As Satan wages war against my heart, soul, and mind. It has finally sink in, I'm back home.
Japan showed me a lot. Like every mission trip, its a bittersweet goodbye. The people were so quiet, yet so humble. Japan is in need of Jesus. The country is wrapped up in, materialism, despair, and the fear of being not enough, to name a few.
The country is beautiful. The people are beautiful. The food is good and full of rice. But what God showed me, is that its not about the numbers, or how many were saved. But about the harvest. Its about planting seeds.
Tokyo has 33 million people. Many of them have no knowledge of the Word. But with our team of 103 Americans. We were able to plant seeds. See smiles, see people questioned what they believe. We may have not had a huge number of converts.
But the seeds that we planted will begin to grow. They will eventually sprout. We may never see the final result on earth. But seeds have been planted. In a span of 10 days, working almost around the clock. 42 people exchanged their lives for Jesus.
42 may seem small compared to 33 million. But God has a plan. We serve a BIG God. A God who does all the heavy lifting. God values obedience over activity.
And for 10 plus days. We were obedient, we were planting. I can only imagine what God will do next.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Such Great Heights
I'm on top of the mountain or at least for 10 days. I'm feeling productive and as if I'm doing something extraordinary!
I leave for Japan on Saturday. I will be one of many leaders leading a trek of high schoolers. Trying my darnest to spread the Word of God to Tokyo. Yet, I don't need to be in Tokyo, Japan to feel this way.
For the longest time. I associated out of this world experiences with traveling, doing something that is noticed by the masses, or thinking of some brilliant outside the box idea. Sure those may produce that mountain top rush. But there are plenty of other simple and less sophisticated ways to get that rush.
First, being bored is a choice. People use boredom as a excuse. Acting as if, they are a victim to their own boredom. But in reality they can only blame themselves.
We all yearn for that feeling of significance. But it doesn't have to be across the world. Or being admire by everyone. Its doing what your passionate about. Its doing what God wants you to do.
For the longest time. I have been feeding the homeless every Monday night. Its simple, feed and serve a group of awesome people. Dare I say, it takes place locally? Do I get that rush? I do. But it took time for, me to realize what I was doing it for.
For a long time. I felt very unproductive in what I was doing and where I was in life. But God has a purpose for all. The world may see it as, simple and banal. But its for sure an out of this world feeling.
Sure I will be in Japan experiencing a new culture and eating weird things. But when I come back to San Antonio. The rush will be there. Whether I'm under the bridge with the homeless, or sitting down typing up a blog.
The rush never leaves. It is up to us, to keep the fire going. Fuel the Fire.
Whether in Japan, or high in the sky, or simply on the ground.
It's all from such great heights.
I leave for Japan on Saturday. I will be one of many leaders leading a trek of high schoolers. Trying my darnest to spread the Word of God to Tokyo. Yet, I don't need to be in Tokyo, Japan to feel this way.
For the longest time. I associated out of this world experiences with traveling, doing something that is noticed by the masses, or thinking of some brilliant outside the box idea. Sure those may produce that mountain top rush. But there are plenty of other simple and less sophisticated ways to get that rush.
First, being bored is a choice. People use boredom as a excuse. Acting as if, they are a victim to their own boredom. But in reality they can only blame themselves.
We all yearn for that feeling of significance. But it doesn't have to be across the world. Or being admire by everyone. Its doing what your passionate about. Its doing what God wants you to do.
For the longest time. I have been feeding the homeless every Monday night. Its simple, feed and serve a group of awesome people. Dare I say, it takes place locally? Do I get that rush? I do. But it took time for, me to realize what I was doing it for.
For a long time. I felt very unproductive in what I was doing and where I was in life. But God has a purpose for all. The world may see it as, simple and banal. But its for sure an out of this world feeling.
Sure I will be in Japan experiencing a new culture and eating weird things. But when I come back to San Antonio. The rush will be there. Whether I'm under the bridge with the homeless, or sitting down typing up a blog.
The rush never leaves. It is up to us, to keep the fire going. Fuel the Fire.
Whether in Japan, or high in the sky, or simply on the ground.
It's all from such great heights.
Friday, July 10, 2009
A Little Thing Called Impact
We try to leave a legacy worth remembering. Or at least one that makes people sit and ponder. We all have this yearning to be noticed and glorified for what we have accomplished. Some would try the humble pie. However, the need to know and be told. That you are an impact is overwhelming.
When your young, or really far down the line of life. You start to brainstorm "how can I make a difference" Great question, yet answered in so many different ways. Some believe making money, getting married, and living the "American dream" is where its at.
Some approach it, differently and say how naive. They would rather go to Africa and help those in need. Deep down inside their motives are wrong.
Not all, but I believe it starts at motives. We all have some sort of impact on someone or something. Yet we need to know it. For self gratification, who knows?
The motive is what drives us, to do what we are doing.
I know we all want to make a difference. Here are some suggestions
Love your enemies
Honor your father and mother
Befriend those who are alone
Feed the hungry
Clothe the naked
Let you faith be your measure for you success
and list goes on
Those are all deviant to what the world thinks. But we all have made an impact. When we perish from this earth. Many will gather in our name. They will mourn their lost. But with what you do, and without seeking the recognition.
People will remember, I always like to think. That I want to live my life so passionately for Christ. That others are impacted by me through the power of God. That they pay if forward.
Not for their glory but HIS
Impact isn't small. It just starts out that way.
Your worth more than you know. Stay steadfast.
When your young, or really far down the line of life. You start to brainstorm "how can I make a difference" Great question, yet answered in so many different ways. Some believe making money, getting married, and living the "American dream" is where its at.
Some approach it, differently and say how naive. They would rather go to Africa and help those in need. Deep down inside their motives are wrong.
Not all, but I believe it starts at motives. We all have some sort of impact on someone or something. Yet we need to know it. For self gratification, who knows?
The motive is what drives us, to do what we are doing.
I know we all want to make a difference. Here are some suggestions
Love your enemies
Honor your father and mother
Befriend those who are alone
Feed the hungry
Clothe the naked
Let you faith be your measure for you success
and list goes on
Those are all deviant to what the world thinks. But we all have made an impact. When we perish from this earth. Many will gather in our name. They will mourn their lost. But with what you do, and without seeking the recognition.
People will remember, I always like to think. That I want to live my life so passionately for Christ. That others are impacted by me through the power of God. That they pay if forward.
Not for their glory but HIS
Impact isn't small. It just starts out that way.
Your worth more than you know. Stay steadfast.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Whitlock: McNair Great QB, Bad Father
Steve McNair died, July 4th. He was found shot in his condo in Nashville. Ran into this article, that is a bit edgy. But brings up very valid points. Thoughts?? Article writing, by Jason Whitlock of the Kansas City Star and occasion contributor to Fox Sports.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9777174/Don%27t-be-so-quick-to-make-McNair-a-hero
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9777174/Don%27t-be-so-quick-to-make-McNair-a-hero
Saturday, July 4, 2009
4th Of July Thoughts
As everyone gets prepared to cook out, or participate in fireworks. I want to take the time to thank all the individuals. Who make it possible that we can practice freedom on a daily basis.
4th of July is a great reminder, of how passionate Americans are about their country.
You see all the emotion and passion running through the veins.
Yet, there is more to the picture.
What if, we were that passionate about Jesus? For some, country pride trumps devotion to God.
What if..... you get the idea, but will it be put to practice? Its up to you. Remember God sent his only son, that's pretty passionate. And I think most know what the purpose was. Reflect and see how you can be more passionate about Jesus.
He was passionate about us.
Calvary
4th of July is a great reminder, of how passionate Americans are about their country.
You see all the emotion and passion running through the veins.
Yet, there is more to the picture.
What if, we were that passionate about Jesus? For some, country pride trumps devotion to God.
What if..... you get the idea, but will it be put to practice? Its up to you. Remember God sent his only son, that's pretty passionate. And I think most know what the purpose was. Reflect and see how you can be more passionate about Jesus.
He was passionate about us.
Calvary
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