hard work

September 30, 2011

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23:6

     As a high school basketball player all four years; it required dedication, hard work, mental and physical toughness, and perseverance. 11 months out of the year I would have something going on every week. Early morning workouts, 2 hour practices, shoot rounds after practice, training, weight lifting, basketball camps 2/3 hours away, that’s what it took to be great. Thankfully I never made it a greater priority then God in my life; otherwise I wouldn’t be here now. My point is that all that hard work (while is good because it develops character), is only striving for fame and a golden trophy. How often do we put SUCH an effort into worldly things that will not even matter when we die? We should be working even harder for the furthering of the Lord’s kingdom. I believe that is what we are here for. I remember saying “If the opportunity presents itself, I’m going to play college ball”. I am so inexpressibly thankful that God called me to give that up and come here, and that I listened.

Application:

     I’m going to keep in mind the moment of God’s calling on my life to come here in order to remember that the things of this world do not compare to the goodness and love that will follow me in heaven.

More

September 29, 2011

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows.”

Psalm 23:5

     When we press into the Lord and make Him the most important thing in our lives, He fills us up with His Holy Spirit. If we seek Him He will respond. Being up here at the ranch I have been seeking Him with all my heart and laying my own desires down for Him. Because of this, I am feeling more filled and equipped with anointing of the Holy Spirit. It’s just like a sport or a job; your results are equivalent to what you put into it. All that being said, one thing I know is this, I can never do too much for God, never grow enough in His word, and never serve Him enough.

Application:

     This motivates me to never be satisfied with my relationship with the Lord but to want more and more of Him, always. I’m going to stay humble and stay hungry.

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” 2^nd Peter 3:18

The Prize

September 28, 2011

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4

     This verse reminds me of the old TV show “fear factor”. In order to win one would have to outdo his/her competitors in three intense challenges. One episode involved them lying down in a glass coffin-like container while 200 rats were poured onto them. If they won the competition, 50,000 dollars was the grand prize. In life, there will be times when we are in situations that we feel we can’t overcome, but we must not forget that our God is always with us wherever we go and through whatever happens to us. Life is going to throw all kinds of challenges at us. We often victimize ourselves and tend to forget that God has allowed this to happen to us for a reason. “And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance” Romans 5:3. Life on earth is a constant battle, and our prize is eternity in heaven.

Application:

     Rather I like it or not, God is going to allow me to be tested and go through more hard times, like He’s been doing. So I’m going to keep this mindset and just remember heaven awaits me.

“Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive in Christ Jesus our Lord” Romans 6:11

September 27, 2011

“He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”

Psalm 23:3

     God is the only person we can rely on. If we put our belief in something else or someone else, it’s just energy and time wasted. When we are weak He is strong. On Sunday I was extremely tired and asked God to give me strength for the week because I knew I couldn’t get by at this capacity. And He gave me strength. He gave me what I needed. “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened” Matthew 7:8. If I don’t rely on God for what I need then who can I run to? He is all I have and it wouldn’t make sense to trust anyone else with my life.

Application:

     God has always provided and given me what I need. So I’m going to spend time this week thanking Him for everything He has done for me instead of asking Him for mores favors.

September 26, 2011

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in greed pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.

Psalm 23:1-2

     If we want to experience the everlasting glory that awaits all who believe in the Lord, we have to follow Him with our lives on earth. Green pastures and quiet waters come with a price. We owe our lives to God. Yea following Him isn’t easy, and our flesh has its own desires, but He makes us a promise in Matthew 6:33 which say “Seek first His kingdom and His rightesnous and all these things will be added to you.” Overcoming the hard times and being vulnerable to the Lord have a great reward. One that is worth more than anything we are able to imagine. This verse speaks truth to me because I am dealing with being homesick right now, however, I know that by staying persistent and seeking the Lord earnestly, it will be another tribulation overcome.

Application:

     I’m going to remain faithful to the Lord and His promise. This will require me to reach deeper into His word because the devil always attacks us when we are weak. I have to remain strong and keep fighting for what God has for me.

 “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.” Matthew 19:29

fight for what you believe

September 23, 2011

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth and making it bear and sprout, and furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; so will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.

Isaiah 55:10-11

     These verses remind me of how powerful and perfect the Lord Jesus is to us. I think back on hard times in my life, and when God proved Himself faithful. Here’s a story. The transition from middle school into high school was very difficult for me. I was challenged in so many areas; basketball, school, high school group, friendships, it all was changing and became a lot harder. This was the first time I was honestly depressed. You know that feeling when nothing seems right for you and it’s just failure after failure? That’s how I felt. But now that I look back on it, I realize that God used that tribulation to grow me, make me stronger in my faith, and prepare me for the next trial. The verse applies to this because His promise doesn’t return void, And what he invests in bears fruit, as long as we remain faithful (not an easy task). There is nothing that’s insurmountable to God. He is going to allow you to be broken and forced to rely on Him, it’s up to you of how you will respond.

Application:

It’s simple. I will never give up

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” Romans 8:28

September 22, 2011

For as the heavens are higher than earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:9

      I’ve tried too many times to be perfect and would beat myself up whenever I fell short. I have an issue with expecting too much of myself in every area of life. If I had a bad game I would be really mad, if I didn’t read my devotions one week I’d feel unworthy. I have always been my own worst critic. I’m realizing now that there’s going to be times when I’m going to mess up and fall short, because I’m not perfect. No matter how hard I try, nothing I do or say will ever come close to what Jesus has done for me. I simply need to come to the place of being ok with that, and just give Jesus everything I have, because He knows I’m trying and is a God of grace.

Application:

     I’m going to keep this verse in mind for every time I struggle with this. When I mess up, instead of pouting and being discouraged, I’m going to get back up and try again, remembering that I am ultimately going to heaven, and I just got to try my best to honor God in this worldly place.

“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3

different

September 21 2011

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, no are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord

Isaiah 55:8

     We all strive to be like Christ. That means we have to be different. This brings back the memory of just a few months ago when I was asked to speak at my last high school chapel. I talked about how following Christ and living out the Christian life requires us to be different. Different in our beliefs, attitudes, thoughts, the way we talk, what we say, how we act etc. Romans 12:2 says “Do not conform to the things of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind”. If I am a Christian, people should know that by all of the things listed above. This is not an easy task, however God promises us that He will not allow us to be tempted by more than what we are able to handle.

Application:

Just about everyone I know back at home is not doing anything like this. When I get back, most of my friends will already have almost a year done with college. I am choosing to not let this phase me because I know that I am in the Lord’s will, even though my situation is different. If you’re always following the crowd, then how will u ever get in front of it?

For the gifs and calling of God are irrevocable. Romans 11:29

September 20 2011

Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the Lord, and He will have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon

Isaiah 55:7

     We serve a God who forgives us no matter what we do. We can commit the worse crime known to man, but God will forgive us just as he does when we sin in the little things. I love that about Jesus. I know that no matter how much I mess up, He will always be there and he washes my sins white as snow. I used to take advantage of that fact, and sin anyways, even when I knew it was wrong. But who am I to rebel against God like that? Being here at Potters field ranch I am learning how to be a man after God’s own heart, and not to sin in a rebelling way. “Let him return to the Lord, and He will have compassion on him”. It gives me joy to know this wonderful truth.

Application:

     I’ve been doing devotions every morning here at the ranch. When I get home I’m going to do the same thing because it helps me to focus on glorifying God throughout the whole day and plus it’s the right way to start it off, by spending time with the Lord.

September 19 2011

Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call up Him while He is near.

Isaiah 55:6

     Everybody has a chance to know God and be saved. Rather we grow up in a Christian home or not, God always works with the situation we are in and provides opportunities for us to change our lives and live for Him. But it’s on us. Heaven is not guaranteed unless we believe with our heart and confess with our mouth that He is Lord. It’s never too late until the day we die. This makes me think of people I know who think they can just role through life rebelling and do their own thing. My heart breaks for them because I know where they are going when they die unless they change.  

Application:

      I’m going to ask God to give me wisdom and discernment so that I can find a way to speak into the lives of those around me who are not Christians.

God I pray that you will give me the words and actions so that you will be able to use me as your instrument to reach out to those around me who are lost. Give me the fruits of the spirit and wisdom beyond my years to do your works.

September 16, 2011

“So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done.’”

Luke 17:10

            Today marks 2 weeks that I’ve been here. When I first arrived I was filled with joy and excitement, knowing I was exactly where I am supposed to be. I knew I was following the Lord’s calling. Now, I’ve settled down, it’s been a while, the celebration of finally getting here is over, and God told me it’s time to get down to business. Now that I’m here, I’ve asked “now what God?” It’s so difficult because it is so unclear for me right now. I know God works in mysterious ways and sometimes it doesn’t make any sense to us. Right now, that’s the position I’m in. This is not easy to share but I feel like God has put it on my heart to be a living testimony to all those out there who are confused and don’t know what they are doing. I know exactly what it’s like to hear from God, I can give you the exact day and time of when God told me that I was going to come to Potters field. I also know the feeling of being confused and not understanding what is going on, as that is the situation I am faced with right now. So here’s what it comes down to, I know God has me here for a reason and even though I don’t see what the future holds, God does. I would rather not know what is going to happen, while having faith in God, then having my own future planned out according to my own desires and not walking with the Lord.

Application:

            The verse says “we have done only that which we ought to have done”. God expects me to have trust and not doubt Him. I’m going to walk by faith and not by sight. It’s harder than I imagined, but God never said it would be easy. I have no choice but to suck it up and fight for this, because quitting is not an option, especially with God at my side.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

September 15 2011

Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded of him? I think not

Luke 17:9

     Why do we serve God? Why have we sacrificed 6 months to a year of college education and work to be here at potter’s field ranch? I was frustrated when I first verse read this verse because I believe that when I am being served, that person at least deserves a thank you. But I realized that it’s talking about God being the master and we are the servants. We are not equal to Him in any way shape or form. He is above us, He is God. That being said, if He was to say thank you to us for doing his will, that would be as if He owed us something, when He doesn’t owe us anything. Looking at it this way is helping me to be more sold out for Jesus, knowing that this is exactly what we are supposed to do, And nothing less.

Application:

     I’m going to look at the big picture of things when I am serving in whatever way that is. I will also take joy in the fact that I am able to give God everything I have because He gave me all of Himself on the cross.

September 14 2011

But will he not say to him, ‘prepare something for me to eat, and properly clothe yourself and serve me while I eat and drink; and afterward you may eat and drink’

Luke 17:8

     Many Americans have earned the title “lazy”. In the work force, we often see people lose their job from only putting forth minimal effort. In my dad’s landscaping business back at home, I have seen guys come and go because they don’t work hard enough for what is demanded of them. The verse says “clothe yourself properly and serve me while I eat and drink”. I automatically think of going above and beyond when I read that. Not only is he supposed to fulfill his master’s needs, but to be dressed nice when doing so. I believe that is what God wants us to do when serving Him, or anybody. Not just do the job, but do it well. The very least that we can do for our Lord is serve Him with a servants heart and give Him our very best in all we do. I believe this is true in all areas of service, especially when serving those who aren’t as well of as we are. In Matthew 25 Jesus talks about how when He was thirsty we gave him something to drink, when he was naked we clothed Him and it goes on. At the end in verse 40 Jesus replied to them saying “truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of mine, even the least of them, you did it to me”.

Application:

     I am going to not only get the job done, but do it in excellence for now on. I will remember that whoever it is that I am serving, I am ultimately serving the Lord by serving them. That will be my motivation in doing the work to the best of my ability, not just what is minimally required.

September 13 2011

“Suppose one of you has a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Will he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’?”

Luke 17:7

     Just about every teenager has chores to do around the house. It can be mowing lawns, vacuuming, doing the dishes etc. When we do those chores, we expect something in return, for many of us, that reward is allowance. But why should our parents give us money for something that we are supposed to do freely? They already provide food on the table, education, and a warm bed to sleep in. That’s a reward in itself. But we (teenagers) want more than what we deserve. I believe this also applies to Christians who serve God through serving other people. We often think we should receive some kind of reward or acknowledgement for what we have done. But Christ went through an unfathomable amount of suffering so that we could have the chance to have a relationship with Him and go to heaven for eternity. I believe we should consider it a blessing to serve God in any possible way rather than look at it as a chore or something that deserves an earthly reward, because our ultimate reward is spending an eternal life in heaven.

Application: 

This has been very convicting to me because I used to think that my parents should give me allowance for working around the house. But after reading this verse, it helped me to realize how good I have it and I am actually extremely blessed to be able to serve my parents, because they have done so much for me. I am going to constantly be thankful for the life that I have and approach serving as an opportunity to honor God. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God”. 1^st Corinthians 10:31.

Faith

And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and be planted in the sea’; and it would obey you.”

Luke 17:6

     When I read this verse I immediately think back to almost a year ago in my life in early October. I was captain of my high school basketball team, and we were in the middle of training camp. Everything was going great in my life until one day in the middle of practice, I broke my finger, and was forced to have surgery and sit out for 4-6 weeks. If you know me well, then you know that basketball has been a big and important part in my life and that I always worked really hard at it. This was my fourth and final year and I felt like all the hard work and preparation for it was going down the drain. I remember asking God, “why did you allow this to happen to me?” Though it was extremely hard, I knew that God always puts us through hard times for a reason, and that He had a great plan for me to get through this. James 1:2-3 says, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance”. I remember reading this verse on my bed the day I found out I needed surgery, and I chose to have faith in God, that He would get me through it and allow me to play my whole senior year. It turned out that I was able to do just that, not missing one game during the whole season and overall having a great success. This trial, which seemed like the end of the world to me, was just a small thing that God used to make my faith in Him greater. Through it, I learned that God is always faithful in the long run if we remain faithful to Him throughout the difficult times.

     Every believer’s faith is tested throughout our lives rather we like it or not. We cannot control what today brings or what tomorrow brings. But the one thing we can control is how we react to the circumstance. I know that for me I can become very discouraged sometimes, like when I broke my finger, but I know for a fact that God has never and will never forsake me and He always knows what I am going through. Martin Luther said, “All who call on God in true faith, earnestly from the heart, will certainly be heard, and will receive what they have asked and desired.” From learning this through what felt like a very difficult time for me, I will try my best to approach every tribulation with that attitude because from what I have been through so far in my life, God has never let me down.