what would have happened to the story of Jesus if the three magi had not listened to the angel and gone back to Herod? story is found in Matthew chapter 2
who were the wise men? what did they do during the day? what was there trade? why were they called the wise men.
not that God was trying to hide Jesus in the house he was in but why would God put a star above the house. remember that Herod wanted to kill Jesus, just seems kinda crazy.
knowing how great John the baptist was, why was he not a disciple? him and Jesus on the same team is like Jesus and moses on the same team. simply indestructible.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Merry Christmas
merry chrismas all!!!! I hope all of you have a great day and a happy time. or as I have been saying happy Jesus is born day!!!!
Friday, December 21, 2007
ACCEPTED
I found out today I was accepted to North central University! so I now have this in front of me as of January 10th. wow this is happening so fast and is so crazy. road trip to minneapolis with my buddy peter. now all I have to do is get a loan, get classes, a room and a job. other than that im so ready to go start a new adventure in my life. exciting times in my life.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Simple Church
disclaimer- I don't know much about the simple church movement, I have read about it and my conclusions are my own. if you feel the need to give me more information about this movement please feel free to do so.
here are the values I found...
As in any decentralized, spontaneous movement, a variety of values are expressed in simple church. Due to the influence of some key groups and Acts 2:42-47, three overarching values have emerged in many circles:
Paul Kaak and Neil Cole originally articulated these values using the organic metaphor of DNA:
D - Divine Truth : Truth is the foundation for everything. By Divine Truth, we mean the dynamic and living presence of Christ and His Word. A recent variation refers to the "D" as "Divine Connection" and views the Word of God and prayer as two primary means of maintaining that connection with God. The DNA metaphor is thus extended to include four overarching values instead of only three.
N - Nurturing Relationships : Healthy relationships are what make up a family. Love for one another is to be a constant pursuit of the family of God. This is the most basic of Christ's commands.
A - Apostolic Mission : Apostolic means, simply, “sent.” Just as Jesus was sent on a mission, so we are sent out on a mission for Him. Our mission is to go into the world and disciple the nations for their good and God's glory
here are some criticism I found...
Leadership: Who are the leaders and what is the leadership structure? Is the simple church understanding of leadership biblical? Is there enough control to prevent abuse, cultism, and heresy? Are the lay leaders in simple churches qualified for the care of others?
Longevity: According to sources within the movement, the average lifespan of a simple church is only 6 month to two years. This leaves critics to wonder how Christianity can survive in such a transient movement. What will be the long-term impact of simple church when it lacks the sticking power of more traditional forms of church?
Teaching: It is rare for simple churches to have sermons or bible classes in the formal sense. Critics wonder when teaching occurs and how people are formed educationally and doctrinally in simple churches. Without concentrated teaching, sermons, and bible classes, how will believers be educated?
Orthodoxy: Without denominational control or pastoral oversight, who will maintain orthodoxy among simple churches and its participants. Isn't it a breeding ground for people with wild theologies who would get drummed out of more traditional and more orthodoxy churches?
Cultural Accommodation/Syncretism: Has simple church sold out to a culture that sinfully refuses to go to church? Is simple church just caving in to postmodernism? Does simple church promote the West's tendency to worship the individual and individualism?
Relationship with Established Churches: Is simple church another movement pulling people away from congregational churches? Is simple church a threat to more traditional models? Do simple church practitioners condemn or criticize other forms of church? Can simple churches and traditional forms of church work together?
my own thoughts...
I just cant see how following a movement can help us as a church. we need to listen to Christ and not books. the only book we should follow is the bible. I know there are a lot of build a better church books out there with really good ideas, but that works for that church. I cant see how a movement that worked in Nashville, Tennessee can work anywhere besides that place. ive seen youth pastors use what worked in other places fail when the ideas failed.
please if anyone has a better more educated view on this go ahead and give it to me.
here are the values I found...
As in any decentralized, spontaneous movement, a variety of values are expressed in simple church. Due to the influence of some key groups and Acts 2:42-47, three overarching values have emerged in many circles:
Paul Kaak and Neil Cole originally articulated these values using the organic metaphor of DNA:
D - Divine Truth : Truth is the foundation for everything. By Divine Truth, we mean the dynamic and living presence of Christ and His Word. A recent variation refers to the "D" as "Divine Connection" and views the Word of God and prayer as two primary means of maintaining that connection with God. The DNA metaphor is thus extended to include four overarching values instead of only three.
N - Nurturing Relationships : Healthy relationships are what make up a family. Love for one another is to be a constant pursuit of the family of God. This is the most basic of Christ's commands.
A - Apostolic Mission : Apostolic means, simply, “sent.” Just as Jesus was sent on a mission, so we are sent out on a mission for Him. Our mission is to go into the world and disciple the nations for their good and God's glory
here are some criticism I found...
Leadership: Who are the leaders and what is the leadership structure? Is the simple church understanding of leadership biblical? Is there enough control to prevent abuse, cultism, and heresy? Are the lay leaders in simple churches qualified for the care of others?
Longevity: According to sources within the movement, the average lifespan of a simple church is only 6 month to two years. This leaves critics to wonder how Christianity can survive in such a transient movement. What will be the long-term impact of simple church when it lacks the sticking power of more traditional forms of church?
Teaching: It is rare for simple churches to have sermons or bible classes in the formal sense. Critics wonder when teaching occurs and how people are formed educationally and doctrinally in simple churches. Without concentrated teaching, sermons, and bible classes, how will believers be educated?
Orthodoxy: Without denominational control or pastoral oversight, who will maintain orthodoxy among simple churches and its participants. Isn't it a breeding ground for people with wild theologies who would get drummed out of more traditional and more orthodoxy churches?
Cultural Accommodation/Syncretism: Has simple church sold out to a culture that sinfully refuses to go to church? Is simple church just caving in to postmodernism? Does simple church promote the West's tendency to worship the individual and individualism?
Relationship with Established Churches: Is simple church another movement pulling people away from congregational churches? Is simple church a threat to more traditional models? Do simple church practitioners condemn or criticize other forms of church? Can simple churches and traditional forms of church work together?
my own thoughts...
I just cant see how following a movement can help us as a church. we need to listen to Christ and not books. the only book we should follow is the bible. I know there are a lot of build a better church books out there with really good ideas, but that works for that church. I cant see how a movement that worked in Nashville, Tennessee can work anywhere besides that place. ive seen youth pastors use what worked in other places fail when the ideas failed.
please if anyone has a better more educated view on this go ahead and give it to me.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
just a thought... this may be blasphemous
I was listening to yellowcard tonight, the song only one was playing. as I was singing along and listening to the words I started thinking this could be a pretty good worship song. the lyrics would have to be altered a little bit but the message is the pretty much the same.
Broken this fragile thing now
And I can't, I can't pick up the pieces
And I've thrown my words all around
But I can't, I can't give you a reason
I feel so broken up (so broken up)
And I give up (I give up)
I just want to tell you so you know
Here I go, scream my lungs out and try to get to you
You are my only one
I let go, there's just no one that gets me like you do
You are my only, my only one
Made my mistakes, let you down
And I can't, I can't hold on for too long
Ran my whole life in the ground
And I can't, I can't get up when you're gone
And something's breaking up (breaking up)
I feel like giving up (like giving up)
I won't walk out until you know
Here I go, scream my lungs out and try to get to you
You are my only one
I let go, there's just no one who gets me like you do
You are my only my only one
Here I go so dishonestly
Leave a note for you my only one
And I know you can see right through me
So let me go and you will find someone
Here I go, scream my lungs out and try to get to you
You are my only one
I let go, there's just no one, no one like you
You are my only, my only one
My only one
My only one
My only one
You are my only, my only one
just a thought...
Broken this fragile thing now
And I can't, I can't pick up the pieces
And I've thrown my words all around
But I can't, I can't give you a reason
I feel so broken up (so broken up)
And I give up (I give up)
I just want to tell you so you know
Here I go, scream my lungs out and try to get to you
You are my only one
I let go, there's just no one that gets me like you do
You are my only, my only one
Made my mistakes, let you down
And I can't, I can't hold on for too long
Ran my whole life in the ground
And I can't, I can't get up when you're gone
And something's breaking up (breaking up)
I feel like giving up (like giving up)
I won't walk out until you know
Here I go, scream my lungs out and try to get to you
You are my only one
I let go, there's just no one who gets me like you do
You are my only my only one
Here I go so dishonestly
Leave a note for you my only one
And I know you can see right through me
So let me go and you will find someone
Here I go, scream my lungs out and try to get to you
You are my only one
I let go, there's just no one, no one like you
You are my only, my only one
My only one
My only one
My only one
You are my only, my only one
just a thought...
Sunday, December 16, 2007
I know a guy....
my mentor is gone... life wont be the same without him. hes not gone forever but hes not as accessible as he has been. Friday morning wasn't fun, Friday as a whole wasn't fun. Sunday at church was so weird, I looked at his seat and it was empty. he has taught me so much about life, love and God. the most influential person to me ever. hes been my friend, mentor, and most of all a person that has shown God to me in a way I never knew possible. I wish them both the best for there lives and amazing times. I'm gonna miss them, passion pacific, jamba juice talks, reading scripture, acting like 9 year olds, and all the camping trips. pretty much I'm gonna miss them but I love them and wish them nothing but the best.
PK you da man...
Monday, December 10, 2007
you know your a dodger fan when...
1. when you wear your Dodger cap daily
2. when you rather watch a Dodger game instead of watching a football game on sunday
3. When its a law in your family to hate the Giants
4. you know your a dodger fan when you have the dodger logo tatted on you
5. You know your a Dodger fan when it sounds like your the only one yelling his lungs out while Nomo strikes out 16 Pirates and Piazza belts two Homers.
6. When you see somebody wearing orange and black, and you hate them, for no other reason than what they're wearing, you hate them.....
7. when you get gose bumps when you watch the gibson Hr game over and over
8. when you have the Gibson call on your ring tone
9. When your Dodger hat looks 15 years old, but you wore it out in 2 years.
10. when you have over 100 Dodger hats
11. you know your a dodger fan when its about 4 months till season and all you can think about is the possible lineups we can have
12. when you write Lasorda and offer to play for the Dodgers if they have to field a team during the "94" strike.
13. you know your a dodger fan when you have a Nomar bobble head hitting a angel rally monkey at your desk..
14. You know you're a Dodger fan when you quit your job because it conflictswith watching Dodger Baseball
15. When you can watch the Dodgers with Charlie Steiner doing the play-by-play and still enjoy it.
16. When you hear another person say the word "Doyers" and you know what they're talking about
17. You are still upset about Jeff kent and JD Drew's bonehead running play from 2 years ago.
18. If you can name Jacksonville 5 (Bills, LaRoche, Kemp, Loney, Broxton)
19. when you attend your cousin's birthday party, but you and your cousins/uncles are huddled around a handheld TV to watch the Dodgers game
20. you know your a dodger fan when you go to church and you take your cell phone to watch the game
21. You check to box scores of all the Dodgers minor league affillates each morning.
22. you have tickets to a concert and blow it off to see a spring training game
23. you know the meaning of 9-18-06
24. you skip class just to watch a dodger game
25. you think juan pierre sucks when the rest of the league thinks he is great
I had fun with this one. I relate to six the most. I guess number 26 would be you are thinking of the dodgers in december. this is courtesy of the dodgers message board.
2. when you rather watch a Dodger game instead of watching a football game on sunday
3. When its a law in your family to hate the Giants
4. you know your a dodger fan when you have the dodger logo tatted on you
5. You know your a Dodger fan when it sounds like your the only one yelling his lungs out while Nomo strikes out 16 Pirates and Piazza belts two Homers.
6. When you see somebody wearing orange and black, and you hate them, for no other reason than what they're wearing, you hate them.....
7. when you get gose bumps when you watch the gibson Hr game over and over
8. when you have the Gibson call on your ring tone
9. When your Dodger hat looks 15 years old, but you wore it out in 2 years.
10. when you have over 100 Dodger hats
11. you know your a dodger fan when its about 4 months till season and all you can think about is the possible lineups we can have
12. when you write Lasorda and offer to play for the Dodgers if they have to field a team during the "94" strike.
13. you know your a dodger fan when you have a Nomar bobble head hitting a angel rally monkey at your desk..
14. You know you're a Dodger fan when you quit your job because it conflictswith watching Dodger Baseball
15. When you can watch the Dodgers with Charlie Steiner doing the play-by-play and still enjoy it.
16. When you hear another person say the word "Doyers" and you know what they're talking about
17. You are still upset about Jeff kent and JD Drew's bonehead running play from 2 years ago.
18. If you can name Jacksonville 5 (Bills, LaRoche, Kemp, Loney, Broxton)
19. when you attend your cousin's birthday party, but you and your cousins/uncles are huddled around a handheld TV to watch the Dodgers game
20. you know your a dodger fan when you go to church and you take your cell phone to watch the game
21. You check to box scores of all the Dodgers minor league affillates each morning.
22. you have tickets to a concert and blow it off to see a spring training game
23. you know the meaning of 9-18-06
24. you skip class just to watch a dodger game
25. you think juan pierre sucks when the rest of the league thinks he is great
I had fun with this one. I relate to six the most. I guess number 26 would be you are thinking of the dodgers in december. this is courtesy of the dodgers message board.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
help me
I dont know how to put a blog roll on my site. how do I do this. someone please explain this to me or show me how to do this.
so it seems the prediction I made in my last post was not true... oh well playoffs are a different story and we will beat them if we play them.
finally please pray for me... I feel God moving me to minneapolis, mn. please pray for this decision I am about to make and pray that I do what God wants of me. thanks all
so it seems the prediction I made in my last post was not true... oh well playoffs are a different story and we will beat them if we play them.
finally please pray for me... I feel God moving me to minneapolis, mn. please pray for this decision I am about to make and pray that I do what God wants of me. thanks all
Saturday, December 8, 2007
steelers vs patriots
steelers vs patriots
I guess you can tell who im rooting for. anthany smith guarantees victory, I love it. Go Steelers beat the pats.
prediction:
steelers 35- pats 21
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
what a week
this week has been frustrating, fun, sad and exciting.
tuesday- found out my mentor/youth pastor is leaving
wednesday- flippin busy as work
thursday- thanksgiving- worked and drove
friday- shopping
saturday- drive home to have car die many times
sunday- church was sooo sad, car died again
monday- car died again*
tuesday- car died again baught new battery, didnt work, couldnt return it, smoke appears out of the tail pipe
wednesday- car is still dead and smoke is way worse, got new phone yay.
*funny story: car died when I got off of work monday. my awesome old roommate mack came and jumped my car. as we are talking and letting the battery run somehow the door locks. now my keys are locked in the car, remember the car is still running. my spare keys are lost, I dont know where they are. so mack takes me to my house to look for em and they are nowhere to be found. luckily my hippy roommate has a wire coat hanger, so we take that and open my car door. I dont like cars.
all this bad stuff happens yet my only thought that stays with me is that God is in controll. Im learning to trust him more and more everyday. Im falling more in love with him every minute of the day. hes amazing, crap is happening to me yet I still know hes in controll. kyle leaving sucks but I know its God's will and Im so excited for him. my car can be fixed, its expensive yet who cares. I have amazing friends who are willing to help. whatever, I LOVE GOD AND HE LOVES ME.
tuesday- found out my mentor/youth pastor is leaving
wednesday- flippin busy as work
thursday- thanksgiving- worked and drove
friday- shopping
saturday- drive home to have car die many times
sunday- church was sooo sad, car died again
monday- car died again*
tuesday- car died again baught new battery, didnt work, couldnt return it, smoke appears out of the tail pipe
wednesday- car is still dead and smoke is way worse, got new phone yay.
*funny story: car died when I got off of work monday. my awesome old roommate mack came and jumped my car. as we are talking and letting the battery run somehow the door locks. now my keys are locked in the car, remember the car is still running. my spare keys are lost, I dont know where they are. so mack takes me to my house to look for em and they are nowhere to be found. luckily my hippy roommate has a wire coat hanger, so we take that and open my car door. I dont like cars.
all this bad stuff happens yet my only thought that stays with me is that God is in controll. Im learning to trust him more and more everyday. Im falling more in love with him every minute of the day. hes amazing, crap is happening to me yet I still know hes in controll. kyle leaving sucks but I know its God's will and Im so excited for him. my car can be fixed, its expensive yet who cares. I have amazing friends who are willing to help. whatever, I LOVE GOD AND HE LOVES ME.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
thankful
In church today the question was asked "what are you thankful for?" I started thinking what am I thankful for. here is my list
second, third, fourth and so on chances with God
laughter
life
God/Jesus
friends
air
running water
my job, car, phone, house
family
my calling
being able to woship God freely
safety
prayer
music
church
pastors
seasons of the year
sports
talking
blogging
internet
walking
sight
hearing
health
love
spiritual leaders
the Bible
books
coffee
youth
memories
my future and my past
as you can see im thankful for the little things and the big things. pretty much this post is to show that God is great. please let me know what you are thankful for.
second, third, fourth and so on chances with God
laughter
life
God/Jesus
friends
air
running water
my job, car, phone, house
family
my calling
being able to woship God freely
safety
prayer
music
church
pastors
seasons of the year
sports
talking
blogging
internet
walking
sight
hearing
health
love
spiritual leaders
the Bible
books
coffee
youth
memories
my future and my past
as you can see im thankful for the little things and the big things. pretty much this post is to show that God is great. please let me know what you are thankful for.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
free agency
free agent time! players can sign anywhere now. here is what I think my dodgers will do.
c Russel Martin
1b James Loney
2b Jeff Kent
3b Alex Rodriguez
ss Rafael Furcal
lf Andre Ethier
cf Juan Pierre
rf Matt Kemp
sp Chad Billingsly
sp Brad Penny
sp Derek Lowe
sp Jason Schmidt
sp Randy Wolf or Estaban Loiaza
rp Yhency Brazabon
rp Johnathan Mealon
rp Joe Biemel
rp Scott Proctor
rp Johnathan Broxton
rp Takashi Saito
bench players
Mark Sweeney
Andy Laroche
Tony Abrea
Jason Repko
Delmon Young
saying good bye to:
Nomar Garciaparra
Rudy Seanez
Mark Hendrickson
division winner here maybe just maybe the 2008 world series champions!
c Russel Martin
1b James Loney
2b Jeff Kent
3b Alex Rodriguez
ss Rafael Furcal
lf Andre Ethier
cf Juan Pierre
rf Matt Kemp
sp Chad Billingsly
sp Brad Penny
sp Derek Lowe
sp Jason Schmidt
sp Randy Wolf or Estaban Loiaza
rp Yhency Brazabon
rp Johnathan Mealon
rp Joe Biemel
rp Scott Proctor
rp Johnathan Broxton
rp Takashi Saito
bench players
Mark Sweeney
Andy Laroche
Tony Abrea
Jason Repko
Delmon Young
saying good bye to:
Nomar Garciaparra
Rudy Seanez
Mark Hendrickson
division winner here maybe just maybe the 2008 world series champions!
Sunday, November 11, 2007
why
why God, why do I have no friends. I mean I have freinds but no real friends that know me on a lever more than me. I have a nobody that I can talk to about my life. my freinds dont know me, they dont know the real me.
I had a best freind but you took her from me. youve hurt me and youve hurt her too. if you really cared about me or her then why are you putting us through this. Lord take the pain from her and give it to me. I dont want her hurting anymore. wont you atleast listen to me, please.
just give me my best friend back or give me some freinds... you know my choice...
I had a best freind but you took her from me. youve hurt me and youve hurt her too. if you really cared about me or her then why are you putting us through this. Lord take the pain from her and give it to me. I dont want her hurting anymore. wont you atleast listen to me, please.
just give me my best friend back or give me some freinds... you know my choice...
Monday, November 5, 2007
wow
flip one good thing about this week... thats about it for me
my life on sunday... wake up at 6 still extremely tired and couldnt sleep, iPod froze and still doesnt work, and or course costco's policy is 90 days and its been 92 days. I rented a movie and lost it so I didnt get to watch it. and I burnt my thumb pretty badly and it really hurts.
that pretty much sums up my life as of right now... sucks and is broken... where is God? Im reaching out to him and hes not reaching back... he wants me to reach out to him and I get nothing... I feel like im in santa cruz and hes in ethiopia... way to be there for me...
my life on sunday... wake up at 6 still extremely tired and couldnt sleep, iPod froze and still doesnt work, and or course costco's policy is 90 days and its been 92 days. I rented a movie and lost it so I didnt get to watch it. and I burnt my thumb pretty badly and it really hurts.
that pretty much sums up my life as of right now... sucks and is broken... where is God? Im reaching out to him and hes not reaching back... he wants me to reach out to him and I get nothing... I feel like im in santa cruz and hes in ethiopia... way to be there for me...
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
life
aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh...its not fair...why dont I understand you...if you want me to go through hell to get to know you more than your doing a great job of putting me through it. Im getting to know you more and talking to you more...but you wont take the pain...whatever...sit there and dont do anything...thanks alot...God
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
my wonderings
so I was reading the story of abraham and Isaac and thought to myself some questions just wondering what you all think.
1. why didnt abraham argue with God about killing his innocent son? he argued with God when god told him his intentions to kill the sodomites' sons and daughters.
2. why did Abraham keep what God told him a secret? what would he have told sarah about him being home without there son?
3. what did Abraham and Isaac talk about on there journey home? I mean it was about a three day journey? really it appears more likely that Abraham returned home alone. and he never spoke to his son again. Isaac never saw his father alive again. it seems that even though God gave Abraham his son backon the altar of sacrifice, Abraham never did get his son back.
4. Isaac was old enough to know what was going on, he carried his own wood to the mountain. why did Abraham make his son carry his own wood he was going to kill him with. was this like Jesus having to carry his own cross?
5. if God asks us to do some stuff that we think is wrong(like this) how do we distinguish the voice of God from counterfeit voices such as a demon or something like that?
ok thats all I have, my wonderings may be crazy but its what I think about. (and while I was writing this we had an earthquake)
1. why didnt abraham argue with God about killing his innocent son? he argued with God when god told him his intentions to kill the sodomites' sons and daughters.
2. why did Abraham keep what God told him a secret? what would he have told sarah about him being home without there son?
3. what did Abraham and Isaac talk about on there journey home? I mean it was about a three day journey? really it appears more likely that Abraham returned home alone. and he never spoke to his son again. Isaac never saw his father alive again. it seems that even though God gave Abraham his son backon the altar of sacrifice, Abraham never did get his son back.
4. Isaac was old enough to know what was going on, he carried his own wood to the mountain. why did Abraham make his son carry his own wood he was going to kill him with. was this like Jesus having to carry his own cross?
5. if God asks us to do some stuff that we think is wrong(like this) how do we distinguish the voice of God from counterfeit voices such as a demon or something like that?
ok thats all I have, my wonderings may be crazy but its what I think about. (and while I was writing this we had an earthquake)
Thursday, October 25, 2007
feelings
take it Lord... take it all.
take every last bit of it.
Lord when all else fails you are there.
your always there... for me
why? why did you let this happen?
why do you put those who love and serve you through hell?
why do those who dont serve you get the easy life?
why? its not fair.
I walk with you, I talk with you
is that not enough for you?
what more do you want from me
you have what you want now fix me.
break me.....please
thats all I ask.
just break me.
start from the beginning
from start to finish your there with me.
why do I feel like your so close to me
yet so far away?
I want to reach out and touch you.
Lord I release it to you...
the pain, the hurt, the love.
take it from me,
I no longer want to go through this hell.
take every last bit of it.
Lord when all else fails you are there.
your always there... for me
why? why did you let this happen?
why do you put those who love and serve you through hell?
why do those who dont serve you get the easy life?
why? its not fair.
I walk with you, I talk with you
is that not enough for you?
what more do you want from me
you have what you want now fix me.
break me.....please
thats all I ask.
just break me.
start from the beginning
from start to finish your there with me.
why do I feel like your so close to me
yet so far away?
I want to reach out and touch you.
Lord I release it to you...
the pain, the hurt, the love.
take it from me,
I no longer want to go through this hell.
Monday, October 22, 2007
book list
so here is my reading list.. I am currently reading everyone of these books. I need to find time to finish all of these.
1. out of the question...into the mystery. getting lost in teh Godlife relationship
2. buck naked faith. a brutally honest look at stunted christianity
3. Mere Christianity
4. Your first two years in youth ministry
5. a tale of three kings
6. The Gospel according to starbucks
7. Every mans battle
8. Velvet Elvis
9. Sex God
10. Jesus in the margins
11. the bible
yeah I need more time in my day. if you have read any of these books let me know what ya think of em.
1. out of the question...into the mystery. getting lost in teh Godlife relationship
2. buck naked faith. a brutally honest look at stunted christianity
3. Mere Christianity
4. Your first two years in youth ministry
5. a tale of three kings
6. The Gospel according to starbucks
7. Every mans battle
8. Velvet Elvis
9. Sex God
10. Jesus in the margins
11. the bible
yeah I need more time in my day. if you have read any of these books let me know what ya think of em.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Break me
God break me. break the inner core of me. make me the man you want me to be. give me desires only for you. im releasing everything to you. Take controll of my life, mold me. be the center of my life, Lord I want to wake and go to sleep with you. be my thoughts and my passions, be my breath of life. I offer up controll and know that you take it from me.
Break me...
Break me...
Sunday, October 7, 2007
my confession
James 5:16 - Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
It started in middle school when I decided it would be the cool thing to do. I joined a youth choir and worshiped God through it. I thought I was so cool for worshiping God with my peers. As I continued to sing and grow I started thinking I was better than most people. I would raise my hands in worship during songs but I had no clue what I was doing or what it symbolized. I started hanging out with the wrong group and it cost me a lot. I was a Christian on Tuesday nights and Sunday morning, and a jerk the rest of the days.
While in high school I was still involved with the youth choir and being a 2 day Christian. I struggled with my language and my friendships. My so called best friend lived with his then girlfriend, I thought this was normal. My parents always told me that you wait till you get married to live with someone but I always thought they were old and from a different generation. I dated a girl right after graduation from high school and learned a lot. I learned that I cannot control myself sometimes. I ended the relationship after three months because I knew I had stuff in me that needed to be fixed.
I have to admit I am a selfish person, it’s my human nature. My relationship to the girls I’ve dated have proven that. I put my wants over Gods wants. Through all of this I've been a youth leader, intern, Sunday school teacher and anything else that was asked of me. I'm sorry to those of you I may have hurt. Battle got the best of me once again. I wasn't ready for the responsibility.
Truth is I am not the person I want people to think I am. I am not a good Christian, I am trying with everything I have in me to be but it’s too hard. Its hard to have God number one in my life. I ask so many people how and no one has the way. Everyone just says pray and seek God, but how? How do I seek God, I read and pray everyday and I feel I’m in the same position with him as I was a month ago. I’m no closer to him than I was a year ago, it may seem that way but only because I can put on a good front.
I’ve been struggling a lot lately, struggling with my walk and my life. I want to give every facet of my life to God but there are some things I don’t want to give up. I don’t want to give them to God although he wants me to give them to him. I don’t understand this. I know this life is not supposed to be easy but is it supposed to be this hard.
Please pray for me…
It started in middle school when I decided it would be the cool thing to do. I joined a youth choir and worshiped God through it. I thought I was so cool for worshiping God with my peers. As I continued to sing and grow I started thinking I was better than most people. I would raise my hands in worship during songs but I had no clue what I was doing or what it symbolized. I started hanging out with the wrong group and it cost me a lot. I was a Christian on Tuesday nights and Sunday morning, and a jerk the rest of the days.
While in high school I was still involved with the youth choir and being a 2 day Christian. I struggled with my language and my friendships. My so called best friend lived with his then girlfriend, I thought this was normal. My parents always told me that you wait till you get married to live with someone but I always thought they were old and from a different generation. I dated a girl right after graduation from high school and learned a lot. I learned that I cannot control myself sometimes. I ended the relationship after three months because I knew I had stuff in me that needed to be fixed.
I have to admit I am a selfish person, it’s my human nature. My relationship to the girls I’ve dated have proven that. I put my wants over Gods wants. Through all of this I've been a youth leader, intern, Sunday school teacher and anything else that was asked of me. I'm sorry to those of you I may have hurt. Battle got the best of me once again. I wasn't ready for the responsibility.
Truth is I am not the person I want people to think I am. I am not a good Christian, I am trying with everything I have in me to be but it’s too hard. Its hard to have God number one in my life. I ask so many people how and no one has the way. Everyone just says pray and seek God, but how? How do I seek God, I read and pray everyday and I feel I’m in the same position with him as I was a month ago. I’m no closer to him than I was a year ago, it may seem that way but only because I can put on a good front.
I’ve been struggling a lot lately, struggling with my walk and my life. I want to give every facet of my life to God but there are some things I don’t want to give up. I don’t want to give them to God although he wants me to give them to him. I don’t understand this. I know this life is not supposed to be easy but is it supposed to be this hard.
Please pray for me…
Thursday, October 4, 2007
the good guys in sports
the colorado rockies have voted to give a share of thier postseason earning to the wife of late rockies minor league coach mike coolbaugh. yet another reason to root for this underdog team. coolbaugh was struck by a line drive earlier this season in the head, he was pronounced dead moments later. I really want the rockies to win the world series now, these guys are playing baseball for the right reasons and know that its a game and life is more imporant. if you want to read the article on espn.com here is the link. better the rockies than the padres right? by the way padres fans hows trevor hoffman doing these days? sorry couldnt resist.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
today is day three of no fantasy sports, 28 more to go. anyways on to my ramblings
so I sit here watching the playoff game between the phillies and rockies and I feel myself torn between rooting for both teams. Every team in the NL is lovable(except the team from AZ). so who do I root for? Is it ok to root for 3 teams to make it? in the Al I want the indians to go to the world series, cant stand the yankees, the redsucks need to beat the ANAHIEM angels of southern california below LA, but go indians. so I guess you could say im rooting for the phillies, cubs, rockies and indians. I think I have to root for colorado just because there setup man Brian Fuentes is from merced, ca. he is currently pitching and has walked the leadoff man.
so in the 8th inning rockies outfielder matt holliday hit a homerun, and the fan threw it back on the field. are you kidding me? those balls are about 20 dollars if you buy them. you caught one, keep it stupid. I can honestly say that if I caught a homerun ball off a batter not a dodger I would keep it, unless that batters name is barry bonds then its gets thrown back in the field and hopefully hits him in the head. ok so now im rambling.
today was cool, I had lunch with clc youth pastor Kyle Hopkins, hes an amazing guy and I feel we can talk about anything. we talked about sports, life and God, I really enjoy talking about life and God with people. I love to see others views on God and how he has shaped people. lunch was good and so was the conversation.
I had this song on my iPod and didnt know it I wanted to share it with everone. its called dance with me by northwestworship.
Many songs will fade away
And few things will remain
Melodies and Harmonies will change
Melodies and Harmonies will change
But I’m hearing a new song
I’m hearing a new song
Prechorus:
I’m beginning to hear the angels cry holy
Love song of God, rise in me
I’m surrounded by You here in Your glory,
Love song of God rise in me
Chorus:
I wanna be romanced by the King of the ages
I don’t want to sing of a passion
I’ve never knownI want to get lost in the beauty of Jesus
To dance through the night around Your Throne
Bridge:
So dance with me
So dance with me
so I sit here watching the playoff game between the phillies and rockies and I feel myself torn between rooting for both teams. Every team in the NL is lovable(except the team from AZ). so who do I root for? Is it ok to root for 3 teams to make it? in the Al I want the indians to go to the world series, cant stand the yankees, the redsucks need to beat the ANAHIEM angels of southern california below LA, but go indians. so I guess you could say im rooting for the phillies, cubs, rockies and indians. I think I have to root for colorado just because there setup man Brian Fuentes is from merced, ca. he is currently pitching and has walked the leadoff man.
so in the 8th inning rockies outfielder matt holliday hit a homerun, and the fan threw it back on the field. are you kidding me? those balls are about 20 dollars if you buy them. you caught one, keep it stupid. I can honestly say that if I caught a homerun ball off a batter not a dodger I would keep it, unless that batters name is barry bonds then its gets thrown back in the field and hopefully hits him in the head. ok so now im rambling.
today was cool, I had lunch with clc youth pastor Kyle Hopkins, hes an amazing guy and I feel we can talk about anything. we talked about sports, life and God, I really enjoy talking about life and God with people. I love to see others views on God and how he has shaped people. lunch was good and so was the conversation.
I had this song on my iPod and didnt know it I wanted to share it with everone. its called dance with me by northwestworship.
Many songs will fade away
And few things will remain
Melodies and Harmonies will change
Melodies and Harmonies will change
But I’m hearing a new song
I’m hearing a new song
Prechorus:
I’m beginning to hear the angels cry holy
Love song of God, rise in me
I’m surrounded by You here in Your glory,
Love song of God rise in me
Chorus:
I wanna be romanced by the King of the ages
I don’t want to sing of a passion
I’ve never knownI want to get lost in the beauty of Jesus
To dance through the night around Your Throne
Bridge:
So dance with me
So dance with me
Sunday, September 30, 2007
so I believe that God takes us through times in our lives where change occurs. True life changing change, core change. God is changing me, my core, my being. Ive been praying for change for a long time now, but never truely wanted it.
so this last week I met with the worship pastor at clc santa cruz Bobby Marchessault, in talking to him he said that "God doesnt care if we are happy or sad, God cares that we are striving to be like him more and more everyday". for the past three days I have been trying to wrap that around my mind. what does that mean? God doesnt care if we are happy, he just wants us to be following him? why? why this from a loving God? wouldnt God want us happy if we are following him?
The conclusion I came to was Gods main focus is for us to serve him. He never said it would be easy to follow him, he just promised us a great time when we get to heaven. I dont know alot about life and heaven but I know if I trust God and follow him the end result will be more than worth it. my grandfather said once "even if we are wrong and there is no God, atleast we lived for something and it is a much better life." thats so true, ide rather live for something and lose my life fighting for something than to live for nothing and die with no beliefs.
this song touched me today and I hope it touches you too. this sing is called may the words of my mouth by tim Hughes
May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heartBless Your name, bless Your name, JesusAnd the deeds of the day and the truth in my waysSpeak of You, speak of You, Jesus
For this is what I'm glad to doIt's time to live a life of love that pleases YouAnd I will give my all to YouSurrender everything I have and follow YouI'll follow You
Lord, will You be my vision, Lord, will You be my guideBe my hope, be my light and the wayAnd I'll look not for riches, nor praises on earthOnly You'll be the first of my heart
I will followI will followI will follow You
so this last week I met with the worship pastor at clc santa cruz Bobby Marchessault, in talking to him he said that "God doesnt care if we are happy or sad, God cares that we are striving to be like him more and more everyday". for the past three days I have been trying to wrap that around my mind. what does that mean? God doesnt care if we are happy, he just wants us to be following him? why? why this from a loving God? wouldnt God want us happy if we are following him?
The conclusion I came to was Gods main focus is for us to serve him. He never said it would be easy to follow him, he just promised us a great time when we get to heaven. I dont know alot about life and heaven but I know if I trust God and follow him the end result will be more than worth it. my grandfather said once "even if we are wrong and there is no God, atleast we lived for something and it is a much better life." thats so true, ide rather live for something and lose my life fighting for something than to live for nothing and die with no beliefs.
this song touched me today and I hope it touches you too. this sing is called may the words of my mouth by tim Hughes
May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heartBless Your name, bless Your name, JesusAnd the deeds of the day and the truth in my waysSpeak of You, speak of You, Jesus
For this is what I'm glad to doIt's time to live a life of love that pleases YouAnd I will give my all to YouSurrender everything I have and follow YouI'll follow You
Lord, will You be my vision, Lord, will You be my guideBe my hope, be my light and the wayAnd I'll look not for riches, nor praises on earthOnly You'll be the first of my heart
I will followI will followI will follow You
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