tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-234134872024-03-07T03:48:13.841-05:00My insane Life...Pastor, Servant, Stupid!This is the chronicles of my insane life. I speak the truth so get ready!Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437864781170586645noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23413487.post-81690066811466567562013-09-26T01:02:00.002-04:002013-09-26T01:02:51.295-04:00Rethink: JudgmentJudgment is kind of a scary word in the Christian World. It's very Taboo! Some people use it to do unimaginable horrors in "God's" name as well as cowardly avoid what God has for them by refusing to make choices. <p><p>
So where does this leave us? Where do we fall on this pendulum of Christian thought? Is there a happy median between killing people or looking down on people and just ignoring people's sin b/c we don't want to judge? Absolutely there is! We have spent generations learning and being taught that God doesn't want us to stand up for ourselves, and we were taught wrong. Now a word of warning before you re-read that last sentence and begin judging; God is the supreme Judge and when He returns He'll definitely be doing the judging for everything. <p><p>
So we've been taught that we just sit in our happy little church buildings and when someone says something just keep our mouths shut because if we say anything then we're being judgmental and God teaches us not to. Here is the verse from Matthew that is often misused for this.<p>
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew7:1-6&version=NLT"><b>Matthew 7: 1-6</a><p>
Do Not Judge Others</b><p>
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<i>“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others.[a] The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.[b]<p>
3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye[c] when you have a log in your own? 4 How can you think of saying to your friend,[d] ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.<p>
6 “Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy.[e] Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.</b><p>
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So it clearly says that we shouldn't Judge but it also says you'll be treated the way you treat others...it says the standard you use to judge will be applied to you. So what if God is saying not to mistreat people for what they are doing! That changes a few things doesn't it? What if our idea of judging isn't the same as what we think? Seems that God wants us to treat others well. This idea leads right into Jesus talking about the greatest commandment in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2022:36-40&version=NLT">Matthew 22.</a> If God wants us to love above all else, maybe treating others by talking to them about sin is love. God seems very clear that we should deal with our own sin before helping someone else with theirs.
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So lets rethink Judgment. What if our idea of judgment isn't correct and it's more about treatment of the person with their sin than deciding and condemning the person for it. It's a good thought and worth the rethink!<p><p>
God Rocks, JWJoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437864781170586645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23413487.post-25027964582769708382012-10-08T16:52:00.001-04:002012-10-08T16:52:15.387-04:00Rethink: The Trump StatementToday I was reading an article by Johnny Moore based on Donald Trump's visit to Liberty University. It make me think about my last post, and I wanted to share what was said here. It helps prove my point, but in a more eloquent way. Enjoy!
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"I inadvertently stirred up quite a theological controversy. I happened to, in a sense, agree with Donald Trump when he advised the Liberty University student body
to “not let people take advantage of them.”
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Instead, he said, “get even.”
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Or, in its greater oratorical context, “Be tough. In the end – win.”
At least, that’s how I, and lots of other people, took it. I didn’t assume that “getting even” had to imply mal intent; I interpreted the phrase through my own evangelical worldview, and I understood that within the dog-eat-dog world of corporate America you have to be fiercely determined, and competitive, to be successful. I do not believe that success is a sin.
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Of course, as a Bible-believing evangelical, I do not believe that Christians should treat people maliciously, take revenge or fight with others arbitrarily. I believe we should show extraordinary restraint. But, when someone asked me if I thought God would “get even” with people, I decided to make a nuanced, theological point: “God would, and he did, get even.”
In the end, God won.
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They must have expected me to react the way some liberal reporters responded in the aftermath of Mr. Trump’s speech.
It’s high time that Christians toughen up a bit. Christians shouldn’t be malicious, but they also shouldn’t let people run all over them.
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The liberal press, which obviously couldn’t bear the thought of Jerry Falwell, Jr., and Donald Trump working together to halt the current assault on the American free enterprise system, immediately took to the Bible to try to drive a wedge between these patriotic allies. They wanted us evangelicals to go ahead and stay put (and quiet) in our nice little box.
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After all, it’s much easier to take advantage of us that way.
Yet, I believe, it’s high time that Christians toughen up a bit. Christians shouldn’t be malicious, but they also shouldn’t let people run all over them.
Is it heretical to believe God is, and God wants us to be, tough?
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Hardly.
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Read the Bible.<br>
It’s filled with God pursuing justice, settling scores with folks who messed with him, or who messed with his people, and – believe it or not - Jesus is “Exhibit A.”
The prevailing view of Jesus, mainly among liberal Christians, might be that he was a blond-haired, blue-eyed, fluffy little self-help teacher who spent lots of time tip-toeing through the lilies, doling out softly worded pieces of advice to children, and saying things like, “can’t we all get along.”
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However, Jesus was no “patsy,” (as Trump might say) and being around him wasn’t always like being cuddled up in a nice, warm Snuggie ®.
Jesus was a tough character. The same Jesus who preached compassion is the same Jesus who publicly embarrassed his nemeses (the Pharisees) by calling them “a bunch of snakes” in front of a large crowd of people.
The same Jesus who said, in a particular and oft-misunderstood context, that we ought to “turn the other cheek” is the same Jesus who made a royal mess out of the temple by taking a whip to a bunch of moneychangers.
Does that sound like a cuddly Jesus who lets people run all over him?
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Jesus didn’t float on down to planet earth like a deflating balloon. He dropped down like an atom bomb, and his very presence was a provocation.
Christians believe Jesus was perfect, and sinless, yet it seems like two images of Jesus emerge in the Bible.
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One wonders if the real Jesus is the lover of lepers, or is it the tough-as-nails, Judean prophet with dirt under his fingernails “cleansing the temple?”
Equally contradictory is the advice King Solomon once gave in the Old Testament, “do NOT answer a fool lest you become like him” to which he immediately followed by saying, “DO answer a fool lest he take advantage of you.” (Proverbs 26:4-5).
What was Solomon’s point, and what can we learn from Jesus’ example?
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We must be wise about “when” and “how” we react when someone has treated us unjustly, but we mustn’t be fearful of standing up for ourselves.
Of course, Christians shouldn’t treat people maliciously and they shouldn’t fight arbitrarily, but Christians – like Jesus – should pursue justice, and they should – like Jesus – not let people take advantage of them.
Jesus might have been meek, but he sure wasn’t weak. He had a steel spine; he spoke boldly and strongly. In the end he had lots of enemies who nailed him to a tree to shut him up.
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Then, Christians believe, Jesus just raised himself from the dead – showing that he was in control of everything, anyhow.<br>
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I might just call that more than “getting even.”
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Johnnie Moore is a vice president, professor of religion, and campus pastor at the nearly 100,000-student Liberty University. He is the author of a forthcoming book on Jesus and grace entitled: Dirty God: Jesus in the Trenches. Keep up with him on Twitter (@JohnnieM) or at Facebook.com/JohnnieOnline.
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The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Johnnie Moore."
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Read more: <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2012/10/07/donald-trump-right-christians-should-be-tough-like-jesus/?cmpid=googextension#ixzz28kJVQFO6">http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2012/10/07/donald-trump-right-christians-should-be-tough-like-jesus/?cmpid=googextension#ixzz28kJVQFO6</a>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437864781170586645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23413487.post-49948977784369056442012-09-02T22:14:00.000-04:002012-09-02T22:14:38.345-04:00Rethink: Turn the other CheekOver the past few months I've been thinking a lot about why we as Christians call ourselves Christians. We choose to not stand up for what we really believe in. The answer I often hear is that God calls us to "turn the other cheek." Sometimes I wish more people would read the Bible instead of listening to others. Often others ignore context in order to get a point across.
Here's what it says in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%205:38-40&version=NLT">Matthew 5:38-40</a>...
<b>[ Teaching about Revenge ] “You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too.]</b>
Jesus is teaching on revenge. He isn't talking about people who tries to take away our religious rights out of hate. When I read scripture I see Christ calling those people out, especially other religious people. So again I ask, why don't we stand up for Christ? He clearly stood up for us when He died on a cross.
I love Christian rock music. Recently I've been listening to a band called Icon for Hire. Here's a link to a video about this called <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_S9VvJM1PI&feature=share&list=PL87B1B26899AACAE2">"Make a Move"</a> If you don't like loud Christian Music...please don't click on the link.
So if we're going to rethink when/why we should turn the other cheek then honest questions need to be answered. Do we use Christianity as a crutch or an excuse? Do we shy away from people who disagree because we're ignorant about the Bible? She we even call ourselves Christians if we choose when/where/how we are going to be Christian depending on the situation or location. Christ would be appalled. Fortunately for us, He knew we'd do this and still chose to Die for US.
So what's the answer? Well it comes down to 1 choice. Either don't call yourself a Christian, or suck it up and make the change. We're either going to do like the people in the Icon for Hire video and stand up for what they believe in, or we're going to run away and try our best not to make Christians look bad. Which one are you going to choose? How will we change the world if we simply stopped being second rate Christians? The world would be changed. Fortunately if you're reading this then Jesus gave you another chance; another minute to get it right. Let's make it happen! Let's rethink our excuses.
God Rocks, JTWJoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437864781170586645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23413487.post-66659930948323163182012-08-28T18:07:00.000-04:002012-08-28T18:07:25.666-04:00Rethink: LeadershipLeadership today is very important. Leadership in our churches is even more important but for some reason is very much overlooked. So we need to rethink why we do Leadership, how we do leadership, and then is there a better way.
Let's take a look at how we do leadership in our churches today. In most traditional churches we have the Senior Pastor in charge. He makes the choices and for the most part remains unchecked. Sure if he has some other pastors on staff they should be able to to call him on any issues, but often they feel like that's not an option. The question is, why do we do leadership in our churches this way? When I read through the Bible, I see places where people in religious leadership are often those that are caught in sin. In the NT, those are the people that Jesus calls out on a regular basis. So we find our leadership model from the people that Jesus called "snakes?" Seems to me that the theory that the man who preaches about God should lead us doesn't always work out in practice.
So if absolute power corrupts absolutely, then why do we do this? If the gift of being pastor is meant to be used to be a pastor and shepherd and the gift of preaching was meant to preach, then shouldn't he be doing those things. Instead we've made his our leader who has to do everything. This isn't what God intended and it's time someone said it. We've given to much power for one person that no one has accountability over.
So what is the answer, how do we rethink Leadership? Well if one person, even a great man of God, shouldn't have the power; then who should? Well the NT church often had elders that ran the church. We for some reason have abandoned this idea. Why not get a group of people that the church has faith in and that know God intimately. These people who made decisions as a group for the church. This way the pastor can be free to just live for Christ and lead others to Him. Someone with to much power would have the power to chose whom comes to God, whom goes to "his" church, and whom gets to worship Our God in that place. This isn't right and it happens way to often. Relationships aren't so easy to let go of, and making those choices should not fall on just one man's shoulder.
I pray this helps someone. I pray that churches think before putting all the power in one man's hand. It's to much and hesitant choices could lead to destroyed leadership, split churches, and ruined faiths. Our relationship to God is the most important thing there is. We forget that when we put someone between God and us. Let's rethink how we do church; especially leadership!
God Rocks, JTWJoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437864781170586645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23413487.post-64818251390208455622012-08-07T22:56:00.000-04:002012-08-07T22:56:48.627-04:00Lets set the Record StraightOk let's set the record straight! I'm tired of hearing the word Bigot used to describe Christians on a regular basis. A Bigot is a person who is utterly intolerant of any differing creed, belief, or opinion. This is according to <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bigot?s=t&ld=1087">Dictionary.com</a>.
So the question I ask people when I hear them use this word is; How are Christians bigots? Often I hear that they won't accept my way of life, or they hate me because I'm gay. Ok so if the definition of a bigot is someone who is utterly intolerant then this means they act with hatred toward the person because of their beliefs. So again, how does that apply to Christians? I'm sure some people who follow Christ are stupid enough to run their mouths and not show love to someone because they believe differently. So let me set the record straight. Just because we don't believe like you do does not mean we hate you or want bad things to happen to you. Just because we won't vote the same as you doesn't mean we hate you because you did vote that way. The sooner this idea can get through to some people, the better!
If you're going around with your ant-christian shirts, making videos where you verbally attack people, or having protest where you're yelling at people for what they believe...then guess what; you fit the definition of bigot. If your a christian and you've chosen to run your mouth and speak for all those Christ followers and verbally attack people for what they believe; then you're the bigot. You don't speak for all Christians, so if you're not going to show the love of Christ while disagreeing with others beliefs; then shut your mouth! Our media is very good at dividing us and making us feel very passionate about what we believe. That would be good if it didn't cause us to put love on the back burner to make sure we get our way.
Lastly, Jesus hung out with those that did not believe what He did. He did it often and showed them love. Did he change his beliefs to appease them, of course not! We don't have to either. We can choose to love on people who want gay marriage, vote for abortion, and even hate us. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%206:27&version=NLT">Luke 6:27</a> says "But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you." We forget that verse sometimes. I hope this has helped and stay strong.
God Rocks, JWJoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437864781170586645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23413487.post-63782968202989265472012-07-26T22:48:00.001-04:002012-07-26T22:48:28.291-04:00Rethink: StrategySince we're rethinking the church we should start with why and how we do it! We need a strategy for why we're trying to reach people so that we'll know how to do it.
It's been my experience in most all churches that I've served in that people are passionate, love Jesus, but completely lost on exactly what they should be doing. This may sounds weird or even harsh, but it's easy to fall into this trap when all our ministries are silos. We go from day to day carrying out our ministry without an overarching purpose for our churches.
So the answer is clear; we need a Strategy. My wife and I have been in ministry for 12 years and we've heard a few people talk about this, but with few answers. Recently we went to the <a href="http://www.orangeconference.com">Orange Conference</a>. This was amazing and helped with an answer. We need to talk about what the purpose of the church is, get everyone on the same page, and monitor each other to make sure we're on purpose. Does this get to happen in most churches...sadly no!
I know this seems really easy, but it's extremely hard. It'll involve some hard conversations. It involves listening to others and allowing others to have some say so in your ministry. What really...in your ministry <sarcasm>! Yes, this is the ministry of the church. This isn't ours, it's God's. Let other people in!
Ok well if I haven't lost you yet, then that's good. It means you want things to change and you want your church to be more. Our churches need to keep God's life changing message the same and change our methods regularly. We need to do whatever it takes to reach those without Christ. This means we need a strategy.
I'd start with figuring out why you do what you do. Start with your main service; why do you have that service. It could be, for example: To show church is different, to reach the lost, for Christians, or simply to get people to know more about your church. Whatever it is, do it amazing. We've spent to much time being sub-par Christians and people are noticing. Time to stand up and be a Christ follower!
After you've identified what you want your church to be about and what your main entry point is about, move on to what you want people to be. Do you want them to be disciples followers, do you want them to know more about the bible, have a quiet time, what do you want.
Now you've got a goal, but it's to far from your starting point. You can't make that jump no matter how hard you try. You need stepping stones in the middle to get you there. So decide on steps you need to get to the goal. Maybe it's programs, maybe it's just creating some way to disciple people, or maybe it's just to make a small group for different types of people. If it gets your people closer to your goal, does not violate scripture, then let's go for it!
So your strategy is easy. You figure out a purpose, find a starting point, decide on the goal or the end point, now just get all those in between steps you need to get to your goal. Now go change your methods and reach more people. We live in a culture that expects awesome, and how is there anything more awesome than God's amazing message through His church.
God Rocks, JWJoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437864781170586645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23413487.post-3872687554730057782011-10-03T00:50:00.003-04:002011-10-03T00:56:33.349-04:00Let's rethink churchThis is the intro of a series where I'm looking at how we do church, why we do church the way we do it, and more importantly talk about what we can change to be the hands and feet of Jesus to more people. <br /><br />Don't read this and think I'm down on the church because I know the church is how God speaks to people. I don't see a lot of people asking why or what's the purpose of what we're doing. <br /><br />I'll be looking at different things we and others do at church, examining if we should be doing that, and then discuss different ways we can change what and how we do things if needed. <br /><br />I welcome any comments or ideas on how these things could be changed. Let's discuss this and make the church a brighter lighthouse for those that need Him.<br /><br />God Rocks, JTWJoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437864781170586645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23413487.post-75289699569260615352011-06-01T12:05:00.002-04:002011-06-01T12:30:36.703-04:00Tinker bell & my 2 year oldMy daughter is 2 years old. This means that I unfortunately have to watch Disney things. Most of them are frustrating but sometimes I hear things & God teaches me right then & there. We were watching a Tinker bell movie today & tinker bell fixed some holes in a roof so a little girl could spend more rime with her dad. There was a long, complicated process through which tinker bell did this involving hoses and boots. It was very inventive and she went to a lot of work just to make sure this little girl could spend time with her very busy father.<br /><br />It was at this moment that I asked myself if I do this for God? Do I go out of my way to help others so they can get to see & experience God? The little girl so wanted her father, & honestly I wish we all had such furor for God (our Father) as this little girl had. Maybe if had a love for Our Father & a willingness to change people's lives then we'd spend less time trying to convince people of God & more time being the example they'd desperately want to be! <br /><br />Just my little thoughts on How Tinker bell can influence our life for Christ!Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437864781170586645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23413487.post-27486156131135058572011-01-31T19:32:00.003-05:002011-01-31T19:53:01.744-05:00What have we come to without love for one another?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2013:34-35&version=NLT">John 13:34-35</a></span></b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span">34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. </span></span></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span">35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”</span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px; ">Where have we come as a Christian nation when caring and loving on others as Christ did is now legislated? Today I find myself confused. Has God ever put a passion for helping others in your heart? Well I have that and my passion is leading students to learn more about what it means to be a Generation that wants to change the world for Christ. Well one thing I believe is that they must learn to care for others and serve. Well I've learned that sometimes giving to others involves sacrifice, but it's never more than we can bare. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px; ">Today I learned that we've come to a place as a Christian nation that I thought I'd never see. I saw that passion become legislated. This is what I mean; you give your time, effort, all that you have to help others and others from the outside complain. At what point should intentions and the fear of others overshadow serving? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px; ">Christ's work was overshadowed by the legalistic people of the day and their fear put on his intentions. It lead him to the Cross, but it did not stop his message. Has our nation come to the place where we're so in fear of what people will think or what we do that we can't allow Christ's followers to serve and to give as Christ did?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px; ">What do we do? Do we sit back and wait for God's greater plan to work out while Christians are afraid to share their faith, give to others, or even carry a Bible because someone might see their intentions and bring harm to them? I don't know and that makes me afraid. What should I be willing to give up? At some point where do Christians say enough is enough?</span></div>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437864781170586645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23413487.post-83820856513958497472011-01-23T22:31:00.002-05:002011-01-23T22:44:04.480-05:00Would you do it?I have a quick question that will take you a long time to answer. The question is...would you do something if you were sure that God was telling you to do it? It seems like a no-brainer for sure, but it deeply disturbs me. Here's why, I think about what that would mean. I've made leaps and jumps for God in my life without knowing if He would be there, but he always has been. <div><br /></div><div>Recently I was faced with something that I know God was asking of me. I was posed with this question and it become a very hard one. Would you do something if you knew God was telling you to do it. Most Christians I think would say yes without question; at least until they find out more information. What if it meant you would give up your life. Some people would be lost right there, but others are willing to give up life for God's service. What if it were more day to day than this though. What if you had to give up your job? What if you had to give up your family? What if you had to give up your spouse? What if you had to give up your home? What if you had to give up your reputation? What if you had to say yes when even those that walk daily with Christ told you they wouldn't do it? When it comes to the day to day this fundamental question gets very hard. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've been a Christ follower since 1993 and would never go back. I'm also a student pastor and love sharing God's word and God's truth with this generation. Recently when I was posed this question I had to make a choice. I decided to sit back and wait. I let the situation that I knew God was saying for me to jump on, just walk away. I don't know if I was just wanting the easy way or if I wasn't ready to stand against the things I may have to give up for that thing. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here's what I decided and what i'm doing. If anyone ever reads this and finds themselves in this situation, then I hope this helps. Every day since the day I let it happen I've been sad and angry at myself. I understand if you're reading this, you know what I mean. I've decided to keep my eye on what God has asked me to do from a distance. I have multiplied my prayers in this situation and have added this situation to every prayer i have right now. I've not decided to pray that God put me in the situation, but instead for God to change either me or those around me to make it happen. Have I given up? NO! There might be a day really soon where God decides to make this happen and give me a chance to redeem myself. If not I'll be happy knowing that God changed my heart to let me know what I should do now. </div><div><br /></div><div>Keep me in your prayers for this situation is very hard on me!</div>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437864781170586645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23413487.post-32757798865811987442009-09-29T11:21:00.001-04:002009-09-29T11:27:21.397-04:00Wierd but awesome!A few months ago something happened that doesn't happen often to me. I told a few people, but just didn't get a chance to put it on here. <br /><br />I heard a knock at the door one day. When I went to the door a lady was standing there. This is a lady I've never seen and haven't seen since that day. She told me that someone downstairs wanted her to give me something.<br /><br />She gave me an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">envelope</span>. The envelope had a couple of Bible verses on the front of it. After I saw the verses I went outside and looked for the lady, but even though it had only been a minute she was gone. I even went downstairs and there wasn't anyone nearby. <br /><br />So I opened the envelope. There was $100 inside. I called everyone that I knew that I thought would give this gift to me. No one knew what I was talking about, but praised God with me for what had happened. <br /><br />It was incredible. We don't know if someone just left us this awesome gift, or if maybe it was an angel. I don't know and won't know this side of Heaven. <br /><br />Praise God for this gift.<br /><br />God Rocks, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jtw</span>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437864781170586645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23413487.post-28322028042397180032009-09-29T11:14:00.003-04:002009-09-29T11:22:36.645-04:00Bring it!Mark 10:46-52 (New Living Translation)<br /><br /><strong>Jesus Heals Blind <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bartimaeus</span></strong><br />46 Then they reached Jericho, and as Jesus and his disciples left town, a large crowd followed him. A blind beggar named <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bartimaeus</span> (son of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Timaeus</span>) was sitting beside the road.<br />47 When <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bartimaeus</span> heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”<br />48 “Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him.<br />But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”<br />49 When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.”<br />So they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he’s calling you!” 50 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bartimaeus</span> threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus.<br />51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked.<br />“My rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!”<br />52 And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.<br /><br />I was reading this today and it really stuck out to me. Sometimes we feel bad because we bring to much to God. We forget that he doesn't see it that way. He wants us to come to Him and bring everything to Him. He loves us and wants us to be with Him. All we have to do is bring our hurts, our praises, our wants, our needs, our selves to Him.<br /><br />I often forget this. Then at other times I feel bad when I scream at God. David did this often in the Psalms and he was the man after God's own heart. This is God's will, that we come to Him. That's all we need to know.<br /><br />Go read the verses again. The blind man came to Jesus when he knew he was there. He came without anyone telling him and didn't stop calling even though he was being ridiculed . He brought it all to Jesus. That's enough!<br /><br />God Rocks, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jtw</span>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437864781170586645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23413487.post-18455848115551784642009-07-06T23:55:00.002-04:002009-07-07T00:19:12.263-04:00Give Thanks?Today I was reminded to give thanks. It's something to simple yet in our culture very very over looked. Tonight I heard a pastor teach about <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Thessalonians%205:18;&version=51;">1 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Thessalonians</span> 5:18</a>. Basically this verse says that God wants us to give him praise no matter what. <br /><br />This reminded me of a situation that I haven't told many people about, mostly because it blew me away. I have seen a lot of things in my life and am not very often <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">surprised</span>. When I talk about being blew away, it means it changed me forever. <br /><br />Here's what happened. If you know me you know I often dislike my job. The reason I don't like it is because basically I have a pastor's heart and there I'm almost forced to be a jerk. When I'm not a jerk I get fussed at. One day I had an evaluation by someone who doesn't like me at all. They basically said all the horrible things they could think of and how horrible I was at this job. <br /><br />That day like many days a church volunteer group comes in. I was feeling pretty bad at this point right. So the the pastor preaches like normal and during the song he walks over to me. He leans over to me and says "don't give up now preacher, it'll get better." Before you ask, I've never seen this man before. When I looked at him he just smiles at me and walks away. I quickly realized that I just physically heard from God. I've never seen the guy, or even told the guy that I'm a pastor at all. He's never seen me. A few months later he came back and asked me if things got better. When I said yes he said that I should praise God and wait for the next thing. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Thessalonians%205:18;&version=51;">1 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Thessalonians</span> 5:18</a> says for us to give God praise no matter what happens and that's what God wants us do. This moment changed my life. I began looking at this job as somewhere that God's placed me until I get to the next thing that God has for me. I began giving God praise for the job, and that changed my life. Now even though I don't necessarily like being a jerk, I've changed how I approach the job. <br /><br />So can you give thanks to God no matter what? Can you praise God when you have to go to a job that frustrates you daily? Can you praise God when you lose a friend? It's easy to praise God when we have something great happen, but how about when our life is falling apart? Think about this, praise God anyways. Often when I get frustrated because something isn't working out, I find out that God had something planned and I see how it was for the best. Sometimes I don't see the outcome, but again I must praise no matter what. <br /><br />Praise God!!<br /><br />God Rocks, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jtw</span>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437864781170586645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23413487.post-43906360288688009712009-05-28T18:49:00.003-04:002009-05-28T19:05:18.427-04:00unthink?Today I was watching some T.V. and that KFC commercial came on about unthinking their fried chicken. Something hit me like a ton of bricks. Today's culture is all about "unthinking" things and challenging all we know and how we do it. Think about it this way, we've rethought about fuel and come up with cars that run on corn or electricity. We've rethought how information gets passed and we came up with the Internet. We've taken what we've always known and decided it can be better and we asked "why" do we do this this way. <br /><br />This is what hit me so hard. If we're in a culture where we're asking "why" we do things they way we do and we change things that don't work, then why is the church the same. God's church is God's hope for all of us and it should be the leading component of change and be the decider, not playing catch up. <br /><br />We know that God's gospel changes lives and God's people (the church) are the people to spread that Gospel. When does change happen with us? When do we start thinking "let's unthink how we do church and how God's people relate?" <br /><br />This generation of teens have the highest probability of not accepting Christ. They way we've always done things isn't working on this generation as well as it has before. It's time we UNTHINK how we do things. God never changes, but the methods he chooses for us must change. <br /><br />We've got to start thinking outside of the box if we're going to express the only chance for people to not die and go to Hell. Do I know what that change is....no! Each day I pray that God will show me His methods and His vision for the future of His people. <br /><br />It's time we pray and Unthink what we've always done. We have a present generation and many future generations at stake if we don't. I for one don't want to take the chance that I didn't do all I could to reach them.<br /><br />God Rocks,<br />JoshJoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437864781170586645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23413487.post-33347315393889826342009-04-23T00:03:00.004-04:002009-04-23T00:14:48.597-04:00On the Roll again...the update!!<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span> so it's been a while, but a lot has happened since my last update. Also, I spent a lot of my blogging time on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Northstar's</span> blog. <br /><br />Since i last blogged...My church I was serving at merged with another one, my daughter was born, I've moved, the new merged church dissolved my ministry, and I work at a juvenile justice center.<br /><br />OK, well that's a whole lot in the past few months huh!! <br /><br />I'm on the roll again because of that dissolving of the ministry thing. You see I'm called to student ministry. When I say called I don't mean I just like doing it. I mean I'll do whatever it takes to go where God wants to send me and share the Gospel with students. <br /><br />I'm looking for a place to serve. I love God and love people. I spend my life pushing toward my 2 main areas: Worship and Service. These 2 things are what I'm all about and what i put into any <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">ministry</span> I'm apart of. <br /><br />For now I serve at a church plan (the merged church) and play bass guitar there. I work (TO MUCH) at the kids jail and try to have to much fun with my beautiful wife and gorgeous daughter. <br /><br />So that's the update...have fun with it and if you have any leads I can pray about let me know. <br /><br />God Rocks,<br />JoshJoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437864781170586645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23413487.post-34802477191259065132008-07-25T20:58:00.002-04:002008-07-25T21:39:52.275-04:00Lessons from Joan of ArcadiaTonight I was watching Joan of Arcadia. I know it's an old show but it's still pretty good. I watch T.V. and I see lessons all the time and I wish more people did. <br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ok</span> here's what I heard. Joan's mom was talking to a priest...yeah I know...and she was explaining the miracle she wants. She desperately wanted her son to walk again. She was asking if miracles are real and if it's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ok</span> for her to pray to ask God if her son can walk again. As a catholic she doesn't believe that prayer should be spent on such small things. That's another topic for another time.<br /><br />She said "it's like you see something in a store window you really want. It becomes all you think about. Then it's like you start <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">imagining</span> that maybe it's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">yours</span> and you've just misplaced it." So you're asking yourself where is Josh going with this. Well like most my lessons it applies to God. <br /><br />I think it's like that before we know God. Think about it...we're looking for significance, hope, purpose, and love before we find God. It's not that God's ever moved and he's there in crystal clear sight. Just like inside that department store window. All these things start to become exactly what you want. It become all you're striving for and trying to figure out. <br /><br />So at this point it's an obsession really. At this point then there's 2 options. Either you find the God that's been standing there <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">in front</span> of you, just on the other side of the glass or you make something up. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Unfortunately</span> for many these days they choose to make something up. This is why we get so many cults, alternative lifestyles, and people that hate the God of the universe. Think about it all that purpose, love, hope, and significance that can be found in God they now find only in themselves. I don't know about you, but I'd make a pretty horrible God. They look inside for all these things and all they find is darkness, hate, and shame. Therefore that's their God. <br /><br />So now you are your own God and it's you've misplaced. So now you hate everything and when you hear of this wonderful, powerful God that only wants to love you; you take it and hate that God because you've never met him and turn all this hate to that God. <br /><br />Wow, I know! So now you can appreciate the God on the other side of the glass. I you haven't found that obsession on the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">other side</span> of that window, I pray daily for you to look for that God and find Him. He's not moving and has always been right there for you. <br /><br />Just a lesson from T.V. I hope this helps!<br /><br />God Rocks,<br /> JoshJoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437864781170586645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23413487.post-41613452746109438502008-07-15T15:59:00.003-04:002008-07-15T16:17:47.428-04:00My first Sermon at NorthstarWell I'm not sure some people would consider it my first sermon, but as far as on Sunday morning I would. So this past Sunday I spoke because the pastor was gone on vacation. <br /><br />To be honest I was scared to death all week. I shared my passion for youth and what we needed to do to save this generation. People who preach will often tell you that when they preach the hardest it's often because they are speaking to themselves. Well I know this is the case and hopefully I'll be rectifying the situation soon. I told the people some thing's gotta change and I know that starts with me. <br /><br />At youth a youth called me on it and I realized I've gotta change. It's funny when you realize that what you believe in and know that people must change are the exact same things that you must change yourself. It's even worse when someone who heard you talk about it calls you on it. It's a great lesson and I'm gonna learn from it. <br /><br />As for Sunday...it was wicked awesome. I had a blast talking to the adults and youth of Northstar. It's gonna be fun next time when I have to also.Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437864781170586645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23413487.post-76550304630741390022008-07-02T19:18:00.002-04:002008-07-02T19:38:44.513-04:00What would happen?I heard a unique question today. I saw it on the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqVOTh1QyDg">video</a> for the "<a href="http://www.oneprayer.com/">One Prayer</a>" series. This is the Question...<br /><br /><strong>What would happen if WE the church across the world UNITED and took all the resources that God has given us?</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />Wow it's a question that should make you go...huh! I hear questions like this a lot. I hear and often ask question that are meant to inspire and make you wonder why you're not doing something. <br /><br /><a href="http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/">Craig <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Groeschel</span></a> suggest in this video that All those that are hungry could have food, all those without medical care could get some, everyone on earth could hear about God, and by Sunday Worship would be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">extraordinary</span>. <br /><br />If this is the case let's do it. If this is the only thing lacking right now from everyone on earth at this moment to hear about Christ, then let's do it. Why haven't we thought of this before? It's to simple not to work. How in thousands of years since Jesus' death did someone, somewhere not think that maybe we should all get together and change this world?<br /><br />I know the answer to this question. We're to busy bickering and being mad at <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">each other</span> over denominations and MY beliefs that the world all around us is going to hell. I love <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Lifechurch</span>.<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">tv</span>. They <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">definitely</span> have some creative people there. Their last video about an <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDqRheBu2cg">interview with the devil</a> is great. It shows what the devil thinks of the church...it's right on. Go see it and be amazed. <br /><br />What if...it's my favorite sort of Questions because they are the answers. So what if we put aside what we believe that divides us and just decide that it's about God and people knowing about God, and just decide as a world wide church to go tell help the world and tell the world? I know exactly what would happen. <strong>World Changed!</strong><br /><br />God Rocks, JoshJoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437864781170586645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23413487.post-57293383739960489302008-06-23T10:35:00.002-04:002008-06-23T10:47:35.261-04:00Something's ComingAnyone else feel it... There's something coming. It's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">weird</span> it's in the air like right before a huge summer storm. That feeling of overwhelming pressure as you see the explosive action on the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">horizon</span>. I don't know what it is...but it's coming. Have you ever been so excited you couldn't sleep? Ever been so excited about something you really couldn't function well? Well it's sort of like that. I feel this feeling inside building. It gets stronger and stronger as the days go on. It especially gets stronger as I pray and learn more about God. I believe they're connected.<br /><br />It's building and there's something coming. I can feel it, like an overwhelming moment that you're not prepared for but instead become so happy it's here that you scream. It's building and I can feel it right now. Is it God preparing in my something, maybe something to stretch and pull me. It's hard to think about anything else. All I want to do it quit my job and pursue this overwhelming urge. My passion is students. Is this feeling that's building connected to students as well? <br /><br />If this is true then this building feeling, God, and students are connected. It's been building for a while. I've tried to ignore it, but at times it's so overwhelming that it wakes me up at night and even keeps me from doing things I really want to do at times. It's coming! I have no idea what it is, but I have no doubt that it'll change my life forever and change those around me as well. Will I be prepared? Will be able to handle it? I have no answers. If these three things are connected then it's going to be awesome. We've done a piss poor job of sharing God's life changing message with students in the past decade or so anyways. After all right now we're at 11% of youth are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Christians</span>....that sucks! It's building...I can feel it right now! I wonder if other people feel this or just me. <br /><br />There's something coming. Will I be unbreakable or will it just completely <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">overwhelm</span> me and turn me into a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">non functioning</span> vegetable. I don't know.<br /><br />It's building right now...there's something coming!Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437864781170586645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23413487.post-10682610315938765192008-02-26T20:22:00.001-05:002008-02-26T20:22:53.763-05:00Anything But Silent<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/RgJBqzebQz0' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/RgJBqzebQz0'/></object></p><p>Today I came upon this video. The video recounts the life of a normal person and their prayer life with God. He tries to use intellect to figure out why he doesn't hear from God but others around him seem to. He ask questions like...What do we do when God seems distant? How do we have faith when we can't prove our beliefs with reason? How do we trust God when we can't see him?<br /><br />He makes a good point and I'm sure it's something we've all wrestled with as Christians. We've all wrestled with things like if we can't hear God, see God, or touch God, then how do we still have faith? So, what do we do? <br /><br />This is a question we must individually deal with. For some it means we can look around and realize that all this can't be an accident. For others it takes hitting the bottom of life and when we look up God is the only thing we have left. Yet others find God by experiencing Him physically. Of course the last one was much more prevalent in Bible times. <br /><br />Just gives us a lot to think about, and more importantly an insight into most student's lives and the lives of our generation of people. <br />God Rocks, Jtw</p></div>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437864781170586645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23413487.post-37863468436590475072008-02-13T22:47:00.004-05:002008-02-13T23:18:46.021-05:00Everything SkitI've seen lots of skits and dramas in my time. On top of that, I've been in many more. Here I've added a video from <a href="http://www.youtube.com/">youtube</a> that hits me everytime I've seen it. It's an awesome skit that I totally want to do one day. Tell me whatcha think.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzXvPdnz-1NsSlNEBwiKqgkqcs4KoN2b283yURd0m3x8gtuAbegk2TbxABdLqoUcsdXakVMVG6Dxuk' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Here's the Video Link on youtube... <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyheJ480LYA">Everything Skit</a>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437864781170586645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23413487.post-20218420873834954382008-01-28T13:14:00.000-05:002008-01-28T13:28:04.617-05:00You Ever been Anxious and overly Excited?This week has been a week of prayer, dialogue with mentors and friends, and searching. For the past few months I've been talking to this guy named Tim <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Jernigan</span>. He's the pastor at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Northstar</span> Fellowship church in Concord, North Carolina. I've learned from my bad experiences in churches that I need to be cautious. I've learned that I can't ignore the red flags and I can't settle for something that God doesn't want me to have anyways. So as <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">I've</span> met with people from the church, Tim, and his family, I've looked for those issues that I'm not gonna settle for. <br /><br />This past week was leading up to yesterday (Sunday). My wonderful wife and I went then to teach the students, meet parents, and have our final meeting to help us decide if we want to go there. All I can say is Wow. <br /><br />For months I've been searching for the place God wants me. I know how God's made me and what he wants me to do. I also know what I need to fulfill that plan. After numerous discussions on ministry, church politics, and just our lives in general, I've got nothing but Great things from God about this church. This seems like just what God had in mind. I believe God is doing great things here and the future is only going to be filled with greater things. <br /><br />I can't wait to see where this goes after we move there and really get into these awesome people's lives. I can't wait. Can you see why I was so anxious and overly excited? I appreciate your prayers and will continue with it as you pray for me.<br /><br />God Rocks, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Jtw</span>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437864781170586645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23413487.post-31131903840023010422008-01-11T00:27:00.000-05:002008-01-11T00:56:15.948-05:00Do u watch?Today was reading in Matthew 27. I was reading all about what Jesus went through for me. It occurred to me something that I've never thought of before. God is an all seeing God. He knows everything, he sees everything, and without a shadow of a doubt knows what's best. In thinking that Jesus in Matthew 26 and 27 is murdered, what occurred to me is this...God watched this. I know what you're thinking, heartless right. I mean really, I don't think I could sit there while my child is beaten, stripped naked, humiliated, ripped open with sharp objects, nailed to wood, cursed at, and eventually killed. So, in continuing with that thought, why didn't God do something? Honestly I couldn't have stopped myself from doing something. <br /><br />The priest even comes to Jesus right before death and says if he's really God he should come down and prove it. At that moment you can imagine thousands and thousands of angels swarming the spot and right before they strike Jesus says stop. They all stop and the priest knows nothing of the power and mercy he just escaped from. <br /><br />To get back to God watching, God watched as his son was murdered by the people he was sent to save. This was the point though. People forget that God's watching, and he never stopped for a minute. He watched because he loved us. He allowed this to happen because he loved us. I can't imagine loving someone so much that you'd let your son die to save them. Well that's us. <br /><br />I get asked a lot and it's a subject that people love to debate. Why do things happen like people burning up in fires or drowning in tsunamis. This happens because God loves us to much that he gave us free will. With that free will we've sinned and messed up royally. God watches all this and waits. If he stops it the gift of free will is gone. So, just like with his son, he watches and awaits the day when his love can be complete. That day will come and it's coming soon. <br />God Rocks, JtwJoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437864781170586645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23413487.post-69475557406675118812007-12-18T23:25:00.000-05:002007-12-19T00:06:23.921-05:004% -- HOLY CRAPToday I was online. I came across Battle Cry's site and remembered all the excitement I had for going in March. I still may go, but I was going to take the youth group. I was watching some videos about how in only a few years there will only be 4% of people who call themselves Christians when the next generation gets here. That's staggering. It reminded me of a commercial that I saw once about drugs. In this commercial there was a girl in a pond and she couldn't swim. Her friend stood quietly on the dock, merely feet from her friend, watching her drown. The commercial ends with, the statement, "you would do something wouldn't you?" <br /><br />I write this because it seems to me that many Christians would have to answer that question with a loud "NO." The odds of reaching a person for Christ after they turn 20 is 10 to 1. That scares the crap out of me. This is one of the reasons why I'm a Student Pastor. I want to reach the students with Christ no matter what it takes. Why doesn't every Christian have this point of view? It's a command of God isn't it? How did we go from a society where Christian morals are taught and most everyone was a Christian, to a place where only 4% do? <br /><br />We as Christians have DROPPED THE BALL. Do you get it? 4% scares the crap out of me. Does it scare you? Battle Cry is a event where students, parents, and all Christians are called to stand up for our generation. They're called to defy what culture has said to us; that we can't be Christians. If you don't believe me just to go YouTube. Type in any Christian video and look at all the hate comments they've received. Go out to the mall and ask someone if you can pray for them or tell them about Christ and see if they don't curse you and spit at you. <br /><br />How did we come to the point where 4% will be responsible for the spiritual direction of a generation? All I know is that we're called to stand up. Let's do it! God Rocks! JtwJoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437864781170586645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23413487.post-4014388024565182962007-12-04T14:44:00.000-05:002007-12-04T14:57:30.807-05:00Prayer over InterviewTonight I have a sort of interview with a man named Tim <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Jernigan</span>. He's the pastor at a church called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Northstar</span> Fellowship (<a href="http://www.northstarfellowship.com/">www.northstarfellowship.com</a>). It seems like a very cool church that's reaching people. I'm very excited about what this could be. God's awesome and a lot of us have been praying for something like this for some time. <br /><br />Pray over tonight. Pray that I don't let my excitement blur what God is telling me. Pray that God will give me a very clear answer. Tim seems like a great guy and seems like God is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">definitely</span> with him. I want what God wants. <br /><br />I appreciate your prayers, and Thank you God for the chance to be your Servant. Pray with me as I pray please...<br /><br /> Lord, Thank You for this opportunity. Thank you for all you've given me and for helping me to be patient as you send me what you have for me. Lord, tonight might be it, and might not. Either way God praise You. God tonight if this is the place you want me to serve you in, then God let me know. I want to serve you in your place. God, bless this ministry either way, Tim wants to reach people for you. Help him! Thank you again and Praise you Lord. In Jesus name..AMEN. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">JTW</span>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437864781170586645noreply@blogger.com0