burning bush experience

I was reading Exodus 3 & 4 earlier this week. This is where Moses encounters the burning bush. For the longest time I have been intrigued by this moment. It has gone way beyond an entertaining VBS story in my life. It amazes me. It baffles me.

To be honest, I have struggled with this chunk of God’s Word – not with its reliability but with my personal encounters with God. For the longest time I would read this and get frustrated because I wanted God to communicate to me like that. I even prayed for it – to hear the audible voice of God. I wanted so bad to wake up one morning, stumble out of bed, and find a burning bush on my way to the bathroom where God would audible tell me what to do with my life and give me specific instructions. Have you ever wanted this?

As I have grown and matured more in my faith, I understand more why God did not answer my prayers. Do I believe it is possible? Absolutely, with God all things are possible. However, I believe God was calling me to have more faith and broaden my horizon of how I listened to Him.

I learned during that process that God does communicate to you and me on a consistent basis (probably more than we can ever realize). I have learned to listen better. I have learned that there are many “burning bushes” – instruments of God’s voice – in my life. Here are four ways that I now listen to God’s voice:

Through people – I hear God’s voice through mentors who I trust, through close friends who know me and love me, through the teens I work with, and even through strangers. Some of you reading this right now have probably been used by God to speak a God-given, truth-filled word to me.

Through doors opening & closing – God often communicates to us through Him opening and closing specific doors in our lives. I know God has called me to be the youth minister at First Assembly in Fairfield. One of the reasons I know that is because He opened a door for me to do that. God has not called me to be the starting right fielder for the LA Dodgers because He has not opened that door in my life.

Through God’s Word- In my season of praying and being frustrated with not hearing God’s voice, I had a light-bulb moment where I finally understood that the book that too often sat on my bookshelf collecting dust had God-breathed words for me. The Bible is one major way God communicates to us today. It is not some old history book, but a divine book that gives light and speaks truth.

Through peace- I hear God’s voice through feeling peace – especially during times when I should not feel peace. It is like He is gently whispering, “thata boy!”

How about you? How do you listen to God’s voice? What are the “burning bushes” in your life right now? I would love to hear how you translate the voice of God in your life because I know I can learn from you. Finally, if you are struggling right now – like I did and like so many others do – with not hearing God’s voice in your life, do not be discouraged. He is there. Maybe the problem is not that God is not talking, but maybe we are not really listening...

preaching breakfast

Never thought God would remind of one of his timeless truths through breakfast, but he did. That is what I get for putting God in a box.

After my workout this morning, I decided to make breakfast before work. The menu called for 2 scrabled eggs an apple. I reached into the refrigerator and picked out what looked to be the freshest, best apple. As I began to cut into the apple, the inside was rotten and a very dark brown.

I then simply asked, “How can an apple that looks that good be so bad on the inside?”

I replied, “That will preach.”(yes I talk to myself)

Nobody wants to eat a rotten apple, no matter how appetizing it may look on the outside. Nobody wants to drive a car with a jacked up engine, no matter how amazing it may look on the outside. Nobody wants to live in a house that is completely destroyed on the inside, even if it is the most beautiful house in the entire neighborhood.

What’s on the inside really matters – to us and to God.

Are you on the outside a reflection of what is on the inside? Does the inside of you match the outside of you? If there is any part of your life that looks like the apple from my breakfast (awesome on the outside, but dead on the inside), let me encourage you not be content with living life like that.

This morning’s apple experience reminded me of Hillsong United’s song “Inside Out” where it says, “My heart and my soul, Lord I give you control. Consume me from the inside out, Lord. Let justice and praise become my embrace. To love you from the inside out.“

That is my prayer today.

shameless plug...

Every tuesday or wednesday I get the honor of changing our church sign. It usually reads a message of hope or a plug for what happening at the church. Last weeks message read: demonstrate love. My favorite was: an apology is like duct tape, it can fix just about anything. Today I decided to plug my blog on it:



discaimer: this was up on the sign for all of 2 minutes, just long enough for me to snap a picture of it.

Be blessed today!

trend setters?

I have noticed a cultural trend that disturbs me greatly.

How many have you seen a “Christian” copy of something that has already been successful in pop culture? You know, when something becomes very popular or successful in culture and then Christians come right behind that product and make a “Christian” version of that thing. I have got to be honest here…that drives me absolutely crazy. Here are some specific examples:

MYSPACE/GODSPACE

Around 2005 MYSPACE.COM started becoming the most popular social networking website. After the website exploded in popularity, some people launched GODSPACE.COM, which is a social networking website (just like myspace) for believers. The godspace home page states, “Godspace is the only social networking website for believers of all faiths. At Godspace you can discuss all aspects of religion, gain new insights, and share your opinions with others that are passionate about their beliefs.”

YOUTUBE/GODTUBE

In 2005, YOUTUBE.COM was launched. Youtube is a video sharing website where users can upload, view, and share video clips. This website has officially changed the face of pop culture. People today can become celebrities because of youtube. Things can happen and within hours the video can be available on youtube. This is the first Presidential election since youtube and it has completely changed how people get information and coverage. Not to be outdone, the Christians had to make their own video sharing website (in 2007) full of inspirational, Godly videos – GODTUBE.COM.

GUITAR HERO/GUITAR PRAISE

GUITAR HERO is an extremely popular video game franchise that presents video games where the gamer simulates playing guitar on classic rock songs. This video game franchise has become a cultural phenomenon, making many appearances in popular culture, and the games have become extremely popular as party games and hobbies. The series has sold 23 million units, earning over $1 billion USD. Not to be out-done, GUITAR PRAISE was recently released. This video game has the same idea as Guitar Hero, except all the music that one would play along with is performed by Christian musicians and have positive, Christian messages.

There are many, many more examples of Christian copy-cat products. (Can you think of any?)

Now, I have no problem with these products themselves. I do have a problem with Christians sitting back, relaxing, and waiting for pop culture to set the trends and produce great products that Christians can merely copy with a Christian twist. Can Christians please start setting the trends in pop culture instead of ripping off the ideas from the secular world? Can we not be creative? Can we not be original?

I think most people do not take products like Godspace, Godtube, and Guitar Praise seriously because of the imitation factor. It comes across as lame, cheap, and trying too hard.

This post is going to be my small, humble attempt at changing culture as we know it. I am calling all Christians to be creative, think big, think outside of the box, be original, and begin to think how Christians (who want to promote God’s kingdom and love to the world) can start setting the culture. Be the frontrunners on the Internet, on TV, in advertising agencies, in printed media, and in movies. We have to start being the light of the world…even in pop culture.

Spiritual Dejection

“We were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened” (Luke 24:21)

Every fact that the disciples stated was right, but the conclusions they drew from those facts were wrong. Anything that has even a hint of dejection spiritually is always wrong. If I am depressed or burdened, I am to blame, not God or anyone else. Dejection stems from one of two sources – I have either satisfied a lust or I have not had it satisfied. In either case, dejection is the result. Lust means “I must have it at once.” Spiritual lust causes me to demand an answer from God, instead of seeking God Himself who gives the answer. What have I been hoping or trusting God would do? Is today “the third day” and He has still not done what I expected? Am I therefore justified in being dejected and in blaming God.? Whenever we insist that God should give us an answer to prayer we are off track. The purpose of prayer is that we get ahold of God, not of the answer. It is impossible to be well physically and to be dejected, because dejection is a sign of sickness. This is also true spiritually. Dejection spiritually is wrong, and we are always to blame for it.

We look for visions from heaven and for earth-shaking events to see God’s power. Even the fact that we are dejected is proof that we do this. Yet we never realize that all the time time God is at work in our everyday events and in the people around us. If we will only obey, and do the task that He has placed closest to us, we will see Him. One of the most amazing revelations of God comes to us when we learn that it is in the everyday things of life that we realize the magnificent deity of Jesus Christ.

~ from “My Utmost For His Highest” by Oswald Chambers

Teenage dating

During the month of February, REVOLUTION is in a series entitled “Chevy Love.” In this series we are taking an honest look at God’s plan for relationships, sexuality, and purity.

Being a youth pastor, I get asked quite a bit on my view of teenage dating. Parents will ask. Students will ask. Other youth leaders will ask.

By no means am I an expert on this topic. I speak from my past experiences, my mistakes, my successes, and the Word of God. My thoughts on this topic is a work in progress. It has evolved over time and will probably continue to evolve as a learn and experience more.

Wednesday night, I shared my view on teenage dating. Here’s what I shared…

I am not anti-dating. I have not fully bought into the “I Kissed Dating Goodbye” mentality. However, I believe that teenagers should not date until they are responsible and ready to begin to prepare for marriage. And the reality of life states that most of the time, people are not ready for that in middle school and high school.

I strongly encourage all teenagers to learn how to have healthy, balanced, and God-honoring friendships with the opposite sex more than dating. I say this with full confidence because I have lived this principle. My best relationship with the opposite sex was somebody I was best friends with for a year before we ever started dating.

And if we were being completely honest, the only difference between friendship and dating as a teenager is making out and changing your Facebook relationship status. BOTH YOU CAN LIVE WITHOUT.

However, if a teenager chooses to date, I always strongly encourage the need to have strong, firm, I-won’t-budge-these-for-anybody boundaries. Boundaries that honor God and maintain his/her commitment to keep God first and his/her purity in tact. Boundaries that the teenager communicates to the other person before he/she ever goes on a date. And the second those boundaries are crossed and not respected, the teenager ends that relationships. (Run, flee, sprint, etc – 1 Corinthians 6:18)

Above all, honor and follow God. Have a game plan that honors God and have the guts to stick to that game plan.

______________________

What’s your view on teenage dating? Are you a no dating person? Are you a boundaries in dating person? Are you a hybrid of the two person? Are you a whatever, have fun, go buck wild person?

Battle cry

I'm a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. the decision has been made. I'm a disciple of his and I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still.

My past has been redeemed. My present make sense. My future is secure. I'm done and finished with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, or tops, or recognized, or praised, or rewarded. I live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patients, lift by prayer, and labor by Holy Spirit power.

My face is set. My gait is fast. My goal is heaven. my road may be narrow, my way rough, my companions few, but my guide is reliable and my mission is clear.

I will not be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed.

I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice or hesitate in the presence of the adversity. I will not negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won’t give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I must give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes. And when He does come for his own, He’ll have no problem recognizing me. My colors will be clear!

My top 10 part II

I got inspired yesterday to make a few top 10 lists so here is part two... TV shows

1. Heroes- save the cheerleader, save the world.
2. house- wity humor, i love houses character.
3. Biggest Loser- really inspiring to see the people victory.
4. The big bang theory- 4 nerds, 1 cutie, makes for a great show.
5. Family Matters- gotta love the urkle.
6. 24- because Jack Bauer said so.
7. man vs food- the guy is crazy but I cant stop watching it.
8. The OC- got me through college.
9. seinfeld- 4 very different people all freinds makes for great tv.
10. Boy meets world- I dont care who you are if your between 20-28 it gave you hope with the opposite sex.

thats mine whats yours?

10 things

today as I was reading my daily dose of blogs I love I came across a friend of mine named Josh Herndon's blog he posted 10 things I wish I could do everyday. he asked what other peoples are so here are mine...

1. sleep in till 10
2. hang out with students
3. drink 2 gallons of water
4. work out for 4 hours
5. speak life into a new person
6. hang out with mack
7. buy a new hat
8. have a cup of coffee while talking to someone new
9. feed someone in need
10. read a book

What If...

What if instead of coming to church to worship, we come worshiping to church?

Most of my life, I thought you went to church to worship. But now I see that the better approach is to go worshiping to church. This approach changes things. Trust me, church is a lot better when our gatherings are filled with people who have been pursuing and seeking God for six days before they got there. Church is supposed to be a celebration of our personal journeys with God since we were last together. As Louie Giglio puts it his book The Air I Breathe, “All our personal streams of worship flowing into one surging, worship river.”

What would happen if each person in your church was seeking the face of God throughout the week? What would our worship look like as a result? Can you see it?

What if instead of coming to church to worship, we come worshiping to church?

What if…

scripture coming alive...

I love to read scripture right before I preach, I came across 1 corinthians last night and read chapter chapter 2 verses 1-5. I love to make scripture my own, meaning I put them as I am saying them today... I wanted to share 1 cor. 2:1-5 with whoever reads this...

When I come to you, brothers, I do not come with eloquence or superior wisdom, as I proclaim to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I am with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I come to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching are not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.

Be blessed today!

Pound for Pound challenge

I started watching The Biggest Loser this season and it got me thinking/inspired/motivated. I want to change my life, I want to live healthier, better and work out. Last Thursday I joined 24 Hour Fitness, the results so far have been great! I have been going for 2 hours a day for the last 5 days and have already dropped 11 pounds! but there is more work to do... im pledging to lose 50 more pounds by May. I have pledged that weight to the Pound for Pound pledge to help people who normally wouldnt get food, get food. check out the Pound for Pound website here. http://pfpchallenge.com/ca .

It really is a great cause and its good for you to work out. and for those who have already joined to lose weight... keep on keepin on!

superbowl 44 thoughts...

Who Cares...



VS.

my new best freinds...

3 miles a day on this...



2 miles a day on this...



1 mile a day on this...

and work om arms, shoulders, and a whole lot of crunches... soon im gonna be strong!