This Sunday was one of the best/hardest days I've had so far. On one end I had the chance to see exactly what God had planned for me in one place and on the other end it was time to say goodbye.
I have grown up at Mesa First Assembly of God. It's been my home church since my family and I moved to Arizona 11 years ago. I have grown up in this same church every Wednesday and Sunday. Every week I would say hi to the same people and meet the new ones. I would sit through service and text (don't act like you didn't), I did the puppets in kids church (at least act like you did), I was a leader in youth, I was baptized both in water and in the Holy Spirit, and I even came back to God after a couple years of turning away. All of this happened in that one church on the corner of Lindsay and Baseline.
Over the past year it has been the place that has launched and nurtured God's plan for my life. I began interning when I realized I was called to full time ministry and Mesa First has brought me so far. I have had the opportunity to intern under the most innovative and humorous person I know, Sam. He has become a closer friend and mentor than I ever could have dreamed of. Seriously, the guys farts around me all the time, that's pretty close. He has brought me up in the ways of youth ministry and taught me more than I even knew possible. I have had so many opportunities to grow and stretch at Mesa First and I have done my best to take all of them. I am so thankful that I was raised at such an incredible church, by such incredible people. Every person, from the pastors and the secretaries, the church janitor, the board members, THE STUDENTS, to the congregation; everyone has somehow impacted my life for good. I am so happy to have been a part of such an incredible ministry and to have worked with such incredible people. There is no way I am saying goodbye, because although I am leaving to blaze a new trail, the friendships I have made are much stronger than being at a different church.
I know that God has huge plans at Phoenix First. It is a whole new journey for me and I can't wait to see what's in store. I have the opportunity to intern under one of the most genuine guys I've ever met (Pastor Jesse) and I plan to jump at as many opportunities as possible. I believe so strongly that God is going to do something remarkable. Not because I am a remarkable person, but instead because I have devoted myself to obedience. He has something up His sleeve and when he reveals it I know it will blow my mind. I am stoked to make new friends and offer what I have to a new church. I am going at this with all I got. I expect God will give me all he's got too. I'm ready, willing, and excited for this new path on the journey.
Let's go God, me and You. You made the stars in the sky, the oceans that roar, and you made me. If you can surround me with beauty what kind of beauty can you empower me to be a part of? Shake this world and let me be a part!
Here We Go,
Shane
Sorry I haven't been blogging lately. I really wish I could. I work long days and by the time I get home I am off to do something else. Don't think I have forgotten about you guys. I can't wait to get back to writing and sharing thoughts via the blogosphere. Right now I am working for the Oakland A's for spring training and in April I will be back with the Diamondbacks. I miss my internet time but I am extremely blessed to do what I do so I can make the sacrifice. (the sacrifice?) Really though, I'll be back steady in about a month. For now my off days will have to suffice as enough.The Boys of Summer Are Back,
Shane
Last night I had the privilege of attending the NBA All-Star Jam Fest in downtown Phoenix. It was an incredible event. I actually managed to learn from the way they did things.As you entered the Jam Fest they had a row of volunteers waiting in a high five line. There were flash bulbs going off, screaming fans, game announcers, the whole nine yards just as you were walking in. What a great way to greet people. You make them feel like they are the people everyone is here to see. It is definitely a concept we should pull into ministry more often. If you want to do the full arena effect then more power to you but even a simple high five or handshake can turn a persons entire attitude toward church around.
The next learning experience for me came from the players and workers. Everyone was accessible. It wasn't impossible for you to get your favorite players autograph or ask him a question. You could easily talk to, and have fun with the staff and volunteers. I didn't meet a single person who was acting like they didn't want to be there. Everyone genuinely looked and acted excited the entire night. It should be so much easier to do this at church. I've talked before about the concept of church needing to be exciting. We should love being in a place where people are hearing the gospel for the first time. If volunteers for the NBA can get pumped volunteers in God's house better start showing excitement.
Lastly, I learned that when everyone does their job, things run smoothly. This one is pretty easy. Everyone had a place and role and they all stuck too it. There were workers who stayed in the same spot the entire night, but they did so with a smile. Each worker had a task and I never asked a question that could not be answered. If I didn't get the answer I was looking for it was because I was asking the wrong person so I was directed elsewhere. We should be able to do this as a church. We should be prepared to fill our role in whatever ministry we are a part of and we should keep our mouth shut if we don't know the answers.
I learned a ton from a great event. I really enjoyed the way the NBA put this event together. They are doing a great job and I can't wait to experience something like this again!
Bring Your Rally Towels To Church,
Shane
I had a chance to visit one of the most dynamic youth ministries in the country last night and it freakin' pumped me up!
Pastor Sam and I went down to ELEVATE at Tucson Victory Assembly last night and man was it worth the trip. God is doing so many incredible things in their ministry. They had incredible worship, and awesome pastor, and most importantly a deep move of God.
After service we had the chance to go out with Pastor Waylon and he let us in on the secret to success in their ministry...
Prayer & Fasting.
Man how I've missed that. I do pray everyday. I've fasted before. But God still needs me to use my own mind to make things great right? Well the answer is of course he wants us to use it, but the greatest ideas won't come from the mind they will come from Him speaking to your Heart. I believe that what pastor Waylon mentioned about praying and fasting is groundbreaking. They do both, and the results are unmatchable. I think ministries across the world have to get back to basics. I believe that leaders pray but maybe not enough. I know he challenged me. He pushed me back to mothers milk mode and then God let me know that he just wants to talk. Instead of trying to figure everything out by myself, or with a team, or through and book, why not ask God how he feels about how we worship Him?
I know pastor Waylon challenged me and I hope his key ingredient challenges your ministry. Let's get back to basics. Let's spend hours on our knees before God instead of hours submerged in a book or blog written by man. I think the latter is important but it should never overtake the first.
Excuse Me While I Pray,
Shane
Pastor Sam and I went down to ELEVATE at Tucson Victory Assembly last night and man was it worth the trip. God is doing so many incredible things in their ministry. They had incredible worship, and awesome pastor, and most importantly a deep move of God.
After service we had the chance to go out with Pastor Waylon and he let us in on the secret to success in their ministry...
Prayer & Fasting.
Man how I've missed that. I do pray everyday. I've fasted before. But God still needs me to use my own mind to make things great right? Well the answer is of course he wants us to use it, but the greatest ideas won't come from the mind they will come from Him speaking to your Heart. I believe that what pastor Waylon mentioned about praying and fasting is groundbreaking. They do both, and the results are unmatchable. I think ministries across the world have to get back to basics. I believe that leaders pray but maybe not enough. I know he challenged me. He pushed me back to mothers milk mode and then God let me know that he just wants to talk. Instead of trying to figure everything out by myself, or with a team, or through and book, why not ask God how he feels about how we worship Him?
I know pastor Waylon challenged me and I hope his key ingredient challenges your ministry. Let's get back to basics. Let's spend hours on our knees before God instead of hours submerged in a book or blog written by man. I think the latter is important but it should never overtake the first.
Excuse Me While I Pray,
Shane
Today I want you guys to check out a site.
Click here to check out my cousin, Estevan's website. He is an 11 year old boy who is a lot stronger than most men. He developed a tumor on his brain that was later diagnosed as cancerous. Right now he is going through the fight as well as trying to be a normal preteen kid. Go check out his story!
By His Stripes We Are Healed,
Shane
Click here to check out my cousin, Estevan's website. He is an 11 year old boy who is a lot stronger than most men. He developed a tumor on his brain that was later diagnosed as cancerous. Right now he is going through the fight as well as trying to be a normal preteen kid. Go check out his story!
By His Stripes We Are Healed,
Shane
This weekend I had the opportunity to learn in a way that I never have before. It was a crazy weekend mixed with my dad being admitted to the hospital, sleeping on a cot, and being a passenger in a car sliding sideways on ice.
The thing is that I managed to stay in a good mood the entire time. I don't know how it happened, but it happened. I spent all night Thursday and early into Friday morning waiting for my dad to be admitted into the hospital. The emotions of that were overwhelming. I had no clue what what was wrong my dad, I felt helpless, and all I could think about is that it would effect him for a long time. I was worried that he wouldn't be the same. I knew he was fine but I didn't know what the lasting effects of whatever happened would be. After they ran test after test after test I chose to leave for a winter retreat that I was a guest at. My mentor spoke at the event and I was going along with him to learn and speak some. So within a 36 hour period I went from the ER to sleeping on hospital room sofa cushions, to driving up north to hang with a bunch of students I didn't know at all. To say the least I was a little bit disarray.
When we arrived up north everything changed quickly. I knew that these students didn't know what was going on in my life and that the focus of the weekend was on their lives. I knew that God was planning on reaching those students and that he would take care of my stress privately. So I smiled, unpacked, and fellowshipped with each and every student. We played games all weekend, spent time talking, and even had a chance to go sledding. I learned how to adapt to students that I am not normally around. I learned that no matter what church a student goes to they still like to have fun, they still make me laugh more than adults, and they all have very real struggles in life. Somehow no matter what is going on in those students lives they still managed to make me feel welcomed and appreciated even though they had just met me. I ran on little sleep, cold showers, and a few phone calls here and there to check on my dad; but none of that effected my mood. For the first time in my life I can honestly say that in a stressful circumstance I managed to stay joyful the entire time. God placed me in the right spot around the right demographic of people that would allow me to focus on something other than my stresses a home.
It was a great learning experience and a blessing from God to be able to go to that retreat. The lesson I learned about myself and my God will stick with me forever. He knows exactly what I need and somehow provides for me each and every time.
How has God met your needs in the past week? Maybe a phone call from a friend?, a few extra dollars to by groceries?, maybe a church that surrounds you with people that care?
He Knows What We Need,
Shane
The thing is that I managed to stay in a good mood the entire time. I don't know how it happened, but it happened. I spent all night Thursday and early into Friday morning waiting for my dad to be admitted into the hospital. The emotions of that were overwhelming. I had no clue what what was wrong my dad, I felt helpless, and all I could think about is that it would effect him for a long time. I was worried that he wouldn't be the same. I knew he was fine but I didn't know what the lasting effects of whatever happened would be. After they ran test after test after test I chose to leave for a winter retreat that I was a guest at. My mentor spoke at the event and I was going along with him to learn and speak some. So within a 36 hour period I went from the ER to sleeping on hospital room sofa cushions, to driving up north to hang with a bunch of students I didn't know at all. To say the least I was a little bit disarray.
When we arrived up north everything changed quickly. I knew that these students didn't know what was going on in my life and that the focus of the weekend was on their lives. I knew that God was planning on reaching those students and that he would take care of my stress privately. So I smiled, unpacked, and fellowshipped with each and every student. We played games all weekend, spent time talking, and even had a chance to go sledding. I learned how to adapt to students that I am not normally around. I learned that no matter what church a student goes to they still like to have fun, they still make me laugh more than adults, and they all have very real struggles in life. Somehow no matter what is going on in those students lives they still managed to make me feel welcomed and appreciated even though they had just met me. I ran on little sleep, cold showers, and a few phone calls here and there to check on my dad; but none of that effected my mood. For the first time in my life I can honestly say that in a stressful circumstance I managed to stay joyful the entire time. God placed me in the right spot around the right demographic of people that would allow me to focus on something other than my stresses a home.
It was a great learning experience and a blessing from God to be able to go to that retreat. The lesson I learned about myself and my God will stick with me forever. He knows exactly what I need and somehow provides for me each and every time.
How has God met your needs in the past week? Maybe a phone call from a friend?, a few extra dollars to by groceries?, maybe a church that surrounds you with people that care?
He Knows What We Need,
Shane
I love church!Whoa, I can't believe I just said that...
Two years ago I would do everything I could to miss a service. I wanted to hang out with friends, make stupid decisions, and be a teenager. The last thing I wanted to do was go to church. It's been a weird love/hate relationship between me and the church. I loved all my friends and leaders at church, shoot, I even enjoyed the service. What I couldn't stand was the feeling I had every time I would walk in after doing something stupid. I knew that I wasn't living the life I should and walking into the church did nothing but make me feel guilty.
In a way, the church was doing it's job. If I was going to attend church every week and fake that I was in a deep relationship with Christ, I should feel awkward. I should feel like I need to change, like something isn't right, like there is so much more. On the other hand I shouldn't feel condemned, and I never did. As I'm older now and God has changed my life radically I see that people knew. That my pastor, friends, and leaders knew that something was wrong. They even had the discernment to know in detail what things were clouding my life. The thing is that not a single one ever condemned me. They all loved me, welcomed me, wanted to spend time with me, and tried to keep me away from the things that were holding me back.
Now that my life is different and I am an active part of my church, I love it whole heartedly. I love how when your relationship with God extends to your everyday life, church feels like a party for everyone who has been talking to God throughout the week. Church is a place to collaborate with people who have been where I have and people who are experiencing life before Christ. It's a place where I can grow, worship, and hang out with people that I will spend eternity with. It's not even about the music, sermon, or multi-media, for me it's about being in a place that feels slightly like heaven. It's a place where every race, age, and social status can come together and worship a God that transcends all creation.
I love my church.
Do you?
Go To Church,
Shane
It's back to work for me. Today marks the opening of Spring Training for me. The A's truck will arrive in Phoenix and I am going to spend the day unloading that truck and preparing the clubhouse for players, coaches, and staff.
I can't wait for the season to begin. If you don't already know, I work for the Oakland Athletics during Spring Training and the Arizona Diamondbacks regular season. I have grown up playing baseball and have a heart to see the players changed and living for God. I want this season to be different. I want to take the initiative to be able to witness to the players and my co-workers. I know God doesn't need me, but at the same time I believe he has put me where I am for a specific reason.
The most influential people in the world are the ones who need God for our sake. They are the ones kids admire and adults want to be. It's the athletes, actors, musical artist. This demographic of influence has the potential to do so much for the Kingdom. I believe that God has put me in a place to influence. I serve the players and I know that by doing so I have an in that most people don't. Being able to be around world renown people allows them to let there guard down, which in turn allows the Holy Spirit to work it's way to the heart.
Again, I believe this year will be different. I know God is going to use me in huge ways. I'm prepared and better equipped to share the gospel with these people. I know that God has heard my prayer and will provide opportunities for me to witness. I know that others are constantly praying for me as though I'm a missionary to a strange foreign land. In some ways it feels like I am...
Who are you called to reach? What is your demographic.
Where can you witness somewhere that nobody else is?
The Boys Of Summer Are Back,
Shane
This is "Her Morning Elegance" by Oren Lavie. He is a singer, song writer, playwright, and theater director from Tel Aviv. This video to me is an example of pure human creativity. It's great to see what gift God has given to all people. He created us with just a hint of the creativity he has himself. It's in all of us.
What have you done to cause your creativity to thrive?
-Shane
I want to take a second and talk about God...
I feel extremely blessed. I'm not about to sit here and tell you how great I am, but instead how great my God is. He provides all my needs. He died on a cross for me. He prayed for me before he died on that cross. He rose again three days later and still wants to spend time with me in eternity. He opens a countless amount of doors in my life. He protects and guides me. He loves and forgives me.
Now get something from this. He doesn't just do this for me, but for all of us. I am a screw up. I have made a ton of mistakes and stupid decisions in my life but for some reason God still loves me. It's almost like when Jesus died it took that sin away from me (note the sarcasm. I know it did). I don't know if you know this or not but I am so pumped up about Christ redeeming power that my whole life is about sharing it with others.
I feel blessed to be called into full time ministry to share Jesus with students that are at a place I was in life. They are constantly being influenced by a corrupt world. I pray that if one thing gets across to the students I will someday pastor, it's that they don't have to find their value and joy in sin. God is more than enough for all of our needs.
I know you may say you know all this. You may have heard it in church your whole life. But do you get it? Do you get it, or do you still make the same stupid decisions you did before God blessed you and brought you into His kingdom? Think about the decisions you will make today. Are you still going to go to that bar after work? Are you still going to check out that website on your computer? Are you still going to make that phone call, even though you know it's someone you shouldn't be talking to? Are you still going to tell your kids not to do something that you do all the time?
Do you even understand what He's done?
Feel Blessed,
Shane
I feel extremely blessed. I'm not about to sit here and tell you how great I am, but instead how great my God is. He provides all my needs. He died on a cross for me. He prayed for me before he died on that cross. He rose again three days later and still wants to spend time with me in eternity. He opens a countless amount of doors in my life. He protects and guides me. He loves and forgives me.
Now get something from this. He doesn't just do this for me, but for all of us. I am a screw up. I have made a ton of mistakes and stupid decisions in my life but for some reason God still loves me. It's almost like when Jesus died it took that sin away from me (note the sarcasm. I know it did). I don't know if you know this or not but I am so pumped up about Christ redeeming power that my whole life is about sharing it with others.
I feel blessed to be called into full time ministry to share Jesus with students that are at a place I was in life. They are constantly being influenced by a corrupt world. I pray that if one thing gets across to the students I will someday pastor, it's that they don't have to find their value and joy in sin. God is more than enough for all of our needs.
I know you may say you know all this. You may have heard it in church your whole life. But do you get it? Do you get it, or do you still make the same stupid decisions you did before God blessed you and brought you into His kingdom? Think about the decisions you will make today. Are you still going to go to that bar after work? Are you still going to check out that website on your computer? Are you still going to make that phone call, even though you know it's someone you shouldn't be talking to? Are you still going to tell your kids not to do something that you do all the time?
Do you even understand what He's done?
Feel Blessed,
Shane
What is it about music that turns our soul? How can a person begin to sing and change the mood of a room in a matter of seconds? What is it about music that causes us to never get sick of the same 7 notes?
I believe music is a spiritual approach at sending a message. Whether secular, religious, or tribal all music is a shout from the inside of our heart. Secular music exemplifies the human desire to find love, have more, and express pride. Religious music is obviously an expression of worship to a religions' god or the Christian God. Tribal music is an attempt to reach the higher levels of being beyond oneself.
There is something about music that hits us right in the heart every time. The melodies begin to consume us. Have you ever had a song stuck in your head? That example alone lets us in on the everlasting impact music has on us. You don't even have to be listening intently to get a song stuck in your head, but for some reason the words and melodies cling to your memory.
I believe that because music influences our everyday life so drastically, then we must be wise in what we choose. We should decide to listen to music that will promote wholesome life. It doesn't always have to be Christian. Secular music can speak to your life in many ways that Christian music does and too be honest there is a lot of low-budget Christian music out there. (Yeah, I said it.) The one essential in every life soundtrack is Worship music. Nothing can or ever will compare to the songs of those lost in reverent worship towards our creator. Nothing moves the soul, calls us to action, and boost our spirit quite like worship.
I truly believe in the influence of music. I'm not here to tell you that secular music is terrible because I listen to it often. I just want you to be aware that the same songs that get stuck in your head are the ones that your kids are listening to and learning from. They are the ones the best friend you are trying to get church thinks you listen to. They are the ones that define your personality and express your character.
What's stuck in your head?
-Shane
p.s.-Thanks to Sam Frederick for his insight on this topic.
I was doing my daily devotion yesterday and came across a passage of scripture that gave me new perspective.
John 15:18-27
I really like the way The Message titles this passage, "Hated By The World". To me this is incredible. It sums up Jesus entire time on this Earth. When he arrived in the manager he was hated by Herod and when he was nailed to the cross it was due to the Pharisees hate. Even today Jesus is hated by those that see Christianity as stupidity.
In this passage, the part that stuck with me the most is that Jesus says "servants don't get better treatment than their masters" (v. 20). He is letting the disciples know that life is not going to be easy just because they are following the Son of God. He is basically telling them that no matter what they do, people will hate them.
I think as Christians in todays world we have to gain perspective on this teaching. No matter how many mouths we feed, people we clothe, and kids we get off the streets; the world will inevitably hate us. There will always be someone who calls us "close-minded" and "radical". We have to understand that this is the world we live in. There will be those who love and care for us as the church, but there will also be those who are out to silence our voice. We have to love those who love us and love those who hate us. We don't need to start revolts, picket people, and boycott stores to stand up against sin. We need to love those that don't know Christ and stay close to those who do. We need to voice our opinions in public arenas and take a stand with the lawmakers of this nation. We don't need to be pushovers but at the same time we don't need to become like those who hate us.
If you take anything from this take this:
The world will hate us, but we should never hate the world. Love the world and pray for it. Treat it as though it's always on the brink of a revival of Christ. Don't forget that "God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son..."
Don't Hate,
Shane
John 15:18-27
I really like the way The Message titles this passage, "Hated By The World". To me this is incredible. It sums up Jesus entire time on this Earth. When he arrived in the manager he was hated by Herod and when he was nailed to the cross it was due to the Pharisees hate. Even today Jesus is hated by those that see Christianity as stupidity.
In this passage, the part that stuck with me the most is that Jesus says "servants don't get better treatment than their masters" (v. 20). He is letting the disciples know that life is not going to be easy just because they are following the Son of God. He is basically telling them that no matter what they do, people will hate them.
I think as Christians in todays world we have to gain perspective on this teaching. No matter how many mouths we feed, people we clothe, and kids we get off the streets; the world will inevitably hate us. There will always be someone who calls us "close-minded" and "radical". We have to understand that this is the world we live in. There will be those who love and care for us as the church, but there will also be those who are out to silence our voice. We have to love those who love us and love those who hate us. We don't need to start revolts, picket people, and boycott stores to stand up against sin. We need to love those that don't know Christ and stay close to those who do. We need to voice our opinions in public arenas and take a stand with the lawmakers of this nation. We don't need to be pushovers but at the same time we don't need to become like those who hate us.
If you take anything from this take this:
The world will hate us, but we should never hate the world. Love the world and pray for it. Treat it as though it's always on the brink of a revival of Christ. Don't forget that "God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son..."
Don't Hate,
Shane
I am so stoked for an event we have on Sunday.
Sunday night @ 5pm, during our regular DEVOyouthCHURCH service, we will be having CRAM night. The point of CRAM night is to have all of our of students and leaders invite as many people as they know so we can CRAM them into the youth room. It's going to be a very fun night. We'll have some really cool games, awesome prizes, food (always a plus), and if 100 people come one of our leaders, Darrel, will shave his head. Oh, and I forgot to mention that if 130 people show up I am going to shave my precious locks.
It's going to be an incredible night, but not just because the numbers are up...
This night motivates students to bring their friends to the youth ministry and then we get a chance to speak into their lives. I hope the students love the events of the night but most of all I pray that they walk away wanting more. I hope they see that church can be fun and learning about Jesus doesn't have to put them to sleep. I believe students are the most exciting and fun people in the world so the gospel should be taught to them in exciting and fun ways. I hope the students remember what it was like to be in a youth room with 130 of their friends, worshiping God and going all out for Him. I know that if 130 kids show up I am going to do everything I can to get them back the next service to hear more about Christ.
I believe this event may be the best one we've ever had. I also believe that it will cause life change. Just because we are playing games and eating doesn't mean that students won't hear about Jesus. I expect the Spirit to move just as he would at a camp or retreat. It's time to shake up the youth of the east valley and allow God to meet them where they're at.
What events do you do to not only increase the energy of your service but to reach the lost?
Do you ever stress that the youth or adults in your church need to invite their friends?
I Can't Wait,
Shane
There's something about the way it speaks to you...
I have began to read the Bible the entire way through for the first time in my life.
I bought "Pause", the year read-through Message Bible and I'm loving it. I have missed so much. I've sat in church almost twice every week since I was born but there is so much I've never heard. I can't believe how the Bible speaks to me in new and different ways each time I read it. It tends to hit me right where I'm at.
God uses His word to speak. Oh man, does it speak. I am shaken to the core when I read something that someone experienced thousands of years ago that relates to where I am today. I am given examples of lives that are lived close to God and lives that are far off His way. I see that God uses the screw-ups before He uses the "goody-goods". His word is like no other. The parts I used to abandon and shrug off as unimportant are the parts that resonate in my soul.
The wonders of creation are breathtaking, the formation of Israel is incredible, Jesus ministry journey is prophetic, Moses life is inspiring. I'm only 22 days into my Bible but everything I have read so far is speaking directly to my heart. God is teaching me so many new things through His word.
The only thing that upsets me is that I've had this knowledge at my fingertips the entire time I've been able to read and I've never done anything with it. I've had God's written word for my life in front of me and instead I've been waiting for a miraculous sign.
Read your Bible. It's His word. It allows you to sit down each day and be mentored by the greatest teacher of all. Get into Gods word!
I'm Way Better At Sword Drills,
Shane
I have began to read the Bible the entire way through for the first time in my life.
I bought "Pause", the year read-through Message Bible and I'm loving it. I have missed so much. I've sat in church almost twice every week since I was born but there is so much I've never heard. I can't believe how the Bible speaks to me in new and different ways each time I read it. It tends to hit me right where I'm at.
God uses His word to speak. Oh man, does it speak. I am shaken to the core when I read something that someone experienced thousands of years ago that relates to where I am today. I am given examples of lives that are lived close to God and lives that are far off His way. I see that God uses the screw-ups before He uses the "goody-goods". His word is like no other. The parts I used to abandon and shrug off as unimportant are the parts that resonate in my soul.
The wonders of creation are breathtaking, the formation of Israel is incredible, Jesus ministry journey is prophetic, Moses life is inspiring. I'm only 22 days into my Bible but everything I have read so far is speaking directly to my heart. God is teaching me so many new things through His word.
The only thing that upsets me is that I've had this knowledge at my fingertips the entire time I've been able to read and I've never done anything with it. I've had God's written word for my life in front of me and instead I've been waiting for a miraculous sign.
Read your Bible. It's His word. It allows you to sit down each day and be mentored by the greatest teacher of all. Get into Gods word!
I'm Way Better At Sword Drills,
Shane
Please go check out this article...
"Obama is Like Biblical Joshua..."
Things are getting carried away. I don't want to stand on a soapbox here but just give me a chance to speak. Obama is a man. He is a man who, to my knowledge, has never done any miracles. He has never parted an ocean. Shoot I don't even know if he's led people into a land flowing with milk and honey.
I know what people are trying to say when they compare him to Bible heroes of old, but come on. I strive to be like Moses, Joshua, David, Paul, but the only way that I can be compared to them is if God chooses to use me in their ways. Obama is not a Bible character. He is an African-American who is now president of the U.S. I like the comment toward the end of the article. It puts it simply ..."America is looking colorblind". We can simply look at people as people. He's not the black Jesus. He is another man that the ultimate King Jesus died on a cross for 2000 years ago. God had no color in mind, he did what he did for all.
I just wish that our new president would put and end to the way people admire him as a savior. He talks about his faith, why not be humble enough to make it clear that he is nothing like the true Messiah?
He's Not Jesus,
Shane
P.S.-I promise I will get off my political soapbox tomorrow.
"Obama is Like Biblical Joshua..."
Things are getting carried away. I don't want to stand on a soapbox here but just give me a chance to speak. Obama is a man. He is a man who, to my knowledge, has never done any miracles. He has never parted an ocean. Shoot I don't even know if he's led people into a land flowing with milk and honey.
I know what people are trying to say when they compare him to Bible heroes of old, but come on. I strive to be like Moses, Joshua, David, Paul, but the only way that I can be compared to them is if God chooses to use me in their ways. Obama is not a Bible character. He is an African-American who is now president of the U.S. I like the comment toward the end of the article. It puts it simply ..."America is looking colorblind". We can simply look at people as people. He's not the black Jesus. He is another man that the ultimate King Jesus died on a cross for 2000 years ago. God had no color in mind, he did what he did for all.
I just wish that our new president would put and end to the way people admire him as a savior. He talks about his faith, why not be humble enough to make it clear that he is nothing like the true Messiah?
He's Not Jesus,
Shane
P.S.-I promise I will get off my political soapbox tomorrow.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
