When we think of God its typically a good picture that comes to mind. One of a caring and loving God that will do anything to have his people follow him. But eventually He becomes tired of it and through his wrath takes it upon himself to judge the people with his righteousness. His anger burns so severely that even 1 or 2 faithful servants can't quench his raging fire.
This story is a love story. God loved Israel so much, and yet the people would not listen or follow His commands and rules. They had forsaken the one true God for false idols and prophets. Ones that would bring destruction to the chosen people. Even when Hezekiah and Josiah turned towards God, his anger was so strong against the people he blessed so much that it didn't matter anymore. He HAD to judge them and it led to the destruction of the nation and the Israelites being exiled and forced into slave labor once again.
We are not so different from them. We turn to God when its convenient for us. When his plans fit into ours and when we fall into hardship. We forget what He has given to us when we prosper and it leads us turning away from him. There is still life applications found in the Bible that was written 2000+ years ago. We need to keep the focus on Him and what He has done for us. We need to use the objects such as the bible or the cross as a remembrance of Jesus, and not as a false idol like the bronze snakes became.
Lately these same things have taken root into my being. I turn to comfort in food or in friendship with my roommates. I take matters into my own control and forsake God when trying to pursue things. Keeping the focus on Him is what needs to happen and its becoming a huge sign that things have been creeping up that needs to be eradicated.
After all I don't want to anger God to the point where he will no longer help me because I have turned away from him too many times.
God bless
Ricky
Nevertheless, the LORD did not turn away from the heat of his fierce anger, which burned against Judah because of all that Manasseh had done to provoke him to anger. So the LORD said, "I will remove Judah also from my presence as I removed Israel, and I will reject Jerusalem, the city I chose, and this temple, about which I said, 'There shall my Name be.'
2 Kings 23: 26-27
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Atonement
I walked into a nice little conversation last night between my roommates. They were discussing the difference between homosexuals and heterosexuals. It ended up leading the conversation to one of them saying "You're going to Hell." Now this is shocking even to me... none of them "believe" that God exists.
So the other shot back... so you admit that there is a God and stuff. He replied back with." the bible is fake crap written by man. But you still have to atone when you die."
I jumped in here with a simple question "To whom or what are you going to atone to and for,"
He pretty much avoided the question stating the fact that he believes that you have to atone for your past life...
I kept pressing the matter by asking " Like who are you going to be judged by..."
He still avoided the question by stating religion is a controversial subject...
This leads me to my point. I have a strange feeling that somehow in some strange way that maybe being around a religious person, that it is having some kind of impact in his thought process. It definitely is showing how frivolous some of his arguments are considering Hell and judgment if there is in fact "No God and the Bible was written by man." Him stating this is a logical fallacy because if man created God he also created the concept of Heaven and Hell...
Just somethings I have been thinking about today
God bless
Ricky
God presides in the great assembly;
he gives judgment among the "gods"
-Psalm 82:1
So the other shot back... so you admit that there is a God and stuff. He replied back with." the bible is fake crap written by man. But you still have to atone when you die."
I jumped in here with a simple question "To whom or what are you going to atone to and for,"
He pretty much avoided the question stating the fact that he believes that you have to atone for your past life...
I kept pressing the matter by asking " Like who are you going to be judged by..."
He still avoided the question by stating religion is a controversial subject...
This leads me to my point. I have a strange feeling that somehow in some strange way that maybe being around a religious person, that it is having some kind of impact in his thought process. It definitely is showing how frivolous some of his arguments are considering Hell and judgment if there is in fact "No God and the Bible was written by man." Him stating this is a logical fallacy because if man created God he also created the concept of Heaven and Hell...
Just somethings I have been thinking about today
God bless
Ricky
God presides in the great assembly;
he gives judgment among the "gods"
-Psalm 82:1
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Perfection or lack of
Recently I have been thinking a lot. These things have come down hard upon me because of the various things I do. During our bible study Tuesday we came up with a conclusion that you can tell who are true followers of Christ. They are the ones that don't just say things, but they take it to a new level. They actually DO the things to show love to their brothers and sisters aka everyone in the world.
I have been reflecting a lot lately about my own stance. I mean I do say a bunch of things to people, but how often am I doing it. How often am I going up to random people and saying "Hey you know what? Jesus loves you!" Well I can honestly say that hasn't happened at all when I have been by myself. It's only happened when I am around other Christians. I think its half trying to show off how good of a person I am, and half that they help give courage and encouragement.
I also have been considering other things as well. Like today I claimed that I could honestly be either a mentee or a mentor within my walk as a Christian. But I just came to realize this: How can I help others with their walk if I struggle with my own? How can I tell others how they should be doing things, when often times I don't do them? How can I expect others to express their thoughts, feelings, and actions when I myself rarely do them?
I am far from perfect. I am far from being decent, I am far from being average. I am below mediocre even. I was talking to my brother today trying to make sure his own intentions for things were right. Well honestly I have no reason to judge his actions, because I do the same things and often times far worse. He admits what he is doing half the time. I take these secrets only to myself. God knows them still because he's El Shaddai and nothing can be hidden from Him.
Its just some things I have been thinking of lately...
God Bless
Ricky
I have been reflecting a lot lately about my own stance. I mean I do say a bunch of things to people, but how often am I doing it. How often am I going up to random people and saying "Hey you know what? Jesus loves you!" Well I can honestly say that hasn't happened at all when I have been by myself. It's only happened when I am around other Christians. I think its half trying to show off how good of a person I am, and half that they help give courage and encouragement.
I also have been considering other things as well. Like today I claimed that I could honestly be either a mentee or a mentor within my walk as a Christian. But I just came to realize this: How can I help others with their walk if I struggle with my own? How can I tell others how they should be doing things, when often times I don't do them? How can I expect others to express their thoughts, feelings, and actions when I myself rarely do them?
I am far from perfect. I am far from being decent, I am far from being average. I am below mediocre even. I was talking to my brother today trying to make sure his own intentions for things were right. Well honestly I have no reason to judge his actions, because I do the same things and often times far worse. He admits what he is doing half the time. I take these secrets only to myself. God knows them still because he's El Shaddai and nothing can be hidden from Him.
Its just some things I have been thinking of lately...
God Bless
Ricky
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Effectiveness in ministry
This blog is all God inspired... I hope anyways. This post will be using the teaching from Matthew 7
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
-Matthew 7:3-5
I ask you to read this with open minds and open hearts. When we do God's work we have to have no agenda, no goals, no extra motivations. We need to come at it with loving hearts. In order to do that we have to take care of our own business first. We can't be too effective if we are preaching things that we aren't even following. We are called to love everyone, forgive everyone, and treat everyone the same.
I, along with many others, struggle with this day in and day out. It is something I have to take care of each day at all various times. Forgiveness isn't easy for us, but its definitely necessary. It takes the burden off our own shoulders, which are incapable of doing it, and puts it in the hands of Jesus, who is far more capable and qualified.
Before you go about trying to do God's will next, make sure that you are going along with what you are teaching and make sure its biblical. Repent of any sins that you have committed and truly seek forgiveness. Forgive those around you as well. Follow God with all your heart and come to your brothers and sisters for advice and wisdom. Tell them what's going on without falsities. Also if you do notice something in a brothers or sisters life that needs to change, don't be scared to take them aside one on one and tell them. It's our duties as the body of Christ to lift each other up.
If they fail to accept what you are saying, bring them to a SMALL group of believers and ask them to confirm it. Do it in a lovingly way, not one of condescending and misunderstanding. At our peak we do miracles in peoples lives. It's a gift from God to be able to spread the Gospel, but we need to take care of business before we can help others take care of theirs.
God bless
Ricky
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
-Matthew 7:3-5
I ask you to read this with open minds and open hearts. When we do God's work we have to have no agenda, no goals, no extra motivations. We need to come at it with loving hearts. In order to do that we have to take care of our own business first. We can't be too effective if we are preaching things that we aren't even following. We are called to love everyone, forgive everyone, and treat everyone the same.
I, along with many others, struggle with this day in and day out. It is something I have to take care of each day at all various times. Forgiveness isn't easy for us, but its definitely necessary. It takes the burden off our own shoulders, which are incapable of doing it, and puts it in the hands of Jesus, who is far more capable and qualified.
Before you go about trying to do God's will next, make sure that you are going along with what you are teaching and make sure its biblical. Repent of any sins that you have committed and truly seek forgiveness. Forgive those around you as well. Follow God with all your heart and come to your brothers and sisters for advice and wisdom. Tell them what's going on without falsities. Also if you do notice something in a brothers or sisters life that needs to change, don't be scared to take them aside one on one and tell them. It's our duties as the body of Christ to lift each other up.
If they fail to accept what you are saying, bring them to a SMALL group of believers and ask them to confirm it. Do it in a lovingly way, not one of condescending and misunderstanding. At our peak we do miracles in peoples lives. It's a gift from God to be able to spread the Gospel, but we need to take care of business before we can help others take care of theirs.
God bless
Ricky
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Why my GOD rules!!!
There is a reason why there is so much power in the Word of God. It speaks. When I read it, I become fascinated by it. It has infallible truth to it. People may look at some things falsely and try to say the Bible fails to stay consistent. I haven't really found anything that is falsified yet unless people take it out of context and situations. I was talking to a friend today and she was stating how Muhammad is the one that brings the real truth. I did a little researching and it is believed by Islam that Jesus wasn't a Jew. That he didn't die on the cross or die at all. They just claim he was an average man of Muslim variety that prophesied, and just was taken up to Heaven to wait until final judgment day.
Well this of course couldn't be. It's been WELL documented that he was in fact Jewish. It is by far WELL recorded that he was in fact crucified by the Romans. There is one thing that people don't doubt. That when a Roman carries out an execution that they in fact died. There is no way around it. Jesus DIED. He ROSE again and he has ascended up to Heaven. These are all well documented events. If there were any lies in the Gospel and New Testament, there were THOUSANDS of people around that would have said "Hey that didn't happen, its not true, it happened like this."
What else is true is the feeling I get from praying. I have never been a man that would embrace my emotions. But when I pray, and when I worship, it brings TEARS to my eyes every single time. I feel the PRESENCE of God upon me. It breaks my heart to see how far people can stray from the truth. I have learned some things today. I have learned that MY God doesn't care if I do this fast. What He does care about is that I worship Him. That I bring with me the new and leave behind the old. I have learned really to let go of my past. It has to change and be healed by God in order for me to be a better person.
It is by the Power of the Holy Spirit that I have been given this testimony. It is by the Power of the Holy Spirit and what Jesus did on the cross that saved me. It is by HIS name that I proclaim to cast out all false testimonies. We worship the Lord of Lords, King of Kings, I am that I am. He will conquer the false truths and Antichrists. I am just one of His humble sevants and it is only my duty.
God Bless everyone
Ricky
You shall have no other gods before [a] me.
Exodus 20:3
Well this of course couldn't be. It's been WELL documented that he was in fact Jewish. It is by far WELL recorded that he was in fact crucified by the Romans. There is one thing that people don't doubt. That when a Roman carries out an execution that they in fact died. There is no way around it. Jesus DIED. He ROSE again and he has ascended up to Heaven. These are all well documented events. If there were any lies in the Gospel and New Testament, there were THOUSANDS of people around that would have said "Hey that didn't happen, its not true, it happened like this."
What else is true is the feeling I get from praying. I have never been a man that would embrace my emotions. But when I pray, and when I worship, it brings TEARS to my eyes every single time. I feel the PRESENCE of God upon me. It breaks my heart to see how far people can stray from the truth. I have learned some things today. I have learned that MY God doesn't care if I do this fast. What He does care about is that I worship Him. That I bring with me the new and leave behind the old. I have learned really to let go of my past. It has to change and be healed by God in order for me to be a better person.
It is by the Power of the Holy Spirit that I have been given this testimony. It is by the Power of the Holy Spirit and what Jesus did on the cross that saved me. It is by HIS name that I proclaim to cast out all false testimonies. We worship the Lord of Lords, King of Kings, I am that I am. He will conquer the false truths and Antichrists. I am just one of His humble sevants and it is only my duty.
God Bless everyone
Ricky
You shall have no other gods before [a] me.
Exodus 20:3
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Rawr (^^^)
I just wrote the title of this because I couldn't figure out what to call it. I am horrible with naming things but meh.
My point in writing is about the things that are happening all around me. God has been blessing people all around me for some time now. Of course he has done so for me also, but this isn't about me right now. It seems as though everyone I am coming into contact with is getting married. Just this past September my good friends and family members Steve and Jessica got married. This summer coming up(I think its this summer) my really good friend from high school Tony is getting married. I just learned of 2 other couples getting married in the near future. Wow its such a change. I am overjoyed to have friends those that I consider family tying the knot and becoming one flesh.
I am thankful for all the things and can't wait for my day to get into a relationship once I get over this whole lacking of self confidence issue... But in the mean time Congrats to all those around me. May God bless you and you're family more so than you can ask or imagine! It's definitely a path that each of you have to grow together and change together!
Peace be with y'all
Ricky
My point in writing is about the things that are happening all around me. God has been blessing people all around me for some time now. Of course he has done so for me also, but this isn't about me right now. It seems as though everyone I am coming into contact with is getting married. Just this past September my good friends and family members Steve and Jessica got married. This summer coming up(I think its this summer) my really good friend from high school Tony is getting married. I just learned of 2 other couples getting married in the near future. Wow its such a change. I am overjoyed to have friends those that I consider family tying the knot and becoming one flesh.
I am thankful for all the things and can't wait for my day to get into a relationship once I get over this whole lacking of self confidence issue... But in the mean time Congrats to all those around me. May God bless you and you're family more so than you can ask or imagine! It's definitely a path that each of you have to grow together and change together!
Peace be with y'all
Ricky
Monday, September 28, 2009
Awesome Insanity inspired by God
This past weekend was nothing short of awesome insanity inspired by God. It all started with Friday, nothing really crazy happened besides some people coming over to watch tremors. A few of them hadn't seen the movie before so it was a laugh fest watching them jump at random times. Saturday was when the weekend truly began. I asked God for some time to myself to be spent in the bible and other things. He delivered big time and sent out my roommates for a good 4 hours. In this span of time I read 6 chapters of Job and finally was caught up in the readings at chapter 31. I set a goal to run for 1.2 miles... and God was like: " Oh you aren't stopping yet" and pushed me for the full 2 miles instead. Way over expected. Then I had no real plans planned for Sunday since my friends I normally go to church with were out of town. I ended up catching Seacoast Live at 9:30 service. I REALLY needed to hear it.
It was one of the best messages I have heard yet. It was about being empowered by the Holy Spirit and how you can really tell if it happens. Well folks, it truly has happened for me! I won't go over the reasons why, but catch the video when its online if you haven't seen the message. That was not over, the entire day was filled with God. I ended up watching a video cast from Hillsong Church in Australia. Then I found out that Elevation Church was just starting to have a live showing of church every Sunday at 7. It was a huge thing, great music, great message, great day of God. Now this was again not over. I looked back at the old messages on the Seacoast website, and found one that piqued my interests "Is the Bible Reliable?". And here's when the insanity started...
A friend of mine messaged me out of the blue. I hadn't spoken to her in literally months. The last time she talked to me... she was, well, drunk. I was interested in her for purely the wrong reasons last year. Last year she was really caught up with some other relationship she was trying to renew, which inevitably threw me off and I stopped trying to pursue it. She asked how my summer went. I said " It was full of awesome insanity inspired by God".
She replied "Oh then I suppose we can't have sex" and of course since this is an IM client she had a sad face pasted after it.
So we continued to talk. I was over joyed to learn that she and I quote "You have changed". It's so great that people I used to hang out with have noticed this. It is something I take a lot of joy in now. Something about being changed by God is something to be happy about.
It just brings me some great happiness and joy to be in a Walk with God. It molds people into things they never thought would be possible. I am glad to have known all of you and for completely changing my whole outlook on life. I am truly a better man now than I was before.
God bless
Ricky
It was one of the best messages I have heard yet. It was about being empowered by the Holy Spirit and how you can really tell if it happens. Well folks, it truly has happened for me! I won't go over the reasons why, but catch the video when its online if you haven't seen the message. That was not over, the entire day was filled with God. I ended up watching a video cast from Hillsong Church in Australia. Then I found out that Elevation Church was just starting to have a live showing of church every Sunday at 7. It was a huge thing, great music, great message, great day of God. Now this was again not over. I looked back at the old messages on the Seacoast website, and found one that piqued my interests "Is the Bible Reliable?". And here's when the insanity started...
A friend of mine messaged me out of the blue. I hadn't spoken to her in literally months. The last time she talked to me... she was, well, drunk. I was interested in her for purely the wrong reasons last year. Last year she was really caught up with some other relationship she was trying to renew, which inevitably threw me off and I stopped trying to pursue it. She asked how my summer went. I said " It was full of awesome insanity inspired by God".
She replied "Oh then I suppose we can't have sex" and of course since this is an IM client she had a sad face pasted after it.
So we continued to talk. I was over joyed to learn that she and I quote "You have changed". It's so great that people I used to hang out with have noticed this. It is something I take a lot of joy in now. Something about being changed by God is something to be happy about.
It just brings me some great happiness and joy to be in a Walk with God. It molds people into things they never thought would be possible. I am glad to have known all of you and for completely changing my whole outlook on life. I am truly a better man now than I was before.
God bless
Ricky
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Confidence or arrogance?
We often find things that we pick out that we like to describe people with. Like some people in high school would be classified as nerds or jocks or various other things. It no matter what we think has an impact for the rest of our lives. I came to a realization Monday about something that MUST change about my character.
I learned that I am a very very judgmental person. I am not in the least bit proud of this fact. I learned, or more realisticaly God showed me, this while sitting in class. There is this guy in my networking class. He's a fairly large guy and sat in front of me. I found myself thinking something along the lines of: "WOW at least I am not that big." I was easily convicted and then I was like: "WOAH where did that come from." See I have always been concerned with my weight ever since I started to gain it. I mean its something that basically shattered my once confident self. Ask Matt, he will tell you I was one cocky little brat in my youth. I always was the best of the best. I compared whatever I did with what others did and I would laugh at them for their lacking abilities. This is definitely not something I am proud of either.
Now that the shoe is on the other foot, I lack any sense of confidence. I doubt everything I am and everything I do. I doubt that I have received the Gift of Salvation all the time. I just lack these things because of the way my life has turned.
This again isn't something I am proud of. Then yesterday at small group we covered some 1 John 2. We came to the conclusion that we shouldn't doubt the fact that we have been saved. It says we should make decisions and go all in. Don't go halfway and keep wavering. And if it just happens to be that we realize it was the wrong way after going all out, then hey we repent. We tell God that we realize we made a mistake, that we aren't perfect. We also should walk with confidence. We have GOD on ourside. We have GOD inside of us. He is going to give us the things we need no matter what. We just need to walk up and do it with all of our ability. We shouldn't doubt or have a double-minded personality. This is what I have been struggling with for a while now. It's been growing in conviction and really needs to change.
I know that my own confidence levels are unfounded. Like the fact that I consider myself a terrible writer. I have been told by a lot of people that I am a great writer. One that writes with a purpose and with some authority. I don't see it when I write it, but after a week or so, I reread what I have written. I think to myself "WOW! Where did all this come from, no wonder why people think I can write." This goes to show that I have plenty of things to grow into and I look forward to the changes that are happening.
God bless
Ricky
I learned that I am a very very judgmental person. I am not in the least bit proud of this fact. I learned, or more realisticaly God showed me, this while sitting in class. There is this guy in my networking class. He's a fairly large guy and sat in front of me. I found myself thinking something along the lines of: "WOW at least I am not that big." I was easily convicted and then I was like: "WOAH where did that come from." See I have always been concerned with my weight ever since I started to gain it. I mean its something that basically shattered my once confident self. Ask Matt, he will tell you I was one cocky little brat in my youth. I always was the best of the best. I compared whatever I did with what others did and I would laugh at them for their lacking abilities. This is definitely not something I am proud of either.
Now that the shoe is on the other foot, I lack any sense of confidence. I doubt everything I am and everything I do. I doubt that I have received the Gift of Salvation all the time. I just lack these things because of the way my life has turned.
This again isn't something I am proud of. Then yesterday at small group we covered some 1 John 2. We came to the conclusion that we shouldn't doubt the fact that we have been saved. It says we should make decisions and go all in. Don't go halfway and keep wavering. And if it just happens to be that we realize it was the wrong way after going all out, then hey we repent. We tell God that we realize we made a mistake, that we aren't perfect. We also should walk with confidence. We have GOD on ourside. We have GOD inside of us. He is going to give us the things we need no matter what. We just need to walk up and do it with all of our ability. We shouldn't doubt or have a double-minded personality. This is what I have been struggling with for a while now. It's been growing in conviction and really needs to change.
I know that my own confidence levels are unfounded. Like the fact that I consider myself a terrible writer. I have been told by a lot of people that I am a great writer. One that writes with a purpose and with some authority. I don't see it when I write it, but after a week or so, I reread what I have written. I think to myself "WOW! Where did all this come from, no wonder why people think I can write." This goes to show that I have plenty of things to grow into and I look forward to the changes that are happening.
God bless
Ricky
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Disconnection
This world today flies by so fast. It is always changing and never ending. People go on and on and it can be a very tiring experience. We try and do more and more, we get less and less sleep. As we continue to press on, it's fairly easy to see that its really very easy to lose track of things.
These things can be reading the Word, prayer, friends, family, etc. This recently has been something that has been bothering me. I know I should try and call my parents more often. I tend to only call them when I need something from them, never out of just a general concern or because I want to talk to them. There is always a purpose behind a phone call to them. It is not something I'm proud of at all and it needs to change.
I also found that I am lacking in my conversations with my "family" in Charleston. I haven't stayed in contact very much with the vast majority of my "family". I still talk to a few there, but it's not like it should. I haven't been sending my weekly email to the Men's small group like I began at the beginning. There is no real reason behind it either.
Today it is impossible almost to NOT have some form of communication with others. We, including me, sometimes very rarely actually use it. I need to get a better grip on my own self to push it to change. I should just send random messages at all various times to let them know I am thinking about them. It's about taking advantage of our genuine care for each other, not because we have alternative motives behind it. So who else wants to be in on this change? Who wants to make their loved ones feel more loved than like an obligation or last resort? Who wants to show that we aren't just an average American that has selfish motivations?
Well I am in for one...
God bless y'all
Ricky
These things can be reading the Word, prayer, friends, family, etc. This recently has been something that has been bothering me. I know I should try and call my parents more often. I tend to only call them when I need something from them, never out of just a general concern or because I want to talk to them. There is always a purpose behind a phone call to them. It is not something I'm proud of at all and it needs to change.
I also found that I am lacking in my conversations with my "family" in Charleston. I haven't stayed in contact very much with the vast majority of my "family". I still talk to a few there, but it's not like it should. I haven't been sending my weekly email to the Men's small group like I began at the beginning. There is no real reason behind it either.
Today it is impossible almost to NOT have some form of communication with others. We, including me, sometimes very rarely actually use it. I need to get a better grip on my own self to push it to change. I should just send random messages at all various times to let them know I am thinking about them. It's about taking advantage of our genuine care for each other, not because we have alternative motives behind it. So who else wants to be in on this change? Who wants to make their loved ones feel more loved than like an obligation or last resort? Who wants to show that we aren't just an average American that has selfish motivations?
Well I am in for one...
God bless y'all
Ricky
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Getting through
Many things happen in life that gets people dragged down and stressed beyond belief. Fortunately for myself, I have been blessed to be able to deal with stressful situations with no real effects. I mean being nervous and being stressed out about stuff are two completely different situations.
I, being an honest person, tend to under prepare things I do. Its a bad thing sometimes, but on the other hand... I can generally get by without any problems. I look at situations in a whole different way. My general philosophy that has gotten me through life is simple: "If I don't know it, then I really don't need to know it." I am probably wrong when I say this, but I have also been blessed with a somewhat phenomenal memory. I generally am able to go over stuff once and remember what happens into a stunning detail. The only thing really I have struggled with is the Bible, because the deeper I dive the deeper it gets... making it impossible for me to comprehend in all its Glory.
What I am rambling on about is we need to be less worried about what's coming up, and more worried about what's going on now. We need to trust in God and make sure that we follow Him. We need to remember that, as His Child, we are going to be alright. We aren't going to embarrass ourselves too badly. Everyone has their quirks, but in the end we are going to be alright.
We should have a general plan in life, but always always be flexible. Never in my life would I begin to think of myself as someone that can write. Never in my life would I have thought I would have genuine friendships. Never in my life would I have thought I had a purpose. I have been forever changed. My entire outlook is different.
I still live somewhat by that philosophy, but I try harder to make sure I can Glorify God in every act I do. This year it's definitely turning things around. I have about a 98% average in every single class.... Yes I know its still somewhat in the beginning of classes, but its an overall 180 degree change. Last year I didn't even crack a book. I did things my own way, for my own selfish goals. Now I work for a higher authority.
We need to remember to be flexible and not worry about things. We are the Children of God and we are made in His image. So let him shine through us and not worry so much. The battle has already been won.... and guess what..... We aren't on the losing side.
God bless y'all
Ricky
"Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."
-Psalm 46:10
I, being an honest person, tend to under prepare things I do. Its a bad thing sometimes, but on the other hand... I can generally get by without any problems. I look at situations in a whole different way. My general philosophy that has gotten me through life is simple: "If I don't know it, then I really don't need to know it." I am probably wrong when I say this, but I have also been blessed with a somewhat phenomenal memory. I generally am able to go over stuff once and remember what happens into a stunning detail. The only thing really I have struggled with is the Bible, because the deeper I dive the deeper it gets... making it impossible for me to comprehend in all its Glory.
What I am rambling on about is we need to be less worried about what's coming up, and more worried about what's going on now. We need to trust in God and make sure that we follow Him. We need to remember that, as His Child, we are going to be alright. We aren't going to embarrass ourselves too badly. Everyone has their quirks, but in the end we are going to be alright.
We should have a general plan in life, but always always be flexible. Never in my life would I begin to think of myself as someone that can write. Never in my life would I have thought I would have genuine friendships. Never in my life would I have thought I had a purpose. I have been forever changed. My entire outlook is different.
I still live somewhat by that philosophy, but I try harder to make sure I can Glorify God in every act I do. This year it's definitely turning things around. I have about a 98% average in every single class.... Yes I know its still somewhat in the beginning of classes, but its an overall 180 degree change. Last year I didn't even crack a book. I did things my own way, for my own selfish goals. Now I work for a higher authority.
We need to remember to be flexible and not worry about things. We are the Children of God and we are made in His image. So let him shine through us and not worry so much. The battle has already been won.... and guess what..... We aren't on the losing side.
God bless y'all
Ricky
"Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."
-Psalm 46:10
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Keep the faith
This world is full of disappointment. It's full of let downs, suffering, and things that just makes people ask: "Why?" The answer is faith. We need and desire it. Having faith gives us hope for something better, something that is perfect. We need to remember not to worry about what happens in our lives. We are perfectly alright because God will take care of our needs and our wants. That is if that's really what we really want and need.
Just because we think that this is what we want doesn't make it true. We have a habit of looking at things with our minds not our hearts. We want to go to the TOP schools, the BEST restaurants, own the MOST luxurious cars and houses. But that is all our minds doing. That isn't going to give us happiness and hope and a way to beat off the pain of this life.
The only way we can do these things is TRUST. Trust that God has the blueprints. Trust that God has the tools. Trust that God is in control. So often in our lives we forget these things. We become discouraged. We lose that little flair that brings happiness and joy into our lives and the lives around us. We don't look to the one in control. We ask ourselves over and over: "Why did this not work? Why did this fail? What did I do wrong?"
The thing that was wrong was trying to change Gods plan or His timing. It failed because it wasn't either entirely meant for you or just not at the right moment. This was inspired because so often in life we forget that we have no real control over our lives. I mean we can turn away from the Path and stray away. HE typically lets it happen because that is the way we learn. We are hard headed and stubborn. We only learn through our mistakes and only then after we make a ton of them.
We just need to keep our eyes, minds, hearts, and souls set on Him. Our actions will reflect it and we will be brought far more joy in life.
God Bless
Ricky
God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
-Hebrews 11:40
Just because we think that this is what we want doesn't make it true. We have a habit of looking at things with our minds not our hearts. We want to go to the TOP schools, the BEST restaurants, own the MOST luxurious cars and houses. But that is all our minds doing. That isn't going to give us happiness and hope and a way to beat off the pain of this life.
The only way we can do these things is TRUST. Trust that God has the blueprints. Trust that God has the tools. Trust that God is in control. So often in our lives we forget these things. We become discouraged. We lose that little flair that brings happiness and joy into our lives and the lives around us. We don't look to the one in control. We ask ourselves over and over: "Why did this not work? Why did this fail? What did I do wrong?"
The thing that was wrong was trying to change Gods plan or His timing. It failed because it wasn't either entirely meant for you or just not at the right moment. This was inspired because so often in life we forget that we have no real control over our lives. I mean we can turn away from the Path and stray away. HE typically lets it happen because that is the way we learn. We are hard headed and stubborn. We only learn through our mistakes and only then after we make a ton of them.
We just need to keep our eyes, minds, hearts, and souls set on Him. Our actions will reflect it and we will be brought far more joy in life.
God Bless
Ricky
God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
-Hebrews 11:40
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Done enough?
I was given some good advice from a friend today. He basically said are you trying to run away from doing things that are difficult and go back to places that are already laid out and the path is already well worn and easy to travel. Initially took offense to the comment. I started to put up walls around me thinking Hey that's not at all what I am trying to do.
It kept nagging at me for a while... I realized it was exactly what I was trying. I was trying to forget what I can do here, versus what I already did in Charleston. The path for me there was fairly well traveled and it was just something easy for me. I wasn't around when it first began. I don't know or understand what things happened and the obstacles that had to be overcome, to be steamrolled, to lay the foundation.
He is absolutely right about what MY intentions were. God has had to have a reason why I came back here. If it wasn't meant to be, I would not have been able to be here, right now, in this situation. I need to take up arms now. I need to literally stop complaining about how much I tend to dislike some things here. I need to follow God's will and start to change it. It needs to be change for the glory of God.
Maybe this is what the summer was about. Maybe it was to show me all the things that are wrong here... and to change them and make it a more, for lack of a better term, Godly or perfect place. I honestly haven't done as much as I should to get the foundations for a new branch laid down. I haven't really talked with people much about starting a new branch of TI2TS. I haven't really shared the stories about how God is working... mind you I have shared a few stories. But what I haven't done is actually avidly go about and try and get some help. I haven't taken the initial steps. I haven't been listening.
I have fallen somewhat into my old rutine. I hang out, for the most part, with the same exact people I did last year. I barely try and witness to them. I barely try and go around and meet new people. I barely have done anything that God would be proud of.
With this being said... I thank you brother... I thank you for helping to open my eyes. I thank you for making me angry. I thank you for calling me out. I thank you for adding your incite into the situation. I thank you for being there for me...
God Bless
Ricky
It kept nagging at me for a while... I realized it was exactly what I was trying. I was trying to forget what I can do here, versus what I already did in Charleston. The path for me there was fairly well traveled and it was just something easy for me. I wasn't around when it first began. I don't know or understand what things happened and the obstacles that had to be overcome, to be steamrolled, to lay the foundation.
He is absolutely right about what MY intentions were. God has had to have a reason why I came back here. If it wasn't meant to be, I would not have been able to be here, right now, in this situation. I need to take up arms now. I need to literally stop complaining about how much I tend to dislike some things here. I need to follow God's will and start to change it. It needs to be change for the glory of God.
Maybe this is what the summer was about. Maybe it was to show me all the things that are wrong here... and to change them and make it a more, for lack of a better term, Godly or perfect place. I honestly haven't done as much as I should to get the foundations for a new branch laid down. I haven't really talked with people much about starting a new branch of TI2TS. I haven't really shared the stories about how God is working... mind you I have shared a few stories. But what I haven't done is actually avidly go about and try and get some help. I haven't taken the initial steps. I haven't been listening.
I have fallen somewhat into my old rutine. I hang out, for the most part, with the same exact people I did last year. I barely try and witness to them. I barely try and go around and meet new people. I barely have done anything that God would be proud of.
With this being said... I thank you brother... I thank you for helping to open my eyes. I thank you for making me angry. I thank you for calling me out. I thank you for adding your incite into the situation. I thank you for being there for me...
God Bless
Ricky
Friday, September 11, 2009
Support Base
I know it hasn't been long since my last post, but another thing came across my mind, this tends to happen a lot. I realize I have a huge and reliable and magnificent support base. I sometimes don't take advantage of this benefit. I still have a ton of questions that are constantly wizzing around my mind. I need to keep in mind everyone around me is going to be able to answer something they have picked up in their walk.
Take for instance, my brother Matt. He's got a ton of biblical knowledge as well as the history that goes with it. He is definitely willing to help me understand what happens in the walk we all are taking. He has very vocal opinions of course about these topics and most of them seem biblical to me.
We had a nice long coversation tonight/ morning... about what it takes really to be a Christian. He read my note and took into concern for his younger brother. He explained that several things needs to happen. Like you aren't supposed to be able to say Christ is Lord with gusto and authority unless you have truly accept it. You also need to repent from the past behavior and become more like Christ.
We also talked about what kind of opposition we are bound to face. We are supposed to be persecuted because Jesus was and since we follow him, the world naturally takes it out on his followers. He gave an example of Timothy being beaten that resulted in his death when he called out the pagans and told them to repent.
We also discussed the problems with many churches. Like he says they are too concerned with what happens in the world and have turned away from the original teachings. He thinks its sad that someone can grow up in the church all their lives and claim to be a Christian, but in the end not be saved because they weren't taught the right things. He used Matthew 7:22 as an example.
He's told me that he picked most of these beliefs from going out and learning the bible and the history of it. He also relied on fellow believers like Jason for things he didn't quite grasp.This is what I should do far more often. I try and wrestle with the Word and basically give up defeated because I just can't understand some of the meanings. He's covered a lot of what I have been having issues with lately and I love having his support as well as everyone elses too. I can't tell you how much of a help everyone is on my life. I have been forever changed because of this summer and everyone I have met along the way.
Thanks for being there for me, and thanks for the teachings Matt.... FYI you would have made a great pastor/minister/preacher.... whatever you want to call it.
God bless
Ricky
Take for instance, my brother Matt. He's got a ton of biblical knowledge as well as the history that goes with it. He is definitely willing to help me understand what happens in the walk we all are taking. He has very vocal opinions of course about these topics and most of them seem biblical to me.
We had a nice long coversation tonight/ morning... about what it takes really to be a Christian. He read my note and took into concern for his younger brother. He explained that several things needs to happen. Like you aren't supposed to be able to say Christ is Lord with gusto and authority unless you have truly accept it. You also need to repent from the past behavior and become more like Christ.
We also talked about what kind of opposition we are bound to face. We are supposed to be persecuted because Jesus was and since we follow him, the world naturally takes it out on his followers. He gave an example of Timothy being beaten that resulted in his death when he called out the pagans and told them to repent.
We also discussed the problems with many churches. Like he says they are too concerned with what happens in the world and have turned away from the original teachings. He thinks its sad that someone can grow up in the church all their lives and claim to be a Christian, but in the end not be saved because they weren't taught the right things. He used Matthew 7:22 as an example.
He's told me that he picked most of these beliefs from going out and learning the bible and the history of it. He also relied on fellow believers like Jason for things he didn't quite grasp.This is what I should do far more often. I try and wrestle with the Word and basically give up defeated because I just can't understand some of the meanings. He's covered a lot of what I have been having issues with lately and I love having his support as well as everyone elses too. I can't tell you how much of a help everyone is on my life. I have been forever changed because of this summer and everyone I have met along the way.
Thanks for being there for me, and thanks for the teachings Matt.... FYI you would have made a great pastor/minister/preacher.... whatever you want to call it.
God bless
Ricky
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Was I really saved?
I have this odd sensation sometimes that gets my mind thinking... It's probably just the devil that is putting the thoughts into my brain. I think fairly often.: Have I really been saved? Did I accept Christ as my Lord and Savior with my heart and not my mind? Did I really accept Christ when I tell others, or is it a recent thing?
This is where I am coming from. I tell everyone I accepted Christ around August 2008. I started to change my behavior in the Summer of 2009. I never opened the Bible before this summer. I never practiced anything that was in the Bible. Never really choosing to do much with this new found faith I had.
Was it truly accepted or did I just think of Jesus as my get out of Hell free card? Honestly I cant answer that question partly because I am afraid of the answer and partly because I don't exactly know. Maybe it was during the summer that I became a believer... or maybe I became a believer in August and God just decided it was about time that I started to act like one.
It's just something that has been going on in my head for a while now and I felt the need to put it in writing.
God Bless
Ricky
This is where I am coming from. I tell everyone I accepted Christ around August 2008. I started to change my behavior in the Summer of 2009. I never opened the Bible before this summer. I never practiced anything that was in the Bible. Never really choosing to do much with this new found faith I had.
Was it truly accepted or did I just think of Jesus as my get out of Hell free card? Honestly I cant answer that question partly because I am afraid of the answer and partly because I don't exactly know. Maybe it was during the summer that I became a believer... or maybe I became a believer in August and God just decided it was about time that I started to act like one.
It's just something that has been going on in my head for a while now and I felt the need to put it in writing.
God Bless
Ricky
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