What is most important in life? Safety and comfort? Happiness and enjoyment? A stable family? Financial Stability? Power and success? Status and Fame? Peace and Prosperity? Where does God and your relationship with Him rank? After important matters are concluded? When you have time? When it's appropriate?
As for myself, He ranks and always will be first in my life. But, I know it can be a long road, and for a lot of people, a road not often traveled. I was there once, believing in God, but always putting myself and the easy way first. It is so easy to prioritize affairs of the world as the most important things in life, whatever those things happen to be. You seem happy, you look happy, but are you really completely satisfied with life and happy with where you are at? When you ask yourself that last question honestly, you realize your not.
What if I told you that you could have everything you need in life, and the happiness to enjoy it? True happiness and peace that nothing could ever take away. Believing isn't enough, you need to embrace Him. God will give you everything you need, and the peace of mind that never leaves you. When the Lord becomes the focal point of your life, His strength becomes your shelter from hardship. Things that used to break you, just make you stronger.
Believe me, i know it isn't easy to break away from the hold the world has on you. The thing about being exposed to temptation and the sinful parts of human nature, it comes alive in you. Sin is Satan's weapon and his hold over you is strong. You rationalize your a good person and convince yourself into believing that is enough. Many see turning their life over to God as a great sacrifice to their personal fun and happiness, a common misconception aimed at steering you away. That couldn't be farther from the truth. Accepting Jesus and having that relationship with Him enriches your life, not limits it. You find yourself breaking the chains of sin that had such a hold over you. You make time for God, and He makes time for what you need. You fight the temptation of falling back into the sinful things of your past, and you find fun where you never expected. The list goes on and you wonder why it took you so long.
All it takes is, "Lord, I need you. I ask that you forgive me of my sins. I believe that you died on the cross to save me from my sins, and I ask that you guide and direct me to honor you. In Jesus name, amen." I address this to all sinners in need of God's forgiveness. I base this on my own experiences and I pray that it helps you. God loves you and has a purpose for you. The journey may not always be clear, but in the end, the Lord is always with you.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
An Unwavering Spirit
There are a lot of things I see on the news and Internet, bad things happening that I am powerless to stop. People with opinions different from mine, blind to doing the right thing. And I think, my words of anger will not solve anything. So I stop, calm myself, and pray for their souls. In a lot of situations, that is a very good idea. But there are times to speak up and give a voice to matters that need brought to attention. The power of prayer should never be underestimated.
I'm sure a lot of you have heard of the attempted assassination of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords that almost took her life and killed six other people. It doesn't matter what party she belongs to or what political views she has, there is nothing that could ever defend attempting to take her life. I'm calling for prayers for her recovery, her family, and the families of the six victims killed that day. Innocent human beings, and fellow citizens of our country.
What is more distressing lately about this situation are the actions of Fred Phelps and his Westboro Baptist Church. I do not like calling it a baptist church because our Lord should not be associated with a hate group. They have made a name for themselves for protesting the funerals of soldiers, victims of AIDS, and homosexuals. They also claim that the shooter was sent by God, and plan to protest at the funeral of a nine year old girl killed during the shooting. I just can't comprehend the hate it takes to say and do such things. I wasn't raised that way, and the day I truly accepted Jesus, my heart wasn't designed that way. The fact that they believe they are Christians doing God's work both angers and saddens me. Their hateful message harms God's work as if they denied Him altogether. The way they interpret hate from the message of love throughout the Bible convinces me that they do not know Jesus, and therefore deny Him with every picket sign.
That is why prayers are desperately needed for everyone involved. The true message of our Lord, love and compassion needs to be shown with the unwavering dedication found inside our hearts. Only the Holy Spirit has a chance to battle hate and drive it from a soul. I ask that every one of you reading this to pray for everyone involved in this tragic situation, and that it be resolved in a peaceful manner. Too much violence and hate has already suffocated the Arizona community. It is our duty to come together and breathe the life back in.
I'm sure a lot of you have heard of the attempted assassination of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords that almost took her life and killed six other people. It doesn't matter what party she belongs to or what political views she has, there is nothing that could ever defend attempting to take her life. I'm calling for prayers for her recovery, her family, and the families of the six victims killed that day. Innocent human beings, and fellow citizens of our country.
What is more distressing lately about this situation are the actions of Fred Phelps and his Westboro Baptist Church. I do not like calling it a baptist church because our Lord should not be associated with a hate group. They have made a name for themselves for protesting the funerals of soldiers, victims of AIDS, and homosexuals. They also claim that the shooter was sent by God, and plan to protest at the funeral of a nine year old girl killed during the shooting. I just can't comprehend the hate it takes to say and do such things. I wasn't raised that way, and the day I truly accepted Jesus, my heart wasn't designed that way. The fact that they believe they are Christians doing God's work both angers and saddens me. Their hateful message harms God's work as if they denied Him altogether. The way they interpret hate from the message of love throughout the Bible convinces me that they do not know Jesus, and therefore deny Him with every picket sign.
That is why prayers are desperately needed for everyone involved. The true message of our Lord, love and compassion needs to be shown with the unwavering dedication found inside our hearts. Only the Holy Spirit has a chance to battle hate and drive it from a soul. I ask that every one of you reading this to pray for everyone involved in this tragic situation, and that it be resolved in a peaceful manner. Too much violence and hate has already suffocated the Arizona community. It is our duty to come together and breathe the life back in.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
My Sunday Testimony
I wrote this testimony to be read at Richfield Church of the Nazarene's December 26th Sunday service. It was a very special day because it had been my only visit in four years, and most likely my last. Swartz Ambulance Service volunteered to transport me for free, making it a real miracle. I sat in the sanctuary after the service when the lights went dark. Jesus was there. I felt His surge of power and saw the beauty of the large illuminated cross behind the alter. Tears came to my eyes, because there is nothing on this earth that could ever be more powerful than that moment.
The last time I was here in church, I had no idea what would come to pass the following week. I was feeling sick, so I stayed home. Hours later, I was passing out. Waking up after that operation that saved my life, I fell into quite the depression. I couldn't move, and found out I would never regain the strength I had lost. Months, almost a year went by and I had to accept that I would be confined to a bed. I would not be able to attend church, or travel anywhere. People tell me they would not be able to handle what I have gone through. For awhile there, I did not handle it well. I made an effort to look strong on the outside, but inside, I was craving a deeper purpose in life beyond just surviving. On the recommendation of a few people, I started this blog. By inspiring and reaching out to others about Jesus Christ, I found a newfound strength to keep going. That I was finally making a difference.
Why does God allow so much suffering? It's a topic that isn't easy to explain. There are times when I just have to ask, "Why?" Not everything is made known to us. We don't know God's master plan, We wouldn't even be able to comprehend it.
God does not wish us ill, He does not enjoy seeing us in pain, or dealing with hardship in our lives. Satan is the one to blame for that. God has complete control over everything, that is true. God may step back and allow Satan to throw his stones, but God does not supply the slingshot. He knows how much we can handle, and how much we can't. God knows us deep down more than we know ourselves.
When I think back to the time where my existence was on the drawing board, I think of this. God knew I would love Him heart, mind, and soul. He was so sure, He said to Satan, "Okay, give him Muscular Dystrophy. You may have control of his body, but I will always have his soul." Satan took the challenge, and I can say with absolute certainty that he failed miserably. I will admit there were times when Satan was probably feeling pretty good about himself, but once the Lord was in my corner, he never stood a chance.
Considering all the hardships that come with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, I do not believe it is a curse. In many ways, it has made me stronger. I would not be who I am without this condition. God knows it hasn't been easy for me, but I know this life is not my last. Knowing that is what gets me through, what keeps me going. My biggest hope is that my condition will show others how faith in God can help them overcome the toughest of battles they may face in life.
I am very thankful of all the special people in my life, and those who have made this church visit possible. This may be my last chance to attend, and I'm very grateful for the opportunity.
The last time I was here in church, I had no idea what would come to pass the following week. I was feeling sick, so I stayed home. Hours later, I was passing out. Waking up after that operation that saved my life, I fell into quite the depression. I couldn't move, and found out I would never regain the strength I had lost. Months, almost a year went by and I had to accept that I would be confined to a bed. I would not be able to attend church, or travel anywhere. People tell me they would not be able to handle what I have gone through. For awhile there, I did not handle it well. I made an effort to look strong on the outside, but inside, I was craving a deeper purpose in life beyond just surviving. On the recommendation of a few people, I started this blog. By inspiring and reaching out to others about Jesus Christ, I found a newfound strength to keep going. That I was finally making a difference.
Why does God allow so much suffering? It's a topic that isn't easy to explain. There are times when I just have to ask, "Why?" Not everything is made known to us. We don't know God's master plan, We wouldn't even be able to comprehend it.
God does not wish us ill, He does not enjoy seeing us in pain, or dealing with hardship in our lives. Satan is the one to blame for that. God has complete control over everything, that is true. God may step back and allow Satan to throw his stones, but God does not supply the slingshot. He knows how much we can handle, and how much we can't. God knows us deep down more than we know ourselves.
When I think back to the time where my existence was on the drawing board, I think of this. God knew I would love Him heart, mind, and soul. He was so sure, He said to Satan, "Okay, give him Muscular Dystrophy. You may have control of his body, but I will always have his soul." Satan took the challenge, and I can say with absolute certainty that he failed miserably. I will admit there were times when Satan was probably feeling pretty good about himself, but once the Lord was in my corner, he never stood a chance.
Considering all the hardships that come with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, I do not believe it is a curse. In many ways, it has made me stronger. I would not be who I am without this condition. God knows it hasn't been easy for me, but I know this life is not my last. Knowing that is what gets me through, what keeps me going. My biggest hope is that my condition will show others how faith in God can help them overcome the toughest of battles they may face in life.
I am very thankful of all the special people in my life, and those who have made this church visit possible. This may be my last chance to attend, and I'm very grateful for the opportunity.
Monday, December 13, 2010
What Keeps Me Going
One of the most asked questions asked by non believers is, If God is so loving, why does He allow so much suffering? It's a topic that isn't easy to teach. Even Christians wonder from time to time, I know I have. There are times when I just have to ask, "Why?" Not everything is made known to us. We don't know God's master plan. Even if He came down and told us, we wouldn't even be able to comprehend the magnitude of His plan.
God does not wish us ill, He does not enjoy seeing us in pain, or dealing with hardship until we break. You will need to look down if you want to see who is responsible for that. God has complete control over everything, that is true. God may step back and allow Satan to throw his stones, but do not think for one second that God supplies the slingshot. He knows how much we can handle, and how much we can't. God knows us deep down better than we know ourselves. After all, He did create every one of us.
When I think back to the time when my existence was on the drawing board, I think of this. God knew I would love Him heart, mind, and soul. He was so sure, He said to Satan, "Okay, give him Muscular Dystrophy. You may have control of his body, but I will always have his soul." Satan took the challenge, and I can say with absolute certainty he failed miserably. I will admit there were times when Satan was probably feeling pretty good about himself, but once the Lord was in my corner, he never stood a chance.
Considering all the hardships that come with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, I do not believe it is a curse. In many ways, it has made me stronger. I would not be who I am without having this disease. God knows it hasn't been easy for me, but I know this life is not my last. Knowing that is what gets me through, what keeps me going.
God does not wish us ill, He does not enjoy seeing us in pain, or dealing with hardship until we break. You will need to look down if you want to see who is responsible for that. God has complete control over everything, that is true. God may step back and allow Satan to throw his stones, but do not think for one second that God supplies the slingshot. He knows how much we can handle, and how much we can't. God knows us deep down better than we know ourselves. After all, He did create every one of us.
When I think back to the time when my existence was on the drawing board, I think of this. God knew I would love Him heart, mind, and soul. He was so sure, He said to Satan, "Okay, give him Muscular Dystrophy. You may have control of his body, but I will always have his soul." Satan took the challenge, and I can say with absolute certainty he failed miserably. I will admit there were times when Satan was probably feeling pretty good about himself, but once the Lord was in my corner, he never stood a chance.
Considering all the hardships that come with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, I do not believe it is a curse. In many ways, it has made me stronger. I would not be who I am without having this disease. God knows it hasn't been easy for me, but I know this life is not my last. Knowing that is what gets me through, what keeps me going.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Never Give Up
I have to tell you, there has never been a time in my life where I have been this discouraged about the world around me. Every time I turn on a news broadcast or open a news web page, I am greeted with the worst of our civilization. It's depressing, and so easy to feel hopeless, like nothing I will ever do will change anything. Like no one has any hope of righting the course that our country, and the world, has been sent down.
Then, I find myself thinking, why bother wasting my time? One day, I will be in a place where none of it will matter anymore. I'll be in Heaven and finially know peace. But, that kind of thinking is dangerous, and it sure isn't the kind of attitude God teaches us to have. Giving up on doing good and making a difference is the worst kind of message you can send. When people no longer care about each other and living their lives by example, evil develops and grows like a wildfire.
What do you think would happen if everyone gave up and conceded that the world is going to chaos no matter they do? The world would be a much more terrible place. I will tell you this, I believe the work we do now as Christians is more important than ever. As long as we don't give up and keep following God's will, the Lord will shine through us and into others. Even if you lead only one person to Jesus, that is one more person in this world loving the Lord, and that is something that will really make a difference, both to that person, and the lives they will change with Jesus shining through them. You never know just how many lives you might influence by never giving up on spreading God's Word.
Then, I find myself thinking, why bother wasting my time? One day, I will be in a place where none of it will matter anymore. I'll be in Heaven and finially know peace. But, that kind of thinking is dangerous, and it sure isn't the kind of attitude God teaches us to have. Giving up on doing good and making a difference is the worst kind of message you can send. When people no longer care about each other and living their lives by example, evil develops and grows like a wildfire.
What do you think would happen if everyone gave up and conceded that the world is going to chaos no matter they do? The world would be a much more terrible place. I will tell you this, I believe the work we do now as Christians is more important than ever. As long as we don't give up and keep following God's will, the Lord will shine through us and into others. Even if you lead only one person to Jesus, that is one more person in this world loving the Lord, and that is something that will really make a difference, both to that person, and the lives they will change with Jesus shining through them. You never know just how many lives you might influence by never giving up on spreading God's Word.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Life Is A Gift
I was reading an article about Euthanasia and mercy killings, and the negative impact of making it legal for doctors to assist in suicides. As someone that is terminally ill, I can imagine the fear of being admitted to a hospital with doctors who participate in ending lives. Many people think assisting terminally ill patients to die is an act of compassion. It isn't an act of compassion, it's an act they can't come back from. In the Lord's eye, the doctor would be a murderer and the patient would be committing a sin they can't ask to forgive. If people want to show compassion, they should talk them back from the ledge. Suicide, whether they are a moody 16 year old or a terminally ill adult, it isn't the answer. They need the help and support to overcome the difficulties in their lives.
Years ago, I woke up in a hospital with most of my mobility gone. At first, I wished I never woke up from surgery. I slowly got past that, but it was a long time before I fully appreciated being alive and given the gift of a second chance. I have a family and a savior who transformed my life, making me see things in a different light, a better light. I can't imagine what my life would be without my faith and where I would be. It isn't something I even want to think about.
When I think of the people who have committed suicide, I want to shout to the world that life is a gift, and not something to be taken lightly. There are those who will deceive us into taking our lives for granted. Deception is Satan's favorite tool, and he will use it to make your life miserable. But, there is protection and His name is Jesus Christ. Having the Lord in my life has given me the peace to be happy with my life. God does not give anyone more than they can handle. He knows our true potential more than we know our own. Every life includes trials that test us, they shape us into who we are. To give up on those trials is to deny ourselves the chance to become who we are meant to be. God has a plan for us. It might not make sense now, but it will. Take it from someone who knows, the road is much smoother with the Lord beside you.
Years ago, I woke up in a hospital with most of my mobility gone. At first, I wished I never woke up from surgery. I slowly got past that, but it was a long time before I fully appreciated being alive and given the gift of a second chance. I have a family and a savior who transformed my life, making me see things in a different light, a better light. I can't imagine what my life would be without my faith and where I would be. It isn't something I even want to think about.
When I think of the people who have committed suicide, I want to shout to the world that life is a gift, and not something to be taken lightly. There are those who will deceive us into taking our lives for granted. Deception is Satan's favorite tool, and he will use it to make your life miserable. But, there is protection and His name is Jesus Christ. Having the Lord in my life has given me the peace to be happy with my life. God does not give anyone more than they can handle. He knows our true potential more than we know our own. Every life includes trials that test us, they shape us into who we are. To give up on those trials is to deny ourselves the chance to become who we are meant to be. God has a plan for us. It might not make sense now, but it will. Take it from someone who knows, the road is much smoother with the Lord beside you.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
The Beauty of God's Glory
I was listening to this song the other day. I don't know who was singing or what the words were because it was in a language I didn't recognize. That doesn't matter, what matters is the feeling it gave me.
A couple minutes before, I was in a depressed mood. I was feeling sorry for myself and i was pretty down. There was this music file i didn't know was there. I played it to see what it was, and it was this beautiful song of a woman singing with a piano in the background. This feeling of awe washed over me at how beautiful and powerful the song was. I'm not one to be moved and amazed by artistic talent, but this song got to me and every trace of depression left me in a flash. What it showed me is just how beautiful God's glory is. Here He created this woman with a gifted singing voice, Here He gave a man the hands and inspiration to build the first piano, and Here He brought everything together making it possible for me to hear this song when I desperately needed to.
The Lord reminded me of his beauty and it amazed me to the point where I broke down and cried. Here I was feeling sorry for myself, oblivious to all of God's blessings surrounding me. Blessed with the greatest family I could ever dream of having, blessed with a great life full of happiness, blessed with the freedom and safety of an American, and blessed to know Jesus as my savior and best friend. What more could I ever ask for? My tears turned to those of joy when I felt how much I truly love the Lord. I just can not put into words how much I love Him. The words do not exist to properly express myself. After all He has done for me and given me, how could I not love Him with all my heart and soul?
When things get the best of you and your feeling down or depressed, stop and look around you. Find something you find beautiful, a picture, song, or an open window. Just let go of your troubles. Let God show you his beauty and embrace the miracle of it. Nothing is more powerful than God's beauty, nothing.
A couple minutes before, I was in a depressed mood. I was feeling sorry for myself and i was pretty down. There was this music file i didn't know was there. I played it to see what it was, and it was this beautiful song of a woman singing with a piano in the background. This feeling of awe washed over me at how beautiful and powerful the song was. I'm not one to be moved and amazed by artistic talent, but this song got to me and every trace of depression left me in a flash. What it showed me is just how beautiful God's glory is. Here He created this woman with a gifted singing voice, Here He gave a man the hands and inspiration to build the first piano, and Here He brought everything together making it possible for me to hear this song when I desperately needed to.
The Lord reminded me of his beauty and it amazed me to the point where I broke down and cried. Here I was feeling sorry for myself, oblivious to all of God's blessings surrounding me. Blessed with the greatest family I could ever dream of having, blessed with a great life full of happiness, blessed with the freedom and safety of an American, and blessed to know Jesus as my savior and best friend. What more could I ever ask for? My tears turned to those of joy when I felt how much I truly love the Lord. I just can not put into words how much I love Him. The words do not exist to properly express myself. After all He has done for me and given me, how could I not love Him with all my heart and soul?
When things get the best of you and your feeling down or depressed, stop and look around you. Find something you find beautiful, a picture, song, or an open window. Just let go of your troubles. Let God show you his beauty and embrace the miracle of it. Nothing is more powerful than God's beauty, nothing.
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