Having a good perspective...part 1

I feel that I am learning a lot at this point in my journey with God and walking the life that He has given me.

I most certaintly think that I can add more to this blog entry, but I think that I will leave it to part 2; right now I am focused on a few lessons. Once I learn those lessons, I can progress to another life lesson.

One of my favorite songs comes from the newest Hillsong United CD: Across the Earth, called "Soon" written by Brooke Ligertwood. These are the lyrics:

Soon and very soon
My King is coming
Robed in righteousness
And crowned with love
When I see Him
I shall be made like Him
Soon and very soon

Soon and very soon
I'll be going To the place
He has prepared for me
There my sin erased
My shame forgotten
Soon and very soon

I will be with the One I love
With unveiled face I'll see Him
There my soul will be satisfied
Soon and very soon

Soon and very soon
See the procession
The angels and the elders
'Round the throne At His feet I
'll lay my crowns My worship
Soon and very soon

Though I have not seen Him
My heart knows Him well
Jesus Christ the Lamb
The Lord of heaven

I don't ever want to think that this life will last forever. In fact it won't, only God know's when I will be taken from this earth. Also, as I look at world news, it's no secret that we live in very unpredictable times. Wars, famine, natural disasters and economic uncertainty face our world.

This song gives me a sense of hope that one day I will be with my Lord and will be at peace and in bliss. With all of this in mind, I have recently been pondering how best to live my life. God give me the wisdom to know how best to live. Give me the wisdom to know how best to spend my time, resources and energy. God give me the wisdom to know how to live a life that is pleasing to you.

Love...

There is a passage that I have been meditating on for the past week. This passage is commonly read at weddings. Yet this verse is not just about love between a married couple but love between friends, family and in the church.

1 Corinthians 13: 1-13

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. 9For 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.

God help me to become a more loving person; change my heart.

God's blessings......

It's been a long time since I last updated this blog. I think it took this long due to a number of reasons. But I think the main reason would be the lack of inspiration.

Recently my strategy for devotions is to come back to Jesus, since He is my salvation, Lord and the ultimate example to follow.

Our mission

I've been reflecting on one of Jesus lasts prayer - John 17:1-25

Jesus prays for himself

After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.
And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.

Jesus Prays for His Disciples

"I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 10All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. "I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

Jesus Prays for All Believers

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. "Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me.

I really like this passage because it teaches me a few things about what it means to be a Christian. That eternal life is really just about knowing God, and doing what He wants us to do. By doing these things we bring glory to God.

This passage also speaks about how our mission is to be in the world, and get our hands dirty, to mix in with everyone, to love people, to bring change and to preach the gospel. Yet it also means we don't share in the same value system as everyone else, but live according to God's words and be holy.

What an amazing and yet challenging calling for us Christians, and it's a reminder for me that when I wake up every single day and leave the house, I am officially on duty. That I need to engage, to love, to preach and yet be holy at the same time.

Honor God

1 Samuel 2: 30

"Therefore the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: 'I promised that your house and your father's house would minister before me forever.' But now the LORD declares: 'Far be it from me! Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained.

Malachi 3: 6-12

"I the LORD do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you," says the LORD Almighty. "But you ask, 'How are we to return?'

"Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit," says the LORD Almighty. "Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land," says the LORD Almighty.

This passage is true for our church. Our congregation has really stepped up and given a portion of our finances to God especially for our building campaign. This has been very sacrificial but rewarding. And now our church is on the verge of having our own land! God is good. God is moving in our church and doing great things and we obey. I really feel that God wants me to continue to give my best to serve in church.

Over the years God has really challenged me to honor Him and put Him first. This is the case in all areas of my life including my finances. I remember hearing a sermon about money and God and how so much of what Jesus talked about had to do with money. The pastor would challenge us to give back God the finances that He deserved and to watch Him bless us in return.

I can say that God has indeed paid me back and honoured me in so many ways. I have a wonderful family who all love Jesus and 4 wonderful nephews and nieces, good health, good friends and a good job.

New relationship

Recently God has blessed me with a wonderful new relationship. I think I waited a long time for this. I remember praying a lot over the years and wondering when she would come into my life. I remember all the years of being single and trying to grow into a Godly man and to do my best to be patient.

Jen is truly a wonderful blessing, and a person who encourages and challenges me. I am so happy when I am with her. I really do believe that God has brought us together, at the right time and in the right season. She is beautiful and a young women who loves Jesus. I do hope that I am an encouragement to her.

I want to honor, encourage, support, love and protect her, and to be the man that I am supposed to be.

I can only thank God every time for bringing this girl into my life.

I do admit that it is all very new for me and I do pray that God will bless our relationship, and bring us closer together in every way, that God might be in the center of our relationship and might just affirm our relationship step by step.

I thank God so much for her and can say that our love is growing stronger for each other more and more.

I am truly looking forward to growing more and more in love, friendship and God together.

Journey so far...

Hi! I'm sorry to all my blog fans for not updating for a really really long time :) But today I feel inspired to write.

Well for the summer, I've been really enjoying the outdoors. I've been playing a lot of sports and just meeting new people. I went on a mission trip to Nicaruaga! That was really awesome, and perhaps I will write about it at a later date.

But it's worth saying that I will always be passionate about missions! and I will continue to participate in missions. I love it! I love serving! I love how missions opens my eyes to the world!

Staying on Mission...

Recently my brother Daniel, got ordained after being a pastor for a few years. It was a really long ceremony but wonderful to see him confirmed that being a pastor is his true calling in life. There's a passage that I've been thinking about these days and it's from 1 Corinthians 7. That passage talks about marriage, and singleness, and how at the end of the day, it is all temporary. The most important things is our devotion to God. The passage reminds me to stay on mission.

I struggle a lot with my singleness. I don't really like being single, and I hate how I sometimes feel lonely. I often get jealous of my married friends. I often wonder why I am still single. I question what I am not doing or what I am doing wrong.

It's interesting how your friends give you advice. Even though they have really really good intentions, I'm learning that sometimes they give really ungodly advice. So I am learning to just ignore them.

Anyway, this passage just really encourages me to be content and happy in God and to serve Him and do whatever He has put in my heart to do for Him. And to be happy with this gift of singleness and to use it for His glory. It's a constant a struggle, but I pray for grace everyday.

I do have faith that I will one day be married because I really do desire marriage and a partner and companion for life. That desire never goes away, and I believe that it is from God. So I have to hold to the fact that God will give me the desires of my heart but in His perfect timing.

New challenges and opportunities

Some of the things that I am considering doing is volunteering somehow in youth ministries. I've been thinking about mentorship for a long time. Even though I don't consider myself a great mentor, I think young people need guidance and people to look up to. They need purpose and direction. They need to feel valued and loved. So I'm thinking and praying about it and will talk to my youth pastor about it in a few weeks.

The other important event is that I plan to return to school again. I feel that this is an opportunity to learn and expand my experience and mind. It will be weird to see students who are younger than me and challenging to get back into studying. But I'm looking forward to it and hope God gives me the strength!

I'm also going to push myself a little bit to look for another job! I have to! It's time to move on! It's hard to update that dusty resume and apply for jobs, it's hard!

Fear God...

There has recently been conflict in Georgia. Innocent lives were taken and now there are Russian troops in that territory. If there is one thing I could say to the Russian President and all leaders of the world, it would be that they need to fear God. That one day they would be held accountable for their actions because they will answer to God! I just wish that these leaders could really get it! If they did, then perhaps there would be less conflict and more peace and cooperation.

The end will come...

I had coffee with a friend the other day. And we both like to read what is going on in the world. We were talking about the conflicts and political climate of Georgia, Middle East, Afganistan and Pakistan. He mentioned something that was interesting. He said that world war 3 is just around the corner. That somebody will do something stupid that would cause a chain reaction.

It kind of reminded me of a bible passage found in Luke 21: 8 -28. This passage talks about the end of time and the events prior. It mentions war and rumors of war, earthquakes, etc. My friends this "war" talk is only the beginning.

Civil Forum on The Presidency...

I really appreciate how Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church set this event up to interview the two presidential candidates. He interviewed the separately without telling them the questinos in advance. The questions were on topics of leadership, faith, foreign affairs and the direction the country.

I think the presidential race is a very important election because the outcome really decides the fate of the world. America is still a superpower and has tremendous influence, though that may be diminishing.

I think John Mccain won the night though. Simply because he sounded quite firm on battling terrorism, and his answers on abortion and stem-cell research really seemed to appeal well with the audience. At the end of the day, winning the Christian vote is critical. And I think Mccain may have won the Christian vote.

Mccain is really strong on moral values, but Obama is not. Check out these links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_Forum_on_The_Presidency

Part 1: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2008/08/16/obama.forum.pt1.saddleback?iref=videosearch

Part 2: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2008/08/17/obama.forum.pt2.saddleback?iref=videosearch

Part 3: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2008/08/17/mccain.forum.pt1.saddleback?iref=videosearch

Part 4: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2008/08/17/mccain.forum.pt2.saddleback?iref=videosearch

As a Christian I like Mccains positions on tax cuts, free trade, environmental policy, role of faith based ministries. But I think Obama will fare better on foreign policy as it relates to the "war on terror." I think Obama would try and reach out to america's enemies like Iran, North Korea, Russia, etc. Maybe he will try and have discussion with these nations and find common ground. There is a reason why these countries don't like america. And maybe by extending an olive branch, everybody would love America again!

Christmas thoughts....

During Christmas, we get into the festive spirit and there is nothing wrong with that. So often we get consumed with getting gifts for people and even getting gifts for ourselves.

I asked myself...What is the greatest gift of all? Jesus Christ! yay! I want Jesus Christ this Christmas. What does that really mean? I just want to appreciate Christ, just experience that relationship in a much more meaningful and deeper way.....experience that grace...experience the joy of knowing Christ....the joy of serving...the joy of being changed by Christ.... I want to be able say Christ is enough :)

That's my goal this December 2008 :)

Isaiah 9: 6 - For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Priorities....

I was listening to a sermon the other day, and the passage it was based on really stopped and made me think.

It was on Matthew 10: 32-33 - Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.

I was just praying recently that people I come in contact will know that I am a Christian. That they will see Christ in me :) I guess this requires effort on my part as well...by being intentional and mindful when I do activities and tasks, speak, think, use my spare time, choose what I should prioritize in life, how I function at work, and how I relate to others.

Recently I've also asked God to continue to challenge me to go further, higher, and deeper than I've ever gone before. What a crazy request. But it's worth the risk when it's with God isn't it?

I've also asked God to keep me on the right path, and I think I feel like he's confirmed to me that I am doing well, and to continue to be faithful to what He has given me to do.

To end this particular blog..

Christ says to me.....Joshua! pay attention and remember that......

You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. (Matt 5: 13-16)

Journeyman....For such a time as this....

To continue with the theme of living for the kingdom....

I really like this show on tv right now called "Journeyman." It's a show about this reporter named "Dan Vasser" and at first it appears he's just the typical family guy with a wife and a kid.

Surprise, Surprise, that isn't the case. This guy for some reason or another, he goes back in time; usually perhaps 10 years prior or even 20 year prior to his present time.

He has to go back in time because he has to do some mission and it always has to do with saving a person from danger and/or death. I love this show because it speaks to me how he has to go into a certain period of time and fullfill his calling and help someone.

While I was watching it today, it reminded me of a story in the bible. It reminded me of the story of Esther in the bible and how she was chosen to by King Xerxes to be his wife and queen. There was a plot of kill the Jews in the kingdom, but As a result of Esther's intervention and influence they survived!

From a human perspective why did she get to be queen? Perhaps she was beautiful. But from spiritual perspective, perhaps God put her in that position for a reason.

Esther 4: 13 - 14: he sent back this answer: "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"

Isn't that great!!??

It helps me want to pray that I can serve a purpose and be a blessing to others. As I reflect on my life, I sometimes wonder how I could? I work on the corporate world dealing with people with nice suits and money. How could I possibly make a difference? I am not a social worker, a teacher or a doctor.

I believe for now I'm supposed to work in the marketplace, well at least for the time being...I am afterall looking for a new job.

It's something to think and reflect on I guess. It's something that I need to pray about and ask God to show me how.

A greater desire - Part 2

I have to admit that after I had the conversation with that person the other day, in which God spoke to me and said "no" and/or the "wrong time" I was personally very hurt. I am not angry or anything, I'm just kinda broken inside right now that's all.

It hurt me a lot to the point that I've been struggling these past couple of days in my heart. I've been praying a lot during the day, trying to remember to "seek the kingdom of God" trying to handle it in a Godly manner.

Anyway...His strength is sufficient, and I have to believe it. The reason I am facing this is because it's the best way God humbles me, and it makes my heart tender towards God.

I'm doing my best to do the Lord's will. The best that I can and the best that I know how.

When I get home I'm going to go on my knees and pray.......God have mercy.

-Amen-

A greater desire....

Have you ever wanted something so bad?? and for some reason, you don't get it? And efforts are futile? That's how I feel about God and something that I've been praying about for a while and asking the Lord for. As I prayed, and asked, I thought that God was answering the prayer. As I was having a conversation with someone the other day, God spoke through this person to tell me that it was either "no" or the wrong time.

So throughout the day, I have been struggling with conflicting feelings, and questions...here's what I came up with.....

I've been on this plan to read the bible for one year. This means that I have a schedule to follow, where I read a few chapters a day from both the old testament and new testament. It's good and interesting to see the story of God and man as you read through the story of creation, to man's sin, to the covenant between Abraham and God, and on and on. It's going to be an interesting read, but I am confident that I will learn a lot. Perhaps I will learn more of the why questions, and the purpose of things with more clarity.

Anyways...going on with what I came up with....As I was reading the bible, I came across the passage that talks about "seeking first the kingdom of God." And I thought to myself, wow that's the answer. There's absolutely no way that I can just change that initial desire..however, I thought to myself, the best way to handle this, is to seek and hold on to a greater desire.

So for now, even though I struggle with patience and want, while God tells me to wait...I can try and handle it in a more Godly manner.

Guiding Light & In his time ....Part 2

So I'm presently in the process of sending applications for a new job. I admit that I've struggle with this a lot. But recently I found a new found motivation to press on and perservere with this. I don't know what God has in store, but I need to have faith that God has good things ahead.

God have mercy...

I know that I screw my life a lot. I stumble way too much. I make promises to God that I don't keep, and I utterly fail so much at my attempts to be holy, and to do what is right. I utterly fail at believing in God's best for me, and instead run my own course and forget about Him. It's new prayer and habit that I want to come before God and ask for mercy, grace, compassion and strength on a continual basis because I recognize how much I need God.

Prayer...

I did mention that there was something that I have been praying. A personal request to God....It's good what I think God said to me...he didn't say "no"...He said wait and see. Be patient....So often we rush things and it's not God's timing....Be patient He tells me :) ..... I don't feel I have much control right now. I feel like I have to allow God to take control and let it play out according to God's will.