Tonight I had a bible study. It was not planned and all in consisted of was asking questions. If I ask my pastor one question, he will literally take an hour to explain the answer. He loves questions. From our questions we went from discussing how to defend your faith, to what faith really is.
Better yet, do we really believe in having faith?
Many times we say we have faith but what does that mean?
Satan has faith that God is real and probably has more faith in the power of God than we do.
Thankfully, God expects that many will have faith only as small as a mustard seed! For example, if you have faith God can help you find a minimum wage job and pray as if God has already granted your request, He might just bless you beyond what you expected. Then your faith increases as God answers prayer. So you pray for 1,000 dollars and God gives you 5,000. You increase in faith. You pray then for 10,000 dollars and God blesses you with 100,000. so on and so forth.
God has to teach us how to grow our faith. We can't teach ourselves to have faith just as we can't bring a person to faith. That is all by God's power and His power is far beyond what we can imagine. So start imagining and pray as if God has already granted your request. He loves hearing from you and you can know for sure, as a father, He loves giving to His sons and daughters. It is a joy for Him.
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Romans 11
I know to chosing to write about the topic of Romans 11 is a lot, but it has been the cause of my life being overwhelmed by God's grace than ever before. First we have to take a look at the Old Testament to understand.
Hosea 4:1
"Hear the word of God
people of Isreal!
For God has a greivance
against the inhabitants of the land:
there is no truth, no faithful love
or knowledge of god in the land."
Isaiah 6: verse 10
"Make the hearts of this people sluggish with fat
stop up their ears, and shut their eyes.
Otherwise, seeing with their eyes,
and hearing with their hearts,
they might repent and be healed!"
verse 12-13
"until God drives the people far away,
and the land is one vast desolation.
If even a tenth of the people remain,
it will again be devoured
But like a pistachio tree or an oak,
whose trunk remains alive
after it's leaves fall off, the holy seed with be its trunk."
What does this have to do with grace? If we read into Romans 11, it paints the picture. Think of an olive tree. This olive tree represents the people of Israel, the chosen people of God who we read about all through the Old Testament. The Jewish people stumbled, and God who was rich in mercy sent a Savior to save both Jew and Gentile. So why then are the Jewish people so blinded by this mercy?
There is a purpose.
In Romans 11 it says, "It is by means of their stumbling that the deliverance has come to the Gentiles, in order to provoke them to jealousy...they were broken off because of their lack of trust."vs 11
God broke off the Jewish people from their own tree! Instead, He has grafted us Gentiles into this Jewish tree through the Messiah.
"But if some of the branches were broken off, and you- a wild olive branch-were grafted in amoung them and have become equal sharers in the rich root of the olive tree...remember, you are not supporting the root, the root (the Jewish people) are supporting you." vs. 17-18
" Just as you yourselves were disobedient to God before but have recieved mercy now because of Isreal's disobedience: so also Israel has been disobedient now, so that by showing them the same mercy God has shown you, they too may now recieve God's mercy." vs. 30
What Mercy! What Grace!
Paul says in Romans 10 that his deepest desire and prayer for Israel is their salvation. If the Jewish people are blinded so that we, as Gentiles can be saved, how then should we be praying?
In Matthew 23, Yeshua is speaking to the people of Israel saying, "For I tell you, from now on, you will not see me again until you say, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord." vs. 39
We will not see Jesus return until the Jewish people are grafted back into the tree that we share with them. However, that is happening right now and the ministry I am working with is seeing Jewish people come to know the Messiah and we worship as Jews and Gentiles together just like the church of Ephesus. It is beautiful and I do believe that God is taking the blinders off the Jewish people that have been there for 2,000 years. More Jewish people have come to know the Messiah in the last 20 years than the past 2,000 years prior. Yes, He is coming soon. I know this is a lot to think about, but it all makes God's grace for a gentile like myslef so overwhelming.
Hosea 4:1
"Hear the word of God
people of Isreal!
For God has a greivance
against the inhabitants of the land:
there is no truth, no faithful love
or knowledge of god in the land."
Isaiah 6: verse 10
"Make the hearts of this people sluggish with fat
stop up their ears, and shut their eyes.
Otherwise, seeing with their eyes,
and hearing with their hearts,
they might repent and be healed!"
verse 12-13
"until God drives the people far away,
and the land is one vast desolation.
If even a tenth of the people remain,
it will again be devoured
But like a pistachio tree or an oak,
whose trunk remains alive
after it's leaves fall off, the holy seed with be its trunk."
What does this have to do with grace? If we read into Romans 11, it paints the picture. Think of an olive tree. This olive tree represents the people of Israel, the chosen people of God who we read about all through the Old Testament. The Jewish people stumbled, and God who was rich in mercy sent a Savior to save both Jew and Gentile. So why then are the Jewish people so blinded by this mercy?
There is a purpose.
In Romans 11 it says, "It is by means of their stumbling that the deliverance has come to the Gentiles, in order to provoke them to jealousy...they were broken off because of their lack of trust."vs 11
God broke off the Jewish people from their own tree! Instead, He has grafted us Gentiles into this Jewish tree through the Messiah.
"But if some of the branches were broken off, and you- a wild olive branch-were grafted in amoung them and have become equal sharers in the rich root of the olive tree...remember, you are not supporting the root, the root (the Jewish people) are supporting you." vs. 17-18
" Just as you yourselves were disobedient to God before but have recieved mercy now because of Isreal's disobedience: so also Israel has been disobedient now, so that by showing them the same mercy God has shown you, they too may now recieve God's mercy." vs. 30
What Mercy! What Grace!
Paul says in Romans 10 that his deepest desire and prayer for Israel is their salvation. If the Jewish people are blinded so that we, as Gentiles can be saved, how then should we be praying?
In Matthew 23, Yeshua is speaking to the people of Israel saying, "For I tell you, from now on, you will not see me again until you say, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord." vs. 39
We will not see Jesus return until the Jewish people are grafted back into the tree that we share with them. However, that is happening right now and the ministry I am working with is seeing Jewish people come to know the Messiah and we worship as Jews and Gentiles together just like the church of Ephesus. It is beautiful and I do believe that God is taking the blinders off the Jewish people that have been there for 2,000 years. More Jewish people have come to know the Messiah in the last 20 years than the past 2,000 years prior. Yes, He is coming soon. I know this is a lot to think about, but it all makes God's grace for a gentile like myslef so overwhelming.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Bible Reading Plan
I have been trying to read the bible through in a year doing the chronological plan and I was folling it well for a good amount of time. I must admit though, I found it a struggle to read straight through and I wasn't being fed the word properly. I wasn't in the best condition as I soon stopped absorbing what I was reading and mainly tried to achieve my goal more than learn from God's word.
Coming here to Cabo, I was introduced to a reading plan entirely different and everyone seemed to love this plan. I am going to finish reading the bible completely through this year, but this time I am picking up this reading plan and finding so much joy in opening up God's word every day. Maybe you might want to give it a try?
Exodus
Section 2
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Section 3
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
Section 4
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chronicles
2 Chronicles
Section 5
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther
Job
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Section 6
Psalms
Section 7
Proverbs
Section 8
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Section 9
Daniel
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
Section 10
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts
Section 11
Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Hebrews
Revelation
Section 12
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
James
1 Peter
2 Peter
1 John
2 John
3 John
Jude
Sorry this is so long... Basically, you read one chapter in one book of each section per day. For example, if I'm just beginning this reading plan ,I read Genisis 1:1, Leviticus 1:1, Joshua 1:1 and so on. So you read 12 chapters a day because there are 12 sections. It probably takes 45 minutes each day, so you can always split it up however you want if you wish to read a shorter length of time. You will never repeat the plan the same because there are different amounts of chapters in each section. That's what makes it fun! I love this plan and maybe you might want to take it on as well!
Coming here to Cabo, I was introduced to a reading plan entirely different and everyone seemed to love this plan. I am going to finish reading the bible completely through this year, but this time I am picking up this reading plan and finding so much joy in opening up God's word every day. Maybe you might want to give it a try?
Section 1
Genesis Exodus
Section 2
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Section 3
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
Section 4
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chronicles
2 Chronicles
Section 5
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther
Job
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Section 6
Psalms
Section 7
Proverbs
Section 8
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Section 9
Daniel
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
Section 10
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts
Section 11
Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Hebrews
Revelation
Section 12
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
James
1 Peter
2 Peter
1 John
2 John
3 John
Jude
Sorry this is so long... Basically, you read one chapter in one book of each section per day. For example, if I'm just beginning this reading plan ,I read Genisis 1:1, Leviticus 1:1, Joshua 1:1 and so on. So you read 12 chapters a day because there are 12 sections. It probably takes 45 minutes each day, so you can always split it up however you want if you wish to read a shorter length of time. You will never repeat the plan the same because there are different amounts of chapters in each section. That's what makes it fun! I love this plan and maybe you might want to take it on as well!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
July 13, 2011
Exactly a year ago, I was on a mission trip to Boston with my youth group. It was on July 13th that I felt the presence of God. He was placing a calling in my life for full time ministry. With tears filling my eyes, I spoke with my youth pastor who confirmed a peace about my calling and who has guided me this past year. In my heart I desired to be a missionary. The world would tell me this was not my will, but I knew deep in my heart and by the presence of God that He wanted me to be a missionary. I was anxious this past year trying to figure out where I was headed and what I was doing with my life. I knew God had called me to full time ministry, but the world put many obstacles in my way.
It is tonight, One year later, as I am here in a Messianic congregation in Cabo, Mexico, that God has revealed to me His grace. It did not hit me what day it was today until the spirit of God filled our congregation and almost everyone accepted the holy spirit into their lives tonight by the grace of God. It was beautiful and tears stained my cheeks as I tried to take pictures and document everything. Then it hit me. Exactly a year ago, I felt God's presence calling me to be a missionary and now here I am, in Cabo, living in a tent inside a church; a missionary for God.
I was overwhelmed by God's faithfulness and grace. I fell crying. I was so overwhelmed by this grace God had shown me. Many came up to me to give me hugs as I prayed and just held me as I sobbed. They did not know what was going on in my heart, but that had love for me. It was that love that has shown me so much grace being here. I am astonished by such love in this church. God is pouring out His love to me through the people of this church and I am truely thankful for where God has brought me this past year.
I am so overwhelmed, I am sure my words are not very clear, but what is clear is that God is a God of Love.
It is tonight, One year later, as I am here in a Messianic congregation in Cabo, Mexico, that God has revealed to me His grace. It did not hit me what day it was today until the spirit of God filled our congregation and almost everyone accepted the holy spirit into their lives tonight by the grace of God. It was beautiful and tears stained my cheeks as I tried to take pictures and document everything. Then it hit me. Exactly a year ago, I felt God's presence calling me to be a missionary and now here I am, in Cabo, living in a tent inside a church; a missionary for God.
I was overwhelmed by God's faithfulness and grace. I fell crying. I was so overwhelmed by this grace God had shown me. Many came up to me to give me hugs as I prayed and just held me as I sobbed. They did not know what was going on in my heart, but that had love for me. It was that love that has shown me so much grace being here. I am astonished by such love in this church. God is pouring out His love to me through the people of this church and I am truely thankful for where God has brought me this past year.
I am so overwhelmed, I am sure my words are not very clear, but what is clear is that God is a God of Love.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Cabo San Lucas
There is so much to say as I sit here in my tent on the 8th day of being here in Cabo. I wish I could explain in simple words all that God is showing me. Unfortunately, it will take me a few more blog posts before I can begin to bring about an understanding of all that is happening. First off, God's love is amazing and even more so when you see His love working in the lives of everyone in your congregation. Secondly, the life of a missionary is quite difficult especially when the enemy wishes to tear you down. However, love truely conquers all. I have been showered with many blessings of love.
I want to share a new bible reading plan that I have learned about here in my church congregation. I have found it to be quite amazing. I'll post it very soon. :)
I want to share a new bible reading plan that I have learned about here in my church congregation. I have found it to be quite amazing. I'll post it very soon. :)
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Prayer
Prayer:
The silent prayer
Can go anywhere
Through the times of rejoicing
To the times of despair
An uplifter of the soul
A peace to the mind
Strength in the battle
And a heart that's divine
Prayer is medicine
For the weary of heart
It is the key to life
In a missionaries plight
Prayer unanswered
Can do wondrous things
For God searches the heart
And knows all your needs
A prayer in short
Can be so strong
With words of passion
And words of Psalm
Lets not worry to pray
Just to pray every day
But pray with your whole
Heart, soul, mind, and strength
This is my last night here in Texas, before I leave for Cabo. The one thing I need most, more than anything, more than a packed suitcase, a checked off to-do list, or a good night's rest is prayer. I sat through service today at church as pain shot through my stomach. All day long my stomach has been in tremendous pain. I got still and prayed for the pain to go away and instantly it did. One week ago, my stomach was in similar pain as I was about to help with a church service. I prayed and instantly the pain went away and I felt better. I believe more than anything that God knows our hearts and He remains faithful to answer prayer.
He is King or Kings and Lord of Lords and able to do exceedingly more than we can imagine. He is a God of miracles!
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24
And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Matthew 21: 21-22
The silent prayer
Can go anywhere
Through the times of rejoicing
To the times of despair
An uplifter of the soul
A peace to the mind
Strength in the battle
And a heart that's divine
Prayer is medicine
For the weary of heart
It is the key to life
In a missionaries plight
Prayer unanswered
Can do wondrous things
For God searches the heart
And knows all your needs
A prayer in short
Can be so strong
With words of passion
And words of Psalm
Lets not worry to pray
Just to pray every day
But pray with your whole
Heart, soul, mind, and strength
This is my last night here in Texas, before I leave for Cabo. The one thing I need most, more than anything, more than a packed suitcase, a checked off to-do list, or a good night's rest is prayer. I sat through service today at church as pain shot through my stomach. All day long my stomach has been in tremendous pain. I got still and prayed for the pain to go away and instantly it did. One week ago, my stomach was in similar pain as I was about to help with a church service. I prayed and instantly the pain went away and I felt better. I believe more than anything that God knows our hearts and He remains faithful to answer prayer.
He is King or Kings and Lord of Lords and able to do exceedingly more than we can imagine. He is a God of miracles!
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24
And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Matthew 21: 21-22
Friday, July 1, 2011
Another Closing Chapter
I am ashamed to say I have only posted on my blog once this past month. I have let my busy schedule overtake me. Well here it is, the beginning of July where summer is at its peak and so much is happening!
On a personal note, I would love to share what is changing in my life. It has been a time to say goodbye to family and friends, but of course it is only for a while. However, I am saying goodbye forever to the life I am so familiar with. God has set me on a new path and I am very excited for what lies ahead. As an update, in about two days I will be heading to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico where I will be living for this first year of college. I will be working in the ministry while starting my studies online. I wish to keep you all posted on all that is happening along my journey and continue blogging all about God's incredible word. Right now I am refreshed from a wonderful time at youth camp and I am ready to pursue a deeper relationship with Christ. I am so grateful for all the blessings in my life and the wonderful friends and family that are always there for me.
On a personal note, I would love to share what is changing in my life. It has been a time to say goodbye to family and friends, but of course it is only for a while. However, I am saying goodbye forever to the life I am so familiar with. God has set me on a new path and I am very excited for what lies ahead. As an update, in about two days I will be heading to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico where I will be living for this first year of college. I will be working in the ministry while starting my studies online. I wish to keep you all posted on all that is happening along my journey and continue blogging all about God's incredible word. Right now I am refreshed from a wonderful time at youth camp and I am ready to pursue a deeper relationship with Christ. I am so grateful for all the blessings in my life and the wonderful friends and family that are always there for me.
One of my new jobs in Cabo will be to document all the miracles happing in the congregation. One of the greatest miracles that God has done in my life is answering my prayers, bringing some of the greatest friends into my life.
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