Understanding the Gift

Can I be honest? Last year, at this exact time, Early Christmas morning, I was walking in sin. I was so deep that at that time, I could have sworn I was a slave to it. Lust had brought me to my destruction, and had taken over all the logic in my head. I was no where near the man I am suppose to be. I remember giving into lust like it was my duty, like it was something I just had to do.

I have been asked to give my favorite Christmas memory so many times this year, but it hurts when I begin to think of all the years, around Christmas, I would walk in sin, continuously. I remember the nights I would waste, and even the moments of the day that I would use to fulfill my desire to be loved, and wanted. I searched long and hard for that one thing, and til this day, I have yet to find it.

This is the first Christmas Eve where I feel safe in the arms of Christ. It's the first where I feel like I am doing the right thing. The first where I understand what the gift was, and what He did. Why do I search for things on earth to satisfy me? My God and Savior became a human to suffer pain and rejection, yet I add to His suffering because of my blindness. God, I am so blind. The cure for sin is love, and I have yet to understand it.

 "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends" - John 15:13

God, I praise You for Your gift, yet help my unbelief - Forsake All

(PS... Merry Christmas)

Wonderful Beautiful Grace

Luke 2:8-14 says, “8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 ‘Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.’”

What an object of grace! I remember my friends and I having conversations about the grace of God. When Adam sinned, he condemned all men to die, but Christ came so that we may have life, and life abundantly. The fact that He came and saved those He willed was an amazing act of grace.

One thing I never understood was grace. I guess I understood the concept, but I didn’t rest in it. My whole life, I feel like the things I have done were to make those around me proud. However, God does not ask for our perfection, because He loves us. He didn’t die for the perfect men of Christ, but He died for the weak, the lame, the losers, the sinners, the adulterers, and the slaves of sin.

This never made sense to me, so I kept running from God’s grace to try to earn His favor by my righteousness. But looking at that sentence alone, how silly does that sound? Last night, I had gotten in trouble because of some silly mistakes I had previously made. My father punished me, but also extended me grace. I told him that I felt like he was never proud, and in return, I realized that I was never satisfied.

I remember understanding this while I was lying down on his floor, with my hands over my face and tears falling from my eyes. I just didn’t understand why my dad would love someone as disobedient as me, and it took the stance of someone with no pride to understand. I was willing to accept the grace because I understood that I had nothing else to hold on to.

We are caught in God’s grace, but I know that it feels like I am trying to please Him to earn His favor. I told my dad it was like I was in a soccer game. I was running around and trying so hard, while God was on the sidelines watching me, and it was my job to make Him happy with the way I was playing.

Romans 6:15 says that we are no longer under the law, but under grace. If this is true, then God has already accepted us. He has already loved us. If you feel like you’re running, playing a game of soccer, reading your Bible, or even trying to pray to earn God’s favor, then stop. You already have it. -  Forsake All

May it Never Be!

Romans 6:1-2 says, “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?”

This has been on my mind because of its constant application in my life. Lately, I have been struggling with a sort of “Thorn in the flesh” that keeps causing me to sin. I have been thinking of the possibility to completely rid myself of this thorn in the flesh, but so far, all my ideas haven’t completely taken away the temptation.

I’m tired of my continual sin. You see words on a blog page, but really, I am pretty upset about my constant decision to disobey my God and even my parents. I wish there was a way to be completely unbound by sin, where it had no hold over me. If there was a possibility that sin couldn’t have a hold on me, then I think I could mustard up the control and will to do the right thing. But listen to this…

Romans 6 goes on to say, in verses 17-18, “But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.”

We have been set free from sin, but for some reason, we don’t live like it. This verse tells us that everything I wish we could do, like being set free from sin’s hold, has indeed happened. God has set us free from sin, and He has equipped us with armor to withstand the blows that the devil throws at us.

If we can conclude that we have been set free from sin, and have become slaves to righteousness, then we can say that we are apart of God’s team, and not Satan’s. Also, if we can say that we continue to fall into sin, then we need to address our armor and see where the leaks are where the firry darts are getting through.

We need to put up our guard against the enemy, or else, it will feel like we are still under his control. My urge is for you and I to get into the Word and have enough faith, peace, truth, and joy to withstand the devil. I believe that God can save us from evil, because of His love and also because of the tools He has given us. Now one question still remains.

Can we, being humans, be perfect? What’s my answer to that? I guess I’m going to have to find out! – Forsake All

(PS. Romans Six is a great passage if you are dealing with sin. I would encourage you to read it constantly and be reminded that God has set you free from whatever you think is holding you back from Him.)

Sheep in the Midst of Wolves

Luke 6:22-23 says, “Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man. 23 Be glad in that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For in the same way their fathers used to treat the prophets.”

Also, Matthew 10:16 says, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.”

Now we must wonder why God would put us through so much pain, while we are in the world. We are told that the world hates us, because it first hated Christ (John 15:18). Rich Mullins, a Christian artist, once said, “The world can’t stand what it can’t own.” Jesus was from Heaven, sent to earth, as a perfect being. The world didn’t own Him.

I think it’s pretty easy to understand that if something is constantly attacking you, it would kind of make you upset. That’s how the world feels when it looks at Christ. The world has to understand that this man, Jesus, is completely attacking the essence of what the world is. The world says that the more you have, the happier you are. The world says that five miles per hour of the speed limit isn’t a big deal. The world says evil is okay, as long as you don’t get caught.

God has sent us out into the world to be hated. I think it’s pretty scary when people, who proclaim Christ, are loved by the world. Later in Luke, it says, “Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers used to treat the false prophets in the same way (verse 26).” There can’t be a balance that says that it is okay to be like the world, but not of it. A common phrase is, “Be in the world, but not of the world.” We are to be a light to the world, as Jesus was (John 8:12), but not conformed to the world (Romans 12:2).

John 17 has a lot to say on the subject, and is a great passage to read if you ever are considering challenging your walk a little bit. However, there is an issue of separation of the world. Different people have different thoughts on this subject, and I don’t think there is a complete right or wrong, but it’s how the Holy Spirit guides you.

For me, it’s hard to understand why people are so caught up in the influence of the world’s materialism. The Holy Spirit has personally convicted me of the materialism of the world, and how it is so rampant in our word, and from that, I decided that I just wasn’t going to have a lot of things I don’t need. Now, this does continue to be a struggle, because it’s not very popular, and if I were completely obedient to my conviction, I would be completely hated by some people. However, continue to follow the convictions you have, and stay true to what God is telling you personally, even if people strongly dislike you, because that means that you are actually following Christ and His example.

It’s hard to be hated, but I think it reassures us of our dependency on Christ. I think a question that needs to be asked a lot more is, “Do people get mad when you talk about your faith around them or when you encourage them to read their Bible?” Now, don’t be confused with the argument that Christianity is mean and awful belief, for we are told to love our enemies. However, we are first called to love God, above everything else. When we do that, everything else will fall into place.

Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Forsake All

Be Strong, Never Give Up Hope

Psalm 31:24 says, “Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the LORD.” This is my verse of the day because of two very strong women, and their whole family, whom I met today. If you can remember back to a few posts, where I asked for prayer for different things, you’ll remember a girl I mentioned named Maddie. Well, today I got to meet her for the first time.

She currently is in the Hospital and recovering from surgery earlier this week. My friend invited me to come and see Maddie. I was hoping to go yesterday, but today she was feeling a lot better, so I made the trip to the hospital. Maddie was the first strong woman I saw that day. Before she had surgery, she had asked her pastor and others to come and pray with her, and now, even undergoing a lot of pain, she is holding fast to the prayer of those around her. What an amazing example of the importance of prayer in the Church.

The second woman of strength was Maddie’s mother. She had always been there for Maddie this whole time. She, and her husband, had been awake for almost the whole few days in the hospital, with very few hours of sleep. When I met Maddie’s mom for the first time today, I instantly knew she had a loving and caring heart, and when I heard about the sacrifices she had been making the past few days, I understood that she was also a strong lady.

Maddie’s whole family have been supporting her this whole time, when times were tough, and also when things just needed prayer. I believe that God works all things together for good (The good of those who love Him), and I can see the closeness of this family drawing together through this event, and just the affection being passed from one member to another. It is amazing to see God work in times where it doesn’t even make sense why these things would happen.

For those of you who don’t know this, I used to be a part of the band, “Heads Up Alabama” before our name was stolen by a Psychology group in Alabama. However, I have been writing a song about Maddie and her situation recently. I hope to finish writing and recording it pretty soon.

God works in so many ways. He works by reminding us that He has the stars in His hand, and yet cares for us, and He works through the face of a little girl who is relying, only, on the grace of God. How Great is Our God – Forsake All

Prayer of a Righteous Man

John 15:12-17 says, “12 “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. 17 This I command you, that you love one another.”

The verse I would like to focus on is verse sixteen, which says, “You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.”

James affirms this message by saying in 5:16b, “.... The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” God is calling us to righteousness (Leviticus 20:26, “Thus you are to be holy to Me, for I the LORD am holy; and I have set you apart from the peoples to be Mine.”). He desires us to be holy as He is holy, but we often have a misconception about holiness.

When we think of holiness, we think of the walk of sanctification. This is the constant pursuit of Christ, after salvation or through salvation. In this walk we run to God and what His word has to say about who He is. However, the popular belief is that we can never be holy here on earth, because it is only possible to be holy in heaven. Well, obviously, Jesus was holy, thus one can be holy outside of heaven. Anyways, we often believe that since man can’t completely be holy. The race of sanctification is just a race that will finish when we are in heaven. Until then, we must endure the pain that it brings.

However, we must understand that there are effects on earth that we can see clearly. When you are chasing after God with everything you are, the people around you understand that something is, indeed, different. However, the most important aspect is the one seen above, specifically in James 5:16b. When we become righteous, and clean in the sight of God, our prayers can do a lot, then just praying while in a “so-so” relationship with God. As the earlier verses said, we grow in Christ when we are connected to Him, it’s not a long distance relationship. Why? Because He is our source of food, and we are completely dependant on Him.

The point here is, when you draw closer to God, your desire becomes His. If you then pray for the things you desire, you pray for things God desires. When Jesus prayed, He prayed the will of the Father, because He was in bondage with God, while in fact God Himself. Draw closer to God, so that when you pray, He will hear you, and the two desires will be united. – Forsake All

Consider It Pure Joy

Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Check this, as I bring another verse that bluntly says, “Rejoice Always (1 Thessalonians 5:16).” How important is joy in the life of a believer? It’s super important. Christians and non-Christians alike experience situations that very tough. In these circumstances, there is a certain aspect of the Christian that makes the two different.

Romans 8:28 says it plainly.

 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Also, John 9 tells the story of the man who was born blind. In verse two, the Disciples ask, “ ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ Jesus answered, ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.’ ”

God is working in the world right now to bring Himself the most amount of glory possible, according to His plan. Why is there evil? Because God has a plan. Why do people become sick? Because God has a plan. What is God’s plan? To bring as much glory to himself possible. And you know what? He has already won the war. It is written in Revelation 20:10, “And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”

God has already won, and we have joy because we know that when life is hard and almost unbearable, God will win in the end. The best news is that we were enemies with Christ. However, Romans 5:10 says “For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.”

God knows how much of this article is His, and I am starting to understand that too as I look back at what is on my piece of electric paper, and I feel convicted about the times when I am not joyful for what will happen. Now, Ecclesiastes remarks that there is time to weep and a time to laugh (3:4). Crying can be one of the most powerful ways to comfort and also show that your heart is broken, which is a very humble act. However, it is indeed an action, apart from joy.

This to say that you can weep, and still have joy. I think it truly is an art, which takes the right mindset. When bad things happen, or you are praying for something to happen, you cry and ask God to do something, or for Him to change something, but you have joy in knowing that whatever He does, it will be for the good of those who are the called according to His purpose.

James 1:2-4 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing”. – Forsake All

Prayer

Hello readers! I am in need of some prayers for a few things

1. That God will bless me with some time that I can continue to update this blog regularly.

2. My friend Maddie who is suffering from an illness. Pray that she will be healed in God's timing.

3. That the hearts of today (Including mine and yours) would be ready to completely forsake all for the glory of Christ.

Thanks guys! This is my second to last week of school until Christmas break, so hopefully I will be able to get my school done, and then be able to write more to you guys. Be encouraged, because God is crazy about you! - Forsake All

I Do Not Cease

Ephesians 2:15-17 says, "Therefor I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him."
I have, so many times, told people that I would be praying for them, whether it's health, spiritual issues, or just on a major test they have in school. However, I think it's become more of a comforting phrase than a promise. Notice how Paul doesn't specifically pray just for the Ephesians, but while he is praying his prayers, he makes mention of them.
1st Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."Always. Without ceasing. How is this possible? A week or so ago, one of my friends from the college Bible group, "The Mission" walked over to a lady to pray for her arm, as it was in a sling, and later I asked him, "How did you know you were suppose to pray for that lady?" He said that he had been practicing praying always without ceasing, in order to seek out God's plan and gift in every situation.
Praying always, for at least right now, seems really tough and almost impossible. However, my main concern is this; do we even pray? Do we put it off like our Bible Studies and maybe do it once or twice a week? Do we have a time when we pray? Do we come to the Lord to ask for strength, or do we think we can handle the trials and temptations of the day all alone?
You've heard the famous Athlete Bible Verse, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13. However, have you ever looked at the context of that passage? He is thanking the Philippians for their care for him. Even though he didn't need it (Verse 11), he rejoiced in the act of kindness (Verse 10). In verse twelve, he says he has learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. Then comes verse thirteen.
How does Paul learn to rejoice in all situations? How does he learn to be abased and yet to abound? With the strength of Christ in him. Without that, I'd say he would be a lost cause, trying to rejoice at all times. This is why prayer is so important. Without the strength of Christ, we deserve death eternally. but by His grace, we have been given a life that leads to eternity with Him.
So, no longer say it as a comfortable phrase. Pray to Father who listens. - Forsake All

He has Anointed Me

Luke 4:18-19 says, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."
So, what's the context of this passage. Well, earlier in chapter four, Jesus was fasting and then was tempted by the devil. By verse fifteen, he starts preaching and teaching. It even says he is being glorified by all. His ministry was very successful in Galilee and throughout the surrounding countries. Then He came to Nazareth where He started preaching in the synagogue.
Imagine this; you're sitting down in church after a fantastic worship time, and the preacher begins his message. All of the sudden, a stranger gets up and starts reading this passage in the Bible, claiming he has been anointed to preach, heal, proclaim liberty & recovery, and to set people free. If you didn't think that was heresy, I'm sure your educated pastor, assuming he has been to seminary, would probably be worried.
If the analogy isn't completely parallel, this is; that what Jesus said in the synagogue seemed very heretical. He goes on to say that we had read was being fulfilled today before their eyes (Verse 21). People are confused, and question His lineage in order to prove that He is just a normal man like everyone else.
I don't have enough reason and wisdom to completely understand this passage and the rest of it as well, but I do know that Jesus did exactly what He was told to do. How exciting would it be to go back to this moment and completely understand what was going on? To watch their faces and know that the Son of God is before their eyes. It had been prophesied that a Savoir would come, and now, here He is. Yet, we don't see girls scream the way they do for popular artists, we don't see enough men and women wanting to be just like He is, in every form and fashion. We see this even when He rides in to Jerusalem on a donkey.
I wonder how many times God has shown up in my life, and I have missed it. Where God comes up and says, "Watch me, Rob! Here I am!" and I am still in denial about the fact that he helps me through life. I think it's insane how we have the complete record of God and His deeds through the Bible, yet we don't know what He looks like. When He shows Himself just a glimpse of who He is, we are confused and jus walked past it.
I encourage you, as I do the same, to be aware of Christ and His works. I think if we notice God in our everyday lives, we will be reminded about how great He is, and how incapable we are to full comprehend His love and affection for us, His children. We have a good God, but do we know Him the way He knows us?
Someone once put it this way, "God explains that we are married to Him, showing an unbreakable bond between us. He has left to make a place for us, but when He comes back, will we know Him? When He takes us in His arms, will we recognize His face? When He comes back, I want to know my groom." - Forsake All

The Poor, Maimed, Lame, and the Blind

Luke 14:12-14 says "Then He also said to him who invited him, 'When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.' "
I recently listen to a sermon by Dr. David Platt, who has written the book Radical (Which I highly recommend) and is the teaching pastor at The Church at Brooks Hill. This was a two-part sermon entitled,  The Gospel and Materialism. He opens up with a description of the Christians in the mid 1800s. He thought it was insane how they would go to church, listen to what they should and should not do, then return to their slaves, who were treated very badly, and do nothing to change their way of life. Now, I understand not every single slave was treated poorly, but in the South, it was a very common way of life to consider yourself generous for giving your slave an extra piece of bread on Thanksgiving day.
We look back and ask, "How could Christians who read their Bible, went to Church, and even wanted to draw closer to God treat slaves the horrible way they did?" It doesn't make sense. However, the spotlight shifts over to us.
What if people ask the same of us? "How could Christians who read their Bible, went to Church, and even wanted to draw closer to God be so consumed with material things?" Ever since the Second World War, Dads have wanted their children to live better lives, and have peace in their pleasurable materials. Ever since, this has been a part of our culture. Just like Verse 14:13, when I ask my parents if we can invite the homeless over for Thanksgiving, they laugh and say "No way!" It doesn't make since why we would invite the homeless over to our house to eat our food, and endure the risk of them stealing our stuff.
Our culture has made a small abode in our hearts, that makes us second guess complete submission to the Word of God. Small enough to think we don't have it, and big enough to keep us away from Slavery.
However, what do we belong to? Our culture, or our relationship with Christ? I'd rather belong to my relationship with Christ, because I know it is everlasting, will never fade in and out, and will save me from everlasting pain in Hell. On the other hand, if I belong to my culture, we both will be tossed into the fire.
Today, I plan to go back over to Mrs. Maggie and have a small lunch with her. I pray that she is there, and I pray that I continue to pray for her. I had someone, who has been reading my posts, text me on Thanksgiving day, "...and I'll be praying for Mrs. Maggie." Conviction overwhelmed me as I tried to find a decent reply. I have been busy, and I have been thinking that I am too busy to pray for those in need.
That's why I chose the passage above, because it made me think of Mrs. Maggie and her situation. Will she throw a party on the Median of 242 for me with lights, music, and a great feast? Chances are slim. However, what drives me is the fact that God is working in her, and I want to be there to watch her burn with passion for Christ. If God is working in someone's life, then I want to be there to see it. -Forsake All

Consolation & Salvation

 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 states, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you i steadfast because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation."
There is a lot to read, but don't worry, I'll try to break it down into segments so it's easier to comprehend. So Paul is writing his second letter to the Corinthians and the saints of Achaia. Verses 3-7 follow after a basic introduction (Which is another post for another time).
Verse 3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort" This is the opening catch for the rest of the passage. He goes on to explain a little bit more, "who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
This is now becoming more of a chain of comfort. God is the comforter, then He comes to comfort us, so that we can comfort others. This whole time, we are under God's ultimate comfort. Why do we need to be comforted? "For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ." Remember in Luke 14 when Jesus says, "For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it (Verse 28)." The sufferings of Christ that abound in us are the cost. I guess you could say, it's what we signed up for when we decided to live for Christ. I know a lot of times in my life, living for Christ can be the hardest thing ever. I have such an evil desire, my willingness to obey my parents is very little, but by the grace of God, I can do pretty well, still not perfect yet. I also see my friends who find a girl, have the time of their lives with her, and still feel perfectly fine about their relationship with God. I know that God has called me not to do that, but OH how much I flirt with the idea, and get as close as I possibly can.
I remember going to my friends and my parents in tears about how hard it is to feel like the only one. Last night was one of those nights. I got frustrated because I feel like I work ten times harder than everyone else (Which I know I don't). God is calling for great things in me, and I need to rely on Him to comfort me when things get hard.
It doesn't make any sense for Christ to say, "Rob, I'm going to make you a great Christian man, that praises Me constantly." However, when things get hard, God leaves me to my own self-pity. God is there to comfort me (Verse 5). In fact, verse 6 says that if we are afflicted, then it is for our consolation and salvation. It literally means peace and protection. God is constantly building us for our consolation and salvation while we are being distressed, so that we can help one other when they go through the same things.
There are people who think God isn't transcendent, which means that He does not interact with us today, and never did. However take this to heart, God became man to pay for your sins, and while He was here, He suffered "manhood". He knows what you are going through. Last night, I vented to God and told Him how much I hated different things in my life, and how I just wanted them out, and an half and hour later, I fell asleep. This morning, I feel refreshed, and I have a clear mind.
God does comfort when you follow Him in His plan. Notice it how it says, "For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ." If you sacrifice yourself for Christ's sake, He will be there to guide you through every step.
John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble, but take heart, I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD." - Forsake All

The Lady on the Median

Matthew 5:38-42 says, "You have heard it said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and for him who wants to borrow you do not turn away."
Today, my brother David and I were driving home from a service project at some apartments, when we saw a lady in the median between two one way roads. I asked my brother, "Do you think she is homeless?" He answered, "Yeah, probably." I remember the two black trash bags in my trunk full of clothes I had decided I didn't need anymore. I told my brother about them, and we both agreed to pull over and minister to her.
I went first to talk to her, while David sat in the car. She was smoking a cigarette, listening to the radio, and trying to sell newspapers. However, she had problems with her knee, so she could only sit down and rub her knee which greatly decreased the chance of selling newspapers to the passing cars. I went over to ask her how she was doing and wondering if we could help her by giving her some clothes. She told me that she was in need of some clothes for her and her son. I immediately ran back to the car.
I opened the trunk, got the bag of clothes, and walked back to the lady with David. I had planned to pull out some shirts and such and give them to her, but she seemed interested in obtaining the entire bag. I was very hesitant, but I decided to give her the whole bag. She was very grateful, but she mention how all she wanted was money to buy a turkey to cook for Thanksgiving for her and her son.
My parents had always warned me against giving money to the homeless, just because they could use it to buy drugs, alcohol, and cigarets. As she explained more of her situation, I battled in my mind the authenticity of her story. I made up my mind that I wouldn't just give her money, but I had a better idea. As we said our goodbyes, she thanked us for the clothes, and we walked back to the car. I unlocked the car, David and I got in, and we headed to Wal-Mart.
We made a U-turn to get to Wal-Mart, and when we got there, we parked near the back of the parking lot.   While we walked towards the entrance, seeing all the parking spaces we had missed, we walked in, purchased our grocery, and walked back to the car. We made another U-turn to get back to the lady on the median. We pulled over into the grass and walked towards her with our grocery, a New Testament, and a Life Book.
As she was still pulling out and folding the clothes we had given her, no more than five minutes earlier, she was surprised to see us. David showed her what we had bought and she proclaimed, "Did you really get me a Turkey?!?!"
David and I were filled with joy to see the expression on her face, and I believe it was at that moment when we thought, "This makes everything we paid and went through worth it." We gave her the two books, told her that if she wanted to read them, she could, but we didn't want to force anything. We prayed over her, gave her several hugs, then walked back to our car. Not only did we make her day, but she made ours, and even effect my life.
In my earlier note, I said that my clothes, when I wore them, had no ministry. That same day, I packed up those large trash bags with them and put them in my car, planning to give them out to a bunch of people. The fact that she took a whole bag made me a little sad at first, but then later, I remembered Matthew 5:38-42.
As Christians, we are called to go above and beyond the call of duty. When someone does something wrong to us, we are suppose to reach out to them, in love. Today, even though Mrs. Maggie (The Lady on the Median) didn't harm us, David and I both reached out to her in love. God was so gracious to my brother, me, and Mrs. Maggie, and I am excited to see what He continues to do in all of us.

Forsake All Thesis

Luke 14:33 says, "So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple." Finally, we come to the root of Luke 14:25-33. We are either to forsake all the we have, or not be Jesus' disciple. For the longest time, I have tried to figure this out. We look at this verse and say to ourselves, "Obviously, He doesn't mean everything. If He did, we would see streaking Christians everywhere living under bridges." I thought that there must be a balance between giving everything away and keeping everything for materialistic desires. Where is this balance? Now comes the long awaited story. Brace yourself.
This question came to me one Wednesday Morning. I was at Lonestar College in Montgomery, Tx., and there was a very small prayer meeting going on at 6:30am (Which may explain why it was so small). At that meeting, I met Jon Beadle who was the leader of a, on campus, Bible Club called The Mission. I had heard about this group at the beginning of the Fall semester, and honestly thought it would be another small Bible study group that I wouldn't have time for. However, I always wished it well.
Dring the morning prayer meeting, we prayed for revival over the school and for the healing of souls on campus. As soon as the group started praying, I knew that something was different about them. They were passionate, something I had not been in a long time. It captivated me, and afterwards, I found Jon and talked to him about his faith. He encouraged me to keep coming, and by God's amazing grace, I obeyed the call.
The next day, on a sunny Thursday afternoon, The Mission had another meeting, in which we sang some songs, then a leader of the group got up to share a word. After the meeting, I met again with Jon, who was super excited to see me, and he prayed over me. I asked him to pray that the Holy Spirit would come into me in order to do a work. He did indeed, and I told him afterwards this; "I feel like everything in my body is wanting to run after God. I just need to get into the Word and chase after Him with my whole being." He laughed with joy and said, "That's awesome!"
After that, I was hooked. I came to every meeting possible, and was an active member, for about two weeks. Then The Mission was hosting an event called "The Exodus." It was a night of worship and rengeneration of the spirit. We would come and just shout out, "Let our people go!" to set the people on campus free from the devil's grasp. I was super excited about going, and I planed to attend and even told my friends to come with me.
The night of "The Exodus" my friend, Jack, and I showed up a little late to the event, however, you could ask both of us afterwards, and we would tell you, "We showed up when things got good, and felt like we missed nothing!" The night had a lot of worship music and a lot of people praying for revival, and honestly, it was very refreshing. Still contemplating my thoughts of a "Spirit Filled Life", I asked God to just tug me along, and show me. I felt like my heart was very hard, and I asked God to just break me towards doing His will.
Soon after my prayer, another friend of mine came to me and told me to go up to the front and pray with a leader. I felt like God was answering my prayer with this response. So I went up to Jon, in the front row, and told him my struggles with lust, pornography, and other things in my life. He said that I should repent for the things I had done. I agreed, and fell to my knees. I felt his hand on my back, praying for me to accept the forgiveness of Christ, and soon enough, two more people laid their hands on me, in prayer.
In that moment, I repented for everything, and asked God to do a work in me. What that work would be, I wasn't sure, but just that He would change me according to His plan. After the prayer, I sat up and told Jon this; "I don't know if you would consider this a vision, but I see small, particle like things moving around, and all running somewhere. It may be spiritual, or maybe just the blood rushing to my head, but I feel like God is again telling me to chase after Him. I need to run after Him." Again, Jon laughed and congratulated me.
Ever since that night, I have felt God tug on my heart. Because of that night, I left Facebook and started this blog. I wanted to Forsake All for His cause. I wanted no distractions. That brings us back to Luke 14:33. What did I find everything to mean? For the word exactly, I don't know if I could explain it very well, but the way I think of it now is better explained this way.
Look at the things around you: what do you see? I see a laptop, a desk, a bunk bed, and other things inside of my room. Now think of this: where is the ministry in those things? What purpose does your laptop, desk, and bunk bed serve to furthering God's kingdom? This is my answer.
"If you own something that doesn't have a ministry, disown it."
Take my car for example. I have a maroon Honda Civic 2003. It's no sports car, to say the least, but it serves my purpose for getting me places. My ministry with my little Civic is to be able to drive people to and from places, whether that opens an opportunity to go church, a Bible Study, or even just the time to talk about life. I often need to remind myself that my car has a ministry, and if it's not doing it, then I need to revaluate why I have it.
On the other end, I have some nice clothes, but where is the ministry? My "good looks", which the clothes give, won't bring people to Christ in the direct form. The best thing they do is make me look good, and there is no ministry there. So, I'm going to give all my nice clothes away to those who just need clothes, except for the needed nice clothes, like church clothes and school clothes. In fact, giving away some of clothes gives me a ministry.
All this to say, maybe figure out what in your life is helping or hindering the Kingdom of Heaven. Where is your ministry? - Forsake All

Count the Costs

Luke 14:28-32 "For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it- lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish'? Or what king going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace."
Were we even told of the costs? I grew up in the church, and was preached the Gospel ever since I can remember. However, one day, when I was only four, I talked to my mom and she explained everything to me, and she thinks that was the turning point for my faith. Sure, I understood who God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit were (And still are) but did I understand the costs? Like giving up my life?
This past Summer, I had the opportunity to lead one of my best friends to the Lord. However, when I was  talking with her, I wanted to make sure I said everything correctly. I wanted her to understand that the Christian life isn't the easiest, and actually can cause a lot of strife with family members, and even more so with friends. In knowing all of the costs she accepted Christ, and now, she encourages me to get into the word every day.
She counted the costs. She reasoned between building the structure of faith or just living life the way she had been living it. Before she decided to build on her foundation, she told herself that much hardship awaits. But she outweighed the costs in favor of accepting Christ.
Now that we know the costs, later on in our faith, are we willing to pay them? I have met a countless number of Christians who believe in the first page of saving faith. I say "First Page" because there is so much beyond faith that we are called to do. We are called to go out and preach the Word, obey God's commands, and walk with the Holy Spirit. However, they believe that they have fire insurance from when they were little and in Sunday School. Honestly, until recently in my walk with Christ, I was the same way. But it's time to count the costs and follow Christ.
So sit down, count your costs, and with God's grace, you'll have enough to finish what Christ has begun. - Forsake All

Take Up Your Cross

Luke 14:27 states thus, "And whoever does not bear his cross and comes after Me cannot be My disciple." I remember learning a couple different interpretations of this verse. I heard that the word "cross" was put here to mean all the hardship that we will endure. We are to embrace hardship for Christ. Also, the cross can be seen as direct conformity to Jesus Christ. He carried a cross out of obedience to God, and we must do likewise. It was like his cup, that he talked about earlier (Luke 22:41-42 "And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying 'Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.' "). If we relate the cross to being "His cup", then we can see it as an act of submission to the will of God.
As these are all true, my favorite is the fact that the cross was an instrument of torture that was used by the Romans. While we submit to God's plan and embrace the hardship, we choose our instrument of torture for Christ. I think that is a pretty stellar view of the Christian walk.
For a long time, I had the words <Take Up My Cross> as the signature for my phone. After every text I sent, it would show that little phrase. I recently changed it to another verse (Luke 14:33) but those four words are still very important to me, but yet, are they important enough? Jesus Christ embraced God's plan for His life, even though He didn't like it. He carried his instrument of torture and endured until the very end. We must do likewise.
What does this look like practically? We share what we learn from the Word every hour of our day, but if it doesn't effect the way we walk, then what is the point? Maybe it's those friends you have, who say they love the Lord, but after they walk out the doors of the church, they talk about the dirtiest things possible. If you ask them to stop, or protect the name of God from being used in vain, they may hate you. This indeed can be hurtful and hard. Face it. It's so much easier to make jokes with them, then to refrain from laughing and tell them to stop.
Most of all, and this is something I struggle with the most, is getting into the Word and having a strong prayer life. This is the essence of Christianity. It's where our relationship with God is made. When you consume yourself with God and His word, He will tell you to do hard things, Lord Willing. Chase after Him, as I do the same, in order to hear from Him constantly.
Be willing to Take Up Your Cross. - Forsake All

House Keeping

Hey guys! So as some of you know, I left my Facebook and started this Blog. I would love to keep in touch with you via e-mail and Twitter. I'm not a big Twitter user, but I know that it can be super encouraging if used correctly, so I thought I'd give it a whirl. My e-mail is robertwegner1433@gmail.com and my Twitter is Forsake1433. Also, if you follow this blog, my Twitter updates will be the right of the page. Thanks for your support!

Leaving All to Follow Christ

Luke 14:25-26 - "Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, 'If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.' " I remember back to a sermon that was given by a Greek pastor in Burundi, Africa (Small World?). It was interesting because I started going through the book of Luke, and when he preached a sermon on this verse, I was very excited to get a second opinion. However, in the end we both had very similar ideas on what we think the verses meant practically.

Most people look at the book of Luke and really delude it for what it is worth. When the Bible says, "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple" it truly means it. Now, are we suppose to go hate our family and cut ourselves in order to obey this verse? Listen to what Paul says in Romans 12:9-10, "Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love in honor giving preference to one another."(Emphasis added) Our job is indeed that we love another because Christ has loved us (John 13:34).
So what does Luke 14:25-26 mean when it says to hate our family and ourselves? The Greek pastor stated that we should love God over our families and ourselves. If there is a choice between obeying God and our parents, the right decision would be to obey Christ first. I completely agree with this point, and even add this: when we stand before the gates of Heaven, will we testify to our parents or our God? God is our ultimate authority.

God has given me the large blessing of Christ-like parents. Trust me, without out my Dad and my Mom, I'm not sure where I would be, but I have an idea that the cardboard box on the side of the road would be my home. However, they have told me themselves that they are sinners as well as I am. I do not preach division in a Godly household, but all I want to say is know the Word. If you're like me, which I know I am, you learn best by watching what people do, and doing exactly what they do. You learn by sight. I have to admit that my parents do things that are not pleasing to the Lord, and I'm sure that they would tell you the same thing. It's very easy for me to follow in those steps, even if it is as small as going five over the speed limit with no conviction.

"For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." - Romans 3:23. In light of this verse, I do not even dare to declare self-righteousness. I have sinned more times than I can count, and I don't doubt that my parents will tell you that as well. However, my goal is to fall in love with God and His word in order to give Him the most amount of glory through my complete obedience. By His grace, I live. Without it, I'd slip and fall right into Hell (Jonathan Edwards Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God).

What is the point of this post? Stand up for what you believe, even if those closest to you disagree with you. Also, back up your life with your belief. Finally, know why you believe what you indeed believe in. - Forsake All