I'm Done....THANK GOD

Well got the most awesome freakin news....I'M DONE with School...YEAH. Thursday was the day I took my last exam of my bachelor's degree. I now have a B.S. in Religion with a specialization in Youth Ministry. Wow that sounds so freakin awesome. God has now gifted me and taught me with this very special training, so now I'm ready to use it. I'm busy looking at some churches, so pray for me. I really want to thank each person who's been praying for me, but since that would take all of time, I'm saying here....THANK YOU ALL. Well praise God for helping me and getting me through everything. God totally Rocks, JtW

A post from Ben Kasica

Ben Kasica is in a band named Skillet. He wrote something on his myspace that was just awesome and I think everyone should read it. So here it is...

They say that the way to unhappiness is to try to make yourself happy but to truly make yourself happy, you must give your life away in self forgetful love. Its so easy nowadays to always be thinking about youself, How can I make myself happy? What can I buy for me? How many friends do I have on my mspace? What do I get from it? etc etc...Our culture is so self centered. And because of it, we are a discontent people. Always wanting more because that little bit that we did happen to scrounge to devour for ourselves didn't fulfill us in the way that we thought it would. So we search for more. Constantly thinking that the new gadget or the better paying job or winning the lottery or a new girlfriend is going to make us happy. I can save you a lot of time and heartache and tell you now that no thing that you find in this world is going to satisfy you. It was never meant to. However, there is something... someone who can meet that desire inside you. A Love that will fulfill never fail you and it always there to meet your heart's deepest desires. And once you have that divine discontent met, it provides you the opportunity to give of yourself more completely in loving others. Living your life for other people. But to try to love other people in and of yourself can seem impossible at times. Especially if you're trying to love the unloveable. It's like trying to get that very last bit of toothpaste out when you know that there's not really any left... you still try...You try so hard to love people but really you're just dont have the ability to do it. You're empty. But when you love others out of that deeper Love that you have, it makes it easy. Because you're loving not out of a desperation and will to love but out of an abundance of love.And when we are able to love in that way, we can truly find happiness.Go love others. Do something selfless. Go help an old lady cross the street. Volunteer at a homeless shelter. Pay for a stranger's groceries. Visit an retirement community just to talk with people. You will find that the joy that you get out of it is worth far more than what it cost you.
Ben

A Christian's Job Description

Before you read this, you just agree with me that you won't get mad but instead read it in hopes that we can all change to be more like Christ.

A Christian's Job Description

After looking around at people I know and those I respect, I saw something that truly scared the crap out of me; they're Christians. That didn't scare me because I think that's wrong, but because they claimed to be Christians in light of how they were living. So I decided that I would write a Job description for Christians. I don't write this because I'm doing it all or because I'm hyper-spiritual. I do it because, like I hope it will convict you, because it convicts me to do better. So here it goes...…

1) Be saved!
Well that seems very easy, but how many of us think we're saved due to a huge emotional experience? I would say that a lot of us are in this boat. I believe that being saved requires a change. I'm not saying an immediate change, but over a period of time you become a whole different person than you were before you were saved.

2) Pray
What the junk is up with people not knowing how to pray and still claiming to be a Christian? How did they get saved in the first place? You need to pray. I'm not saying you should pray so much that you don't get anything done. You should pray and not as an excuse so you don't have to make a decision right now. Telling people I'll pray about is not a valid reason. I've got an idea, pray right now and if you don't get an answer then make a decision and if it's wrong, God will let you know.

3) Don't Judge
Christians today get a very bad rap because some of them judge others and treat them like crap because they sin. Guess what, you sin too! God's the only one that should be judging so you should shut up and keep it to yourself. God treated people with Love, even when he was talking to them about sin in their life. Try being like Jesus and if you can't don't claim to be a Christian. Does this mean that you shouldn't want to help people who are in sin and let them know they are? NO. You should definately let them know they're sinning, but to treat them like crap for it is so overly stupid that some people need to be slapped. Tell them in love, then help them to overcome it IF they want help.

4) Read God's Word
I'm as guilty as anyone in saying that I don't know enough scripture. God's word is essential to your walk with Christ. How can you claim to know Christ if you know nothing about Him? Jesus also used scripture to defeat Satan, maybe that's a good place to start when you want to defeat your sins? People ask what would Jesus do, but I say what DID Jesus do? Let's read God's word before everyone is so scripturally illiterate that Christians start being seen as spiritually retarded.

5) Walk the Walk
If you're going to be a Christian and call yourself a Christian, then freakin start acting like one. Some people are trying their best to be a follower of God and they get all the stupid stereotypes because someone along the way was a major hypocrite. So any time you screw up or just aren't living the life God's called you to live, and someone ask if you're a Christian, then don't tell them about Jesus and bring Shame to God and His people.

6) Stand up
I don't believe that we should be the Christian Taliban, but we should not sit there while people MOCK AND CURSE our GOD. Why do people just sit there and be quiet when people do all they can to make Christianity a stupid game. We aren't that at all. We know that Jesus is the ONLY way to Heaven and everyone else is going to hell, so how can we just sit there and not tell those we love about Jesus? If you can't stand up for what you believe and change the world, then please don't be a Christian.

In saying all this...…
It's not an inclusive list, but instead a list to inspire thinking. I'm not doing this to be a prideful person, but instead to challenge all of us to live up to what I've written here. If this is a problem and you find this list, though not finished, an outrage, I ask you please for the sake of your soul seek after God and think about this list. I'll pray for you and you should respond to this for me. Thank you for reading this and I'll try to update it as I come across things in myself and others that claim to be Christians, that should change.

Remember this verse: Titus 1:16
"They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable disobedient and unfit for doing anything good."

Here's a quote from a DC TALK song that you should remember

"The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians; who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, then walk out the door and deny him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable."

God's pushing

Do you ever get the idea that God's pushing and you're not listening? I get that impression in my life right now. I'm finishing up school in 7 weeks and I have no idea where I'm going after that. I don't know if God wants me to stay here, go way far away, or even in this country. I wish I truly knew. All I know is that God's put a passion for students in me that won't be satisfied until I can help students by showing them the love of Jesus Christ. God pushes, but I'm not sure why or how. I'm listening, but not hearing. A lot of people say that God whispers, but I don't believe that. I believe that God screams at us most of the time, and we as people are so deaf because we don't want to hear God that when we want to hear we've become so accustom to not hearing that we don't. I was asked the other day why don't we hear from God like they did during biblical times. My answer is that we don't want to. People say they want to hear from God and want to do His will, but what if he told you to go do something you didn't want to do? Would you do it? What if I actually heard from God and he said go to Iraq right now, find this specific person and when you told them of Me they would kill you. What would I do then? Honestly I'm not sure what I would do. I'd like to think I'd die for my Lord because He died for me, but I can't honestly say I would until I'm put in that situation. God's pushing. Do you ever want to scream to God for an answer or maybe you actually do it? I know I do. To truly be transparent I must admit that I've never doubted God's existence, but at times I do doubt God's listening to me. I know I work on His time and not not the other way around. Recently lots of bad things have happened and it's like I feel God pushing to test our stamina in our faith. So does God's pushing help me? Right now I feel like it could, but doesn't feel like it right now. As I tirelessly pray everyday and I hope others do, that God will soon give me a glimpse of what He has for me, in a way I hope it's soon. Normally I'm a very patient person. I don't usually let things get to me hardly ever, and I work well under large amounts of pressure. This made me a good medic and a good youth pastor. Lately, the pressure has been very high which is fine, but with all these bad things and God's test it's becoming harder to keep up. I end with this prayer: God please help me. I need your wisdom, your patience, and your overwhelming love. God speak to me soon to give me a glimpse of your plan and the path you want for me. Lord I want to be like Isaiah and say "Here am I Lord, send me." Thank you for your protection and salvation. Thank you. Amen. God Rocks, Jtw

What the Junk's with Jesus Camp -- STAND UP

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=98591593

Ok here's the link to a site for something called Jesus Camp. Jesus Camp is a movie that's coming out that is a documentary of the generation of youth today that's coming up and will bring out revival in America. This sounds great, but it's not. Watch the preview and let me know what you think. Here's what I commented on when I wrote them that pretty much gives my thoughts on the matter.

Well... I really want to see this movie. I'm a youth pastor and I know the next youth of today will be the turning point for the generation. In saying that I am a little scared of this movie based on the preview here. It talks about evangelical Christians, but none are shown in the video. It almost sounds like you're training kids as an army. All you're creating is a Christian Taliban. Is that what you want? I believe this will have the opposite effect that you're trying to get across here. Just like the da Vinci code, the movie will show the exact opposite of it's intended effect. Don't make this nation anymore secular by making Christians seem like extremist. We're not out for Judgment and just because these people are, doesn't mean we all are. I pray that everyone doesn't lump all Christians together to be like you guys, b/c we're totally not. Please don't say we are!

You might think I way harsh, but I doubt you will when you see the preview. The youth of today are the generation that's going to decide if the revival we so desperately need will come about. God wants us to have a revival where we all turn to Christ like we've never before. All revivals in HISTORY that were ever significant were started by people under the age of 18. If you're one of the students then I want you to know that I'm praying for you. If you're an adult begin praying for them. They call our generation a post-Christian generation, there's people on TV everyday cutting Christians down, and there's people who specifically Mock our God and everyone thinks it's ok. They think it's ok because we don't stand up for God.

I wrote the other day a Job description for a Christian that I will soon put up on here. I don't meet all these things all the time, but I'm trying because Jesus calls me to Seek after Him. In this document I think that all Christians should stand live for God and stand up for Him. If you can't handle it, don't claim to be a Christian. I'm so sick of the minority of people setting the rules for the majority because the majority doesn't stand up. Christians are the majority in this country, but unless we stand up we're just silently accepting what they say.

Now for Jesus Camp. You read what I have said above. Don't let this movie be another slap in the face to those of us who call ourselves followers of Christ. EVERYONE is going to use this movie. The people who hate Christians will label all of us as terrorist, Christians will point to a change through the next generation, and the rest of the people will see it and be afraid that we're trying to dictate their lives. I CAN'T STAND IT ANY LONGER!!!! More evil than good is going to come from this movie. I ask that anyone and everyone stand up and let people know that Christians are not silent, we're not here to force you to do anything, we're here to save your life. I can't take anymore. God Rocks, JW

And then there were 3

That's right everyone, there's 3 left from our list of churches that we're looking at right now. You can cut out Grace Bible Church. We went there, and it was a long way for a very short day trip, but we went. That church is out, we felt it wasn't the place for us. Not sure how to explain what God was telling us, but it was definately not the place God wanted for us. A couple of days ago I got a letter from them the other day, and it confirmed what we'd known since the day we went and visited. I still left it open and didn't contact them b/c I wanted to wait for God's answer and not my own. Next, a good friend that I get advice from time to time from advised me to get away from the denomational lines. I'm definately considering it in light of the last church... If you wan know what I mean let me know. The only problem is that I owe a lot of my church experience to my old Baptist church that I grew up in. So what do I do? I've decided that I'm going to keep them open, but keep looking for non-denominational churches. Ok as for the second church you can cut out, that's Gayton Baptist Church. Funny thing is that it's a church that we weren't sure about from the beginning. The site was very vague and really didn't say much about the church. We didn't visit the church, but felt weird about it. Well they didn't feel I was the best fit, so that one's out.
OK so... What does that leave? That leaves 3 other churches that we're looking at and I'm going to give you them in order of what I feel is the best feeling towards them.

1) Westover Church (NC) -- I've visited this church and it was freakin awesome. They were very people oriented and even the people in my family got a hug from a complete stranger. They have a large youth group and are focused on missions. What are the drawbacks? I'm not sure there is any except with this large of a church, it's going to be hard to learn all the students and try not to let anyone fall through the cracks. The answer is that I have leaders to be me to everyone...So now it's up to you.

2) NewSpring Community Church (SC) -- I haven't visited this church because it's in SC and hard to travel there with school, work, and a life. The main perks to this job is the leadership. The Senior pastor is a old youth pastor. He knows all the problems and will work with the issues that most people don't understand. They've also got an awesome youth room if you wanna go to the site and look at the pics. They truly love their students. The drawbacks are first the senior pastor. I know I said it's a perk, but let me explain. The pastor would be able to see the issues and be sincere to them, but he'll also have greater expectations. He's been there and done exactly what I wanna come in and do. It's like trying to teach Michael Jordan's basketball team to play basketball with him on the sitting there watching you. It would definately be nerve racking for me. What do you think?

3) Pinecrest Baptist Church (VA) -- I again haven't been to this church. This church caught my eye, but again had a weird site. I know you're gonna point out the denomination, but I'm going to be open. If you haven't visited their site lately, it's much better now. I can't say a lot about this church other than it seemed good. Because of the lack of good, I can't really point out the drawbacks other than the location. This isn't a problem b/c I'm just gonna go where ever God sends me.

So what have we learned? God's taken out some, he's left others, and I'm sure as I keep looking and praying for God's will that he'll send me more. Keep praying, go look at these sites again, and let me know about what you think. Thanks for your help and prayers. God Rocks, Jtw

I'm not alright

Artist: Sanctus Real
Album: The Face Of Love
Song: I'm Not Alright

If weakness is a wound
That no one wants to speak of
Then “cool” is just how far we have to fall
I am not immune
I only want to be loved
But I feel safe behind the firewall
Can I lose my need to impress?
If you want the truth, I need to confess
I’m not alright
I’m broken inside, broken inside
And all I go through
It leads me to you, it leads me to you
Burn away the pride
Bring me to my weakness
Until everything I hide behind is gone
And when I’m open wide
With nothing left to cling to
Only you are there to lead me on
Cause honestly, I’m not that strong
I’m not alright
I’m broken inside, broken inside
And all I go through
It leads me to you, it leads me to you
And I move, and I move, and I move...closer to you
And I move, and I move, and I move...closer to you
And I move, and I move, and I move...closer to you
And I move, and I move, and I move...
I’m not alright
I’m broken inside, broken inside
broken inside, broken inside
And all I go through
Leads me to you, leads me to you
I’m not alright, I’m not alright, I’m not alright...that’s why I need you

Yo service vs worship

Yo everybody my new few blogs will definitely be weird so don't freak out on me. I've been reading a book recently that talks about youth workers and how they fall into a trap of spending so much time in service to God that they don't worship God and their personal relationship with God is hurt through it. I recognized that the warning signs listed are totally me and I've become fairly stupid because of it. If you don't know what I mean then that's ok, I'm saying that I've spent so much time trying to be God to people that I can no longer just turn around and talk to God because I've moved to far away. Man I feel stupid, I mean who can't feel themselves moving away from God right? Well a lot of people think that service equals holiness, well it's not and I'm a good example of this. I do a lot of help students, and they don't even know it sometimes. So I've decided to follow the books advice and return to God. I'm going to have to rely on God more, and purposefully return to God. If I start saying NO more to people it's because I'm spending that time in worship to God and getting myself back on track with God. Please don't be mad at me if I refuse to do something, but it's only because I can't honestly teach you something that I don't feel. This is why I've decided that my personal relationship with Jesus will now come before others. This is the way it should be but I've forgotten that. I've become a stranger to God and now I MUST return to a brother and a disciple...I hope you understand...My God bless you all and I'll be here for everyone. I've not abandoned anyone, just cut back on the yes in order to say yes to Jesus instead...Thanks Kbye God Rocks, Jtw

yo visited a few churches

Well for those of you that actually read this and want to help, I visited 2 of the 4 churches and found one other for your viewing. I don't want to tell you which is which because I want you to keep praying for all of them. The first one I visited shannon was going there with very low expectations. She didn't like it from the site. It was a large church, and frankly it was awesome. It was very inviting, I even got a hug from a perfect stranger. They were geared toward helping others and huge on prayer. This one has a lot of pros and cons, so keep prayer for this one going. The one I went to last Sunday wasn't as good. It had a few things that were better than the first church, but there was a problem. We only had one person talk to us and we are the one's that started talking to them. A huge problem was the service. It had a lot of older people in it trying to be something they're not. They were trying very hard to be relevant to the culture and they weren't and shouldn't have been. It's easy to pick out a fake a mile away. So now what? I'm keeping this church open because we could help if they'd let us and I'm not going to say no to God if he choses that place. Keep praying for both of these churches, regardless of what I may think of them.
Ok here's the new one that I wrote to the other day, but not heard back yet. This one is a church started by a youth pastor, which is cool and scary at the same time. Let me know whatcha think.
www.newspring.cc
Let me know whatcha think. Well Thanks for all the prayer and I look forward to hearing from you on whatcha think and what I can do about this. God Rocks, Jw

Youth Pastor Search pt 2

Ok here's the update on what's going on with the search for a church. I've completed my resume and cover letter. I've sent them out to 6 churches. I have 4 left because one church already filled the position and 1 didn't meet the criteria after talking with them. Ok here's what I need from all those weird people who read what I write and will be willing to help.

First off, pray! Pray that God will send me to the right one and all the others will not be anything like the vision that God has given me.

Secondly, I'm going to give you the websites for the remaining 4 that I'm currently looking at. All of these have have been sent my resume and have responded that they will let me know something soon. OK here's the sites

1) Grace Bible Church www.vbgrace.com
2) Pinecrest Baptist Church www.pinecrestbaptistchurch.com
3) Gayton Baptist Church www.gaytonbaptist.org
4) Westover Church www.westoverchurch.com

Let me know what you think, regardless of how important you think it is. I appreciate your help on this, and I know that God will use all your comments to help me decide on which ones to cut and which to keep. Thanks peeps. God Rocks, Jw

Need I say more?

This song pretty much expresses my heart at this point in my life. So here it is and enjoy

Yearn
by Shane and Shane

Holy design
this place in time
that i might seek and find my God
my God

CHORUS
Lord i want to yearn for You
i want to burn with passion
over You and only You
Lord i want to yearn

Your joy is mine
yet why am i fine
with all my singing and bringing grain
in light of Him

Chorus

oh You give life and breath
through Him You give all things
in Him we live and move
that's why i sing

Chorus
(Acts 17:25-28, Hebrews 12:28-29)

The Search

I'm in the search for a youth pastor job? I've wrote many churches already, but I need help. If could keep you ear open and more importantly pray that God will open the door somewhere that He finds perfect for me. I'm praying for just that. It's hard and I'll tell ya why. I know what vision God has given me and basically I'm trying to be picky over the location. I want a place close to where I'm from because I want someone to take care of my kids when I'm away on trips or whatever. This is me limiting God and His work in my life. I've come to the point where I'm just saying "whatever you want God." I'll go anywhere and do whatever you want, just send me. So this is where I'm at in my overwhelming search for a future for me in ministry. As long as I'm ministering to Student and I'm doing what God wants, who am I to question HIM. Well Thanks for the prayers and I'll keep ya in the loop. God Rocks, Jtw

The Next Generation

First off I'd like to say that if any of my students read this please understand that this probably isn't about you, so don't think it is. This is some of my observations that I hope aren't true. The more and more i learn about student the more scared and the more i realize the utter importance of my job. Growing up I was a complete idiot. I did some of the stupidest things ever. I don't expect the next generation of students that come up to do anything less. There was a difference though. The truth was still the truth. It's come to my attention, and it's only got worse, that the truth has become a personal issue. I've actually heard people say well what is right for you, may not be right for me. If you believe that and you're reading this hit yourself in the head right now. The truth is the truth no matter where you are or who you are. There is no "well it's right for me" truth out there. This is something that I'm hearing and it seems like the truth has somehow become blurred. Since God made the truth, He gets to decide what's the truth. If He says it's wrong, then it's wrong; end of story. Another alarming trend is the amount of sexual things that is so open in our culture. I've had this conversation with lots of students and leaders. I remember asking one student one time that if he knew it was wrong why would he have sex? The response was "I felt like it." I was like WOW!!! Isn't that crazy. It's like they know it's wrong, they'll tell you it's wrong, but when it comes to playing out what they believe it doesn't matter what they believe. Does that not scare you because it scares me. The attitude about sex is that it's just fun, but it should be much more than that right? Another thing that might just be with pastors is that the generation has a major lack of biblical knowledge. I have to admit that I don't know enough and never will. It takes a lot really learn something for me, except when it comes to students. I learn quickly, and I hope I give good advice when they come and need it. I know they don't see me as judgmental or condemning, because I've been there and not afraid to tell them of my struggles. I think that this lack of biblical knowledge seems to be maybe the root of some of these other problems I've listed. If they knew what God found right and wrong and what HE really thought about it it, would they be able to ignore Him? The last thing that bothers me is the lack of wanting to learn and think. It seems like they want the answer now without finding out the knowledge for themselves. If you've ever asked a student a question that doesn't really have an answer, maybe to just talk about you'll know what I mean. They get frustrated at not having the answer. Try it sometime. In saying all that I have to say that there's hope. God has not given up on this generation, nor will He let Himself be forgotton. More students than ever are seeking for answers, and GOD is the ANSWER. There's a spark of hope for the future. Will they embrace the God of the universe or seek after themselves and everything but God? I will do everything that God tells me to ensure that I can give them a chance to hear from God. I was a complete idiot and God found the time to get my attention. It's freaking awesome that the God of everything wants to talk to me. I wish this next generation would learn this. When you realize just how BIG GOD really is then how can you want to do anything but do His will and want to please Him. If you're apart of the next generation and you're reading this, again don't think it's about you. I do hope it changes your life and that you stop wanting to do everything you want and start wanting to seek God for who He is and please HIM only. My prayers will be with you and for this generation. I'm usually very optimistic, but sometimes the truth is what you need to hear. God Rocks, Jw

Mississippi

Well this week I spent a week with some awesome people in Mississippi. I went down there to serve those who had nothing due to hurricane katrina. My wife and I were 2 of the 4 leaders that went. There was a lot that went right and a lot that went wrong. I learned much more than I could have ever wanted to learn. First, I learned a lot about people that I didn't know. I learned that sometimes I have to hold my tongue and sometimes people can misunderstand when they don't care to learn all the information. I learned that leadership doesn't come easy to everyone and I must be patient. These are among some of the things I learned about people. Second, I learned that God's plan is freaking awesome. We climbed on tall roofs, constantly had to jet out into intense traffic, was chased by dogs, spent days in 95+ degree weather, and everyone constantly had nails through their shoes into their feet. Now in saying that no one was hurt more than a bandaid. Scary thing is that God waited until after all the students were gone to side swipe the van. A lady hit the van that I was driving with her car on the way to take it back. Nothing more than a very small dent. No one got a ticket, only one very pissed off lady. Thirdly, I learned that people will mess up and probably lie about it, but the truth will always come out. We had some students do stupid stuff, but hopefully a lesson was learned. If anything was learned is that Integrity is something that's very easily lost, and extremely hard to get back. Lastly I learned a little something about Control. Some people have the theory that In order to have control you must have everything under control. This is crap. Control isn't achieved with trying to control every part of someone's life. Control is acheived by respect. When it comes to students they want people to try to control them, they need honesty and help with choices. Sure they mess up from time to time, but isn't that how people truly learn right from wrong? God I know speaks to some people the way he does to me. He doesn't speak in a small voice, but a random Bat attack to the back of my head. This is how I've learned to deal with students in my 6+ years in youth ministry. I got a lot of time to talk to a lot of the students and I'll continue to pray for all of them each night. So when I got back I was asked if this trip was a success. We helped a lot of people and received a chance to serve. The real point was to see God in a new way and grow closer to Him. Did they learn this? I have no idea, but I know that I grew closer because I saw a spark in the next generation that I hope all of them have. This gives me hope that the next generation will not let God go away, but instead grow up to Love God and want to express that love to others. I will write more on this later. I would say that the mission trip was a success, at least to me. I just hope that all the students that read this will think about this and pray to God for change. God Rocks, Jtw

The ignorance of Pastors

That's right I said the ignorance of pastors. A couple of months ago a friend of mine got fired from her job. She was working as a youth minister at a church in Gretna, VA. The pastor there got her fired because it was said that she took the youth to acquire the fire to learn to speak in tongues. Ok that is one of the stupidest things I've ever heard. My guess is that she had the respect of the youth and the parents and he didn't. When he lost control, he couldn't have that. This reminds me of the church in rustburg. No matter how much yelling the pastor did at me, I didn't want to give up on the youth there who were so awesome. When it came to me doing what God says in his WORD and what he said, then he couldn't have it. When he told me that I'd do it his way in his church or I can leave, well that was the time when I told him it was God's church, not his, and I couldn't disobey God to do his work. He didn't like that. Just like the church my friend was at, it was a control issue, God's or someone else's. It's pastors like this that make Christians leave the church and the next generation not even want anything to do with God. I don't hate anyone, but I dislike with a passion those people who try to put themselves above the God they serve. When did the office of pastor become a place where people went to before God. That's a catholic thing, not a Christian thing. Any pastors who read this and act this way should be ashamed and do everything in their power to go from the egotistical people they are back to God's servant. As for these 2 pastors that I've mentioned here, may God have mercy on them, may God change their hearts, and may God put people in their path that will tell them the truth about the way they are behaving. God Rocks, Jw

Since I last wrote...a lot has happened

Well since I last wrote I've experienced worship...that one is obvious. I've finished school with not straight A's this time. That's God's little plan to teach me that I don't have to do everything perfect like I want, but just doing my best is good enough. Funny thing is that my boss told me the other day that my best wasn't good enough for him...funny huh. That's right I got chewed out again. This time it was for asking off for vacation 3 month in advance and giving him notices so he doesn't forget. The answer I got was that he doens't look at it until he's going to do the schedule...sounds like a stupid thing to me, but that's just me. I also started my internship, which is going good. I do lots of busy work, but hey that's the unglamorous part of the youth ministry world. I'm also co-leading a mission trip to Mississippi in a few weeks as part of my internship. That's going to be awesome. And finally today I'm leaving for a week in Tenn for Vacation...YEAH YEAH YEAH. I can't wait, It's been a very long year and I deserve a vacation. Well that's what's going on and there's other stuff that's coming up soon....God Rocks, Jw

All worship isn't created equal

Well I just finished up my semester and after all my research into worship it all comes down to all worship isn't created equal. I refer back to cain and able. They both brought their sacrifice and both worshipped, but both didn't please the Lord did they? I went to many different services, and practiced worship on many different types of worship. I uped my prayer life, my service, my Bible reading and how much I worshipped through music a lot. So what did I learn? I've already expressed what i've learned, that worship isn't created equal. I've come to realize that worship is simple. Worship is just whatever we do to give God the glory he deserves. If this means praying, then pray, if it means reading your Bible more, then read more, if it means that you go to a service and just go crazy for God, then you need to do that. I ended my semester of worship per say with a worship service at church. I've been to churches before with what some people call crazy worship. This just means you act like you actually feel inside. If you feel like you're about to jump out of your skin then why sit there and be quiet. That's stupid and totally not what God wants. What makes people think that if God has blessed them that they should not tell people? What makes people think if God makes them feel like they wanna SCREAM His name that they shouldn't? The conplaincy among Christians today is sicking in my opinion. If you agree then let me know; if you don't, then let me know. What on God's earth makes people get to the place where they hide what God gives them and tells them. I get so pissed off sometimes at people that I talk to sometimes. They talk of God like He's sitting beside them making them want to conquer the world for Him. Then we go to church and they sit there and hardly even sing when the band plays. If God had a stomach, it would definately be turned by this type of worship. To get back to my story and off my soap box, I went to a service. Of course there were some of those at that service that I was talking about that pissed me off. Then there were those that suprised me. These were people who seemed to be quiet people, but when we started singing, they acted like they were worshipping God. When we sang, people screamed the songs to God, they jumped, they danced, and the feeling that was created let me know that God was totally there. I could feel the presence of God like a thick smoke cloud in the room. It was different and I've only felt this a few times in my life. This was a service of worship and everyone knew it, and more importantly everyone acted like it was a service FOR worship. So I've learned that worship is different to different people, but God sees it different. God sees it as if your not going to give it all then why bother. Cain brought his gift to God, but Able brought more than a gift, he brought a life of worship too. This is the point. Worship is a lifestyle and is expressed when you give it your all for God. If you're reading this and think I'm out of line, that's fine. When you get to judgment and God says, why didn't you give it your all, why were you afraid to be made fun of, and I pray that God lets you remember what i've said here. I'll end my ranting with one simple sentence. If you're going to Hide God, be silent instead of really worshipping, and simply being a person who has God, but doesn't act like it I want you to stay away from me. If you're going to be a normal Christian, just one that's got fire insurance., then stay away. I've always been told that the people around you impact your life and help you decide right and wrong. This is why you can't be around me. I want to live a life of worship and live a life like God matters in my life. If you're not going to live like that, then why did you even ask for God to save you in the first place?

In the Quest for Worship

Over the weekend (Apr7-9) I went to a thing called Spring leadership for our business. On Sunday we had a church service. Prior to going God had a big emphesis with our businesses and this just showed more of that. I heard people that had been talking about the business and the awesome thing it is; At church we find out why. They all gave glory to God for the businesseIs. This wasn't the part that really impressed me, I had heard this before. The main guy did the preaching that morning and we sang songs. The worship was definately not what I was used to. It was all vineyard stuff and slow. Normally this kind of stuff is ok, but not really for me. Instead of being bored it was great. The atmosphere made you feel that we were all worshipping God and he was there. After the preaching an invitation was given. Like 1000 people came forward. There were so many people down at the alter that there wasn't enough bibles for the ones who were saved. It was freaking awesome. The music was different, and the preaching different, but the worship was great. Makes me wonder, what is worship. I've spent the last few weeks trying to experience different kinds of worship, and each time I've found stuff that's good and bad. I hope that one day I find a church that will incorporate all the good from all of these different styles. I've noticed that if the worship is awesome then no matter how the preaching is, people will still come back. I wonder why this is? Is it because through worship we somehow get closer to God? We pray and have quiet times, then why is worship the key to closeness? When you add music and singing it even becomes stronger. Could it be that God has developed a way that no matter the culture or location that people can find a closeness in God. I think this is the answer. We'll see more later...I'll let ya know....God Rocks, Jtw

Ever hear God say "See....I told ya so"

This semester has been unbelievably hard. It's been rougher than any semester I've ever had and I went to nursing and paramedic schools. On top of this we've worked a lot, but for one reason or another we haven't had the chance to save any money up. This sucks because for some reason we have to pay $750 a piece for my wife and I to go take an internship this summer so we can graduate in december. We've prayed for the money and for some reason no matter what we tried, it just never happened. For the past few years we've gone out of our way to help people. When we were in NC we did a lot for people, even if we had to sacrifice some. This isn't to brag, just giving some background. This I know will sound bad but in honesty, we wondered if anyone would help us or if we'd just be taken advantage of our whole life. Is that transparent enough for ya? We'll since getting married we'd had trouble with money much like most newlyweds. Thank God for my parents who has helped us out so much. But as for the internship that we need no one could help. We even went to the church that we were at in NC and I think they'll help out when they can. Then Tonight God gave me one of those "See...I told ya so." I got a call from someone that heard how good we'd been doing in school and wanted to help out with our internship for this summer. I told them how much it was just hopeing they'd give a little, but they're gonna give it all to us. WOW...what the crap! I nearly peed myself. So next time you aren't patient on God, just remember me and how stupid I am often. Just trust it's so much easier. God Rocks, Jtw

worship

I've been thinking about worship lately. I just did a paper on it and I'm inclined to believe that most people don't understand it. I'm not saying I fully understand it. I've been doing some research into what worship has been and especially what it was to the early church. I think what we have today and what people think is worship is really just a service of praise. It may be a form of worship, but the only form. For the next 30 days I'm practicing worship, and I do believe that I'll try some of the old sort and some of what we do today. If I can I'm going to try to mix the two. A lifestyle of worship is going to be quite hard so pray for me. I get bored way to easily, so the old style of worship from the bible will probably bore me to death, but some of the new kinds seem so fake. If you haven't seen some of the new worship styles, then do a search for alternative worship and see. Seem a little to focused on the person's comfortability in order to worship God, and less on God' worship. Well we'll see and I'll keep ya updated. Look for a new blog soon and what has recently annoyed the crap out me...that's coming very soon. So God Rocks....Jw

The wierdest dream ever

I only tell this dream because as only a few people know around 75% of my dreams, that aren't just demons trying to scare me come true. Well I was in this house and the walls were blue. There were a couple of young guys sitting at the table eating some cereal while this guy in a long coat is talking to them. I can't remember what they're talking about, but at the end he gives them some forms and says ok here join the world citizenship. Then Shannon (my wife) hands me some hamburgers and tells me to go out side and make some more on the grill. I go out on the long porch around the house and when I get to the grill I look up and the sun turns red. There is almost a loud band, and the ground shakes. Then I look up and the whole sky starts to turn red. Then everyone that was inside is now outside with me. Then as I wake up all I hear is someone beside me yell Jesus is finally back. Well there's my extra wierd dream. Take it as you will, but don't let it go by without changing you. Bye God Rocks, Jw

Worthiness...who said we get to decide

This week I've had to really think about worthiness. I've been taking a long look at the people that I'm around each day that are called by God to do certain things. I started thinking, why should God chose me, and what was he thinking? When I look back at the disciples I sure wouldn't pick these guys to become the leaders of God's people. I've noticed that just like myself, God chooses the foolish to confound the wise. Am I the foolish? Yup I'm an idiot! So now that i'm called, now what? For me it was coming to college to learn and perhaps become a little less ignorant. This week of classes was especially hard and at times I really wondered if I can do what God has called me to do. Can I do it? I'm never sure I can, but then I remember I'm not the one that's speaking, just the body being used at the time. This makes me feel better b/c I know I can do it. This doesn't really make it any easier. This is still an impossible task that I'm called to, so don't forget that. Now the question is will I? I must press ahead and do what is asked of me. Now I must listen and wait. God Rocks

I learn, I stupid, Why can't God just tell us these things

Today I learned something. For those of you that know me it might sound remarkable. If you know how I am when it comes to school work then you know I'm a perfectionist. Today i learned I'm an idiot...no amen's please. I've prior to this point at LU been working hard, but only by God's grace. Last semester I got all A's. This was awesome and I told everyone b/c I'd never done it before. Well this semester is different. God is trying to teach me not to be a perfectionist. Well he's doing a great job of it. I've been constantly hit with sickness and more work than humanly possible. I know this is an attempt to teach me that only God is perfect and I should lay off. I got it now God. Why can't God just tell us these things. Well I know why! how many times growing up did our parents tell us not to stuff and we just didn't learn until we tried it ourselves or at least talked our brother into it first....that's right a lot of times. This is why God teaches us through problems and crap in our lives. Remember that next time you're going through something really hard, that it's b/c we couldn't learn any other way and God really does have our best at heart. So back to this semester. I'm doing ok this semester but won't do as well as I want, but that's ok b/c I'll still finish up and graduate on time. Sometimes when God explains these things I feel stupid. Why do I need to be so stupid to learn?

You ever just slap them, yeah Peter that's you

Hey everybody. Today I got annoyed. You ever talked with someone to sure that they're doing the right thing that they ignore everyone around them and what they say. The worst part is that the incident today came to me as a "God told me and what he told you doesn't matter." That's right God is a squizo now. Well first off this is crap. What he tells you, if it's God, is the same and he doesn't change his mind. Ok, if you ever get so close to something that you can't see any part of it, and friends are telling you this and you ignore them, may God have mercy on you. You'll never hear another YP say this but if you're gonna go do something after asking advice, ignoring it, and then ending up doing something stupid; you deserve the consequences that come along with it. I just wanna slap people like this sometimes. When Jesus was here I'm sure he thought the same way. You know the disciples messed up. When ever I read of Peter I just feel better about myself b/c he was so dumb at times. He's a lot like me. He trust God so much that he jumps into things without thinking, and doesn't think to ask God if he's supposed to do it, just trust God to use it. Trust me it'll get you into major trouble. So did Jesus ever say he wanted to slap them....no but doesn't mean he didn't think it. Jesus loved everybody. My professor says I have to love everyone, but I don't have to like them. Ain't that the truth. Remember that when you get around those people who you just wanna slap...God knows I did today!!

Yo my first one

Hey everybody. This is my first attempt at letting people see the insaneness that is my life. I would say that there are very few people who know my life and what i'm actually thinking. Here's an example, if you know i like fire you're in the 80%, If you know Brad caught my head on fire once you're in the 40%, and if you know that I once got in a fight some boy scouts over an ax I'd say you're in the top 5%.
Ok now that that's clear, let's give you a clear indication of what's gonna be on here. I'll just randomly post things that irritate me, make me happy, and things I just don't get. If you think that Christians don't feel the same way about stuff you do, then you might wanna start reading b/c you're smoking crack.
So enjoy the crazy messed up things that are my life, leave a message from time to time to tell me if you feel this way or just wanna tell me I'm Insane and need help.
Thanks, Jw