in sc but i've still got my friends now those relationships are sure to take a dent. why? frankly im heart broken and i want you guys to understand my heart. its hard for me to let people in. im just tired.
its so hard. i try to smile and bear it like hey my fiance lives in another state but im doing awesome! but i just can't its too hard. im tired of the distance i can't fulfill my passion i just can't see where God is moving right now except for that im learning.
im tired of tears im tired of the struggles im just looking for the end of the valley and basically it looks like a 5 month old valley.
im not looking for answers or advice because i want God to answer my questions so if you have advice keep it to yourself. i don't want advice i just don't. and guess what you probably haven't been there. i'm sure your fiance didn't live about 12 hours away or go out of the country for a year. i just don't want advice.
but this is where im at. i don't what or how to feel and im just...
its just hard ya know.
so i need prayers i need encouragement and i need God more than anything else.
stay steadfast please. be honest and open and challenge people.
Crosspointe i pray that God would ultimately change you in a way that you can't see right now a way that i know God wants you to. Quit being mediocre start being great.
......
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Bad news
well after church today my parents told me that our family was leaving crosspointe. Various reasons for this decision mostly because of bad leadership (none of which by the way are actual "position leaders".
how do i feel? i feel like i need to obey my parents. Ex. 20:12
even when it hurts.
out
how do i feel? i feel like i need to obey my parents. Ex. 20:12
even when it hurts.
out
Thursday, July 05, 2007
real quick
im about to go to work but real quick how do you feel about God's sovereignty and man's responsibility. It obvious that both exist biblically but where are the boundaries any scripture you have would be awesome im ready to get waist deep in this stuff and im pumped about it.
what is our responsibility?
what are we held accountable for?
what choices are ours to make?
these are a few of the questions that i hope to answer. let me know what you guys think and questions that you might have that i will try to answer as i begin to study this difficult subject
out
what is our responsibility?
what are we held accountable for?
what choices are ours to make?
these are a few of the questions that i hope to answer. let me know what you guys think and questions that you might have that i will try to answer as i begin to study this difficult subject
out
well i have much to write about
well some interesting things have happened to me lately especially at work:
1. i took over a position that hasn't met a particular goal in a while and i met it already God is truly great!!!
2. i had to write myself up on the 6th day of running this area because of the problem. (6 days and im already under the microscope and i was pretty upset i came to fix the thing i did not cause it!!!)
3. I love the pressure the intensity that i put on myself to push my people and myself to go beyond the norm and be better.
4. i realized that the struggle with my call is more of fear of the unknown. I couldn't live my life without teaching the word (even if its to people that don't want to hear) I'm fearful that intense in your face teacher J.C. will tickle people's ears and not preach the word.
5. the idea of being responsible for two peoples lives seems much harder than just mine.
6. God is teaching me for sure but is the passion there am i seeking enough am i trying enough???
7. i am not satisfied
8. i am pumped about may of next year and have been practicing two words for like a month now!!!
9. Kristen is amazing and she always tells me like it is and pushes me to get better and gives me more confidence she is an unbelievable support to me already and our lives together are just about to truly begin
10. Memphis is the best basketball team in the country. Duke, Kentucky, UNC, Kansas nope the blue and gray. Let's go Blue!!!
1. i took over a position that hasn't met a particular goal in a while and i met it already God is truly great!!!
2. i had to write myself up on the 6th day of running this area because of the problem. (6 days and im already under the microscope and i was pretty upset i came to fix the thing i did not cause it!!!)
3. I love the pressure the intensity that i put on myself to push my people and myself to go beyond the norm and be better.
4. i realized that the struggle with my call is more of fear of the unknown. I couldn't live my life without teaching the word (even if its to people that don't want to hear) I'm fearful that intense in your face teacher J.C. will tickle people's ears and not preach the word.
5. the idea of being responsible for two peoples lives seems much harder than just mine.
6. God is teaching me for sure but is the passion there am i seeking enough am i trying enough???
7. i am not satisfied
8. i am pumped about may of next year and have been practicing two words for like a month now!!!
9. Kristen is amazing and she always tells me like it is and pushes me to get better and gives me more confidence she is an unbelievable support to me already and our lives together are just about to truly begin
10. Memphis is the best basketball team in the country. Duke, Kentucky, UNC, Kansas nope the blue and gray. Let's go Blue!!!
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
perplexed
as i coming to the end of my bachelor's degree (praise God im almost done) i find myself more perplexed than when i started.
it will take some explaining to clarify what i mean but understand that i am in no way upset or unsatisfied with where i'm at. God has me at this point in my life for a reason.
I'm learning so many new things im looking at God's word in a more powerful way and yet at the same time it just seems that i am not worthy for the brevity of the situation the world and our country is in and also that im just scared to be honest.
not in a way that everyone else says that they aren't worthy but really am not worthy. and totally frightened by the fact that my call might be to ministry.
we live in a society that is filled with so many different messages. and i am like paul in a way i feel perplexed
im not in despair but i am faced with a decision that i must make both i believe are viable decisions and while there are positive and negative aspects of both i realize that i am called to one and one alone i just don't know which one it is.
do i take the path of being a manager and executive a salesman that leads people and molds them into good men and that i would be able to provide a much better living and situation for my family?
or do i teach men about the word, about God and show them a life that is changed and committed and honest and real and sacrifice some of the better things for my family. by the way this means that my bride will always be in the spotlight and church people will just jump at the chance to slander me not to my face but hers and my children will bear the weight of being under a microscope and that not only will God judge along with their parents but also every member of the congregation that we are a part of?
am i confused yes am i growing impatient but i also know that there are many decisions in life like this. and i also understand that a man is not where he works but who he is.
but still the decision remains unanswered and i wait for the answer.
is it my decision to make? will it be made for me?
time will tell but know that me and my family need your prayers and more importantly God's hand in our lives. thanks for the time that you all take to read this blog and understand that i treasure each of your opinions.
i love you guys
GO GOD!!! YOU WILL TRIUMPH IN ALL THINGS!!!!
OUT....
it will take some explaining to clarify what i mean but understand that i am in no way upset or unsatisfied with where i'm at. God has me at this point in my life for a reason.
I'm learning so many new things im looking at God's word in a more powerful way and yet at the same time it just seems that i am not worthy for the brevity of the situation the world and our country is in and also that im just scared to be honest.
not in a way that everyone else says that they aren't worthy but really am not worthy. and totally frightened by the fact that my call might be to ministry.
we live in a society that is filled with so many different messages. and i am like paul in a way i feel perplexed
im not in despair but i am faced with a decision that i must make both i believe are viable decisions and while there are positive and negative aspects of both i realize that i am called to one and one alone i just don't know which one it is.
do i take the path of being a manager and executive a salesman that leads people and molds them into good men and that i would be able to provide a much better living and situation for my family?
or do i teach men about the word, about God and show them a life that is changed and committed and honest and real and sacrifice some of the better things for my family. by the way this means that my bride will always be in the spotlight and church people will just jump at the chance to slander me not to my face but hers and my children will bear the weight of being under a microscope and that not only will God judge along with their parents but also every member of the congregation that we are a part of?
am i confused yes am i growing impatient but i also know that there are many decisions in life like this. and i also understand that a man is not where he works but who he is.
but still the decision remains unanswered and i wait for the answer.
is it my decision to make? will it be made for me?
time will tell but know that me and my family need your prayers and more importantly God's hand in our lives. thanks for the time that you all take to read this blog and understand that i treasure each of your opinions.
i love you guys
GO GOD!!! YOU WILL TRIUMPH IN ALL THINGS!!!!
OUT....
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
edification
1Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.
2For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit.
3But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.
4He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
5I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.
Chapter 12 spoke of spiritual gifts the Corinthian church which was extremely gifted but the more flamboyant gifts were being desired(tongues) by the church.
Chapter 13 "the love chapter" was to let the Corinthian church know that love should be the first desire before spiritual gifts.
If they take care of those first we come to chapter 14. Desire the gifts that edify and grow the church. Even though all gifts are good the ones that are the best are the one which do the most good.
"Every gift of God is a favour from God, but then those are to be most valued that are most useful" Matthew Henry
Are your gifts being used? Are we desiring others to be changed by implementation of God working in our lives? Do we desire to edify others or do we want to figure out our lives first or clean up our lives first?
Love others, deny yourself this is the pattern that Paul set down for us in 1 Corinthians i pray that i would follow his example and the Lord's teaching.
love others more than yourself that is how your ministry will be fulfilled.
pray that i would use my gifts for the most benefit of others. thanks for your prayers i need them.
i'm out
2For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit.
3But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.
4He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
5I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.
Chapter 12 spoke of spiritual gifts the Corinthian church which was extremely gifted but the more flamboyant gifts were being desired(tongues) by the church.
Chapter 13 "the love chapter" was to let the Corinthian church know that love should be the first desire before spiritual gifts.
If they take care of those first we come to chapter 14. Desire the gifts that edify and grow the church. Even though all gifts are good the ones that are the best are the one which do the most good.
"Every gift of God is a favour from God, but then those are to be most valued that are most useful" Matthew Henry
Are your gifts being used? Are we desiring others to be changed by implementation of God working in our lives? Do we desire to edify others or do we want to figure out our lives first or clean up our lives first?
Love others, deny yourself this is the pattern that Paul set down for us in 1 Corinthians i pray that i would follow his example and the Lord's teaching.
love others more than yourself that is how your ministry will be fulfilled.
pray that i would use my gifts for the most benefit of others. thanks for your prayers i need them.
i'm out
Monday, June 25, 2007
Is this what passion is?
So after so much talking and thinking yesterday with my friends i went to church last night.
the message was pretty good and as always the Spirit can use God's word and He did again in my life. consecrated, committed, and consistent.
I don't believe that the consecration comes from myself(after all God calls us and sets us apart for His divine purposes) but the commitment and the consistency do. So God again worked on my heart but what i wanted to tell you guys was this.
Me and Jeff were talking about some profound things most involving where we are at personally and where we are going (which was a resounding not sure) but we also talked about emotion and in particular the Spirit of God and His presence in our lives.
It just seems that sometimes I don't feel the presence of God. All the time knowing that He will never leave me nor forsake me but just not "feeling" it. So yesterday before the service I asked God just let me feel your presence i want to feel you.
Now you are probably imagining crazy stories of people and their experiences with such things. But i want to assure you first of all that you might read this and be dissapointed that there weren't fireworks or flashes of light or explosions but I felt the Spirit inside of me...
I was told last night about an opportunity for the kids in my discipleship class. An opportunity to spend time with their new leader and also a chance to journey deeper with God. To be committed to something that will impact their lives.
The catch: the best time to do this was during the discipleship class hour. I was asked sincerely asked not ushered into or forced into but asked if I would be willing to give up my class so they could have this incredible opportunity.
For once it just wasn't about me...
I cried last night and was devastated that my class was gone. For you teachers out there, there is no greater joy than teaching teachable people. I felt the Spirit inside of me grieve but reassurance that this was God's sovereignty working itself out not only for the students but also for me and Kristen.
Now i have to go back to teaching kids that frankly could care less about learning. I'm being negative and some might even say that im putting a limit on God but understand that I'm not but its just not the same teaching people that want to learn and grow and expecting to teach those that just don't get it (jeff you feel me here, i know)
So pray for me, and more importantly for those kids. They are going through the roughest part intellectually in their lives and they need a guide. Maybe God wants to use me in the class that i will be going to, or maybe its just another part of the separation process. I don't know God hasn't revealed that but i know that im going to miss that class but im thankful that God answered my prayer.
I felt His presence, thank you...
:)
out
the message was pretty good and as always the Spirit can use God's word and He did again in my life. consecrated, committed, and consistent.
I don't believe that the consecration comes from myself(after all God calls us and sets us apart for His divine purposes) but the commitment and the consistency do. So God again worked on my heart but what i wanted to tell you guys was this.
Me and Jeff were talking about some profound things most involving where we are at personally and where we are going (which was a resounding not sure) but we also talked about emotion and in particular the Spirit of God and His presence in our lives.
It just seems that sometimes I don't feel the presence of God. All the time knowing that He will never leave me nor forsake me but just not "feeling" it. So yesterday before the service I asked God just let me feel your presence i want to feel you.
Now you are probably imagining crazy stories of people and their experiences with such things. But i want to assure you first of all that you might read this and be dissapointed that there weren't fireworks or flashes of light or explosions but I felt the Spirit inside of me...
I was told last night about an opportunity for the kids in my discipleship class. An opportunity to spend time with their new leader and also a chance to journey deeper with God. To be committed to something that will impact their lives.
The catch: the best time to do this was during the discipleship class hour. I was asked sincerely asked not ushered into or forced into but asked if I would be willing to give up my class so they could have this incredible opportunity.
For once it just wasn't about me...
I cried last night and was devastated that my class was gone. For you teachers out there, there is no greater joy than teaching teachable people. I felt the Spirit inside of me grieve but reassurance that this was God's sovereignty working itself out not only for the students but also for me and Kristen.
Now i have to go back to teaching kids that frankly could care less about learning. I'm being negative and some might even say that im putting a limit on God but understand that I'm not but its just not the same teaching people that want to learn and grow and expecting to teach those that just don't get it (jeff you feel me here, i know)
So pray for me, and more importantly for those kids. They are going through the roughest part intellectually in their lives and they need a guide. Maybe God wants to use me in the class that i will be going to, or maybe its just another part of the separation process. I don't know God hasn't revealed that but i know that im going to miss that class but im thankful that God answered my prayer.
I felt His presence, thank you...
:)
out
Friday, June 22, 2007
100th post
man 100 posts, i can't believe i have actually stuck with this thing and im more amazed that people actually read this thing.
i am starting a new thing in my life trusting God with who I am and not with my effort so i've done something crazy that some people will laugh at and others will freak out about.
But im into symbolism, big time. God used symbolism to clearly express to people what He wanted them to know and understand about Himself.
well i did that yesterday. new area, new outlook on grace and life, and a dedication to depend on God (almost seems like a contradiction, striving to depend on God...)
but enough of that what to write about in my 100th post. I will leave you with some advice that i received from my parents that somehow works. They have told it to 3 people 2 of them are now married with kids and 1 is plannin to get married.
its also in the book true faced.
"we can't wait for perfect people before we trust people"
no one is perfect its true. My mom and dad tell singles that seem to be struggling to find that "one" this information.
Quit trying to find the perfect mate, because when you do you usually push away the ones that actually care and love you.
people aren't perfect they are flawed, however as im learning you can't look at saved people as sinners.
it gives you a reason to reject and not love them. if you see them as a sinner they will dissapoint and sin and you will reject them. if you see them as a saint they sin and you sympathize with them you care and want to keep them accountable.
how do we look at ourself? how do we view others? is it the same way that God looks at them and us?
if you ask yourselves those questions you might find out more about yourself than what you bargained for.
pray that God will allow me to see people as he does and that i will realize that i am no longer a sinner but a saint because of the overpowering, underserving grace of God through Jesus Christ. And should live like a saint depending upon God in every part of my life.
Love you guys and thanks for reading this and caring about my life. It truly means alot.
God bless
i'm out
i am starting a new thing in my life trusting God with who I am and not with my effort so i've done something crazy that some people will laugh at and others will freak out about.
But im into symbolism, big time. God used symbolism to clearly express to people what He wanted them to know and understand about Himself.
well i did that yesterday. new area, new outlook on grace and life, and a dedication to depend on God (almost seems like a contradiction, striving to depend on God...)
but enough of that what to write about in my 100th post. I will leave you with some advice that i received from my parents that somehow works. They have told it to 3 people 2 of them are now married with kids and 1 is plannin to get married.
its also in the book true faced.
"we can't wait for perfect people before we trust people"
no one is perfect its true. My mom and dad tell singles that seem to be struggling to find that "one" this information.
Quit trying to find the perfect mate, because when you do you usually push away the ones that actually care and love you.
people aren't perfect they are flawed, however as im learning you can't look at saved people as sinners.
it gives you a reason to reject and not love them. if you see them as a sinner they will dissapoint and sin and you will reject them. if you see them as a saint they sin and you sympathize with them you care and want to keep them accountable.
how do we look at ourself? how do we view others? is it the same way that God looks at them and us?
if you ask yourselves those questions you might find out more about yourself than what you bargained for.
pray that God will allow me to see people as he does and that i will realize that i am no longer a sinner but a saint because of the overpowering, underserving grace of God through Jesus Christ. And should live like a saint depending upon God in every part of my life.
Love you guys and thanks for reading this and caring about my life. It truly means alot.
God bless
i'm out
Thursday, June 21, 2007
a list
1. kristen got to see the Boston Red Sox play yesterday and that has got to be one of the coolest things ever. I've always wanted to see the Red Sox, Cubs, and Yankees play live. only the yankees so i could boo every second.
2. the Boss was at work yesterday to check out the work area that i just took over....yesterday!!! Needless to say they are completely result driven and want it done and are trying to give me a way to do. I love the challenge but it flat wore me out yesterday.
3. I anticipate starting anew and afresh with mine and kristen's life.
4. truefaced is an awesome book. still struggling with trying not to try its so weird to me.
5. right now im thinking how much are groceries and utilities and stuff im sure they are a joy.
6. job, dwelling place, money, more school, church, are all things im trusting God for.
7. man this is officially the worst time for sports and no i will not be a fan of nascar.
8. 2 of the 4 polls have this team at No. 1 in the country
9. as for the schedule can you say kentucky, tennesse, arizona, georgetown, gonzaga, and the matchup of the two biggest freshmen in the country usc. We play some folks.
10. we lost 4 last year and guess what we made it to the elite eight for the second year in a row sorry duke and unc, and that was after we lost our 3 top scorers.
be scared america very scared as dickie v would say "they're awesome baby!!!"
continue to pray for me and kristen we need it thanks everybody love you guys
out.
2. the Boss was at work yesterday to check out the work area that i just took over....yesterday!!! Needless to say they are completely result driven and want it done and are trying to give me a way to do. I love the challenge but it flat wore me out yesterday.
3. I anticipate starting anew and afresh with mine and kristen's life.
4. truefaced is an awesome book. still struggling with trying not to try its so weird to me.
5. right now im thinking how much are groceries and utilities and stuff im sure they are a joy.
6. job, dwelling place, money, more school, church, are all things im trusting God for.
7. man this is officially the worst time for sports and no i will not be a fan of nascar.
8. 2 of the 4 polls have this team at No. 1 in the country
9. as for the schedule can you say kentucky, tennesse, arizona, georgetown, gonzaga, and the matchup of the two biggest freshmen in the country usc. We play some folks.
10. we lost 4 last year and guess what we made it to the elite eight for the second year in a row sorry duke and unc, and that was after we lost our 3 top scorers.
be scared america very scared as dickie v would say "they're awesome baby!!!"
continue to pray for me and kristen we need it thanks everybody love you guys
out.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Trust
well i've been struggling with a few things lately and knowing that i need to address them i've been seeking answers.
pride and lack of trust.
i got a book recommendation from JR (thanks by the way) its called truefaced. The entire concept is that we need to stop striving to please God and instead trust Him.
to be brutally honest it seems to easy. Shrug off your burdens upon the shoulders of God and realize that its not you to lead or strive but instead only follow where God leads and rely on Him to show you nothing else.
No need to clean, no need to feel ashamed.
we are not saved sinners but instead transformed or more clearly created saints.
God's grace transformed us into a new creation, perfect in God's eyes through Christ, so why in the world do we see ourselves as broken pieces not fit for God's service.
This effort and workload breeds more sin, sin that i know all too well, pride, envy, comparison, anger, shame, all of which are results of the thing that we are working towards!!!
But is it this easy? Honestly i still have a hard time believing that it is. Am i trusting God fully???
NO im not but i am a little which is more than i have trusted in the past and for that i am thankful for God's overwhelming grace none of which is deserved.
pray and let me know what you think...is it really this easy??
out
pride and lack of trust.
i got a book recommendation from JR (thanks by the way) its called truefaced. The entire concept is that we need to stop striving to please God and instead trust Him.
to be brutally honest it seems to easy. Shrug off your burdens upon the shoulders of God and realize that its not you to lead or strive but instead only follow where God leads and rely on Him to show you nothing else.
No need to clean, no need to feel ashamed.
we are not saved sinners but instead transformed or more clearly created saints.
God's grace transformed us into a new creation, perfect in God's eyes through Christ, so why in the world do we see ourselves as broken pieces not fit for God's service.
This effort and workload breeds more sin, sin that i know all too well, pride, envy, comparison, anger, shame, all of which are results of the thing that we are working towards!!!
But is it this easy? Honestly i still have a hard time believing that it is. Am i trusting God fully???
NO im not but i am a little which is more than i have trusted in the past and for that i am thankful for God's overwhelming grace none of which is deserved.
pray and let me know what you think...is it really this easy??
out
Saturday, June 16, 2007
The Sizzler
Well i've always wanted to talk about this so i think it will be interesting to see what people think about this:
In marketing, we say that we don't sell the steak we sell the sizzle.
well what about church, where is our focus. Is it on the steak or is it the sizzle.
Our purpose of servanthood to Christ and overall purpose to worship and bring Him glory will always remain the same. Is that what we are about or not?
just thought about this the other day in class...interesting i thought.
i'm out
In marketing, we say that we don't sell the steak we sell the sizzle.
well what about church, where is our focus. Is it on the steak or is it the sizzle.
Our purpose of servanthood to Christ and overall purpose to worship and bring Him glory will always remain the same. Is that what we are about or not?
just thought about this the other day in class...interesting i thought.
i'm out
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
On the horizon
im looking forward to a couple things in the not so distant future:
1.getting married very psyched
2.graduating college to be done with school but not with learning is a large desire of mine
3.bein on my own for a while it seems like it will be relaxing to come home to my apartment (after hanging out with kristen all day cuz we'll be in the same zip code)
4.new challenges. I love a challenge and i just love workin my butt off to get it done.
5.and most exciting is seeing God's hand orchestrate my life. I don't know how or when but its gonna be awesome. Thanks to some advice (i.e. Kristen Barfield) the worrying is subsiding.
Look out world im headed for the horizon.
i'm out
1.getting married very psyched
2.graduating college to be done with school but not with learning is a large desire of mine
3.bein on my own for a while it seems like it will be relaxing to come home to my apartment (after hanging out with kristen all day cuz we'll be in the same zip code)
4.new challenges. I love a challenge and i just love workin my butt off to get it done.
5.and most exciting is seeing God's hand orchestrate my life. I don't know how or when but its gonna be awesome. Thanks to some advice (i.e. Kristen Barfield) the worrying is subsiding.
Look out world im headed for the horizon.
i'm out
Monday, June 11, 2007
What's on your mind J.C.?
well i'll tell you:
1.unfortunately still worried about the job trusting is so much harder than doing.
2.had four total people in discipleship class is this a coincidence or a sign of things to come???
3.i'm trying to work on practicing humility, it will happen more at work than anywhere else. can God reveal things to me if im not absolutely on top of my game? is anything keeping me from seeing something or is it just not time?
4.what difference does my life make. is it enough am i laboring enough am i giving enough
5.kristen barfield is unbelievably creative. i knew this from the start but now that she is behind planning an entire event and is the leader of that process its awesome the ideas that she has and how she is producing our wedding day.
6.there is obvious tension at Crosspointe. the discipleship class is completely a refreshing time for me and you can cut the air in the service with a chainsaw or a plasma cutter whichever you prefer.
7.i'm gonna miss all the friends that are leaving...it seems like more and more its me and God and kristen. is this to make my move easier or to teach me some crazy lesson that i need to know.
8.first test of the summer today im pretty psyched about it. Why? semester is almost over and the 10th of May gets closer and closer.
9.im ready for football season please hurry.
10.my 21st bday is coming up in 2 months what should i do? power rangers party anyone?
please continue to pray for God's provision and not only that but His revealation of what He is doing to me and Kristen. thanks for everything to the people who read this thing im thinking of a title change any ideas let me know.
Beefy, Cheesy melt from Taco Bell = Awesome!!!
i'm out
1.unfortunately still worried about the job trusting is so much harder than doing.
2.had four total people in discipleship class is this a coincidence or a sign of things to come???
3.i'm trying to work on practicing humility, it will happen more at work than anywhere else. can God reveal things to me if im not absolutely on top of my game? is anything keeping me from seeing something or is it just not time?
4.what difference does my life make. is it enough am i laboring enough am i giving enough
5.kristen barfield is unbelievably creative. i knew this from the start but now that she is behind planning an entire event and is the leader of that process its awesome the ideas that she has and how she is producing our wedding day.
6.there is obvious tension at Crosspointe. the discipleship class is completely a refreshing time for me and you can cut the air in the service with a chainsaw or a plasma cutter whichever you prefer.
7.i'm gonna miss all the friends that are leaving...it seems like more and more its me and God and kristen. is this to make my move easier or to teach me some crazy lesson that i need to know.
8.first test of the summer today im pretty psyched about it. Why? semester is almost over and the 10th of May gets closer and closer.
9.im ready for football season please hurry.
10.my 21st bday is coming up in 2 months what should i do? power rangers party anyone?
please continue to pray for God's provision and not only that but His revealation of what He is doing to me and Kristen. thanks for everything to the people who read this thing im thinking of a title change any ideas let me know.
Beefy, Cheesy melt from Taco Bell = Awesome!!!
i'm out
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Just something to think about
Love God then Love people. that is how it was laid out. Jesus said it.
I'm a manager, my job is to get people to perform at their best.
I'm a leader, natural and learned. I am always seeking to improve myself. One of the reasons that we succeed as a belt is because my people always know where i stand.
If you mess up i'll let u know and then let u know that u can do better. If you are doing good i'll let u know that as well.
Reading John C. Maxwell and also the many, many, many textbooks and lectures that i've heard in my buisness classes i know how to approach people and what works and what doesn't.
So i pose this for you to think about. If God judges the thoughts and intents of the heart. Is it you loving people as a leader or is it using them as a resource?
Do we do everything out of love? Or do we do it for ourselves?
Watch it pick it up and fix it. I pray that God would make me more sensitive to people's needs and to truly love them.
And that my ministry would never be about me but about others.
Love you guys. Pray for me.
I'm out
I'm a manager, my job is to get people to perform at their best.
I'm a leader, natural and learned. I am always seeking to improve myself. One of the reasons that we succeed as a belt is because my people always know where i stand.
If you mess up i'll let u know and then let u know that u can do better. If you are doing good i'll let u know that as well.
Reading John C. Maxwell and also the many, many, many textbooks and lectures that i've heard in my buisness classes i know how to approach people and what works and what doesn't.
So i pose this for you to think about. If God judges the thoughts and intents of the heart. Is it you loving people as a leader or is it using them as a resource?
Do we do everything out of love? Or do we do it for ourselves?
Watch it pick it up and fix it. I pray that God would make me more sensitive to people's needs and to truly love them.
And that my ministry would never be about me but about others.
Love you guys. Pray for me.
I'm out
What's up with J.C.
well let me tell you:
1.i'm waiting on marriage, graduation, and a job in a place that is not Memphis but is in Greenville, SC
2.anger, confusion, sadness all rolled into one event at a place where love should be the main characteristic is absence.
3.excited about discipleship class. This class has revived me. I'm psyched every week to teach and this is in no way a joke im serious. I'm psyched and pumped every week. Spiderman 3 tomorrow and its gonna be awesome.
4.cooking again today in hopes that somehow it will prepare me to aide Kristen in our future food endeavors as a family. Basically so she doesn't have to cook all the meals in our household.
5.waiting on a job and its frustrating really frustrating. I definitely am learning how to truly trust God.
6.I've never said this with so much meaning. Long Distance sucks!!!
7.Somehow God is setting up the life for me and Kristen and I pray that sooner rather than later He would let me in on exactly what it is, but i'll be waiting.
love you guys thanks for your prayers, pray for me and Kristen and the stress of planning a marriage and also for me and finding the job not just a job. God wants me to impact people at a certain place and I need to make sure that i don't miss it.
keep praying, keep hoping, keep striving, and keep waiting on God.
I'm out
1.i'm waiting on marriage, graduation, and a job in a place that is not Memphis but is in Greenville, SC
2.anger, confusion, sadness all rolled into one event at a place where love should be the main characteristic is absence.
3.excited about discipleship class. This class has revived me. I'm psyched every week to teach and this is in no way a joke im serious. I'm psyched and pumped every week. Spiderman 3 tomorrow and its gonna be awesome.
4.cooking again today in hopes that somehow it will prepare me to aide Kristen in our future food endeavors as a family. Basically so she doesn't have to cook all the meals in our household.
5.waiting on a job and its frustrating really frustrating. I definitely am learning how to truly trust God.
6.I've never said this with so much meaning. Long Distance sucks!!!
7.Somehow God is setting up the life for me and Kristen and I pray that sooner rather than later He would let me in on exactly what it is, but i'll be waiting.
love you guys thanks for your prayers, pray for me and Kristen and the stress of planning a marriage and also for me and finding the job not just a job. God wants me to impact people at a certain place and I need to make sure that i don't miss it.
keep praying, keep hoping, keep striving, and keep waiting on God.
I'm out
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
well what to say
to be honest i fear for writing this blog today because even though i will write it in love people will think that I'm not so im going to take as much of me out of it as i can and just leave it up to scripture and God to show you some things.
First Nehemiah 4
its sad that people are building and they have to fend off attacks not only from the enemies but also from their own people.
Second
Third
An Encouragement for Freedom Church and mostly from me to J.R. and Todd
First Nehemiah 4
its sad that people are building and they have to fend off attacks not only from the enemies but also from their own people.
Second
Third
An Encouragement for Freedom Church and mostly from me to J.R. and Todd
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