I'm going to conveniently ignore the fact that I haven't posted anything recently and just start from where I'm at now.
Obviously, I'm not in Australia anymore. Since this is the case, I won't be continuing to use this blog to inform you of how things are going in Australia and at Hillsong Church. However, I recently did some reading of my old posts and was greatly encouraged by how God had showed himself faithful and taught me important lessons in the midst of difficult circumstances. Since God is not restricted by oceans and borders, these lessons have continued here in Hillsdale. I hope that the things which I record here will bless you and your relationship with Him as He has blessed mine.
Here we go!
In my recent reading, I came across Psalm 39. Within the psalm, David sings, "Show me, Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is." After reflecting for a short while, I was hit by David's realization. Our days are indeed short. By most standards, I've already lived between a third and a fourth of my life on the earth. Meditation on this passage leads me straight into frustration with my circumstances. "What the heck am I doing in college?"
College is difficult. Often it can feel like treading water or just passing time. Even before I left Australia, I had misgivings about my decision to return and pursue medicine. In my mind at least, I was very comfortable at Hillsong. God clearly blessed my time at Hillsong with momentum, miracles, and success. It's very hard to leave such a charged environment for one which you can't be quite sure about.
However, I am sure of some things.
1. God is good. - This goes right along with his faithfulness. He was with me and carried me through his journey for me at Hillsong. He will be with me here.
2. God's plan is good. - An in-depth look at any creature, process, body part, atom, star, or force will show that God is at the very least an artisan. The time which I spend in college is not wasted. I believe that if God has me here, this is the very best place that I can be.
3. People are worth it. - If I'm going to endure anything at all, I have to change my perspective and realize that ultimately, college is not entirely about me. Yes, I will have the opportunity to grow as a person. However, the scope of God's plan for me at Hillsdale extends beyond the internal. Everyday I will come into contact with hundreds of people who need to see Jesus. I have the constant opportunity on campus to be a showcase of the power of Jesus to transform a sinner and sustain him.
I am sure that the reason for my placement at Hillsdale will be forthcoming and will be as exciting as anything I have yet experienced. As for now, I will continue in the knowledge that God is good and that people are worth it.
Sunday, 10 March 2013
Thursday, 18 October 2012
God's Goodness
"Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!" -Psalm 105:1
For a while now, I have removed myself from this blog mainly out of convenience. It takes effort to sit down and recount the things that have happened in my life. In my readings of the Psalms, however, I immediately hit upon the theme of declaring the works of God to all peoples. The Holy Spirit did that conviction thing that it likes to do and so now I've returned.
For the past two months, I've been at Hillsdale studying harder than I ever have in my entire life. I am taking 16 academic credits which include Organic Chemistry and Rhetoric and Great Books with Jackson (purported to be the most difficult teacher in the school). I am also taking piano lessons with a wonderful (and difficult) teacher as well as playing lead trombone with the Big Band and a small combo. Even with that schedule, the grace of God has given me the ability to spend time at home and serve at church on the weekends and also build my relationship with my older brother. In hindsight, I don't see how those things are possible except through the supernatural. I am experiencing firsthand that when God gives responsibilities, he also supplies the time and resources that you need in order to be excellent in whatever those responsibilities are and regardless of how many you have. God provides.
Transferring from Hillsong to Hillsdale has been quite a change. The thing that sticks in my mind the most is the level of encouragement that gets thrown around. I believe that people of the kingdom of God should be people who encourage each other and use encouragement to minister to those outside the church. When I say encouragement, I don't mean that we should always be telling people things that we don't actually believe. If you're impressed with someone, let them know how and why. I guarantee that you'll stick in their mind as someone they can identify with and rely on. Wherever we are generous with our words, people will be built and God will be glorified.
If you ever have trouble finding a way to encourage someone, remember: "God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8
For a while now, I have removed myself from this blog mainly out of convenience. It takes effort to sit down and recount the things that have happened in my life. In my readings of the Psalms, however, I immediately hit upon the theme of declaring the works of God to all peoples. The Holy Spirit did that conviction thing that it likes to do and so now I've returned.
For the past two months, I've been at Hillsdale studying harder than I ever have in my entire life. I am taking 16 academic credits which include Organic Chemistry and Rhetoric and Great Books with Jackson (purported to be the most difficult teacher in the school). I am also taking piano lessons with a wonderful (and difficult) teacher as well as playing lead trombone with the Big Band and a small combo. Even with that schedule, the grace of God has given me the ability to spend time at home and serve at church on the weekends and also build my relationship with my older brother. In hindsight, I don't see how those things are possible except through the supernatural. I am experiencing firsthand that when God gives responsibilities, he also supplies the time and resources that you need in order to be excellent in whatever those responsibilities are and regardless of how many you have. God provides.
Transferring from Hillsong to Hillsdale has been quite a change. The thing that sticks in my mind the most is the level of encouragement that gets thrown around. I believe that people of the kingdom of God should be people who encourage each other and use encouragement to minister to those outside the church. When I say encouragement, I don't mean that we should always be telling people things that we don't actually believe. If you're impressed with someone, let them know how and why. I guarantee that you'll stick in their mind as someone they can identify with and rely on. Wherever we are generous with our words, people will be built and God will be glorified.
If you ever have trouble finding a way to encourage someone, remember: "God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8
Monday, 27 August 2012
Hillsdale
Yesterday, God helped me transition my life into Hillsdale College. And God, yet again, reminded me that there is no possible way to know the extent of the plans and purposes that he has for us.
I am now living in a four-floor dormitory named Galloway with my roommate, Colton. So far, all of my fears were completely unwarranted. God has definitely positioned us together to bring Christ and the Kingdom to this college and beyond. I only know a few things about the man, but so far I've found out that Colton does missions work in Haiti every summer, plays guitar and wants to be involved in campus ministry, and also has a passion for teaching about the revolutionary war. I'm very thankful for being constantly surrounded with men and women who are sold out for Christ and I can't wait to begin the work that we have to do.
At this point, I'm aiming at being a chemistry major with a pre-med focus. Long term, I'd love to be an emergency room doctor wherever God places me, and do missions work for whoever needs doctors and Jesus. That is definitely subject to change, but I feel like God has confirmed that occupation for me in a number of ways.
Two weeks ago, I received a message from a man who I met and served with in Australia named Andreas. Andreas was originally from Germany, but was in Australia serving with Hillsong Church. He told me that he was going to be in Chicago for a wedding, but needed a host family to stay with in the United States. I asked my parents, they said yes, and for the past week and a half, we've had a German man living with us! I love that God is allowing my two ridiculously distant worlds to stay connected, and that my family is always willing to bless strangers with the comfort of a home. It seems like God is always unlocking something new within us, some gift that we've had a vague idea was there, but never knew how to use. God is truly a master craftsman.
Awe-inspiring verse of today: "Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you" - Exodus 16:4
I am now living in a four-floor dormitory named Galloway with my roommate, Colton. So far, all of my fears were completely unwarranted. God has definitely positioned us together to bring Christ and the Kingdom to this college and beyond. I only know a few things about the man, but so far I've found out that Colton does missions work in Haiti every summer, plays guitar and wants to be involved in campus ministry, and also has a passion for teaching about the revolutionary war. I'm very thankful for being constantly surrounded with men and women who are sold out for Christ and I can't wait to begin the work that we have to do.
At this point, I'm aiming at being a chemistry major with a pre-med focus. Long term, I'd love to be an emergency room doctor wherever God places me, and do missions work for whoever needs doctors and Jesus. That is definitely subject to change, but I feel like God has confirmed that occupation for me in a number of ways.
Two weeks ago, I received a message from a man who I met and served with in Australia named Andreas. Andreas was originally from Germany, but was in Australia serving with Hillsong Church. He told me that he was going to be in Chicago for a wedding, but needed a host family to stay with in the United States. I asked my parents, they said yes, and for the past week and a half, we've had a German man living with us! I love that God is allowing my two ridiculously distant worlds to stay connected, and that my family is always willing to bless strangers with the comfort of a home. It seems like God is always unlocking something new within us, some gift that we've had a vague idea was there, but never knew how to use. God is truly a master craftsman.
Awe-inspiring verse of today: "Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you" - Exodus 16:4
Thursday, 14 June 2012
Plans and Purposes
I am excited to come home.
I believe that God has told me that his plan for me continues in Michigan at Hillsdale College. However, from what I've experienced so far, the promises that God gives you don't usually line up with the circumstances that you're in. I first experienced this in my run-up to coming to Australia in the first place. I knew that God had placed it on my heart to come, study, and serve with Hillsong Church. However, at that time, finances were impossible and it looked as if I would have to give up my goal of being a doctor for quite awhile.
As it turned out, God's word is true that "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." This year has been simply unbelieveable because of the opportunities and connections that God has placed here. While at Hillsdale, I'd like to be involved quite heavily in global medical missions. While at Hillsong, I've made connections with a wealth of nations that would've been impossible to connect with otherwise.
Serving with Hillsong has also given me a massive heart for my home church (Living Hope say whaaat?) and the city of Grand Rapids. It's amazing to me that sometimes God has to remove you from a place to give you a brand new appreciation for it. I can't wait to be back with my family and friends and step out together into what God wants to do in our city and in our nation. I have no idea what's coming up, but I can guarentee that it will be fantastic.
'Mmerica!
Hillsong Conference is quickly approaching!
I believe that God has told me that his plan for me continues in Michigan at Hillsdale College. However, from what I've experienced so far, the promises that God gives you don't usually line up with the circumstances that you're in. I first experienced this in my run-up to coming to Australia in the first place. I knew that God had placed it on my heart to come, study, and serve with Hillsong Church. However, at that time, finances were impossible and it looked as if I would have to give up my goal of being a doctor for quite awhile.
As it turned out, God's word is true that "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." This year has been simply unbelieveable because of the opportunities and connections that God has placed here. While at Hillsdale, I'd like to be involved quite heavily in global medical missions. While at Hillsong, I've made connections with a wealth of nations that would've been impossible to connect with otherwise.
Serving with Hillsong has also given me a massive heart for my home church (Living Hope say whaaat?) and the city of Grand Rapids. It's amazing to me that sometimes God has to remove you from a place to give you a brand new appreciation for it. I can't wait to be back with my family and friends and step out together into what God wants to do in our city and in our nation. I have no idea what's coming up, but I can guarentee that it will be fantastic.
'Mmerica!
Hillsong Conference is quickly approaching!
Strangely enough, I've been allocated to a team called "Night Refresh", which means that I'll be cleaning toilets at 2 AM! Please pray for me.
Other things to pray for :
-It's Ryan's birthday today. Send him a birthday prayer!
-Anthony has decided to stay in Australia, but is looking for a house to move into and favor for a job.
Thanks for all your support and prayers! I'll continue to update as much as possible!
John Mark
"Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told." -God.
Tuesday, 5 June 2012
Countdown
35 DAYS LEFT
I haven't written for a long time, but let's not dwell on the past.
Recently, God has been giving me opportunities to do things that I never could've even dreamed of doing. For instance, my housemate Ryan is currently working on a video announcement for his church in Canada and asked if I would write the backing track for him! It ended up being a lot more work than I initially thought, and I learned quite a few lessons about working with a director along the way, but I am really happy with how it turned out. The video is still going through the final editing, but maybe I'll throw the link up here when it's done.
When I go back to 'Mmerica, I'll be looking for a part-time job in production. For that, I'll need a portfolio of all the things that I've done with Hillsong in lighting and sound. Recently, God has been providing opportunities to work with amazingly creative stage designers for college chapel services and they have really helped to fill out my portfolio. (pictures later)
Also, I'm not sure if I mentioned this before, but I had a chance to work with my incredibly talented friend, P.J., on his short film which will be completed soon. During his film, I helped out during the shoots by taking the reference audio for all of the shoots. It was a completely unexpected opportunity, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. (link later)
Other things:
-Our house now has a ping-pong table
-Anthony might be moving to Norway next semester to work on a fishing ship.
-Matt has decided to stay for second semester
-Ryan is now a professional "busker", which means that he goes to malls with his guitar and collects coins that people throw at him
-and Brian.....can dance well? (link later)
This past week, I was able to hang out with my parents and cousins in Brisbane! I absolutely loved the kangaroo petting and people watching that we got to do all over the city. What I was amazed by was how quickly I became comfortable and ineffective as a Christian. I've realized that even though my tenure at Hillsong has made me incredibly effective when I'm in a structure and working hard, I still haven't figured out how to keep the same purpose in me during a break. Most importantly, I need to abide in Jesus and seek his kingdom and righteousness regardless of whether I'm constantly serving in church or if God wants me to just build relationships with my family for the week.
Things to pray for:
-Matt needs a job
-Anthony needs a miracle to get to Norway
-Strong finish to this season for me and an easy transition into serving God at home.
Thanks for all the feedback on the blog. It really helps motivate me to write more. I plan on writing more during the week so that I can continue to fill you in on the amazing things that God does. Thank you for your prayers!
I haven't written for a long time, but let's not dwell on the past.
Recently, God has been giving me opportunities to do things that I never could've even dreamed of doing. For instance, my housemate Ryan is currently working on a video announcement for his church in Canada and asked if I would write the backing track for him! It ended up being a lot more work than I initially thought, and I learned quite a few lessons about working with a director along the way, but I am really happy with how it turned out. The video is still going through the final editing, but maybe I'll throw the link up here when it's done.
When I go back to 'Mmerica, I'll be looking for a part-time job in production. For that, I'll need a portfolio of all the things that I've done with Hillsong in lighting and sound. Recently, God has been providing opportunities to work with amazingly creative stage designers for college chapel services and they have really helped to fill out my portfolio. (pictures later)
Also, I'm not sure if I mentioned this before, but I had a chance to work with my incredibly talented friend, P.J., on his short film which will be completed soon. During his film, I helped out during the shoots by taking the reference audio for all of the shoots. It was a completely unexpected opportunity, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. (link later)
Other things:
-Our house now has a ping-pong table
-Anthony might be moving to Norway next semester to work on a fishing ship.
-Matt has decided to stay for second semester
-Ryan is now a professional "busker", which means that he goes to malls with his guitar and collects coins that people throw at him
-and Brian.....can dance well? (link later)
This past week, I was able to hang out with my parents and cousins in Brisbane! I absolutely loved the kangaroo petting and people watching that we got to do all over the city. What I was amazed by was how quickly I became comfortable and ineffective as a Christian. I've realized that even though my tenure at Hillsong has made me incredibly effective when I'm in a structure and working hard, I still haven't figured out how to keep the same purpose in me during a break. Most importantly, I need to abide in Jesus and seek his kingdom and righteousness regardless of whether I'm constantly serving in church or if God wants me to just build relationships with my family for the week.
Things to pray for:
-Matt needs a job
-Anthony needs a miracle to get to Norway
-Strong finish to this season for me and an easy transition into serving God at home.
Thanks for all the feedback on the blog. It really helps motivate me to write more. I plan on writing more during the week so that I can continue to fill you in on the amazing things that God does. Thank you for your prayers!
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
Kingdom
Well, I'm back again! And this time, I can moonwalk.
You may ask, "How is that possible?"
Well, you're wrong. I can moonwalk.
Over here at Hillsong, we just finished up Colour Conference, which is a women's conference all about empowering women of the church with purpose and the plans that God has for them. As a man, I have the privilege of serving all of the delagates during the week. I was rostered onto the carpark team, which means that I was able to helpfully guide any drivers into their parking spots. As a member of the carpark team, I was privileged to be one of the first and last people to make contact with delegates as they entered and left the conference. I was the first and last impression that delegates had of the conference. Hillsong is really great at teaching the purpose behind the service. Before I actually served in carpark, I had no idea how important the team actually is. I think it's pretty easy to mistakenly think that "Amount of Time on Platform" = "Importance of Role in Church", but if there was nobody outside directing traffic, welcoming people into the building, cleaning the bathrooms, etc. people would never enter the building ready to receive the Word of God from the platform.
Yesterday, I was once again able to talk to the genius couple from Iran. Farshad still hasn't been able to find a job in the mining industry. I can't even imagine how frustrating it must be to spend 10 years getting a Ph.D. and be unable to get a job in a really growing industry simply because your nationality is questionable. As a connect group, we've been praying for favor from companies. I was also able to talk to him about how they use air cannons to create waves underwater and measure the seismic response of the earth to determine if there is oil in the ground. Absolutely fascinating. Elmira invited me back to the hospital on Tuesday to help her out in the reasearch. She said that they're starting to do tissue sampling to make conclusions about some of the surgeries. I don't really know what that entails, but I'm excited. I have Tuesday off of school anyway.
This past Sunday, I was able to get out to some Northern Sydney beaches and do some real surfing. It was a relatively calm day with only 6 foot swells, but as a beginner I was totally fine with that. I wasn't able to actually stand up on the surf-board, but that will come with time. I really want to get out and surf quite a bit more with the time that I have left here. Although 6 foot waves don't really sound that impressive, I found out quite quickly that a 6 foot wall of water can be pretty painful. I'm pretty sure that I realigned my spine during a particularly painful crash.
For a short stint in March, I got it into my head to be a vegetarian. After a couple weeks, I figured out that all I had done was replace my meat intake with chocolate, completely elimenating any benefits. I'm once again back to eating bacon. I've also decided not to illegally download anything from the internet anymore and I have opened up about half of my hard drive by deleting illegal things. Since that time, I've become more creative in my songwriting and have taken a strong liking to Sufjan Stevens. I'm currently trying to stop biting my fingernails.
The greatest revelation that God has given to me came through the book "Suprised By Hope", by N.T. Wright. The entire book is all about the hope that God has given to us through the resurrection of his son, Jesus, and what that means for our life right now. N.T. Wright explains simply that if we are Christians, we are also part of the Kingdom of God here on earth. If we are part of the Kingdom of God, we also are given the power of the Kingdom and the authority that comes from Jesus, the risen king. Our mission is to declare that the Kingdom of God is here and to prove that with the power that comes from the King. How crazy is that? It has absolutely changed the way that I walk around to know that I am constantly armed with the power of the holy spirit to heal the sick, raise the dead, and perform miracles in conjunction with the message that the Kingdom of God is here and available to all.
I hope that you take this same revelation with you into Easter and beyond and celebrate the mission and power that Jesus has graced us with in his resurrection.
You may ask, "How is that possible?"
Well, you're wrong. I can moonwalk.
Over here at Hillsong, we just finished up Colour Conference, which is a women's conference all about empowering women of the church with purpose and the plans that God has for them. As a man, I have the privilege of serving all of the delagates during the week. I was rostered onto the carpark team, which means that I was able to helpfully guide any drivers into their parking spots. As a member of the carpark team, I was privileged to be one of the first and last people to make contact with delegates as they entered and left the conference. I was the first and last impression that delegates had of the conference. Hillsong is really great at teaching the purpose behind the service. Before I actually served in carpark, I had no idea how important the team actually is. I think it's pretty easy to mistakenly think that "Amount of Time on Platform" = "Importance of Role in Church", but if there was nobody outside directing traffic, welcoming people into the building, cleaning the bathrooms, etc. people would never enter the building ready to receive the Word of God from the platform.
Yesterday, I was once again able to talk to the genius couple from Iran. Farshad still hasn't been able to find a job in the mining industry. I can't even imagine how frustrating it must be to spend 10 years getting a Ph.D. and be unable to get a job in a really growing industry simply because your nationality is questionable. As a connect group, we've been praying for favor from companies. I was also able to talk to him about how they use air cannons to create waves underwater and measure the seismic response of the earth to determine if there is oil in the ground. Absolutely fascinating. Elmira invited me back to the hospital on Tuesday to help her out in the reasearch. She said that they're starting to do tissue sampling to make conclusions about some of the surgeries. I don't really know what that entails, but I'm excited. I have Tuesday off of school anyway.
This past Sunday, I was able to get out to some Northern Sydney beaches and do some real surfing. It was a relatively calm day with only 6 foot swells, but as a beginner I was totally fine with that. I wasn't able to actually stand up on the surf-board, but that will come with time. I really want to get out and surf quite a bit more with the time that I have left here. Although 6 foot waves don't really sound that impressive, I found out quite quickly that a 6 foot wall of water can be pretty painful. I'm pretty sure that I realigned my spine during a particularly painful crash.
For a short stint in March, I got it into my head to be a vegetarian. After a couple weeks, I figured out that all I had done was replace my meat intake with chocolate, completely elimenating any benefits. I'm once again back to eating bacon. I've also decided not to illegally download anything from the internet anymore and I have opened up about half of my hard drive by deleting illegal things. Since that time, I've become more creative in my songwriting and have taken a strong liking to Sufjan Stevens. I'm currently trying to stop biting my fingernails.
The greatest revelation that God has given to me came through the book "Suprised By Hope", by N.T. Wright. The entire book is all about the hope that God has given to us through the resurrection of his son, Jesus, and what that means for our life right now. N.T. Wright explains simply that if we are Christians, we are also part of the Kingdom of God here on earth. If we are part of the Kingdom of God, we also are given the power of the Kingdom and the authority that comes from Jesus, the risen king. Our mission is to declare that the Kingdom of God is here and to prove that with the power that comes from the King. How crazy is that? It has absolutely changed the way that I walk around to know that I am constantly armed with the power of the holy spirit to heal the sick, raise the dead, and perform miracles in conjunction with the message that the Kingdom of God is here and available to all.
I hope that you take this same revelation with you into Easter and beyond and celebrate the mission and power that Jesus has graced us with in his resurrection.
Monday, 13 February 2012
Rain
I'm back again! Hello to family and friends, I really miss you all and can't wait to see you in July! Hopefully the summer in Michigan will be better than the summer that I'm having in upside-down land. The natives are saying that this has been the rainiest summer that they've had in 150 years or something. It has definitely been raining like crazy over here. Although, from what I hear, global weather has been a bit weird so far in this year. Thankfully, there are no leaks in our roof!
I recently had a wonderful trip to mini-America (Costco) and I've stocked my shelves with things to carry me through the next few months. I was told by a store worker that most of the stock is imported directly from America, so the entire inventory is dependent on what is actually let through the Australian customs. My haul includes giant cans of Swiss Miss, a couple huge jars of peanut butter, and way more toilet paper than we could hopefully ever use in this house.
I've also recently decided to start playing some serious electric guitar. My current goal is to be able to play through Anberlin's iron horse album, "Never Take Friendship Personal." after nearly a week straight of a couple hours per day, I've recorded the three guitar parts from the 1st song on the album and I've noticed a lot of improvement in strumming. I find that it really helps to record myself practicing so that I can hear what tonal adjustments that I need to make and also so that I am training myself to be consistent and in time.
Recently, I was convicted by the holy spirit about the fact that I illegally download quite a bit of music. After quite a bit of a struggle, I agreed and have deleted all of the downloaded stuff from my computer. Basically, half of my music library is gone. Ouch. I'm quickly realizing, however, that by downloading music, I was stifling my creativity. If I wanted to hear something new, I would go out and just quickly download a new album. Now, instead of going out to hear a new song, I'll just create a new melody or write some lyrics. Since I changed, I've written 3 new songs and many chord progressions. I've also done quite a bit more with recording, mixing, and mastering. God has good things in mind for us.
Lately, I've been reading about Elijah in 1 Kings. I've been noticing that Elijah does all of his miracles and prophesying with an amazing sense of invincibility about him. He tells kings to their face that they will be defeated, confronts the prophets of Baal, predicts droughts, etc. And he does all of these things without any fear or hesitation. The only time I can actually find a fault in Elijah's story is when he loses his attitude of invincibility and flees from Jezebel after she says that she's going to kill him. After some reflection, you really have to wonder where Elijah finds the courage to stand and speak the word of the Lord in the face of such strong opposition. Further reading showed me that Elijah often uses the phrase "As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand...". Elisha also uses the same idea of standing before the Lord.
After contemplation, this really brought me to thinking about where I stand before the Lord. I know that 1 John 5 explains that if I believe that Jesus is the Christ then I am saved. I also read that 2 Corinthians calls me therefore an ambassador for Christ. It is an incredibly empowering thought to know that I stand before the Lord as an ambassador for him in much the same way that Elijah stood before the Lord. It definitely puts the fears that I have into perspective when I realize that I'm standing before the Lord. Especially when I see that Elijah only failed when he shrank back and ran away from a death threat. God is forever with me and I stand before him as an ambassador for Christ. His power is always with me to do whatever he has graced me to do in the moment. If that thought doesn't empower you, I don't know what will.
Love y'all
I recently had a wonderful trip to mini-America (Costco) and I've stocked my shelves with things to carry me through the next few months. I was told by a store worker that most of the stock is imported directly from America, so the entire inventory is dependent on what is actually let through the Australian customs. My haul includes giant cans of Swiss Miss, a couple huge jars of peanut butter, and way more toilet paper than we could hopefully ever use in this house.
I've also recently decided to start playing some serious electric guitar. My current goal is to be able to play through Anberlin's iron horse album, "Never Take Friendship Personal." after nearly a week straight of a couple hours per day, I've recorded the three guitar parts from the 1st song on the album and I've noticed a lot of improvement in strumming. I find that it really helps to record myself practicing so that I can hear what tonal adjustments that I need to make and also so that I am training myself to be consistent and in time.
Recently, I was convicted by the holy spirit about the fact that I illegally download quite a bit of music. After quite a bit of a struggle, I agreed and have deleted all of the downloaded stuff from my computer. Basically, half of my music library is gone. Ouch. I'm quickly realizing, however, that by downloading music, I was stifling my creativity. If I wanted to hear something new, I would go out and just quickly download a new album. Now, instead of going out to hear a new song, I'll just create a new melody or write some lyrics. Since I changed, I've written 3 new songs and many chord progressions. I've also done quite a bit more with recording, mixing, and mastering. God has good things in mind for us.
Lately, I've been reading about Elijah in 1 Kings. I've been noticing that Elijah does all of his miracles and prophesying with an amazing sense of invincibility about him. He tells kings to their face that they will be defeated, confronts the prophets of Baal, predicts droughts, etc. And he does all of these things without any fear or hesitation. The only time I can actually find a fault in Elijah's story is when he loses his attitude of invincibility and flees from Jezebel after she says that she's going to kill him. After some reflection, you really have to wonder where Elijah finds the courage to stand and speak the word of the Lord in the face of such strong opposition. Further reading showed me that Elijah often uses the phrase "As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand...". Elisha also uses the same idea of standing before the Lord.
After contemplation, this really brought me to thinking about where I stand before the Lord. I know that 1 John 5 explains that if I believe that Jesus is the Christ then I am saved. I also read that 2 Corinthians calls me therefore an ambassador for Christ. It is an incredibly empowering thought to know that I stand before the Lord as an ambassador for him in much the same way that Elijah stood before the Lord. It definitely puts the fears that I have into perspective when I realize that I'm standing before the Lord. Especially when I see that Elijah only failed when he shrank back and ran away from a death threat. God is forever with me and I stand before him as an ambassador for Christ. His power is always with me to do whatever he has graced me to do in the moment. If that thought doesn't empower you, I don't know what will.
Love y'all
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