I think I have been mislead in my thinking. Somewhere along the way I got this idea in my head that the road would be a glorious one. I imagine the calvary returning from battle, the horses prancing, the flags flying high. Big celebrations. Victory after victory after victory. But that just aint the way it goes. Not for me. Not for Jesus when He was on this earth. Paul. John the Baptist. Disciples.
For the past two weeks I have hit more than my share of red lights. I come around a corner and the light is green. I step on the gas because I know it is coming. But it still gets me. yellow. red. stuck. I have considered that maybe sitting at this many red lights is usual in Atlanta, and that maybe I had just forgotten since I wasn't living here for a few years. But no. That's impossible. I told my little sister Jayde before she got in the car with me that I am going to catch every red light. and I just about did. Ask her. Though most information online says they are all automatic, and nobody controls them anymore, I am not satisfied with that answer. Something is up.
I don't think I ever set out thinking that it would be an easy road. Nor were my intentions ever do enjoy the victories and celebrations, or to be glorified in any way. But then things start getting hard. You start hitting some red lights. Things don't go smooth. Your body aches and your heart is heavy. And followed closely behind is the prince of lies, claiming once again that God is holding out on you.
Bad news: Saturday I had to work. Good news: There was no Traffic, and I hit mostly green lights!! Thay actually turned green FOR ME!! It might sound wierd but I felt God's presence after that first light turned green for me. and He didn't even have to say it. Because I already knew what He was thinking. This is how life is. Sometimes they are green. And sometimes they are red. I consider that Saturday morning a special little blessing, because the lights have returned to normal since then... red. That's just where I am right now.
I am currently working with a framer/carpenter in Atlanta. I have been doing a lot of carrying lumber and cleanup, but also making some cuts and firing that nail gun from time to time. The days are hard and long, and I come home dirty, smelly, and beat up. I am on the bottom of the totem pole, but I have a job, I have direction, a purpose, and a God who hasn't forgotten about me. I am right where I need to be.
I know who I am. Stephen K Glover. Esteban. I am a dirty muddy fragile pot of clay. Nothing that great on the outside. The greatest gift on the inside. And God continues to show me my cross. and I must carry it.
And for me and anyone else forgetting the goodness of the Lord...
Why do you complain, Jacob?
Why do you say, Israel,
“My way is hidden from the LORD;
my cause is disregarded by my God”?
Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:27-31
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Hasta Luego
My body here in Georgia, my heart and mind still in Mexico. The worst part about going somewhere is leaving, but I continue to pray for all the beautiful people that I met in Tijuana.
Some things God taught me...
Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me (Psalm 54:4)
God keeps me alive! He sustains me body and gives me physical as well as internal strength. In Him I am held together. When I got sick in Mexico He healed me! by means of charcoal, papaya seeds, garlic, His Spirit and His mighty Word. Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone (Deuteronomy 34:7) No doctors, no hand sanitizer, no tylenol, no bench press, no treadmill, no glasses... God is Sustainer.
In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire— may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. (1 Peter 1:6-7)
The people from michigan say I say trials wierd... but that doesn't matter because I am going to keep saying it over and over, day after day, praying for more and more. I have come to see the beauty in trials. God is preparing His children to be fit for service in His kingdom, teaching them to trust and rely on Him.
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor." -Jesus
That was His mission. I became a follower of Jesus not because I had a lot going for me, nor because I was strong, intelligent, and kind of cool (although I was all of those things haha). Nor did I choose to follow Him because I was a good kid that went to Church every sunday and knew the Bible stories. No, I chose to follow Him because I saw my weakness and poverty. My lack of everything worth anything. Jesus commands us to preach the good news to those who are the most helpless, the most in need, the weakest, the rejects, the poor. Jesus really preached the good news to all different people, from rich tax collectors to lepers. The ones that rejected Him from time to time were the rich, while the poor fell in love with Him. The poor are ready to hear the good news.
Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ,who gives me strength. Phillipians 4:11-13
I am completely and utterly without need. Why? Because of Christ.
My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26
That's a good note to end on. Dios Te Bendiga!!!
Some things God taught me...
Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me (Psalm 54:4)
God keeps me alive! He sustains me body and gives me physical as well as internal strength. In Him I am held together. When I got sick in Mexico He healed me! by means of charcoal, papaya seeds, garlic, His Spirit and His mighty Word. Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone (Deuteronomy 34:7) No doctors, no hand sanitizer, no tylenol, no bench press, no treadmill, no glasses... God is Sustainer.
In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire— may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. (1 Peter 1:6-7)
The people from michigan say I say trials wierd... but that doesn't matter because I am going to keep saying it over and over, day after day, praying for more and more. I have come to see the beauty in trials. God is preparing His children to be fit for service in His kingdom, teaching them to trust and rely on Him.
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor." -Jesus
That was His mission. I became a follower of Jesus not because I had a lot going for me, nor because I was strong, intelligent, and kind of cool (although I was all of those things haha). Nor did I choose to follow Him because I was a good kid that went to Church every sunday and knew the Bible stories. No, I chose to follow Him because I saw my weakness and poverty. My lack of everything worth anything. Jesus commands us to preach the good news to those who are the most helpless, the most in need, the weakest, the rejects, the poor. Jesus really preached the good news to all different people, from rich tax collectors to lepers. The ones that rejected Him from time to time were the rich, while the poor fell in love with Him. The poor are ready to hear the good news.
Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ,who gives me strength. Phillipians 4:11-13
I am completely and utterly without need. Why? Because of Christ.
My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26
That's a good note to end on. Dios Te Bendiga!!!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Tijuana
Fourteen by sixteen feet. One room. One roof. One window. One door. Hard concrete floor. And you should see their faces when we hand them the keys to their new home. It isn't much by any stretch (even if we go all out with insulation and sheet rock) but it is all they need. While such a household might draw some pity from the more financially fortunate people in this world, there is something about such a house that I envy.
There is nothing like sitting down after a long day of concrete. Blistered hands. Burnt Face. Aching body. Covered in concrete mix. Dirty and smelly. I love it. A day well spent. Fish tacos? yes please
This is the only picture I took at the orphanage that day, and I hate it. Look at those kids all well behaved playing board games. pshhhh. I enjoy when they go nuts. dog pile on the floor. with me on top and the poor kid on the bottom screaming. o what...they started it!! or when their are twenty of us on a safa all sweaty and gross after playing soccer. no no this picture will not do.
Look at that smile and those fresh clothes!! Bryan just came out of the bath house where we bring warm water for these kids to bath. My favorite job is washing their feet. Coscillas?
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Me llamo Esteban
In Mexico my name is Esteban. Not Stephen. Not Steve. Not Estephen. It is Esteban. I don't even think about it any more. Whether it's the pastor at the church or the smelly kid that crawls in my lap... "me llamo Esteban"
My roommate down here ran me out. Well not exactly, but that's what everyone tells me. "Te corrió!" And although I have to stick up for him and say that there was more to it than that, he technically ran me out... In the nicest way possible. (No need to worry I'm just living right next door)
I suppose my fellow Americans are nice. The conversation is going great until they just have to ask that question... "So you already graduated college?" The rest of the conversation is set in stone. Always goes the same. I put away my high school dream of getting a tattoo until recently... I have already started designing one for my forehead that reads "NO I DID NOT GRADUATE COLLEGE please refer to my blog for all further questions"
For the past few months I have been wondering what is happening to me... what is happening in my life. Like spiderman after that first time he was bitten by the spider. I guess he wasn't spiderman yet. I always knew God was doing something but didn't know what it was or where He was taking me or why. I falter for words when people ask. But I think I am starting to get it. And I just smile.
My roommate ran me out not because we didn't get along. Rather, this happened because God wanted to tell me that this is who I am. A run off. Not by individuals, but by a system of thinking and a way of life. People don't keep asking me about college because that's what you typically ask a young man my age. Rather, this happens because God wants to tell me that I don't belong there. I didn't start introducing myself as Esteban because I thought it was a cool name or because I thought it would be easier for Mexicans to pronounce. This happened because God wanted to tell me that He is giving me a new name. A new life. A new adventure.
He is preparing me for something special. I want to say I am ready but the truth is that I lack so much faith.
¡Ponme, pues, a prueba,
Que no te hallarás en mí maldad alguna!
Salmos 17:3
My roommate down here ran me out. Well not exactly, but that's what everyone tells me. "Te corrió!" And although I have to stick up for him and say that there was more to it than that, he technically ran me out... In the nicest way possible. (No need to worry I'm just living right next door)
I suppose my fellow Americans are nice. The conversation is going great until they just have to ask that question... "So you already graduated college?" The rest of the conversation is set in stone. Always goes the same. I put away my high school dream of getting a tattoo until recently... I have already started designing one for my forehead that reads "NO I DID NOT GRADUATE COLLEGE please refer to my blog for all further questions"
For the past few months I have been wondering what is happening to me... what is happening in my life. Like spiderman after that first time he was bitten by the spider. I guess he wasn't spiderman yet. I always knew God was doing something but didn't know what it was or where He was taking me or why. I falter for words when people ask. But I think I am starting to get it. And I just smile.
My roommate ran me out not because we didn't get along. Rather, this happened because God wanted to tell me that this is who I am. A run off. Not by individuals, but by a system of thinking and a way of life. People don't keep asking me about college because that's what you typically ask a young man my age. Rather, this happens because God wants to tell me that I don't belong there. I didn't start introducing myself as Esteban because I thought it was a cool name or because I thought it would be easier for Mexicans to pronounce. This happened because God wanted to tell me that He is giving me a new name. A new life. A new adventure.
He is preparing me for something special. I want to say I am ready but the truth is that I lack so much faith.
¡Ponme, pues, a prueba,
Que no te hallarás en mí maldad alguna!
Salmos 17:3
Monday, May 16, 2011
Macho Libre
Apparently, God didn't understand what I meant when I said I was ready to battle. I should have specified... So long as you put a hedge around me God, and protect me from evil. I guess that would have been too easy.
Instead, I decided to get sick the night before I left home. I was delayed going to Tijuana and had to find a place to stay in San Diego for a few days. Had some problems finding a place to say. More arguments with family. Feelings of rejection. Lonliness. I would like to say that the trials have stopped since I arrived in Tijuana... Pshh.
Um God... I think I would like to be an archer in the next battle? Ya know... So I can shoot arrows from a very safe distance and still get in on some action...
The sad part isn't that I must face hardships. The sad part is that something told me the goodness of the Lord couldn't be obtained by those in the midst of trials. I had to take them on alone. More hoops I had to jump through for God.
I went to the Rock church in San Diego where the pastor talked about Jacob wrestling with God. I love that story. During the sermon I felt God asking me, "Why aren't you wrestling with me?" I imagine God wrestling with his kids on the floor, letting them feel His power, and teaching them how to use the power that He graciously bestows on all of them through the Spirit. I bet He loves that.
The Light is not at the end of the tunnel... He lives. His kingdom has come to earth. His Spirit dwells in the hearts of all who follow Him. Therefore, Let's approach His throne in confidence. Maybe even wrestle a bit.
Overall, I have loved being in Tijuana. In particular, hanging out at the orphanage around the corner. Amazing the way children can speak right to your heart. Life is beautiful.
If you are reading this please pray for my health, my spanish, that language would not be a barrier, strength in trials, and courage to proclaim the name of Jesus with my words and actions. Dios te bendiga
Instead, I decided to get sick the night before I left home. I was delayed going to Tijuana and had to find a place to stay in San Diego for a few days. Had some problems finding a place to say. More arguments with family. Feelings of rejection. Lonliness. I would like to say that the trials have stopped since I arrived in Tijuana... Pshh.
Um God... I think I would like to be an archer in the next battle? Ya know... So I can shoot arrows from a very safe distance and still get in on some action...
The sad part isn't that I must face hardships. The sad part is that something told me the goodness of the Lord couldn't be obtained by those in the midst of trials. I had to take them on alone. More hoops I had to jump through for God.
I went to the Rock church in San Diego where the pastor talked about Jacob wrestling with God. I love that story. During the sermon I felt God asking me, "Why aren't you wrestling with me?" I imagine God wrestling with his kids on the floor, letting them feel His power, and teaching them how to use the power that He graciously bestows on all of them through the Spirit. I bet He loves that.
The Light is not at the end of the tunnel... He lives. His kingdom has come to earth. His Spirit dwells in the hearts of all who follow Him. Therefore, Let's approach His throne in confidence. Maybe even wrestle a bit.
Overall, I have loved being in Tijuana. In particular, hanging out at the orphanage around the corner. Amazing the way children can speak right to your heart. Life is beautiful.
If you are reading this please pray for my health, my spanish, that language would not be a barrier, strength in trials, and courage to proclaim the name of Jesus with my words and actions. Dios te bendiga
Sunday, May 1, 2011
ya es hora de batallar
The LORD is a Warrior; the LORD is His name.
Exodus 15:3
Tomorrow, May 2nd, 2011, I leave for Tijuana, Mexico. I wish I could say I was jumping out of my seat in excitement, but I don't get excited anymore, because every day, every season, every chapter in our lives is a gift from God. Whether I am here in poe dunk Eastanollee GA (which I do love) or in the slums of mexico, I know I am there for a reason, that God is still working on me, carrying me to completion. Loving me.
Yesterday, I was at James and Natalie's wedding and I remember standing up there with the other groomsmen just listening to the ceremony, and I started thinking about Mexico. I started feeling like I didn't belong at that wedding, For whatever reason, the wedding seemed so... surreal? Don't get me wrong, the wedding was absolutely beautiful, everyone had a great time including myself, the people were great, the food was great, and all in all it was an amazing time. But I guess that is just the thing.
I saw some ad about the royal wedding on some website, and the title read "Britain believes in fairy tales after all!" (Exclamation point added by me because it's corny.) Marriage? Fairy Tales? Really? Have all the worlds problems been solved because some guy who they call a "Prince" married some commoner lady? Is that the solution to stop the sex traficking in Atlanta? Is it the cure for cancer? Will people in Africa have food now? Perhaps it will rid all the pain that many spouses experience within their own marriages? Maybe not, but for a few hours on Friday, billions of people across the globe could watch, forget, and pretend that evil simply didn't exist.
I do believe in fairy tales in the sense that they encapsulate what is good and beautiful in life. I still watch disney movies because they speak to my heart in a language that couldn't be written in words. However, fairy tales, when taken alongside reality, should be used to appreciate life. For many people, fairy tales are just another drug to help escape it.
This is the reality that we live in: Jesus Christ hase come to earth to "bring Good News to the poor... to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free." He was raised, announcing freedom from sin and death along with new life to all who call upon His name. He lives, and His kingdom has arrived here on earth, reclaiming what is His, and advancing with His army of angels against the dominion of darkness. A mighty fortress is our God. However, evil still reigns. The flock has been scattered. The news seems to show us that each day is worse than the day before. However, "Now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation." The story is epic.
I am a warrior. And until the battle is over I will not put down my sword. Standing up there with those groomsmen, enjoying a glass or two of champagne (ok fine I think it was three or four), fixing my tie in the mirror, feasting and dancing... I felt like a warrior that was back at home celebrating while the rest of the army was off at battle. There is nothing wrong with weddings, they are wonderful! And certainly we can all enjoy a time of celebration every once and a while. My problem is just that... mine.
The minister said to James, "Just as Jesus will one day go to receive His bride, James, you may now go to receive yours." I was proud of James. It takes a man to commit to one woman and love her well the rest of his life. And we all look forward to the ultimate fairy tale ending when Jesus will come forth for us. Until then, we fight.
Tijuana here I come!
Exodus 15:3
Tomorrow, May 2nd, 2011, I leave for Tijuana, Mexico. I wish I could say I was jumping out of my seat in excitement, but I don't get excited anymore, because every day, every season, every chapter in our lives is a gift from God. Whether I am here in poe dunk Eastanollee GA (which I do love) or in the slums of mexico, I know I am there for a reason, that God is still working on me, carrying me to completion. Loving me.
Yesterday, I was at James and Natalie's wedding and I remember standing up there with the other groomsmen just listening to the ceremony, and I started thinking about Mexico. I started feeling like I didn't belong at that wedding, For whatever reason, the wedding seemed so... surreal? Don't get me wrong, the wedding was absolutely beautiful, everyone had a great time including myself, the people were great, the food was great, and all in all it was an amazing time. But I guess that is just the thing.
I saw some ad about the royal wedding on some website, and the title read "Britain believes in fairy tales after all!" (Exclamation point added by me because it's corny.) Marriage? Fairy Tales? Really? Have all the worlds problems been solved because some guy who they call a "Prince" married some commoner lady? Is that the solution to stop the sex traficking in Atlanta? Is it the cure for cancer? Will people in Africa have food now? Perhaps it will rid all the pain that many spouses experience within their own marriages? Maybe not, but for a few hours on Friday, billions of people across the globe could watch, forget, and pretend that evil simply didn't exist.
I do believe in fairy tales in the sense that they encapsulate what is good and beautiful in life. I still watch disney movies because they speak to my heart in a language that couldn't be written in words. However, fairy tales, when taken alongside reality, should be used to appreciate life. For many people, fairy tales are just another drug to help escape it.
This is the reality that we live in: Jesus Christ hase come to earth to "bring Good News to the poor... to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free." He was raised, announcing freedom from sin and death along with new life to all who call upon His name. He lives, and His kingdom has arrived here on earth, reclaiming what is His, and advancing with His army of angels against the dominion of darkness. A mighty fortress is our God. However, evil still reigns. The flock has been scattered. The news seems to show us that each day is worse than the day before. However, "Now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation." The story is epic.
I am a warrior. And until the battle is over I will not put down my sword. Standing up there with those groomsmen, enjoying a glass or two of champagne (ok fine I think it was three or four), fixing my tie in the mirror, feasting and dancing... I felt like a warrior that was back at home celebrating while the rest of the army was off at battle. There is nothing wrong with weddings, they are wonderful! And certainly we can all enjoy a time of celebration every once and a while. My problem is just that... mine.
The minister said to James, "Just as Jesus will one day go to receive His bride, James, you may now go to receive yours." I was proud of James. It takes a man to commit to one woman and love her well the rest of his life. And we all look forward to the ultimate fairy tale ending when Jesus will come forth for us. Until then, we fight.
Tijuana here I come!
Monday, April 11, 2011
A House of Cards
Sometimes I think that this whole world that has been built up around me is made of plastic. And what I mean by "sometimes" is just about every day. I look around at all I see, how people live, what they have, what they lack, how they act, what they say, what they value, what they love. It all seems so fake. so superficial. a house made of cards. empty. When I really get to thinking about it, I will usually laugh at the absurdity of it all, not because I think I am better than anybody else, but because I just don't understand it. It can't be real.
This world is so big, and this life so short, that thinking about the mockery we have made of it all makes me want to grow hair just so I can pull it all out (maybe I'll do that.) What is this life!?
Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" or "in abundance." He told the woman at the well, "Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." And one of my favorite quotes: "The glory of God is man fully alive" by Saint Irenaeus. Put all these together and you have the life I want to live. It is far from a house built of cards.
There is no room for compromise between the true world that God created and the world that we pretend to live in. The latter actually is no world at all, but it would be a lie to say grown ups don't play make-believe too. There is no room for compromise between the true lives God has created us for and the lives others tell us to live, or that we might prefer to live. We live in a world of compromise, but God hates compromise. "Every word of God is pure, and any addition to them will make you a liar." Let what is true be true, and what is false be false. Let what is good be good and what is evil be evil! There is no room for compromise when it comes to following God. "He who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple." It is all or nothing. An abundant life or a house of cards.
And then the fear kicks in... another invention of the ultimate make-believer, Satan, who tries to keep us enslaved. What if... fill in the blank. "God has never forsaken those who seek Him."
Security does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. -Helen Keller
"So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future." - Chris McCandless (Into the Wild)
"Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." To know the true God is to love Him; and to know Him better is to love Him all the more. "If you love me, keep my commands... Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” (Jesus)
"Follow Me" - Jesus
Thursday, April 7, 2011
The Poor Will Be Glad
When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous. JESUS (Luke 14:12-14)
Last week I set out for an adventure.. just a little one. I decided that I was going to hitchhike to Atlanta to work with Day Laborers. I apologize if you are reading this and are mad that I hid this from you, or that I hitched when you would have offered me a ride, but I hope you will understand that I had to complete the journey. God opened my eyes to a lot.
On the trip, I slept in a gas station/truck-stop with a bunch of truckers, walked a combined 20 miles (hello calves and hamstrings), 6 of those miles on the expressway before being told by a cop that apparently it's illegal (who knew!), stuck that thumb up nice and proud in the rain, witnessed two grown men break down crying when I prayed for them, got a ride from these guys from Royston, another ride from this really nice lady named Habeba, stood on the side of the road with Hispanic guys across the street from Home depot for 2 hours (la mayoria no habla ingles), did slave labor with Pedro all day (Pedro is about 40 and from Ecuador, where he sends money back to his wife and kids), and finished it off with a nice 10 mile hike to my grandparents house. All in all it was terrible.
I am a stupid 22 year old kid who has a truck in my driveway and the opportunity to get a steady job. I have always had a bed to sleep in, and food on the table. I don't know if it was simply my ignorance and naivety that kept me sound a sleep at night, or perhaps just my sheer apathy. But I feel God constantly reminding me lately, "I LOVE the poor!!"
Our world is so efficient and sophisticated that it is so easy to go your whole day without noticing the poor. Who goes in gas stations anymore when you can just swipe your card and wait in your car? Who waits in line to have your groceries scanned when you can just go to the "You-Scan" line? Ummm I think I would rather wait an extra ten minutes for this double cheeseburger in drive-through than go inside. Who takes public transportation when I can sit in my own car and be by myself? We get home, turn on that tivo to catch up on all the shows we missed that day, put an inspirational bible verse on our facebook status, and pray before we go to sleep at night that God would continue blessing our families and keeping us safe and healthy.
In our world, the poor are forgotten. But in the Bible:
Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? James 2:5
Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
for yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who hunger now,
for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.
for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.
JESUS (Luke 6:20-21)
.
Lately God has been burning in me a passion to help the poor. Not just buying them a burger, but inviting them into my house for a meal, hanging out with them, praying with them, loving them. Because it is clear to me that God hears those who mourn, and those who are hungry. Jesus Himself was closely connected with the poor and He knew them by name. Below is a quote that good ole Chapman (aka Chapstick) sent me...
Monday, March 21, 2011
misunderstood
Mark 3:21-22 When his family heard what was happening, they tried to take him away. “He’s out of his mind,” they said. But the teachers of religious law who had arrived from Jerusalem said, “He’s possessed by Satan, the prince of demons. That’s where he gets the power to cast out demons.”
How reassuring it is to know that I am not the only one who feels misunderstood. Jesus' parents thought He was crazy too! And others thought He was possessed by Satan! I guess that is kind of like people telling you that you need to stop listening to Satan's plan for your life.
I dropped out of college a week ago from today. I know what I want to do with my life (something most people my age are still figuring out), and I don't need a diploma to do it. Therefore, when I got the MRI results back from the doctor for my ankle, it only made sense that God was telling me His plan for my life was different than the one I had come up with. What reason was there to stay in school? I prayed that I would have a peace about dropping out if God wanted me to do it, and I did. So I left. There's a lot more to this story but let's face it... no one will understand anyway.
After I left, the reality set in that following God's will for my life would not be easy. Truthfully, I did not think dropping out was that big of a deal. I could always finish later if I wanted to. But then I realized that no one likes you stepping out of line. They call me an idiot. A dumbass. They look at me funny when I tell them that school just is not for me. They say it's my evil spirit of rebellion that is causing me to throw my life away. I feel like I am the most misunderstood person on this planet right now.
Jesus says in Luke 4 that "no prophet is accepted in his own hometown." I don't think I am any prophet or anything, but how true is it that those closest to you, friends, family, those that think they know you the best, are the ones that never accept God's will for your life. I guess it's because they love me the most and want what is best for me. They want me to have a nice house, nice family, no financial trouble, good health, etc. But the other day Jesus told me, "I want you to know hunger." I am not sure what that means but it makes me think of that story...
Luke 9:57-62 As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
Or how about in Luke 14 when Jesus says, "Those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples."
I have come to the point where I don't expect anyone to understand. I have accepted being misunderstood because I know that Jesus Christ will stand by me no matter where I go. And I plan to continue listening to the voice of God no matter what it costs me. I praise God that He gives joy and joy abundantly to those who call on His name, and I thank every one of my friends and family that support me.
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ?... No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.
How reassuring it is to know that I am not the only one who feels misunderstood. Jesus' parents thought He was crazy too! And others thought He was possessed by Satan! I guess that is kind of like people telling you that you need to stop listening to Satan's plan for your life.
I dropped out of college a week ago from today. I know what I want to do with my life (something most people my age are still figuring out), and I don't need a diploma to do it. Therefore, when I got the MRI results back from the doctor for my ankle, it only made sense that God was telling me His plan for my life was different than the one I had come up with. What reason was there to stay in school? I prayed that I would have a peace about dropping out if God wanted me to do it, and I did. So I left. There's a lot more to this story but let's face it... no one will understand anyway.
After I left, the reality set in that following God's will for my life would not be easy. Truthfully, I did not think dropping out was that big of a deal. I could always finish later if I wanted to. But then I realized that no one likes you stepping out of line. They call me an idiot. A dumbass. They look at me funny when I tell them that school just is not for me. They say it's my evil spirit of rebellion that is causing me to throw my life away. I feel like I am the most misunderstood person on this planet right now.
Jesus says in Luke 4 that "no prophet is accepted in his own hometown." I don't think I am any prophet or anything, but how true is it that those closest to you, friends, family, those that think they know you the best, are the ones that never accept God's will for your life. I guess it's because they love me the most and want what is best for me. They want me to have a nice house, nice family, no financial trouble, good health, etc. But the other day Jesus told me, "I want you to know hunger." I am not sure what that means but it makes me think of that story...
Luke 9:57-62 As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
Or how about in Luke 14 when Jesus says, "Those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples."
I have come to the point where I don't expect anyone to understand. I have accepted being misunderstood because I know that Jesus Christ will stand by me no matter where I go. And I plan to continue listening to the voice of God no matter what it costs me. I praise God that He gives joy and joy abundantly to those who call on His name, and I thank every one of my friends and family that support me.
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ?... No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.
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