Hopeless

I was just thinking of how people can go through struggles where they feel like they can't get back up, and no one can help. They make you feel broken, defeated, hopeless Thinking of this made me think of Jesus in his last days on this earth in physical form. He was unjustly accused, slandered, tortured, pierced, hung, and to this earth, defeated. One thing happen that neither the devil nor us could imagine. When all hope was lost, Jesus sprang up from the grave which concealed him and there He stood, victorious. He conquered the once unconquerable, made possible the impossible. And there was hope. There still is hope because He is coming back soon. Jesus gave hope to the hopeless and gave strength to the weak. When we lose hope in life, go to God because there is always hope in Him. ²⁸ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

What's been on my mind...

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately, especially after the fall retreat, of how am i leader now, and how i should be a leader. First of all, being a leader is something i strove for especially in regards to the younger kids, in Chi Alpha or in school. I try to lead by example, because as it's said, "actions speak louder than words." Then it hit me hard on the fall retreat of how much better of a leader i am if i really do stand up for what's right and use words to portray the message im trying to get across along with using my actions. Like i said earlier, I strove to be a Godly leader, solid young man in Christ and to be courageous, showing no fear in the face of my enemies, whether it be the devil or myself or someone else, to never falter in my belief of God and my relationship with Him, and keep Him first. But as ive matured, ive realized not all of those are always going to be there, I may struggle with my belief for a time or my relationship with Him, or give in to sin or to do things i shouldnt, that doesnt mean i still cant be a leader during those trials. We all know how it goes, our relationship with God goes up and down, from mountains to valleys and back up again on and on and on. But who's to say i cant lead someone while im in a valley, to set an example for someone else when there in the same situation. That is my goal.
I also feel like i havent been the leader i should be, whether it be in Chi Alpha or FCA or wherever. I sit back too often and watch things happen but im always too afraid to jump in the fray and stand up for what's right. The fall retreat made me realize that all too much. I know that God has a plan for me in my life, and i need to not be afraid to jump out of my shell that ive been hiding behind too long and follow that plan. I want to know God, and walk closely with Him as David did, I want to know God like that. Too often in this culture do we get sidetracked by stupid things, and get held back from sharing the name of Jesus because of our ego's, i need to lego my ego. God is the most important thing in my life and i need to start living my life that way, not in the silent Christian lifestyle (which isn't bad, it's just not for me) but in the radical, "wow, that kids got something that i want" way of following God. I know God has something in plan for me, what it is exactly i dont know, but i trust God will reveal it to me in time. I want to be radical, to rebel, to have my life revolve around Him. If you were wondering how you could pray for me, this is it. Pray for me that i will God to whatever end and to stand strong and be courageous. "Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love." Ephesians 6:23-24

Don't Be Like Esau

"See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done." Hebrews 12:16-17 This seems pretty simple considering most of us think of Esau to be stupid in this decision, but in all honesty, are we really any different? I know i normally look down on Esau because of this decision, but we are all on the same level of stupidity. We all realize that in the story, that his inheritance would have lasted a lot longer and had more satisfaction than that bowl of soup, but in his mind, he desired immediate gratification, are we really any different? God allowed us to be part of Jesus' inheritance, eternal life, to spend with Him, but we have not received it yet so it doesnt seem as real as it will be that day when the Lord calls us home. The same goes with Esau in the sense of his inheritance didn't seem as real until the day came when his father died. So, are we really any different? We as humans, run around life trying to find immediate gratification (just like Esau, see the connection yet?). We forgo our inheritance for worldly things that will pass away with the blowing of the wind, or the passing away of time. God gives us a choice, inheritance that is eternal(which includes being with Him forever), or trying to find the happiness in this life that will satisfy you. The reason that i use trying instead of finding, is because you won't find happiness in this life that will satisfy you. Sure you'll have happiness for a temporary time, but not for long. Satisfaction that comes from God is eternal and it is always there. There's a lot to learn from the story of Jacob and Esau. The biggest lesson in my opinion though, is to not give up temporary satisfaction for your inheritance, no matter what the temporary satisfaction is. Stay true to the Lord and He will stay true to you.

My Best Friend

I don't have anything super on my mind but i like the feeling of typing a lot so i will write about my best friend. So as many of you know, it's Sam Harting. And if you didn't know, it's Sam Harting. I first met him in 7th grade when i switched churches to HHBC. I thought he was cool then, and funny, but very short tempered and cynical. Skipping ahead, we never really were super close until about 8th grade when we became good friends and i tried to help him in life situations, but he wouldn't listen but i stayed persistent and it turned out for the better. The summer between 8th and Freshman year was what really made us best friends. I spent 3 days at his house while my mom was in Florida and that was one of the best summers i've ever had. I've watched as his faith has grown over these past years and it's really been an encouragement to me to see where my faith can go. and last year i wasnt the type of friend that i should have been and ive apologized so much for it. That made me realize though, how important friends are in life. not just best friends but close friends in general really can help you get through tough situations and make life a lot easier. That's not to say that friends won't have their differences but they are truly a blessing from God. I've had so many fun times with sam and i look forward to many more (especially when we can drive!). Thanks for the great memories dude!