Love....

As I prepare for my trip to Mexico with my church mission team I pray one main thing: that I can really love these children like Christ love's them. I can serve them, and do many other things for them, but not really love them. But that doesn't mean that love doesn't require action, for example, if you really love God, you should show it.

As I read 1 Cor 13 it says,

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

This verse tells me that I can serve and care about the kids, but not really love them. So I pray that I can really love them with His love and to see them like Christ sees them.

-Amen-

Signs of the end??

These days some major themes dominate the news: terrorism, war, global warming, and disease. I've been asking God, "Will it ever end?" or why he allows these things to happen. I just read the news today, and over 600 people have died in the Israeli and Hezbollah conflict. It brings me sadness that people are dying, and there doesn't seem to be hope for them. I think God really is crying as He watches His creation fight each other to death. There are rumours of war, disease, and natural disasters occuring in many places.

But I know that He is in control, even though sometimes we can't understand a lot of things, and one day He will judge all people for the things that they have done.

I was reading some scripture yesterday regarding these things from Luke 21: 5-36, and it says,

Signs of the End of the Age
Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, "As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down."
"Teacher," they asked, "when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?"
He replied: "Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away."
Then he said to them: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.
"But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. This will result in your being witnesses to them. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. All men will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. By standing firm you will gain life.
"When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
"There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.
"I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
"Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."

Just reading this passage encourages me to not be afraid of what is happening and what will happen to our world as His return draws nearing. Yes, it can only get worse, but God is in control and He wants us to have peace and to look to Him.

Christ is also encouraging us to remain faithful to Him, passionate, purpose-driven, alert and ready, and not be like everyone else. This life is only temporary. But this life is lived to glorify Him. May we know Him more and may we make His name known throughout the world.

-Amen-

The future...

There are many things that I desire for in my heart. I do believe that these are pure desires that God wants to give me in His time. I feel like God is opening, and granting me one desire that I have wanted to pursue for a long time, and no! this is not about any relationship, believe me! I'm still very much single! and I don't think my status will change any time in the near future. Check back soon...I'll give you more details as things become clearer!

God is good!

-Amen-

You're changing me...

Thank You God for not giving up on me! I am soo far behind! I still need to grow more to be more like you. God, forgive me when I think that I have everything all together and when I look down on people. How I react to situations in life and even examining my attitudes show that I still need to grow and change. I hold on to the promise in Hebrews 12: 2 - "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith...", because you are changing me!

One thing I constantly need to work on is my heart. I often do not have the heart of Jesus in me. Sometimes I don't feel any love towards people, sometimes I'm indifferent. I was reading Luke 7: 11-17:

Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, "Don't cry."
Then he went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!" The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.
They were all filled with awe and praised God. "A great prophet has appeared among us," they said. "God has come to help his people." This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea[a] and the surrounding country.

After reading this passage, I am reminded and convicted that I don't have this compassion that Jesus had which is this compassion that moved Him to help others. God continue to change my heart to have this compassion that moves to help others, for my friends, co-workers and people every where who don't know you!

Trip to NY

Pictures of NY....

From the Inside Out

I've been learning alot about how important it is not to do religion but to have a genuine relationship with Christ and to allow him to change us, and this change is supposed to be shown through our actions, words, motives and thoughts as a reflection of our changed hearts. These days I'm just asking God to change my heart and to see, think and feel everything from his point of view. I've been reading the popular sermon that Jesus preached called the "Sermon on the Mount," from Matthew 5-7. Reading these verses reminds me that God is so concerned about the attitude of our hearts, towards him and others.

Yesterday I was reading chapter 5, verse 21-26 on the topice of murder, and it says,

You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brotherwill be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell. "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. "Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

Wow! God is so concerned about our relationships with other people, especially Christians. This passage is really telling us to always seek to reconcile with our fellow brother, and to really forgive him. This reconciliation even takes priority over worshipping him.

A song came to my heart: From The Inside Out
Joel Houston
A thousand times I’ve failed
Still Your mercy remains
And should I stumble again
I’m caught in Your grace
Everlasting Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending Your glory goes beyond all fame

Your will above all else My purpose remains
The art of losing myself In bringing You praise
Everlasting Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending Your glory goes beyond all fame

In my heart and my soul Lord I give You control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
let justice and praise
Become my embrace To love You from the inside out
Everlasting Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart Is to bring You praise
From the inside out Lord my soul cries out

Trip to Boston

I was so happy to visit Ryan in Boston and my cousin in New york last week. It was a good time of catching up with Ryan, and renewing our friendship and just having a good time! I just want to encourage you Ryan, to just hold on! and to really open up your heart to Him! He really wants to speak to you! I remember you in my prayers.